Identification and focused examination of the SN is a novel method of staging CRC. CK-IHC and RT-PCR identified occult micrometastases in 53% of patients whose SNs were negative by conventional staging techniques. These ultrasensitive assays of the SN can identify patients who may be at high risk for recurrence of CRC and therefore are more likely to benefit from systemic adjuvant therapy.

This preliminary study examined the possibility of preventing intestinal adhesions to biomaterials while preserving their incorporation with the abdominal wall. White New Zealand rabbits received intraperitoneal implants of different biomaterials for repair of defects created on the abdominal wall. The following biomaterials were used: polypropylene, polyester, expanded polytetraflueroethylene, polypropylene mesh / polypropylene sheeting (polypropylene mesh covered with polypropylene sheeting on the peritoneal side), polypropylene/ silastic, polypropylene / polyglactin, polypropylene / polyglycolic acid, and polypropylene/ fibrin. All bio-materials evaluated caused adhesions to the intestines except for polypropylene mesh / polypropylene sheeting and polypropylene mesh/ silastic composites. Because adhesion of the intestine to the biomaterial is the first stage of biomaterial-related intestinal fistula, its prevention is logcal for the elimination of this complication. Composites with the selective property of adhering to the abdominal wall, yet sparing the viscera, would facilitate thoracic and abdominal wall surgeries, as well as intraperitoneal laparoscopic hernioplasties.

The presence of glomerular IgE deposits (IgE+) and its prognostic significance were examined in 241 patients with various renal diseases. 24 patients (10%) had IgE+, and nephrotic syndrome was present in 22 (92%). 17 of the 24 patients with IgE+ had lupus nephritis. These patients were compared with another group of 32 patients with lupus nephritis, but without IgE deposits (IgE-). Light and electron microscopy showed more severe pathological changes in those with IgE+ than in patients who were IgE-. The number of patients who displayed deterioration in renal function was greater in the former group than in the latter (70 vs. 31 %). Our results show that (1) nephrotic syndrome is very common among patients with IgE+; (2) the incidence of IgE deposits in lupus nephritis patients is high (35%) and the incidence of lupus nephritis among patients with IgE deposits is 71 %, and (3) the presence of IgE deposits in patients with lupus nephritis may carry a bad prognosis. It is suggested that immunofiuorescent studies of renal biopsies should include the evaluation of IgE deposition.