Practicalities of Cell Sorting.

Cell sorting is a technique commonly used in academic and biotechnology laboratories in order to separate out cells or particles of interest from heterogeneous populations. Cell sorters use the same principles as flow cytometry analyzers, but instead of cell populations passing to the waste of the instrument, they can be collected for further studies including DNA sequencing as well as other genomic, in vitro and in vivo experiments. This chapter aims to give an overview of cell sorting, the different types of cell sorters, details on how a cell sorter works, as well as protocols that are useful when embarking on a journey with cell sorting.

Clostridium septicum sepsis and colorectal cancer - a reminder.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous clostridium septicum infections are rare and are associated with a high mortality. Association of clostridium infection with colorectal malignancies have been previously reported and most cases are described in tumours of the ascending colon. We report our experience of clostridium septicum infection in the presence of tumour perforation in a series of two patients as a reminder of its association with sepsis in the presence of colorectal malignancy. CASE PRESENTATION: We isolated clostridium septicum infection in a series of two patients admitted as emergencies. One patient was found to have a perforated caecal tumour intraoperatively whilst the other had a perforated rectal tumour. The clinical outcome and management of each case are reported and underlying reasons for variations in outcome are discussed. CONCLUSION: Although uncommon, the possibility of clostridium septicum sepsis should be borne in mind in patients who present with underlying malignancy and have sepsis. The cumulative effect of sepsis and malignant perforation is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Awareness and early diagnosis of clostridium septicum may improve the prognosis of what is usually regarded as a fatal infection.

Late recurrence of large peri-stomal metastasis following abdomino-perineal resection of rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous metastasis from colorectal cancer after excision of the primary is a rare occurrence and presents as cutaneous or subcutaneous nodules or as a rash commonly on the anterior abdominal wall. CASE PRESENTATION: This is a case description of the management of a large fungating peristomal cutaneous metastasis occurring 14 years after abdomino-perineal excision of the primary cancer. The gross appearance initially suggested possibility of a true metachronous cancer with peristomal spread. But histopathology of the resected specimen showed no colonic mucosal involvement suggesting a true large cutaneous peristomal metastasis which has not been reported previously. Literature review of presentation, management and prognosis of cutaneous metastasis from colorectal cancer is described CONCLUSION: Cutaneous metastasis following colorectal cancer resection is a well-recognised entity though rare. Any unusual skin lesions especially on the abdominal wall skin, previous incision scars or near the stoma should be biopsied early to rule out metastatic disease and systematic work-up should be carried out to rule out any metachronous tumour or metastasis elsewhere in the body.