Preoperative perforator mapping of anterolateral thigh perforators via Projected Augmented Reality and Dynamic Infrared Thermography.

Background: The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is a reliable and versatile flap with the ideal characteristics for soft-tissue reconstruction. However, as it is known for its highly variable anatomy, it requires preoperative perforator localization to optimize flap design and dissection of the flap. Dynamic Infrared Thermography (DIRT) is a non-invasive and quick imaging method that provides real-time information.

Embedding Ethics in the Implementation of a Vital Sign Monitoring Technology.

The implementation of wireless continuous vital sign monitoring (CVSM) technologies changes daily care practices of healthcare professionals, which gives rise to unknown new roles and responsibilities. In this paper we present a study on how we combine the disciplines of medical informatics and ethics in the implementation of the Philips Healthdot, a smart patch for remote CVSM. The aim of this study is to investigate experiences and perspectives on the support levels and roles and responsibilities associated with the integration of smart patches, by conducting interviews with nurses.

Projected augmented reality in DIEP flap breast reconstruction: Projecting perforators on the skin using dynamic infrared thermography.

Background: Dynamic infrared thermography (DIRT) is a quick and non-invasive technique for perforator mapping in free flaps that provides real-time information. After a cold challenge, areas best supplied with blood become visible hotspots on color-coded maps, indicating perforators. This study presents a proof of principle for a new and innovative feature of DIRT, where projected augmented reality is used to directly display thermal images on the patient's abdomen prior to the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction.

Perioperative hyperbaric oxygen treatment and postoperative complications following secondary breast reconstruction after radiotherapy: a case-control study of 45 patients.

Introduction: Radiotherapy reduces the risk of locoregional recurrence of breast cancer. As a side-effect, tissue can become hypocellular, hypovascular, and hypoxic and late radiation tissue injury can develop months or years later. Radiotherapy increases the risk of complications following secondary breast reconstruction.

Real-Life Experience of Monoclonal Antibody Treatments in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis.

Introduction: Few studies assess biologicals such as, omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, and dupilumab in patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). The reported success rate in these studies differ, and it remains uncertain if there are any biomarkers to predict successful therapy. Our aim was to analyze the therapeutic outcome in a real life setting and to identify predictive biomarkers for successful treatment.

Is Ethmoidal Air Cell Count Relevant in Chronic Rhinosinusitis?

Objectives/hypothesis: Studies analyzing the association between the total number of ethmoid cells (EC) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are missing. Our aim was to analyze the total number of EC in patients with and without CRS.

Study Design: Retrospective case-control study.

Long-term olfactory outcome after nasoseptal flap reconstructions in midline skull base surgery.

Background: The nasoseptal flap (NSF) is a universally used surgical technique to cover defects of the skull base after extended sinonasal surgery. Long-term follow-up of complications, sequelae, and smell function is largely unknown.

Objective: The main objective of this study was to investigate monorhinal olfaction after transsphenoidal skull base surgery.

Expression of Foxp3 in colorectal cancer but not in Treg cells correlates with disease progression in patients with colorectal cancer.

Background: Regulatory T cells (Treg) expressing the transcription factor forkhead-box protein P3 (Foxp3) have been identified to counteract anti-tumor immune responses during tumor progression. Besides, Foxp3 presentation by cancer cells itself may also allow them to evade from effector T-cell responses, resulting in a survival benefit of the tumor. For colorectal cancer (CRC) the clinical relevance of Foxp3 has not been evaluated in detail.

Tumour-mediated TRAIL-Receptor expression indicates effective apoptotic depletion of infiltrating CD8+ immune cells in clinical colorectal cancer.

Expression of apoptosis-related proteins on tumour cells has been shown in several experimental models to be an efficient mechanism for a counterattack against host anti-tumour immune responses in solid tumours. Here we provide a clinical evidence for such a tumour immune escape mechanism by demonstrating tumour to T cell-directed death receptor signalling (TRAIL/TRAIL-Receptor (TRAIL-R)) in colorectal cancer (CRC). In a series of patients with CRC and completed 5-year follow up, we investigated apoptosis and expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins.