Gold Nanoparticle-Assisted Virus Formation by Means of the Delivery of an Oncolytic Adenovirus Genome.

Oncolytic adenoviruses are a therapeutic alternative to treat cancer based on their ability to replicate selectively in tumor cells. However, their use is limited mainly by the neutralizing antibody (Nab) immune response that prevents repeated dosing. An alternative to facilitate the DNA access to the tumor even in the presence of anti-viral Nabs could be gold nanoparticles able to transfer DNA molecules.

Computed tomographic angiography with VirSSPA three-dimensional software for perforator navigation improves perioperative outcomes in DIEP flap breast reconstruction.

Background: Vascular anatomy of the abdominal wall varies greatly, especially in the case of the perforator branches of the deep inferior epigastric artery. Preoperative three-dimensional reconstructions with VirSSPA software have been used in the authors' center since the year 2007 for the planning of perforator flaps in breast reconstruction. The main objectives were to reduce surgery time and the number of complications.

Use of a three-dimensional virtual reality model for preoperative imaging in DIEP flap breast reconstruction.

Background: The significant variation in the vascular anatomy of the abdominal wall makes preoperative imaging essential when raising a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap due to the potential for maximizing operative success, reducing intraoperative error and minimizing operative complications. Computerized models and virtual reality applications are being used to facilitate teaching and preoperative evaluation in a number of other complex anatomical regions. The variability in perforator anatomy makes DIEP flap surgery a suitable candidate for application of such technology.