The virtual reality simulator dV-Trainer(®) is a valid assessment tool for robotic surgical skills.

Background: Exponential development of minimally invasive techniques, such as robotic-assisted devices, raises the question of how to assess robotic surgery skills. Early development of virtual simulators has provided efficient tools for laparoscopic skills certification based on objective scoring, high availability, and lower cost. However, similar evaluation is lacking for robotic training.

Radiosensitizing properties of bortezomib depend on therapeutic schedule.

Purpose: To investigate the influence of the bortezomib (BTZ) on malignant glioma radiosensitivity in two xenograft models.

Methods And Materials: For TCG3 and U87 models, we evaluated the antitumor activity of BTZ, radiotherapy, and BTZ plus radiothearapy according to two therapeutic schedules: a "nonfractionated" schedule corresponding to a single dose of treatment per week, and a "fractionated" schedule corresponding to the same weekly dose divided into 5 fractions. Treatments influence on proliferation and apoptosis indexes, cell cycle distribution, and nuclear factor-κB pathway were explored.

Re-assessment of chronic radio-induced tissue damage in a rat hindlimb model.

Radiotherapy is successfully used to treat neoplastic lesions, but may adversely affect normal tissues within the irradiated volume. However, additional clinical and para-clinical data are required for a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of this damage. We assessed a rat model using clinical records and medical imaging to gain a better understanding of irradiation-induced tissue damage.

Left main coronary disease treated by direct surgical angioplasty: long-term results.

Background: Left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease is currently treated by coronary artery bypass grafting or, more recently, by percutaneous coronary intervention. Occasionally, direct surgical patch angioplasty of the LMCA can be proposed as an alternative treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze, on a long-term basis, the safety and efficacy of this technique.