A critical role of FAK signaling in Rac1-driven melanoma cell resistance to MAPK pathway inhibition.

The Rac1 P29S hotspot mutation in cutaneous melanoma is associated with resistance to MAPK pathway inhibitors (MAPKi) and worse clinical outcomes. Moreover, activation of Rac1 guanine exchange factors (GEFs) also promotes MAPKi-resistance, particularly in undifferentiated melanoma cells. Here we delineate mechanisms of Rac1-driven MAPKi-resistance and identify strategies to inhibit the growth of this class of cutaneous melanomas.

Evolving Treatment Strategies for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Clinical Practice: A Narrative Review.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that more commonly affects African American people, although it is seen in people of all racial backgrounds. This condition is characterized by a dysregulated immune response resulting in widespread inflammation. Clinical manifestations caused by this inflammation include arthritis, anemia, cutaneous rashes, pleuritis, and nephritis.

The effects of adrenal insufficiency and its treatment on cognition in an athlete with post-concussion syndrome.

Post-concussion Syndrome (PCS) describes persistent nonspecific neurological, cognitive and emotional symptoms following concussion. A young male presented to a sports concussion clinic with persistent symptoms post-injury. Neurocognitive testing found unexpected severe memory impairment.

Comparative Analysis of Large Language Models and Spine Surgeons in Surgical Decision-Making and Radiological Assessment for Spine Pathologies.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of large language models (LLMs), specifically ChatGPT and Claude, in surgical decision-making and radiological assessment for spine pathologies compared to experienced spine surgeons.

Methods: The study employed a comparative analysis between the LLMs and a panel of attending spine surgeons. Five written clinical scenarios encompassing various spine pathologies were presented to the LLMs and surgeons, who provided recommended surgical treatment plans.

Short-Course TNT Improves Rectal Tumor Downstaging in a Retrospective Study of the US Rectal Cancer Consortium.

Background And Objectives: The RAPIDO trial showed promising rates of pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant short-course radiation with consolidation chemotherapy (total neoadjuvant therapy [SC TNT]) for rectal cancer. Only single-center reviews comparing tumor downstaging between SC TNT and long-course chemoradiation (LCRT) have been published in the United States. We reviewed our multi-institutional experience with both.