Clonal dynamics of BRAF-driven drug resistance in EGFR-mutant lung cancer.

Activation of MAPK signaling via BRAF mutations may limit the activity of EGFR inhibitors in EGFR-mutant lung cancer patients. However, the impact of BRAF mutations on the selection and fitness of emerging resistant clones during anti-EGFR therapy remains elusive. We tracked the evolution of subclonal mutations by whole-exome sequencing and performed clonal analyses of individual metastases during therapy.

Association of the Lung Immune Prognostic Index with Immunotherapy Outcomes in Mismatch Repair Deficient Tumors.

MSI-H/dMMR is considered the first predictive marker of efficacy for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, around 39% of cases are refractory and additional biomarkers are needed. We explored the prognostic value of pretreatment LIPI in MSI-H/dMMR patients treated with ICIs, including identification of fast-progressors.

Non image-guided core needle biopsies can be used safely to improve diagnostic efficiency for soft tissue tumors.

Introduction: Front-line biopsy remains the rule in the management of soft tissue mass syndromes. Although open biopsy has long been considered the gold standard, it has recently been shown that a percutaneous biopsy is associated with a reduction in the rate of complications and cost, while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy. Though there is much literature regarding the diagnostic accuracy of image-guided and open biopsies for soft tissue tumors, the accuracy of percutaneous non image-guided biopsies has not been well documented.

What are the differences in outcomes between simple and complicated FSF managed by early IMN?

Purpose: To compare the outcomes of simple versus complicated femoral shaft fracture (FSF) treated by early intramedullary nail.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study in level 1 trauma center including patients with FSF. Management consisted of intramedullary nailing (IMN) after adequate resuscitation within 24 h.

Single-use versus reusable medical devices in spinal fusion surgery: a hospital micro-costing analysis.

Purpose: Healthcare facilities could minimize the cost of surgical instrument and implant processing by using single-use devices. The main objective was to prospectively compare the total cost of a single-use and reusable device used in short lumbar spine fusion.

Methods: A 1-year, single-centre, prospective study was performed on patients requiring a one- or two-level lumbar arthrodesis.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients with advanced lung cancer and oncogenic driver alterations: results from the IMMUNOTARGET registry.

Background: Anti-PD1/PD-L1 directed immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are widely used to treat patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The activity of ICI across NSCLC harboring oncogenic alterations is poorly characterized. The aim of our study was to address the efficacy of ICI in the context of oncogenic addiction.

Lumbar disc herniation: long-term outcomes after mini-open discectomy.

Purpose: The outcomes of mini open discectomy in lumbar disc herniation are usually satisfying. Our study aims at finding if its results are still good at long-term follow-up.

Methods: We reviewed 552 patients operated between 1993 and 2013 by mini open discectomy procedure.

Current concepts for lumbar disc herniation.

Purpose: To present the pathophysiology, biology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and current treatment options for lumbar disc herniation.

Methods: A thorough literature search was undertaken in PubMed and Google Scholar to summarize the current knowledge and future perspectives on lumbar disc herniation.

Results: Several changes in the biology of the intervertebral disc are thought to contribute to disc herniation; nevertheless, the exact inciting event leading to disc herniation is yet to be discovered.

Surgical treatment of thoracic disc herniation: an overview.

Background: Surgical treatment of thoracic disc herniation (TDH) is technically demanding due to its proximity to the spinal cord.

Methods: Literature review.

Results: Symptomatic TDH is a rare condition predominantly localized between T8 and L1.

Sex differences in the representation of call stimuli in a songbird secondary auditory area.

Understanding how communication sounds are encoded in the central auditory system is critical to deciphering the neural bases of acoustic communication. Songbirds use learned or unlearned vocalizations in a variety of social interactions. They have telencephalic auditory areas specialized for processing natural sounds and considered as playing a critical role in the discrimination of behaviorally relevant vocal sounds.