How to manage the transplant question in myelofibrosis

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation remains the only curative therapy for myelofibrosis. Despite advances in transplant, the morbidity and the mortality of the procedure necessitate careful patient selection. In this manuscript, we describe the new prognostic scoring system to help select appropriate patients for transplant and less aggressive therapies. We explore the advances in non-transplant therapy, such as with investigational agents. We review the blossoming literature on results of myeloablative, reduced intensity and alternative donor transplantation. Finally, we make recommendations for which patients are most likely to benefit from transplantation

Mutations with epigenetic effects in myeloproliferative neoplasms and recent progress in treatment: Proceedings from the 5th International Post-ASH Symposium

Immediately following the 2010 annual American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting, the 5th International Post-ASH Symposium on Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia and BCR-ABL1-Negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs) took place on 7–8 December 2010 in Orlando, Florida, USA. During this meeting, the most recent advances in laboratory research and clinical practice, including those that were presented at the 2010 ASH meeting, were discussed among recognized authorities in the field. The current paper summarizes the proceedings of this meeting in BCR-ABL1-negative MPN. We provide a detailed overview of new mutations with putative epigenetic effects (TET oncogene family member 2 (TET2), additional sex comb-like 1 (ASXL1), isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2)) and an update on treatment with Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, pomalidomide, everolimus, interferon-α, midostaurin and cladribine. In addition, the new ‘Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System (DIPSS)-plus' prognostic model for primary myelofibrosis (PMF) and the clinical relevance of distinguishing essential thrombocythemia from prefibrotic PMF are discussed

Ecological distribution of honeybee chalkbrood disease (Ascosphaera Apis) in EthiopiaEcological distribution of honeybee chalkbrood disease (Ascosphaera Apis) in Ethiopia

Sheko is the only surviving taurine of the Abyssinian region, and is in danger ofextinction mainly due to interbreeding with neighboring Zebu breeds and scarcityof pure Sheko breeding bulls. This study was undertaken to study current statusof Sheko cattle breed and husbandry practices in southwestern Ethiopia betweenAugust 2004 and February 2005. The survey revealed that farmers do recognizespecial characteristics and desirable qualities of the breed, notably its tolerance toendemic diseases, the relative high milk yield, long lactation period, stamina fortraction, less selective feeding behavior and maintaining good body condition attimes of feed scarcity. The breed’s voracious feeding habit and aggressive temperament,however, are noted by farmers as undesirable traits. To reverse the decliningpopulation trend and to lay the elements of sustainable use, a breed managementplan consisting of establishing in situ breeding station, organizing a Shekocattle owners’ society, establishing breed studs in its breeding tract, promotingniche market and improving the husbandry practices, were proposed.Sheko is the only surviving taurine of the Abyssinian region, and is in danger ofextinction mainly due to interbreeding with neighboring Zebu breeds and scarcityof pure Sheko breeding bulls. This study was undertaken to study current statusof Sheko cattle breed and husbandry practices in southwestern Ethiopia betweenAugust 2004 and February 2005. The survey revealed that farmers do recognizespecial characteristics and desirable qualities of the breed, notably its tolerance toendemic diseases, the relative high milk yield, long lactation period, stamina fortraction, less selective feeding behavior and maintaining good body condition attimes of feed scarcity. The breed’s voracious feeding habit and aggressive temperament,however, are noted by farmers as undesirable traits. To reverse the decliningpopulation trend and to lay the elements of sustainable use, a breed managementplan consisting of establishing in situ breeding station, organizing a Shekocattle owners’ society, establishing breed studs in its breeding tract, promotingniche market and improving the husbandry practices, were proposed