Laser induced breakdown of the magnetic field reversal symmetry in the propagation of unpolarized light

We show how a medium, under the influece of a coherent control field which is resonant or close to resonance to an appropriate atomic transition, can lead to very strong asymmetries in the propagation of unpolarized light when the direction of the magnetic field is reversed. We show how EIT can be used to mimic effects occuring in natural systems and that EIT can produce very large asymmetries as we use electric dipole allowed transitions. Using density matrix calculations we present results for the breakdown of the magnetic field reversal symmetry for two different atomic configurations.Comment: RevTex, 6 pages, 10 figures, Two Column format, submitted to Phys. Rev.

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia in younger patients : molecular and cytogenetic predictors of survival and treatment outcome

In patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), age>65 years is an adverse prognostic factor. Our objective in the current study was to examine risk factors for survival and treatment outcome in 261 'young' adults with CMML, as defined by age \u2a7d65 years. In multivariable analysis, lower HB (P=0.01), higher circulating blast % (P=0.002), ASXL1 (P=0.0007) and SRSF2 mutations (P=0.008) and Mayo-French cytogenetic stratification (P=0.04) negatively impacted survival. Similarly, leukemia-free survival was independently affected by higher circulating blast % (P<0.0001), higher bone marrow blast % (P=0.0007) and the presence of circulating immature myeloid cells (P=0.0002). Seventy-five (29%) patients received hypomethylating agents (HMA), with the median number of cycles being 5, and the median duration of therapy being 5 months. The over-all response rate was 40% for azacitidine and 30% for decitabine. Fifty-three (24%) patients underwent an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT), with a response rate of 56% and a non-relapse mortality of 19%. Survival in young adults with CMML, although higher than in older patients, is poor and even worse in the presence of ASXL1 and SRSF2 mutations. Treatment outcome was more impressive with AHSCT than with HMA and neither was influenced by ASXL1/SRSF2 mutations or karyotype

Proposed diagnostic criteria for classical CMML, CMML variants and pre-CMML conditions

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a myeloid neoplasm characterized by dysplasia, abnormal production and accumulation of monocytic cells and an elevated risk to transform into acute leukemia. Over the past two decades, our knowledge about the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms in CMML has increased substantially. In parallel, better diagnostic criteria and therapeutic strategies have been developed. However, many questions remain regarding prognostication and optimal therapy. In addition, there is a need to define potential pre-phases of CMML and special CMML variants, and to separate these entities from each other and from conditions mimicking CMML. To address these unmet needs, an international consensus group met in a Working Conference in August 2018 and discussed open questions and issues around CMML, its variants, and pre-CMML conditions. The outcomes of this meeting are summarized herein and include diagnostic criteria and a proposed classification of pre-CMML conditions as well as refined minimal diagnostic criteria for classical CMML and special CMML variants, including oligomonocytic CMML and CMML associated with systemic mastocytosis. Moreover, we propose diagnostic standards and tools to delineate between normal, pre-CMML and CMML entities. These criteria and standards should facilitate diagnostic and prognostic evaluations in daily practice and clinical studies in applied hematology

TP53 mutation variant allele frequency of >/-10% is associated with poor prognosis in therapy-related myeloid neoplasms

Published online: 11 April 2023Revised diagnostic criteria for myeloid neoplasms (MN) issued by the International Consensus Classification (ICC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended major change pertaining to TP53-mutated (TP53mut) MN. However, these assertions have not been specifically examined in therapy-related myeloid neoplasm (t-MN), a subset enriched with TP53mut. We analyzed 488 t-MN patients for TP53mut. At least one TP53mut with variant allele frequency (VAF) ≥ 2% with or without loss of TP53 locus was noted in 182 (37.3%) patients and 88.2% of TP53mut t-MN had a VAF ≥10%. TP53mut t-MN with VAF ≥ 10% had a distinct clinical and biological profile compared to both TP53mut VAF 10% blasts had inferior survival compared to <5%. In summary, TP53mut VAF ≥10% signified a clinically and molecularly homogenous cohort regardless of the allelic status.Mithun Vinod Shah, Elizabeth Ngoc Hoa Tran, Syed Shah, Rakchha Chhetri, Anmol Baranwal, Dariusz Ladon, Carl Shultz, Aref Al-Kali, Anna L. Brown, Dong Chen, Hamish S. Scott, Patricia Greipp, Daniel Thomas, Hassan B. Alkhateeb, Deepak Singhal, Naseema Gangat, Sharad Kumar, Mrinal M. Patnaik, Christopher N. Hahn, Chung Hoow Kok, Ayalew Tefferi and Devendra K. Hiwas

An international data set for CMML validates prognostic scoring systems and demonstrates a need for novel prognostication strategies

Since its reclassification as a distinct disease entity, clinical research efforts have attempted to establish baseline characteristics and prognostic scoring systems for chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). Although existing data for baseline characteristics and CMML prognostication have been robustly developed and externally validated, these results have been limited by the small size of single-institution cohorts. We developed an international CMML data set that included 1832 cases across eight centers to establish the frequency of key clinical characteristics. Of note, we found that the majority of CMML patients were classified as World Health Organization CMML-1 and that a 7.5% bone marrow blast cut-point may discriminate prognosis with higher resolution in comparison with the existing 10%. We additionally interrogated existing CMML prognostic models and found that they are all valid and have comparable performance but are vulnerable to upstaging. Using random forest survival analysis for variable discovery, we demonstrated that the prognostic power of clinical variables alone is limited. Last, we confirmed the independent prognostic relevance of ASXL1 gene mutations and identified the novel adverse prognostic impact imparted by CBL mutations. Our data suggest that combinations of clinical and molecular information may be required to improve the accuracy of current CMML prognostication

Polycythemia vera-associated pruritus and its management

Background Pruritus is a defining feature of polycythemia vera (PV) and is seen in approximately 40% of patients. In most cases, the pruritus is characteristically triggered by contact with water (aquagenic) at any temperature. Materials and methods A detailed MEDLINE search for all English language articles related to PV, PV-associated pruritus and aquagenic pruritus that were published from 1965 till date was carried out. Results Many different treatment options have been tried over the past several decades, including antihistamines, antidepressants, interferon alpha, phlebotomy, phototherapy, iron supplements and myelosuppressive medications, all demonstrating mixed results. Recently, agents that target JAK2 and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) have shown impressive clinical benefit. Conclusion PV-associated pruritus is a major cause of morbidity amongst patients with PV. Antidepressant medications interfering with serotonin uptake are somewhat efficacious. Cytoreductive therapy is reserved for refractory cases. Targeted therapy with JAK2 and mTOR inhibitors offers renewed hope. © 2010 Stichting European Society for Clinical Investigation Journal Foundation.SCOPUS: re.jFLWINinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe