Clinical characteristics,molecular profile and outcomes of myeloid sarcoma: a single institution experience over 13 years

Background: Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is characterized by extramedullary infiltration by immature myeloid cells. Owing to rarity of this disease, the clinical features and overall outcomes are yet to be clarified.

Objective: To define clinical characteristics, epidemiology, pathologic findings, treatment options and outcomes in MS.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 23 patients diagnosed with MS at our institute over a period of 13 years (2002–2015).

Results: MS presented mostly as a manifestation of relapsed acute myeloid leukemia, seen in 39% of patients. Skin and subcutaneous soft tissues were the most common sites of anatomic involvement (69.5%). Ninety five percent (n?=?19) were positive for classical myeloid markers with either cytochemical staining (chloracetate-esterase, MPO), flow-cytometry (CD33, CD34, CD13 and CD117), or immunohistochemistry (CD34, CD43, CD68 and lysozyme). Of these, 52% were positive for CD33 (n?=?12), 35% for CD68 (n?=?8), 30% for CD34 (n?=?7), and 26% for lysozyme (n?=?6). Cytogenetic abnormalities were seen in 63% (n?=?12/19) patients on bone-marrow aspirate, with five patients displaying a complex (n?=?3) or monosomal (n?=?2) karyotype. Twenty seven percent patients with a normal karyotype had presence of deleterious mutations (FLT3, ASXL, STAG and JAK2) on further testing with myeloid mutation panel. The Median overall survival (OS) of the entire cohort was 15.9 months (95% CI, 7.4–24.4 months). The OS was significantly better for patients <65 years (24.6 vs. 3.4 months, p?=?0.009) of age, and for those attaining a complete remission (CR) to induction therapy (25.7 vs. 0.8 months, p?Conclusion: Failure to achieve CR with induction therapy, and age >65 years are associated with poor outcomes in MS. Allogeneic stem-cell transplant in first remission appears to be the most effective modality for achieving long-term remissions.     

Decoupling the Contribution of Surface Energy and Surface Area on the Cohesion of Pharmaceutical Powders

Pharmaceutical Research - Surface area and surface energy of pharmaceutical powders are affected by milling and may influence formulation, performance and handling. This study aims to decouple the...     

Pedicle streaking: A novel and simple aid in pedicle positioning in free tissue transfer

Introduction:The pedicle positioning in free tissue transfer is critical to its success. Long thin pedicles are especially prone to this complication where even a slight twist in the perforator can result in flap loss. Pedicles passing through the long tunnels are similarly at risk. Streaking the pedicle with methylene blue is a simple and safe method which increases the safety of free tissue transfer.Conclusion:This simple and novel method is very reliable for pedicle positioning avoiding any twist necessary for successful free tissue transfer.KEY WORDS: Free flaps, pedicle, perforator     

Recent progress in development of 2,3-diaminomaleonitrile (DAMN) based chemosensors for sensing of ionic and reactive oxygen species

2,3-Diaminomaleonitrile (DAMN) has proved to be a valuable organic π-conjugated molecule having many applications in the area of chemosensors for sensing of ionic and neutral species because of its ability to act as a building block for well-defined molecular architectures and scaffolds for preorganised arrays of functionality. In this article, we discussed the utilization of 2,3-diaminomaleonitrile (DAMN) for the design and development of chemosensor molecules and their application in the area of metal ion, anion and reactive oxygen species sensing. Along with these, we present different examples of DAMN based chemosensors for multiple ion sensing. We also discuss the ion sensing mechanism and potential uses in other related areas of research.

2,3-Diamniomaleonitrile (DAMN) is valuable π-conjugated organic scaffold molecule for designing of efficient chemosensors for sensing of ionic and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS).