Both proposed consensus criteria have major pitfalls in their use as uniformly accepted diagnostic criteria for TMA. The use of O-TMA as a broad definition for TMA and the grading system by the presence of renal involvement may be a counterproposal for future trials.

Previously, we suggested that imatinib incorporation into conventional chemotherapy as an alternative (imatinib interim therapy) might be a useful strategy for bridging the time to allogeneic stem cell transplantation (

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by clonal proliferation of stem cell-like blasts in bone marrow (BM); however, their unique cellular interaction within the BM microenvironment and its functional significance remain unclear. Here, we assessed the BM microenvironment of AML patients and demonstrate that the leukemia stem cells induce a change in the transcriptional programming of the normal mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). The modified leukemic niche alters the expressions of cross-talk molecules (i.e., CXCL12 and JAG1) in MSCs to provide a distinct cross-talk between normal and leukemia cells, selectively suppressing normal primitive hematopoietic cells while supporting leukemogenesis and chemoresistance. Of note, AML patients exhibited distinct heterogeneity in the alteration of mesenchymal stroma in BM. The distinct pattern of stromal changes in leukemic BM at initial diagnosis was associated with a heterogeneous posttreatment clinical course with respect to the maintenance of complete remission for 5 to 8 years and early or late relapse. Thus, remodeling of mesenchymal niche by leukemia cells is an intrinsic self-reinforcing process of leukemogenesis that can be a parameter for the heterogeneity in the clinical course of leukemia and hence serve as a potential prognostic factor. Cancer Res; 75(11); 2222-31. Ó2015 AACR.

No abstract

Hornets (Vespa spp) are top insect predators so are beneficial in controlling pests, but their venomous stings and defensive behavior cause numerous human deaths throughout Asia. Normally hornets inhabit rural areas so reducing potential conflict with humans. In 2003 the invasive hornet Vespa velutina arrived in Southern Korea (Yeongdo region), where it became established and is currently spreading northwards at a rate of 10–20 km per year. Despite originating in tropical/subtropical areas of Indo‐China its nesting biology and life cycle in South Korea are similar to that found throughout its native range, with mature colonies containing 1,000–1,200 adults. We found that in seven years V. velutina has become the most abundance hornet species in Southern Korea by displacing other native species such as V. simillima, which has a similar nesting biology. Worryingly we also found a very significant positive correlation between the abundance of V. velutina and degree of urbanization, indicating this invasive species was well adapted to urban environments. This was supported by our finding that 41% of emergency call‐outs (119 Rescue Services) to deal with social wasps/hornet problems were due to V. velutina, which was twice as high as the next species. The rapid spread of V. velutina across France and Southern Korea indicates that this species will continue to spread northwards in Europe and Korean peninsular and become a major problem as more people and beekeepers become into contact by this aggressive invasive hornet.