Exploring Real-World HER2-Low Data in Early-Stage Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Insights and Implications.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the clinical behavior, clinicopathological and sociodemographic characteristics of patients with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) who belong to the HER2-low and HER2-zero subgroups. Patients and Methods: This study involved a thorough search in the internal database of a single Brazilian institution to identify women with TNBC who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by curative surgery within the period from January 2010 to December 2014. HER2 analysis through immunohistochemistry (IHC) and, if required, amplification by in situ hybridization, was conducted using core biopsy samples. The study assesses outcomes of residual cancer burden (RCB), event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS). Results: A total of 170 cases were analyzed, with a mean age of 51.4 years (standard deviation, SD 11.2). The HER2 status was categorized as IHC 0, 1+, or 2+ in 80 (47.1%), 73 (42.9%), and 17 (10%) patients, respectively. No significant differences were observed in the prevalence of clinical pathological characteristics among the subgroups. The absence of significant results for clinicopathological and demographic features hindered the multivariate analysis of HER2 subgroups. Similarly, no significant differences were found in the RCB, EFS, and OS outcomes between HER2 subgroups. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that, in early-stage TNBC, the clinical behavior and survival outcomes of the HER2-low subgroup may not differ significantly from those of the HER2-zero subgroup.

Selection of microorganisms degrading S-Metolachlor herbicide

The aim of this work was to study herbicide degradation through selected microorganisms from humus and soil subjected to different plantation systems. The following bacterial species were identified: Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumoniae GC s.B strain 1, Pseudomonas alcaligenes, Enterobacter aerogenes GC s.A and Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumoniae GC s.B strain 2. Growth studies yet suggested the possibility of a very long lag phase. Although, culture with the herbicide presented biofilm formation and there were color changes in the herbicide that could have interfered with the espectrophotometry readings. After 5 days of incubation at 35°C, the difference in the concentration of herbicide was 14.42 percent on average and after 10 days, 35.01 percent.

Os herbicidas representam 65 por cento do consumo geral, sendo que o S-Metolachlor é um dos mais utilizados e está trazendo preocupações ambientais. Objetivamos detectar a degradação do S-Metolachlor por microorganismos de solos sob plantio. Foram identificadas as espécies bacterianas: Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumoniae GC s.B linhagem 1, Pseudomonas alcaligenes, Enterobacter aerogenes GC s.A e Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumoniae GC s.B linhagem 2. Resultados da curva de crescimento por espectrofotometria não permitiram definir diferentes fases, levando a pensar em uma fase Lag longa. Frascos de cultura demonstraram a formação de biofilme, provocando mudança na cor do herbicida, interferindo na leitura do crescimento. É possível a existência de fase Log, mas não detectável pelo método. Após 5 dias de incubação a 35°C, a diferença média de concentração do S-Metolachlor foi de 14.42 por cento, e em 10 dias, 35.01 por cento. Observou-se o aparecimento de um halo em volta das colônias, o que corrobora a hipótese de degradação microbiana do herbicida.