Clinical Validation of the Vitro HPV Screening Assay for Its Use in Primary Cervical Cancer Screening

Many scientific societies have issued guidelines to introduce population-based cervical cancer screening with HPV testing. The Vitro HPV Screening assay is a fully automatic multiplex real-time PCR test targeting the L1 GP5+/GP6+ region of HPV genome. The assay detects 14 high risk (HR) HPV genotypes, identifying individual HPV16 and HPV18 genotypes, and the HPV-positive samples for the other 12 HR HPV types are subsequently genotyped with the HPV Direct Flow Chip test. Following international guidelines, the aim of this study was to validate the clinical accuracy of the Vitro HPV Screening test on ThinPrep-collected samples for its use as primary cervical cancer screening, using as comparator the validated cobas® 4800 HPV test. The non-inferiority analysis showed that the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the Vitro HPV Screening assay for a diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia of grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) were not inferior to those of cobas® 4800 HPV (p = 0.0049 and p < 0.001 respectively). The assay has demonstrated a high intra- and inter-laboratory reproducibility, also among the individual genotypes. The Vitro HPV Screening assay is valid for cervical cancer screening and it provides genotyping information on HPV-positive samples without further sample processing in a fully automated workflow.

Synthesis and characterization of a bovine collagen: GAG scaffold with Uruguayan raw material for tissue engineering

Tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative medicine offer strategies to improve damaged tissues by using scaffolds and cells. The use of collagen-based biomaterials in the field of TE has been intensively growing over the past decades. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are promising cell candidates for development of clinical composites. In this study, we proposed the development of a bovine collagen type I: chondroitin-6-sulphate (CG) scaffold, obtained from Uruguayan raw material (certified as free bovine spongiform encephalopathy), with CG crosslinking enhancement using different gamma radiation doses. Structural, biomechanical and chemical characteristics of the scaffolds were assessed by Scanning Electron Microscopy, axial tensile tests, FT-IR and Raman Spectroscopy, respectively. Once we selected the most appropriate scaffold for future use as a TE product, we studied the behavior of MSCs and DPSCs cultured on the scaffold by cytotoxicity, proliferation and differentiation assays. Among the diverse porous scaffolds obtained, the one with the most adequate properties was the one exposed to 15 kGy of gamma radiation. This radiation dose contributed to the crosslinking of molecules, to the formation of new bonds and/or to the reorganization of the collagen fibers. The selected scaffold was non-cytotoxic for the tested cells and a suitable substrate for cell proliferation. Furthermore, the scaffold allowed MSCs differentiation to osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineages. Thus, this work shows a promising approach to the synthesis of a collagen-scaffold suitable for TE.

Processing methods for human amniotic membrane as scaffold for tissue engineering with mesenchymal stromal human cells

Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field that applies the principles of engineering and life sciences toward the development of biological substitutes that restore, maintain, or improve tissue function. The aims of this work were to compare chemically and physically processed human Amniotic Membranes (hAM) and analyze the cytocompatibility and proliferation rate (PR) of two primary human mesenchymal stromal cell lines, from different sources and donor conditions seeded over these scaffolds. The evaluated hAM processes were: cold shock to obtain a frozen amniotic membrane (FEAM) with remaining dead epithelial cells, denudation of hAM with trypsin for 20/10 min (DEAM20/10) or treatment with sodium dodecyl sulfate to decellularized hAM (DAM). All samples were sterilized with gamma radiation. The selection of the treated hAM to then generate composites was performed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and characterization by X-ray diffraction, selecting DEAM10 and FEAM as scaffolds for cell seeding. Two sources of primary human stromal cells were used, both developed by our researchers, human Dental Pulp Stem Cells (hDPSC) from living donors and human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (hMSC) from bone marrow isolated from brain dead donors. This last line of cells conveys a novel source of human cells that, to our knowledge, have not been tested as part of this type of construct. We developed four in vitro constructs without cytotoxicity signs and with different PR depending on the scaffolds and cells. hDPSC and hMSC grew over both FEAM and DEAM10, but DEAM10 allowed higher PR.

Ascertaining the genetic background of the Celtic-Iberian pig strain: A signatures of selection approach

Celtic-Iberian pig breeds were majority in Spain and Portugal until the first half of the 20th century. In the 1990s, they were nearly extinct as a result of the introduction of foreign improved pig breeds. Despite its historical importance, the genetic background of the Celtic-Iberian pig strain is poorly documented. In this study, we have identified genomic regions that might contain signatures of selection peculiar of the Celtic-Iberian genetic lineage. A total of 153 DNA samples of Celtic-Iberian pigs (Spanish Gochu Asturcelta and Portuguese Bísara breeds), Iberian pigs (Spanish Iberian and Portuguese Alentejano breeds), Cinta Senese pig, Korean local pig and Cosmopolitan pig (Hampshire, Landrace and Large White individuals) were analysed. A pairwise-comparison approach was applied: the Gochu Asturcelta and the Bísara samples as test populations and the five other pig populations as reference populations. Three different statistics (XP-EHH, FST and ΔDAF) were computed on each comparison. Strict criteria were used to identify selection sweeps in order to reduce the noise brought on by the Gochu Asturcelta and Bísara breeds' severe population bottlenecks. Within test population, SNPs used to construct potential candidate genomic areas under selection were only considered if they were identified in four of ten two-by-two pairwise comparisons and in at least two of three statistics. Genomic regions under selection constructed within test population were subsequently overlapped to construct candidate regions under selection putatively unique to the Celtic-Iberian pig strain. These genomic regions were finally used for enrichment analyses. A total of 39 candidate regions, mainly located on SSC5 and SSC9 and covering 3130.5 kb, were identified and could be considered representative of the ancient genomic background of the Celtic-Iberian strain. Enrichment analysis allowed to identify a total of seven candidate genes (NOL12, LGALS1, PDXP, SH3BP1, GGA1, WIF1, and LYPD6). Other studies reported that the WIF1 gene is associated with ear size, one of the characteristic traits of the Celtic-Iberian pig strain. The function of the other candidate genes could be related to reproduction, adaptation and immunity traits, indirectly fitting with the rusticity of a non-improved pig strain traditionally exploited under semi-extensive conditions.

Approaching autozygosity in a small pedigree of Gochu Asturcelta pigs

BACKGROUND

In spite of the availability of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array data, differentiation between observed homozygosity and that caused by mating between relatives (autozygosity) introduces major difficulties. Homozygosity estimators show large variation due to different causes, namely, Mendelian sampling, population structure, and differences among chromosomes. Therefore, the ascertainment of how inbreeding is reflected in the genome is still an issue. The aim of this research was to study the usefulness of genomic information for the assessment of genetic diversity in the highly endangered Gochu Asturcelta pig breed. Pedigree depth varied from 0 (founders) to 4 equivalent discrete generations (t). Four homozygosity parameters (runs of homozygosity, FROH; heterozygosity-rich regions, FHRR; Li and Horvitz's, FLH; and Yang and colleague's FYAN) were computed for each individual, adjusted for the variability in the base population (BP; six individuals) and further jackknifed over autosomes. Individual increases in homozygosity (depending on t) and increases in pairwise homozygosity (i.e., increase in the parents' mean) were computed for each individual in the pedigree, and effective population size (Ne) was computed for five subpopulations (cohorts). Genealogical parameters (individual inbreeding, individual increase in inbreeding, and Ne) were used for comparisons.

RESULTS

The mean F was 0.120 ± 0.074 and the mean BP-adjusted homozygosity ranged from 0.099 ± 0.081 (FLH) to 0.152 ± 0.075 (FYAN). After jackknifing, the mean values were slightly lower. The increase in pairwise homozygosity tended to be twofold higher than the corresponding individual increase in homozygosity values. When compared with genealogical estimates, estimates of Ne obtained using FYAN tended to have low root-mean-squared errors. However, Ne estimates based on increases in pairwise homozygosity using both FROH and FHRR estimates of genomic inbreeding had lower root-mean-squared errors.

CONCLUSIONS

Parameters characterizing homozygosity may not accurately depict losses of variability in small populations in which breeding policy prohibits matings between close relatives. After BP adjustment, the performance of FROH and FHRR was highly consistent. Assuming that an increase in homozygosity depends only on pedigree depth can lead to underestimating it in populations with shallow pedigrees. An increase in pairwise homozygosity computed from either FROH or FHRR is a promising approach for characterizing autozygosity.

Copy Number Variation Regions Differing in Segregation Patterns Span Different Sets of Genes

Copy number variations regions (CNVRs) can be classified either as segregating, when found in both parents, and offspring, or non-segregating. A total of 65 segregating and 31 non-segregating CNVRs identified in at least 10 individuals within a dense pedigree of the Gochu Asturcelta pig breed was subjected to enrichment and functional annotation analyses to ascertain their functional independence and importance. Enrichment analyses allowed us to annotate 1018 and 351 candidate genes within the bounds of the segregating and non-segregating CNVRs, respectively. The information retrieved suggested that the candidate genes spanned by segregating and non-segregating CNVRs were functionally independent. Functional annotation analyses allowed us to identify nine different significantly enriched functional annotation clusters (ACs) in segregating CNVR candidate genes mainly involved in immunity and regulation of the cell cycle. Up to five significantly enriched ACs, mainly involved in reproduction and meat quality, were identified in non-segregating CNVRs. The current analysis fits with previous reports suggesting that segregating CNVRs would explain performance at the population level, whereas non-segregating CNVRs could explain between-individuals differences in performance.

Long-term outcomes of high-risk HR-positive and HER2-negative early breast cancer patients from GEICAM adjuvant studies and El Álamo IV registry

PURPOSE

The monarchE trial showed that the addition of abemaciclib improves efficacy in patients with high-risk early breast cancer (EBC). We analyzed the long-term outcomes of a population similar to the monarchE trial to put into context the potential benefit of abemaciclib.

METHODS

HR-positive/HER2-negative EBC patients eligible for the monarchE study were selected from 3 adjuvant clinical trials and a breast cancer registry. Patients with ≥ 4 positive axillary lymph nodes (N +) or 1-3 N + with tumor size ≥ 5 cm and/or histologic grade 3 and/or Ki67 ≥ 20%, who had undergone surgery with curative intent and had received anthracyclines ± taxanes and endocrine therapy in the neoadjuvant and /or adjuvant setting were included. We performed analysis of Invasive Disease-Free Survival (iDFS), Distant Disease-Free Survival (dDFS) and Overall Survival (OS) at 5 and 10 years, as well as yearly (up to 10) of Invasive Relapse Rate (IRR), Distant Relapse Rate (DRR) and Death Rate (DR).

RESULTS

A total of 1,617 patients were analyzed from the GEICAM-9906 (312), GEICAM-2003-10 (210), and GEICAM-2006-10 (160) trials plus 935 from El Álamo IV. With a median follow-up of 10.1 years, the 5 and 10 years iDFS rates were 75.2% and 57.0%, respectively. The dDFS and OS rates at 5 years were 77.4% and 88.8% and the respective figures at 10 years were 59.7% and 70.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

This data points out the need for new therapies for those patients. A longer follow-up of the monarchE study to see the real final benefit with abemaciclib is warranted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinTrials.gov: GEICAM/9906: NCT00129922; GEICAM/ 2003-10: NCT00129935 and GEICAM/ 2006-10: NCT00543127.

Abstract P4-01-28: PALBOSPAIN: OBSERVATIONAL ANALYSIS OF FIRST-LINE THERAPY WITH PALBOCICLIB IN PATIENTS WITH HR+/HER2- METASTATIC BREAST CANCER (MBC) IN REAL-LIFE CONDITIONS

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Palbociclib associated with hormone therapy (HT) has shown significant benefit in progression-free survival (PFS) and response rate versus HT alone in patients with HR+, HER2- MBC. The PALBOSPAIN study evaluates the efficacy and safety of palbociclib treatment under real-life conditions. The main objective of the study was to assess PFS, and secondary objectives were overall survival (OS), response rate, time to next line of treatment, percentage of dose reduction and safety.

MATERIAL AND METHODS This is an observational, ambispective, multicenter, nation-wide study. Patients diagnosed with HR+/HER2- MBC who had started first-line treatment with palbociclib between November 2017 and November 2019 were included. Patients treated within a clinical trial were excluded, as were those who had received any previous systemic treatment for advanced disease.

RESULTS 762 patients from 35 centers were included. 79% (n=600) were postmenopausal, 54.9% (n=418) had visceral disease, and 30.6% (n=233) had de-novo metastatic disease. Palbocliclib was combined with an aromatase inhibitor in 69.6% of patients and fulvestrant in 30.2% Four groups were established to assess efficacy (table 1): overall population; patients with de-novo metastatic disease (cohort A); patients relapsing &gt;12 months after the end of adjuvant hormonal therapy (cohort B); and patients relapsing within 12 months after the end of adjuvant hormonal therapy (cohort C). Median PFS was 24 months (CI 95%; 25-27) overall and 28 (IC 95%; 23-39), 29 (IC 95%;25-35) and 14 months (IC 95%;11-17) for cohorts a, B and C, respectively. Median overall survival was 42 months (40-NA). The most common side effects were neutropenia (71.3%, grade 3-4 in 52.5%, no episodes of febrile neutropenia), fatigue (38.6%), leucopenia (29.8%), anemia (28.9%), articular pain (19%), and thrombocytopenia (2,2%). 49% (n=385) of patients required dose reduction of palbociclib (one level in 27.6% and two levels in 21.4%).

CONCLUSION In the first two years after its approval in Spain, palbociclib in first line of HR+/HER2- MBC in real-life conditions yielded PFS and safety results comparable to those of PALOMA 2 and PALOMA 3 clinical trials. OS results were poorer, although the population included in this retrospective study is heterogeneous and median survival values have not been reached in some subgroups.

Table 1. Efficay results of palbociclib in real world

Citation Format: Noelia Martínez-Jáñez, Meritxell Bellet Ezquerra, Fernando Henao, Luis Manso, Antonio Antón, Pilar Zamora, Serafin Morales Murillo, Pablo Tolosa, Raquel Andrés, Lourdes Calvo, Elena Galve, Rafael Lopez, Francisco Ayala de la Peña, Sara López-Tarruella, Laia Boronat, Tamara Martos, J. Ignacio Chacón, Isabel Álvarez, Juan de la Haba-Rodríguez, Fernando Moreno Antón. PALBOSPAIN: OBSERVATIONAL ANALYSIS OF FIRST-LINE THERAPY WITH PALBOCICLIB IN PATIENTS WITH HR+/HER2- METASTATIC BREAST CANCER (MBC) IN REAL-LIFE CONDITIONS [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-01-28.

Abstract P4-07-45: Treatment strategies for advanced triple negative breast cancer patients as per routine clinical practice: analysis from the observational study GEICAM/2014-03 (RegistEM)

Background: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is well known for its more aggressive course and poorer prognosis compared to other BC subtypes. RegistEM study provides real world data to understand the distribution of BC subtypes in the advanced setting, being its primary objective. Biological samples collection is part of its procedures. This is a non-interventional cohort study and 1,907 patients (pts) have been enrolled up to now (females and males) with advanced BC (ABC), diagnosed from Jan-2016 to Dec-2019, either after recurrence or as first BC diagnosis, in 38 Spanish sites. These pts will be followed for at least 5 years.

Methods: In the current analysis (cut-off date 08/April/2022, database ongoing), we describe characteristics, treatment patterns and outcomes, including comparison between recurrent and de novo disease, of 157 pts with advanced TNBC included in the RegistEM study. Those pts represent the 10% of pts available in the database at the cut-off date and with ABC diagnosis up to December 2018 (n=1559). The BC clinical subtypes were histologically confirmed on the most recent tumor lesion (metastatic [M] or primary BC) before starting with the 1st-line therapy.

Results: At first ABC diagnosis, 73% pts had recurrent early BC (EBC), 26% de novo MBC and 1% unresectable locally ABC (ULABC). Median age was 57 years (range 30-88), all pts were women, 98% Caucasian and 65% postmenopausal. Family history of BC and/or ovarian cancer was reported in 37% pts, and a hereditary-risk genetic test was performed in 59 of 147 pts. Germline BRCA1/2 and TP53 were the most frequently mutated genes, 21% (6/28) and 47% (8/17) pts, respectively. Visceral involvement was present in 69% pts (similar between recurrent EBC and de novo ABC, although brain metastases were only present in the recurrent EBC group), and ≤ 2 metastatic locations in 59%. In 61% (70/115) pts with recurrent EBC, the subtype was assessed in metastatic lesions, and 39 pts of them also had TN subtype in primary BC. In terms of the most frequent therapies by line: 1) 1st-line: chemotherapy (CT) (60%) and CT/biological therapy (BT) (39%). Of the 87 pts with CT alone, monotherapy was the preferred option in 57% pts (capecitabine 25%, taxanes 16%, and eribulin or vinorelbine, 5% each). Bevacizumab was the most frequent BT (79%) combined with CT (single agent in 56% pts, mostly taxanes and capecitabine). Progressive disease (PD) was reported in 85% pts (similar in pts with both recurrent and de novo MBC or ULABC); 2) 2nd-line: CT (79%) (monotherapy capecitabine, eribulin, taxanes) and CT/BT (17%) (CT-containing bevacizumab 82%). Progression was reported in 92% pts; 3) 3rd-line: CT (90%) (eribulin 33%, platinum-based 25%) and CT/BT (9%) (CT-containing bevacizumab 67%). Progression was reported in 88% pts. At database cut-off date, death was reported in 133 (85%) pts, mainly because of PD. Overall survival (OS) was similar between both groups, recurrent and de novo MBC.

Conclusion: In this population of Spanish TNBC pts with ABC, three quarters had recurrent disease. De novo ABC pts had a higher proportion of non-visceral metastases, with absence of brain involvement at the first diagnosis. Single-agent CT and CT plus bevacizumab were the most frequent therapies, and OS was similar between recurrent and de novo MBC pts, although numerically higher in the later group.

Abstract P4-07-38: Real-world data of Advanced Breast Cancer (ABC) patients with HER2-positivity before the second-line therapy: data from the observational study GEICAM/2014-03 (RegistEM)

Background: Over the last years, the treatment of HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer (BC) patients (pts) has been changing because of the development of new anti-HER2 agents. In the current analysis, we describe the features, treatment patterns, progression-free survivall (PFS) and overall survival (OS) outcomes of BC pts with HER2 + (immunohistochemistry [IHC] 3+ or IHC 2+ and in situ hybridization [ISH]+), following ASCO/CAP 2018 guidelines in the most recent tumor lesion before the 2nd-line.

Methods: The RegistEM study is an ongoing BC registry study that is providing prospective data from around 1900 pts diagnosed with advanced BC (ABC) between 01/Jan/2016 and 31/Dec/2019, in 38 Spanish institutions from GEICAM network. In this analysis, 296 HER2+ BC pts have been included, representing the 18% of pts available in the database at the cut-off date (08/Apr/2022), with ABC diagnosis before 2019 (n=1559).

Results: At first ABC diagnosis, 58% (n=173) pts had recurrent disease (&gt;36 months [mo] from initial BC diagnosis in 62%), 41% (n=120) de novo metastatic BC and 1% (n=3) unresectable locally ABC (ULABC); the median age was 58 years, 68% were postmenopausal and there was only 1 male pt. From total 296 pts, 66% had hormone receptor expression [HR+]; the BC subtype was assessed in tumor tissue from the breast (58%) or a metastatic lesion (34%), and in 8% pts, HER2 positivity was observed after the 1st-line. Family history of BC and/or ovarian cancer was reported in 28% pts, and a hereditary-risk genetic test was performed in 26% pts (n=74/282). Germline BRCA1/2 and TP53 genetic testing were reported in 14 and 26 pts respectively, being mutated in 3/14 (21%) and 5/26 (19%) pts. Bone (50%), lymph nodes (49%), liver (35%), lung (31%), soft tissue (8%) and central nervous system (CNS), mostly in brain (8%), were the main metastatic sites. One hundred pts were diagnosed with CNS metastases: 24 at baseline, 48 during the 1st-line and 28 in subsequent lines. Additional data according to HR status and type of ABC are detailed in the table below, showing a worse prognosis in absence of HR expression. In HR- pts, bone metastases were less frequent and lymph nodes metastases more frequent compared to HR+ pts. Visceral disease was present in 69% (66% in HR+ and 74% in HR-; non-statistically significant) pts and ≈80% had ≤3 (54%, ≤2) locations involved. The most common therapies by line were: 1) 1st-line: Chemotherapy (CT) + biological therapy (BT) (38%), CT + BT+ endocrine therapy (ET) (35%), and ET + BT [11%]; 2) 2nd-line: BT (55%), CT + BT (20%) and ET + BT (15%); 3) 3rd-line: CT + BT (49%) and BT (31%). The median (95% confidence interval [CI]) progression-free survival (PFS) on 1st, 2nd and 3rd line was 18 (15-22), 8 (7-9) and 6 (5-8) mo, respectively. The median (95% CI) overall survival (OS) from ABC diagnosis was 43 (40-49) mo. These survival outcomes were higher in HR+ pts, however, the differences were only statistically significant in OS (p=0.006; log-rank). At database cut-off date, death was reported in 47% pts.

Conclusions: In spite of the anti-HER2 therapies administered in the advanced setting, the HR expression is a relevant prognostic factor, with a clinically and statistically significant impact in OS, improving the outcomes of HR+ pts.

Segregation patterns and inheritance rate of copy number variations regions assessed in a Gochu Asturcelta pig pedigree

Copy Number Variation Regions (CNVR) were subjected to pedigree analysis to contribute to the understanding of their segregation patterns. Up to 492 Gochu Asturcelta pig individuals forming 478 different parents-offspring trios (61 different families) were genotyped using the Axiom_PigHDv1 Array (658,692 SNPs). CNVR calling, performed using two different platforms (PennCNV and QuantiSNP), allowed to identify a total of 344 candidate CNVR on the 18 porcine autosomes covering about 106.8 Mb of the pig genome. Sixty-nine CNVR were identified, to some extent, in both the parents and the offspring and were classified as segregating CNVR. The other candidate CNVR were called in one or more progeny but in neither parent and classified either as singleton or recurrent de novo CNVR. Segregating CNVR were, on average, larger and more frequent than the recurrent de novo CNVR (444.8 kb vs 287.9 kb long and 34 vs 5 individuals, respectively). In any case, segregating CNVR did not conform to strict Mendelian inheritance patterns: estimates of average paternal and maternal transmission rates ranged from 11.0 % to 13.4 % and mean inheritance rate was below 21 %. This issue should be carefully considered when interpreting the results of CNV studies. Segregating CNVR, present across generations, are unlikely to be artifacts or false positives and can be hypothesized to be important at the population level.

Abstract P1-15-04: Features of HER2+ metastasic patients (pts) from a prospective registry of advanced breast cancer (ABC), GEICAM/2014-03 (RegistEM)

Background: The RegistEM study is a non-interventional study that is providing prospective data from around 1900 ABC pts (females and males) diagnosed with advanced disease between 01/Jan/2016 and 31/Dec/2019, either after recurrence or at 1st diagnosis, in 38 Spanish sites representative of the national territory and whose investigators are GEICAM members. Methods: In the current analysis (cut-off date 10/May/2021, ongoing database), we describe the features of 279 pts included in the RegistEM study, with HER2+ (immunohistochemistry [IHQ] 3+, IHQ 2+ and in situ hybridization [ISH]+) tumors at any time of their ABC (5% after the 1st-line therapy). This subgroup has been evaluated because of the interest from a clinical perspective. Multivariate Cox analysis aiming to identify factors associated with overall survival (OS) were built. Results: 279 pts were identified, representing the 15% pts available in the database at the cut-off date. At first ABC diagnosis, 48% pts had recurrent BC (&gt;12 months [mo] from initial BC diagnosis in 93%), 51% de novo metastatic BC and 1% unresectable locally advanced BC (ULABC). The median age was 59 years, 98% were white , 71% postmenopausal and only 1 male was part of this subset. Considering the BC subtype assessed in the most recent tumor lesion before the 1st-line therapy, 264 pts wereHER2 positive (67% with hormone receptor [HR]+). Family history of BC and/or ovarian cancer was reported in 31% pts, and an hereditary-risk genetic test was performed in 25% (66/267 pts). BRCA1/2 and TP53 mutations were reported in 4/20 and 4/19 pts, respectively, and p53 overexpression in 20/46 pts. Lymph nodes (56%), bone (49%), liver (34%), lung (33%), soft tissue (10%) and brain (8%) were the main metastatic sites. Additional data according to HR status and type of ABC are detailed in the table below. In HR- pts, bone metastases were less frequent and lymph nodes metastases more frequent compared to HR+ pts. Visceral disease was present in 68% pts and ≈75% had ≤3 (47% ≤2) locations involved. The most common therapies by line were: 1) 1st-line: CT + dual anti-HER2 blockade (3%), chemotherapy (CT) (almost in all pts taxane-based)+dual anti-HER2 blockade + endocrine therapy (ET) (mainly aromatase inhibitors) (35%), and ET + anti-HER2 blockade or ET + cyclin-dependent kinases 4/6 inhibitors (11%); 2) 2nd-line: anti-HER2 blockade (56%) [mostly an antibody-drug conjugate (90%)], CT + anti-HER2 blockade (18%) and ET + anti-HER2 blockade (14%); 3) 3rd-line: CT + anti-HER2 blockade (55%) and anti-HER2 blockade (22%). The median time-to-progressions to 1st-, 2nd- and 3rd-line were 14, 5, and 4 mo, respectively. A 4th-line therapy was reported in 52% of pts who received a 3rd-line. At database cut-off date, death was reported in 34% of pts. The median OS of this subset of pts was 41 mo (36-49). In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, the following variables were significantly related with worse survival (from ABC diagnosis): Brain (HR=2.62; 95% CI, 1.02-6.73) and Visceral no Brain involvement (HR=2.15; 95% CI, 1.02-4.53) compare to only soft tissue lesions; early stage at first diagnosis (HR=1.77; 95% CI, 1.15-2.73); HR- (HR=1.70; 95% CI, 1.11-2.60) and age (HR=1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07). Conclusions: In this cohort of HER2+ pts with advanced disease, half of them had de novo ABC which was associated with better OS. The median PFS in 1st- and 3rd-line were slightly better in HR+ pts, and in 2nd-line was similar between HR+ and HR- cohorts.

HR+181 (67%)HR- 91 (33%)Recurrent EBC134 (48%)ULABC or de novo M1 145 (52%)Time to recurrence &gt;12 mo in EBC pts., n8435125NALocation of metastaticsites, nBoneBrainLiverLungLymph nodesSoft tissue104 10 62 57 90 1829 9 3232 64 1059 15 36 47 51 2278 6 59 46 1056Líne123123123123n180935690492613385521446333Deaths, n211112111161715141584Therapies by line, nET/BT261922101910212100ET12441011022323CT/BT/ET935031038305830CT/BT4017307581552182366924CT3572353711211BT6431373651145143385The most frequent therapies, nCT + dual anti-HER2 blockade + ET8623331551CT + single-agent HER2 blockade + ET522CT + dual anti-HER2 blockade3493644391016252CT + single-agent HER2 blockade4825641588211521CT5573354711411ET*22105212162644ET + HER2 blockade1213411662782Anti-HER2 blockade6431073651145143382Median duration of treatment, mo125585310441064TTP (mo), median (range)15(1-47)5(1-32)5(0-18)11(2-38)5(1-27)4(2-12)12 (1-47)5(1-26)4(0-17)17(2-45)7(1-32)4(1-18)Median PFS, mo14561154------HR: hormone receptor; EBC: early breast cancer; ULABC: unresectable locally advanced breast cancer; M1: metastatic; mo: month; ET: endrocrine therapy; BT: biological therapy; CT: chemotherapy; TTP: time-to-progression; PFS: progression-free survival. *ET includes aromatase inhibitors or selective estrogen receptor degraders, as single-agents or combined with cyclin-dependent kinases 4/6 inhibitors.

Citation Format: Isabel Álvarez, Ángel Guerrero-Zotano, Josefina Cruz, Purificación Martínez, María Hernández, César A Rodríguez, Álvaro Rodríguez-Lescure, Silvia Antolín, Encarna Adrover, Raquel Andrés, Catalina Falo, Jose Ignacio Chacón, Ana Miguel, Sonia Servitja, Maria Galán Gramaje, Mireia Margelí Vila, César Gómez Raposo, María Jose Echarri, Rafael Villanueva, Ariadna TIbau Martorell, Silvia Varela Ferreiro, Ruth Campo, Juan Jose Miralles, Susana Bezares, Federico Rojo, Sara López-Tarruella. Features of HER2+ metastasic patients (pts) from a prospective registry of advanced breast cancer (ABC), GEICAM/2014-03 (RegistEM) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-15-04.

Ancient autozygous segments subject to positive selection suggest adaptive immune responses in West African cattle

Small-sized and trypanotolerant West African taurine (Bos taurus) cattle are a unique case of human-mediated process of adaptation to a challenging environment. Extensive gene flow with Sahelian zebu (B. indicus), bigger and with some resistance to tick attack, occurred for centuries and allowed the apparition of stable crossbred populations (sanga) having intermediate characteristics. Up to 237 individuals belonging to 10 different taurine, zebu and sanga cattle populations sampled in Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger were typed using the BovineHD BeadChip of Illumina to identify signatures of selection, assessed using three different Extended-Haplotype-Homozygosity-based statistics, overlapping with ancient, originated 1024 or 2048 generations ago, Homozygosity-By-Descent segments in the cattle genome. Candidate genomic regions were defined ensuring their importance within cattle type and using zebu as reference. Functional annotation analysis identified four statistically significant Annotation Clusters in taurine cattle (from ACt1 to ACt4), one (ACs1) in sanga, and another (ACz1) in zebu cattle, fitting well with expectations. ACt1 included genes primarily associated with innate immunity; ACt2 involved bitter taste receptor genes of importance to adaptation to changing environments; ACt3 included 68 genes coding ATP-binding proteins, some of them located on trypanotolerance-related QTL regions, that can partially underlie immune response and the additive mechanism of trypanotolerance; ACt4 was associated with growth and small size (NPPC gene); ACs1 included genes involved in immune response; and ACz1 is related with ectoparasite resistance. Our results provide a new set of genomic areas and candidate genes giving new insights on the genomic impact of adaptation in West African cattle.

Early Imaging and Molecular Changes with Neoadjuvant Bevacizumab in Stage II/III Breast Cancer

This prospective, phase II study evaluated novel biomarkers as predictors of response to bevacizumab in patients with breast cancer (BC), using serial imaging methods and gene expression analysis. Patients with primary stage II/III BC received bevacizumab 15 mg/kg (cycle 1; C1), then four cycles of neoadjuvant docetaxel doxorubicin, and bevacizumab every 3 weeks (C2-C5). Tumour proliferation and hypoxic status were evaluated using 18F-fluoro-3'-deoxy-3'-L-fluorothymidine (FLT)- and 18F-fluoromisonidazole (FMISO)-positron emission tomography (PET) at baseline, and during C1 and C5. Pre- and post-bevacizumab vascular changes were evaluated using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). Molecular biomarkers were assessed using microarray analysis. A total of 70 patients were assessed for treatment efficacy. Significant decreases from baseline in tumour proliferation (FLT-PET), vascularity, and perfusion (DCE-MRI) were observed during C1 (p ≤ 0.001), independent of tumour subtype. Bevacizumab treatment did not affect hypoxic tumour status (FMISO-PET). Significant changes in the expression of 28 genes were observed after C1. Changes in vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2p levels were observed in 65 patients, with a > 20% decrease in VEGFR-2p observed in 13/65. Serial imaging techniques and molecular gene profiling identified several potentially predictive biomarkers that may predict response to neoadjuvant bevacizumab therapy in BC patients.

Functional characterization of Copy Number Variations regions in Djallonké sheep

A total of 184 Djallonké (West African Dwarf) sheep of Burkina Faso were analysed for Copy Number Variations (CNV) using Ovine 50 K SNP BeadChip genotyping data and two different CNV calling platforms: PennCNV and QuantiSNP. Analyses allowed to identify a total of 63 candidate Copy Number Variations Regions (CNVR) on 11 different ovine chromosomes covering about 82.5 Mb of the sheep genome. Gene-annotation enrichment analysis allowed to identify a total of 751 potential candidate ovine genes located in the candidate CNVR bounds. Functional annotation allowed to identify five statistically significant Functional Clusters (FC; enrichment factor > 1.3) involving 61 candidate genes. All genes forming significantly enriched FC were located on ovine chromosome (OAR) 21. FC1 (22 genes including PAG4 and PAG6) and FC5 (three genes: CTSC, CTSW and CTSF), coding proteases (peptidases and cathepsins, respectively), were involved in reproductive performance and modulation of gestation. Both FC3 and FC4 were involved in inflammatory and immunologic response through coding serum amyloid A and B-box-type zinc finger proteins, respectively. Finally, FC2 consisted of 27 genes (including OR10G6 and OR8B8) involved in olfactory receptor activity, key for animals adapting to new food resources. CNVR identified on at least 15% of individuals were considered CNVR hotspots and further overlapped with previously reported quantitative trait loci (QTL). CNVR hotspots spanning genes putatively involved with lipid metabolism (SKP1, TCF7, JADE2, UBE2B and SAR1B) and differential expression in mammary gland (SEC24A and CDKN2AIPNL) on OAR5 and dairy traits (CCDC198 and SLC35F4) on OAR7 overlapped with QTL associated with lipid metabolism, milk protein yield and milk fat percentage. Information obtained from local sheep populations naturally adapted to harsh environments contributes to increase our understanding of the genomic importance of CNV.

Abstract PS5-22: Mutational profile from circulating tumor DNA in triple negative breast cancer: Results from the prospective registry of unresectable locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer GEICAM/2014-03 (RegistEM)

Background: The RegistEM is a non-interventional cohort study enrolling 1,867 patients (pts) (males or females) with advanced breast cancer diagnosed from January 2016 to December 2019, either after recurrence or as first diagnosis, in 38 Spanish sites. Triple negative BC (TNBC) is clinically defined based on lack of expression of both estrogen and progesterone receptors, and HER2 overexpression, and constitutes approximately 16% of BC cases. It is a particularly proliferative and aggressive BC subtype characterized by higher rates of relapse, greater metastatic potential, and shorter overall survival compared with other BC subtypes. Recent studies have shown hormone receptor status can change from the primary (P) to the recurrence tumor (M) in a proportion of cases, inducing a switch to TNBC in the recurrence, while other remains TNBC both in the P and M setting. This feature might impact survival and treatment options. Methods: We selected TNBC pts from the RegistEM study with ctDNA plasma samples available from the relapse. TNBC pts were classified into 2 groups according to clinical subtype (CS): 1) CS-converted (CS-C), with a discordant phenotype (TN subtype in M but not in P); and 2) CS-non-converted (CS-NC), with TN phenotype in P and M. To compare the mutation profiles of the 2 groups, next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed using the AVENIO Expanded ctDNA Analysis Kit (Roche Sequencing Solutions, Inc; 77 genes; SNPs, indels, fusions and CNVs). Genomics alterations at individual level and grouped by pathway were explored for pathogenic and probably pathogenics variants. Genomics findings were correlated with clinicopathological data and outcomes, in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) and response to first line chemotherapy treatment. Kaplan-Meier estimator and Cox regression model were used to analyze PFS, and Fisher’s test to analyze contingency tables. Bonferroni correction was used for multiple testing. Results: NGS data was available from 32 (17%) TNBC pts; 22 (69%) pts CS-NC and 10 (31%) CS-C. The time from diagnosis to relapse was 29.2 months (m) for CS-NC and 60.2m for CS-C (HR=4.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.59-14.59), p=0.0055; adjusted for confounders: menopausal status, grade, stage). In the metastatic setting, CS-NC had similar PFS than CS-C (8.3m CS-C vs 5.3m CS-NC; HR=1.63, 95% CI (0.71-3.72), p=0.2442). A median of 3 genomic alterations were found, similar in both groups. The most frequent somatic alterations were TP53 (50%), MAP2K1 (25%) and APC (25%). CS-C were enriched for MAP2K1 (60% vs. 9% in CS-NC; p=0.0243). No single genomic alteration was associated with outcome. Forty-percent of tumors harbored at least 1 mutation in PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway (PIK3CA, PIK3R1, AKT1, AKT2, PTEN or MTOR genes), with similar incidence between CS-NC and CS-C. Pts with an altered PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway had poor PFS (3.9m mutant vs 6.7m wild-type (WT); HR=3.02, 95% CI (1.4-6.56), p=0.0033) and a trend to worse response (complete or parcial response and stable disease: 23% mutant vs 77% WT, p=0.1581). CS-C tumors presented an altered MAPK-ERK pathway (mutations in KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, MAP2K1 or RAF1 genes) more frequently in comparison to CS-NC (60% vs 23%, p=0.0557), with no differences in response or PFS. Finally tumors with a high mutation allele frequency (≥mean) showed poor PFS (HR=3.64, 95% CI (1.52-8.75), p=0.0038). Conclusion: Analysis of ctDNA reveals diverse mutational spectrum in metastatic TNBC, suggesting that the presence of PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway alterations associates with worse outcome and poor response to standard therapies. The clinical subtype conversions from luminal primary tumor are enriched in MAPK-ERK pathway alterations.

Citation Format: Angel Guerrero-Zotano, Carlos Jara, Sara López-Tarruella, César A Rodríguez, Encarna Adrover, Catalina Falo, Purificación Martínez, Silvia Antolín, Mireia Margeli, Josefina Cruz, Alvaro Rodríguez-Lescure, Vega Iranzo, César Gómez-Raposo, Jose Juan Illarramendi, Diego Malón, Jose Luis Alonso, Antonio Antón, Raquel Andrés, Jesús Herranz, Susana Bezares, Rosalía Caballero, Isabel Álvarez, Federico Rojo. Mutational profile from circulating tumor DNA in triple negative breast cancer: Results from the prospective registry of unresectable locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer GEICAM/2014-03 (RegistEM) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS5-22.

Abstract PS7-35: Geicam/2014-03 (registem): A prospective registry of advanced breast cancer: A subset of triple negative breast cancer patients with her2 low expression

Background: The RegistEM study will provide prospective data from advanced breast cancer (ABC) patients (pts). Understanding the real distribution of BC subtypes is its primary objective. A new nomenclature has been proposed for those cases with HER2 1+ or 2+ by immunohistochemistry and negative in situ hybridization, HER2-low BC. In clinical practice, these tumors are reported as HER2 negative. Methods: This is a non-interventional study that will enroll approximately 1,867 pts with ABC diagnosed from January 2016 to December 2019, either after recurrence or as 1st diagnosis, in 38 Spanish sites. Biological samples (primary and/or metastatic tumor lesions, and blood) collection is part of its procedures. In this analysis (cut-off date 01/April/2020, database ongoing), we describe the characteristics of pts with Triple Negative (TN) subtype and HER2-low expression (as mentioned above). Biomarkers, including HER2, were determined in either primary tumor (PT), M1 or in both, PT and M1. Results: This subset of pts make up 37.4% (n=49) of TN pts considered for this analysis (n=131). Their distribution within the three groups (PT, M1 and PT/M1), was 46.9% (n=23), 42.9% (n=21) and 10.2% (n=5), respectively. These pts were diagnosed with early BC (EBC) and at recurrence, 91.7% presented distant metastases. Median time from EBC diagnosis until recurrent disease in terms of ABC was 29.8 months (mo), with the majority of pts recurring at &gt;12 mo (95.9%), similar to the whole TN subset. Most pts were Caucasian (98%), and at diagnosis of ABC, the median age was 60 years (range 31-84) and 65.3% were postmenopausal. A change of BC subtype was documented in 15/49 (30.6%) pts, with the higher rate in M1 group (52.4%); as opposed to the TN subset, a change to HER2+ disease was reported in 6/15 (40.0%) pts and just after the TN subtype in all cases. Family history of BC and/or ovarian cancer was reported in 42.9% pts and any genetic test to assess the hereditary risk was performed in 30.6% pts. Similarly to TN subset, lung (36.7%), lymph nodes and bone (34.7% each) and liver (24.5%) were the most frequent metastatic locations; central nervous system metastases were developed by 14.3% pts. Visceral involvement was present in 66.7% pts, being this rate lower in M1 compared to PT and PT/M1 groups. The most frequent 1st-line therapies were chemotherapy (CT) (44.9%) and CT/biological therapy (BT) (36.7%). Type of CT mainly included capecitabine (36.4%), taxanes (27.3%), eribulin (13.6%) and platinum-based combinations (13.6%). Most pts received CT as monotherapy (86.4%). Bevacizumab (BVZ) was the most frequent BT associated to CT (77.8%), mainly with capecitabine and/or paclitaxel (72.2%). Progressive disease to 1st-line therapy in the whole group was reported in 73.5% pts (higher than in TN subset), with a median time to progression (TTP) of 5.7 mo (range 1.7-15.0); PT was the group with a higher PD rate. A 2nd-line therapy was reported in 63.3% pts. Similarly to 1st-line setting, the most frequent 2nd-line therapies were CT (74.2%) and CT/BT (12.9%) (with BVZ in 75.0% pts). CT in monotherapy was reported in 69.6% pts (capecitabine 31.3%, eribulin 25.0%). Median duration of this line therapy was 3.0 mo (range 0.6-15.8), PD has been reported in 96.8% pts (similar between groups), and 3rd-line therapy in 25/49 (51.0%) pts.

Conclusions: In TN/HER2-low ABC pts, lung, lymph nodes and bone were the most frequent metastatic locations. As opposed to TN subset, HER2+ disease is part of the subtype changes reported. Although the main 1st- and 2nd-line therapies were CT and CT/BT, similarly to TN subset, the rate of pts with PD to 1st- and 2nd-line therapies is higher, and also those pts treated in the 3rd-line setting.

Citation Format: Carlos Jara, Isabel Álvarez, César A Rodríguez, Purificación Martínez, Raquel Andrés, Álvaro Rodríguez-Lescure, Diego Malón, Jose Luis Alonso, Encarna Adrover, María José Echarri, Mireia Margeli, Ariadna Tibau, Judith Ramírez, Silvia Antolín, Ruth Campo, Juan José Miralles, Susana Bezares, Federico Rojo, Sara López-Tarruella, Angel Guerrero-Zotano. Geicam/2014-03 (registem): A prospective registry of advanced breast cancer: A subset of triple negative breast cancer patients with her2 low expression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS7-35.

Abstract PS7-24: Characteristics of HR+/HER2- patients with recurrent disease by HER2 expression from a prospective registry of unresectable locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer: GEICAM/2014-03 (RegistEM)

Background: The RegistEM study is a non-interventional cohort study that will provide prospective data from &gt;1,800 advanced breast cancer (ABC) patients (pts), either after recurrence or as first diagnosis in 38 Spanish sites. Primary objective is the distribution of BC subtypes. A new nomenclature has been proposed for those cases with immunohistochemistry (IHC) 1+ or 2+ and negative in situ hybridization (ISH), HER2-low BC. In clinical practice these tumors are reported as HER2 negative. This subpopulation has been identified as an interesting group from a clinical perspective. Methods: In this analysis (cut-off date 01/April/2020; database is ongoing) we describe the characteristics of 229 pts with hormone receptor (HR)+/HER2-low BC documented in a metastatic lesion after early disease recurrence and who received adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET). Three subgroups of pts have been considered for this analysis based on HER2 results: HER2 IHC 0, HER2-low, and HER2 ISH- (without IHC). Biological samples collection is part of study procedures. Results: The distribution of HER2 IHC 0, HER2-low, and HER2 ISH- subgroups was 52.4%, 42.8% and 4.8%, respectively. The median time to advance disease was 98.6, 88.8 and 106.9 mo in each group. Almost all pts were female and Caucasian (99%), and at ABC diagnosis, 75.5% were postmenopausal. Median age was 59 years (range 33-88). Fourteen (6.1%) pts had HER2+ (IHC 3+ or ISH amplified) BC subtype during their disease. Family history of BC and/or ovarian cancer was reported in 31.4% pts, an hereditary-risk genetic test was performed in 11.4% (n=26) pts in total and BRCA2 gene mutation (n=6) was the only one reported. The most frequent metastases are included in Table 1. Visceral disease was present in 63.3% pts and 76% pts had ≤2 locations. The most frequent 1st-line therapies were ET/biological therapy (BT) (46.7%) and ET (28.8%), and were equal distributed in the 3 subgroups. The most common ET/BT regimens were aromatase inhibitor (AI)/cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor (CDKi) (49.1%/48.9%/42.9% in each subgroup) and fulvestrant (FUL)/CDKi (35.8%/27.7%/28.6%); AIs (50%/64%/66.7%) and FUL (31.6%/20%/0%) were also the most common drugs for monotherapy ET. A 2nd-line therapy was reported in ~53% pts in HER2 IHC 0 and HER2-low, and in 36% pts in HER2 ISH-. The median time to progression (TTP) to 1st-line therapy was 11.4 mo (1.2-37.0), being similar in pts with HER2 IHC 0 and HER2-low (~11 mo), and higher in pts with HER2 ISH- (16 mo). The most frequent 2nd-line therapies were ET/BT (~34% in HER2 IHC 0 and HER2-low, and 25% in HER2 ISH-) [FUL/CDKi (36.4%/47.1%/100%), AI/CDKi (36.4%/23.5%/0%)], chemotherapy as monotherapy (17 pts out of 63 in HER2 IHC 0, 17 pts out of 53 in HER2-low and 1 pt (capecitabine) out of 4 in HER2 FISH-) (capecitabine 29.4%/52.9% in HER2 IHC 0 and HER2-low). Median duration of 2nd-line therapy was ~5 mo in HER2 IHC 0 and ~8 mo in HER2-low and HER2 ISH-; disease progression was reported in 52.4%/62.3%/50% pts, respectively. Conclusions: In this population of HR+ tumors, the proportion of HER2 IHC 0 and HER2-low groups was similar. Time to advance relapse and the distribution of distant metastases were similar among the groups. The most common first- and second-line therapy was the ET/BT combination, with AI/CDKi and FUL/CDKi, respectively.

Table 1Location of metastatic lesionsIHC 0HER2-lowISH- non IHCN=120 N (%)N=98 N (%)N=11 N (%)Bone74 (61.7)55 (56.1)6 (54.5)Liver36 (30.0)37 (37.8)3 (27.3)Lung27 (22.5)21 (21.4)5 (45.5)Lymph Node27 (22.5)21 (21.4)2 (18.2)Soft Tissue6 (5.0)11 (11.2)0CNS3 (2.5)4 (4.1)0Other43 (35.8)31 (31.6)5 (45.5)

Citation Format: Isabel Álvarez, Angel Guerrero, Sara López-Tarruella, Purificación Martínez, Marta Mori, Catalina Falo, Silvia Antolín, César A Rodríguez, Mireia Margeli, Isabel Garau, Ariadna Tibau, Diana Moreno, Josefina Cruz, María José Echarri, Antonio Antón, Álvaro Rodríguez-Lescure, María José Escudero, Susana Bezares, Federico Rojo, Carlos Jara. Characteristics of HR+/HER2- patients with recurrent disease by HER2 expression from a prospective registry of unresectable locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer: GEICAM/2014-03 (RegistEM) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS7-24.

Direct contact ultrasound assisted freezing of chicken breast samples

Nowadays, rapid freezing is sought to favor the formation of small ice crystals. Several studies have shown that the application of ultrasounds (US) accelerates the processes of energy and mass transfer when they are applied through immersion systems. However, there are hardly any studies on its application in direct systems without the use of a liquid medium for its transmission. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of the application of US for improving the freezing process of chicken breast samples. First, the application of intermittent US treatments at different net sonication times of 7, 17, 37, 50 and 67% during the freezing of distilled water samples in a conventional freezer was evaluated. It was observed that net sonication times of 37, 50 and 67% reduced the phase change period by 30.0, 21.4, 27.0%, respectively. The effective freezing time was also reduced by 12.4 and 12.8% by applying net sonication times of 37 and 50%. Considering these results, an intermittent US treatment with a net sonication time of 37% was chosen for chicken breast freezing in an air-forced cooling tunnel at ambient temperatures from -13 to -22 °C. The length of all the freezing phases was reduced upon application of US, leading to an overall process time reduction of approx. 11%. On the other hand, no significant differences were found either in the Water Holding Capacity (WHC) or Cooking Loss (CL) values between control and US assisted frozen chicken breast samples. Furthermore, in vitro experiments showed that US-assisted freezing did not influence protein digestibility of chicken meat samples. This study demonstrates the potential of the application of US by direct contact to favor energy transfer processes during freezing of water and chicken breasts samples. However, its effect on the quality of the frozen products should be further studied.

Ancient Homozygosity Segments in West African Djallonké Sheep Inform on the Genomic Impact of Livestock Adaptation to the Environment

A sample of Burkina Faso Djallonké (West African Dwarf) sheep was analyzed to identify stretches of homozygous segments (runs of homozygosity; ROH) overlapping with ancient homozygosity-by-descent (HBD) segments. HBD segments were considered ancient if they were likely to be inherited from ancestors living from 1024 to 2048 generations ago, roughly coinciding with the time in which sheep entered into West Africa. It is hypothesized that such homozygous segments can inform on the effect of the sheep genome of human-mediated selection for adaptation to this harsh environment. PLINK analyses allowed to identify a total of 510 ROH segments in 127 different individuals that could be summarized into 124 different ROH. A total of 32,968 HBD segments were identified on 119 individuals using the software ZooRoH. HBD segments inherited from ancestors living 1024 and 2048 generations ago were identified on 61 individuals. The overlap between consensus ROH identified using PLINK and HBD fragments putatively assigned to generations 1024 and 2048 gave 108 genomic areas located on 17 different ovine chromosomes which were considered candidate regions for gene-annotation enrichment analyses. Functional annotation allowed to identify six statistically significant functional clusters involving 50 candidate genes. Cluster 1 was involved in homeostasis and coagulation; functional clusters 2, 3, and 6 were associated to innate immunity, defense against infections, and white blood cells proliferation and migration, respectively; cluster 4 was involved in parasite resistance; and functional cluster 5, formed by 20 genes, was involved in response to stress. The current analysis confirms the importance of genomic areas associated to immunity, disease resistance, and response to stress for adaptation of sheep to the challenging environment of humid Sub-Saharan West Africa.

Metformin induces a fasting- and antifolate-mimicking modification of systemic host metabolism in breast cancer patients

Certain dietary interventions might improve the therapeutic index of cancer treatments. An alternative to the “drug plus diet” approach is the pharmacological reproduction of the metabolic traits of such diets. Here we explored the impact of adding metformin to an established therapeutic regimen on the systemic host metabolism of cancer patients. A panel of 11 serum metabolites including markers of mitochondrial function and intermediates/products of folate-dependent one-carbon metabolism were measured in paired baseline and post-treatment sera obtained from HER2-positive breast cancer patients randomized to receive either metformin combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and trastuzumab or an equivalent regimen without metformin. Metabolite profiles revealed a significant increase of the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate and of the TCA intermediate α-ketoglutarate in the metformin-containing arm. A significant relationship was found between the follow-up levels of homocysteine and the ability of treatment arms to achieve a pathological complete response (pCR). In the metformin-containing arm, patients with significant elevations of homocysteine tended to have a higher probability of pCR. The addition of metformin to an established anti-cancer therapeutic regimen causes a fasting-mimicking modification of systemic host metabolism. Circulating homocysteine could be explored as a clinical pharmacodynamic biomarker linking the antifolate-like activity of metformin and biological tumor response.

Clusters formation and fragmentation of nitromethane at 266 nm

We carry out experiments on the fragmentation of nitromethane by multiphoton absorption at the wavelength 266 nm. This was conducted in a reflectron (Jordan), modified in the laboratory. Due to the large number of fragments, special care has been taken into the calibration of the system, in the simultaneity between the laser pulse and the sample, and the associated electronics to ensure that produced fragment spectra arise from the interaction laser-sample. We emphasize the next aspects of the method:•

Simple design for introducing a gas sample at laser interaction region to facilitate the cluster formation

•

Astonishing number of fragments produced by multiphoton absorption.

Evaluation of pulsed electric fields technology for the improvement of subsequent carotenoid extraction from dried Rhodotorula glutinis yeast

This research aims to evaluate whether the electroporation of Rhodotorula glutinis fresh biomass improved the subsequent extraction of carotenoids from dry biomass using supercritical CO2 and traditional solvent extraction. Supercritical CO2 extraction yields were low after all treatments assayed. Similarly, solvent extraction of carotenoids from untreated or PEF treated cells that were immediately freeze-dried after the pre-treatment was neither effective (extraction yield < 20% total content). Conversely, PEF-treatment and subsequent intermediate incubation in aqueous buffer for 24 h, followed by freeze-drying and extraction, led to a large improvement with the three solvents assayed (acetone, hexane, ethanol). Ethanol was the most efficient, reaching an extraction yield of 80% of total carotenoid, which represents a recovery of 267 µg/gdw. Torularhodin esters constituted the main carotenoid found in the extracts. This is of great interest, as ethanol is eco-friendly solvent and potential applications of torularhodin range from food to medical purposes.

Genomic scan of selective sweeps in Djallonké (West African Dwarf) sheep shed light on adaptation to harsh environments

The Djallonké (West African Dwarf) sheep is a small-sized haired sheep resulting from a costly evolutionary process of natural adaptation to the harsh environment of West Africa including trypanosome challenge. However, genomic studies carried out in this sheep are scant. In this research, genomic data of 184 Djallonké sheep (and 12 Burkina-Sahel sheep as an outgroup) generated using medium-density SNP Chips were analyzed. Three different statistics (iHS, XP-EHH and nSL) were applied to identify candidate selection sweep regions spanning genes putatively associated with adaptation of sheep to the West African environment. A total of 207 candidate selection sweep regions were defined. Gene-annotation enrichment and functional annotation analyses allowed to identify three statistically significant functional clusters involving 12 candidate genes. Genes included in Functional Clusters associated to selection signatures were mainly related to metabolic response to stress, including regulation of oxidative and metabolic stress and thermotolerance. The bovine chromosomal areas carrying QTLs for cattle trypanotolerance were compared with the regions on which the orthologous functional candidate cattle genes were located. The importance of cattle BTA4 for trypanotolerant response might have been conserved between species. The current research provides new insights on the genomic basis for adaptation and highlights the importance of obtaining information from non-cosmopolite livestock populations managed in harsh environments.

Identification of genomic regions and candidate genes of functional importance for gastrointestinal parasite resistance traits in Djallonké sheep of Burkina Faso

A total of 184 Djallonké lambs from Burkina Faso with phenotypes for packed-cell volume (PCV), log-transformed fecal egg count (lnFEC), and FAffa MAlan CHArt (FAMACHA©) eye scores were typed with the OvineSNP50 BeadChip of Illumina to contribute to the knowledge of the genetic basis of gastrointestinal (GIN) parasite resistance in sheep. Association analysis identified a total of 22 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related with PCV (6 SNPs), lnFEC (7), and FAMACHA scores (9) distributed among 14 Ovis aries chromosomes (OAR). The identified SNPs accounted for 18.76 % of the phenotypic variance for PCV, 21.24 % for lnFEC, and 34.38 % for FAMACHA scores. Analyses pointed out the importance of OAR2 for PCV, OAR3 for FAMACHA scores, and OAR6 for lnFEC. The 125 kb regions surrounding the identified SNPs overlapped with seven previously reported quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for the traits analyzed in the current work. The only chromosome harboring markers associated with the three traits studied was OAR2. In agreement with the literature, two different chromosomal areas on OAR2 can play a major role in the traits studied. Gene-annotation enrichment analysis allowed us to identify a total of 34 potential candidate genes for PCV (6 genes), lnFEC (4), and FAMACHA scores (24). Annotation analysis allowed us to identify one functional term cluster with a significant enrichment score (1.302). The cluster included five genes (TRIB3, CDK4, CSNK2A1, MARK1, and SPATA5) involved in immunity-related and cell-proliferation processes. Furthermore, this research suggests that the MBL2 gene can underlie a previously reported QTL for immunoglobulin A levels on OAR22 and confirms the importance of genes involved in growth and size (such as the ADAMTS17 gene on OAR18) for GIN resistance traits. Since association studies for the ascertainment of the genetic basis of GIN resistance may be affected by genotype-environment interactions, obtaining information from local sheep populations managed in harsh environments contributes to the identification of novel genomic areas of functional importance for GIN resistance for that trait.

TUSARC: Prognostic Value of High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T Assay in Asymptomatic Patients with High Cardiovascular Risk

BACKGROUND

Prognostic value of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) assays have been assessed in selected populations in different studies and in registries of members of the general population with low cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of hs-cTnT in an asymptomatic very-high cardiovascular risk Spanish population.

METHODS

From a previous prospective cohort of the TUSARC (troponina T UltraSensible en pacientes Asintomáticos de alto Riesgo Cardiovascular) registry, follow-up was conducted in 602 patients (93.18%). The association of high hs-cTnT (≥99th percentile value) and incidence of primary event was studied. A primary event was defined as a combined major cardiovascular event (incidence of cardiovascular death, decompensated heart failure, non-fatal cerebrovascular event, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or coronary revascularization). The association between high hs-cTnT and incidence of secondary events was studied as well.

RESULTS

In patients with high hs-cTnT, the incidence of primary event during follow-up was significantly higher (18.30% vs 3.67% P < .001): heart failure (6.25% vs 0.73% P < .001), cardiovascular death (7.29% vs 0.00% P < .001), and death from any cause (7.81% vs 0.98% P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

In an asymptomatic very-high cardiovascular risk Spanish population, elevated hs-cTnT was significantly associated with incident major cardiovascular combined end point and incidence of heart failure, cardiovascular death, and death from any cause.

The C Allele of ATM rs11212617 Associates With Higher Pathological Complete Remission Rate in Breast Cancer Patients Treated With Neoadjuvant Metformin

Background: The minor allele (C) of the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs11212617, located near the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene, has been associated with an increased likelihood of treatment success with metformin in type 2 diabetes. We herein investigated whether the same SNP would predict clinical response to neoadjuvant metformin in women with early breast cancer (BC). Methods: DNA was collected from 79 patients included in the intention-to-treat population of the METTEN study, a phase 2 clinical trial of HER2-positive BC patients randomized to receive either metformin combined with anthracycline/taxane-based chemotherapy and trastuzumab or equivalent regimen without metformin, before surgery. SNP rs11212617 genotyping was assessed using allelic discrimination by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: Logistic regression analyses revealed a significant relationship between the rs11212617 genotype and the ability of treatment arms to achieve a pathological complete response (pCR) in patients (odds ratio [OR]_{genotype×arm} = 10.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29-82.89, p = 0.028). In the metformin-containing arm, patients bearing the rs11212617 C allele had a significantly higher probability of pCR (OR _A/C,C/C = 7.94, 95%CI: 1.60-39.42, p = 0.011). Conversely, no association was found between rs11212617 and clinical response in the reference arm (OR _A/C,C/C = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.20-2.92, p = 0.700). After controlling for tumor size and hormone receptor status, the rs11212617 C allele remained a significant predictor of pCR solely in the metformin-containing arm. Conclusions: If reproducible, the rs11212617 C allele might warrant consideration as a predictive clinical biomarker to inform the personalized use of metformin in BC patients. Trial Registration: EU Clinical Trials Register, EudraCT number 2011-000490-30. Registered 28 February 2011, https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2011-000490-30/ES.

A phase 2 trial of neoadjuvant metformin in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy in women with early HER2-positive breast cancer: the METTEN study

The METTEN study assessed the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of adding metformin to neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus trastuzumab in early HER2-positive breast cancer (BC). Women with primary, non-metastatic HER2-positive BC were randomized (1:1) to receive metformin (850 mg twice-daily) for 24 weeks concurrently with 12 cycles of weekly paclitaxel plus trastuzumab, followed by four cycles of 3-weekly FE75C plus trastuzumab (arm A), or equivalent regimen without metformin (arm B), followed by surgery. Primary endpoint was the rate of pathological complete response (pCR) in the per-protocol efficacy population. pCR rate was numerically higher in the metformin-containing arm A (19 of 29 patients [65.5%, 95% CI: 47.3-80.1]) than in arm B (17 of 29 patients [58.6%, 95% CI: 40.7-74.5]; OR 1.34 [95% CI: 0.46-3.89], P = 0.589). The rate of breast-conserving surgery was 79.3% and 58.6% in arm A and B (P = 0.089), respectively. Blood metformin concentrations (6.2 μmol/L, 95% CI: 3.6-8.8) were within the therapeutic range. Seventy-six percent of patients completed the metformin-containing regimen; 13% of patients in arm A dropped out because of metformin-related gastrointestinal symptoms. The most common adverse events (AEs) of grade ≥3 were neutropenia in both arms and diarrhea in arm A. None of the serious AEs was deemed to be metformin-related. Addition of anti-diabetic doses of metformin to a complex neoadjuvant regimen was well tolerated and safe. Because the study was underpowered relative to its primary endpoint, the efficacy data should be interpreted with caution.

Evaluation of the potential of ultrasound technology combined with mild temperatures to reduce cadmium content of edible crab (Cancer pagurus)

The consumption of crustaceans is correlated with certain health risks, particularly due to several highly toxic elements they contain, including cadmium (Cd). Although Cd content in one sole crab generally exceeds the total weekly recommended intake of cadmium as established by EFSA (especially in brown meat), efficient modern strategies to reduce Cd content in crabs still have not yet been developed. The objective of this research was therefore to evaluate the potential use of ultrasound technology in combination with temperature (50°-80 °C) with the purpose of releasing Cd from brown crab (Cancer pagurus), thereby reducing the Cd content in its meat. Female crabs were immersed in a water bath at 50, 65, and 80 °C in presence or absence of ultrasound; Cd concentration in the water was monitored along time. At the end of the process, Cd content in brown and white crab meat was likewise quantified. Treatment temperature did not bear an influence on the release of Cd in absence of ultrasound, but proved to be an important variable when ultrasound assisted the process. Ultrasound increased Cd release rates 8.7-, 2.1- and 2.7-fold in conjunction with the treatments at 50, 65 and 80 °C, respectively. The maximum percentage of Cd extracted (22.8%) was observed at 50 °C for an ultrasound input power of 200 W. These results have demonstrated for the first time that the application of ultrasound during the crab-cooking process could serve as an effective physical procedure for reducing the Cd content of crabs, thereby improving the product's safety for consumers.

Crab-meat-isolated psychrophilic spore forming bacteria inactivation by electron beam ionizing radiation

The present work was performed to evaluate the potential of electron beam ionizing radiation for the inactivation of three psychrophilic spore forming bacteria (Bacillus mycoides, Bacillus weihenstephanensis and Psychrobacillus psychrodurans) isolated from ready-to-eat brown crab (Cancer pagurus). Inactivation curves for the three spores were performed in both types of crab meat, brown and white. Also the effect of pH and water activity (a_w) on the lethal efficacy of ionizing radiation, for the three different psychrophilic spore forming bacteria, was evaluated. The effects of pH, a_w and their possible interactions were assessed in citrate-phosphate buffers of different pH, ranging between 7 and 4, and a_w, ranging from <0.99 to 0.80. A reduction of a_w increased the spores resistance between >0.99 and 0.90, while an a_w reduction from 0.90 to 0.80 had a minor impact on their resistance. In contrast to a_w, the effect of pH showed a greater variability depending on the spore species. While pH did not affect the resistance of B. weihenstephanensis at any a_w, B. mycoides showed slightly higher resistance at pH 5.5 at a_w of 0.90 and 0.80. pH showed a significant effect on the resistance of P. psychrodurans. For the two types of crab meat, slightly differences were observed in 6D values. B. weihenstephanensis was the most resistant, requiring 7.3-7.6 kGy to inactivate 6 Log₁₀-cycles of this spore forming bacterium, while for B. mycoides and P. psychrodurans 6.1-6.3 and 5.4-5.3 kGy respectively were necessary to reach the same inactivation level in crab meat. An agreement between spore resistance in crab meats and lab media, with similar characteristics in pH and a_w, was also observed. The results obtained in this research demonstrated the potential for ionizing radiation to achieve an appropriate inactivation level of spores naturally present in brown crab with the application of doses lower than 10 kGy.

Outcomes of single versus double hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. A GEICAM/9906 sub-study

BACKGROUND

Retrospective data suggest better outcomes for patients with double hormonal receptor (oestrogen [ER] and progesterone receptor [PgR])-positive (dHR+) early breast cancer, compared with single hormonal receptor-positive, sHR+, (ER+/PgR- or ER-/PgR+) disease. Here, we evaluate the classification according to intrinsic subtypes and clinical outcomes of sHR+ versus dHR+ in HER2-negative breast cancer patients enrolled in GEICAM/9906 study (NCT00129922).

METHODS

Archival tumours were retrieved retrospectively for the analysis of ER, PgR and HER2 status and classified into intrinsic subtypes using the PAM50 gene expression assay. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were explored using a Cox proportional hazard analysis.

RESULTS

Data on intrinsic subtypes were available in 571 (50%) patients with ER+ and/or PR+, and HER2-negative primary tumours. The incidence of luminal A and luminal B subtypes were 52%/36% in dHR+ tumours (ER+/PgR+), and 15%/58% in ER+/PgR-tumours. ER-/PgR+ tumours were mainly luminal A (52%). Compared with ER+/PgR+ patients, DFS was similar in ER-/PgR+ (hazard ratio [HR] 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57-2.34, p = 0.70) but worse in ER+/PgR- patients (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.12-2.28, p < 0.01). Similar results were observed for OS (HR 1.50, p = 0.30 and HR 1.86, p < 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The ER+/PgR- group is characterised by higher proliferation and worse outcomes. In spite of the ER-/PgR+ subgroup resembles ER+/PgR+ disease in terms of molecular subtypes and outcomes, the small number of patients in this subgroup prevents from drawing any conclusions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

EudraCT: 2005-003108-12 (retrospectively registered 28/06/2005). CLINICALTRIALS.

GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT00129922 (retrospectively registered 10/08/2005).

An assessment of the application of ultrasound in the processing of ready-to-eat whole brown crab (Cancer pagurus)

This study assesses the potential of incorporating ultrasound as a processing aid in the production of whole cooked brown crab (Cancer pagurus). The FDA recommended heat treatment to reduce Listeria monocytogenes by 6 log₁₀ cycles in this product is a F₇₀^7.5 of 2min. An equivalent F value was applied at 75°C in presence and absence of ultrasound in water alone or in water with 5% w/v NaCl added. Heat penetration, turbidity and conductivity of the cook water and also salt and moisture content of the crab meat (white and brown) were determined. Ultrasound assisted cooking allowed a reduction of the cooking time by up to 15% while still maintaining an F₇₀^7.5 of 2min. Ultrasound also enhanced the rate and total amount of compounds released from the crab, which suggests that crabs cooked in the presence of ultrasound would be expected to be cleaner. Ultrasound also proved to be effective in reducing the salt content but hardly affected the final moisture content of the crab meat.

Differential distribution of Y-chromosome haplotypes in Swiss and Southern European goat breeds

The analysis of Y-chromosome variation has provided valuable clues about the paternal history of domestic animal populations. The main goal of the current work was to characterize Y-chromosome diversity in 31 goat populations from Central Eastern (Switzerland and Romania) and Southern Europe (Spain and Italy) as well as in reference populations from Africa and the Near East. Towards this end, we have genotyped seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), mapping to the SRY, ZFY, AMELY and DDX3Y Y-linked loci, in 275 bucks from 31 populations. We have observed a low level of variability in the goat Y-chromosome, with just five haplotypes segregating in the whole set of populations. We have also found that Swiss bucks carry exclusively Y1 haplotypes (Y1A: 24%, Y1B1: 15%, Y1B2: 43% and Y1C: 18%), while in Italian and Spanish bucks Y2A is the most abundant haplotype (77%). Interestingly, in Carpathian goats from Romania the Y2A haplotype is also frequent (42%). The high Y-chromosome differentiation between Swiss and Italian/Spanish breeds might be due to the post-domestication spread of two different Near Eastern genetic stocks through the Danubian and Mediterranean corridors. Historical gene flow between Southern European and Northern African goats might have also contributed to generate such pattern of genetic differentiation.

Using root metaphors to analyze communication between nurses and patients: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Metaphors in communication can serve to convey individuals' backgrounds, contexts, experiences, and worldviews. Metaphors used in a health care setting can help achieve consensual communication in professional-patient relationships. Patients use metaphors to describe symptoms, or how disease affects them. Health professionals draw on shared understanding of such metaphors to better comprehend and meet patient needs, and to communicate information that patients can more easily integrate into their lives. This study incorporated a theoretical framework based on four worldviews, each with an underlying foundational metaphor (root metaphor). The use of these root metaphors (formism, mechanism, contextualism, and organicism) can have an explanatory function and serve to impart new meanings, as each type of metaphor can lead to a particular interpretation. The study aimed to extract and discuss the root metaphors, with a view to analyzing the communication between health professionals and patients.

METHODS

In a case study in Spain over a six-month period, we analyzed the content of recorded, transcribed interviews conducted by one nurse with 32 patients who had chronic illnesses. We inductively extracted five categories that emerged from the interviews: blood sugar, cholesterol, exercise, blood pressure, and diet. We then examined these categories from the standpoint of each of the four root metaphors using two approaches: A series (deductive) and an emergent (inductive) approach.

RESULTS

The results show that the nurse tended to primarily use two worldviews: mechanism and formism. In contrast, patients tended to favor mechanism when discussing cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, whereas contextualism was predominant when the category was diet or exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

This study adds to the existing literature on health professionals and patients' communication. It shows how the use of Pepper's root metaphors help to analyze the communication between the nurse and patients. Furthermore, it shows they are both using different root metaphors when they are talking about illness and treatments especially regarding blood sugar, cholesterol, exercise, blood pressure, and diet. Further qualitative and quantitative studies are needed to solidly these findings.

Morphological assessment of the Zebu Bororo (Wodaabé) cattle of Niger in the West African zebu framework

Abstract. A total of 357 adult cows and 29 sires belonging to the long-horned Niger Zebu Bororo cattle population were assessed for 13 body measurements and 11 qualitative traits. Data were jointly analysed with 311 cows and 64 sires belonging to other four West African zebu cattle populations, sampled in Burkina Faso and Benin, representative of both the short-horned and the long-horned West African zebu groups using multivariate statistical methods. Besides the other long-horned zebu breed analysed (Zebu Mbororo of Burkina Faso), Zebu Bororo cattle tended to have the highest mean values for all body measurements. Mahalanobis distance matrices further informed that pairs involving Zebu Bororo cattle had the higher differentiation of the dataset. However, contour plots constructed using eigenvalues computed via principal component analysis (PCA) illustrated a lack of differentiation among West African zebu cattle populations at the body measurements level. Correspondence analysis carried out on the 11 qualitative traits recorded allowed for ascertaining a clear differentiation between the Zebu Bororo and the other zebu cattle populations analysed which, in turn, did not show a clear differentiation at the qualitative type traits level. In our data, Zebu Bororo cattle had in high frequency qualitative features such as dropped ears, lyre-shaped horns and red-pied coat colour that are not frequently present in the other West African zebu populations analysed. A directional selection due to a rough consensus of the stock-keepers may be hypothesised. Performance of further analyses to assess the degree in which such breeding differences may be related to genetic or production differences are advised.

Nab-Paclitaxel in Metastatic Breast Cancer: Defining the Best Patient Profile

Around 40% of patients with breast cancer will present with a recurrence of the disease. Chemotherapy is recommended for patients with recurrent hormone-independent or hormone-refractory breast cancer and almost all patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) receive chemotherapy during their medical history. Nanoparticle albuminbound (nab)-paclitaxel is a solvent-free, 130-nanometer particle formulation of paclitaxel. Nab-paclitaxel can be administered to all patients for whom the treatment choice is a taxane. In this review, 6 patient profiles for which nabpaclitaxel may be particularly useful are described and analyzed: (i) as first-line treatment of MBC, (ii) as second-line treatment of MBC after oral chemotherapy, (iii) after a standard taxane, (iv) as third-line treatment after a standard taxane and oral chemotherapy, (v) for patients with HER2-positive MBC and (vi) for patients with intolerance to standard taxanes. Nab-paclitaxel is a rational treatment choice for patients with MBC in different settings, as well as for those with prior exposure to a standard taxane.

New Insights on Mt. Etna's Crust and Relationship with the Regional Tectonic Framework from Joint Active and Passive P-Wave Seismic Tomography

In the Central Mediterranean region, the production of chemically diverse volcanic products (e.g., those from Mt. Etna and the Aeolian Islands archipelago) testifies to the complexity of the tectonic and geodynamic setting. Despite the large number of studies that have focused on this area, the relationships among volcanism, tectonics, magma ascent, and geodynamic processes remain poorly understood. We present a tomographic inversion of P-wave velocity using active and passive sources. Seismic signals were recorded using both temporary on-land and ocean bottom seismometers and data from a permanent local seismic network consisting of 267 seismic stations. Active seismic signals were generated using air gun shots mounted on the Spanish Oceanographic Vessel 'Sarmiento de Gamboa'. Passive seismic sources were obtained from 452 local earthquakes recorded over a 4-month period. In total, 184,797 active P-phase and 11,802 passive P-phase first arrivals were inverted to provide three different velocity models. Our results include the first crustal seismic active tomography for the northern Sicily area, including the Peloritan-southern Calabria region and both the Mt. Etna and Aeolian volcanic environments. The tomographic images provide a detailed and complete regional seismotectonic framework and highlight a spatially heterogeneous tectonic regime, which is consistent with and extends the findings of previous models. One of our most significant results was a tomographic map extending to 14 km depth showing a discontinuity striking roughly NW-SE, extending from the Gulf of Patti to the Ionian Sea, south-east of Capo Taormina, corresponding to the Aeolian-Tindari-Letojanni fault system, a regional deformation belt. Moreover, for the first time, we observed a high-velocity anomaly located in the south-eastern sector of the Mt. Etna region, offshore of the Timpe area, which is compatible with the plumbing system of an ancient shield volcano located offshore of Mt. Etna.

Differences in genetic structure assessed using Y-chromosome and mitochondrial DNA markers do not shape the contributions to diversity in African sires

Up to 173 African sires belonging to 11 different subpopulations representative of four cattle groups were analysed for six Y-specific microsatellite loci and a mitochondrial DNA fragment. Differences in Y-chromosome and mtDNA haplotype structuring were assessed. In addition, the effect of such structuring on contributions to total genetic diversity was assessed. Thirty-five Y-chromosome and 71 mtDNA haplotypes were identified. Most Y-chromosomes analysed (73.4%) were of zebu origin (11 haplotypes). Twenty-two Y-haplotypes (44 samples) belonged to the African taurine subfamily Y2a. All mtDNA haplotypes belonged to the "African" taurine T1 haplogroup with 16 samples and nine haplotypes belonging to a recently identified subhaplogroup (T1e). Median-joining networks showed that Y-chromosome phylogenies were highly reticulated with clear separation between zebu and taurine clusters. Mitochondrial haplotypes showed a clear star-like shape with small number of mutations separating haplotypes. Mitochondrial-based F_ST -statistics computed between cattle groups tended to be statistically non-significant (p > .05). Most F_ST values computed among groups and subpopulations using Y-chromosome markers were statistically significant. AMOVA confirmed that divergence between cattle groups was only significant for Y-chromosome markers (Φ_CT  = 0.209). At the mitochondrial level, African sires resembled an undifferentiated population with individuals explaining 94.3% of the total variance. Whatever the markers considered, the highest contributions to total Nei's gene diversity and allelic richness were found in West African cattle. Genetic structuring had no effect on patterns of contributions to diversity.

Influence of Coastal Upwelling on SST Trends along the South Coast of Java

The south coast of Java has warmed at a much lower rate than adjacent ocean locations over the last three decades (1982-2015). This behavior can be observed during the upwelling season (July-October) and it is especially patent in August and September when upwelling attains the highest values. Although different warming rates (ocean-coast) had been previously observed in other areas around the world, this behavior was always linked to situations where upwelling increased or remained unchanged. South Java warming is observed at ocean locations and cooling near shore but under a scenario of decreasing upwelling (~30% in some cases). The origin of coastal cooling is due to changes in the vertical structure of the water column. A vein of subsurface water, which has cooled at a rate higher than 0.3°C per decade, is observed to enter from the northwestern part of the study area following the South Java Current. This water only manifests at surface near coast, where it is pumped up by coastal upwelling.

Assessing performance of single-sample molecular genetic methods to estimate effective population size: empirical evidence from the endangered Gochu Asturcelta pig breed

Estimating effective population size (N_e) using linkage disequilibrium (LD) information (N_e(LD)) has the operational advantage of using a single sample. However, N_e(LD) estimates assume discrete generations and its performance are constrained by demographic issues. However, such concerns have received little empirical attention so far. The pedigree of the endangered Gochu Asturcelta pig breed includes individuals classified into discrete filial generations and individuals with generations overlap. Up to 780 individuals were typed with a set of 17 microsatellites. Performance of N_e(LD) was compared with N_e estimates obtained using genealogical information, molecular coancestry (N_e(M)) and a temporal (two‐sample) method (N_e(JR)). Molecular‐based estimates of N_e exceeded those obtained using pedigree data. Estimates of N_e(LD) for filial generations F3 and F4 (17.0 and 17.3, respectively) were lower and steadier than those obtained using yearly or biannual samplings. N_e(LD) estimated for samples including generations overlap could only be compared with those obtained for the discrete filial generations when sampling span approached a generation interval and demographic correction for bias was applied. Single‐sample N_e(M) estimates were lower than their N_e(LD) counterparts. N_e(M) estimates are likely to partially reflect the number of founders rather than population size. In any case, estimates of LD and molecular coancestry tend to covary and, therefore, N_e(M) and N_e(LD) can hardly be considered independent. Demographically adjusted estimates of N_e(JR) and N_e(LD) took comparable values when: (1) the two samples used for the former were separated by one equivalent to discrete generations in the pedigree and (2) sampling span used for the latter approached a generation interval. Overall, the empirical evidence given in this study suggested that the advantage of using single‐sample methods to obtain molecular‐based estimates of N_e is not clear in operational terms. Estimates of N_e obtained using methods based in molecular information should be interpreted with caution.