Purpose Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are activated macrophages associated with tumor progression in various cancers. TAMs can polarize M1 or M2 type. M1 has a pro-inflammatory function and kills pathogens. Conversely, M2 shows immunosuppressive action and promotes tumor growth. There are various markers of TAMs. CD11c is considered as a specific marker of M1. CD163 is an optimal marker for M2. CD68 is known as a pan-macrophage marker. We evaluated the relationship between the clinicopathological parameters and immunohistochemical expressions of CD11c, CD163, and CD68 in invasive breast cancer (IBC), and the prognostic value of macrophage localization within the tumor stroma (TS) and tumor nest (TN). Methods Immunohistochemistry of CD68, CD11c, and CD163 was analyzed on tissue microarrays of 367 IBCs. The number of CD68+, CD11c+, or CD163+ macrophages in TN vs. TS was counted by 2 pathologists. The correlations between the degree of macrophage (CD68+, CD11c+, or CD163+) infiltration and the clinicopathological parameters were analyzed. We also assessed the impact of macrophages (CD68+, CD11c+, or CD163+) on disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Results High numbers of macrophages (CD68+, CD11c+, or CD163+) were associated with higher histologic grade, higher Ki-67 proliferating index, estrogen receptor negativity, and progesterone receptor negativity. High numbers of macrophages (CD11c+ or CD163+) in TS were associated with a larger tumor size. Furthermore, CD163+ macrophages in TN were an independent prognostic marker of reduced OS and DFS. Conversely, CD11c+ macrophages in TS were an independent prognostic marker for higher OS and DFS. Conclusion TAMs, including M2 type, are associated with tumor progression in IBC. They can also act as a significant unfavorable or favorable prognostic factor. In addition to simply analyzing the degree of TAM infiltration, it is also important to analyze the location of TAMs.

The influence of Bi modification of Pt anode catalyst on the performance of direct formic acid fuel cells was investigated. Compared with the unmodified Pt anode, the Bi modified Pt (PtBi(m)) electrode prepared by under-potential deposition (UPD) caused faster electrocatalytic oxidation of formic acid at the same value of the overpotential, and thus, PtBi(m) resulted in an increase in the power performance of direct formic acid fuel cells. Electrochemical impedance spectra helped to explain the difference of performance between the unmodified Pt and Bi modified Pt electrodes. Solution conductivity and dehydration phenomena occurring in highly concentrated formic acid solutions can also explain the higher power performance of PtBi(m).

IBC with NE differentiation is a distinct subtype of mammary carcinoma with an aggressive clinical outcome.

PURPOSE The addition of ovarian function suppression (OFS) for 5 years to tamoxifen (TAM) for treatment of premenopausal patients with breast cancer after completion of chemotherapy has beneficial effects on disease-free survival (DFS). This study evaluated the efficacy of adding 2 years of OFS to TAM in patients with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer who remain in a premenopausal state or resume ovarian function after chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS We enrolled 1,483 premenopausal women (age ≤ 45 years) with estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer treated with definitive surgery after completing adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Ovarian function was assessed every 6 months for 2 years since enrollment on the basis of follicular-stimulating hormone levels and vaginal bleeding history. If ovarian function was confirmed to be premenopausal at each visit, the patient was randomly assigned to complete 5 years of TAM alone (TAM-only) group or 5 years of TAM with OFS for 2 years that involved monthly goserelin administration (TAM + OFS) group. DFS was defined from the time of enrollment to the time of the first event. RESULTS A total of 1,293 patients were randomly assigned, and 1,282 patients were eligible for analysis. The estimated 5-year DFS rate was 91.1% in the TAM + OFS group and 87.5% in the TAM-only group (hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.48 to 0.97; P = .033). The estimated 5-year overall survival rate was 99.4% in the TAM + OFS group and 97.8% in the TAM-only group (hazard ratio, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.94; P = .029). CONCLUSION The addition of 2 years of OFS to TAM significantly improved DFS compared with TAM alone in patients who remained premenopausal or resumed ovarian function after chemotherapy.