Symmetries of Quadrupole-Collective Vibrational Motion in Transitional Even-Even 124−134Xenon Nuclei

Projectile-Coulomb excitation of Xe isotopes has been performed at ANL using the Gammasphere array for the detection of γ-rays. The one-quadrupole phonon 2+ 1,ms mixed-symmetry state (MSS) has been traced in the stable N=80 isotones down to 134Xe. First, the data on absolute E2 andM1 transition rates quantify the amount of F-spin symmetry in these nuclei and provide a new local measure for the pn-QQ interaction. Second, the evolution of the 2+ 1,ms state has been studied along the sequence of stable even-even 124−134Xe isotopes that are considered to form a shape transition path from vibrational nuclei with vibrational U(5) symmetry near N=82 to γ-softly deformed shapes with almost O(6) symmetry. Third, our data on more than 50 absolute E2 transition rates between off-yrast low-spin states of 124,126Xe enable us to quantitatively test O(6) symmetry in these nuclei. As a result we find that O(6) symmetry is more strongly broken in the A=130 mass region than previously thought. The data will be discussed

Autonomy and forage grasses in goat farming of western France First results of a sociological survey

International audienceOur communication is based on the results of a multidisciplinary research (PSDR FLECHE-Fromages et Laits issus d'Élevages de Chèvres conduites avec de l'Herbe-2016-2020) which aims to study the potential of grass valorization in goat systems, with the dual objective of strengthening the economic resilience of farms and the social image of the dairy goat sector of Western France. The latter currently represent almost half of the national goat population and 58% of the milk supplied in France. The sociological aspect of the research concerns the representations, value systems, interests and constraint systems (technical, economic, etc.) that guide the practices of all the actors in the sector: farmers, upstream and downstream actors. The objective of this approach is to analyse, at all levels of the value chain, the incentives and obstacles to a possible transition to more grassy feeding systems. Based on 76 semi-directive interviews, this paper presents the first results of this survey by showing how contextual elements (socio-economic, professional, etc.) impact farmers' choices of practices. While, in principle, the whole goat sector seems to be converging towards an agro-ecological transition that ensures its sustainability, in practice, each of its actors is confronted with a system of constraints that limit actual developments. The articulation of these obstacles seems to lead to a kind of inertia, which prevents the adoption of practices that are nevertheless perceived as recommendable by most actors. Autonomie et fourrages herbagers dans les élevages caprins de l'Ouest de la France. Premiers résultats d'une enquête sociologique. Résumé. Notre communication s'inscrit dans le cadre d'une recherche pluridisciplinaire (Programme PSDR-FLECHE-Fromages et Laits issus d'Élevages de Chèvres conduites avec de l'Herbe-2016-2020) qui vise à étudier le potentiel de valorisation de l'herbe dans les systèmes caprins, dans le double objectif de renforcer la résilience économique des exploitations et l'image sociale des filières caprines laitières de l'Ouest de la France. Ces dernières représentent actuellement près de la moitié de l'effectif national de chèvres et 58% du lait livré en France. Le volet sociologique de la recherche porte sur les représentations, les systèmes de valeurs, les intérêts et les systèmes de contraintes (techniques, économiques, etc.) qui orientent les pratiques de l'ensemble des acteurs de la filière : éleveurs, acteurs de l'amont et de l'aval. L'objectif de cette démarche est d'analyser, à tous les niveaux de la filière, les incitations et les freins à une éventuelle transition vers des systèmes alimentaires plus herbagers. A partir de 76 entretiens semi-directifs, ce papier présente les premiers résultats de cette enquête en montrant, notamment, comment les éléments contextuels (socio-économiques, professionnels, etc.) impactent les choix des pratiques des exploitants agricoles. Si, en principe, l'ensemble de la filière caprine semble converger vers une transition agroécologique qui en assure la durabilité, dans la pratique, chacun de ses acteurs est confronté à un univers de contraintes qui limitent les évolutions effectives. L'articulation des freins relevant des différents maillons de la filière, semble ainsi déboucher sur une sorte d'inertie, qui empêche l'adoption de pratiques pourtant perçues comme souhaitables par la plupart des acteurs. Mots-clés. Autonomie-fourrages herbagers-caprins-sociologie

The Changing Landscape of Systemic Treatment for Cervical Cancer: Rationale for Inhibition of the TGF-β and PD-L1 Pathways

Cervical cancer; Tumor microenvironmentCáncer de cuello uterino; Microambiente tumoralCàncer de coll uterí; Microambient tumoralCervical cancer is one of the most common and lethal cancers among women worldwide. Treatment options are limited in patients with persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer, with 5 years. Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been implicated in almost all cases of cervical cancer. HPV infection not only causes normal cervical cells to transform into cancer cells, but also creates an immunosuppressive environment for cancer cells to evade the immune system. Recent clinical trials of drugs targeting the PD-(L)1 pathway have demonstrated improvement in overall survival in patients with cervical cancer, but only 20% to 30% of patients show overall survival benefit beyond 2 years, and resistance to these treatments remains common. Therefore, novel treatment strategies targeting HPV infection–associated factors are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. Bintrafusp alfa is a first-in-class bifunctional fusion protein composed of the extracellular domain of the TGF-βRII receptor (a TGF-β “trap”) fused to a human immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody that blocks PD-L1. Early clinical trials of bintrafusp alfa have shown promising results in patients with advanced cervical cancer.This work was funded by Merck (CrossRef Funder ID: 10.13039/100009945) and was previously part of an alliance between Merck and GlaxoSmithKline

Factors of interrupting chemotherapy in patients with Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Little is known about prognosis of metastatic patients after receiving a first-line treatment and failure. Our group already showed in pre-treated patients enrolled in phase I clinical trials that a performance status (PS) > 2 and an LDH > 600 UI/L were independent prognostic factors. In this prospective study, which included 45 patients, we identified clinical and biological variables as outcome predictors in metastatic Non-Small Cell lung cancer after first line chemotherapy were identified.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>Forty-five patients that were previously treated for metastatic disease from 12/2000 to 11/2005 in the comprehensive cancer centre (Centre Léon Bérard). Clinical assessment and blood parameters were recorded and considered. Patient prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) with a 0.05-significance level in univariate analysis were entered in a multivariate Cox model for further analysis.</p> <p>Patients' median age was 58.5 years (range: 37 - 76). Sixty two percent of the patients were PS = 0 or 1. After inclusion, nine patients received second-line (22.5%), and two received third-line chemotherapy (5%). Univariate analysis showed that the factors associated with reduced OS were: PS > 2, weight loss >10%, more than one line of chemotherapy treatment and abnormal blood parameters (hemoglobin (Hb), platelet and neutrophils counts). Multiple regression analysis confirmed that PS > 2 and abnormal hemoglobin were independent predictors for low overall survival. According to the presence of none (33%), 1 (37%) and 2 (30%) prognostic factors, median OS were 12, 5 and 2 months respectively.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>From this prospective study, both PS and anemia were found as independent determinants of survival, we found that both PS and anemia were independent determinants of survival. The combination of poor PS and anemia is an effective strategy to predict survival in the case of patients with metastatic NSCLC receiving further treatment after the first line.</p

Anterolateral ligament reconstruction does not delay functional recovery, rehabilitation, and return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A matched-pair analysis from the SANTI (Scientific ACL Network International) Study Group

Purpose: To determine whether the addition of an anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) resulted in delayed functional recovery (based on the Knee Santy Athletic Return to Sport [K-STARTS] score) at 6 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from consecutive pa- tients who underwent an ACLR between September 2017 and December 2020 was conducted. Patients who received an isolated hamstring autograft (isolated ACLR group) were propensity matched in a 1:1 ratio to patients who received a hamstring autograft ACLR combined with an ALLR (ACLR-ALLR group). Outcome measures included the Tegner Activity Scale and the K-STARTS testda validated composite return-to-sports test (including the Anterior Cruciate LigamenteReturn to Sport After Injury scale, Qualitative Assessment of Single-Leg Landing tool, limb symmetry index, and ability to change direction using the Modified Illinois Change of Direction Test). Results: The study included 111 matched pairs. At 6 months postoperatively, there were no significant differences between groups in the overall K-STARTS score (65.4 for isolated ACLR vs 61.2 for ACLR-ALLR, P 1⁄4 .087) or the Tegner Activity Scale score (3.7 for isolated ACLR vs 3.8 for ACLR-ALLR, P 1⁄4 .45). In addition, an evaluation of the subscales of the K-STARTS score revealed no disadvantage across the domains of neuromuscular control, limb symmetry index, agility, or psychological readiness to return to sport when an ALLR was performed. Conclusions: The addition of ALLR at the time of ACLR does not delay functional recovery. Spe- cifically, at 6 months postoperatively, there was no disadvantage in patients undergoing ALLR-ACLR, when compared with those undergoing isolated ACLR, with respect to neuromuscular control, limb symmetry indices (hop tests), agility, or psychological readiness to return to sport