NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
L’œstrogène : un rôle potentiel dans la modulation de l’activation pro-inflammatoire des cellules endothéliales vasculaires par la voie du Toll-Like Receptor 2

Evidence supports the contribution of immune responses in atherosclerosis development in part by alterations in the endothelium activation status and by the recruitment of inflammatory cells triggered by cardiovascular risk factors. These alterations are the principal cause of endothelial dysfunction defined as the key step contributing to the development of atherosclerosis. Via the transcription of genes related to inflammation, the Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2) is involved in endothelial cell activation. It generally recognizes microbial molecules but also non-infectious endogenous factors such as those secreted by damaged tissues from the endothelial dysfunction. Thus, activation and signalization of the TLR2 are closely linked with the development of atherosclerosis. Epidemiological studies have confirmed the atheroprotective role of estrogen through multiple mechanisms of action. Thus, to better interpret the potential benefits of estrogen on the cardiovascular system, we sought to identify new molecular targets such as TLR2 regulation. For the first time in mouse vascular endothelial cells (EC), our results have confirmed the anti-inflammatory effect of estrogen via the decreased expression and activity of TLR2. We also determined the influence of estrogen on the profile of the inflammatory response triggered through this receptor by measuring endothelial migration and adhesion potentials. Furthermore, we demonstrated the interaction between estrogen and TLR2 signalling pathways with a negative influence of estrogen on the phosphorylation level of kinases activated by this receptor. Thus, our study brings new insights into the endothelial regulation of TLR2 and highlights rapid anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects from estrogen.

Keyphrases: Inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, Toll-like receptor-2, endothelial cells, estrogen, cellular signalling
Rôle et localisation intraspinale du récepteur B1 des kinines dans la douleur neuropathique

The kinin B1 receptor (B1R) plays an important role in inflammation and nociception. B1R binding sites are increased in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in rats after partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL). In this classic model of neuropathic pain, acute treatment with selective B1R antagonists reversed thermal hyperalgesia but not allodynia. This study aims at determining in this model of PSNL: 1- the acute and chronic effects of B1R antagonists on thermal hyperalgesia and tactile and cold allodynia; 2- the contribution of TRPV1 and the oxidative stress in the component of neuropathic pain associated to B1R; 3 - the expression of B1R in the lumbar spinal cord, the DRG and the sciatic nerve by quantitative RT-PCR (Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction); 4 - the cellular localization of B1R in the lumbar spinal cord by confocal microscopy. Thermal hyperalgesia and tactile and cold allodynia were measured by the reflex withdrawal of the hindpaw after application to the plantar surface of a radiant heat source (Hargreaves method), Von Frey filaments and a drop of acetone that produces a sensation of cold by evaporation. We have shown, firstly, that the thermal hyperalgesia and tactile and cold allodynia are reversed by chronic treatment with the B1R antagonist, SSR240612, administered by gavage at a dose of 10 mg/ kg / day from day 15 to day 20 after sciatic nerve ligation and with antioxidant treatment, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, administered by gavage at a dose of 1g /kg/ day, four days before ligation and for two weeks after ligation. Acute treatment with SSR240612 (10 mg/kg) or with the B1R antagonist R-954 (2 mg/kg, s.c.) which does not pass the blood-brain barrier blocked thermal hyperalgesia only.

Keyphrases: TRPV1, Allodynia, Kinin, Neuropathic pain, Oxidative stress, Partial sciatic nerve ligation, Spinal cord, Thermal hyperalgesia, TRPV1
Désir d'enfant, procréation médicalement assistée et adoption : réflexion sur la définition des liens de parenté

The social context surrounding reproduction and the desire for children in the West has undergone a profound transformation in recent decades. Following the introduction of contraception and the increase in the number of children born out of wedlock, the development of new reproductive technologies and adoption, particularly international adoption, has in turn contributed to transforming the frameworks surrounding kinship and the formation of families.  Based on the testimonials of Québec couples whose successive failures in medically assisted procreation (MAP) have led them to the decision to adopt, this thesis examines the multiple dimensions involved in this type of trajectory. Socially, both AR and adoption require the intervention of a third party to establish and legitimize filiation: the medical profession in the case of AR, and  legal and government authorities in the case of adoption. Both phenomena also put into play situations and issues that are highly revealing of values and collective representations regarding kinship and the family. At first glance, the type of path studied seems to illustrate a transition between two completely separate spheres: that of nature and biology embodied by AR, and that of culture and social relations embodied by adoption. However, the study of the participants’ trajectories reveals a much more complex situation in which a set of explanations and factors related to the desire for children, the family, and parenthood intertwine and make sense only when viewed in the context of the major social and ideological trends that our society is undergoing. More generally, the analyses proposed in this thesis contribute to the development of an anthropology of kinship that accounts for the dynamics and tensions that affect the modern family.

Keyphrases: Adoption, Filiation, Reproduction, Anthropology of kinship, Assisted Reproduction, Parenting, Infertility, Family
Towards a communicative understanding of organizational change : Koumbit's change process

Although organizational change is part of our daily experience of organizations and the literature that explores it is vast, we have limited knowledge of the ways change is actually accomplished (Tsoukas & Chia, 2002; Chia, 1999). I suggest that the key to answering this question can be found in communication. However, extant conceptualizations of change fail to account for the role that communication plays in the production of organizational change. Hence, the main goal of this dissertation is to describe how organizational change takes place in communication, that is, how organizational change is interactionally brought about.  The understanding of organizational change I develop in this research conceives of communication as a process in which realities are interactively created, negotiated and changed. This conceptualization of communication is grounded in a plurified view of interactions (Cooren, Fox, Robichaud & Talih, 2005; Cooren, 2010) that acknowledges the contribution of beings of diverse ontologies (e.g., computers, bylaws, principles, emotions, rules, etc.) to action.  Mobilizing this view of communication I studied the changes that were taking place in Koumbit, a Montreal based non-profit organization in the field of information technology. Data were collected by means of observation, interviews and archival research.  The findings of this study show that organizational change is an incremental process, that takes place one interaction at the time, where a difference is created in the state of affairs by composing and recomposing sets of associations. While accomplished in the here and now, interactions account for what happened in the past and have a bearing for what will happen in the future. In turn, this study suggests that from a communication viewpoint, the mechanisms through which organizational change is accomplished are not very different from those that produce organizing.

Keyphrases: Organizational change, Organizational communication, Translation, Staging practices, Text and conversation theory, Interaction analysis
La fiction est-elle un outil adapté pour transmettre l’Évangile? : réflexion à partir de ma pratique d’auteure

The objective of this dissertation is to analyze a praxis, mine, using praxeology techniques, in an attempt at reaffirming the validity of my work as an author serving faith. As a matter of fact, the writing of Saffia, femme de Smyrne, which started after about fifteen years of an active professional life as a writer, lead me to believe that this historical novel and its presentation are tools adapted for the transmission of the Gospel.   My research begins with a general presentation of the work of fiction, Saffia, femme de Smyrne, as well as the ensuing conferences. I then put into words the observation of the secondary discourse composed of readers’ opinions or impressions. My interpretation and/or hypothesis arise from my problematisation defined by the praxeological question Why do I do what I do and through the five development functions. The part relating to the transmission of the Gospel is evaluated through readings in theology which highlight the studies of authors such as Jean-Guy Nadeau, Pierre Vadeboncœur, and Norbert Greinacher, while that referring to the social sciences is studied using works of specialists such as Gérard Delteil, Régis Debray, Félix Moser and Antoine Compagnon.  Supported by these different studies, I am in a better position to define what fiction can bring to the transmission of the Gospel based on studies of fiction in theology by authors such as Paul Ricœur and Joseph Moingt. I conclude with a reflection on the transmission method of Saffia, femme de Smyrne and, I hope, with an explanation, namely, of why I continue using fiction to transmit the Gospel.  A short story makes it possible for me to apply my study and, thereby, to open my reflection in a praxis.

Keyphrases: Fiction, Parabole, Dire Dieu, Transmission, Inclusion, Femme, Historical novel, Gospel, Fiction, Parable, Say God, Women
RNA recurrent motifs : identification and characterization

Although determination of the ribosome tertiary structure has been an outstanding step towards elucidation of the mechanism of protein synthesis, the complexity of this structure does not provide an easy answer of how this large molecular complex works. In order to understand the nature of structure-function relationships in the ribosome, the ribosome structure itself should be subjected to thorough analysis. In the last years, we undertook systematic efforts toward identification and characterization of all recurrent structural motifs existing in the ribosomal RNA and in other RNA-containing molecules.  The analysis of many instances of helix-helix packing in the ribosome structure allowed us to identify a new structural motif which we called “G-ribo”. In this motif, an interaction of the sugar edge of a guanosine in one helix with the ribose of a nucleotide from another helix was found to be at the origin of a complex network of concomitant inter-nucleotide interactions. In total, the G-ribo motif was found at eight locations within the ribosomal RNA. A surprising feature of this motif consists in its ability to favor the formation of pseudoknots of a particular type. In the ribosome structure, there are four pseudoknots whose formation is mediated by the G-ribo motif.  Systematic analysis of the ribosome as well as the RNAseP crystal structures allowed for the identification of a new RNA motif, which we called “DTJ”, or Double-Twist Joint motif. This motif is made of three short RNA double helices, which stack one on top of another. In the contact zone of each pair of helices two consecutive base pairs are over-twisted compared to the regular helical twist of 32° of A-RNA. One nucleotide of the base pair is always directly connected to the one nucleotide of the over-twisted base pair, while the opposite nucleotides of these base pairs are connected with one or several unpaired nucleotides. Introduction of the helical over-twist between two consecutive base pairs breaks the inter-nucleotide stacking and destabilizes the RNA double helix. In the DTJ, the unpaired nucleotides that connect the two over-twisted base pairs interact with one of the three motif-forming helices, providing an elegant strategy for the stabilization of the whole arrangement. To determine the nucleotide sequence constraints imposed on the structure of recurrent RNA motifs in the functional ribosome we developed a new approach consisting in the selection of functional ribosomes from a combinatorial gene library in which certain nucleotides of the rRNA gene corresponding to a particular motif were randomized. Comparison of the constraints determined for different examples of the same motif allowed us to distinguish between constraints responsible for the integrity of the motif and for its interaction with surrounding elements, including ribosomal proteins.  The work significantly improves our understanding of the principles of RNA structure formation and opens a new way to identify and characterize RNA motifs.

Keyphrases: RNA structure, G-ribo, Ribosome, In vivo selection, Selection in vivo
Évaluation de l’effet clinique de la durée d’entreposage des culots érythrocytaires chez les enfants admis aux soins intensifs

Transfusion is a common treatment in pediatric intensive care units. Studies in adults suggest that prolonged storage of red blood cell units is associated with worse clinical outcome. No prospective study has been conducted in children. Our objectives were to assess the clinical impact of the length of storage of red blood cell units on clinical outcome in critically ill children. We conducted a prospective, observational study in 30 North American centers, in consecutive patients aged <18 years with a stay ≥48 hours in a pediatric intensive care unit. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome after transfusion. The secondary outcomes were 28-day mortality and pediatric intensive care unit length of stay. Odds ratios were adjusted for gender, age, number of organ dysfunctions at admission, total number of transfusions, and total dose of transfusion, using a multiple logistic regression model. Our study showed that for patients receiving blood stored ≥14 days, the adjusted odds ratio for an increased incidence of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome was 1.87 (95% CI 1.04;3.27, p=0.03). There was also a significant difference in the total pediatric intensive care unit length of stay (adjusted median difference +3.7 days, p<0.001) but no significant change in mortality. In critically ill children, transfusion of red blood cell units stored for ≥14 days is independently associated with an increased occurrence of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and prolonged PICU stay.

Keyphrases: Transfusions, Transfusions, Intensive care, Child, Morbidity, Mortality, Multi-organ deficiency
Les variations géographiques de la mortalité par cancer au Québec en relation avec l’incidence et la létalité, 2000-2004

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Québec. However, mortality rates vary significantly throughout Quebec’s regions. Using the CSSS (Centre de santé et de services sociaux) territories as a base of comparison, the present thesis will study the regional distribution of mortality rates amongst the territories with the highest cancer rates, identify those territories that have a significant variation from the overall cancer rate of the province, and investigate the relation between incidence rates and lethality.  Moreover, to help explain variations in mortality rates, a regression analysis was undertaken using socioeconomic variables of each territory. The analysis demonstrated that territorial disparity was the greatest for lung cancer. As for colorectal cancer, only one territory showed a rate different with that of Quebec as a whole. For prostate and breast cancer no variations were identified. Lung cancer mortality rates were found to be strongly correlated with incidence rates, but that wasn’t the case for the other cancers (colorectal, breast and prostate). Further, the analysis of the socio-economic variables in the regression model did no present any convincing results. The need for longitudinal data to study mortality rates by cancer and its associated factors is deemed to be a major issue.

Keyphrases: Cancer, Incidence, Mortality, Cancer, Regional variations, Incidence, Lethality
Étude de l'EEG quantifié en éveil et en sommeil chez des adolescents présentant un trouble anxieux

Anxiety disorders are among the most diagnosed psychiatric disorders in the adolescent population. These disorders are often accompanied by different comorbidities, such as sleep problems. The main objective of this thesis is to characterize the cortical activity during wake and sleep, using quantified EEG, in a population of adolescents presenting an anxiety disorder, and to compare these results to those of a control group of adolescents. Secondly, we wish to verify if the EEG activity of the anxious participants correlates with different clinical measures.   Two different studies are conducted in order to attain our objectives, the first one being on the EEG activity during wake, and the second being on the EEG activity during sleep (slow wave sleep and rapid eye movement sleep). The first study reveals that the EEG activity from both groups does not differ in the evening. However, in the morning, anxious participants display an increased activity on central electrodes (0.75-10 Hz and 13-20 Hz), and on occipital electrodes (2.5-7.75 Hz). In the second study, we demonstrate that anxious participants show an increased absolute EEG activity on central electrodes: in slow wave sleep (stages 3 and 4), it is found on all frequency bands, in stage 2, it is found on the theta, alpha and beta frequency bands. Finally, in rapid eye movement sleep, the differences are only in alpha and beta, and not in theta and delta. These data suggest the impairment of thalamo-cortical gating mechanisms in adolescents with anxiety disorders, leading to CNS hyperarousal.   As for the correlations between the EEG activity and the clinical measures, the results from our studies reveal that the slow frequencies (theta and delta) of morning wake EEG correlate with both trait and state anxiety, while fast frequencies (alpha and beta) from the sleep EEG correlate specifically with state anxiety. Thus, there appears to be an association between EEG activity and clinical measures. An increased EEG activity could be an indicator of the severity of the anxious symptoms.

Keyphrases: Adolescents, Adolescents, anxiety disorders, electroencephalography, sleep, hyperarousal of central nervous system
Impact différentiel des types de modelage et des styles d’orientation des buts sur des indices cognitifs, affectifs et comportementaux liés à l’expérience d’apprentissage

This experimental study investigates simultaneously the independent and interactive effect of two types of modeling and three goal orientations on a series of training outcomes (cognitive, affective, and behavioural). 275 trainees enrolled in a corporate training program have participated to this study. Trainees were randomly distributed in two different conditions showing either a positive or a mixed model display. Participant’s goal orientation (learning, proving, avoiding) were measured prior to experimentation using the Goal Orientation Scale developed by VandeWalle (1997). Regarding cognitive outcomes, results show that trainees who were avoidance oriented, perceived more positively the utility of the training content when exposed to a positive model display. Concerning affective outcomes, results show that trainees who were performance oriented, perceived a higher level of self-efficacy following training when exposed to a positive model display. In the case of behavior reproduction, results show that trainees, who were learning mastery oriented, were more likely to reproduce behaviours subjects to training better when exposed to a mixed model display. Theoretical and practical implications for future behavior modeling training research are discussed.

Keyphrases: attitude envers la formation, goal orientation, attitudes related to training, self-efficacy, behavioral reproduction
Le chez-soi et la construction des identités géographiques individuelles : habiter en communauté fermée à São Paulo (Brésil)

This thesis proposes to study the relationship between the home and the formation of geographic identities. More precisely, it aims understanding the role of this intimate and familiar place in the part of human identity that is defined through the individual’s interaction with places, territories and landscapes. This question appears particularly relevant in the present urban context, largely characterised by socio-spatial fragmentation and the proliferation of residential enclaves, which express a confinement of the home environment. We approach this question through the case of the AlphaVille São Paulo project (Brazil), a large residential development composed of various gated communities. The semi-directed interviews that were conducted with eleven residents allow us to confirm the relevance of the home in their identity formation. Indeed, the dwelling inside a gated community represents the final destination of the residents’ geographical trajectories. According to the inhabitants, this allows for a residential experience similar to the one they underwent during childhood and that was subsequently lost as the city transformed into a more hostile environment. Thereby, it allows, to a certain extent, for the revival of a lost ideal. However, living in a gated community constrains territorialities: within the urban context, the home place becomes a refuge. Nonetheless, the residents’ answers reveal a degree of consciousness that their choice of residence represents an escape from reality. Thus, their relationship towards their living environment oscillates between illusion and disillusion.

Keyphrases: AlphaVille, São Paulo, Home, Dwelling, Place identity, Territorial identity, Territoriality, Gated communities, AlphaVille, São Paulo