NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
Association between diet quality and metabolic syndrome in overweight and obese postmenopausal women

Abstract   Background: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of different metabolic components including central obesity, insulin resistance, abnormal glucose homeostasis, dyslipidemia and high blood pressure which identify individuals at high risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular events.  In the US, the prevalence of MetS has reached epidemic proportion and up to 25% of the population is affected.   Traditional nutritional studies have focused on a single nutrient.  Recently, measures of overall diet quality have been proposed as an alternative to assess diet-related diseases.  However, few studies have addressed the relationship between diet quality and the MetS.    Objective: To investigate the association of diet quality with the MetS and its components.   Methods:  The presence of the MetS was determined in 88 postmenopausal overweight or obese women using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult treatment Panel III definition while diet quality was assessed with the Healthy Eating Index (HEI).  We also measured insulin sensitivity, body composition and energy metabolism.   Results: The HEI correlated negatively with most measures of body fat and body weight but not with insulin sensitivity, blood pressure and most markers of lipid metabolism.  However, HEI correlated positively with LDL-C/ApoB and negatively with energy metabolism.    Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that HEI is associated with fat distribution and LDL size.    Key words: Obesity, diet quality, lipid metabolism, metabolic syndrome.

Keyphrases: Obesity, diet quality, lipid metabolism, metabolic syndrome
Sens et portée du rôle du législateur chez Jean-Jacques Rousseau

The status of the legislator remains a matter of controversy in the political philosophy of Jean-Jacques Rousseau. His role, which consist in transforming human nature in order to realize civic virtue, has lead some interpreters to see in Rousseau’s thought a form of autocratic process. This error of interpretation seems related to the meaning and the range attributed to the idea of moral transformation. For Rousseau, the latter does not imply a radical transformation of morals (moeurs), but rather a process for perfecting or improving them. To circumscribe this task requires interpreting morals as a given matter that is not indefinitely malleable since its potential is determined by its historical development. This decisive character attributed to historical development by Rousseau can be understood in the light of his pessimistic conception of the evolution of morals. According to this conception, morals are essentially corruptible, and reach an historical stage of decadence such that they cannot be reformed into virtue. It follows that only a people whose morals are not corrupted by historical progress have the potential to reach virtue. Accordingly, the legislator, whose task is to carry out a moral transformation of man, must not be understood as one that creates ex nihilo a new human nature but rather as one that completes the potentiality inherent to healthy morals.

Keyphrases: Jean-Jacques Rousseau, moeurs, opinion publique, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, legislator, authoritarianism, public opinion, morals (moeurs), pessimism
Lecture de l’heure et incapacités intellectuelles : Cahier des Charges d’un cadran évolutif

The present study is part of an ongoing research program which has been undertaken by the « Groupe DÉFI Apprentissage (GDA) » at « l’Université de Montréal ». Our precise mandate was to complete the two initial phases preceding the conception of a pedagogical ressource that will offer to a child (6 to 12 years old with intellectual disabilities) and to his immediate surrounding an evolutionary temporal device that will initiate him, at the appropriate age, to time telling and to daily schedule management. In recent years, a number of organizations such as the American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR), the World Health Organization (WHO) the Ministère de l’éducation, du loisir et du sport du Québec (MEL) and the Réseau International sur le Processus de Production du Handicap (RIPPH) have recommended that researchers should take into account the components involved in the Person-Environment interaction when they are studying intervention strategies that could be used by people with various limitations.  Our research has adopted this ecological approach and it will be supported by the following foundations: methodological approach (pedagogical value analysis), conceptual approach (educational ecology) and technological approach (ergonomics).

Keyphrases: retard mental, handicap, intellectual disabilities, mental retardation, management, time, evolving, ecology, ergonomy, autonomy, handicap
Pathogenèse de l’hépatite autoimmune : influence des gènes, du sexe, de l’âge et de l’environnement

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an autoimmune disease resulting from a loss of immunological tolerance against hepatocyte antigens. It can present itself as an acute hepatitis, sometime fulminant, or as a chronic disease leading to progressive liver cirrhosis. In absence of treatment, this disease is fatal. The pathogenesis of AIH and the mechanisms responsible for its progression remain unknown. The overall objective of this project is to examine predisposing factors and immunological mechanisms responsible for the onset and progression of HAI. To study the pathogenesis of AIH, we developed a mouse model of experimental autoimmune hepatitis type 2. This model is based on xenoimmunization of C57BL/6 wild type mice with human type 2 AIH autoantigens (CYP2D6 and FTCD). Molecular mimicry between the xenoantigens and their homologous murine proteins results in the development of an autoimmune response followed by liver inflammation. This experimental mouse model shows most histological, biochemical and serological features of human type 2 AIH. Mice develop autoimmune chronic liver inflammation characterized by the presence of interface hepatitis and intralobular inflammation, infiltrates composed predominantly of CD4+ but also of CD8+ T and B cells, elevated ALT serum levels, increased serum immunoglobulin G and circulating anti-LC1 and anti-LKM1 autoantibodies. Studies of the influence of genetic background on AIH susceptibility have defined the relative importance of MHC and non-MHC genes. Specific MHC haplotype are necessary but not sufficient to lead to the development of AIH and therefore, the genetic susceptibility to HAI is, as in humans, multigenic. In humans type 2 AIH is found predominantly in young women. In our experimental models, female mice before or at beginning of sexual maturity are more susceptible to AIH. Females at this age have reduced numbers of regulatory T cells, conferring an increased susceptibility compared to males. Based on these results, we propose a mechanism in which the development of AIH results from the activation, through a mechanism of molecular mimicry with an exogenous antigen, of autoreactive CD4+ T cells that have escaped central tolerance. In presence of reduced peripheral tolerance due to low number of regulatory T cells, autoreactive T cells proliferate and activate autoreactive B cells leading to secretion of autoantibodies. The subsequent activation of specific cytotoxic CD8+T cells results in hepatocytes lysis and autoantigens release, leading to perpetuation of autoimmunity.

Keyphrases: Autoimmunite, Foie, FoxP3, Autoimmunity, Hepatitis, Genetic, Liver, Tolerance
Perception, jugement et erreur dans les Quaestiones De anima de Nicole Oresme

In question 10 of book II of his commentary on Aristotle’s De anima, Nicole Oresme asks whether the senses can be deceived about their proper objects. Tackling the issue of sense illusion, he maintains that there is indeed error in sense cognition since the sensitive faculties of the soul can form judgments. Influenced by the perspectivist account of vision, Oresme highlights the role of the internal senses, rather than the external senses, in perception. This master’s thesis aims to elucidate the notions of « concept » (conceptus), « judgment » (iudicium) and « discourse » (discursus) as Oresme uses them in book II of his Quaestiones De anima and includes a French translation of questions I.4, II.8-15 and II.21 of the Quaestiones De anima.

Keyphrases: Nicole Oresme, Quaestiones De anima, Sens, Perception, Concept, Discursus, Medieval philosophy, Nicole Oresme, Quaestiones De anima, Knowledge, Sense, Perception, Concept, Judgment, Discursus, Error
Étude sur le châtiment corporel des enfants chez les protestants conservateurs francophones du Québec : conflit entre loi séculière et loi divine?

Abstract    The goal of this research is to study how French-speaking conservative protestants from  Quebec evaluate the compatibility between their religious beliefs and the laws and regulations limiting corporal punishment of children. The specific issue is how they resolve eventual conflicts between their beliefs derived from the Bible and the legal framework. Several verses from the Bible, in particular Proverbs 22:15, prescribe corporal punishment with a rod in order “to drive it far from him” a supposedly innate child’s inclination to evil. Hence, many members of conservative Protestant groups use objects (wooden spoons, sticks, rods) to inflict corporal punishment to their children. This practice puts them in contravention of article 43 of the Canadian Criminal Code, which limits and frames the use of physical punishment, as well as with Quebec’s Youth Protection Act, that protects children from mistreatment, or whose security or development is or may be in danger.  The study applies a hybrid qualitative methodology based on a series of non-  participant observations in situ of the religious services and doctrinal workshops at four conservative protestant congregations (two Evangelical churches, a Pentecostal one and a Baptist one) and interviews with 39 French-speaking members of such congregations  from Quebec. Observations and interviews were supplemented with documentary analysis of material written or consulted by these groups.  From the analysis of the data, we derived three different attitudes of the protestant  groups considered in the study when contradiction arises between religious doctrine and the law: conciliation, with an effort to accommodate religious beliefs to the precepts of the law; omission, which results in a passive disobedience of the law, and a challenging attitude vis-à-vis the authorities where disobedience to the laws is considered a form of militancy. Different elements are taken into consideration in the decision-making process that leads to the different attitudes.   In addition to its original goals, the research constitutes a detailed description of the doctrine of corporal punishment of children by conservative protestant French-  speaking congregations from Quebec and several examples of its practices.

Keyphrases: Physical punishment, punition corporelle, physical discipline, children's discipline, Conservative Protestantism, Fundamentalism, Article 43 of the Canadian Criminal Code, Children's rights, Physical punishment doctrine
Addition stéréosélective de nucléophiles sur un centre acétal : synthèse de
nucléosides 1’,2’-cis

Many therapeutically relevant nucleoside analogs (Ara-C, Clofarabine) for the treatment of leukemia have a 1’,2’-cis arrangement between the nucleobase attached at the anomeric center and the non-hydrogen substituent at C-2’. Recently, our laboratory has developed a versatile approach to the synthesis of 1’,2’-trans and 1’,2’-cis nucleoside and thionucleoside analogues from acyclic scaffolds. This work will present a new methodology to access efficiently 1’,2’-cis nucleoside analogues from cyclic furanoside. Activation of various anomeric groups by Me2BBr was investigated, and under kinetic control acyclic substrates or cyclic ones could be generated selectively. Trapping the kinetic product of methyl furanoside formed in presence of Me2BBr by thiol in the presence of base led to the formation of acyclic thioacetal in good to excellent diastereoselectivity. The results obtained are in accordance with total retention of the stereochemical information of the acetal moiety and thus suggested that the mechanism of these two reactions is two successive SN2 displacements. The objective of synthesizing nucleoside analogs from methyl furanoside was unsuccessful. As shown recently by Dr Michel Prévost, activation of all four furanoside lactol scaffolds by Me2BBr with an in situ addition of silylated nucleobase afforded 1’,2’-cis pyrimidine nucleoside analogues in very good yields and with diastereoselectivities greater or equal to 20:1. Expending this methodology to other scaffolds provided evidence of stereoelectronic control of the C-2 electron-withdrawing substituent. Other Lewis acids such as TMSBr can be used. This methodology was also applied to other nucleophiles such as allyl Grignard and silylated enols ethers, which were successfully alkylated in good yield and 1,2-cis diastereoselectivity.

Keyphrases: Oxocarbénium, SN2, Lactol, Oxocarbenium, Ion pair, Lewis acid, SN2, Endocyclic cleavage, anomeric effect, Nucleoside analogues
Les personnes âgées face au défi  d'utilisation des nouvelles technologies : étude de l’utilisabilité des interfaces de téléphones portables

Technological progress and the growing aging population are two major trends of the last decade. The ubiquitous proliferation of mobile communication devices during this period has significantly altered people’s communication habits. The constantly changing mobile phones, their increasing features, the numerous icon designs, the variety of user interfaces and its complex navigation require nowadays not only more time for adaptation and learning but also a significant cognitive effort.  Information technology and communication (ICT) have become essential tools of modern life. For seniors, this constantly mutating universe with its new digital devices makes information accessible to many thus contributing to a generational divide. The lack of reference and support and the physical or cognitive impairment that some people often develop while aging makes the use of such products very difficult. Both, a physically and cognitively accessible system becomes a real necessity in our modern society since it could help seniors live more autonomously and« connected ».  This research aims to identify the challenges related to mobile phone use and reveal specific problems that older people encounter. The study focuses on the population that is little familiar with these devices especially since communication technologies seem aimed at the younger generations and professionnels.  Through qualitative research seniors’ usage pattern will be studied allowing us not only to establish different user profiles with respect to ICT but also to better understand the challenges related to the perception, comprehension and manipulation of mobile phone user interfaces.

Keyphrases: Design inclusif, Senior population, Usability, Inclusive Design, Mobile Phones
La médecine familiale vue par des jeunes omnipraticiens : rejet de la vocation et de la continuité des soins

Title: Young GPs' View of Family Medicine: Rejecting Vocation and Continuity of Care. Despite multiple attempts by medical authorities and faculties of medicine across Canada to remedy the acute shortage of family physicians in Canada, such a shortage is currently aggravated by the career choices of young family physicians that choose more and more to practice in subspecialized disciplines. We interviewed 18 young family physicians and analysed their views using a grounded theory approach to better understand this phenomenon, its origins and its consequences. Young generalists are autonomous professionals constantly engaged in a dynamic redefinition of their personal and professional ties. Their conception of the role they play and the responsibilities that are incumbent upon them, as well and the choices they make are based on certain core values. Those values include liberty, competence, performance/efficiency, valorisation and satisfaction. Their interests and goals are therefore primarily individualist ones. At this moment in their lives and careers, social responsibility and the sense of duty towards the population are simply not among their core priorities. This innovative theory sheds light on young generalists' values and the perception they have of their roles and responsibilities. Our analysis offers therefore a new understanding of their career choices. It helps grasp why current attempts to value family medicine are not successful and proposes new pedagogical and organisational ideas for addressing this issue.

Keyphrases: Vocation, Medicine, Family Medicine, Pedagogy, Grounded Theory, Values, Career Choices, Epistemology, Postmodernism
Liberté? : réflexion sur un problème dans l'éthique de Theodor Adorno

Throughout Theodor Adorno’s moral thought runs a paradoxical demand : that morality should be fully rooted in both the liveliest impulses and the keenest reasonings.  More than a quirk among Adorno’s many, this essay suggests that this problem plays a pivotal role in his ethics.  The current research seeks to develop a strategy to conjointly articulate these two demands.  To this end, I will try to expound the following hypothesis : the analysis of the problem of freedom and unfreedom set forth by the first of the ‘models’ in Negative Dialectics enables making sense of both the bond and the disparity between the impulsive and rational constituents of adornian ethics.  This study will first focus on the problem of unfreedom and its embodiment in the concrete phenomena of anti-Semitism as well as the animal fear and rage that it builds upon.  It will then go on to examine Adorno’s conception of freedom in its two facets : «full theoretical consciousness» and «spontaneous impulse».  It will finally try to ascertain the more general relevance of this interpretation of the problem of freedom for making sense of Adorno’s ethics, by trying to make sense on that basis of his «new categorical imperative».

Keyphrases: action, ethics, freedom, categorical imperative, moral rationalism, moral naturalism, action, anti-Semitism
La généralisation des acquis en traitement chez les délinquants sexuels adultes

In the field of sexual aggression, the generalization of therapeutic gains can be divided in two sections: the generalization that occurs in the course of the treatment and the generalization that is made after the return in the community. It has been demonstrated that the Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Model, based on the principles of the Risk-Needs-Reponsivity Model, has the greatest impact on recidivism level. To be more specific, target criminogenic needs specifics to the offender and the type of strategies learned in treatment can influence the process of generalization of therapeutic gains. In the same way, the characteristics of the sexual aggressor also have a role to play. When considering the release period, taking into account and implementing some measures, such as the plan of social reintegration, social and individual needs, employability, accommodation and continuity of treatment help to maintain therapeutic gains. Consequently, this project aims to contribute to a better understanding of the phenomenon of the generalization of therapeutic gains by styding four sexual offenders during a follow-up in the community (Centre de psychiatrie légale de Montréal), after they received a one-year treatment at the Institut Philippe-Pinel de Montréal. With the aim of understanding factors that can facilitate this process, we studied how these factors were expressed by the sex offenders and the difference the presence or the absence of these variables. The clinical analysis of the results suggest on one hand that the generalization of therapeutic gains is facilitated when all criminogenic needs are addressed during treatment, and on the other hand when the sex offender has the capacity to apply cognitive-behavioral strategies instead of purely cognitive techniques. Besides, the presence of impulsiveness and non-stabilized individual problems can spoil the process. Finally, it came out that the generalization of therapeutic gains is easier when variables identified as being favourable to a successful social reintegration are part of the everyday life of the offenders.

Keyphrases: Generalizations of therapeutic gains, Sexual offenders, Social reintegration, Return in community, Maintenance of therapeutic gains
El otro, el cine y el intelectual : Víctor Gaviria, el  poder de la imagen cinematográfica

In a media society, we cannot define the intellectuals as a person who works only with letters. We should instead define the intellectual as one who uses different forms of communication or different media to better criticize society.   Following existing definitions of the intellectual in a media society, we study in this thesis the films Rodrigo D. No futuro and La Vendedora de Rosas that were made in the shantytowns of Medellin by Colombian filmmaker Víctor Gaviria. In these films we can see the lives of teenagers and kids who live in a poor and violent society.   This study is divided into three chapters. The first chapter surveys the socio-historic moments in which the films were made and looks at the concept of “sicariato” that has been used in academic studies and novels. In the second chapter we look at the problematic of the definition of the intellectual and at Víctor Gaviria’s creative process called “Voluntad Realista”. In the last chapter we study Gaviria’s manifesto “Las latas en el fondo del rio” in the historical context of Latin America’s ‘Third Cinema’, whose filmmakers wrote similar manifestos.

Keyphrases: Subalternity, Lettered city, media society, Third Cinema, natural actors, Alonso Salazar
Le Mur dans la tête, vingt ans plus tard : législation sur l'avortement et discours féministes

This MA thesis is about abortion in Germany over the past twenty years. The first part will focus on one hand on the different laws regarding abortion in the two German states before the events of 1989 and on the other hand on the analysis of the discourse held by West and East German feminist movements regarding abortion. The second part will examine the debate surrounding abortion during the Reunification process. Indeed, the abortion law of the German Democratic Republic was much more liberal than the one of the Federal Republic of Germany and the majority of citizens and politicians of the former GDR refused that the West German restrictive law was simply to be extended to the reunified Germany. A debate followed that quickly became a kind of symbol of the division that existed between East and West Germans but also between feminists from the new and old Länder. Finally, in 1995, a new law was passed by Parliament, legislation that still governs abortion today. Twenty years after the Berlin Wall fell, the debate about abortion rose up in the headlines again with a new bill aimed at restricting abortion access after the 12th week of pregnancy. The third part will therefore focus on this more topical debate and examine whether the East-West division regarding abortion at the time of the Reunification still exists today in Germany which, according to the findings of this MA thesis, seems to be quite the case.

Keyphrases: Abortion, Termination of pregnancy, Feminism, Reproductive rights, Germany, German Democratic Republic (GDR), Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), Reunification