NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
Bioresorbable coronary stents : non-invasive quantitative assessment of edge and intrastent plaque – a 256-slice computed tomography longitudinal study

Coronary bioresorbable stents (BRS) are made of a bioresorbable polymer rather than metal. Unlike metallic stents, BRS do not produce significant artifacts in computed tomography (CT) and are radiolucent in CT, making it possible to evaluate coronary plaque beneath an implanted stent.  PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the volumes of plaque and low attenuation plaque components (LAP —a marker of plaque vulnerability) of pre-, intra- and post-stent plaque location between 1 and 12 months post-implantation.   METHODS: In our prospective longitudinal study, we recruited 27 consecutive patients (mean age 59.7 +/- 8.6 years) with bioresorbable stents (n=35) for a 256-slice ECG-synchronized CT evaluation at 1 month and at 12 months post stent implantation. Total plaque volume (mm3) as well as absolute and relative (%) LAP volume per block in the pre-, intra- and post-stent zones were analyzed; comparison of 1 and 12 months post BRS implantation. Changes in these variables were assessed using mixed effects models with and without spline, which also accounted for correlation between repeated measurements with factors such as time and zone/block (1 block = 5 mm in longitudinal axis). The value % LAP= LAP absolute volume/ total plaque volume.  RESULTS: Our block or spline model analysis showed no significant difference in plaque or LAP volumes in pre-, intra- and post-stent zones measured at 1 month and at 12 months.   CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates the feasibility of repeated non-invasive quantitative analysis of intrastent coronary plaque and in-stent lumen using a 256-channel CT scan. This pilot study did not show significant differences in plaque volume and attenuation between 1- and 12-month follow-up from stent implantation. The method we used could be applied to the evaluation of different stent structures or different pharmacological profiles of bioresorbable stents.

Keyphrases: Volume, Bioresorbable stent, Coronary atherosclerosis, Coronary atherosclerosis, Coronary plaque, Low-attenuation plaque, Analysis of variance, Mixed effects model, Humans
Les effets secondaires cognitifs de l’électroconvulsivothérapie dans le traitement de pathologies psychiatriques : revue systématique et méta-analyse des impacts cognitifs des techniques modernes en électroconvulsivothérapie

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains one of the most effective treatments for major depressive disorder but remains highly stigmatised. Fear of cognitive side effects limit its use, even after numerous improvements of the ECT techniques since its discovery in 1938. Uncertainties persist regarding the best cognitive tests to be included in ECT clinical follow-up, as there are only few systematised data of the cognitive impact of modern ECT techniques. The current study is a systematic review of the most frequent cognitive side effects following ECT and a review of the cognitive tests used in clinical follow up. A total of 91 studies published from 2000, with an aggregated sample of 3762 individuals were included. Standardized cognitive tests were separated into 10 different cognitive domains for analysis. Comparisons between cognitive measures included pre-ECT baseline with post-ECT cognitive measures at three times: immediate effects (within 24h post-ECT), subacute (within one month post-ECT), and long-term (more than one month post-ECT). Although studies showed high heterogeneity, Hedges’ g revealed small to medium effect sizes for short-term effects post-ECT, with individuals presenting a decrease in autobiographical memory, verbal fluency, and verbal memory. The impact on verbal fluency showed an inverse correlation with age, being significantly greater in younger adults. Conversely, executive functions improved significantly post-ECT. Long-term effects showed an improvement on almost all cognitive domains. According to the literature, the Mini-Mental State Examination is the most common screening test used in ECT, but its clinical utility is extremely limited to track post-ECT cognitive changes.

Keyphrases: ECT, cognition, electroconvulsive therapy, side effects, cognitive testing
Comparaison des mesures auto-recensées et objectives de sommeil chez la population âgée souffrant d'apnée du sommeil

Poor sleep quality is often seen in the elderly. Various methods are then used to evaluate their characteristics, including self-reported questionnaires and polysomnography (PSG). However, since the use of PSG is expensive and time-consuming, the use of self-reported questionnaires in a clinical setting could be preferred and would greatly facilitate the assessment of sleep quality. This study aims to validate the self-reported questionnaire method used in the evaluation of sleep quality in the elderly and compare these different questionnaires to the measures obtained by a PSG. The study design is a sub-analysis of a randomized clinical trial study. The study was conducted in edentulous patients aged 65 years and older, recruited between December 2013 and August 2018. The data were collected at home with a PSG and combined with various sleep questionnaires: the Berlin questionnaire (BQ, range of scores from 0 to 3), the Karolinska sleepiness scale (KSS, range of scores from 1-9), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI, range of scores from 0 to 21), the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS, range of scores from 0 to 24). Data obtained by PSG include: apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), and sleep efficiency percentage. Data analysis was performed by descriptive statistics and bivariate statistical tests. Of the 130 patients who participated in baseline data acquisition (51 males and 79 females, mean age 75 ± 6 years), there was no strong correlation between the total sleep quality  scores measured by the questionnaires and the  IAH, ODI and sleep efficiency percentage achieved by PSG. Only two of the questionnaires used had a distinctive sensitivity, but with threshold values different from the norm used in adults: QB and ESK. Our results demonstrate that self-reported questionnaires available are limited for clinical screening for the elderly. In order to develop a new reliable measuring instrument for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the evaluation of sleep quality in this population, it is necessary to carry out studies on a larger sample and to create a specific questionnaire intended for the elderly population.

Keyphrases: questionnaires, obstructive sleep apnea, elderly, sleep quality, polysomnography
Caractérisation étiologique de la pancréatite aiguë médicamenteuse

Pancreatitis, which refers to the inflammation of the pancreas, is a serious medical condition in which the pancreatic enzymes, that normally digest food, start to digest the pancreas. The most common causes are excessive alcohol consumption and gallstone migration into the bile ducts. Less common causes also contribute to the burden of the disease and drugs are one of them. Diagnosis of drug-induced pancreatitis and identification of the triggering drug in order to avoid recurrence is a challenge to both physicians and pharmacists. Moreover, identification of the causative drug is complex due to a lack of reliable and recent evidence concerning the epidemiology and the etiology of this condition. The main objective of this project is to study drug-induced acute pancreatitis cases hospitalized at the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et services sociaux of the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean in order to obtain an accurate representation of this etiology in addition to adding new evidences to the literature. The methodology relies on the review of medical records of hospitalized cases for at least one drug-induced acute pancreatitis in the six hospitals of the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean between 2006 and 2014. The data collected and their analyzes document drugs involved in acute pancreatitis in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region in addition to participating in the advancement of our current knowledge by describing drugs that had not been associated with acute pancreatitis until now.

Keyphrases: Drug-induced acute pancreatitis, Etiology, Hospitalizations, Imputability
La surcharge volémique liée à la transfusion : définition et épidémiologie aux soins intensifs pédiatriques

Red blood cell transfusions are common practice in intensive care and lead to many adverse reactions. This research project is focused on the most frequent fatal complication: transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO).   In our first study, we tried to determine the impact of the diagnostic criteria of the adult definition of TACO in a pediatric intensive care population. The definition was applied to 136 pediatric intensive care patients during their stay. We obtained highly variable incidence rates (from 1.5 to 76%) depending on the interpretation of the diagnostic criteria.  Our second study is a scoping review of the literature about TACO in intensive care, both adult and pediatric, regardless of the type of labile blood product transfused. Nine studies met our inclusion criteria, namely, to describe at least one of the following criteria: incidence, risk factors or outcomes of TACO. Eight studies were observational. Only three studies were conducted in pediatric population. The results showed a pooled incidence of TACO which is higher (5.5%) in intensive care than in the general population.  The main risk factors in the adult population were related to the positive pre-existing fluid balance, the characteristics of the transfusion itself and the patients’ preexisting comorbidities. Furthermore, the results showed an association between TACO in adult intensive care and an increased length of stay. None of the included pediatric study reported data on risk factors or outcomes.   This research demonstrates that the current TACO definition is not applicable for the pediatric intensive care population. There is limited literature about TACO in intensive care despite its occurrence rate and the associated risks; other studies are therefore necessary to enhance its comprehension. We will touch on potential research pathways that would lead to a better understanding of this deadly transfusion complication.

Keyphrases: transfusion-associated circulatory overload, transfusion reaction, definition, fluid overload, pediatrics, critical care
Pratiques, préoccupations, besoins et perceptions en relation avec l’alimentation : le cas des haltes-garderies communautaires du Québec

Background: Today, most women have entered the workplace and child care is a daily part of most children's lives. These are a key environments in promoting healthy lifestyle habits. The haltes-garderies communautaires (HGC)are frequented by many children, some of whom are vulnerable, and have not yet been studied in Quebec with respect to their practices, concerns, needs and perceptions related to feeding and nutrition in early childhood. Objective: To describe the practices and identify the concerns, needs and perceptions of the HGC of Quebec related to the feeding of children attending these places. Methodology: In the winter of 2018, a self-administered questionnaire, in electronic format, was sent to representatives of the 242 HGC that are members of the Association des haltes-garderies communautaires du Québec. Ethical approval was obtained from the Comité d’éthique de la recherche en santé of the University of Montreal. Results: A total of 104 HGCs responded to the survey for a participation rate of approximately 43%. The socio-economic background of parents is the most reported barrier to promoting healthy eating habits. Several proposed training themes generated interest among more than 75% of HGC. Themes related to parent / educator interactions are the most desired. The two preferred formats for educational tools are the sharing of resources or exemplary activities developed by other HGC and texts that are easy to print for staff. Discussion: The special situation of children living in a context of vulnerability and communication to parents seem to be important issues in HGC. Educators in HGC feel the need to be more equipped on several topics in nutrition, such as good hygiene and salubrity practices. Tool formats using digital technology correspond to the needs reported by day care staff for training and information sharing.

Keyphrases: Haltes-garderies, Formation, Perception, Obstacle, Healthy eating, Child care providers, Training, Feeding practice, Barrier, Preschool
Développement et application d’outils cliniques nutritionnels en immunothérapie orale

Background: During oral immunotherapy (OIT), lack of palatability or diversity in daily allergen doses can compromise treatment adherence, which is essential to maintain benefit. The aim of the study was to develop and validate a nutritional intervention program on the use of whole food alternatives for allergen daily dosing during OIT.   Methods: The program was initially developed based on preliminary interviews with families already on OIT. Patients beginning OIT were then invited to participate to an open-label randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of the intervention. Participants (n=30) were randomized into 3 arms when they transferred to whole foods: A) Dietitian counselling with supporting documents (full intervention); B) Dietitian counselling without document; C) Control group where full intervention was delayed by 4 weeks. Parent competency was followed longitudinally using a series of practical food dose calculation exercises.  Results: Results of exercises at week 4 were in average higher in the full intervention group (93.3% ± 3.1) compared to reference group without intervention (1.7% ± 1.7, p<0.0001). Competency was maintained 12 weeks after intervention (results of 88.9% ±4.7). Without written documents, the initial acquisition (results of 46.7% ±7.3) and retention of competency at 4 weeks (results of 26.7% ±5.1) were lower, but competency was rescued by adding written documents (results of 83.3% ±7.5). Patient satisfaction and food diversity also increased with full intervention.  Conclusion: This study demonstrates the efficacy of a nutritional intervention program to help patients and their parents manage their OIT allergen doses. The use of written documents is essential to achieve the full benefit.

Keyphrases: Food allergy, Oral immunotherapy, Registered dietitian, Multidisciplinarity, Nutritional counselling, Home dosing, Patient support
Composition, mixage et matriçage en musique électroacoustique

Over the course of my Masters and in my musical practice at large, mixing and mastering have been the two most prominent compositional techniques featured in my electroacoustic pieces. Composing these electroacoustic pieces served as the framework for a practical research on my use of mixing and mastering, a project which also included documentational research on their implementation in acousmatic music. The research revealed that only a small number of composers and pedagogues had written about this topic, mostly because there is no prescribed vision or standard regarding the implementation of these techniques in acousmatic. Most of the substantial sources of information regarding mixing and mastering can be found in the realm of commercial audio production. Thus, I was inspired by the means of production used for the sound design in movies and pop music. By showing how this research has inspired my own electroacoustic compositions, I wish to fill an informational void on the subject of mixing and mastering in acousmatic music and to offer a fresh perspective to composers who are interested in these practices.

Keyphrases: composition, productions audio commerciales, electroacoustic, acousmatic, mixing, mastering, pop music, commercial audio production, composition techniques
Étude ethnobotanique des plantes médicinales antidiabétiques utilisées au Liban

Type 2 diabetes has increased dramatically globally in recent decades, representing a significant health problem in Lebanon with a prevalence of 14.6% in 2017. To identify medicinal plants with antidiabetic potential used in Lebanon, interviews were conducted with 30 herbalists from 6 different provinces. Most of the selected herbalists had at least 10 years of expertise, with the exception of one candidate. An ethnobotanical approach was applied to identify plants with antidiabetic potential, using a semi-structured questionnaire based on 15 symptoms and complications associated with Type 2 diabetes. A total of 42 species were mentioned by the herbalists. The species mentioned were classified by SIV (Syndromic Importance Value) ranking, taking into account the degree of association of each symptom with Type 2 diabetes. A correspondence analysis between symptoms and species was then performed and demonstrated an association of 8 plants with 3 different symptoms.

Keyphrases: Diabetes, Medicinal plants, Lebanon, Herbalists, Quantitative ethnobotany, Type 2 Diabetes, Antidiabetic plants
Contribution des articulations du membre supérieur de travailleurs experts et novices lors d’une tâche de manutention

Musculoskeletal disorders of the shoulder are the result of restrictive practices involving inappropriate postures, high muscular effort (above the head) and repetitive movements. Stevedores are among the most at risk workers. Experts seem to use more advantageous techniques than novices to reduce their exposure to risk factors. The objective of this study is to determine the joint contribution of the upper limb to characterize the optimal postures and strategies to adopt in the workplace. Thirty-two workers (16 experts and 16 novices) participated in an experimental handling task involving 24 load lifts at height under 4 conditions (2 weights x 2 heights). The work techniques were quantified according to the three-dimensional contribution of each joint to the height of the body. To locate the joint centres and axes of rotation and customize the kinematic model, a series of static tests and movements were performed. A percentage of the height achieved has been assigned to each joint. Significant differences between experts and novices systematically appeared, regardless of the experimental conditions or the articulation observed. The main differences occurred at the beginning of the task as the experts and novices approached the box. The articulation contributions presented a total of six intervals with significant differences between the two groups. The range of 0% to 19% of height has a difference at the trunk (p= 0.017), 0% to 37%, a difference occurred at SCAC (p= 0), 32% to 43% at wrist and elbow (p= 0.009) and 0% to 26% of the differences occurred at the lower limbs (p<0.001). On the one hand, the expert technique limits the use of the shoulder by bringing the box closer to the body and by prioritizing the contribution of the distal joints of the arm. On the other hand, novices seem to rely more on the amplitude of the shoulder to perform the task.

Keyphrases: Expertise, Kinematics, Upper limb, Manual material handling, Joint contributions, Work technique
Optimisation de l'évaluation de l'aptitude physique des survivants de leucémie lymphoblastique aiguë

Introduction: In cancer patients, the 6-Minute Walking Test (6MWT) is the most widely used test because it can assess the functional capacity in patients, while remaining simple, safe and standardized. However, it is reported that the actual equations cannot accurately predict a valid "V"  ̇O2 peak value or a 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) in cancer survivors. Thus, the first aim is to validate a specific equation using the 6MWT to predict "V"  ̇O2peak, while the second is to validate a specific equation to predict walk distance during 6MWT.   Methods: A total of 250 childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors were enrolled in this study, among which 168 participants aged 22 years on average (22.2 ± 6.3) (n=80 females (48%); n=88 males (52%)) underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and a 6MWT to assess their functional capacity and their cardiorespiratory fitness. Additionally, participants completed a physical activity questionnaire. Participants were randomly divided in two groups to create (n=118 (70%)) and to validate (n=50 (30%)) the equations. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine a new prediction equation for "V"  ̇O2 peak and 6MWD from 6MWT. The validity in between the measured and predicted "V"  ̇O2 peak and between the measured and predicted 6MWD was assessed using the Bland and Altman method.  Results: Specific "V"  ̇O2 peak equation (mean of bias=2.51mL.kg-1.min-1) = (-0.236*age(years)) - (0.094*weight(kg)) - (0.120*HR end(bpm)) + (0.067*6MWD(meters)) + (0.065*MVLPA(min/day)) - (0.204*DT(years)) + 25.145.  Specific 6MWD equation (mean of bias=10.86meters) = (3.948*height(cm)) - (1.223*weight(kg)) + (1.913*HR end(bpm)) - (6.863*RPE) + (0.556*MVLPA(min/day)) - 242.241  Conclusion: This is the first study that predicted "V"  ̇O2 peak and 6MWD using clinical and specific variables related to the disease from a 6MWT in childhood ALL survivors. It refines an already available tool that will strengthen an objective evaluation of the patient.

Keyphrases: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Pediatric cancer survivorship, Cardiorespiratory fitness, 6-Minute Walk Test, Exercise testing, Equation
Relations entre les fonctions cognitives, les paramètres d’effort et les facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire chez des sujets obèses comparés à des sujets sains

The relationship between cognitive function (CF), peak exercise parameters and cardiovascular risk factors has been poorly studied in obese subjects (OB). The goals of this study were: 1) to compare CF in higher-fitness and lower-fitness OB (HF-OB and LF-OB) vs. age-matched healthy controls (AMHC) according to their aerobic fitness level (V ̇O2peak) and 2) to find independent predictors of CF within the measured cardiovascular risk factors and peak exercise parameters. Forty nine OB and 14 AMHC were recruited. Maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (with gas exchange analysis and impedance cardiography) was performed during an incremental ergocycle test. As well, CF was measured with a neuropsychological test battery. Obese subjects were divided into 2 groups according to the median V ̇O2peak divided by lean body mass (V ̇O2peak/LBM): the obese lower-fitness (LF-OB, n=22) and the obese higher-fitness (HF-OB, n=27). Cognitive flexibility, processing speed and short-term memory were not statistically different in HF-OB vs. AMHC and those two groups showed better performances in these domains when compared to the LF-OB group. The AMHC group performed better in tests measuring inhibition compared to the LF-OB and HF-OB groups. In summary, higher aerobic fitness in obese subjects was associated with preserved CF in every evaluated domains except for inhibition.

Keyphrases: cognition, aerobic fitness, cardiovascular risk factors, humans, middle-aged