NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
Differential regulation of early response genes by fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 8 and  FGF18 in bovine granulosa cells in vitro

Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) act as local regulators of follicular health and are known to increase granulosa cell (GC) proliferation, reduce apoptosis and decrease steroidogenesis. One exception is FGF18, which appears to be a pro apoptotic member of the FGF8-subfamily while FGF8 has not been reported to alter GC health. These two ligands have similar activation patterns and it could be proposed that all FGF8-subfamilies would have the same response. The objective of this study was to determine if FGF8 and FGF18 activate the same early response genes in cultured bovine GC. To address this we cultured GC in serum free medium for five days. On day 5, cells were challenged with FGF8 or FGF18. We used a microarray approach to identify early response genes altered by FGF8 and FGF18, and data were confirmed by real-time PCR in an independent time-course experiment.  Microarray identified 12 genes up-regulated by FGF8, including SPRY2, NR4A1, XIRP1, BAMBI, EGR1, FOS and FOSL1.  In contrast FGF18 did not result in significant regulation of any gene. PCR analysis confirmed the stimulation of abundance of mRNA encoding EGR1, EGR3, FOS, XIRP1, FOSL1, SPRY2, NR4A1 and BAMBI after 2 hours of challenge. FGF18 resulted in an increase of EGR1 mRNA abundance at 2 h, but not of the other genes tested. These results demonstrate that FGF8 and FGF18, despite reportedly similar receptor activation patterns, act on granulosa cells through different intracellular pathways.  Both FGF8 and FGF18 stimulate EGR1 expression, but thereafter their signaling pathways diverge.

Keyphrases: granulosa cells, fibroblast growth factors, EGR1, proliferation, apoptosis
Traitement de l'arthrose canine : étude d'efficacité d'une diète riche en moule verte (Perna canaliculus) et validité des méthodes cliniques d'évaluation de l'effet traitement

Background: Osteoarthritis is a frequent disease in dogs. Even though palliative treatments have been proven efficient in alleviating the associated clinical signs, none restored structure of the cartilage or complete function of the patients. New modalities have been proposed but evidence of their effects is weak. The weakness of the evidence is partially explained by the rare validation of the methods of assessment. Objective: To assess the efficacy of a diet containing green-lipped mussel, as well as technical and concurrent validity of different assessment instruments for measuring the effects of a treatment on the osteoarthritic condition of client-owned dogs. Methods: A prospective blinded controlled crossover study was performed on 30 client-owned dogs, suffering from stable and non-treated osteoarthritis. They received a 30-day control diet, followed by a 60-day experimental therapeutic diet. Punctual methods of assessment included Peak of Vertical Force (PVF – “gold standard”), standardized MultiFactorial Questionnaire (MFQ) and ElectroDermal Activity (EDA), and were assessed at D0 (inclusion), D30 (end of control) and D90 (end of treatment). Twice a week, the owners completed a case-specific functional (CODI) assessment. Motor activity (actimetry) was continuously recorded on seven dogs. Results: No side effects were observed except the dogs gained weight during the second period. The location of the affected limb, thoracic or pelvic, as well as the body weight interfered with PVF. Both EPA and DHA increased during treatment (p=0.026 and p<0.001, respectively), as well as PVF after adjustment for location of the limb and weight (p=0.003). The technical validity of PVF was confirmed. Technical and concurrent validity of CODI were documented. The reliability of MFQ was insufficient since the individual components did not show homogeneity. However, concurrent validity of the composite scale was partially noted. Preliminary results proved the technical and concurrent validity of actimetry. Conclusions and clinical relevance: The “gold standard” method, PVF, showed a beneficial effect of the tested diet and its technical validity was verified. CODI and actimetry have been validated. The validity of MFQ and EDA has been questioned. Actimetry showed promising results, possibly complementing PVF.

Keyphrases: CODI, Green-lipped mussel, Dogs, Osteoarthritis, Force plateform, Motor activity, Electrodermal conduction
La leptospirose féline : sondage sérologique et de PCR urinaire chez des chats sains et des chats atteints de maladie rénale

Leptospirosis is a globally widespread zoonosis, with prevalence in cats varying from 8.8% to 35% depending on geographical localization. Although serologic evidence of feline exposure exists, clinical disease is rarely reported.  This study aimed to compare seropositivity and urinary PCR status for Leptospira spp. between healthy cats (H) and cats with kidney disease (KD: acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic KD stages IIb, III and IV).  The analytical sensitivity and specificity of the PCR performed by the Laboratoire de Diagnostic Moléculaire of the FMV were evaluated. In vitro validation showed that the PCR technique is effective for determining the presence of pathogenic leptospires in the urine of cats. A total of 251 cats were recruited, from which 240 cats were enrolled. Cats were enrolled from January 2010 to March 2012 and divided into two groups, H (n=125) and KD (n=115), based on complete blood count, serum biochemistry profile and urinalysis. Leptospira spp. serology by microscopic agglutination test (titers ≥ 1:100 considered positive) and urinary PCR were performed in all cats. Predicted seropositivity for Leptospira spp. was statistically different between groups; being 5% and 13,7% in the H and KD groups respectively (p=0.02).  Serovars involved were Pomona (n=16), Bratislava (n=8) and Grippotyphosa (n=1), with titers being significantly higher for Pomona (p=0.04). The excretory status was confirmed by a positive urine PCR in eight cats. Of the 26 seropositive cats, four (H=2, KD=2) were also PCR positive. The prevalence of PCR positive cats was higher in the KD group (5.3%; 6/113) compared with the H group (1.6%; 2/125), but the difference between groups did not reach statistical significance (0.9% in H, 5.5% in KD; p=0.09). Age, sex and rural versus urban environment did not influence serologic or PCR status for Leptospira spp. Predicted seropositivity was greater between June and August (p =0.02) and in known hunters (p<0.01). The presence of another cat at home also increased significantly the predicted seropositivity (p<0.01), although the presence of a dog did not. When evaluating the PCR status of cats in the GEE model for individually tested variables, only the variables “contact with raccoons” and “contact with skunks” were statistically significant (P ≤  .03).  Although the precise role of Leptospira spp. as an etiologic agent of feline KD remains unclear, the significant difference in the serologic status found between H and KD cats suggests that it may be an under-diagnosed cause of KD in cats. Several asymptomatic carriers were identified, suggesting that cats could be underestimated players in the transmission of the bacteria to humans.

Keyphrases: Leptospirosis, MAT, PCR, Leptospirosis, Kidney disease, Feline, MAT, PCR
Il était une fois l’ailleurs-- le stage de coopération internationale comme espace de développement du cosmopolitisme et de la conscientisation des jeunes Québécois

Each year, several thousand young Quebecers discover International Cooperation, through internships in countries known as "developing." Although the impact of these internships on southern populations are known and regularly assessed, there are few studies following up the youth on their return to Quebec. What impact did this experience have on these people? What were their motivations to start? And how has their commitment toward development issues changed? Did it even continue after their stay overseas? How has the experience shaped their professional projects and their perceptions of the future? This thesis main object is to picture the impact of international cooperation internships on young people when they return home. Our research is based on quantitative and qualitative data collected from alumni of the NGO Mer et Monde. Quantitative data were collected using a survey of 367 alumni, and a group interview provided the basis for the qualitative investigation. The results of the analysis suggest that the experience overseas has definitely a strong influence on the commitment and lifestyle of young people on their return to Quebec. Following the experience abroad, the identity of the respondents is particularly affected over six aspects: their openness to the world, their environmental awareness, their social consciousness, their personal development, their relationships to the "Others" and their representations of the "Elsewhere". It appears that it is as much the lifestyle, as the relationships and the ways of thinking that evolve through the internship. And the specificity of such an experience and the processes at work allow us to assimilate this type of internship with an experience of cosmopolitanism and awareness-raising of young Quebecers.

Keyphrases: Youth, Commitment, International cooperation, Internship, Cosmopolitanism, Awareness-raising
Doctrines and practices of the Burhaniya Sufi Order in the arab world and in the west between 1938 and 2012 : a decolonial and transdisciplinary analysis from an insider perspective

This thesis presents a decolonial and transdisciplinary examination of the doctrines and practices of the transnational Burhaniya Sufi order, in the Arab World and in the West. The main time period under consideration is from the foundation of the order in 1938 until 2012. In order to contextualize the particularities of this modern order’s emergence, this thesis begins by presenting its historical roots related to the history of Sufism in North Africa and West Asia. Then, the thesis offers a comparative analysis of certain national contexts in which the order was disseminated, from Sudan to Egypt, France, Germany, the United States, and Canada. The author concludes from his findings that the sheikhs of the Burhaniya have facilitated the expansion of their order in the West, and perpetuated a fairly traditional Sufi heritage in the modern world. They have done so by combining strong commitment to core doctrines and adaptability to contexts of practice.

Keyphrases: islam, Burhaniya, Islam, mysticism, Sufism, Sudan, Burhaniya, modernity, globalization, post-colonialism, decolonialism, transdisciplinarity
La recherche de « sexiness » chez les adeptes de pole-fitness : une étude de terrain montréalais

This study explores the new female subject of postfeminism centred on the idea of ‘classy’ sexiness that represents a transformation from the traditional bourgeois femininity focused on passive sexuality. The possibility for women to represent themselves as active sexual subjects is understood by postfeminism writers as a way to transgress the stigmata attached to those who do not behave as mute and passive sexual objects. This transformation in normative femininity have been criticised due to the fact that it may represents only one form of power given to women which is limited to the sexualised body and thus supports heteronormative relations. In this vision, the new female subject operates as a disciplinary discourse by the injunction to constitute oneself through sexiness. The interpretation of this new female subject causes divergent opinions within feminist circles. The need to obtain an interpretation of this new female subject that will take in consideration both the possibilities of resistance to patriarchy and heteronormativity as well as the regulative aspects of this limited version of femininity based on sexiness represents a tense fray in the feminist communities. This study aims to enrich this debate by gaining a deeper understanding of what drives women to enroll in pole dancing classes and what meanings they attach to this activity. The main objective is to shed new light on the impact of this search for sexiness on female subjectivities based on the tense relation between disciplinary practices and strategies of resistance.

Keyphrases: pole-dancing, sexiness, subjectivation, discipline(s)
La musique, en particulier celle de l'aulos, dans le sacrifice en Grèce antique

In Ancient Greece, music was closely linked to religious practices. In fact, scrupulous examination of sources confirms the use of the aulos in bloody sacrifices, a fact that contradicts some ancient texts which belittle the instrument. Through study of textual and iconographical sources, the importance accorded to music in sacrifices, and more specifically to the aulos, varies from one ritualistic step to another. Some ceremonial actions, like the procession, were performed with music, while others, like the actual sacrifice, were not. Furthermore, observation of some sacrifices showed that music was treated differently, according to the nature of the ritual. Therefore, the way music was dealt with in sources may provide valuable information about the ideological principals linked to various rituals.

Keyphrases: Sacrifice, Aulos, Antiquity, Greece, Music, Sacrifice, Aulos
La conjuration de la totalité : épistémologie et société dans l’œuvre de Theodor W. Adorno

Theodor W. Adorno (1903-1969) puts forward a philosophy whose central problems concern social reality. From this same perspective, I aim to demonstrate, through the presentation of few theoretical models, how these problems are historically determined and how the search for their solutions imposes the task of self-criticism upon philosophy. This self-critique aims to correct certain excesses of the identity theory of truth for which philosophy is responsible historically and theoretically. Throughout this development, I argue that the Adornian model carries out a “determinate negation” of the concept of social totality. In this negation, Adorno guides thinking towards an awareness and knowledge of the heterogeneous elements of reality. I argue that this allows conscienceness to open itself to the most important aspect of philosophical experience: the possibility of acknowledging one’s mistakes and of correcting them.

Keyphrases: Philosophy, Critical theory, Epistemology, Dialectical thinking, Society, Individual and society, Theodor W. Adorno
La relation entre la passion, le burnout et les stratégies de coping chez les étudiants-athlètes

Objective: The main purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the type of passion athletes have towards their sport and the coping strategies they use. Another objective is to study if coping strategies have a mediating role in the relationship between passion and burnout. Finally, this study will investigate the interaction between passion and burnout in sport. The specific objectives will be studied by four research questions. (1) Do harmoniously passionate and obsessively passionate athletes use different coping strategies? (2) Is there a difference between harmonious and obsessive athletes in the burnout symptoms they express? (3) Are there any differences between athletes using avoidance coping strategies and athletes using task-focused coping in the burnout symptoms they express? (4) Do obsessively passionate athletes using avoidance focused coping strategies will express more burnout symptoms than any other group? Method: The sample of this study is composed of 74 students-athletes competing on the university level. Results: (1) Harmoniously passionate athletes use more effort expenditure and thought control than obsessively passionate athletes (2) Obsessively passionate athletes use more disengagement than harmoniously passionate athletes. (4) Obsessively passionate athletes express more burnout symptom of exhaustion than harmonious athletes. (5) The results failed to support the hypothesis 3 and 4.

Keyphrases: Passion, Burnout, Sport psychology, Coping strategies, Student-athlete
Development of a multi-gene PCR assay for the prediction of the response to hormone therapy in breast cancer

Two thirds of breast cancers express the estrogen receptor (ER-positive tumours) and estrogens stimulate growth of these tumours. Adjuvant therapy with anti-estrogens such as Tamoxifen and Aromatase Inhibitors has been shown to increase survival in breast cancer patients. This treatment is, however, not successful in all ER-positive tumours. Tumours can present intrinsic or acquired resistance to Tamoxifen. However, it is currently impossible to predict which patient will benefit from Tamoxifen therapy and which will not.  Preliminary studies in Dr. Mader’s lab have identified 20 genes whose expression levels in tumours are able to predict the response to Tamoxifen therapy (disease-free survival).  These markers, identified using bioinformatics analysis of published gene expression datasets, were able to discriminate patients that would respond best to Tamoxifen from those that did not.  The overall purpose of this study is to develop a PCR kit to monitor expression levels of these 20 genes and to test this 20-gene signature in a retrospective study using paraffin-embedded breast cancer tissues of patients with a known medical history. This tool may thus have a direct impact on clinical practice through the development of markers of therapeutic success for treatment with Tamoxifen and possibly Aromatase Inhibitors. Futile treatments would be avoided thus preventing needless side effects, and improved identification of ER+ tumours with a low chance of success to anti-estrogen therapy. This will facilitate research into more appropriate treatments for hormone resistant tumours.

Keyphrases: Hormone Receptors, Invasive Breast Cancer, Estrogen Receptor, Predictive factor, Expression profile, PCR, Predictive tool, PCR
Stratégie de détection des anomalies chromosomiques dans les leucémies aiguës pédiatriques

Analysis of recurrent genomic abnormalities is important for the diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic choices in paediatric acute leukemia.  The aim of our study is to establish a strategy optimizing the detection of cytogenetic abnormalities in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).  To do so, we have characterized childhood AML and ALL cases received in cytogenetic laboratory of CHU Sainte-Justine (Montreal, Canada) between 2005 and 2011.  Overall, 253 de novo cases have been analyzed (186 B-ALL, 27 T-ALL and 40 AML) by karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) panels, RT-PCR and DNA index.  Chromosomal abnormalities detection rates achieved 93,5% in B-ALL (174/186), 66,7% in T-ALL (18/27) and 90% in AML (36/40).  Our results suggest the analysis of both molecular and cytogenetic tests to optimize the detection of genomic abnormalities in new cases of childhood AML and ALL.

Keyphrases: FISH, panel de FISH, aSNP, protocole, cytogenetic, acute leukemia, chromosomal abnormalities, FISH panel, paediatric, genomic abnormalities, microarrays, SNP arrays, method
L'engagement scolaire des enfants hyperactifs et inattentifs : effets modérateurs des relations sociales

School engagement has been found to promote positive adjustment in students. This relationship can be affected by students’ personal characteristics, such as inattention and hyperactivity. Research shows that behavioral, emotional and cognitive engagement is generally higher when students experience positive relationships in school. The aim of this study is to determine whether prosociality towards peers and close relationships with teachers are protective factors against the expected decline in school engagement for students who exhibit inattentive and hyperactive characteristics. Data from 513 primary schools students and teachers were collected over two consecutive years. Results demonstrate that hyperactive and inattentive students benefit from positive relationships with peers and teachers, which serves as a protective factor against the decline in behavioral engagement. For student with high levels of hyperactivity and inattention, close relationships with teachers moderated the association between hyperactivity-inattention and emotional engagement. Furthermore, our results suggest that hyperactivity and inattention in students does not predict a decrease in emotional and cognitive engagement. Implications for research and intervention are discussed.

Keyphrases: Inattention, School engagement, Hyperactivity, Inattention, Prosociality, Teacher-student relationship
Caractérisation de l'anatomie et de la fonction du système endocannabinoïde dans la rétine adulte

Cannabinoid receptors (CB1R and CB2R) are among the most abundant G-protein coupled receptors in the central nervous system. The endocannabinoid system is an attractive target for immune system modulation and peripheral pain management. While CB1R is distributed in the nervous system, CB2R has traditionally been associated to the immune system. This dogma is currently a subject of debate since the discovery of CB2R expression in neurons. The retina is an interesting model for neuronal processes’ study. The activation of cannabinoid receptors modulates neurotransmitter release from photoreceptors and could also affect bipolar cell synaptic release. However, the impact of CB1r and CB2R on the retinal function as a whole is currently unknown. In the present study, we investigated the function of cannabinoid receptors in the retina by recording electroretinographic responses (ERG) from mice lacking either CB1 or CB2 receptors (cnr1-/- and cnr2-/-, respectively). We also documented the precise distribution of CB2R by comparing the specificity of library of CB2R antibodies. One of the antibodies tested exhibited a valuable specificity and localized CB2R expression in cones and rods photoreceptors, horizontal cells, some amacrine cells, and bipolar and ganglion cells. In scotopic conditions, the amplitudes of the awave of the ERG were increased in cnr2-/- mice, while they remained unchanged in cnr1-/- mice. Under photopic conditions, b-wave amplitudes of cnr2-/- mice required more light adaptation time to reach stable values. No effect was observed in cnr1-/- mice. These data indicate that CB2R is likely to be involved in shaping retinal responses to light and suggest that CB1 and CB2 receptors could have different roles in visual processing.

Keyphrases: Cannabinoid receptors, CB2 receptor, Retina, Electroretinography, Immunohistochemistry, Confocal microscopy, Specificity, Antibody, Mouse