NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
Studies on the role of IL-37 in the pathogenesis of 
HIV infection

IL-37 belongs to the IL-18 subfamily and to the larger IL-1 family of cytokines. While IL-18, like IL-1β, is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-37 exerts anti-inflammatory effects. Both IL-18 and IL-37 use the IL-18Rα chain for initial binding to the surface of target cells. However, they differ in the recruitment and use of the secondary chains of their receptors. IL-18 uses the IL-18Rβ chain, whereas IL-37 uses SIGIRR (Single Immunoglobulin and IL-1 Receptor-Related) for transducing intracellular signals. Until recently, SIGIRR was known as an orphan receptor. IL-37 inhibits activation of inflammasomes, as well as the biological effects of a wide range of inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, etc. Furthermore, the two cytokines bind IL-18 Binding Protein (IL-18BP) with divergent effects. It is now well established that the concentration of IL-18 is increased in the circulation of HIV-infected individuals. It plays an important role in overall aberrant immune activation and inflammation in these individuals. However, little is known about the role of IL-37 in this infection; and thus, is the focus of this master’s thesis. In this thesis, we demonstrate that circulating levels of IL-37 are higher in the serum of HIV-infected individuals on anti-retroviral treatment (ART) and in HIV-infected long term non-progressors (LNTP), as compared to HIV-infected individuals naïve to ART. More importantly, serum levels of IL-37 are significantly higher in LTNP as compared to healthy controls. Surprisingly, the results also show that a significant decrease in the surface expression of SIGIRR occurs in different types of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of HIVinfected individuals. Furthermore, we found a significant increase in the circulating concentrations of soluble SIGIRR in HIV-infected individuals. Interestingly, we also noted that soluble SIGIRR neutralizes the anti-inflammatory effects of IL-37 on human cells. We also show that recombinant human IL-37 reduces HIV replication in human phytohaemaglutinin blasts. It also reduced expression of the HIV co-receptor CXCR4 and of PD-1, a classical marker of exhaustion, on the surface of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from HIVinfected individuals. Taken together, these results suggest that anti-inflammatory functions of IL-37, despite its increased concentration in the circulation, are dampened in HIV-infected individuals. Restoring these functions may attenuate inflammation and immune activation in these patients.

Keyphrases: HIV, SIGIRR, IL-37, IL-18Rα, IL-1, IL-18
La vision aveugle suite à une ablation partielle du cortex visuel primaire : une étude en imagerie par résonance magnétique fonctionnelle

Brain injury occurring in the primary cortex may lead to a loss of vision that corresponds to the extent of the brain lesion. While the damaged area does not process the visual information, other surrounding regions are receiving retinal inputs and may allow brain-injured patients to process visual information unconsciously perceived and to experience a sense of awareness. Blindsight is one of such phenomenon where a brain-injured patient is able to detect or discriminate objects presented in the scotoma. In our study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with an event-related moving-dot stimulation paradigm in a 30 years old patient suffering a complete right hemianopia without macular sparing and showing strong signs of blindsight. The patient’s vision ability was also assessed with behavioral tests. When the sighted hemifield was stimulated, fMRI activations and behavioral performances were normal. In contrast, brain activations induced by stimulation of the blind hemifield were significantly different showing a bilateral activity in the superior colliculi. In addition, the reaction time of the spontaneous detection of the movement was also longer when the stimulation was presented in the scotoma. These results support previous observations which reported that blindsight may be supported by secondary subcortical structures such as the superior colliculus, pulvinar and lateral geniculo-nucleus to process visual information. Our results may potentially impact the development of rehabilitation techniques to target subcortical pathways.

Keyphrases: FMRI, Blindsight, Event-related design, Case study, Hemianopia, Superior colliculus
Le vécu subjectif et les besoins des membres de la famille d’ex-détenus offrant l’hébergement lors du retour du justiciable en collectivité

There’s an agreement in scientific literature about the fact that families suffer of various consequences (e.g. social, identity, economic, psychological) when one of its members is incarcerated. Despite the collateral effects due to his imprisonment, inmates’ family members are those who are more likely to keep in touch with the convict during his detention and to offer him their support (e.g. psychological, material and obligations). It should be noted that despite the ever-present consequences, studies highlight that the family provides inmates considerable support during post-incarceration. Moreover, based on the scientific literature, family members who provide housing accommodation to the former inmate are more likely to offer him other types of assistance and support. Thus, the importance of the family in the social reintegration of the offender seems undeniable. Considering these findings, it seems appropriate to look at the post-incarceration subjective experience of the ex-inmate’s family members who provide him housing accommodation. For that reason, this paper is expressly about that topic. We aim to learn more about (1) the moment when the incarcerated person is getting out of jail and (2) the daily life of the family member offering housing since the reintegration of the relative into their home. Furthermore, making a link with the two previous objectives, (3) to identify if the family member has any unmet needs. To do so, after receiving the certificate of ethical approval, we conducted interviews with family members of ex-inmate, which the offender is followed by the service our internship offers: Maisonneuve Community Agency, a community service monitoring adult men with legal conditions. From the analysis of the four semi-directed interviews that we conducted, it was possible to note that, after living the rejoice reunification, a period of disenchantment follows, bringing plenty of questions remaining unanswered, resulting various unresponded needs to the family member. With all these informations, from a clinical perspective, we present some recommendations and ways of intervention that could help to respond to ex-prisoners’ family members needs.

Keyphrases: Quasi-inmate, Analyse qualitative, Family, Ex-inmate, Post-incarceration, Extended penitentiary experience, Housing, Subjective experience, Quasi-inmate, Needs, Qualitative analysis
L’alliance thérapeutique en contexte d’intervention de groupe

In the scientific literature, many studies had been led on the individual therapeutic alliance, mainly because of its positive impact on treatment (Martin, Garske, et Davis, 2000). The alliance is particularly important for drug addicts because it enables commitment and maintenance of the person in the treatment (Cournoyer, Brochu, Landry, et Bergeron, 2007). However, in the context of group intervention, the notion of the therapeutic alliance has been less studied, and the studies differ on the definition and the impact on the treatment (Dion, 2000). As organizations increasingly use the group intervention, this report focuses on the group therapeutic alliance (Wendt et Gone, 2018).   The first purpose of this report is to identify the different concepts of the group therapeutic alliance. The second objective is to understand the influence of the alliance on the process journey of the participants. Finally, the factors that make possible the development or affect the therapeutic alliance within a group will be studied. To achieve these objectives, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five participants (following group treatment at the ASPA center) and a social worker from the same center. This analysis revealed that the emotional connection between the members and the therapist is more important while a group intervention. Besides, the relationships between group members may have positive effects on treatment outcome, but also have limitations. Furthermore, the organization's approach, the group composition, and the therapist skills influence the group alliance. In the end, based on the findings of this report, some recommendations have been made.

Keyphrases: Group climate, Group intervention, Therapeutic alliance, Group intervention, Group therapeutic alliance, Addiction, Open group
L’effet de l’hyperoxie néonatale sur la néovascularisation post-ischémique à l’âge adulte

It is increasingly recognized that neonatal conditions, including prematurity, can significantly modulate adult cardiovascular health. Premature infants are often exposed to high oxygen levels, which in animal models has been associated with the development of endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, and cardiac remodeling in the adult. Neovascularization is an essential defense mechanism against ischemic vascular diseases. Here we tested the novel hypothesis that neonatal exposure to high oxygen levels might impair ischemia-induced neovascularization in the adult. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to hyperoxia (85% O2) or normoxia (20% O2) from days 2 to 14 after birth. When the mice reached adulthood (6-8 weeks), hindlimb ischemia was surgically induced by femoral artery removal. We found that neonatal hyperoxia was associated with a significantly slower rate of blood flow recovery after hindlimb ischemia, as assessed by Laser Doppler imaging. Doppler flow ratios were significantly reduced in mice exposed to neonatal hyperoxia, both at day 7 and at day 21 after surgery. In ischemic tissues, previous exposure to neonatal hyperoxia led in adults to decreased capillary density, increased oxidative stress levels and reduced expression of the enzyme superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Pro-angiogenic cells (PACs) have been shown to have an important role for postnatal neovascularisation. In adult mice, we found that previous neonatal exposure to hyperoxia was associated with a significant reduced number of bone marrow and peripheral PACs at day 7 after hindlimb ischemia. Moreover, the adhesion properties of PACs to Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) were significantly impaired in mice exposed to neonatal v hyperoxia. Interestingly, aortic endothelial cells (MAECs) isolated from mice that had been exposed to neonatal hyperoxic conditions appear to exhibit impaired migration capacity, lower NO production and reduction of tube formation compared to MAECs isolated from control mice. Globally, our results indicate that transient neonatal exposure to high oxygen levels leads to impaired ischemia-induced neovascularization during adulthood. The mechanism involves negative effects of neonatal hyperoxia on angiogenic pathways in ischemic muscles, together with a reduction in the number and the function of PACs and mature endothelial cells.

Keyphrases: Neovascularisation, Neonatal hyperoxia, Angiogenesis, Pro-angiogenics cells, Ischemia
Sainte-Justine du futur : des patients et des parents parlent aux soignants

Context The Chairman and CEO of the University Hospital Sainte-Justine offered a young physician and researcher to form a group to reflect on the future ef the institution. The mean chosen to do so was to ask the people receiving these services, both the patients and their relatives. Objective This research project is aimed at giving a voice to the people who benefit from the care and services at CHU Sainte-Justine. This is a chance for staff at CHUSJ to know how patients and their families would like to relive their experience if they returned to CHU Sainte-Justine within a few years.  Methods There were 13 focus groups, as well as 3 individual interviews for a total of 59 people met, consisting of 19 patients and 40 relatives. Since it is an exploratory project, the working hypotheses is to collect as many ideas as possible from participants. The research method chosen is an exploratory and descriptive analysis (Miles et Huberman, 2003). Results We have demonstrated that they wish to have a relationship of partners with the caregivers, and that they ask that all the people they meet at CHU Sainte-Justine consider themselves as caregivers, being as each of them has an important role in their experience at the CHUSJ. The general observation following the analysis of the proposals is that the aims of the patient-family-caregivers partnership are centered on what patients and relatives say they need. The results show the complexity of their reality of life with a disease, the need to recognize this complexity, the need not only to be understood, but considered as well as supported to better cope with the illness and the transformations of life that it entails.  Conclusion Patients and their families want the people working at CHU /CHU Sainte-Justine as an organization to reinvent themselves to meet the needs and requests expressed by the focus group participants. These desired changes can be divided into two main areas: that of clinical ethics, in the patient-family-caregivers relationship, and that of organizational ethics, or in the organizational evolution needed to support clinical ethics in the field. The transformation of CHU Sainte-Justine in each of these two areas raises challenges of its own. At the clinical level, the challenge is human; to dare to make changes in the relationship beyond the level of current care and services offered. At the organizational level, the challenge is political; namely the organizational transformation of CHU Sainte-Justine.

Keyphrases: parole aux patients, Clinical ehtics, Organizational ethics, Organizational transformation, Patient voice, Clinical relationship, Recognition, Partnership, Everyone a caregiver
L’itinérance chez une cohorte de jeunes adultes avec premier épisode psychotique : étude comparative à 2 ans de l’impact de l’itinérance sur l’évolution fonctionnelle et symptomatique

BACKGROUND Psychosis increases the risk of homelessness, the latter is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Young adults experiencing first-episode psychosis (FEP) are increasingly recognized as more vulnerable. However, data about homelessness in FEP is sparse.  OBJECTIVES To compare symptomatic and functional outcomes in homeless v. never homeless FEP, at admission and two years after admission to an Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) program.  METHOD From October 2005 to April 2011, 167 FEP consecutive admissions (aged 18 to 30 years old), were recruited in a 2-year prospective longitudinal study in an inner city EIS in Montreal, Canada. Socio-demographic characteristics, symptomatic and functional outcomes, as well as treatments and service use data were collected at admission and annually.  RESULTS 26% of FEP were homeless, prior or during the follow-up. Attrition rate was similar among the two groups. At baseline, the homeless group were more likely to have experienced childhood abuse, forensic history, non-affective psychosis, negative symptoms, substance use disorder and cluster B personality. Despite the intensive care of EIS, the similarity of illness severity at baseline and medication adherence rate, homeless FEP had poorer 2-year symptomatic and functional outcomes, although having more long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics (vs oral), community treatment orders and hospitalizations.  CONCLUSION Homelessness is a serious and prevalent phenomenon among FEP youth associated with worse symptomatic and functional outcomes. More studies on interventions focusing on potentially modifiable factors (e.g. substance use disorders, social support) are warranted.  DECLARATION OF INTEREST None.

Keyphrases: psychiatrie, homelessness, homeless youth, severe mental disorders, psychosis, first-episode psychosis, schizophrenia, substance-related disorders, outcome, psychiatry
Les valeurs anthropométriques ; mesures prédictives du risque cardio-métabolique et du syndrome métabolique au Kenya

Background: The prevalence of cardio-metabolic diseases (CMD) and metabolic syndrome (MS) is drastically increasing in low and middle income countries. CMD and MS risk factors has been correlated with anthropometric measures of fat accumulation. However, very few studies have addressed by this association in rural and urban Sub-Saharan African (SSA) populations. It remains unclear which anthropometric features of fat accumulation are best associated with CMD risk factors and MS. This study aimed to investigate the association between anthropometric features, metabolic syndrome (MS) and other cardio-metabolic risk factors in a population from Kenya. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1,401 rural and urban Kenyan men and women were examined. Anthropometric measurements were carried out, including body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference(WC), visceral and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (VAT and SAT). Measures of blood glucose (FBG, 2-h OGTT), fasting plasma insulin and plasma lipids were analyzed. Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) were measured. Adjusted multivariate linear regression analyses and adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed. Results: Urban Kenyans had significantly higher anthropometric features (p <0.05 for Weight, BMI, WC, SAT and VAT/SAT) and CMD risk factors (p <0.05 for triglycerides, LDL-C, total cholesterol, FPG, FPI, HOMA-IR, OGTT, SBP and DBP) compared to rural. CMD risk factors and MS were associated with all anthropometric features of fat accumulation, except for HDL- C levels (P<0.05) and the strongest associations were seen with VAT and SAT. Conclusions: Anthropometric measures of fat accumulation, especially features of central obesity, are relevant indicators of cardio-metabolic health in Kenyan rural and urban populations.

Keyphrases: Metabolic syndrome, Anthropometric measures, Obesity, Kenya, Lipids, Sub-Saharan Africa
L’association entre un binge de drogue et la tentative de suicide dans une population d’utilisateurs de drogues injectables

Background: The burden of suicide in developed countries is still substantial. Among suicide risk factors, suicide attempt is the best predictor. Fortunately, many risk factors of suicide and suicide attempt are preventable including substance use. Drug users and especially people who inject drugs (PWID) have an elevated risk of suicide attempt. Although many suicide risk factors have been repeatedly identified in this population, a systematic review of the imputed role of different substances on suicidality reveals sparse data. While poly-substance use consistently stands out as strongly associated with suicidality, our literature review underlines the lack of study on the suicidal risk posed by binge behaviour, a high-risk pattern of drug use. The objective of this study is to assess the association between binge drug use and suicide attempt in the HEPCO cohort, an ongoing prospective cohort of PWID in Montreal, Canada, created in 2004 to study the determinants of hepatitis C transmission.  Methods: HEPCO cohort participants answered a biannual interviewer-administered questionnaire compiling information regarding the previous six months on three domains : sociodemographic characteristics, patterns of substance use (cocaine, amphetamine, opioids, sedative-hypnotics, alcohol, and cannabis), and psychosocial stressors including mental health markers. The relationship between suicide attempt and binge behaviour was modelled using generalized estimating equation (GEE), controlling for all significant variables of all three domains.  Results: Among 1240 participants (mean age; SD: 38.2 ; 9.8) at baseline, 222 (17.9%) reported binge during the past 6–months. PWID reporting binge were signiﬁcantly younger (p < 0,001), less educated (p=0.012) and less likely male (p=0.047). They were more likely to use other drugs except cannabis and alcohol. They had shorter history of injection (p < 0.001) and they were younger at ﬁrst injection (p=0.014). They reported higher likelihood of prostitution (p=0.003) and higher likelihood of having received a psychiatric diagnostic in their lifetime (p=0.003). Binge was independently associated with attempted suicide in the GEE multivariate model (aOR=1.91 ; 95%CI=1.38–2.65 ; p < 0.001).

Keyphrases: binge, suicide, Cocaine, injection drug use, mental health, opioid, suicide attempt
Évaluation d’un programme de réadaptation en communauté par les arts visuels pour les jeunes présentant un trouble psychiatrique stabilisé

Youths with mental health issues have to face the double task of tackling mental disease while dealing with the inherent difficulties of the transition into adulthood. While strongly linked to the recovery theory, art-based interventions have been shown promising to foster mental health rehabilitation. This thesis concerns the evaluation of the pilot program Espace Transition au Musée (ETM), a collaboration between Ste-Justine University Hospital and the Montreal Fine Arts Museum. The program aims at youth aged 14 to 25 years old with a stabilized mental disorder. Group art workshops are given and aim at increasing well-being and adaptation of the participants, as well as decreasing their stigmatization.  The research objectives were to evaluate the effects of the program on ETM participant’s self-concept and experienced stigma as well as to explore the program’s various modalities influencing these effects. Mixed methods within a naturalistic and collaborative approach were used to match the innovative context of the program. Qualitative and quantitative results were found convergent suggesting the development of a more positive self-concept following the participation to program along with a reduction of perceived stigma. Many different modalities were identified to influence the program’s effects, both in a positive (group modalities and normative experience for example) and negative (sociodemographic differences between participants’ types for example) way. Hence, this thesis supports the adequacy of ETM and moreover suggests pertinent recommendations for its further development. Besides, this thesis promotes the potential effectiveness of art-based interventions to foster recovery in youths with mental disorders.

Keyphrases: youths, mental disorders, rehabilitation, art-based interventions, implementation assessment, effects evaluation, theory of action, mixed methods
La régulation des micro-ARNs dans les cancers de la langue mobile

The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic value and oncogenic pathways associated to miRNA expression in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue and to link these miRNA candidates with potential gene targets. We performed a miRNA screening within our institutional cohort (n = 58 patients) and reported five prognostic targets including a cluster of four co-expressed miRNAs (miR-18a, miR-92a, miR-103, and miR-205). Multivariate analysis showed that expression of miR-548b (p = 0.007) and miR-18a (p = 0.004, representative of coexpressed miRNAs) are independent prognostic markers for squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue. These findings were validated in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort (n=131) for both miRNAs (miR-548b: p = 0.027; miR-18a: p = 0.001). Bioinformatics analysis identified PTEN and ACTN4 as direct targets of the four co-expressed miRNAs and miR-548b, respectively. Correlations between the five identified miRNAs and their respective targeted genes were validated in the two merged cohorts and were concordantly significant (miR- 18a/PTEN: p < 0.0001; miR-92a/PTEN: p = 0.0008; miR-103/PTEN: p = 0.008; miR-203/PTEN: p = 0.019; miR-548b/ACTN4: p = 0.009).

Keyphrases: PTEN, ACTN4, PI3K, Oral tongue, Squamous cell carcinoma, Micro-RNA