NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
L’expression des cyclo-oxygénases et des oxydes nitriques synthases avec les protéines adaptatrices TRAFs dans les cellules progénitrices endothéliales

Platelets secrete CD40L whereas white blood cells such as endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) express its cognate receptor CD40, the previous dyad allowing hemostasis. Recent evidences revealed the existence of two EPC subtypes implicated in vascular repair: early outgrowth cells (EOCs) and endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs). EOCs express adapter proteins, members of the TNF receptor-associated factors (TRAFs), necessary for CD40 signaling, the latter possibly involved in the anti-platelet function of sCD40L-treated EOCs, through prostacyclin (PGI2) and nitric oxide (NO) secretion. However, the TRAFs present in ECFCs which may act upstream of CD40 signaling to regulate the expression of cyclooxygenases (COX) and NO synthases (NOS) are still unexplored. This study aims to investigate the role of TRAFs, COX and NOS in ECFCs. We succeeded in differentiating EPCs by culturing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in an endothelial growth medium (EGM-2), and showed by optical and confocal microscopy that EOCs display a monocyte-like phenotype whereas ECFCs have an endothelial cell (EC)-like phenotype, both EPC subtypes sharing endothelial features assessed by flow cytometry. Indeed, ECFCs, like ECs, constitutively express eNOS, iNOS, COX-1 and weakly COX-2; whereas EOCs do not constitutively express these NO and PGI2 producing enzymes, as shown by Western Blot. Comparing the expression profile of TRAFs in EOCs, ECFCs, PBMCs and ECs, we found that they all express CD40, TRAF1, 2, 3, 5 and 6. However, their levels of expression vary between the different cell types. Results generated from this project informed on the presence of TRAFs, COX and NOS in EOCs and ECFCs, where further studies on CD40 association with its identified TRAFs in each EPC subtype should shed lights on the downstream intracellular mechanisms involved in the regulation of COX and NOS expression in EOCs and ECFCs, and consequently their anti-platelet function.

Keyphrases: Cd40, Traf, Cox, Nos, Endothelial progenitor cells
Le lien entre l’apoB plasmatique et le risque de diabète de type 2 chez les individus obèses : un défaut de clairance des gras diététiques

OBJECTIVE: Plasma apoB predicts type 2 diabetes in humans. Delayed TG clearance promotes lipotoxicity and insulin resistance (IR). We demonstrated ex vivo that LDL, the major form of apoB-lipoproteins, impairs human white adipose tissue (WAT) fat storage. We hypothesized that the link between plasma apoB, IR and hyperinsulinemia is mediated through delayed dietary fat clearance.  METHODS/RESULTS: We examined insulin secretion (IS) and IR during a intravenous-glucose tolerance test followed by a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp in normoglycemic obese (N=29, 45%men, body mass index (BMI)≥27kg/m2, 45-74yrs, postmenopausal). Dietary TG clearance was measured after the ingestion of a 13C-triolein-labeled high-fat meal. The function of a fasting WAT biopsy was measured as the ability to store a 3H-TG substrate. Plasma apoB averaged 1.03±0.05g/L, and correlated with IR, 2nd phase IS, delayed dietary TG clearance and reduced WAT function. Moreover, delayed dietary TG clearance was associated with higher IR and 2nd phase IS. Correcting for dietary TG clearance or WAT function eliminated the association of plasma apoB with IR and 2nd phase IS.  CONCLUSION: The association of plasma apoB with IR and IS in obese subjects is mediated by delayed dietary fat clearance and WAT dysfunction.

Keyphrases: ApoB, Adipose tissue, Insulin resistance, Insulin secretion, Triglyceride postprandial clearance
L’assurance médicaments et son impact sur l’adhésion des patients à leurs médicaments

Drug insurance is one of many factors that can influence medication adherence. The objectives of this thesis were to evaluate the impact of the type of drug insurance (private versus public) on adherence to antihypertensive medications and the cost of medications, and to evaluate the impact of drug reimbursement procedures and out-of pocket expenses on adherence to medications prescribed for chronic diseases. To meet these objectives, two retrospective cohorts were constructed from the RAMQ and reMed databases: a matched cohort of antihypertensive users covered by private or public drug insurance and a cohort of patients covered by private drug insurance who filled at least one prescription for a medication prescribed for a chronic disease. The results have shown that the level of adherence to antihypertensive medications was similar between the two types of drug insurance and that the cost of antihypertensive medications was 28,9% higher for those privately insured. It was also observed that drug reimbursement procedures didn’t affect medication adherence, while the level of out-of-pocket expenses affected it. Patients with the highest out-of-pocket expenses were less adherent (difference: –19.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: –24.0 to –13.0), while patients with no out-of-pocket expenses were less adherent (difference: -9.0%; 95% CI: –15.0 to –2.0) than those with low out-of-pocket expenses. The results presented in this thesis have shown that drug insurance affects medication adherence through the characteristics of drug insurance plans.

Keyphrases: Medication adherence, Cohort study, Reimbursement procedures, Out-of-pocket expense, Drug insurance
Biomimicry and innovation in sustainable design : understanding its innovation supporting characteristics compared to ecodesign

Biomimicry is a growing design discipline that has gained much recognition throughout the last decade in sustainable design. The bioinspired design approach is finding its way across design disciplines from product design to architecture and urban design. The book, Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature, by Janine Benyus is credited to launch the design movement and as indicated in the title, biomimicry is often presented as a strategy for design innovation. The goal of this thesis is to gain a better understanding of biomimicry in the context of innovation. This study has two principal objectives and a minor objective. The first objective aims at understanding the correlation between biomimicry and ecodesign. The second objective is to validate the notion that biomimicry is a strategy supporting design innovation by establishing what kinds of innovation has been spawned by this approach. And finally the third objective is to identify the aspects of biomimicry that lead to innovative design solutions. To fulfill these objectives, this research will employ a qualitative approach and supported literature review and case studies.  To contextualize the last two objectives, the study clarifies that the qualitative approach of biomimicry and the quantitative approach of ecodesign are actually complimentary and thus together form a more comprehensive approach to sustainable design. The findings of this study also validate that biomimicry supports innovation, specifically radical innovation. To finalize, the study demonstrates that the two aspects of biomimicry responsible for innovation are the use of distant analogy and transdisciplinarity. Biomimicry is typically observed in the context of sustainability and this thesis aims to observe and understand biomimicry in the context of innovation. Given the growing interest in biomimicry by academia and the private sector, this research also will propose new paths of research in biomimicry and innovation and thus hopefully provoke new insights on the subject.

Keyphrases: Analogy, Biomimicry, Bioinspiration, Design, Sustainable Design, Innovation, Transdisciplinarity
Les Journées mondiales de la jeunesse : diversité des attentes et des retombées chez les participants et les organisateurs de groupes locaux

This dissertation aims to document the variety of expectations and outcomes of the participation in World Youth Day by participants and group leaders of the Diocese of Saint-Jean-Longueuil, from 1997 to 2013. Our starting hypothesis is that the gap between the vision of the participants and the organizers contributes to devalue the experience. To test our hypothesis, we interviewed 19 participants and organizers, and we present the results of the interviews. Thereafter, the interpretation of results is done using scientific texts related to the subject. Our research allows us to see that the expectations and benefits are diverse, but the central themes are consistent in both groups surveyed. The devaluation of the experience does not come from participants and organizers, but rather from other diocesan who want greater involvement of the World Youth Day participants in parish communities.

Keyphrases: participants, impacts, World youth day, group leaders, Saint-Jean-Longueuil diocese, pilgrimage, effects, expectations
Dibutade 2.0 : la "femme-auteur" à l'ère du numérique

This paper considers the question of female authorship on the web through the ancient myth of Dibutades. Indeed it seems that Dibutades, as a founding figure of many artistic practices, can clarify how some bloggers assert their authorship online, playing a significant and leading role in the emergence and in the recognition of a digital literature (a literature designed and published online). The following analyzis intend to emphasize the aesthetic potential of some online writing practices often ignored by literary studies, such as Facebook profiles and erotic or pornographic blogs.

Keyphrases: Dibutade, Profil Facebook, Femmes
Approches arthroscopiques et description de l'anatomie articulaire normale du carpe et du tarse chez le bovin adulte

Arthroscopic approaches and normal anatomy of the antebrachiocarpal, middle carpal and tarsocrural joints have not been specifically described in cattle. Our study aimed to determine surgical approaches and to describe the arthroscopic anatomy of these three joints. Two carpi and two tarsi from the fresh cadaver of an adult cow were injected with a latex mixture and dissected to determine the arthroscopic sites of interest. Thereafter, arthroscopic evaluation of the antebrachiocarpal and middle carpal joints (dorsal approach) and tarsocrural joint (dorsal and plantar approaches) was performed on six fresh cadavers of adult cows exhibiting neither lameness nor joint distension prior to their euthanasia. Dorsolateral and dorsomedial approaches of the antebrachiocarpal and middle carpal joints were performed on either side of the extensor carpi radialis. Observed structures were the distal radius, the radial, intermediate, ulnar, fused second and third and fourth carpal bones, as well as palmar ligaments. Dorsolateral and dorsomedial approaches of the tarsocrural joint were performed laterally to the extensor digitorum longus and medially to the peroneus tertius respectively. Plantarolateral and plantaromedial approaches were performed laterally to the flexor digitorum lateralis and laterally to the flexor digitorum medialis respectively. Observed structures were the distal tibia, proximal and plantar trochleae of the talus, the coracoid process of the calcaneus, the fibulocalcaneal joint and intra-articular ligaments. Whatever the joint, the lateral approach was preferred to the medial one. Arthroscopy of the carpus and tarsus may be offered in a hospital setting as a diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic tool for bovine joint diseases.

Keyphrases: Arthroscopy, Carpus, Tarsus, Antebrachiocarpal joint, Middle carpal joint, Tarsocrural joint, Bovin, Cattle, Joint anatomy
Développement d’une approche quantitative pour l’étude du poumon équin : fixation et échantillonnage pour l’application des principes de la stéréologie

The present study aimed at developing a fixation and sampling protocol for the horse lung in agreement with recent published guidelines for a design-based stereology approach.     The left lungs from control and from heaves-affected horses were fixed in 10% formaldehyde for 48hr at a controlled constant pressure of 25-30 cm H2O. Lungs were cut into 20-21 slices of a thickness of approximately 2.5cm each; 10-11 slices were then randomly and systematically selected for the measurement of the reference volume using the Cavalieri method. A systematic, uniform and random sampling (SURS) protocol using a 17 mm punch biopsy and the smooth fractionator principle was used to select a representative fraction of each lung. The vertical uniform random (VUR) and isotropic uniform random (IUR) sampling methods were both performed to compare the number of perpendicular airways obtained with each method. The general architecture and the quality of the fixed tissues were also evaluated.     Equine lung tissues were successfully sampled with a protocol designed to yield accurate morphometric data. The tissues were fixed with minimal artifacts and contained an adequate amount of perpendicular airways in both VUR and IUR sections.     In conclusion, we developed a fixation and sampling protocol adapted to the equine lung allowing the use of a design-based stereology approach to study airway remodeling.

Keyphrases: Cavalieri method, Constant pressure, Fixation, Horse lung, Isotropic uniform random sample, Stereology, Systematic uniform random sampling, Vertical uniform random sample
Prévalence et facteurs de risque de l'infection par Coxiella Burnettii chez les ruminants d'élevage au  Québec

Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic bacteria affecting a vast range of animal species. In domestic ruminants, the infection is usually asymptomatic, but sometimes linked with reproductive disorders. However, the transmission cycle of infection among them remains unclear. In that context, we conducted a study among dairy cattle, sheep and goats farms in two administrative regions of Québec to estimate the infection prevalence and identify the risk factors associated with farms and animals positivity. We estimated a herd prevalence of 44.6 % (95%CI=33.0 to 56.6) in dairy cattle, 70.8 % (95%CI=48.9 to 87.4) in sheep and 66.7 % (95%CI=22.3-95.7) in goats. On dairy cattle farms, we observed an association between their positivity and the density of small ruminants per square kilometer within a five kilometers radius around the farm. In small ruminants, at herd level, we observed an association with positivity and herd’s size and the presence of a dog on the farm. At the individual level, an association with positivity was found with the number of days in milk for small ruminants and their age, but the latter was also modulated by the individual’s previous access to pasture. No spatial cluster of positive farms was detected significant among dairy cattle nor small ruminants. The infection by Coxiella burnetii is therefore common on dodmestic ruminants’ farms in Québec and associated with some farm management practices and the presence, or proximity, of other domestic animals.

Keyphrases: Coxiella burnetii, Q Fever, Ruminant, Risk factor, Prevalence, Québec
Paysages d’adolescents du Québec, saisons en regards filmiques

«Paysages d’adolescents du Québec, saisons en regards filmiques» chronicles the journey to define the intimate relationship between adolescents and their environment. This study documents the natural and social elements of images filmed over the course of two seasons: fall and winter. Our text thereby contributes to the exploration of adolescents’ environmental values. On one hand, our research finds an oscillation between nature and society in the filmed images. It also shows the home—the platform upon which adolescents’ landscape awareness develops on a smaller scale—as the driving force behind the establishment of roots. The methodology used to achieve these results was drawn from projects in Montérégie and Bas-Saint-Laurent high schools in which adolescents filmed their environment and then evaluated and described the images captured. The analyses of recurring observations and successive themes allowed us to target the many dimensions of the adolescent’s relationship with their landscape.

Keyphrases: adolescents, nature, saisons, Montérégie, Bas-Saint-Laurent, teenagers, landscape perception, filmic images, rural environment, society, territory identity, seasons
La virtualité d'Internet : une tentative d'éclaircissement terminologique

Since many years the word “virtual” is employed to define some common practices related to new technologies, and particularly Internet. But, what is “virtual” in Internet? This paper aims to answer this question by analyzing the philosophical origins of this word and clarifying its meaning.

Keyphrases: Imaginaire, Internet
Compte rendu de Desrosières, Alain (2014), Prouver et gouverner : une analyse politique des statistiques publiques

Prouver et gouverner studies the role of institutions, conventions and normative issues taking place into the construction on quantitative indicators. Desrosières argues that we cannot study the scientific development of statistics without taking into account the public institutions – the State especially – and their impact on this discipline.

Keyphrases: Institution, Convention, Construction, Statistics, Politics, History of science
Romantic attachment and perception of partner support to explain psychological aggression perpetrated in couples seeking couples therapy

This study examined the mediational role of perceived partner support in the association between romantic attachment and the use of psychological aggression in 210 couples seeking couple therapy. Following the first therapy session, partners completed the Conjugal Support Questionnaire, the Experiences in Close Relationships and the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale individually. As expected, path analyses based on the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM; Kenny, Kashy, & Cook, 2006) revealed that, for both men and women, higher avoidance predicted their perception of lower partner support. Results also indicate that perception of lower partner support was related to more frequent use of psychological aggression in both the self and the partner. No significant association was found between attachment insecurities and the use of psychological aggression and, therefore, perceived partner support did not mediate this association. Methodological and clinical considerations of these results are discussed.

Keyphrases: couples, romantic attachment, perceived partner support, psychological partner aggression, couples therapy, clinical psychology
Adolescents, neurosciences et prise de décisions médicales: devrions-nous revoir certaines dispositions du Code civil du Québec?

In the Province of Quebec, an adolescent aged 14 years or older may, subject to a few exceptions, consent alone to medical treatment required for his or her condition. However, neuroscience research on the adolescent’s brain indicates that: 1) the acquisition of “brain maturity” is a continuing process, which can last until the mid-twenties and 2) certain decisional capacities such as assessment of short and long-term risks and benefits differ from those of adults, particularly in emotionally charged situations. I argue that, from the perspective of a child’s best interest, the neurophysiological capacity of the adolescent should be taken into consideration in the health care context. Thus, I question the adequacy of the presumption of ability to make autonomous judgments from the age of 14, and point out the paradox of allowing judicial review of such judgments in cases of refusal of treatment. I also question the relevance of age considerations in the context of the doctor-patient relationship, where assessment of decisional ability is of the essence in obtaining an informed consent. Finally, I question the exclusion of parents from the decision-making process in light of both their continuing responsibility to protect their child’s best interests and the benefits that parental guidance may provide to the adolescent. Consequently, I argue that a reconsideration of the case for giving decisional authority to the adolescent aged 14 or older is desirable and that a uniform standard, with a few possible exceptions, applicable throughout childhood would better reflect recent neuroscience findings.

Keyphrases: adolescent brain, consent to medical treatment, maturity, age-based criteria
Les directives anticipées des personnes atteintes d’une démence de type Alzheimer : Comment faire pour bien faire?

The Law on End of Life Care is now effective in Quebec. This law provides for a system of advanced medical directives. Respecting advanced directives (AD) issued in anticipation of incapacity can be a beneficial ethical way to ensure self-determination of the patient in a context where a person’s incapacity is total and of short duration (e.g., terminal cancer). But what about when the loss of decision- making abilities is gradual and spread over a long period of time, as is the case of people with Alzheimer’s type dementia (ATD)? Although the cognitive decline associated with ATD legitimizes the use of AD to promote self- determination of these people, relying solely on a person’s wishes expressed verbally or in writing to their relatives or physician to guide care is an approach that can be ethically risky. A review of the literature on AD, a study of the clinical features associated with ATD, and a critical analysis of a fictitious clinical case will help demonstrate the need for developing a gradual approach to revalidate agreements that take into consideration the AD of the person with a ATD while weighing their wishes and views in real time, their current quality of life and that of their caregiver. The beneficial deployment of AD relies on the ability of the actors involved to consider this as a process of revalidation of agreements. This necessary paradigm shift will ensure that actualising the self-determination of people with ATD does not come at the expense of their dignity, safety and integrity. Such an approach remains to be developed and promoted for people with ATD in Quebec. Health policies that move in this direction, as well as specific normative benchmarks for this clientele, are needed rapidly in the current Quebec context, which is joining the development of a system of “advanced medical directives” with a Law on End of Life Care.

Keyphrases: Alzheimer, advance directives, Alzheimer’s, end of life, health policies, seniors, decisional incapacity, quality of life