NCube/papyrus huggingface dataset:
Les issues périnatales des femmes avec prééclampsie récidivante : une étude rétrospective

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether a recurrent preeclampsia compared to the preeclampsia that occurred at the first pregnancy was more at risk of preterm delivery at < 37 weeks of gestation. Secondary outcomes were intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and maternal morbidity.  STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 383 women with preeclampsia who delivered at Sainte-Justine Hospital in Montreal (Canada) from 2001 to 2011. Among these, 128 women developed a recurrent preeclampsia in their subsequent pregnancy.   RESULTS: Among women with a recurrent preeclampsia (n = 128), no significant differences were found in the rates of preterm delivery and IUGR between the first and the subsequent pregnancy. Women with a recurrent preeclampsia were more at risk of chronic hypertension (p = 0.001) and gestational diabetes (p = 0.02) in their second pregnancy. Furthermore, women with recurrent preeclampsia had, at their first pregnancy, a higher rate of severe preeclampsia (p < 0.001), eclampsia and adverse criteria (p = 0.007), than women who experienced a single preeclampsia (n = 255). The Relative Risk to experience a recurrent preeclampsia at the second pregnancy, if a woman had the above criteria at the first pregnancy, was 1.60 (95%CI 1.17 - 2.18).  CONCLUSION: Recurrent preeclampsia was not associated with a higher rate of preterm delivery. Women who experienced a severe preeclampsia, an eclampsia or adverse criteria in a first pregnancy were more at risk to have a recurrent preeclampsia in the subsequent pregnancy.  Key words: preeclampsia, recurrence, perinatal outcome, and preterm delivery

Keyphrases: Perinatal outcome, Preterm delivery, Preeclampsia, Recurrent preeclampsia
Les sources de plaisir issues d’oeuvres d’art contemporain dans un contexte muséal

Today, the educational role of museums in society as a whole is indisputable. Museums of contemporary art are important learning environments where a significant proportion of visitors can experience pleasure during their visit. Given the necessity of improving our understanding of this phenomenon, the present Master's level research has allowed us to identify, within the framework of the most recent research by A.M. Émond and C. Dufresne-Tassé entitled Le grand public et l’art contemporain: du rejet au plaisir, sources of pleasure which could emerge amongst visitors from the general public during a visit to the Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art. To do so, we analyzed 30 discourses of visitors from Émond and Dufresne-Tassé’s study. Our research favours the qualitative approach, being simultaneously exploratory, empirical and fundamental. Our results have demonstrated the existence of pleasures which emerge as a function of three broad categories (Museum Object, Visitors Themselves, General Impression) which can be subdivided into eighteen subcategories. We have described each of these categories and subcategories of pleasure with the aid of examples extracted from visitors' discourses. We believe that with our findings on the identification and importance of pleasure, educational sectors of art museums could benefit from our research in the development of educational strategies for a non-specialist public viewing contemporary art.

Keyphrases: Art contemporain, Plaisir, Grand public, Contemporary art, Pleasure, General public, Museum education, Museum didactic
Career Officers and Political Appointees in American Diplomacy: Contending for Diplomatic Positions through Boundary Work

American diplomacy has long included a larger contingent of non-career appointees than is found in many other countries' diplomatic corps. Since the 1950s, successive White Houses have allocated about 30% of ambassadorships to individuals outside the diplomatic profession (so-called "political appointees"). These political appointments are a source of controversy within the career Foreign Service and in the national media. While news reports and academic studies remain focused on the formal boundary between career and non-career diplomats, this paper calls attention to the symbolic boundary determining the legitimacy of participants in American diplomacy. I argue that, in their attempt to secure their access to diplomatic positions, career members of the Foreign Service and political appointees compete for the social recognition of their respective "boundary work", that is to say, the symbolic boundaries that they respectively produce through their discourse and practices and that differentiate between legitimate and illegitimate diplomats. On the one hand, career diplomats try to protect their dominant position through turf claims establishing restrictive distinctions, based on quantitative and qualitative criteria, between legitimate and illegitimate political appointees. On the other hand, political appointees try to carve out a place for themselves by promoting less restrictive selection criteria for diplomatic appointments while at the same time downplaying the formal distinction between career and non-career practitioners. Methodologically, the paper builds on interviews with members of the Foreign Service and political appointees as well as on written primary sources.

Keyphrases: American Diplomacy
Conception et évaluation d’un nouveau système de transfection ciblée, basé sur l’utilisation du système E/Kcoil

Pharmaceutical industry often employs polyethylenimine (PEI) for large scale protein production processes by transient transfection of mammalian cells. PEI condenses plasmid DNA (pDNA) by spontaneously forming positive nanoparticles known as polyplexes. Condensed pDNA is favoured for cell surface binding, internalization and protection from intracellular nucleases. While most of the cells efficiently uptake polyplexes, only 5 to 10% of captured pDNA reaches the nucleus for transgene expression. This suggests that polyplexes are hampered in their ability to route and to translocate to the nucleus necessitating large amounts of polyplexes to achieve high expression levels.  By contrast, many viruses can efficiently transduce cells with only one or a few viral genome copies. Viruses have evolved to exploit cellular internalization and routing properties to express their own genetic material. We hypothesized that less pDNA would be used in an optimized transfection process if we exploited the internalization and routing properties that viruses use. DNA binding proteins could be used as an alternative to PEI to transfect mammalian cells. However, their usage is marginal due to the large protein quantities required to bind pDNA for transgene expression. If less pDNA is used less binding protein is needed.  In this study, we used the E/Kcoil system to target a membrane receptor to deliver pDNA in mammalian cells. The Ecoil and Kcoil are two repeated heptapeptides which interact with a high affinity and specificity to form coiled-coil structures. We fused the Ecoil with a recombinant pDNA-binding protein. The Kcoil was fused to a stably-expressed membrane receptor in HEK293 cells.  We discovered that low sulfation of the cell surface reduced non-specific binding of the pDNA:protein complex and permitted targeted binding via the E/Kcoil interaction. We demonstrate how to use recombinant pDNA-binding protein and the E/Kcoil system for targeted transgene delivery. This newly developed system provides a new transfection method, with reduced pDNA-binding protein quantities needed to achieve transgene expression.

Keyphrases: High mobility group protein-1 (HMGB1), Chlorate de sodium (NaClO3), Targeted transfection, Transient transfection, Recombinant protein, E/Kcoil system, Non-viral vector, High mobility group protein-1 (HMGB1), Cluster of differentiation 4 receptor (CD4), Sulfated membrane, Sodium chlorate (NaClO3)
Évaluation de l'acquisition de la résistance à la colistine chez Escherichia coli O149 chez le porc

Post-weaning diarrhea is an important swine disease in Québec mainly caused by Escherichia coli O149. The most frequent treatment used is neomycin, but due to antimicrobial resistance to this antibiotic, veterinarians often use colistin sulfate (CS). CS binds the lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and causes a displacement of divalent cations causing pore formation in the membrane, leading to cellular death. The two component system PmrA/PmrB is the most frequently associated with CS resistance in E. coli by adding à L-Ara4N group to the LPS, increasing its charge, reducing affinity for CS. The main objective of this study was to investigate the genetic polymorphism in pmrA/pmrB genes in E. coli strains acquired in vitro and in an infectious model of post-weaning diarrhea in piglets. For the in vitro assay, we used swine clinical E. coli strains resistant to neomycin isolated from 2008 to 2011. We created 22 mutants resistant to CS. MIC was determined by standard double dilution method and compared to the EUCAST breakpoint. By sequencing the genes pmrA and pmrB, we identified seven new genetic polymorphisms, 3 were in PmrA: A80V, N128I, S144G and 4 in pmrB gene: V87E, D148Y, D148V, T156M. For the in vivo assay, we followed the experimental infection ETEC:F4 E. coli strain and commensal E. coli isolates through a post-weaning infectious model. Sequencing of pmrA and pmrB showed two polymorphisms G15R and T156M, respectively. Many E. coli strains acquired in vitro and in vivo resistance to colistin without mutation in pmrA/pmrB suggesting other(s) mechanism(s) of resistance to this antibiotic.

Keyphrases: E. coli, Polymyxine E, PmrA/PmrB, Post weaning diarrhea, Swine, Colistin, Polymyxin E, Two components system, Antimicrobial resistance, Genetic polymorphism
Mesure de la génération de thrombine et son application pour la surveillance pharmacothérapeutique de l'héparine de faible poids moléculaire chez le chien

Dalteparin is an anticoagulant used to prevent and treat thrombotic disorders in dogs. Measurement of anti-factor Xa (FXa) activity is currently used for monitoring therapy, but remains a non-functional test. The aim of this study was to investigate if a thrombin generation (TG) assay could be used for the in vitro evaluation of the effects of dalteparin on canine plasma, as well as for monitoring the pharmacodynamic effects of dalteparin administration in healthy dogs. Normal TG parameters were assessed in plasma from 25 adult beagles and 11 client-owned healthy dogs. Pooled plasma was spiked with dalteparin to obtain 9 final increasing concentrations. TG, anti-FXa activity and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were measured for each concentration. 24 healthy beagles were randomized across four equal groups. À single SC dose of 50 U/kg, 100 U/kg or 150 U/kg of dalteparin was given and compared to a placebo group. Platelet poor plasma (PPP) was collected over 24 hours and assed by TG, anti-FXa activity and aPTT. In vitro results showed that dalteparin exerted a concentration-dependent anticoagulant effect on TG parameters and TG and anti-FXa activity were more sensitive than aPTT to detect these effects. The pharmacodynamics study showed a time, dose and time*dose interaction that significantly affected TG and anti-FXa parameters. TG can be employed to measure the pharmacodynamics effects of dalteparin at different doses in healthy dogs.

Keyphrases: pharmacodynamie, in vitro, anticoagulation, anti-FXa, daltparin, thrombin generation
The relationship between abortion and suicide : a systematic review  = 
La relation entre l’avortement et le suicide : une recension systématique

The Relationship Between Abortion and Suicide: A Systematic Review Geneviève Bloch-Torrico Since 1988, there have been an increasing number of abortions and suicides among Canadian women. Given the controversy on the mental health outcomes for women who procure elective abortions, a systematic review was conducted to determine the relationship between abortion and suicide. After the application of methodologically based selection criteria and extraction rules to minimise bias, the sample of 19 studies was selected for further review. The sample consisted of 2,842,655 female participants, 7 measures of effect from 10 countries; all were observational studies published in English. Nine studies examined abortion, seven considered suicide and three had other focal points (rape, substance use and risks specific to orphaned and abused youth). Studies included females of reproductive age who had an abortion or were preparing to do so. Elective abortion was the only intervention investigated; the outcome variables were completed suicide, attempted suicidal and suicidal ideation. Quality assessment was effected for measures of attempted suicide and suicidal ideation. The results suggested that women who had undergone an abortion experienced a statistically significant increased risk of completed or attempted suicide. The findings concerning suicidal ideation remained tentative due to variability in measurement. The strongest estimates of increased risk occurred when abortion was compared with term pregnancy and when the outcomes involved substance use and experiences of violence. This review offered the only qualitative estimate of suicide risks associated with abortion available in the current literature. Results revealed a moderate to highly increased risk of suicidal behaviours correlated with elective abortion. Evidence-based findings should inform the delivery of abortion and suicide prevention services. Key words: completed suicide, attempted suicide, suicidal ideation, elective abortion, pregnancy termination

Keyphrases: completed suicide, attempted suicide, suicidal ideation, elective abortion, pregnancy termination
L’encadrement parental des devoirs en lecture d’élèves de 1re année du premier cycle du primaire

The goal of education systems across the world and particularly in Quebec is to prepare students to meet challenges of the future and to help them continue learning throughout their lifetime. In this regard, reading is an important aspect in a child’s development and in developing their ability to relate to the world around them.   Reading is a tool for learning, communication and creativity, and it can be a source of pleasure. Most daily activities involve reading. Thus, it is necessary to perform a task, to learn or to play. Students learn to read in order to better integrate into the academic and social life and to learn in different disciplinary contexts  In an effort to consolidate learned material and to instill good work habits, teachers assign reading assignments for students to complete at home. Research demonstrates that parents’ involvement in their child’s school life, especially in the form of homework supervision, can have a positive effect on their academic success.  This study examines how the parents of grade one students help children with their homework, namely with reading. The sample comprises 17 parents of grade one students. We have chosen a semi-structured interview approach in order to gather the comments and perceptions of parents on homework sessions.   According to findings, all parents interviewed help their children with homework, more so women than men, and a homework routine is established. Homework supervision is mostly done in a pleasant context. Most parents support their child by staying close to them, advising them, encouraging them, and making sure they finish their assignment. Most parents also consider they have the necessary resources to help their children with homework. For reading assignments, parents listen to their child read aloud and correct them when they stumble or make a mistake. In addition, even if parents trust their child’s reading abilities, most will ask questions to ensure comprehension. With regards to the effects of homework, all parents believe that homework facilitates academic success and that supervision has a positive effect on reading. These findings cannot be generalised, however, it would be interesting to follow up this research with a related study on the perceptions of students and teachers.

Keyphrases: Parents, Reading, Homework, Elementary, Supervision
L’évaluation du raisonnement clinique des résidents en hématologie par l’approche de concordance de script

The practice of hematology, like any other profession, requires the acquisition of adequate judgment. Based on cognitive psychology theory, the script concordance test (SCT) has been developed and validated as an instrument capable of evaluation clinical judgement in various medical specialties. The goal of this study was to examine the usefulness and the psychometric qualities of the SCT in hematology. We constructed a SCT composed of 60 questions and we administered it to 15 junior residents (R1 to R3 in internal medicine), 46 senior residents (R4, R5 and R6) and 17 hematologists from across Canada. After item optimization, the test comprised 51 questions. Its internal consistency measured by Cronbach alpha was 0.83. The test was able to discriminate between residents according to their year of training. Questions containing an image (n=10) seemed to offer a stronger discriminative potential. Scores obtained by the senior residents correlated moderately with those obtained on a conventional hematology exam made of multiple choice questions and short-answers (Pearson r: 0.42; p=0.02). The SCT was completed in an average of 36 minutes and was well received by participants. The SCT is a useful and valid evaluation instrument in hematology. It may be used during training to monitor resident progression. It may also be combined to other evaluation tools and used for summative purposes or in continuing medical education.

Keyphrases: Evaluation, Clinical reasoning, Clinical judgment, Residents, Hematology, Morphology, Script concordance test
Conséquences d’une restriction de croissance intra-utérine sur la réactivité aortique chez le rat en fonction de l’âge et du sexe biologique

Background. Vascular tone is regulated by several mechanisms and several exogenous and endogenous stimuli such as circulating hormones and the vasoactive compounds released by the endothelium. Many studies have shown that pre-menopausal women are less likely to develop cardiovascular diseases and that this is due to the protective effects of estrogenic hormones on the cardiovascular system. In addition, some studies have shown that the stiffening of arteries that is associated with aging is different in men and women and that intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) predisposes to the development of cardiovascular disease in adulthood differently in men and women. We wanted to investigate whether aortic vascular reactivity depends on sex, age and intrauterine environment and whether aortic stiffness is different between males and females. Methods. Thoracic aortic rings from 5-, 12- and 20-week old male and female control and IUGR rats with intact endothelium were mounted in isolated organ baths. The contraction to increasing doses of phenylephrine (PE) with or without L -NAME and the dilatation to increasing doses of carbachol (Cbc) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were recorded in order to evaluate the vascular reactivity of the aorta and to compare the different groups. Thoracic aortic rings from male and female rats aged between 13 and 17 weeks were used to assess arterial stiffness. Results. In male rats only, maximal contraction to PE in absence or presence of L-Name increased at the age of 20 weeks in controls and at the age of 12 and 20 weeks in IUGR. In females, maximal contraction in the absence of L-Name was not affected by age or IUGR. However, maximal contraction to PE in the presence of L-Name increased after puberty. The effect of L-Name was stronger in females. Maximal relaxation in response to Cbc was reduced in IUGR groups. However, no difference was observed with SNP and no difference in stiffness was observed between males and females. Conclusion. L-Name experiments suggest that NO has a more important role in females and PE results suggest that males are more responsive to vasoconstrictor stimuli while growing up and this is even more pronounced when they are growth restricted. The difference in maximal contraction between males and females is not due to a difference in arterial stiffness.

Keyphrases: Hormones, Rat, Vascular tone, Stiffness, Intrauterine growth restriction, Nitric oxide, Sex, Endothelium, Age
Impact de l’expression de l’isoforme p35 de la chaîne invariante humaine chez des souris déficientes en CD74 endogène

The invariant chain (Ii; CD74) is a type II membrane protein which plays a key role in antigen presentation as well as acting as a receptor for the cytokine MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor). In the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Ii assists the folding of MHC II and prevents the loading of nascent polypeptides in the peptide-binding groove. Di-leucine-like motifs contained in the Ii cytoplasmic tail target the MHC II-Ii complexes in the endocytic pathway. Once in low pH-endosomes, Ii is degraded allowing the binding of a high affinity peptide which is then presented on cell surface to CD4+ T cells. In Ii deficient mice, MHC II displays a “floppy” conformation typical of empty molecules or is loosely bound with peptides. The transport is aberrant leading to decreased surface expression of MHC II and defective antigenic presentation. Also, the lack of Ii restricts the peptide repertoire and impairs thymic selection of CD4+ T cells. Moreover, Ii regulates B cells maturation and Ii deficient mice display reduced numbers of mature follicular B cells (FO). The human minor p35 isoform (Iip35) does not exist in mice and displays a 16 amino acids N-terminal cytoplasmic extension containing a di-arginine (R-x-R) motif causing ER retention and acting as dominant in heterotrimeric complexes with Iip33. Upon binding to MHC II, the retention motif is masked, which allows the complexes to egress from the ER.  The physiological role of the R-x-R motif is poorly understood. To shed light on Iip35 function, we generated transgenic mice expressing Iip35 and analyzed the conformation and traffic of MHC II, the thymic selection and the development of B cells as well as the antigenic presentation.  Our results showed that Iip35 generates an MHC II in the right conformation and increases MHC II surface expression. Also, Iip35 targets MHC II into endosomes where high affinity peptides bind to the groove. We also showed that Iip35 diversifies the peptide repertoire and fully restores thymic selection of CD4+ T cells as well as the TCR levels on these cells. Then, Iip35 ensures presentation of the Ii-dependent antigen ovalbumin but does not totally rescue the presentation of superantigens. Interestingly, thymic selection of the iNKT cells is fully restored showing that Iip35 assists with lipids presentation by CD1d. Finally, Iip35 allows B cells to develope into FO B cells but does not support marginal zone (MZ) B cells maturation. This result suggests that MIF stimulation is not a prerequisite for FO B cells development. Altogether, these results showed that Iip35 is functional and has most of the CD74 functions. However, it cannot replace the endogenous Ii regarding the MZ B cells maturation suggesting that Iip35 could have regulatory functions by modulating the development of some cells.

Keyphrases: Iip35, CD74, MHC II, Antigenic presentation, Invariant chain