Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf

INTRODUCTION: Based on previously published case reports demonstrating dynamic left intraventricular obstruction (IVO) triggered by hypovolemia or catecholamines, this study aimed to establish: (1) IVO occurrence in septic shock patients; (2) correlation between the intraventricular gradient and volume status and fluid responsiveness; and (3) mortality rate. METHOD: We prospectively analyzed patients with septic shock admitted to a general ICU over a 28-month period who presented Doppler signs of IVO. Clinical characteristics and hemodynamic parameters as well as echocardiographic data regarding left ventricular function, size, and calculated mass, and left ventricular outflow Doppler pattern and velocity before and after fluid infusions were recorded. RESULTS: During the study period, 218 patients with septic shock were admitted to our ICU. IVO was observed in 47 (22%) patients. Mortality rate at 28 days was found to be higher in patients with than in patients without IVO (55% versus 33%, p < 0.01). Small, hypercontractile left ventricles (end-diastolic left ventricular surface 4.7 ± 2.1 cm(2)/m(2) and ejection fraction 82 ± 12%), and frequent pseudohypertrophy were found in these patients. A rise ≥12% in stroke index was found in 87% of patients with IVO, with a drop of 47% in IVO after fluid infusion. CONCLUSION: Left IVO is a frequent event in septic shock patients with an important correlation with fluid responsiveness. The mortality rate was found to be higher in these patients in comparison with patients without obstruction.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess risk of neurological toxicities following the use of different immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) regimens in solid tumors. METHODS: Pubmed, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched for publications, and data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.3 software to compare the risk of immune-related and nonspecific neurological complications potentially triggered by ICIs to controls. RESULTS: In total 23 randomized clinical trials comprising 11,687 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Patients with PD-L1 (OR, 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18-0.48; P<0.01) or programmed cell-death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.14-0.31; P<0.01) were less likely to develop any-grade peripheral neuropathy than chemotherapy, while the risk of grade 3-5 was also smaller for PD-1 inhibitor (OR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.05-0.54; P=0.003). Combination therapy with CTLA4 and PD-1 inhibitor did not significantly increase the risk of any-grade (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.21-3.32; P>0.05) or grade 3-5 (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.2-9.61; P>0.05) peripheral neuropathy compared to monotherapy with CTLA4 or PD-1 inhibitor. However, difference in risk of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) involving central nervous system did not reach statistical significance in patients with different ICI regimens compared those under chemotherapy. Additionally, risk of experiencing paresthesia was in line with that of peripheral neuropathy (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.28-0.62; P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis shows that PD-L1/PD-1 and CTLA4 inhibitor have decreased risk of peripheral neuropathy compared to chemotherapy, while combination therapy with CTLA4 and PD-1 inhibitor have no difference in neurological toxicities compared to monotherapy with CTLA4 or PD-1 inhibitor.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons. While neuronal dysfunction is central to PD, astrocytes also play important roles, both positive and negative, and such roles have not yet been fully explored. This literature review serves to highlight these roles and how the properties of astrocytes can be used to increase neuron survivability. Astrocytes normally have protective functions, such as releasing neurotrophic factors, metabolizing glutamate, transferring healthy mitochondria to neurons, or maintaining the blood-brain barrier. However, in PD, astrocytes can become dysfunctional and contribute to neurotoxicity, e.g., via impaired glutamate metabolism or the release of inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, astrocytes represent a double-edged sword. Restoring healthy astrocyte function and increasing the beneficial effects of astrocytes represents a promising therapeutic approach. Strategies such as promoting neurotrophin release, preventing harmful astrocyte reactivity, or utilizing regional astrocyte diversity may help restore neuroprotection.

The intersection of technology and sexuality in sex toys and erobots – artificial erotic agents (e.g. sex robots) – may generate stigma with their use. However, despite the growing prevalence of technology in human sexuality, researchers have yet to examine this stigma. Hence, this study provides the first quantitative evidence of perceived stigma related to erotic technology use (PSETU) and its association with people’s willingness to engage with erotic technologies. Based on previous research, we hypothesised that PSETU exists and increases as a function of products’ human-likeness (Hypothesis 1), and negatively correlates to participants’ willingness to engage with erotic technologies (Hypothesis 2), with stronger associations for women and sex toys and stronger associations for men and erobots (Hypothesis 3). A convenience sample of 365 adults (≥18 years; with access to the recruitment material) completed an online survey measuring their PSETU for sex toys, erotic chatbots, virtual partners, and sex robots, and their willingness to engage with these technologies. The results support Hypothesis 1, and partly support Hypotheses 2–3. Women and men also perceive the same technology-related stigma. These findings are important given the prevalence of sex toys, the advent of erobots, and the potential impact of stigma on their (future) users.

Wikipedia represents a revolution in the way knowledge is communicated and a potential threat to traditional encyclopedias. Wikipedia is widely used as a reference in academic assignments. Unfortunately, for the neophyte, it may be hard to assess the completeness and the accuracy of a contribution to Wikipedia. In this article, we describe an assignment to show students how to read a Wikipedia scientific article critically and how to correct it appropriately, if necessary. The assignment has proven to be beneficial to the students while demonstrating how to analyze, understand, and write a contribution to Wikipedia.

Assuming given externally applied magnetic fields and given velocities, we calculate the currents induced in moving conductors of arbitrary conductivity, and the net magnetic field. Three of the four conductors are solid, and the fourth is fluid. We find that, in these examples, the net magnetic field is either unaffected by the moving conductor, or distorted downstream, or distorted upstream. In all cases the net magnetic field is static.

1. Treatment with enalapril induces smooth muscle cell apoptosis and regression of aortic hypertrophy in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), whereas combined blockade of angiotensin II AT(1) and AT(2) receptors does not. We postulated that vascular apoptosis with enalapril involves enhanced half-life of bradykinin (BK) and kinin B(2) receptor stimulation. 2. SHR, 11-weeks old, were treated for 4 weeks with enalapril (30 mg kg(-1) day(-1)), Hoe 140 (500 microg kg(-1) day(-1); B(2) receptor antagonist), alone or in combination. Controls received vehicle. 3. The half-life of hypotensive responses to intra-arterial bolus injections of BK were significantly increased in SHR anesthetized after 4 weeks of enalapril, an effect prevented by Hoe 140. The magnitude of BK-induced hypotension was significantly attenuated in all rats treated with Hoe 140. 4. As compared to placebo, enalapril treatment significantly reduced blood pressure (-34+/-2%), aortic hypertrophy (-20+/-3%), hyperplasia (-37+/-5%) and DNA synthesis (-61+/-8%), while it increased aortic DNA fragmentation by two-fold. Hoe 140 given alone or in combination with enalapril affected none of these parameters. 5. As a possible alternative mechanism, aortae isolated during the second week of enalapril treatment showed a transient upregulation of contractile responses to des-Arg(9)BK (EC(50)<1 nM), which were significantly reduced by [Leu(8)]des-Arg(9)BK (10 microM). Moreover, in vitro receptor autoradiography revealed an increase in expression of B(1) and B(2) receptor binding sites by 8-11 days of enalapril treatment. 6. Aortic apoptosis induction and hypertrophy regression with enalapril do not involve kinin B(2) receptors in SHR. Kinins acting via B(1) receptors remains a candidate mechanism.

Participatory action research fits well with conflict resolution and peacebuilding; it is used by scholar-practitioners as part of field-based practice efforts that contribute to transforming conflict and add to scholarly knowledge. However, as Cynthia Chataway’s analysis of a participatory action research project undertaken with the Mohawk community of Kahnawake indicated, there are considerable constraints on mutual inquiry when it occurs in settings marked by historical oppression, distrust of outsiders and internal division; these constraints require the model to respond to the community context. Drawing on this insight, this paper explores a recent collaborative, community-based research that was part of a larger youth-centered peacebuilding and security initiative in Haiti. The initiative involved partners from Canada supporting a non-governmental organization and youth in four communities to engage in action research, under the umbrella of community-based research, as part of the 26-month project. The article draws out insights on ways in which the community-based research approach adapted to the conflict context, and reflects on the ways in which this form of engaged scholarship adds to knowledge in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

Sexology faces several ethical and methodological challenges. One of them is that sex researchers must rely on proxy methods to safely study fundamental aspects of human sexuality – in laboratories and natural environments. However, laboratory studies often lack ecological validity, whereas studies conducted in natural environments make it difficult for researchers to control experimental conditions or use sophisticated equipment. Together, this puts into question some of the empirical foundations of contemporary sexology. To address this problem, the present article proposes that sex researchers could leverage the potential of emerging technology, like erobots – or artificial erotic agents, such virtual partners, erotic chatbots, and sex robots – to help overcome some of the current ethical and methodological challenges of sexology. To make this case, this article describes these challenges; highlights how erobotic technologies could be employed as research tools to conduct more ecologically valid sexological studies safely and ethically in and outside laboratory settings; and discusses the relative strengths and weaknesses of embodied, virtual, and augmented erobots as experimental apparatus in sex research. Ultimately, this article concludes that the development of erobots that are useful for sexology may require further collaboration between academia and the private sector. It also concludes that the development of such useful erobots may allow us to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our eroticism.

Space poses significant challenges for human intimacy and sexuality. Life in space habitats during long-term travel, exploration, or settlement may: detrimentally impact the sexual and reproductive functions of astronauts, restrict privacy and access to intimate partners, impose hygiene protocols and abstinence policies, and heighten risks of interpersonal conflicts and sexual violence. Together, this may jeopardize the health and well-being of space inhabitants, crew performance, and mission success. Yet, little attention has been given to the sexological issues of human life in space. This situation is untenable considering our upcoming space missions and expansion. It is time for space organizations to embrace a new discipline, space sexology: the scientific study of extraterrestrial intimacy and sexuality. To make this case, we draw attention to the lack of research on space intimacy and sexuality; discuss the risks and benefits of extraterrestrial eroticism; and propose an initial biopsychosocial framework to envision a broad, collaborative scientific agenda on space sexology. We also underline key anticipated challenges faced by this innovative field and suggest paths to solutions. We conclude that space programs and exploration require a new perspective – one that holistically addresses the intimate and sexual needs of humans – in our pursuit of a spacefaring civilization.

In Québec, as elsewhere in North America, psychiatric deinstitutionalization, lack of community mental health resources as well as legislative changes to civil and criminal codes have led to an increased probability that individuals with a mental illness come into contact with the criminal justice system. Based on the principle of therapeutic jurisprudence, mental health courts constitute emerging diversion programs, taking place within the court, implemented to offer an alternative to incarceration for individuals with a mental illness. This article offers a critical synthesis of the scientific literature on the topic. The authors first present the context in which mental health courts were developed ; describe their objectives and functioning ; and introduce the Montreal Mental Health Court pilot project, renamed PAJ-SM (Plan d'Accompagnement Justice et Santé) the first of its kind in Québec. The paper examines the research on mental health courts and tackles some of the stakes of diversion programs. The challenges and limits inherent to specialized courts are discussed as well as methodological obstacles related to the study of these complex intervention programs. The authors conclude that mental health courts offer promising intervention venues, but that they do not constitute a panacea to resolving all issues related to the contact of mentally ill individuals with the justice system. Mental health courts must be accompanied by other intervention strategies for persons with mental health problems at all stages of the criminal justice process.

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies induce durable responses in approximately 15% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients who exhibit microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or deficient mismatch repair (dMMR). However, more than 80% of CRC patients do not respond to current immunotherapy. The main challenge with these patients is lack of MHC-I signaling to unmask their cancer cells so the immune cells can detect them. Here, we started by comparing IFNγ signature genes and MHC-I correlated gene lists to determine the potential candidates for MHC-I regulators. Then, the protein expression level of listed potential candidates in normal and cancer tissue was compared to select final candidates with enough disparity between the two types of tissues. ISG15 and DDX60 were further tested by wet-lab experiments. Overexpression of DDX60 upregulated the expression of MHC-I, while knockdown of DDX60 reduced the MHC-I expression in CRC cells. Moreover, DDX60 was downregulated in CRC tissues, and lower levels of DDX60 were associated with a poor prognosis. Our data showed that DDX60 could regulate MHC-I expression in CRC; thus, targeting DDX60 may improve the effects of immunotherapy in some patients.

L'auteur compare le rayonnement solaire global dans deux stations situées, l’une au centre de Montréal (Brébeuj), F autre à 15 milles au nord-ouest du centre de la ville (Sainte-Thérèse-de-Blainville). Pendant la période du 1 er novembre 1965 au 31 mai 1967, Montréal a reçu en moyenne 91% du rayonnement de Sainte-Thérèse. L'atténuation par temps couvert est plus forte que par temps clair et l'effet urbain est maximum pendant les mois d'hiver.

Abstract There is mounting pressure on (re)insurers to quantify the impacts of climate change, notably on the frequency and severity of claims due to weather events such as flooding. This is however a very challenging task for (re)insurers as it requires modeling at the scale of a portfolio and at a high enough spatial resolution to incorporate local climate change effects. In this paper, we introduce a data science approach to climate change risk assessment of pluvial flooding for insurance portfolios over Canada and the United States (US). The underlying flood occurrence model quantifies the financial impacts of short-term (12–48 h) precipitation dynamics over the present (2010–2030) and future climate (2040–2060) by leveraging statistical/machine learning and regional climate models. The flood occurrence model is designed for applications that do not require street-level precision as is often the case for scenario and trend analyses. It is applied at the full scale of Canada and the US over 10–25 km grids. Our analyses show that climate change and urbanization will typically increase losses over Canada and the US, while impacts are strongly heterogeneous from one state or province to another, or even within a territory. Portfolio applications highlight the importance for a (re)insurer to differentiate between future changes in hazard and exposure, as the latter may magnify or attenuate the impacts of climate change on losses.

La dévalorisation de l’investissement subjectif des élèves du secondaire dans le cadre des lectures scolaires et leur mauvaise compréhension de ce qui est attendu lorsqu’on leur demande d’interpréter des textes amènent des difficultés lors de leur lecture de textes résistants. Pour remédier à ces difficultés, nous avons conçu et mis en œuvre une séquence didactique autour du roman Les lettres chinoises. L’objectif principal de cette séquence didactique est d’améliorer la compétence à interpréter des élèves. Les activités d’enseignement et d’apprentissage proposées misent sur la valorisation de l’investissement subjectif des élèves et permettent de mettre en valeur leur bagage culturel. La séquence didactique inclut des activités centrées sur le développement de stratégies de lecture et la socialisation d’hypothèses interprétatives. Les élèves ont accueilli favorablement les activités, qui se sont avérées très formatrices, et leurs réponses à l’examen de lecture qui a clos la séquence montrent des interprétations variées et ancrées textuellement.

Proposed in 1889 by Svante Arrhenius, the Arrhenius equation is an important result in physical chemistry which aims to find the relationship between temperature and reaction rates. It is also an essential equation for analytic chemistry which helps to determine the energy barrier for a given reaction. In this article, we will go through a detailed derivation of the exponential factor in the Arrhenius Equation based on the Boltzmann distribution of particle energy probability. Then, we will attempt to model the pre-exponential factor in accordance with the principles of collision theory for bi-molecular reaction with gaseous reactants. Understanding the basic principles of chemical reaction provides valuable tools to analyze complex reaction mechanisms in the perspective of optimizing existing industrial processes.

Abstract Most catalogs on earthquakes felt in eastern North America list, as a first entry, an earth tremor of intensity IX to X (MM scale) reported from the region of Les I~boulements in the St. Lawrence Valley (Qurbec) some time between the summers of 1534 and 1535. This statement is based in part on a Huron oral tradition which states that, before 1637, an earthquake was felt in Old Huronia. The date of the earthquake, the location of its epicentraI region, and its size are not mentioned and cannot be inferred. An analysis of the evolution in the interpretation of this Huron tradition re-veals that R. G. Thwaites (ca. 1900) is at the origin of an erroneous under-standing of this earthquake: its date, size, and location. The present study aims at correcting the misinterpretation f the original tradition and suggests the fol-lowing statement thought o be in better accord with Le Jeune&amp;apos;s Relat ion: Prior to 1637, an earth tremor of intensity such that it could be re-membered in a local oral tradition was reported felt in Old Huronia at the southeast end of Georgian Bay, Ontario. The exact date, location, and size of the earthquake that caused it are unknown. Old Huronia is 800 km west of the presently accepted site of Les l~boulements (Qurbec).

Haiti est un pays francophone des Caraibes avec qui le Quebec entretient des liens privilegies, compte tenu des besoins criants de la societe haitienne decoulant notamment du seisme de 2010, du partage d’une langue commune, le francais, et d’une diaspora etablie au Quebec. Le Programme de Sante Integre en Haiti (PSI) est une initiative de la Croix-Rouge Canadienne et de la Croix-Rouge Haitienne. Trois partenaires participent a la realisation du projet, soit le Centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) Saint-Justine, la Direction de la sante publique de l'Agence de la sante et des services sociaux de Montreal et l'Unite de sante internationale de l'Universite de Montreal. Le CHU Sainte-Justine est notamment responsable de l’implantation d’un programme d'amelioration de la qualite de la prestation des soins et services, dont fait partie la pharmacie. Le Programme cible la reorganisation et la reconstruction de l’Hopital Saint-Michel de Jacmel, situe dans le departement du Sud-Est haitien1. Lance en decembre 2011, ce projet s’echelonne sur une periode de cinq ans. L’objectif de cet article est de presenter une demarche de reorganisation des services et des soins pharmaceutiques en Haiti.

Price optimization fits naturally the framework of bilevel programming, where a leader integrates within its decision process the reaction of rational customers. This paper addresses the situation where the users of a transportation network minimize a weighted sum of travel delay and out-of-pocket cost, each user having its own monetary valuation of travel delay. The resulting infinite-dimensional problem is solved by a hybrid algorithm that alternates between global (combinatorial) and local (descent) phases, and achieves near-optimal solutions under reasonable assumptions.

Les enjeux entourant l’enseignement de la littérature sont multiples. Quels corpus enseigner, et pour quelles finalités? Qu’est-ce qui caractérise la lecture littéraire dans le cadre scolaire? Comment favoriser un rapport positif des élèves à la littérature? Pour connaitre 1 les représentations des élèves du secondaire sur ces sujets, nous avons procédé par analyse de classes latentes. Quinze indicateurs de représentations ont été soumis aux participants (n=484). L’analyse de leurs réponses a permis de faire émerger quatre profils et d’identifier les facteurs associés à l’appartenance des participants à ceux-ci. Les résultats montrent la diversité des représentations des élèves et soulignent la pertinence de la valorisation de l’investissement subjectif ainsi que de la diversification des corpus littéraires scolaires.