Université de Sherbrooke

About: Université de Sherbrooke is a education organization based out in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Receptor. The organization has 14922 authors who have published 28783 publications receiving 792511 citations. The organization is also known as: Universite de Sherbrooke & Sherbrooke University.

Asbestos fibers and silica particles stimulate rat alveolar macrophages to release tumor necrosis factor. Autoregulatory role of leukotriene B4.

Abstract: Alveolar macrophages (AM) can play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary disease via their ability to produce potent inflammatory and fibrogenic mediators. We found that rat AM cultured with 1 to 100 µg/ml of silica particles or asbestos fibers produced tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in a concentration-dependent fashion, whereas latex beads, an inert phagocytic stimulus, failed to induce significant augmentation of either TNF or LTB4. In a time course study, AM stimulated for 2 h with silica or asbestos produced an increased amount of LTB4, which preceded the rise in TNF activity detected 7 and 24 h after culture initiation. The induction appears to involve the synthesis of new protein since actinomycin D and cycloheximide abrogate the majority of the stimulatory effect. We next examined the role of LTB4 in mineral-dust-induced TNF production. The lipoxygenase inhibitors nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and AA861 used at 1 to 50 µg/ml reduced in a concentration-dependent f...

Psychometrics of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and its subscales: validation of the Taiwanese version of the MoCA and an item response theory analysis.

Abstract: Background: The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is an instrument for screening mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study examined the psychometric properties and the validity of the Taiwan version of the MoCA (MoCA-T) in an elderly outpatient population.Methods: Participants completed the MoCA-T, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the Chinese Version Verbal Learning Test. The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) was made based on the NINCDS-ADRDA criteria, and MCI was diagnosed through the criteria proposed by Petersen et al. (2001).Results: Data were collected from 207 participants (115 males/92 females, mean age: 77.3 ± 7.5 years). Ninety-eight participants were diagnosed with AD, 71 with MCI, and 38 were normal controls. The area under the receiver operator curves (AUC) for predicting AD was 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.97–1.00) for the MMSE, and 0.99 (95% CI = 0.98–1.00) for the MoCA-T. The AUC for predicting MCI was 0.81 (95% CI = 0.72–0.89) using the MMSE and 0.91 (95% CI = 0.86–1.00) using the MoCA-T. Using an optimal cut-off score of 23/24, the MoCA-T had a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 78% for MCI. Item response theory analysis indicated that the level of information provided by each subtest of the MoCA-T was consistent. The frontal and language subscales provided higher discriminating power than the other subscales in the detection of MCI.Conclusion: Compared to the MMSE, the MoCA-T provides better psychometric properties in the detection of MCI. The utility of the MoCA-T is optimal in mild to moderate cognitive dysfunction.

Polysaccharides : Structural Diversity and Functional Versatility, Second Edition

Abstract: Completely revised and expanded to reflect the latest advancements in the field, Polysaccharides: Structural Diversity and Functional Versatility, Second Edition outlines fundamental concepts in the structure, function, chemistry, and stability of polysaccharides and reveals new analytical techniques and applications currently impacting the cosmeti

Durability of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Reinforcing Bars in Concrete Environment

Abstract: Accelerated aging tests are being conducted on more than 20 types of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcing bars, which are produced from different combinations of constituent materials, manufacturing parameters, sizes and shapes, and surface coatings. The specimens are being subjected to various sustained tensile loading (22 to 68% of ultimate strength) in three types of alkaline environments: NaOH, simulated pore-water solution, and embedded in concrete. Time to rupture or residual strength, as applicable, have been determined. Additionally, stress corrosion mechanisms were evaluated by various microstructural analyses. The results showed clearly that alkaline ions and moisture could penetrate or diffuse through the resin (or through cracks and voids) to the interphases and the fibers. For GFRP bars embedded in moist concrete under various sustained stress levels, three types of stress corrosion mechanisms have been identified: stress dominated, crack propagation dominated, and diffusion domi...