Évaluation précoce de la vitesse de coordination visuomotrice chez des patients atteints d’un traumatisme craniocérébral léger

Essai doctoral présenté en vue de l’obtention du grade de doctorat en psychologie, option neuropsychologie cliniqueContexte : L’objectif de cette étude est d’explorer la vitesse de coordination visuomotrice après un traumatisme craniocérébral léger (TCCL) et d’identifier les prédicteurs de la performance de celle-ci en phase précoce de récupération. Méthode : Un total de 99 patients TCCL et 32 participants en santé a été recruté. Dix-neuf participants avaient subi un TCCL complexe (CT scan positif) et 80 participants étaient atteints d’un TCCL simple (CT scan négatif). L’âge, le sexe et le niveau de scolarité ainsi que les performances aux tests de Repérage de symboles, Codes, Vocabulaire du WAIS-IV ont rétrospectivement été recueillis ainsi que des mesures de symptômes post-commotionnels (Post-Concussion Symptom Scale-Revised) et de dépression (Beck Depression Inventory II). La vitesse de coordination visuomotrice a été mesurée à l’aide du Grooved Pegboard Test. Résultats: Aucune différence de performance n’a été observée entre les groupes dans la performance obtenue avec la main dominante et la main non dominante (p˃ .05). L’âge, le sexe et la vitesse de traitement de l’information (Repérage de symboles et Codes) étaient des prédicteurs significatifs de la performance au Grooved Pegboard Test. Pour la main dominante, la sévérité des symptômes post-commotionnels prédisait également la performance. Cependant, la présence de symptômes de dépression et la réserve cognitive, évaluée par le niveau de scolarité et un test de vocabulaire, n’étaient pas associées aux performances au Grooved Pegboard Test. Conclusion: Aucune différence de la vitesse de coordination visuomotrice n’a été observée entre le groupe de patients TCCL et les contrôles. Par ailleurs, être un homme, être plus âgé et plus lent aux épreuves de vitesse de traitement du WAIS-IV a été associé à de moins bonnes performances au Grooved Pegboard Test. De surcroit, les symptômes post-commotionnels semblent interférer avec la performance de la main dominante. Enfin, l’état dépressif ou la réserve cognitive n’ont pas été associés à la vitesse de la coordination motrice à la suite d’un TCCL. Mots-clés : traumatism

Is Blood Donation an Opportunity for Hypertension Awareness?

Blood centers serve as a cornerstone of public health by providing potentially lifesaving blood products. Interactions with millions of potential donors provides these centers with a unique means of health education and screening opportunities.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/1081/thumbnail.jp

Immunohistochemical detection of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in fetal and adult bovine epididymis: Release by the apocrine secretion mode?

Originally defined as a lymphokine inhibiting the random migration of macrophages, the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an important mediator of the host response to infection. Beyond its function as a classical cytokine, MIF is currently portrayed as a multifunctional protein with growth-regulating properties present in organ systems beyond immune cells. In previous studies, we detected substantial amounts of MIF in the rat epididymis and epididymal spermatozoa, where it appears to play a role during post-testicular sperm maturation and the acquisition of fertilization ability. To explore its presence in other species not yet examined in this respect, we extended the range of studies to the bull. Using a polyclonal antibody raised against MIF purified from bovine eye lenses, we detected MIF in the epithelium of the adult bovine epididymis with the basal cells representing a prominently stained cell type. A distinct accumulation of MIF at the apical cell pole of the epithelial cells and in membranous vesicles localized in the lumen of the epididynnal duct was obvious. In the fetal bovine epididymis, we also detected MIF in the epithelium, whereas MIF accumulation was evident at the apical cell surface and in apical protrusions. By immuno-electron microscopy of the adult bovine epididymis, we localized MIF in apical protrusions of the epithelial cells and in luminal membrane-bound vesicles that were found in close proximity to sperm cells. Although the precise origin of the MIF-containing vesicles remains to be delineated, our morphological observations support the hypothesis that they become detached from the apical surface of the epididymal epithelial cells. Additionally, an association of MIF with the outer dense fibers of luminal spermatozoa was demonstrated. Data obtained in this study suggest MIF release by an apocrine secretion mode in the bovine epididymis. Furthermore, MIF localized in the basal cells of the epithelium and in the connective tissue could be responsible for regulating the migration of macrophages in order to avoid contact of immune cells with spermatozoa that carry a wide range of potent antigens. Copyright (c) 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel

Collagen Meniscal Implantation Outcomes Following Partial and Full Meniscectomies

Meniscal injuries are a common result of trauma to the knee. The main two surgical treatments available are partial meniscectomy or full meniscectomy due to the lack of blood flow in that region. These two treatments cause long-term complications such as pain, lack of mobility, and/or osteoarthritis. To avoid these complications, researchers have looked at placing collagen meniscal implantations (CMI) into the knee. The collagen implantation is composed of type I collagen from bovine Achilles tendon and was infused with glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) to trigger cellular growth. Patients were grouped into cohorts based on tears in the lateral or medial meniscus that underwent a partial or full meniscectomy. Following the procedure, patients were evaluated based on Tegner scale, Lysholm Score, IKDC, and MRI outcomes. These patients were then reevaluated at two years, five years, and ten years. The implantation had a 90% survival rate at ten years. CMI has proved to be a practical possibility for patients who have had a partial or full meniscectomy due to the regenerative qualities and reduced deterioration of the knee itself. The research showed that there were significant improvements in quality of life and long-term outcomes. This is a practical option for patients that live an active lifestyle or occupations that require adequate range of motion

Imaging of z~2 QSO host galaxies with the Hubble Space Telescope

We report on deep imaging in 2 filters with the PC2 camera of HST, of five QSOs at redshift ~2, with a range of optical and radio luminosity. The observations included a suite of PSF observations which were used to construct new PSF models, described elsewhere by Dumont et al. The new PSF models were used to remove the QSO nucleus from the images. We find that the host galaxies have resolved flux of order 10% of the QSO nuclei, and are generally luminous and blue, indicating active star-formation. While most have clearly irregular morphologies, the bulk of the flux can be modelled approximately by an r**1/4 law. However, all host galaxies also have an additional approximately exponential luminosity profile beyond a radius about 0.8 arcsec, as also seen in ground-based data with larger telescopes. The QSOs all have a number of nearby faint blue companions which may be young galaxies at the QSO redshift. We discuss implications for evolution of the host galaxies, their spheroidal populations, and central black holes.Comment: 18 pages including 2 tables; to appear in A