Publications by authors named "N J Cloutier"

Article Synopsis
  • Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABC) is an opportunistic bacteria that can cause severe pulmonary infections, leading to a study investigating its transmission in healthcare settings in Montréal.
  • The research analyzed 221 bacterial isolates from 115 individuals between 2010-2018 for genetic similarities, revealing 28 sequence types and 210 pairs of isolates within a close genetic range, although no definitive person-to-person transmission was identified.
  • The study concluded that while genomic analysis is helpful, it’s not enough to confirm MABC transmission in healthcare, suggesting that infections likely aren't spread directly between patients in these environments.
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Dysregulated host immune responses contribute to disease severity and worsened prognosis in COVID-19 infection and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we observed that IL-33, a damage-associated molecular pattern molecule, is significantly increased in COVID-19 patients and in SARS-CoV-2-infected mice. Using IL-33 mice, we demonstrated that IL-33 deficiency resulted in significant decreases in bodyweight loss, tissue viral burdens, and lung pathology.

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The aim of this study was to develop a patient-reported experience measure (PREM) for comparing the experience of care received by ambulatory patients with acute unexpected needs presenting in emergency departments (EDs), walk-in clinics, and primary care practices. The Ambulatory Patient EXperience (APEX) questionnaire was developed using a 5-phase mixed-methods approach. The questionnaire was pretested by asking potential users to rate its clarity, usefulness, redundancy, content and face validities, and discrimination on a 9-point scale (1 = strongly disagree to 9 = strongly agree).

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Background: Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) are at risk of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial challenges related to their diagnosis and treatment. Routine follow-up care as adults is therefore essential to their long-term health and quality of life. In order to successfully navigate to adult healthcare, it is recommended that youth develop transition readiness skills.

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Secreted phospholipase A2-IIA (sPLA2-IIA) hydrolyzes phospholipids to liberate lysophospholipids and fatty acids. Given its poor activity toward eukaryotic cell membranes, its role in the generation of proinflammatory lipid mediators is unclear. Conversely, sPLA2-IIA efficiently hydrolyzes bacterial membranes.

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