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M Perreault

Publications and source records attributed to M Perreault.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Patients' perspectives on information received in outpatient psychiatry.

The purpose of this study is to develop a scale in order to determine the informational needs deemed most important by psychiatric outpatients, and to determine their level of satisfaction with information received. The 'Patients' Perspective on Information Questionnaire' (PPIQ) scale was created and given to a volunteer sample of 86 psychiatric outpatients. The Client satisfaction questionnaire (CSQ-8), assessing global satisfaction, was also completed to assess the convergent validity of the PPIQ-Satisfaction subscale. Internal consistency for the two PPIQ subscales (Information and Satisfaction) is excellent (alpha = 0.90 and 0.91). Convergent validity between the Satisfaction subscale and the CSQ is adequate (r = 0.5). The PPIQ reveals high importance ratings given to items such as 'side effects of medication' and 'confidentiality and access to chart'. Elevated satisfaction ratings are given to items from the conceptual category 'treatment information'. Dissatisfaction on the PPIQ is highest for components of 'information on service modality and organization'. The PPIQ appears to distinguish between information that is important to clients and their level of satisfaction with that information. Satisfaction on multiple components of information, such as treatment, service modality and organization, and clinical difficulties should be assessed to generate feedback to improve services.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Resistance to the orexigenic effect of ghrelin in dietary-induced obesity in mice: reversal upon weight loss.

BACKGROUND: Ghrelin, an endogenous ligand for growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R), is known to increase food intake in lean humans and rodents. In addition, ghrelin levels are increased by fasting in lean rodents and are elevated before meals in humans, suggesting an important role for ghrelin in meal initiation. However, in obese human, circulating ghrelin levels were found to be significantly reduced as compared to lean individuals. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether circulating ghrelin levels, as well as ghrelin sensitivity, are decreased in obese individuals in order to limit its effect on food intake. DESIGN: : Lean C57BL/6J mice fed a chow, a low- (LFD) or a high-fat diet (HFD) were used to determine ghrelin regulation and secretion as well as ghrelin sensitivity. MEASUREMENTS: Plasma ghrelin levels were measured in low- and high-fat fed mice. Ghrelin-induced food intake was measured in chow, low- and high-fat fed mice. RESULTS: We measured ghrelin levels in lean and diet-induced obese mice, fed on an LFD or an HFD, respectively. We observed that not only ghrelin secretion was reduced in obese mice but its diurnal regulation was also lost. In addition, we failed to observe any change in ghrelin secretion upon fasting and refeeding. Moreover, we observed that the sensitivity to the orexigenic effects of exogenous ghrelin was reduced in obese mice when compared to lean mice fed a chow or a LFD. The insensitivity of obese mice to ghrelin was improved upon weigh loss. CONCLUSION: : Altogether, these results indicate that ghrelin secretion and regulation is impaired in dietary-induced obesity in mice and suggest that ghrelin inhibition could prevent weight regain after weight loss.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Predictors of psychological distress in family caregivers of persons with psychiatric disabilities.

The purpose of the study was to determine the relationships of primary and secondary stressors, and informal and formal supports, to psychological distress in 154 family caregivers of persons with psychiatric disabilities. All caregivers were members of self-help groups located in the Province of Quebec in Canada. Psychological distress was significantly lower among older caregivers, those working full time, and those experiencing lower objective and subjective burdens. Contrary to the hypotheses, caregivers who perceived more support from friends and had more contacts with their relatives' primary mental health providers experienced a higher level of psychological distress.

Caregivers↗
PubMed2001

Targeted disruption of inducible nitric oxide synthase protects against obesity-linked insulin resistance in muscle.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is induced by inflammatory cytokines in skeletal muscle and fat. It has been proposed that chronic iNOS induction may cause muscle insulin resistance. Here we show that iNOS expression is increased in muscle and fat of genetic and dietary models of obesity. Moreover, mice in which the gene encoding iNOS was disrupted (Nos2-/- mice) are protected from high-fat-induced insulin resistance. Whereas both wild-type and Nos2-/- mice developed obesity on the high-fat diet, obese Nos2-/- mice exhibited improved glucose tolerance, normal insulin sensitivity in vivo and normal insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in muscles. iNOS induction in obese wild-type mice was associated with impairments in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and Akt activation by insulin in muscle. These defects were fully prevented in obese Nos2-/- mice. These findings provide genetic evidence that iNOS is involved in the development of muscle insulin resistance in diet-induced obesity.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Information as a distinct dimension for satisfaction assessment of outpatient psychiatric services.

The purpose of this study is to verify whether information on services would appear as a distinct dimension of satisfaction in a multidimensional scale. Data collection was performed in two phases: 263 patients received the original version of the questionnaire and 200 received an adapted version of the scale. The findings suggest that not only is it important to consider information as a distinct dimension of satisfaction but it is equally important to examine three categories, consisting of satisfaction with information on; patients' problems/illness; distinct treatment components such as medication and psychotherapy; and patients' treatment progress.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Mechanism of impaired nitric oxide synthase activity in skeletal muscle of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The aims of our study were to investigate whether nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity is impaired in skeletal muscle of insulin-deficient [Type I (insulin-dependent)] diabetic rats and if the case, to determine the mechanism of NOS dysregulation in this disorder. METHODS: Rats were rendered diabetic by streptozotocin injection (65 mg/kg, i.v.) and NOS activity and expression in gastrocnemius muscles were studied 1, 2, 3 or 4 weeks after diabetes induction. RESULTS: The diabetic state was associated with a progressive reduction (down to 42 % of control values after 4 weeks) in muscle NOS activity compared with control rats. Using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, we could not detect statistically significant changes in the expression of either neuronal NOS (nNOS) or endothelial NOS (eNOS) mRNAs in diabetic muscle. The contents of nNOS and eNOS protein were, however, progressively reduced in muscle homogenates of diabetic rats and these alterations were prevented by insulin treatment. Subcellular fractionation of skeletal muscle showed that both nNOS and eNOS proteins are mainly localised to the plasma membrane with lower abundance in T-tubules and not detectable in sarcoplasmic reticulum-enriched fractions. After 1 week of diabetes, eNOS protein content was decreased only in the plasma membrane whereas nNOS protein abundance was not affected at this time. Neither the expression nor the interaction of caveolin-1 and caveolin-3 with NOS enzymes was found to be altered in muscle of diabetic rats. CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION: These results show that skeletal muscle NOS activity is impaired during the progression of insulin-deficient diabetes and reduced NOS activity is associated with a decreased abundance of both nNOS and eNOS proteins, which appears to involve post-transcriptional mechanisms.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Instruments measuring behavioral disturbance in relatives with schizophrenia.

This article presents a review of 16 instruments measuring behavioral disturbance of persons with schizophrenia as perceived by their family members. Information about the domain, the types of rating scales, and the psychometric properties of these instruments are provided. Future directions in the study of behavioral disturbance are proposed.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The caregiver's perception of behavioral disturbance in relatives with schizophrenia: a stress-coping approach.

This article suggests some theoretical orientations in studying behavioral disturbance from a stress-coping perspective. First, an overview of Lazarus and Folkman's cognitive theory of stress is presented. Secondly, some linkages are proposed between the rating scales used to measure behavioral disturbance and the concepts of this theory. Future research directions are then suggested to further explore the affective, cognitive and behavioral responses related to the management of disturbing behaviors.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2000

Nitric oxide: a new player in the modulation of energy metabolism.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a key messenger molecule in several cell types. NO formation is catalyzed by a family of NO synthases (NOS) that use L-arginine as a substrate. Rat adipose tissue expresses the inducible, macrophage-type, nitric oxide (NO) synthase isoform (iNOS). Systemic administration of the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) markedly increases the expression and activity of iNOS in both white and brown adipose tissues, as well as in skeletal muscle. iNOS induction can be reproduced in vitro by treatment of cultured white or brown adipocytes or L6 myocytes with LPS and inflammatory cytokines (TNFalpha, IFNgamma). The physiological role of NO in adipose tissues and skeletal muscle is still obscure. Recent evidence suggests that NO may be implicated in the regulation of energy metabolism. Using both pharmacological and genetic models of iNOS invalidation, we have recently begun to uncover a role for NO in the modulation of glucose transport and lipoprotein hydrolysis. These studies support the emerging concept that NO may fulfill the dual role of modulating energy metabolism in both physiological and pathological conditions as well as contributing to local immune defense during inflammatory processes.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2000

Activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase alpha and beta by insulin and contraction in rat skeletal muscle: potential role in the stimulation of glucose transport.

The stress-activated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was recently shown to be activated by insulin in muscle and adipose cells in culture. Here, we explore whether such stimulation is observed in rat skeletal muscle and whether muscle contraction can also affect the enzyme. Insulin injection (2 U over 3.5 min) resulted in increases in p38 MAPK phosphorylation measured in soleus (3.2-fold) and quadriceps (2.2-fold) muscles. Increased phosphorylation (3.5-fold) of an endogenous substrate of p38 MAPK, cAMP response element binder (CREB), was also observed. After in vivo insulin treatment, p38 MAPKalpha and p38 MAPKbeta isoforms were found to be activated (2.1- and 2.4-fold, respectively), using an in vitro kinase assay, in immunoprecipitates from quadriceps muscle extracts. In vitro insulin treatment (1 nmol/l over 4 min) and electrically-induced contraction of isolated extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle also doubled the kinase activity of p38 MAPKalpha and p38 MAPKbeta. The activity of both isoforms was inhibited in vitro by 10 micromol/l SB203580 in all muscles. To explore the possible participation of p38 MAPK in the stimulation of glucose uptake, EDL and soleus muscles were exposed to increasing doses of SB203580 before and during stimulation by insulin or contraction. SB203580 caused a significant reduction in the insulin- or contraction-stimulated 2-deoxyglucose uptake. Maximal inhibition (50-60%) occurred with 10 micromol/l SB203580. These results show that p38 MAPKalpha and -beta isoforms are activated by insulin and contraction in skeletal muscle. The data further suggest that activation of p38 MAPK may participate in the stimulation of glucose uptake by both stimuli in rat skeletal muscle.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

[The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale: the validity of its Quebec version for a population low socioeconomic status mothers].

This paper investigates the construct validity and reliability of a Quebec version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for a population of low-socioeconomic-status mothers. This scale was constructed for the specific purpose of measuring mothers' symptoms of depression during the postnatal period in an effort to alleviate the validity problems that could arise from depression scales intended for the general population. Two hundred and twenty-four mothers participating in a Quebec prevention program, "Naître égaux, grandir en santé" (Martin & Boyer, 1995) filled out the EPDS between the 22nd and the 35th day postpartum. A confirmatory factor analysis, conducted with LISREL, gives a 2-factor structure for the EPDS, the first representing symptoms of depression and the second symptoms of anxiety. This structure differs from the one presented by Cox, Holden, and Sagovsky (1987), authors of the EPDS. It corresponds, however to the results of other authors who looked at the EPDS with confirmatory factor analysis (Pop, Komproe, & van Son, 1992) and indicates a good construct validity. The reliability of the scale also appears satisfactory, with a Cronbach alpha co-efficient of 0.82.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Patients' perspective on their relatives' involvement in treatment during a short-term psychiatric hospitalization.

With the growing interest in the patient's perspective regarding mental health services, several instruments have been developed for this area of research. However, despite the availability of multidimensional questionnaires, the dimensions evaluated have rarely addressed the issue of the involvement of relatives in treatment. The present study aimed at documenting the preferences and level of satisfaction of 92 patients hospitalized in short-term psychiatric units regarding the involvement of their relatives in treatment. Data was collected using an open-ended question and two standardized scales developed for the purposes of this study. The results demonstrated that the majority of patients preferred that their relatives be involved in many aspects of their treatment. In fact, a relatively high rate of dissatisfaction of 35.6% was observed among patients concerning the lack of notification of their relatives about changes in their treatment. In the context of deinstitutionalization, where relatives are invited to play an increasing role in the community reintegration of the patient, these findings highlight the pertinence of addressing the patient's perspective with regard to treatment planning with relatives.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Longitudinal effects of an early family intervention programme on the adaptation of parents of children with a disability.

This study assesses the longitudinal effects of an original early intervention programme on the adaptation of parents of children with a disability (Down syndrome and cleft lip/palate, i.e. DS and CLP). Variations in the effects of the programme according to the time of measurement, the type of disability and parent's gender are also examined. Globally, the results show a better adaptation among parents who participated in the intervention programme compared to those who did not participated in the programme. These parents had lower levels of parental stress, they had more positive perceptions and attitudes concerning their child's disability and their parental situation, they were more confident in their own resources and the help they could receive from others, they had lower levels of emotional distress, anxiety and depression and they perceived more emotional support from their spouse. In general, these gains were maintained throughout the year when the children were between six and 18 months of age, they were relatively similar for parents of children with DS and parents of children with CLP, as well as for mothers and fathers.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1999

Adaptation of parents in relation to their 6-month-old infant's type of disability.

The adaptation of parents to a disabled infant was studied in relation to the type of disability presented by the baby. Participants were divided according to three types of disability and one control group: patents of infants with (1) Down's syndrome (DS), (2) congenital heart disease (CHD), (3) a cleft lip and/or palate (CLP), and (4) no disability (ND). The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire given to each parent 6 months after the birth of their baby. The measures included parenting stress, stress appraisal, and psychological distress. Overall, the results indicate that parents of infants with DS and parents of infants with CHD report greater levels of parenting stress and psychological distress than parents of babies with CLP or non-disabled infants. Mothers were found to report greater levels of stress and distress overall, but differences across diagnostic groups were similar for mothers and fathers. The implications of the findings for theory and clinical intervention are discussed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1998

Insulin stimulation of glucose uptake in skeletal muscles and adipose tissues in vivo is NO dependent.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether in vivo nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition influences insulin-mediated glucose disposal in rat peripheral tissues. The NOS inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or saline was infused constantly during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp in normal rats. Glucose utilization rates of insulin-sensitive tissues (individual muscles, heart, and adipose tissues) were simultaneously determined using tracer infusion of 2-deoxy-D-[3H]glucose (2-[3H]DG). NOS blockade with L-NAME resulted in significant (P < 0.05) reduction in both whole body glucose disposal (-16%, P < 0.01) and plasma 2-[3H]DG disappearance rate (-30%, P < 0.05) during hyper-insulinemic-euglycemic clamp. L-NAME significantly decreased insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in heart (-62%, P = 0.01), soleus (-42%, P = 0.05), red (-53%, P < 0.001) and white (-62%, P < 0.001) gastrocnemius, tibialis (-57%, P < 0.01), and quadriceps (-33%, P < 0.05) muscles. The NOS inhibitor also decreased insulin action in brown interscapular (-47%, P < 0.01), retroperitoneal (-52%, P = 0.07), and gonadal (-66%, P = 0.06) adipose tissues. In contrast to in vivo NOS blockade, L-NAME failed to affect basal or insulin-stimulated 2-[3H]DG transport in isolated soleus or extensor digitorum longus muscles in vitro. These results support the hypothesis that the action of insulin to augment glucose uptake by skeletal muscles and other peripheral insulin-sensitive tissues in vivo is NO dependent.

Adipose Tissue↗