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Objective: To evaluate the Québec Audiological Assessment Protocol for Younger and Older Adults (QAAP-YOA) and its accompanying clinical tool efficacy to assess the needs of individuals with hearing loss in a simulated context. This study is the Phase 2 in the development of the QAAP-YOA. Design: Participants completed two needs assessments with simulated clients and wrote audiological reports, while applying the QAAP-YOA with and without the use of its clinical tool. Interviews were filmed, and reports collected. Both were scored by two independent evaluators. A qualitative analysis of reports was also conducted. Study sample: Eleven audiology students and four early-career audiologists (n = 15). Results: The clinical tool did not influence the interview process since both experimental conditions had similar compliance rates to the protocol (p = 0.114). Compliance rates for assessment reports were higher with the clinical tool (p < 0.001). Participants’ conclusions after applying the QAAP-YOA were consistent across participants. The information provided in the reports was more comprehensive and coherent with the client’s needs when participants used the clinical tool. Conclusions: The QAAP-YOA can lead to a greater standardisation of needs assessments and to more comprehensive reports, which may lead to intervention programs more closely aligned with clients’ needs.

Objective To develop a protocol and a clinical tool to assess the audiological needs of younger and older adults with hearing loss. Design A needs assessment protocol was developed based on recommendations of an expert panel, existing literature, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, client-centered care and goal setting. The protocol was reviewed by the expert panel. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with clinical audiologists to validate its content and explore its clinical applicability. A clinical tool was developed to make the administration of the protocol more uniform. Study sample 15 experts and 14 clinical audiologists. Results Feedback received from the participants (experts and clinicians) supported the content validity of the needs assessment protocol and clinical tool. The topics covered within the protocol and tool include: Audiological needs (activity limitations, participation restrictions, environmental factors), Living conditions (social networks, living environment), Personal factors, Discussion with the client to define the intervention plan, and Recommendations. Conclusions A protocol and a clinical tool were developed to help audiologists and clients undertake a comprehensive audiological needs assessment. The content validity of the protocol and tool were demonstrated. Their use can facilitate the delivery of a client-centered assessment using a uniform and comprehensive approach.

To understand the communicational and psychosocial effects of COVID-19 protective measures in real-life everyday communication settings.An online survey consisting of close-set and open-ended questions aimed to describe the communication difficulties experienced in different communication activities (in-person and telecommunication) during the COVID-19 pandemic.172 individuals with hearing loss and 130 who reported not having a hearing loss completed the study. They were recruited through social media, private audiology clinics, hospitals and monthly newsletters sent by the non-profit organisation "Audition Quebec."Face masks were the most problematic protective measure for communication in 75-90% of participants. For all in-person communication activities, participants with hearing loss reported significantly more impact on communication than participants with normal hearing. They also exhibited more activity limitations and negative emotions associated with communication difficulties.These results suggest that, in times of pandemic, individuals with hearing loss are more likely to exhibit communication breakdowns in their everyday activities. This may lead to social isolation and have a deleterious effect on their mental health. When interacting with individuals with hearing loss, communication strategies to optimise speech understanding should be used.

Two members from an academic tertiary hospital went to the National Cancer Institute in Tokyo, Japan, to learn how to perform an adequate D2 lymphadenectomy and to then introduce this technique in the surgical care of patients undergoing surgery for gastric cancer at a Western hospital. We aimed to compare the perioperative outcomes and long-term survival of Western patients who underwent gastric resection, performed by these 2 surgeons, before and after the surgeons' shortcourse technical training in Japan.We conducted a retrospective comparative study of all patients (n = 27 before training and n = 79 after training) who underwent gastric resection for cancer by the same 2 surgeons between September 2007 and December 2017 at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Université Laval (Québec, Canada). We collected data on patient demographic, clinical, surgical, pathological and treatment characteristics, as well as long-term survival and complications.In the post-training group, the number of sampled lymph nodes was higher (median 33 v. 14, p0.0001), but this increase did not result in a higher number of histologically positive lymph nodes (p = 0.35). The rate of complications was lower in the post-training group (15.2% v. 48.2%, p = 0.002). The hospital stay was shorter in the post-training group (11 [standard deviation (SD) 7] v. 23 [SD 45] d, p = 0.03). The median survival was higher in the post-training group (47 v. 29 mo, p = 0.03).These results suggest that a short-course technical training in D2 lymphadenectomy, completed in Japan, improved lymph node sampling, decreased postoperative complications and improved survival of patients undergoing surgery for gastric cancer in a Western setting.Deux membres d’un centre hospitalier universitaire en soins tertiaires se sont rendus à l’Institut national du cancer de Tokyo, au Japon, pour apprendre à effectuer une lymphadénectomie de type D2 et ensuite intégrer cette technique aux interventions chirurgicales visant à contrer un cancer de l’estomac dans un hôpital occidental. L’objectif était de comparer les issues périopératoires et la survie à long terme des patients qui ont subi une gastrectomie réalisée par les 2 chirurgiens, avant et après leur formation technique de courte durée au Japon.Nous avons mené une étude rétrospective comparative portant sur tous les patients (n = 27 avant la formation, et n = 79 après la formation) qui, entre septembre 2007 et décembre 2017, ont subi une gastrectomie pour un cancer réalisée par les 2 chirurgiens au Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec — Université Laval (Québec, Canada). Nous avons recueilli des données démographiques, cliniques, chirurgicales et pathologiques ainsi que des données sur les traitements, la survie à long terme et les complications.Dans le groupe de patients opérés après la formation, un plus grand nombre de ganglions lymphatiques a été prélevé (médiane 33 c. 14; p0,0001), mais cette augmentation n’était pas accompagnée d’un plus grand nombre d’analyses histologiques positives (p = 0,35). Le taux de complication était plus faible dans ce groupe (15,2 % c. 48,2 %; p = 0,002), et l’hospitalisation, plus courte (11 jours [écart type (É.-T.) 7] c. 23 jours [É.-T. 45]; p = 0,03). De plus, la durée de survie médiane était plus élevée dans ce groupe (47 mois c. 29 mois; p = 0,03).Ces résultats laissent croire qu’une courte formation technique sur la lymphadénectomie de type D2, réalisée au Japon, améliore le prélèvement de ganglions lymphatiques, diminue les complications postopératoires et prolonge la survie des patients qui subissent une chirurgie pour un cancer de l’estomac en Occident.

This work assessed the impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on the polychaeta Marphysa sanguinea in Tunis Lagoon. Highest PAHs concentrations were accumulated at station E with maximum Σ PAH of 6028,87 ng/g DW. Changes in animal physiology were clearly related to bioaccumulated PAH. In fact, high levels of immune biomarkers (cyclooxygenase [COX] and lysozyme activity with maximum of 44631,10 FU/mn/mg protein and 0,017 lysozyme activity/mn/mg protein, respectively) were recorded at stations B and E. Triacylglycerol (TAG), the energy source, was lowest at the most polluted stations (E and B), while phospholipids (PL) were highest at the control station. Statistical analysis revealed a probable effect of both low and high molecular weight PAHs on variations in energy storage lipids (TAG and sterol and wax esters [SE/WE]) and membrane lipids, particularly PL. Our results encourage the use of M. sanguinea to assess pollution levels in coastal ecosystems.

Purpose: Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (LRH) can be performed with an intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) or extracorporeal anastomosis (EA). It is not clear which technique is best. This study evaluated the impact of each anastomosis technique on perioperative safety and postoperative evolution.Methods: We performed a retrospective study at a tertiary colorectal surgery center. All patients who had an elective LRH from 2015 to 2019 were analyzed according to the anastomosis technique used.Results: In total, 285 patients were included in the study. IA was performed in 64 patients (22.5%). Mean operative time was longer in the patients with IA (IA, 160±31 minutes vs. EA, 138±42 minutes; P0.99), or intraabdominal abscess (IA, 0% vs. EA, 0.5%; P>0.99). During follow-up, we noted more incisional hernias in patients with EA (IA, 1.6% vs. EA, 11.3%; P=0.01) and a trend toward more hernia in patients with EA in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 7.13; P=0.06). Anastomosis technique had no influence on recurrence.Conclusion: For LRH, both IA and EA are safe, with a low incidence of complications when performed by experienced surgeons. IA may be associated with a lower incidence of incisional hernia.

The treatment of esophageal cancer is in constant evolution. Most of the esophageal cancer receive induction chemoradiation therapy. Surgical delay has been studied but the optimal timing has not been clarified. Through the years, surgical delay has been modified by surgeons in our institutions, going from an average of 6 weeks delay to an average of 10 weeks delay. It is time to ask if this change has a real positive impact on our patient. Methods In this retrospective multi-center study, we combined data from two center in Quebec city that performs oncologic esophagectomy. The surgical delay went from 6 to 10 weeks around 2014. All surgeons changed their practice at that moment. We retrospectively analysed 5 years before and after the change of practice and created two cohorts of patients. Our primary outcome compared complete pathologic response rate. Our secondary outcomes were surgical complications, anastomotic leak, disease free survival and overall survival. Results Thirty-eight patients had surgery under 8 weeks (mean: 6 weeks) after their induction chemoradiation compared to 64 patients that had surgery after 8 weeks (mean: 10 weeks). There was no statistical significant difference between groups for the complete pathologic response (32% vs 25%, p = 0,16). Important complications were similar, with a rate of 24% vs 28% (p = 0,69). Anastomotic leaks were less frequent in the less than 8 weeks group, but no statistical significance was obtained (13% vs 27%, p = 0,14).No difference in the disease-free survival rate and overall survival rate was noted (DFS 40% vs 55% (p = 0,32), OS 38% vs 38% (p = 0,29)). Conclusion The treatment of esophageal cancer is in constant evolution, induction therapy and surgical technics involve over time. Surgical delay has no impact on complete pathologic response, complication and overall survival. There is no advantage to wait longer before surgery.

The treatment of esophageal cancer is in constant evolution. Most of the esophageal cancer receive induction chemoradiation therapy. Surgical delay has been studied but the optimal timing has not been clarified. Through the years, surgical delay has been modified by surgeons in our institutions, going from an average of 6 weeks delay to an average of 10 weeks delay. It is time to ask if this change has a real positive impact on our patient. Methods In this retrospective multi-center study, we combined data from two center in Quebec city that performs oncologic esophagectomy. The surgical delay went from 6 to 10 weeks around 2014. All surgeons changed their practice at that moment. We retrospectively analysed 5 years before and after the change of practice and created two cohorts of patients. Our primary outcome compared complete pathologic response rate. Our secondary outcomes were surgical complications, anastomotic leak, disease free survival and overall survival. Results Thirty-eight patients had surgery under 8 weeks (mean: 6 weeks) after their induction chemoradiation compared to 64 patients that had surgery after 8 weeks (mean: 10 weeks). There was no statistical significant difference between groups for the complete pathologic response (32% vs 25%, p = 0,16). Important complications were similar, with a rate of 24% vs 28% (p = 0,69). Anastomotic leaks were less frequent in the less than 8 weeks group, but no statistical significance was obtained (13% vs 27%, p = 0,14). No difference in disease-free survival rate and overall survival rate was noted (DFS 40% vs 55% (p = 0,32), OS 38% vs 38% (p = 0,29)). Conclusion The treatment of esophageal cancer is in constant evolution, induction therapy and surgical technics involve over time. Surgical delay has no impact on complete pathologic response, complication and overall survival. There is no advantage to wait longer before surgery.

OBJECTIVE Current evidence suggests that an enhanced right ear advantage (REA) in dichotic listening (DL) among older adults may originate from age-related structural changes in the corpus callosum and age-related decline in cognitive processes. Less is known about the effect of information processing at lower portions of the auditory system on DL performance. The present study investigates whether interaural differences (ID) in sensory processing at lower levels of the auditory system are associated with the magnitude of the REA in DL among older adults. DESIGN Sixty-eight older adults participated in the study. Participants were assessed with a DL test using nonforced (NF) and forced attention paradigms. Hearing sensitivity, transient-evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE), contralateral suppression of TEOAE, a proxy measure of medial olivocochlear activation, and auditory brainstem response to speech stimuli (speech-ABR) were tested in both ears separately. The ID in sensory processing at lower levels of the auditory system was derived by calculating the difference between the RE and LE for each auditory measure. Bivariate and multivariate regression models were performed. One multivariate model for each DL paradigm (NF and forced attention) was independently constructed. Measures of cognitive speed of processing and cognitive flexibility were accounted for in the regression models. RESULTS For both multivariate regression models, ID in pure-tone thresholds and ID in MOC suppression of TEOAE were significantly associated with the magnitude of the REA for DL among older adults. Cognitive measures of speed of processing and cognitive flexibility also contributed to the magnitude of the REA. CONCLUSION These results suggest that ID in sensory processing at lower levels of the auditory system account, at least in part, for the increased magnitude of the REA in DL among older adults.

Objective: To develop a web-based application for a colour pattern memory recognition task as the secondary task of a dual-task paradigm and to compare the listening effort required by adolescents ...

Objective. To discuss the steps necessary to facilitate hearing health care in the context of well-being and healthy livingDesign. Issues that must be addressed if audiology is to move from being hearing focused to taking a holistic perspective of hearing care in the context of healthy aging were identified from common themes among the articles in this special issue of the International Journal of Audiology. These are discussed within the context of other published literature. Results and conclusions. Three key required changes were identified: (i) Increased Interdisciplinary education to raise awareness of the interplay between hearing and health. (ii) Increased emphasis on counselling education in audiology programs so that audiologists are equipped with the knowledge, competence and confidence to provide counselling and emotional support to their patients, beyond care. (iii) Redefinition of therapeutic goal setting and hearing outcomes to include aspects of well-being so that audiologists can capture and patients realise that that good hearing outcomes can have a direct positive impact on a person’s quality of life that extends beyond their improved ability to hear. It was emphasized that each of these needs to be considered within the context of the audiologists’ scope of practice and audiologists’ well-being.

Research involving the general population of people who use a spoken language to communicate has demonstrated that older adults experience cognitive and physical changes associated with aging. Notwithstanding the differences in the cognitive processes involved in sign and spoken languages, it is possible that aging can also affect cognitive processing in deaf signers. This research aims to explore the impact of aging on spatial abilities among sign language users. Results showed that younger signers were more accurate than older signers on all spatial tasks. Therefore, the age-related impact on spatial abilities found in the older hearing population can be generalized to the population of signers. Potential implications for sign language production and comprehension are discussed.

Coastal lagoons are among the most vulnerable ecosystems as they are often exposed to different anthropogenic activities. The Polychaetes, which are dominant components in macrobenthic community, are particularly exposed to contamination. The current study was designed to assess and compare the sensitivity of different polychaetes species towards urban pollution. To do this, three polychaete species: Perinereis cultrifera, Diopatra neapolitana, and Marphysa sanguinea, were collected from the Tunis South Lagoon during summer 2013. A set of biomarkers indicative of genotoxicity (DNA damage), biotransformation, and oxidative stress (glutathione S-transferase, GST) as well as immune response (cyclooxygenase activity (COX), lysozyme activity, and nitric oxide level (NOx)), was used. The results revealed that D. neapolitana and P. cultrifera exhibited higher genetic alteration and GST activity and more prominent immune response when compared with M. sanguinea. These findings denote of the higher sensitivity of D. neapolitana and P. cultrifera to urban pollution and suggest their possible use in environmental biomonitoring programs.

Objectives Audiologists and hearing aid users (HAUs) generally agree that an adaptation period is needed following the first hearing aid (HA) experience. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the acclimatization of older adult listeners with hearing loss to HAs using listening effort and behavioral measures. Design Participants (N=47) were older adults with mild to moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss. Thirty-two participants were new HAUs and 15 participants were experienced HAUs. New HAUs were randomly assigned to one of two groups: noise reduction algorithms and directional microphones activated or noise reduction algorithms and directional microphones deactivated. Speech recognition in noise and listening effort were assessed on 8 different occasions during a 10-month period. A dual-task paradigm was used to measure the listening effort deployed to recognize speech in noise. The primary task consisted of the Hearing in Noise Test which also served as the behavioral speech in noise measure. The secondary task was a tactile pattern-recognition task in which participants had to identify a sequence of three tactile stimuli that varied in duration. The two listening effort outcomes were the proportional dual-task cost and the response time on the secondary task. Cognitive abilities, including working memory and speed of processing, were evaluated using the Reading Span Test and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test, respectively. Results Results show a significant time*group interaction. Both groups of new HAUs showed improvement over time in speech in noise performances (change of ~2 dB signal to noise ratio) and the experienced HAUs did not improve over time. The acclimatization effect was observed over a period of 4 weeks. There was no significant change over time on both measures of listening effort. There was no association between amplitude of acclimatization and the cognitive abilities measured. Conclusion An acclimatization effect following HA experience was observed. Specifically, the new HAUs displayed a clinically significant change of 2 dB in signal to noise ratio on the Hearing in Noise Test 4 weeks following their initial fitting. The acclimatization effect is not correlated to cognitive abilities.

Speech processing is more effortful under difficult listening conditions. Using a dual-task paradigm, it has been shown that older adults deploy more listening effort than younger adults when performing a speech recognition task in noise. Purpose The primary purpose of this study was to investigate whether a dual-task paradigm could be used to investigate differences in listening effort for an audiovisual speech comprehension task. If so, it was predicted that older adults would expend more listening effort than younger adults. Method Three groups of participants took part in the investigation: (a) young normal-hearing adults, (b) young normal-hearing adults listening to the speech material low-pass filtered above 3 kHz, and (c) older adults with age-related normal hearing sensitivity or better. A dual-task paradigm was used to measure listening effort. The primary task consisted of comprehending a short documentary presented at 63 dBA in a background noise that consisted of a 4-talker speech babble presented at 69 dBA. The participants had to answer a set of 15 questions related to the content of the documentary. The secondary task was a tactile detection task presented at a random time interval, over a 12-min period (approximately 8 stimuli/min). Each task was performed separately and concurrently. Results The younger participants who performed the listening task under the low-pass filtered condition displayed significantly more listening effort than the 2 other groups of participants. Conclusion First, the study confirmed that the dual-task paradigm used in this study was sufficiently sensitive to reveal significant differences in listening effort for a speech comprehension task across 3 groups of participants. Contrary to our prediction, it was the group of young normal-hearing participants who listened to the documentaries under the low-pass filtered condition that displayed significantly more listening effort than the other 2 groups of listeners.

Groundwater is a potentially significant source of dissolved organic matter (DOM) to coastal oceans where it is subject to photochemical transformation and thus possibly influences major marine biogeochemical processes. Furthermore, groundwater DOM usually receives little prior light exposure, making it suitable for probing the photoreactivity of source organic materials. In this study we collected two DOM pools in beach and inland groundwater of the Iles-de-la-Madeleine in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, characterized them with absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy , and compared their photoreactivities. Beach groundwater (BGW) primarily comprised old, highly colored terrestrial DOM having high molecular weight (MW), strong humification , and low protein contents, whereas inland groundwater (IGW) largely contained fresh, less colored microbial-derived DOM with low molecular weight (MW), weaker humification, and higher protein contents. For both BGW and IGW, exposure to solar-simulated radiation led to increases in the E 2/E3 quotient, biological index (BIX), and ammonium (NH4+ ) and decreases in absorbance, specific absorption coefficient at 254 nm (SUVα 254 ), fluorescence index (FI), humification index (HIX), MW, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The irradiation also reduced the intensities of humic-like fluorescence peaks and PARAFAC-modeled humic components. On a fractional-absorption-loss basis, the photochemically induced fractional changes in BGW were comparable to those in IGB for SUVα 254 and E2/E3, considerably larger for MW, BIX, and DOC, and substantially smaller for FI and HIX. On an absorbed-photon basis, the efficiencies of absorbance photobleaching and DOC photomineralization for DOM in BGW were 8.3 times and 2.0 times those of the respective photoprocesses for DOM in IGW, while the efficiency of photoammonification for DOM in BGW was 41% of that for DOM in IGW. Results from this study, in combination with those reported previously for surface waters, lead to a tentative paradigm: terrigenous DOM is more prone to absorbance photobleaching but less prone to photoammonification than microbial-derived DOM while the two DOM pools are comparably reactive with respect to DOC photomineralization.

Objective To present the technique for and early results of laparoscopic intragastric resection (LIGR). Background Treatment of confirmed or suspected submucosal gastric malignancies relies on clear margin resection, for which minimally invasive surgery is widely accepted. However, resection in some localization remains challenging. Methods We present the steps of LIGR for gastric submucosal tumors (GSMTs). We report the results of LIGR in consecutive patients operated at 2 institutions, including intraoperative, pathologic, 30-day major morbidity and mortality characteristics. Results After laparoscopic access to the abdominal cavity, cuffed gastric ports are placed to approximate the anterior gastric wall to the abdominal wall. A pneumogastrum is created. The tumor is resected in the submucosal plane and the deficit closed with intragastric suturing. Specimen extraction is performed perorally or through a gastrotomy site. In 8 proximal intraluminal GSMTs with median size of 3.1 cm (range: 1.8-6.0 cm), median operative time was 167.5 minutes (range: 120-300 mins). There was no major morbidity and no mortality. All resections were R0. Conclusions We illustrate the technique of a novel, feasible, and safe minimally invasive approach to GSMTs. LIGR is an alternative to resect challenging GSMTs by limiting surgical invasiveness and preserving gastrointestinal function.

Objectives: To examine the association between perceived benefit from hearing aid (HA) use and life-space mobility among older adults. Method: Cross-sectional analysis of 76- to 91-year-old community-dwelling adults ( n = 702). Data on perceived hearing with and without a HA were obtained via postal questionnaire and data on life-space mobility (Life-Space Assessment, range = 0-120) via phone interview. Results: Participants who perceived more benefit from HA use, had a better life-space mobility score ( M = 65, SD = 2.6) than participants who had less benefit from using a HA ( M = 55, SD = 3.2). Participants who benefitted more from HA use did not differ from those who did not have a HA ( M = 63, SD = 0.9) in their life-space mobility score. Discussion: Perceived benefit from HA use is associated with higher life-space mobility among community-dwelling older adults. Future studies are needed to examine whether use of an appropriate HA promotes life-space mobility among those with difficulties in hearing.

Mass-specific absorption (ai∗(λ)) and scattering (bi∗(λ)) coefficients were derived for four size fractions (i = 0.2–0.4, 0.4–0.7, 0.7–10, and > 10 µm, λ = wavelength in nm) of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and with samples obtained from surface waters (i.e., 0–2 m depth) of the Saint Lawrence Estuary and Saguenay Fjord (SLE-SF) during June of 2013. For the visible–near-infrared spectral range (i.e., λ = 400–710 nm), mass-specific absorption coefficients of total SPM (i.e., particulates > 0.2 µm) (hereafter aSPM∗) had low values (e.g., 2 g−1 at λ = 440 nm) in areas of the lower estuary dominated by particle assemblages with relatively large mean grain size and high particulate organic carbon and chlorophyll a per unit of mass of SPM. Conversely, largest aSPM∗ values (i.e., > 0.05 m2 g−1 at λ = 440 nm) corresponded with locations of the upper estuary and SF where particulates were mineral-rich and/or their mean diameter was relatively small. The variability of two optical proxies (the spectral slope of particulate beam attenuation coefficient and the mass-specific particulate absorption coefficient, hereafter γ and Svis, respectively) with respect to changes in particle size distribution (PSD) and chemical composition was also examined. The slope of the PSD was correlated with bi∗(550) (Spearman rank correlation coefficient ρs up to 0.37) and ai∗(440) estimates (ρs up to 0.32) in a comparable way. Conversely, the contribution of particulate inorganic matter to total mass of SPM (FSPMPIM) had a stronger correlation with ai∗ coefficients at a wavelength of 440 nm (ρs up to 0.50). The magnitude of γ was positively related to FSPMi or the contribution of size fraction i to the total mass of SPM (ρs up to 0.53 for i = 0.2–0.4 µm). Also, the relation between γ and FSPMPIM variability was secondary (ρs = −0.34, P > 0.05). Lastly, the magnitude of Svis was inversely correlated with aSPM∗(440) (ρs = −0.55, P = 0.04) and FSPMPIM (ρs = −0.62, P = 0.018) in sampling locations with a larger marine influence (i.e., lower estuary).

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are incorporated in many consumer products and have a high-releasing potential in aquatic environments. In these environments, AgNPs could interact with colloidal natural organic matter (NOM) affecting their behavior and fate. Aggregation kinetics of AgNPs were conducted at 10 NaCl concentrations during 2 h with 2.5 or 25 mgNOM L−1. Four (4) colloidal NOM fractions were extracted from 50 m3 of St.-Lawrence estuarine waters: fulvic acids (SLFA), humic acids (SLHA), hydrophilic (SL4ILE), and hydrophobic (SL4OBE) fractions. The addition of NOM to AgNP dispersion in nanopure water induced a small increase in AgNP size depending on NOM concentration and fraction used. The presence of both salt and NOM significantly altered the size of silver aggregates. With added 2.5 mgNOM L−1, more than 90% of particles have a size smaller than 200 nm, independently of the NOM fraction used. At 25 mgNOM L−1, the particle size distribution was strongly affected by the nature of NOM fractions. Our results show that NOM with highly aromatic carbon content such as SLFA and SLHA promoted the formation of larger aggregates with a hydrodynamic diameter larger than 200 nm. A high content in non-polar aliphatic carbon as observed in SL4ILE and SL4OBE stabilized aggregates at a size below 200 nm. This study highlights the importance of the chemical composition of NOM fractions and their content in non-polar aliphatic and aromatic carbons as they are involved in hydrophobic effects and strongly influence the aggregate size distribution. Sulfur, also present at low concentration NOM fractions, appears to be involved in the aggregation of AgNPs, but its action mechanism was not determined.

Spillages at sea of diluted bitumen (dilbit) from oil sands have received little attention until now. To our best knowledge, there are no reports on the impact of a severe exposure to dilbit on the Blue mussel (Mytilus edulis). In this study, adult Blue mussels were exposed to one conventional crude oil (Heidrun) and two dilbits (Cold Lake Blend and Access Western Blend) for a period of 7 days in an ice-covered environment and then maintained for three months until the spawning season. The exposed mussels were monitored for aromatic hydrocarbon bioaccumulation, physiological energetic budget, cellular stress, byssus production and gametogenesis. In spring, spawning was induced to characterize breeding success. Bioaccumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was detected after three days of exposure, with higher concentrations of PAHs associated to the conventional oil (5.49 ± 0.12 μg·g−1 d.w.) compared to both dilbits (0.91 ± 0.02 μg·g−1; 0.51 ± 0.03 μg·g−1 d.w.). Despite a fast depuration rate and a good resilience of the exposed mussels, significant negative effects were observed at the cellular, physiological and fitness levels, especially in offspring. Our results suggest a higher toxicity of the diluted bitumen compared to the conventional crude despite the lower bioaccumulation of total PAHs. Dilbit treatments caused evident negative transgenerational effects on unexposed F1 generation.

BackgroundSome evidence suggests that young adults exhibit a selective laterality of auditory brainstem response (ABR) elicited with speech stimuli. Little is known about such an auditory laterality in older adults.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate possible asymmetric auditory brainstem processing between right and left ear presentation in older adults.MethodsSixty-two older adults presenting with normal hearing thresholds according to their age and who were native speakers of Quebec French participated in this study. ABR was recorded using click and a 40-ms /da/ syllable. ABR was elicited through monaural right and monaural left stimulation. Latency and amplitude for click-and speech-ABR components were compared between right and left ear presentations. In addition, for the /da/ syllable, a fast Fourier transform analysis of the sustained frequency-following response (FFR) of the vowel was performed along with stimulus-to-response and right-left ear correlation analyses.ResultsNo significant differences between right and left ear presentation were found for amplitudes and latencies of the click-ABR components. Significantly shorter latencies for right ear presentation as compared to left ear presentation were observed for onset and offset transient components (V, A and O), sustained components (D and E), and voiced transition components (C) of the speech-ABR. In addition, the spectral amplitude of the fundamental frequency (F0) was significantly larger for the left ear presentation than the right ear presentation.ConclusionsResults of this study show that older adults with normal hearing exhibit symmetric encoding for click stimuli at the brainstem level between the right and left ear presentation. However, they present with brainstem asymmetries for the encoding of selective stimulus components of the speech-ABR between the right and left ear presentation. The right ear presentation of a /da/ syllable elicited reduced neural timing for both transient and sustained components compared to the left ear. Conversely, a stronger left ear F0 encoding was observed. These findings suggest that at a preattentive, sensory stage of auditory processing, older adults lateralize speech stimuli similarly to young adults.

Objectives Among older adults (OA), hearing loss is associated with an increased risk for falls. The aim of the present study was to experimentally investigate the cognitive compensation hypothesis, wherein decreased auditory and motor functioning are compensated by the recruitment of cognitive resources. Method Twenty-nine younger adults (YA), 26 OA, and 32 OA with age-related hearing loss (ARHL) completed a dual-task paradigm consisting of cognitive and balance recovery tasks performed singly and concurrently. The auditory stimuli were presented with or without background noise. Results Both older adult groups performed significantly worse than YA on the cognitive task in noisy conditions and ARHL also demonstrated disproportionate negative effects of dual-tasking and noise. The kinematic data indicated that OA and ARHL demonstrated greater plantarflexion when compared with YA. Conversely, YA showed greater hip extension in response to dual-tasking. Discussion The cognitive and balance results suggest that YA were able to flexibly allocate their attention between tasks, whereas ARHL exhibited prioritization of posture over cognitive performance.

High quality aluminum billet casting requires a very good control of the process parameters. After removing the billets from the casting pit, two quality control inspections are usually performed. A first one is usually performed by an inspector for the surface and shape quality of the billet and a second one for its internal structure using ultrasonic technology. STAS has recently implemented, in a cast house in Canada, a new equipment named the “BSI3D” for Billet Surface Inspection in 3D. This equipment is fully automated and uses state-of-the-art proven 3D scanning and image analysis technologies. The BSI3D is a fully objective and consistent machine that can detect and record the surface defects characteristics. It is also programmed to precisely evaluate the bending of the billets i.e. straightness. This new equipment allows for optimization of the casting process, helps to improve the billet recovery rate and reduces overall operating costs. This paper presents an overview of this equipment, its performances and benefits.

In this study the Polychaeta Marphysa sanguinea, was tested to investigate the impact of metal pollution on the environmental state of a coastal Mediterranean lagoon, Tunis Lagoon (Tunisia). A multi-biomarker approach comprising glutathione-stransferase, cyclooxygenase, lysozyme activity, and lipid class composition of the Polychaeta was employed on a seasonal basis in the present investigation. The multivariate statistical approach (principal component analysis and Pearson correlation) clearly demonstrated different spatial patterns in biomarker values and lipid class concentrations. The phospholipids were the dominant lipid class in M. sanguinea, with the highest value found at the control station. The impact of pollution was most clearly observed on the main storage lipid class, triacylglycerol, which was lowest in the most impacted sites. Our work suggests that M. sanguinea can be used in warmer Mediterranean costal habitats as a sentinel species of contaminated ecosystems.

The purpose of this study was to better understand the benefits of self-help group involvement by adults with hearing loss.A secondary content analysis of interview transcripts of participants from a previous study on the impact of stigma on help-seeking was carried out.Ten members (aged 55-76 years) of self-help groups for persons with hearing loss in the United States of America and Canada participated in the interviews.Three themes describing the benefits of self-help group participation emerged: (1) Practical and accessible information about hearing loss; (2) Social belonging leading to personal transformation; and (3) A new and mutually beneficial direction.The findings are discussed in relation to the "helper therapy principle", as well as group audiological rehabilitation.

This study describes aggregation kinetics of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and particle size distribution (PSD) of silver aggregates at concentrations ranging from 10 mgAg.L−1 to 10 μgAg.L−1. Aggregation kinetics were conducted at different NaCl concentrations for 2 h and at three environmentally NaCl concentrations (9, 86 and 428 mM) for 12 h to determine the critical coagulation concentration (CCC) and PSD. At mgAg.L−1 level, CCC was near 70 mM, and near 150 mM at μgAg.L−1 level. Furthermore, PSD was strongly affected by AgNPs concentration. At 10 and 1 mgAg.L−1, more than 80 % of aggregates had a hydrodynamic diameter (Dh) higher than 200 nm after 2 h, and more than 95 % after 12 h. At 100 and 10 μgAg.L−1, the main aggregate population had a Dh smaller than 200 nm. At mgAg.L−1 level, particle concentration remained high enough to promote interactions between AgNPs and aggregates, favoring the formation of large aggregates, although it was not the case at μgAg.L−1 level. Moreover, at 106 particles. mL−1, AgNPs aggregation was strongly reduced and could cause the presence of a plateau in aggregation kinetics. Evolution of silver aggregates PSD may increase their residence time in the water column and promotes their exportation to the ocean.

Purpose Previous studies have guided the development of deafblindness rehabilitation by reporting on the priorities of researchers and of deafblind individuals; however, service and care providers may be able to bring a different and important perspective to shaping the development of this clinical field and its research. The present study aims to give them a voice in this process. Methods We conducted a qualitative survey in which 68 stakeholders in deaf-blind rehabilitation from 6 countries described their perceived research and rehabilitation priorities for the coming decade. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis through open coding, creating categories, and abstraction. Results Three categories of priorities emerged: those common to rehabilitation and research (such as assistive technology, communication services, and interdisciplinarity), those unique to rehabilitation (such as augmented service provision), and those unique to research (such as recruitment databases and measurement tools). Conclusions When viewing the findings from within the context of the existing research literature, the overlap indicated that research and rehabilitation efforts are moving in a congruent direction for researchers, service providers, and persons with deafblindness. Future efforts should focus on information exchange in order to improve evidence-based rehabilitation practice.

Forestry activities in the Canadian Boreal region have increased in the last decades, raising concerns about their potential impact on aquatic ecosystems. Water quality and fluorescence characteristics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) were measured over a 3-year period in eight eastern Boreal Shield lakes: four lakes were studied before, 1 and 2 years after forest harvesting (perturbed lakes) and compared with four undisturbed reference lakes (unperturbed lakes) sampled at the same time. ANOVAs showed a significant increase in total phosphorus (TP) in perturbed lakes when the three sampling dates were considered and in DOC concentrations when considering 1 year before and 1 year after the perturbation only. At 1 year post-clear cutting DOC concentrations were about 15 % greater in the perturbed lakes at ~ 15 mgC L−1 compared to 12.5 mgC L−1 in the unperturbed lakes. In contrast, absorbance and fluorescence measurements showed that all metrics remained within narrow ranges compared to the range observed in natural waters, indicating that forest harvesting did not affect the nature of DOM characterized with spectroscopic techniques. These results confirm an impact of forestry activities 1 year after the perturbation. However, this effect seems to be mitigated 2 years after, indicating that the system shows high resilience and may be able to return to its original condition in terms of water quality parameters assessed in this study.

An empirical optical model for estimating the concentration of suspended particulate matter (CSPM) was developed in the upper part of the Saint Lawrence Estuary based on remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) measurements corresponding to medium-resolution imaging spectrometer (MERIS) spectral channels 7 and 9 (i.e., wavelengths centered at 665 and 708 nm, respectively). Sensitivity of CSPM estimates to changes in mineral content of suspended particulates was investigated based on simulated Rrs values. For June 2012 measurements, CSPM varied with values following a power-type relationship (y = 235.7 x8.321, r2 = 0.7, N = 10). In addition, numerical experiments and analysis of regression type II showed that exponent parameter of this biogeo-optical model decreased as suspended particulates become more enriched in organic matter.