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Journal of Korean Medical Science Feb 2021Infographics are pictorial representations of information intended to disseminate information quickly and clearly. Their use has increased in the past decade due to... (Review)
Review
Infographics are pictorial representations of information intended to disseminate information quickly and clearly. Their use has increased in the past decade due to wider and easy access to technology. Infographics are being increasingly used for public advisories, disseminating protocols for healthcare professionals, and post-publication promotion of research. Due to their potential to rapidly reach a vast audience, these have gained larger importance during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Two key aspects determine the quality of infographics, content and visual appeal. In this brief, the authors attempt to delineate the key aspects of designing an infographic, and the freeware that they may have at their disposal for creating informative, appealing, and useful infographics.
Topics: Audiovisual Aids; Biomedical Research; COVID-19; Computer Graphics; Health Communication; Health Personnel; Humans; Information Dissemination; Pandemics; Social Media
PubMed: 33527783
DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2021.36.e41 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2022Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is considered the deadliest gynecological disease and is normally diagnosed at late stages, at which point metastasis has already... (Review)
Review
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is considered the deadliest gynecological disease and is normally diagnosed at late stages, at which point metastasis has already occurred. Throughout disease progression, EOC will encounter various ecosystems and the communication between cancer cells and these microenvironments will promote the survival and dissemination of EOC. The primary tumor is thought to develop within the ovaries or the fallopian tubes, both of which provide a microenvironment with high risk of causing DNA damage and enhanced proliferation. EOC disseminates by direct extension from the primary tumors, as single cells or multicellular aggregates. Under the influence of cellular and non-cellular factors, EOC spheroids use the natural flow of peritoneal fluid to reach distant organs within the peritoneal cavity. These cells can then implant and seed distant organs or tissues, which develop rapidly into secondary tumor nodules. The peritoneal tissue and the omentum are two common sites of EOC metastasis, providing a microenvironment that supports EOC invasion and survival. Current treatment for EOC involves debulking surgery followed by platinum-taxane combination chemotherapy; however, most patients will relapse with a chemoresistant disease with tumors developed within the peritoneum. Therefore, understanding the role of the unique microenvironments that promote EOC transcoelomic dissemination is important in improving patient outcomes from this disease. In this review article, we address the process of ovarian cancer cellular fate at the site of its origin in the secretory cells of the fallopian tube or in the ovarian surface epithelial cells, their detachment process, how the cells survive in the peritoneal fluid avoiding cell death triggers, and how cancer- associated cells help them in the process. Finally, we report the mechanisms used by the ovarian cancer cells to adhere and migrate through the mesothelial monolayer lining the peritoneum. We also discuss the involvement of the transcoelomic ecosystem on the development of chemoresistance of EOC.
Topics: Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial; Ecosystem; Epithelial Cells; Female; Humans; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Ovarian Neoplasms; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 35574025
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.886533 -
Indian Journal of Pathology &... 2022Cancer is one of the leading causes of death due to noncommunicable diseases worldwide. Despite increasing public awareness and availability of sophisticated imaging... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death due to noncommunicable diseases worldwide. Despite increasing public awareness and availability of sophisticated imaging techniques, some cancers evade clinical diagnosis and/or are incidentally encountered at autopsies, often with dissemination.
AIMS
The present study evaluated the disseminated epithelial cancers at autopsy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This is a retrospective observational 5-year autopsy analysis of disseminated epithelial cancers performed at a tertiary-care hospital. The cases were categorized as (1) clinically diagnosed malignancy, known primary; (2) clinically diagnosed malignancy, unknown primary; and (3) clinically undiagnosed malignancy.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
Nil.
RESULTS
Dissemination was identified in 66 (57.9%) of the 114 patients with epithelial malignancies. There were 29 patients (43.9%) in category 1, 26 patients (39.4%) in category 2, and 11 patients (16.7%) in category 3, majority of whom were women (38 patients, 57.6%). When all categories were considered together, lung and colorectal carcinomas were the commonest cancers seen in 13 (19.7%) and 8 (12.1%) patients, respectively, in both men and women. Majority of the patients (43 cases, 65.2%) had symptoms produced by metastases, which were the sole manifestations in 13 patients (19.7%). Lungs and liver were the common metastatic sites.
CONCLUSIONS
Cancerous dissemination continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality even after considerable improvements in the surgical or nonsurgical treatment modalities. An autopsy study can provide important clinical insights in retrospect.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Autopsy; Colorectal Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 35074969
DOI: 10.4103/IJPM.IJPM_1048_20 -
Innovations in Pharmacy 2020While innovation in pharmacy education can be sparked through many avenues, the opportunity to learn and engage with others through practice communities is considered by...
While innovation in pharmacy education can be sparked through many avenues, the opportunity to learn and engage with others through practice communities is considered by many as a creative outlet for exchange and discovery. This commentary specifically describes a contemporary approach to promote such a dialogue globally through podcasting, which is a free and highly accessible medium for dissemination and exchange of innovative teaching practices. In 2018, two faculty from two colleges of pharmacy created a podcast titled Leadership Development in Pharmacy Education (LDPEcast), which provides a unique modality to stimulate discussion and disseminate ideas within the community of practice. This commentary provides a case illustration for how a podcast can be intentionally designed and implemented with the goal of inspiring engagement across a global practice community. Early results of the podcast have been largely successful with nearly 1000 episode downloads and an additional 445 episode streams from audience members. While this podcast was designed specifically to discuss leadership integration within pharmacy training, opportunities may exist for further exploration of podcasting to spread innovative ideas, practices, and evaluative approaches in pharmacy education, while strengthening connections and elevating communities of practice across institutions.
PubMed: 34017618
DOI: 10.24926/iip.v11i1.2932 -
Journal of Korean Medical Science Jul 2022Infographics are graphic visual representations of educational content, used to deliver complex information, disseminate scientific research, and drive behavioral... (Review)
Review
Infographics are graphic visual representations of educational content, used to deliver complex information, disseminate scientific research, and drive behavioral change. Herein, we review some of the factors pertinent to designing infographics and the potential for automation in the future. To guide high-impact design, it is vital to clearly define the objectives of the infographic and its target audience. Designing an effective infographic necessitates careful consideration of the layout, colors, font, and context. More recently, technical support to develop infographics are increasingly available through online software (Canva, Adobe, and Venngage) and emerging artificial intelligence programs. References can also become a visual representation of trends in scientific discovery. It is crucial for clinicians, researchers and scientists to have the knowledge and skills to design compelling infographics. In the era of social media, the uptake and effects of infographics for disseminating scientific research and public health education need to be further studied to understand their full potential.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence; Communication; Data Visualization; Health Education; Humans; Social Media
PubMed: 35818705
DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2022.37.e214 -
Microorganisms Jun 2021is a Gram-negative pathogen responsible for community-acquired and nosocomial infections. The strains of this species belong to the opportunistic group, which is... (Review)
Review
is a Gram-negative pathogen responsible for community-acquired and nosocomial infections. The strains of this species belong to the opportunistic group, which is comprised of the multidrug-resistant strains, or the hypervirulent group, depending on their accessory genome, which determines bacterial pathogenicity and the host immune response. The aim of this survey is to present an overview of the murine models mimicking infectious processes (i.e., gastrointestinal colonization, urinary, pulmonary, and systemic infections), and the bacterial functions deployed to colonize and disseminate into the host. These in vivo approaches are pivotal to develop new therapeutics to limit infections via a modulation of the immune responses and/or microbiota.
PubMed: 34204632
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9061282 -
MBio Feb 2023Klebsiella pneumoniae is a leading cause of nosocomial and community acquired infections, making K. pneumoniae the pathogen that is associated with the second largest...
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a leading cause of nosocomial and community acquired infections, making K. pneumoniae the pathogen that is associated with the second largest number of deaths attributed to any antibiotic resistant infection. K. pneumoniae colonizes the nasopharynx and the gastrointestinal tract in an asymptomatic manner without dissemination to other tissues. Importantly, gastrointestinal colonization is a requisite for infection. Our understanding of K. pneumoniae colonization is still based on interrogating mouse models in which animals are pretreated with antibiotics to disturb the colonization resistance imposed by the gut microbiome. In these models, infections disseminate to other tissues. Here, we report a murine model to allow for the study of the gastrointestinal colonization of K. pneumoniae without tissue dissemination. Hypervirulent and antibiotic resistant strains stably colonize the gastrointestinal tract of in an inbred mouse population without antibiotic treatment. The small intestine is the primary site of colonization and is followed by a transition to the colon over time, without dissemination to other tissues. Our model recapitulates the disease dynamics of the metastatic K. pneumoniae strains that are able to disseminate from the gastrointestinal tract to other sterile sites. Colonization is associated with mild to moderate histopathology, no significant inflammation, and no effect on the richness of the microbiome. Our model sums up the clinical scenario in which antibiotic treatment disturbs the colonization of K. pneumoniae and results in dissemination to other tissues. Finally, we establish that the capsule polysaccharide is necessary for the colonization of the large intestine, whereas the type VI secretion system contributes to colonization across the gastrointestinal tract. Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the pathogens that is sweeping the world in the antibiotic resistance pandemic. colonizes the nasopharynx and the gut of healthy subjects in an asymptomatic manner, making gut colonization a requisite for infection. This makes it essential to understand the gastrointestinal carriage in preventing Klebsiella infections. Current research models rely on the perturbation of the gut microbiome by antibiotics, resulting in an invasive infection. Here, we report a new model of K. pneumoniae gut colonization that recapitulates key features of the asymptomatic human gastrointestinal tract colonization. In our model, there is no need to disturb the microbiota to achieve stable colonization, and there is no dissemination to other tissues. Our model sums up the clinical scenario in which antibiotic treatment triggers invasive infection. We envision that our model will be an excellent platform upon which to investigate factors enhancing colonization and invasive infections and to test therapeutics to eliminate Klebsiella asymptomatic colonization.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Gastrointestinal Tract; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Klebsiella Infections; Inflammation
PubMed: 36598189
DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03121-22 -
PLoS Pathogens Aug 2023Most humans have a lifelong imperceptible BK Polyomavirus (BKPyV) infection in epithelial cells lining the reno-urinary tract. In kidney transplant recipients,...
Most humans have a lifelong imperceptible BK Polyomavirus (BKPyV) infection in epithelial cells lining the reno-urinary tract. In kidney transplant recipients, unrestricted high-level replication of donor-derived BKPyV in the allograft underlies polyomavirus-associated nephropathy, a condition with massive epithelial cell loss and inflammation causing premature allograft failure. There is limited understanding on how BKPyV disseminates throughout the reno-urinary tract and sometimes causes kidney damage. Tubule epithelial cells are tightly connected and have unique apical and basolateral membrane domains with highly specialized functions but all in vitro BKPyV studies have been performed in non-polarized cells. We therefore generated a polarized cell model of primary renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTECs) and characterized BKPyV entry and release. After 8 days on permeable inserts, RPTECs demonstrated apico-basal polarity. BKPyV entry was most efficient via the apical membrane, that in vivo faces the tubular lumen, and depended on sialic acids. Progeny release started between 48 and 58 hours post-infection (hpi), and was exclusively detected in the apical compartment. From 72 hpi, cell lysis and detachment gradually increased but cells were mainly shed by extrusion and the barrier function was therefore maintained. The decoy-like cells were BKPyV infected and could transmit BKPyV to uninfected cells. By 120 hpi, the epithelial barrier was disrupted by severe cytopathic effects, and BKPyV entered the basolateral compartment mimicking the interstitial space. Addition of BKPyV-specific neutralizing antibodies to this compartment inhibited new infections. Taken together, we propose that during in vivo low-level BKPyV replication, BKPyV disseminates inside the tubular system, thereby causing minimal damage and delaying immune detection. However, in kidney transplant recipients lacking a well-functioning immune system, replication in the allograft will progress and eventually cause denudation of the basement membrane, leading to an increased number of decoy cells, high-level BKPyV-DNAuria and DNAemia, the latter a marker of allograft damage.
Topics: Humans; Cytology; BK Virus; Polyomavirus; Kidney; Epithelial Cells; Polyomavirus Infections
PubMed: 37639485
DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011622 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2021Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play a causal role in the development of metastasis, the major cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. In the past decade, the... (Review)
Review
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play a causal role in the development of metastasis, the major cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. In the past decade, the development of powerful cellular and molecular technologies has led to a better understanding of the molecular characteristics and timing of dissemination of CTCs during cancer progression. For instance, genotypic and phenotypic characterization of CTCs, at the single cell level, has shown that CTCs are heterogenous, disseminate early and could represent only a minor subpopulation of the primary tumor responsible for disease relapse. While the impact of molecular profiling of CTCs has not yet been translated to the clinic, CTC enumeration has been widely used as a prognostic biomarker to monitor treatment response and to predict disease relapse. However, previous studies have revealed a major challenge: the low abundance of CTCs in the bloodstream of patients with cancer, especially in early stage disease where the identification and characterization of subsequently "lethal" cells has potentially the greatest clinical relevance. The CTC field is rapidly evolving with development of new technologies to improve the sensitivity of CTC detection, enumeration, isolation, and molecular profiling. Here we examine the technical and analytical validity of CTC technologies, we summarize current data on the biology of CTCs that disseminate early and review CTC-based clinical applications.
PubMed: 34026650
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.672195 -
Journal of Korean Medical Science Feb 2024
Topics: Humans; Social Media; Video Recording; Information Dissemination
PubMed: 38412615
DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e93