Framing as a Concept for Health Communication: A Systematic Review.

Over the past decades, research in the fields of both framing and health communication has grown exponentially. However, to date, no systematic review has been conducted about how framing - as a concept - has been used in health communication. The present study provides a systematic review of the current research, applying a quantitative content analysis to the published literature on framing in health communication. Articles published in peer-reviewed scientific journals (N = 316) were analyzed in order to describe common characteristics and topics, as well as the degree to which the sociological and psychological tradition of framing, different types of frames, and visual framing have been used. Furthermore, framing effect studies were examined to see whether they contained covariates, competitive frames, and/or gain and loss framing. The results reveal that the most common topics in the literature on framing in health communication were related to cancer, nutrition, and vaccination. Most articles use quantitative research designs, most commonly surveys with experimental designs; the majority of articles are based on the psychological tradition of framing. Thematic and generic frames occur almost equally, while the lack of research on visual frames is clearly noticeable. More than half of the effect studies test the effects of gain and loss framing, whereas competitive frames are under-studied. The results of this systematic review help to identify both current trends and research gaps on framing in health communication, and how it differs from framing in communication science overall - valuable information that can inform future research.

Total liquid ventilation: a new approach to improve 3D OCT image quality of alveolar structures in lung tissue.

Little is known about mechanical processes of alveolar tissue during mechanical ventilation. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a three-dimensional and high-resolution imaging modality can be used to visualize subpleural alveoli during artificial ventilation. The quality of OCT images can be increased by matching the refractive index inside the alveoli to the one of tissue via liquid-filling. Thereby, scattering loss can be decreased and higher penetration depth and tissue contrast can be achieved. We show the liquid-filling of alveolar structures verified by optical coherence tomography and intravital microscopy (IVM) and the advantages of index matching for OCT imaging of subpleural alveoli in a mouse model using a custom-made liquid ventilator.

Optical coherence tomography in biomedical research.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive, high-resolution, interferometric imaging modality using near-infrared light to acquire cross-sections and three-dimensional images of the subsurface microstructure of biological specimens. Because of rapid improvement of the acquisition speed and axial resolution of OCT over recent years, OCT is becoming increasingly attractive for applications in biomedical research. Therefore, OCT is no longer used solely for structural investigations of biological samples but also for functional examination, making it potentially useful in bioanalytical science. The combination of in vivo structural and functional findings makes it possible to obtain thorough knowledge on basic physiological and pathological processes. Advanced applications, for example, optical biopsy in visceral cavities, have been enabled by combining OCT with established imaging modalities. This report gives an outline of the state of the art and novel trends of innovative OCT approaches in biomedical research in which the main focus is on applications in fundamental research and pre-clinical utilization.

Epidemiological and histopathological aspects of primary cutaneous melanoma in residents of Joinville, 2003-2014.

BACKGROUND: The worldwide incidence of cutaneous melanoma (CM) has been continuously increasing over the last decades. Primary and secondary prevention, with attention to risk factors and early diagnosis, remain the cornerstone for reducing the burden of cutaneous melanoma. Detailed information with respect to clinical and pathological data on cutaneous melanoma is scarce in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to analyze epidemiological and pathological characteristics of primary cutaneous melanoma in Joinville, southern Brazil. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study in which 893 reports of primary cutaneous melanoma from the local population were analyzed in the period 2003-2014. The study was approved by the local Ethics and Research Committee. RESULTS: We observed a female predominance of cutaneous melanoma (56.3%). The age standardized incidence rate of primary cutaneous melanoma for the world population in the period 2003-06 was 11.8 per 100,000 population (CI 95%, 10.3-13.4), and 17.5 (CI 95%, 15.7-19.3) in 2011-14, revealing a significant increase of 48.3% (p < 0,05). Six and a half percent of patients had multiple cutaneous melanomas (mean 2.2 years and a maximum of 10.0 years between diagnoses). We observed significant differences between the location head/neck and cutaneous melanoma in situ, lower limb with Breslow depth S III and upper limb with Breslow depth S I. The comparison of the characteristics of cutaneous melanoma in the elderly and non-elderly (< 60 years old) showed significant differences with respect to all the variables studied. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Using secondary data source. CONCLUSION: Joinville has high incidence coefficients for Brazilian standards, showing an increase in the incidence of cutaneous melanoma.

Differences in the diagnosis of primary cutaneous melanoma in the public and private healthcare systems in Joinville, Santa Catarina State, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous melanoma accounts for up to 80% of deaths caused by skin cancer. Diagnostic suspicion and access to medical care and early intervention in suspected cases is vital to the patient's prognosis. OBJECTIVES: To compare demographic and histopathological characteristics of primary cutaneous melanoma diagnosed in the public healthcare system (Sistema Único de Saúde SUS) and the private system in Joinville, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional retrospective study analyzed primary cutaneous melanoma cases recorded from 2003 to 2014 in the resident population of Joinville. Ethical approval was obtained from the local Research Ethics Committee. RESULTS: 893 cases of primary cutaneous melanoma were identified. Patients in the private system were mostly younger, while there were more elderly patients in the public healthcare system (p <0.001). There was no statistically significant association between type of care (public/private) and gender or presence of multiple primary cutaneous melanomas. Histological diagnosis of superficial spreading melanoma was more common in patients treated in private healthcare, while nodular melanoma was more frequent in patients in the public healthcare system (p <0.001). Mean Breslow depth in patients treated in private healthcare was 1.35mm, compared to 2.72mm in the public system (p <0.001). STUDY LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective study using secondary databases. CONCLUSIONS: thin cutaneous melanoma (in situ cutaneous melanoma and Breslow T1) showed the strongest association with the private healthcare system, while thick cutaneous melanoma was more frequent in the public system (Breslow category T3 and T4) (p <0.001).

Toward a comprehensive interpretation of intravital microscopy images in studies of lung tissue dynamics.

Intravital microscopy (IVM) is a well-established imaging technique for real-time monitoring of microscale lung tissue dynamics. Although accepted as a gold standard in respiratory research, its characteristic image features are scarcely understood, especially when trying to determine the actual position of alveolar walls. To allow correct interpretation of these images with respect to the true geometry of the lung parenchyma, we analyzed IVM data of alveoli in a mouse model in comparison with simultaneously acquired optical coherence tomography images. Several IVM characteristics, such as double ring structures or disappearing alveoli in regions of liquid filling, could be identified and related to the position of alveoli relative to each other. Utilizing a ray tracing approach based on an idealized geometry of the mouse lung parenchyma, two major reflection processes could be attributed to the IVM image formation: partial reflection and total internal reflection between adjacent alveoli. Considering the origin of the reflexes, a model was developed to determine the true position of alveolar walls within IVM images. These results allow thorough understanding of IVM data and may serve as a basis for the correction of alveolar sizes for more accurate quantitative analysis within future studies of lung tissue dynamics.

Perfil e evolução da mortalidade por causas externas em Joinville (SC), 2003 a 2016 / Profile and trend in mortality due to external causes in Joinville (SC) from 2003 to 2016

Resumo Introdução A mortalidade por causas externas está entre as principais causas de óbito no mundo, com acentuada expressão em faixas etárias jovens. Objetivo Descrever o perfil das mortes por causas externas em município do Sul do país e verificar sua tendência nos últimos anos. Método Estudo retrospectivo dos óbitos por causas externas usando os coeficientes de mortalidade por sexo, grupo etário e causa da morte com análise por regressão quasi Poisson. Resultados O coeficiente de mortalidade foi de 46,3 por 100 mil habitantes, predominando os acidentes por transporte terrestre (40%) e agressões (30,5%). Identificou-se aumento de 53% nos coeficientes de mortalidade, com variações segundo sexo, grupo etário e tipo. Conclusão Necessitam-se intensificar políticas públicas conforme as especificidades na determinação dos tipos de morte em cada grupo etário.

Abstract Background Mortality due to external causes is among of the leading causes of death worldwide, with great expression in young age groups. Objective: To describe the profile of deaths from external causes in a southern municipality of Brazil and verify its trend in the last years. Method It was carried out a retrospective study of external causes deaths using mortality rates by gender, age group and cause of with quasi Poisson regression analysis. Results Mortality coefficient was 46 per 100,000 inhabitants prevailing transport accidents (40%) and aggressions (30.5%). Increase of 53% in mortality rate was detected with variations by gender, age group and type. Conclusion Social policies are necessary encompassing intersectoral actions and taking into account the specificities in determination of each age group's types of death.

Imaging of nanoparticle-labeled stem cells using magnetomotive optical coherence tomography, laser speckle reflectometry, and light microscopy.

Cell transplantation and stem cell therapy are promising approaches for regenerative medicine and are of interest to researchers and clinicians worldwide. However, currently, no imaging technique that allows three-dimensional in vivo inspection of therapeutically administered cells in host tissues is available. Therefore, we investigate magnetomotive optical coherence tomography (MM-OCT) of cells labeled with magnetic particles as a potential noninvasive cell tracking method. We develop magnetomotive imaging of mesenchymal stem cells for future cell therapy monitoring. Cells were labeled with fluorescent iron oxide nanoparticles, embedded in tissue-mimicking agar scaffolds, and imaged using a microscope setup with an integrated MM-OCT probe. Magnetic particle-induced motion in response to a pulsed magnetic field of 0.2 T was successfully detected by OCT speckle variance analysis, and cross-sectional and volumetric OCT scans with highlighted labeled cells were obtained. In parallel, fluorescence microscopy and laser speckle reflectometry were applied as two-dimensional reference modalities to image particle distribution and magnetically induced motion inside the sample, respectively. All three optical imaging modalities were in good agreement with each other. Thus, magnetomotive imaging using iron oxide nanoparticles as cellular contrast agents is a potential technique for enhanced visualization of selected cells in OCT.

Four-dimensional imaging of murine subpleural alveoli using high-speed optical coherence tomography.

The investigation of lung dynamics on alveolar scale is crucial for the understanding and treatment of lung diseases, such as acute lung injury and ventilator induced lung injury, and to promote the development of protective ventilation strategies. One approach to this is the establishment of numerical simulations of lung tissue mechanics where detailed knowledge about three-dimensional alveolar structure changes during the ventilation cycle is required. We suggest four-dimensional optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging as a promising modality for visualizing the structural dynamics of single alveoli in subpleural lung tissue with high temporal resolution using a mouse model. A high-speed OCT setup based on Fourier domain mode locked laser technology facilitated the acquisition of alveolar structures without noticeable motion artifacts at a rate of 17 three-dimensional stacks per ventilation cycle. The four-dimensional information, acquired in one single ventilation cycle, allowed calculating the volume-pressure curve and the alveolar compliance for single alveoli.

Epidemiological and histopathological aspects of primary cutaneous melanoma in residents of Joinville, 2003-2014

Abstract: Background: The worldwide incidence of cutaneous melanoma (CM) has been continuously increasing over the last decades. Primary and secondary prevention, with attention to risk factors and early diagnosis, remain the cornerstone for reducing the burden of cutaneous melanoma. Detailed information with respect to clinical and pathological data on cutaneous melanoma is scarce in Brazil. Objective: The purpose of our study was to analyze epidemiological and pathological characteristics of primary cutaneous melanoma in Joinville, southern Brazil. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study in which 893 reports of primary cutaneous melanoma from the local population were analyzed in the period 2003-2014. The study was approved by the local Ethics and Research Committee. Results: We observed a female predominance of cutaneous melanoma (56.3%). The age standardized incidence rate of primary cutaneous melanoma for the world population in the period 2003-06 was 11.8 per 100,000 population (CI 95%, 10.3-13.4), and 17.5 (CI 95%, 15.7-19.3) in 2011-14, revealing a significant increase of 48.3% (p < 0,05). Six and a half percent of patients had multiple cutaneous melanomas (mean 2.2 years and a maximum of 10.0 years between diagnoses). We observed significant differences between the location head/neck and cutaneous melanoma in situ, lower limb with Breslow depth S III and upper limb with Breslow depth S I. The comparison of the characteristics of cutaneous melanoma in the elderly and non-elderly (< 60 years old) showed significant differences with respect to all the variables studied. Study limitations: Using secondary data source. Conclusion: Joinville has high incidence coefficients for Brazilian standards, showing an increase in the incidence of cutaneous melanoma.

Differences in the diagnosis of primary cutaneous melanoma in the public and private healthcare systems in Joinville, Santa Catarina State, Brazil

Abstract: Background: Cutaneous melanoma accounts for up to 80% of deaths caused by skin cancer. Diagnostic suspicion and access to medical care and early intervention in suspected cases is vital to the patient's prognosis. Objectives: To compare demographic and histopathological characteristics of primary cutaneous melanoma diagnosed in the public healthcare system (Sistema Único de Saúde SUS) and the private system in Joinville, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective study analyzed primary cutaneous melanoma cases recorded from 2003 to 2014 in the resident population of Joinville. Ethical approval was obtained from the local Research Ethics Committee. Results: 893 cases of primary cutaneous melanoma were identified. Patients in the private system were mostly younger, while there were more elderly patients in the public healthcare system (p <0.001). There was no statistically significant association between type of care (public/private) and gender or presence of multiple primary cutaneous melanomas. Histological diagnosis of superficial spreading melanoma was more common in patients treated in private healthcare, while nodular melanoma was more frequent in patients in the public healthcare system (p <0.001). Mean Breslow depth in patients treated in private healthcare was 1.35mm, compared to 2.72mm in the public system (p <0.001). Study limitations: This was a retrospective study using secondary databases. Conclusions: thin cutaneous melanoma (in situ cutaneous melanoma and Breslow T1) showed the strongest association with the private healthcare system, while thick cutaneous melanoma was more frequent in the public system (Breslow category T3 and T4) (p <0.001).

Three-dimensional simultaneous optical coherence tomography and confocal fluorescence microscopy for investigation of lung tissue.

Although several strategies exist for a minimal-invasive treatment of patients with lung failure, the mortality rate of acute respiratory distress syndrome still reaches 30% at minimum. This striking number indicates the necessity of understanding lung dynamics on an alveolar level. To investigate the dynamical behavior on a microscale, we used three-dimensional geometrical and functional imaging to observe tissue parameters including alveolar size and length of embedded elastic fibers during ventilation. We established a combined optical coherence tomography (OCT) and confocal fluorescence microscopy system that is able to monitor the distension of alveolar tissue and elastin fibers simultaneously within three dimensions. The OCT system can laterally resolve a 4.9 µm line pair feature and has an approximately 11 µm full-width-half-maximum axial resolution in air. confocal fluorescence microscopy visualizes molecular properties of the tissue with a resolution of 0.75 µm (laterally), and 5.9 µm (axially) via fluorescence detection of the dye sulforhodamine B specifically binding to elastin. For system evaluation, we used a mouse model in situ to perform lung distension by application of different constant pressure values within the physiological regime. Our method enables the investigation of alveolar dynamics by helping to reveal basic processes emerging during artificial ventilation and breathing.