This paper presents new algorithms-fuzzy c-medoids (FCMdd) and robust fuzzy c-medoids (RFCMdd)-for fuzzy clustering of relational data. The objective functions are based on selecting c representative ...objects (medoids) from the data set in such a way that the total fuzzy dissimilarity within each cluster is minimized. A comparison of FCMdd with the well-known relational fuzzy c-means algorithm (RFCM) shows that FCMdd is more efficient. We present several applications of these algorithms to Web mining, including Web document clustering, snippet clustering, and Web access log analysis.
Houttuynia cordata (Saururaceae) injection (HCI) is a traditional Chinese medicine used in China. It was chosen as one of eight types of traditional Chinese medicine that play a unique role in severe ...acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) owing to the effect of curbing inflammation. In order to validate this plausible anti-inflammatory property, the chemical composition of HCI has been analysed by GC/MS, 22 components were identified, and the inflammation induced by carrageenan in the rat pleurisy model and by xylene in the mice ear edema model was adopted to study the anti-inflammatory activity of HCI. Injection of carrageenan into the pleural cavity elicited an acute inflammatory response characterized by protein rich fluid accumulation and leukocyte infiltration in the pleural cavity. The peak inflammatory response was obtained at 24h when the fluid volume, protein concentration, C-reactive protein and cell infiltration were maximums. The results showed that these parameters were attenuated by HCI at any dose and touched bottom at dose of 0.54ml/100g, although less strong than dexamethasone. This drug was also effective in inhibiting xylene induced ear edema, and the percentage of inhibition came to 50% at dose of 80μl/20g. The results clearly indicate that HCI have anti-inflammatory activity.
To analyse the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) manifestations of hepatic angiosarcoma.
Nineteen patients with hepatic angiosarcoma underwent preoperative abdominal ...unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT (11 cases) or (eight cases) MRI.
The results of a coagulation examination showed varying degrees of abnormalities in 12 (63.16%) cases (most were prolonged prothrombin time and an increased proportion of prothrombin time), which were the most common abnormalities on the laboratory tests. Unenhanced CT of the lesions showed homogeneous or heterogeneous hypointense with hyperintense haemorrhagic lesions, contrast-enhanced CT was performed for six cases (6/11, 54.5%) with centripetal heterogeneous filling. All lesions showed heterogeneous intensity at MRI, including heterogeneous hypointense T1WI and homogeneous or heterogeneous hyperintense T2WI. Haemorrhage lesions showed higher hyperintensity with spot or patchy signals. Centripetal enhancement was found in six cases using contrast-enhanced imaging. Flaky patches of contrast enhancement were seen in the lesions.
The CT and MRI features of most of the hepatic angiosarcomas in the present study were relatively characteristic: the border of the mass was indistinct, the density was heterogeneous, and haemorrhage was frequently seen, with secondary calcification in a few cases, whereas enhanced imaging showed typical centripetal heterogeneous enhancement. In addition, highly malignant angiosarcoma could not be enhanced.
•The coagulation examination showed varying degrees of abnormalities in 12 (63.16%) cases.•The plain CT scan of the lesions showed homogeneous or heterogeneous hypointense with hyperintense hemorrhagic lesions.•Enhanced scans were typically characterized by the continuous centripetal filling during the venous and delay phases.
The 3-30-300 rule offers benchmarks for cities to promote equitable nature access. It dictates that individuals should see three trees from their dwelling, have 30 % tree canopy in their ...neighborhood, and live within 300 m of a high-quality green space. Implementing this demands thorough measurement, monitoring, and evaluation methods, yet little guidance is currently available to pursue these actions. To overcome this gap, we employed an expert-based consensus approach to review the available ways to measure 3-30-300 as well as each measure's strengths and weaknesses. We described seven relevant data and processes: vegetation indices, street level analyses, tree inventories, questionnaires, window view analyses, land cover maps, and green space maps. Based on the reviewed strengths and weaknesses of each measure, we presented a suitability matrix to link recommended measures with each component of the rule. These recommendations included surveys and window-view analyses for the '3 component', high-resolution land cover maps for the '30 component', and green space maps with network analyses for the '300 component'. These methods, responsive to local situations and resources, not only implement the 3-30-300 rule but foster broader dialogue on local desires and requirements. Consequently, these techniques can guide strategic investments in urban greening for health, equity, biodiversity, and climate adaptation.
Donor attention to reading materials O'Brien, S. F.; Osmond, L.; Choquet, K. ...
Vox sanguinis,
November 2015, Volume:
109, Issue:
4
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
Background and Objectives
Mandatory predonation reading materials inform donors about risk factors for transmissible disease, possible complications of donation and changes to the donation process. ...We aimed to assess the attention to predonation reading materials and factors which may affect attention.
Materials and Methods
A national survey in 2008 of 18 108 blood donors asked about self‐assessed attention to reading the materials. In face‐to‐face interviews, 441 donors completed additional questions about reading the materials and a literacy test. Qualitative interviews of 27 donors assessed their approach to reading.
Results
In the national survey, most of the first‐time donors said they read all or most of the materials (90·9% first‐time vs. 57·6% repeat donors, P < 0·001) and 66% vs. 23·1% reported reading them carefully (P < 0·001). In face‐to‐face interviews comparing those who read materials carefully, skimmed or did not read, most knew that donors are informed of positive transmissible disease test results (97·1%, 95·5, 98·0 P > 0·05), but fewer recalled seeing the definition of sex (77·2%, 56·9, 24·2 P < 0·001). Literacy was poor (30·5% frustration level, 60·3% instructional, 9·2% independent) but similar when those who read materials carefully, skimmed or did not read were compared (P > 0·05). Qualitative interviews showed that donors are reluctant to read any more than necessary and decide based on perceived importance or relevance.
Conclusion
Attention to predonation reading materials tends to be better among first‐time donors. The effectiveness is limited by low motivation to read, especially for repeat donors, as well as poor literacy.
Summary
Background
Airway eosinophilic inflammation is a pivotal feature of asthma. Epithelial cells play critical roles in airway eosinophilia. We hypothesized that epithelial microRNAs (miRNAs) are ...involved in airway eosinophilia.
Objective
This study investigated the associations between epithelial and plasma miR‐181b‐5p and airway eosinophilic inflammation, and the possible mechanism by which miR‐181b‐5p participates in eosinophilic inflammation.
Methods
Epithelial miRNAs expression was profiled by miRNA array in eight subjects with asthma and four healthy controls. Epithelial miR‐181b‐5p expression was confirmed by quantitative PCR in the subjects for array experiment and another cohort including 21 subjects with asthma and 10 controls. Plasma miR‐181b‐5p was determined by quantitative PCR in 72 subjects with asthma and 35 controls. Correlation assays between epithelial and plasma miR‐181b‐5p expression and airway eosinophilia were performed. The target of miR‐181b‐5p, SPP1, was predicted by online algorithms and verified in BEAS‐2B cells. The role of miR‐181b‐5p in epithelial proinflammatory cytokine expression was examined in an in vitro system.
Results
Epithelial miR‐181b‐5p expression was decreased in subjects with asthma. Epithelial miR‐181b‐5p levels were inversely correlated with sputum and bronchial submucosal eosinophilia. Plasma miR‐181b‐5p was decreased and correlated with epithelial miR‐181b‐5p in subjects with asthma. There was a strong inverse correlation between plasma miR‐181b‐5p and airway eosinophilia in subjects with asthma. Plasma miR‐181b‐5p was increased after inhaled corticosteroids treatment. We verified that SPP1 is a target of miR‐181b‐5p. In human bronchial epithelial cells, miR‐181b‐5p regulated IL‐13‐induced IL‐1β and CCL11 expression by targeting SPP1. Dexamethasone restored IL‐13‐induced miR‐181b‐5p down‐regulation and suppressed IL‐13‐induced SPP1, IL‐1β and CCL11 expression.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance
Epithelial and plasma miR‐181b‐5p are potential biomarkers for airway eosinophilia in asthma. MiR‐181b‐5p may participate in eosinophilic airway inflammation by regulating proinflammatory cytokines expression via targeting SPP1.
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