A survey on computational intelligence approaches for predictive modeling in prostate cancer

Predictive modeling in medicine involves the development of computational models which are capable of analysing large amounts of data in order to predict healthcare outcomes for individual patients. Computational intelligence approaches are suitable when the data to be modelled are too complex forconventional statistical techniques to process quickly and eciently. These advanced approaches are based on mathematical models that have been especially developed for dealing with the uncertainty and imprecision which is typically found in clinical and biological datasets. This paper provides a survey of recent work on computational intelligence approaches that have been applied to prostate cancer predictive modeling, and considers the challenges which need to be addressed. In particular, the paper considers a broad definition of computational intelligence which includes evolutionary algorithms (also known asmetaheuristic optimisation, nature inspired optimisation algorithms), Artificial Neural Networks, Deep Learning, Fuzzy based approaches, and hybrids of these,as well as Bayesian based approaches, and Markov models. Metaheuristic optimisation approaches, such as the Ant Colony Optimisation, Particle Swarm Optimisation, and Artificial Immune Network have been utilised for optimising the performance of prostate cancer predictive models, and the suitability of these approaches are discussed

Attention Restraint, Working Memory Capacity, and Mind Wandering: Do Emotional Valence or Intentionality Matter?

Attention restraint appears to mediate the relationship between working memory capacity (WMC) and mind wandering (Kane et al., 2016). Prior work has identifed two dimensions of mind wandering—emotional valence and intentionality. However, less is known about how WMC and attention restraint correlate with these dimensions. Te current study examined the relationship between WMC, attention restraint, and mind wandering by emotional valence and intentionality. A confrmatory factor analysis demonstrated that WMC and attention restraint were strongly correlated, but only attention restraint was related to overall mind wandering, consistent with prior fndings. However, when examining the emotional valence of mind wandering, attention restraint and WMC were related to negatively and positively valenced, but not neutral, mind wandering. Attention restraint was also related to intentional but not unintentional mind wandering. Tese results suggest that WMC and attention restraint predict some, but not all, types of mind wandering

Living with life limiting conditions: A participatory study of people's experiences and needs

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.This thesis is focused upon experiences of living with life limiting conditions. It aimed to gain accounts from people who, potentially, had palliative care needs, to highlight a range of experiences of their lives and conditions and to identify what these service user needs might be. Establishing any contribution of involving service users in the research and any social or environmental factors that may shape or influence experiences of living with a life limiting condition were further aims. To this end it was pertinent to consider if the social model of disability could contribute new perspectives to palliative care research. This qualitative research utilised a participatory approach. Service users were intrinsically involved in the research within the Service User Research Advisory Group (SURAG). My separate study group comprised of twenty-five participants, sixteen women and nine men, aged thirty eight to eighty five years. Fourteen participants had a cancer diagnosis, ten had non-cancer conditions and one participant had both cancer and another non-cancer condition. Ten participants took part in individual face-to-face interviews, twelve in small discussion groups and three were studied purely in a period of participant observation. Thematic analysis was conducted collectively with SURAG members and identified eight different but interconnected themes. Themes of diagnosis, fear, anger/frustration, grief, relationships, services, difference/individuality and independence/dependence were identified. As well as being a distinct theme in its own right, independent/dependenwt as in fact a central and overarching theme with a negotiation between independence and dependence being evident across all themes. The theme of services is presented as a theme in its own right. The participatory approach revealed themes unlikely to have been identified by myself as a sole researcher. It also led to service user outcomes being identified and largely positive appraisals of their involvement in the research.This work is funded by the Research and Development Department at Worthing and Southlands Hospitals NHS Trust

Living with life limiting conditions : A participatory study of people's experiences and needs

This thesis is focused upon experiences of living with life limiting conditions. It aimed to gain accounts from people who, potentially, had palliative care needs, to highlight a range of experiences of their lives and conditions and to identify what these service user needs might be. Establishing any contribution of involving service users in the research and any social or environmental factors that may shape or influence experiences of living with a life limiting condition were further aims. To this end it was pertinent to consider if the social model of disability could contribute new perspectives to palliative care research. This qualitative research utilised a participatory approach. Service users were intrinsically involved in the research within the Service User Research Advisory Group (SURAG). My separate study group comprised of twenty-five participants, sixteen women and nine men, aged thirty eight to eighty five years. Fourteen participants had a cancer diagnosis, ten had non-cancer conditions and one participant had both cancer and another non-cancer condition. Ten participants took part in individual face-to-face interviews, twelve in small discussion groups and three were studied purely in a period of participant observation. Thematic analysis was conducted collectively with SURAG members and identified eight different but interconnected themes. Themes of diagnosis, fear, anger/frustration, grief, relationships, services, difference/individuality and independence/dependence were identified. As well as being a distinct theme in its own right, independent/dependenwt as in fact a central and overarching theme with a negotiation between independence and dependence being evident across all themes. The theme of services is presented as a theme in its own right. The participatory approach revealed themes unlikely to have been identified by myself as a sole researcher. It also led to service user outcomes being identified and largely positive appraisals of their involvement in the research.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceResearch and Development Department, Worthing and Southlands Hospitals NHS TrustGBUnited Kingdo

Effects of protein-energy malnutrition on outcome from global cerebral ischemia

The goal of my thesis was to elucidate the impact of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM, a condition commonly found in aging stroke patients) on outcomes from global ischemia. I first examined the hypothesis that PEM will impair working memory in the adult gerbil as measured in the T-maze. Gerbils were fed an adequate (12.5%) or low protein (2%; PEM) diet for 6wk. Stringent assessment of T-maze performance indicated an improvement with PEM although I was unable to reconcile whether this was increased motivation for the food reward or enhanced working memory. The second hypothesis tested was PEM will decrease expression of plasticity-associated hippocampal mRNA and protein expression following global ischemia in the gerbil. The plasticity markers brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tropomyosin-related kinase B (trkB), and growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) were examined in the CA1 hippocampal region post-ischemia. PEM induced in gerbils for 4wk did not alter the global ischemia-induced decrease in CA1 neurons. Ischemia resulted in increased CA1 pyramidal expression of BDNF and trkB mRNA at 1, 3, and 7d post-ischemia and increased trkB protein expression at 3 and 7d. PEM further elevated the increased trkB protein detected at 7d in the fibres. Ischemia resulted in increased GAP-43 protein at 3 and 7d post-ischemia with PEM increasing this expression at 3d in the CA3 and hilar regions in addition to CA1. These findings suggest an increased stress-response and/or hyperexcitability state in the hippocampus of malnourished ischemic animals. Since the reliability of the gerbil model of global ischemia has come into question, the third part of my thesis tested the hypothesis that the influence of pre-existing PEM on global ischemia-induced hippocampal injury can be reliably studied with the 2-vessel occlusion rat model. The impact of PEM on CA1 neuronal death and dendritic damage was examined. Rats received protein adequate (18%) or deficient (2%; PEM) diet for 7-8d prior to global ischemia. PEM did not worsen the decrease in CA1 neurons and dendrites observed at 7d post-ischemia. Importantly, I found that PEM altered blood glucose and acid-base balance during surgery and caused brief hypothermia post-surgically, factors which are important for consistent brain injury. Taken together, these findings reveal (i) that nutritional care, although frequently ignored, can have robust effects on recovery mechanisms after brain ischemia; and (ii) the challenges of studying pre-existing PEM in an established rodent model of stroke