The determination of optimum segmentation parameters using genetic algorithms: Application to different segmentation algorithms and transmission electron microscopy tomography reconstructed volumes.

A method for optimizing an automatic selection of values for parameters that feed segmentation algorithms is proposed. Evolutionary optimization techniques in combination with a fitness function based on a mutual information parameter have been used to find the optimal parameter values of region growing, fuzzy c-means and graph cut segmentation algorithms. To validate the method, the segmentation of two transmission electron microscopy tomography reconstructed volumes of a carbon black-reinforced rubber and a polylactic acid and clay nanocomposite is carried out (i) using evolutionary optimization techniques and (ii) manually by experts. The results confirm that the use of evolutionary optimization techniques, such as genetic algorithms, reduces the computational operation cost needed for a total grid search of segmentation parameters, reducing the probability of reaching a false optimum, and improving the segmentation quality. HIGHLIGHTS: A new approach to optimize 3D segmentation algorithms. Methodology to optimize segmentation parameters and improve segmentation quality. Improvement on the results when using region growing, fuzzy c-means and graph cuts algorithms.

Influencia del estado emocional en la sintomatología referida por pacientes con cáncer de mama y cáncer de pulmón durante el tratamiento con quimioterapia / The influence of the emotional state on the physical symptoms of patients with breast and lung cancer during chemotherapy treatment

Analizar la evolución de los síntomas físicos y emocionales y la influencia de la ansiedad y la depresión en el estado físico de los pacientes con cáncer de pulmón o cáncer de mama a lo largo del tratamiento con quimioterapia intravenosa (QT).Método Sesenta y seis pacientes, 29 con cáncer de mama y 37 con cáncer de pulmón, fueron evaluados antes de iniciar el tratamiento, finalizado el primero, segundo y último ciclo de QT, mediante el HAD y un cuestionario de síntomas. Resultados La ansiedad se redujo significativamente al finalizar el tratamiento en todos los participantes pero la depresión solo disminuyó en los pacientes con cáncer de pulmón. Durante el tratamiento se incrementó significativamente la astenia, la disnea y las náuseas. El insomnio disminuyó a lo largo del tiempo en los pacientes con cáncer de pulmón y se incrementó en los pacientes con cáncer de mama. Al eliminar la varianza compartida con ansiedad y depresión, se comprobó que la mayoría de los cambios en los síntomas fueron atribuibles a los factores tiempo y tipo de cáncer. Conclusiones El estado emocional no parece influir significativamente, durante el tratamiento con QT, en la presencia e intensidad de la sintomatología (AU)

Aim to analyse the evolution of the physical and emotional symptoms, and the influence of anxiety and depression on the physical state of breast or lung cancer sufferers during treatment with intravenous chemotherapy (CT).Method A total of 66 patients, 29 suffering from breast cancer and 37 suffering from lung cancer, were evaluated before the treatment, and after completing the first, second and last cycle of CT using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) and the Symptoms Questionnaires. Results Anxiety was reduced greatly in all patients once the treatment was over, but depression was only reduced in lung cancer sufferers. Throughout the treatment, fatigue, dyspnea and nausea significantly increased in all patients. Sleeplessness decreased over time in patients with lung cancer, but increased in those patients with breast cancer. By introducing the HAD scores as covariables, it was found that most of the differences were due to the time factor and the type of cancer. Conclusions During treatment with intravenous chemotherapy (CT), the emotional state does not seem to have a significant influence on the presence and severity of the symptoms (AU)

Repercusión de la ansiedad y depresión en el estado físico y funcionalidad de enfermos oncológicos durante el tratamiento con quimioterapia / Impact of anxiety and depression on the physical status and daily routines of cancer patients during Chemotherapy

Se describe la evolución de la sintomatología, estado emocional y rutinas cotidianas en pacientes con cáncer de mama y cáncer de pulmón durante el tratamiento con quimioterapia (QT), y se analiza la mediación de la ansiedad y depresión en el estado físico y funcionalidad. 66 pacientes, 29 con cáncer de mama y 37 con cáncer de pulmón, se evalúan antes de iniciar el tratamiento, finalizado el primero, segundo y último ciclo de QT, mediante el HAD, escalas de apreciación y entrevista. Menos de un 30% alcanzan puntuaciones en el HAD indicativas patología ansiosa o depresiva. Se incrementó significativamente el cansancio, fatiga y náuseas y se interrumpen las actividades laborales y de ocio. La preocupación por el futuro de allegados y el insomnio se incrementan significativamente a lo largo del tiempo en pacientes con cáncer de mama, mientras que se reducen en pacientes con cáncer de pulmón. Al introducir como covariables las puntuaciones obtenidas en el HAD, se comprueba que la mayoría de diferencias son atribuibles a los factores tiempo y tipo de cáncer. Las alteraciones emocionales no parecen tener, durante el tratamiento con QT, un peso relevante en la sintomatología y cambios en la vida cotidiana referidos por el paciente oncológico (AU)

The evolution of symptoms, emotional state and daily routines in patients with breast cancer and lung cancer during treatment with intravenous chemotherapy (CT) is described and the influence of anxiety and depression on these variables is analyzed. 66 patients, 29 with breast cancer and 37 with lung cancer, were evaluated before starting treatment, and after completing the first, second and last cycle of CT using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), rating scales and interview. Less than 30% of the patients showed clinical anxiety or depression according to the HADS. Throughout the treatment, tiredness, fatigue and nausea increased significantly and work and leisure activity decreased. Concern about the future of relatives and insomnia increased significantly over time in patients with breast cancer whereas they decreased in patients with lung cancer. By introducing the HADS scores as covariates, it was found that most differences are due to the time factor and the type of cancer. During treatment with CT, emotional disturbances do not seem to have significant impact on the symptoms and changes in daily life reported by cancer patients (AU)

[Impact of anxiety and depression on the physical status and daily routines of cancer patients during chemotherapy]. / Repercusión de la ansiedad y depresión en el estado físico y funcionalidad de enfermos oncológicos durante el tratamiento con quimioterapia.

The evolution of symptoms, emotional state and daily routines in patients with breast cancer and lung cancer during treatment with intravenous chemotherapy (CT) is described and the influence of anxiety and depression on these variables is analyzed. 66 patients, 29 with breast cancer and 37 with lung cancer, were evaluated before starting treatment, and after completing the first, second and last cycle of CT using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), rating scales and interview. Less than 30% of the patients showed clinical anxiety or depression according to the HADS. Throughout the treatment, tiredness, fatigue and nausea increased significantly and work and leisure activity decreased. Concern about the future of relatives and insomnia increased significantly over time in patients with breast cancer whereas they decreased in patients with lung cancer. By introducing the HADS scores as covariates, it was found that most differences are due to the time factor and the type of cancer. During treatment with CT, emotional disturbances do not seem to have significant impact on the symptoms and changes in daily life reported by cancer patients.