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A 3D computational simulation of fracture callus formation: influence of the stiffness of the external fixator.

The stiffness of the external fixation highly influences the fracture healing pattern. In this work we study this aspect by means of a finite element model of a simple transverse mid-diaphyseal fracture of an ovine metatarsus fixed with a bilateral external fixator. In order to simulate the regenerative process, a previously developed mechanobiological model of bone fracture healing was implemented in three dimensions. This model is able to simulate tissue differentiation, bone regeneration, and callus growth. A physiological load of 500 N was applied and three different stiffnesses of the external fixator were simulated (2300, 1725, and 1150 N/mm). The interfragmentary strain and load sharing mechanism between bone and the external fixator were compared to those recorded in previous experimental works. The effects of the stiffness on the callus shape and tissue distributions in the fracture site were also analyzed. We predicted that a lower stiffness of the fixator delays fracture healing and causes a larger callus, in correspondence to well-documented clinical observations.

Animals↗

[A stochastic computer simulation model for integrated zootechnical, veterinary and economic instruction regarding managerial decisions on dairy farms].

A teaching version of a (main frame) simulation model is described in the present paper. The primary purpose of this model is to study the background and effects of management decisions with regard to reproductive performance in dairy cattle. The initial information available is derived from a fertility-health chart, commonly used on commercial dairy farms in the Netherlands. The user than goes through the programme in an interactive manner in order to establish the correct diagnosis as well as to give suitable advice. As all the revenues and costs are simulated, it is also possible to consider the effects of advice from the economic point of view. In imitating real farm conditions as closely as possible, various events and effects of decisions are stochastically involved, i.e. as random samples on appropriate probability distributions rather than as fixed values. People involved in herd health programmes, therefore are given the opportunity of exercising in a field in which farmers cannot permit experiments. The experience gained in using the model in teaching veterinary and agricultural students has been positive so far.

Animal Husbandry↗

A computer simulation of the growth of a tumour in vitro.

This paper presents a computer model which simulates the growth of an in vitro tumour assumed to be a spheroid. Growth of the tumour is primarily affected by inward diffusion of ambient nutrients and outward diffusion of catabolites which tend to inhibit mitosis of living cells within this colony. In its final stages, the tumour consists of a necrotic core surrounded by a series of concentric shells which are comprised of non-proliferating and partially proliferating cells. Beyond this, an outermost shell of freely proliferating cells is in contact with the ambient medium which contains essential nutrients. The main purpose of this study is the qualitative study of the growth behaviour when various input parameters are altered. As noted in the final discussion, the main import of the paper is the observation that under certain conditions the initial monotonic growth of the tumour may give way to a series of temporary regressions alternating with growth periods. This behaviour eventually dampers out to yield a steady state situation when the amount of cell proliferation is exactly balanced by the decomposition of cells in the necrotic core.

Computers↗

Computer simulations of peritoneal fluid transport in CAPD.

To model the changes in intraperitoneal dialysate volume (IPV) occurring over dwell time under various conditions in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), we have, using a personal computer (PC), numerically integrated the phenomenological equations that describe the net ultrafiltration (UF) flow existing across the peritoneal membrane in every moment of a dwell. Computer modelling was performed according to a three-pore model of membrane selectivity as based on current concepts in capillary physiology. This model comprises small "paracellular" pores (radius approximately 47 A) and "large" pores (radius approximately 250 A), together accounting for approximately 98% of the total UF-coefficient (LpS), and also "transcellular" pores (pore radius approximately 4 to 5 A) accounting for 1.5% of LpS. Simulated curves made a good fit to IPV versus time data obtained experimentally in adult patients, using either 1.36 or 3.86% glucose dialysis solutions, under control conditions; when the peritoneal UF-coefficient was set to 0.082 ml/min/mm Hg, the glucose reflection coefficient was 0.043 and the peritoneal lymph flow was set to 0.3 ml/min. Also, theoretical predictions regarding the IPV versus time curves agreed well with the computer simulated results for perturbed values of effective peritoneal surface area, LpS, glucose permeability-surface area product (PS or "MTAC"), intraperitoneal dialysate volume and dialysate glucose concentration. Thus, increasing the peritoneal surface area caused the IPV versus time curves to peak earlier than during control, while the maximal volume ultrafiltered was not markedly affected. However, increasing the glucose PS caused both a reduction in the IPV versus time curve "peak time" and in the "peak height" of the curves. The latter pattern was also seen when the dialysate volume was reduced. It is suggested that computer modelling based on a three-pore model of membrane selectivity may be a useful tool for describing the IPV versus time relationships under various conditions in CAPD.

Ascitic Fluid↗

Computer simulation of inspiratory airflow in all regions of the F344 rat nasal passages.

Data from laboratory animal experiments are often used in setting guidelines for safe levels of human exposure to inhaled materials. The F344 rat has been used extensively in laboratory experiments to determine effects of exposure to inhaled materials in the nasal passages. Many inhaled materials induce toxic responses in the olfactory (posterior) region of the rat nasal passages. The location of major airflow routes has been proposed as playing a dominant role in determining some olfactory lesion location patterns. Since nasal airflow patterns differ significantly among species, methods are needed to assess conditions under which these differences may significantly affect extrapolation of the effects of local dose in animals to potential disease outcome in humans. A computational fluid dynamics model of airflow and inhaled gas uptake has been used to predict dose to airway walls in the anterior F344 rat nasal passages (Kimbell et al., Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol., 1993; 121, 253-263). To determine the role of nasal airflow patterns in affecting olfactory lesion distribution, this model was extended to include the olfactory region. Serial-step histological sections of the nasal passages of a F344 rat were used to construct the computer model. Simulations of inspiratory airflow throughout the rat nasal passages were consistent with previously reported experimental data. Four of the five major simulated flow streams present in the anterior nose (dorsal lateral, middle, ventral lateral, and ventral medial streams) flowed together to exit ventrally at the nasopharyngeal duct, bypassing the ethmoid recesses. The remaining dorsal medial stream split to flow both medially and laterally through the olfactory-epithelium-lined ethmoid recesses in a Z-shaped pattern when viewed sagitally. Simulated flow in the ethmoid recesses was more than an order of magnitude slower than flow in the anterior and ventral parts of the nasal passages. Somewhat higher volumes of flow were predicted in the dorsal medial stream when the nasal vestibule was reshaped to be upturned, and more flow was allocated to the dorsal medial stream with increased inspiratory airflow rate, suggesting that rats may be able to allocate more airflow to this stream by both modifying the shape of the nasal vestibule and increasing inhaled air velocity during sniffing. The present study provides the first description of flow in the complex olfactory region of the nose of the F344 rat. This model will be used to evaluate the role of airflow patterns in determining the distribution of xenobiotically induced olfactory mucosal lesions. This information, combined with models of disposition in the airway lining, will provide comprehensive dosimetry models for extrapolating animal response data to humans.

Animals↗

Computer simulation of Babesia bovis (Babes) and B. bigemina (Smith & Kilborne) transmission by Boophilus cattle ticks (Acari: Ixodidae).

A computer model was developed to simulate the processes involved in transmission of the cattle fever parasites Babesia bovis (Babes) and Babesia bigemina (Smith & Kilborne) between cattle and Boophilus ticks. The model of Babesia transmission was combined with a dynamic life history model for population dynamics of the tick vectors, Boophilus microplus (Canestrini) and B. annulatus (Say). Epidemiological parameters and relationships in the model include the reduction in fecundity of infected ticks, rate of transovarial transmission, effect of cattle type and inoculation rate on infectivity of cattle, variation of infected cattle recovery rate with age of infection, inoculation rate, and species of parasite. Some parameters in the model were fitted by iterative simulations to produce realistic rates of Babesia infection in larval ticks. Comparisons of simulated and reported epidemiological data from one location in Australia indicated a reasonable level of validity for the model. Theoretical tick density thresholds for maintenance of Babesia in cattle and for inoculation of greater than or equal to 99.5% calves were determined by iterative simulations at 10 locations with B. microplus and six locations with B. annulatus. The model and transmission thresholds can serve as the basis for further simulation studies on strategies for control or eradication of babesiosis.

Animals↗

Differential growth and plant tropisms: a study assisted by computer simulation.

Tropisms and other movements of a plant organ result from alterations in local rates of cell elongation and a consequent development of a growth differential between its opposite sides. Relative elemental rates of elongation (RELELs) are useful to characterize the pattern of growth along and round an organ. We assume that the value of the RELEL at a given point is dependent on distance from the tip and that the distribution of values along the organ surface can be characterized in terms of the spread and the position of the maximum value. A computer model is described which accommodates these parameters and simulates tropic curvatures due to differential growth. Additional regulatory functions help to return the simulated organ to its original orientation. Particular attention is given to the simulation of root gravitropism because here not only do each of the various growth and regulatory parameters have a known biological counterpart, but some can also be given an actual quantitative value. The growth characteristics relate to the biophysical properties of cells in the elongation zone of the root, while the regulatory functions relate to aspects of the graviperception and transmission systems. We believe that, given a suitably flexible model, computer simulation is a powerful means of characterizing, in a quantitative way, the contribution of each parameter to the elongation of plant organs in general and their tropisms in particular.

Biophysical Phenomena↗

Design of near-optimal waveforms for chest and abdominal compression and decompression in CPR using computer-simulated evolution.

OBJECTIVE: To discover design principles underlying the optimal waveforms for external chest and abdominal compression and decompression during cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). METHOD: A 14-compartment mathematical model of the human cardiopulmonary system is used to test successive generations of randomly mutated external compression waveforms during cardiac arrest and resuscitation. Mutated waveforms that produced superior mean perfusion pressure became parents for the next generation. Selection was based upon either systemic perfusion pressure (SPP = thoracic aortic minus right atrial pressure) or upon coronary perfusion pressure (CPP = thoracic aortic pressure minus myocardial wall pressure). After simulations of 64,414 individual CPR episodes, 40 highly evolved waveforms were characterized in terms of frequency, duty cycle, and phase. A simple, practical compression technique was then designed by combining evolved features with a constant rate of 80 min(-1) and duty cycle of 50%. RESULTS: All ultimate surviving waveforms included reciprocal compression and decompression of the chest and the abdomen to the maximum allowable extent. The evolved waveforms produced 1.5-3 times the mean perfusion pressure of standard CPR and greater perfusion pressure than other forms of modified CPR reported heretofore, including active compression-decompression (ACD)+ITV and interposed abdominal compression (IAC)-CPR. When SPP was maximized by evolution, the chest compression/abdominal decompression phase was near 70% of cycle time. When CPP was maximized, the abdominal compression/chest decompression phase was near 30% of cycle time. Near-maximal SPP/CPP of 60/21 mmHg (forward flow 3.8 L/min) occurred at a compromise compression frequency of 80 min(-1) and duty cycle for chest compression of 50%. CONCLUSIONS: Optimized waveforms for thoraco-abdominal compression and decompression include previously discovered features of active decompression and interposed abdominal compression. These waveforms can be used by manual (Lifestick-like) and mechanical (vest-like) devices to achieve short periods of near normal blood perfusion non-invasively during cardiac arrest.

Abdomen↗

Computer-simulated eye surgery. A novel teaching method for residents and practitioners.

PURPOSE: To describe an eye surgery simulator that uses a computerized graphic display to allow ophthalmic surgeons of all experience levels to enhance their surgical skills. METHODS: The eye surgery simulation environment consists of a high-speed computer graphics workstation, a stereo operating system, a wrist rest, and a position tracking stylus connected to force feedback motors. The surgeon views computer-generated images of the eye and surgical instruments through the stereo operating system and controls the position and orientation of the chosen surgical instrument by moving the stylus. During the simulated instrument-tissue interactions, three feedback motors generate component force feedback along three orthogonal axes connected by thin rigid bars to the tip of the stylus. RESULTS: The current proof-of-concept system provides a method for rapid learning experiences in a living eye simulation. Procedures can be recorded for playback and analysis, as well as for examination of techniques from different viewpoints (e.g., from inside the eye). Four simulated surgical instruments are available for use (scalpel, forceps, scissors, and phacoemulsifier). CONCLUSION: Eye surgery simulation offers both beginning and experienced ophthalmic surgeons an opportunity to learn new techniques and skills and achieve a satisfactory level of proficiency before use of that procedure in the operating room. When fully developed, this system should shorten the learning curve for new surgeons (i.e., residents) and offer an opportunity for practice before doing a difficult case or development of new techniques by experienced surgeons. The goal of replacement of current standard training methods for surgeons awaits further refinement and adjustment of the model.

Computer Simulation↗

Ultrasound diagnosis of fetal macrosomia: a comparison of weight prediction models using computer simulation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of the diagnosis of macrosomia in relation to differing weight estimation formulae in unselected pregnancies. METHODS: Computer modeling techniques were employed. Computer modeling software generated correlated fetal biometry measurements according to published British standards, from 37 to 41 weeks' gestation. For each set of measurements, estimated fetal weights were obtained by a panel of 18 ultrasound weight formulae. The diagnosis of macrosomia was made if the fetal weight estimate was greater than 4500 g. Cohorts of 5000 pregnancies for each week of gestation were studied. RESULTS: The frequency of diagnosis of macrosomia increased progressively with advancing gestational age, with large increases between 40 and 41 weeks. The type of weight estimation formula had a profound influence on the frequency of diagnosis of macrosomia. Five of the formulae tested almost never returned a weight estimate greater than 4500 g. Three formulae yielded false positive rates in excess of 15%. The Hadlock group of formulae yielded frequencies of 0.3% to 14.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Most formulae tend to over-diagnose macrosomia at term. Intervention rates for suspected fetal macrosomia may be influenced by gestational age at the time of scan and the type of fetal weight estimation formula in use.

Birth Weight↗