Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “computational modeling”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,477 records · Page 82Linked to original sources

Computational modeling of cardiovascular response to orthostatic stress.

The objective of this study is to develop a model of the cardiovascular system capable of simulating the short-term (< or = 5 min) transient and steady-state hemodynamic responses to head-up tilt and lower body negative pressure. The model consists of a closed-loop lumped-parameter representation of the circulation connected to set-point models of the arterial and cardiopulmonary baroreflexes. Model parameters are largely based on literature values. Model verification was performed by comparing the simulation output under baseline conditions and at different levels of orthostatic stress to sets of population-averaged hemodynamic data reported in the literature. On the basis of experimental evidence, we adjusted some model parameters to simulate experimental data. Orthostatic stress simulations are not statistically different from experimental data (two-sided test of significance with Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons). Transient response characteristics of heart rate to tilt also compare well with reported data. A case study is presented on how the model is intended to be used in the future to investigate the effects of post-spaceflight orthostatic intolerance.

Baroreflex↗

A patient-specific computer model to predict outcomes of the balloon occlusion test.

OBJECT: Balloon occlusion tests (BOTs) are performed to identify patients who are at risk for ischemia and stroke following permanent internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion. The object of this work was to determine whether patient-specific blood flow modeling can be used to identify patients in whom the BOT would not be tolerated. METHODS: The test was performed in 16 patients who underwent BOT with continuous neurological and electroencephalographic monitoring, followed by a hypotensive challenge. During hypotension a tracer was injected so that single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) scans could be obtained. Each individual brain circulation was modeled using information gained from phase-contrast magnetic resonance (MR) angiography and digital subtraction (DS) angiography, and the predicted effect of the BOT was evaluated. Six patients did not tolerate the BOT; in these patients, decreases in middle cerebral artery (M1 segment) blood flow of 41 +/- 27% (mean +/- standard deviation), anterior cerebral artery (A3 segment) flow of 56 +/- 33%, and posterior cerebral artery (P2 segment) flow of 4 +/- 13% ipsilateral to the site of occlusion were found with modeling; these changes were significantly greater than the percentage of changes measured in the contralateral hemisphere (p < 0.05). Ten patients who tolerated the BOT well had calculated decreases in ipsilateral flows of only 9 +/- 6% for the M1 segment, 12 +/- 40% for the A3 segment, and 17 +/- 21% for the P2 segment during BOT modeling. CONCLUSIONS: A decrease in blood flow in both the ipsilateral M1 and A3 segments that was greater than 20%, calculated by flow modeling of the BOT, was 100% sensitive and 100% specific in identifying patients who could not tolerate the BOT. Blood flow modeling, coupled with DS angiography and noninvasive phase-contrast MR angiography measurements to make calculations patient specific, can be used to identify patients who have an elevated risk of ischemia during the BOT.

Adult↗

Computer modeling and molecular dynamics simulations of ligand bound complexes of bovine angiogenin: dinucleotide topology at the active site of RNase a family proteins.

We have undertaken the modeling of substrate-bound structures of angiogenin. In our recent study, we modeled the dinucleotide ligand binding to human angiogenin. In the present study, the substrates CpG, UpG, and CpA were docked onto bovine angiogenin. This was achieved by overcoming the problem of an obstruction to the B1 site by the C-terminus and identifying residues that bind to the second base. The modeled complexes retain biochemically important interactions. The docked models were subjected to 1 ns of molecular dynamics, and structures from the simulation were refined by using simulated annealing. Our models explained the enzyme's specificity for both B1 and B2 bases as observed experimentally. The nature of binding of the dinucleotide substrate was compared with that of the mononucleotide product. The models of these complexes were also compared with those obtained earlier with human angiogenin. On the basis of the simulations and annealed structures, we came up with a consensus topology of dinucleotide ligands that binds to human and bovine angiogenins. This dinucleotide conformation can serve as a starting model for ligand-bound complex structures for RNase A family of proteins. We demonstrated this capability by generating the complex structure of CpA bound to eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) by fitting the consensus topology of CpA to the crystal structure of native EDN.

Animals↗

A peptide inhibitor of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase using alpha,beta-dehydro residues: a structure-based computer model.

HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) is a key enzyme involved in the replication of the virus and is a potential target for therapeutic intervention following infection. Several drugs that inhibit the enzyme from acting have been discovered. These include nucleoside-analogue inhibitors such as AZT (zidovudine), ddI and ddC, and non-nucleoside inhibitors such as nevirapine and delavirdine. All of them, however have been found to be of limited clinical utility because the RT becomes rapidly resistant to them on account of point mutations in the enzyme. One way to partly overcome this limitation is to design an inhibitor that has interactions mainly with the backbone and the conserved residues of RT. Using a rational drug-design approach based on the high resolution X-ray crystal structure of the RT-nevirapine complex (1), and the specific design principles of peptides containing dehydro-Alanine (deltaAla) generated by our theoretical calculations, we present here the design of a peptide inhibitor of RT. Energy minimization and molecular modeling of the interaction of the designed pentapeptide with the nevirapine-binding site indicate that the inhibitor has 60% of its interactions with the conserved regions of RT as compared to 30% in the case of nevirapine, thus making it much less sensitive to mutations in the enzyme.

Computer Simulation↗

Quantum molecular computer model of the neuron and a pathway to the union of the sciences.

Cyclic nucleotide injection in neurons shows that cAMP controls a new type of membrane permeability. The neuron response to cAMP has a short delay, unusual bioenergetics and is blocked by drugs binding with the regulatory subunit of protein kinase. These data are interpreted in terms of the hypothesis that the controlling system of the living cell is a molecular (DNA, RNA, protein operators with complementary addresses), holographic (quick changeable lattice--cytoskeleton), quantum (each phonon examines whole lattice), hypersound (with wave length 100-10,000 A that does not destroy molecules) system with an inner point of view (molecular coding of questions and answers about quantum processing). Neither an electron, nor a macroscopic computer has an inner point of view.

Biology↗

Application of an object-oriented programming paradigm in three-dimensional computer modeling of mechanically active gastrointestinal tissues.

The aim of this study was to develop a novel three-dimensional (3-D) object-oriented modeling approach incorporating knowledge of the anatomy, electrophysiology, and mechanics of externally stimulated excitable gastrointestinal (GI) tissues and emphasizing the "stimulus-response" principle of extracting the modeling parameters. The modeling method used clusters of class hierarchies representing GI tissues from three perspectives: 1) anatomical; 2) electrophysiological; and 3) mechanical. We elaborated on the first four phases of the object-oriented system development life-cycle: 1) analysis; 2) design; 3) implementation; and 4) testing. Generalized cylinders were used for the implementation of 3-D tissue objects modeling the cecum, the descending colon, and the colonic circular smooth muscle tissue. The model was tested using external neural electrical tissue excitation of the descending colon with virtual implanted electrodes and the stimulating current density distributions over the modeled surfaces were calculated. Finally, the tissue deformations invoked by electrical stimulation were estimated and represented by a mesh-surface visualization technique.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Computational model of vectorial potassium transport by cochlear marginal cells and vestibular dark cells.

Cochlear marginal cells and vestibular dark cells transport potassium into the inner ear endolymph, a potassium-rich fluid, the homeostasis of which is essential for hearing and balance. We have formulated an integrated mathematical model of ion transport across these epithelia that incorporates the biophysical properties of the major ion transporters and channels located in the apical and basolateral membranes of the constituent cells. The model is constructed for both open- and short-circuit situations to test the extremes of functional capacity of the epithelium and predicts the steady-state voltages, ion concentrations, and transepithelial currents as a function of various transporter and channel densities. We validate the model by establishing that the cells are capable of vectorial ion transport consistent with several experimental measurements. The model indicates that cochlear marginal cells do not make a significant direct contribution to the endocochlear potential and illustrates how changes to the activity of specific transport proteins lead to reduced K(+) flux across the marginal and dark cell layers. In particular, we investigate the mechanisms of loop diuretic ototoxicity and diseases with hearing loss in which K(+) and Cl(-) transport are compromised, such as Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome and Bartter syndrome, type IV, respectively. Such simulations demonstrate the utility of compartmental modeling in investigating the role of ion homeostasis in inner ear physiology and pathology.

Bartter Syndrome↗

Computational modeling of factor Xa inhibition by immobilized tissue factor pathway inhibitor.

Coating surfaces of implanted devices with anticoagulants can reduce thrombosis and studies using a recombinant form of endogenous tissue factor pathway inhibitor (rTFPI) are promising. The anticoagulant function of immobilized rTFPI is thought to occur primarily by its inhibition of plasma clotting factor Xa (FXa); however the kinetics of this reaction at a surface are as yet unknown. To better understand the surface inhibition reaction under flow conditions, a theoretical model was developed delineating the roles of mass transport and reaction kinetics for an in vitro parallel plate device used in prior experimental studies [Hall et al., J. Biomech. Eng. 120:484-490, 1998]. As a first approximation, the kinetics of inhibition of FXa by rTFPI reported for static, homogeneous systems was considered. The unsteady convection-diffusion equation was solved for different wall-shear rates and inlet concentrations of FXa using the computational fluid dynamics software CFD-ACE (ESI Software Group). The results show that the heterogeneous inhibition reaction is diffusion controlled prior to saturation of the rTFPI. The experimental results compare favorably with the model at the lower shear rates (100-400 s(-1)). At higher shear rates (>400 s(-1)) the theoretical results follow the same trend as the experimental results but show a greater inhibition of FXa, implying an effect of flow or shear on the inhibition reaction.

Animals↗

Topological similarities between a cyclic enkephalin analogue and a potent opiate alkaloid: a computer-modeling approach.

The cyclic enkephalin analogue H-Tyr-cyclo[-D-N delta-Orn-Gly-Phe-Leu-] (1-c) and the rigid narcotic alkaloid 7 alpha-[(1R)-1-hydroxy-1-methyl-3-phenylpropyl]-6,14- endo-ethenotetrahydrooripavine (PEO) were studied by using computer graphics methods to investigate potential geometrical congruencies of their respective pharmacophoric elements. Particular emphasis was placed on the relative spatial disposition of the tyramine moiety and the additional aromatic ring that occurs in both molecules. A three-dimensional vector map was generated defining the locus of the C21 aromatic ring for all those conformers of PEO having up to 10 kcal above the minimum energy conformer. A systematic conformational search on the cyclic peptide afforded four allowable sets of conformers whose side chain of the phenylalanine residue coincided with the vector map of PEO. Local energy minima for the peptide within the revised mutual vector space were found and subjected to bimolecular energy refinement with correspondingly local energy minima for the opiate alkaloid. Several low-energy conformers of the cyclic peptide were identified that permitted a good fit with the alkaloid provided that the tyramine moiety of the respective molecules does not coincide. In the designated conformations the basic nitrogen of the former occupies a distinct geometrical locus, and the side chain of the leucine residue has no structural correlate in the alkaloid.

Chemical Phenomena↗

Effective computational modeling of constitutional isomerism and aggregation states of explicit solvates of lithiated phenylacetonitrile.

We present the first calculations which accurately account for the position of metalation and aggregation state of lithiated nitriles. Solvation is found to be a key determinant of structure. Five known solvates of lithiated phenylacetonitrile were examined computationally to determine the minimum level of theory required to reproduce the observed X-ray and multinuclear NMR structures. In all cases Hartree-Fock 3-21G energies of explicit solvates calculated at PM3 geometries correctly predict the observed N-lithiated constitutional isomer. Selected density functional theory (B3LYP/6-31+G*//PM3) energy calculations reproduce this trend. We also show that 3-21G//PM3 calculations which do not include explicit solvent molecules, or which include water as a model for diethyl ether, may lead to incorrect predictions of the preferred constitutional isomer. 3-21G//PM3 energies also adequately account for observed aggregation states of the TMEDA, diethyl ether, and THF solvates. Finally, calculations of THF-solvated monomers up to the B3LYP/6-31+G*//B3LYP/6-31+G level indicate a significant (6.8 kcal/mol) preference for N-lithiation.

Journal Article↗

Cortical pruning and the development of schizophrenia: a computer model.

Schizophrenic patients tend to demonstrate reduced cerebral metabolism in frontal areas. Studies of human brain development reveal that synapses in the cerebral cortex are progressively reduced throughout childhood and adolescence, with parallel reductions in cerebral metabolism. This relationship is not surprising, since synaptic density is a primary factor determining regional metabolic requirements. The elimination of synapses in prefrontal cortex continues for a particularly long period of time, extending well into adolescence. Thus, reduced frontal metabolism in schizophrenic patients could be due to a developmental process--namely, elimination of synapses--gone too far. Animal studies indicate that developmentally induced reductions in synaptic density are due to the pruning of axonal collaterals rather than the death of neurons, which raises a critical question: Does excessive axonal pruning have specific pathological effects on cortical information processing? To answer this question, computer simulations of neural information processing systems were subjected to axonal pruning which reduced synaptic density. If pruning was conducted overzealously, cognitive pathology was induced that could, in humans, lead to the conscious experience of hallucinations, delusions, and Schneiderian symptoms.

Adolescent↗

Rhenium-labeled somatostatin analog RC-160. 1H NMR and computer modeling conformational analysis.

The solution conformations of RC-160, cyclic D-Phe1-Cys2-Tyr3-D-Trp4-Lys5-Val6-Cys7+ ++-Trp8-NH2, an analog of the tumor antiproliferatory neuropeptide somatostatin, and RC-160 labeled with rhenium (Re-RC-160), have been determined by using two-dimensional 1H NMR spectroscopy (600 MHz) and restrained molecular dynamics simulations. Re-RC-160 yields the same average solution conformation as does the apo form with an antiparallel beta-sheet fold and a type II' beta-turn centered at D-Trp4-Lys5. These results indicate that the spatial topography of the side chains essential for somatostatin receptor binding is maintained in Re-RC-160.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Mutagenesis and computer modelling approach to study determinants for recognition of signal peptides by the mitochondrial processing peptidase.

Determinants for the recognition of a mitochondrial presequence by the mitochondrial processing peptidase (MPP) have been investigated using mutagenesis and bioinformatics approaches. All plant mitochondrial presequences with a cleavage site that was confirmed by experimental studies can be grouped into three classes. Two major classes contain an arginine residue at position -2 or -3, and the third class does not have any conserved arginines. Sequence logos revealed loosely conserved cleavage motifs for the first two classes but no significant amino acid conservation for the third class. Investigation of processing determinants for a class III precursor, Nicotiana plumbaginifolia F1beta precursor of ATP synthase (pF1beta), was performed using a series of pF1beta presequence mutants and mutant presequence peptides derived from the C-terminal portion of the presequence. Replacement of -2 Gln by Arg inhibited processing, whereas replacement of either the most proximally located -5 Arg or -15 Arg by Leu had only a low inhibitory effect. The C-terminal portion of the pF1beta presequence forms a helix-turn-helix structure. Mutations disturbing or prolonging the helical element upstream of the cleavage site inhibited processing significantly. Structural models of potato MPP and the C-terminal pF1beta presequence peptide were built by homology modelling and empirical conformational energy search methods, respectively. Molecular docking of the pF1beta presequence peptide to the MPP model suggested binding of the peptide to the negatively charged binding cleft formed by the alpha-MPP and beta-MPP subunits in close proximity to the H111XXE114H115X(116-190)E191 proteolytic active site on beta-MPP. Our results show for the first time that the amino acid at the -2 position, even if not an arginine, as well as structural properties of the C-terminal portion of the presequence are important determinants for the processing of a class III precursor by MPP.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A computational model integrating electrophysiology, contraction, and mitochondrial bioenergetics in the ventricular myocyte.

An intricate network of reactions is involved in matching energy supply with demand in the heart. This complexity arises because energy production both modulates and is modulated by the electrophysiological and contractile activity of the cardiac myocyte. Here, we present an integrated mathematical model of the cardiac cell that links excitation-contraction coupling with mitochondrial energy generation. The dynamics of the model are described by a system of 50 ordinary differential equations. The formulation explicitly incorporates cytoplasmic ATP-consuming processes associated with force generation and ion transport, as well as the creatine kinase reaction. Changes in the electrical and contractile activity of the myocyte are coupled to mitochondrial energetics through the ATP, Ca2+, and Na+ concentrations in the myoplasmic and mitochondrial matrix compartments. The pseudo steady-state relationship between force and oxygen consumption at various stimulus frequencies and external Ca2+ concentrations is reproduced in both model simulations and direct experiments in cardiac trabeculae under normoxic conditions, recapitulating the linearity between cardiac work and respiration in the heart. Importantly, the model can also reproduce the rapid time-dependent changes in mitochondrial NADH and Ca2+ in response to abrupt changes in workload. The steady-state and dynamic responses of the model were conferred by ADP-dependent stimulation of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and Ca2+ -dependent regulation of Krebs cycle dehydrogenases, illustrating how the model can be used as a tool for investigating mechanisms underlying metabolic control in the heart.

Action Potentials↗