Three-Dimensional Soft Tissue Prediction Using Finite Elements

Abstract Background and Aim: The prediction of soft tissue esthetics is important for achieving an optimal esthetic outcome in orthodontic treatment planning. Applicable procedures have so far been restricted to two-dimensional profile predictions that have not proven to be very reliable. The goal of this investigation was therefore to develop a novel finite element-based procedure that allows a three-dimensional, easily visualized, quantitative analysis and prediction of soft tissue behavior for the clinician. The procedure to be developed should be easy to handle and not entail any additional radiation exposure for the patient. Material and Methods: Using a three-dimensional scanner, the facial surfaces of 20 probands were digitalized and individual FEM models were generated. Results: After reduction of data redundancy via several conversion steps, a patient-specific simulation model was prepared consisting of 20,000 to 40,000 individual elements to which specific physical properties could be assigned. The average time required for generating a virtual model was 50 minutes. Problems occurring during model generation were rare (mainly shadowing phenomena and movement artifacts). Conclusion: The procedure outlined herein makes the reliable generation of patient-specific simulation models possible for facial soft tissue prediction in orthodontics.     

Simultaneous versus sequential optimal design for pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic models with FO and FOCE considerations

We consider nested multiple response models which are used extensively in the area of pharmacometrics. Given the conditional nature of such models, differences in predicted responses are a consequence of different assumptions about how the models interact. As such, sequential versus simultaneous and First Order (FO) versus First Order Conditional Estimation (FOCE) techniques have been explored in the literature where it was found that the sequential and FO approaches can produce biased results. It is therefore of interest to determine any design consequences between the various methods and approximations. As optimal design for nonlinear mixed effects models is dependent upon initial parameter estimates and an approximation to the expected Fisher information matrix, it is necessary to incorporate any influence of nonlinearity (or parameter-effects curvature) into our exploration. Hence, sequential versus simultaneous design with FO and FOCE considerations are compared under low, typical and high degrees of nonlinearity. Additionally, predicted standard errors of parameters are also compared to empirical estimates formed via a simulation/estimation study in NONMEM. Initially, design theory for nested multiple response models is developed and approaches mentioned above are investigated by considering a pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic model found in the literature. We consider design for situations where all responses are continuous and extend this methodology to the case where a response may be a discrete random variable. In particular, for a binary response pharmacodynamic model, it is conjectured that such responses will offer little information about all parameters and hence a sequential optimization, in the form of product design optimality, may yield near optimal designs.     

芪月降脂片制剂处方的优化

[目的 ]优化芪月降脂片的制剂处方 .[方法 ]采用正交设计和多指标综合评分法对已筛选出的药剂辅料进行处方优化 .[结果 ]最佳制剂处方为糖粉 50 g ,辅料X 50g ,微晶纤维素 75g .[结论 ]该处方合理 ,成型性好     

无名异冲剂促进去卵巢大鼠骨质疏松性骨折愈合的机制研究

为探讨无名异冲剂促进去卵巢 SD大鼠骨质疏松性骨折愈合的机制 ,用 48只 6月龄雄性 SD大鼠建立骨质疏松性骨折模型 ,随机分为模型组、跳骨片组、仙灵骨葆组、无名异冲剂组 ,于灌胃后 2周、4周取材 ,观察 X线片、骨密度、光镜 ,骨痂钙、磷、胶原含量 ,结果显示灌胃第 2周时 ,各组动物各项指标均无显著性差异 ;第4周时 ,无名异冲剂组的骨密度 ,骨痂钙、磷、胶原含量的检测结果与模型组有显著性差异 ( P<0 .0 5 ) ,X线及光镜观察骨痂的生长情况 ,无名异冲剂组也优于模型组 ,说明无名异冲剂能够通过提高骨密度 ,改善骨骼钙、磷、胶原的代谢 ,促进骨折端骨痂的生长 ,达到治疗骨质疏松性骨折的目的。     

Fisher information matrix for nonlinear mixed effects multiple response models: Evaluation of the appropriateness of the first order linearization using a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model

We focus on the Fisher information matrix used for design evaluation and optimization in nonlinear mixed effects multiple response models. We evaluate the appropriateness of its expression computed by linearization as proposed for a single response model. Using a pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PKPD) example, we first compare the computation of the Fisher information matrix with approximation to one derived from the observed matrix on a large simulation using the stochastic approximation expectation–maximization algorithm (SAEM). The expression of the Fisher information matrix for multiple responses is also evaluated by comparison with the empirical information obtained through a replicated simulation study using the first‐order linearization estimation methods implemented in the NONMEM software (first‐order (FO), first‐order conditional estimate (FOCE)) and the SAEM algorithm in the MONOLIX software. The predicted errors given by the approximated information matrix are close to those given by the information matrix obtained without linearization using SAEM and to the empirical ones obtained with FOCE and SAEM. The simulation study also illustrates the accuracy of both FOCE and SAEM estimation algorithms when jointly modelling multiple responses and the major limitations of the FO method. This study highlights the appropriateness of the approximated Fisher information matrix for multiple responses, which is implemented in PFIM 3.0, an extension of the R function PFIM dedicated to design evaluation and optimization. It also emphasizes the use of this computing tool for designing population multiple response studies, as for instance in PKPD studies or in PK studies including the modelling of the PK of a drug and its active metabolite. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

概念设计在结构设计中的重要性

通过对某一工程的设计分析，表明了概念设计在结构设计中的重要性。     

肝硬化大鼠肝部分切除术后肝再生的干预研究

目的　以肝硬化大鼠为动物模型 ,研究药物对肝硬化大鼠肝部分切除术后肝再生的影响。方法　取健康的Wistar雄性大鼠 6 4只 ,以 6 0 ?l4油溶液 0 .3ml/ 10 0 g皮下注射 ,同时饮用 5 %酒精溶液 ,4 5d后制成肝硬化动物模型。模型大鼠随机分为 4组 ,16只 /组。全麻下均行左、中叶肝切除术。术后各组按以下方案处理 :A组 (对照组 )注射生理盐水 1mg/ (kg·d) ,B组为泮托拉唑组 ,注射 0 .2mg/ (kg·d) ,C组为重组人生长激素组 ,注射 0 .5U/ (kg·d) ,D组为两药合用组 ,同时给予泮托拉唑注射 0 .2mg/ (kg·d) ,重组人生长激素注射 0 .5U/ (kg·d) ) ,连续给药 1周。抽取静脉血样 ,取肝脏组织 ,检测肝功能、有丝分裂指数 (MI)、增殖细胞核抗原 (PCNA)、细胞核DNA含量。结果　泮托拉唑组、重组人生长激素组、两药合用组MI、PCNA阳性染色细胞量、细胞核DNA含量均高于对照组 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,两药合用组MI、PCNA阳性染色细胞量、细胞核DNA含量均高于泮托拉唑组、重组人生长激素组 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,但各组间肝功能变化无明显差异。结论　泮托拉唑组及重组人生长激素均对肝硬化大鼠肝部分切除术后肝细胞再生有促进作用 ,两药联合应用肝细胞再生更明显 ,其详细机制须待进一步研究。     

One‐ and two‐stage design proposals for a phase II trial comparing three active treatments with control using an ordered categorical endpoint

Phase II clinical trials are performed to investigate whether a novel treatment shows sufficient promise of efficacy to justify its evaluation in a subsequent definitive phase III trial, and they are often also used to select the dose to take forward. In this paper we discuss different design proposals for a phase II trial in which three active treatment doses and a placebo control are to be compared in terms of a single‐ordered categorical endpoint. The sample size requirements for one‐stage and two‐stage designs are derived, based on an approach similar to that of Dunnett. Detailed computations are prepared for an illustrative example concerning a study in stroke. Allowance for early stopping for futility is made. Simulations are used to verify that the specified type I error and power requirements are valid, despite certain approximations used in the derivation of sample size. The advantages and disadvantages of the different designs are discussed, and the scope for extending the approach to different forms of endpoint is considered. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

髋臼内壁内移截骨全髋置换治疗成人髋臼发育不良的有限元分析及临床意义

目的 通过计算机辅助设计有限元分析,找寻髋臼内壁截骨的合适内移范围,为临床工作提供理论依据.方法 利用SolidWorks 2005软件,建立髋臼发育不良骨盆的三维模型,模拟髋臼内壁内移截骨术式,使髋臼内壁骨从未完全陷入盆腔内保持2 mm骨性接触处开始,逐渐内移至完全陷入盆腔内7 mm处,每隔1 mm为1个实验组,分成10个实验组.每组髋臼人为划成4个象限,分别对各组假体臼-骨界面间进行计算机模拟对比力学实验分析,测量出髋臼假体-骨界面间的Mises应力及剪切应力值,找寻出应力分布较为均匀的实验组.结果 Mises应力及剪切应力均有1个象限内的值较大,通过2次统计学分析计算,得出实验结果.结论 当髋臼内壁内移至未完全陷入盆腔内1 mm处到完全陷入盆腔内1 mm处的范围内,髋臼假体-骨界面间的应力分布均匀,最佳位置在完全陷入盆腔内1 mm处.     

Guidelines for Trials of Behavioral Treatments for Recurrent Headache, First Edition: American Headache Society Behavioral Clinical Trials Workgroup

Guidelines for design of clinical trials evaluating behavioral headache treatments were developed to facilitate production of quality research evaluating behavioral therapies for management of primary headache disorders. These guidelines were produced by a Workgroup of headache researchers under auspices of the American Headache Society. The guidelines are complementary to and modeled after guidelines for pharmacological trials published by the International Headache Society, but they address methodologic considerations unique to behavioral and other nonpharmacological treatments. Explicit guidelines for evaluating behavioral headache therapies are needed as the optimal methodology for behavioral (and other nonpharmacologic) trials necessarily differs from the preferred methodology for drug trials. In addition, trials comparing and integrating drug and behavioral therapies present methodological challenges not addressed by guidelines for pharmacologic research. These guidelines address patient selection, trial design for behavioral treatments and for comparisons across multiple treatment modalities (eg, behavioral vs pharmacologic), evaluation of results, and research ethics. Although developed specifically for behavioral therapies, the guidelines may apply to the design of clinical trials evaluating many forms of nonpharmacologic therapies for headache.