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3 projects in result set.
Are subject-specific musculoskeletal models robust to parameter identification?
- This study analyzed the sensitivity of the predictions of an MRI-based musculoskeletal model (i.e., joint angles, joint moments, muscle and joint contact forces) during walking to the unavoidable uncertainties in parameter identification, i.e., body landmark positions, maximum muscle tension and musculotendon geometry. To this aim, we created an MRI-based musculoskeletal model of the lower limbs, defined as a 7-segment, 10-degree-of-freedom articulated linkage, actuated by 84 musculotendon units. We then performed a Monte-Carlo probabilistic analysis perturbing model parameters according to their uncertainty, and solving a typical inverse dynamics and static optimization problem using 500 models that included the different sets of perturbed variable values. Model creation and gait simulations were performed by using freely available software that we developed to standardize the process of model creation, integrate with OpenSim and create probabilistic simulations of movement. | |
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Activity Percentile: 92.80 Registered: 2014-11-10 15:19 |
Neurogene: Elucidating apoptotic pathways in brain tumor models
- Genomics has brought many important discoveries and changes into science and medicine. The central dogma of molecular biology where "DNA makes RNA and RNA makes protein" is well established (yet controversial). Watson and Crick had originally proposed a double stranded model of DNA. This served as a useful foundation for further understanding and research. Throughout the years more investigations demonstrated that human evolution was far more complex than originally believed. There was originally a great deal of migration around the world causing some hereditary lineages to become isolated and others to become more robust.
The life cycle of a cell usually begins with division and continues with replication. However, errors in mitosis can cause a cell to undergo apoptosis or form into a tumor. Differentiating between the two final pathways may be critical in helping to guide cells towards a less destructive pathway for the host organism. The critical component has to do with the environment the cell is in. The cell receives information from the outside environment and adapts according to received stimuli.
This project has been conceived to leverage a team based approach for elucidating the underlying apoptotic pathways responsible for tumor lysis and cell death. Combining the current understanding of molecular dynamics, genomics, and contrast imaging agents to discover novel therapeutic targets and further the current understanding of tumor biology within the genomic era. | |
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Registered: 2010-03-17 09:26 |
The Osteoporotic Virtual Physiological Human
- Nearly four million osteoporotic bone fractures cost the European health system more than 30 billion Euro per year. This figure could double by 2050. After the first fracture, the chances of having another one increase by 86%. We need to prevent osteoporotic fractures. The first step is an accurate prediction of the patient-specific risk of fracture that considers not only the
skeletal determinants but also the neuromuscular condition. The aim of VPHOP is to develop a multiscale modelling technology based on conventional diagnostic imaging methods that makes it possible, in a clinical setting, to predict for each patient the strength of his/her bones, how this strength is likely to change over time, and the probability that the he/she will overload his/her bones during daily life. With these three predictions, the evaluation of the
absolute risk of bone fracture will be much more accurate than any prediction based on
external and indirect determinants, as it is current clinical practice. These predictions will be used to: i) improve the diagnostic accuracy of the current clinical standards; ii) to provide the basis for an evidence-based prognosis with respect to the natural evolution of the disease, to pharmacological treatments, and/or to preventive interventional treatments aimed to selectively strengthen particularly weak regions of the skeleton. For patients at high risk of fracture, and for which the pharmacological treatment appears insufficient, the VPHOP system will also assist the interventional radiologist in planning the augmentation procedure.
The various modelling technologies developed during the project will be validated not only in vitro, on animal models, or against retrospective clinical outcomes, but will also be assessed in term of clinical impact and safety on small cohorts of patients enrolled at four different clinical institutions, providing the factual basis for effective clinical and industrial exploitations. | |
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Registered: 2010-03-08 08:57 |