101
|
Colvin VC, Bramer LM, Rivera BN, Pennington JM, Waters KM, Tilton SC. Modeling PAH Mixture Interactions in a Human In Vitro Organotypic Respiratory Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4326. [PMID: 38673911 PMCID: PMC11050152 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the most significant challenges in human health risk assessment is to evaluate hazards from exposure to environmental chemical mixtures. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of ubiquitous contaminants typically found as mixtures in gaseous and particulate phases in ambient air pollution associated with petrochemicals from Superfund sites and the burning of fossil fuels. However, little is understood about how PAHs in mixtures contribute to toxicity in lung cells. To investigate mixture interactions and component additivity from environmentally relevant PAHs, two synthetic mixtures were created from PAHs identified in passive air samplers at a legacy creosote site impacted by wildfires. The primary human bronchial epithelial cells differentiated at the air-liquid interface were treated with PAH mixtures at environmentally relevant proportions and evaluated for the differential expression of transcriptional biomarkers related to xenobiotic metabolism, oxidative stress response, barrier integrity, and DNA damage response. Component additivity was evaluated across all endpoints using two independent action (IA) models with and without the scaling of components by toxic equivalence factors. Both IA models exhibited trends that were unlike the observed mixture response and generally underestimated the toxicity across dose suggesting the potential for non-additive interactions of components. Overall, this study provides an example of the usefulness of mixture toxicity assessment with the currently available methods while demonstrating the need for more complex yet interpretable mixture response evaluation methods for environmental samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria C. Colvin
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- OSU/PNNL Superfund Research Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Lisa M. Bramer
- OSU/PNNL Superfund Research Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA
| | - Brianna N. Rivera
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- OSU/PNNL Superfund Research Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Jamie M. Pennington
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Katrina M. Waters
- OSU/PNNL Superfund Research Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA
| | - Susan C. Tilton
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- OSU/PNNL Superfund Research Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| |
Collapse
|
102
|
Tung HR, Lawley SD. Understanding and Quantifying Network Robustness to Stochastic Inputs. Bull Math Biol 2024; 86:55. [PMID: 38607457 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-024-01283-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
A variety of biomedical systems are modeled by networks of deterministic differential equations with stochastic inputs. In some cases, the network output is remarkably constant despite a randomly fluctuating input. In the context of biochemistry and cell biology, chemical reaction networks and multistage processes with this property are called robust. Similarly, the notion of a forgiving drug in pharmacology is a medication that maintains therapeutic effect despite lapses in patient adherence to the prescribed regimen. What makes a network robust to stochastic noise? This question is challenging due to the many network parameters (size, topology, rate constants) and many types of noisy inputs. In this paper, we propose a summary statistic to describe the robustness of a network of linear differential equations (i.e. a first-order mass-action system). This statistic is the variance of a certain random walk passage time on the network. This statistic can be quickly computed on a modern computer, even for complex networks with thousands of nodes. Furthermore, we use this statistic to prove theorems about how certain network motifs increase robustness. Importantly, our analysis provides intuition for why a network is or is not robust to noise. We illustrate our results on thousands of randomly generated networks with a variety of stochastic inputs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hwai-Ray Tung
- Department of Mathematics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Sean D Lawley
- Department of Mathematics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
103
|
Müller R. Bioinspiration from bats and new paradigms for autonomy in natural environments. Bioinspir Biomim 2024; 19:033001. [PMID: 38452384 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ad311e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Achieving autonomous operation in complex natural environment remains an unsolved challenge. Conventional engineering approaches to this problem have focused on collecting large amounts of sensory data that are used to create detailed digital models of the environment. However, this only postpones solving the challenge of identifying the relevant sensory information and linking it to action control to the domain of the digital world model. Furthermore, it imposes high demands in terms of computing power and introduces large processing latencies that hamper autonomous real-time performance. Certain species of bats that are able to navigate and hunt their prey in dense vegetation could be a biological model system for an alternative approach to addressing the fundamental issues associated with autonomy in complex natural environments. Bats navigating in dense vegetation rely on clutter echoes, i.e. signals that consist of unresolved contributions from many scatters. Yet, the animals are able to extract the relevant information from these input signals with brains that are often less than 1 g in mass. Pilot results indicate that information relevant to location identification and passageway finding can be directly obtained from clutter echoes, opening up the possibility that the bats' skill can be replicated in man-made autonomous systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rolf Müller
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
104
|
Badie N, Schmitt S. Enhancing stance robustness and jump height in bipedal muscle-actuated systems: a bioinspired morphological development approach. Bioinspir Biomim 2024; 19:036012. [PMID: 38507788 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ad3602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Recognizing humans' unmatched robustness, adaptability, and learning abilities across anthropomorphic movements compared to robots, we find inspiration in the simultaneous development of both morphology and cognition observed in humans. We utilize optimal control principles to train a muscle-actuated human model for both balance and squat jump tasks in simulation. Morphological development is introduced through abrupt transitions from a 4 year-old to a 12 year-old morphology, ultimately shifting to an adult morphology. We create two versions of the 4 year-old and 12 year-old models- one emulating human ontogenetic development and another uniformly scaling segment lengths and related parameters. Our results show that both morphological development strategies outperform the non-development path, showcasing enhanced robustness to perturbations in the balance task and increased jump height in the squat jump task. Our findings challenge existing research as they reveal that starting with initial robot designs that do not inherently facilitate learning and incorporating abrupt changes in their morphology can still lead to improved results, provided these morphological adaptations draw inspiration from biological principles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Badie
- Institute for Modelling and Simulation of Biomechanical Systems, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Syn Schmitt
- Institute for Modelling and Simulation of Biomechanical Systems, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
- Stuttgart Center of Simulation Science, Stuttgart, Germany
- Center for Bionic Intelligence Tübingen Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
105
|
Fuller J, Lefferts KS, Shah P, Cottrell JA. Methodology and Characterization of a 3D Bone Organoid Model Derived from Murine Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4225. [PMID: 38673812 PMCID: PMC11050018 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Here, we report on the development of a cost-effective, well-characterized three-dimensional (3D) model of bone homeostasis derived from commonly available stocks of immortalized murine cell lines and laboratory reagents. This 3D murine-cell-derived bone organoid model (3D-mcBOM) is adaptable to a range of contexts and can be used in conjunction with surrogates of osteoblast and osteoclast function to study cellular and molecular mechanisms that affect bone homeostasis in vitro or to augment in vivo models of physiology or disease. The 3D-mcBOM was established using a pre-osteoblast murine cell line, which was seeded into a hydrogel extracellular matrix (ECM) and differentiated into functional osteoblasts (OBs). The OBs mineralized the hydrogel ECM, leading to the deposition and consolidation of hydroxyapatite into bone-like organoids. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed that the mineralized matrix formed in the 3D-mcBOM was bone. The histological staining of 3D-mcBOM samples indicated a consistent rate of ECM mineralization. Type I collagen C-telopeptide (CTX1) analysis was used to evaluate the dynamics of OC differentiation and activity. Reliable 3D models of bone formation and homeostasis align with current ethical trends to reduce the use of animal models. This functional model of bone homeostasis provides a cost-effective model system using immortalized cell lines and easily procured supplemental compounds, which can be assessed by measuring surrogates of OB and OC function to study the effects of various stimuli in future experimental evaluations of bone homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jessica A. Cottrell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ 07079, USA; (J.F.); (K.S.L.); (P.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
106
|
Lynn BK, De Leenheer P, Schuster M. Putting theory to the test: An integrated computational/experimental chemostat model of the tragedy of the commons. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300887. [PMID: 38598418 PMCID: PMC11006152 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cooperation via shared public goods is ubiquitous in nature, however, noncontributing social cheaters can exploit the public goods provided by cooperating individuals to gain a fitness advantage. Theory predicts that this dynamic can cause a Tragedy of the Commons, and in particular, a 'Collapsing' Tragedy defined as the extinction of the entire population if the public good is essential. However, there is little empirical evidence of the Collapsing Tragedy in evolutionary biology. Here, we experimentally demonstrate this outcome in a microbial model system, the public good-producing bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa grown in a continuous-culture chemostat. In a growth medium that requires extracellular protein digestion, we find that P. aeruginosa populations maintain a high density when entirely composed of cooperating, protease-producing cells but completely collapse when non-producing cheater cells are introduced. We formulate a mechanistic mathematical model that recapitulates experimental observations and suggests key parameters, such as the dilution rate and the cost of public good production, that define the stability of cooperative behavior. We combine model prediction with experimental validation to explain striking differences in the long-term cheater trajectories of replicate cocultures through mutational events that increase cheater fitness. Taken together, our integrated empirical and theoretical approach validates and parametrizes the Collapsing Tragedy in a microbial population, and provides a quantitative, mechanistic framework for generating testable predictions of social behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan K. Lynn
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Patrick De Leenheer
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
- Department of Mathematics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Martin Schuster
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
107
|
Twumasi C, Cable J, Pepelyshev A. Mathematical Modelling of Parasite Dynamics: A Stochastic Simulation-Based Approach and Parameter Estimation via Modified Sequential-Type Approximate Bayesian Computation. Bull Math Biol 2024; 86:54. [PMID: 38598133 PMCID: PMC11006762 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-024-01281-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
The development of mathematical models for studying newly emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases has gained momentum due to global events. The gyrodactylid-fish system, like many host-parasite systems, serves as a valuable resource for ecological, evolutionary, and epidemiological investigations owing to its ease of experimental manipulation and long-term monitoring. Although this system has an existing individual-based model, it falls short in capturing information about species-specific microhabitat preferences and other biological details for different Gyrodactylus strains across diverse fish populations. This current study introduces a new individual-based stochastic simulation model that uses a hybrid τ -leaping algorithm to incorporate this essential data, enhancing our understanding of the complexity of the gyrodactylid-fish system. We compare the infection dynamics of three gyrodactylid strains across three host populations. A modified sequential-type approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) method, based on sequential Monte Carlo and sequential importance sampling, is developed. Additionally, we establish two penalised local-linear regression methods (based on L1 and L2 regularisations) for ABC post-processing analysis to fit our model using existing empirical data. With the support of experimental data and the fitted mathematical model, we address open biological questions for the first time and propose directions for future studies on the gyrodactylid-fish system. The adaptability of the mathematical model extends beyond the gyrodactylid-fish system to other host-parasite systems. Furthermore, the modified ABC methodologies provide efficient calibration for other multi-parameter models characterised by a large set of correlated or independent summary statistics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clement Twumasi
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 3SY, UK.
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, 68 Wood Lane, London, Greater London, W12 7RH, UK.
- School of Mathematics, Cardiff University, Senghennydd Road, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, CF24 4AG, UK.
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Sir Martin Evans Building, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, CF10 3AX, UK.
| | - Joanne Cable
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Sir Martin Evans Building, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Andrey Pepelyshev
- School of Mathematics, Cardiff University, Senghennydd Road, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, CF24 4AG, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
108
|
Strube LF, Elgart S, Childs LM. Infection-induced increases to population size during cycles in a discrete-time epidemic model. J Math Biol 2024; 88:60. [PMID: 38600396 PMCID: PMC11006791 DOI: 10.1007/s00285-024-02074-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
One-dimensional discrete-time population models, such as those that involve Logistic or Ricker growth, can exhibit periodic and chaotic dynamics. Expanding the system by one dimension to incorporate epidemiological interactions causes an interesting complexity of new behaviors. Here, we examine a discrete-time two-dimensional susceptible-infectious (SI) model with Ricker growth and show that the introduction of infection can not only produce a distinctly different bifurcation structure than that of the underlying disease-free system but also lead to counter-intuitive increases in population size. We use numerical bifurcation analysis to determine the influence of infection on the location and types of bifurcations. In addition, we examine the appearance and extent of a phenomenon known as the 'hydra effect,' i.e., increases in total population size when factors, such as mortality, that act negatively on a population, are increased. Previous work, primarily focused on dynamics at fixed points, showed that the introduction of infection that reduces fecundity to the SI model can lead to a so-called 'infection-induced hydra effect.' Our work shows that even in such a simple two-dimensional SI model, the introduction of infection that alters fecundity or mortality can produce dynamics can lead to the appearance of a hydra effect, particularly when the disease-free population is at a cycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura F Strube
- Department of Mathematics, Virginia Tech, 225 Stanger St, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, The Assembly, 5051 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, 800 Murdoch I building, 3420 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Shoshana Elgart
- Laurel Springs School, 302 El Paseo Rd, Ojai, CA, 93023, USA
| | - Lauren M Childs
- Department of Mathematics, Virginia Tech, 225 Stanger St, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
109
|
Ciupe SM, Dahari H, Ploss A. Mathematical Models of Early Hepatitis B Virus Dynamics in Humanized Mice. Bull Math Biol 2024; 86:53. [PMID: 38594319 PMCID: PMC11003933 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-024-01284-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Analyzing the impact of the adaptive immune response during acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is essential for understanding disease progression and control. Here we developed mathematical models of HBV infection which either lack terms for adaptive immune responses, or assume adaptive immune responses in the form of cytolytic immune killing, non-cytolytic immune cure, or non-cytolytic-mediated block of viral production. We validated the model that does not include immune responses against temporal serum hepatitis B DNA (sHBV) and temporal serum hepatitis B surface-antigen (HBsAg) experimental data from mice engrafted with human hepatocytes (HEP). Moreover, we validated the immune models against sHBV and HBsAg experimental data from mice engrafted with HEP and human immune system (HEP/HIS). As expected, the model that does not include adaptive immune responses matches the observed high sHBV and HBsAg concentrations in all HEP mice. By contrast, while all immune response models predict reduction in sHBV and HBsAg concentrations in HEP/HIS mice, the Akaike Information Criterion cannot discriminate between non-cytolytic cure (resulting in a class of cells refractory to reinfection) and antiviral block functions (of up to 99 % viral production 1-3 weeks following peak viral load). We can, however, reject cytolytic killing, as it can only match the sHBV and HBsAg data when we predict unrealistic levels of hepatocyte loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stanca M Ciupe
- Department of Mathematics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| | - Harel Dahari
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Loyola University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alexander Ploss
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
110
|
Roberts PA. Advice to a Young Mathematical Biologist. Bull Math Biol 2024; 86:52. [PMID: 38592370 PMCID: PMC11003877 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-024-01269-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
This paper offers advice to early-mid career researchers in Mathematical Biology from ten past and current Presidents of the Society for Mathematical Biology. The topics covered include deciding if a career in academia is right for you; finding and working with a mentor; building collaborations and working with those from other disciplines; formulating a research question; writing a paper; reviewing papers; networking; writing fellowship or grant proposals; applying for faculty positions; and preparing and giving lectures. While written with mathematical biologists in mind, it is hoped that this paper will be of use to early and mid career researchers across the mathematical, physical and life sciences, as they embark on careers in these disciplines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Roberts
- Centre for Systems Modelling and Quantitative Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
111
|
Giakoumi M, Stephanou PS, Kokkinidou D, Papastefanou C, Anayiotos A, Kapnisis K. A Predictive Toxicokinetic Model for Nickel Leaching from Vascular Stents. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:2534-2551. [PMID: 38525821 PMCID: PMC11005016 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
In vitro testing methods offer valuable insights into the corrosion vulnerability of metal implants and enable prompt comparison between devices. However, they fall short in predicting the extent of leaching and the biodistribution of implant byproducts under in vivo conditions. Physiologically based toxicokinetic (PBTK) models are capable of quantitatively establishing such correlations and therefore provide a powerful tool in advancing nonclinical methods to test medical implants and assess patient exposure to implant debris. In this study, we present a multicompartment PBTK model and a simulation engine for toxicological risk assessment of vascular stents. The mathematical model consists of a detailed set of constitutive equations that describe the transfer of nickel ions from the device to peri-implant tissue and circulation and the nickel mass exchange between blood and the various tissues/organs and excreta. Model parameterization was performed using (1) in-house-produced data from immersion testing to compute the device-specific diffusion parameters and (2) full-scale animal in situ implantation studies to extract the mammalian-specific biokinetic functions that characterize the time-dependent biodistribution of the released ions. The PBTK model was put to the test using a simulation engine to estimate the concentration-time profiles, along with confidence intervals through probabilistic Monte Carlo, of nickel ions leaching from the implanted devices and determine if permissible exposure limits are exceeded. The model-derived output demonstrated prognostic conformity with reported experimental data, indicating that it may provide the basis for the broader use of modeling and simulation tools to guide the optimal design of implantable devices in compliance with exposure limits and other regulatory requirements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matheos Giakoumi
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3036, Cyprus
| | - Pavlos S. Stephanou
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Cyprus University
of Technology, Limassol 3036, Cyprus
| | - Despoina Kokkinidou
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3036, Cyprus
| | | | - Andreas Anayiotos
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3036, Cyprus
| | - Konstantinos Kapnisis
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3036, Cyprus
| |
Collapse
|
112
|
Northrup GR, White A, Parratt SR, Rozins C, Laine AL, Boots M. The evolutionary dynamics of hyperparasites. J Theor Biol 2024; 582:111741. [PMID: 38280543 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2024.111741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Evolutionary theory has typically focused on pairwise interactions, such as those between hosts and parasites, with relatively little work having been carried out on more complex interactions including hyperparasites: parasites of parasites. Hyperparasites are common in nature, with the chestnut blight fungus virus CHV-1 a well-known natural example, but also notably include the phages of important human bacterial diseases. We build a general modeling framework for the evolution of hyperparasites that highlights the central role that the ability of a hyperparasite to be transmitted with its parasite plays in their evolution. A key result is that hyperparasites which transmit with their parasite hosts (hitchhike) will be selected for lower virulence, trending towards hypermutualism or hypercommensalism. We examine the impact on the evolution of hyperparasite systems of a wide range of host and parasite traits showing, for example, that high parasite virulence selects for higher hyperparasite virulence resulting in reductions in parasite virulence when hyperparasitized. Furthermore, we show that acute parasite infection will also select for increased hyperparasite virulence. Our results have implications for hyperparasite research, both as biocontrol agents and for their role in shaping community ecology and evolution and moreover emphasize the importance of understanding evolution in the context of multitrophic interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graham R Northrup
- Center for Computational Biology, College of Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Andy White
- Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK; Department of Mathematics, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Steven R Parratt
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Carly Rozins
- Department of Science and Technology Studies, Division of Natural Science, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna-Liisa Laine
- Research Centre for Ecological Change, Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, University of Helsinki, Finland; Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mike Boots
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley, CA, USA; Center for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, UK
| |
Collapse
|
113
|
Peyhardi J, Laroche F, Mortier F. Pólya-splitting distributions as stationary solutions of multivariate birth-death processes under extended neutral theory. J Theor Biol 2024; 582:111755. [PMID: 38354766 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2024.111755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Multivariate count distributions are crucial for the inference of ecological processes underpinning biodiversity. In particular, neutral theory provides useful null distributions allowing the evaluation of adaptation or natural selection. In this paper, we build a broader family of multivariate distributions: the Polya-splitting distributions. We show that they emerge naturally as stationary distributions of a multivariate birth-death process. This family of distributions is a consistent extension of non-zero sum neutral models based on a master equation approach. It allows considering both total abundance of the community and relative abundances of species. We emphasize that this family is large enough to encompass various dependence structures among species. We also introduce the strong closure under addition property that can be useful to generate nested multi-level dependence structures. Although all Pólya splitting distributions do not share this property, we provide numerous example verifying it. They include the previously known example with independent species, and also new ones with alternative dependence structures. Overall, we advocate that Polya-splitting distribution should become a part of the classic toolbox for the analysis of multivariate count data in ecology, providing alternative approaches to joint species distribution framework. Comparatively, our approach allows to model dependencies between species at the observation level, while the classical JSDM's model dependencies at the latent process strata.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean Peyhardi
- IMAG, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
| | - Fabien Laroche
- MR DYNAFOR, INP de Toulouse, INRAE, Auzeville Tolosane, France
| | - Frédéric Mortier
- CIRAD, UPR Forêts et Sociétés, F-34398 Montpellier, France; Environmental Justice Program, Georgetown University, Washington D.C., United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
114
|
Chen J, Guo X, Charbonneau D, Azizi A, Fewell J, Kang Y. Dynamics of Information Flow and Task Allocation of Social Insect Colonies: Impacts of Spatial Interactions and Task Switching. Bull Math Biol 2024; 86:50. [PMID: 38581473 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-024-01280-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Models of social interaction dynamics have been powerful tools for understanding the efficiency of information spread and the robustness of task allocation in social insect colonies. How workers spatially distribute within the colony, or spatial heterogeneity degree (SHD), plays a vital role in contact dynamics, influencing information spread and task allocation. We used agent-based models to explore factors affecting spatial heterogeneity and information flow, including the number of task groups, variation in spatial arrangements, and levels of task switching, to study: (1) the impact of multiple task groups on SHD, contact dynamics, and information spread, and (2) the impact of task switching on SHD and contact dynamics. Both models show a strong linear relationship between the dynamics of SHD and contact dynamics, which exists for different initial conditions. The multiple-task-group model without task switching reveals the impacts of the number and spatial arrangements of task locations on information transmission. The task-switching model allows task-switching with a probability through contact between individuals. The model indicates that the task-switching mechanism enables a dynamical state of task-related spatial fidelity at the individual level. This spatial fidelity can assist the colony in redistributing their workforce, with consequent effects on the dynamics of spatial heterogeneity degree. The spatial fidelity of a task group is the proportion of workers who perform that task and have preferential walking styles toward their task location. Our analysis shows that the task switching rate between two tasks is an exponentially decreasing function of the spatial fidelity and contact rate. Higher spatial fidelity leads to more agents aggregating to task location, reducing contact between groups, thus making task switching more difficult. Our results provide important insights into the mechanisms that generate spatial heterogeneity and deepen our understanding of how spatial heterogeneity impacts task allocation, social interaction, and information spread.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Chen
- Simon A. Levin Mathematical and Computational Modeling Sciences Center, Arizona State University, 1031 Palm Walk, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
| | - Xiaohui Guo
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
| | | | - Asma Azizi
- Department of Mathematics, Kennesaw State University, Marrieta, GA, 30060, USA
| | - Jennifer Fewell
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
| | - Yun Kang
- Sciences and Mathematics Faculty, College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ, 85212, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
115
|
Altamirano-Fernández A, Rojas-Palma A, Espinoza-Meza S. Optimal Rotation Age in Fast Growing Plantations: A Dynamical Optimization Problem. Bull Math Biol 2024; 86:51. [PMID: 38581579 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-024-01262-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Forest plantations are economically and environmentally relevant, as they play a key role in timber production and carbon capture. It is expected that the future climate change scenario affects forest growth and modify the rotation age for timber production. However, mathematical models on the effect of climate change on the rotation age for timber production remain still limited. We aim to determine the optimal rotation age that maximizes the net economic benefit of timber volume in a negative scenario from the climatic point of view. For this purpose, a bioeconomic optimal control problem was formulated from a system of Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) governed by the state variables live biomass volume, intrinsic growth rate, and area affected by fire. Then, four control variables were associated to the system, representing forest management activities, which are felling, thinning, reforestation, and fire prevention. The existence of optimal control solutions was demonstrated, and the solutions of the optimal control problem were also characterized using Pontryagin's Maximum Principle. The solutions of the model were approximated numerically by the Forward-Backward Sweep method. To validate the model, two scenarios were considered: a realistic scenario that represents current forestry activities for the exotic species Pinus radiata D. Don, and a pessimistic scenario, which considers environmental conditions conducive to a higher occurrence of forest fires. The optimal solution that maximizes the net benefit of timber volume consists of a strategy that considers all four control variables simultaneously. For felling and thinning, regardless of the scenario considered, the optimal strategy is to spend on both activities depending on the amount of biomass in the field. Similarly, for reforestation, the optimal strategy is to spend as the forest is harvested. In the case of fire prevention, in the realistic scenario, the optimal strategy consists of reducing the expenses in fire prevention because the incidence of fires is lower, whereas in the pessimistic scenario, the opposite is true. It is concluded that the optimal rotation age that maximizes the net economic benefit of timber volume in P. radiata plantations is 24 and 19 years for the realistic and pessimistic scenarios, respectively. This corroborates that the presence of fires influences the determination of the optimal rotation age, and as a consequence, the net economic benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex Altamirano-Fernández
- Departamento de Matemática, Física y Estadística, Universidad Católica del Maule, Av San Miguel 3605, 3460000, Talca, Chile.
| | - Alejandro Rojas-Palma
- Departamento de Matemática, Física y Estadística, Universidad Católica del Maule, Av San Miguel 3605, 3460000, Talca, Chile
| | - Sergio Espinoza-Meza
- Departamento de Ciencias Forestales, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Av San Miguel 3605, 3460000, Talca, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
116
|
Kamal Z, Hekman EEG, Verkerke GJ. A combined musculoskeletal and finite element model of a foot to predict plantar pressure distribution. Biomed Phys Eng Express 2024; 10:035024. [PMID: 38277697 DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/ad233d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
In this study, a combined subject-specific numerical and experimental investigation was conducted to explore the plantar pressure of an individual. The research utilized finite element (FE) and musculoskeletal modelling based on computed tomography (CT) images of an ankle-foot complex and three-dimensional gait measurements. Muscle forces were estimated using an individualized multi-body musculoskeletal model in five gait phases. The results of the FE model and gait measurements for the same subject revealed the highest stress concentration of 0.48 MPa in the forefoot, which aligns with previously-reported clinical observations. Additionally, the study found that the encapsulated soft tissue FE model with hyper-elastic properties exhibited higher stresses compared to the model with linear-elastic properties, with maximum ratios of 1.16 and 1.88 MPa in the contact pressure and von-Mises stress, respectively. Furthermore, the numerical simulation demonstrated that the use of an individualized insole caused a reduction of 8.3% in the maximum contact plantar pressure and 14.7% in the maximum von-Mises stress in the encapsulated soft tissue. Overall, the developed model in this investigation holds potential for facilitating further studies on foot pathologies and the improvement of rehabilitation techniques in clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Kamal
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Edsko E G Hekman
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Gijsbertus J Verkerke
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
117
|
Wilson LN, Gardner JD, Wilson JP, Farnsworth A, Perry ZR, Druckenmiller PS, Erickson GM, Organ CL. Global latitudinal gradients and the evolution of body size in dinosaurs and mammals. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2864. [PMID: 38580657 PMCID: PMC10997647 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46843-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Global climate patterns fundamentally shape the distribution of species and ecosystems. For example, Bergmann's rule predicts that homeothermic animals, including birds and mammals, inhabiting cooler climates are generally larger than close relatives from warmer climates. The modern world, however, lacks the comparative data needed to evaluate such macroecological rules rigorously. Here, we test for Bergmann's rule in Mesozoic dinosaurs and mammaliaforms that radiated within relatively temperate global climate regimes. We develop a phylogenetic model that accounts for biases in the fossil record and allows for variable evolutionary dispersal rates. Our analysis also includes new fossil data from the extreme high-latitude Late Cretaceous Arctic Prince Creek Formation. We find no evidence for Bergmann's rule in Mesozoic dinosaurs or mammaliaforms, the ancestors of extant homeothermic birds and mammals. When our model is applied to thousands of extant dinosaur (bird) and mammal species, we find that body size evolution remains independent of latitude. A modest temperature effect is found in extant, but not in Mesozoic, birds, suggesting that body size evolution in modern birds was influenced by Bergmann's rule during Cenozoic climatic change. Our study provides a general approach for studying macroecological rules, highlighting the fossil record's power to address longstanding ecological principles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren N Wilson
- University of Alaska Museum, 1962 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks, AK, 99775, USA.
- Department of Geosciences, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK, 99775, USA.
| | - Jacob D Gardner
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6EX, UK.
| | - John P Wilson
- Department of Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59715, USA
| | - Alex Farnsworth
- School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol, University Road, Bristol, BS8 1RL, UK
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zackary R Perry
- University of Alaska Museum, 1962 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks, AK, 99775, USA
- Department of Geosciences, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK, 99775, USA
| | - Patrick S Druckenmiller
- University of Alaska Museum, 1962 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks, AK, 99775, USA
- Department of Geosciences, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK, 99775, USA
| | - Gregory M Erickson
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Chris L Organ
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6EX, UK.
- Department of Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59715, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
118
|
Brückner DB, Broedersz CP. Learning dynamical models of single and collective cell migration: a review. Rep Prog Phys 2024; 87:056601. [PMID: 38518358 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6633/ad36d2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Single and collective cell migration are fundamental processes critical for physiological phenomena ranging from embryonic development and immune response to wound healing and cancer metastasis. To understand cell migration from a physical perspective, a broad variety of models for the underlying physical mechanisms that govern cell motility have been developed. A key challenge in the development of such models is how to connect them to experimental observations, which often exhibit complex stochastic behaviours. In this review, we discuss recent advances in data-driven theoretical approaches that directly connect with experimental data to infer dynamical models of stochastic cell migration. Leveraging advances in nanofabrication, image analysis, and tracking technology, experimental studies now provide unprecedented large datasets on cellular dynamics. In parallel, theoretical efforts have been directed towards integrating such datasets into physical models from the single cell to the tissue scale with the aim of conceptualising the emergent behaviour of cells. We first review how this inference problem has been addressed in both freely migrating and confined cells. Next, we discuss why these dynamics typically take the form of underdamped stochastic equations of motion, and how such equations can be inferred from data. We then review applications of data-driven inference and machine learning approaches to heterogeneity in cell behaviour, subcellular degrees of freedom, and to the collective dynamics of multicellular systems. Across these applications, we emphasise how data-driven methods can be integrated with physical active matter models of migrating cells, and help reveal how underlying molecular mechanisms control cell behaviour. Together, these data-driven approaches are a promising avenue for building physical models of cell migration directly from experimental data, and for providing conceptual links between different length-scales of description.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David B Brückner
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Chase P Broedersz
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Arnold Sommerfeld Center for Theoretical Physics and Center for NanoScience, Department of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, Theresienstr. 37, D-80333 Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
119
|
Khan SU, Ullah S, Li S, Mostafa AM, Bilal Riaz M, AlQahtani NF, Teklu SW. A novel simulation-based analysis of a stochastic HIV model with the time delay using high order spectral collocation technique. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7961. [PMID: 38575653 PMCID: PMC10994949 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57073-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The economic impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) goes beyond individual levels and it has a significant influence on communities and nations worldwide. Studying the transmission patterns in HIV dynamics is crucial for understanding the tracking behavior and informing policymakers about the possible control of this viral infection. Various approaches have been adopted to explore how the virus interacts with the immune system. Models involving differential equations with delays have become prevalent across various scientific and technical domains over the past few decades. In this study, we present a novel mathematical model comprising a system of delay differential equations to describe the dynamics of intramural HIV infection. The model characterizes three distinct cell sub-populations and the HIV virus. By incorporating time delay between the viral entry into target cells and the subsequent production of new virions, our model provides a comprehensive understanding of the infection process. Our study focuses on investigating the stability of two crucial equilibrium states the infection-free and endemic equilibriums. To analyze the infection-free equilibrium, we utilize the LaSalle invariance principle. Further, we prove that if reproduction is less than unity, the disease free equilibrium is locally and globally asymptotically stable. To ensure numerical accuracy and preservation of essential properties from the continuous mathematical model, we use a spectral scheme having a higher-order accuracy. This scheme effectively captures the underlying dynamics and enables efficient numerical simulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sami Ullah Khan
- Department of Mathematics, City University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar, KP, 25000, Pakistan
| | - Saif Ullah
- Department of Mathematics, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, KP, 25000, Pakistan
| | - Shuo Li
- School of Mathematics and Data Sciences, Changji University, Changji, Xinjiang, 831100, People's Republic of China.
| | - Almetwally M Mostafa
- Department of Information Systems, College of Computers and Information Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Bilal Riaz
- IT4Innovations, VSB- Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Nouf F AlQahtani
- IS Department, College of Education, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shewafera Wondimagegnhu Teklu
- Department of Mathematics, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Debre Berhan University, 445, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia.
| |
Collapse
|
120
|
Kowthavarapu VK, Charbe NB, Gupta C, Iakovleva T, Stillhart C, Parrott NJ, Schmidt S, Cristofoletti R. Mechanistic Modeling of In Vitro Biopharmaceutic Data for a Weak Acid Drug: A Pathway Towards Deriving Fundamental Parameters for Physiologically Based Biopharmaceutic Modeling. AAPS J 2024; 26:44. [PMID: 38575716 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-024-00912-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanistic modeling of in vitro experiments using metabolic enzyme systems enables the extrapolation of metabolic clearance for in vitro-in vivo predictions. This is particularly important for successful clearance predictions using physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling. The concept of mechanistic modeling can also be extended to biopharmaceutics, where in vitro data is used to predict the in vivo pharmacokinetic profile of the drug. This approach further allows for the identification of parameters that are critical for oral drug absorption in vivo. However, the routine use of this analysis approach has been hindered by the lack of an integrated analysis workflow. The objective of this tutorial is to (1) review processes and parameters contributing to oral drug absorption in increasing levels of complexity, (2) outline a general physiologically based biopharmaceutic modeling workflow for weak acids, and (3) illustrate the outlined concepts via an ibuprofen (i.e., a weak, poorly soluble acid) case example in order to provide practical guidance on how to integrate biopharmaceutic and physiological data to better understand oral drug absorption. In the future, we plan to explore the usefulness of this tutorial/roadmap to inform the development of PBPK models for BCS 2 weak bases, by expanding the stepwise modeling approach to accommodate more intricate scenarios, including the presence of diprotic basic compounds and acidifying agents within the formulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Venkata Krishna Kowthavarapu
- Center for Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutics Lake Nona (Orlando), College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 6550 Sanger Road, Office 467, Orlando, Florida, 32827, USA
| | - Nitin Bharat Charbe
- Center for Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutics Lake Nona (Orlando), College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 6550 Sanger Road, Office 467, Orlando, Florida, 32827, USA
| | - Churni Gupta
- Center for Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutics Lake Nona (Orlando), College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 6550 Sanger Road, Office 467, Orlando, Florida, 32827, USA
| | - Tatiana Iakovleva
- Center for Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutics Lake Nona (Orlando), College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 6550 Sanger Road, Office 467, Orlando, Florida, 32827, USA
| | - Cordula Stillhart
- Pharmaceutical Research & Development, Formulation & Process Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Neil John Parrott
- Pharmaceutical Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Schmidt
- Center for Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutics Lake Nona (Orlando), College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 6550 Sanger Road, Office 467, Orlando, Florida, 32827, USA
| | - Rodrigo Cristofoletti
- Center for Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutics Lake Nona (Orlando), College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 6550 Sanger Road, Office 467, Orlando, Florida, 32827, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
121
|
Bozonnet C, Saudreau M, Badel E, Charrier G, Améglio T. On the mechanism for winter stem pressure build-up in walnut trees. Tree Physiol 2024; 44:tpae037. [PMID: 38531772 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpae037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Xylem embolism is a significant factor in tree mortality. Restoration of hydraulic conductivity after massive embolization of the vascular system requires the application of positive pressure to the vessels and/or the creation of new conductive elements. Some species generate positive pressure from the root system to propagate pressure in distal, aboveground organs in spring, whereas other species generate positive pressure locally at the stem level during winter. We provide a mechanistic explanation for winter stem pressure build-up in the walnut tree. We have developed a physical model that accounts for temperature fluctuations and phase transitions. This model is based on the exchange of water and sugars between living cells and vessels. Our computations demonstrate that vessel pressurization can be attributed to the transfer of water between vessels across the parenchyma rays, which is facilitated by a radial imbalance in sugar concentration. The ability to dispose of soluble sugars in living cells, and to transport them between living cells and up to the vessels, is identified as the main drivers of stem pressure build-up in the walnut tree.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Bozonnet
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, PIAF, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marc Saudreau
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, PIAF, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Eric Badel
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, PIAF, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Guillaume Charrier
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, PIAF, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Thierry Améglio
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, PIAF, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| |
Collapse
|
122
|
Xu S, Esmaeili S, Cardozo-Ojeda EF, Goyal A, White JM, Polyak SJ, Schiffer JT. Two-way pharmacodynamic modeling of drug combinations and its application to pairs of repurposed Ebola and SARS-CoV-2 agents. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0101523. [PMID: 38470112 PMCID: PMC10989026 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01015-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Existing pharmacodynamic (PD) mathematical models for drug combinations discriminate antagonistic, additive, multiplicative, and synergistic effects, but fail to consider how concentration-dependent drug interaction effects may vary across an entire dose-response matrix. We developed a two-way pharmacodynamic (TWPD) model to capture the PD of two-drug combinations. TWPD captures interactions between upstream and downstream drugs that act on different stages of viral replication, by quantifying upstream drug efficacy and concentration-dependent effects on downstream drug pharmacodynamic parameters. We applied TWPD to previously published in vitro drug matrixes for repurposed potential anti-Ebola and anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug pairs. Depending on the drug pairing, the model recapitulated combined efficacies as or more accurately than existing models and can be used to infer efficacy at untested drug concentrations. TWPD fits the data slightly better in one direction for all drug pairs, meaning that we can tentatively infer the upstream drug. Based on its high accuracy, TWPD could be used in concert with PK models to estimate the therapeutic effects of drug pairs in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Xu
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Shadisadat Esmaeili
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - E. Fabian Cardozo-Ojeda
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ashish Goyal
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Judith M. White
- Department of Microbiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Stephen J. Polyak
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Joshua T. Schiffer
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
123
|
Bamford C, Swiney P, Nix J, Hedrick TL, Raghav V. Aerodynamic response of a red-tailed hawk to discrete transverse gusts. Bioinspir Biomim 2024; 19:036011. [PMID: 38467074 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ad3264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
A limiting factor in the design of smaller size uncrewed aerial vehicles is their inability to navigate through gust-laden environments. As a result, engineers have turned towards bio-inspired engineering approaches for gust mitigation techniques. In this study, the aerodynamics of a red-tailed hawk's response to variable-magnitude discrete transverse gusts was investigated. The hawk was flown in an indoor flight arena instrumented by multiple high-speed cameras to quantify the 3D motion of the bird as it navigated through the gust. The hawk maintained its flapping motion across the gust in all runs; however, it encountered the gust at different points in the flapping pattern depending on the run and gust magnitude. The hawk responded with a downwards pitching motion of the wing, decreasing the wing pitch angle to between -20∘and -5∘, and remained in this configuration until gust exit. The wing pitch data was then applied to a lower-order aerodynamic model that estimated lift coefficients across the wing. In gusts slower than the forward flight velocity (low gust ratio), the lift coefficient increases at a low-rate, to a maximum of around 2-2.5. In gusts faster than the forward flight velocity (high gust ratio), the lift coefficient initially increased rapidly, before increasing at a low-rate to a value around 4-5. In both regimes, the hawk's observed height change due to gust interaction was similar (and small), despite larger estimated lift coefficients over the high gust regime. This suggests another mitigation factor apart from the wing response is present. One potential factor is the tail pitching response observed here, which prior work has shown serves to mitigate pitch disturbances from gusts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colin Bamford
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America
| | - Paul Swiney
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America
| | - Jack Nix
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America
| | - Tyson L Hedrick
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Vrishank Raghav
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
124
|
Markovitch O, Wu J, Otto S. Binding of Precursors to Replicator Assemblies Can Improve Replication Fidelity and Mediate Error Correction. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202317997. [PMID: 38380789 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202317997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Copying information is vital for life's propagation. Current life forms maintain a low error rate in replication, using complex machinery to prevent and correct errors. However, primitive life had to deal with higher error rates, limiting its ability to evolve. Discovering mechanisms to reduce errors would alleviate this constraint. Here, we introduce a new mechanism that decreases error rates and corrects errors in synthetic self-replicating systems driven by self-assembly. Previous work showed that macrocycle replication occurs through the accumulation of precursor material on the sides of the fibrous replicator assemblies. Stochastic simulations now reveal that selective precursor binding to the fiber surface enhances replication fidelity and error correction. Centrifugation experiments show that replicator fibers can exhibit the necessary selectivity in precursor binding. Our results suggest that synthetic replicator systems are more evolvable than previously thought, encouraging further evolution-focused experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omer Markovitch
- Stratingh Institute, Centre for Systems Chemistry, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Juntian Wu
- Stratingh Institute, Centre for Systems Chemistry, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sijbren Otto
- Stratingh Institute, Centre for Systems Chemistry, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
125
|
Ponmozhi J, Dhinakaran S, Kocsis D, Iván K, Erdő F. Models for barrier understanding in health and disease in lab-on-a-chips. Tissue Barriers 2024; 12:2221632. [PMID: 37294075 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2023.2221632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The maintenance of body homeostasis relies heavily on physiological barriers. Dysfunction of these barriers can lead to various pathological processes, including increased exposure to toxic materials and microorganisms. Various methods exist to investigate barrier function in vivo and in vitro. To investigate barrier function in a highly reproducible manner, ethically, and high throughput, researchers have turned to non-animal techniques and micro-scale technologies. In this comprehensive review, the authors summarize the current applications of organ-on-a-chip microfluidic devices in the study of physiological barriers. The review covers the blood-brain barrier, ocular barriers, dermal barrier, respiratory barriers, intestinal, hepatobiliary, and renal/bladder barriers under both healthy and pathological conditions. The article then briefly presents placental/vaginal, and tumour/multi-organ barriers in organ-on-a-chip devices. Finally, the review discusses Computational Fluid Dynamics in microfluidic systems that integrate biological barriers. This article provides a concise yet informative overview of the current state-of-the-art in barrier studies using microfluidic devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Ponmozhi
- Microfluidics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IPS Academy-Institute of Engineering Science, Indore, India
| | - S Dhinakaran
- The Centre for Fluid Dynamics, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, India
| | - Dorottya Kocsis
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kristóf Iván
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Franciska Erdő
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
126
|
Wittmann L, Kuehn C. The Demographic-Wealth model for cliodynamics. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298318. [PMID: 38564574 PMCID: PMC10986950 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cliodynamics is a still a relatively new research area with the purpose of investigating and modelling historical processes. One of its first important mathematical models was proposed by Turchin and called "Demographic-Fiscal Model" (DFM). This DFM was one of the first and is one of a few models that link population with state dynamics. In this work, we propose a possible alternative to the classical Turchin DFM, which contributes to further model development and comparison essential for the field of cliodynamics. Our "Demographic-Wealth Model" (DWM) aims to also model link between population and state dynamics but makes different modelling assumptions, particularly about the type of possible taxation. As an important contribution, we employ tools from nonlinear dynamics, e.g., existence theory for periodic orbits as well as analytical and numerical bifurcation analysis, to analyze the DWM. We believe that these tools can also be helpful for many other current and future models in cliodynamics. One particular focus of our analysis is the occurrence of Hopf bifurcations. Therefore, a detailed analysis is developed regarding equilibria and their possible bifurcations. Especially noticeable is the behavior of the so-called coexistence point. While changing different parameters, a variety of Hopf bifurcations occur. In addition, it is indicated, what role Hopf bifurcations may play in the interplay between population and state dynamics. There are critical values of different parameters that yield periodic behavior and limit cycles when exceeded, similar to the "paradox of enrichment" known in ecology. This means that the DWM provides one possible avenue setup to explain in a simple format the existence of secular cycles, which have been observed in historical data. In summary, our model aims to balance simplicity, linking to the underlying processes and the goal to represent secular cycles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Wittmann
- Department of Mathematics, School of Computation Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Christian Kuehn
- Department of Mathematics, School of Computation Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
127
|
Ben-Ami Y, Pitt-Francis JM, Maini PK, Byrne HM. Using a probabilistic approach to derive a two-phase model of flow-induced cell migration. Biophys J 2024; 123:799-813. [PMID: 38414238 PMCID: PMC10995429 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Interstitial fluid flow is a feature of many solid tumors. In vitro experiments have shown that such fluid flow can direct tumor cell movement upstream or downstream depending on the balance between the competing mechanisms of tensotaxis (cell migration up stress gradients) and autologous chemotaxis (downstream cell movement in response to flow-induced gradients of self-secreted chemoattractants). In this work we develop a probabilistic-continuum, two-phase model for cell migration in response to interstitial flow. We use a kinetic description for the cell velocity probability density function, and model the flow-dependent mechanical and chemical stimuli as forcing terms that bias cell migration upstream and downstream. Using velocity-space averaging, we reformulate the model as a system of continuum equations for the spatiotemporal evolution of the cell volume fraction and flux in response to forcing terms that depend on the local direction and magnitude of the mechanochemical cues. We specialize our model to describe a one-dimensional cell layer subject to fluid flow. Using a combination of numerical simulations and asymptotic analysis, we delineate the parameter regime where transitions from downstream to upstream cell migration occur. As has been observed experimentally, the model predicts downstream-oriented chemotactic migration at low cell volume fractions, and upstream-oriented tensotactic migration at larger volume fractions. We show that the locus of the critical volume fraction, at which the system transitions from downstream to upstream migration, is dominated by the ratio of the rate of chemokine secretion and advection. Our model also predicts that, because the tensotactic stimulus depends strongly on the cell volume fraction, upstream, tensotaxis-dominated migration occurs only transiently when the cells are initially seeded, and transitions to downstream, chemotaxis-dominated migration occur at later times due to the dispersive effect of cell diffusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaron Ben-Ami
- Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | | | - Philip K Maini
- Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Helen M Byrne
- Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
128
|
Mahout M, Carlson RP, Simon L, Peres S. Logic programming-based Minimal Cut Sets reveal consortium-level therapeutic targets for chronic wound infections. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2024; 10:34. [PMID: 38565568 PMCID: PMC10987626 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-024-00360-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Minimal Cut Sets (MCSs) identify sets of reactions which, when removed from a metabolic network, disable certain cellular functions. The traditional search for MCSs within genome-scale metabolic models (GSMMs) targets cellular growth, identifies reaction sets resulting in a lethal phenotype if disrupted, and retrieves a list of corresponding gene, mRNA, or enzyme targets. Using the dual link between MCSs and Elementary Flux Modes (EFMs), our logic programming-based tool aspefm was able to compute MCSs of any size from GSMMs in acceptable run times. The tool demonstrated better performance when computing large-sized MCSs than the mixed-integer linear programming methods. We applied the new MCSs methodology to a medically-relevant consortium model of two cross-feeding bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. aspefm constraints were used to bias the computation of MCSs toward exchanged metabolites that could complement lethal phenotypes in individual species. We found that interspecies metabolite exchanges could play an essential role in rescuing single-species growth, for instance inosine could complement lethal reaction knock-outs in the purine synthesis, glycolysis, and pentose phosphate pathways of both bacteria. Finally, MCSs were used to derive a list of promising enzyme targets for consortium-level therapeutic applications that cannot be circumvented via interspecies metabolite exchange.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Mahout
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Sciences du Numérique, 91405, Orsay, France
| | - Ross P Carlson
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Center for Biofilm Engineering, Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
| | - Laurent Simon
- Bordeaux-INP, Université Bordeaux, LaBRI, 33405, Talence Cedex, France
| | - Sabine Peres
- UMR CNRS 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et de Biologie Évolutive, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100, Villeurbanne, France.
- INRIA Lyon Centre, 69100, Villeurbanne, France.
| |
Collapse
|
129
|
Watson BE, Miles JA, Moss MA. Human in vitro blood barrier models: architectures and applications. Tissue Barriers 2024; 12:2222628. [PMID: 37339009 PMCID: PMC11042067 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2023.2222628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood barriers serve as key points of transport for essential molecules as well as lines of defense to protect against toxins. In vitro modeling of these barriers is common practice in the study of their physiology and related diseases. This review describes a common method of using an adaptable, low cost, semipermeable, suspended membrane to experimentally model three blood barriers in the human body: the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the gut-blood barrier (GBB), and the air-blood barrier (ABB). The GBB and ABB both protect from the outside environment, while the BBB protects the central nervous system from potential neurotoxic agents in the blood. These barriers share several commonalities, including the formation of tight junctions, polarized cellular monolayers, and circulatory system contact. Cell architectures used to mimic barrier anatomy as well as applications to study function, dysfunction, and response provide an overview of the versatility enabled by these cultural systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia A. Miles
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Univ of South Carolina, Columbia, SCUSA
| | - Melissa A. Moss
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Univ of South Carolina, Columbia, SCUSA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Univ of South Carolina, Columbia, SCUSA
| |
Collapse
|
130
|
Hughes EH, Moyers-Gonzalez M, Murray R, Wilson PL. Partial differential equation models for invasive species spread in the presence of spatial heterogeneity. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300968. [PMID: 38564572 PMCID: PMC10986974 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Models of invasive species spread often assume that landscapes are spatially homogeneous; thus simplifying analysis but potentially reducing accuracy. We extend a recently developed partial differential equation model for invasive conifer spread to account for spatial heterogeneity in parameter values and introduce a method to obtain key outputs (e.g. spread rates) from computational simulations. Simulations produce patterns of spatial spread which appear qualitatively similar to observed patterns in grassland ecosystems invaded by exotic conifers, validating our spatially explicit strategy. We find that incorporating spatial variation in different parameters does not significantly affect the evolution of invasions (which are characterised by a long quiescent period followed by rapid evolution towards to a constant rate of invasion) but that distributional assumptions can have a significant impact on the spread rate of invasions. Our work demonstrates that spatial variation in site-suitability or other parameters can have a significant impact on invasions and must be considered when designing models of invasive species spread.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elliott H. Hughes
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Miguel Moyers-Gonzalez
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Rua Murray
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Phillip L. Wilson
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Te Pūnaha Matatini Centre of Research Excellence, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
131
|
Chen Y, Gustafsson J, Yang J, Nielsen J, Kerkhoven EJ. Single-cell omics analysis with genome-scale metabolic modeling. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 86:103078. [PMID: 38359604 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Single-cell technologies have been widely used in biological studies and generated a plethora of single-cell data to be interpreted. Due to the inclusion of the priori metabolic network knowledge as well as gene-protein-reaction associations, genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) have been a powerful tool to integrate and thereby interpret various omics data mostly from bulk samples. Here, we first review two common ways to leverage bulk omics data with GEMs and then discuss advances on integrative analysis of single-cell omics data with GEMs. We end by presenting our views on current challenges and perspectives in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Johan Gustafsson
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jingyu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jens Nielsen
- Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden; BioInnovation Institute, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eduard J Kerkhoven
- Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden; Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technology University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark; SciLifeLab, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
132
|
Yan Z, Ma L, Carione P, Huang J, Hwang N, Kenny JR, Hop CECA. Introducing the Dynamic Well-Stirred Model for Predicting Hepatic Clearance and Extraction Ratio. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:1094-1112. [PMID: 38220087 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The well-stirred model (WSM) incorporating the fraction of unbound drug (fu) to account for the effect of plasma binding on intrinsic clearance has been widely used for predicting hepatic clearance under the assumption that drug protein binding reaches equilibrium instantaneously. Our theoretical analysis reveals that the effect of protein binding on intrinsic clearance is better accounted for with the dynamic free fraction (fD), a measure of drug protein binding affinity, which leads to a putative dynamic well-stirred model (dWSM) without the instantaneous equilibrium assumption. Using recombinant CYP3A4 as the in vitro clearance system, we demonstrate that the binding effect of albumin on the intrinsic clearance of both highly bound midazolam and highly free verapamil is fully corrected by their corresponding fD values, respectively. On the other hand, fu only corrects the binding effect of albumin on the intrinsic clearance of verapamil, and yields severe over-correction of the intrinsic clearance of midazolam. The results suggest that the traditional WSM is suitable for highly free drugs like verapamil but not necessarily for highly bound drugs such as midazolam due to the violation of the instantaneous equilibrium assumption or under-estimating the true free drug concentration. In comparison, the dWSM incorporating fD holds true as long as drug elimination follows steady-state kinetics, and hence, it is more broadly applicable to drugs with different protein binding characteristics. Here we demonstrate with 36 diverse drugs, that the dWSM significantly improves the accuracy of predicting human hepatic clearance and liver extraction ratio from in vitro microsomal clearance data, highlighting the importance of drug plasma protein binding kinetics in addressing the under-prediction of hepatic clearance by the WSM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyin Yan
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Pasquale Carione
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Julie Huang
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Nicky Hwang
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Jane R Kenny
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Cornelis E C A Hop
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| |
Collapse
|
133
|
Vo Q, Benam KH. Advancements in preclinical human-relevant modeling of pulmonary vasculature on-chip. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 195:106709. [PMID: 38246431 PMCID: PMC10939731 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Preclinical human-relevant modeling of organ-specific vasculature offers a unique opportunity to recreate pathophysiological intercellular, tissue-tissue, and cell-matrix interactions for a broad range of applications. Lung vasculature is particularly important due to its involvement in genesis and progression of rare, debilitating disorders as well as common chronic pathologies. Here, we provide an overview of the latest advances in the development of pulmonary vascular (PV) models using emerging microfluidic tissue engineering technology Organs-on-Chips (so-called PV-Chips). We first review the currently reported PV-Chip systems and their key features, and then critically discuss their major limitations in reproducing in vivo-seen and disease-relevant cellularity, localization, and microstructure. We conclude by presenting latest efforts to overcome such technical and biological limitations and future directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quoc Vo
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kambez H Benam
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA; Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
134
|
Janssen A, Smalbil L, Bennis FC, Cnossen MH, Mathôt RAA. A Generative and Causal Pharmacokinetic Model for Factor VIII in Hemophilia A: A Machine Learning Framework for Continuous Model Refinement. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2024; 115:881-889. [PMID: 38372445 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.3203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
In rare diseases, such as hemophilia A, the development of accurate population pharmacokinetic (PK) models is often hindered by the limited availability of data. Most PK models are specific to a single recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) concentrate or measurement assay, and are generally unsuited for answering counterfactual ("what-if") queries. Ideally, data from multiple hemophilia treatment centers are combined but this is generally difficult as patient data are kept private. In this work, we utilize causal inference techniques to produce a hybrid machine learning (ML) PK model that corrects for differences between rFVIII concentrates and measurement assays. Next, we augment this model with a generative model that can simulate realistic virtual patients as well as impute missing data. This model can be shared instead of actual patient data, resolving privacy issues. The hybrid ML-PK model was trained on chromogenic assay data of lonoctocog alfa and predictive performance was then evaluated on an external data set of patients who received octocog alfa with FVIII levels measured using the one-stage assay. The model presented higher accuracy compared with three previous PK models developed on data similar to the external data set (root mean squared error = 14.6 IU/dL vs. mean of 17.7 IU/dL). Finally, we show that the generative model can be used to accurately impute missing data (< 18% error). In conclusion, the proposed approach introduces interesting new possibilities for model development. In the context of rare disease, the introduction of generative models facilitates sharing of synthetic data, enabling the iterative improvement of population PK models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Janssen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Pharmacy, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Louk Smalbil
- Quantitative Data Analytics Group, Department of Computer Science, VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank C Bennis
- Follow Me & Emma Neuroscience Group, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjon H Cnossen
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ron A A Mathôt
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Pharmacy, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
135
|
Barabás G. Parameter Sensitivity of Transient Community Dynamics. Am Nat 2024; 203:473-489. [PMID: 38489777 DOI: 10.1086/728764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
AbstractTransient dynamics have always intrigued ecologists, but current rapid environmental change (inducing transients even in previously undisturbed systems) has highlighted their importance more than ever. Here, I introduce a method for analyzing the sensitivity of transient ecological dynamics to parameter perturbations. The question the method answers is: how would the community dynamics have unfolded for some time horizon had the parameters been slightly different? I apply the method to three empirically parameterized models: competition between native forbs and exotic grasses in California, a host-parasitoid system, and an experimental chemostat predator-prey model. These applications showcase the ecological insights one can gain from models using transient sensitivity analysis. First, one can find parameters and their combinations whose perturbations disproportionately affect a system. Second, one can identify particular windows of time during which the predicted deviation from the unperturbed trajectories is especially large and utilize this information for management purposes. Third, there is an inverse relationship between transient and long-term sensitivities whenever the interacting populations are ecologically similar; paradoxically, the smaller the immediate response of the system, the more extreme its long-term response will be.
Collapse
|
136
|
Maleki F, Clark E, Banfield C, Byon W, Nicholas T. Population pharmacokinetic modeling of oral brepocitinib in healthy volunteers and patients with immuno-inflammatory diseases. CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol 2024; 13:551-562. [PMID: 38332554 PMCID: PMC11015086 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.13100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of this population pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis was to characterize the concentration-time profile of brepocitinib plasma concentration after single- and multiple-oral administration in healthy volunteers (HVs) and patients with immuno-inflammatory diseases. Blood samples from phase I HV and phase II clinical studies of patients with alopecia areata, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis (UC), vitiligo, and hidradenitis suppurativa were analyzed using a nonlinear mixed-effects modeling approach. Effects of patients' characteristics on brepocitinib exposure were investigated. Overall, 8552 brepocitinib plasma concentrations from 775 individuals were included in the analysis. The PKs of brepocitinib were adequately described by a two-compartment model with first-order absorption and a lag time for tablet formulation, dose-dependent bioavailability, and Box-Cox transformed interindividual variabilities on apparent clearance (CL/F) and apparent central volume of distribution (Vc/F). For a typical 70-kg non-Asian female patient with baseline aspartate aminotransferase of 22 unit/liter, CL/F and Vc/F estimates were 17.5 L/h and 88.5 L, respectively. Asians had a higher exposure (independent of body weight), caused by a 10% lower CL/F when compared to other individuals. Independent of baseline body weight, the male population showed 13% higher Vc/F compared to the female population. Patients with UC were predicted to have 46% slower absorption rate compared to other individuals. The PKs of brepocitinib were well-characterized by a two-compartment model with first-order absorption and dose-dependent bioavailability. Several covariates, such as race and sex, were identified to have statistically significant, but not clinically meaningful, effects on the estimated PK parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Maleki
- Clinical Pharmacology and Bioanalytics, Worldwide Research, Development and MedicalPfizer Inc.CambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | - Elias Clark
- Department of MathematicsUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Christopher Banfield
- Clinical Pharmacology and Bioanalytics, Worldwide Research, Development and MedicalPfizer Inc.CambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Timothy Nicholas
- Clinical Pharmacology and Bioanalytics, Worldwide Research, Development and MedicalPfizer IncGrotonConnecticutUSA
| |
Collapse
|
137
|
Runser S, Vetter R, Iber D. SimuCell3D: three-dimensional simulation of tissue mechanics with cell polarization. Nat Comput Sci 2024; 4:299-309. [PMID: 38594592 PMCID: PMC11052725 DOI: 10.1038/s43588-024-00620-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
The three-dimensional (3D) organization of cells determines tissue function and integrity, and changes markedly in development and disease. Cell-based simulations have long been used to define the underlying mechanical principles. However, high computational costs have so far limited simulations to either simplified cell geometries or small tissue patches. Here, we present SimuCell3D, an efficient open-source program to simulate large tissues in three dimensions with subcellular resolution, growth, proliferation, extracellular matrix, fluid cavities, nuclei and non-uniform mechanical properties, as found in polarized epithelia. Spheroids, vesicles, sheets, tubes and other tissue geometries can readily be imported from microscopy images and simulated to infer biomechanical parameters. Doing so, we show that 3D cell shapes in layered and pseudostratified epithelia are largely governed by a competition between surface tension and intercellular adhesion. SimuCell3D enables the large-scale in silico study of 3D tissue organization in development and disease at a great level of detail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steve Runser
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE), ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Roman Vetter
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE), ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dagmar Iber
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE), ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland.
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
138
|
Peifer M, Dunn AR. Bill Weis (1959-2023): Pioneering structural biologist and biochemist who revolutionized our understanding of cell adhesion and Wnt signaling. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202402091. [PMID: 38393069 PMCID: PMC10890921 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202402091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In October 2023, cell biology lost one of its brightest stars, Bill Weis, gone too soon at the age of 64. Bill was a masterful biochemist and structural biologist who made landmark contributions to a remarkable number of fields, most notably cell–cell adhesion, Wnt signaling, and signaling by G-protein coupled receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Peifer
- Department of Biology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alexander R. Dunn
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
139
|
Calabrese EJ, Pressman P, Hayes AW, Kapoor R, Dhawan G, Agathokleous E, Calabrese V. Taurine induces hormesis in multiple biological models: May have transformative implications for overall societal health. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 392:110930. [PMID: 38432405 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.110930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
This paper represents the first integrative assessment and documentation of taurine-induced hormetic effects in the biological and biomedical areas, their dose response features, mechanistic frameworks, and possible public health, therapeutic and commercial applications. Taurine-induced hormetic effects are documented in a wide range of experimental models, cell types and for numerous biological endpoints, with most of these experimental findings being reported within the past five years. It is suggested that the concept of hormesis may have a transformative effect on taurine research and its public health and therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Calabrese
- School of Public Health and Health Sciences, Department of Environmental Health, Morrill I-N344, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
| | - Peter Pressman
- University of Maine, 5728 Fernald Hall, Room 201, Orono, ME, 04469, USA.
| | - A Wallace Hayes
- Center for Environmental Occupational Risk Analysis and Management, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
| | - Rachna Kapoor
- Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Hartford, CT, USA.
| | - Gaurav Dhawan
- Sri Guru Ram Das (SGRD), University of Health Sciences, Amritsar, India.
| | - Evgenios Agathokleous
- School of Ecology and Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China.
| | - Vittorio Calabrese
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, Catania, 95123, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
140
|
Amiel M, Ke A, Gelone SP, Jones HM, Wicha W. Physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modeling of the drug-drug interaction between ivacaftor and lefamulin in cystic fibrosis patients. CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol 2024; 13:589-598. [PMID: 38303579 PMCID: PMC11015074 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.13103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Lefamulin is being evaluated as a treatment for bacterial exacerbations in cystic fibrosis (CF). Ivacaftor is approved for the treatment of patients with CF. Lefamulin is a moderate CYP3A inhibitor and co-administration with ivacaftor may result in a drug-drug interaction (DDI). A CF population was built based on literature using the Simcyp Simulator. A previously developed and validated physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for ivacaftor was used. A PBPK model for lefamulin was developed and verified. Predicted concentrations and pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters for both ivacaftor and lefamulin in healthy subjects and patients with CF were in reasonable agreement with observed data (within 1.4-fold, majority within 1.25-fold). The lefamulin model as a CYP3A4 perpetrator was validated using a different Ki value for oral (p.o.) and intravenous (i.v.) routes. The simulated changes in area under the curve of ivacaftor in patients with CF when co-administered with p.o. and i.v. lefamulin were weak-to-moderate. The predicted change in ivacaftor PK when co-administered with oral lefamulin was less than observed between ivacaftor and fluconazole. These results suggest a low liability for a DDI between lefamulin and ivacaftor in patients with CF.
Collapse
|
141
|
Akpojevwe Abafe O, Harrad S, Abou-Elwafa Abdallah M. Assessment of human dermal absorption of flame retardant additives in polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics using 3D human skin equivalent models. Environ Int 2024; 186:108635. [PMID: 38631261 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
To overcome ethical and technical challenges impeding the study of human dermal uptake of chemical additives present in microplastics (MPs), we employed 3D human skin equivalent (3D-HSE) models to provide first insights into the dermal bioavailability of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDEs) present in MPs; and evaluated different factors influencing human percutaneous absorption of PBDEs under real-life exposure scenario. PBDEs were bioavailable to varying degrees (up to 8 % of the exposure dose) and percutaneous permeation was evident, albeit at low levels (≤0.1 % of the exposure dose). While the polymer type influenced the release of PBDEs from the studied MPs to the skin, the polymer type was less important in driving the percutaneous absorption of PBDEs. The absorbed fraction of PBDEs was strongly correlated (r2 = 0.88) with their water solubility, while the dermal permeation coefficient Papp of PBDEs showed strong association with their molecular weight and logKOW. More sweaty skin resulted in higher bioavailability of PBDEs from dermal contact with MPs than dry skin. Overall, percutaneous absorption of PBDEs upon skin contact with MPs was evident, highlighting, for the first time, the potential significance of the dermal pathway as an important route of human exposure to toxic additive chemicals in MPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ovokeroye Akpojevwe Abafe
- Division of Environmental Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, United Kingdom; School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
| | - Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
142
|
Campeau W, Simons AM, Stevens B. Intermittent Search, Not Strict Lévy Flight, Evolves under Relaxed Foraging Distribution Constraints. Am Nat 2024; 203:513-527. [PMID: 38489781 DOI: 10.1086/729220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
AbstractThe survival of an animal depends on its success as a forager, and understanding the adaptations that result in successful foraging strategies is an enduring endeavour of behavioral ecology. Random walks are one of the primary mathematical descriptions of foraging behavior. Power law distributions are often used to model random walks, as they can characterize a wide range of behaviors, including Lévy walks. Empirical evidence indicates the prevalence and efficiency of Lévy walks as a foraging strategy, and theoretical work suggests an evolutionary origin. However, previous evolutionary models have assumed a priori that move lengths are drawn from a power law or other families of distributions. Here, we remove this restriction with a model that allows for the evolution of any distribution. Instead of Lévy walks, our model unfailingly results in the evolution of intermittent search, a random walk composed of two disjoint modes-frequent localized walks and infrequent extensive moves-that consistently outcompeted Lévy walks. We also demonstrate that foraging using intermittent search may resemble a Lévy walk because of interactions with the resources within an environment. These extrinsically generated Lévy-like walks belie an underlying behavior and may explain the prevalence of Lévy walks reported in the literature.
Collapse
|
143
|
Watanabe A, Kotsuma M. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling to predict the clinical effect of azole antifungal agents as CYP3A inhibitors on azelnidipine pharmacokinetics. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2024; 55:101000. [PMID: 38458122 DOI: 10.1016/j.dmpk.2024.101000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
In this study, a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of the cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) substrate azelnidipine was developed using in vitro and clinical data to predict the effects of azole antifungals on azelnidipine pharmacokinetics. Modeling and simulations were conducted using the Simcyp™ PBPK simulator. The azelnidipine model consisted of a full PBPK model and a first-order absorption model. CYP3A was assumed as the only azelnidipine elimination route, and CYP3A clearance was optimized using the pharmacokinetic profile of single-dose 5-mg azelnidipine in healthy participants. The model reproduced the results of a clinical drug-drug interaction study and met validation criteria. PBPK model simulations using azole antifungals (itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, fluconazole, fosfluconazole) and azelnidipine or midazolam (CYP3A index substrate) were performed. Increases in the simulated area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero extrapolated to infinity with inhibitors were comparable between azelnidipine (range, 2.11-6.47) and midazolam (range, 2.26-9.22), demonstrating that azelnidipine is a sensitive CYP3A substrate. Increased azelnidipine plasma concentrations are expected when co-administered with azole antifungals, potentially affecting azelnidipine safety. These findings support the avoidance of azole antifungals in patients taking azelnidipine and demonstrate the utility of PBPK modeling to inform appropriate drug use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Watanabe
- Quantitative Clinical Pharmacology Department, Daiichi Sankyo, Co., Ltd., 1-2-58, Hiromachi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 140-8710, Japan.
| | - Masakatsu Kotsuma
- Quantitative Clinical Pharmacology Department, Daiichi Sankyo, Co., Ltd., 1-2-58, Hiromachi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 140-8710, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
144
|
Bowman C, Dolton M, Ma F, Cheeti S, Kuruvilla D, Sane R, Kassir N, Chen Y. Understanding CYP3A4 and P-gp mediated drug-drug interactions through PBPK modeling - Case example of pralsetinib. CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol 2024; 13:660-672. [PMID: 38481038 PMCID: PMC11015073 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.13114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pralsetinib, a potent and selective inhibitor of oncogenic RET fusion and RET mutant proteins, is a substrate of the drug metabolizing enzyme CYP3A4 and a substrate of the efflux transporter P-gp based on in vitro data. Therefore, its pharmacokinetics (PKs) may be affected by co-administration of potent CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers, P-gp inhibitors, and combined CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitors. With the frequent overlap between CYP3A4 and P-gp substrates/inhibitors, pralsetinib is a challenging and representative example of the need to more quantitatively characterize transporter-enzyme interplay. A physiologically-based PK (PBPK) model for pralsetinib was developed to understand the victim drug-drug interaction (DDI) risk for pralsetinib. The key parameters driving the magnitude of pralsetinib DDIs, the P-gp intrinsic clearance and the fraction metabolized by CYP3A4, were determined from PBPK simulations that best captured observed DDIs from three clinical studies. Sensitivity analyses and scenario simulations were also conducted to ensure these key parameters were determined with sound mechanistic rationale based on current knowledge, including the worst-case scenarios. The verified pralsetinib PBPK model was then applied to predict the effect of other inhibitors and inducers on the PKs of pralsetinib. This work highlights the challenges in understanding DDIs when enzyme-transporter interplay occurs, and demonstrates an important strategy for differentiating enzyme/transporter contributions to enable PBPK predictions for untested scenarios and to inform labeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fang Ma
- Genentech, Inc.South San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | | | | | - Rucha Sane
- Genentech, Inc.South San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Yuan Chen
- Genentech, Inc.South San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
145
|
Paliwal A, Jain S, Kumar S, Wal P, Khandai M, Khandige PS, Sadananda V, Anwer MK, Gulati M, Behl T, Srivastava S. Predictive Modelling in pharmacokinetics: from in-silico simulations to personalized medicine. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2024; 20:181-195. [PMID: 38480460 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2024.2330666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pharmacokinetic parameters assessment is a critical aspect of drug discovery and development, yet challenges persist due to limited training data. Despite advancements in machine learning and in-silico predictions, scarcity of data hampers accurate prediction of drug candidates' pharmacokinetic properties. AREAS COVERED The study highlights current developments in human pharmacokinetic prediction, talks about attempts to apply synthetic approaches for molecular design, and searches several databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The article stresses importance of rigorous analysis of machine learning model performance in assessing progress and explores molecular modeling (MM) techniques, descriptors, and mathematical approaches. Transitioning to clinical drug development, article highlights AI (Artificial Intelligence) based computer models optimizing trial design, patient selection, dosing strategies, and biomarker identification. In-silico models, including molecular interactomes and virtual patients, predict drug performance across diverse profiles, underlining the need to align model results with clinical studies for reliability. Specialized training for human specialists in navigating predictive models is deemed critical. Pharmacogenomics, integral to personalized medicine, utilizes predictive modeling to anticipate patient responses, contributing to more efficient healthcare system. Challenges in realizing potential of predictive modeling, including ethical considerations and data privacy concerns, are acknowledged. EXPERT OPINION AI models are crucial in drug development, optimizing trials, patient selection, dosing, and biomarker identification and hold promise for streamlining clinical investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ajita Paliwal
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Smita Jain
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali, India
| | - Sachin Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi, India
| | - Pranay Wal
- Department of Pharmacy, Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology, Pharmacy, Kanpur, India
| | - Madhusmruti Khandai
- Department of Pharmacy, Royal College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Berahmpur, India
| | - Prasanna Shama Khandige
- NGSM Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Manglauru, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Manglauru, India
| | - Vandana Sadananda
- AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, India
| | - Md Khalid Anwer
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Monica Gulati
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India
- ARCCIM, Health, University of Technology, Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Tapan Behl
- Amity School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amity University, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Shriyansh Srivastava
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, India
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
146
|
Sgariglia D, Carneiro FRG, Vidal de Carvalho LA, Pedreira CE, Carels N, da Silva FAB. Optimizing therapeutic targets for breast cancer using boolean network models. Comput Biol Chem 2024; 109:108022. [PMID: 38350182 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2024.108022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Studying gene regulatory networks associated with cancer provides valuable insights for therapeutic purposes, given that cancer is fundamentally a genetic disease. However, as the number of genes in the system increases, the complexity arising from the interconnections between network components grows exponentially. In this study, using Boolean logic to adjust the existing relationships between network components has facilitated simplifying the modeling process, enabling the generation of attractors that represent cell phenotypes based on breast cancer RNA-seq data. A key therapeutic objective is to guide cells, through targeted interventions, to transition from the current cancer attractor to a physiologically distinct attractor unrelated to cancer. To achieve this, we developed a computational method that identifies network nodes whose inhibition can facilitate the desired transition from one tumor attractor to another associated with apoptosis, leveraging transcriptomic data from cell lines. To validate the model, we utilized previously published in vitro experiments where the downregulation of specific proteins resulted in cell growth arrest and death of a breast cancer cell line. The method proposed in this manuscript combines diverse data sources, conducts structural network analysis, and incorporates relevant biological knowledge on apoptosis in cancer cells. This comprehensive approach aims to identify potential targets of significance for personalized medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Flavia Raquel Gonçalves Carneiro
- Center of Technological Development in Health (CDTS), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Program of Immunology and Tumor Biology, Brazilian National Cancer Institute(INCA), Rio de Janeiro 20231050, Brazil
| | | | | | - Nicolas Carels
- Platform of Biological System Modeling, Center of Technological Development in Health (CDTS), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
147
|
Gierig M, Tragoudas A, Haverich A, Wriggers P. Mechano-chemo-biological model of atherosclerosis formation based on the outside-in theory. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2024; 23:539-552. [PMID: 38141085 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-023-01790-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a disease in blood vessels that often results in plaque formation and lumen narrowing. It is an inflammatory response of the tissue caused by disruptions in the vessel wall nourishment. Blood vessels are nourished by nutrients originating from the blood of the lumen. In medium-sized and larger vessels, nutrients are additionally provided from outside through a network of capillaries called vasa vasorum. It has recently been hypothesized (Haverich in Circulation 135:205-207, 2017) that the root of atherosclerotic diseases is the malfunction of the vasa vasorum. This, so-called outside-in theory, is supported by a recently developed numerical model (Soleimani et al. in Arch Comput Methods Eng 28:4263-4282, 2021) accounting for the inflammation initiation in the adventitial layer of the blood vessel. Building on the previous findings, this work proposes an extended material model for atherosclerosis formation that is based on the outside-in theory. Beside the description of growth kinematics and nutrient diffusion, the roles of monocytes, macrophages, foam cells, smooth muscle cells and collagen are accounted for in a nonlinear continuum mechanics framework. Cells are activated due to a lack of vessel wall nourishment and proliferate, migrate, differentiate and synthesize collagen, leading to the formation of a plaque. Numerical studies show that the onset of atherosclerosis can qualitatively be reproduced and back the new theory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meike Gierig
- Institute of Continuum Mechanics, Leibniz University of Hannover, An der Universität 1, 30823, Garbsen, Germany
| | - Alexandros Tragoudas
- Institute of Continuum Mechanics, Leibniz University of Hannover, An der Universität 1, 30823, Garbsen, Germany
| | - Axel Haverich
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation, and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Wriggers
- Institute of Continuum Mechanics, Leibniz University of Hannover, An der Universität 1, 30823, Garbsen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
148
|
Chen CY, Lin Z. Exploring the potential and challenges of developing physiologically-based toxicokinetic models to support human health risk assessment of microplastic and nanoplastic particles. Environ Int 2024; 186:108617. [PMID: 38599027 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) pollution has emerged as a significant and widespread environmental issue. Humans are inevitably exposed to MPs and NPs via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contacts from various sources. However, mechanistic knowledge of their distribution, interaction, and potency in the body is still lacking. To address this knowledge gap, we have undertaken the task of elucidating the toxicokinetic (TK) behaviors of MPs and NPs, aiming to provide mechanistic information for constructing a conceptual physiologically based toxicokinetic (PBTK) model to support in silico modeling approaches. Our effort involved a thorough examination of the existing literature and data collation on the presence of MPs in the human body and in vitro/ex vivo/in vivo biodistribution across various cells and tissues. By comprehending the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion mechanisms of MPs and NPs in relation to their physicochemical attributes, we established a foundational understanding of the link between external exposure and internal tissue dosimetry. We observed that particle size and surface chemistry have been thoroughly explored in previous experimental studies. However, certain attributes, such as polymer type, shape, and biofilm/biocorona, warrant attention and further examination. We discussed the fundamental disparities in TK properties of MPs/NPs from those of engineered nanoparticles. We proposed a preliminary PBTK framework with several possible modeling approaches and discussed existing challenges for further investigation. Overall, this article provides a comprehensive compilation of existing TK data of MPs/NPs, a critical overview of TK processes and mechanisms, and proposes potential PBTK modeling approaches, particularly regarding their applicability to the human system, and outlines future perspectives for developing PBTK models and their integration into human health risk assessment of MPs and NPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Yun Chen
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States; Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, FL 32608, United States
| | - Zhoumeng Lin
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States; Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, FL 32608, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
149
|
Mughal S, Sabater-Arcis M, Artero R, Ramón-Azcón J, Fernández-Costa JM. Taurine activates the AKT-mTOR axis to restore muscle mass and contractile strength in human 3D in vitro models of steroid myopathy. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050540. [PMID: 38655653 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Steroid myopathy is a clinically challenging condition exacerbated by prolonged corticosteroid use or adrenal tumors. In this study, we engineered a functional three-dimensional (3D) in vitro skeletal muscle model to investigate steroid myopathy. By subjecting our bioengineered muscle tissues to dexamethasone treatment, we reproduced the molecular and functional aspects of this disease. Dexamethasone caused a substantial reduction in muscle force, myotube diameter and induced fatigue. We observed nuclear translocation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GCR) and activation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system within our model, suggesting their coordinated role in muscle atrophy. We then examined the therapeutic potential of taurine in our 3D model for steroid myopathy. Our findings revealed an upregulation of phosphorylated AKT by taurine, effectively countering the hyperactivation of the ubiquitin-proteasomal pathway. Importantly, we demonstrate that discontinuing corticosteroid treatment was insufficient to restore muscle mass and function. Taurine treatment, when administered concurrently with corticosteroids, notably enhanced contractile strength and protein turnover by upregulating the AKT-mTOR axis. Our model not only identifies a promising therapeutic target, but also suggests combinatorial treatment that may benefit individuals undergoing corticosteroid treatment or those diagnosed with adrenal tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheeza Mughal
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), C/Baldiri Reixac 10-12, E08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Sabater-Arcis
- University Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Dr Moliner 50, E46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
- Translational Genomics Group, Incliva Health Research Institute, Dr Moliner 50, E46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
- Joint Unit Incliva- CIPF, Dr Moliner 50, E46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ruben Artero
- University Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Dr Moliner 50, E46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
- Translational Genomics Group, Incliva Health Research Institute, Dr Moliner 50, E46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
- Joint Unit Incliva- CIPF, Dr Moliner 50, E46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Ramón-Azcón
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), C/Baldiri Reixac 10-12, E08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Reserca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Passeig de Lluís Companys, 23, E08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan M Fernández-Costa
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), C/Baldiri Reixac 10-12, E08028 Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
150
|
Chen S, Huang L, Huang W, Zheng Y, Shen L, Liu M, Chen W, Wu X. External Evaluation of Population Pharmacokinetic Models for High-Dose Methotrexate in Adult Patients with Hematological Tumors. J Clin Pharmacol 2024; 64:437-448. [PMID: 38081138 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.2392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Currently, numerous population pharmacokinetic (popPK) models for methotrexate (MTX) have been published for estimating PK parameters and variability. However, it is unclear whether the accuracy of these models is sufficient for clinical application. The aim of this study is to evaluate published models and assess their predictive performance according to the standards of scientific research. A total of 237 samples from 74 adult patients who underwent high-dose MTX (HDMTX) treatment at Shanghai Changzheng Hospital were collected. The software package NONMEM was used to perform an external evaluation for each model, including prediction-based diagnosis, simulation-based diagnosis, and Bayesian forecasting. The simulation-based diagnosis includes normalized prediction distribution error (NPDE) and visual predictive check (VPC). Following screening, 7 candidate models suitable for external validation were identified for comparison. However, none of these models exhibited excellent predictive performance. Bayesian simulation results indicated that the prediction precision and accuracy of all models significantly improved when incorporating prior concentration information. The published popPK models for MTX exhibit significant differences in their predictive performance, and none of the models were able to accurately predict MTX concentrations in our data set. Therefore, before adopting any model in clinical practice, extensive evaluation should be conducted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengyang Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Lifeng Huang
- National Drug Clinical Trial Institution, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Pudong New District, Shanghai, China
| | - Weikun Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - You Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Li Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, Suzhou Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Maobai Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Wansheng Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Technology Center, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuemei Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| |
Collapse
|