Mathematical modelling of the human physiology
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Program
Publicerad
2020
Författare
Magnusson, Gustav
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
This master’s thesis is carried out within the field of systems biology and aims to
contribute to the advancement of mathematical modelling for human physiology.
This is important for many reasons, e.g. the potential reduction of animal testing.
The work consists of two related parts: firstly, the development of a new framework
for creating mathematical models to fulfill requirements of the Digital twin
project, an undertaking currently being performed by Gunnar Cedersund’s group at
Linköping University. The Digital twin project aims to produce a detailed computer
model of an individual person which can be tuned to their unique physiology, i.e.
a digital twin. This digital twin could then be used to improve patient compliance
and/or understanding by simulating the likely effects of a medical treatment, or to
make risk predictions for various diseases. The second part of the thesis revolves
around the development of a neurovascular coupling model. This model is used to
test the hypothesis that the post-stimulus response seen in a typical blood oxygen
level dependent signal, measured by a magnetic resonance imaging camera, is due
to a change in relative excitatory and inhibitory neural activity. This neurovascular
coupling model also serves as a test for the new modelling framework described
above.
A first version of a digital twin software, where the new modelling framework plays
a central role, was successfully completed and provides a solid foundation for further
development in the digital twin project. The neurovascular coupling model was successful
in showing the capabilities of this new modelling framework, however due to
concerns regarding its validity it cannot definitively support the neural hypothesis.
Instead, the model demonstrates the importance of thoroughly understanding the
underlying physiology in order to assess the legitimacy of a neurovascular coupling
model. This thesis has provided that understanding, and therefore can be viewed
as a good starting point for future efforts to model the neurovascular coupling phenomenon.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
mathematical modelling , systems biology , object-oriented modelling , neurovascular coupling , fMRI , BOLD