26 research outputs found
Mathematical methods for modeling the microcirculation
The microcirculation plays a major role in maintaining homeostasis in the body. Alterations or dysfunctions of the microcirculation can lead to several types of serious diseases. It is not surprising, then, that the microcirculation has been an object of intense theoretical and experimental study over the past few decades. Mathematical approaches offer a valuable method for quantifying the relationships between various mechanical, hemodynamic, and regulatory factors of the microcirculation and the pathophysiology of numerous diseases. This work provides an overview of several mathematical models that describe and investigate the many different aspects of the microcirculation, including geometry of the vascular bed, blood flow in the vascular networks, solute transport and delivery to the surrounding tissue, and vessel wall mechanics under passive and active stimuli. Representing relevant phenomena across multiple spatial scales remains a major challenge in modeling the microcirculation. Nevertheless, the depth and breadth of mathematical modeling with applications in the microcirculation is demonstrated in this work. A special emphasis is placed on models of the retinal circulation, including models that predict the influence of ocular hemodynamic alterations with the progression of ocular diseases such as glaucoma
Towards dynamical network biomarkers in neuromodulation of episodic migraine
Computational methods have complemented experimental and clinical
neursciences and led to improvements in our understanding of the nervous
systems in health and disease. In parallel, neuromodulation in form of electric
and magnetic stimulation is gaining increasing acceptance in chronic and
intractable diseases. In this paper, we firstly explore the relevant state of
the art in fusion of both developments towards translational computational
neuroscience. Then, we propose a strategy to employ the new theoretical concept
of dynamical network biomarkers (DNB) in episodic manifestations of chronic
disorders. In particular, as a first example, we introduce the use of
computational models in migraine and illustrate on the basis of this example
the potential of DNB as early-warning signals for neuromodulation in episodic
migraine.Comment: 13 pages, 5 figure
Windkessel modeling of the human arterial system
Cardiovascular diseases are a major concern of our society. Millions of patients all around the world are affected by disorders such as arrhythmias or atherosclerosis. Moreover, finding new diagnostic techniques and treatments is of increased difficulty due to the complexity of cardiovascular medicine. In this context, the upcoming generations of experts must be well prepared for overcoming such a challenge. This project aims to develop an educational tool that will allow students to improve their understanding on cardiovascular fluid mechanics and physiology and will allow them to gain practical experience before dealing with real patients. A system modelling the arterial system, available at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, is used for this purpose. The educational tool is composed by a theoretical simulation interface and an acquisition and control program, created using MATLAB, and a practical environment based on a physical pneumatic-hydraulic device. A laboratory practice for the students has been developed describing how to work with both platforms.Ingeniería Biomédic