LICAMM Blood biomarkers for differentiation of stroke from mimics using a novel laser optical technique

Stroke is the second most common cause of mortality and the third most common cause of disability in the world. Despite advances in the field of neuroimaging, potential limitations such as lengthy procedure, costly equipment and image analysis variations have hampered their efficient use in acute stroke diagnosis and differentiation. A complimentary biomarker test to discriminate between stroke and stroke mimic will have the potential to be used for stroke management and treatment throughout the patient care pathways.

<p>The proposed multidisciplinary project aims to use a novel laser technology developed in our lab to detect and quantify a range of brain damage biomarkers in blood plasma/ serum obtained from people with stroke, and stroke mimics. Clinical and radiological data will be used to define cases and controls and compare against biomarker levels. The specific objectives are,</p> <ul> <li>To conjugate antibodies against biomarkers with Up-conversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) </li> <li>To detect, quantify serum biomarkers with the functionalised UCNP and assess the specificity and sensitivity ((limit of detection) of the technique.</li> <li>To quantify brain specific circulating biomarkers between acute stroke and stroke-mimics using the technique </li> <li>To correlate biomarker concentrations with stroke severity and functional stroke outcome.</li> </ul> <h4>References</h4> <ul> <li>Bsat, et al., (2021), Acute ischemic stroke biomarkers: a new era with diagnostic promise? Acute Med Surg, 8: e696. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/ams2.696">https://doi.org/10.1002/ams2.696</a></li> <li>Bustamante et al., (2017) Blood Biomarkers for the Early Diagnosis of Stroke<br /> The Stroke-Chip Study, Stroke. 48:2419–2425</li> </ul>

<p>Please note these are not standalone projects and applicants must apply to the PhD academy directly.</p> <p>Applications can be made at any time. You should complete an <a href="https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/faculty-graduate-school/doc/apply-2">online application form</a> and attach the following documentation to support your application. </p> <ul> <li>a full academic CV</li> <li>degree certificate and transcripts of marks (or marks so far if still studying)</li> <li>Evidence that you meet the programme’s minimum English language requirements (if applicable, see requirement below)</li> <li>Evidence of funding to support your studies</li> </ul> <p>To help us identify that you are applying for this project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;</p> <ul> <li>Select PhD in Medicine, Health & Human Disease as your planned programme of study</li> <li>Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>This project is for candidates who are able to self fund their studies.</p>

<p>For further information please contact the Faculty Graduate School<br /> e:<a href="mailto:fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk">fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>