LICAMM Improved imaging of brain damage and blood brain barrier dysfunction in ischaemic stroke.

The blood–brain barrier (BBB), the interface between the brain and <br /> systemic circulation, regulates the passage of molecules to the brain and <br /> maintains the microenvironment for normal brain function. Brain damage <br /> and BBB dysfunction plays central roles in ischaemic stroke. <br /> Dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (DCE-CT) is used to <br /> correlate brain damage and BBB dysfunction to post-stroke complications. <br /> However, DCE-CT has disadvantages including adverse reactions due to <br /> iodinated contrast agent and the poor “quality” of the scans to clearly <br /> identify anatomic subregions. DCE-Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCEMRI) has advantages as this does not require use of iodine contrast agent <br /> and achieves high spatial resolution and contrast. However, DCE-MRI is <br /> expensive, not readily available and many patients do not tolerate <br /> required longer scanning time. Despite these limitations, DCE-MRI remains <br /> a valuable technique for identifying brain and BBB damage and numerous <br /> kinetic modelling approaches have been developed to assess the transport <br /> of contrast agents across the BBB. However, there is an urgent need to <br /> develop more targeted MR contrast agents for rapid detection of BBB <br /> pathologies in cerebral ischaemia.

<p>The project will use both in vitro and in vivo models to test different contrast agents (such as ferumoxytol and rare earth doped upconversion nanoparticles) for improved CT, MRI imaging of brain damage and BBB dysfunction in cerebral ischaemia. The project will also assess brain damage and BBB dysfunction in CT and MRI scans obtained from stroke patients. You will be given training in cell culture, molecular biological techniques, surgery in murine models, CT and MRI imaging in preclinical models. You will analyse MRI and CT scans obtained from stroke patients. You will have advantage in working in an interdisciplinary environment and opportunity to work with biologists, engineers, MR physicist and clinician.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is INSERT PROJECT TITLE HERE as well as NAME OF SUPERVISOR AS LINK TO PROFILE as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

A degree in biological sciences, dentistry, medicine, midwifery, nursing, psychology or a good honours degree in a subject relevant to the research topic. A Masters degree in a relevant subject may also be required in some areas of the Faculty. For entry requirements for all other research degrees we offer, please contact us.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. The Faculty of Medicine and Health minimum requirements in IELTS and TOEFL tests for PhD, MSc, MPhil, MD are: • British Council IELTS - score of 7.0 overall, with no element less than 6.5 • TOEFL iBT - overall score of 92 with the listening and reading element no less than 21, writing element no less than 22 and the speaking element no less than 23.

<p>For further information please contact the Graduate School Office<br /> e: <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><a href="mailto:fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></span></span></p>