Thesis Defense Announcement
To:  The George Mason University Community

Candidate: Ngoc Vuong

Program: M.S. in Biology
 
Date:   Thursday April 5, 2018
Time:   2:00 P.M.
Place:  Bull Run Hall, Room 253
             George Mason University
 Science & Tech Campus
 
 

Title: “Predicting When Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Progresses to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome With a Nanotechnology-Enhanced Blood and Urine Test”

Committee Chair: Dr. Alessandra Luchini
Committee Members: Dr. Ancha Baranova, Dr. Mariaelena Pierobon

This is a public defense and all are invited to attend.
 
Abstract: 
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are physical damages to cerebrum tissue, resulting in temporary or permanent debilitation of brain function. Each year, TBIs contribute to a substantial number of deaths and cases of permanent disability. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening lung condition, which is usually identified by symptoms, including dyspnea, severe hypoxemia, decreased lung compliance, and diffuse bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. ARDS occurs in patients who are significantly ill or are hospitalized due to severe injuries, one of which is TBI. Researchers have been on a quest of finding biomarkers for brain injury and its complication in different biofluids. Still, TBI biomarkers in urine are poorly reported. In this study, we performed nanotechnology-enhanced urine test to identify TBI/ARDS biomarker candidates and obtain knowledge on the brain-specific biomolecules as well as the incidence of ARDS in severe TBI patients. TBI biomarkers detected in urine are compared with serum TBI biomarkers observed in the preliminary study. Data provided promising results for TBI biomarkers discovery in urine. ARDS is potentially associated with severe TBI but within the study, TBI markers are incomparable between urine and serum.
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