Rama Ayash | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rama Ayash | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Damascus University | Syria

Dr. Rama Ayash is a medical advisor, senior lecturer, and scientific researcher specializing in clinical biochemistry, diabetes research, and molecular mechanisms of β-cell apoptosis. Her primary research focuses on the pathophysiological role of cytokines and death receptors in glucose dysregulation and prediabetes, with particular emphasis on the therapeutic effects of DPP4 inhibitors such as sitagliptin. Her recent publications include groundbreaking studies in Scientific Reports, BMC Endocrine Disorders, and the European Journal of Pharmacology, exploring inflammatory cytokine modulation, apoptotic biomarkers (FAS, TNFR1, TRAIL-R2), and their relationship to β-cell dysfunction. Dr. Rama Ayash’s research contributions advance understanding of early diabetic mechanisms, aiding in the development of targeted therapeutic strategies to preserve pancreatic function. She has also supervised diverse clinical and molecular research projects in cardiovascular pharmacology, endocrine biomarkers, and celiac disease diagnostics, demonstrating her interdisciplinary expertise. Her work integrates clinical biochemistry, molecular diagnostics, and translational medicine, contributing to the growing field of preventive and precision diabetology. Dr. Rama Ayash has been an active conference speaker and scientific presenter, sharing insights on cardio-renal pharmacology, metabolic pathways, and biomarker discovery. Her continuing research endeavors aim to bridge laboratory findings with clinical outcomes to enhance diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy in metabolic diseases.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

• Ayash, R., Kabalan, Y., & Chamaa, S. (2025). Exploring the predictive potentials of IL-1β and TNFR1 in atherogenic risk in prediabetes. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 37369. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-37369

• Ayash, R., Kabalan, Y., & Chamaa, S. (2025). Association of soluble apoptotic biomarkers (FAS, TNFR1 and TRAIL-R2) with β-cell dysfunction in early glucose dysregulation. BMC Endocrine Disorders, 25(1), 218. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12902-025-0218

• Ayash, R., Kabalan, Y., & Chamaa, S. (2025). Sitagliptin reduces cytokine-induced β-cell apoptosis in prediabetes: A six-month interventional study. European Journal of Pharmacology, 177708. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2025.177708

Oguz Ozcelik | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Oguz Ozcelik | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Kastamonu University | Turkey

Dr. Oğuz Özçelik (MD, PhD) is a distinguished Professor at Kastamonu University, Turkey, widely recognized for his pioneering work in exercise physiology, metabolism, and oxidative stress. His academic foundation in medicine and physiology has driven decades of impactful research exploring the complex relationships between aerobic fitness, respiratory regulation, and metabolic health. Through rigorous experimental design and translational insights, he has advanced understanding of how exercise modulates physiological and biochemical responses in both healthy and clinical populations. Dr. Oğuz Özçelik’s scientific contributions span more than forty peer-reviewed publications in international journals, reflecting depth, innovation, and clinical relevance. His notable works include studies on the relationship between aerobic fitness levels and isocapnic buffering periods during incremental exercise tests (Cellular and Molecular Biology, 2017, cited by 132), the effects of body mass index on maximal work production and aerobic capacity (Physiological Research, 2004, cited by 84), and the role of nesfatin-1 in glucose tolerance and depressive disorders (Physiological Research, 2016; Psychiatry Investigation, 2018). With an h-index of 13 and more than 474 citations, his scholarly influence demonstrates sustained research excellence. Dr. Oğuz Özçelik’s current investigations focus on the hormonal and metabolic adaptations to exercise and their relevance to neuroendocrine and cardiometabolic health. His leadership, academic rigor, and enduring contributions to human performance and biomedical science exemplify the highest standards of professional achievement and research integrity within the global scientific community.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Algul, S., Ozcelik, O., & Yilmaz, B. (2017). Evaluation of relationship between aerobic fitness level and range of isocapnic buffering periods during incremental exercise test. Cellular and Molecular Biology, 63(3), 78–82.

  2. Ozcelik, O., Aslan, M., Ayar, A., & Kelestimur, H. (2004). Effects of body mass index on maximal work production capacity and aerobic fitness during incremental exercise. Physiological Research, 53(2), 165–170.

  3. Algul, S., Ozkan, Y., & Ozcelik, O. (2016). Serum nesfatin-1 levels in patients with different glucose tolerance levels. Physiological Research, 65(6), 979–985.

  4. Ozcelik, O., Ward, S. A., & Whipp, B. J. (1999). Effect of altered body CO₂ stores on pulmonary gas exchange dynamics during incremental exercise in humans. Experimental Physiology, 84(5), 999–1011.

  5. Algul, S., & Ozcelik, O. (2018). Evaluating the levels of nesfatin-1 and ghrelin hormones in patients with moderate and severe major depressive disorders. Psychiatry Investigation, 15(2), 214–218.

Liliang Li | Medicine and Health Sciences | Excellence in Innovation Award

Prof. Liliang Li | Medicine and Health Sciences | Excellence in Innovation Award

Fudan University | China

Prof. Liliang Li is a leading Associate Professor at Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, recognized for her pioneering research in forensic medicine, cardiovascular biology, and translational pharmacology. She has made significant contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying antipsychotic-induced cardiotoxicity, diabetic heart injuries, and sudden unexplained death in psychiatric patients. Combining innovative molecular approaches with clinical applications, Dr. Li’s research has consistently bridged basic science and translational medicine, influencing both diagnostic strategies and therapeutic development.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Education

Prof. Liliang Li received her medical degree in Forensic Medicine followed by a doctoral degree in Forensic Science from Fudan University Shanghai Medical College. She enhanced her academic foundation and international exposure through postdoctoral training and a visiting scholar program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, enabling her to integrate global perspectives into her research.

Experience

Prof. Liliang Li has built an impressive academic and research career, progressing from postdoctoral fellow to Associate Research Fellow, and ultimately assuming her current role as Associate Professor. She has played key roles in mentoring young researchers, organizing graduate research conferences, and serving as a talent specialist. She actively participates in professional committees, including leadership positions within the Shanghai Society of Forensic Medicine, the Shanghai Association of Forensic Expertise, and cardiovascular research societies, demonstrating both scientific excellence and professional commitment.

Research Interests

Her research focuses on the mechanisms of antipsychotic-induced cardiotoxicity, cannabinoid receptor-mediated myocardial signaling, and cell death pathways including necroptosis and pyroptosis. Prof. Liliang Li is particularly interested in the identification of biomarkers for sudden cardiac death and diabetic cardiac injuries. Her work integrates multi-omics approaches, including proteomics, transcriptomics, and molecular biology, to unravel complex cardiovascular and forensic phenomena, with an emphasis on developing translational strategies for clinical and forensic applications.

Awards

Prof. Liliang Li’s innovative work has been widely recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including Young Investigator accolades, national and regional medical science awards, and multiple best paper honors at leading cardiology conferences. She has been nominated for international awards in toxicology, chaired sessions at major scientific meetings, and serves as a reviewer for high-impact journals in cardiovascular medicine, translational research, and molecular biology. These accolades reflect her influence on both national and international scientific communities.

Publications

  • Title: Coenzyme Q deficiency may predispose to sudden unexplained death via an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia
    Journal: International Journal of Legal Medicine
    Published on: 2024

  • Title: RNF149 Destabilizes IFNGR1 in Macrophages to Favor Postinfarction Cardiac Repair
    Journal: Circulation Research
    Published on: 2024

  • Title: Cardiotoxic effects of common and emerging drugs: role of cannabinoid receptors
    Journal: Clinical Science
    Published on: 2024

  • Title: Post-mortem genetic analysis of sudden unexplained death in a young cohort: a whole-exome sequencing study
    Journal: International Journal of Legal Medicine
    Published on: 2023

  • Title: Nasal mucosa is much more susceptible than oral mucosa to infection of SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron subvariants: Wearing nasal masks where facial masks cannot be used
    Journal: Journal of Medical Virology
    Published on: 2023

  • Title: Sudden unexplained death in schizophrenia patients: An autopsy-based comparative study from China
    Journal: Asian Journal of Psychiatry
    Published on: 2023

  • Title: Cannabinoid Receptor 2-Centric Molecular Feedback Loop Drives Necroptosis in Diabetic Heart Injuries
    Journal: Circulation
    Published on: 2023

Conclusion

Prof. Liliang Li is an exceptional scientist whose work exemplifies innovation, rigor, and translational impact. Her integration of forensic science, molecular cardiology, and translational medicine has led to new insights into drug-induced cardiotoxicity and sudden cardiac death. With a remarkable combination of research excellence, leadership, and mentorship, Dr. Li continues to shape the future of cardiovascular and forensic research, making her a highly deserving candidate for the Excellence in Innovation Award.

Xuan Zhang | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Xuan Zhang | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Hong Kong Baptist University | Hong Kong

Dr. Xuan Zhang is a highly respected Lecturer II at the School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University. As a registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner in both Mainland China and Hong Kong, she has cultivated a strong academic and clinical foundation rooted in traditional Chinese medicine principles. Since joining HKBU in 2016, she has significantly contributed to teaching, research, and international academic collaborations. Her leadership in evidence-based research, combined with her deep understanding of the Huangdi Neijing and classical theories such as the Five Circuits and Six Qi, positions her as a pioneer in integrating tradition with modern scientific approaches. Dr. Zhang has led or participated in more than 15 externally funded projects and published over 100 peer-reviewed articles, with a strong record of first- and corresponding-author contributions.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Scopus

Education

Dr. Zhang earned her Ph.D. in Chinese Medicine from the prestigious Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. Her doctoral training provided a rich combination of theoretical studies, classical text interpretation, and hands-on clinical applications. The academic environment fostered her early interest in integrating traditional Chinese medical theories with scientific methodologies. Her educational path laid the groundwork for her to pursue rigorous research in both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of Chinese medicine, particularly in the fields of epidemiology, gastrointestinal diseases, and methodological development.

Experience

With close to a decade of academic and clinical teaching experience, Dr. Zhang has taken on numerous roles that extend beyond the classroom. Since joining HKBU in 2016, she has secured seven research grants as Principal Investigator and served as co-investigator in multiple national-level projects funded by organizations such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Chinese Medicine Development Fund (HKSAR). Her expertise has led to contributions in reporting guideline development, multicentre clinical trials, and telemedicine studies. She also serves on editorial boards for international journals such as Scientific Reports, BMC Medical Research Methodology, and the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences, underscoring her standing in the academic community.

Research Interests

Dr. Zhang’s core research areas include: (1) theoretical and clinical research based on the Huangdi Neijing, with a focus on the “Five Circuits and Six Qi” (Wu Yun Liu Qi); (2) development of evidence-based Chinese medicine practices and methodological reporting standards; (3) clinical studies on gastrointestinal diseases such as IBS and ulcerative colitis; and (4) epidemiological research in infectious diseases within the framework of Chinese medicine. She has championed multidisciplinary and cross-regional collaborations that explore the integration of data science with ancient medical systems. Her ongoing work also addresses the modernization and standardization of traditional practices to ensure global acceptance and scientific validation.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Zhang has received numerous awards for her outstanding research and contributions to Chinese medicine. She was named among China’s CNKI Highly Cited Scholars (Top 1%) and received the “Top Cited Article” award in the Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine. She was also honored as one of the “100 Outstanding Reviewers” of the China Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy and recognized as the “1st Qiu Zhen Scholars of Chinese Medicine.” Additionally, she earned the “Top Articles in Outstanding S&T Journals of China” award twice and the “Third Prize of Science and Technology Award” from the China Association of Chinese Medicine. These accolades reflect her significant impact on both theoretical and applied Chinese medicine research.

Publications

  1. Title: A Protocol for Developing, Disseminating, and Implementing a Core Outcome Set for Clinical Trials of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine for Ulcerative Colitis
    Journal: Journal of Integrative Medicine
    Published on: 31 Jul 2025

  2. Title: Butyrate-producing commensal bacteria mediates the efficacy of herbal medicine JCM-16021 on abdominal pain in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized clinical trial
    Journal: Phytomedicine
    Published on: Sep 2025

  3. Title: Outcomes reporting in clinical trials of Chinese herbal medicine on ulcerative colitis: A systematic review
    Journal: Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine
    Published on: 28 Oct 2024

  4. Title: Suboptimal reporting of randomized controlled trials on non-pharmacological therapies in Chinese medicine
    Journal: Frontiers in Medicine
    Published on: 17 Jun 2024

  5. Title: Transparency and reporting characteristics of randomized controlled trials with Chinese herbal medicine formulas interventions
    Journal: Frontiers of Medicine
    Published on: 17 May 2024

  6. Title: STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials Of Tuina/Massage (STRICTOTM): Extending the CONSORT Statement
    Journal: Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine
    Published on: 14 Mar 2023

  7. Title: Reporting assessment of multicenter clinical trial protocols: a cross-sectional study
    Journal: Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine
    Published on: 03 Mar 2023

Conclusion

Dr. Xuan Zhang is a distinguished researcher, educator, and clinical scholar whose work reflects a deep integration of traditional Chinese medicine principles with contemporary clinical and scientific practices. Her extensive publication record, grant leadership, and editorial responsibilities demonstrate her strong research acumen and commitment to globalizing Chinese medicine. With high-impact contributions, international collaborations, and multiple recognitions for academic excellence, Dr. Zhang is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work continues to shape the future of evidence-based Chinese medicine and methodological innovation.

Rui Guo | Medicine | Excellence in Innovation Award

Dr. Rui Guo | Medicine | Excellence in Innovation Award

Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University | China

Dr. Rui Guo is a thoracic and tumor surgeon specializing in pediatric minimally invasive surgery. Affiliated with the Children’s Hospital of Shandong University and Jinan Children’s Hospital, his work focuses on innovative thoracoscopic techniques for congenital lung malformations.

Professional profile👤

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Innovative Surgical Technique

    • Introduces a novel “Single Surgeon + Single Site” thoracoscopic approach for pediatric extralobar pulmonary sequestration (ELS), reducing incisions, operative time, and resource use compared to multi-portal VATS (M-VATS).

    • Addresses limitations of existing techniques (e.g., U-VATS) by enabling artificial pneumothorax and minimizing instrument interference.

  2. Clinical Impact

    • Demonstrates superior outcomes: Shorter operative time (41.8 vs. 53.7 min), reduced blood loss (2.7 vs. 4.1 mL), and shorter hospital stays (3.7 vs. 6.5 days) compared to M-VATS.

    • Cost-effective: Lower expenses ($4,228 vs. $4,978) due to fewer consumables and no need for surgical assistants.

  3. Technical Feasibility

    • Successful implementation in 18 patients with no conversions to open surgery or major complications (e.g., bronchopleural fistulas).

    • Adaptability to complex cases (e.g., intra-diaphragmatic ELS with diaphragmatic repair).

  4. Alignment with Modern Surgical Trends

    • Promotes minimally invasive and enhanced recovery protocols, aligning with global shifts toward less traumatic pediatric surgeries.

  5. Rigor and Transparency

    • Retrospective design but includes clear statistical analysis and comparative data.

    • Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained.

Education 🎓

  • Medical Degree: Likely from a Chinese medical institution (specific details not provided in the publication).

  • Training: Specialization in pediatric thoracic surgery, with expertise in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

Experience 💼

  • Current Roles:

    • Thoracic Surgeon at Jinan Children’s Hospital.

    • Researcher in minimally invasive pediatric surgical techniques.

  • Key Contributions: Pioneered “Single Surgeon” and “Single Site” thoracoscopic approaches for pulmonary sequestration.

Research Interest On Medicine🔍

  • Minimally invasive surgery (VATS) for congenital lung lesions.

  • Cost-effective and resource-efficient surgical techniques.

  • Postoperative recovery optimization in pediatric patients.

Publication 📄

Guo et al. (2025) “Single surgeon and single site total thoracoscopic surgery for paediatric extralobar pulmonary sequestration.” BMC Pediatrics, 25:446.
🔗 Read Here | Cited by: [X] articles (check citation count on PubMed/Google Scholar).

Conclusion ✨

Dr. Rui Guo, innovative thoracoscopic techniques demonstrate improved surgical outcomes, reduced costs, and faster recovery for pediatric ELS patients. His work supports broader adoption of minimally invasive approaches in pediatric thoracic surgery.

Anquan Shang | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Anquan Shang | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

The Second People’s Hospital of Lianyungang | China

Prof. Anquan Shang is a distinguished Associate Chief Laboratory Technician and Clinical Laboratory Physician with an H-index of 26. At the age of 39, he has made significant contributions to the field of clinical laboratory diagnostics. As a master’s supervisor, he plays a crucial role in mentoring future medical professionals. He is currently affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University and has extensive experience in tumor marker research and clinical diagnostics.

Profile👤

ORCID

Google Scholar

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Strong Research Productivity 

    • H-index of 26, indicating high citation impact.
    • Over 70 SCI and core journal publications as first or corresponding author.
    • Multiple high-impact factor papers in oncology, microbiology, and immunology.
  • Impressive Funding & Grants 

    • Secured multiple national and provincial-level research grants.
    • Led and participated in 13+ major projects in oncology, infection, and precision diagnostics.
  • Leadership & Recognition 

    • Head of key clinical departments and training programs in prestigious hospitals.
    • Recognized in Shanghai and Jiangsu talent programs, highlighting academic excellence.
  • Significant Innovations & Impact 

    • Contributions to liquid biopsy, tumor biomarkers, and infection diagnostics.
    • 5+ patents, demonstrating translational research impact.
  • Professional Network & Influence 

    • Active in national and international research communities.
    • Reviewer and editor for multiple scientific journals.

🎓 Education

His academic journey began with a specialization in medical laboratory technology at Xiangfan Vocational and Technical College (2005-2008). He then pursued a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science at Jiangsu University (2011-2014), followed by a master’s degree in clinical laboratory diagnostics at Ningxia Medical University (2014-2017). He furthered his expertise with a Ph.D. in clinical laboratory diagnostics from Tongji University (2017-2020), establishing a strong foundation for his research career.

🏥 Experience

Currently, he is a postdoctoral researcher in clinical laboratory diagnostics at Ruijin Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2025-present), focusing on tumor biomarker research. Since 2023, he has led the Clinical Laboratory Medicine Department at Lianyungang Second People’s Hospital, a key clinical specialty in Jiangsu Province. Previously, he completed another postdoctoral fellowship at Tongji University (2020-2022), researching tumor microenvironment and biomarkers. His clinical experience spans roles as a laboratory technician at various hospitals between 2008 and 2014, steadily advancing to leadership positions.

🔬 Research Interests On Medicine

His research focuses on:

1️⃣ Tumor immunology 🧬

2️⃣ Infection microecology and immune microenvironment remodeling 🦠

3️⃣ Precision molecular diagnostics for chronic diseases 🏥

4️⃣ Liquid biopsy techniques for early disease detection 💉

🏆 Awards

He has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Yancheng City Natural Science Achievement Award (3 times), the Yancheng Medical New Technology Introduction Award (5 times), and the Huaihai Science and Technology Progress Award (2nd Prize, twice). From 2019-2022, he was consecutively recognized as an Outstanding Young Scientific Researcher by the Shanghai Medical Association Laboratory Medicine Branch.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Exosomal circPACRGL promotes progression of colorectal cancer via the miR-142-3p/miR-506-3p-TGF-β1 axis
    Authors: A Shang, C Gu, W Wang, X Wang, J Sun, B Zeng, C Chen, W Chang, …
    Publication Year: 2020
    Citations: 372

  • Title: Long non-coding RNA HOTTIP enhances IL-6 expression to potentiate immune escape of ovarian cancer cells by upregulating the expression of PD-L1 in neutrophils
    Authors: A Shang, W Wang, C Gu, C Chen, B Zeng, Y Yang, P Ji, J Sun, J Wu, …
    Publication Year: 2019
    Citations: 147

  • Title: Exosomal KRAS mutation promotes the formation of tumor-associated neutrophil extracellular traps and causes deterioration of colorectal cancer by inducing IL-8 expression
    Authors: A Shang, C Gu, C Zhou, Y Yang, C Chen, B Zeng, J Wu, W Lu, W Wang, …
    Publication Year: 2020
    Citations: 100

  • Title: Tumor microenvironment: lactic acid promotes tumor development
    Authors: Y Gao, H Zhou, G Liu, J Wu, Y Yuan, A Shang
    Publication Year: 2022
    Citations: 80

  • Title: Exosomal miR-183-5p promotes angiogenesis in colorectal cancer by regulation of FOXO1
    Authors: A Shang, X Wang, C Gu, W Liu, J Sun, B Zeng, C Chen, P Ji, J Wu, …
    Publication Year: 2020
    Citations: 77

  • Title: Relationship between HER2 and JAK/STAT-SOCS3 signaling pathway and clinicopathological features and prognosis of ovarian cancer
    Authors: AQ Shang, J Wu, F Bi, YJ Zhang, LR Xu, LL Li, FF Chen, WW Wang, …
    Publication Year: 2017
    Citations: 77

  • Title: Knockdown of long noncoding RNA PVT1 suppresses cell proliferation and invasion of colorectal cancer via upregulation of microRNA-214-3p
    Authors: AQ Shang, WW Wang, YB Yang, CZ Gu, P Ji, C Chen, BJ Zeng, JL Wu, …
    Publication Year: 2019
    Citations: 70

  • Title: IGF2BP2 promotes the progression of colorectal cancer through a YAP‐dependent mechanism
    Authors: J Cui, J Tian, W Wang, T He, X Li, C Gu, L Wang, J Wu, A Shang
    Publication Year: 2021
    Citations: 62

  • Title: miR‐381‐3p restrains cervical cancer progression by downregulating FGF7
    Authors: A Shang, C Zhou, G Bian, W Chen, W Lu, W Wang, D Li
    Publication Year: 2019
    Citations: 62

  • Title: Vaginal microecological characteristics of women in different physiological and pathological period
    Authors: L Shen, W Zhang, Y Yuan, W Zhu, A Shang
    Publication Year: 2022
    Citations: 59

🔚 Conclusion

With a strong academic background, leadership in clinical laboratory medicine, and groundbreaking research in tumor immunology and molecular diagnostics, he continues to make significant contributions to medical science. His extensive experience, prestigious awards, and influential publications highlight his dedication to advancing clinical diagnostics and improving patient outcomes.