Marlin Touma | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Marlin Touma | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Faculty | UCLA – David Geffen School of Medicine | United States

Dr. Marlin Touma is an esteemed physician-scientist specializing in neonatal-perinatal medicine, congenital heart defects, and cardiovascular research. She currently serves as an Associate Professor-in-Residence at the David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA. With extensive experience in both clinical and research settings, Dr. Touma has contributed significantly to understanding congenital heart disease, neonatal cardiovascular development, and regenerative medicine. She is the Director of the UCLA Congenital Heart Defects Research Program and the UCLA Congenital Heart Defects-BioCore.

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ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Extensive Research and Leadership

    • Founder and Principal Investigator of the UCLA Congenital Heart Defects-BioCore since 2013.
    • Director of the UCLA Congenital Heart Defects Research Program since 2020.
    • Multiple leadership roles at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

  • Significant Contributions to Cardiovascular Research

    • Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology from UCLA.
    • Research on genetics and genomics of congenital heart defects, a critical area in neonatal-perinatal medicine.
    • Involvement in NIH research programs and review panels, demonstrating national recognition.

  • Recognition and Awards

    • Outstanding Research Award (Mead Johnson, 2011, American Academy of Pediatrics).
    • Finalist Award (2021 Mid-Career Research Scholar Award, International Society for Heart Research).
    • Multiple invited speaker and session chair roles at AHA, ISHR, and UCLA cardiovascular symposia.
    • Travel and research awards from AHA, NIH, and other prestigious institutions.

  • Educational and Clinical Excellence

    • Trained at Harvard Medical School, UCLA, and Damascus University.
    • Board-certified in General Pediatrics and Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine.
    • Director of programs that integrate cutting-edge research with clinical applications.

🎓 Education

  • M.D. (1992) – Damascus University School of Medicine, Syria
  • Pediatrics Residency (1992-1996) – Children’s Hospital of Damascus University, Syria
  • Senior Pediatric Residency (1995-1996) – Children’s Hospital of Damascus University, Syria
  • Master’s Degree (Postgraduate Diploma) (1997) – Damascus University, Syria
  • Pediatrics Residency (2005-2008) – Dell Children’s Medical Center, University of Texas Medical Branch, USA
  • Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship (2008-2011) – Harvard Medical School, USA
  • Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology (2015) – University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), USA

💼 Experience

  • Current Positions:
    • Associate Professor-in-Residence, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA
    • Director, UCLA Congenital Heart Defects-BioCore
    • Director, UCLA Congenital Heart Defects Research Program
  • Previous Positions:
    • Clinical Instructor in Pediatrics, UCLA (2011-2014)
    • Assistant Professor-in-Residence, UCLA (2014-2021)
    • Fellow in Neonatology, Harvard Medical School (2008-2011)
    • Pediatric Resident, Dell Children’s Medical Center, University of Texas Medical Branch (2005-2008)
    • Senior Pediatrician, Al Obaid General Hospital, Saudi Arabia (2000-2002)

📝 Research Interests On Genetics

Dr. Touma’s research focuses on congenital heart defects, neonatal cardiovascular development, and gene-environment interactions in heart disease. She is particularly interested in molecular mechanisms regulating heart development, regenerative therapies, and translational approaches to improve pediatric cardiovascular health.

🏆 Awards & Honors

  • Award for Excellence (Top Ten Students in Country) – Syrian Ministry of Higher Education
  • Best Resident in Pediatrics Award – Damascus University
  • Outstanding Research Award – American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference (2011)
  • UCLA STAR Award for Doctoral Scholarship Admission (2011)
  • Finalist Award – Mid-Career Research Scholar Award – International Society for Heart Research (2021)
  • International Abstract Travel Award – International Society for Heart Research (2022)
  • Distinguished Speaker & Session Chair – Multiple conferences, including AHA and ISHR

📚 Publications

Dr. Touma has authored numerous research articles in high-impact journals. Some selected publications include:

  • Repression of Sox9 by Jag1 is continuously required to suppress the default chondrogenic fate of vascular smooth muscle cells

    • Authors: A Briot, A Jaroszewicz, CM Warren, J Lu, M Touma, C Rudat, JJ Hofmann, …
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 81

  • COVID-19: molecular diagnostics overview

    • Author: M Touma
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 76

  • Nkx2-5 suppresses the proliferation of atrial myocytes and conduction system

    • Authors: Y Nakashima, DA Yanez, M Touma, H Nakano, A Jaroszewicz, …
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 68

  • Whole genome sequencing identifies SCN2A mutation in monozygotic twins with Ohtahara syndrome and unique neuropathologic findings

    • Authors: M Touma, M Joshi, MC Connolly, P Ellen Grant, AR Hansen, O Khwaja, …
    • Year: 2013
    • Citations: 63

  • Decoding the long noncoding RNA during cardiac maturation: a roadmap for functional discovery

    • Authors: M Touma, X Kang, Y Zhao, AA Cass, F Gao, R Biniwale, G Coppola, …
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 48

  • Improved pulmonary vascular reactivity and decreased hypertrophic remodeling during nonhypercapnic acidosis in experimental pulmonary hypertension

    • Authors: H Christou, OM Reslan, V Mam, AF Tanbe, SH Vitali, M Touma, E Arons, …
    • Year: 2012
    • Citations: 38

  • Ppp1r1b-lncRNA inhibits PRC2 at myogenic regulatory genes to promote cardiac and skeletal muscle development in mouse and human

    • Authors: X Kang, Y Zhao, G Van Arsdell, SF Nelson, M Touma
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 36

  • p38 Mitogen-activated protein kinase regulates chamber-specific perinatal growth in heart

    • Authors: T Yokota, J Li, J Huang, Z Xiong, Q Zhang, T Chan, Y Ding, C Rau, …
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 34

  • Maternal calorie restriction causing uteroplacental insufficiency differentially affects mammalian placental glucose and leucine transport molecular mechanisms

    • Authors: A Ganguly, M Touma, S Thamotharan, DC De Vivo, SU Devaskar
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 30

  • Wnt11 regulates cardiac chamber development and disease during perinatal maturation

    • Authors: M Touma, X Kang, F Gao, Y Zhao, AA Cass, R Biniwale, X Xiao, …
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 27

  • Echocardiographic markers of pulmonary hemodynamics and right ventricular hypertrophy in rat models of pulmonary hypertension

    • Authors: F Spyropoulos, SH Vitali, M Touma, CD Rose, CR Petty, P Levy, …
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 23

  • A path to implement precision child health cardiovascular medicine

    • Authors: M Touma, B Reemtsen, N Halnon, J Alejos, JP Finn, SF Nelson, Y Wang
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 17

📄 Conclusion

Dr. Marlin Touma is a renowned expert in neonatal cardiovascular research with an impressive track record of clinical excellence, academic achievements, and innovative research. As a leading scientist in congenital heart defects and pediatric cardiology, her work continues to shape the future of neonatal medicine and cardiovascular health worldwide.

Qianghua Lv | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Qianghua Lv | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences | China

Dr. Qianghua LV is an Associate Researcher at the Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine (IASVM), Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences (SAAS). He earned his Ph.D. in Veterinary Pharmacology under the mentorship of Prof. DENG Xuming at Jilin University in 2020. His research focuses on developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting bacterial virulence factors, including bacterial hemolysin, Type III Secretion System (T3SS), and Type IV Pili (TFP). His work contributes significantly to understanding anti-infective mechanisms and advancing new drug development against bacterial infections.

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ORCID

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • High-Impact Research Focus – Dr. LV Qianghua’s work on anti-infection mechanisms and natural compound-based drug development aligns with global health priorities, particularly in combating superbacterial infections. His research on bacterial virulence factors like hemolysin, T3SS, and TFP contributes to the development of novel antimicrobial strategies.

  • Quality Publications in Reputable Journals – He has multiple first-author and co-first-author publications in high-impact journals, such as Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. These papers focus on novel antibacterial mechanisms and natural product inhibitors, demonstrating both innovation and scientific rigor.

  • Translational Impact – His research not only advances basic microbiology but also holds significant translational potential in developing new antibacterial therapies, an area of urgent medical need due to rising antibiotic resistance.

  • Collaborative and Multi-Disciplinary Approach – His collaborations with researchers across multiple disciplines (pharmacology, microbiology, and veterinary medicine) enhance the applicability of his findings beyond veterinary science, benefiting both animal and human health.

  • Contribution to Veterinary Medicine – As an Associate Researcher at the IASVM, SAAS, Dr. LV contributes significantly to veterinary pharmacology, a field essential for both agricultural and public health. His work has implications for livestock disease management and food safety, making it highly relevant for both academia and industry.

🎓 Education

  • Ph.D. in Veterinary Pharmacology, Jilin University, 2020
    • Advisor: Prof. DENG Xuming
    • Research Focus: Anti-infection mechanisms of natural compounds targeting bacterial virulence factors

💼 Experience

  • Associate Researcher, IASVM, SAAS (2020–Present)
    • Conducting research on antibacterial strategies targeting virulence factors
    • Screening natural compounds for inhibitory effects on bacterial infections
    • Developing new therapeutic agents against superbacterial infections

🔬 Research Interests On Medicine

  • 🦠 Discovery and screening of novel targets and lead compounds against superb acterial infections
  • 💊 Synergistic antibacterial effects and mechanisms of natural compounds and antimicrobial agents

📚 Selected Publications

  • Title: Inhibition of the type III secretion system by syringaldehyde protects mice from Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium
    Authors: Lv Q(#), Chu X(#), Yao X, Ma K, Zhang Y*, Deng X*
    Publication Year: 2019
    Journal: Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine

  • Title: Identification of the natural product paeonol derived from peony bark as an inhibitor of the Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium type III secretion system
    Authors: Lv Q(#), Li S(#), Wei H, Wen Z, Wang Y, Tang T, Wang J, Xia L*, Deng X*
    Publication Year: 2020
    Journal: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

  • Title: Phloretin potentiates polymyxin E activity against Gram-negative bacteria
    Authors: Du R(#), Lv Q(#), Hu W, Hou X, Zhou Y, Deng X, Sun L, Li L, Deng Y, Wang J
    Publication Year: 2021
    Journal: Life Sciences

  • Title: Commercialized artemisinin derivatives combined with colistin protect against critical Gram-negative bacterial infection
    Authors: Zhou Y, Liu B, Chu X, Su J, Xu L, Li L, Deng X, Li D*, Lv Q*, Wang J*
    Publication Year: 2022
    Journal: Communications Biology

  • Title: Isoflavone glucoside genistin, an inhibitor targeting Sortase A and Listeriolysin O, attenuates the virulence of Listeria monocytogenes in vivo and in vitro
    Authors: Liu M(#), Lv Q(#), Xu J, Liu B, Zhou Y, Zhang S, Shen X, Wang L
    Publication Year: 2023
    Journal: Biochemical Pharmacology

🔚 Conclusion

Dr. LV Qianghua has dedicated his research to developing innovative antibacterial strategies, focusing on targeting bacterial virulence factors. His contributions in natural compound screening and new drug development have advanced the fight against superbacterial infections. With numerous impactful publications and ongoing research, he continues to make significant strides in veterinary medicine and pharmacology.

Youming Hou | Biological Sciences | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Prof. Youming Hou | Biological Sciences | Outstanding Scientist Award

College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry | China

Youming Hou is a distinguished entomologist and the Dean of the College of Plant Protection at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University. With expertise in ecological pest control and invasive species management, he has significantly contributed to innovative strategies for managing agricultural pests. His groundbreaking research has led to key advancements in controlling major invasive species such as Solenopsis invicta (red imported fire ant) and Octodonta nipae (nipah palm beetle). His achievements have been recognized with prestigious national and provincial science and technology awards.

👤Profile

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards

  1. Extensive Research Contributions 📚
    • Published 135 SCI-indexed journal articles, demonstrating a strong research output.
    • H-index of 23, indicating significant influence in the entomology and pest control research field.
    • 1,802 citations, showcasing global recognition and impact.
  2. Innovative Research & Patents 🔬
    • Specializes in ecological control of pests and monitoring and control of invasive organisms—an area of high agricultural and ecological importance.
    • Secured 16 patents, highlighting strong innovation and application-driven research.
  3. Major Research Projects & Leadership 🌍
    • Leading two national key research and development projects related to pest control.
    • Heads two National Natural Science Foundation projects on Tuta absoluta control.
    • Actively collaborates with international institutions (Egyptian Academy of Sciences and Dalhousie University), demonstrating global research engagement.
  4. Awards & Recognitions 🏆
    • Received national and provincial science and technology progress awards for contributions to pest control and invasive species management.
  5. Editorial & Professional Contributions ✍️
    • Holds editorial positions in multiple entomology and biosafety journals.
    • Serves as President of the Fujian Entomological Society and Standing Director of the China Entomological Society, reflecting leadership and recognition in the field.

🎓 Education

Youming Hou obtained his degree in entomology from South China Agricultural University in 1999. Under the mentorship of Academician Pang Xiongfei, he developed a strong foundation in pest ecology and control strategies. His academic journey laid the groundwork for his extensive contributions to integrated pest management and biosecurity measures.

💼 Experience

With a career spanning over two decades, Youming Hou has led multiple national and international research projects on ecological pest control. He has played a pivotal role in the development of cutting-edge pest monitoring and control technologies. As a professor and researcher, he has mentored numerous students and collaborated with esteemed institutions, including the Egyptian Academy of Sciences and Dalhousie University, to tackle global agricultural pest challenges.

🔬 Research Interests On Biological Sciences

His primary research interests include:

  • 🌿 Ecological Control of Pests: Developing sustainable pest management techniques for major agricultural pests like Plutella xylostella (diamondback moth) and Phyllotreta striolata (striped flea beetle).
  • 🦟 Invasive Species Management: Investigating the invasion characteristics, ecological impacts, and control measures for invasive pests such as Tuta absoluta (tomato leaf miner) and Solenopsis invicta.
  • 🧬 Biological Control and Biotechnology: Exploring innovative biological and ecological solutions to mitigate pest outbreaks and enhance crop protection.

🏆 Awards

Youming Hou’s contributions to pest control and invasive species management have earned him numerous accolades, including:

  • 🏅 National Science and Technology Progress Awards for innovations in ecological pest control.
  • 🏅 Provincial Science and Technology Awards for groundbreaking research in invasive species monitoring and management.

📚 Publications

  • Floral Resource Integration: Enhancing Biocontrol of Tuta absoluta
    • Authors: Moazam Hyder, Inzamam Ul Haq, Muhammad Younas, Muhammad Adeel Ghafar, Muhammad Rehan Akhtar, Zubair Ahmed, Aslam Bukero, Youming Hou
    • Year: 2025
  • High Antennal Expression of CYP6K1 and CYP4V2
    • Authors: JiangXinyi Jiang, Jiacheng Shen, Peng Lin, Youming Hou
    • Year: 2025
  • Spätzle Regulates Developmental and Immune Trade-Offs
    • Authors: Pengju Li, He Zhang, Anran Tan, Zhuolin Hu, Lu Peng, Youming Hou
    • Year: 2024
  • Interactions Between Nanoparticles and Tomato Plants
    • Authors: Inzamam Ul Haq, Xiangyun Cai, Habib Ali, Muhammad Rehan Akhtar, Muhammad Adeel Ghafar, Moazam Hyder, Youming Hou
    • Year: 2024
  • Role of Gut Bacteria in Tuta absoluta Host Adaptation
    • Authors: Luohua Shang, Xiangyun Cai, Xiu-Jie Li, Yu-Zhou Wang, Jin-Da Wang, Youming Hou
    • Year: 2024
  • A C-Type Lectin, RfCTL27, Activates Immune Defense
    • Authors: Yanru Gong, Yongjian Xia, Zhiping Su, Xinghong Wang, Yishuo Kou, Bing Ma, Youming Hou, Zhanghong Shi
    • Year: 2024
  • The Diversity of Wolbachia and Other Bacterial Symbionts
    • Authors: Yuan Liu, Lina Zhang, Xiangyun Cai, Alexandre Rutikanga, Baoli Qiu, Youming Hou
    • Year: 2024
  • Histone Acetylation Enhancing Host Melanization
    • Authors: 堃 蒋, Yan Zhou, Wen Cui, Yan-Wei Han, Pei Chen, Gui-Ming Liao, Youming Hou, Baozhen Tang
    • Year: 2024
  • Host-Encoded Aminotransferase Import into Nardonella
    • Authors: Ying Huang, Zhen-Feng Feng, Fan Li, Youming Hou
    • Year: 2024
  • Symbiotic Bacteria Affecting Phenoloxidase Activation
    • Authors: Sanda N. B., Youming Hou
    • Year: 2023
  • Cellular Immunological Responses to Asecodes hispinarum
    • Authors: Zhiming Chen, Tingting Fu, Lang Fu, Bin Liu, Yaping Lin, Baozhen Tang, Youming Hou
    • Year: 2022
  • Entomopathogenic Nematodes Inhibiting proPO System
    • Authors: Sanda N. B., Bofeng Hou, Youming Hou
    • Year: 2022
  • Effect of Gut Bacteria on Rhynchophorus ferrugineus
    • Authors: Qian-Xia Liu, Zhi-Ping Su, Hui-Hui Liu, Sheng-Ping Lu, Bing Ma, Yue Zhao, Youming Hou, Zhanghong Shi
    • Year: 2021

🔚 Conclusion

Youming Hou’s pioneering research in ecological pest control and invasive species management has left a lasting impact on agricultural biosecurity. His extensive work on sustainable pest management techniques has not only advanced scientific knowledge but also contributed to global efforts in controlling invasive species. As a leader in entomology, he continues to drive innovative solutions to mitigate agricultural threats and protect food security worldwide.

Yiyao Cao | Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Yiyao Cao | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr | Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention | China

Prof. Dr. Yiyao Cao is a distinguished expert in radiation detection and dose assessment, serving at the Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention. With a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree and extensive expertise in radiation protection, Dr. Cao is a dedicated researcher addressing public concerns related to nuclear safety and environmental health. Her contributions have significantly advanced our understanding of the health implications of nuclear power operations.

Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards

  • Specialized Research Focus: Dr. Cao’s expertise in radiation detection and dose assessment, coupled with her significant contribution to assessing radioactivity levels (Tritium and Carbon-14), demonstrates a niche and impactful research domain.
  • Research Output:
    • Published impactful research: The study on Tritium and Carbon-14 around San’ao Nuclear Power Plant highlights public health relevance.
    • Indexed Journals: Contributions to SCI-indexed journals signify the quality of her publications.
  • Innovative and Public Health Relevance:
    • The research addresses public concerns regarding nuclear power plant emissions, showcasing practical applications of findings.
    • Demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding community health through scientific evaluation.
  • Educational and Professional Credentials:
    • Holding an M.D. and leading research projects at the Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicate her academic and professional caliber.

Education 🎓

Dr. Cao earned her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree, specializing in radiation detection and dose assessment. Her rigorous academic background has laid a strong foundation for her impactful research and innovations in radiation protection and nuclear safety.

Experience 🏢

Prof. Dr. Cao has accumulated years of professional expertise in radiation detection and public health. She has conducted critical studies to evaluate tritium and carbon-14 levels in food near nuclear power plants, ensuring environmental safety. Her leadership at the Zhejiang Provincial CDC reflects her commitment to advancing public health through research and practical applications.

Research Interests On Biology🔬

Dr. Cao focuses on radiation detection and dose assessment, with a special interest in environmental safety related to nuclear power operations. Her work assesses the risks posed by tritium and carbon-14, addressing public health concerns and guiding regulatory standards.

Awards 🏆

Award Nomination: Best Researcher Award
Dr. Cao has been nominated for her groundbreaking contributions to radiation protection research. Her studies have influenced health risk assessments and safety protocols in nuclear power operations.

Publications 📚

  • Efficient separation of Th(IV) from highly acidic solution by microporous resin materials containing two novel phenanthroline phosphonates
    Authors: Xu, L., Zou, Y., Dai, G., Pu, N., Zou, H.
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0
  • Radon concentration and related employees’ chromosome aberration and micronuclei in subways in a city of Zhejiang Province
    Authors: Xuan, Z., Huang, X., Lai, Z., Zhang, D., Nie, J.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Development and application of UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS methods for the determination of eight metabolites of p-chloronitrobenzene in human urine
    Authors: Wang, P., Xu, Q., Zou, H., Wang, J., Cao, Y.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Determination and human health risk assessment of TFWT, OBT and carbon-14 in seafood around Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant
    Authors: Ma, X., Cao, Y., Zheng, T., Ren, H.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1
  • Manganese dioxide decorated kiwi peel powder for efficient removal of lead from aqueous solutions, blood and Traditional Chinese Medicine extracts
    Authors: Gong, H., Cao, Y., Zeng, W., Kai, G., Qian, J.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Achievements in Preparation of Cyclodextrin–Based Porous Materials for Removal of Pollutants
    Authors: Bao, K., Zhang, A., Cao, Y., Xu, L.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1
  • Recent progresses in analytical method development for 210Pb in environmental and biological samples
    Authors: Ren, H., Gong, X., Zhou, L., Wang, P., Cao, Y.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Determination of carbon-14 in marine biota using oxidation combustion and gel suspension liquid scintillation counting
    Authors: Cao, Y., Qian, Y., Ren, H., Xie, Y., Ji, Y.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 2
  • Establishment of OBT/TFWT dataset in seafood in Zhejiang province, China
    Authors: Gong, X., Huang, W., Cao, Y., Wang, P., Ren, H.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Model prediction of radioactivity levels in the environment and food around the world’s first AP 1000 nuclear power unit
    Authors: Wang, P., Huang, W., Zou, H., Xuan, Z., Cao, Y.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0

Conclusion ✅

Prof. Dr. Yiyao Cao’s work exemplifies dedication to public health and environmental safety. Through her expertise in radiation detection and dose assessment, she contributes to the well-being of communities and sets high standards in research and practice. Her achievements underscore her suitability for the Best Researcher Award.