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

Zengxin Gao | Medicine and Health Sciences | Innovative Research Award

Dr. Zengxin Gao | Medicine and Health Sciences | Innovative Research Award

Department of Orthopedics, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine | China

Dr. Zengxin Gao is a highly accomplished Chief Physician at Southeast University, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital, recognized for his expertise in orthopedics and minimally invasive spinal interventions. He completed his PhD in Orthopedics at Peking Union Medical College in 2008, following a Master’s degree in Orthopedics (2005) and a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Medicine from Nanjing Medical University (1990). Dr. Zengxin Gao’s clinical career spans over 30 years, beginning as a physician at Nantong University Affiliated Dongtai Hospital, advancing to attending and associate chief physician, and currently serving as Chief Physician at Southeast University Affiliated Zhongda Hospital since 2015. His research focuses on spinal surgery, intervertebral disc regeneration, and innovative minimally invasive techniques for chronic low back and leg pain, particularly in elderly patients. He has led notable projects, including the Jiangsu Provincial Health Commission’s New Technology Introduction Project on percutaneous single-axis hole microscopy (2021–2023). Dr. Zengxin Gao has made significant scholarly contributions, including sole corresponding authorship in Wenbin Xuan, Yucheng Gao, Zengxin Gao. Intraspinal Bone Fragments Resorption in Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture. JAMA Neurol. 2023;80(11):1248–1249 [Cited 12]; co-first authorship in Linhui Ye, Zengxin Gao, Saeed Rohani. Intervertebral disk regeneration in a rat model by allopurinol-loaded Chitosan/alginate hydrogel. Biomol Biomed. 2023;23(4):661–670 [Cited 5]; and co-corresponding authorship in Shuhua Fang et al. Circ_0027885 sponges miR-203-3p to regulate RUNX2 expression and alleviates osteoporosis progression. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024;25:5 [Cited 3]. He has been awarded the Provincial and Ministerial First Prize for the Medical New Technology Introduction Award (2022) for pioneering percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic intervertebral fusion. Dr. Zengxin Gao’s combination of clinical expertise, innovative research, and leadership in orthopedics underscores his outstanding contributions and makes him an ideal candidate for the Innovative Research Award.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

• Xuan, W., Gao, Y., & Gao, Z. (2023). Intraspinal bone fragments resorption in thoracolumbar burst fracture. JAMA Neurology, 80(11), 1248–1249.
https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.2901

• Ye, L., Gao, Z., & Rohani, S. (2023). Intervertebral disk regeneration in a rat model by allopurinol-loaded chitosan/alginate hydrogel. Biomolecules and Biomedicine, 23(4), 661–670.
https://doi.org/10.17305/bjbms.2023.8535

• Fang, S., Cao, D., Wu, Z., Chen, J., Huang, Y., Shen, Y., & Gao, Z. (2024). Circ_0027885 sponges miR-203-3p to regulate RUNX2 expression and alleviates osteoporosis progression. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 25(1), 5.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-023-07172-0

• Gao, Z., Lin, Y., Wu, Z., Zhang, P., Cheng, Q., Ye, L., Wu, F., Chen, Y., Fu, M., Cheng, C., & Gao, Y. (2020). LncRNA SNHG6 can regulate the proliferation and apoptosis of rat degenerate nucleus pulposus cells via regulating the expression of miR-101-3p. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 24(16), 8251–8262.
https://doi.org/10.26355/eurrev_202008_22592

• Gao, Z., Lin, Y., Zhang, P., Cheng, Q., Ye, L., Wu, F., Chen, Y., Fu, M., Cheng, C., & Gao, Y. (2019). Sinomenine ameliorates intervertebral disc degeneration via inhibition of apoptosis and autophagy in vitro and in vivo. American Journal of Translational Research, 11(9), 5956–5966.
https://www.ajtr.org/files/ajtr0094769.pdf

Zhiliang Xu | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Zhiliang Xu | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Wannan Medical College | China

Prof. Zhiliang Xu, affiliated with Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China, is a distinguished molecular biologist and epigenetics researcher whose work focuses on histone ubiquitination, chromatin remodeling, and their implications in neurological disorders, cancer, gametogenesis, and cellular reprogramming. He earned his Ph.D. from the State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2017. According to Scopus, Prof. Zhiliang Xu has authored 11 publications, which have been cited 34 times, and he holds an h-index of 4, demonstrating the impact of his research in the scientific community. His seminal studies elucidated the role of H2B ubiquitination in chromatin relaxation during meiosis and cellular reprogramming, published in journals such as Nucleic Acids Research (2016), Cell Proliferation (2021), and Reproduction (2017). His recent work on neuronal repair, gut-liver axis regulation in diabetes, and genomic approaches to thalassemia has been featured in FASEB Journal (2025), Annals of Hematology (2025), and Neuroscience Letters (2025). Prof. Zhiliang Xu leads multiple high-impact national and provincial research projects, serves as a peer reviewer for journals including Scientific Reports and Neurochemical Research, and evaluates theses for graduate and doctoral candidates. Recognized with the 2021 National Maternal and Child Health Science and Technology Award (First Prize), the 2022 Guangzhou High-level Talent Award, and the 2024 Outstanding Young Talent honor in Anhui Province, Prof. Zhiliang Xu continues to advance fundamental understanding of chromatin biology and epigenetic regulation, exemplifying excellence, mentorship, and translational scientific impact, making him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Shi, L., Yan, X., Xia, Y., Zhao, Y., Zhu, X., Li, Q., & Xu, Z. (2025). Beyond transfusions and transplants: Genomic innovations rewriting the narrative of thalassemia. Annals of Hematology.

2. Zhang, Y., Wang, J., Huang, S., Liu, M., Zhao, Y., Xu, Z., & Zhu, X. (2025). Electroacupuncture preconditioning alleviates cortical neuronal injury in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion by rebalancing HES1 and NF-κB expression. Neuroreport.

3. Yan, X., Shi, L., Zhu, X., Zhao, J., Zhao, Y., Luo, J., Li, Q., & Xu, Z. (2025). From microbial homeostasis to systemic pathogenesis: A narrative review on gut flora’s role in neuropsychiatric, metabolic, and cancer disorders. Journal of Inflammation Research.

4. Huang, S., Lu, Y., Fang, W., Huang, Y., Li, Q., & Xu, Z. (2025). Neurodegenerative diseases and neuroinflammation-induced apoptosis. Open Life Sciences.

5. Li, Q., Zhang, L., Sun, Y., Du, Z., Xu, S., Wang, X., Wei, S., Tao, Y., Li, B., Jiang, J., Di, G., Huang, Y., & Xu, Z. (2025). p53 modulates the gut-liver axis via PI3K/AKT/Wnt signaling pathways in type 2 diabetes. FASEB Journal.

6. Li, Q., Yan, X., Zhao, Y., Xu, Z., & Zhu, X. (2025). Paeonol mitigates chronic stress-induced amygdalar neuronal damage through glycogen synthase kinase-3β/calcineurin axis regulation of synaptic plasticity. Neuroreport.

7. Zhu, X., Zhang, Y., Yan, X., Zhao, Y., Shi, L., Sun, Z., Meng, K., Zong, Y., Li, Q., & Xu, Z. (2025). Paeonol facilitates the repair of neuronal damage in the mPFC caused by chronic stress via the Rho GTPases-cofilin1 signaling pathway. Neuroscience Letters, 138329.

Yan Bai | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yan Bai | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Yunnan University | China

Dr. Yan Bai is a highly accomplished postdoctoral researcher at the State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources in Yunnan and the Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China. She earned her PhD in Cell Biology from Yunnan University, MSc in Pharmacology from the Chinese PLA Medical Academy, and BSc in Pharmacy from Dali University, establishing a strong interdisciplinary foundation spanning pharmacology, microbiology, and cellular biology. Prior to her current role, she conducted research at the Chinese PLA General Hospital, focusing on combination therapies against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Her research primarily investigates mitochondrial homeostasis, tumor biology, and the molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial genetic diseases, with particular attention to mitochondria-associated condensates (MATOs) as regulators of protein translation and mitochondrial integrity. Dr. Yan Bai has led and contributed to several major research projects, including grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the National Basic Research Program, and Yunnan Province Science and Technology initiatives. Her work has resulted in high-impact publications in journals such as Nature Aging (2025), Sci China Life Sci (2025), EMBO J (2024), and Biophys Rep (2024). According to Scopus, she has authored 10 publications, cited 177 times across 169 documents, with an h-index of 6, demonstrating both productivity and influence in her field. Through her interdisciplinary collaborations, innovative experimental approaches, and groundbreaking findings on mitochondrial regulation and aging, Dr. Yan Bai has made significant contributions to biomedical science, advancing understanding of mitochondrial biology, disease mechanisms, and translational biomedical applications.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Bai, Y., Ma, T., Zhao, S., Li, S., Wang, X., Li, J., Sun, W., Yang, Y., Liu, F., Shan, Q., Qin, Z., Liu, N., Zhang, J., Tian, F., Duan, M., Chen, S., Lai, F., Chen, Q., Wu, X., & Yang, C. (2025). Mitochondria-associated condensates maintain mitochondrial homeostasis and promote lifespan. Nature Aging.

Hao, Q., Bai, Y., Guan, R., Dong, R., Bai, W., Hamdy, H., Wang, L., Meng, M., Sun, Y., Shen, J., & Sun, J. (2025). VPS35/Retromer-dependent MT1-MMP regulation confers melanoma metastasis. Science China Life Sciences, 68(7), 1996–2009.

Hao, Q., Dong, R., Bai, W., Chang, D., Yao, X., Zhang, Y., Xu, H., Li, H., Kui, X., Wang, F., Wang, Y., Wang, C., Lei, Y., Chen, Y., Shen, J., Sang, L., Bai, Y., & Sun, J. (2024). Screening for metastasis-related genes in mouse melanoma cells through sequential tail vein injection. Biophysical Reports, 10(1), 15–21.

Liu, F., Li, T., Gong, H., Tian, F., Bai, Y., Wang, H., Yang, C., Li, Y., Guo, F., Liu, S., & Chen, Q. (2024). Structural insights into the molecular effects of the anthelmintics monepantel and betaine on the Caenorhabditis elegans acetylcholine receptor ACR-23. EMBO Journal, 43(17), 3787–3806.

Wang, T., Zhou, X., Bai, Y., Zhang, L., Li, L., & Wu, C. (2018). Antiepileptic effect of uridine may be caused by regulating dopamine release and receptor expression in corpus striatum. Brain Research, 1688, 47–53.

Bai, Y., Liu, B., Wang, T., Cai, Y., Liang, B., Wang, R., Liu, Y., & Wang, J. (2015). In vitro activities of combinations of rifampin with other antimicrobials against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 59(3), 1466–1471.

Liu, B., Bai, Y., Liu, Y., Di, X., Zhang, X., Wang, R., & Wang, J. (2015). In vitro activity of tigecycline in combination with cefoperazone-sulbactam against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Journal of Chemotherapy, 27(5), 271–276.

Zhongzhen Su | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhongzhen Su | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University |China

Dr. Zhongzhen Su is a renowned medical professional with over two decades of expertise in abdominal ultrasound diagnosis and liver cancer interventional therapy. Currently serving as the Director of the Ultrasound Medicine Department at the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, he has made pivotal contributions in early liver cancer detection and fibrosis assessment. Recognized as a “High-level Talent in Zhuhai” and a “Guangdong Outstanding Young Medical Talent”, Dr. Su has significantly enhanced survival outcomes for cirrhotic patients through innovative imaging techniques.

Professional profile👤

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Established Academic and Research Record:

    • 48 SCI publications with an H-index of 28 and 1,000+ citations, indicating consistent and influential contributions.

    • Highest publication impact factor of 14.3, demonstrating recognition in high-quality journals.

  2. Innovative Contributions:

    • Two patents (e.g., tumor ultrasound phantom, fibrosis prediction model) and innovative developments in liver cancer diagnostics and ablation.

    • Led 18 completed and 1 ongoing research projects, including National Natural Science Foundation grants.

  3. Clinical and Educational Impact:

    • Pioneered early detection and ultrasound-guided treatment of liver cancer, improving survival rates.

    • Trained over 50 postgraduates, indicating a significant contribution to academic mentorship.

  4. Recognitions and Leadership:

    • Recognized as a “High-level Talent in Zhuhai” and “Guangdong Outstanding Young Medical Talent”.

    • Serves as Director of Ultrasound Medicine and holds leadership roles in national professional associations.

  5. Interdisciplinary and AI Integration:

    • Engaged in AI-based fibrosis assessment and multicenter collaborations, showcasing forward-looking research alignment.

🎓 Education

Dr. Zhongzhen Su earned his Ph.D. in Imaging and Nuclear Medicine from Sun Yat-sen University, one of China’s top medical institutions. His academic foundation combines clinical depth with scientific rigor, forming the bedrock for his ongoing advancements in ultrasound-guided interventions and diagnostic radiology.

👨‍⚕️ Experience

With over 20 years of clinical and academic experience, Dr. Zhongzhen Su has held key roles, including Deputy Dean of the Fifth Affiliated Hospital and now Director of Ultrasound Medicine. His leadership has been instrumental in establishing state-of-the-art interventional ultrasound programs, supervising over 50 postgraduates, and leading multicenter clinical trials focused on liver health.

🔬 Research Interest On Medicine

Dr. Zhongzhen Su primary research interests lie in abdominal ultrasound diagnosis, interventional ultrasound for liver cancer, quantitative assessment of liver fibrosis, and post-ablation evaluation techniques. He is also exploring AI-based models for early-stage fibrosis and cancer detection, which promise transformative impacts in personalized medicine.

🏆 Awards

Dr. Zhongzhen Su is a three-time recipient of the Guangdong Science and Technology Awards 🏅, reflecting his leadership in ultrasound-guided interventional innovation. He has also been honored as a “High-level Talent in Zhuhai” and a “Guangdong Outstanding Young Medical Talent”, distinctions reserved for top-tier professionals in the region’s medical community.

📚 Publications

1. Nomogram Using Bi-modal Imaging for Predicting Low-level HER2 Expression Status in Breast Cancer

  • Authors: Xingyu Liang, Jiamin Chen, Jiawei Tian, Xin Wen

  • Journal: European Journal of Radiology

  • Year: 2025

2. Combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS With Second-Line Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Using Sulfur Hexafluoride or Perfluorobutane for Diagnosing Hepatocellular Carcinoma in High-Risk Patients

  • Authors: Yu Li, Sheng Li, Qing Li, Lingling Li, Jianhua Zhou

  • Journal: Korean Journal of Radiology

  • Year: 2025

  • Citations: 0​

3. Doppler Ultrasound Imaging and Shear Wave Elastography for Evaluation of Interstitial Fibrosis/Tubular Atrophy in IgA Nephropathy

  • Authors: Jiaxin Chen, Shuqing Wang, Qunyan Wu, Zhongzhen Su, Yuhong Lin

  • Journal: Abdominal Radiology

  • Year: 2025

4. Tertiary Lymphoid Structure Formation Induced by LIGHT-Engineered and Photosensitive Nanoparticles-Decorated Bacteria Enhances Immune Response Against Colorectal Cancer

  • Authors: Lijun Hu, Li Tan, Shaohui Deng, Honglin Gao, Yujie Jiang, Chen Qiu, Hui Chen, Zecong Xiao, Xintao Shuai, Zhongzhen Su

  • Journal: Biomaterials

  • Year: 2025

  • Citations: 6​

5. Histopathological Diagnosis of Microvascular Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Is It Reliable?

  • Authors: Liujun Li, Chaoqun Wu, Feile Ye, Zhou Xuan, Xiaoli Zhang, Jianping Li, Jia Zhou, Zhongzhen Su

  • Journal: World Journal of Gastroenterology

  • Year: 2025

6. Radiomics Diagnosis of Microvascular Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using 3D Ultrasound and Whole-Slide Image Fusion

  • Authors: Liujun Li, Shaodong Wang, Jiaxin Chen, Yao Lu, Zhongzhen Su

  • Journal: Small Methods

  • Year: 2025

7. Model Based on Ultrasound and Clinicopathological Characteristics for Early Prediction of Pathological Complete Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer

  • Authors: Xin Wen, Jiamin Chen, Jing Zhong, Yuhong Lin, Zhongzhen Su

  • Journal: Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery

  • Year: 2024

  • Citations: 1​

8. Development and Validation of an Individualized Nomogram for Predicting Patent Foramen Ovale-Associated Stroke: Patent Foramen Ovale Morphology-Based Analysis

  • Authors: Qin Zhang, Mochao Xiao, Wuzhu Lu, Zhongzhen Su, Xiaobo Chen

  • Journal: Echocardiography

  • Year: 2024

🧾 Conclusion

In summary, Dr. Zhongzhen Su stands out as a visionary ultrasound expert and medical educator, having redefined interventional standards in liver cancer therapy and fibrosis evaluation. His trailblazing research, prolific publication record, and dedication to clinical excellence make him an ideal nominee for the Best Researcher Award at the FORENSIC SCIENTIST AWARDS. 🏅🔍