Marco Miceli | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Paper Award

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Dr. Marco Miceli | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Paper Award 

CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore | Italy

Dr. Marco Miceli is an Italian biomedical researcher with over two decades of continuous experience in molecular biology, epigenetics, genetics, and translational biomedical research, developed within leading academic and research institutions in Italy. Born on 20 February 1973, he is currently engaged at CEINGE–Biotecnologie Avanzate “Franco Salvatore” in Naples, where since October 2022 he has been working under a fixed-term collaboration contract within the national project “TASK FORCE 2022 COVID-19”. In this role, he serves as Head of the Level III Biosafety Laboratory (BSL-3), operating under the scientific supervision of Prof. Massimo Zollo, with responsibilities encompassing high-containment laboratory management, advanced virological research, and biosafety compliance. Between 2020 and 2022, Dr. Miceli worked at the University of Naples Federico II, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, contributing to a CDA-funded project focused on the molecular etiology of syndromic and non-syndromic genetic hearing loss, including genotype–phenotype correlations and functional characterization of pathogenic variants. His research career has been strongly rooted at CEINGE and associated institutes, where he has held multiple research appointments since 2019, collaborating on projects spanning molecular diagnostics, functional genomics, and advanced cellular models. Earlier in his career, he served as a fixed-term researcher at the IRCCS SDN Research Institute, working on innovative projects involving amniocyte stem cells, 3D scaffolds for bone tissue engineering, and epigenetic profiling of immune cells in metabolic disorders. From 2005 onward, Dr. Miceli played a sustained role in several nationally and EU-funded research programs, including EPITRON, ATLAS, APO-SYS, and PON-SIRTT-IN, primarily under the scientific guidance of Prof. Lucia Altucci. His work during this period focused on epigenetic regulation of gene expression, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), real-time PCR, histone deacetylase complexes, apoptosis regulation, and cancer epigenetics. Dr. Miceli’s long-standing expertise spans molecular genetics, chromatin biology, lentiviral systems, stem cell models, and translational biomedical research, making him a highly experienced and reliable contributor to multidisciplinary research initiatives at the interface of basic science, clinical research, and advanced biotechnological applications.

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Featured Publications

Hou-Qun Ying | Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Hou-Qun Ying | Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science | Research Excellence Award 

The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University | China

Dr. Hou-Qun Ying, PhD, born on July 18, 1985, in Shangrao, Jiangxi Province, China, is an accomplished clinical scientist specializing in cancer biomarkers, inflammation-related indices, molecular epidemiology, and therapeutic response prediction. He currently serves as the Vice Director of the Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, where he plays a leading role in translational research, diagnostic innovation, and clinical laboratory management. Dr. Ying earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis from Southeast University (2013–2016), after completing his Master of Medicine in Pathogenic Biology at Dali University and his Bachelor of Medicine in Medical Laboratory Science from Tianjin Medical University. His academic and professional journey reflects strong expertise in cancer diagnostics, genetic polymorphisms, biomarker development, and precision medicine. Dr. Ying has successfully led multiple competitive research grants, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China Youth Fund (2018–2020), exploring Hippo-pathway-related genetic variations and EGFR-TKI resistance in non-small cell lung cancer, and the 2024–2027 Regional Fund focusing on SP1 transcription factor–related genetic variations as biomarkers for bevacizumab resistance in metastatic colorectal cancer. His research contributions span more than 70 peer-reviewed publications, with many as first, co-first, or corresponding author in high-impact journals such as Scientific Reports, Oncotarget, Cancer Medicine, Therapeutic Advances in Medical Oncology, Frontiers in Oncology, Pharmacological Research, Biomarkers, Future Oncology, and J Inflammation Research. His studies have provided pivotal insights into inflammatory markers such as fibrinogen-to-pre-albumin ratio, albumin-to-fibrinogen ratio, dNLR, PLR, and novel composite biomarkers for cancer prognosis, treatment response prediction, early diagnosis, and recurrence risk stratification. He has also made influential contributions to colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, gallbladder carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and NSCLC through biomarker innovation, clinical prediction models, and meta-analytic evaluations. As a corresponding author, Dr. Ying has developed and validated numerous inflammation-based and genetic biomarker signatures, such as FPR, ADS score, MLPAS, CCMLP, and chronic inflammation indices, improving precision therapeutic decisions for chemotherapy, bevacizumab, 5-FU–based regimens, and TKIs. Additionally, his collaborative work extends to machine learning applications in early gastric cancer prediction, molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression, and multi-omics approaches. With a distinguished record of scientific leadership, grant success, and impactful publications, Dr. Ying continues to advance clinical oncology diagnostics and personalized treatment strategies through rigorous research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Peng, Y., Shang, R., Wang, Z.-J., Ye, Q.-Y., Tang, X.-Y., Cheng, X.-X., & Ying, H.-Q. (2025). Chronic inflammatory comprehensive signature predicts oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil benefit in early colorectal cancer. Drug Design, Development and Therapy. https://doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S556619

Lu, Y., Ye, Q.-Y., Mei, O., Li, Y.-N., Peng, Y., Ying, H.-Q., & Cheng, X.-X. (2025). Chronic inflammation index-based tumor subsite classification correlated with chemotherapy benefit and survival outcomes in stage II–III colorectal cancer. Journal of Inflammation Research. https://doi.org/10.2147/JIR.S517378

Ye, Q.-Y., Wang, Y.-Y., Wang, Z.-J., Lu, M., Peng, H.-X., Wang, X., Cheng, X.-X., & Ying, H.-Q. (2025). Robust predictive performance of MLPAS and CCMLP for clinical outcome and risk stratification in patients with colorectal cancer. Journal of Inflammation Research. https://doi.org/10.2147/JIR.S498028

Tian, H., Liu, Z., Zhang, Z., Zhang, L., Zong, Z., Liu, J., Ying, H., & Li, H. (2023). Clinical significance of fibrinogen and platelet to pre-albumin ratio in predicting the prognosis of advanced gastric cancer. Journal of Inflammation Research. https://doi.org/10.2147/JIR.S412033

Ying, H.-Q., Liao, Y.-C., Luo, Y.-R., Xiong, G., Huang, Y., Nie, R.-W., Xiong, C.-F., & Cheng, X.-X. (2021). Cancer-elicited inflammation attenuates response and outcome in tyrosine kinase inhibitor naïve patients with advanced NSCLC. Pharmacological Research, 105734. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105734

Ying, H.-Q., You, X.-H., Liao, Y.-C., Sun, F., & Cheng, X.-X. (2021). High-grade inflammation attenuates chemosensitivity and confers poor survival of surgical stage III CRC patients. Frontiers in Oncology, 11, 580455. https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2021.580455

Liao, Y.-C., Ying, H.-Q., Huang, Y., Luo, Y.-R., Xiong, C.-F., Nie, R.-W., Li, X.-J., & Cheng, X.-X. (2021). Role of chronic inflammatory ratios in predicting recurrence of resected patients with stage I–III mucinous colorectal adenocarcinoma. Cancer Management and Research, 13, 303758. https://doi.org/10.2147/CMAR.S303758

Pratiksha Kshirsagar | Pre-clinical pharmacology | Best Researcher Award | 13450

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Ms. Pratiksha Kshirsagar | Pre-clinical pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Pratiksha Kshirsagar, University of Nebraska Medical Center, United States

Ms. Pratiksha Kshirsagar is a dedicated pharmaceutical scientist currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), USA. With strong academic credentials and hands-on research experience in both India and the U.S., she specializes in bioanalytical method development, preclinical pharmacokinetics, and drug delivery systems. Her work includes the development and validation of LC-MS/MS methods and conducting in vitro and in vivo DMPK studies for novel therapeutics targeting medulloblastoma. She has co-authored several peer-reviewed publications and presented her findings at national and international conferences. Ms. Kshirsagar is also a recipient of the UNMC Dean of Graduate Studies Conference Attendance Award and remains committed to advancing pharmaceutical research and translational drug development.

Profile

ORCID

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Pratiksha Kshirsagar’s academic journey is marked by consistent dedication and a keen interest in pharmaceutical sciences. Her educational foundation was laid at Savitribai Phule Pune University, where she earned both her Bachelor of Pharmacy (2016–2020) with an SGPA of 7.7/10 and a Master of Pharmacy in Pharmaceutics (2020–2022), graduating with distinction (SGPA: 8.96/10). These formative years laid the groundwork for her strong research acumen and laboratory skills. Keen to explore further, she transitioned to the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), USA, where she pursued a Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences (2022–2024). Her academic growth culminated in her enrollment in the Ph.D. program in Pharmaceutical Sciences (2024–2029). With a GPA of 3.6/4.0, her progress has been both steady and impressive. Simultaneously, she earned a Certificate in Applied Biostatistics with a perfect GPA of 4.0/4.0, showcasing her commitment to interdisciplinary learning and data-driven research.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Pratiksha’s professional experience is deeply intertwined with her academic path, reflecting a rare blend of scholarly rigor and hands-on application. At UNMC, under the mentorship of Dr. Daryl J. Murry, she has worked extensively as a graduate research assistant and student researcher, contributing to the development and validation of LC-MS/MS bioanalytical methods for novel small molecules and RIPTACs. Her earlier professional journey in India involved impactful research under Dr. Smita S. Pimple, where she explored micro-emulsions using essential oils and carrier oils for skincare applications. This early exposure to formulation science, coupled with analytical chemistry, gave her a solid foundation in pharmaceutics and laboratory research.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Pratiksha’s primary research focus lies in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK), with an emphasis on preclinical evaluation of novel therapeutic agents. Her notable contributions include the in-depth pharmacokinetic analysis of EPZ015666 and JNJ-64619178 for medulloblastoma treatment, reflecting her role in advancing pediatric cancer therapy.

Her technical expertise spans several key areas:

  • LC-MS/MS bioanalytical method development

  • In-vitro studies like metabolic stability, protein binding, and drug transporter assays

  • In-vivo animal studies, including oral/IV dosing and tissue distribution

  • Use of Phoenix WinNonlin, GraphPad Prism, and other analytical tools for pharmacokinetic modeling

Moreover, she contributed to the design, characterization, and stability testing of advanced nano drug delivery systems such as S-SNEDDS (Solid Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System), which demonstrates her interdisciplinary knowledge.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Pratiksha’s dedication has earned her notable recognition throughout her academic and research journey. She was awarded the UNMC Dean of Graduate Studies Conference Attendance Award in 2023, underscoring her academic excellence and potential for contribution at scientific forums.

She actively participated in esteemed conferences such as:

  • American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS), Oct 2023

  • UNMC College of Pharmacy Research Day, May 2023

  • CHRI Pediatric Research Forum, May 2023

In earlier academic years, she was involved in state and national level conferences and poster competitions, including the Medical Coding & E-Poster Competition (2020) and a State Level Seminar on Natural Products Research (2018).

🌍 Impact and Influence

Pratiksha’s research holds real-world significance. Her work on small molecule therapeutics for medulloblastoma contributes to the body of knowledge addressing rare pediatric brain cancers, potentially guiding future clinical interventions. Her cross-functional approach—merging analytical chemistry, pharmacology, and pharmaceutical formulation—makes her an invaluable contributor to translational medicine. She has also co-authored several scholarly publications and book chapters on nanotechnology, drug delivery, and antiviral drug challenges, reinforcing her growing influence in the academic community. These contributions are cited in peer-reviewed journals and academic textbooks, evidencing her thought leadership.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

As Pratiksha continues her Ph.D. journey, her trajectory suggests a future as a leading scientist in pharmaceutical research and drug development. Her interests align with solving complex challenges in drug delivery, pharmacokinetics, and personalized medicine. Looking ahead, she aims to bridge the gap between bench-side research and bedside applications, translating scientific breakthroughs into therapeutic realities. Whether in academia, industry, or clinical collaborations, her vision is clear: to contribute meaningfully to global health innovation.

📄 Publication Top Notes

Crossing the Blood–Brain Barrier: Innovations in Receptor- and Transporter-Mediated Transcytosis Strategies

Contributors: Ling Ding; Pratiksha Kshirsagar; Prachi Agrawal; Daryl J. Murry

Journal: Pharmaceutics

Year: 2025

Preparation and Characterization of Advanced Nano medicine For Malaria: Box Behnken Design Approach

Contributors: Anuradha G. More; Parag R. Potbhare; Padmaja S. Kore; Praveen D. Chaudhari; Pratiksha U. Kshirsagar; Radhika R. Baheti; Surbhi C. Gupta

Journal: International Journal of Life Science and Pharma Research

Year: 2022