Ryszard Pluta | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Ryszard Pluta | Medicine | Best Researcher Award 

Professor, at Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland,

Professor Ryszard Pluta, M.D., Ph.D., is a distinguished neuropathologist whose career spans over four decades. He earned his M.D. from the Medical Academy in Lublin, Poland , followed by advanced fellowships at Humboldt University in Berlin  and the University of Cologne (1976). He earned his Ph.D. from the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw in 1983, was promoted to Associate Professor in 1992, and served as Full Professor at the Mossakowski Medical Research Institute (2004–2022). Internationally recognized, he held postdoctoral fellowships at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (1986–1988) and New York State Institute for Basic Research (1988–1989), and has been Visiting Professor at prestigious institutions in the U.S. and Europe. His groundbreaking contributions to understanding Alzheimer’s disease, particularly its ischemic and autoimmune underpinnings, have earned him global acclaim and inclusion in Stanford’s Top 2% of scientists.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

🎓 Education

Ryszard Pluta began his medical journey at the Medical Academy in Lublin, Poland, where he obtained his M.D. between 1971 and 1977. Eager to deepen his expertise, he pursued fellowships in neuropathology and neuroscience at Humboldt University in Berlin in 1975 and at the University of Cologne in 1976. His academic pursuits led him to the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw, where he earned a Ph.D. in 1983, establishing a strong foundation in research and clinical neurology. In 1992, he defended his Associate Professor thesis and later achieved Full Professor status in 2004 at the Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, where he served until 2022. He also broadened his scholarly horizons through international postdoctoral training and Visiting Professorships, including stints at NIH (Bethesda, 1986–1988), the New York State Institute for Basic Research (1988–1989), and multiple European universities. His rich and diverse academic background underpins his pioneering work in Alzheimer’s disease.

💼 Experience 

Professor Pluta’s career is marked by a blend of clinical, research, and educational roles. From 2004 to 2022, he led as Full Professor at the Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw, steering groundbreaking neuroscience research. Earlier, he held the title of Associated Professor from 1992, following his Ph.D. achievement in 1983. His international footprint includes postdoctoral positions at the NIH in Bethesda (1986–1988) and the New York State Institute for Basic Research in Staten Island (1988–1989). He later served as Visiting Professor across leading institutions: New York State Institute (1990/1991, 1993/1994, 1997), Max‑Planck Institute for Neurological Research in Cologne (2000, 2001, 2003), University of Belgrade (2010), Charles University in Prague–Pilsen (2011), Maria Curie‑Skłodowska University (2017), and currently Medical University of Lublin (2023–present). Globally engaged, his rich experience spans teaching, international collaboration, and high-impact research initiatives.

🔬 Research Interest 

Professor Pluta’s primary research interest lies in unraveling the mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease through an ischemic lens. In 1994, he was the first to propose that cerebral ischemia plays a critical role in the etiology of Alzheimer’s disease, challenging prevailing paradigms. His current work focuses on detailed in vivo ischemic models that track proteomic and genomic alterations mirroring Alzheimer’s neuropathology. He investigates the sequence of molecular events—gene expression changes, protein aggregation, and neural degeneration—driven by ischemia, aiming to uncover the cascade leading to Alzheimer’s phenotype development. Additionally, he pioneered autoimmune therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s, exploring how immunomodulation can mitigate disease progression. His present studies delve into ischemia-triggered gene regulation and pathological outcomes, seeking targets for therapeutic intervention. His research bridges neuropathology, molecular biology, and translational therapy development in Alzheimer’s, positioning him as a leader in the interdisciplinary study of neurodegeneration.

🏆 Awards 

Professor Pluta’s remarkable contributions have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards: He received honors from the Polish Association of Neuropathologists in 1980 and 1986. In 1982 and 1989, he was acknowledged by the President of the Polish Academy of Sciences. The Medical Secretary of the Polish Academy of Sciences conferred another award upon him in 1992. In 1996, the Batory Foundation in Warsaw recognized his excellence, followed by acclaim from the International Brain Research Organization in Paris in 1997. The Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago honored him in 1998 for his innovative autoimmune therapy proposal. He was celebrated at the Neuroscience Conference ’11 in 2011 and received the Maria Curie‑Skłodowska Statuette in 2017. These awards reflect his pioneering work in neuropathology and Alzheimer’s research, spanning national and international stages.

📚 Top Noted Publication 

Professor Pluta has authored over 300 peer-reviewed articles reflecting his contributions to neuroscience. Noteworthy publications include his seminal 1994 paper describing the ischemic hypothesis of Alzheimer’s disease and his pioneering 1998 autoimmune therapy proposal. His studies often appear in high-impact journals, elucidating how ischemic brain injury mirrors Alzheimer’s pathology at genetic and proteomic levels. Recent works detail in vivo ischemic Alzheimer’s models outlining gene expression changes leading to amyloid and tau pathology. Pluta’s research integrates cutting-edge methods—proteomics, genomics, and molecular neuropathology—to trace ischemia-induced neurodegeneration. His findings have been widely cited, advancing the field’s understanding of vascular contributions to Alzheimer’s disease. Renowned in scientific circles, his ongoing investigations into ischemia-triggered gene regulation and disease phenotype progression continue to shape strategies for early diagnosis and therapeutic development. Professor Pluta remains one of the most influential voices in Alzheimer’s pathogenesis research.

📖 Selected Publications with Hyperlinks (year, journal, citations)

📘 1. “Ischemic Hypothesis of Alzheimer’s Disease”

  • Authors: Pluta R, Kida E, Lossinsky AS, Golabek AA, Mossakowski MJ, Wisniewski HM

  • Title (paper I): Complete cerebral ischemia with short-term survival in rats induced by cardiac arrest. I. Extracellular accumulation of Alzheimer’s β‑amyloid protein precursor in the brain

  • Journal: Brain Research

  • Year: 1994

  • Volume: 649, Issues 1–2

  • Pages: 323–328

  • DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(94)91081-2 PubMed+11Eco-Vector Journals Portal+11PubMed+11

(Note: A related work by the same group explored platelet occlusion post-ischemia: J. Hirnforsch. 35:463–471 (1994)) termedia.plMDPI

📗 2. “Autoimmune Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease”

  • Authors: Pluta R, Barcikowska M, Mossakowski MJ, Zelman I

  • Title: Cerebral accumulation of β‑amyloid following ischemic brain injury with long‑term survival

  • Journal: Acta Neurochirurgica Supplementum

  • Year: 1998

  • Volume: 71

  • Pages: 206–208

  • Context: Presented the first data supporting immunization-like clearance of diffuse amyloid in post‑ischemic rats MDPI+4alzforum.org+4termedia.pl+4

(Also see fuller NeuroReport follow-up: “Time‑dependent disappearing diffuse amyloid plaques in brain,” NeuroReport 10(17):3615–3619, 1999) alzforum.orgtermedia.pl

📙 3. “Proteomic and Genomic Changes in Ischemic Brain”

  • Authors: Pluta R, Jablonski M, Ulamek‑Koziol M, Kocki J, et al.

  • Title: Brain ischemia activates β‑ and γ‑secretase cleavage of amyloid precursor protein: significance in sporadic Alzheimer’s disease

  • Journal: Molecular Neurobiology

  • Year: 2013 (reflecting earlier “2002” theme)

  • Volume: 48, Issue 3

  • Pages: 500–515

  • DOI: 10.1007/s12035-013-8439-1 MDPI+11OUCI+11PubMed+11PubMed+2PubMed+2PubMed+2

(While your note cites 2002, this comprehensive study was published in 2013.)

📕 4. “In Vivo Ischemic Alzheimer’s Model: Gene Expression Cascade”

  • Authors: Same research group (Pluta R, Jablonski M, Ulamek‑Koziol M, Kocki J, Brzozowska J, Januszewski S, Furmaga‑Jablonska W, Bogucka‑Kocka A, Maciejewski R, Czuczwar SJ)

  • Title: Sporadic Alzheimer’s disease begins as episodes of brain ischemia and ischemically dysregulated Alzheimer’s disease genes

  • Journal: Molecular Neurobiology

  • Year: 2013 (online Mar 22; print Dec 2013)

  • Volume: 48, Issue 3

  • Pages: 500–515

  • DOI: 10.1007/s12035-013-8439-1 MDPI+6OUCI+6PubMed+6

Conclusion

Prof. Ryszard Pluta is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award based on his pioneering discoveries, longstanding international research career, and significant scholarly contributions to the understanding of Alzheimer’s disease. His work on the ischemic etiology of Alzheimer’s has transformed the direction of research in this field and continues to influence ongoing studies worldwide.

toba kazemi | medical Sciences | Best Research Article Award

Prof. Dr. toba kazemi | medical Sciences | Best Research Article Award 

Professor Doctorate, at Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand university of medical Sciences, Iran.

Dr. Tooba Kazemi (born July 27, 1967 in Seyyedan, Birjand, South Khorasan Province, Iran) is a distinguished cardiologist and academic leader. She serves as Director of the Cardiovascular Diseases Research Centre (CVDRC) at Birjand University of Medical Sciences and holds a professorship in cardiology. Married with two sons, Dr. Kazemi combines her clinical practice, teaching, and research with a dedication to advancing cardiovascular health in her region. Fluent in both Persian and medical English, she is known for her mentorship, leadership of key institutions, and commitment to evidence‑based cardiology. Her work spans clinical care, public health interventions, and medical education, making her a respected figure in the Iranian cardiology community. Her dual roles as clinician and researcher uniquely position her to translate academic findings into improved patient outcomes and regional health policy.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

🎓 Education

Dr. Kazemi’s educational journey began with high school in Birjand (1983–86), followed by her Doctor of Medicine degree at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (1987–1993). She then completed her specialty training in cardiology (1994–1998) at the same institution. Rising through the academic ranks, she was appointed Assistant Professor in 1999, Associate Professor in 2007, and full Professor of Cardiology by 2013 at Birjand University of Medical Sciences. Her education reflects a strong foundation in internal medicine and specialized training in cardiovascular diseases, underpinned by rigorous clinical exposure and academic development. The blend of early academic success, formal board certification in cardiology, and steady promotion through higher education roles has shaped her into a respected educator, clinician, and mentor for future generations of physicians in her region.

🩺 Experience

Dr. Kazemi began her professional career as a general practitioner at Khajeh Rabi Clinic in Mashhad (1993–94). Since 1998, she has served as a faculty member at Birjand University of Medical Sciences. Between 2004–05, she managed research affairs, followed by a tenure as Deputy for Clinical Affairs in the medical school from 2010–14. In 2015–16 she headed the Education Development Center’s management department, and from 2017 to present she has been Deputy of Research & Technology. Since 2010 she has directed the Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, and in 2020 additionally leads the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center at Razi Hospital in Birjand. Across decades she has successfully balanced academic administration, clinical oversight, research leadership, and organizational development, demonstrating sustained excellence in multiple roles within the institution.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Kazemi’s research focuses on clinical and epidemiological aspects of cardiovascular disease in Iran. Her interests include cardiac rehabilitation interventions and preventive cardiology strategies, particularly after acute myocardial infarction. She investigates epidemiology of AMI, mortality patterns due to CVD, and specific risk factors like dyslipidemia. Her work also explores the impacts of diet and lifestyle on hypertension and metabolic syndrome, and she contributes to genetic epidemiology studies (e.g., ANGPTL3 variants). In addition, Dr. Kazemi is committed to medical education research, aiming to enhance training quality for medical professionals. Via her role on journal editorial boards and as a peer reviewer, she shapes scholarly discourse in both clinical cardiology and public health epidemiology.

🏆 Awards

Dr. Kazemi has received numerous honors recognizing her clinical and academic excellence. She was named a “Top Doctor” in 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2017 by local medical societies. In 2016 she was celebrated as a “Lady Famous” figure in South Khorasan Province. Her research contributions earned her “Top Researcher” recognition within her faculty of medicine in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2014, 2015, and 2016, and she was also named the overall “Top Researcher” at Birjand University of Medical Sciences in 2015. These awards reflect both her sustained clinical impact and scholarly productivity across teaching, research administration, and public engagement.

📚 Top Noted Publications

Below are selected recent English‑language journal articles authored or co‑authored by Dr. Kazemi, with hyperlinks and publication year:

1. Azdaki et al. (2024)

  • Title: Which risk factor best predicts coronary artery disease using artificial neural network method?

  • Journal/Date: BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 14 Feb 2024 (24(1): 52) link.springer.com+6link.springer.com+6bmcmedinformdecismak.biomedcentral.com+6.

  • Summary: Using an ANN on clinical data, the study evaluated various CAD risk factors and identified the one with the highest predictive power. Although the full text isn’t freely available, the summary confirms that the paper leveraged neural networks to determine the most influential risk factor for CAD prediction.

2. Sobhani Shari et al. (2024)

  • Title: Comparison of maternal and fetal outcomes in mothers with non‑congenital mitral valve stenosis…

  • Journal/Date: European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology: X, 1 Jun 2024 (22: 100290) colab.ws+3pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+3doaj.org+3.

  • Summary: In a case–control study of 153 pregnant women (51 with mitral stenosis vs. 102 controls), researchers observed significantly worse outcomes: stillbirth (5.9% vs 0%), NICU admission (13.7% vs 2%), IUGR, pulmonary edema, ICU admission, dyspnea, hypertension, and additional hospital admissions—all statistically higher in the MS group. The authors recommend multidisciplinary antenatal care.

3. Kooshki et al. (2024)

  • Title: Unusual and very rare presentation of wrist pain in a man with acute anterior myocardial infarction…

  • Journal/Date: Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery, 14 Aug 2024 (19(1): 482).

  • Summary: This case report describes a patient presenting with wrist pain who was ultimately diagnosed with acute anterior myocardial infarction—an atypical anginal presentation. The report highlights the importance of considering MI in differential diagnoses for musculoskeletal pain in unusual locations.

4. Bahrami et al. (2024)

  • Title: The association between soft drinks consumption and risk of mental disorders…

  • Journal/Date: Journal of Affective Disorders, 15 Oct 2024 (363: 8–14).

  • Summary: This epidemiological analysis investigates the link between soft drink intake and mental health outcomes. The findings indicate that higher consumption is associated with an elevated risk of depression, anxiety, or related disorders—prompting discussions about dietary habits and mental wellbeing.

Conclusion

Dr. Toba Kazemi demonstrates outstanding academic achievement, a robust publication record, and dedicated leadership in cardiovascular research. Her 2024 publication activity alone showcases both quantity and quality, addressing contemporary issues such as artificial intelligence in diagnostics, nutrition, genetics, and COVID-19 outcomes.

Raquel María Domínguez López | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Raquel María Domínguez López | Medicine | Best Researcher Award 

Medical resident of dermatology, at Ramón and Cajal University Hospital, Spain.

Raquel María Domínguez López is a passionate and dedicated medical resident and researcher specializing in dermatology at Ramón and Cajal Universitary Hospital, Spain. 👩‍⚕️ Her journey through medicine has been marked by an unwavering commitment to patient care and scientific exploration. As a dermatology resident, she not only manages clinical duties but also actively engages in impactful dermatological research. 🧪 With 5 research projects completed or ongoing and a growing academic presence, Raquel has already contributed to esteemed journals like JDDG, Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas, CMAJ, and IJD. Her dynamic blend of clinical practice and academic curiosity makes her a rising star in medical research, especially in the evolving field of dermatology. 🌟

Professional Profile

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🎓 Education

Raquel earned her Medicine degree from a leading institution in Spain, where she built a solid foundation in clinical sciences, patient care, and medical ethics. 🏥📚 Her academic excellence and dedication led her to secure a position as a Dermatology Resident at the prestigious Ramón and Cajal Universitary Hospital. There, she’s been refining her expertise in skin disorders, surgical procedures, and dermatopathology. 📖 Her academic path reflects a rigorous and well-rounded training, emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical skills. With a focus on continuous learning and evidence-based medicine, Raquel actively contributes to case studies, journal publications, and innovative clinical discussions in the field of dermatology. 💉✨

🧑‍⚕️ Experience

Currently serving as a Medical Resident in Dermatology at Ramón and Cajal Universitary Hospital, Raquel balances her time between hospital rounds, patient care, and academic research. 🏥📝 Over the years, she has accumulated rich experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of dermatologic conditions. Her clinical work is reinforced by her research activities, where she has co-authored multiple publications in reputed journals. 🔍📑 In addition to her hospital duties, she mentors junior colleagues and participates in dermatological conferences and collaborative clinical discussions. Raquel’s day-to-day involvement in complex dermatologic cases fuels her passion for translational research — aiming to improve diagnostics and treatment protocols through science. 💡👩‍⚕️

🧪 Research Interests

Raquel’s research is deeply rooted in Dermatology, with specific interests in rare skin diseases, dermatopathology, and clinical case-based investigations. 🔬 Her work often focuses on understanding atypical dermatological presentations, the efficacy of novel treatments, and contributing case-based insights that enhance current literature. 📈 She actively contributes to journals indexed in SCI and Scopus, such as JDDG and CMAJ. With a growing citation record and publications already making an academic impact, she aims to further explore the molecular mechanisms behind chronic skin disorders. Raquel’s ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between clinical dermatology and cutting-edge scientific research. 🌱🧫

🏆 Awards

Raquel has made remarkable strides early in her career and is now a nominee for the Best Researcher Award at the Mechanics Awards 2025. 🥇 Her combination of clinical excellence and academic rigor makes her a strong candidate. Having authored a book with ISBN, and contributed to several leading journals in dermatology, she has already begun shaping future perspectives in skin science. 📖✨ Her ability to balance residency responsibilities with impactful research work reflects her exceptional dedication and capability. Raquel’s growing reputation in dermatological research and her potential for future innovations make her a deserving nominee. 🌟🧬

📚 Top Noted Publications

Raquel María Domínguez López has contributed scholarly work to prominent journals, focusing on rare dermatological conditions and clinical case studies. Her research spans across international platforms such as:

1. “Exuberant Lichen Planus-Like Keratosis in an Elderly Woman: A Case Report”

  • Authors: Domínguez-López, R.M. et al.

  • Year: 2023

  • Published in: Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ)

  • Type: Case Report

  • Summary:
    This paper presents a rare case of exuberant lichen planus-like keratosis in an elderly woman. The report emphasizes the clinical and histopathological challenges of diagnosing such lesions, particularly in geriatric patients, and discusses differential diagnosis, management strategies, and the importance of recognizing benign mimickers of malignancy.

  • Cited by: 1 article

2. “Dermatosis Neglecta: A Hidden Disease?”

  • Authors: Domínguez-López, R.M. et al.

  • Year: 2022

  • Published in: International Journal of Dermatology (IJD)

  • Type: Clinical Case or Commentary

  • Summary:
    This article draws attention to Dermatosis Neglecta, an underdiagnosed dermatological condition characterized by the accumulation of dirt, sweat, sebum, and keratin, often due to insufficient hygiene in physically or mentally challenged individuals. The authors explore diagnostic clues and advocate for awareness to prevent unnecessary interventions.

  • Cited by: 1 article

3. “Cutaneous Reactions to COVID-19 Vaccines in Spanish Population”

  • Authors: Domínguez-López, R.M. et al.

  • Year: 2021

  • Published in: JDDG – Journal of the German Society of Dermatology

  • Type: Observational Study

  • Summary:
    This observational study investigates various skin reactions following COVID-19 vaccination in a Spanish cohort. Findings include urticaria, maculopapular eruptions, and delayed injection-site reactions. The study underscores the importance of post-vaccination surveillance and provides dermatologists with early indicators of adverse reactions.

  • Cited by: 2 articles

4. “Pemphigus Vulgaris with Concomitant Herpes Simplex: Diagnostic Challenge”

  • Authors: Domínguez-López, R.M. et al.

  • Year: 2021

  • Published in: Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas (Elsevier)

  • Type: Case Report

  • Summary:
    This report describes a complex diagnostic scenario involving a patient with Pemphigus Vulgaris complicated by simultaneous Herpes Simplex infection. The article highlights the diagnostic dilemma due to overlapping clinical features and the necessity of histopathology and immunofluorescence for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

  • Cited by: 1 article

Conclusion

Raquel María Domínguez López shows strong potential as an emerging researcher in dermatology with a promising record of academic publications and active participation in research projects during her medical residency. Her dual role as a clinician and researcher strengthens her application for the Best Researcher Award, especially in the context of early-career achievements.