Mrs. Min Xu | Pharmaceutical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Min Xu | Pharmaceutical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Min Xu | Kunming University of Science and Technology | China

Min Xu is a distinguished researcher in the field of natural product chemistry and chemical biology, serving as a professor at Kunming University of Technology and Science (KUTS) in China. She has garnered significant recognition for her interdisciplinary work in discovering active natural molecules from Southwest ethnic medicine.

Professional Profile

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🎓 Education and Academic Journey

Min Xu has pursued a commendable academic path marked by excellence and dedication. She earned her Ph.D. in Phytochemistry from the Kunming Institute of Botany, CAS, in 2007. Her undergraduate studies culminated in a Bachelor of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Yunnan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1999. These academic foundations have profoundly shaped her research focus in natural product chemistry and chemical biology.

🔬 Research Major and Interests

Min Xu is a dedicated researcher specializing in natural product chemistry, seamlessly integrating it with chemical biology to address significant scientific challenges. Her work focuses on discovering and identifying active natural molecules from Southwest ethnic medicine, an area rich in medicinal biodiversity. She is deeply involved in optimizing the structure-activity relationship of these compounds for novel probe development and assembly. A key aspect of her research is the discovery of innovative leading compounds and their mechanisms of action, particularly in addressing major diseases such as tumors, infectious diseases, and aging-related disorders. This interdisciplinary approach highlights her commitment to advancing health sciences through the potential of nature-derived compounds.

🏆 Academic Honors and Achievements

Min Xu’s groundbreaking contributions have been recognized with several prestigious honors. In 2016, she was named a Young Academic Leader of Yunnan Province, a testament to her leadership in the scientific community. She was also honored by the Talents of West Light Foundation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2012. Earlier in her career, she received the West China Excellent Graduate Students Prize in 2001 from CAS and the Excellent Undergraduate Students Prize in 1999 from Yunnan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. These accolades underscore her pioneering work and academic excellence in natural product chemistry.

💼 Professional Experience

Min Xu has held various prominent roles throughout her career, contributing significantly to academia and research. Since 2016, she has been a Professor at the Kunming University of Technology and Science (KUTS), where she continues to drive innovative research. Previously, she served as an Associate Professor at the Kunming Institute of Botany (CAS) from 2011 to 2015 and as an Assistant Researcher at the State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China from 2007 to 2010. Her international experience includes a position as a Research Fellow at the Eskitis Institute for Cell and Molecular Therapies, Griffith University, Australia, from 2008 to 2009. These roles have enabled her to pioneer transformative research and mentor emerging leaders in the field.

💰 Grants and Funding Awards

Min Xu has successfully secured over 20 grants, showcasing her ability to attract significant funding for impactful research. Notable awards include a 16-million RMB grant for advancing the resources of Southwest ethnic medicine and developing treatments for hepatitis B (2023–2026). She also received a 600,000 RMB grant for her work in chemical biology under the Program for Innovative Research Team in University of Yunnan Province (2019–2022). Another remarkable project involved a 4.2-million RMB grant focused on the investigation and development of aromatic plants in Yunnan (2016–2019). These successes highlight her capacity for leading transformative research initiatives and her vision for pharmaceutical advancements.

🌱 Research Contributions and Experiences

Min Xu has consistently pushed the boundaries of natural product chemistry through her extensive research experiences. Her studies have yielded key discoveries, such as the antiviral terpenes from the Euphorbiaceae family, antifungal compounds from the genus Piper, and anti-hepatitis B virus sesquiterpenoids. Her interdisciplinary methods—ranging from compound assembly to mechanism analysis—have propelled advancements in pharmaceutical sciences. These contributions underscore her significant role in bridging natural product chemistry with therapeutic innovation.

🧪 Innovative Research Interests

Min Xu’s current research focuses on the efficient discovery and identification of bioactive natural products, with a special emphasis on Southwest ethnic medicine. Her work encompasses chemical probe development and the discovery of novel treatments for major diseases such as tumors and infectious ailments. Her approach not only enhances our understanding of medicinal chemistry but also paves the way for innovative solutions to global health challenges.

Publications Top Noted📚

Ramifloraolides A − D, four highly oxygenated picrotoxane-type sesquiterpenoids from the stems of Baccaurea ramiflora and their antithrombotic activity

Authors: Li-Hua Su, Wei Wang, Ya-Lin Yang, Min-Rong Chu, Yi-Can Wang, Hao-Hao Lv, Zi-Ang Zhou, Hao Chen, Shao-Xing Dai, Min Xu

Journal: Bioorganic Chemistry

Year: 2024

Lappanolides A−N, fourteen undescribed sesquiterpenoids from Saussurea costus (Syn. Saussurea lappa) and their anti-HBV activity

Authors: Hong-Bo Li, Shi-Qun Bai, Teng-Yun Shu, Qiong Wang, Hao Chen, Li-Hua Su, Min Xu

Journal: Phytochemistry

Year: 2024

Tsaokoflavanols A1–J1: Flavanol-fatty alcohol hybrids with HPL inhibitory activity from Amomum tsao-ko

Authors: Tian-Rong Yang, Shi-Chao Huang, Yun-Fen Wang, Zai-Xiang Lou, Shao-Xing Dai, Li-Hua Su, Min Xu

Journal: Phytochemistry

Year: 2024

Essential oil of lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) induces S-phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HepG2 cells

Authors: Yun-Fen Wang, Yang Zheng, Yin-Yue Cha, Yang Feng, Shao-Xing Dai, Sanjun Zhao, Hao Chen, Min Xu

Journal: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Year: 2023

Thiol–Chromene “Click” Reaction-Activated Chemiluminescent Probe for Thiol Detection In Vitro and In Vivo

Authors: Baoqu Wang, Xiaoxue Tian, Xing-Cong Li, Kui Cheng, Min Xu

Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

Year: 2023

Dr. Cesira Giordano, Medicinal Chemistry, Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Cesira Giordano, Medicinal Chemistry, Women Researcher Award

Doctorate at Azienda Opedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Italy

Professional Profiles

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🎓 Education and Academic Background

Cesira Giordano, born on January 28, 1987, holds a Master’s Degree in Molecular Biology, with a specialization in Microbiology and Virology. She furthered her expertise by completing a 2nd level Master’s in OMIC Data Analysis, reflecting her commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into her field.

🧑‍🔬 Professional Qualifications and Current Role

Since October 2019, Cesira has held a permanent position as a Biologist Manager at the Hospital Microbiology Department of Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana (AOUP) in Pisa. As a Clinical Microbiologist, she is responsible for key microbiological analyses, including regional control measures in line with Tuscany’s Decree No. 16286 of 2017. Cesira’s work ensures public health laboratories maintain their high standards, particularly through her role as the Single EQA (External Quality Assessment) contact person for SD Hospital Microbiology at AOUP.

🏆 Leadership in Public Health and Tender Commissions

Cesira has been actively involved in public health laboratory management, serving as a Tender Commissioner for various public health tenders in 2023 and 2024. Her roles include:

  • June 2024: Tender Commissioner for AOUP ESTAR, overseeing consumables and accessories for public health laboratories.
  • September 2023: Tender Commissioner for AOUP, focusing on microbiological identifications and antibiotic testing (Antibiograms).
  • July 2023–Ongoing: AOUP Contact Person for the Tuscany Region regarding communications about Listeria monocytogenes.

🔬 Research Contributions and Innovations

Cesira’s research focuses on the development and application of innovative microbiological technologies. Between 2018 and 2019, she was awarded a research grant to develop Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) technology for identifying bacteria and yeast. This work, conducted in collaboration with the University of Pisa, has laid the groundwork for bacterial typing and investigating antibiotic resistance.

Her other research highlights include:

2018: Development of rapid antibiogram protocols for multi-organ donor samples, under the supervision of Dr. Simona Barnini.

2017: Analysis of the genomes of Klebsiella pneumoniae using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) techniques. This project aimed at identifying new genes responsible for antibiotic resistance, carried out under the leadership of Dr. Simona Barnini.

🌍 International Research and Collaboration

In 2016, Cesira expanded her research experience internationally, spending time at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Netherlands. There, she worked on whole genome sequencing of multi-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, contributing to the understanding of antibiotic resistance mechanisms under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Alexander Friedrich, Dr. Erik Bathoorn, and Dr. John Rossen.

🧪 Pioneering Work in Microbiological Diagnostics

Cesira has made significant strides in rapid diagnostic methodologies. In 2016, she played a crucial role in developing rapid molecular and phenotypic antibiograms aimed at diagnosing sepsis swiftly. The protocols she helped develop reduced diagnostic time to as little as 3-6 hours after blood culture positivity, using advanced techniques like MALDI TOF MS. These advancements have greatly improved clinical response times in critical cases, saving lives.

Publications Top Noted📚

Frequency of cefiderocol heteroresistance among patients treated with cefiderocol for carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections

Authors: Shields, R.K., Dorazio, A.J., Tiseo, G., Doi, Y., Falcone, M.

Journal: JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance

Year: 2024

Glycine restores the sensitivity to antibiotics in multidrug-resistant bacteria

Authors: Giordano, C., Barnini, S.

Journal: Microbiology Spectrum

Year: 2024

Clinical Features and Outcomes of Infections Caused by Metallo-β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacterales: A 3-Year Prospective Study from an Endemic Area

Authors: Falcone, M., Giordano, C., Leonildi, A., Barnini, S., Tiseo, G.

Journal: Clinical Infectious Diseases

Year: 2024

Real-world experience with meropenem/vaborbactam for the treatment of infections caused by ESBL-producing Enterobacterales and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae

Authors: Tiseo, G., Galfo, V., Riccardi, N., Barnini, S., Falcone, M.

Journal: European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Year: 2024

Activity of novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations against serine carbapenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Authors: Lee, S.Y., Gill, C.M., Nicolau, D.P., Fang, F., Thomson, G.

Journal: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy

Year: 2023

 

Prof. Armando Zarrelli, Organic Chemistry, Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Armando Zarrelli, Organic Chemistry, Best Researcher Award

Professor at University of Naples “Federico II”, Italy

Profiles

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Summary 🌟

  • Prof. Armando Zarrelli is a distinguished Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University Federico II of Naples. His extensive research has led to significant contributions in the field of organic chemistry, particularly through collaborative projects and innovative research. Prof. Zarrelli has authored multiple patents, published extensively in high-impact journals, and serves on the editorial boards of several prestigious scientific publications.

 

Education 🎓

  • Chemical Sciences, University Federico II of Naples, 1994

Professional Experience 🏅

  • Professor of Organic Chemistry, University Federico II of Naples
  • Invited Guest, Blaise Pascal University of Clermont-Ferrand
  • Editorial Board Member for journals indexed in Scopus and WOS
  • Guest Editor of 7 Special Issues on Scopus and WOS indexed journals
  • Tutor for numerous experimental theses (Italian and foreign)

Research Interests 🔬

Prof. Zarrelli’s research focuses on:

  1. Synthesis & Chemical Characterization 🧪: Modified flavonolignans with antiviral, anticarcinogenic, and neuroprotective properties.
  2. Xenobiotic Transformations 🌍: Study of drug transformations under environmental conditions.
  3. Secondary Metabolites Analysis 🔍: Qualitative and quantitative analysis of natural extracts.
  4. Solid-Phase Synthesis 🧬: Development of new oligonucleotides with anti-HIV activity.

Publications📝

Unveiling the potential of Pseudococcomyxa simplex: a stepwise extraction for cosmetic applications

Authors: Imbimbo, P., Giustino, E., Ferrara, A., Zarrelli, A., Monti, D.M.

Journal: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

Year: 2024

Percarbonate mediated advanced oxidation of irbesartan: A suitable alternative to chlorination?

Authors: Medici, A., Siciliano, A., Libralato, G., Di Fabio, G., Zarrelli, A.

Journal: Science of the Total Environment

Year: 2024

Efficient Nimesulide degradation via chlorination and sun-simulated radiation: Kinetic insights, reactive species formation, and application to real wastewater

Authors: Medici, A., Sarakha, M., Di Fabio, G., Brigante, M., Zarrelli, A.

Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering

Year: 2024

Tackling Losartan Contamination: The Promise of Peroxymonosulfate/Fe(II) Advanced Oxidation Processes

Authors: Medici, A., Luongo, G., Pedatella, S., Di Fabio, G., Zarrelli, A.

Journal: Molecules

Year: 2024

7-O-tyrosyl Silybin Derivatives as a Novel Set of Anti-Prostate Cancer Compounds

Authors: Romanucci, V., Pagano, R., Kandhari, K., Agarwal, R., Di Fabio, G.

Journal: Antioxidants

Year: 2024

Prof. Nabila BELYAGOUBI-BENHAMMOU, Natural Products Chemistry, Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Nabila BELYAGOUBI-BENHAMMOU, Natural Products Chemistry, Best Researcher Award

Professor at Tlemcen University, Algeria

Profiles

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Google Scholar

Summary🌟

  • Prof. Nabila Belyagoubi-Benhammiou, a distinguished phytochemist and educator, serves as the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Natural Product Research and Applications (JNPRA) and is a permanent teacher and researcher at Tlemcen University. She leads a research team focusing on the phytochemistry of bioactive substances and microbial ecology. She is also responsible for the Master’s training program in Bioactivities, Analysis, and Control of Essential and Vegetable Oils (BAACHEV). In June 2022, she filed a patent for a powerful extract of Anabasis articulata intended for the treatment of breast cancer or inhibition of metastases.

Education 🎓

  • 2020: Promoted to Professor at the University of Tlemcen, ranked first nationally.
  • 2014: University Habilitation in Biology.
  • 2006: Magister of Biology, specializing in Natural Substances, Biological Activities, and Syntheses (NSBAS), Abou Bekr Belkaid University.
  • 2003: Diploma in Analysis and Quality Control (AQC), Abou Bekr Belkaid University.
  • 1997: Baccalaureate in Natural Science and Life (NSL), College Yagmouracen, Tlemcen, Algeria.

Professional Experience 💼

  • 2021 – Present: Editor in Chief, Journal of Natural Product Research and Applications (JNPRA).
  • Current: Permanent teacher and researcher, Natural Products Laboratory, Tlemcen University.
  • Team Leader: Phytochemistry of Bioactive Substances and Microbial Ecology.
  • Master’s Program Leader: Bioactivities, Analysis, and Control of Essential and Vegetable Oils (BAACHEV).

Research Interests 🔬

  • Phytochemistry: Exploration and analysis of bioactive compounds in plants.
  • Cancer Research: Development of plant-based extracts for cancer treatment.
  • Antioxidant Studies: Investigating the antioxidant properties of plant extracts.
  • Environmental Sustainability: Valorization of algae and plants for biological and pharmacological applications.

Notable Projects 🧪

  • CNEPRU Projects: Participated in multiple projects, including studies on plant antioxidants and the valorization of algae metabolites.
  • PRFU Projects: Led projects on the biological, pharmacological, and cosmetic potentials of Pistacia atlantica and the bio-therapeutic properties of olive by-products.

Training and Internships 🌍

  • 2010: Synthesis and Reactivity of Natural Substances Laboratory, University of Poitiers, France.
  • 2015: Organic Synthesis and Chemistry of Natural Substances Laboratory, National Museum of Natural History, Paris, France.
  • 2015: Food Biotechnology Laboratory, University of Benacali, Adana, Turkey.

Teaching Experience 📚

  • Biochemistry: Courses and practical work.
  • Secondary Plant Metabolites: Courses and practical work.
  • Analysis Techniques: Courses and practical work.
  • Microbiology and Process Engineering: Courses and practical work.
  • Dairy Technology: Course.
  • Instrumental Analysis and Investigation: Course.

Publications 📝

Anabasis articulata (Forssk.) Moq. food aqueous extract triggers oxidative stress-induced senescence and reduces metastatic power in MDA-MB-231 cells

Authors: Monteleone, V., Ben Menni, D., Belyagoubi-Benhammou, N., Canini, A., Gismondi, A.

Journal: Journal of Functional Foods

Year: 2024

Atlas pistachio (Pistacia atlantica) unripe fruit extract as a source of phytochemicals with anti-tyrosinase, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties

Authors: Belyagoubi-Benhammou, N., Belyagoubi, L., Benmahieddine, A., Sarabandi, K., Jafari, S.M.

Journal: Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology

Year: 2024

Nutraceutical Content and Biological Properties of Lipophilic and Hydrophilic Fractions of the Phytocomplex from Pistacia atlantica Desf. Buds, Roots, and Fruits

Authors: Belyagoubi-Benhammou, N., Belyagoubi, L., Benmahieddine, A., Canini, A., Gismondi, A.

Journal: Plants

Year: 2024

Potential bioactivity of Algerian olive pomace hydro-ethanolic extract: phytochemical investigation, antioxidant activity, and acute toxicity

Authors: Benmeliani, F., Guermouche, B., Chenini-Bendiab, H., Merzouk, H., Belyagoubi-Benhammou, N.

Journal: Toxicology and Environmental Health Sciences

Year: 2024

Enzyme inhibitory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Anabasis articulata phenolic-rich extract; in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies

Authors: Ben Menni, D., Belyagoubi-Benhammou, N., Abdelli, I., Prieto Lage, M.A., Jafari, S.M.

Journal: Plant Biosystems

Year: 2024 (Article in Press)

Leaf-buds of Pistacia atlantica: a novel source of bioactive molecules with high anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase and antimicrobial properties

Authors: Benmahieddine, A., Belyagoubi-Benhammou, N., Belyagoubi, L., Atik Bekkara, F., Djebli, N.

Journal: Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants

Year: 2023