Mahdi Jalali | Natural Product Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Mahdi Jalali | Natural Product Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

Dr at University of Bergen Norway

Vinh Le Ba is a Vietnamese pharmaceutical scientist currently holding an MSCA Postdoctoral scholarship at the University of Bergen, Norway. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Chungnam National University, South Korea, where he also conducted postdoctoral research. With extensive teaching experience in Organic Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, he has guided numerous master’s and Ph.D. students in their theses. Vinh has received multiple awards for his research, including Best Poster at the Korean Society of Pharmacognosy conferences. He is an active researcher in marine medicinal materials and serves as a guest editor for the Plants Journal.

Publication profile

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Scholar

šŸ›ļø Current Position

  • 2024-Present: MSCA Postdoc Scholarship at the Department of Chemistry, University of Bergen, Norway

šŸŽ“ Education

2016-2020: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea. 2011-2015: Bachelorā€™s Degree, VNU University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam

šŸ‘Øā€šŸ”¬ Previous Academic Positions

2015-Present: Researcher, Department of Marine Medicinal Materials, Institute of Marine Biochemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam. 2020: Postdoc Scholarship, College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Republic of Korea. 2021: Postdoc Scholarship, College of Pharmacy, Wonkwang University, Republic of Korea. 2022-2024: Research Professor, College of Pharmacy, Korea University, Republic of Korea

šŸ† Awards & Honors

04-11-2022: Best Poster at the 53rd Annual General Meeting and Academic Conference of the Korean Society of Pharmacognosy. 01-07-2023: Nominated as a full member of the prestigious Sigma Xi Association. 03-11-2023: Best Poster at the 54th Annual General Meeting and Academic Conference of the Korean Society of Pharmacognosy

šŸ’° Grants & Fellowships

  • 03.2016-02.2020: PhD scholarship support from the Brain Korea Fund (BK21 Plus)

šŸ“š Teaching Experience

2016-Present: Teaching Undergraduate Subjects: Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Pharmacognosy uidelines for Master’s and PhD Theses: Successfully supervised several theses on topics involving LC-QTOF MS/MS analysis and biological activities.

šŸ”¬ Research Experience

2020-Present: Postdoc scholarships and research professorship at various universities, focusing on pharmaceutical sciences and marine biochemistry. Guest Editor: Special Issue “Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Plant Secondary Metabolites” for the Plants Journal, starting 01.10.2023.

Publication

  • Investigation of the Inhibitory Activity of Triterpenoids Isolated from Actinidia polygama Stems Against Ī²-Glucuronidase via Enzyme Kinetics, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Analyses
    • Authors: N.V. Phong, M.-S. Heo, L.B. Vinh, Y.H. Kim, S.Y. Yang
    • Published In: Journal of Molecular Structure, 2024
    • Citations: 1

 

  • Inhibition of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase by Cembranoid Diterpenes from Soft Coral Sinularia maxima: Enzyme Kinetics, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics
    • Authors: N.V. Phong, N.P. Thao, L.B. Vinh, C.V. Minh, S.Y. Yang
    • Published In: Marine Drugs, 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Two New Steroidal Saponins with Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effects from the Aerial Parts of Gnetum formosum Markgr.
    • Authors: N.V. Hieu, L.B. Vinh, N.V. Phong, S.Y. Yang, H.L. Tuan Anh
    • Published In: Plants, 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Identification of Interleukin (IL)-33 Inhibitory Constituents from Canavalia gladiata Pods
    • Authors: L.B. Vinh, S.H. Shin, Y.K. Han, S. Oh, K.Y. Lee
    • Published In: Antioxidants, 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities of Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less.: An Updated Review
    • Authors: N.M. Trang, L.B. Vinh, N.V. Phong, S.Y. Yang
    • Published In: Nutrients, 2024
    • Citations: 1

 

  • Standardized Extract and Its Compounds from Fruits of Piper longum Suppress MDA-MB-231 Cancer Stem Cells via Down-Regulation of Intracellular Signals
    • Authors: H.T. Ly, P.T. Tran, B.V. Le, K.W. Kang, T.H. Do
    • Published In: South African Journal of Botany, 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition Studies of Alkaloid Components from Crinum asiaticum var. sinicum: In Vitro Assessments by Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
    • Authors: N.V. Duc, V.T. Trang, H.L. Tuan Anh, L.Q. Lien, S.Y. Yang
    • Published In: Journal of Asian Natural Products Research, 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Identification of Compounds Using HPLC-QTOF-MS Online Antioxidant Activity Mapping from Aerial Parts of Ligularia stenocephala
    • Authors: Y.K. Han, L.B. Vinh, M.-H. Nam, K.Y. Lee
    • Published In: Applied Biological Chemistry, 2023
    • Citations: 4

 

  • Macrosphelides from Antarctic Fungus Pseudogymnoascus sp. (Strain SF-7351) and Their Neuroprotective Effects on BV2 and HT22 Cells
    • Authors: Z. Liu, L.B. Vinh, N.Q. Tuan, D.-S. Lee, H. Oh
    • Published In: Chemico-Biological Interactions, 2023
    • Citations: 1

 

  • Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity of Saponins Isolated from Vernonia gratiosa Hance
    • Authors: P. Van Cong, H.L. Tuan Anh, L.B. Vinh, L.T. Lien, K.Y. Lee
    • Published In: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2023
    • Citations: 2

 

Antonios Kousaxidis | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Ā Mr. Antonios Kousaxidis | Medicinal Chemistry |Best Researcher Award

Ā Mr at School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

A seasoned educator and researcher with extensive experience in physics, holding positions from Assistant to Associate Professor at IAU, Urmia, and Urmia University of Technology. Specialized in teaching a range of undergraduate to Ph.D. courses including Quantum Mechanics, Laser Physics, and Nonlinear Dynamical Systems. Proficient in Maple and Matlab programming with a strong background in finite element method analysis. Led impactful research projects in chaotic systems, cancer treatment, and national security, earning multiple awards including the Kharazmi Scientific Festival Second Prize. A recognized leader in academia with a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and education.

Profile

  1. Scopus

šŸŽ“ Education:

Masterā€™s Degree in Medicinal Chemistry: (9.85/10) from Departments of Chemistry, Medicine, Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece.Ā Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry: (7.76/10) from Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece.

Personal Skills:

Synthetic Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry: Training in synthetic organic chemistry and biochemistry applied to drug design, with experience in several areas of synthetic methodology using retrosynthetic approaches. Metal-Based Coupling Reactions: Excellent knowledge and practice of metal-based coupling reactions in modern organic chemistry. Synthetic Routes Optimization: Training in synthetic routes optimization using one-pot reactions during masterā€™s thesis. Analytical Methods: Proficient in NMR, IR, UV, and mass spectrometry for identifying organic compounds. Small Molecule Synthesis: Synthesis of small molecule organic compounds and isolation by recrystallization. Purification and Separation: Excellent knowledge and practice in chromatographic methods like column, preparative, and thin-layer chromatography for purifying and separating organic compounds. Biochemical Protocols: Good practice in using biochemical protocols for enzyme kinetics experiments. Drug Discovery Programs: Extensive experience in drug discovery programs, structure-based drug design, molecular docking, and SAR estimation models using in silico methods (Discovery Studio, Chimera, LigandScout, PyMOL, OpenBabel, ADMET). Scientific Manuscripts: Proficient in writing and preparing scientific manuscripts.

šŸ’» Software Skills:

Office Suite (ECDL degree) – Word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, etc. Calculative and predictive programs like MestReNova, Topspin DataAnalysis, ChemDraw Ultra, MedChem Designer, and BioLoom.

Research Focus:

A. Kousaxidis primarily focuses on the design and synthesis of novel compounds with therapeutic potential, particularly targeting enzymes such as aldose reductase (ALR2) and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). The research also encompasses antimicrobial agents, lipoxygenase inhibitors, and therapeutic strategies for conditions like diabetes mellitus and sepsis.

Publications Top Notes šŸ“

  • A Molecular Hybridization Approach for the Design of Selective Aldose Reductase (ALR2) Inhibitors and Exploration of Their Activities Against Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B (PTP1B)
    • Authors: Kousaxidis, A., Petrou, A., Rouvim, P., Nicolaou, I., Geronikaki, A.
    • Journal: Journal of Molecular Structure
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 1271
    • Article Number: 134116
    • Citations: 3
    • Summary: This study presents a hybridization approach to develop selective ALR2 inhibitors and investigates their potential activities against PTP1B, highlighting their dual therapeutic potential.

 

  • Design, Synthesis, and Pharmacological Evaluation of Indazole Carboxamides of N-Substituted Pyrrole Derivatives as Soybean Lipoxygenase Inhibitors
    • Authors: Lavrentaki, V., Kousaxidis, A., Theodosis-Nobelos, P., Koutsopoulos, K., Nicolaou, I.
    • Journal: Molecular Diversity
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 2
    • Summary: This paper discusses the synthesis and evaluation of novel indazole carboxamides, demonstrating significant inhibitory activity against soybean lipoxygenase.

 

  • N-Derivatives of (Z)-Methyl 3-(4-Oxo-2-thioxothiazolidin-5-ylidene)methyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxylates as Antimicrobial Agentsā€”In Silico and In Vitro Evaluation
    • Authors: Petrou, A., Geronikaki, A., Kartsev, V., Nicolaou, I., Vizirianakis, I.S.
    • Journal: Pharmaceuticals
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 16
    • Issue: 1
    • Article Number: 131
    • Citations: 4
    • Summary: This open-access article evaluates the antimicrobial activity of new N-derivatives, supported by both in silico and in vitro methods.

 

  • Non-acidic Bifunctional Benzothiazole-Based Thiazolidinones with Antimicrobial and Aldose Reductase Inhibitory Activity as a Promising Therapeutic Strategy for Sepsis
    • Authors: Kousaxidis, A., Kovacikova, L., Nicolaou, I., Stefek, M., Geronikaki, A.
    • Journal: Medicinal Chemistry Research
    • Year: 2021
    • Volume: 30
    • Issue: 10
    • Pages: 1837-1848
    • Citations: 13
    • Summary: This research explores benzothiazole-based thiazolidinones with dual activity, suggesting a promising approach for treating sepsis.

 

  • Aldose Reductase and Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Inhibitors as a Promising Therapeutic Approach for Diabetes Mellitus
    • Authors: Kousaxidis, A., Petrou, A., Lavrentaki, V., Nicolaou, I., Geronikaki, A.
    • Journal: European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
    • Year: 2020
    • Volume: 207
    • Article Number: 112742
    • Citations: 39
    • Summary: This review highlights the potential of targeting ALR2 and PTP1B as a therapeutic strategy for diabetes, emphasizing recent advances and future perspectives.

 

Shaik Abdullah Nawabjan | Natural products | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Shaik Abdullah Nawabjan | Natural products | Young Scientist Award

Ā Dr. The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

šŸ‘©ā€šŸ”¬ A dedicated researcher with a Ph.D. from The University of Hong Kong, specializing in toxicology and drug development. Currently serving as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at PhrmaSec Limited, excelling in research design, data analysis, and project management. Experienced in academic and industry settings, with a track record of publications and awards. Possesses expertise in regulatory toxicology, drug evaluation, and neurology. Recognized for contributions to pearl powder research and diabetic neurological disorders. Committed to continuous learning through professional development courses and certifications in animal research compliance.šŸŒŸ

 

Profile

Scopus

 

Educational Qualification šŸŽ“

  • PhD: The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2018-2022.
  • Master of Science (Biotechnology): VIT University, India, 2012-2014.
  • Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology): Karnatak University, India, 2009-2012.

Working and Research Experience šŸ’¼

Post-Doctoral Fellow: PhrmaSec Limited, Pok Fu Lam Road, Hong Kong (April 2023 – Current)Responsibilities include research design and execution, data analysis and interpretation, literature review and scientific writing, collaboration and communication, grant writing and project management. R and D Advisor: Pearl Power Research Institute Limited, Pok Fu Lam Road, Hong Kong (January 2023 – Current)Responsibilities include research planning, experimental design, data collection and analysis, technology assessment, project management, and mentorship. Research Assistant I: School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong (January 2022 – April 2023)Responsible for supporting ongoing research projects, literature reviews, data collection and analysis, experiment conduct, and administrative duties.Part-Time Research Assistant I: School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong (September 2022 – January 2023)Similar responsibilities as Research Assistant I, but part-time.Quality Control Supervisor: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (January 2017 – February 2018)Responsible for ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, conducting inspections and tests, and managing supplier quality.Research Assistant: Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology and Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Portugal (August 2014 – June 2015)Responsibilities included supporting research projects, literature reviews, data collection and analysis, and administrative tasks.

PhD Research Focus šŸ“š

  • Title: Comprehensive toxicological evaluation of novel anti-hypertensive small molecule KSD179019.
  • Guide: Prof. Billy KC Chow, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong.

Masterā€™s Degree Research Focus šŸ“–

  • Title: Effect of Insulin on diabetic associated neurological disorders.
  • Guide: Dr. Eugenia Carvalho and Dr. Ermelindo Leal, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Portugal.

Fellowships and Awards šŸ†

Second prize laureate Global Challenging Union Alliance (GCUA) 2030 award 2023.Research Talent Post-Doctoral Fellowship from Research Talent Hub – Innovation and Technology Fund Hong Kong 2023.Peopleā€™s Choice Award in the Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS) 2023 Video Contest by National Research Foundation, Singapore (NRF), Prime Ministerā€™s Office 2023.Excellent Teaching Assistant Award 2020-2021 from the faculty of science, The University of Hong Kong.IBRO Associate School Fellowship from International Brain research organization 2019.Albert-Renold Travel Fellowship from European Foundation for Study Diabetes 2014.BEST National Service Scheme unit leader for the year 2011-2012 by Alumni Association, India.

Continuing Education Course šŸ“š

Continuing Education Course (CEC) 01: A hands-on introduction to applied artificial intelligence in toxicology on September 10, 2023, in line with the 57th Congress of the European Societies of Toxicology (EUROTOX 2023) in Ljubljana, Slovenia.Continuing Education Course (CEC) 01: Vaccine efficacy and safety evaluation on September 18, 2022, in line with the XVIth International Congress of Toxicology (ICT 2022) in Maastricht, the Netherlands.Continuing Education Course (CEC) 06: Toxicity assessment in drug development on 28 September 2021 in line with the 56th Congress of the European Societies of Toxicology (EUROTOX 2021) which was hosted as a virtual congress.

Publications Top Notes šŸ“

  1. Title: Systematic Analysis of the Toxicological Effects of KSD179019, a Novel Anti-Hypertensive Compound
    • Authors: Shaik Abdullah Nawabjan, Kailash Singh, Muthu Iswarya, Rex K.H. Au-Yeung, Li Zhang, Hani El-Nezami, Billy K C Chow
    • Journal: Journal of Pharmacology
    • Month/Year: January 2024
    • Status: Under Review

 

  1. Title: Discovery of Small-Molecule Modulator of the Secretin Receptor: Purmorphamine Derivatives as Novel Anti-Hypertensive Agents
    • Authors: Kailash Singh, Shaik Abdullah Nawabjan, Li Zhang, Hani El-Nezami, Rajasekar Reddy Annapureddy, Billy KC Chow
    • Journal: European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
    • Month/Year: August 2022

 

  1. Title: Solar and visible active amino porphyrin/SiO2ā€“ZnO for the degradation of naphthol blue black
    • Authors: Balu Krishnakumar, Avula Balakrishna, Shaik Abdullah Nawabjan, V. Pandiyan, Antonio Aguiar, Abilio J.F.N. Sobral
    • Journal: Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids
    • Year: 2017
    • Volume: 111
    • Pages: 364ā€“371

 

  1. Title: Facile synthesis of Y2S3/ZnO nanocomposite and its catalytic performance in the degradation of Methylene Blue using UV-A/solar illumination
    • Authors: A. Senthilraja, Balu Krishnakumar, Shaik Abdullah Nawabjan, Abilio J.F.N. Sobral, Subash, M. Swaminathan, M. Shanthi
    • Journal: Journal of Water Process Engineering
    • Year: 2016
    • Volume: 12
    • Pages: 32ā€“40