Jolanta Dorszewska | Neurobiology | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Jolanta Dorszewska | Neurobiology | Women Researcher Award

Professor Jolanta Dorszewska is a globally recognized neuroscientist and pharmacologist based at Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland 🧠🇵🇱. She leads the Laboratory of Neurobiology, exploring the molecular and genetic basis of neurodegenerative diseases 🧬. With over 35 years of academic experience, her work spans neurochemistry, clinical neurology, and genetic research in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease 🧪. A prolific author, she has contributed to 80+ research papers, 50+ reviews, and 30+ book chapters 📚. She serves on editorial boards of top neuroscience journals and holds leadership roles in national and international neurological societies 🌍.

Profile

Education 🎓

Prof. Dorszewska earned her M.Sc. in Pharmacy with distinction from Poznan University of Medical Sciences in 1987 🏅. She completed board certifications in Pharmaceutical Analytics (1990 & 1997) and received her Ph.D. in 1996 🧪. In 2004, she qualified as an Associate Professor and achieved full Professorship in 2016 🎓. Her academic growth includes training in medical genetics from 2012 to 2020 🧬. Her education reflects an evolving blend of pharmacy, neurobiology, and genetics, forming the foundation of her current research excellence 💡.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Prof. Dorszewska began as an Assistant in the Dept. of Pharmacy (1987-88), then in Clinical Neurochemistry (1988-96) at PUMS 👩‍🔬. She was a Research Scientist in New York (1999–2000) 🗽 and has led the Laboratory of Neurobiology since 2004 🧠. She became Full Professor in 2022 🏛️. She also lectured at the National High Medical School in Pila (2012–2018) 📖. Her career blends hands-on research, global collaboration, and dedicated academic leadership 📚. She continues to mentor, publish, and drive innovations in neurology and neurochemistry 🚀

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Awards and Honors:
Prof. Dorszewska is a Local Honorary Member of the 12th World Congress on Controversies in Neurology (2018) 🌐. She has served as Guest Editor for 6 prestigious theme issues and holds editorial roles in top-tier journals like Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience and Current Alzheimer Research 📘. A section and associate editor for journals across the USA, UK, and Poland 🌍, she’s a key figure in scientific publishing 🖋️. She’s affiliated with the Polish Academy of Sciences and international neurological societies and has co-edited 5 books 📚.

Research Interests 🔬

Research Focus:
Her research spans lipid metabolism in hypoxia 🧫, cerebral sterols 🧠, neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine) 🧪, apoptosis in aging and disease (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s) 💔, and gene polymorphisms (MTHFR, MAO-B, PARK) 🧬. She investigates homocysteine metabolism, catecholamine pathways, and molecular changes in neurodegeneration 🧠. Since 2009, she’s focused on genetic mutations (PARK, APOE), biomarkers (ASN, microRNAs), and migraine genetics ⚙️. She uses advanced techniques like HPLC, PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry 🔍. Her interdisciplinary work integrates neurobiology, pharmacogenomics, and molecular neuroscience in tackling brain diseases 🚀.

Publications 

  • Genetic variants of ZNF746 and the level of plasma Parkin, PINK1, and ZNF746 proteins in patients with Parkinson’s disease

    IBRO Neuroscience Reports
    2025-06 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2025.01.016
    CONTRIBUTORS: Jolanta Dorszewska; Jolanta Florczak-Wyspiańska; Bartosz Słowikowski; Wojciech Owecki; Oliwia Szymanowicz; Ulyana Goutor; Mateusz Dezor; Paweł P. Jagodziński; Wojciech Kozubski

  • Kinesiotherapeutic Possibilities and Molecular Parameters in Multiple Sclerosis

    Sclerosis
    2025-04-03 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/sclerosis3020013
    CONTRIBUTORS: Katarzyna Wiszniewska; Małgorzata Wilk; Małgorzata Wiszniewska; Joanna Poszwa; Oliwia Szymanowicz; Wojciech Kozubski; Jolanta Dorszewsk

  • Unraveling the Role of Proteinopathies in Parasitic Infections

    Biomedicines
    2025-03-03 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines13030610
    CONTRIBUTORS: Mikołaj Hurła; Damian Pikor; Natalia Banaszek-Hurła; Alicja Drelichowska; Jolanta Dorszewska; Wojciech Kozubski; Elżbieta Kacprzak; Małgorzata Paul

  • Expression of Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor and Early Oxidative DNA Damage in Aging Rat Brain—The Effects of Memantine

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    2025-02-14 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/ijms26041634
    CONTRIBUTORS: Małgorzata Anna Lewandowska; Agata Różycka; Teresa Grzelak; Bartosz Kempisty; Paweł Piotr Jagodziński; Margarita Lianeri; Jolanta Dorszewska

Tran Chau My Thanh | Neuroscience | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Tran Chau My Thanh | Neuroscience | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Tran Chau My Thanh, a dedicated researcher at Duy Tan University, Vietnam 🇻🇳, holds a medical degree and Ph.D. from Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy 🎓. Her work bridges the gap between clinical medicine and molecular biology 🧬. With a strong passion for translational research, she focuses on using bioinformatics and genomic tools for early diagnosis and targeted therapy development for diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders 💉. Through CRISPR/Cas9 and RNA networks, she aims to revolutionize patient-specific treatment pathways 🚀. Her extensive lab experience, scholarly publications, and ongoing innovations make her a promising leader in biomedical science 🏅.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Thanh earned her Medical Degree (M.D.) from Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy 🏥 and went on to complete her Doctorate (Ph.D.) in the same prestigious institution 🎓. Her education was deeply rooted in both clinical and research training, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of human health and disease 🧠. Throughout her academic journey, she focused on genomics, molecular medicine, and biotechnology 🔬. The rigorous curriculum and hands-on exposure in advanced labs trained her in modern diagnostic tools and therapeutic innovations ⚙️. She also mastered computational biology and molecular interactions, forming a solid foundation for her groundbreaking work in RNA regulation and gene editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 🧪.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Thanh brings rich experience as a medical doctor and academic at Duy Tan University 🏫. Her research career spans multiple roles in molecular diagnostics, bioinformatics, and therapeutic innovation 🧬. She has led studies on disease biomarkers, participated in international collaborations 🌐, and worked extensively with cell lines, recombinant DNA, and next-gen sequencing data 🔍. Her proficiency in wet lab and dry lab environments empowers her to integrate experimental biology with computational modeling 🧫💻. Alongside mentoring students and publishing SCI-indexed research, she contributes to translational medicine by connecting bench science to bedside applications, helping advance precision medicine for critical illnesses 💡.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Thanh is a nominee for the Young Scientist Award by the International Cognitive Scientist Awards 🧠🏆. Her impactful work on circular RNAs, miRNAs, and disease biomarker networks has garnered international recognition 🌍. She’s been acknowledged in high-impact journals for discoveries related to coronary heart disease and cancer diagnostics 📖. Her scholarly articles are indexed in SCI and Scopus, and she continues to influence the biomedical community through conference presentations, peer reviews, and academic collaborations 🤝. As a rising figure in molecular biology, her research promises transformative outcomes for early disease detection and targeted therapies 🧬✨.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Thanh’s research explores circRNA/miRNA/mRNA interactions, protein-protein networks, and gene function analysis 🧬🧠. She is driven by the quest to discover novel biomarkers for early diagnosis of complex diseases such as cancer, stroke, and diabetes 💊. Her focus includes CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, molecular docking, and simulations for drug discovery and target validation 💻🧪. She also builds interaction networks to map LncRNA/CircRNA/miRNA/gene/protein-drug relationships, contributing to personalized medicine approaches 🎯. Through bioinformatics, she decodes gene expression dynamics and immune infiltrations to enable efficient diagnostics and therapeutics 💡. Her ultimate goal is to bridge computational biology with translational research for global health improvement 🌐💚.

Publications 

1. Hsa_circRNA_0000284 acts as a ceRNA to participate in coronary heart disease progression
by sponging miRNA-338-3p via regulating the expression of ETS1
2. Identification of hsa_circ_0001445 of a novel circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network as
potential biomarker for coronary heart disease
3. Potential diagnostic value of serum microRNAs for 19 cancer types: a meta-analysis of
bioinformatics data

LUCIANO VITORINO | Cognitive Aging | Cognitive Aging Excellence

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Dr. LUCIANO VITORINO | Cognitive Aging | Cognitive Aging Excellence

Dr. Luciano Magalhães Vitorino, Ph.D., RN 🇧🇷 is a dedicated professor at the Faculty of Medicine of Itajubá, Brazil 🏥, with expertise in nursing, gerontology, spirituality, and health 🌱. He has built a multidisciplinary academic and research career blending healthcare, cognition, and spirituality 🧠🙏. With over 1,500 citations 📚 and extensive teaching roles in medicine and nursing 🩺, he leads the Research Center and the Assessment Center at FMIT, actively contributing to the Research Ethics Committee 👨‍🔬. His international academic collaborations, including the University of Alberta 🇨🇦, reflect his global engagement 🌍. A recognized academic voice, he served as Guest Editor for Frontiers in Psychiatry 📰 and holds memberships across academic platforms 📊. Through education, mentorship, and pioneering research, Dr. Luciano is influencing healthcare for the aging population 💡👴👵.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Luciano holds a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Cognition, Spirituality, and Aging from UFJF (2017–2019) 🧘‍♂️🧠, a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Quality of Life & Spiritual Health from UNIFESP (2012–2016) 📖, and a B.Sc. in Nursing from Faculty of Nursing Wenceslau Braz (2006) 🩺. He specialized in Urgency and Emergency Care (2008–2010) ⛑️. His Ph.D. work was guided by experts from UNIFESP and the University of Alberta 🇨🇦, exploring spiritual/religious coping among older adults. His dissertation and thesis focused on quality of life and religious coping in nursing homes and community settings 🙏🏘️. His postdoctoral project assessed spirituality’s influence on cognitive decline in aging populations 🧓. This unique education, combining nursing, public health, and spirituality, positions him as a thought leader in holistic geriatric care

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Luciano is a full-time assistant professor at FMIT since 2018 👨‍🏫. He coordinates both the Research Center (since 2022) and Assessment Center (since 2022), and is a long-standing member of the Research Ethics Committee (since 2019) 🧪📋. He previously taught at Faculty of Nursing Wenceslau Braz (2007–2012), Medical School of Itajubá (2013–2014), and Federal University of São Paulo (2013) 👨‍⚕️📘. He’s also guided health residency programs and coordinated caregiver training for elderly individuals 👵👨‍⚕️. As Guest Editor of Frontiers in Psychiatry (2022–2023), he shaped international discussions on spirituality and health 🗞️🕊️. His teaching subjects include Epidemiology, Geriatrics, Medical Semiology, and Spirituality & Health 🧬🩻. His roles reflect a passion for interdisciplinary health sciences and dedication to ethical, evidence-based care 🌟.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Luciano’s impactful research and teaching have earned him numerous citations across Scopus (h-index 13, 525 citations), Web of Science (h-index 11, 454 citations), Google Scholar (h-index 20, 1,506 citations) 📈, and ResearchGate (h-index 16, 864 citations) 🧑‍🔬. His inclusion as Guest Editor for Frontiers in Psychiatry (2022–2023) showcases recognition in global academic communities 🌍. He’s contributed to leading Brazilian and international institutions like UNIFESP, UFJF, and the University of Alberta 🇧🇷🇨🇦. Through strong publication records and global collaborations, he’s established himself as an authority on spiritual health in aging 🚀📚. His profile on Google Scholar, ORCID, and LinkedIn reflects international engagement and scholarly distinction 🌐🎖️.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Luciano’s research bridges Geriatrics, Gerontology, Spirituality and Mental Health, and AI in Healthcare 🧓🧠💻. His central interest lies in understanding how spirituality and religiosity affect cognitive aging and quality of life 🌿🧘‍♂️. His postdoctoral research—a 4-year longitudinal study—explored how spiritual coping impacts cognitive decline in community-dwelling elders 🧪🕯️. He also investigates medical education, primary healthcare, and interdisciplinary training 🩺📘. As AI transforms healthcare, he examines its integration with geriatric care and spiritual health frameworks 🤖❤️. Through mixed-methods research and international collaboration, he aims to personalize elderly care and mental wellness using both humanistic and data-driven approaches 📊✨.

Publications 

Yuanyuan Li | Movement Disorder | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yuanyuan Li | Movement Disorder | Best Researcher Award

🧠 Dr. Yuanyuan Li is a dedicated neurologist and researcher specializing in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s disease and REM sleep behavior disorder. She obtained her Ph.D. in Neurology from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and has been actively involved in cutting-edge research at Ruijin Hospital’s Department of Neurology. As a project leader, she has explored the role of α-synuclein in dopaminergic neurons, investigating its transport pathways and impact on cell viability. Dr. Li has authored multiple high-impact publications in renowned journals such as Neurology and J Neuroinflammation. Her work has contributed significantly to understanding the early biomarkers of neurodegenerative disorders. She has received prestigious awards, including the National Scholarship for Doctoral Students and the Outstanding Graduate Award from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. With numerous conference presentations and accolades, Dr. Li continues to drive forward advancements in neurodegenerative disease research. ✨📚

Profile

Education 🎓

🎓 Dr. Yuanyuan Li completed her Ph.D. in Neurology at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, where she focused on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s disease and REM sleep behavior disorder. Her doctoral research emphasized the role of α-synuclein in dopaminergic neurons, uncovering its impact on neurodegeneration. Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Li consistently demonstrated excellence, earning the First-Class Academic Scholarship and the Meritorious Student Award. She was recognized as an Outstanding Graduate and received the prestigious National Scholarship for Doctoral Students. Beyond coursework, she actively engaged in translational research, bridging laboratory findings with clinical applications. Her education has provided a strong foundation in neurobiology, molecular neuroscience, and clinical neurology. With a passion for uncovering early biomarkers of neurodegeneration, Dr. Li’s educational background has shaped her into a leading researcher in the field. 📖🧬

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Yuanyuan Li has extensive research experience at Ruijin Hospital’s Department of Neurology, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. As a principal investigator, she led the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Doctoral Innovation Fund project, studying α-synuclein’s transport mechanisms in dopaminergic neurons and its effects on cell viability. Her expertise spans biomarker discovery, neuroinflammation, and disease progression in neurodegenerative disorders. She has collaborated on numerous high-impact studies published in Neurology, J Neuroinflammation, and NPJ Parkinson’s Disease. Dr. Li has also presented her findings at major conferences, including the National Neurology Conference and the Oriental Neurology Conference. Her experience in both basic and clinical research allows her to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and patient applications, advancing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for Parkinson’s disease and related disorders. 🏥🧠

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Yuanyuan Li has received numerous prestigious awards for her contributions to neurology and neuroscience research. She was awarded the National Scholarship for Doctoral Students, recognizing her academic excellence and groundbreaking research. She also received the Outstanding Graduate Award and the Meritorious Student Award from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Her outstanding academic performance earned her the First-Class Academic Scholarship, demonstrating her dedication to advancing neurological research. Dr. Li has been recognized for her contributions at major conferences, winning the “Excellent Paper Presentation” award at the Oriental Neurology Conference. Additionally, she secured First Prize for Poster Presentation at the “Bo Ji Yi Yuan” Academic Forum. Her accolades reflect her commitment to advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s disease. These honors highlight her as a rising star in the field of neurology. 🏅📜

Research Interests 🔬

🧪 Dr. Yuanyuan Li’s research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, with an emphasis on Parkinson’s disease, REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), and α-synuclein pathology. Her work explores the molecular mechanisms driving these disorders, particularly the role of α-synuclein in dopaminergic neurons, its transport pathways, and its impact on cell viability. She has also investigated immune biomarkers, neuroinflammation, and genetic variants associated with Parkinson’s progression. Dr. Li’s studies have contributed to identifying predictive markers for early-stage neurodegenerative diseases, aiding in early diagnosis and potential therapeutic interventions. Through her publications in top journals like Neurology, J Neuroinflammation, and NPJ Parkinson’s Disease, she has advanced knowledge in the field. Her work integrates clinical and experimental neuroscience, bridging gaps between laboratory findings and real-world applications. Dr. Li’s research continues to shape the understanding of neurodegenerative disorders and their early detection. 🧬🔍

 

4Publications 

  • Gene Polymorphisms of Parkinson’s Disease Risk Locus and Idiopathic REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

    Biomedicines
    2025-03-24 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines13040788
    CONTRIBUTORS: Min Zhong; Yang Jiao; Aonan Zhao; Mengyue Niu; Jinjun Ran; Jun Liu; Yuanyuan Li

  • Understanding Causal Relationships Between Imaging-Derived Phenotypes and Parkinson’s Disease: A Mendelian Randomization and Observational Study

    Biomedicines
    2025-03-18 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines13030747
    CONTRIBUTORS: Yichi Zhang; Min Zhong; Zhao Yang; Xiaojin Wang; Zhongxun Dong; Liche Zhou; Qianyi Yin; Bingshun Wang; Jun Liu; Yuanyuan Li et al.

  • Understanding Causal Relationships between Imaging-Derived Phenotypes and Parkinson’s Disease: A Mendelian Randomization and Observational Study

    2025-02-05 | Preprint
    DOI: 10.20944/preprints202502.0350.v1
    CONTRIBUTORS: Yichi Zhang; Min Zhong; Zhao Yang; Xiaojin Wang; Zhongxun Dong; Liche Zhou; Qianyi Yin; Bingshun Wang; Jun Liu; Yuanyuan Li et al.

  • Network disruption based on multi-modal EEG-MRI in α-synucleinopathies

    Frontiers in Neurology
    2024 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3389/FNEUR.2024.1442851
    WOSUID: WOS:001304283700001
    CONTRIBUTORS: Wang, Chunyi; Hu, Jiajia; Li, Puyu; Zhang, Ming; Zhou, Liche; Luo, Ningdi; Zhu, Xue; Yin, Qianyi; Zhong, Min; Zhou, Xinyi et al.

PİNAR ERKEKOGLU | Neurotoxicology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. PİNAR ERKEKOGLU | Neurotoxicology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Pınar Erkekoğlu is a distinguished academician and toxicologist at Hacettepe University, serving as Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology and Department of Vaccine Technology. She holds a PhD in toxicology (2009) and became a European Registered Toxicologist (ERT) in 2014. She conducted research at Joseph Fourier University, CEA/INAC/LAN, and completed her postdoctoral studies at MIT (2011-2013). With over 200 scientific publications, 10 edited books, and 15 book chapters, her work spans toxicology, neurotoxicology, and vaccinology. Her h-index is 34, with 107 SCI-indexed papers and numerous collaborations.

Profile

Education 🎓

Prof. Erkekoğlu earned her Pharmacy degree from Hacettepe University and a PhD in toxicology (2009). She gained international research experience at Joseph Fourier University and CEA/INAC/LAN during her doctorate. In 2011-2013, she pursued postdoctoral research at MIT, specializing in toxicology and environmental sciences. Recognized for her expertise, she became a European Registered Toxicologist (ERT) in 2014.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Prof. Erkekoğlu has extensive experience in toxicology, environmental sciences, and vaccinology. She is the Head of Pharmaceutical Toxicology and Vaccine Technology at Hacettepe University. She has worked at MIT, Joseph Fourier University, and CEA/INAC/LAN. With 49 research projects, 4 industry consultancies, and 12 collaborations, she has contributed significantly to toxicological sciences.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Prof. Erkekoğlu has received numerous awards, including Best Researcher and Women Researcher Awards. She is recognized internationally for her contributions to toxicology, neurotoxicology, and vaccine technology. She has served as an editor for scientific books, peer-reviewed journals, and major toxicology conferences.

Research Interests 🔬

Her research encompasses neurotoxicology, endocrine disruption, environmental toxicology, and vaccinology. She has published 107 SCI-indexed papers and 161 documents in Scopus across pharmacology, medicine, and environmental sciences. Her work explores the toxic effects of chemicals on human health and vaccine development.

Publications 

  • Prepubertal phthalate exposure can cause histopathological alterations, DNA methylation and histone acetylation changes in rat brain

    Toxicology and Industrial Health
    2025-03 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1177/07482337251315212
    CONTRIBUTORS: Seyda Koc; Ekin Erdogmus; Ozlem Bozdemir; Deniz Ozkan-Vardar; Unzile Yaman; Pınar
    Erkekoglu; Naciye Dilara Zeybek; Belma Kocer-Gumusel

  • The ameliorative potential of metformin against aluminum‐induced neurotoxicity: Insights from in vitro studies

    Journal of Applied Toxicology
    2025-02 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1002/jat.4695
    CONTRIBUTORS: Sonia Sanajou; Anil Yirün; Göksun Demirel; Pinar Erkekoğlu; Gönül Şahin; Terken Baydar

  • Unveiling connections: bisphenol A and vitamin D dynamics in breast milk among healthy lactating mothers

    International Journal of Environmental Health Research
    2024-10-10 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2024.2412118
    CONTRIBUTORS: Esra Cinkilli Aktağ; Sıddika Songül Yalçin; Anıl Yіrün; Aylin Balci Özyurt; Pınar Erkekoğlu

  • Bisphenol derivatives in cord blood and association between thyroid hormones and potential exposure sources

    International Journal of Environmental Health Research
    2024-08-02 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2286016
    CONTRIBUTORS: Merve Buke Sahin; Murat Cagan; Anıl Yirun; Aylin Balcı Ozyurt; Selinay Basak Erdemli Kose; Irem Iyigun; Melda Celik; Ozgur Ozyuncu; Pınar Erkekoglu; Cavit Isik Yavuz

  • Comparative in silico and in vitro evaluation of possible toxic effects of bisphenol derivatives in HepG2 cells

    Toxicology Research
    2024-07-01 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfae127
    CONTRIBUTORS: Aylin Balci-Ozyurt; Anıl Yirun; Deniz Arca Cakır; İbrahim Ozcelik; Merve Bacanli; Gizem Ozkemahli; Suna Sabuncuoglu; Nursen Basaran; Pınar Erkekogl

 

Elsa Pittaras | Neuroscience | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Elsa Pittaras | Neuroscience | Women Researcher Award

Elsa Pittaras is a Basic Life Research Scientist at Stanford University, specializing in neuroscience, cognition, and sleep research. With expertise in molecular biology, neuroanatomy, pharmacology, and behavior, she has extensively studied decision-making processes in mice. Her research has contributed significantly to understanding sleep deprivation’s effects on cognition and memory in Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease models. She has published multiple papers as both first and last author, showcasing her leadership in neuroscience. Elsa’s goal is to advance research on mood disorders, cognition, and neurochemistry, aspiring to become an independent researcher in the U.S. 🇺🇸🔬🧠

Profile

Education 🎓

Elsa Pittaras earned a B.S. in Physiology from the University of Caen (2010), an M.S. in Neuroscience from the University of Paris Sud and ENS Cachan (2012), and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Neuro-PSI and the Biomedical Research Unit of the French Army (2016). Her multidisciplinary foundation in biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics from Châtelet, Douai (2009) laid the groundwork for her neuroscience expertise. Throughout her education, she focused on decision-making, sleep deprivation, and neurochemical mechanisms in cognition. 🧠📚🎓

Experience 👨‍🏫

Elsa Pittaras has been a Basic Life Research Scientist at Stanford University since 2022, focusing on cognitive enhancement in Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease models. She was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford (2017-2022), investigating sleep and circadian rhythms’ effects on memory. Previously, she conducted research at the Biomedical Research Unit of the French Army (2016-2017) and completed her Ph.D. at Neuro-PSI. Her career includes internships in neuroscience at Neuro-PSI (2011-2012) and clinical observations at CHU Caen (2010). 🏛️🧬🧪

Research Interests 🔬

Elsa’s research explores decision-making, memory, and sleep in neurodevelopmental disorders. She pioneered the Mouse Gambling Task, revealing individual decision-making strategies. Her Ph.D. identified neurochemical markers of decision-making behaviors and the effects of sleep deprivation. At Stanford, she investigates sleep’s impact on cognition in Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s models, aiming to improve memory and sleep quality through pharmacological interventions. Her work bridges behavioral neuroscience with neurochemistry to enhance cognitive function. 🧠💡🛌

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Elsa has received prestigious grants, including the Jerome Lejeune Research Grants (2019, 2020), the Fyssen Foundation Research Grant (2017), and travel awards for conferences such as T21RS (2021) and Advances in Sleep and Circadian Science (2019). She was also recognized by the French Society for Research and Sleep Medicine (2014) and received a European Neuroscience Federation travel award (2016). 🏅

Publications 

  • Selectively Blocking Small Conductance Ca2+-Activated K+ Channels Improves Cognition in Aged Mice.

  • Short-term γ-aminobutyric acid antagonist treatment improves long-term sleep quality, memory, and decision-making in a Down syndrome mouse model

  • Behavioral and Neuronal Characterizations, across Ages, of the TgSwDI Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease.

  • Inter-individual differences in cognitive tasks: focusing on the shaping of decision-making strategies

  • Handling, task complexity, time-of-day, and sleep deprivation as dynamic modulators of recognition memory in mice

  • Enhancing sleep after training improves memory in down syndrome model mice

 

Pin Wang | Neuroimmunology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Pin Wang | Neuroimmunology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Pin Wang, a female medical doctor and postdoctoral researcher, is an Associate Chief Physician in Neurology at the Second Hospital of Shandong University. She earned her PhD in Neurology from Shandong University in 2009 and was a visiting scholar at the NIH, USA. She specializes in neuroimmunology, focusing on multiple sclerosis and related disorders. Dr. Wang has led research funded by the Shandong Natural Science Foundation and the Department of Education, with multiple SCI-indexed publications.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Wang obtained her PhD in Neurology from Shandong University School of Medicine in 2009. From 2012 to 2013, she trained at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, under Dr. Bibiana Bielekova, focusing on immune-mediated neurological diseases. Her education integrates clinical neurology, research, and teaching, positioning her as an expert in demyelinating diseases and neuroimmune disorders.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Wang has extensive experience in neurology, combining clinical practice, teaching, and research. She worked at NIH, studying neuroimmune disease mechanisms and participated in the FDA-approved daclizumab clinical trials for multiple sclerosis. She is an Associate Chief Physician at Shandong University’s Second Hospital and actively contributes to patient care, student training, and neurological research, particularly in neuroimmunology.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Wang specializes in multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, myelitis, optic neuritis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and myasthenia gravis. Her research explores immune-mediated neurological diseases, oxidative stress in demyelination, and environmental neurotoxins in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Wang has received funding from the Shandong Natural Science Foundation and the Department of Education for her research in neurological disorders. Her contributions to neuroimmunology have been recognized through multiple SCI publications and conference presentations. She plays an active role in professional neurology and immunology committees in Shandong Province.

Publications 📚

Jeevitha Gowda R | Cognitive impairment | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Jeevitha Gowda R | Cognitive impairment | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, Alliance University, United Kingdom

🧠 Dr. Jeevitha Gowda R is a dedicated research scholar specializing in cognitive neuroscience and public health, with a strong focus on dementia prevention. She has expertise in developing cognitive screening tools, conducting neuropsychological assessments, and designing neuroscience-based interventions to enhance brain health. Currently serving as a Guest Faculty and Research Associate, she is passionate about bridging research with real-world applications. With proficiency in EEG, ERP, and data analysis, her work emphasizes cognitive aging, behavioral psychology, and mental well-being. Her research contributions include multiple conference presentations, publications, and cognitive training programs. She has received prestigious recognitions, including Best Paper Awards and research fellowships. Her commitment extends to community mental health programs, where she collaborates with NGOs and research institutions. Through her work, she aims to advance cognitive neuroscience and improve public health outcomes. 📚🔬

Profile

Education 🎓

🎓 Dr. Jeevitha Gowda R holds a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience and Public Health from Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru (Thesis Submitted), focusing on developing cognitive tools for early dementia detection in primary healthcare settings. She earned a Master’s in Cognitive Neuroscience from JSS Academy of Higher Education, Mysuru (2018), ranking among the top 3 students, with coursework in neural cognition, psychological assessment, and clinical interventions. Her dissertation explored mental fatigue due to sleep deprivation using EEG and ERP. She completed her Bachelor’s in Life Sciences from JSS College for Women, Mysuru (2016), excelling in biochemistry, microbiology, and environmental psychology. Additionally, she trained at the Defence Institute of Psychological Studies (DRDO) and Narayana Health, Bengaluru, gaining hands-on experience in EEG, neuropsychological assessments, and cognitive therapy. Her interdisciplinary education combines neuroscience, psychology, and public health, preparing her for impactful research and innovation in brain health. 🧠📖

Experience 👨‍🏫

💼 Dr. Jeevitha Gowda R has extensive experience as a Research Associate at the Centre for Integrative Health and Well-Being (2020–Present), where she develops neuropsychological intervention tools and conducts cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs. She also serves as a Senior Research Associate at Brighter Minds, focusing on cognitive enhancement and neuroscience-based training programs. As a Guest Lecturer at Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (2021–Present), she teaches biostatistics, neurophysiology, and psychology. Her past clinical internships at DRDO and Narayana Health provided her with hands-on expertise in EEG, ERP, and neuropsychological assessments. She has conducted research on cognitive impairment, dementia screening, and sleep deprivation’s effects on cognition. Additionally, she has authored 50+ neuroscience articles, presented at international conferences, and collaborated with NGOs for mental health awareness. Her diverse experience integrates academic, clinical, and research-based expertise to advance cognitive neuroscience and public health. 🏥📊

Research Interests 🔬

🔬 Dr. Jeevitha Gowda R’s research bridges cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and public health, focusing on early dementia detection, cognitive aging, and neuropsychological interventions. She specializes in developing culturally relevant cognitive screening tools for primary healthcare, improving accessibility to dementia diagnostics. Her work explores neuropsychological assessments, EEG-based cognitive analysis, and behavioral interventions for enhancing mental well-being. She has conducted studies on sleep deprivation, cognitive impairment, and neurofeedback therapy. She collaborates with institutions like DRDO, Narayana Health, and Brighter Minds to implement neuroscience-driven programs. Her research extends to the psychological well-being of dementia caregivers, neurocognitive training for brain health, and integrating technology into mental health solutions. Through interdisciplinary studies and global research collaborations, she aims to advance early dementia detection methods and improve cognitive health strategies. Her work contributes to policy-making, clinical psychology, and public health initiatives. 🏥📊

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

🏆 Dr. Jeevitha Gowda R has received multiple accolades for her contributions to cognitive neuroscience and public health research. She won the Best Paper Award at the Epidemiology Foundation of India Conference (2023, Goa) for her groundbreaking work on dementia screening. Her research paper on cognitive tool validation earned a Special Mention at the International Dementia Conference (DEMCON-2024, IISC Bangalore). During her master’s, she ranked among the top 3 dissertations at JSS Academy of Higher Education. She was awarded the Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) by Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (2022–2024) for her Ph.D. research. She has also secured research grants for projects on dementia detection and cognitive enhancement. Recognized for her impactful contributions, she collaborates with prestigious institutions, including DRDO and Narayana Health, to advance neuropsychological research. Her work continues to shape innovations in mental health and aging. 🎖️🧠

Publications 📚

  • Jeevitha Gowda R, Anish Mehta, Krishnamurthy Jayanna. (2025).
    Dementia: A Public Health Challenge in India. South Eastern European
    Journal of Public Health, 29–43. Retrieved from
    hps://www.seejph.com/index.php/seejph/article/view/3295 (Scopus)

  • Jeevitha Gowda R. The Impact of Cultural Beliefs and Stigma on
    Dementia Care and Diagnosis: A Scoping Review, 25 November 2024,
    PREPRINT (Version 1) available at Research Square
    hps://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5519592/v1
  • Jeevitha Ramesh, Parimala Guruprasad (2024) Factors Affecting the
    Psychological Well-Being of Caregivers of Dementia Patients: A
    Thematic Review. Journal of Neurology Research Reviews & Reports.
    SRC/JNRRR-260
  • Development and Validation of Cognitive Screening Tools for
    Dementia Detection in Primary Care Seings: An Exploratory Pilot
    Study – Under review at International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.
    (Corresponding Author)
  • Burden of Cognitive Impairment Including Dementia, and Associated
    Risk Factors Among the Rural Population of South Karnataka, India –
    Under review at Journal of Public Health Research. (Corresponding
    Author)
  • Impact of Training Module on Lifestyle and Healthy Behaviours: An
    Exploratory Pilot in India – Under review at Journal Explore.
    (Co-Author)

Suleyman Yildizdal | Craniosynostosis | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by sciencefather

Dr. Suleyman Yildizdal | Craniosynostosis | Best Researcher Award

 

 

Profile

Education

He completed his education at Org. Kenan Evren School from 2000 to 2008, followed by Gaziantep Anadolu High School from 2008 to 2012. He then pursued his medical training at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine from 2012 to 2018. After earning his medical degree, he continued his specialization in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery as a resident at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine from November 2018 to February 2024. In April 2024, he joined Ankara Research and Training Hospital, where he continues to work in the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery.

 

Work experience

He has participated in various courses and workshops to enhance his expertise in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery. He attended the Resident Ethics Course at Hacettepe University’s Department of History of Medicine and Medical Ethics on January 10-11, 2019. He also completed the 5th Basic Residency School organized by the Turkish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery in Bolu, Turkey, from January 22-25, 2020. Further advancing his skills, he took part in the 15th Advanced Residency School in Antalya, Turkey, from April 20-24, 2023. Additionally, he attended the 1st Cadaver Course of Craniofacial Anomaly and Maxillofacial Surgery at Hacettepe University on September 3-4, 2022, and the 1st Cadaver Course of Orthognathic Surgery at Koc University Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, on September 7-8, 2022.

In addition to his clinical and surgical training, he has contributed to academic literature by co-authoring book chapters. He co-wrote Age-Related Changes in Trunk Aesthetics in Beauty, Aging, and Anti-Aging (1st ed., Elsevier, 2022) alongside G. G. Üstün and S. Yıldızdal. He also contributed to Dudak ve Damak Yarıkları Hacettepe Ekip Yaklaşım, co-authoring “Apert and Crouzon Syndrome” with İbrahim Vargel.

Awards

He has achieved remarkable academic success, securing 16th place in the National Examination for Specialty in Medicine among over 18,000 participants. Additionally, he ranked 571st in the National Student Selection and Placement Examination out of more than 2 million candidates.

He has actively participated in national meetings within his field, contributing to discussions and advancements in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery. He attended the 41st National Turkish Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Meeting in Samsun, Turkey, from October 26-30, 2019. He also participated in the National Turkish Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Eastern Mediterranean Meeting on Cleft Lip and Palate, held in Gaziantep, Turkey, from February 7-9, 2020. Furthermore, he attended the 43rd National Turkish Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Meeting in Antalya, Turkey, from November 10-14, 2021.

 

Publication

Michal Schwartz | Neurodegenerative diseases | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by sciencefather

Prof Dr. Michal Schwartz | Neurodegenerative diseases | Best Researcher Award

Michal Schwartz (born 1 January 1950) is a professor of neuroimmunology at the Weizmann Institute of Science. She is active in the field of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly utilizing the immune system to help the brain fight terminal neurodegenerative brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.[3][1]

Schwartz’s studies have shown that the immune system supports a healthy brain’s function and is vital for healing and protecting the brain in case of injury or disease.[4]

Schwartz coined the term protective autoimmunity[5] and discovered roles for immune cells in repair and neurogenesis. She has been the elected chair of the International Society of Neuroimmunology (ISNI) since 2016.[6]

In 2023 Schwartz received the honorary Israel Prize for Life Sciences.

 

Profile

Education

Schwartz gained her Bachelor of Science in chemistry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1972. She received her Ph.D in Immunology in 1977 at the Weizmann Institute of Science, where she would later spend the majority of her career. She also spent time at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, researching nerve regeneration.[when?

 

Work experience

At the Weizmann Institute, she progressed from senior scientist in the Department of Neurobiology to full professor in 1998, and was then awarded the Maurice and Ilse Katz Professorial Chair in Neuroimmunology in 2016.[7] Schwartz’s work in neuroimmunology has encompassed a wide range of pathologies in the central nervous system (CNS), including injury, neurodegeneration, mental dysfunction, and aging. She coined the term protective autoimmunity and demonstrated the role of immune cells such as macrophages and T cells in spinal cord repair. She also identified specific brain areas for ‘cross talk’ between the CNS and the immune system. This cross-talk is important for recruiting immune cells and maintaining a healthy brain, and the disruption of this cross-talk can play a role in brain aging and neurodegenerative disease. She also showed this role in pregnancy and fetal brain development, where immune disruption in the mother can be linked to neurodevelopmental disorders in their children. Another focus of her work has been on repurposing cancer immunotherapies such as PD-1 blockers to treat neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Macrophages

The Schwartz team discovered that bone marrow-derived macrophages are needed for central nervous system (CNS) repair. The brain-resident myeloid cells (the microglia), and infiltrating monocyte-derived macrophages are not redundant populations, despite their myeloid phenotype, and display distinct functions in resolution of brain inflammation.[8][9][10]

Autoimmunity

In her research, Schwartz discovered that the ability to cope with sterile CNS injuries requires support in the form of an adaptive immune response mediated by CD4+ T cells that recognize CNS antigens. She coined the concept of protective autoimmunity, to distinguish this response from autoimmune disease, in which the anti-self response escapes control. Over the years, it became clear that adaptive immunity is needed to facilitate the recruitment of immunoregulatory cells, including bone marrow-derived macrophages and FoxP3 regulatory T cells, though the balance between regulatory T cells and effector memory cells is different in the periphery versus the brain.[11][12][13]

Brain Homeostasis

Schwartz’s team discovered the role of adaptive systemic immune cells, and specifically T cells recognizing brain antigens (Protective autoimmune T cells), in supporting the cognitive capacity of the healthy brain, for lifelong neurogenesis, and functional brain plasticity. These observations paved the way for numerous additional discoveries in which the brain-immune axis was described.[14][15][16]

The Choroid Plexus

Schwartz’s team identified the brain’s choroid plexus (CP) within the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier as an immunological interface between the brain and the immune system. It serves as a niche that hosts immune cells, and as a physiological entry gate for leukocytes. Focusing on this unique niche within the brain led the Schwartz group to propose that IFN-γ holds the key to regulating CP gateway activity. Her team further showed that in brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases (studied using both mouse models and human samples), dysfunction of this interface is determined both by signals originating in the brain, and signals from the aged immune system, which led to the identification of Type-I Interferon (IFN-I) at the CP as a negative player, affecting the fate of the aging brain in general, and of microglia, in particular. A similar IFN-I signature at the CP was subsequently discovered by others in Alzheimer’s disease and in the postmortem brains of infected patients who died from COVID-19.[17][14][10]

Immunotherapy

The discovery that adaptive immunity plays a key role in brain function and repair, the need for bone marrow-derived macrophages to resolve local brain inflammation, the fact that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and all forms of dementia are mainly age-related diseases, and the fact that the immune system is particularly affected by aging all led Schwartz to propose a new treatment for combating dementias. Schwartz suggested empowering systemic immunity, using a form of immunotherapy by modestly blocking the inhibitory immune checkpoint PD1/PD-L1 pathway.[citation needed] This treatment drives an immune-dependent cascade of events, that allows the harnessing of bone marrow-derived macrophages and regulatory T cells to help clear toxic factors from the diseased brain, and to arrest the local inflammation, thereby providing a comprehensive multi-factorial therapy through modification of multiple elements that go awry in AD. Schwartz’s patents for developing such immunotherapy for AD are licensed to a small Biopharma company, Immunobrain Checkpoint. The company is awaiting a clinical trial in AD patients, supported in part by the National Institute of Aging, the US National Institutes of Health, and The Alzheimer’s Association.[18][19][20][21][22][23]

Publication

1. Rachmian N, Medina S, Cherqui U, Akiva H, Deitch D, Edilbi D, Croese T, Salame T, Peralta Ramos
J, Cahalon L, Krizhanovsky V, Schwartz M. 2024. Senescent microglia conserved in aging and
Alzheimer’s disease exhibit elevated TREM2 protein levels. Nat Neurosci 27: 1116-24
2. Tsitsou-Kampeli A, Suzzi S, Kenigsbuch M, Satomi A, Strobelt R, Singer O, Feldmesser E, Purnapatre
M, Colaiuta SP, David E, Cahalon L, Hahn O, Wyss-Coray T, Shaul Y, Amit I, Schwartz M. 2023.
Cholesterol 24-hydroxylase at the choroid plexus contributes to brain immune homeostasis. Cell Rep
Med: 101278
3. Suzzi, S. Croese T., Ravid A., Gold O., Clark A., Medina A., Kitsberg D., Adam M., Vernon K., Kohnert
E., Shapira I., Malitsky S., Itkin M., Brandis A., Mehlman T., Salame T., Colaiuta S., Cahalon L.,Slyper
M., Greka A., Habib N., Schwartz M. 2023. N-acetylneuraminic acid links immune exhaustion and
accelerated memory deficit in diet-induced obese Alzheimer’s disease mouse model 2023. Nat. Commun.
14:1293.
4. Kenigsbuch M, Bost P, Halevi S, Chang Y, Chen S, Ma Q, Hajbi R, Schwikowski B, Bodenmiller B, Fu
H, Schwartz M*, Amit I* (equal contribution, and corresponding authors). 2022. A shared diseaseassociated oligodendrocyte signature among multiple CNS pathologies. Nat Neurosci 25: 876-86.
5. Dvir-Szternfeld R, Castellani G, Arad M, Cahalon L, Colaiuta SP, Keren-Shaul H, Croese T, Burgaletto
C, Baruch K, Ulland T, Colonna M, Weiner A, Amit I, Schwartz M. 2022. Alzheimer’s disease
modification mediated by bone marrow-derived macrophages via a TREM2-independent pathway in
mouse model of amyloidosis. Nature Aging 2: 60-73 (citations:17).
6. Ben-Yehuda H, Arad M, Peralta Ramos JM, Sharon E, Castellani G, Ferrera S, Cahalon L, Colaiuta SP,
Salame TM, Schwartz M. 2021. Key role of the CCR2-CCL2 axis in disease modification in a mouse
model of tauopathy. Mol Neurodegeneration 16: 39. (citations:20).
7. Cohen M, Giladi A, Raposo C, Zada M, Li B, Ruckh J, Deczkowska A, Mohar B, Shechter R, Lichtenstein
RG, Amit I, Schwartz M. 2021. Meningeal lymphoid structures are activated under acute and chronic
spinal cord pathologies. Life Sci Alliance 4: e202000907.
8. Habib N, McCabe C, Medina S, Varshavsky M, Kitsberg D, Dvir-Szternfeld R, Green G, Dionne D,
Nguyen L, Marshall JL, Chen F, Zhang F, Kaplan T, Regev A, Schwartz M. 2020. Disease- associated
astrocytes in Alzheimer’s disease and aging. Nat Neurosci 23: 701-6. (citations:617).
9. Ben-Yehuda H, Matcovitch-Natan O, Kertser A, Spinrad A, Prinz M, Amit I, Schwartz M. 2020.
Maternal Type-I interferon signaling adversely affects the microglia and the behavior of the offspring
accompanied by increased sensitivity to stress. Mol Psychiatry 25: 1050-67 (Cover page).
10. Kertser A,Baruch K, Deczkowska A,Weiner A,Croese T, Kenigsbuch M,CooperI, Tsoory M,Ben- Hamo
S, Amit I, Schwartz M. 2019. Corticosteroid signaling at the brain-immune interface impedes coping with
severe psychological stress. Sci Adv 5: eaav4111. (citations:32).
11. Rosenzweig N, Dvir-Sternfeld R, Tsitsou-Kampeli A, Keren-Shaul H, Ben-Yehuda H, Weill-Raynal P,
Cahalon L, Kertser A, Baruch K, Amit I, Weiner A, Schwartz M. 2019. PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint blockade
harnesses monocyte-derived macrophages to combat cognitive impairment in a mouse model of tauassociated dementia. Nat Commun. 10: 465. (citations:141).
12. Deczkowska A, Matcovitch-Natan O, Tsitsou-Kampeli A, Ben-Hamo S, Dvir-Szternfeld R, Spinrad A,
Singer O, David E, Winter RD, Smith KL, Kertser A, Baruch K, Rosenzweig N, Terem A, Prinz M,
Villeda S, Citri A, Amit I, Schwartz M. 2017. Mef2C restrains the microglial inflammatory response and
is lost in brain ageing in an IFN-I-dependent manner. Nat Commun 8: 717. (citations:212).
13. Cohen M, Ben-Yehuda H, Porat Z, Raposo C, Gordon S, Schwartz M. 2017. Newly formed endothelial
2
cells regulate myeloid cell activity following spinal cord injury via expression of CD200 ligand. J
Neurosci 37: 972-85.