Forshing Lui | Neurology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Forshing Lui | Neurology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. For-Shing Lui, a U.S. citizen and licensed neurologist in California, the UK, and Hong Kong, is an esteemed academic and clinician with over four decades of international experience in neurology and internal medicine, currently serving as Professor of Neurology at California Northstate University College of Medicine (CNUCOM), where he contributes significantly to medical education, curriculum development, and professional regulatory boards.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Lui completed his M.B.B.S. from the University of Hong Kong in 1978, followed by an internal medicine residency (1978–1982) at the same institution; he then undertook neurology fellowship training at Newcastle General Hospital, UK (1982–1984), and a neurology residency at UC Davis (1995–1999), also serving as Chief Resident; his qualifications include being a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh), Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, and Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Lui has served as Expert Consultant and Reviewer for the Medical Board of California, Professor and Course Director at CNUCOM since 2014, Chair of Clinical Sciences, and Vice Chair of Education; formerly, he was Staff Neurologist and Chief of Neurology at Kaiser Permanente, Clinical Professor at UC Davis, and practiced as a neurologist and internist in Hong Kong; his roles spanned clinical practice, academic leadership, curriculum design, quality assurance, and international consultancy.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Lui received the 2022 A.B. Baker Teacher Recognition Award from the American Academy of Neurology, the ITLE University Distinguished Teacher Award in 2021, and multiple CNUCOM Professor of the Year Awards (2019–2023); his national recognitions include listings in America’s Top Physicians and Sacramento Magazine’s Top Doctors; he won the Croucher Fellowship (1982), John Anderson Gold Medal (1978), and several medical school scholarships for academic excellence, including the Li Shu Fan Prize in Pharmacology.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Lui’s academic and clinical interests lie in neurology education, vascular neurology, neuroimaging, and multiple sclerosis, with a deep commitment to medical pedagogy and curriculum leadership; his research integrates neurodiagnostic techniques with clinical neurology, particularly in imaging-based teaching, and he has presented regularly at neuroradiology conferences and contributed to educational innovation in neurology training at both Kaiser Permanente and CNUCOM, reflecting a lifelong dedication to mentoring, patient care, and advancing neurologic knowledge.

Publications

Lucas Muñoz-Lopez | Neuroscience | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Dr. Lucas Muñoz-Lopez | Neuroscience | Best Academic Researcher Award

El Dr. Lucas Muñoz-López 🎓 es logopeda neurológico especializado en rehabilitación logopédica en daño neurológico 🧠, con amplia experiencia clínica y académica 👨‍🏫. Tras graduarse en Logopedia por la Universidad de Granada en 2015, combinó práctica profesional y formación de posgrado, incluyendo dos másteres y un doctorado con mención Cum Laude 🏅. Ha ejercido como docente universitario en Melilla y Ceuta, y colabora en investigación con publicaciones en revistas como Frontiers in Psychology 📖. Además, ha tutorizado numerosos TFG y TFM 🎓. Su trabajo integra logopedia clínica, investigación sobre alteraciones de la comunicación y neurociencias, aportando al avance académico y a la rehabilitación de pacientes. Es autor de un libro publicado y miembro activo en proyectos de evaluación y tratamiento en contextos educativos y sanitarios 🏥. Su pasión por la docencia y la terapia lo posiciona como referente en logopedia clínica e investigación 📈.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Muñoz-López 🧠 inició su carrera académica con el Grado en Logopedia (2015) en la Universidad de Granada 🎓, complementándolo ese mismo año con un Máster en Logopedia Clínica en Daño Cerebral (Isep Clinic, Madrid) 💡. En 2017 completó su segundo máster en Neurociencias Básicas y Aplicadas y Dolor en la Facultad de Medicina de Granada 🔬. Culminó su formación con un Doctorado en Psicología y Logopedia en la Universidad de Granada (2021) con mención Cum Laude 🏅, convirtiéndose en experto en alteraciones de la comunicación y rehabilitación neurológica 🧬. Su formación académica combina sólidos conocimientos clínicos, teóricos y metodológicos para abordar con éxito la intervención logopédica y la investigación científica 🏛️. Además, su trabajo refleja una constante actualización y compromiso con la excelencia educativa y terapéutica 💯.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Desde 2015, el Dr. Muñoz-López 🩺 ha desarrollado una sólida trayectoria profesional como logopeda clínico, combinando práctica asistencial con docencia universitaria 👨‍🏫. Ha ejercido en el Centro de Valoración y Orientación de Granada como Auxiliar Técnico en Logopedia 🏥, además de impartir clases en los campus de Ceuta y Melilla de la Universidad de Granada 📚. Ha sido tutor de TFG y TFM en varias universidades, incluyendo la Universidad de Granada y la Universidad Internacional de La Rioja ✍️. Su experiencia docente abarca asignaturas de logopedia, neuropsicología y psicopedagogía en grados y másteres universitarios 🎓. Además, colabora activamente en proyectos de intervención educativa, rehabilitación y formación de futuros profesionales. Su enfoque multidisciplinar y experiencia en contextos clínicos y penitenciarios 🏛️ le permiten aplicar soluciones eficaces e innovadoras en su área.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Muñoz-López ha recibido mención Cum Laude 🎖️ por su tesis doctoral en Psicología y Logopedia en la Universidad de Granada (2021) 🏅. Su tesis fue publicada como libro 📗, reafirmando su valor académico. Ha logrado publicar en la revista Frontiers in Psychology (Q2, JCR 2.99) 🧠, destacándose en el área de psicología y neurociencias. También ha publicado en la revista Journal for Educators, Teachers and Trainers, indexada en bases relevantes como Scopus y Dialnet 📖. Su libro fue editado por la Editorial Académica Española, con índice ICEE de 0.299 📘. Estos reconocimientos consolidan su reputación científica, reflejando la calidad y relevancia de su producción académica, así como su compromiso con la excelencia investigadora y docente 🧑‍🔬✨.

Research Interests 🔬

El Dr. Muñoz-López centra su investigación en la rehabilitación logopédica de alteraciones de la comunicación 🗣️, disfagia 🥄 y terapia miofuncional 💪, con especial atención a contextos neurológicos y penitenciarios 🏛️. Su trabajo profundiza en la intersección entre neurociencias, psicología y logopedia 🧠, explorando tanto enfoques clínicos como educativos. Ha contribuido al avance del conocimiento en alteraciones del lenguaje, evaluación cognitiva y técnicas de intervención para pacientes con daño cerebral adquirido 🧬. Además, participa en estudios sobre integración social, intervención educativa en contextos de riesgo y psicología forense ⚖️. Su enfoque combina metodología cuantitativa, intervención basada en evidencia y aplicación clínica, orientado siempre a mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas con trastornos de la comunicación 💬💡.

Publications

  • Validation and Spanish Adaptation of the Resilience Scale ER-23 in a University Population

    Healthcare
    2025-04-12 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13080886
    CONTRIBUTORS: Isabel Ramírez-Uclés; Julia Otero; F. Pablo Holgado-Tello; Lucas Muñoz-López; María B. Sánchez-Barrer

  • Analysis of writing in personality disorders in prison population

    Frontiers in Psychiatry
    2024 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1391463
    EID:
    Part ofISSN: 16640640
    CONTRIBUTORS: Muñoz-López, L.; Fernández-García-Valdecasas, B.; López-Rodríguez, S.; Sánchez-Barrera, M.B.

  • Transformation of Higher Education: Discussion of the Dimensions, Trends and Scenarios of Change in Ibero-America

    Education Sciences
    2024 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/educsci14050523
    Part ofISSN: 22277102
    CONTRIBUTORS: Fernández Cruz, M.; Fernández García Valdecasas, B.; Muñoz López, L.; López Rodríguez, S

  • Associations of Reversal Learning Performance With Personality Disorder Profile and Drug Abuse History in a Sample of Prison Inmates

    2024-09-18 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1177/10731911241278307
    CONTRIBUTORS: Raquel Martín-Ríos; José C. Perales; Francisca López-Torrecillas; Lucas Muñoz Lóp

Gerd Fabian Volk | Cognitive Rehabilitation | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Dr. Gerd Fabian Volk | Cognitive Rehabilitation | Outstanding Scientist Award

apl. Prof. Dr. med. habil. Gerd Fabian Volk (👶1978, Wertheim am Main) is a leading German otolaryngologist 👨‍⚕️, currently serving as Senior Physician and Head of the Facial Nerve Center in Jena 🏥. With a deep commitment to clinical excellence, academic teaching 📚, and innovative research 🧪, he has significantly contributed to the fields of neurolaryngology, facial nerve disorders, and ultrasound diagnostics 🧠🗣️. His work bridges cutting-edge imaging 🖼️ and functional diagnostics for head-neck disorders. Living in Jena with his family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧, he actively supports patient education through YouTube 📹, coordinates national workshops, and advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration 🤝. Volk is a respected speaker 🎤, faculty member at international dissection courses ✂️🧠, and an initiator of hybrid symposia. He balances leadership with education, translating research into real-world clinical impact 🌍💡.

Profile

Education 🎓

Studied human medicine at Westfälische Wilhelms Universität Münster (1999–2006) 🎓🩺, earning his state exam. In 2007, he completed his doctorate (Dr. med.) with a thesis on axonal regeneration in retinal ganglion cells in primates and rats 🧬🐒🐀. He achieved board certification in ENT (2012) 👂👃🧠 and earned his postdoctoral qualification (habilitation) in 2017 with pioneering research on quantitative imaging of facial muscles 🖼️💪. His venia legendi was granted by Friedrich Schiller University Jena in otorhinolaryngology 📜👨‍🏫. Further qualifications include DEGUM Level II (2018) for ultrasound, clinical trial leadership certification (2009), animal research leadership certification (2002), and interdisciplinary leadership training at UKJ 🏅📊. His broad educational background underpins his medical, scientific, and didactic work, combining clinical care, diagnostics, and teaching for the next generation of ENT specialists 👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️👨‍🏫.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Since 2013, Dr. Volk leads the Facial Nerve Center in Jena and co-founded the Tinnitus Center 👨‍⚕️🔊. He is currently Senior Physician at the ENT Department, University Hospital Jena and member of the steering committee for the Center for Rare Diseases Jena (since 2024) 🧩🧬. He previously held rotational research fellowships in radiology and neurology (2008–2013) and has organized national ENT courses since 2009 🧠🎓. With consistent academic teaching since 2012, he has led cadaver dissection courses, neurolaryngology workshops, and ultrasound diagnostics trainings 🧑‍🏫💻. He is an active contributor to ethics commissions and rare disease networks 👥⚖️. His work merges clinical ENT practice, surgical skill, and educational outreach through digital platforms (e.g., YouTube, www.lemg.org) 🌐📹. A devoted mentor, he organizes monthly PhD symposia and integrates hybrid teaching formats, balancing high-level medical care with forward-thinking academic initiatives 📚🏥🎯.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Recipient of multiple national prizes, including the 1st Poster Prize by the German Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (2019) 🥇📊 for Parkinson-related facial muscle imaging, and the DEGUM Head-Neck Section Award for his habilitation research (2018) 🧠🏅. Awarded competitive IZKF research fellowships in neurology and radiology (2008–2013) 🧬🔬. Recognized leader in rare disease diagnostics and member of Germany’s CRANIO-Net for rare craniofacial disorders (since 2022) 🧩👶. Since 2020, he contributes to the Ethics Commission of the University Hospital Jena ⚖️. He is speaker for ENT indications in the Botulinumtoxin Working Group of the German Society of Neurology (since 2022) 💉🧠. Nominated for professorial posts in Bielefeld, Halle, and Charité Berlin between 2019–2023 🏛️📚. Volk’s sustained excellence across clinical care, diagnostics, research, and education has earned him national recognition and leadership roles in academic ENT medicine 🧠🏥✨.

Research Interests 🔬

Prof. Volk’s research centers on facial nerve diagnostics and therapy 🧠🧑‍⚕️, neurolaryngology, and ultrasound imaging of head-neck structures 🖼️. He specializes in quantitative imaging of facial muscles for conditions like facial paralysis and Parkinson’s disease 🤖🧠. His work combines clinical neurophysiology, MRI analysis, and laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) 📈💬. He also pioneers educational innovations in hybrid learning, simulation-based teaching, and cadaver dissection techniques for ENT and neurology professionals 🧑‍🏫🧪. Through platforms like www.lemg.org and dedicated YouTube channels 📹, he disseminates knowledge on advanced diagnostics such as salivary duct endoscopy, voice disorders, and botulinum toxin use 💉. A strong advocate for interdisciplinary networks and rare disease research, he leads initiatives in patient-centered care, including organizing the “Fazialis-Nerv-Tag” and supporting patient education 🤝❤️. His translational research aims to enhance diagnostic precision and develop novel rehabilitation strategies for complex craniofacial disorders 🧬🔧.

Publications 

  • Electromyography as an Objective Outcome Measure for the Therapeutic Effect of Biofeedback Training to Reduce Post-Paralytic Facial Synkinesis

    Healthcare
    2025-03-04 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13050550
    CONTRIBUTORS: Isabell Hahnemann; Julia Fron; Jonas Ballmaier; Orlando Guntinas-Lichius; Gerd Fabian Volk

  • Evaluation of the Effects of an Electromyography-Based Bio-Feedback Training of Patients with Post-Paralytic Facial Synkinesis Using Electromyography Amplitudes as Objective Outcome Measure

    2024-12-16 | Preprint
    DOI: 10.20944/preprints202412.1326.v1
    CONTRIBUTORS: Isabell Hahnemann; Julia Fron; Jonas Ballmaier; Orlando Guntinas-Lichius; Gerd Fabian Volk

  • Deceleration of denervated facial muscle atrophy through functional electrical stimulation: a sonographic quantification in patients with facial nerve paralysis

    European Journal of Translational Myology
    2024-11-13 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2024.13162
    CONTRIBUTORS: Gabriel Meincke; Johannes Krauß; Maren Geitner; Anna-Maria Kuttenreich; Dirk Arnold; Jonas Ballmaier; Thomas Lehmann; Winfried Mayr; Orlando Guntinas-Lichius; Gerd Fabian Volk

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.

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

 

Neriman Temel Aksu | Physiotherapy and Rehabilitataion | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Neriman Temel Aksu | Physiotherapy and Rehabilitataion | Best Researcher Award

Neriman Temel Aksu is an Assistant Professor and Doctor Physiotherapist at Akdeniz University Faculty of Health Sciences, Antalya, Turkey. She completed her undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Istanbul University. With seven years of clinical experience at Antalya Anadolu Hospital, she later pursued a master’s degree in Movement and Exercise Sciences at Akdeniz University. She further specialized in Pulmonary Rehabilitation during her second master’s degree and earned her Ph.D. in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation from Süleyman Demirel University. Her research focuses on pulmonary rehabilitation, sleep quality in post-lung resection patients, and the effects of kinesiology taping and Qigong training. She has published numerous research articles and books and is an active member of various professional organizations, including TÜSAD, Türk Toraks Derneği, and the European Respiratory Society. Dr. Aksu is recognized for her contributions to physiotherapy and rehabilitation, particularly in respiratory function and post-surgical patient care.

Profile

Education 🎓

Neriman Temel Aksu completed her undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Istanbul University. She pursued her first master’s degree in Movement and Exercise Sciences at Akdeniz University, where she explored innovative rehabilitation techniques. Recognizing the significance of respiratory physiotherapy, she completed her second master’s degree in Pulmonary Rehabilitation at Akdeniz University, deepening her expertise in respiratory function and post-surgical recovery. She then obtained her Ph.D. in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation from Süleyman Demirel University, where she conducted advanced research on the effects of Qigong exercise training on patients’ shoulder and respiratory functions. Her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to evidence-based physiotherapy practices and patient-centered rehabilitation. Throughout her education, she integrated both clinical and research perspectives to enhance therapeutic outcomes, specializing in pulmonary rehabilitation, pain management, and exercise interventions for post-thoracic surgery patients. Her academic qualifications have significantly shaped her contributions to physiotherapy education and practice.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Neriman Temel Aksu has extensive experience in physiotherapy and rehabilitation, combining clinical practice, research, and academia. She worked as a specialist physiotherapist at Antalya Anadolu Hospital for seven years, where she gained hands-on experience in patient rehabilitation and pain management. She later transitioned to academia as a Research Assistant at Akdeniz University Faculty of Health Sciences, contributing to physiotherapy education and clinical research. After completing her doctorate, she was appointed as an Assistant Professor at Akdeniz University, where she continues to teach and mentor students while conducting research in pulmonary rehabilitation. Her expertise includes evaluating the effects of exercise therapy, kinesiology taping, and relaxation techniques on respiratory function and post-operative recovery. She has published extensively in high-impact journals and authored several books on physiotherapy. Her academic and professional journey showcases her dedication to advancing physiotherapy practices and improving patient outcomes through innovative rehabilitation approaches.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Neriman Temel Aksu’s research primarily focuses on pulmonary rehabilitation, respiratory function improvement, and post-operative recovery strategies. Her studies have evaluated sleep quality in lung resection patients, highlighting the role of progressive muscle relaxation exercises. She has investigated the effects of kinesiology taping on pain and respiratory function in thoracotomy patients, contributing to non-invasive rehabilitation techniques. Her doctoral research on Qigong exercise training explored its impact on shoulder mobility and lung function, providing new insights into integrative therapy for post-surgical recovery. Additionally, she has analyzed the benefits of connective tissue massage on pain relief, quality of life, and hospital stay duration. With nine peer-reviewed journal publications and multiple research projects, her work significantly influences clinical rehabilitation protocols. She actively collaborates with national and international respiratory societies to enhance physiotherapy interventions. Her research aims to advance evidence-based practices that improve patient outcomes in post-surgical and chronic respiratory conditions.

Dr. Neriman Temel Aksu has received multiple accolades for her contributions to physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Her research in pulmonary rehabilitation and post-surgical recovery has earned her recognition in national and international physiotherapy forums. She has been nominated for the Best Researcher Award, highlighting her impactful work in respiratory physiotherapy. Additionally, her studies on sleep quality, kinesiology taping, and Qigong training have been acknowledged by professional organizations such as TÜSAD and Türk Toraks Derneği. She has published seven books with ISBN, contributing significantly to physiotherapy education. Her publications in SCI and Scopus-indexed journals reflect the high caliber of her research. She is an esteemed member of the European Respiratory Society, where she actively participates in collaborative research. Through her dedication to evidence-based practice and continuous contributions to physiotherapy, she has established herself as a leading researcher in rehabilitation sciences, particularly in pulmonary and post-surgical patient care.

Publications 📚

Nuray Alaca | Motor İmagery | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Dr. Nuray Alaca | Motor İmagery | Best Researcher Award

 

Profile

Education

She completed her Doctorate in Physiology at Marmara University, Institute of Health Sciences, Turkey, from 2011 to 2015. Prior to that, she earned her Postgraduate degree in Orthopedic Rehabilitation from the same institute between 1999 and 2002. Her academic journey began with an Undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation from Istanbul University, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, where she studied from 1995 to 1999.

Research 

Her research focuses on physiotherapy and rehabilitation, with a strong academic background in the field. She has been serving as an Associate Professor at Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, since 2021. Prior to this, she worked as an Assistant Professor from 2016 to 2021 and as a Lecturer from 2011 to 2015 at the same institution.

She has been actively involved in various research projects in physiotherapy and rehabilitation, supervising both postgraduate and doctoral students. Her ongoing research includes a randomized controlled trial on graded motor imagery as an adjunct to physiotherapy in chronic rotator cuff-related pain and an investigation into the sensorimotor representation of body schema in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis compared to healthy individuals. In 2024, she supervised a postgraduate study on the effect of manual lymph drainage in treating breast edema in patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. Additionally, she is leading a doctoral study examining the effects of tactile stimulation, swimming exercise, or their combination on oxidative stress, inflammation, amyloid beta, neurogenesis, neurotrophic factors, and molecular signaling in an Alzheimer’s model. Her recent research includes a 2023 retrospective study on the effects of tumor type and treatments on lymphedema levels in breast cancer patients undergoing complex decongestive lymphedema therapy. She also supervised a 2021 postgraduate study exploring the effects of swimming exercise, low-level laser, or their combination on degeneration, inflammation, oxidative stress, utrophin protein, and irisin peptide in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (MDX) mice.

Publication

  • Comparison of Pressure Feedback Biofeedback Training with Conventional Lumbar Dynamic Strength Exercises for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

    Alternative therapies in health and medicine
    2024-11-18 | Journal article
    PMID: 39565706
    CONTRIBUTORS: Öztürk Ü; Çörekçi AA; Alaca N; Subaşı F

  • Comparison of static balance and pressure distribution in individuals with unilateral lower limb amputation: The role of barefoot, heel support, and vision.

    Prosthetics and orthotics international
    2024-11-08 | Journal article | Author
    DOI: 10.1097/pxr.0000000000000403
    PMID: 39514704
    CONTRIBUTORS: Tatar Y; Nilüfer Kablan; Nejla Gercek; Nuray Alaca

  • Kinesiophobia, physical activity levels and barriers in breast cancer patients, survivors, and healthy controls: A case-control analysis.

    JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
    2024-08-01 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.47391/jpma.10558
    PMID: 39160708
    CONTRIBUTORS: Alaca N; Karayazi KT; Arslan DC; Karakus MB; Uras C

  • The immediate effect of thoracolumbar fascia taping on biomechanical properties, low back pain and balance in individuals with transfemoral amputation.

    Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation
    2024-01 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3233/bmr-230314
    PMID: 38517772
    CONTRIBUTORS: Çalışkan Z; Alaca N; Kablan N

Marcelo Luis Berthier | Neuroscience| Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Marcelo Luis Berthier | Neuroscience| Best Researcher Award

 

Unversidad de Málaga, Spain

Profile

Education

Marcelo Luis Berthier obtained his degree in Medicine (1972-1976) and completed residency training in Neurosurgery (1977-1980), later specializing in Neurology (1980). He served as a staff neurologist at the Institute of Neurological Research, FLENI, Buenos Aires, Argentina (1980-1989), before becoming a research fellow in the Department of Neurology at Clinic Hospital of Barcelona, Spain (1989-1990). From 1991 to 2000, he was a staff neurologist and physician in charge of the Behavioural Neurology Unit at the Clinic University Hospital of Malaga. He earned a PhD in Neuroscience (cum laude) from the University of Malaga and coordinated the Group of Behavioural Neurology and Dementia of the Spanish Neurological Society (2004-2006). In 2004, he founded and directed the Unit of Cognitive Neurology and Aphasia at the Centro de Investigaciones Médico-Sanitarias, University of Malaga, leading it until 2023. Additionally, he served as the director of the Consolidated Research Group on Cognitive Neuroscience: Aphasia and Related Disorders (UNCA, C-12) at the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA – Plataforma BIONAND).

Work experience

Dr. Marcelo L. Berthier Torres has led and contributed to several groundbreaking research projects in cognitive neurology and aphasia. As a co-investigator, he participated in the Telerehabilitation in Aphasia project (2021-2023), which evaluated the effectiveness of telerehabilitation compared to face-to-face therapy and identified predictive biomarkers of response, funded by the Junta de Andalucía. He also served as the principal investigator for a study on the efficacy of combined treatment with donepezil, intensive rehabilitation, and transcranial direct current stimulation in chronic post-stroke aphasia (2016-2019), funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Additionally, he has contributed to the Proyectos de Generación de Conocimiento “Frontera”, an initiative under the FEDER Andalucía 2014-2020 program, which investigates brain biomarkers for individualized treatment approaches in chronic post-stroke aphasia

Areas of Research

Dr. Marcelo L. Berthier Torres has made significant contributions to the treatment of post-stroke aphasia and speech-language disorders. He conducted the first open-label and randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials investigating the use of cognitive-enhancing drugs (donepezil and memantine) alone and in combination with standard aphasia therapy or intensive language-action therapy (ILAT) in chronic post-stroke aphasia. His pioneering studies stimulated international research on aphasia pharmacotherapy, leading to clinical translation. Today, donepezil and memantine, alone or combined with therapy, are widely used off-label for post-stroke aphasia and language disturbances associated with neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and primary progressive aphasia.

Publication

  • Revisiting the boundaries of different altered accents profiles

    Cortex
    2025-03 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2025.01.001
    CONTRIBUTORS: Marcelo L. Berthier; Ignacio Moreno-Torres; Jo Verhoeven; Guadalupe Dávila

  • Turning the Spotlight to Cholinergic Pharmacotherapy of the Human Language System

    CNS Drugs
    2023-07 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-01017-4
    CONTRIBUTORS: Guadalupe Dávila; María José Torres-Prioris; Diana López-Barroso; Marcelo L. Berthier

  • Pharmacotherapy for post-stroke aphasia: what are the options?

    Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
    2023-07-24 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2221382
    CONTRIBUTORS: Marcelo L. Berthier; Guadalupe Dávila

  • Brain structural and functional correlates of the heterogenous progression of mixed transcortical aphasia

    Brain Structure and Function
    2023-05-31 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1007/s00429-023-02655-6
    CONTRIBUTORS: Diana López-Barroso; José Paredes-Pacheco; María José Torres-Prioris; Guadalupe Dávila; Marcelo L. Berthier

  • Controlling the past, owning the present, and future: cholinergic modulation decreases semantic perseverations in a person with post-stroke aphasia

    Aphasiology
    2022-11-02 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1080/02687038.2021.1957082
    CONTRIBUTORS: Marcelo L. Berthier; Daniel Santana-Moreno; Álvaro Beltrán-Corbellini; Juan C. Criado-Álamo; Lisa Edelkraut; Diana López-Barroso; Guadalupe Dávila; María José Torres-Prioris