Yvonne Hernandez-Kapila | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yvonne Hernandez-Kapila | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award 

Professor | UCLA | United States

Dr. Yvonne L. Hernandez-Kapila is a distinguished clinician-scientist, academic leader, and global research contributor recognized for her transformative work in oral biology, periodontology, and cancer biology. As Professor and Associate Dean for Research at the UCLA School of Dentistry and the Felix and Mildred Yip Endowed Chair in Dentistry, her research has significantly advanced understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying periodontal disease, oral cancer, and host-microbiome interactions. Her laboratory’s pioneering investigations into the oral-gut-brain axis, bacteriocin therapeutics, and oral virome have shaped new paradigms in microbial pathogenesis, inflammation, and regenerative oral health. A prolific author with more than a hundred peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as NPJ Biofilms and Microbiomes, Journal of Biological Chemistry, PLOS Pathogens, and Cell Death and Differentiation, Dr. Kapila’s work bridges fundamental discovery with translational innovation. She has served as principal investigator on multiple NIH-funded projects, including major initiatives exploring host–bacterial dynamics and microbiome modulation in oral and systemic disease contexts. Her editorial leadership extends across several international journals and major textbooks, including Periodontology 2000 and Newman and Carranza’s Clinical Periodontology, where she continues to shape scholarly discourse in the field. Dr. Kapila has received numerous prestigious honors recognizing her scientific excellence, mentorship, and contributions to dental research, including awards from the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Periodontology, and the American Association for Dental Research. A dedicated mentor, she has guided over a hundred trainees and junior faculty toward successful academic and research careers worldwide, championing inclusivity, rigorous scientific methodology, and leadership development. Through her interdisciplinary collaborations and global initiatives, Dr. Kapila continues to influence the future of oral health sciences, biomolecular therapeutics, and translational medicine, establishing herself as a leading voice in advancing oral-systemic health research on an international scale. She has 8347 citations from 146 documents with an h-index of 47.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Publications

1. B. lactis HN019 modulates periapical inflammation and enhances cementum repair by increasing CEMP-1 expression in an animal model. (2025). Archives of Oral Biology.

2. The antimicrobial peptide nisin promotes host cell survival during SARS-CoV-2 infection. (2025). Virology Journal.

3. Nisin lantibiotic prevents NAFLD liver steatosis and mitochondrial oxidative stress following periodontal disease by abrogating oral, gut and liver dysbiosis. (2024). NPJ Biofilms and Microbiomes.

4. Biological biomarkers of oral cancer. (2025). [Journal name not specified].

5. Nisin, a probiotic bacteriocin, modulates the inflammatory and microbiome changes in female reproductive organs mediated by polymicrobial periodontal infection. (2024). Microorganisms.

Chalachew Yenew | Neglected Tropical Diseases | Best Paper Award

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Mr. Chalachew Yenew | Neglected Tropical Diseases | Best Paper Award

Lecturer | Debre Tabor University | Ethiopia 

Dr. Chalachew Yenew Dinku is an accomplished Lecturer and Researcher at Debre Tabor University, Ethiopia, specializing in Environmental and Public Health, with a research focus on environmental and occupational exposure, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), infection prevention and control, One Health, and public health emergency management. He holds a Master of Science in Environmental Health Sciences from Jimma University, where his thesis on AMR contamination pathways received an international research grant and resulted in multiple peer-reviewed publications. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety from the University of Gondar, where his undergraduate research on hospital indoor bacterial contamination gained national recognition. With over nine years of professional experience, Dr. Yenew has held key academic and public health roles, including as a Public Health Emergency Surveillance Officer with the Ohio State University Global One Health Initiative and as a Public Health Officer under the Amhara Health Bureau, where he led health education, surveillance, and community health initiatives. At Debre Tabor University, he has served as a member of research committees, supervised postgraduate students, and secured major institutional research grants such as “Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance through a One Health Approach” and “Scabies Screening and Prevention”. Dr. Yenew has authored or co-authored over 55 scientific papers, with 35 published in reputable international journals, 15 as first or corresponding author, and several under review. His extensive editorial contributions include serving as an editor for BMC Public Health, a reviewer for multiple high-impact journals, and a conference presenter at more than 20 national and international scientific events. His research integrates advanced statistical and molecular approaches to tackle pressing public health challenges, bridging academia, policy, and practice. With 355 citations, 47 indexed documents, and an h-index of 9, Dr. Chalachew Yenew exemplifies scholarly excellence, leadership, and commitment to advancing sustainable, evidence-based One Health solutions globally.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Anteneh, R. M., Gashu, Z. E., Baffa, L. D., Bitew, D. A., Yenew, C., Demissie, K. A., Terefe, B., Jejaw, M., Zegeye, A. F., Tiruneh, M. G., et al. (2025). Decomposing socioeconomic and educational inequalities in infant mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. BMC Public Health, 25(12), 1–12.

2. Mehari, M. G., Yeshiwas, A. G., Esubalew, D., Azmeraw, Y., Delie, A. M., Limenh, L. W., Worku, N. K., Hailu, M., Melese, M., Abie, A., et al. (2025). Dominance of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and risk factors of bacteriuria infection among pregnant women in East Africa. Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 25(12), 1–12.

3. Temesgen, A., Anteneh, R. M., Yeshiwas, A. G., Bayeh, G. M., Yenew, C., Ejigu, A. G., Gebeyehu, A. A., Tsega, T. D., Ahmed, A. F., Yemata, G. A., et al. (2025). Systematic review and meta-analysis on gaps in household waste management practices in urban Ethiopia for supporting the TSEDU Ethiopia initiative. Discover Sustainability, 25(12), 1–12.

4. Tsega, T. D., Tsega, S. S., Gebeyehu, A. A., Yemata, G. A., Anteneh, R. M., Yeshiwas, A. G., Yirdaw, G., Yenew, C., Enawgaw, A. S., Ejigu, A. G., et al. (2025). Viral load suppression rate of third-line antiretroviral therapy and its association with gender among HIV patients after second-line treatment failure in Africa. BMC Infectious Diseases, 25(12), 1–12.

Hu Xueliang | Treatment for Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Hu Xueliang | Treatment for Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Attending doctor | Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Hospital | China

Dr. Hu Xueliang is a medical researcher affiliated with the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Hospital, located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. He has developed a multidisciplinary academic foundation built upon rigorous medical education and clinical research training, which fuels his pursuit of excellence in scientific inquiry. His educational background includes advanced studies in clinical medicine and infectious diseases, with specialized exposure to epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance, and translational healthcare practices. Professionally, Dr. Hu has accumulated significant experience working in medical and hospital-based research environments where he has contributed to evidence-based clinical investigations, research collaborations, and the analysis of disease patterns. His research interests span infectious diseases, public health, immunopathology, epidemiological modeling, and antimicrobial stewardship, focusing on the development of innovative strategies for the prevention and control of emerging infectious threats. Dr. Hu demonstrates strong research skills in data collection, statistical evaluation, clinical interpretation, and collaborative project leadership, reflecting a growing engagement in translational research that bridges clinical medicine and public health outcomes. Throughout his developing career, he has earned recognition for his dedication and academic integrity, receiving institutional appreciation and professional commendations for research excellence and medical service. His academic achievements and contributions position him as an emerging scholar within the global medical research community, demonstrating both promise and perseverance. Dr. Hu continues to pursue knowledge dissemination through publications, scientific participation, and health advocacy aimed at improving patient outcomes and public safety. He envisions building a strong research portfolio in infectious disease diagnostics and evidence-based medicine while strengthening global collaboration in health sciences.his current publication metrics indicate 0 Citations  and 1 Document with 0 h-index, reflecting his early-career status and future potential for academic growth.

Profiles : Scopus 

Featured Publications

Hu, X., Guo, X., Sha, J., Dou, Y., Ma, H., Li, H., & Xu, Y. (2025). Analysis of the efficacy of photodynamic therapy in treating cervical lesions and HPV infections and its influencing factors. Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy, 55, 104786.