Adugna Abera – Biological Networks – Best Researcher Award

Adugna Abera – Biological Networks – Best Researcher Award

Mr. Adugna Abera distinguished academic and researcher in the field Biological Networks. He has held several key positions in public health research and coordination. From August 2021 to July 2022, he served as the National COVID-19 Epidemiological Surveillance and Laboratory Coordinator at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Concurrently, since 2019, he has been pursuing his Ph.D. at Addis Ababa University, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, in the Department of Cellular, Microbial, and Molecular Technology, focusing on the Applied Genetics stream.

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

He completed his educational journey at Addis Ababa University, where he first earned a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology in July 2005. He then continued his studies at the same university and obtained a Master of Science in Medical Microbiology in June 2009. Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D. in Applied Genetics at Addis Ababa University, having started in September 2019 and expected to complete his doctorate in the near future.

Research Experience

He has extensive experience in research laboratory techniques, particularly in the study of Visceral Leishmaniasis and related assays. His expertise includes conducting FACS-based whole blood assays such as reactive oxygen burst assays, phagocytosis assays, and leukocytes surface activation markers assays. Additionally, he is skilled in whole blood stimulation for ELISA-based cytokine/chemokine assays and the isolation and subtyping of human monocyte-derived macrophages. He has also cultivated and handled both wild strain and gene reporter Leishmania parasites. His proficiency extends to a wide range of molecular techniques, including DNA extraction from various clinical samples, conventional PCR, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), Sanger capillary electrophoresis sequencing, whole genome sequencing using both Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms, PET-PCR, nested and quantitative PCR (qPCR), PCR-RFLP, and real-time PCR.

Experience

Prior to his role in COVID-19 coordination, he was the team leader of the Malaria and NTDs research team at EPHI from September 2017 until 2020 and continues to work as a researcher in the same team to date. Additionally, from 2017 to 2019, he coordinated the Malaria Elimination Baseline Assessment in elimination-targeted districts in Ethiopia. His earlier career included working as a Research Assistant on the Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases research team at the Armauer Hansen Research Institute in Addis Ababa from March 2010 to April 2016. He also served as an instructor at Bethel Medical College in Addis Ababa from September 2009 to January 2010.

Award

He has been recognized with several prestigious awards and fellowships. In November 2023, he received a fellowship to participate in a hands-on Genomics and Bioinformatics training workshop at Stellenbosch University, which took place from the 13th to the 24th. Earlier, he was selected for the Structured Operational Research and Training Initiative (SORT IT), which was supported by WHO/TDR and held at the University of Gonder from September 24 to October 6, 2018. These opportunities have enhanced his skills and expanded his expertise in his field.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬
  1. G/meskel W., Desta K., Diriba R., Belachew M., Evans M., Cantarelli V., Urrego M, Sisay A., Gebreegziabxier A., Abera A. SARS-CoV-2 variant typing using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction–based assays in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. IJID Regions. 2024; 11(2024): 100363. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100363.
  2. Gebregziabher SM., Yalew AW., Sime H., Abera A. Molecular detection of waterborne pathogens in infants’ drinking water and theirrelationship with water quality determinants in eastern Ethiopia: loop-mediatedisothermal amplification (LAMP)-based study. Journal of Water & Health. 2024; 22(1): 1. doi: 10.2166/wh.2023.201.
  3. Abera, A., Mamecha, T., Abose, E., Bokicho, B., Ashole, A., Bishaw, T., Mariyo, A., Bogale, B., Terefe, H., Tadesse, H., Belachew, M., Difabachew, H., Eukubay, A., Kinde, S., Ali, A., Regasa, F., Seife, F., Kebede, Z., Wossen, M., Tollera, G., … Tasew, G. Reemergence of Human African Trypanosomiasis Caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, Ethiopia. Emerging infectious diseases. 2024; 30(1): 125–128. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3001.231319.
  4. Zeleke MT, Gelaye KA, Abera A, Teshome MB, Guma GT, Abate BT, et al. (2023) Diagnostic performance of PfHRP2/pLDH malaria rapid diagnostic tests in elimination setting, northwest Ethiopia. PLOS Glob Public Health 3(7): e0001879. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0001879.
  5. Tameru K, Tsegaye B, Shikur M, Ergete W, Tasew G, Abera A, and Wolday D. Case Report: Disseminated Strongloidesstercoralis Presenting as an Ulcerated Gastric Mass in an HIV-1-Infected Patient. Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg., 106(6), 2022, pp. 1675–1677. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.21-0791.
  6. Sisay A, Abera A, Dufera B, Endrias T, Tasew G, Tesfaye A, et al. (2022) Diagnostic accuracy of three commercially available one step RT-PCR assays for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in resource-limited settings. PLoS ONE 17(1): https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0262178.
  7. Belachew, M., Wolde, M., Nega, D. Gidey B, Negash L, Assefa A, Tasew G, Woyessa A, Abera A.Evaluating performance of multiplex real time PCR for the diagnosis of malaria at elimination targeted low transmission settings of Ethiopia. Malar J 21, 9 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-021-04029-x.
  8. Nega, Abera A, Gidey B et al. Baseline malaria prevalence at the targeted pre-elimination districts in Ethiopia. BMC Public Health (2021) 21:1996. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-12036-5.
  9. Abera A, Belay H, Zewude A et al. Establishment of COVID-19 testing laboratory in resource-limited settings: challenges and prospects reported from Ethiopia. Global Health Action. 2020; 13(1841963):1-7.
  10. Gidey B, Nega D, Abera Aet al. Mentorship on malaria microscopy diagnostic service in Ethiopia: baseline competency of microscopists and performance of health facilities. Malaria Journal. 2021; 20(1).
  11. Tasew G, Gadisa E, Abera A et al. Whole blood-based in vitro culture reveals diminished secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in visceral leishmaniasis. Cytokine. 2020; 155246. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155246.
  12. Abib Berhanu, Adugna Abera, Desalegn Nega, SindewMekasha, Surafel Fentaw, Abebe Assefa, Gashaw Gebrewolde, Yonas Wuletaw, Ashenafi Assefa, Sisay Dugassa, Habte Tekie1 and Geremew Tasew. Isolation and identification of microflora from the midgut and salivary glands of Anopheles species in malaria endemic areas of Ethiopia. BMC Microbiology. 2019; 19:85.

Rozita Nasiri – Biological Networks – Women Researcher Award

Dr. Rozita Nasiri distinguished academic and researcher in the field Biological Networks.  She possesses extensive expertise across a wide array of disciplines within biotechnology and biomedical research. Her skills encompass conducting in vitro studies, where she is adept at working with both normal and cancer cells in tissue culture laboratories, proficiently executing various in vitro tests. Additionally, she holds substantial experience in in vivo studies, including working with animal models such as mice and rats to establish conditions like cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and lead contamination, among others. Her proficiency extends to pharmacology and toxicology, as well as treatment studies.🧬🔗

Furthermore, she is highly skilled in molecular analysis techniques, including PCR, RT-PCR, SDS page, gel electrophoresis, gel extraction, plasmid extraction, dialysis, and genomic and proteomic extraction and isolation. She is also capable of gene and protein sequencing and determining DNA and protein concentrations. Her expertise extends to conducting hematology, immunology, and pathology tests, including biocompatibility studies.🧬

 

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

She completed her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Biology (Cell and Molecular Biology) from Islamic Azad University (I.R.IRAN) from 2002 to 2006. Following that, she pursued her Master of Science in Biotechnology at UTM (Universiti Technologi Malaysia) from 2009 to 2011, where her research focused on molecular identification of biodegradation related genes from dye-degrading microbes. Subsequently, she earned her PhD in Bioprocess Engineering from the Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Department of Bioprocess Engineering, spanning from 2012 to 2017. Her doctoral thesis, titled “Synthesis and Characterization of SPIONs-Bromelain-Folic acid on Folic Acid Receptor Positive Cancer Model,” demonstrated her expertise in the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials for targeted cancer therapy. Throughout her academic journey, she has consistently excelled, maintaining a CGPA of 4 out of 4 for her PhD and 3.62 out of 4 for her Master’s degree.

She has received several notable awards and recognitions for her outstanding contributions to the field of biotechnology and bioprocess engineering. In 2013, she was honored with the Best Paper Award at IGCESH for her research on identifying novel bacterial species capable of degrading Dalapon using 16S rRNA genomic analysis. Additionally, she received the Best New Idea Award from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, showcasing her innovative thinking and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, her academic excellence was acknowledged through the receipt of an International Doctoral Fellowship from the School of Graduate Studies at UTM, underscoring her dedication to advancing knowledge in her field through research and scholarly endeavors.

Books📚📚📚

1. 2019 “Genetic, Molecular Identification and Bioinformatics Analysis of Carcinogenic Azo Dyes’
Biodegradation related Genes from Citrobacter freundii A1, Enterococcus casseliflavus C1, Enterobacter
cloacae L17 and Candida tropicalis RETL-Cr1 Microorganisms,” Ariyadanesh Press, Iran.
2. 2019 “Synthesis, Characterization and Cancer Therapy Application of Novel Targeted SPIONsBromelainFolic acid Nano-Medicine on FAR+ Cancer Model”, Ariyadanesh Press, Iran.

WORK EXPERIENCE 🧬🔗

She has accumulated a diverse range of professional experiences and roles throughout her career. Initially, she worked as a Medical Laboratory Assistant at Tabatabaei Medical Diagnostic Laboratory and later at Dr. Ghaziasgar Medical Laboratory from 2006 to 2008, where she performed various laboratory tests. Transitioning into academia, she assumed the position of a University Lecturer and Laboratory Instructor at Islamic Azad University, Khorasgan Branch, starting in 2019. In this role, she teaches cell culture techniques, animal handling, and molecular laboratory skills. Simultaneously, she serves as a University Lecturer in English Literature, delivering English courses to undergraduate, master, and PhD students.

Expanding her academic endeavors, she also holds positions as a University Lecturer in Molecular Cell Biology and Biostatistics at the University of Isfahan since 2021, where she imparts knowledge on cell biology, molecular science, and biostatistics. Furthermore, she engages in research activities at the Royan Institute, focusing on the development of inactivated vaccines and antidiarrheal IgY polyclonal antibodies paste products.

Moreover, she plays a significant role as a Co-Supervisor for various Master and PhD projects, supervising research in areas such as nanotechnology, exercise physiology, cancer prevention, and drug development. Additionally, she has conducted research at the Royan Institute and the Dr. Mohammad Shafie Special Center of New Science and Technologies, leading projects focused on vaccine development and R&D in various scientific domains. Her contributions to both academia and research demonstrate her multidisciplinary expertise and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ahlam H. Mahmoud – Biochemistry – Best Researcher Award

Ahlam H. Mahmoud – Biochemistry

Prof Dr. Ahlam H. Mahmoud distinguished academic and researcher in the field Biochemistry. Ahlam Hosny Mahmoud has a rich and extensive employment history in the field of biochemistry and therapeutic chemistry. Beginning in 1987, he served as a research assistant in the Therapeutic Chemistry Department within the Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Division at the National Research Centre in Dokki, Giza, Egypt.

Eduvation

Ahlam has dedicated his career to advancing research in the pharmaceutical and drug industries, contributing significantly to the scientific community. Currently, he holds the esteemed position of Professor of Biochemistry within the same department at the National Research Centre in Dokki, Giza, Egypt. As a professor, he continues to make substantial contributions to the field, shaping the future of biochemistry and therapeutic chemistry through his research and academic endeavors.
Professional Profiles:

EXPERIENCE

In his pursuit of advancing pharmaceutical research, Ahlam Hosny Mahmoud has engaged in a variety of in vivo experiments involving experimental animals. These experiments are designed with the overarching goal of developing new drugs or identifying new drug indications. One facet of his research involves conducting in vivo experiments on gastric ulcer and inflammatory diseases of soft tissue. In these studies, he meticulously induces diseases in experimental animals and evaluates the efficacy of treatments, with a specific focus on assessing the degree of inflammation using a planimeter.

Furthermore, Ahlam is actively involved in in vivo treatments targeting breast cancer. His efforts contribute to the ongoing exploration of novel approaches for combating this prevalent and challenging disease. Additionally, he undertakes experiments aimed at measuring the toxicity of different compounds, providing crucial insights into the safety profile of potential therapeutic agents. Beyond that, Ahlam investigates the distribution and concentration of trace elements in various organs, shedding light on their potential roles in physiological processes and offering valuable information for drug development. Through these diverse in vivo experiments, he remains dedicated to advancing the frontiers of pharmaceutical and therapeutic research.

Project collaboration:

Principal investigator: The potential therapeutic effect of aqueous methanol extract of Bombex ceiba flower against breast cancer in female rats.

**Member: Using modern generations of formulations to prepare safe pesticides from natural materials for pest management in clean agriculture

Publication
  • Development of a New Benzofuran–Pyrazole–Pyridine-Based Molecule for the Management of Osteoarthritis
    Abd El-Karim, S.S., Mahmoud, A.H., Al-Mokaddem, A.K., …Zen, A.A., Anwar, M.M.
    MoleculesThis link is disabled., 2023, 28(19), 6814
  • Calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha 1 C and glial fibrillary acidic protein signaling pathways as a selective biomarker in predicting the efficacy of liposomal loaded co-enzyme Q in the autistic rat model
    Elhefnawei, D.M., Mahmoud, A.H., Kadry, M.O., …Badawy, M.A., EL-Desouky, M.A.
    Toxicology ReportsThis link is disabled., 2023, 10, pp. 17–26
  • Antiproliferative activity of bombax ceiba flower extract against mammary gland carcinoma in rats
    Mahmoud, A.H., Metwally, N.S., Youness, E.R., …Elmalt, H.A., Al-Mokaddem, A.K.
    Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy, 2020, 11(11), pp. 1406–1415
  • Synthesis and evaluation of new coumarin derivatives as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory agents
    Alshibl, H.M., Al-Abdullah, E.S., Haiba, M.E., …Bari, A., Villinger, A.
    MoleculesThis link is disabled., 2020, 25(14), 3251
  • Phytoconstituents and hepatoprotective effect of Suaeda monoica Forssk and Suaeda pruinosa Lange
    Elsharabasy, F.S., Metwally, N.S., Mahmoud, A.H., …Farrag, A.H., Arafa, S.
    Biomedical and Pharmacology JournalThis link is disabled., 2019, 12(1), pp. 117–129
  • Secondary metabolites and biological activities of allium porrum l. In attacking ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice
    Mahmoud, A.H., Foda, D.S., Ibrahim, N.E., El-Hagrassi, A.M., Yousef, O.M.H.
    Egyptian Journal of ChemistryThis link is disabled., 2019, 62, pp. 211–227
  • A comparative study of the anticancer activity and PARP-1 inhibiting effect of benzofuran-pyrazole scaffold and its nano-sized particles in human breast cancer cells
    Anwar, M.M., El-Karim, S.S.A., Mahmoud, A.H., Amr, A.E.-G.E., Al-Omar, M.A.
    MoleculesThis link is disabled., 2019, 24(13), 2413
  • Bombax ceiba flowers extract ameliorates hepatosteatosis induced by ethanol and relatively moderate fat diet in rats
    Arafa, A.F., Foda, D.S., Mahmoud, A.H., Metwally, N.S., Farrag, A.R.H.
    Toxicology ReportsThis link is disabled., 2019, 6, pp. 401–408