Alina Elena Coman | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Alina Elena Coman | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

INCDTP-Leather and Footwear Research Institute | Romania

Dr. Eng. Alina Elena Coman is a multidisciplinary researcher specializing in biomaterials, green chemistry, polymer science, and thermochemical processing, with extensive experience across academic and industrial environments. Her work spans advanced analytical techniques, catalysis methods (GC, HPLC), and the development of innovative biocatalysts, biocomposites, and sustainable polymer systems. She has contributed significantly to projects involving collagen extraction from marine and terrestrial sources, creation of biomedical scaffolds, bone fillers, wound-healing composites, and bioactive materials reinforced with hydroxyapatite. Her research also covers the valorization of biomass and bone waste through catalytic and pyrolytic routes to generate green chemicals. Dr. Coman has authored numerous Q1/Q2 publications addressing collagen gels, biomimetic materials, novel polyurethanes from recycled PET, environmentally responsible propellants, and advanced polymer formulations. She has presented her work internationally, delivering oral and poster presentations at major conferences in materials science, chemistry, nanotechnology, and biomaterials. Her background also includes project development, statistical analysis, equipment operation, and dissemination of scientific results. Through her contributions to research institutes and European-funded projects, she plays a key role in advancing sustainable materials, biopolymer innovation, and environmentally friendly technologies.

Profile : Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Coman, A. E., Peyrton, J., Hubca, G., Sarbu, A., Gabor, A. R., Nicolae, C. A., … (2021). Synthesis and characterization of renewable polyurethane foams using different biobased polyols from olive oil. European Polymer Journal, 149, 110363.

Dîrloman, F. M., Toader, G., Rotariu, T., Țigănescu, T. V., Ginghină, R. E., Petre, R., … (2021). Novel polyurethanes based on recycled polyethylene terephthalate: Synthesis, characterization, and formulation of binders for environmentally responsible rocket propellants. Polymers, 13(21), 3828.

Dănilă, E., Kaya, D. A., Anuța, V., Popa, L., Coman, A. E., Chelaru, C., … (2024). Formulation and characterization of niacinamide and collagen emulsion and its investigation as a potential cosmeceutical product. Cosmetics, 11(2), 40.

Ionescu, G., Macavei, M., Pătrascu, M., Volceanov, A., Pătrascu, R., Werle, S., … (2025). New integrated processing of chicken bone waste using an enzymatic pretreatment and slow pyrolysis to produce green chemicals. Energy Conversion and Management, 323, 119281.

Popescu, F., Titorencu, I., Albu Kaya, M., Miculescu, F., Tutuianu, R., Coman, A. E., … (n.d.). Development of innovative biocomposites with collagen, keratin and hydroxyapatite for bone tissue engineering.

Mario Schiffer | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Mario Schiffer | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Erlangen University Hospital Department of Medicine 4 Nephrology and Hypertension | Germany

A leading figure in nephrology research, this scholar has built a distinguished career advancing the molecular understanding of proteinuria, glomerular diseases. Trained in molecular biology, internal medicine, and nephrology across top institutions, his academic journey spans medical education, residency, postdoctoral research in proteinuria, and progressive academic appointments culminating in a full professorship and departmental leadership. His research interests include podocyte biology, TGF-β and BMP signaling, nephrin turnover, slit diaphragm dynamics, zebrafish-based high-throughput screening, and mechanisms underlying diabetic and inflammatory kidney disease. He pioneered assays to study proteinuria in zebrafish, contributed to defining pathways of podocyte apoptosis, and advanced translational strategies linking basic science to clinical interventions in transplant nephrology. His work has been recognized with major honors such as the Heisenberg Professorship, New Investigator Awards, Franz Volhard Award, and multiple grants from leading scientific foundations. With extensive experience in clinical nephrology, scientific leadership roles, and multidisciplinary collaborations, he continues to drive innovation in kidney disease research and therapeutic development.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Bolanos‐Palmieri, P., Schenk, H., Bähre, H., Schroder, P., Staggs, L., Haller, H., & Schiffer, M. (2025). Kynurenine pathway dysregulation impairs podocyte morphology and bioenergetics in vitro and leads to glomerular dysfunction. The FASEB Journal.

Boi, R., Lassén, E., Johansson, A., Liu, P., Chaudhari, A., Tati, R., Müller-Deile, J., Schiffer, M., Ebefors, K., & Nyström, J. (2025). Cytoskeleton-associated protein 4 affects podocyte cytoskeleton dynamics in diabetic kidney disease. JCI Insight.

Bihlmaier, K., Willam, C., Herbst, L., Hackstein, H., Schiffer, M., Ströbel, A. M., Achenbach, S., Grampp, S., Bujok, K., Büstgens, F., et al. (2025). Rapid clinical effects of convalescent plasma therapy in severe COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Intensive Care Medicine.

Fueermann, F., Heller, K., Pavel, M., Herbst, L., Grützmann, R., & Schiffer, M. (2024). Pancreas transplantation as rescue therapy in a patient with type 1 diabetes and concurrent subcutaneous insulin resist.

Kraus, A., Skoczynski, K., Brötsch, M., Burzlaff, N., Leipziger, J., Schiffer, M., Büttner-Herold, M., & Buchholz, B. (2024). P2Y2R and cyst growth in polycystic kidney disease. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

Ana Maria Abreu Velez | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ana Maria Abreu Velez | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Georgia Dermatopathology Associates | United States

Dr. Ana María Abreu Vélez, M.D., Ph.D., DSc, is a globally recognized dermatologist, immunohematologist, and biomedical researcher renowned for her leadership in autoimmune orphan diseases and multidisciplinary clinical research. With an impactful scholarly record including 72peer-reviewed publications, an h-index of 14, 659 citations. she has advanced scientific understanding across dermatology, immunology, toxicology, and tropical medicine. Her academic path includes a medical degree, a Doctorate in Science, and multiple postdoctoral fellowships spanning immunohematology, dermatopathology, and translational research. She has served in senior scientific and operational leadership roles, driving innovation, improving surveillance systems, and modernizing data-driven healthcare programs in national and international settings. Her research focuses on autoimmune blistering diseases, environmental toxicants, clinical trials, infectious diseases, and precision diagnostics. Her career includes leading major healthcare programs, enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs, mentoring multidisciplinary teams, and developing novel scientific frameworks. Widely respected for her analytical rigor and scientific contributions, Dr. Abreu continues to advance global health through research excellence, strategic leadership, and impactful biomedical innovation.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Abreu Velez, A. M., Ramirez-Posada, M., & Howard, M. S. (2025). Post translational modifications and protein-protein interactome of endemic pemphigus in El Bagre, Colombia: A new variant analysis. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, 15(3).

Abreu-Velez, A. M., Ramos Muñoz, W., & Howard, M. (2025). Is Tunisian endemic pemphigus foliaceus a real entity or should these cases be reclassified with other autoimmune blistering diseases? Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, 15(2).

Abreu Velez, A. M., Hashimoto, T., Upegui, Y. A., Vélez Arango, J. M., Olarte Aponte, A. M., Vega, J. A., & Howard, M. S. (2025). The pericardium cells junctions are a target for autoantibodies of patients affected by a variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus in El Bagre and surrounding municipalities in Colombia, South America. Diagnostics, 15(8).

Abreu Velez, A. M., Hashimoto, T., Vélez Arango, J. M., Upegui‐Zapata, Y. A., Upegui‐Quiceño, E., Olarte Aponte, A. M., & Howard, M. S. (2025). New complex cell junctions in and around the intervertebral discs discovered using autoantibodies from patients affected by endemic pemphigus foliaceus in El Bagre, Colombia, South America. International Journal of Dermatology, 64(3).

Abreu Velez, A. M., Ramírez‐Posada, M., & Howard, M. S. (2024). Immunofluorescence findings in a reactivating lichenoid photoallergic chronic dermatitis (actinic reticuloid). Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine, 40(5).

Lufei Sun | Mathematics | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Lufei Sun | Mathematics | Best Researcher Award

Guo Hua Life Insurance Co., Ltd | China

Lufei Sun is an emerging professional in actuarial science and insurance analytics, recognized for a growing academic. With solid training from East China Normal University, where she completed both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Insurance with strong GPAs and multiple merit-based awards, her background blends statistical rigor with practical actuarial expertise. Her experience spans actuarial modeling, product pricing, and risk analysis across major insurance organizations, including Guo Hua Life Insurance, ZhongAn Online P&C Insurance, HSBC Life Insurance, and China Continent Insurance. She has contributed to model management, reserve assessments, IFRS17 testing, reinsurance reporting, product iteration, and asset-liability indicator analysis. Her research interests center on actuarial modeling, insurance product innovation, risk management, and financial statistics. She has demonstrated strong analytical capabilities through pricing UAT case testing, cash-flow monitoring, and product optimization tasks. Recognized with consecutive Outstanding Student Scholarships and multiple honors during her studies, she continues to advance her expertise in insurance analytics and actuarial science. Overall, she represents a new generation of actuarial professionals dedicated to data-driven decision-making and innovative risk solutions.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Xu, Z., Sun, L., & Yuan, X. (2025). Optimal decision-making for annuity insurance under the perspective of disability risk. Mathematics, 13(20), Article 3290.

Ajung Heo | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Ajung Heo | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Sogang University | South Korea

Ajung Heo is a dedicated researcher and Ph.D. candidate at Sogang University Business School, focusing on international business and cross-cultural management. She holds an M.A. in Business Administration from Pusan National University and a B.A. in Management from the City University of New York. Her research explores how digital strategies, innovation appropriability, and organizational behavior influence the competitiveness and international expansion of multinational enterprises. Ajung Heo’s publications, including “Search better, export stronger: the role of appropriability and digital strategy in South Korea,” highlight her contributions to understanding global business dynamics. She has also engaged in collaborative projects that integrate theory with practice, fostering innovation and managerial relevance. Her academic excellence and commitment to global research advancement have earned her recognition as a promising scholar in international business studies. Through her work, she continues to bridge research and real-world application, contributing valuable insights to global enterprise development and sustainable business practices.

Profile : Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Heo, A.-j., & Yoo, C.-y. (2024). The impact of entrepreneurial orientation on export performance: The moderating effects of exploratory and exploitative activities. Journal of Trade Studies, 49(4), 295–319.

Heo, A.-j., Yoo, D.-b., & Ham, S.-h. (2025). The impact of talent-preferential policies on organizational commitment: The moderated mediating effects of job satisfaction and rational organizational culture. Journal of Management Research, 40(1), 103–122.

Heo, A.-j., Yoo, C.-y., & Lee, K.-p. (2025). A study on dual organizational identity among local employees of multinational corporation subsidiaries in Korea. Journal of Management Studies, 54(1), 55–80.

Yoo, C.-y., Park, Y.-s., & Heo, A.-j. (2024). Organizational staffing policy and organizational identification of host country nationals working at MNC subsidiary in Korea. Journal of International Trade and Commerce, 17–32.

Heo, A.-j., Lee, K.-p., & Yoo, C.-y. (2024). An exploratory study on the dual organizational identity of local employees of multinational corporation subsidiaries. Proceedings of the Korean Management Association Convergence Conference, 384–410.

Younggun Kim | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Younggun Kim | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Sogang University | South Korea

Younggun Kim is a dedicated Ph.D. candidate in Management at Sogang University, South Korea, specializing in strategic human resource management and organizational behavior. His academic journey reflects a strong focus on understanding how digital transformation and artificial intelligence reshape modern management practices. With an emerging research profile, he has published several SSCI and ESCI-indexed journal papers, including “Search better, export stronger: the role of appropriability and digital strategy in South Korea” and “The appropriability paradox: how innovation protection moderates entrepreneurial orientation’s impact on international expansion. Younggun actively collaborates with academic peers, such as Jang-Ho Choi and Ajung Heo, to explore boundaryless career behaviors and the impact of job crafting on employee success. He is a member of both the Academy of Management (AOM) and The Korean Academic Society of Business Administration (KASBA). His ongoing doctoral work examines how organizational factors and employment types influence employee engagement in the evolving digital economy. Through his innovative research, Younggun aims to contribute to the effective integration of digital and AI strategies into HRM, particularly supporting small and medium-sized enterprises worldwide.

Profile : Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Lee, G., Kim, Y., & Choi, J.-H. (2024). The effect of ethical leadership on ethical voice behavior of public institution members: Focused on the moderated mediation effect of psychological ownership and reflective moral attentiveness. Journal of Ethical Management, 24(1), 31–58.

Heo, A. J., & Kim, Y. (2025). The appropriability paradox: How innovation protection moderates entrepreneurial orientation’s impact on international expansion. Review of International Business and Strategy.

Kim, Y., Lee, K., & Choi, J.-H. (2025). Exploring boundaryless careerists inside organizations: The role of job crafting and work engagement to subjective career success. The Career Development Quarterly.

Kim, Y. (2025). Search better, export stronger: The role of appropriability and digital strategy in South Korea.

Teresa Dieguez | Social Sciences | Excellence in Research Award

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Prof. Teresa Dieguez | Social Sciences | Excellence in Research Award

Universidade Portucalense | Portugal

Teresa Dieguez is a distinguished academic and researcher at the Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave (IPCA), Portugal, specializing in strategy, entrepreneurship, innovation, and management.  she has contributed extensively to advancing knowledge in managerial sciences and sustainable development. She holds a degree in Economics, a Master’s in Innovation and Technological Transfer, a Specialist title in Strategy and Entrepreneurship , an MBA in Social Sustainability and Development, and is currently pursuing her PhD in Managerial Sciences. Teresa’s professional journey began in the automotive sector, where she led international projects promoting innovation and competitiveness, including initiatives under the EU’s ESPRIT and RECITE programs. Her current research interests include digital transformation, social entrepreneurship, Industry 4.0, sustainable leadership, and innovation ecosystems. As a professor and project leader, she has mentored over 30 master’s theses and collaborated with research centers such as INESC TEC, CiTUR, and REMIT. A recipient of various academic recognitions, Teresa remains committed to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial mindsets to drive sustainable change and global competitiveness in education and industry.

Profiles : Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Sivam, A., Dieguez, T., Ferreira, L. P., & Silva, F. J. G. (2019). Key settings for successful open innovation arena. Journal of Computational Design and Engineering, 6(4), 507–515.

Mourato, J., Ferreira, L. P., Sá, J. C., Silva, F. J. G., Dieguez, T., & Tjahjono, B. (2021). Improving internal logistics of a bus manufacturing using the lean techniques. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 70(7).

Dieguez, T., Ferreira, L. P., Silva, F. J. G., & Tjahjono, B. (2020). Open innovation and sustainable development through industry-academia collaboration: A case study of automotive sector. Procedia Manufacturing, 51, 1773–1778.

Alves, D., Dieguez, T., & Conceição, O. (2019). Retaining talents: Impact on innovation. In Proceedings of the ECMLG 2019 15th European Conference on Management, Leadership and Governance (p. 36).

Dieguez, T., Loureiro, P., & Ferreira, I. (2021). Entrepreneurship and leadership in higher education to develop the needed 21st century skills. In Proceedings of the ECMLG 2021 17th European Conference on Management, Leadership and Governance.

Samwel Mwigeka | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Samwel Mwigeka | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Ruaha Catholic University | Tanzania

Samwel Mwigeka is a Tanzanian academic and researcher specialising in public finance, macroeconomics and econometrics. After completing a B.A. in Economics & Geography at the University of Dar es Salaam and an M.A. in Economics at the same institution, he pursued doctoral studies at Henan University in China. He began his professional career in secondary education before joining Ruaha Catholic University as an Assistant Lecturer in, where he continues to teach and mentor students. His published work examines key issues in Tanzanian economy such as budget deficits and inflation, the crowding–out effect of deficits on private investment  and determinants of foreign direct investment (International Journal of Management and Economics Invention), as well as pricing dynamics in the sharing-economy (Airbnb listings, International Business & Economics Studies). His research interest lies at the intersection of fiscal policy, investment flows and macro-economic stability in developing countries. Although his bibliometric profile presently lists an h-index of 1 and citation count of 15 according to an academic-indexing source, he is actively establishing his scholarly trajectory. He is motivated to advance the quality and impact of research and contribute to policy-relevant economic development in Tanzania and beyond.

Profile : Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Mwigeka, S. (2012). The budget deficit and inflation in Tanzania: A causal relationship (Unpublished master’s dissertation). University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Mwigeka, S. (2016). Do budget deficit crowd out private investment? A case of the Tanzanian economy. International Journal of Business and Management, 11(6), 183–190.

Mwigeka, S. (2020). Determinants of foreign direct investment in Tanzania: An autoregressive distributed lag approach. International Journal of Management and Economics Invention, 6(5).

Mwigeka, S. (2022). What factors drive the Airbnb listing’s prices? International Business & Economics Studies, 4(1), 26–35.

Alexey Beskopylny | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Alexey Beskopylny | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Don State Technical University | Russia

Dr. Alexey N. Beskopylny is a distinguished researcher and Vice Rector at Don State Technical University, serving as a Professor in the Department of Transport Systems. He holds a Doctor of Technical Sciences degree and has made significant contributions to civil and structural engineering, materials science, and transport systems. His studies span concrete technology, geopolymers, recycled construction materials, digital modeling, and structural optimization using AI and machine learning. Dr. Beskopylny’s works are frequently featured in high-impact journals such as Scientific Reports, Polymers, Buildings, and Applied Sciences. He has collaborated extensively on international projects focusing on sustainable materials and innovative construction technologies. Recognized for his academic excellence and leadership, he has received multiple institutional honors for advancing the field of transport infrastructure and sustainable construction. His continued efforts contribute to the modernization of engineering education and the promotion of environmentally responsible building practices worldwide.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Zubarev, K. P., Razveeva, I., Beskopylny, A. N., Stel’makh, S. A., Shcherban’, E. M., Mailyan, L. R., Shakhalieva, D. M., Chernil’nik, A., & Nikora, N. I. (2025). Predicting the strength of heavy concrete exposed to aggressive environmental influences by machine learning methods. Buildings, 15(21), Article 3998.

Özkılıç, Y. O., Kalkan, İ., Aksoylu, C., Madenci, E., Umiye, O. A., Althaqafi, E., Stel’makh, S. A., Shcherban’, E. M., & Beskopylny, A. N. (2025). Effect of stirrup spacing and recycled steel wires on the shear and energy dissipation of pultruded GFRP hybrid beams. Journal of Engineered Fibers and Fabrics, 20, Article 15589250251380680.

Ecemiş, A. S., Yildizel, S. A., Beskopylny, A. N., Stel’makh, S. A., Shcherban’, E. M., Aksoylu, C., Madenci, E., & Özkılıç, Y. O. (2025). Sustainable concrete with waste tire rubber and recycled steel fibers: Experimental insights and hybrid PINN–CatBoost prediction. Polymers, 17(21), Article 2910.

Özkılıç, Y. O., Başaran, B., Aksoylu, C., Karalar, M., Zeybek, Ö., Althaqafi, E., Beskopylny, A. N., Stel’makh, S. A., Shcherban’, E. M., & Umiye, O. A. (2025). Bending performance of reinforced concrete beams with partial waste glass aggregate replacement assessed by experimental, theoretical and digital image correlation analyses. Scientific Reports, 15, Article 20716.

Stel’makh, S. A., Shcherban’, E. M., Beskopylny, A. N., Mailyan, L. R., Shilov, A. A., Razveeva, I., Oganesyan, S., Pogrebnyak, A., Chernil’nik, A., & Elshaeva, D. (2025). Enhancing the mechanical properties of sulfur-modified fly ash/metakaolin geopolymers with polypropylene fibers. Polymers, 17(15), Article 2119.

Milad Shirvaliloo | Genetics and Genomics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Milad Shirvaliloo | Genetics and Genomics | Best Researcher Award

Iran University of Medical Sciences | Iran

Milad Shirvaliloo holds an MD and an MBA in Health Sciences and is an aspiring physician-researcher with over six years of investigative experience in epigenetics, cancer biology and pulmonary medicine. He has published more than 40 peer-reviewed articles and a book chapter, and serves on the Editorial Board of Epigenomics and as reviewer for 60+ Web of Science-indexed journals. His academic journey includes medical education at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences and postgraduate research at Iran University of Medical Sciences  focusing on nanoparticle-based therapeutic interventions and histone acetylation in cancer. His work spans diagnostics (e.g., nano-biosensor assays for SARS-CoV-2), lung epithelium development (epigenetic cues in human lung organoids) and cancer nano-theranostics (targeted magnetochemotherapy and histone modification mapping). According to h-index is 16 and he has amassed over 819 citations to date. His main research interests include histone modifications, chromatin accessibility, nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery and epigenetic biomarkers in respiratory and oncologic diseases. He brings strong skills in scientific communication, evidence synthesis, statistical & bioinformatics analysis and R programming. In conclusion, Milad’s interdisciplinary expertise positions him at the interface of molecular epigenetics and translational nanomedicine with the aim to advance precision diagnostics and therapies.

Profiles : Scopus | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Heris, R. M., Shirvaliloo, M., Abbaspour-Aghdam, S., Hazrati, A., Shariati, A., & Youshanlouei, H. R., et al. (2022). The potential use of mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes in Parkinson’s disease treatment. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 13(1), 371.

Sheervalilou, R., Shirvaliloo, M., Dadashzadeh, N., Shirvalilou, S., Shahraki, O., & Pilehvar-Soltanahmadi, Y., et al. (2020). COVID‐19 under spotlight: A close look at the origin, transmission, diagnosis, and treatment of the 2019‐nCoV disease. Journal of Cellular Physiology, 235(12), 8873–8924.

Aghbash, P. S., Eslami, N., Shirvaliloo, M., & Baghi, H. B. (2021). Viral coinfections in COVID‐19. Journal of Medical Virology, 93(9), 5310–5322.

Shirvalilou, S., Khoei, S., Esfahani, A. J., Kamali, M., Shirvaliloo, M., & Sheervalilou, R., et al. (2021). Magnetic hyperthermia as an adjuvant cancer therapy in combination with radiotherapy versus radiotherapy alone for recurrent/progressive glioblastoma: A systematic review. Journal of Neuro-Oncology, 152(3), 419–428.

Razlansari, M., Jafarinejad, S., Rahdar, A., Shirvaliloo, M., Arshad, R., & Fathi-Karkan, S., et al. (2023). Development and classification of RNA aptamers for therapeutic purposes: An updated review with emphasis on cancer. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, 478(7), 1573–1598.