Yibala Oboma | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yibala Oboma | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer, Mwanza University, Tanzania

Dr. Yibala Ibor Oboma is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Pathology at Mwanza University, Tanzania. With over 12 years of experience in medical education and research, he specializes in histopathology, cytopathology, molecular techniques, and epidemiology. Dr. Oboma holds a PhD in Histopathology/Cytopathology from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria, and has held academic positions at Niger Delta University, Nigeria. He is a Fellow of the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria. His research interests include cervical cancer, hepatotoxicity, and the therapeutic potentials of medicinal plants. Dr. Oboma is committed to advancing public health through innovative education and impactful research.

Profile

Education

Dr. Yibala Ibor Oboma’s academic journey reflects a strong foundation in medical laboratory sciences and pathology. He earned his PhD in Histopathology/Cytopathology from Nnamdi Azikiwe University in 2019, focusing on cervical human papillomavirus detection and immune response evaluation. Prior to that, he obtained a Master of Science in Histopathology/Cytology from Igbinedion University, Okada, in 2012, where his thesis addressed the prevalence of cervical HPV among women in Bayelsa State. His undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences with a specialization in Histopathology, was completed at the University of Calabar in 2006. Dr. Oboma further enhanced his expertise with certifications in Leadership and Management in Health and Epidemiology and Research from Washington University, USA, in 2018 and 2019, respectively. He is also a Fellow of the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria.​

Professional Experience

Dr. Yibala Ibor Oboma has a distinguished career in academia and medical laboratory science. Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Pathology at Mwanza University, Tanzania, where he also holds the position of Associate Dean in the School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences. Previously, he held various academic roles at Niger Delta University in Nigeria, including Associate Professor, Senior Lecturer, Lecturer I, and Lecturer II, specializing in Histopathology/Cytopathology. Dr. Oboma has also served as Principal Medical Laboratory Scientist in the Department of Anatomical Pathology at the same institution. His international experience includes a sabbatical leave at Madonna University in Nigeria. He has contributed to the academic community as an external examiner for multiple universities and has been actively involved in curriculum development and research supervision at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.​

Research Focus

Dr. Yibala Ibor Oboma’s research focuses on the intersection of pathology, molecular biology, and public health. His work primarily addresses the epidemiology and molecular characterization of cervical cancer, particularly the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in its pathogenesis. Dr. Oboma has also investigated the hepatoprotective effects of various medicinal plants, exploring their potential in mitigating liver damage induced by toxins such as carbon tetrachloride. His research extends to the biochemical composition of natural substances, aiming to identify therapeutic agents with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Dr. Oboma’s studies contribute to the understanding of disease mechanisms and the development of alternative treatment options, with implications for public health strategies in Africa. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, with several of his works being widely cited in the scientific community.​

Publication Top Notes

  1. Toxicological studies on the aqueous leaf extract of Pavetta crassipes (K. Schum) in rodents
    Authors: MW Bariweni, OI Yibala, RI Ozolua
    Journal: Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacognosy Research, 6(1), 1-16
    Year: 2018
    Summary: This study investigates the toxicological profile of Pavetta crassipes leaf extract in rodents, providing insights into its safety and potential therapeutic applications.​

  2. Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of Spondias mombin leaf and stem extracts against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity
    Authors: LL Nwidu, E Elmorsy, YI Oboma, WG Carter
    Journal: Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences, 13(3), 262-271
    Year: 2018
    Summary: The research explores the hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of Spondias mombin extracts, highlighting their potential in combating liver toxicity.​

  3. Telfairia occidentalis (Cucurbitaceae) pulp extract mitigates rifampicin-isoniazid-induced hepatotoxicity in an in vivo rat model of oxidative stress
    Authors: LL Nwidu, YI Oboma
    Journal: Journal of Integrative Medicine, 17(1), 46-56
    Year: 2019
    Summary: This study examines the protective effects of Telfairia occidentalis pulp extract against drug-induced liver damage, suggesting its therapeutic potential.​

  4. Knowledge and practice of breast cancer self-examination among female students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria
    Authors: FM Onyije, VC Zenebo, YI Oboma
    Journal: Continental Journal of Biomedical Sciences, 4, 75-82
    Year: 2010
    Summary: The paper assesses the awareness and practices related to breast cancer self-examination among Nigerian female students, emphasizing the need for educational interventions.​

  5. Hepatoprotective effect of hydromethanolic leaf extract of Musanga cecropioides (Urticaceae) on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury and oxidative stress
    Authors: LL Nwidu, YI Oboma, E Elmorsy, WG Carter
    Journal: Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences, 13(4), 344-354
    Year: 2018
    Summary: This research investigates the hepatoprotective effects of Musanga cecropioides leaf extract,

Conclusion

Dr. Yibala Ibor Oboma is a strong candidate for a Best Researcher Award due to a well-rounded academic career, impactful research in cellular pathology and public health, and demonstrated commitment to capacity building across multiple African institutions. With continued efforts in grant acquisition and international publication, Dr. Oboma’s work will increasingly gain global recognition.

Francisco Sierra Lopez | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Francisco Sierra Lopez| Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Guest researcher, High Specialty Regional Hospital of Ixtapaluca (HRAEI), Mexico

Francisco Sierra López is a guest researcher at the High Specialty Regional Hospital of Ixtapaluca (HRAEI), Mexico. A molecular biologist and biomedical innovator, he specializes in the study of extracellular vesicles and their role in infections, cancer, and immunological processes. He received his Bachelor’s in Biology and completed postdoctoral research at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), followed by a Master’s and Ph.D. in Science from the Center for Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV-IPN). His interdisciplinary approach led to the discovery and patenting of immunogenic giant extracellular vesicles (VEGs) derived from protozoan parasites. Francisco has authored four internationally recognized publications and is credited with both a national and a WIPO-registered patent. His research continues to explore novel diagnostic and therapeutic avenues in oncology and infectious diseases.

Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Francisco Sierra López holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and pursued his postdoctoral training at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), one of Latin America’s most prestigious research institutions. He earned his Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Science from the Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), specializing in cell and molecular biology. During his academic tenure, he engaged in groundbreaking studies on protozoan parasites and molecular signaling, which later expanded into the study of extracellular vesicles across species. His educational journey was characterized by a consistent focus on translational research, integrating bench-side discovery with real-world applications. Francisco’s advanced training in biomedical sciences forms the cornerstone of his research career, laying a foundation for his subsequent innovations in immunogenic vesicle technologies.

Experience

Francisco Sierra López currently serves as a guest researcher at the High Specialty Regional Hospital of Ixtapaluca (HRAEI), where he investigates biomedical applications of extracellular vesicles (EVs). His earlier career includes roles as a doctoral and postdoctoral researcher at CINVESTAV-IPN and UNAM, respectively. Throughout his scientific path, Francisco has designed and led interdisciplinary research projects—particularly those examining extracellular vesicle secretion in pathogenic protozoa, cancerous tissues, and immune cell lines. He has served as principal investigator in four funded research projects and collaborated with various specialists in parasitology, oncology, and cellular biology. Despite having no direct industry collaborations to date, his research findings hold strong potential for clinical and pharmaceutical innovation. Francisco’s work is marked by technical precision and creative experimentation, leading to peer-reviewed publications and internationally recognized patents.

Research Focus

Francisco Sierra López’s research centers on the secretion and application of extracellular vesicles (EVs) across a spectrum of biological contexts, from protozoan parasitology to immunology and oncology. He has conducted experimental studies on EVs secreted by protozoan parasites, such as Entamoeba histolytica and Acanthamoeba culbertsoni, elucidating their roles in host-pathogen interactions. His work also extends to understanding EVs in cancer cells (including ovarian cancer and leukemia) and immune cells (monocytes, macrophages), particularly under co-infection conditions such as COVID-19. Francisco’s innovative methodologies have led to two patents concerning the purification and immunogenic potential of EVs. His cross-disciplinary approach bridges cellular biology with biomedical application, aiming to transform vesicle biology into actionable health interventions. This research contributes not only to fundamental biology but also to diagnostics, vaccine development, and therapeutic targeting.

Publication Top Notes

1. Influence of Micropatterned Grill Lines on Entamoeba histolytica Trophozoites Morphology and Migration

Authors: F. Sierra-López, L. Baylón-Pacheco, et al.
Journal: Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, Vol 8, 295, 2018
Cited by: 8
Summary: This study reveals how surface topography influences the morphology and motility of E. histolytica, highlighting the interaction between physical microenvironments and protozoan behavior.

2. Characterization of Low Molecular Weight Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases of Entamoeba histolytica

Authors: F. Sierra-López, L. Baylón-Pacheco, SC Vanegas-Villa, JL Rosales-Encina
Journal: Biochimie, Vol 180, pp. 43–53, 2021
Cited by: 5
Summary: This biochemical investigation characterizes phosphatases in E. histolytica, offering insight into potential enzymatic targets for therapeutic intervention in amoebiasis.

3. Extracellular Vesicles Secreted by Acanthamoeba culbertsoni Have COX and Proteolytic Activity and Induce Hemolysis

Authors: F. Sierra-López, I. Castelan-Ramírez, D. Hernández-Martínez, et al.
Journal: Microorganisms, Vol 11(11), Article 2762, 2023
Cited by: 3
Summary: The paper explores enzymatic activities within EVs secreted by A. culbertsoni, showing their role in red blood cell lysis and pathogenicity mechanisms.

4. A Fraction of Escherichia coli Bacteria Induces an Increase in the Secretion of Extracellular Vesicle Polydispersity in Macrophages

Authors: SMM Sierra-López F, Iglesias-Vázquez V, et al.
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Vol 26(8), 2025
Summary: This upcoming article discusses how bacterial co-infection alters EV secretion profiles in immune cells, with implications for inflammation and viral pathogenesis.

Patents

1. Immunogenic Giant Extracellular Vesicles of Parasitic Protozoa

Patent No.: MX/a/2016/014875 | IMPI | Issued: March 22, 2023
Folio: MX/E/2016/081517
Inventors: Francisco Sierra López, Luis A. Carreño Sánchez, José L. Rosales Encina
Patent Link (IMPI)

2. Same Patent Filed at WIPO

Folio: PCT/IB2017/056917 | Published: June 17, 2018
Patent Link (WIPO)

Conclusion

Dr. Francisco Sierra López stands out as a high-potential early-career researcher whose innovative work on extracellular vesicles spans a rare combination of protozoan pathogenesis, cancer biology, and immunology. His cross-disciplinary research, patented technologies, and early scholarly impact indicate a trajectory toward excellence in biomedical science.

Nontobeko Mvubu | Medical Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Nontobeko Mvubu | Medical Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Dr. Nontobeko Eunice Mvubu is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), specializing in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Bioinformatics. She completed her PhD in Microbiology in 2016 and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2023. With over five years of teaching and research experience, she has supervised numerous students, including 11 Honours, 6 Masters, and 1 PhD. Dr. Mvubu has published 12 research articles in prestigious international journals and has been a reviewer for scientific publications for five years. Her commitment to research is demonstrated through national and international collaborations, alongside funding received for her projects. Dr. Mvubu’s expertise in microbiology, bioinformatics, and immunology, alongside her strong academic leadership, positions her as a key figure in the field of tuberculosis research.

Profile

Education

Dr. Mvubu completed her PhD in Microbiology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (2013-2016). Before that, she earned a Master of Science in Microbiology, which was converted to a PhD. She also holds a BSc Honours in Microbiology (2010) from the same university. She began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Medical Science in Physiology from UKZN (2007-2009). Throughout her academic career, Dr. Mvubu has pursued various professional development courses, including a University Education Induction Programme, Supervising Research in Higher Education, and Bioinformatics Training at the University of the Western Cape, equipping her with the skills for higher education teaching and research.

Experience

Dr. Mvubu’s academic career spans roles from Lecturer (2017) to Senior Lecturer (2023) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her teaching experience covers diverse subjects, including Genetics, Microbiology, Medical Microbiology, and Human Physiology, where she has coordinated and lectured several undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Her research and teaching roles extend to the supervision of students at various levels, including Honours, Masters, and PhD students. With a strong background in research, Dr. Mvubu has contributed to national and international research funding and has collaborated with various institutions. She has been involved in a range of high-level grants, including the National Research Foundation Thuthuka and South African Medical Research Council’s Self-Initiated Research Grants.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Mvubu has received recognition for her outstanding research and academic contributions, including being the principal investigator for the National Research Foundation’s Thuthuka Funding instrument (2018 and 2021). She has also played a co-investigator role in significant projects such as the Afrocentric Precision Approach to Control Health Epidemics (APACHE) in 2019. Her research has earned her publication in prominent journals like BMC Genomics and International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Through these contributions, she has gained recognition as a key researcher in her field. Dr. Mvubu’s academic and research achievements position her as a promising candidate for further research leadership and awards.

Research Focus

Dr. Mvubu’s research primarily focuses on the biology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, with an emphasis on bioinformatics and molecular networks. She explores the role of lipid metabolism, immune response, and transcriptome regulation in tuberculosis infections. Her research has extended to studying the differential behavior of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, particularly how they affect cellular environments, immune responses, and gene regulation. She is also exploring the potential of medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds in regulating inflammasome pathways to combat tuberculosis. Her interdisciplinary approach, combining microbiology, bioinformatics, and immunology, aims to provide new insights into tuberculosis treatment and vaccine development.

Publication Top Notes

  • A review of documented antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties of ethnomedicinal plants 🌿
  • Reclassification of Bacillus tropicus phage 🔬
  • Exploiting inflammasomes in tuberculosis therapy 🧬
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis molecular networks 🦠
  • Protocol for RNA extraction from Mycobacterium tuberculosis 🔬
  • Differential lipid metabolism in tuberculosis strains 🧪
  • Exploring bioactive derivatives as inflammasome regulators 🌱
  • Neuroinflammation caused by tuberculosis in mice 🧠
  • Maternal immune activation and autism-like phenotype 👶
  • Lipid metabolism in Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains 🧬
  • Pulmonary epithelial cell infection by tuberculosis 🫁
  • Strain-specific immune response in Mycobacterium tuberculosis 🧫

Mrs Zhainagul Abdirasulova | Public health | Young Scientist Award

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Mrs Zhainagul Abdirasulova | Public health | Young Scientist Award

Mrs Zhainagul Abdirasulova, Osh State University ,Kyrgyzstan

Dr. Zhainagul Abdirasulova is a dedicated obstetrician-gynecologist based in Osh, Kyrgyzstan. She graduated with honors from Osh State University and completed her residency at the Osh City Perinatal Center. With six years of teaching experience and a private practice since 2022, she is committed to women’s health, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Abdirasulova actively enhances her skills through international workshops and seminars, contributing significantly to medical education and clinical practice. Her passion for improving maternal and child health is evident in her extensive qualifications and active participation in medical conferences worldwide.

Publication Profile

scopus

Education

Dr. Zhainagul Abdirasulova, born on May 16, 1993, distinguished herself early in her medical journey, graduating with honors from Osh State University’s Faculty of Medicine in 2017. She further specialized in obstetrics and gynecology, completing a rigorous two-year clinical residency at the Osh City Perinatal Center by 2019.

Academic Contributions

Dr. Zhainagul Abdirasulova has cultivated a robust teaching career spanning six years across multiple universities, driven by a profound dedication to education. Her pursuit of professional growth is underscored by a diverse array of certifications acquired both locally and internationally. She has earned accolades in occupational and environmental health, pedagogical methodologies, and advanced clinical practices, reflecting her commitment to staying abreast of evolving medical standards. Dr. Abdirasulova’s academic contributions extend beyond the classroom, influencing medical education and clinical practice through her expertise and continuous pursuit of excellence in obstetrics and gynecology.

Research Focus

The research by Ahmad, Sharif, Ahmad, Gul, and Abdirasulovna investigates the impact of the digital economy on female employment across countries using a panel data analysis approach. Focusing on economic trends, the study examines how digitalization influences opportunities for women in the workforce. By analyzing data from multiple nations, it aims to uncover correlations between digital economic development and female labor participation rates. The findings aim to contribute insights into policy-making and initiatives that could enhance gender equality in employment, highlighting the potential of digital technologies to empower women economically on a global scale.

 

Publication Top Notes

Does the digital economy improve female employment? A cross-country panel data analysis