Prof. Dr. Pengwei Zhao | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Pengwei Zhao | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Pengwei Zhao | Medicinal Chemistry | Ph.D., Master’s Supervisor at Inner Mongolia Medical University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, China 

Dr. Pengwei Zhao is a Professor at the School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, he serves as a master’s supervisor and holds various academic positions. He is a member of the Jiusan Society and actively contributes to scientific research as a registered reviewer for Medical Science Monitor and Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research. He is also a youth editorial board member of Modern Oncology and a director of the Inner Mongolia Bioengineering Society. His research focuses on tumor immunology and pharmacological mechanisms of Mongolian medicine. Dr. Zhao has led multiple national and regional research projects, including studies on β-defensins, immune resistance, and cancer treatment mechanisms. His contributions to microbiology and oncology are widely recognized, with several impactful publications in international journals.

Professional Profile : 

Orcid

Scopus 

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Pengwei Zhao, a distinguished Professor at Inner Mongolia Medical University, has made significant contributions to tumor immunology, cancer pharmacology, and Mongolian medicine. His research on β-defensins and their role in immune modulation and cancer therapy has led to groundbreaking findings, particularly in colorectal and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). With numerous high-impact publications, including in Pharmacogenomics Journal and World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology, his work is recognized globally. His ongoing National Natural Science Foundation of China project further highlights his leadership in cancer research.  Dr. Pengwei Zhao’s extensive research, innovative methodologies, and interdisciplinary approach make him an outstanding candidate for the “Best Researcher Award”. His contributions to immunotherapy, autophagy, and microbiome-related cancer treatments have the potential to shape future oncological therapies. Recognizing him with this award would honor his pioneering discoveries and impact on global cancer research.

🎓Education:

Dr. Pengwei Zhao holds a Ph.D. in Basic Medical Sciences with a specialization in tumor immunology and pharmacology. His doctoral research focused on β-defensin-mediated immune modulation and cancer therapy. He pursued his higher education at Inner Mongolia Medical University, where he developed expertise in molecular biology, pharmacology, and immunology. His early education emphasized microbiology and traditional Mongolian medicine. Dr. Zhao further enhanced his skills through postdoctoral research and collaborations with leading scientists in cancer biology. His education provided a strong foundation in oncological pharmacology, signaling pathways, and immune resistance mechanisms. He has continuously expanded his knowledge through national and international conferences, workshops, and training programs. His academic journey reflects a commitment to translational research, bridging basic science with clinical applications in cancer therapy.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Zhao has been a Professor at Inner Mongolia Medical University for several years, where he also serves as a Master’s Supervisor. His professional roles extend beyond teaching, as he holds multiple directorial positions in national and regional scientific societies. He is a reviewer for prestigious journals, including Medical Science Monitor and Chinese Journal of Digestive Diseases. As a youth editorial board member of Modern Oncology, he actively contributes to cancer research. He has successfully led multiple research projects funded by national and regional agencies, focusing on cancer immunology, microbiology, and Mongolian medicine-based therapies. Additionally, Dr. Zhao has conducted collaborative research on β-defensins, autophagy, and immune resistance mechanisms. His expertise in pharmacological pathways and microbial interactions has significantly advanced the understanding of cancer treatment. He has also been invited as a speaker and panelist at various oncology and pharmacology conferences.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Pengwei Zhao has received multiple prestigious awards and honors in recognition of his contributions to tumor immunology and Mongolian medicine research. He has been honored by the Inner Mongolia Medical University for excellence in research and mentorship. His work on β-defensins and their role in cancer has earned him accolades from Inner Mongolia’s Science and Technology Department. He has also received distinguished reviewer awards from journals such as Medical Science Monitor and Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research. As a key member of the Chinese Society of Ethnomedicine and Pharmacy, he has been acknowledged for his research on the pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Mongolian medicine. His contributions to microbiology and immunology have been recognized by the Inner Mongolia Microbiology Society, and he has been invited as a young committee member of the Chinese Microbiological Society’s Clinical Microbiology Professional Committee.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Pengwei Zhao’s research primarily focuses on tumor immunology, cancer pharmacology, and the therapeutic potential of Mongolian medicine. He investigates the molecular mechanisms of β-defensins in cancer, particularly their role in immune regulation and tumor suppression. His work explores how β-defensin-1 peptides modulate PD-1/PD-L1 immune resistance in colorectal cancer. Additionally, he studies Mongolian medicinal formulations like Sendeng-4 and their mechanisms against skin cancer. His research also extends to microbiology, analyzing how bacterial infections, such as those caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, influence lung epithelial immune responses. Dr. Zhao has also contributed significantly to understanding long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and their regulatory impact on autophagy pathways in cancer. His interdisciplinary approach integrates immunology, molecular biology, and ethnopharmacology, providing novel insights into cancer therapy, host-pathogen interactions, and the development of targeted immunotherapies.

Publication Top Notes:

Upregulation of p300 in paclitaxel-resistant TNBC: implications for cell proliferation via the PCK1/AMPK axis

Authors: P. Zhao, Pengwei; J. Cui, Jiaxian; X. Wang, Xiumei

Journal: Pharmacogenomics Journal

Year: 2024

Citations: 2

Human β-defensin-1 affects the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway and autophagy in colon cancer cells through long non-coding RNA TCONS_00014506

Authors: Y. Zhao, Yuxin; Y. Cui, Yan; X. Li, Xinhong; L. Bao, Lili; P. Zhao, Pengwei

Journal: World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology

Year: 2024

Citations: 3

Effect of Staphylococcus aureus in pneumonia mouse model on promotion of mBD-3 expression through ERK1/2

Authors: Yongqing Ni, Xiaoduo Bi, Pengwei Zhao

Ligilactobacillus salivarius LZZAY01 accelerated autophagy and apoptosis in colon cancer cells and improved gut microbiota in CAC mice

Authors: Yang W, Li T, An S, Chen R, Zhao Y, Cui J, Zhang M, Lu J, Tian Y, Bao L, Zhao P

Journal: Microbiol Spectrum

Year: 2025

LPS Promoted HPMEC Autophagy by Suppression of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR through Inhibited TIMAP-Promoted Moesin Expression in Sepsis

Authors: Jili Wen, Pengwei Zhao, HuiJuan Ren, JunMin Wu

Journal: Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents

Year: 2023

 

Prof. Massimo Padalino | Medicinal Chemistry | Excellence in Innovation Award

Prof. Massimo Padalino | Medicinal Chemistry | Excellence in Innovation Award

Prof. Massimo Padalino | Medicinal Chemistry | Professore associato at University of Bari, Italy

Dr. Massimo Antonio Padalino obtained his M.D. from the University of Padova, Italy, in 1995. He completed his residency in Cardiovascular Surgery at the University of Padova Medical School (1995-1999), where he served as Chief Resident (1999-2000). He pursued advanced surgical training through prestigious fellowships, including a Surgical Clinical Fellowship in Cardiovascular Surgery at the Mayo Clinic, USA (2001-2002), and specialized training in Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School (2002), and Mott Children’s Hospital, University of Michigan (2003-2004). He earned a Ph.D. in Cardiovascular Sciences from the University of Padova (2005-2008) and further specialized with a Master’s degree in Cardiovascular Pathology (2011) and Pediatric Cardiology (2014). Additionally, he completed a research fellowship at the Cardiac Registry, Harvard Medical School, and a visiting fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital (2015), solidifying his expertise in congenital and pediatric cardiac surgery.

Professional Profile : 

Orcid

Scopus 

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Massimo Antonio Padalino is an outstanding candidate for the “Excellence in Innovation Award” due to his pioneering contributions to pediatric and congenital cardiovascular surgery. His research has led to innovative surgical techniques for congenital heart disease, particularly in neonatal and single-ventricle repairs. His work on novel bioprosthetic materials, cardiac regeneration, and mechanical circulatory support (ECMO, VAD) has significantly improved patient outcomes. He has also played a key role in international registries (EUROFONTAN, EUROAAOCA) and multicenter studies, advancing global knowledge in congenital heart surgery. His collaboration with premier institutions like Harvard Medical School and Mayo Clinic further highlights his commitment to innovation. Dr. Padalino’s groundbreaking work in pediatric cardiac surgery, including innovative surgical strategies, regenerative medicine, and advanced circulatory support techniques, makes him highly suitable for the “Excellence in Innovation Award.” His contributions have transformed congenital heart disease treatment, making a lasting impact on the field.

🎓Education:

Dr. Massimo Antonio Padalino obtained his M.D. from the University of Padova in  Italy.  He completed his residency in Cardiovascular Surgery at the University of Padova Medical School (1995-1999), where he served as Chief Resident (1999-2000). He pursued advanced surgical training through prestigious fellowships, including a Surgical Clinical Fellowship in Cardiovascular Surgery at the Mayo Clinic, USA (2001-2002), and specialized training in Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School (2002), and Mott Children’s Hospital, University of Michigan (2003-2004). He earned a Ph.D. in Cardiovascular Sciences from the University of Padova (2005-2008) and further specialized with a Master’s degree in Cardiovascular Pathology (2011) and Pediatric Cardiology (2014). Additionally, he completed a research fellowship at the Cardiac Registry, Harvard Medical School, and a visiting fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital (2015), solidifying his expertise in congenital and pediatric cardiac surgery.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Massimo Antonio Padalino has over two decades of experience in pediatric and congenital cardiovascular surgery. Since December 2023, he has served as Pediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgeon in Chief at UOC Cardiochirurgia, University of Bari, Italy. Previously, he was a senior Pediatric and Congenital Cardiovascular Surgeon at the University of Padova Medical School (2004-2023), where he independently performed approximately 150 complex congenital heart surgeries annually, spanning neonates to adults. His expertise includes neonatal heart surgery, single-ventricle palliation, heart transplantation, and mechanical circulatory support (ECMO and VAD). His clinical training includes tenures at leading institutions such as Mayo Clinic, Boston Children’s Hospital, and the University of Michigan. He has also been actively involved in postoperative intensive care, clinical research, and multicenter studies, significantly contributing to advancements in pediatric cardiac surgery. His leadership extends to mentoring and training the next generation of cardiac surgeons.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Massimo Antonio Padalino has received numerous accolades for his contributions to pediatric and congenital cardiovascular surgery. He is a Fellow of the European Society of Cardiology (FESC) and has been recognized for his expertise in congenital heart disease management. His work in innovative surgical strategies and regenerative medicine has earned him invitations to speak at leading international cardiology and cardiac surgery conferences. He has also received research grants for pioneering studies in cardiac regeneration, bioprosthetic materials, and surgical outcomes in congenital heart disease. His collaborations with renowned institutions, including Harvard Medical School and the Mayo Clinic, have strengthened his reputation as a leading figure in pediatric cardiac surgery. His research and clinical excellence are reflected in his numerous high-impact publications, which have significantly influenced advancements in congenital heart surgery and pediatric cardiology worldwide.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Massimo Antonio Padalino’s research focuses on congenital heart disease surgery, particularly early repair techniques and novel surgical strategies for single-ventricle physiology. He actively contributes to international registries, including the EUROFONTAN and EUROAAOCA, studying surgical outcomes in congenital heart defects. His work explores innovative approaches to preserving pulmonary valve function in Tetralogy of Fallot repair and alternative strategies for managing end-stage heart failure in children, including ECMO, VAD, and pulmonary artery banding. Additionally, he investigates heart transplantation in congenital heart disease, cardiac regeneration in infants with dilated cardiomyopathy, and bioprosthetic materials for cardiac tissue reconstruction. His research also addresses the neurological and pulmonary effects of cardiopulmonary bypass in pediatric patients, aiming to improve outcomes and long-term survival. Through clinical trials and multicenter studies, Dr. Padalino is dedicated to advancing pediatric cardiac surgery, refining surgical techniques, and enhancing postoperative care for children with complex congenital heart conditions.

Publication Top Notes:

Heart–Liver Interplay in Patients with Fontan Circulation

Authors: Not provided in the given data

Year: 2025

Citations: Data not available

DOI: 10.3390/jcm14041114

The Impact of Dominant Ventricle Morphology and Additional Ventricular Chamber Size on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Fontan Circulation

Authors: Not provided in the given data

Year: 2025

Citations: Data not available

DOI: 10.1017/S1047951124026581

First Report from the European Registry for Anomalous Aortic Origin of Coronary Artery (EURO-AAOCA)

Authors: Not provided in the given data

Year: 2024

Citations: Data not available

DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivae074

Current Understanding and Future Directions of Transcatheter Devices to Assist Failing Fontan

Authors: Not provided in the given data

Year: 2024

Citations: Data not available

DOI: 10.1016/j.jscai.2024.101334

Intracorporeal LVAD Implantation in Pediatric Patients: A Single-Center 10 Years’ Experience

Authors: Not provided in the given data

Year: 2024

Citations: Data not available

DOI: 10.1111/aor.14716

Late Gadolinium Enhancement and Anomalous Coronary Aortic Origin in a Large Paediatric Cohort

Authors: Not provided in the given data

Year: 2024

Citations: Data not available

DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehae545

Percutaneous Approach to Residual Pulmonary Bifurcation Stenosis in Conotruncal Diseases

Authors: Not provided in the given data

Year: 2024

Citations: Data not available

DOI: 10.1017/s1047951123000999

Postoperative Outcomes of Fontan Operation in a Multicenter Italian Study. How Far Have We Gone? Early Outcomes After Fontan Operation

Authors: Not provided in the given data

Year: 2024

Citations: Data not available

DOI: 10.1007/s00246-024-03642-2

Successful Implantation of HeartMate3 in a Small Child After Multimodality Imaging Pathway to Assess Feasibility

Authors: Not provided in the given data

Year: 2024

Citations: Data not available

DOI: 10.1097/MAT.0000000000002069

Overshoot of the Respiratory Exchange Ratio during Recovery from Maximal Exercise Testing in Young Patients with Congenital Heart Disease

Authors: Not provided in the given data

Year: 2023

Citations: Data not available

DOI: 10.3390/children10030521

Three-Dimensional-Enabled Surgical Planning for the Correction of Right Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return

Authors: Not provided in the given data

Year: 2023

Citations: Data not available

DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020472

Chronic Heart Failure in Children: State of the Art and New Perspectives

Authors: Not provided in the given data

Year: 2023

Citations: Data not available

DOI: 10.3390/jcm12072611

Effect of Preoperative Pulmonary Hemodynamic and Cardiopulmonary Bypass on Lung Function in Children with Congenital Heart Disease

Authors: Not provided in the given data

Year: 2023

Citations: Data not available

DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-04926-0

Hybrid Approach for End-Stage Heart Failure Treatment in a 6-Month-Old Baby

Authors: Not provided in the given data

Year: 2023

Citations: Data not available

DOI: 10.1017/S104795112300046X

Late Left Ventricular Myocardial Remodeling After Pulmonary Artery Banding for End-Stage Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Infants: An Imaging Study

Authors: Not provided in the given data

Year: 2023

Citations: Data not available

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.05.040