Shoba D | Genetics and Genomics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Shoba D | Genetics and Genomics | Best Researcher Award

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University | India

Dr. D. Shoba has made significant research contributions in plant breeding and genetics with a strong focus on rice, black gram, and groundnut improvement. Her Google Scholar record shows an h-index of 15, i-10 index of 19, and a total of over 740 citations, reflecting a high level of research influence and sustained scholarly impact. She has authored numerous national and international publications in reputed journals such as Euphytica, Legume Research, Rice (Springer), and Plant Science Today. Her innovations include the development of herbicide-tolerant rice mutant HTM N22 (Robin mutant) and black gram varieties KKM 1 and VBN 12, along with several mung bean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV)-resistant lines. She has also designed a weed remover machine certified by the Patent Office of India and contributed to breeder seed production in rice and pulses to enhance seed security and productivity. Her collaborative research with IRRI Philippines, IIRR Hyderabad, and ICMR Hyderabad underscores international partnerships. Through these advancements, Dr. Shoba has demonstrated leadership in sustainable crop development, molecular breeding, and genetic diversity analysis, strengthening the link between scientific innovation and agricultural resilience.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Research Gate

Featured Publications

Shoba, D., Manivannan, N., Vindhiyavarman, P., & Nigam, S. N. (2012). SSR markers associated for late leaf spot disease resistance by bulked segregant analysis in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Euphytica, 188(2), 265–272.

Shoba, D., Raveendran, M., Manonmani, S., Utharasu, S., Dhivyapriya, D., Subhasini, G., Ramchandar, S., Valarmathi, R., Grover, N., Gopala Krishnan, S., Singh, A. K., Jayaswal, P., Kale, P., Ramkumar, M. K., Amitha Mithra, S. V., Mohapatra, T., Singh, K., Sarla, N., Sheshshayee, M. S., … Sharma, R. P. (2017). Development and genetic characterization of a novel herbicide (Imazethapyr) tolerant mutant in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Rice, 10(1), 10.

Shoba, D., Vijayan, R., Robin, S., Manivannan, N., Iyanar, K., Arunachalam, P., Nadarajan, N., Arumugam Pillai, M., & Geetha, S. (2019). Assessment of genetic diversity in aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasm using PCA and cluster analysis. Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding, 10(3), 1095–1104.

Shoba, D., Manivannan, N., & Vindhiyavarman, P. (2009). Studies on variability, heritability and genetic advance in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding, 1, 74–77.

Shoba, D., Manivannan, N., & Vindhiyavarman, P. (2012). Correlation and path coefficient analysis in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Madras Agricultural Journal, 99(1–3), 18–20.

Analisa Difeo | Cancer Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Analisa Difeo | Cancer Biology | Best Researcher Award

University of Michigan | United States

Dr. Analisa Difeo’s extensive scientific portfolio demonstrates a robust record of impactful contributions to cancer biology, reflected in her h-index of 37, 84 documents, and 4693 citations. Her research primarily explores the molecular mechanisms driving ovarian and gynecological cancers, focusing on microRNA regulation, tumor stemness, and chemoresistance. She has authored and co-authored over 80 peer-reviewed journal articles, including publications in leading journals such as Cancer Research, Nature Communications, Cancer Cell, Journal of Clinical Investigation, and Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. Her studies on miR-181a signaling, PP2A activation, and tumor immune response have provided innovative translational insights and laid the foundation for therapeutic strategies targeting ovarian cancer recurrence. Beyond her publications, Dr. Difeo has received multiple competitive research grants from the NIH, DoD, and major foundations, supporting her leadership in precision oncology. She also holds patents related to cancer biomarkers and therapeutic compositions, underscoring her commitment to clinical impact and innovation. With sustained funding, high citation impact, and significant scholarly output, her record establishes a strong foundation for leadership in translational cancer research and mentorship in molecular oncology

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Research Gate

Featured Publications

Avelar, R. A., Gupta, R., Carvette, G., da Veiga Leprevost, F., Colina, J., Teitel, J., Nesvizhskii, A., O’Connor, C., Hatzoglou, M., & Difeo, A. (2024, March 28). Integrated stress response plasticity governs normal cell adaptation to chronic stress via the PP2A–TFE3–ATF4 pathway [Preprint].

Lee, R. T., Yang, P., Alahmadi, A., McQuade, J., Yuan, E., Difeo, A., Narla, G., & Kaseb, A. (2021). Mistletoe extract Viscum Fraxini-2 for treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A case series. Case Reports in Oncology, 14(2), 729–738.

Nagaraj, A. B., Knarr, M., Sekhar, S., Connor, R. S., Joseph, P., Kovalenko, O., Fleming, A., Surti, A., Nurmemmedov, E., Beltrame, L., et al. (2021). The miR-181a–SFRP4 axis regulates Wnt activation to drive stemness and platinum resistance in ovarian cancer. Cancer Research, 81(16), 4081–4095.

Huvila, J., Cochrane, D. R., Ta, M., Chow, C., Greening, K., Leung, S., Karnezis, A. N., Difeo, A., & Huntsman, D. G. (2021, November). STING pathway expression in low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary: An unexpected therapeutic opportunity? The Journal of Pathology: Clinical Research, 7(6), 537–547.

O’Connor, C. M., Leonard, D., Wiredja, D., Avelar, R. A., Wang, Z., Schlatzer, D., Bryson, B., Tokala, E., Taylor, S. E., Upadhyay, A., et al. (2020). Inactivation of PP2A by a recurrent mutation drives resistance to MEK inhibitors. Oncogene, 39(9), 1832–1847

Marius Sipping | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Marius Sipping | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Slovak Academy of Sciences | Slovakia

Dr. Marius Sipping is a postdoctoral researcher at the Slovak Academy of Sciences, specializing in biochemistry, pharmacology, and biotechnology. His work focuses on the exploration and characterization of bioactive natural compounds with therapeutic potential against cancer, autoimmune, and infectious diseases. With 10 peer-reviewed journal publications and one authored book, his research has significantly contributed to the understanding of polysaccharide-rich fractions from Ganoderma resinaceum and their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-metastatic properties. He has completed five major research projects that integrate molecular biology and translational pharmacology. His citation records reflect his growing global impact, with an h-index of 6 on ResearchGate, 3 on Web of Science. These indices underscore his citation influence and scientific reach within the biomedical research community. His international collaborations with researchers across Africa, India, Slovakia, Italy, and France have advanced translational applications of natural compounds for cancer and inflammatory disease therapeutics. His interdisciplinary expertise in immunopharmacology, cancer biology, and phytomedicine demonstrates a strong commitment to developing innovative nano-delivery systems and data-driven therapeutic strategies, positioning him as a rising contributor to global life science research.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Research ID

Featured Publications

Sipping, M., Thakur, D., Singh, B., Njamen, D., & Mukherjee, S. Polysaccharide extract of Ganoderma resinaceum restricts breast cancer progression in vitro by intervening in epithelial–mesenchymal transition and cancer stemness. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia.

Sipping, M., Sathish Kumar, T., & Kamdem, N. Scientific investigation on antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxic effects and TLC bioautography of Terminalia schimperiania stem bark extracts. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine.

Kamga Silihe, K., Defo Mbou, W., Ngo Pambe, J. C., Kenmogne, L. V., Fotso Maptouom, L., Sipping, M. T. K., Zingue, S., & Njamen, D. Comparative anticancer effects of Annona muricata Linn (Annonaceae) leaves and fruits on DMBA-induced breast cancer in female rats. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 23, 4073.

Nana Tchoupang, E., Yadji, V., Wangbara, J. B., Sipping, M. T. K., Zingue, S., Njamen, D., & Mutalik, S. In vitro and in vivo antiproliferative actions of Solanum gilo Raddi (Solanaceae) fruit extract on breast tissues. Advances in Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2022, 6834626.

Kamga Silihe, K., Zingue, S., Sipping, M. T. K., Busuioc Cazanevscaia, A., Dediu Botezatu, A. V., Njamen, D., & Dinica, R. M. The antioxidant potential of Ficus umbellata Vahl (Moraceae) that accelerates in vitro and the in vivo anti-inflammatory protective effects. Applied Sciences, 12(18), 9070

Meijing Piao | Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Meijing Piao | Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Jeju National University | China

Dr. Meijing Piao is a Research Professor at Jeju National University’s Jeju Natural Medicine Research Center, specializing in the study of environmental pollutants such as fine particulate matter, ultraviolet radiation, and nanoparticles, focusing on their molecular mechanisms and oxidative stress–related effects on the human body. Her work also explores the physiological activities of natural products and their defense mechanisms against oxidative damage. She has authored 163 SCI-indexed publications, including 39 as first author and 124 as co-author, accumulating 4,985 citations according to Web of Science. Her research excellence has been recognized globally, ranking among the “Top 2% of Scientists in the World” by Stanford University and Elsevier. Two of her highly cited papers include one on silver nanoparticles’ cytotoxicity in human hepatocytes, cited 585 times, and another on the skin damage caused by ultrafine particulate matter, cited 271 times. Her research outcomes have also led to seven patent applications and substantial contributions to the field of environmental toxicology and natural product pharmacology. With 15 completed and one ongoing research project funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea, her work demonstrates strong continuity, impact, and innovation, significantly advancing knowledge in life science and toxicological research.

Profile: Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Piao, M. J., Kang, K. A., Lee, I. K., Kim, H. S., Kim, S., Choi, J. Y., Choi, J., & Hyun, J. W. (2011). Silver nanoparticles induce oxidative cell damage in human liver cells through inhibition of reduced glutathione and induction of mitochondria-involved apoptosis. Toxicology Letters, 201(1), 92–100.

Piao, M. J., Ahn, M. J., Kang, K. A., Ryu, Y. S., Hyun, Y. J., Shilnikova, K., Zhen, A. X., et al. (2018). Particulate matter 2.5 damages skin cells by inducing oxidative stress, subcellular organelle dysfunction, and apoptosis. Archives of Toxicology, 92(6), 2077–2091.

Zhang, R., Piao, M. J., Kim, K. C., Kim, A. D., Choi, J. Y., Choi, J., & Hyun, J. W. (2012). Endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling is involved in silver nanoparticles-induced apoptosis. The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, 44(1), 224–232.

Kim, K. C., Kang, K. A., Zhang, R., Piao, M. J., Kim, G. Y., Kang, M. Y., Lee, S. J., Lee, N. H., et al. (2010). Up-regulation of Nrf2-mediated heme oxygenase-1 expression by eckol, a phlorotannin compound, through activation of Erk and PI3K/Akt. The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, 42(2), 297–305.

Kang, K. A., Piao, M. J., Ryu, Y. S., Hyun, Y. J., Park, J. E., Shilnikova, K., Zhen, A. X., et al. (2017). Luteolin induces apoptotic cell death via antioxidant activity in human colon cancer cells. International Journal of Oncology, 51(4), 1169–1178.

Zenzile Mbinza | Urban Planning | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Zenzile Mbinza | Urban Planning | Best Researcher Award

University of Johannesburg | South Africa

Dr. Zenzile Emile Mbinza is an accomplished urban and regional planning researcher and academic with an extensive body of scholarly work focusing on spatial transformation, metropolitan planning, and place branding in African cities. His research publications in Place Branding and Public Diplomacy explore the complex intersections of neoliberalism, governance, and urban identity within South African metropolitan contexts. Dr. Mbinza has produced significant contributions through peer-reviewed journal papers, book chapters, and conference proceedings, emphasizing sustainable urban development, informal economy dynamics, and inclusive planning frameworks. His research portfolio includes over 25 documents, 200 citations, and an h-index of 8, reflecting consistent scholarly impact in urban studies and planning research. He has supervised numerous master’s and doctoral candidates, contributing to research capacity building in planning education. Additionally, his roles as conference reviewer, external examiner, and postgraduate director highlight his leadership in academic quality assurance and mentorship. His applied research extends to national spatial development projects and municipal policy planning, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Through his innovative studies and community-engaged approaches, Dr. Mbinza has established himself as a leading voice in reimagining African urbanism, advancing evidence-based strategies for sustainable and inclusive city development.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Mbinza, Z. E. (2024). Assessing South African metropolitan cities’ online place brands. Place Branding and Public Diplomacy.

Mbinza, Z. E. (2024). Connecting place branding to social and governance constructs in Johannesburg, South Africa. Place Branding and Public Diplomacy.

Mbinza, Z. E. (2024). Exploring place branding in the Global South: The case of Johannesburg, South Africa. Place Branding and Public Diplomacy

Nepoleon Prabakaran | Psychophysiology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Nepoleon Prabakaran | Psychophysiology | Best Researcher Award

Alliance University | India

Dr. Nepoleon M. P. is an accomplished academic and researcher with a strong record of scholarly contributions in management, leadership, and behavioral sciences. He is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at CMS Business School, Jain (Deemed-to-be University), Bangalore, where he actively engages in teaching and high-impact research. He has published 14 research documents, achieving an h-index of 2 with over 22 citations across Scopus, Web of Science, and other indexed journals. His interdisciplinary research includes themes such as metaverse-based learning, consumer neuroscience, organizational justice, leadership psychology, and cultural intelligence. Notable works include publications in Frontiers in Education, Journal of Information Technology Education Research, Journal of Economics and Management, and Review of Education. He has received five Best Paper Awards from prestigious international conferences, including those organized by Bennett University (Spain), Jaipuria Institute of Management, and IES MCRC (India). In addition to his research, Dr. Nepoleon has conducted faculty development and corporate training programs in AI-based research tools, leadership, and emotional intelligence. His academic journey reflects a dynamic blend of innovation, analytical expertise, and dedication to advancing research and higher education.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Prabakaran, N., Patrick, H. A., & Kareem, J Enhancing English language proficiency and digital literacy through metaverse-based learning: A mixed-methods study in higher education. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 24, Article 010.

Prabakaran, N., & Patrick, H. A. Metaverse traveler: An expedition beyond reality. Tourism and Hospitality Management, 32(2), Article 2.

Patrick, H. A., Prabakaran, N., & Elanchezian, D. P. The role of positive leadership and psychological capital on influencing trust and flourishing: Insights from two studies. Journal of Economics and Management, 47, 229–256.

Patrick, H. A., & Prabakaran, N.  Role of power bases and leadership strategies: A study on phygital employees in information technology organizations. Public Organization Review.

Kurian, A., Patrick, H. A., Prabakaran, N., & Arora, D. Effectiveness of job crafting intervention: A validation study. In Proceedings of SPIE – The International Society for Optical Engineering (p. 1).

Saurabh Pandey | Plant Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Saurabh Pandey | Plant Biology | Best Researcher Award

Indira Gandhi Agricultural University | India

Dr. Saurabh Pandey, Assistant Professor at the Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur, is a distinguished plant biotechnologist with a Ph.D. in Plant Biotechnology from the National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi (awarded by JNU). His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of plant stress tolerance, RNA helicases, and genome editing for crop improvement. Dr. Pandey has made significant contributions to understanding plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, publishing over 40 high-impact research papers and book chapters in reputed journals such as Physiologia Plantarum, Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Environmental and Experimental Botany, and Functional & Integrative Genomics. He has also co-edited several international books including Toward Sustainable Plant Adaptation to Climate Change and Climate-Resilient Agriculture under CRC Press and Springer. According to verified databases, his research record reflects an h-index of 17, with over 1147 citations across 59 Scopus-indexed documents, demonstrating his strong scientific influence in plant molecular biology. Dr. Pandey’s pioneering work on the role of RNA helicases in tomato-virus interactions gained national recognition, being featured by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and covered in The Hindu and Rajya Sabha TV. His contributions exemplify innovation, leadership, and global impact in agricultural biotechnology.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | LinkedIn 

Featured Publications

Pandey, E., Kumari, R., Faizan, S., & Pandey, S. Linking the interaction of salicylates and jasmonates for stress resilience in plants. Stress Biology. Advance online publication.

Meena, V. K., Thribhuvan, R., Dinkar, V., Bhatt, A., Pandey, S., Abhinav, Ahmad, D., Kumar, A., & Singh, A. aplotype breeding: Fast-track the crop improvements. Planta.

Kumar, P., Pandey, S., & Pati, P. K. Interaction between pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins and phytohormone signaling pathways in conferring disease tolerance in plants. Physiologia Plantarum.

Singh, S. K., Jha, R., Pandey, S., Mohan, C., Chetna, Ghosh, S., Singh, S. K., Kumari, S., & Singh, A. Artificial intelligence-based tools for next-generation seed quality analysis. Crop Design, 100094.

Dev, D., Antre, S. H., Nandni, S., Pandey, S., Singh, M. K., & Singh, A. Accelerated crop domestication: Candidates, advanced tools and prospects. South African Journal of Botany, 171, 237–244.

Annamaria Biroccio | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Annamaria Biroccio | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute | Italy

Dr. Annamaria Biroccio, PhD (Microbiology, University of Messina) is a Senior Investigator at the Regina Elena National Cancer Institute (IRE-IFO), Rome, with over two decades of experience in cancer molecular biology and telomere research. Her work focuses on elucidating the mechanisms regulating telomere function and their implications in cancer progression, alongside developing pharmacological strategies targeting telomeres for anticancer therapy. She has published extensively in high-impact journals, contributing over 115 peer-reviewed papers on telomere biology, DNA damage response, and targeted therapies. According to her CV, Dr. Biroccio holds an H-index of 44, reflecting substantial influence in the field, with more than 6124 citations across her publications. Her research leadership is underscored by principal investigator roles in major national and international grants, including AIRC, CNR, and EU FP7 programs. She is also co-owner of two patents related to telomere-targeting therapeutics for triple-negative breast cancer. In recognition of her contributions, she has received multiple awards such as the Mascia Brunelli Award and Young Investigator Award. Beyond research, Dr. Biroccio has significantly contributed to scientific training as a tutor for numerous national fellowship programs and serves on editorial boards of prominent cancer research journals

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Researcher ID 

Featured Publications

Dinami, R., Petti, E., Ostano, P., Iachettini, S., Rizzo, A., Maresca, C., Zizza, P., Di Vito, S., Porru, M., D’Angelo, C., Sibilio, P., De Nicola, F., Russo, R., Di Benedetto, A., Palange, A., Fanciulli, M., Chambery, A., Gilson, E., & Biroccio, A. (2025). Multi-omics analyses integration reveals a novel TRF2–miR-181a-5p–S100A10 regulatory axis in colon cancer. Cellular and Molecular Biology Letters, 30(1), 121.

Petti, E., Di Vito, S., Dinami, R., Porru, M., Marchesi, S., Lohuis, J., Zizza, P., Iachettini, S., Salvati, E., D’Angelo, C., Rizzo, A., Maresca, C., Ascione, F., Di Benedetto, A., Buglioni, S., Sacconi, A., Ostano, P., Li, Q., Stoppacciaro, A., Leonetti, C., van Rheenen, J., Maiuri, P., Scita, G., & Biroccio, A. (2025). TRF2 interaction with nuclear envelope is required for cell polarization and metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer. Cell Death & Disease, 16(1), 224.

Pirota, V., Iachettini, S., Platella, C., Zizza, P., Fracchioni, G., Di Vito, S., Carachino, A., Battistini, F., Orozco, M., Freccero, M., Biroccio, A., & Doria, F. (2025). Naphthalene diimide–naphthalimide dyads promote telomere damage by selectively targeting multimeric G-quadruplexes. Nucleic Acids Research, 53(7), gkaf301.

Russomanno, P., Zizza, P., Cerofolini, L., D’Aria, F., Iachettini, S., Di Vito, S., Amato, J., Fragai, M., Pagano, B., & Biroccio, A. (2025). Expanding the functions of KHSRP protein: Insights into DNA G-quadruplex binding. Advanced Science, 12(8), e2410086.

Pirota, V., Salvati, E., Risoldi, C., Manoli, F., Rizzo, A., Zizza, P., Biroccio, A., Freccero, M., & Manet, I. (2025). Core-extended naphthalene diimide dyads as light-up probes with targeted cytotoxicity toward tumor cells. Biomolecules, 15(2), 311.

Betul Akdal Dolek | Global Health | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Betul Akdal Dolek | Global Health | Best Researcher Award

Ankara Bilkent City Hospital | Turkey

Dr. Betul Akdal Dolek is a radiologist at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, specializing in abdominal imaging, diffusion-weighted MRI, quantitative CT, and oncologic imaging. She obtained her medical degree from Ankara University and completed her radiology residency at Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital. With an h-index of 6, Dr. Dolek’s scholarly record includes 11 SCI/Scopus-indexed publications and numerous conference presentations. Her work has garnered over 160 citations (as per Google Scholar).  She has significantly contributed to quantitative MRI and CT research, focusing on imaging biomarkers for metabolic, inflammatory, and oncologic diseases. Notably, she participated in the COST Action “A Comprehensive Network Against Brain Cancer”, advancing biomarker protocols for glioblastoma imaging. Her publications cover diverse radiologic fields, including the reliability of O-RADS MRI scoring, coronary calcium quantification, and perfusion imaging in acute kidney injury. Dr. Dolek has also authored the book “Hard Decisions in Intensive Care Unit” and serves as a reviewer in national research committees. Actively collaborating in multidisciplinary radiology-oncology teams and invited as a speaker at ESR and TMRD congresses, she continues to enhance diagnostic precision and innovation in modern radiology practice.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Akkurt Acar, D., Cilengir, A. H., Balaban, M., Camur, E., Akdal Dolek, B., & Isıksalan Ozbulbul, N. Diaphragmatic crus indentation to the renal artery: Is it a new etiology for renovascular hypertension in adults? Northwestern Medical Journal.

Kılıckap, G., Akdal Dolek, B., Kaya, S., & Cevik, N. İ. Reliability, reproducibility, and potential pitfalls of the O-RADS scoring with non-dynamic MRI. Acta Radiologica.

Akdal Dolek, B., Sozmen Ciliz, D., Ozdemir, N., Ozet, G., & Duran, S. Comparative analysis of whole-body diffusion-weighted imaging and PET/CT in metastasis detection: A prospective study. Cureus, 16(11), e74756.

Kılıçkap, G., Akdal Dolek, B., Cevik, N. İ., Bahadır, G. K., Tekdemir, H., & Vural, M. Time difference for the presence of coronary calcium in those with and without coronary risk factors and statin use. Acta Cardiologica, 79(7), 787–795.

Vural, M., Akdal Dolek, B., Kılıckap, G., Bahadır, G. K., & Gunes, Y. C. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness on non-gated chest CT as an alternative to EAT volume on cardiac CT. Acta Radiologica, 65(6),