Manouchehr Ashrafpour | Medicine | Best Scholar Award

Dr. Manouchehr Ashrafpour | Medicine | Best Scholar Award

Faculty Member | Babol University of Medical Sciences | Iran

Dr. Manouchehr Ashrafpour is a prominent neuroscientist and biomedical researcher at Babol University of Medical Sciences, renowned for his extensive contributions to neuropharmacology, molecular neuroscience, and neurodegenerative disease research. He earned his advanced degrees in medical sciences and neuroscience, building a strong academic foundation that bridges cellular biology and clinical neurotherapeutics. Throughout his professional career, Dr. Ashrafpour has demonstrated exceptional expertise in experimental neurobiology, drug delivery systems, and the molecular mechanisms underlying brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. His research primarily focuses on the neuroprotective effects of natural bioactive compounds and nanotechnology-based formulations, including curcumin-, piperine-, arbutin-, and quercetin-loaded nanoparticles, which have shown promising results in reducing oxidative stress, glial activation, and neuronal degeneration. He possesses advanced research skills in animal modeling, histopathological assessment, biochemical analysis, neurobehavioral testing, and nanomedicine formulation, complemented by a strong command of cellular electrophysiology and molecular signaling studies. His professional experience encompasses collaborations with leading neuroscientists on projects exploring the role of vitamins, antioxidants, and receptor modulation (notably adenosine A2A receptor blockade) in promoting neural repair and functional recovery. Dr. Ashrafpour’s scholarly achievements are reflected in his strong Scopus record, which includes over 700 citations, numerous peer-reviewed documents, and an h-index of 17, underscoring his global academic influence. He has received recognition and academic honors for his innovative work in neurotherapeutic discovery and translational neuroscience, highlighting his commitment to improving treatment strategies for neurodegenerative diseases. In conclusion, Dr. Manouchehr Ashrafpour stands as a distinguished figure in contemporary neuroscience, whose multidisciplinary approach—spanning nanotechnology, pharmacology, and neurobiology—continues to shape the future of neuroprotective medicine and inspire emerging researchers in biomedical sciences worldwide.

Profiles: ORCID | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

  1. Naeimi, R., Safarpour, F., Hashemian, M., Tashakorian, H., Ahmadian, S. R., & Ashrafpour, M. (2018). Curcumin-loaded nanoparticles ameliorate glial activation and improve myelin repair in lyolecithin-induced focal demyelination model of rat corpus callosum. Neuroscience Letters, 674, 1–10. Cited by 71.

  2. Mansoor, S. R., Hashemian, M., Khalili-Fomeshi, M., Ashrafpour, M., & Moghadamnia, A. A. (2018). Upregulation of klotho and erythropoietin contributes to the neuroprotection induced by curcumin-loaded nanoparticles in an experimental model of chronic epilepsy. Brain Research Bulletin, 142, 281–288. Cited by 52.

  3. Khalili-Fomeshi, M., Azizi, M. G., Esmaeili, M. R., Gol, M., Kazemi, S., & Ashrafpour, M. (2018). Piperine restores streptozotocin-induced cognitive impairments: Insights into oxidative balance in cerebrospinal fluid and hippocampus. Behavioural Brain Research, 337, 131–138. Cited by 49.

  4. Dastan, Z., Pouramir, M., Ghasemi-Kasman, M., Ghasemzadeh, Z., Dadgar, M., & Ashrafpour, M. (2019). Arbutin reduces cognitive deficit and oxidative stress in an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease. International Journal of Neuroscience, 129(11), 1145–1153. Cited by 45.

  5. Dadgar, M., Pouramir, M., Dastan, Z., Ghasemi-Kasman, M., & Ashrafpour, M. (2018). Arbutin attenuates behavioral impairment and oxidative stress in an animal model of Parkinson’s disease. Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, 8(6), 533–540. Cited by 43.

 

 

Nancy Blumenthal | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nancy Blumenthal | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Advanced Senior Lecturer at  University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing | United States

Dr. Nancy P. Blumenthal, DNP, ACNP-BC, is a distinguished nurse scientist and advanced practice leader recognized for her pioneering contributions to lung transplantation and cardiopulmonary care. With a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Health Policy and Leadership from Yale University and advanced nursing degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Boston University, she has built a career grounded in academic excellence and clinical expertise. Her research focuses on organ allocation strategies, transplant outcomes, and patient-centered innovations, supported by notable grants including the Fu-Mei Lee Research and Innovation Grant. Widely published in premier journals such as Chest, American Journal of Transplantation, and Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation, her work bridges evidence-based research with transformative clinical application. In addition to her scholarly achievements, Dr. Blumenthal is a respected educator, mentor, and leader in professional societies, advancing global nursing standards and shaping policies that improve patient care and healthcare delivery worldwide.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile 

Education

Dr. Nancy P. Blumenthal’s educational journey reflects her dedication to advancing nursing science and healthcare leadership. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Health Policy and Leadership from Yale University, a program that strengthened her expertise in healthcare systems, evidence-based policy, and organizational leadership. Prior to Yale, she pursued advanced nursing education at the University of Pennsylvania, where she refined her clinical skills in acute and critical care. Her academic foundation began at Boston University, where she cultivated her passion for patient-centered care and medical innovation. Collectively, these esteemed institutions shaped her as a clinician, researcher, and policy advocate. Her education seamlessly integrates theory with practice, preparing her to tackle pressing healthcare challenges. By combining advanced clinical training with leadership-focused education, Dr. Blumenthal has positioned herself as both a thought leader and practitioner, capable of bridging the gap between frontline care delivery and high-level healthcare policymaking.

Experience

Dr. Blumenthal’s professional career highlights her dual expertise as a clinician and academic leader. With extensive experience in lung transplantation and advanced cardiopulmonary care, she has played a pivotal role in developing innovative strategies to improve patient survival and quality of life. Her leadership extends beyond bedside practice to institutional governance, where she has influenced healthcare policy, organizational design, and the integration of advanced nursing practice into multidisciplinary teams. She has also served as principal investigator and co-investigator on numerous funded research projects, including international collaborations focused on transplantation outcomes and organ allocation systems. As an educator, she has mentored emerging clinicians and researchers, fostering the next generation of nurse leaders. She is a respected voice in professional organizations, contributing to committees, conferences, and knowledge-sharing platforms. Dr. Blumenthal’s experience reflects a career dedicated not only to advancing science and patient care but also to shaping healthcare systems for sustainable improvement.

Research Interest

Dr. Blumenthal’s research interests focus on the critical intersection of clinical innovation, healthcare policy, and patient-centered outcomes. She is particularly dedicated to advancing lung transplantation research, with an emphasis on improving organ allocation frameworks, optimizing transplant survival, and addressing barriers to equitable access. Her studies often explore how evidence-based strategies can enhance both patient safety and long-term outcomes in complex cardiopulmonary care. She is also deeply interested in the integration of nursing leadership within transplantation research, highlighting the unique role of advanced practice nurses in bridging clinical practice with scholarly inquiry. Beyond transplantation, her research spans healthcare quality improvement, patient engagement, and the development of resilience in clinical teams. She actively collaborates with interdisciplinary researchers and policymakers, ensuring her work remains both relevant and impactful. Her research philosophy emphasizes not only generating knowledge but also translating it into sustainable models that transform healthcare delivery across diverse populations.

Award and Honor

Throughout her career, Dr. Blumenthal has received recognition for her scholarly excellence, clinical leadership, and policy contributions. Her research has been supported by notable grants such as the Fu-Mei Lee Research and Innovation Grant, which enabled significant advancements in transplantation science. She has published extensively in top-tier journals, including Chest, American Journal of Transplantation, and Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation, earning professional acclaim and high citation impact. In addition to her academic achievements, she has been honored by professional organizations such as the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT), the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, reflecting her global recognition as a leader. Her awards highlight her commitment to advancing nursing education, healthcare innovation, and policy development. Collectively, these honors affirm her reputation as an influential figure who continuously contributes to both practice and scholarly advancement.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Factors affecting integration of the nurse practitioner workforce into health systems: a Delphi consensus study
Year: 2025
Citation: 3

Title: Adaptation of the Nurse Practitioner Integration Model for older adult primary care models
Year: 2025
Citation: 2

Title: Mismatch identified in symptom burden profiles in lung transplantation: Symptom Burden Profiles
Year: 2023
Citation: 3

Conclusion

Dr. Nancy P. Blumenthal exemplifies the qualities of a transformative nurse leader, scholar, and clinician whose work has significantly shaped lung transplantation and advanced nursing practice. With a strong academic foundation, extensive clinical experience, and pioneering research, she has become a recognized authority in both clinical and academic spheres. Her contributions extend beyond individual research to policy reform, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentorship, creating ripple effects that elevate healthcare systems. By integrating education, research, and leadership, she has advanced patient outcomes while inspiring innovation in nursing practice worldwide. Her recognitions and honors stand as a testament to her enduring influence in healthcare. As a mentor and role model, she continues to nurture future generations of nursing leaders, ensuring sustainability and growth within the profession. Dr. Blumenthal’s career embodies excellence, dedication, and vision, making her a highly respected figure in nursing and an inspiration across the global healthcare landscape.