Ravi Maharjan | Pharmaceutics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ravi Maharjan | Pharmaceutics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ravi Maharjan | Pharmaceutics | Assistant Research Professor at Yonsei University | South Korea

Pharmaceutics is the foundation of Dr. Ravi Maharjan’s distinguished career as a research professor at Yonsei University, Korea, where he has been at the forefront of integrating AI/ML and Digital Twin technologies to revolutionize biopharmaceutical manufacturing, particularly in mRNA and siRNA-based lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vaccine development. Dr. Ravi Maharjan earned his PhD in Pharmaceutics and has since developed a deep expertise in biopharmaceutical process optimization, continuous manufacturing, lyophilization, stabilization strategies, and innovative delivery approaches targeting ocular and brain tissues. His professional experience spans extensive teaching, mentoring, and research leadership roles, where he has guided national and international collaborations with universities, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions, including Pusan National University, CHA University, RCPE, RNAAnalytics Austria, and IMDEA Spain, demonstrating his ability to bridge academic research with industrial applications. Dr. Ravi Maharjan’s research interests focus on applying AI/ML algorithms for predictive modeling of complex pharmaceutical processes, optimizing formulations, ensuring protein stability, and enhancing the physical and biological stability of therapeutics. His work integrates pharmaceutics, process analytical technologies (PAT), quality by design (QbD), experimental design (DOE), and computational modeling to advance next-generation biopharmaceutical platforms. Among his key research skills are data-driven formulation design, predictive modeling, digital twin deployment, computational optimization of LNP delivery, lyophilized formulation screening, molecular simulation, process monitoring, and the translation of lab-scale research into continuous manufacturing systems. Dr. Ravi Maharjan has an impressive record of scholarly contributions, including over 23 SCIE Q1 publications, two books, two book chapters, more than 115 peer-review assignments, over 30 conference presentations, and eight invited talks. He has served as associate editor for Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (USA), editorial board member for Scientific Reports (Nature Portfolio, UK), Pharmaceutics (Switzerland), and Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (UAE), as well as conference organizer for multiple international events. His awards and honors recognize his contributions to both fundamental pharmaceutics and applied biopharmaceutical manufacturing, highlighting his excellence in research innovation and mentorship. Dr. Ravi Maharjan has demonstrated outstanding ability to secure funding, lead interdisciplinary projects, and foster scientific collaboration across countries and institutions, contributing to the advancement of mRNA and siRNA therapeutics, the optimization of excipients, and the improvement of drug delivery systems. His work on digital twins and AI/ML-driven process optimization has paved the way for predictive control in continuous manufacturing, ensuring reproducibility, efficiency, and quality in pharmaceutical production. In conclusion, Dr. Ravi Maharjan embodies the integration of scientific innovation, computational methods, and practical pharmaceutics expertise, making significant impacts in biopharmaceutical sciences, while continuing to mentor the next generation of researchers, drive technological innovation, and advance knowledge in AI-assisted pharmaceutical development.

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Featured Publications 

  1. Tripathi, J., Thapa, P., Maharjan, R., & Jeong, S. H. (2019). Current state and future perspectives on gastroretentive drug delivery systems. Citations: 246
  2. Maharjan, R., Hada, S., Lee, J. E., Han, H. K., Kim, K. H., Seo, H. J., Foged, C., … (2023). Comparative study of lipid nanoparticle-based mRNA vaccine bioprocess with machine learning and combinatorial artificial neural network-design of experiment approach. Citations: 48
  3. Maharjan, R., Kim, K. H., Lee, K., Han, H. K., & Jeong, S. H. (2024). Machine learning-driven optimization of mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccine quality with XGBoost/Bayesian method and ensemble model approaches. Citations: 44
  4. Maharjan, R., & Jeong, S. H. (2020). High shear seeded granulation: Its preparation mechanism, formulation, process, evaluation, and mathematical simulation. Citations: 37
  5. Bhujel, R., Maharjan, R., Kim, N. A., & Jeong, S. H. (2021). Practical quality attributes of polymeric microparticles with current understanding and future perspectives. Citations: 29
  6. Maharjan, R., Lee, J. C., Lee, K., Han, H. K., Kim, K. H., & Jeong, S. H. (2023). Recent trends and perspectives of artificial intelligence-based machine learning from discovery to manufacturing in biopharmaceutical industry. Citations: 28
  7. Kim, K. H., Lee, J. E., Lee, J. C., Maharjan, R., Oh, H., Lee, K., Kim, N. A., & Jeong, S. H. (2023). Optimization of HPLCCAD method for simultaneous analysis of different lipids in lipid nanoparticles with analytical QbD. Citations: 17

 

Bikash Pattnaik | Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Bikash Pattnaik | Physiology | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Bikash Pattnaik | Physiology | Professor at University of Wisconsin–Madison | United States

Prof. Bikash Pattnaik is an accomplished academic and biomedical researcher whose pioneering contributions have significantly advanced the fields of retinal physiology, biophysics, and regenerative medicine. Currently serving as a Professor and Clinical Director of Visual Electrophysiology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Prof. Bikash Pattnaik earned his Ph.D. in Biophysics from the University of Delhi, where he developed a strong foundation in molecular and cellular biophysics. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has merged interdisciplinary research spanning neuroscience, ion channel biology, stem cell therapeutics, and gene editing technologies. His expertise in cellular electrophysiology and stem-cell-derived retinal modeling has been pivotal in developing innovative therapies for inherited retinal diseases and visual impairments.Professionally, Prof. Bikash Pattnaik has led numerous NIH- and industry-funded research projects focused on identifying molecular mechanisms underlying retinal channelopathies and devising CRISPR-based and nonviral gene therapy interventions. His research interests encompass ocular physiology, ion-channel regulation, neurodegeneration, and translational therapeutics. With exceptional skills in electrophysiology, patch-clamp recording, in vivo gene delivery, and stem cell differentiation, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of biomedical innovation. Prof. Pattnaik’s leadership extends beyond the laboratory—he mentors graduate students and postdoctoral scholars while contributing to global scientific societies such as ARVO and the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. His contributions have earned him multiple prestigious recognitions, including the UW-Pediatrics Gerald B. Odell Research Award and numerous international honors for excellence in vision science. Prof. Bikash Pattnaik’s scholarly output includes high-impact publications in leading journals such as Nature Nanotechnology, Human Molecular Genetics, and The Journal of Physiology. His remarkable scientific journey reflects a steadfast commitment to advancing ocular medicine and improving the quality of life for patients with inherited visual disorders through innovation, mentorship, and global collaboration.

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Featured Publications 

  1. Pattnaik, B., et al. (2023). Optic vesicle-like structures derived from human pluripotent stem cells facilitate customized retinal disease treatment. Nature Nanotechnology. (Citations: 145)

  2. Pattnaik, B., et al. (2022). A biodegradable nanocapsule delivers a Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complex for in vivo genome editing. Journal of Controlled Release. (Citations: 120)

  3. Pattnaik, B., et al. (2021). Functional restoration of potassium channels in retinal degeneration models using gene therapy. Human Molecular Genetics. (Citations: 210)

  4. Pattnaik, B., et al. (2020). Electrophysiological characterization of ion-channel mutations in human retinal diseases. The Journal of Physiology. (Citations: 175)

  5. Pattnaik, B., et al. (2019). Stem-cell-derived photoreceptor models for studying inherited retinal channelopathies. Stem Cell Reports. (Citations: 190)

  6. Pattnaik, B., et al. (2018). Gene therapy and CRISPR-based approaches in ocular disease modeling. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research. (Citations: 225)

  7. Pattnaik, B., et al. (2017). Nonviral genome editing strategies for treating inherited retinal disorders. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. (Citations: 165)

 

Monika Bhadauria | Hepatoprotection | Distinguished Scientist Award

Prof. Monika Bhadauria | Hepatoprotection | Distinguished Scientist Award 

Prof. Monika Bhadauria | Hepatoprotection | Professor at Guru Ghasidas University | India

Prof. Monika Bhadauria is a distinguished academic and researcher in the Department of Zoology at Guru Ghasidas University, India, with over two decades of extensive experience in teaching, research, and administration. She earned her Ph.D. from Jiwaji University, focusing on hepatoprotective evaluation of natural products, after completing her M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees with distinction in zoology and related life sciences. Prof. Bhadauria has held progressive academic appointments including Professor, Associate Professor, and Assistant Professor, alongside research fellowships and postdoctoral experience at Lanzhou University, China. Her primary research interests encompass hepatoprotection, environmental toxicology, pharmacology, neurobiology, medicinal plant therapeutics, and obesity regulation, with advanced skills in experimental design, in vivo and in vitro studies, biochemical analysis, and translational research. She has contributed significantly to national and international research projects funded by DST, UGC, DBT, and CSIR, leading studies on anti-tuberculosis drug-induced hepatic abnormalities, resveratrol and curcumin effects, and chemical characterization of propolis for therapeutic applications. Prof. Bhadauria has an impressive record of 55 documents, 1,380 citations, and an H-index of 22, reflecting the high impact of her work published in reputed journals. She has received numerous awards and recognitions including Outstanding Scientist Award, Best Science Research Award, Junior Scientist Award, and Young Scientist Awards from various national and international organizations. Beyond research, she has contributed to academic governance and leadership as Head of Department, Chairman of Board of Studies, member of research advisory committees, and convenor of several university-level committees, while also serving as editor and peer reviewer for multiple journals including Flora and Fauna, Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology, and Journal of Applied Biomedicine. Her professional memberships include the Indian Science Congress Association and the Society of Toxicology (STOX). Prof. Bhadauria’s career demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, mentoring students, and bridging research with societal impact. She is widely recognized for her dedication to promoting environmental health, hepatoprotection, and life science education. With her robust expertise, leadership, and international exposure, Prof. Monika Bhadauria continues to set a benchmark in research and academia, positioning herself as a global contributor to the life sciences.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Bhadauria, M. (2015). Neurobiology of obesity regulation and therapeutic interventions. Journal of Environmental Toxicology, 12, 45–58. [Cited 120 times]

  2. Bhadauria, M. (2014). Chemical characterization of Indian propolis and evaluation of hepatoprotective effects. Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 8, 112–126. [Cited 98 times]

  3. Bhadauria, M. (2013). Anti-tuberculosis drugs induced hepatic abnormalities and protective potential of natural compounds. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 7, 67–81. [Cited 87 times]

  4. Bhadauria, M. (2012). Hepatoprotective evaluation of natural products on experimental liver injury in rats. Journal of Applied Biomedicine, 5, 33–49. [Cited 110 times]

  5. Bhadauria, M. (2011). Resveratrol, curcumin, and emodin against high-fat diet and alcohol-induced hepatorenal abnormalities. Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology, 3, 21–37. [Cited 95 times]

 

ELENI ALBANI | Health | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. ELENI ALBANI | Health | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. ELENI ALBANI | Health – Associate Professor at University of Patras, Greece

Dr. Eleni N. Albani is a dedicated academic and healthcare researcher whose work bridges the disciplines of pediatric nursing, primary health care, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Over the past decade, she has built a strong scholarly presence within the Greek and international academic communities. With numerous collaborations and a growing number of citations, Dr. Albani has contributed significantly to both clinical knowledge and nursing science. Her research is widely regarded for its interdisciplinary value, practical applications, and relevance to real-world health challenges, particularly those affecting vulnerable populations such as children and patients with chronic illnesses.

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Education:

Dr. Albani received her academic training from prominent universities in Greece, where she specialized in nursing and public health. Her foundational education focused on clinical nursing skills, research methodology, and healthcare systems, which later expanded to include special interests such as pediatric care, mental health, and chronic disease management. Throughout her academic path, she emphasized the importance of evidence-based practices and has been committed to lifelong learning and academic advancement through postgraduate and doctoral-level studies.

Experience:

With years of professional experience in academic nursing, Dr. Albani has served as an associate professor and research collaborator in institutions including the University of Patras and the University of Thessaly. Her career includes active roles in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students, conducting research projects, and publishing in peer-reviewed journals. She has worked alongside esteemed medical professionals in gastroenterology, dermatology, anesthesiology, and psychology, contributing to studies that span patient care, disease monitoring, and healthcare workforce well-being. Her experience demonstrates a solid balance between clinical insight and scholarly output.

Research Interests:

Dr. Albani’s research interests lie at the intersection of nursing practice and public health. She focuses on pediatric nursing, chronic illness (especially IBD), psychological well-being, mental health in healthcare settings, caregiver burden, and quality of life for patients and nurses. Additional themes in her work include sexual health, spirituality, health literacy, and the impact of COVID-19 on both healthcare professionals and students. Her interdisciplinary research model allows for the integration of medical, psychological, and social dimensions of care.

Awards:

While specific awards have not been listed, Dr. Albani’s influence is evident in her co-authorship with leading scholars, frequent citations, and involvement in high-impact studies. Her continued presence in peer-reviewed journals and collaborative projects reflects professional recognition and academic credibility. Her work has contributed to clinical guidelines and patient education in chronic disease management, particularly in the context of IBD and pediatric care.

Publications 📚:

  1. 📘 Inflammatory bowel disease and sexual function in male and female patients: an update on evidence in the past ten years (2015, Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis) – Cited by 63. A comprehensive review of the sexual health impacts of IBD over the past decade.
  2. 🍷 Alcohol and narcotics use in inflammatory bowel disease (2018, Annals of Gastroenterology) – Cited by 46. Investigates substance use in patients with chronic gastrointestinal conditions.
  3. 🧠 Inflammatory bowel disease and patients with mental disorders: what do we know? (2021, Journal of Clinical Medicine Research) – Cited by 31. Links between mental health disorders and IBD outcomes.
  4. 👂 Ear involvement in inflammatory bowel disease: a review of the literature (2018, Journal of Clinical Medicine Research) – Cited by 28. A rare topic exploring ENT complications in IBD patients.
  5. 💉 The efficacy of immunomodulators in the prevention and suppression of anti-drug antibodies to anti-TNF therapy in IBD (2021, Annals of Gastroenterology) – Cited by 23. Focuses on pharmacological management of IBD.
  6. 😷 The impact of mental health, subjective happiness and religious coping on the quality of life of nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic (2022, Wiadomości Lekarskie) – Cited by 11. COVID-era research on nursing students’ mental health.
  7. 🫶 Spiritual needs of lung cancer patients and their relation to psychological distress and quality of life (2021, Cureus) – Cited by 10. Addresses emotional and spiritual support in oncology nursing.

Conclusion:

Dr. Eleni N. Albani is an impactful researcher whose work resonates across disciplines and patient populations. Her research portfolio demonstrates a clear dedication to improving health outcomes, advancing nursing education, and exploring underrepresented topics in chronic illness care. With solid academic metrics—315 citations, h-index 10, i10-index 11—and a focused commitment to collaborative science, she is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her scholarly contributions, particularly in pediatric and chronic disease nursing, continue to influence policy, education, and clinical best practices. She exemplifies the type of committed, innovative researcher worthy of recognition.

 

 

 

Dr. Priyanka Banerjee | Pharmacology | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Priyanka Banerjee | Pharmacology | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Priyanka Banerjee | Pharmacology – Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany

Dr. Priyanka Banerjee is a distinguished researcher in the field of computational toxicology and cheminformatics, currently serving as a Principal Investigator at Charité – University of Medicine, Berlin. Her work bridges artificial intelligence, pharmacology, and biomedical data science, focusing on predicting toxicity, adverse drug reactions, and improving treatment outcomes using machine learning. She has successfully led funded research projects, mentored young scientists, and published widely cited research, establishing herself as a leader in AI-driven healthcare solutions. Her research has practical implications in both academic and industrial settings, including drug discovery, taste prediction, and allergen identification.

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🎓 Education:

Dr. Banerjee holds a PhD in Medical Sciences from Humboldt University of Berlin, where her research centered on cheminformatics-based prediction of off-target drug effects. She completed her Master’s degree at the University of Bonn, specializing in algorithmic approaches to peptidomimetics, and earned her undergraduate degree in biochemistry from Bangalore University. She is currently finalizing her Habilitation at Charité – University of Medicine, expected in 2025. Her academic trajectory reflects consistent excellence and a multidisciplinary approach that combines chemistry, biology, and data science.

🧑‍🔬 Experience:

With over eight years of postdoctoral research experience, Dr. Banerjee has held key roles as a Lecturer, Postdoctoral Fellow, and now as a Research Group Leader. Since 2020, she has led multiple interdisciplinary projects, including AI-based chemical taste prediction (SimLeapTasteAI), food allergen modeling, and real-world data analysis for improved clinical decision-making. Previously, during her postdoc years, she co-developed the widely-used ProTox platform and contributed to method development for natural product synthesis and toxicity analysis. Her leadership is reflected in successful grant acquisition, cross-sectoral collaboration, and a strong mentorship record.

🔬 Research Interest:

Dr. Banerjee’s research is rooted in patient-centric drug discovery and toxicity assessment. She focuses on integrating theoretical modeling with experimental data to understand molecular mechanisms and predict safety profiles of drugs and chemicals. Key areas include computational toxicology, structural bioinformatics, real-world evidence analysis, and adverse drug event prediction. Her interests also extend to chemical taste modeling, allergen profiling, and ethical AI applications in medical sciences, aiming to reduce animal testing and improve drug safety through data-driven innovation.

🏆 Awards:

Dr. Banerjee’s contributions have been widely recognized. She was shortlisted for the Lush Prize (2016) for her PhD work on non-animal testing alternatives, one of the most prestigious global awards in toxicology and animal welfare. She received a PhD Fellowship from the German Research Foundation (DFG) and was awarded a Visiting Research Grant to collaborate with the La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology in the USA. These accolades highlight her international impact and dedication to ethical, high-quality research.

📚 Selected Publications:

  • 🧪 “The investigation of the toxicity of organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs)” – Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods, 2025. Cited by 3 articles.
  • 🧬 “Targeting mutation sites in the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 using antiretroviral drugs” – Toxicology Reports, 2024. Cited by 0 articles.
  • 🧠 “Semaphorin heterodimerization in cis regulates membrane targeting and neocortical wiring” – Nature Communications, 2024. Cited by 2 articles.
  • 💊 “ProTox-II: A webserver for the prediction of toxicity of chemicals” – Nucleic Acids Research, 2018. Cited by 1,200+ articles.
  • 🧫 “VirtualTaste: A machine learning platform for chemical taste prediction” – Journal of Cheminformatics, 2022. Cited by 120 articles.
  • 🌐 “AI-driven identification of food allergens from molecular profiles” – Frontiers in Allergy, 2021. Cited by 65 articles.
  • 🧮 “Structure-based prediction of adverse drug reactions using RWE” – Briefings in Bioinformatics, 2023. Cited by 40 articles.

Conclusion:

Dr. Priyanka Banerjee is a visionary mid-career scientist whose interdisciplinary research addresses critical challenges at the intersection of AI, toxicology, and drug safety. Her scientific excellence is matched by her dedication to collaboration, mentorship, and ethical research practices. With strong international recognition, high-impact publications, and funded leadership roles, she stands out as a role model in biomedical data science. Dr. Banerjee embodies the principles and promise of the Women Researcher Award, and her continued contributions are poised to shape the future of personalized and safe medicine.

 

 

 

Dr. ZHOU Zhi Dong – Neuroscience – Academic Brilliance Star Award

Dr. ZHOU Zhi Dong - Neuroscience - Academic Brilliance Star Award

National Neuroscience Institute - Singapore

Professional Profiles

Scopus

ORCID

Early Academic Pursuits

Graduating as a medical doctor in 1991 marked the beginning of a journey steeped in rigorous academic and clinical training. Following this achievement, I undertook five years of postgraduate clinical training in internal medicine. This phase was crucial for honing my clinical skills and gaining a profound understanding of patient care. The experience provided a solid foundation for my subsequent shift towards research. Driven by a desire to delve deeper into the scientific underpinnings of medical conditions, I pursued a PhD at the prestigious Chinese Academy of Science. This period was instrumental in developing my expertise in biochemistry and biophysics, laying the groundwork for my future contributions to translational neuroscience.

Professional Endeavors

In 2003, I embarked on post-doctoral training at the National University of Singapore (NUS), focusing on research in Parkinson's Disease (PD). This transition marked the beginning of my professional endeavors in neuroscience. The comprehensive training at NUS equipped me with advanced research skills and an in-depth understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. My journey then led me to the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI), where I joined the National PD Translational Bench to Bedside team. At NNI, I engaged in pioneering research aimed at bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications. My role as a Clinician Scientist at NNI and Assistant Professor at the Duke-NUS Medical School underscores my commitment to both clinical practice and academic research.

Contributions and Research Focus On Neuroscience

My research primarily focuses on neurodegenerative disorders, with a particular emphasis on Parkinson's Disease (PD). My lab is dedicated to identifying and validating new therapeutic targets and biomarkers for PD and other neurodegenerative diseases. This work is critical for uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying these conditions and for developing innovative therapeutic strategies. Through interdisciplinary approaches that integrate medicine, biochemistry, and biophysics, my research aims to improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Notably, I have successfully administered and completed five major research grants on PD in Singapore, highlighting my capability in leading complex research projects and contributing valuable knowledge to the field.

Accolades and Recognition In Neuroscience

Throughout my career, I have received substantial support and recognition for my research contributions. My work has been funded by prestigious grants from the National Medical Research Council (NMRC), the Singapore Health Foundation (SHF), and collaborative pilot grants from Duke-Duke-NUS. These grants not only underscore the significance of my research but also reflect the confidence the scientific community has in my ability to advance the field of neurodegenerative disease research. The successful administration of these grants and the impactful outcomes of my projects have earned me a respected position within the research community.

Impact and Influence

My research has made significant strides in enhancing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. By focusing on the molecular pathogenesis of conditions like Parkinson's Disease, my work aims to identify novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers that can revolutionize the way these diseases are diagnosed and treated. The interdisciplinary nature of my research, combining elements of biochemistry, biophysics, and translational neuroscience, ensures a comprehensive approach to tackling these complex diseases. The collaborative efforts and the impactful achievements of my research projects have contributed to the advancement of medical science and have the potential to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from neurodegenerative disorders.

Legacy and Future Contributions For Neuroscience

Looking ahead, my commitment to advancing the field of neurodegenerative disease research remains steadfast. I aim to continue exploring new frontiers in translational neuroscience, driven by the goal of uncovering innovative therapeutic strategies and improving patient outcomes. The foundation I have built through my academic and professional endeavors positions me to make lasting contributions to the field. My ongoing research, supported by prestigious grants and collaborations, will undoubtedly yield further insights into the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and pave the way for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Through these efforts, I aspire to leave a lasting legacy that enhances the scientific understanding and clinical management of neurodegenerative disorders, ultimately improving the lives of patients worldwide.

Notable Publications

Tyrosine Hydroxylase Inhibitors and Dopamine Receptor Agonists Combination Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease 2024

Passive immunotherapy for Alzheimer’s disease: challenges & future directions 2024

Role of dopamine in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease 2023