Jana Tchekalarova | Toxicology | Best Research Article Award

Prof. Jana Tchekalarova | Toxicology | Best Research Article Award

scientist at Institute of Neurobiology Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria

Prof. Jana Tchekalarova is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of pharmacology and neurobiology. She has been a Professor of Pharmacology since 2016 and previously held the position of Associate Professor in Pharmacology starting in 2010. Her research career began with a postdoctoral position at the Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, where she worked from 2004 to 2010. Prof. Tchekalarova earned her Ph.D. in pharmacology from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences between 2000 and 2004. She also holds a Masterā€™s degree from the Institute of Biophysics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and a Bachelorā€™s degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology from the University of Sofia ā€œSt. Kliment Ohridski.ā€

Professional Profiles:

šŸ“š Education:

Prof. Jana Tchekalarova has a distinguished educational background and qualifications in the field of pharmacology and neurobiology. She has been a Professor in Pharmacology since 2016, following her promotion to Associate Professor in Pharmacology in 2010. From 2004 to 2010, she served as a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in Sofia. Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. in pharmacology, which she pursued from 2000 to 2004 at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Prof. Tchekalarova also holds a Masterā€™s degree from the Institute of Biophysics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, earned in 1989-1990. Her foundational education includes a Bachelorā€™s degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology from the University of Sofia ā€œSt. Kliment Ohridski,ā€ completed between 1985 and 1989.

Professional Experience:

Prof. Jana Tchekalarova has held several prominent positions throughout her career. Since 2022, she has been serving as a Member of the Management Board of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. In 2020, she assumed the role of Scientific Secretary at the Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. She has been the Head of the Department of Behavioral Neurobiology at the same institute since 2018. Additionally, she has held the position of Vice Director of the Institute of Neurobiology since 2021. Prof. Tchekalarova also contributes to academia as a part-time teacher at the Medical Faculty of Sofia University, a role she has held since 2015.

 

Research Awards:

Prof. Jana Tchekalarova has been the recipient of numerous research awards and fellowships throughout her career. From 1999 to 2000, she was awarded a fellowship funded by the Greek Ministry for Development/General Secretariat for Research & Technology/Joint Research and Technology Programs/Bulgaria-Greece Collaborations (work #6824). In 2000, she received a fellowship within the NATO Science Fellowship Programme. In 2005, Prof. Tchekalarova was granted a fellowship funded by CEERC IBRO. She also received a fellowship funded by the DFG in Germany in 2009, and in 2010, she was awarded a fellowship funded by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.

 

šŸ“šPublications :

Recent developments of hydrazide/hydrazone derivatives and their analogs as anticonvulsant agents in animal models

V. Angelova, V. Karabeliov, P.A. Andreevaā€Gateva, J. Tchekalarova

Drug Development Research 77 (7), 379-392

75 citations

2016

Effect of long-term caffeine administration on depressive-like behavior in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress

D.M. Pechlivanova, J.D. Tchekalarova, L.H. Alova, V.V. Petkov, R.P. Nikolov, …

Behavioural Pharmacology 23 (4), 339-347

74 citations

2012

Dose-dependent effects of caffeine on behavior and thermoregulation in a chronic unpredictable stress model of depression in rats

D. Pechlivanova, J. Tchekalarova, R. Nikolov, K. Yakimova

Behavioural Brain Research 209 (2), 205-211

67 citations

2010

Angiotensin peptides modulatory system: how is it implicated in the control of seizure susceptibility?

J. Tchekalarova, V. Georgiev

Life Sciences 76 (9), 955-970

65 citations

2005

Agomelatine treatment corrects symptoms of depression and anxiety by restoring the disrupted melatonin circadian rhythms of rats exposed to chronic constant light

J. Tchekalarova, T. Stoynova, K. Ilieva, R. Mitreva, M. Atanasova

Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior 171, 1-9

64 citations

2018

Prophylactic treatment with melatonin after status epilepticus: Effects on epileptogenesis, neuronal damage, and behavioral changes in a kainate model of temporal lobe epilepsy

J. Tchekalarova, Z. Petkova, D. Pechlivanova, S. Moyanova, L. Kortenska, …

Epilepsy & Behavior 27 (1), 174-187

63 citations

2013

Diurnal variations in depression-like behavior of Wistar and spontaneously hypertensive rats in the kainate model of temporal lobe epilepsy

J. Tchekalarova, D. Pechlivanova, T. Atanasova, P. Markova, V. Lozanov, …

Epilepsy & Behavior 20 (2), 277-285

57 citations

2011

Antiepileptogenic and neuroprotective effects of losartan in kainate model of temporal lobe epilepsy

J.D. Tchekalarova, N.M. Ivanova, D.M. Pechlivanova, D. Atanasova, …

Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior 127, 27-36

55 citations

2014

Oxidative stress and aging as risk factors for Alzheimerā€™s disease and Parkinsonā€™s disease: the role of the antioxidant melatonin

J. Tchekalarova, R. Tzoneva

International Journal of Molecular Sciences 24 (3), 3022

51 citations

2023

Postnatal caffeine exposure: effects on motor skills and locomotor activity during ontogenesis

J. Tchekalarova, H. Kubova, P. MareÅ”

Behavioural Brain Research 160 (1), 99-106

51 citations

2005

Sreenivasan Sasidharan | Toxicology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Sreenivasan Sasidharan | Toxicology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia

Dr. Sreenivasan Sasidharan is a distinguished academic and researcher with extensive expertise in natural products, pharmacognosy, biotechnology, and microbiology. He earned his PhD from the School of Biological Sciences at Universiti Sains Malaysia, focusing on the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of bioactive compounds from marine algae Gracilaria changii. Dr. Sasidharan also holds a Masterā€™s degree in Microbiology from the same institution, where he investigated the survival, growth, and epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infections in multiracial communities in Northern Peninsular Malaysia. With over two decades of professional experience, Dr. Sasidharan has held various academic positions, including Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer at the Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia. His teaching career spans roles as a lecturer and tutor in microbiology and biostatistics at several prestigious institutions.

Professional Profiles:

šŸ“š Education:

Dr. Sreenivasan Sasidharan holds an impressive academic record in the field of biological sciences, with a focus on natural products, pharmacognosy, biotechnology, and microbiology. He earned his Ph.D. in 2007 from the School of Biological Sciences at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia. His doctoral research centered on investigating the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of bioactive compounds derived from the marine algae Gracilaria changii. Prior to his Ph.D., Dr. Sasidharan completed his Master of Science degree in Microbiology in 2002 from the same institution. His master’s thesis focused on the survival and growth of Helicobacter pylori and the epidemiology of H. pylori infections among multiracial communities in Northern Peninsular Malaysia. Dr. Sasidharan’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science (Honors) degree in Microbiology, which he obtained in 1999 from the School of Biological Sciences at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia. His strong educational foundation has significantly contributed to his expertise and research capabilities in his field.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Sreenivasan Sasidharan has a robust and diverse professional background in academia and research, primarily within the field of biological sciences. His journey through various roles has equipped him with extensive knowledge and expertise. From 2008 to May 2014, Dr. Sasidharan served as an Associate Professor at the Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia. In this capacity, he played a crucial role in leading research initiatives and guiding students in advanced molecular medicine studies. Prior to his role as an Associate Professor, he was a Senior Lecturer at the same institute from 2007 to 2008. During this period, he contributed significantly to the research output and educational excellence of the institution. In 2007, Dr. Sasidharan began his full-time academic career as a Lecturer in the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, AIMST University, Kedah. His tenure there was marked by his dedication to teaching and mentoring students in the field of biotechnology. Before transitioning to full-time roles, he gathered substantial teaching experience as a Part-Time Lecturer and Graduate Assistant. From 2005 to 2006, he was a Part-Time Lecturer in Biology at Jabatan Biology, Fakulti Sains dan Teknology, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. Concurrently, he served as a Graduate Assistant in Microbiology at Pusat Pengajian Pendidikan Jarak Jauh, Universiti Sains Malaysia from 2004 to 2005. In addition, Dr. Sasidharan contributed as a Part-Time Lecturer in Microbiology from 1999 to 2006 at Pusat Pengajian Pendidikan Jarak Jauh, Universiti Sains Malaysia. During this period, he also worked as a Tutor for Biostatistics at Pusat Pengajian Sains Kajihayat, Universiti Sains Malaysia, helping to develop the statistical acumen of students in biological research. Dr. Sreenivasan Sasidharan’s extensive professional experience highlights his commitment to education and research, making him a distinguished figure in his field.

Ā ResearchĀ :

Dr. Sreenivasan Sasidharan has led and participated in several significant research projects, supported by various research grants. His work primarily focuses on natural product discovery, antimicrobial activities, and genomic approaches. In 2002, Dr. Sasidharan embarked on a project using genomic approaches to explore seaweed genes and natural product discovery. This early initiative set the stage for his subsequent research endeavors. As a Principal Investigator, he secured a USM INSENTIF research grant amounting to RM5,000.00, which funded his project from February 24, 2009, to February 25, 2010. This project was successfully completed, marking an important milestone in his research career. Dr. Sasidharan then received a USM Short Term Grant of RM34,096.00 for his study on the anti-Candida activity, mode of action, and biofilm prevention by Cassia spectabilis methanol leaf extract, specifically targeting Candida albicans. This project ran from August 1, 2009, to July 31, 2011, and was completed successfully. Furthering his research on natural products, he investigated the antiparasitic properties and conducted scanning and transmission electron microscope studies on the root extract of Eurycoma longifolia Jack. This project was supported by a USM Research Universiti Grant of RM102,062.00 and was carried out from November 1, 2009, to March 31, 2012, culminating in valuable findings. Dr. Sasidharan also explored the isolation and identification of isothermal DNA polymerase-producing thermophiles from geothermal water in Malaysia. This research, funded by a USM Research Universiti Grant of RM99,962.00, spanned from November 15, 2009, to November 14, 2011, and was successfully completed. In another significant project, he focused on the isolation, identification, and in-vitro production of helicase from local clinical isolates of Escherichia coli. This extensive study, supported by a USM Research Universiti Grant of RM494,061.75, took place from June 1, 2011, to May 31, 2013, and was completed, adding substantial knowledge to the field. Lastly, Dr. Sasidharan investigated the antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective potential of Lantadene A against paracetamol-induced damage in mice. This project, funded by a USM Short Term Grant of RM39,094.00, ran from June 15, 2012, to June 14, 2014, and was completed successfully, highlighting his continued commitment to advancing biomedical research. These research projects and grants underscore Dr. Sreenivasan Sasidharan’s dedication to scientific discovery and his significant contributions to the fields of natural products, pharmacognosy, and biotechnology.

Awards:

Dr. Sreenivasan Sasidharan has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and scholarships throughout his academic and professional career, reflecting his outstanding contributions and achievements in the field of biological sciences. Dr. Sasidharan was awarded a JPA Scholarship for his undergraduate studies, covering a period of four years. For his Master’s degree, he received the Skim Biasiswa Pasca Siswazah Scholarship, which supported his studies for two years. For his doctoral studies, Dr. Sasidharan was granted the Skim Biasiswa Pasca Siswazah Scholarship that covered a three-year period. During his academic journey, Dr. Sasidharan was listed on the Dean’s List for his academic excellence during the 1996/97 academic year (two semesters) and the second semester of the 1998/99 academic year. In 2008, he received the Sanggar Sanjung Award from Universiti Sains Malaysia for his achievements in the publication category. He was further recognized with the Hadiah Sanggar Sanjung Award for his publication achievements in 2009, 2010, and 2011 by Universiti Sains Malaysia. In 2011, Universiti Sains Malaysia honored him with the Annual Excellent Service Award, which included a cash prize of RM 1000, for his exemplary service. Dr. Sasidharan was recognized by Elsevier BV and Stanford University as one of the top 2% of scientists worldwide based on career-long citation impact until the end of 2021. He was also acknowledged for his citation impact in a single calendar year (2021) by Stanford University. The Academy of Sciences Malaysia recognized Dr. Sasidharan as one of the top research scientists in Malaysia in 2022. Additionally, he was listed among the top 2% of scientists globally for career-long citation impact until the end of 2020 by Elsevier BV and Stanford University. Dr. Sasidharan was also recognized for his citation impact in the single calendar years of 2020 and 2019 by Stanford University. These accolades underscore Dr. Sreenivasan Sasidharan’s significant contributions to his field, highlighting his dedication to research, education, and academic excellence.

Skills:

Dr. Sreenivasan Sasidharan possesses a comprehensive range of computer skills essential for academic research and professional productivity. He is proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint, which allows him to create engaging and informative presentations, utilizing advanced features to enhance visual communication and effectively convey research findings. His expertise in Microsoft Word enables him to prepare and format documents meticulously, producing well-structured and professionally formatted reports, research papers, and other academic documents. Additionally, Dr. Sasidharan is adept at using Microsoft Excel for data analysis and management, employing complex formulas, pivot tables, and charts to organize and interpret data efficiently for research and administrative purposes. His proficiency extends to SPSS Version 11.5, where he utilizes the software for statistical analysis, performing a variety of statistical tests and interpreting results to support research conclusions and academic projects. These computer skills collectively enable Dr. Sasidharan to conduct thorough research, analyze data effectively, and present his findings in a clear and impactful manner.

 

šŸ“šPublications :

Extraction, isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds from plantsā€™ extracts

Authors: S Sasidharan, Y Chen, D Saravanan, KM Sundram, LY Latha

Journal: African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines

Volume: 8 (1)

Pages: 2064-2071

Year: 2011

Citations: 2064

Acute Oral Toxicity of Methanolic Seed Extract of Cassia fistula in Mice

Authors: SL Jothy, Z Zakaria, Y Chen, YL Lau, LY Latha, S Sasidharan

Journal: Molecules

Volume: 16 (6)

Pages: 5268-5282

Year: 2011

Citations: 324

Antioxidant activity and phytochemical screening of the methanol extracts of Euphorbia hirta L

Authors: AA Basma, Z Zakaria, LY Latha, S Sasidharan

Journal: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine

Volume: 4 (5)

Pages: 386-390

Year: 2011

Citations: 285

Acute and Subchronic Toxicity Study of Euphorbia hirta L. Methanol Extract in Rats

Authors: K Yuet Ping, I Darah, Y Chen, S Sreeramanan, S Sasidharan

Journal: BioMed Research International

Volume: 2013

Pages: 182064

Year: 2013

Citations: 266

Antioxidant activity of methanol extracts of different parts of Lantana camara

Authors: B Mahdi-Pour, SL Jothy, LY Latha, Y Chen, S Sasidharan

Journal: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine

Volume: 2 (12)

Pages: 960-965

Year: 2012

Citations: 241

Cytotoxicity of methanol extracts of Elaeis guineensis on MCF-7 and Vero cell lines

Authors: S Vijayarathna, S Sasidharan

Journal: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine

Volume: 2 (10)

Pages: 826-829

Year: 2012

Citations: 217

Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Aqueous, Methanolic and Alkaloid Extracts from Mitragyna Speciosa (Rubiaceae Family) Leaves

Authors: S Parthasarathy, JB Azizi, S Ramanathan, S Ismail, S Sasidharan, …

Journal: Molecules

Volume: 14 (10)

Pages: 3964-3974

Year: 2009

Citations: 201

Wound Healing Potential of Elaeis guineensis JacqLeaves in an Infected Albino Rat Model

Authors: S Sasidharan, R Nilawatyi, R Xavier, LY Latha, R Amala

Journal: Molecules

Volume: 15 (5)

Pages: 3186-3199

Year: 2010

Citations: 189

Antioxidant and antibacterial activity of different parts of Leucas aspera

Authors: AL Chew, JJA Jessica, S Sasidharan

Journal: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine

Volume: 2 (3)

Pages: 176-180

Year: 2012

Citations: 185

Genotoxicity of Euphorbia hirta: An Allium cepa Assay

Authors: KY Ping, I Darah, UK Yusuf, C Yeng, S Sasidharan

Journal: Molecules

Volume: 17 (7)

Pages: 7782-7791

Year: 2012

Citations: 182