Rolf Teschke | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Paper Award

Prof. Rolf Teschke | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Paper Award

Professor at Klinikum Hanau | Germany

Prof. Rolf Teschke is an internationally recognized expert in hepatology whose distinguished career has significantly influenced contemporary understanding of liver diseases, hepatotoxicity, and drug-induced liver injury. Educated at leading medical institutions and trained in internal medicine with specialization in gastroenterology and hepatology, he advanced early in his career through rigorous scientific and clinical environments that shaped his enduring interest in hepatic metabolism and toxicology. His research journey includes extensive work in experimental hepatology, where he contributed pivotal insights into microsomal ethanol-oxidizing systems, cytochrome P450 related pathways, and the biochemical mechanisms underlying alcohol-associated and toxin-induced liver damage. Over several decades, Prof. Rolf Teschke has held prominent academic and clinical positions, leading major medical departments and contributing to both patient care and research innovation. His expertise is particularly well known for advancing causality assessment methodologies in drug-induced liver injury, especially through his influential work with the RUCAM system, which has become a globally referenced tool in hepatotoxicity evaluation. Throughout his career, he has produced a substantial body of peer-reviewed literature, reflecting profound scientific productivity and impact. His publication record includes 171 documents, supported by 6,888 citations across 4,040 citing documents, and an impressive h-index of 48, underscoring the depth, relevance, and international recognition of his work. Prof. Rolf Teschke’s research interests span alcoholic liver disease, herbal and drug hepatotoxicity, biochemical enzymology, and clinical hepatology, integrating laboratory discoveries with real-world clinical applications to improve diagnostic standards and therapeutic strategies. He has authored and co-authored more than 250 publications, including articles, book chapters, and comprehensive reviews, contributing to foundational knowledge used by clinicians, toxicologists, and regulatory bodies worldwide. In addition to research, he has served in editorial roles for several journals, helping guide scientific discourse in hepatology and liver toxicology. Overall, Prof. Rolf Teschke’s career reflects a sustained commitment to advancing scientific excellence, improving patient outcomes, and shaping global best practices in the study of liver injury, marking him as one of the leading contributors to modern hepatology.

Profile; Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications:

Teschke, R. Drug-Induced Autoimmune Hepatitis by Varenicline and Infliximab as a Continuous Disease Spectrum with Two Different Flares: Acute Liver Injury Followed by Hepatic Autoimmunity. Review.
Annotation: Discusses two-step autoimmune hepatitis triggered by pharmaceutical agents, highlighting diagnostic and clinical implications.

Teschke, R. Acute Liver Failure with Determinate rather than Indeterminate Etiology Facilitates Therapy and May Avoid Liver Transplantation: A Critical Analysis. Review.
Annotation: Evaluates clinical outcomes in acute liver failure and argues the benefits of precise etiological identification.

Teschke, R., et al. Drug-Induced Autoimmune Hepatitis: Robust Causality Assessment Using Two Different Validated and Scoring Diagnostic Algorithms. Review.
Annotation: Compares two validated diagnostic algorithms to strengthen causality assessment in drug-induced autoimmune hepatitis.

Teschke, R. Immunology Highlights of Four Major Idiosyncratic DILI Subtypes Verified by the RUCAM: A New Evidence-Based Classification. Review.
Annotation: Proposes an evidence-based immunological classification for idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (DILI).

Teschke, R., et al. Metabolic Mysteries of Copper Dysregulation in Wilson Disease. Review.
Annotation: Explores metabolic pathways and unresolved mechanisms underlying copper dysregulation in Wilson’s disease.

Teschke, R., et al. Open Questions on How Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Shapes the Course of Drug-Induced Liver Injury. Letter.
Annotation: Raises key unresolved scientific and clinical questions on the interaction between MASLD and DILI.

Teschke, R. Liver Injury in Immune Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: Five New Classification Types. Review.
Annotation: Introduces a new five-type classification system for liver injury associated with severe immune-mediated skin reactions.

Teschke, R. Acute Liver Failure Due to Assumed Drug Induced Liver Injury but Lack of Any Validated Causality Algorithm: Evidence by 36 Cohort Reports with 21,709 Cases. Review.
Annotation: Critically analyzes large cohorts revealing gaps in validated causality assessment for assumed DILI-related acute liver failure.

Teschke, R. Idiosyncratic Hepatocellular Drug-Induced Liver Injury by Flucloxacillin with Evidence Based on RUCAM and HLA B57:01 Genotype.* Review.
Annotation: Examines metabolic and immune mechanisms underlying flucloxacillin-induced hepatocellular injury.

Teschke, R., et al. Successful Corticosteroid Therapy for Severe Liver Injury Secondary to Herbal Traditional Chinese Medicine Mega Defends X: A Case Report. Article, 2024.
Annotation: Documents a clinically significant case showing steroid responsiveness in herb-induced liver injury assessed by updated RUCAM.

Javier Baena Espinar | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Javier Baena Espinar | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Research Article Award 

Medical Oncologist at Hospital 12 de Octubre | Spain

Dr. Javier Baena Espinar is a prominent medical oncology researcher whose work has significantly shaped contemporary understanding of thoracic malignancies, precision oncology, and real-world clinical outcomes. His academic background is grounded in advanced training in health sciences, biomedicine, molecular oncology, immuno-oncology, and cancer biology, supported by multiple postgraduate degrees and specialized certifications that have strengthened his expertise in lung cancer research and evidence-based clinical practice. His professional experience spans leading Spanish healthcare and research institutions, where he has contributed to multidisciplinary oncology teams, national research initiatives, and international collaborative networks focused on improving diagnostic accuracy, treatment personalization, and therapeutic decision-making. His research interests center on non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, immune checkpoint inhibitors, next-generation sequencing, biomarker discovery, outcomes research, and the intersection between cancer care and infectious disease vulnerabilities. He has been instrumental in studies evaluating immunotherapy effectiveness, prognostic determinants, molecular profiling, and global registry data, producing findings that support the optimization of treatment strategies and guide clinical standards. With 27 published documents, 884 citations from 800 referencing articles, and an h-index of 11, his scholarly contributions reflect sustained impact and influence across oncology and translational research communities. His work appears in high-impact journals and encompasses both clinical and translational dimensions, bridging innovative scientific methodologies with real-world applicability. Through continuous involvement in international collaborations, multicenter studies, and academic dissemination, he has advanced the understanding of patient outcomes, therapeutic safety, and emerging frontiers in cancer treatment. His research trajectory demonstrates a strong commitment to expanding precision medicine, fostering collaborative research excellence, and improving the clinical management of thoracic cancers. Dr. Javier Baena Espinar’s ongoing contributions highlight his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge, strengthening global oncology evidence, and supporting the evolution of patient-centered cancer care.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications:

  • Baena Espinar, J. (2025). Determinants of 5-year survival in patients with advanced NSCLC with PD-L1 ≥50% treated with first-line pembrolizumab outside clinical trials: Pembro-real 5Y registry results. Journal for Immunotherapy of Cancer.

  • Baena Espinar, J., et al. (2025). Clinical utility of combined tissue and plasma next-generation sequencing in treatment-naïve advanced NSCLC. JTO Clinical and Research Reports.

  • Baena Espinar, J., et al. (2025). Efficacy and safety of lorlatinib in ALK- and ROS1-rearranged metastatic NSCLC within the compassionate use program in Spain.

  • Baena Espinar, J., et al. (2025). Observational study on the safety and effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in lung cancer patients.

  • Baena Espinar, J., et al. (2025). Safety and efficacy of immune checkpoint therapy in patients with cardiac metastasis: A multicenter international retrospective analysis.

  • Baena Espinar, J., et al. (2025). Unmet needs in maintenance therapy for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.

  • Baena Espinar, J. (2024). Consolidation osimertinib vs durvalumab vs observation after chemoradiation in unresectable EGFR-mutant NSCLC. Journal of Thoracic Oncology.

  • Baena Espinar, J.(2024). Facts and hopes on cancer immunotherapy for small cell lung cancer. Clinical Cancer Research.

  • Baena Espinar, J.(2024). Real-world data of first-line cemiplimab monotherapy for PD-L1 high NSCLC. Journal of Thoracic Oncology.

  • Baena Espinar, J.(2024). Multi-region transcriptomic subtyping and biomarkers of chemoimmunotherapy outcome in extensive-stage SCLC. Clinical Cancer Research.

  • Baena Espinar, J.(2024). Targeting KRAS G12C in NSCLC: Current standards and developments. Drugs.

  • Baena Espinar, J.(2023). Future perspectives in second-line therapy for non-oncogene–addicted NSCLC. Cancers.

  • Baena Espinar, J. (2023). Safety and activity of immune checkpoint inhibitors in people living with HIV and cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology.

  • Baena Espinar, J.(2022). Updated prognostication system for thoracic malignancies with COVID-19: TERAVOLT registry. Journal of Thoracic Oncology.

  • Baena Espinar, J. (2022). COVID-19 outcomes, vaccination status, and cancer-related delays during the Omicron wave: TERAVOLT analysis. JTO Clinical and Research Reports.

Lukas Prantl | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Lukas Prantl | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Applied Stem Cell Research Center at Universität Regensburg | Germany

Prof. Dr. Lukas Prantl is an accomplished academic leader and internationally recognized expert in plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgery, currently serving at the University of Regensburg, Germany. His career reflects a strong blend of clinical innovation, academic excellence, and translational research impact. Educated in medicine and advanced surgical sciences across prestigious European institutions, he holds dual doctoral degrees and a master’s in health business administration, which support his interdisciplinary approach to healthcare leadership. Throughout his professional journey, he has established and directed advanced centers dedicated to plastic, hand, and reconstructive surgery, as well as the Applied Stem Cell Research Center, fostering groundbreaking research in regenerative medicine. His scientific interests focus on adipose-derived stem cells, tissue regeneration, microcirculation, and innovative reconstructive techniques that integrate stem cell technology into clinical applications. Among his notable contributions is the development of the Cell Enriched Lipotransfer method, a pioneering advancement that enhances the success rate of fat grafting and tissue restoration. His prolific academic record includes 412 peer-reviewed publications, 7,550 citations from 6,310 documents, and an h-index of 40, reflecting the global impact and recognition of his research. Beyond his scientific achievements, he has held leadership positions in major national and international surgical societies, contributing to the advancement of standards, education, and ethics in surgery. As an editor and reviewer for leading medical journals and funding bodies, his expertise continues to guide the development of innovative research and surgical techniques worldwide. His commitment to academic mentorship and the integration of evidence-based medicine into practice has shaped new generations of clinicians and researchers. Through his exceptional contributions to clinical excellence, scientific discovery, and institutional leadership, Prof. Dr. Lukas Prantl stands as a driving force in shaping the future of regenerative and reconstructive medicine, continually pushing the boundaries of surgical science and patient-centered innovation.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

  • Chrobot, N., Unbehaun, P., Frank, K., Hartmann, Prantl, L. (2025). Smartphone-based 3D surface imaging: A new frontier in digital breast assessment? Journal of Clinical Medicine.

  • Neuwieser, H., Jami, N. V. S., Meier, Prantl, L. (2025). Interpreting venous and arterial ulcer images through the Grad-CAM lens: Insights and implications in CNN-based wound image classification. Diagnostics.

  • Schimanski, T., Scheel-Platz, Prantl, L. (2025). CELT Fat increases the metabolic activity as well as the SVF-yield significantly when compared to CELT fat, even after cryopreservation with DMSO. Cells.

  • Loucas, R., Loucas, Prantl, L. (2025). Histology and immunohistochemistry of adipose tissue: A scoping review on staining methods and their informative value.

  • Diesch, S., Frank, K., Brebant, Prantl, L. (2025). Subject-reported satisfaction after cell-enriched lipotransfer (CELT) for lip augmentation. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

  • Biermann, N., Eibl, D., Mueller, Prantl, L. (2024). Biomarker-guided acute kidney injury risk assessment under liberal versus restrictive fluid therapy–the prospective-randomized MAYDAY-trial.

  • Zocchi, M.Prantl, L. (2024). Potential benefits of adipose-derived SVF and MSCs to regenerate damaged tissues from alloplastic synthetic materials.

  • Kuehlmann, B., Bonham, C. Gurtner,Prantl, L. (2023). MMP9 as a potential biomarker in human implant-induced fibrotic capsules: A systematic analysis and biomarker study.

  • Knoedler, L., Odenthal, J. F., Prantl, Knoedler, S. A. (2023). Artificial Intelligence-Enabled simulation of gluteal augmentation: A helpful tool in preoperative outcome simulation.

  • Diesch, S., Anders, M., Prantl, Brébant, V. (2023). Factors influencing the shape, size, symmetry and scar of the nipple-areola complex after bilateral reduction mammoplasty.