Anita Kavrakova | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Anita Kavrakova | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Genetic Medico-Diagnostic Laboratory “Genica” | Bulgaria

Mrs. Anita Kavrakova is a distinguished molecular biologist and project manager with extensive experience in medical genetics and diagnostic research. Since 2019, she has been serving as Project Manager at Genetic Medico-Diagnostic Laboratory “Genica” and Genome Center Bulgaria AD in Sofia, where she oversees laboratory projects, implements innovative diagnostic techniques, ensures compliance with national and international standards, and actively contributes to scientific research through conferences, publications, and collaborative studies. Prior to this role, she worked as a Molecular Biologist at Genica (2008–2018), conducting advanced molecular analyses including PCR, qPCR, gene sequencing, and immunohistochemistry, with a focus on cancer genetics, particularly prostate and cervical cancers. She has also been a part-time assistant at the Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University Sofia, since 2012, training students in theoretical and practical biochemistry. Dr. Kavrakova earned her PhD in Genetics from Medical University Sofia in 2015, investigating molecular markers in prostate cancer for improved diagnostics and patient management, following an MS in Genetics and a Bachelor in Biology from Sofia University “St Kliment Ohridski.” She has contributed to numerous national and international research projects on infectious agents, reproductive failure, and cancer etiology, authored multiple publications, and actively participates in innovation evaluation and scientific advisory roles, demonstrating leadership, analytical skills, and a commitment to advancing molecular diagnostics and biomedical research.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Todorova, E., Kavrakova, A., Derimachkovski, G., Georgieva, B., Odzhakov, F., Bachurska, S., Terziev, I., Boyadzhieva, M. E., Valkov, T., Popov, E., Slavov, C., Tourtourikov, I., Mitev, V., & Todorova, A. (2025). Human Herpes Virus genotype and immunological gene expression profile in prostate cancer with prominent inflammation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(10), 4945.

Todorova, E., & Kavrakova, A., Derimachkovski, G., Georgieva, B., Kalenderova, S., Odzhakov, F., Bachurska, S., Boyadzhieva, M. E., Terziev, I., Genova, M., Mitev, V., & Todorova, A. (2025). Pathogenic contribution of human papillomaviruses and Epstein-Barr virus to prostate cancer in Bulgarian patients. C. R. Acad. Bulg. Sci. (submitted).

Mesechkova, K., Kavrakova, A., Georgieva, B., Sigridov, I., Miteva, A., Mitev, V., & Todorova, A. (2023). Bacterial and viral pathogens implicated in female reproductive failure investigated on menstrual blood. C. R. Acad. Bulg. Sci., 76(3), 394–406.

Mesechkova, K., Kavrakova, A., Georgieva, B., Sigridov, I., Mitev, V., & Todorova, A. (2023). Non-invasive diagnostics of reproductive failure with infectious etiology on menstrual tissue. Acta Medica Bulgarica, 50(3).

Mesechkova, K., Kavrakova, A., Todorova, E., Georgieva, B., Sigridov, I., Mitev, V., & Todorova, A. (2023). Role of bacterial and viral infections and co-infections in miscarriages. Acta Medica Bulgarica, 50(4).

Kavrakova, A., Todorova, A., Georgieva, B., Anachkov, K., Yanev, K., Ivanov, G., & Mitev, V. (2018). Investigation of noninvasive urine specimens with molecular fluctuations for a presence of high-risk human papilloma viruses as an inflammatory cofactor in prostate cancer. Journal of Biology and Medicine.

Tsvetkova, A., Todorova, A., Todorov, T., Georgiev, G., Drandarska, I., & Mitev, V. (2015). Molecular and clinico-histological data in aggressive prostate cancer patients from Bulgaria. JBUON, 20(2).

Tsvetkova, A., Todorova, A., Todorov, T., Georgiev, G., Drandarska, I., & Mitev, V. (2015). Molecular and clinicopathological aspects of prostate cancer in Bulgarian probands. Journal of Pathology and Oncology Research.

Tsvetkova, A., Todorova, A., Todorov, T., Georgiev, G., Drandarska, I., & Mitev, V. (2014). Molecular profile and clinicopathological aspects of prostate cancer in Bulgarian patients. Journal of BOD, 4, 18–26.

Tsvetkova, A., Kadiyska, T., Georgiev, G., Drandarska, I., Todorova, A., & Mitev, V. (2013). Molecular-genetic approach in combination with clinical and histological data for diagnostics of prostate cancer. Journal of Oncology, 3, 50–55.

 

 

Kazuto Ikemoto | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kazuto Ikemoto | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company | Japan

Dr. Kazuto Ikemoto is a distinguished researcher and Senior Scientist at the Niigata Research Laboratory of Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc., Japan. With a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Nagasaki University, he has made significant contributions to the fields of chemistry, food functionality, biotechnology, and semiconductor cleaning technologies. His extensive research portfolio includes 25 published documents, reflecting a deep engagement in both industrial and scientific innovation. Dr. Ikemoto’s scholarly influence is evidenced by 453 citations from 291 documents and an h-index of 13, underscoring the consistent impact of his research within the scientific community. His work bridges fundamental chemistry with practical industrial applications, advancing methodologies in material science and biochemical processes. Recognized for his outstanding achievements in corporate research, Dr. Ikemoto received the prestigious JSBBA Award for Corporate Researchers in 2023, highlighting his dedication to innovation and excellence. Through his pioneering studies and leadership at Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, he continues to drive advancements that contribute to technological development and sustainability, reinforcing his reputation as a leading figure in applied chemical research and industrial biotechnology.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Koshizawa, T., Numaguchi, T., Tamakoshi, M., Sato, Y., Hashimoto, K., Mohamad Ishak, N. S., & Ikemoto, K. (2025). High-spermidine-producing yeast strain for autophagy-promoting applications. Processes.

Koshizawa, T., Numaguchi, T., Tamakoshi, M., Sato, Y., Hashimoto, K., Mohamad Ishak, N. S., & Ikemoto, K. (2025). High-spermidine-producing yeast strain for autophagy-promoting applications [Preprint].

Mohamad Ishak, N. S., & Ikemoto, K. (2025). Direct HPLC method for reduced pyrroloquinoline quinone in functional and biological matrices [Preprint].

Sugimoto, J., Ikemoto, K., Nagamatsu, K., Mino, A., & Nakamura, F. (2025). ピロロキノリンキノンジナトリウム(PQQ)摂取後の20から65歳の健康な大人に対する認知機能と安全性の評価 [Preprint]. Jxiv, JST preprint server.

Ikemoto, K. (2025). 長寿物質(老化を抑制する物質) [Preprint]. Jxiv, JST preprint server.

Tamakoshi, M., Suzuki, T., Nishihara, E., Nakamura, S., & Ikemoto, K. (2023). Pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt improves brain function in both younger and older adults. Food & Function.

Ikemoto, K., Imaruoka, S., & Mohamad Ishak, N. S. (2023). From the kitchen to the lab: Discovery and application of food catalysts to promote the coupling of quinone with amines [Preprint].

Mohamad Ishak, N. S., Numaguchi, T., & Ikemoto, K. (2023). Antiviral effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone through redox catalysis to prevent coronavirus infection. ACS Omega.

Tsuji, S., Ikemoto, K., & Akagawa, M. (2022). PQQの体脂肪減少機能 [Preprint]. Jxiv, JST preprint server.

Mohamad Ishak, N. S., Ikemoto, K., Kikuchi, M., Ogawa, M., Akutagawa, K., & Akagawa, M. (2021). Pyrroloquinoline quinone attenuates fat accumulation in obese mice fed with a high-fat diet, Daphnia magna supplied with a high amount of food, and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. ACS Food Science & Technology.

Saihara, K., Kamikubo, R., Ikemoto, K., Uchida, K., & Akagawa, M. (2017). Pyrroloquinoline quinone, a redox-active o-quinone, stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis by activating the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway. Biochemistry.

Ikemoto, K., Sakamoto, Y., Tanaka, R., Ogata, K., Matsushita, N., & Nakamura, S. (2017). Unusual ionic bond and solubility mechanism of NanPQQ (n = 0–4) crystals. Crystal Growth & Design.