Aarushi XXX serves as a Research Fellow in the Department of Economics at the University of Bologna, Italy. Her institutional affiliation is formally maintained through the university's central academic structure in Bologna. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Queensland (awarded February 2025) Master in Applied Econometrics from the University of Queensland BSc in Economics & Management from the University of St Andrews (with year abroad at Purdue University) Research focuses intensely on applied microeconomics within health economics, specifically examining economic burdens of non-communicable diseases. Her work quantifies impacts across conditions including infertility, obesity, colorectal cancer, chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, and breast cancer. This specialized niche combines econometric modeling with public health policy analysis, demonstrating methodological rigor in assessing disease-related productivity losses and healthcare system strain.
Professor Carlo Pappone is a Full Professor of Cardiology at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (since 2019) and Director of the Arrhythmology Department at IRCCS Policlinico San Donato Hospital (since 2015). He has held previous academic/clinical leadership roles at IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital (2000-2010), Villa Maria Cecilia Hospital (2010-2015), and University of Naples Federico II (1990-2000). With 212 publications in top journals like NEJM, JAMA, and Circulation, he has made significant contributions to cardiac arrhythmia research. Current Positions Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (2019-present): Full Professor of Cardiology IRCCS Policlinico San Donato Hospital (2015-present): Director of Arrhythmology Department Previous Roles University of Naples Federico II (1990-2000) University of Michigan Ann Harbor (1990-2000) IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital (2000-2010) Villa Maria Cecilia Hospital (2010-2015) Research Focus: Specializing in cardiovascular diseases, his work spans atrial fibrillation ablation techniques, Brugada syndrome pathogenesis, heart failure device therapy, and ion channel disorders. His H-index of 53 and 18,407 citations reflect his substantial academic impact. Notable Scientific Contributions Author of 44 patents Principal Investigator in 14 clinical trials (clinicaltrials.gov) Developed circumferential pulmonary vein ablation technique Innovator in biventricular pacing systems for heart failure Pioneered research on non-excitatory current for cardiac contractility Scientific Recognition Awarded as Elite Reviewer of JACC (2005) Editorial Board Member of 6 leading journals Reviewer for NEJM, JAMA, Lancet, and Nature Medicine Education Medical Doctorate: University of Naples Federico II
Francesco Maisano, MD , is Full Professor of Cardiac Surgery at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (Milan) since 2021, where he also serves as Director of the Cardiac Surgery Clinic and of the Valve Center at IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital. From 2014 to 2020 he held the Chair of Cardiac Surgery and directed the Department at University Hospital Zurich. Education & Training 1990 – MD, Catholic University of Rome 1994 – Clinical Fellowship, University of Alabama at Birmingham 1995 – Specialization in Cardiac Surgery, La Sapienza University of Rome Research Interests Professor Maisano’s work centres on innovative therapies for heart-valve disease, spanning surgical reconstruction, catheter-based interventions (TAVI, MitraClip, transcatheter tricuspid devices), and hybrid approaches. He leads translational programmes in biomedical engineering, multimodality cardiac imaging, and artificial-intelligence-guided interventions, with emphasis on the multidisciplinary “Heart Team” model for complex cardiovascular disease. His recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate intense activity in transcatheter mitral and tricuspid repair, long-term durability of surgical mitral repair, AI-driven procedural guidance, and renal protection strategies during mechanical circulatory support. A dominant theme is translating imaging innovations and device concepts into first-in-human studies and large-scale registries. Scientific Awards & Recognitions European Society of Cardiology Silver Medal (2018) ICI Lifetime Achievement in Research & Teaching (2018) ICI Best Technology Parade Presentation (2010) C. Walton Lillehei Young Investigator Award (1999) Leadership & Grants He directs multiple postgraduate programmes, including Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) tracks at the University of Zurich in multimodality imaging, aortic valve, and mitral–tricuspid interventions. He is principal investigator on investigator-initiated grants, coordinates industry-partnered device trials, and mentors numerous doctoral and post-doctoral researchers. His team has filed >24 patents and spun off several cardiovascular start-ups. Labs & Teams At IRCCS San Raffaele he leads the Valve Science Center , a multidisciplinary hub integrating cardiac surgeons, interventional cardiologists, imaging specialists, biomedical engineers, and data scientists focused on next-generation valve repair/replacement technologies and personalised cardiovascular medicine.
Montorfano Matteo is an Associate Professor of Cardiovascular Diseases at the Vita-Salute San Raffaele University in Milan since March 2023. He serves as Director of the Second-Level Master's Degree in Interventional Cardiology and has been Head of the Interventional Cardiology Unit and Hemodynamics at San Raffaele Hospital since 2018. His academic career spans roles as Director of the Percutaneous Cardiac Treatment Unit and Head of the Interventional Cardiology Laboratory. He holds an H-index of 59 with over 450 publications and 15,000 citations, focusing on structural heart disease and percutaneous valve interventions . Education: Specialization in Cardiology, La Sapienza University of Rome (2000) Degree in Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan (1991) Research Interests: Pioneering transcatheter structural heart interventions including TAVI , MitraClip , and left atrial appendage closure . Developed the LIRA sizing method for bicuspid aortic valve interventions and founded start-ups like Cephea Valve Technologies and Viv-Heart . Major contributions to valvular heart device innovation , with numerous international patents. Publications: Over 450 works in Circulation , JAMA , and JACC Cardiovascular Intervention , emphasizing transcatheter valve therapies , complex coronary interventions , and device development . Industry Collaborations: Faculty member at major conferences: TCT , PCR , GISE Consultant/Advisory Board member for Edwards Lifesciences , Medtronic , and Boston Scientific
Prof.ssa Elda Favari is a Full-Time Associate Professor of Pharmacology at the Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Italy . Her research focuses on atherosclerosis physiology , cholesterol metabolism , and cellular cholesterol efflux processes . She has collaborated with international institutions in the USA , Australia , and Switzerland . PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology (University of Parma, 2005) Academic Editor for the journal Medicine Member of Italian Society of Pharmacology , European Lipoprotein Club , and International Atherosclerosis Society Her scientific contributions include over 50 peer-reviewed publications , an H-index of 23 , and 16 Q1-journal publications from the last 15 years. Key research areas cover reverse cholesterol transport , PCSK9 mechanisms , and HDL functionality in diseases like familial hypercholesterolemia , cancer , and autoimmune disorders . Recent Google Scholar publications (2023-2025) examine: HDL modulation through nutraceuticals and 3D-printed devices Immune checkpoint inhibitors in relation to lipid profiles PCSK9-lomitapide interactions in genetic lipid disorders Anti-ApoA-1 IgGs as atherogenic factors 2000: AstraZeneca Grant at SISA Congress 2011: National Research Grant for Lupus Study She has held institutional roles including Student Orientation Delegate and serves on scientific committees for international congresses. Teaching spans Toxicology , Anticancer Chemotherapy , and Pharmacovigilance across Pharmacy , Food Safety , and Drug Sciences programs.
Daniela Carnevale is a Full Professor at Sapienza University of Rome, where she serves in the Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies within the Faculty of Medicine. She directs the Laboratory of Neuro and Cardiovascular Immunology at the Department of Molecular Medicine, based at IRCCS Neuromed in Pozzilli. Her academic career spans over a decade with a permanent position as Assistant Professor since 2012, progressing to her current role as Full Professor. Education: PhD in Neuroscience (2010) - Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome Professional qualification in Biology (2006) - Sapienza University of Rome Degree in Biological Sciences (2005) - Sapienza University of Rome, final mark 110/110 cum laude Daniela Carnevale's research primarily focuses on the intersection of cardiovascular medicine, neuroscience, and immunology. She investigates neuroimmune mechanisms in hypertension, exploring how the nervous and immune systems interact to influence blood pressure regulation and organ damage. Her work encompasses biotechnologies and translational approaches to understand arterial hypertension, chronic heart failure, Alzheimer's related dementias, and adaptive immune responses. She has pioneered research on brain-spleen communication pathways in hypertension, demonstrating how neural signals prime immune responses that contribute to cardiovascular pathology. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on neuroimmune cardiovascular interfaces, with particular focus on hypertension-induced cognitive impairment, cerebrovascular remodeling, and organ damage mechanisms. Her work increasingly integrates advanced imaging techniques, genetic analyses, and immune profiling to uncover novel therapeutic targets for cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the American Heart Association (FAHA) (2016) Council on Hypertension Mid Career Award for Research Excellence (2019) International Patent in medical technology (2010) Multiple research awards from the Italian Society of Arterial Hypertension Research Award from the Foundation "Roberto Cornelli" (2009) Professor Carnevale has secured significant research funding as Principal Investigator, including grants from Sapienza University, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, and the Italian Ministry of Health. She has supervised numerous PhD students, post-doctoral fellows, and undergraduate students across various biomedical programs. Her laboratory collaborates internationally with leading researchers from Harvard University, Vanderbilt University, University of Glasgow, and University of Munich. At IRCCS Neuromed, Professor Carnevale directs the Laboratory of Neuro and Cardiovascular Immunology, where her team investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neuroimmune interactions in cardiovascular diseases. Her research facility includes advanced preclinical imaging capabilities, including a 7Tesla MRI for small animal research, which she secured through competitive grant funding.
Alessandro Castiglioni is an Associate Professor of Cardiac Surgery at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and Head of the Cardiac Surgery Unit at IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital. He specializes in structural heart disease surgery, particularly mitral valve repair and transcatheter aortic valve interventions (TAVI). His roles include leadership in the Aortic Team Project and TAVI Project, and he serves as Secretary and Associate Professor in the University's Cardiac Surgery School of Specialization. Affiliations: IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital (Cardiac Surgery Unit Head), Humanitas Mater Domini (Consultant Cardiac Surgeon), and Guido Salvinii Public Hospital (Consultant). Education: MD from University of Milan (1993), Specializations in Thoracic Surgery (1998) and Cardiac Surgery (2007), National Scientific Qualification as Associate Professor (2017). Research focuses on valve disease management, surgical innovation (e.g., ReverseTWO cardioplegia system), and multidisciplinary aortic aneurysm care. He actively reviews for the European Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery and participates in major professional associations. Teaching includes courses on hybrid myocardial revascularization, cardiac surgery in elderly patients, and ischemic cardiopathy techniques at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University.
Bianca Papotti is a fixed-term Researcher at the Department of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Parma. Her academic career spans interdisciplinary research in Pharmacology Cholesterol Metabolism Neurodegenerative Diseases Cardiovascular Pathology Immunometabolism . She teaches courses including Experimental Pharmacology and Food Toxicology. Her research focuses on the role of PCSK9 and cholesterol efflux in Alzheimer's Disease Atherosclerosis Rheumatoid Arthritis Lipoprotein Biology Inflammatory Disease Drug Development . Key trends in her publications (3 in 2025, 12 in 2024) reveal strong emphasis on PCSK9 inhibition mechanisms, cholesterol-immune crosstalk in rheumatoid arthritis, and fasting interventions in lipid-related pathologies. Her work has explored PCSK9's neuroinflammatory effects ABCA1/ABCG1 transporter dynamics Macrophage cholesterol loading Natural compound screening HDL dysfunction in diabetes Covid-19 lipid interactions .
Cianflone Domenico is an Associate Professor of Cardiovascular Diseases at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University in Milan, Italy. He serves as Director of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit at San Raffaele Hospital and has held various clinical and academic positions throughout his distinguished career in cardiology. His educational background includes: Medical Degree with Honors, University of Milan (1980) Specialization in Cardiology, University of Milan (1982) Research Fellow, Cardiology Division, Royal Post-Graduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, London (1983-1986) Honorary Fellowship, Duke University Medical Center, USA (1986) Professor Cianflone's research focuses on the causal mechanisms and precipitating factors of myocardial infarction and other coronary syndromes, innovative patient stratification models, and the development of Health IT/telemedicine solutions for cardiovascular care. His work bridges clinical cardiology with digital health technologies to improve cardiovascular disease prevention and management, with particular emphasis on cardiac rehabilitation, coronary artery disease mechanisms, and cardiovascular applications of health information systems. His recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on cardiac rehabilitation, postoperative cardiac complications, and the application of emerging technologies in cardiology. There's a clear trend toward exploring the intersection of traditional cardiology with digital health solutions, rehabilitation protocols, and personalized approaches to cardiovascular disease management, with numerous publications in high-impact journals like the International Journal of Cardiology. Professor Cianflone has held significant editorial positions including: Deputy Editor-in-Chief, International Journal of Cardiology (2016-present) Deputy Editor, International Journal of Cardiology: Hypertension (2018-present) Editorial Board, Italian Heart Journal (1998-2000) Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Italia Cardiologia (1999-2001) Professor Cianflone has supervised 24 degree theses and 12 specialization theses at UniSR, with four of these theses leading to Young Researcher awards and international recognitions from organizations like SISA, GICR, and the American College of Cardiology. He has coordinated or participated in 15 research projects funded by the European Commission, European Social Fund, European Space Agency, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of University and Scientific Research. Additionally, he has served as principal investigator in 15 international clinical trials related to cardiovascular disease and held numerous positions in international commissions at the European Society of Cardiology, American College of Cardiology, International Heart Health Society, and NIH. As Director of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit at San Raffaele Hospital, Professor Cianflone leads a multidisciplinary team focused on high-intensity rehabilitative care for patients following advanced cardiac surgery, structural heart procedures, and complex coronary syndromes. His unit provides comprehensive cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation services with a focus on reducing global cardiovascular risk, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes management.
Thierry-Sainclair Njougouo is an Assistant Professor at the IMT School of Advanced Studies Lucca , affiliated with the NETWORKS Research Unit. His work bridges computational modeling with clinical applications in cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. Academic Rank: Assistant Professor Institution: IMT School of Advanced Studies Lucca Research Unit: NETWORKS Research Focus: Dr. Njougouo specializes in thermoelectric and electromechanical modeling of biological systems, with particular emphasis on: Cardiac action potential dynamics Intestinal motility mechanisms Temperature-dependent physiological responses Digital twin development for surgical prediction Myocardial microstructural analysis Clinical translation of computational models Publication Trends: Recent work reveals a progression from foundational bioheat models (2022) to advanced applications in surgical prediction (2024) and multi-organ thermoelectric systems (2025). The research demonstrates increasing integration of clinical parameters like body temperature variations and laser tissue soldering effects.
Stefania D'Onofrio holds a full-time permanent position as a 1st-level Physicist Manager at AUSL Latina, Italy. She is affiliated with the University of Rome “La Sapienza,” where she has held teaching roles in courses such as ‘Fisica applicata alla strumentazione radiodiagnostica e radioterapia’ and ‘Fisica applicata’ for diagnostic health technical programs. Her current role involves managing medical physics activities, including radiation therapy planning and clinical dosimetry. She completed her Laurea in Physics (summa cum laude) in 2000 and a specialization in Medical Physics in 2003, both from Sapienza University. Her research focuses on radiation dosimetry, Monte Carlo simulations, and clinical applications in oncology. She has presented extensively at national congresses, including works on brachytherapy, stereotactic radiotherapy, and radiation-induced cardiac effects. Education: Laurea in Physics - University of Rome “La Sapienza” (2000, 101/110) Specialization in Medical Physics - University of Rome “La Sapienza” (2003, 48/50) Research Interests: Medical Physics applications in radiation therapy Monte Carlo simulations for dosimetry Radiochromic film dosimetry Image fusion in radiation oncology Radiation-induced side effects Stereotactic radiosurgery dosimetry Her articles emphasize advancements in dosimetric techniques and clinical outcomes of radiotherapy protocols, particularly in breast cancer, gliomas, and head-and-neck cancers. She has contributed to over 10 peer-reviewed studies and conference proceedings. Her work integrates experimental and computational methods to improve precision in radiation treatment planning. Advising & Grants: Supervised two theses in Medical Physics (details not disclosed) Active in clinical research at AUSL Latina’s Medical Physics Complex Structure Labs/Teams: Core member of the Struttura Complessa di Fisica Medica at AUSL Latina, collaborating on radiation therapy protocols and diagnostic imaging integration.
Gualtieri Paolo is an Associate Professor at Sapienza University of Rome, affiliated with the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. His research bridges fluid dynamics and biomedical studies, focusing on turbulence modulation in polymeric/particle-laden flows and the interplay between diet, microbiota, and health outcomes. He has contributed significantly to computational methods like the Exact Regularized Point Particle (ERPP) approach for multiphase flow simulations. His work in fluid dynamics explores drag reduction via superhydrophobic surfaces, polymer physics, and high Reynolds number flows. Biomedical interests include obesity-related conditions, genetic risk factors (e.g., IL-6/MTHFR polymorphisms), and microbiota’s role in immunity and disease progression, particularly during the pandemic. He has also studied aeroelastic phenomena in aerospace systems (e.g., aileron stability) and aeroacoustics. Notable research trends include: (1) advancing numerical techniques for multiphase flows (ERPP method), (2) investigating turbulence dynamics in confined geometries and separated flows, and (3) applying engineering principles to address health challenges through interdisciplinary collaborations. No formal awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided text.
Carlos J. Rodriguez, M.D., M.P.H. is a distinguished cardiovascular researcher and Professor of Medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. With an h-index of 48 and over 208 publications, he serves as Principal Investigator on multiple NIH-funded research projects examining cardiac structure, function, and vascular determinants of heart failure in diverse ethnic groups, particularly focusing on Hispanic populations. His work bridges clinical medicine and population health, with emphasis on health disparities and cardiovascular epidemiology. Dr. Rodriguez's primary research interests center on cardiovascular disease epidemiology, with special expertise in atherosclerosis, heart failure mechanisms, stroke risk factors, and ethnic disparities in cardiovascular health. He has pioneered studies within the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) framework, with particular focus on Hispanic communities. His work examines how social determinants of health impact cardiovascular outcomes, investigating the interplay between traditional risk factors, novel biomarkers, and socioeconomic factors in shaping cardiovascular health across diverse ethnic groups. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on cardiovascular health disparities in Hispanic populations, utilizing advanced imaging techniques and large cohort studies. His research program demonstrates consistent examination of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL), with increasing emphasis on social determinants of health, cardiovascular imaging, and precision medicine approaches to understanding ethnic differences in cardiovascular disease presentation and progression. Dr. Rodriguez has secured significant NIH funding throughout his career, including the current Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Disease grant (2019-2026) as Co-PI, Vascular Determinants of Stage B HF among Hispanics (2022-2023) as PI, and multiple projects examining cardiac structure and function in Hispanic populations. His grant portfolio demonstrates sustained research productivity and NIH recognition of his expertise in cardiovascular epidemiology among diverse populations. Dr. Rodriguez leads a research team focused on cardiovascular epidemiology, particularly the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL), collaborating with investigators across multiple institutions to advance understanding of ethnic disparities in cardiovascular health. His work has established critical normative data for cardiac structure and function in Hispanic populations, contributing significantly to the field's understanding of ethnic-specific cardiovascular risk and disease presentation.
Federico Bizzarri is a Professor at the Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies within Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza . His clinical and research focus spans cardiac surgery, interventional cardiology, and emergency medical-surgical interventions. Research Interests His work emphasizes: Diagnosis and surgical management of congenital heart defects (e.g., double-orifice mitral valve, aortopulmonary window) Emergency interventions for acute aortic syndromes, traumatic aortic rupture, and pulmonary embolism Minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery techniques Transcatheter valve therapies (TAVI, MitraClip, NeoChord) Mechanical complications of myocardial infarction Management of intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP) in critical care Article Trends The publications highlight expertise in cardiovascular emergencies , innovative surgical techniques , and structural heart interventions . Subspecialties include congenital anomalies, valvular disease, and acute aortic pathologies.
Alessia Vignoli is a Research Fellow at the Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, affiliated with the Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM). She holds a M.Sc. in Chemical Sciences (cum laude) and a PhD in Structural Biology from the University of Florence. Her research focuses on NMR-based metabolomics for disease diagnosis and prognosis, particularly in cardiovascular, neurological, and oncological contexts. She has been awarded the GIDRM Under 35 award (2022) and the Airalzh Grant for Young Researchers (2022). Education: M.Sc. in Chemical Sciences (cum laude) - University of Florence (2014) PhD in Structural Biology (cum laude) - University of Florence (2017) Research interests emphasize metabolic profiling of biofluids using NMR spectroscopy, with applications in precision medicine. Key areas include biomarker discovery for diseases like Alzheimer’s, cancer, and cardiovascular conditions. She has contributed to projects analyzing metabolomic signatures in breast cancer recurrence, myocardial infarction outcomes, and drug response monitoring. Awards and grants include the AIRC fellowship (2019-2020), CERM/CIRMMP institutional support, and collaborations with clinical teams to develop diagnostic tools. Her work bridges analytical chemistry, computational statistics, and clinical translation, leveraging multivariate data analysis and metabolic network modeling. Her research has been applied to diverse fields, including veterinary medicine (e.g., dairy calf health) and space-related physiology (e.g., skeletal muscle adaptation in microgravity).
