Editor-in-Chief of OBM Neurobiology
Graduated in Medicine and Surgery and specialized in Neurology at the University “La Sapienza” in Rome. He started his academic career being appointed in 1983 as Assistant Professor of Human Anatomy at the University of Rome “Tor Vergata”. In 1992 he was nominated Associate Professor of Human Anatomy at the School of Pharmacy of the University of Camerino. From 2001 to 2023 from 2001 to 2023 held the chair of Human Anatomy as Full Professor. From 2013 to 2021 he was Dean of the School of Medicine and Health Products Sciences of the University of Camerino. He is currently director of the second level Vocational International Master in Aesthetic Medicine and Therapeutics of the University of Camerino.
From March 2011 to date is President of the Foundation Centro Internazionale Radio Medico (C.I.R.M.), the historical structure of Italian telemedicine, which has been operating since 1935 and provides free medical assistance to ships and aircraft without a doctor on board.
Prof. Amenta’s scientific activity was focused on the following topics:
- Analysis of receptor systems for central and peripheral neurotransmitters using radioreceptor assay, autoradiography, in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry techniques. In this line of research, particular attention was focused on the characterisation of subtypes of peripheral dopamine receptors and neurotransmission markers and cholinergic receptor subtypes in the central nervous system and at the periphery.
- Quantitative morphological aspects of brain senescence and brain damage from hypertension, with regard to sensitivity to pharmacological therapies.
- Revaluation of cholinergic precursor therapies on adult-onset cognitive dysfunctions.
- Organizational and innovative aspects of telemedicine, with reference to maritime telemedicine and the improvement of standards of medical care at sea.
He is the author of 7 books (2 of which in English) on neuroanatomy, aging brain and peripheral neurotransmitter systems, of 560 scientific publications in peer-reviewed international journals and that use peer-review systems. 74 of these publications are review articles and 11 clinical trials coordinated by Prof. Amenta.
In terms of bibliometric parameters, the following data should be mentioned.
Scopus: H index: 51 + 4 + 1.
In the last evaluation of the Top Italian Scientists was the 261 in the list of top Italian Neuroscientists and 1# of the University of Camerino.
Within the framework of the most recent scientific interests, Professor Amenta has carried out a series of preclinical and clinical research on the reassessment of the role of choline-containing phospholipids in the treatment of adult-onset dementia disorders.
Prof. Amenta’s most recent field of scientific activity is the application of machine learning methodologies and artificial intelligence to instrumental diagnostics (neuroimaging) of Alzheimer’s disease and telemedicine to improve the standards of medical care of the so-called remote patients. This approach, also directed to the study of the pandemic by Covid 19, led, only in 2020, to the publication of 10 articles in peer-reviewed international journals.
Section Editor-in-Chief of OBM Neurobiology
Najam Sharif, PhD, DSc has >34-years’ pharmaceutical drug discovery research/development experience covering Neuroscience and Ophthalmology. His 22-year tenure at Alcon resulted in his contributions to the discovery, characterization, development and US FDA approvals of Patanol®/Pataday®/Pazeo® and Emadine® to treat allergic conjunctivitis, and Travatan® and Simbrinza® for the treatment of ocular hypertension / Glaucoma. Currently, he is Vice President, Global Alliances and External Research, Ophthalmology Innovation Center at Santen Inc USA, where he has been instrumental in establishing, nurturing and managing long term partnerships with pharma companies and collaborations with several global universities. Dr. Sharif serves on numerous committees of many learned Societies (including ISER, elected Trustee of AOPT & Gold Fellow; Gold Fellow of ARVO and Fellow of British Pharmacological Society (BPS)). Dr. Sharif is Editorial Board member of many Pharmacology, Neuroscience and Ophthalmic journals. He also serves on the Board of Directors and the Scientific Advisory Board of The Glaucoma Foundation. He is the recipient of the inaugural “Dr. Roger Vogel Award” for ocular pharmaceutical research (ARVO Foundation, 2014), the recipient of the “Sir James Black Award” for contributions to drug discovery (BPS, 2017), and awardee of the “Ernst H. Barany Prize” for outstanding contributions to ocular pharmacology (2020). Dr. Sharif is an Adjunct Professor / Honorary Senior Lecturer / Senior Principal Investigator and Graduate Faculty at multiple Universities worldwide. He has also been a PhD-candidates’ supervisor, advisor and mentor to several students at numerous academic institutions. Dr. Sharif has published >215 scientific articles, edited 3 books, holds 24 issued US/EU patents, and has filed additional >30 patent applications over the last two decades.