2023 AACC Academy Distinguished Abstracts Winners 

A-031 – Linmin Zhu, Tianjin, China 

Global Discovery of Serological Metabolome Uncovers Unique Molecular Signature for Early Onset of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Study in Chinese Population 

A-242 – Dongsheng Han, MD, Hangzhou, China 

Integrating Respiratory Metagenomics and Metatranscriptomics for Diagnosis of Lung Cancer and Infection in Patients with Pulmonary Diseases 

B-123 – Jian Zhong, BA/BS, Beijing, China 

Utilization of Five Data Mining Algorithms Combined with Simplified Preprocessing to Establish Reference Intervals of Thyroid Related Hormones for Nonelderly Adults 

B-382 – Chuanxin Wang, PhD, Jinan, China 

Accurate and Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer using a Multilocus DNA Methylation Markers-based Testing in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells 

B-383 – Zhaodan Xin, Chengdu, China 

Exosomal PRPSAP1 in Plasma Predicts Microvascular Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma 

B-385 – Lutao Du, Jinan, China 

Multi-omics to Reveal the Characteristics of the Gut Microbiome and Metabolome in Patients with Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis 

AACC Academy Award for Outstanding Contributions to Clinical Chemistry in a Selected Area of Research, AACC ACADEMY 2023 

Michael Y Tsai, PhD, FAACC, FAHA 

Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at the University of Minnesota 

A Trailblazer in Cardiovascular Disease Research 

Dr. Tsai's groundbreaking research has significantly advanced our understanding of genetic predisposition to hyperhomocysteinemia and the vital role of lipoprotein subspecies in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. 

Having initiated his career as the director of the Biochemical Genetics Laboratory, Dr. Tsai's pioneering work in the 1990s included the partial sequencing of the cystathionine-beta-synthase (CBS) gene, leading to the discovery of novel mutations. This work provided valuable insights into the genetic basis of hyperhomocysteinemia and its association with CVD and venous thrombosis. 

In his ongoing quest to unravel CVD complexities, Dr. Tsai's research has focused on lipoprotein subspecies, particularly ApoB and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)). His groundbreaking findings have been instrumental in identifying these biomarkers as risk-enhancing factors, influencing the clinical practice of CVD prevention and risk assessment. 

Dr. Tsai has over 420 peer-reviewed publications, served as chair of the LVDD and was a recipient of both the Zak and Cooper awards. His exceptional contributions have not only reshaped our understanding of cardiovascular health but have also impacted clinical practice, providing clinicians with powerful tools to enhance risk stratification and inform personalized preventive strategies. His unwavering dedication to advancing cardiovascular research marks Dr. Tsai as a trailblazer in the field, inspiring progress and paving the way for healthier hearts and improved patient care.  

President-Elect, AACC Academy 

Qing H. Meng, PhD, MD, DABCC, FAACC  

Professor, Director of Clinical Chemistry and Special Chemistry Laboratories, Director of Postdoctoral Clinical Chemistry Fellowship Program, Department of Laboratory Medicine, the University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center 

Advancing Laboratory Medicine for a Bright Future 

The AACC Academy is delighted to announce the election of Dr. Qing Meng as the President-Elect. Dr. Meng's esteemed reputation as a visionary leader and his remarkable accomplishments in laboratory medicine make him an exceptional choice for this significant role. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, Dr. Meng envisions a future where laboratory medicine plays a pivotal role in shaping healthcare outcomes and is a catalyst for scientific advancements. 

As the President-Elect, Dr. Meng will collaborate closely with the Academy Council, committees, and fellows to further the AACC Academy's mission of advancing the science and practice of laboratory medicine. Driven by a comprehensive vision, he aims to promote the value of laboratory medicine in alignment with AACC's strategic plan and goals. Dr. Meng supports the development and update of practice guidelines and guidance documents that reflect the evolving landscape of laboratory medicine. Moreover, he seeks to strengthen collaborations between the AACC Academy and prominent clinical and laboratory professional organizations and societies, maximizing the impact and relevance of the Academy's work. 

Dr. Meng's career highlights exemplify his dedication and significant contributions to the field. Having served in various leadership positions in national and international professional societies, including the Canadian Academy of Clinical Biochemistry and AACC divisions, he has garnered extensive experience in driving innovation and fostering collaboration. Dr. Meng's expertise is highly sought-after, evidenced by his involvement in prestigious committees such as the Commission on Accreditation in Clinical Chemistry and the IFCC Task Force on Global Lab Quality. Recognized for his outstanding achievements, he has received numerous awards from the AACC, AACC Academy, and Canadian professional societies, acknowledging his excellence in research, service, and contributions to clinical biochemistry. 

In addition to his leadership roles, Dr. Meng's research interests encompass a wide range of areas, from lipids and atherosclerosis to tumor biology, biomarkers, liquid biopsy, and cancer diagnostics. His groundbreaking work has earned him significant research grants, including NIH R01 and R21, enabling him to validate tumor biomarkers and conduct clinical trials. With over 140 peer-reviewed publications and a remarkable H-index of 38, Dr. Meng's expertise and scholarly achievements have made a lasting impact on the field. He has been invited to present his research findings at renowned national and international conferences, and he actively contributes to professional practice recommendations and CLSI guidelines. Furthermore, Dr. Meng serves as an Associate Editor and Editorial Board member for esteemed journals, including Clinical Biochemistry, Annals of Medicine, and CCLM, among others. 

Dr. Meng's election as the AACC Academy President-Elect marks a significant milestone in the academy's journey toward advancing laboratory medicine. With his visionary leadership, dedication to excellence, and extensive experience in research, service, and professional organizations, Dr. Meng is poised to guide the academy toward an even brighter future. His passion for promoting high-quality research, driving collaborative initiatives, and rebranding the AACC Academy during its transition to the Academy of Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM) will undoubtedly shape the landscape of laboratory medicine in the years to come.