Pain chronification and the distinction between acute and chronic pain by Prof. Ravi Prasad University of California, Davis, USA

The multimedia lecture of 30 minutes titled "Pain Chronification and the Distinction Between Acute and Chronic Pain" by Prof. Ravi Prasad from the University of California, Davis, USA, provides a comprehensive overview of pain and its chronicity. The Lecture delves into the multifaceted nature of pain, discussing various etiologic pathways and psychosocial risk factors associated with its chronification. The lecture addresses the impact of mood, early life experiences, and adverse childhood events (ACE) on pain, highlighting implications for both pediatric and adult populations. Additionally,  Prof. Ravi Prasad explores coping mechanisms, psychological factors, and the relationship between pain, depression, and anxiety. The lecture also covers pain treatment approaches, emphasizing interdisciplinary management and the importance of distinguishing between acute and chronic pain. Ultimately, Prof. Ravi Prasad concludes by discussing the primary function of pain and the potential for learning to live with it, while emphasizing the need for comprehensive management strategies.

Moving from GWAS hits to functional variants by Prof. Steve Humphries University College London, UK

A 50-minute multimedia lecture titled "Moving from GWAS Hits to Functional Variants" by Prof. Steve Humphries from University College London, UK, provides a comprehensive overview of the process involved in translating Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) hits into functional genetic variants. The Lecture covers topics such as the candidate gene approach, progress in GWAS hits, genome-wide scans using case-control approaches, and the replication of findings in larger samples.Prof. Steve Humphries also discusses the use of Manhattan plots to visualize GWAS data, specific genetic loci associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) and lipid traits, and the limitations of current GWAS methodologies. Furthermore, Prof. Steve Humphries delves into the IMPROVE study on carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and the stages involved in moving from GWAS hits to functional variants, including bioinformatics analysis, electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), luciferase reporter assays, and the identification of potential mechanisms underlying genetic effects. The lecture concludes with insights into the role of the BCAR1 gene in cIMT and cardiovascular disease (CVD) based on protein structure analysis

The Reproductive system: Gametogenesis and the ovarian cycle by Dr Victoria Garside The University of Melbourne, Australia

The 18-minute multimedia lecture titled "The Reproductive System: Gametogenesis and the Ovarian Cycle" by Dr. Victoria Garside from The University of Melbourne, Australia, provides a comprehensive overview of gametogenesis and the ovarian cycle. The Lecture covers the reproductive purposes of males and females, the onset of gametogenesis during fetal development and reproductive age, and the processes of spermatogenesis and oogenesis. Dr. Victoria Garsidediscusses the critical structures and cells involved in spermatogenesis and oogenesis, as well as the hormonal control of these processes. Furthermore, the lecture explores the control of ovarian and uterine cycles, detailing the phases of the menstrual cycle from follicular to luteal phases, including ovulation, and potential outcomes in the absence of pregnancy.For further details, watch a video

Sickle cell disease by Prof. Martin H. Steinberg Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, USA

A 50-minute multimedia lecture titled "Sickle Cell Disease" by Prof. Martin H. Steinberg from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, USA, comprehensively covers various aspects of sickle cell disease (SCD). The Lecture begins with disclosures and a timeline of discovery related to SCD and progresses to discuss the molecular basis of the disease, including the structure and mutation of globin genes. Prof. Martin H. Steinberg delves into the pathophysiology of SCD, focusing on HbS polymerization, membrane damage, and the formation of irreversibly sickled cells (ISCs). The Lecture also explores inheritance patterns, diagnosis, and common complications associated with SCD. Furthermore,  Prof. Martin H. Steinberg addresses treatment options, including hydroxyurea therapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and emerging strategies such as gene therapy and gene editing. The importance of targeting HbF gene expression and the potential for a cure with sufficient HbF/RBC levels are also discussed.

Replication of linear plasmids in bacteria by Prof. George Chaconas University of Calgary, Canada

The 43-minute multimedia lecture titled "Replication of Linear Plasmids in Bacteria" by Prof. George Chaconas from the University of Calgary, Canada, provides an in-depth exploration of the replication mechanisms of linear DNA in diverse bacteria, focusing on organisms like Streptomyces and Borrelia.The lecture addresses the "end replication" problem and solutions to it, including the replication pathways for specific viruses and bacteria such as Adenovirus, Bacillus phage f29, Streptomyces, and Borrelia burgdorferi. The lecture delves into the molecular processes involved in DNA replication, including the recruitment and deoxynucleotidylation of terminal proteins, as well as the mechanisms of telomere resolution by proteins like ResT. Additionally, Prof. George Chaconas discusses genome plasticity, sequence scrambling, and telomere exchanges, offering insights into the dynamic nature of bacterial genetic systems.For further details, watch a video

Microscopic anatomy of the organs in the body by Prof. S. P. Banumathy Madurai Medical College, India

The 51-minute multimedia lecture titled "Microscopic Anatomy of the Organs in the Body" by Prof. S. P. Banumathy from Madurai Medical College, India, comprehensively covers the microscopic anatomy of various organs in the human body. The Lecture begins with an exploration of the digestive system, detailing structures from the mouth to the large intestine, including the liver, gall bladder, and pancreas. The respiratory tract, urinary tract, male and female reproductive systems, nervous system, endocrine glands, and sense organs are also extensively discussed. Additionally,Prof. S. P. Banumathy  addresses lymphoid organs, providing insights into the microscopic anatomy of these crucial components of the human body.For further details, watch a video

Plasmid segregation and stability in bacteria, by Prof. Barbara Funnell University of Toronto, Canada

The 32-minute lecture titled "Plasmid Segregation and Stability in Bacteria" by Prof. Barbara Funnell from the University of Toronto, Canada, explores various processes contributing to plasmid stability in bacteria. It delves into the necessity of partition systems for specific plasmids and their role as positioning systems, often organized into tripartite cassettes. The lecture discusses the classification of plasmid partition systems based on NTPase homology and the structure and function of centromere-binding proteins like RHH2 and HTH2. Furthermore, the Lecture elucidates mechanisms such as ParB forming large partition complexes at parS sites, the involvement of ParA in plasmid/par complexes localization, and the role of ParM filaments in driving plasmids apart.  Prof. Barbara Funnell also addresses the autoregulation of Par operons, the localization dynamics of ParA across the bacterial nucleoid, and the transport reaction nature of plasmid partition, including insights into ParA-like cargo systems. For further details, watch a video

Simple Circuit by Dr. Angelina Fong The University of Melbourne, Australia

The 22-minute lecture titled "Simple Circuits" by Dr. Angelina Fong from The University of Melbourne, Australia, provides a comprehensive overview of various types of neural circuits, starting from simple circuits involving excitatory and inhibitory neurons, their activity, and resultant effects on neuron B and C. The lecture progresses to discuss advanced simple circuits involving multiple neurons and their resultant activity. Dr. Angelina Fong also delves into reflex circuits, including details about interneurons, excitatory and inhibitory neurons, and their roles in reflex actions. Moreover,Dr. Angelina Fong  covers convergent and divergent circuits, exploring their implications on neuron activity and resultant effects, thereby providing insights into the fundamental principles of neural circuitry. For further details, watch a video

Lung volumes: Clinical application, by Prof. Henry E. Fessler Johns Hopkins University, USA

In the 16-minute lecture titled "Lung Volumes: Clinical Application" by Prof. Henry E. Fessler from Johns Hopkins University, USA, the topics covered include detailed explanations of helium dilution and plethysmography techniques for measuring lung volumes, discussing their respective sources of error and interpretation of results. The lecture also illustrates the process of plethysmography and highlights its clinical utility compared to gas dilution methods. Additionally, it delves into radiologic lung volumes and provides insights into the clinical application of these techniques in diagnosing and managing respiratory conditions. For further details, watch a video

FTIR spectroscopy in Biomedical analysis, by Dr. Andrei A. Bunaciu S.C AAB_IR research S.R.L., Romania

The 14-minute lecture titled "FTIR Spectroscopy in Biomedical Analysis" by Dr. Andrei A. Bunaciu from S.C. AAB_IR Research S.R.L., Romania, covers the historical context and principles of IR spectroscopy, with a focus on Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) technique and IR spectrum analysis in biological samples such as biofluids and tissues, particularly blood samples.Dr. Andrei A. Bunaciu discusses the application of IR spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool, highlighting its relevance in analyzing biomolecules like cholesterol and glucose, with specific implications in conditions such as diabetes in pregnant women and even the detection of SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, Dr. Andrei A. Bunaciu delves into the use of FTIR spectroscopy in cancer analysis, providing examples and concluding insights on its significance in biomedical research and analysis, particularly within the context of Romania. For further details, watch a video