Adaptive Changes Research Articles

Tracking Microenvironmental Response on Self-Assembled Phthalocyanine Systems - Adaptive and Non-Adaptive Antibacterial Photosensitization.

Self-assembly has proven to be one of the effective methods for the formation of nanoscale therapeutics without the need to use nanodelivery systems. Such minimal models of supramolecular systems formed from amphiphilic photosensitizers (PS) have recently emerged as a new class of photoactive systems, providing unique and in some cases superior activities. Although the mechanism of photogenerated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in such systems is studied and to a certain extent understood, there are very limited studies investigating the influence of intricate environmental factors, including those occurring in the cellular environment, on the self-assembly and thus the activity of the system. Understanding the optimal conditions for the formation of active PS aggregates is an important area of research in the field of photodynamic therapy (PDT), as it is directly linked to the optimal treatment dose. In this study, we describe the synthesis, self-assembly properties, photophysical characterization, and photobiological efficacy of structurally closely related low-symmetry phthalocyanine derivatives. Studying the decay behavior of the PS fluorescence lifetime in the presence of molecular crowders and different bacterial strains, we found that certain derivatives exhibited adaptive behavior and change in activity, while others demonstrated non-adaptive characteristics.

Non-linear response of plant caloric value to N addition and mowing treatments in a meadow steppe

BackgroundCaloric value is an important indicator of grassland ecosystem function, but the response of caloric value to nitrogen (N) addition and mowing is still unclear. We explored the adaptive changes of plant caloric value and energy standing crop along a N addition gradient after six-year NH4NO3 addition and mowing treatments in an Inner Mongolian temperate meadow steppe in northern China.ResultsWe found that the response of plant caloric value to N addition at different organizational levels was diverse. The caloric value of legumes increased linearly with N addition rates. The caloric value of grasses exhibited a non-linear response trend, initially increasing followed by saturation or decrease, with a N response threshold present. Due to the dominance of grass species, the caloric value at the community level followed a similar pattern to that of the grasses along the N addition gradient. Under mowing, the caloric value of plants at each organizational level increased and usually mowing enhanced the N response threshold. Amongst these, the N response threshold of Leymus chinensis increased from 3.302 to 5.443 g N m−2 yr−1, grasses increased from 4.414 to 5.746 g N m−2 yr−1, and community increased from 5.373 to 9.216 g N m−2 yr−1. Under non-mowing treatment, the N response thresholds of the most dominant species, Leymus chinensis, and community energy standing crop were 10.001 and 15.119 g N m−2 yr−1, respectively. Under mowing, the energy standing crops showed a linear increasing trend.ConclusionsN response thresholds of plant caloric value and energy standing crop vary at different organizational levels (community > functional group > species). The results reveal varying regulatory capabilities of plants on the ecological environment at different organizational levels. These findings enhance our understanding of plant-environment interactions in grassland ecosystems under N deposition from an energy perspective, which is of great significance to clarify the response mechanism of grassland ecosystem structure and function to N deposition.

Effects of acute stress on biological motion perception.

Biological motion perception is an essential part of the cognitive process. Stress can affect the cognitive process. The present study explored the intrinsic ERP features of the effects of acute psychological stress on biological motion perception. The results contributed scientific evidence for the adaptive behavior changes under acute stress. After a mental arithmetic task was used to induce stress, the paradigm of point-light displays was used to evaluate biological motion perception. Longer reaction time and lower accuracy were found in the inverted walking condition than in the upright walking condition, which was called the "inversion effect". The P2 peak amplitude and the LPP mean amplitude were significantly higher in the local inverted perception than in the local upright walking condition. Compared to the control condition, the stress condition induced lower RT, shorter P1 peak latency of biological motion perception, lower P2 peak amplitude and LPP mean amplitude, and higher N330 peak amplitude. There was an "inversion effect" in biological motion perception. This effect was related to the structural characteristics of biological motion perception but unrelated to the state of acute psychological stress. Acute psychological stress accelerated the reaction time and enhanced attention control of biological motion perception. Attention resources were used earlier, and less attentional investment was made in the early stage of biological motion perception processing. In the late stage, a continuous weakening of inhibition was shown in the parieto-occipital area.

Exploring the geospatial variations in the public health workforce: implications for diversifying the supply of potential workers in governmental settings.

The US public health workforce has markedly declined, falling from 500 000 individuals in 1980 to 239 000 by 2022, a trend exacerbated by economic instability and an aging demographic. There was a temporary surge in staffing through emergency hires during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the permanence of these positions remains uncertain. Concurrently, public health degree conferrals have sharply increased, creating a mismatch between the growing number of graduates and the actual needs of health departments. This study analyzes the distribution of the potential public health labor supply within a 50- and 150-mile radius of health departments, revealing a significant regional imbalance. Most regions experience substantial differences in the concentration of public health graduates when accounting for population size, reflecting geographic disparities in workforce distribution. These findings underscore the necessity for structured partnerships between health departments and educational institutions and advocacy for adaptive policy changes to align educational outputs with labor market demands, essential for a resilient public health workforce.

Hybrid Artificial Protozoa-Based JADE for Attack Detection

This paper presents a novel hybrid optimization algorithm that combines JADE Adaptive Differential Evolution with Artificial Protozoa Optimizer (APO) to solve complex optimization problems and detect attacks. The proposed Hybrid APO-JADE Algorithm leverages JADE’s adaptive exploration capabilities and APO’s intensive exploitation strategies, ensuring a robust search process that balances global and local optimization. Initially, the algorithm employs JADE’s mutation and crossover operations, guided by adaptive control parameters, to explore the search space and prevent premature convergence. As the optimization progresses, a dynamic transition to the APO mechanism is implemented, where Levy flights and adaptive change factors are utilized to refine the best solutions identified during the exploration phase. This integration of exploration and exploitation phases enhances the algorithm’s ability to converge to high-quality solutions efficiently. The performance of the APO-JADE was verified via experimental simulations and compared with state-of-the-art algorithms using the 2022 IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation benchmark (CEC) 2022 and 2021. Results indicate that APO-JADE achieved outperforming results compared with the other algorithms. Considering practicality, the proposed APO-JADE was used to solve a real-world application in attack detection and tested on DS2OS, UNSW-NB15, and ToNIoT datasets, demonstrating its robust performance.

Trajectories and predictors of gerontological service career adaptability among health science undergraduates: A longitudinal study

BackgroundIn response to the aging population, it is essential to examine gerontological service career adaptability among health science undergraduates. ObjectivesThis study aimed to clarify the trajectories and predictors of health science undergraduates' gerontological service career adaptability. DesignThis study adopted a longitudinal design. SettingsThis study was conducted at four universities in China. Participants and methodsHealth science undergraduates were recruited via convenience sampling. Data were collected in the third (Stage 1), sixth (Stage 2), and ninth (Stage 3) months of the participants' graduation year. A total of 471 undergraduates completed a three-stage self-report questionnaire that assessed gerontological service career adaptability, career motivation, proactive personality, and practice environment at Stage 1 and gerontological service career adaptability at Stages 2 and 3. The response rate was 76.84 %. Data analyses entailed multiple linear regression, a latent growth mixture model, and multiple logistic regression. ResultsThree subgroups representing different gerontological service career adaptability trajectories were identified: rapidly growing (6.16 %), stably growing (87.47 %), and decreasing (6.37 %). Changes were observed primarily from the third to sixth months of the participants' graduation year. Health science undergraduates with high career motivation and a strongly proactive personality were likely to be in the decreasing group, whereas those with a supportive practice environment were predisposed to belong to the decreasing and stably growing groups. ConclusionsThe health science undergraduates' gerontological service career adaptability trajectories are heterogeneous, with the critical period spanning the third to sixth months of their graduation year. Gerontological service career adaptability grows stably among most undergraduates who have a supportive practice environment. Additionally, gerontological service career adaptability changes easily among undergraduates with high career motivation and a strongly proactive personality. Educators should implement tailored interventions to enhance gerontological service career adaptability based on health science undergraduates' traits.

Succession of rumen microbiota and metabolites across different reproductive periods in different sheep breeds and their impact on the growth and development of offspring lambs

BackgroundThe microbiota and metabolites in the gastrointestinal tracts of female animals at different reproductive periods are very important to the growth, development, and health of themselves and their offspring. However, the changes in the gastrointestinal microbiota and metabolites throughout reproductive period of different sheep breeds and their effects on the growth and development of offspring lambs are still unclear. Hence, this study presents an assessment of the reproductive hormone levels, immune levels, rumen microbiota, and metabolites in Hu sheep and Suffolk ewes at different reproductive periods and their effects on the growth and development of offspring lambs.ResultsHu sheep and Suffolk during non-pregnancy, pregnancy, and lactation were used as the research objects to determine reproductive and immune indexes of ewes at different periods, analyze rumen microbiome and metabolome, and track the growth performance and development of offspring lambs. The results showed that the reproductive hormone and immune levels of Hu sheep and Suffolk underwent adaptive changes across different reproductive periods. Compared with non-pregnancy, the microbial energy metabolism and lipid metabolism function decreased during Hu sheep pregnancy, and energy metabolism function decreased during lactation. In Suffolk, energy metabolism, glycan biosynthesis, and metabolism function were enhanced during pregnancy, and the metabolism of cofactors and vitamins was enhanced during lactation. Prevotella increased in Suffolk during pregnancy and lactation (P < 0.05) and was positively correlated with the birth weight and body size of the lambs (P < 0.05). Moreover, the abundances of Butyrivibrio and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group during pregnancy were positively correlated with the intestinal immunity of the offspring lambs (P < 0.05), thereby regulating the intestinal immunity level of the lambs. Metabolomic analysis revealed that the protein digestion, absorption, and amino acid metabolism of Hu sheep were enhanced during pregnancy, which provided amino acids for the growth and development of pregnant ewes and fetuses and was significantly correlated with the birth weight, body size, and intestinal immunity of lambs (P < 0.05). Simultaneously, there was an increase in acetate and propionate during the pregnancy and lactation period of both Hu sheep and Suffolk, providing energy for ewes during reproductive period. Moreover, the microbiota during the lactation period was significantly correlated with the milk quality and lambs daily gain (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study revealed the characteristic succession changes in the rumen microbiota and its metabolites at different reproductive periods in sheep breeds and their regulation of reproductive hormone and immune levels and identified their potential effects on the growth and development of offspring lambs. The findings provide valuable insights into the health and feeding management of different sheep breeds during the reproductive stage.Cnu7uEJBESQuA-vs1kGzfaVideo

Genetic analysis of tomato brown rugose fruit virus reveals evolutionary adaptation and codon usage bias patterns

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) poses a significant threat to tomato production worldwide, prompting extensive research into its genetic diversity, evolutionary dynamics, and adaptive strategies. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of ToBRFV at the codon level, focusing on codon usage bias, selection pressures, and evolutionary patterns across multiple genes. Our analysis revealed distinct patterns of codon usage bias and selection pressures within the ToBRFV genome, with varying levels of genetic diversity and evolutionary constraints among different genes. We observed a transition/transversion bias of 2.07 across the entire ToBRFV genome, with the movement protein (MP) gene exhibiting the highest transition/transversion bias and SNP density, suggesting potential evolutionary pressures or a higher mutation rate in this gene. Furthermore, our study identified episodic positive selection primarily in the MP gene, highlighting specific codons subject to adaptive changes in response to host immune pressures or environmental factors. Comparative analysis of codon usage bias in the coat protein (CP) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) genes revealed gene-specific patterns reflecting functional constraints and adaptation to the host's translational machinery. Our findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms driving ToBRFV evolution and adaptation, with implications for understanding viral pathogenesis, host-virus interactions, and the development of control strategies. Future research directions include further elucidating the functional significance of codon usage biases, exploring the role of episodic positive selection in viral adaptation, and leveraging these insights to inform the development of effective antiviral strategies and crop protection measures.

Effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on the microbial community in burn scars: retrospective case-control study.

The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has been demonstrated in various medical fields, including burn medicine. It promotes wound healing, improves blood flow, and modulates the inflammatory responses. The recovery speed and outcomes of skin diseases are influenced by the skin microbiome; however, studies examining the effects of specific treatments on the skin microbiome are lacking. This study investigated the impact of ESWT on the skin microbiome of burn patients, focusing on the microbial diversity and community structure within burn scars. In the retrospective case-control study, nineteen patients with burn scars were treated with ESWT, and changes in their skin microbiome were evaluated. ESWT was administered weekly for three months, and samples were collected from the ESWT-treated burn scars and untreated normal skin. Blood chemistry, and pain and itching scores were evaluated during sample collection. The collected samples were then subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing. Microbial community analysis was conducted using the QIIME2 and R packages. After ESWT, changes in alpha diversity indices were observed in burn scars. Faith phylogenetic diversity (P<0.05) and observed features (P<0.01) increased, whereas the evenness index decreased (P<0.01); no marked changes were noted in untreated skin. Beta diversity analysis showed stable microbial community structures in both the treated and untreated areas. A considerable increase in Micrococcus and Staphylococcus abundance was observed. Network analysis revealed a more open microbial network structure after ESWT, indicating adaptive changes in the microbial community. ESWT enhances microbial diversity and modifies microbial community structure in burn scars, promoting a more balanced and functionally supportive microbiome. ESWT aids in scar remodeling and positively influences skin microbiome dynamics, contributing to improved skin health and recovery.

Evolving Synergy Between Synthetic and Biotic Elements in Conjugated Polyelectrolyte/Bacteria Composite Improves Charge Transport and Mechanical Properties.

gLiving materials can achieve unprecedented function by combining synthetic materials with the wide range of cellular functions. Of interest are situations where the critical properties of individual abiotic and biotic elements improve via their combination. For example, integrating electroactive bacteria into conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) hydrogels increases biocurrent production. One observes more efficient electrical charge transport within the CPE matrix in the presence of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 and more current per cell is extracted, compared to traditional biofilms. Here, the origin of these synergistic effects are examined. Transcriptomics reveals that genes in S. oneidensis MR-1 related to bacteriophages and energy metabolism are upregulated in the composite material. Fluorescent staining and rheological measurements before and after enzymatic treatment identified the importance of extracellular biomaterials in increasing matrix cohesion. The synergy between CPE and S. oneidensis MR-1 thus arises from initially unanticipated changes in matrix composition and bacteria adaption within the synthetic environment.

Total Ankle Arthroplasty as a Correction Tool for Foot Deformities: Analyzing the Impact on Medial Column Alignment Adaptation Through Weightbearing Computed Tomography.

While weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) has been instrumental in analyzing total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) positioning, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding adaptive changes in the foot's medial column after TAA. This study aims to bridge this gap by comparing preoperative and postoperative alignments of the foot's medial column and analyzing if a correlation exists between TAA coronal alignment correction and medial column alignment adaptation. Sixty patients who underwent a lateral approach TAA for end-stage osteoarthritis (OA) between January 2021 and April 2023 were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into varus (n = 30) and valgus (n = 30) groups. Preoperative and postoperative WBCT scans were analyzed to measure medial column alignment. Statistical analysis evaluated alignment corrections and correlations. Both groups showed significant plantarflexion of the second tarsometatarsal (TMT) angle, with a median adaptation of -1 degree (IQR -3, 0; P < .01) in the valgus group and -1 degree (IQR -3, 0; P = .03) in the varus group. The varus group exhibited increased plantarflexion of the first TMT angle (median -1 degree, IQR -1, -2; P = .03). Both groups demonstrated increased adduction of the medial column. The talonavicular coverage angle adaptation averaged 7.2 ± 14 degrees (P < .01) in the valgus and 9 ± 12 degrees (P < .01) in the varus group. The talo-first metatarsal axial angle adaptation was 5 ± 13 degrees (P = .03) in the valgus group and 9.5 ± 15 degrees (P = .08) in the varus group. WBCT analysis revealed significant medial column adaptation post-TAA in varus and valgus alignments. However, no correlation was found between hindfoot correction and forefoot adaptation, making it challenging to predict the need for additional realignment surgeries. Future studies should explore the relationship between tibiotalar correction and medial column alignment to improve outcomes and the influence of total ankle design on medial column adaptation. Level III, retrospective case control study.

Innovation in Local Digital Media: The Case of Sevilla Directo

The journalistic industry is undergoing a process of continuous transformation in response to an ongoing crisis. In this scenario, marked by disruptive technological changes and shifts in audience and advertiser behaviour, a new communication ecosystem is emerging that facilitates the rise of novel media outlets. Community social media, data journalism, and specialisation are some of the key features present in these emerging business models. This research aims to identify and understand the role of innovation in media adaptation to the current communication paradigm. Methodology: We employ a case study approach, analysing Sevilla Directo, a native digital medium in a city of approximately 700,000 inhabitants. Data collection techniques include observation, website analysis, in-depth interviews, focus groups with journalists, and analysis of sector reports and databases. Results and Discussion: Our findings indicate that technological advancements and the reach of social networks are fundamental to the growth of local media. However, we observe that adaptive changes predominate with little disruption and minimal focus on R&amp;D&amp;I. The organisation under study lacks a business model that guarantees its long-term sustainability and relies primarily on traditional income streams. Concurrently, social capital emerges as a key element in financing.

The intensive physical activity causes changes in the composition of gut and oral microbiota

This study aimed to compare the gut and oral microbiota composition of professional male football players and amateurs. Environmental and behavioral factors are well known to modulate intestinal microbiota composition. Active lifestyle behaviors are involved in the improvement of metabolic and inflammatory parameters. Exercise promotes adaptational changes in human metabolic capacities affecting microbial homeostasis. Twenty professional football players and twelve amateurs were invited to the study groups. Fecal and oral microbiota were analyzed using next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Diversity in the oral microbiota composition was similar in amateurs and professionals, while the increase in training intensity reduced the number of bacterial species. In contrast, the analysis of the intestinal microbiota showed the greatest differentiation between professional football players and amateurs, especially during intensive training. Firmicutes were characterized by the largest population in all the studied groups. Intensive physical activity increases the abundance of butyrate and succinate-producing bacteria affecting host metabolic homeostasis, suggesting a very beneficial role for the host immune system's microbiome homeostasis and providing a proper function of the host immune system.

Near‐Full‐Spectrum Emission Realized in a Single Lead Halide Perovskite across the Visible‐Light Region

AbstractThe engineering of tunable photoluminescence (PL) in single materials with a full‐spectrum emission represents a highly coveted objective but poses a formidable challenge. In this context, the realization of near‐full‐spectrum PL emission, spanning the visible light range from 424 to 620 nm, in a single‐component two‐dimensional (2D) hybrid lead halide perovskite, (ETA)2PbBr4 (ETA+=(HO)(CH2)2NH3+), is reported, achieved through high‐pressure treatment. A pressure‐induced phase transition occurs upon compression, transforming the crystal structure from an orthorhombic phase under ambient conditions to a monoclinic structure at high pressure. This phase transition driven by the adaptive and dynamic configuration changes of organic amine cations enables an effective and continuous narrowing of the band gap in this halide crystal. The hydrogen bonding interactions between inorganic layers and organic amine cations (N−H⋅⋅⋅Br and O−H⋅⋅⋅Br hydrogen bonds) efficiently modulate the organic amine cations penetration and the octahedral distortion. Consequently, this phenomenon induces a phase transition and results in red‐shifted PL emissions, leading to the near‐full‐spectrum emission. This work opens a possibility for achieving wide PL emissions with coverage across the visible light spectrum by employing high pressure in single halide perovskites.

Adsorption of Prochiral Solvent Molecules by Surface-Confined Chiral Supramolecular Assemblies: How Solvent Impacts on-Surface Chirality.

The understanding of supramolecular chirality in self-assembled molecular networks (SAMNs) on surfaces generates a lot of interest because of its relation to the production of chiral sensors, reactors, and catalysts. We herein report the adsorption of a prochiral solvent molecule in porous SAMNs formed by a chiral dehydrobenzo[12]annulene (cDBA) derivative. Through the prochirality recognition of a solvent molecule, the supramolecular chirality of the SAMN is switched: the cDBA exclusively forms a counter-clockwise pore through co-adsorption of the solvent molecule in prochiral 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, while in 1-phenyloctane it produces the opposite chiral, clockwise pore. The prochirality recognition of the solvent molecule in the chiral SAMN pores is attributed to the adaptable conformational changes of the chiral chains of the cDBA molecule.

Interaction of poly dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride with sludge components: Anaerobic digestion performance and adaptive changes of anaerobic microbes

The wide utilization of poly dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (polyDADMAC) in industrial conditions leads to its accumulation in waste activated sludge (WAS), thereby affecting subsequent WAS treatment processes. This work investigated the interaction between polyDADMAC and WAS components from the perspective of anaerobic digestion (AD) performance and anaerobes adaptability variation. The results showed that polyDADMAC decreased the content of biodegradable organic substrates (i.e., soluble protein and carbohydrate) by binding with the functional groups and then settling to the solid phase, thus impeding the subsequent utilization. Higher concentrations of polyDADMAC prompted an initial protective response of excreting organic substrates into extracellular environment, but its toxicity to archaea was irreversible. Consequently, polyDADMAC inhibited the processes of AD and induced a 30 % reduction in methane production with 0.05 g polyDADMAC/g total suspended solid (TSS) addition. Changes in microbial community structure indicated that archaea involved in methane production (e.g., Anaerolineaceae sp. and Methanosaeta sp.) were inhibited when exposed to polyDADMAC. However, several adaptive bacteria with the ability of utilizing complex organics and participating in nitrogen cycle (e.g., Aminicenantales sp. and Ellin6067 sp.) were enriched with the above dosage. Specifically, the decreased abundance of genes relevant to methane metabolism pathway (i.e., mer and cdh) and increased abundance of genes involved in metabolism of cofactors and vitamins (e.g., nad and thi) indicated the toxicity of polyDADMAC and the irritant response of microflora. Moreover, polyDADMAC underwent degradation in AD system, resulting in a 12 % reduction in 15 days, accompanied by an increase in the -NO2 functional group. In general, this study provided a thorough understanding of the interaction between polyDADMAC and WAS components, raising concerns regarding the elimination of endogenous pollutants during AD.

A Comprehensive and Longitudinal View of Pregnancy from the Perspective of the Couple, Maternal Mental Health and Fetal Growth.

This study investigates the impact of both maternal psychopathological factors and adaptive psychological changes within the couple on fetal growth, emphasizing the importance of evaluating pregnancy from the perspectives of the couple, the mother, and the fetus collectively. A "couple" in this context refers to heterosexual partners engaged in the pregnancy process together, whether married or in a stable relationship. We included 189 pregnant women in their first trimester, tracking maternal depression, anxiety, body appreciation, prenatal attachment, and the couple's adjustment level across each trimester. Fetal growth parameters measured include biparietal diameter, femur length, humerus length, abdomen circumference, head circumference, β-HCG, and amniotic fluid levels, with relationships between these variables being modeled accordingly. Our findings indicate stable levels of maternal depression, anxiety, body appreciation, and couple's adjustment throughout the pregnancy, with a significant increase in prenatal attachment levels in each subsequent trimester. Prenatal attachment in the first trimester and maternal depression levels in the second and third trimesters were found to directly influence fetal growth, while other variables exhibited indirect effects. Fetal growth is influenced by a myriad of biopsychosocial factors. Ensuring healthy pregnancy and fetal development necessitates close monitoring and support of the mother's adaptive psychological changes, early identification and treatment of potential psychopathologies, and maintenance of the psychosocial health of the couple.

328. NORMAN RUPERT BARRETT (1903 – 1979)

Abstract Norman Rupert Barrett (1903 – 1979) was an Adelaide born thoracic surgeon. Barrett is most well-known for his contribution to ‘Barrett’s Oesophagus’. He was born into the Barrett Brothers malt producing family. He left Australia at the age of 10 and travelled throughout Europe and arrived in England in the wake of World War I. Following the Great War, Barrett sat his surgical examinations. Ironically, while the 21st century boasts well rounded surgeons and safe working hours, Barrett was at one point chastised for leaving the hospital grounds for a short walk while on call. The origin of the term ‘Barrett’s Oesophagus’ may not be quite as you imagine. Barrett initially describes the oesophagus being lined with columnar epithelium but attributes this to a congenitally shortened oesophagus leading to part of the stomach entering the chest. Later on, it was described by Allison and Johnstone that this was, in fact, the oesophagus and proposed ulcers in this region better termed ‘Barrett’s ulcers’. Only several years later was this pathology accepted by Barrett. Now ‘Barret’s Oesophagus’ is well known to us as the term used to describe the adaptive metaplastic change of the squamous epithelium of the oesophagus to columnar epithelium from the stomach; it is the pathological waymark for endoscopists in the development of Oesophageal Cancer.

185th anniversary of the cell theory and modern cell technologies

The article briefly reviews the history of the development of the cell theory in the 19th century and analyses the contribution of its authors Theodor Schwann, Matthias Schleiden, and Rudolf Virchow. Particular attention is paid to the development of the cell theory and its practical significance, in particular, the invention in the 20th century and further development of cell technologies. The main characteristics of cultured cells and tissues in vitro as a new experimentally created biological system are presented, and the peculiarities of the establishment of strains of cultured plant cells are discussed. Using plants as an example, the genomic variability of somatic cells is analysed both during ontogeny and in the course of their culturing in vitro. It is assumed that any somatic cell with a living (functionally active) nucleus, when isolated and subsequently cultured in vitro can restore in its offspring, including regenerated plants, the genetic polymorphism inherent in this plant species as a result of dedifferentiation and “somaclonal” variability (the latter is assumed to occur according to the N. I. Vavilov’s law of homologous series in variation). It ispostulated that a plant is a system of cell populations characterised by the plasticity of its gene pool, which is based on genome plasticity of somatic cells, which, in interaction with cellular selection, ensures the adaptability of the plant as an integral organism and creates the possibility of inheritance (transmission to offspring) of adaptive genomic changes acquired during ontogeny. It is concluded that the adaptive traits of an organism are determined by the adaptive changes in the cells, which composed it. The author also examines the main directions of modern cell technologies and their application in crop production, in medicine for the treatment and creation of new organs using stem cells, as well as in the food industry on the example of the development of technologies for the production of artificial meat using animal stem cells, etc. It is concluded that the issue of cell adaptations remains one of the most important and still insufficiently understood issues of modern biology.

Purinergic Signaling in Non-Parenchymal Liver Cells.

Purinergic signaling has emerged as an important paracrine-autocrine intercellular system that regulates physiological and pathological processes in practically all organs of the body. Although this system has been thoroughly defined since the nineties, recent research has made substantial advances regarding its role in aspects of liver physiology. However, most studies have mainly targeted the entire organ, 70% of which is made up of parenchymal cells or hepatocytes. Because of its physiological role, the liver is exposed to toxic metabolites, such as xenobiotics, drugs, and fatty acids, as well as to pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. Under injury conditions, all cell types within the liver undergo adaptive changes. In this context, the concentration of extracellular ATP has the potential to increase dramatically. Indeed, this purinergic response has not been studied in sufficient detail in non-parenchymal liver cells. In the present review, we systematize the physiopathological adaptations related to the purinergic system in chronic liver diseases of non-parenchymal liver cells, such as hepatic stellate cells, Kupffer cells, sinusoidal endothelial cells, and cholangiocytes. The role played by non-parenchymal liver cells in these circumstances will undoubtedly be strategic in understanding the regenerative activities that support the viability of this organ under stressful conditions.