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Phytopathology Apr 2023One important discovery in plant pathology over recent decades is the natural antiviral defense mechanism mediated by RNA interference (RNAi). In antiviral RNAi, virus... (Review)
Review
One important discovery in plant pathology over recent decades is the natural antiviral defense mechanism mediated by RNA interference (RNAi). In antiviral RNAi, virus infection triggers Dicer processing of virus-specific double-stranded RNA into small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Frequently, further amplified by host enzyme and cofactors, these virus-derived siRNAs direct specific virus clearance in an Argonaute protein-containing effector complex. The siRNAs derived from viruses and viroids accumulate to very high levels during infection. Because they overlap extensively in nucleotide sequence, this allows for deep sequencing and bioinformatics assembly of total small RNAs for rapid discovery and identification of viruses and viroids. Antiviral RNAi acts as the primary defense mechanism against both RNA and DNA viruses in plants, yet viruses still successfully infect plants. They do so because all currently recognized plant viruses combat the RNAi response by encoding at least one protein as a viral suppressor of RNAi (VSR) required for infection, even though plant viruses have small genome sizes with a limited coding capacity. This review article will recapitulate the key findings that have revealed the genetic pathway for the biogenesis and antiviral activity of viral siRNAs and the specific role of VSRs in infection by antiviral RNAi suppression. Moreover, early pioneering studies on transgene silencing, RNAi, and virus-plant/virus-virus interactions paved the road to the discovery of antiviral RNAi.
Topics: RNA, Small Interfering; RNA Interference; RNA, Double-Stranded; Antiviral Agents; Plant Diseases; Plants; Viroids; Transgenes; Defense Mechanisms
PubMed: 36441873
DOI: 10.1094/PHYTO-10-22-0358-IA -
The Primary Care Companion For CNS... Mar 2020To investigate the self-esteem and defense mechanisms in patients diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the self-esteem and defense mechanisms in patients diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
METHODS
This prospective, cross-sectional study included 29 patients diagnosed with HIV/AIDS admitted to inpatient or outpatient clinics between March 2018 and January 2019 and 29 healthy subjects. Participants were assessed using a sociodemographic and clinical data form, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory (RSEI), the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI).
RESULTS
Patients with HIV/AIDS had significantly higher scores on the fantasy, psychosomatic symptoms, and parental interest subscales of the RSEI. There was no significant difference between the groups on the other subscales, including the self-esteem subscale. There was no correlation between the duration of the disease and self-esteem. The neurotic defense mechanism and immature defense mechanism subscale scores of the DSQ were significantly higher in the HIV/AIDS group compared to the control group (P < .01). Undoing and reaction formation scores in neurotic defense mechanisms and projection, devaluation, autistic fantasy, and splitting scores in immature defense mechanisms were significantly higher in the HIV/AIDS group compared to controls (P < .05). There was no significant difference between the groups based on the mature defense mechanisms subscale scores.
CONCLUSIONS
No difference was found in the self-esteem scores of the HIV/AIDS and control groups, and this finding could be associated with the stability of the self-esteem concept. It was also determined that patient group members utilized neurotic and immature defense mechanisms more often compared to the healthy group, and there was no difference between the groups based on mature defense mechanisms.
Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Defense Mechanisms; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Self Concept
PubMed: 32220150
DOI: 10.4088/PCC.19m02577 -
Trends in Parasitology Dec 2022Toxoplasma gondii encysts preferentially within neurons in the central nervous system, establishing lifelong persistence. Despite recent discoveries, this neuronal...
Toxoplasma gondii encysts preferentially within neurons in the central nervous system, establishing lifelong persistence. Despite recent discoveries, this neuronal preference was thought, in part, to be secondary to a lack of neuronal cell-autonomous immunity. By showing that neurons can mount interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)-mediated cell-autonomous anti-T. gondii defenses, Chandrasekaran et al. have challenged long held assumptions.
Topics: Toxoplasma; Interferon-gamma; Neurons; Immunity, Cellular; Defense Mechanisms
PubMed: 36280528
DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.10.001 -
Infection and Immunity Jun 2020Neutrophils kill invading microbes and therefore represent the first line of defense of the innate immune response. Activated neutrophils assemble NADPH oxidase to... (Review)
Review
Neutrophils kill invading microbes and therefore represent the first line of defense of the innate immune response. Activated neutrophils assemble NADPH oxidase to convert substantial amounts of molecular oxygen into superoxide, which, after dismutation into peroxide, serves as the substrate for the generation of the potent antimicrobial hypochlorous acid (HOCl) in the phagosomal space. In this minireview, we explore the most recent insights into physiological consequences of HOCl stress. Not surprisingly, Gram-negative bacteria have evolved diverse posttranslational defense mechanisms to protect their proteins, the main targets of HOCl, from HOCl-mediated damage. We discuss the idea that oxidation of conserved cysteine residues and partial unfolding of its structure convert the heat shock protein Hsp33 into a highly active chaperone holdase that binds unfolded proteins and prevents their aggregation. We examine two novel members of the chaperone holdase family, RidA and CnoX, whose thiol-independent activation mechanism differs from that of Hsp33 and requires N-chlorination of positively charged amino acids during HOCl exposure. Furthermore, we summarize the latest findings with respect to another bacterial defense strategy employed in response to HOCl stress, which involves the accumulation of the universally conserved biopolymer inorganic polyphosphate. We then discuss sophisticated adaptive strategies that bacteria have developed to enhance their survival during HOCl stress. Understanding bacterial defense and survival strategies against one of the most powerful neutrophilic oxidants may provide novel insights into treatment options that potentially compromise the ability of pathogens to resist HOCl stress and therefore may increase the efficacy of the innate immune response.
Topics: Bacteria; Bacterial Infections; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; Defense Mechanisms; Humans; Hypochlorous Acid; Microbial Viability; Molecular Chaperones; Neutrophils; Oxidants; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Protein Binding; Respiratory Burst; Structure-Activity Relationship
PubMed: 32152198
DOI: 10.1128/IAI.00964-19 -
Journal of Personality and Social... May 2015Narcissists are thought to exhibit "narcissistic rage," an explosive mix of anger and hostility arising from threats to narcissists' fractured sense of self. Building on...
Narcissists are thought to exhibit "narcissistic rage," an explosive mix of anger and hostility arising from threats to narcissists' fractured sense of self. Building on clinical views of narcissism, we present empirical evidence on the nature and sources of narcissistic rage. Findings from 4 studies reveal narcissistic vulnerability (but not grandiosity) as a powerful driver of rage, hostility, and aggressive behavior, fueled by suspiciousness, dejection, and angry rumination. Consistent with theorizing about narcissistic rage, Study 1 showed that vulnerable (but not grandiose) narcissism predicted more anger internalization and externalization, as well as poorer anger control. Study 2 revealed vulnerable narcissism as a stronger indicator of shame and aggressiveness, especially hostility and anger. Study 3 identified distrust of others and angry rumination as key factors accounting for vulnerable narcissists' reactive and displaced aggression. Study 4 provided behavioral evidence that vulnerable (but not grandiose) narcissism amplifies reactive and displaced aggression in the face of provocation. Taken together, the findings not only establish narcissistic vulnerability as a key source of narcissistic rage but also reveal an important pathway to narcissistic aggression that does not involve competitiveness or exploitativeness. In addition, the results support clinical views of narcissistic aggression and implicate deficient self-esteem as an important driver of aggressive behavior.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aggression; Anger; Defense Mechanisms; Female; Hostility; Humans; Male; Narcissism; Rage; Self Concept; Shame; Social Behavior; Young Adult
PubMed: 25545840
DOI: 10.1037/pspp0000013 -
Journal of the American Psychoanalytic... Oct 2020The analyst's embodied attunement and participation arises within an embodied analytic relationship. Understanding this "deep structure" of the interaction and attention...
The analyst's embodied attunement and participation arises within an embodied analytic relationship. Understanding this "deep structure" of the interaction and attention to this level of interaction opens up new modes of engagement and therapeutic action. The importance of embodied attunement is supported by recent research and theories that the developing mind is shared and dialogical through bodily communication, by rhythms of cadence, tone, intensity, and movement. The analyst's embodied awareness of two bodies together and their interpersonal rhythm is the "tool" used to gauge the pulse, vitality of connection, and particular rhythmic qualities of a uniquely shared world. This provides a read on the most elemental way the dyad shares emotional experience (or fails to). The analyst's embodied participation is interpretation in another mode. Clinical examples illustrate how embodied attunement and intentional participation work in the session, and their therapeutic effect. Failures of attunement are also discussed in terms of how the analyst recognizes these failures and his internal process of reattunement.
Topics: Communication; Comprehension; Countertransference; Defense Mechanisms; Emotions; Humans; Professional-Patient Relations; Psychoanalytic Interpretation; Psychoanalytic Therapy; Transference, Psychology; Unconscious, Psychology
PubMed: 33307748
DOI: 10.1177/0003065120969413 -
Current Opinion in Biotechnology Aug 2021Plants have developed multilayered molecular defense strategies to combat pathogens. These defense layers have been predominantly identified and characterized in... (Review)
Review
Plants have developed multilayered molecular defense strategies to combat pathogens. These defense layers have been predominantly identified and characterized in incompatible interactions, in which the plant immune system induces a rapid and efficient defense. Nevertheless, due to the constant evolutionary pressure between plants and pathogens for dominance, it is conceptually accepted that several mechanisms of plant defense may be hidden by the co-evolving immune-suppressing functions from pathogens. Recent studies focusing on begomovirus-host interactions have provided an in-depth view of how suppressed plant antiviral mechanisms can offer a more dynamic view of evolving pressures in the immune system also shared with nonviral pathogens. The emerging theme of crosstalk between host antiviral defenses and antibacterial immunity is also discussed. This interplay between immune responses allows bacteria and viruses to activate immunity against pathogens from a different kingdom, hence preventing multiple infections presumably to avoid competition.
Topics: Defense Mechanisms; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Plant Diseases; Plant Immunity; Plant Viruses; Plants
PubMed: 33866213
DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.03.007 -
Psychoanalytic Review Apr 2018Freud's letters and papers indicate that his emotions interfered with his endeavor to justify his theories to an unsympathetic public. His example suggests that a... (Review)
Review
Freud's letters and papers indicate that his emotions interfered with his endeavor to justify his theories to an unsympathetic public. His example suggests that a psychoanalyst who wishes to prove the validity of psychoanalysis to critics may experience strong and unpalatable emotions that in turn stimulate defense mechanisms, such as avoidance of proving activities. While Freud habitually observed the public's resistance to psychoanalytic ideas, he overlooked the possibility of his own resistance to presenting them. Those who are interested in pursuing scientific validation of psychoanalytic theories and efficacy may wish to consider whether psychoanalysts' emotional resistances have contributed to the psychoanalytic community's halting approach to validation and the presentation of proof.
Topics: Attitude of Health Personnel; Defense Mechanisms; Freudian Theory; Humans; Psychoanalysis
PubMed: 29617202
DOI: 10.1521/prev.2018.105.2.157 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Nov 2022The present study aims to (1) follow up with 4-year changes in the efficacy outcome, defense style questionnaire (DSQ) score, and clinical features of patients with...
OBJECTIVE
The present study aims to (1) follow up with 4-year changes in the efficacy outcome, defense style questionnaire (DSQ) score, and clinical features of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and (2) analyze the relationship between different levels of efficacy and changes in the patients' psychological defense mechanisms.
METHODS
The following data collection and 4-year follow-up were completed for 153 patients with OCD: (1) the treatment process, efficacy outcome, course of disease, and clinical features of OCD were collected using a self-made general information questionnaire and (2) the control method was used to analyze the changes in clinical symptoms (Yale-Brown obsessive compulsive scale [YBOCS], Hamilton anxiety score [HAMA], and Hamilton depression scale [HAMD]) in patients with OCD. Moreover, the changes in the psychological defense mechanism (measured by DSQ) and the relation between the prognosis and DSQ score were investigated.
RESULTS
(1) The HAMA score (8.7 ± 4.8 points), HAMD score (12.0 ± 6.6 points) and YBOCS score (16.4 ± 8.4 points) were significantly lower during the follow-up than at the time of enrollment (p < 0.01). In the two DSQ evaluations, there were no significant differences in the factors, with the exception of a significant decrease in the use of "reaction formation" (t = 2.533, p = 0.015). The changes of mature defense factors in the significant efficacy group significantly increased (p < 0.01). Which was mainly manifested in the significant increase in the score of "sublimation" item, and the difference was extremely significant (t = -3.093, p = 0.006).
CONCLUSION
An abnormal psychological defense mechanism plays an important role in OCD, and the use of a mature defense mechanism is significantly related to the treatment efficacy.
Topics: Defense Mechanisms; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Prognosis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35987303
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.08.031 -
Neuron Jul 2019The neural basis of defensive behaviors continues to attract much interest, not only because they are important for survival but also because their dysregulation may be... (Review)
Review
The neural basis of defensive behaviors continues to attract much interest, not only because they are important for survival but also because their dysregulation may be at the origin of anxiety disorders. Recently, a dominant approach in the field has been the optogenetic manipulation of specific circuits or cell types within these circuits to dissect their role in different defensive behaviors. While the usefulness of optogenetics is unquestionable, we argue that this method, as currently applied, fosters an atomistic conceptualization of defensive behaviors, which hinders progress in understanding the integrated responses of nervous systems to threats. Instead, we advocate for a holistic approach to the problem, including observational study of natural behaviors and their neuronal correlates at multiple sites, coupled to the use of optogenetics, not to globally turn on or off neurons of interest, but to manipulate specific activity patterns hypothesized to regulate defensive behaviors.
Topics: Animals; Brain; Defense Mechanisms; Extinction, Psychological; Fear; Humans; Individuality; Neural Pathways; Neurons; Optogenetics
PubMed: 31319049
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.05.024