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Viruses May 2018RNAi is considered a major antiviral defense mechanism in insects, but its relative importance as compared to other antiviral pathways has not been evaluated... (Review)
Review
RNAi is considered a major antiviral defense mechanism in insects, but its relative importance as compared to other antiviral pathways has not been evaluated comprehensively. Here, it is attempted to give an overview of the antiviral defense mechanisms in that involve both RNAi and non-RNAi. While RNAi is considered important in most viral infections, many other pathways can exist that confer antiviral resistance. It is noted that very few direct recognition mechanisms of virus infections have been identified in and that the activation of immune pathways may be accomplished indirectly through cell damage incurred by viral replication. In several cases, protection against viral infection can be obtained in RNAi mutants by non-RNAi mechanisms, confirming the variability of the RNAi defense mechanism according to the type of infection and the physiological status of the host. This analysis is aimed at more systematically investigating the relative contribution of RNAi in the antiviral response and more specifically, to ask whether RNAi efficiency is affected when other defense mechanisms predominate. While can function as a useful model, this issue may be more critical for economically important insects that are either controlled (agricultural pests and vectors of diseases) or protected from parasite infection (beneficial insects as bees) by RNAi products.
Topics: Animals; Drosophila melanogaster; Immunity, Innate; RNA Interference; RNA, Double-Stranded; Virus Diseases; Virus Replication
PubMed: 29723993
DOI: 10.3390/v10050230 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2021Plants are subjected to a plethora of environmental cues that cause extreme losses to crop productivity. Due to fluctuating environmental conditions, plants encounter... (Review)
Review
Plants are subjected to a plethora of environmental cues that cause extreme losses to crop productivity. Due to fluctuating environmental conditions, plants encounter difficulties in attaining full genetic potential for growth and reproduction. One such environmental condition is the recurrent attack on plants by herbivores and microbial pathogens. To surmount such attacks, plants have developed a complex array of defense mechanisms. The defense mechanism can be either preformed, where toxic secondary metabolites are stored; or can be inducible, where defense is activated upon detection of an attack. Plants sense biotic stress conditions, activate the regulatory or transcriptional machinery, and eventually generate an appropriate response. Plant defense against pathogen attack is well understood, but the interplay and impact of different signals to generate defense responses against biotic stress still remain elusive. The impact of light and dark signals on biotic stress response is one such area to comprehend. Light and dark alterations not only regulate defense mechanisms impacting plant development and biochemistry but also bestow resistance against invading pathogens. The interaction between plant defense and dark/light environment activates a signaling cascade. This signaling cascade acts as a connecting link between perception of biotic stress, dark/light environment, and generation of an appropriate physiological or biochemical response. The present review highlights molecular responses arising from dark/light fluctuations elicitation of defense mechanisms in plants.
PubMed: 33763093
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.631810 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2020The molecular basis of plant immunity triggered by microbial pathogens is being well-characterized as a complex sequential process leading to the activation of defense... (Review)
Review
The molecular basis of plant immunity triggered by microbial pathogens is being well-characterized as a complex sequential process leading to the activation of defense responses at the infection site, but which may also be systemically expressed in all organs, a phenomenon also known as systemic acquired resistance (SAR). Some plant-associated and beneficial bacteria are also able to stimulate their host to mount defenses against pathogen ingress via the phenotypically similar, induced systemic resistance phenomenon. Induced systemic resistance resembles SAR considering its mechanistic principle as it successively involves recognition at the plant cell surface, stimulation of early cellular immune-related events, systemic signaling via a fine-tuned hormonal cross-talk and activation of defense mechanisms. It thus represents an indirect but efficient mechanism by which beneficial bacteria with biocontrol potential improve the capacity of plants to restrict pathogen invasion. However, according to our current vision, induced systemic resistance is specific considering some molecular aspects underpinning these different steps. Here we overview the chemical diversity of compounds that have been identified as induced systemic resistance elicitors and thereby illustrating the diversity of plants species that are responsive as well as the range of pathogens that can be controlled via this phenomenon. We also point out the need for further investigations allowing better understanding how these elicitors are sensed by the host and the diversity and nature of the stimulated defense mechanisms.
PubMed: 33304371
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.594530 -
Current Opinion in Microbiology Feb 2015Epithelial cells line the surfaces of the body, and are on the front lines of defense against microbial infection. Like many other metazoans, the nematode Caenorhabditis... (Review)
Review
Epithelial cells line the surfaces of the body, and are on the front lines of defense against microbial infection. Like many other metazoans, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans lacks known professional immune cells and relies heavily on defense mediated by epithelial cells. New results indicate that epithelial defense in C. elegans can be triggered through detection of pathogen-induced perturbation of core physiology within host cells and through autophagic defense against intracellular and extracellular pathogens. Recent studies have also illuminated a diverse array of pathogenic attack strategies used against C. elegans. These findings are providing insight into the underpinnings of host/pathogen interactions in a simple animal host that can inform studies of infectious diseases in humans.
Topics: Animals; Autophagy; Caenorhabditis elegans; Defense Mechanisms; Epithelial Cells; Host-Pathogen Interactions
PubMed: 25461579
DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2014.11.009 -
Medecine Sciences : M/S 2019
Topics: Anthropology, Cultural; Bioethical Issues; Female; Femininity; Gender Identity; Health Status; Humans; Male; Masculinity; Men's Health; Research Subjects; Sex; Sex Factors; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Terminology as Topic; Women's Health
PubMed: 31274089
DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2019097 -
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 -
Current Issues in Molecular Biology 2016Biotic stresses are constraints to plant growth and development negatively impacting crop production. To counter such stresses, plants have developed stress-specific... (Review)
Review
Biotic stresses are constraints to plant growth and development negatively impacting crop production. To counter such stresses, plants have developed stress-specific adaptations as well as simultaneous responses. The efficacy and magnitude of inducible adaptive responses are dependent on activation of signaling pathways and intracellular networks by modulating expression, or abundance, and/or post-translational modification of proteins associated with defense mechanisms. Proteomics plays an important role in elucidating plant defense mechanisms by mining the differential regulation of proteins to various biotic stresses. Rice, one of the most widely cultivated food crops in world, is constantly challenged by a variety of biotic stresses, and high-throughput proteomics approaches have been employed to unravel the molecular mechanism of the biotic stresses-response in rice. In this review, we summarize the latest advances of proteomic studies on defense responses and discuss the potential relevance of the proteins identified by proteomic means in rice defense mechanism. Furthermore, we provide perspective for proteomics in unraveling the molecular mechanism of rice immunity.
Topics: Adaptation, Biological; Crops, Agricultural; Disease Resistance; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Immunity; Oryza; Plant Diseases; Plant Proteins; Proteome; Proteomics; Signal Transduction; Stress, Physiological
PubMed: 26364119
DOI: No ID Found -
JAMA Network Open Jun 2022Although LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority) physicians experience bias in the workplace, there is a paucity of...
IMPORTANCE
Although LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority) physicians experience bias in the workplace, there is a paucity of data on the experiences of physicians who identify specifically as transgender and/or gender expansive (TGE; gender expansive is an umbrella term encompassing individuals and gender identities that may exist beyond the binary framework [eg, may include nonbinary, genderqueer, and agender individuals]).
OBJECTIVES
To explore the professional experiences of TGE physicians, identify barriers to inclusion, and highlight stakeholder-derived strategies that promote an inclusive workplace.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This qualitative study informed by semistructured interviews was conducted among 24 TGE physicians in the US from April 1 to December 31, 2021. The sample of TGE physicians was recruited using convenience and snowball sampling. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Using thematic analysis, at least 2 members of the research team performed blinded coding of each transcript, in an iterative process.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Data collection and thematic analysis examining themes of physicians' experiences.
RESULTS
Among 24 physicians (mean [SD] age, 39 [1.4] years) interviewed, 8 (33%) self-identified as transgender women, 7 (29%) as transgender men, 4 (17%) as nonbinary, 3 (13%) as transgender and nonbinary, and 2 (8%) as genderqueer. Prominent themes of the interviews included emotional distress as a result of transphobia, dominance of a rigid binary gender paradigm, and structural and institutional factors that are associated with psychological and physical safety and feelings of isolation as a TGE physician. Clear steps of affirmation were identified that could mitigate the emotional stressors, including signs of safety, active allyship, and mentorship by other TGE physicians.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this qualitative study, TGE physicians reported facing both overt and subtle biases associated with their identity and gender presentation. Participants also noted several interpersonal and structural factors that mitigate the effect of these biases.
Topics: Adult; Female; Gender Identity; Humans; Male; Physicians; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Transgender Persons; Transsexualism
PubMed: 35767255
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.19791 -
Psychiatria Polska Feb 2023Defense mechanisms are unconscious, automatic processes that allow us to cope with tension and stress. They play a significant role in maintaining mental health, but the... (Review)
Review
Defense mechanisms are unconscious, automatic processes that allow us to cope with tension and stress. They play a significant role in maintaining mental health, but the use of some of them, especially immature ones which strongly distort reality, can be associated with psychopathological symptoms. Multiple studies show a relationship between immature defensive styles and mood disorders. Individuals with depressive and bipolar affective disorders use more immature mechanisms compared to non-clinical control groups. At the same time, they rely less on mature, adaptive defense mechanisms. Immature defense mechanisms may negatively affect the course and effectiveness of treatment, while improvements toward the use of more mature defenses due to psychotherapy and other treatment interventions are observed. Estimation of the maturity level of defense mechanisms may prove useful in the diagnostic process, especially in differentiating depressive disorders from anxiety disorders, differentiating between subtypes of mood disorders and in assessing the risk of suicidal behavior. Enhancing mature defense mechanisms and reducing reliance on immature ones may improve the overall functioning of patients with mood disorders and contribute to reducing the severity of psychopathological symptoms.
Topics: Humans; Mood Disorders; Bipolar Disorder; Psychotherapy; Anxiety Disorders; Defense Mechanisms
PubMed: 37350724
DOI: 10.12740/PP/145919 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2023Security is a significant priority for cloud-native systems, regardless of the system size and complexity. Therefore, one must utilize a set of defensive mechanisms or... (Review)
Review
Security is a significant priority for cloud-native systems, regardless of the system size and complexity. Therefore, one must utilize a set of defensive mechanisms or controls to protect the system from exploitation by potential adversaries. There is an expanding amount of research on security issues, including attacks against individual microservices or overall systems and their corresponding defense mechanism options. This study intends to provide a comprehensive overview of currently used defense mechanisms involving static analysis that can detect and react against associated attacks and vulnerabilities. We present a systematic literature review that extracts current approaches for the security analysis of microservices and the violation of security principles. We gathered 1049 relevant publications, of which 50 were selected as primary studies. We are providing practitioners and developers with a structured survey of the existing literature of defensive solutions for microservice architectures and cloud-native systems to aid them in identifying applicable solutions for their systems.
PubMed: 36850361
DOI: 10.3390/s23041755