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PLoS Biology May 2023The gasdermins are a family of pore-forming proteins involved in various cellular processes such as cell death and inflammation. A new study in PLOS Biology explores the...
The gasdermins are a family of pore-forming proteins involved in various cellular processes such as cell death and inflammation. A new study in PLOS Biology explores the evolutionary history of gasdermins across metazoans, highlighting the conservation and divergence of gasdermin E.
Topics: Animals; Pyroptosis; Lancelets; Gasdermins; Neoplasm Proteins; Defense Mechanisms
PubMed: 37141191
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002103 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2023The gene, known for its ability to confer resistance to the brown planthopper (BPH; Stål), has been extensively employed in rice breeding. However, the molecular...
The gene, known for its ability to confer resistance to the brown planthopper (BPH; Stål), has been extensively employed in rice breeding. However, the molecular mechanism by which provides resistance against BPH in rice remains poorly understood. In this study, we reported that the transcription factor was highly responsive to BPH infestation and exhibited early-induced expression in -NIL (near-isogenic line) plants, and OsWRKY71 was localized in the nucleus of rice protoplasts. The knockout of in the -NIL background by CRISPR-Cas9 technology resulted in an impaired -mediated resistance against BPH. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the transcript profiles responsive to BPH differed between the mutant and -NIL, and the knockout of altered the expression of defense genes. Subsequent quantitative RT-PCR analysis identified three genes, namely sesquiterpene synthase , EXO70 family gene , and disease resistance gene , which might participate in BPH resistance conferred by in -NIL plants. Our investigation demonstrated the pivotal involvement of in -mediated resistance and provided new insights into the rice defense mechanisms against BPH.
PubMed: 38023936
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1260526 -
The ISME Journal Jan 2022The capability to respond to wounding is a process shared by organisms of different kingdoms that can result in the regeneration of whole-body parts or lost structures...
The capability to respond to wounding is a process shared by organisms of different kingdoms that can result in the regeneration of whole-body parts or lost structures or organs. Filamentous fungi constitute a rich food source that ensures survival and reproduction of their predators and are therefore continuously exposed to mechanical damage. Nevertheless, our understanding of how fungi respond to wounding and predators is scarce. Fungi like plants and animals respond to injury recognizing Damage- and Microbe-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs/MAMPs) that activate Ca and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase dependent signaling for the activation of defense mechanisms. During herbivory, plants, in addition to activating pathways related to injury, activate specific responses to combat their predators. Using a transcriptional approach, we studied the capacity of the filamentous fungus Trichoderma atroviride to activate specific responses to injury and attack by different arthropods. Attack by Drosophila melanogaster inhibited the transcriptional activation of genes required for hyphal regeneration, and the fungal innate immune and chemical defense responses. We also provide mechanistic insight of this inhibition involving components of the D. melanogaster salivary glands that repress the expression of a set of genes and block hyphal regeneration.
Topics: Animals; Defense Mechanisms; Drosophila; Drosophila melanogaster; Hypocreales; Trichoderma
PubMed: 34282283
DOI: 10.1038/s41396-021-01068-9 -
Pediatrics Aug 2022Concerns about early childhood social transitions among transgender youth include that these youth may later change their gender identification (ie, retransition), a...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Concerns about early childhood social transitions among transgender youth include that these youth may later change their gender identification (ie, retransition), a process that could be distressing. The current study aimed to provide the first estimate of retransitioning and to report the current gender identities of youth an average of 5 years after their initial social transitions.
METHODS
The current study examined the rate of retransition and current gender identities of 317 initially transgender youth (208 transgender girls, 109 transgender boys; M = 8.1 years at start of study) participating in a longitudinal study, the Trans Youth Project. Data were reported by youth and their parents through in-person or online visits or via e-mail or phone correspondence.
RESULTS
We found that an average of 5 years after their initial social transition, 7.3% of youth had retransitioned at least once. At the end of this period, most youth identified as binary transgender youth (94%), including 1.3% who retransitioned to another identity before returning to their binary transgender identity. A total of 2.5% of youth identified as cisgender and 3.5% as nonbinary. Later cisgender identities were more common among youth whose initial social transition occurred before age 6 years; their retransitions often occurred before age 10 years.
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that retransitions are infrequent. More commonly, transgender youth who socially transitioned at early ages continued to identify that way. Nonetheless, understanding retransitions is crucial for clinicians and families to help make retransitions as smooth as possible for youth.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Gender Identity; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Parents; Transgender Persons; Transsexualism
PubMed: 35505568
DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-056082 -
Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy 2020To compare health-related quality of life (QoL) of medical students in initial and final phases of the program, and to evaluate the association between ego defense... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
OBJECTIVES
To compare health-related quality of life (QoL) of medical students in initial and final phases of the program, and to evaluate the association between ego defense mechanisms and specific health-related QoL domains within each group.
METHODS
This was an observational, cross-sectional study. Quality of life was assessed according to the World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument - Abbreviated Version (WHOQOL-Bref); anxiety and depression symptoms were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); defense mechanisms were assessed using the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40).
RESULTS
A total of 139 medical students were evaluated. Students in the initial semesters of the program (1st and 3rd) presented more depressive symptoms and worse quality of life in the psychological domain of WHOQOL-Bref when compared to those in the final semesters (8th and 12th). In a later analysis, conducted to identify the variables associated with the psychological domain of the WHOQOL-Bref for each group, both depressive symptoms and defense mechanisms were independently associated with the outcome for medical students in the beginning and in the end of the graduation program.
CONCLUSIONS
Students in the initial phases of medical school may need more specific attention from educational managers. Understanding the role of ego defense mechanisms in the quality of life of medical students may help identify effective psychopedagogical interventions for this population. In addition, the results reinforce the impact of depressive symptoms on quality of life, an association already well evidenced in the literature.
Topics: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Defense Mechanisms; Depression; Female; Humans; Male; Quality of Life; Students, Medical; Time Factors; Young Adult
PubMed: 32321086
DOI: 10.1590/2237-6089-2019-0022 -
The New Phytologist Feb 2021Algal viruses are important contributors to carbon cycling, recycling nutrients and organic material through host lysis. Although viral infection has been described as a...
Algal viruses are important contributors to carbon cycling, recycling nutrients and organic material through host lysis. Although viral infection has been described as a primary mechanism of phytoplankton mortality, little is known about host defense responses. We show that viral infection of the bloom-forming, planktonic diatom Chaetoceros socialis induces the mass formation of resting spores, a heavily silicified life cycle stage associated with carbon export due to rapid sinking. Although viral RNA was detected within spores, mature virions were not observed. 'Infected' spores were capable of germinating, but did not propagate or transmit infectious viruses. These results demonstrate that diatom spore formation is an effective defense strategy against viral-mediated mortality. They provide a possible mechanistic link between viral infection, bloom termination, and mass carbon export events and highlight an unappreciated role of viruses in regulating diatom life cycle transitions and ecological success.
Topics: DNA Viruses; Defense Mechanisms; Diatoms; Phytoplankton; Viruses
PubMed: 32978816
DOI: 10.1111/nph.16951 -
Journal of Research on Adolescence :... Mar 2019Although parenting behavior and friendship quality predict adolescent externalizing behaviors (EBs), individual differences in temperament may differentially affect... (Review)
Review
Although parenting behavior and friendship quality predict adolescent externalizing behaviors (EBs), individual differences in temperament may differentially affect susceptibility to these factors over time. In a multi-method and multi-informant study of 141 children followed prospectively from toddlerhood to adolescence, we tested the independent and interactive associations of age 3 reactive temperament (e.g., negative emotionality) and age 13 observed parenting (i.e., positive and negative behavior) and friendship (i.e., conflict and warmth), with multi-informant ratings of age 15 aggression and rule-breaking behavior. Negative parenting predicted growth in parent-rated EB, but only for adolescents with early reactive temperament. Temperament did not affect sensitivity to positive parenting or friendship. Results are discussed in the context of differential susceptibility theory and intervention implications for adolescents.
Topics: Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Defense Mechanisms; Humans; Internal-External Control; Longitudinal Studies; Parent-Child Relations; Parenting; Peer Influence; Socialization; Temperament
PubMed: 29537722
DOI: 10.1111/jora.12382 -
Journal of Pesticide Science Nov 2021Plants synthesize and accumulate a wide variety of compounds called secondary metabolites. Secondary metabolites serve as chemical barriers to protect plants from...
Plants synthesize and accumulate a wide variety of compounds called secondary metabolites. Secondary metabolites serve as chemical barriers to protect plants from pathogens and herbivores. Antimicrobial secondary metabolites are accumulated to prevent pathogen infection. These metabolites are classified into phytoalexins (induced in response to pathogen attack) and phytoanticipins (present prior to pathogen infection). The antimicrobial compounds in the grass family (Poaceae) were studied from the viewpoint of evolution. The studies were performed at three hierarchies, families, genera, and species and include the following: 1) the distribution of benzoxazinoids (Bxs) in the grass family, 2) evolutionary replacement of phytoanticipins from Bxs to hydroxycinnamic acid amide dimers in the genus , and 3) chemodiversity of flavonoid and diterpenoid phytoalexins in rice. These studies demonstrated dynamic changes in secondary metabolism during evolution, indicating the adaptation of plants to their environment by repeating scrap-and-build cycles.
PubMed: 34908899
DOI: 10.1584/jpestics.J21-05 -
Gaceta Sanitaria 2021Health systems and professional training are based on gender binarism. At different stages of the life cycle, there are situations that cause inequities, lack of... (Review)
Review
Health systems and professional training are based on gender binarism. At different stages of the life cycle, there are situations that cause inequities, lack of opportunities and risks to the health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people. This work aims to explore the need to include affective-sexual, bodily and gender diversity (ASBGD) in the curricula of health sciences degrees. A narrative bibliographic review was performed to identify recommendations based on international frameworks and experiences with new approaches to incorporate ASBGD, as well as a critical analysis of the current situation regarding the deficiencies in the inclusion of ASBGD in health sciences degrees. At present there is a progressive inclusion of ASBGD in health sciences in many countries, which is considered fundamental for ethical professional practices, and excellence in care. We offer a summary of advances, emerging debates and teaching strategies for the inclusion of ASBGD from previous international experiences. These experiences highlight the need for inclusion of ASBGD, the lack of knowledge about specific needs of LGBTI people and the benefits of breaking with the binary imposition. They recommend increasing knowledge about terminology, rights and inequalities, and the active participation of LGBTI people and communities.
Topics: Bisexuality; Female; Gender Identity; Humans; Sexual Behavior; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Transsexualism
PubMed: 32173051
DOI: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2019.12.003 -
PloS One 2023The spatial layout of the coastal forts defense system of the Ming Dynasty of China has been studied in a relatively comprehensive way. Nonetheless, ancient defense...
The spatial layout of the coastal forts defense system of the Ming Dynasty of China has been studied in a relatively comprehensive way. Nonetheless, ancient defense mechanisms have not been fully revealed. Previous studies have focused more on the macro and meso levels. Studies into its microscopic construction mechanism need to be enhanced. This research attempts to quantify and validate the rationality of the ancient microscopic defense mechanism, using the ancient defense mechanism of Pu Zhuang Suo-Fort in Zhejiang Province as an instance. This study concentrates on the distribution of firepower strength beyond the walls of coastal defense forts, as well as the effect of wall height on firepower defense capabilities. There is a specific firepower attenuation area near the walls due to the firing blind area in the coastal forts defense system. And the construction of the moat plays an additive role in its defensive capability. Meanwhile, the height of the fort wall will also affect the range of the firing blind zone under Yangmacheng. In theory, there is a reasonable height range of the wall and a proper position of the moat. This height range can meet both good economy and defensive capabilities. In turn, the position of the moats and the height of the walls can verify the rationality of the construction mechanism of the coastal forts' defense system.
PubMed: 36862742
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282537