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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 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 -
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 -
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 -
Journal of Gambling Studies Mar 2022Pathological gambling is a growing health problem in Romania, recognized in DSM V (2013) as a form of psychopathology included in the category of addictions. This study...
Pathological gambling is a growing health problem in Romania, recognized in DSM V (2013) as a form of psychopathology included in the category of addictions. This study aims to find out whether there are differences between gamblers and the control group among the dependent variables (impulsivity, conscientiousness, and defense mechanisms). According to the literature, impulsivity and low conscientiousness are specific features to pathological gamblers. A second goal is to check if there are one or more defense mechanisms defining gamblers. A recent study (Waqas et al., Waqas et al., Psychiatry Research 243:463-468, 2016) about the association of defense mechanisms and the problematic use of the Internet identified the following defense mechanisms: projection, denial, passive aggression, and movement. The present study questionnaire consists of four sections: a) The impulsivity questionnaire (Eysenk et al., Eysenck et al., Personality and Individual Differences 6:613-619, 1985), b) Defense Style Questionnaire-40, c) C-NEO (only the items related to the Conscientiousness factor) and d) SOGS (South Oaks Gambling Screen) test. This questionnaire was applied to 40 gamblers in the full version, and the control group was given the same questionnaire apart from the SOGS test. All data were analyzed in SPSS v20. The research results show that pathological gamblers have higher impulsivity than the control group, their defense mechanisms are predominantly neurotic and immature and their conscientiousness is significantly lower than the control group.
Topics: Consciousness; Defense Mechanisms; Ego; Gambling; Humans; Impulsive Behavior
PubMed: 33988811
DOI: 10.1007/s10899-021-10035-0 -
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 -
Journal of Biotechnology Nov 2022Plant pathogens damage crops and threaten global food security. Plants have evolved complex defense networks against pathogens, using crosstalk among various signaling... (Review)
Review
Plant pathogens damage crops and threaten global food security. Plants have evolved complex defense networks against pathogens, using crosstalk among various signaling pathways. Key regulators conferring plant immunity through signaling pathways include protein-coding genes and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). The discovery of ncRNAs in plant transcriptomes was first considered "transcriptional noise". Recent reviews have highlighted the importance of non-coding RNAs. However, understanding interactions among different types of noncoding RNAs requires additional research. This review attempts to consider how long-ncRNAs, small-ncRNAs and circular RNAs interact in response to pathogenic diseases within different plant species. Developments within genomics and bioinformatics could lead to the further discovery of plant ncRNAs, knowledge of their biological roles, as well as an understanding of their importance in exploiting the recent molecular-based technologies for crop protection.
Topics: RNA, Circular; RNA, Untranslated; Plants; RNA, Long Noncoding; Defense Mechanisms; MicroRNAs; RNA, Plant
PubMed: 36174794
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2022.09.014