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Chemosphere Sep 2022Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that pose serious challenges to aquatic animals and environments. Compared with BDE-47...
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that pose serious challenges to aquatic animals and environments. Compared with BDE-47 which was one of the most toxic congeners known to date, BDE-209 is less toxic with higher abundance in biotic and abiotic samples. In this study, we have explored the effects of BDE-47 and BDE-209 at different concentrations on the radical oxygen species (ROS) levels and the antioxidant defense system of Brachionus plicatilis. Antioxidant indexes were measured, including total protein content (TSP), the activities of antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. The results indicated that while low concentrations of PBDEs could activate the antioxidant defense mechanisms, prolonged exposure to higher concentrations of PBDEs could impair the antioxidative capacity of B.plicatilis (P < 0.05). The overwhelming of the B.plicatilis antioxidant defense mechanism led to an accumulation of free radicals, resulting in the overactivation of lipid peroxidation and the increased frequency of DNA damage (P < 0.05). By studying the toxicity of PBDEs and the detoxification mechanism of B.plicatilis, our research has revealed useful indexes for detecting and monitoring the level of BDE-47 and BDE-209 in the future. Altogether, this study holds immense value in the field of ecotoxicology and environmental safety and will aid in the proper management of PBDEs pollution.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Defense Mechanisms; Environmental Monitoring; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Rotifera
PubMed: 35649441
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135152 -
Archives of Sexual Behavior Oct 2022Blanchard proposed that autogynephilia is a natal male's paraphilic sexual arousal in response to the thought or fantasy of being a woman. Furthermore, based on evidence...
Blanchard proposed that autogynephilia is a natal male's paraphilic sexual arousal in response to the thought or fantasy of being a woman. Furthermore, based on evidence collected from natal males with gender dysphoria, Blanchard argued that autogynephilia is the fundamental motivation among nonhomosexual males (i.e., those not exclusively attracted to men) who pursue sex reassignment surgery or live as transgender women. These ideas have been challenged by several writers who have asserted, or offered evidence, that autogynephilia is common among women. However, their evidence was weakened by problematic measures and limited comparison groups. We compared four samples of autogynephilic natal males (N = 1549), four samples of non-autogynephilic natal males (N = 1339), and two samples of natal females (N = 500), using Blanchard's original measure: the Core Autogynephilia Scale. The autogynephilic samples had much higher mean scores compared with non-autogynephilic natal males and natal females, who were similar. Our findings refute the contention that autogynephilia is common among natal females.
Topics: Fantasy; Female; Gender Dysphoria; Gender Identity; Humans; Male; Sex Reassignment Surgery; Transgender Persons; Transsexualism
PubMed: 35759067
DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02359-8 -
BMC Psychology Nov 2023Adolescence is recognized as a particularly susceptible developmental period for experiencing multiple types of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), increasing the...
BACKGROUND
Adolescence is recognized as a particularly susceptible developmental period for experiencing multiple types of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), increasing the vulnerability to higher levels of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD symptoms. Some studies found that defense mechanisms play an important role on the association between ACE and psychological symptoms.
METHODS
We analyzed the associations between direct and indirect exposure to ACE and PTSD and Complex PTSD (affective dysregulation, negative self-concept and disturbances in relationships) through the mediation role of mature defense mechanisms: mature, neurotic, and immature defense mechanisms in Indian adolescents. A sample of 411 Indian adolescents (M = 14.2 years old; S.D. = 0.5) completed validated self-report questionnaires. Serial multiple mediation models were tested by conducting a structural equation modelling employing Preacher and Hayes' procedures (2008).
RESULTS
Immature and neurotic defense mechanisms mediated the association between direct exposure to ACE with PTSD symptoms. Immature defense mechanisms were mediators of the relationship between direct exposure to ACE and Complex PTSD symptoms clusters.
CONCLUSIONS
Maladaptive defense mechanisms can disturb the process of self-regulation and emotion regulation capabilities in coping with traumatic experiences, leading to higher PTSD and Complex PTSD symptoms severity.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Adaptation, Psychological; Emotional Regulation; Surveys and Questionnaires; Defense Mechanisms
PubMed: 38001536
DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01456-0 -
Psychophysiology Feb 2020Psychophysiology is a central hub connecting neurobiological and behavioral domains with clinical science, thus providing ideal tools for increasing the understanding of... (Review)
Review
Psychophysiology is a central hub connecting neurobiological and behavioral domains with clinical science, thus providing ideal tools for increasing the understanding of mental disorders beyond the level of symptom reports. The present article provides an overview of how psychophysiological research can contribute toward efforts directed at an improved understanding of anxiety disorders. Starting with the behavioral domain, it is demonstrated that defensive behaviors are fundamental to anxiety disorders and that these behaviors are dynamically organized depending upon the proximity of a specific threat. The next section reviews neural networks that are activated during the encoding of threat-relevant information and during the organization of the cascade of defensive responses, including how passive avoidance might be conceptualized within a neurobehavioral framework. The last section addresses the translation of these behavioral and neuronal findings from experimental psychopathology research to clinical populations. Finally, evidence is presented to support how behavioral approaches may be helpful in predicting treatment outcomes.
Topics: Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; Brain; Defense Mechanisms; Fear; Humans; Nerve Net; Psychophysiology
PubMed: 31529522
DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13474 -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2022Cotton is an important economic crop. and are the primary pathogenic fungi that threaten both the quality and sustainable production of cotton. As an opportunistic... (Review)
Review
Cotton is an important economic crop. and are the primary pathogenic fungi that threaten both the quality and sustainable production of cotton. As an opportunistic pathogen, causes various human diseases, including fungal keratitis, which is the most common. Therefore, there is an urgent need to study and clarify the resistance mechanisms of cotton and humans toward in order to mitigate, or eliminate, its harm. Herein, we first discuss the resistance and susceptibility mechanisms of cotton to and wilt and classify associated genes based on their functions. We then outline the characteristics and pathogenicity of and describe the multiple roles of human neutrophils in limiting hyphal growth. Finally, we comprehensively compare the similarities and differences between animal and plant resistance to and put forward new insights into novel strategies for cotton disease resistance breeding and treatment of infection in humans.
Topics: Humans; Verticillium; Fusarium; Plant Diseases; Plant Breeding; Disease Resistance; Gossypium; Defense Mechanisms
PubMed: 36293072
DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012217 -
Frontiers in Genetics 2023The relationship between insect pathogenic fungi and their insect hosts is a classic example of a co-evolutionary arms race between pathogen and target host: parasites... (Review)
Review
The relationship between insect pathogenic fungi and their insect hosts is a classic example of a co-evolutionary arms race between pathogen and target host: parasites evolve towards mechanisms that increase their advantage over the host, and the host increasingly strengthens its defenses. The present review summarizes the literature data describing the direct and indirect role of lipids as an important defense mechanism during fungal infection. Insect defense mechanisms comprise anatomical and physiological barriers, and cellular and humoral response mechanisms. The entomopathogenic fungi have the unique ability to digest the insect cuticle by producing hydrolytic enzymes with chitin-, lipo- and proteolytic activity; besides the oral tract, cuticle pays the way for fungal entry within the host. The key factor in insect resistance to fungal infection is the presence of certain types of lipids (free fatty acids, waxes or hydrocarbons) which can promote or inhibit fungal attachment to cuticle, and might also have antifungal activity. Lipids are considered as an important source of energy, and as triglycerides are stored in the fat body, a structure analogous to the liver and adipose tissue in vertebrates. In addition, the fat body plays a key role in innate humoral immunity by producing a range of bactericidal proteins and polypeptides, one of which is lysozyme. Energy derived from lipid metabolism is used by hemocytes to migrate to the site of fungal infection, and for phagocytosis, nodulation and encapsulation. One polyunsaturated fatty acid, arachidonic acid, is used in the synthesis of eicosanoids, which play several crucial roles in insect physiology and immunology. Apolipoprotein III is important compound with antifungal activity, which can modulate insect cellular response and is considered as important signal molecule.
PubMed: 37359377
DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1183659 -
Journal of Sex Research Feb 2020Mental health disparities among transgender adolescents are well documented and have generally been attributed to minority stress. However, significantly less is known...
Mental health disparities among transgender adolescents are well documented and have generally been attributed to minority stress. However, significantly less is known about the minority stress experiences of non-binary adolescents or those who do not identify as exclusively male or female. This study qualitatively explored the unique ways that non-binary adolescents experience minority stress and how it influences their mental health and well-being. Lifeline methodology and photo elicitation were used to interview 14 ethnically diverse non-binary adolescents between the ages of 16 and 20, residing in New York City (NYC) and the San Franscicso Bay Area (SFBA). We present participants' experiences using a novel construct of defined as the refusal to accept one's identity as real or true. Our findings indicate that invalidation is conceptually distinct from the established minority stressor of "non-affirmation." Non-binary adolescents experienced myriad forms of invalidation within multiple social contexts, which contributed to negative affective and cognitive processes, including confusion, self-doubt, rumination, and internalized shame. For many participants, the cumulative stressors related to invalidation contributed to poor mental health outcomes. Data from this study suggest that identity invalidation is a unique form of minority stress that may especially affect non-binary individuals, with significant implications for their social and emotional well-being.
Topics: Adolescent; Affective Symptoms; Aggression; Defense Mechanisms; Female; Humans; Male; Mental Health; Minority Groups; New York City; San Francisco; Self-Control; Sexual Partners; Social Stigma; Stress, Psychological; Transgender Persons; Young Adult
PubMed: 31070487
DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2019.1608422 -
Harefuah Sep 2019Clinical encounters with transgender people seeking hormonal treatment for gender reaffirmation, provide an opportunity, besides engagement in the endocrine dilemmas, to...
Clinical encounters with transgender people seeking hormonal treatment for gender reaffirmation, provide an opportunity, besides engagement in the endocrine dilemmas, to challenge the binary pattern of thinking and reveal many fascinating and complex matters of transgender medicine: human, philosophical and political. The current review of the subject is presented by an endocrinologist engaged in hormonal treatment of transgender people.
Topics: Endocrinology; Gender Identity; Humans; Medicine; Transgender Persons; Transsexualism
PubMed: 31507102
DOI: No ID Found -
Med (New York, N.Y.) May 2021Radix and Harris discuss the current state of transgender health and the challenges to equitable medical access experienced by transgender and gender-diverse patients....
Radix and Harris discuss the current state of transgender health and the challenges to equitable medical access experienced by transgender and gender-diverse patients. Transgender medicine has evolved significantly since the first clinical practice guidelines were developed more than 40 years ago, but important research gaps exist.
Topics: Gender Identity; Humans; Medicine; Plant Roots; Transgender Persons; Transsexualism
PubMed: 35590227
DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2021.04.025 -
BMJ Open Respiratory Research Jul 2023Epidemiological and clinical studies have indicated an association between particulate matter (PM) exposure and acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation, which may be... (Review)
Review
Epidemiological and clinical studies have indicated an association between particulate matter (PM) exposure and acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation, which may be registered as increased mortality and morbidity. Despite the increasing evidence, the pathophysiology mechanism of these PMs is still not fully characterised. Pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAMs), as a predominant cell in the lung, play a critically important role in these pathological mechanisms. Toxin exposure triggers events associated with macrophage activation, including oxidative stress, acute damage, tissue disruption, remodelling and fibrosis. Targeting macrophage may potentially be employed to treat these types of lung inflammation without affecting the natural immune response to bacterial infections. Biological toxins, their sources of exposure, physical and other properties, and their effects on the individuals are summarised in this article. Inhaled particulates from air pollution and toxic gases containing chemicals can interact with alveolar epithelial cells and immune cells in the airways. PAMs can sense ambient pollutants and be stimulated, triggering cellular signalling pathways. These cells are highly adaptable and can change their function and phenotype in response to inhaled agents. PAMs also have the ability to polarise and undergo plasticity in response to tissue damage, while maintaining resistance to exposure to inhaled agents.
Topics: Humans; Macrophages, Alveolar; Air Pollution; Gases; Lung; Defense Mechanisms
PubMed: 37479504
DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2022-001589