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López-Silva P, de Prado-Gordillo MN, Fernández-Castro V. What are delusions? Examining the typology problem. Wiley Interdiscip Rev Cogn Sci 2024; 15:e1674. [PMID: 38183411 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.1674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Delusions are a heterogenous transdiagnostic phenomenon with a higher prevalence in schizophrenia. One of the most fundamental debates surrounding the philosophical understanding of delusions concerns the question about the type of mental state in which reports that we label as delusional are grounded, namely, the typology problem. The formulation of potential answers for this problem seems to have important repercussions for experimental research in clinical psychiatry and the development of psychotherapeutic tools for the treatment of delusions in clinical psychology. Problematically, such alternatives are scattered in the literature, making it difficult to follow the current development and state of the target discussion. This paper offers an updated critical examination of the alternatives to the typology problem currently available in the literature. After clarifying the two main philosophical views underlying the dominant formulation of the debate (interpretivism and functionalism), we follow the usual distinction between doxastic (the idea that delusions are a type of belief) and anti-doxastic views. We then introduce two new sub-distinctions; on the doxastic camp, we distinguish between revisionist and non-revisionist proposals; on the anti-doxastic camp, we distinguish between commonsensical and non-commonsensical anti-doxasticisms. After analyzing the main claims of each view, we conclude with some of the most fundamental challenges that remain open within the discussion. This article is categorized under: Philosophy > Foundations of Cognitive Science Philosophy > Consciousness Philosophy > Psychological Capacities Neuroscience > Cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo López-Silva
- Escuela de Psicología, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Instituto Milenio para la Investigación en Depresión y Personalidad - MIDAP, Santiago de Chile, Chile
- Institute of Complex Systems of Valparaíso, Chile, Valparaíso, Chile
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Borgonovo J, Allende-Castro C, Medinas DB, Cárdenas D, Cuevas MP, Hetz C, Concha ML. Immunohistochemical characterisation of the adult Nothobranchius furzeri intestine. Cell Tissue Res 2024; 395:21-38. [PMID: 38015266 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-023-03845-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Nothobranchius furzeri is emerging as an exciting vertebrate organism in the field of biomedicine, developmental biology and ecotoxicology research. Its short generation time, compressed lifespan and accelerated ageing make it a versatile model for longitudinal studies with high traceability. Although in recent years the use of this model has increased enormously, there is still little information on the anatomy, morphology and histology of its main organs. In this paper, we present a description of the digestive system of N. furzeri, with emphasis on the intestine. We note that the general architecture of the intestinal tissue is shared with other vertebrates, and includes a folding mucosa, an outer muscle layer and a myenteric plexus. By immunohistochemical analysis, we reveal that the mucosa harbours the same type of epithelial cells observed in mammals, including enterocytes, goblet cells and enteroendocrine cells, and that the myenteric neurons express neurotransmitters common to other species, such as serotonin, substance P and tyrosine hydroxylase. In addition, we detect the presence of a proliferative compartment at the base of the intestinal folds. The description of the normal intestinal morphology provided here constitutes a baseline information to contrast with tissue alterations in future lines of research assessing pathologies, ageing-related diseases or damage caused by toxic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina Borgonovo
- Integrative Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
| | - Camilo Allende-Castro
- Integrative Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
| | - Danilo B Medinas
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Deyanira Cárdenas
- Integrative Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
- Medical Technology School, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Paz Cuevas
- Integrative Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
- Medical Technology School, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Hetz
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
| | - Miguel L Concha
- Integrative Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Santiago, Chile.
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile.
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Nies F, Wein T, Hanke DM, Springstein BL, Alcorta J, Taubenheim C, Dagan T. Role of natural transformation in the evolution of small cryptic plasmids in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Environ Microbiol Rep 2023; 15:656-668. [PMID: 37794696 PMCID: PMC10667661 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Small cryptic plasmids have no clear effect on the host fitness and their functional repertoire remains obscure. The naturally competent cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 harbours several small cryptic plasmids; whether their evolution with this species is supported by horizontal transfer remains understudied. Here, we show that the small cryptic plasmid DNA is transferred in the population exclusively by natural transformation, where the transfer frequency of plasmid-encoded genes is similar to that of chromosome-encoded genes. Establishing a system to follow gene transfer, we compared the transfer frequency of genes encoded in cryptic plasmids pCA2.4 (2378 bp) and pCB2.4 (2345 bp) within and between populations of two Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 labtypes (termed Kiel and Sevilla). Our results reveal that plasmid gene transfer frequency depends on the recipient labtype. Furthermore, gene transfer via whole plasmid uptake in the Sevilla labtype ranged among the lowest detected transfer rates in our experiments. Our study indicates that horizontal DNA transfer via natural transformation is frequent in the evolution of small cryptic plasmids that reside in naturally competent organisms. Furthermore, we suggest that the contribution of natural transformation to cryptic plasmid persistence in Synechocystis is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Nies
- Institute of General MicrobiologyKiel UniversityKielGermany
| | - Tanita Wein
- Institute of General MicrobiologyKiel UniversityKielGermany
- Present address:
Department of Molecular GeneticsWeizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | | | - Benjamin L. Springstein
- Institute of General MicrobiologyKiel UniversityKielGermany
- Present address:
Institute of Science and Technology AustriaKlosterneuburgAustria
| | - Jaime Alcorta
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Biological Sciences FacultyPontifical Catholic University of ChileSantiagoChile
| | - Claudia Taubenheim
- Institute of General MicrobiologyKiel UniversityKielGermany
- Present address:
Department of Internal Medicine IIUniversity Medical Center Schleswig‐HolsteinKielGermany
| | - Tal Dagan
- Institute of General MicrobiologyKiel UniversityKielGermany
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Contardo I, Guzmán F, Enrione J. Conformational and Structural Changes in Chickpea Proteins Caused by Simulated Salivary Alterations in the Elderly. Foods 2023; 12:3668. [PMID: 37835321 PMCID: PMC10572786 DOI: 10.3390/foods12193668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of salivary alterations on chickpea protein structure in the elderly has not been well documented. This study aimed to understand the role of simulated salivary alterations in the conformational properties and secondary structure of the chickpea protein isolate (CPI). Whey protein isolate (WPI) was used as the reference. Protein dispersions (10%) were subjected to in vitro oral processing under simulated salivary conditions in both the elderly and adult subjects. Proteins and their oral counterparts were characterized in terms of their composition, charge, size, solubility, water absorption, molecular weight (MW), and secondary structure (Circular Dichroism and Raman spectroscopy). Under condition of simulated oral digestion in the elderly population, the ordered secondary protein structure was significantly affected, decreasing α-helix by ~36% and ~29% in CPI and WPI compared to the control (adult) population, respectively. An increase in the unordered random coil state was observed. These results could be attributed to an increase in electrolytes in the salivary composition. The structure of CPI is more stable than that of WPI because of its higher MW, more rigid structure, less charged surface, and different amino acid compositions. This study is meaningful in understanding how alterations in the elderly oral system affect protein conformation and is expected to improve the understanding of plant-based protein digestibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Contardo
- Biopolymer Research and Engineering Laboratory (BiopREL), School of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Chile, Monseñor Álvaro del Portillo 12.455, Las Condes, Santiago 7620086, Chile;
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica (CIIB), Universidad de los Andes, Chile, Monseñor Álvaro del Portillo 12.455, Las Condes, Santiago 7620086, Chile
| | - Fanny Guzmán
- Núcleo Biotecnología Curauma, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2373223, Chile;
| | - Javier Enrione
- Biopolymer Research and Engineering Laboratory (BiopREL), School of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Chile, Monseñor Álvaro del Portillo 12.455, Las Condes, Santiago 7620086, Chile;
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica (CIIB), Universidad de los Andes, Chile, Monseñor Álvaro del Portillo 12.455, Las Condes, Santiago 7620086, Chile
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Jorge EC, Martínez NN, González MJ, Sánchez SV, Robino L, Morales JO, Scavone P. Gold-, silver- and magnesium-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles prevents the formation of and eradicates bacterial biofilms. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2023. [PMID: 37254888 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2022-0239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: This work aimed to synthesize magnesium-doped zinc oxide, silver and gold nanoparticles (Nps) and to evaluate their potential to prevent and eradicate Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. Materials & methods: The Nps were synthesized by precipitation and metallic reduction techniques. Physicochemical and biological characterization of Nps was performed. Results: All the Nps tested were able to inhibit the formation of E. coli, P. mirabilis, S. aureus and A. baumannii biofilms. The effects on the eradication of preformed biofilms were variable, although all the Nps tested were able to eradicate A. baumannii biofilms. Conclusion: The observed effects make the Nps suitable for coating surfaces and/or antibiotic carriers with medical interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erlen Cruz Jorge
- Departamento de Microbiología, Laboratorio de Biofilms Microbianos, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Av. Italia 3318 PC 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Nicolás Navarro Martínez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Laboratorio de Biofilms Microbianos, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Av. Italia 3318 PC 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Sergio Livingstone 1007, Independencia, PC 8380000, PC Santiago, Chile
- Center of New Drugs for Hypertension (CENDHY), Santos Dumont 964, Independencia, PC 8380000, Santiago, Chile
| | - María José González
- Departamento de Microbiología, Laboratorio de Biofilms Microbianos, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Av. Italia 3318 PC 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Sofía V Sánchez
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Sergio Livingstone 1007, Independencia, PC 8380000, PC Santiago, Chile
- Center of New Drugs for Hypertension (CENDHY), Santos Dumont 964, Independencia, PC 8380000, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Ciencias y Tecnologías Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santos Dumont 964, Independencia, PC 8380000, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luciana Robino
- Departamento de Bacteriología y Virología, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del República, Alfredo Navarro 3051, PC 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Javier O Morales
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Sergio Livingstone 1007, Independencia, PC 8380000, PC Santiago, Chile
- Center of New Drugs for Hypertension (CENDHY), Santos Dumont 964, Independencia, PC 8380000, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Ciencias y Tecnologías Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santos Dumont 964, Independencia, PC 8380000, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paola Scavone
- Departamento de Microbiología, Laboratorio de Biofilms Microbianos, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Av. Italia 3318 PC 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Concha ML, Reig G. Origin, form and function of extraembryonic structures in teleost fishes. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210264. [PMID: 36252221 PMCID: PMC9574637 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Teleost eggs have evolved a highly derived early developmental pattern within vertebrates as a result of the meroblastic cleavage pattern, giving rise to a polar stratified architecture containing a large acellular yolk and a small cellular blastoderm on top. Besides the acellular yolk, the teleost-specific yolk syncytial layer (YSL) and the superficial epithelial enveloping layer are recognized as extraembryonic structures that play critical roles throughout embryonic development. They provide enriched microenvironments in which molecular feedback loops, cellular interactions and mechanical signals emerge to sculpt, among other things, embryonic patterning along the dorsoventral and left-right axes, mesendodermal specification and the execution of morphogenetic movements in the early embryo and during organogenesis. An emerging concept points to a critical role of extraembryonic structures in reinforcing early genetic and morphogenetic programmes in reciprocal coordination with the embryonic blastoderm, providing the necessary boundary conditions for development to proceed. In addition, the role of the enveloping cell layer in providing mechanical, osmotic and immunological protection during early stages of development, and the autonomous nutritional support provided by the yolk and YSL, have probably been key aspects that have enabled the massive radiation of teleosts to colonize every ecological niche on the Earth. This article is part of the theme issue 'Extraembryonic tissues: exploring concepts, definitions and functions across the animal kingdom'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel L. Concha
- Integrative Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Santiago 8380453, Chile
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Germán Reig
- Escuela de Tecnología Médica y del Centro Integrativo de Biología y Química Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago 7800003, Chile
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