The prokaryotic community composition of the ecologically dominant sponge, Xestospongia muta, and the variability of this community across in different populations of sponges from the Caribbean and Bahamas were quantified using 454 pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The symbiotic prokaryotic communities of X. muta were significantly different than the surrounding bacterioplankton communities ...

Sponges are an important component of benthic ecosystems in New Zealand, and as suspension feeders they can process large volumes of water meaning that their interaction with the water column is likely to be of great importance. Our research focuses on the functional role of sponges as suspension feeders in temperate rocky subtidal ecosystems on the Wellington South Coast, New Zealand. We inves...

Different forms of biomaterials, including microspheres, sponges, hydrogels and nanofibres have been broadly used in cartilage regeneration; however, effects of internal structures of biomaterials on chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) remain largely unexplored. Here we investigated the effect of physical microenvironments of sponges and hydrogels on chondrogenic differentiation of ...

SummaryWe present two cases of intestinal obstruction from retained laparotomy packs and their management. Attention to detail in theatre procedure should reduce such occurrence.

Bioerosion by boring sponges is an important mechanism shaping the structure of coral reefs all around the world. To determine the excavation rate by boring sponges, we developed a system in which chemical and mechanical boring rates [calcium carbonate (CaCO(3)) dissolution and chip production, respectively] were measured simultaneously in experimental tanks containing reefal rock inhabited by ...

Sponges show the highest diversity of associated bacteria among marine invertebrates. Immunological evidence traces the origin of the sponge bacterial symbioses to the Precambrian era. Hence, sponges appear to be ideally suited for studying the evolutionary origins of prokaryote-metazoan associations. Sponges produce either calcareous or siliceous skeletons, which only coexist in a relict group...

SYNOPSIS. Secondary metabolites are widespread among lower phyla and understanding their functional role(s) in the producing organism has been under study in recent decades. Considerable progress has been made in understanding chemical ecological interactions among terrestrial organisms, and similar research in the marine realm has been initiated in recent years. Polar regions are more difficul...

The addition of antibiotics to intravaginal sponges used to synchronize ewe estrus is currently a recommended practice for the prevention of posttreatment vaginal infections. Application of this antibiotic treatment is usually done without withdrawal periods for milk, but official pharmaceutical instructions do not consider the extra-label use of antibiotics, which could result in the presence ...