Search results for "Sponge"
showing 10 items of 296 documents
Silicateins, silicatein interactors and cellular interplay in sponge skeletogenesis: formation of glass fiber-like spicules
2012
Biomineralization processes are characterized by controlled deposition of inorganic polymers/minerals mediated by functional groups linked to organic templates. One metazoan taxon, the siliceous sponges, has utilized these principles and even gained the ability to form these polymers/minerals by an enzymatic mechanism using silicateins. Silicateins are the dominant protein species present in the axial canal of the skeletal elements of the siliceous sponges, the spicules, where they form the axial filament. Silicateins also represent a major part of the organic components of the silica lamellae, which are cylindrically arranged around the axial canal. With the demosponge Suberites domuncula …
Antibacterial activity of the sponge Suberites domuncula and its primmorphs: potential basis for epibacterial chemical defense
2003
The epibacterial chemical defense of the marine sponge Suberites domuncula was explored by screening sponge extract, sponge primmorph (3-D aggregates containing proliferating cells) extract and sponge-associated as well as primmorph-associated bacteria for antibacterial activ- ity. 16S rDNA sequencing revealed that the antimicrobially active bacteria belonged to the α - and γ- subdivisions of Proteobacteria (α -Proteobacterium MBIC 3368, Idiomarina sp. and Pseudomonas sp., respectively). Moreover, a recombinant perforin-like protein was cloned from S. domuncula that dis- played strong antibacterial activity. Based on these observations, it is proposed that the sponge may be provided with a …
Inducible ASABF-Type Antimicrobial Peptide from the Sponge Suberites domuncula: Microbicidal and Hemolytic Activity in Vitro and Toxic Effect on Moll…
2011
Since sponges, as typical filter-feeders, are exposed to a high load of attacking prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, they are armed with a wide arsenal of antimicrobial/cytostatic low-molecular-weight, non-proteinaceous bioactive compounds. Here we present the first sponge agent belonging to the group of ASABF-type antimicrobial peptides. The ASABF gene was identified and cloned from the demospongeSuberites domuncula. The mature peptide, with a length of 64 aa residues has a predicted pI of 9.24, and comprises the characteristic CSαβ structural motif. Consequently, the S. domuncula ASABF shares high similarity with the nematode ASABFs ; it is distantly related to the defensins. The recom…
Marine sponge collagen: isolation, characterization and effects on the skin parameters surface-pH, moisture and sebum
2002
A previously described isolation procedure for collagen of the marine sponge Chondrosia reniformis Nardo was modified for scaling-up reasons yielding 30% of collagen (freeze-dried collagen in relation to freeze-dried sponge). Light microscope observations showed fibrous structures. Transmission electron microscopy studies proved the collagenous nature of this material: high magnifications showed the typical periodic banding-pattern of collagen fibres. However, the results of the amino acid analysis differed from most publications, presumably due to impurities that still were present. In agreement with earlier studies, sponge collagen was insoluble in dilute acid mediums and all solvents inv…
Clinical features and molecular genetic analysis in a Turkish family with oral white sponge nevus
2018
Background Oral white sponge nevus (WSN) is a rare autosomal dominant benign condition, characterized by asymptomatic spongy white plaques. Mutations in Keratin 4 (KRT4) and 13 (KRT13) have been shown to cause WSN. Familial cases are uncommon due to irregular penetrance. Thus, the aim of the study was: a) to demonstrate the clinical and histopathological features of a three-generation Turkish family with oral WSN b) to determine whether KRT4 or KRT13 gene mutation was the molecular basis of WSN. Material and Methods Out of twenty members of the family ten were available for assessment. Venous blood samples from six affected and five unaffected members and 48 healthy controls were obtained f…
A gelatin-thrombin matrix topical hemostatic agent (Floseal) in combination with harmonic scalpel is effective in patients undergoing total thyroidec…
2016
BACKGROUND: Hemostasis during thyroidectomy is essential; however, the safest, most efficient, and most cost-effective way to achieve this is unclear. This randomized, multicenter, single-blind, prospective study evaluated the efficacy and safety of using different hemostatic approaches in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy. METHODS: Patients aged ≥18 to 70 years were randomized to Floseal + a harmonic scalpel (HS), Floseal alone, HS alone, or standard total thyroidectomy. Primary endpoint was 24-hour drain output. Secondary endpoints included surgery duration and complications. RESULTS: Two hundred and six patients were randomized to Floseal + HS (n = 52), Floseal alone (n = 54), HS a…
Virtopsy and Living Individuals Evaluation Using Computed Tomography in Forensic Diagnostic Imaging
2019
The applications of forensic radiology involve both Virtopsy both studies on living people - to demonstrate bone age, search for foreign bodies, such as voluntary injection of drug ovules or surgical sponges accidentally forgotten, to assess gunshot wounds, to evaluate injuries by road accidents, and cases of violence or abuse (both in adults and in children). Computed tomography is the most used imaging tool used in forensic pathology and its indications are mainly focused on cases of unnatural deaths or when a crime is suspected. It is preferred over the standard autopsy in selected cases, such as in putrefied, carbonized or badly damaged bodies; or as a preliminary evaluation in mass dis…
Primmorphs generated from dissociated cells of the sponge Suberites domuncula: a model system for studies of cell proliferation and cell death
1999
Sponges (Porifera) represent the lowest metazoan phylum; they have been shown to be provided with the characteristic metazoan structural and functional molecules. One autapomorphic character of sponges is the presence of high levels of telomerase activity in all cells (or almost all cells, including somatic cells). In spite of this fact previous attempts to cultivate sponge cells remained unsuccessful. It was found that dissociated sponge cells do not replicate DNA and lose their telomerase activity. In addition, no nutrients or metabolites have been detected that would stimulate sponge cells to divide. In the present study we report the culture conditions required for the formation of mult…
The first sorbicillinoid alkaloids, the antileukemic sorbicillactones A and B, from a sponge-derived Penicillium chrysogenum strain
2005
The saltwater culture of a Penicillium chrysogenum strain isolated from the Mediterranean sponge Ircinia fasciculata yielded three new sorbicillin-derived compounds (1-3), whose structures were elucidated mainly by 2D NMR and mass spectrometry. Among them, sorbicillactones A (1) and B (2) are the first sorbicillinoid natural products that contain nitrogen. Compound 1 is anti-HIV active and it exhibits a strong cytotoxic activity against L5178y leukemic cells, combined with a relatively low toxicity to cervical carcinoma HeLa S3 cells and pheochromocytoma PC 12 cells. The absolute configurations of I and 2 were elucidated by quantum chemical calculation of circular dichroism (CD) spectra. An…
Effect of Reynolds number on TiO2 nanosponges doped with Li+ cations
2018
[EN] Anatase TiO2 nanosponges have been synthesized by anodization of Ti, and Li+ cations have been inserted in these nanostructures. The influence of hydrodynamic conditions (Reynolds number, Re = 0 to Re = 600) during anodization has been studied. Li-Doped TiO2 nanosponges were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Raman confocal microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Mott¿Schottky analysis (M¿S). The photoelectrochemical performance and resistance to photocorrosion were also measured. Li¿TiO2 nanosponges proved to be better photocatalysts for water splitting than Li¿TiO2 nanotubes. Moreover, the photoelectrochemical behavior of the L…