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Viola SE, Vijay A, Madhukara J. Sea urchin dermatitis with Dermoscopic clues. J Travel Med 2024:taae072. [PMID: 38753888 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taae072] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
This case series explores sea urchin spine injuries, a growing concern due to increased travel. These injuries, even in non-coastal areas, can mimic other foreign bodies and lack inflammation, posing a diagnostic challenge. Dermoscopy aided in visualization and extraction of retained spines, highlighting its utility in managing these injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aithal Vijay
- Department of Dermatology, St John's Medical College Hospital, Bangalore
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Liu H, Liu C, Zhang W, Yuan Y, Wang Z, Huang J. Similar construction of spicules and shell plates: Implications for the origin of chiton biomineralization. J Proteomics 2024; 296:105126. [PMID: 38364902 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2024.105126] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
The hard shells of mollusks are products of biomineralization, a distinctive feature of the Cambrian explosion. Despite our understanding of shell structure and mechanical properties, their origin remains mysterious. In addition to their shell plates, most chitons have calcium deposits on their girdles. However, the similarity of these two mineralized structures still needs to be determined, limiting our comprehension of their origins. In our study, we analyzed the matrix proteins in the spicules of chiton (Acanthopleura loochooana) and compared them with the matrix proteins in the shells of the same species. Proteomics identified 96 unique matrix proteins in spicules. Comparison of biomineralization-related matrix proteins in shell plates and spicules revealed shared proteins, including carbonic anhydrases, tyrosinase-hemocyanin, von Willebrand factor type A, cadherin, and glycine-rich unknown proteins. Based on similarities in key matrix proteins, we propose that spicules and shell plates originated from a common mineralization system in their ancestral lineage, suggesting the existence of a common core or toolkit of matrix proteins among calcifying organisms. SIGNIFICANCE: In this study, we try to understand the types and diversity of matrix proteins in the biomineralization of chiton shell plates and spicules. Through a comparative analysis, we seek insights into the core biomineralization toolkit of ancestral mollusks. To achieve this, we conducted LC-MS/MS and RT-qPCR analyses to identify the types and relative expression levels of matrix proteins in both shell plates and spicules. The analysis revealed 96 matrix proteins in the spicules. A comparison of biomineralization-related matrix proteins in shell plates and spicules from the same species revealed shared proteins including many unknown proteins unique to chitons. Blast searching reveals a universal conservation of these proteins among other chitons. Hence, we propose that spicules and shell plates originated from a common mineralization system in their ancestral lineage. Our work provides a molecular basis for studying biomineralization in polyplacophoran mollusks and understanding biomineralization evolution. In addition, it identifies potential matrix proteins that could be applied to control crystal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haipeng Liu
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization, College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Chuang Liu
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization, College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China.
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization, College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Yang Yuan
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization, College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Zhenglu Wang
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Bart MC, de Vet SJ, de Bakker DM, Alexander BE, van Oevelen D, van Loon EE, van Loon JJWA, de Goeij JM. Spiculous skeleton formation in the freshwater sponge Ephydatia fluviatilis under hypergravity conditions. PeerJ 2019; 6:e6055. [PMID: 30631642 PMCID: PMC6322483 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful dispersal of freshwater sponges depends on the formation of dormant sponge bodies (gemmules) under adverse conditions. Gemmule formation allows the sponge to overcome critical environmental conditions, for example, desiccation or freezing, and to re-establish as a fully developed sponge when conditions are more favorable. A key process in sponge development from hatched gemmules is the construction of the silica skeleton. Silica spicules form the structural support for the three-dimensional filtration system the sponge uses to filter food particles from ambient water. We studied the effect of different hypergravity forces (1, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 × g for 48 h)—as measure for environmental stress—on the ability of developing sponges to set-up their spiculous skeleton. Additionally, we assessed whether the addition of nutrients (i.e., dissolved 13C- and 15N-labeled amino acids) compensates for this stress. Our results show that freshwater sponges can withstand prolonged periods of hypergravity exposure and successfully set-up their skeleton, even after 48 h under 20 × g. Developing sponges were found to take up and assimilate dissolved food before forming a functional filtering system. However, fed and non-fed sponges showed no differences in skeleton formation and relative surface area growth, suggesting that the gemmules’ intrinsic energy fulfills the processes of skeleton construction. Additionally, non-fed sponges formed oscula significantly more often than fed sponges, especially under higher g-forces. This suggests that the eventual formation of a filtration system might be stimulated by food deprivation and environmentally stressful conditions. These findings indicate that the process of spiculous skeleton formation is energy-efficient and highly resilient. The uptake of dissolved food substances by freshwater sponges may contribute to the cycling of dissolved organic matter in freshwater ecosystems where sponges are abundant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martijn C Bart
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan J de Vet
- Earth Surface Science, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Taxonomy & Systematics, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Didier M de Bakker
- Microbiology & Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research & Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Brittany E Alexander
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dick van Oevelen
- Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research & Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - E Emiel van Loon
- Department of Computational Geo-Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jack J W A van Loon
- Dutch Experiment Support Center, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Oral Pathology, VU University Medical Center & Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA) & European Space Agency Technology Center (ESA-ESTEC), TEC-MMG LIS Lab, Noordwijk, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jasper M de Goeij
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Aguilar-Camacho JM, Doonan L, McCormack GP. Evolution of the main skeleton-forming genes in sponges (phylum Porifera) with special focus on the marine Haplosclerida (class Demospongiae). Mol Phylogenet Evol 2019; 131:245-53. [PMID: 30502904 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2018.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The skeletons of sponges (Phylum Porifera) are comprised of collagen, often embedded with small siliceous structures (spicules) arranged in various forms to provide strength and flexibility. The main proteins responsible for the formation of the spicules in demosponges are the silicateins, which are related to the cathepsins L of other animals. While the silicatein active site, necessary for the formation of biosilica crystals, is characterized by the amino acids SHN, different variants of the silicatein genes have been found, some that retain SHN at the active site and some that don't. As part of an effort to further understand skeleton formation in marine sponges of the order Haplosclerida, a search for all silicatein variants were made in Irish species representing the main clades of this large sponge group. For this task, transcriptomes were sequenced and de novo assembled from Haliclona oculata, H. simulans and H. indistincta. Silicatein genes were identified from these and all available genomes and transcriptomes from Porifera. These were analysed along with all complete silicateins from GenBank. Silicateins were only found in species belonging to the class Demospongiae but excluding Keratosa and Verongimorpha and there was significant duplication and diversity of these genes. Silicateins showing SHN at the active site were polyphyletic. Indeed silicatein sequences were divided into six major clades (CHNI, CHNII, CHNIII, SHNI, SHNII and C/SQN). In those clades where haplosclerids were well represented the silicatein phylogeny reflected previous ribosomal and mitochondrial topologies. The most basal silicatein clade (CHNI) contained sequences only from marine haplosclerids and freshwater sponges while one silicatein from H. indistincta was more related to cathepsins L (outgroup) than to the overall silicatein clade indicating the presence of an old silicatein or an intermediary form. This data could suggest that marine haplosclerids were one of the first groups of extant demosponges to acquire silicatein genes. Furthermore, we suggest that the paucity of spicule types in this group may be due to their single copy of SHNI variants, and the lack of a silintaphin gene.
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Knapp IS, Forsman ZH, Williams GJ, Toonen RJ, Bell JJ. Cryptic species obscure introduction pathway of the blue Caribbean sponge (Haliclona (Soestella) caerulea), (order: Haplosclerida) to Palmyra Atoll, Central Pacific. PeerJ 2015; 3:e1170. [PMID: 26339548 PMCID: PMC4558080 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptic species are widespread across the phylum Porifera making the identification of non-indigenous species difficult, an issue not easily resolved by the use of morphological characteristics. The widespread order Haplosclerida is a prime example due to limited and plastic morphological features. Here, we study the reported introduction of Haliclona (Soestella) caerulea from the Caribbean to Palmyra Atoll via Hawai'i using morphological characteristics and genetic analyses based on one nuclear (18s rDNA) and three mitochondrial (COI, the barcoding COI extension (COI ext.) and rnl rDNA) markers. Despite no clear division in lengths of the oxea spicules between the samples, both mtDNA and nDNA phylogenetic trees supported similar topologies resolving two distinct clades. Across the two clades, the concatenated mtDNA tree resolved twelve subclades, with the COI ext. yielding most of the variability between the samples. Low sequence divergence values (0.68%) between two of the subclades indicate that the same species is likely to occur at Palmyra, Hawai'i and the Caribbean, supporting the hypothesis that H. caerulea was introduced to Palmyra from the Caribbean, although whether species came directly from the Caribbean to Palmyra or from Hawai'i remains unresolved. Conversely, the pattern of highly divergent cryptic species supports the notion that traditionally used spicule measurements are taxonomically unreliable in this group. This study illustrates how understanding the scale of within- as opposed to between-species level genetic variation is critical for interpreting biogeographic patterns and inferring the origins of introduced organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid S. Knapp
- School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa, Kāneʻohe, HI, USA
| | - Zac H. Forsman
- School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa, Kāneʻohe, HI, USA
| | - Gareth J. Williams
- Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Robert J. Toonen
- School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa, Kāneʻohe, HI, USA
| | - James J. Bell
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Seidel R, Lüter C. Overcoming the fragility - X-ray computed micro-tomography elucidates brachiopod endoskeletons. Front Zool 2014; 11:65. [PMID: 25642279 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-014-0065-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The calcareous shells of brachiopods offer a wealth of informative characters for taxonomic and phylogenetic investigations. In particular scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been used for decades to visualise internal structures of the shell. However, to produce informative SEM data, brachiopod shells need to be opened after chemical removal of the soft tissue. This preparation occasionally damages the shell. Additionally, skeletal elements of taxonomic/systematic interest such as calcareous spicules which are loosely embedded in the lophophore and mantle connective tissue become disintegrated during the preparation process. RESULTS Using a nondestructive micro-computed tomography (μCT) approach, the entire fragile endoskeleton of brachiopods is documented for the first time. New insights on the structure and position of tissue-bound skeletal elements (spicules) are given as add ons to existing descriptions of brachiopod shell anatomy, thereby enhancing the quality and quantity of informative characters needed for both taxonomic and phylogenetic studies. Here, we present five modern, articulated brachiopods (Rectocalathis schemmgregoryi n. gen., n. sp., Eucalathis sp., Gryphus vitreus, Liothyrella neozelanica and Terebratulina retusa) that were X-rayed using a Phoenix Nanotom XS 180 NF. We provide links to download 3D models of these species, and additional five species with spicules can be accessed in the Supplemental Material. In total, 17 brachiopod genera covering all modern articulated subgroups and 2 inarticulated genera were X-rayed for morphological analysis. Rectocalathis schemmgregoryi n. gen., n. sp. is fully described. CONCLUSION Micro-CT is an excellent non-destructive tool for investigating calcified structures in the exo- and endoskeletons of brachiopods. With high quality images and interactive 3D models, this study provides a comprehensive description of the profound differences in shell anatomy, facilitates the detection of new delicate morphological characters of the endoskeleton and gives new insights into the body plan of modern brachiopods.
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