Current knowledge of sponge microbiome functioning derives mostly from comparative analyses with bacterioplankton communities. We employed a metagenomics-centered approach to unveil the distinct features of the Spongia officinalis endosymbiotic consortium in the context of its two primary environmental vicinities. Microbial metagenomic DNA samples (n = 10) from sponges, seawater, and sediments were subjected to Hiseq Illumina sequencing (c. 15 million 100 bp reads per sample). Totals of 10,272 InterPro (IPR) predicted protein entries and 784 rRNA gene operational taxonomic units (OTUs, 97% cut-off) were uncovered from all metagenomes. Despite the large divergence in microbial community assembly between the surveyed biotopes, the S. officinalis symbiotic community shared slightly greater similarity (p < 0.05), in terms of both taxonomy and function, to sediment than to seawater communities. The vast majority of the dominant S. officinalis symbionts (i.e., OTUs), representing several, so-far uncultivable lineages in diverse bacterial phyla, displayed higher residual abundances in sediments than in seawater. CRISPR-Cas proteins and restriction endonucleases presented much higher frequencies (accompanied by lower viral abundances) in sponges than in the environment. However, several genomic features sharply enriched in the sponge specimens, including eukaryotic-like repeat motifs (ankyrins, tetratricopeptides, WD-40, and leucine-rich repeats), and genes encoding for plasmids, sulfatases, polyketide synthases, type IV secretion proteins, and terpene/terpenoid synthases presented, to varying degrees, higher frequencies in sediments than in seawater. In contrast, much higher abundances of motility and chemotaxis genes were found in sediments and seawater than in sponges. Higher cell and surface densities, sponge cell shedding and particle uptake, and putative chemical signaling processes favoring symbiont persistence in particulate matrices all may act as mechanisms underlying the observed degrees of taxonomic connectivity and functional convergence between sponges and sediments. The reduced frequency of motility and chemotaxis genes in the sponge microbiome reinforces the notion of a prevalent mutualistic mode of living inside the host. This study highlights the S. officinalis “endosymbiome” as a distinct consortium of uncultured prokaryotes displaying a likely “sit-and-wait” strategy to nutrient foraging coupled to sophisticated anti-viral defenses, unique natural product biosynthesis, nutrient utilization and detoxification capacities, and both microbe–microbe and host–microbe gene transfer amenability.

This synthesis of 3 studies from 2 regions of southern Portugal (Alentejo and Algarve) was part of a workshop focusing on cyanobacteria held at the SAME 10. The first study monitored impacts of the large Alqueva dam on the Guadiana estuary since 1996, revealing changes in sediment load, nutrient regime and phytoplankton succession. Prior to dam construction, dense cyanobacterial blooms occurred in the upper estuary during summer and fall. After dam construction, chlorophyll concentration, phytoplankton diversity and abundances of cyanobacteria decreased, contrary to predictions. Mycrocystins remained at low levels in the seston and undetectable in water samples, except during summer 2003 when the particulate fraction contained 1 µg l -1 , while chlorophyll concentrations and abundances of potentially toxic cyanobacteria remained low. Algarve reservoirs studied since 2001 revealed differences in phytoplankton dynamics. In the western mesotrophic reservoirs (Bravura and Funcho), 40 to 50% of surface samples contained cyanobacterial concentrations of ≥2000 cells ml -1 , while over 80% of samples from the eastern oligotrophic reservoirs (Odeleite and Beliche) exceeded this value. Spring blooms were dominated by Oscillatoriales in Odeleite and Beliche and by Chroococcales in Bravura and Funcho. Bloom composition seemed to depend on water temperature and management strategies, while toxin concentrations reflected the increased biomass of toxic species. Finally, phytoplankton communities and microcystin production in 5 Alentejo freshwater reservoirs were studied from May to December 2005 and April to July 2006. Cyanobacterial blooms occurred, with varying intensities, not only during summer but also occasionally in winter. Microcystins were detected in 23% of the samples (n = 51), but without correlation with cyanobacterial biomass. Although Microcystis aeruginosa seemed to be the major producer of microcystins, other potentially toxic species were found. In summary, the varying pattern of cyanobacterial bloom occurrence and toxicity requires a systematic approach to monitoring programs for adequate risk assessment.

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Introduction: Implementation and development of promotional and educational oral health programs, it is critical to identify and intervene on the risk factors for oral health in adolescents. Research Question: Does the oral health status of adolescents in particular DMFT index, plaque index, oral health risk and oral hygiene habits, suffer modification after participation in an educational program ProSorriso? Purpose of the Study: Implement a program of oral health education, to evaluate its effectiveness in improving the oral health of adolescents. Methods: Experimental analytical study-before and after the intervention program on the risk factors for oral health. A sample of 200 adolescents attending schools of Portugal, aged 11-16 years (x=13.21±1.014). Material: Risk Quantifiers in Oral Health assessed before and after participation in "ProSorriso" program. This aims at the promotion and education for oral health: oral health, diet and oral hygiene. Results: In the evaluation after the program ProSorriso: adolescents decreased the percentage of decayed teeth 50,5% to 38,5%;improved eating habits (Z=-1,325,p=0,185); had higher percentage of teeth without plaque (Z=-5,465,p=0,000). There were more adolescents to brush their teeth twice a day (Z=-2,562,p=0,010). The assessment of risk classification showed that before the educational program ProSorriso had a higher percentage of adolescents who were at high risk of developing oral problems (p=0,001). Conclusion: The intervention "ProSorriso" shown to produce effect in changing behaviors that promote healthier life styles and to be determinant of oral health status.