Moreover, a prophylactic effect on bleeding frequency is reported in patients who

achieved partial success, which is paramount in preventing the development of haemophilic arthropathy at an older age [19]. Our study is of clinical importance because it shows that most of the patients with pre-ITI inhibitor titres below 40 BU mL−1 can successfully be treated with low dose ITI. As a result of its lower clotting factor use and lower frequency of infusions, this ITI regimen has several advantages. We estimate the cost to be considerably lower, compared with high dose ITI regimens [4]. Furthermore, the burden for patients and parents is lower, because of the lower frequency of FVIII infusions. Implantation of a PAC system can often be avoided, thus saving clotting factor consumption. In addition, complications such as PAC infections, which are associated with a longer time to achieve complete success, may be avoided. Erastin supplier Disadvantages of the low dose ITI regimen may be the longer time needed to achieve success [7], and the

delay of effective prophylaxis with FVIII. Angiogenesis antagonist For some patients, this may be a reason to switch to a high dose regimen. Although studies on prophylaxis with bypassing agents in inhibitor patients have reported beneficial effects, it is not an established therapy yet, and prophylaxis with bypassing agents may be less effective than with FVIII [20]. Low dose immune tolerance induction therapy is successful in severe haemophilia A patients with a pre-ITI titre below 40 BU mL−1. A shorter time to success learn more is predicted by a maximum ITI titre below 40 BU mL−1.

In patients with a titre below 5 BU mL−1, this effect is even more pronounced (P = 0.033). We suggest that patients with severe haemophilia A and a pre-ITI inhibitor titre below 5 BU mL−1 should be treated with low dose immune tolerance induction therapy. Patients with a pre-ITI titre below 40 BU mL−1 may strongly benefit from low dose ITI regimen. However, patients with a pre-ITI inhibitor titre above 40 BU mL−1, with an anamnestic response during ITI exceeding 40 BU mL−1, or without response to the low dose regimen, should rather be treated with a high dose immune tolerance induction therapy. The authors would like to thank D.E. Fransen van de Putte for critical evaluation of the manuscript. The authors stated that they had no interests which might be perceived as posing a conflict or bias. “
“This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Cryoprecipitate Principles of manufacture Product purity Methods of viral inactivation and elimination Potency and labeling issues Selection of products Plasma-derived concentrates for rare bleeding disorders References “
“Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessment is recognized as an important outcome in the evaluation of different therapeutic regimens for persons with haemophilia.

“
“Cystic fibrosis liver disease (CFLD), which results from progressive hepatobiliary fibrosis, BYL719 price is an important cause of morbidity and mortality, but it is difficult to identify before portal hypertension (PHT) ensues. Clinical signs, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, and ultrasound (US) are widely

applied, but their value in predicting the presence of cirrhosis, the development of PHT, or adverse outcomes is undetermined. The potential gold standard, liver biopsy, is not standard practice and, notwithstanding sampling error considerations, has not been systematically evaluated. Forty patients with cystic fibrosis (median age = 10.6 years) with abnormal clinical, biochemical, beta-catenin tumor and US findings were subjected

to dual-pass percutaneous liver biopsy. Clinical outcomes were recorded over 12 years of follow-up (median = 9.5 years for survivors). Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic analyses were applied to predict hepatic fibrosis (which was assessed by fibrosis staging and quantitative immunohistochemistry) and the occurrence of PHT. PHT occurred in 17 of 40 patients (42%), including 6 of 7 (17%) who died during follow-up. Clinical examination, serum ALT levels, and US findings failed to predict either the presence of liver fibrosis or the development of PHT. Fibrosis staging on liver biopsy, where the accuracy was improved by dual passes (P = 0.002, nonconcordance = 38%), predicted the development of PHT (P < 0.001), which occurred more frequently and at a younger age in those with severe fibrosis. Conclusion: Clinical modalities currently employed

to evaluate suspected CFLD help to identify a cohort of children at risk for liver disease and adverse outcomes but do not predict an individual’s risk of liver fibrosis or PHT development. Liver fibrosis on biopsy predicts the development of find more clinically significant liver disease. Dual passes help to address sampling concerns. Liver biopsy has a relevant role in the management of patients with suspected CFLD and deserves more widespread application. (HEPATOLOGY 2011) Hepatobiliary fibrosis causes significant mortality and morbidity in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).1 Liver cirrhosis has been reported in up to 10% of children2 and in less than 2% of adults with CF3; suggesting a survival disadvantage. Liver disease is reportedly the third leading direct cause of death.3 Complications such as portal hypertension (PHT), nutritional growth failure, and, in some cases, liver synthetic failure impair the quality of life in up to 20% of patients1, 4; this is also highlighted by improvements in the quality of life, nutritional status, and respiratory function after successful liver transplantation.1, 4 Cystic fibrosis liver disease (CFLD) has its origins early in life,1, 4 and its onset and progression to cirrhosis and PHT are unpredictable.

Despite its subtle nature, MHE and CHE can have a significant effect on a patient’s daily living. Special circumstances can prevail where there may be an indication to treat such a patient (e.g., impairment in driving skills, work performance, quality of life, or cognitive www.selleckchem.com/products/ITF2357(Givinostat).html complaints). Liver transplantation is mentioned under the treatment recommendations. General recommendations

for treatment of episodic OHE type C include the following: 10. An episode of OHE (whether spontaneous or precipitated) should be actively treated (GRADE II-2, A, 1). 11. Secondary prophylaxis after an episode for overt HE is recommended (GRADE I, A, 1). 12. Primary prophylaxis for prevention of episodes of OHE is not required, except in patients with cirrhosis with a known high risk to develop HE (GRADE II-3, C, 2). 13. Recurrent intractable OHE, together with liver failure, is an indication for LT (GRADE I). A four-pronged approach to management of HE is recommended (GRADE II-2, A, 1): 14. Initiation IWR-1 mouse of care for patients with altered consciousness 15. Alternative causes of altered

mental status should be sought and treated. 16. Identification of precipitating factors and their correction 17. Commencement of empirical HE treatment Patients with higher grades of HE who are at risk or unable to protect their airway need more intensive monitoring and are ideally managed in an intensive care setting. Alternative causes of encephalopathy are not infrequent in patients with advanced cirrhosis. Technically, if other causes of encephalopathy are present, then the episode of encephalopathy may not be termed HE. In the clinical setting, what transpires is treatment of both HE and non-HE. Controlling precipitating factors in the management of OHE is of paramount importance, because nearly 90% of patients can be treated with just correction of the precipitating factor.[89] Careful attention to this issue is still the cornerstone of HE management. In addition

to the other elements of the four-pronged approach to treatment of find more HE, specific drug treatment is part of the management. Most drugs have not been tested by rigorous randomized, controlled studies and are utilized based on circumstantial observations. These agents include nonabsorbable disaccharides, such as lactulose, and antibiotics, such as rifaximin. Other therapies, such as oral branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), intravenous (IV) L-ornithine L-aspartate (LOLA), probiotics, and other antibiotics, have also been used. In the hospital, a nasogastric tube can be used to administer oral therapies in patients who are unable to swallow or have an aspiration risk. Lactulose is generally used as initial treatment for OHE.

The protective effect of HLA-B27 and the strong immune pressure mediated by the immunodominant HLA-B27 epitope have been identified in HCV genotype 1 infection only. Although HCV genotype 1 is the most prevalent genotype in North America (subtype 1a > 1b) and Europe (subtype

1b > 1a), other genotypes may become more relevant in the near future, because they predominate in CHIR-99021 solubility dmso many developing countries with a high incidence of HCV infection as well as in defined cohorts such as injection drug users, where HCV genotype 3a frequency is increasing.22 Intriguingly, the immunodominant HLA-B27 NS5B2841-2849 epitope region is highly conserved within but not between different HCV genotypes. Based on our previous findings in patients infected with HCV genotype 1,6 we therefore

hypothesized that this epitope region may not be targeted by HCV-specific CD8+ T cells in patients infected with HCV genotypes other than genotype 1, abrogating the protective effect of HLA-B27 in these patients. This was addressed in the current study by analyzing a new cohort of patients with acute or chronic HCV genotype 3a infection. Indeed, we could demonstrate that CD8+ T cells specific for the HCV genotype 1 NS5B2841-2849 epitope (ARMILMTHF) Navitoclax mw do not recognize the HCV genotype 3a peptide (V RM VM MTHF). In addition, patients with genotype 3a infection do not target the region corresponding to the B27-epitope. Accordingly, there is no evidence of mutational escape in genotype 3 isolates supporting lack of HLA-B27-associated T-cell pressure

on this region in genotype 3a-infected patients. Collectively, these data suggest that HCV genotype 3a lacks the HLA-B27 epitope, which is immunodominant in HCV genotype 1 infection and most likely significantly contributes to the protective effect of HLA-B27. It selleck chemical is not clear why patients infected with genotype 3a are unable to target the genotype 3a epitope region, especially because the main HLA-B27 binding anchors (arginine at position 2 and phenylalanine at the C-terminus) are conserved between the genotypes. The variant sequence might have an impact on binding to HLA-B27 despite intact primary anchor residues. Alternatively, it has been proposed previously that the failure of the immune system to target certain epitope variants that are efficiently presented by the restricting HLA allele is caused by a hole in the T-cell repertoire.23 In this context, it is intriguing to note that both the variant described in the previous study as well as the genotype 3a epitope variant described here contain a leucine to methionine (L M) substitution at amino acid residue four. We also compared the frequency of HLA-B27 positivity in patients chronically infected with genotypes 1 and 3a, respectively.

98 days. Conclusion: This study, though limited by sample size, suggests that the patency of stent was longer when the proximal end of the stent was located at the pre-pyloric ring. Key Word(s): 1. SEMS; 2. GOO; 3. Patency of stent; 4. stent placement; Presenting Author: ENQIANG LINGHU Additional Authors: JIE YANG,

YAQI ZHAI, YONGCHAO ZHANG, DAQING JIN Corresponding Author: ENQIANG LINGHU Affiliations: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 401 Hospital of Chinese People’s Liberation Army; Department of Gastroenterology Torin 1 order and Hepatology, The PLA General Hospital; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Chinese PLA General Hospital; Laboratory Animal Training Center, Pinggu Hospital Objective: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has become a widely-adopted standard technique targeting esophageal intra-mucosal neoplasias. However, the operation will be more time-consuming and the incidence of complications, such as bleeding and perforation, VX-765 will significantly increased, when dealing with esophageal lesions larger

than semi-circumferential. Our main aim was to explore the safety and feasibility of endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection (ESTD)for esophageal semi-circumferential neoplastic lesions. Methods: Endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection was performed under general anesthesia, targeting ten simulated esophageal semi-circumferential lesions in six 4-month domestic pigs. The procedures of ESTD were as follows: 1. marking lesion margin with a Dual knife 2. Anal and oral incision after submucosal injection 3. Creating submucosal tunnel from the oral incision to anal incision 4. Mucosa resection with IT knife along the marked dots. 5. specimen removal and electric coagulation of wound preventing from bleeding. Results: 10 ESTDs were successfully performed by one fixed experienced endoscopist. All long semi-circumferential lesions were moved en bloc, with a mean length of (9.0 ± 0.9)cm, ranging from 8.0 cm to 10.0 cm. The operation time were (62.1 ± 18.9)min,

ranging from 45 min to 100 min. Additionally, there were no complications occurring during operations, such as mostly-concerned find more perforation and bleeding. Conclusion: The inital study shows that endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection (ESTD) is safe and feasible to treat esophageal long semi-circumferential neoplastic lesions. Key Word(s): 1. Submucosal tunnel; 2. ESTD; 3. ESD; Presenting Author: ENQIANG LINGHU Additional Authors: YAQI ZHAI, HUIKAI LI, ZHICHU QIN Corresponding Author: ENQIANG LINGHU Affiliations: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Chinese PLA General Hospital; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The PLA General Hospital Objective: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is technically challenging and time consuming, mainly for repeated submucosal injection and replacement of equipment in the process of tunneling.

98 days. Conclusion: This study, though limited by sample size, suggests that the patency of stent was longer when the proximal end of the stent was located at the pre-pyloric ring. Key Word(s): 1. SEMS; 2. GOO; 3. Patency of stent; 4. stent placement; Presenting Author: ENQIANG LINGHU Additional Authors: JIE YANG,

YAQI ZHAI, YONGCHAO ZHANG, DAQING JIN Corresponding Author: ENQIANG LINGHU Affiliations: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 401 Hospital of Chinese People’s Liberation Army; Department of Gastroenterology PF-02341066 research buy and Hepatology, The PLA General Hospital; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Chinese PLA General Hospital; Laboratory Animal Training Center, Pinggu Hospital Objective: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has become a widely-adopted standard technique targeting esophageal intra-mucosal neoplasias. However, the operation will be more time-consuming and the incidence of complications, such as bleeding and perforation, Opaganib price will significantly increased, when dealing with esophageal lesions larger

than semi-circumferential. Our main aim was to explore the safety and feasibility of endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection (ESTD)for esophageal semi-circumferential neoplastic lesions. Methods: Endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection was performed under general anesthesia, targeting ten simulated esophageal semi-circumferential lesions in six 4-month domestic pigs. The procedures of ESTD were as follows: 1. marking lesion margin with a Dual knife 2. Anal and oral incision after submucosal injection 3. Creating submucosal tunnel from the oral incision to anal incision 4. Mucosa resection with IT knife along the marked dots. 5. specimen removal and electric coagulation of wound preventing from bleeding. Results: 10 ESTDs were successfully performed by one fixed experienced endoscopist. All long semi-circumferential lesions were moved en bloc, with a mean length of (9.0 ± 0.9)cm, ranging from 8.0 cm to 10.0 cm. The operation time were (62.1 ± 18.9)min,

ranging from 45 min to 100 min. Additionally, there were no complications occurring during operations, such as mostly-concerned click here perforation and bleeding. Conclusion: The inital study shows that endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection (ESTD) is safe and feasible to treat esophageal long semi-circumferential neoplastic lesions. Key Word(s): 1. Submucosal tunnel; 2. ESTD; 3. ESD; Presenting Author: ENQIANG LINGHU Additional Authors: YAQI ZHAI, HUIKAI LI, ZHICHU QIN Corresponding Author: ENQIANG LINGHU Affiliations: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Chinese PLA General Hospital; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The PLA General Hospital Objective: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is technically challenging and time consuming, mainly for repeated submucosal injection and replacement of equipment in the process of tunneling.

In the presence of Wnt ligands, β-catenin remains unphosphorylated, translocates to the nucleus, and activates transcription of its target genes by binding to T cell factor/lymphoid-enhancing factor family of transcriptional activators. Through its association with E-cadherin at the cell membrane, where it links cadherins to the actin cytoskeleton, β-catenin also plays an important role in the formation of adherens junctions (reviewed in Hartsock and Nelson8).

Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Library mouse We recently showed that liver-specific β-catenin knockout (KO) mice have increased susceptibility to developing steatohepatitis on the experimental methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet.9 Surprisingly, KO mice were found to have higher hepatic this website total bile acid levels on both MCD and MCD-control diets, suggesting a defect in bile acid metabolism in addition to lipid

metabolic abnormalities. Audard et al. reported recently that hepatocellular carcinomas containing β-catenin mutations exhibited striking cholestasis.10 These findings raised the intriguing possibility that β-catenin plays an important role in bile acid homeostasis. Therefore, this study was undertaken to further characterize the role of β-catenin in bile acid physiology in the liver. ABC, ATP-binding cassette; BSEP, bile salt export pump; CAR, constitutive androstane receptor; Cyp, cytochrome P450; FD-40, FITC-conjugated dextran; FITC, fluorescein isothiocyanate; FXR, farnesoid X receptor; H&E, hematoxylin and eosin; KO, knockout; MCD, methionine- and choline-deficient; mdr, multiple drug resistance; MRP, multidrug resistance protein; PE, polyethylene; PPARα, peroxisome proliferators activated receptor alpha; PXR, pregnane X receptor; RT-PCR, real-time polymerase chain reaction; Shp, small heterodimer partner; Slco, selleck screening library solute carrier organic anion transporter; TRITC, tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate; WT, wild type. Liver-specific β-catenin KO mice (Ctnnb1loxp/loxp;Albumin-Cre) in a C56BL/6 background were generated as described.11 Age- and sex-matched

littermates of KO mice with wild type Ctnnb1 alleles were used as WT controls. Genotypes of all mice were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers specific for β-catenin. Mice were given ad libitum access to food and water and were maintained under a 12-hour light/dark cycle. For experiments on chow-diet, 2-month-old to 3-month-old female mice were used. Mice were fasted overnight before sacrifice and collection of serum and liver tissue samples. For experiments on cholic acid diet, 2-month-old to 5-month-old male mice were fed either chow diet (Teklad Global Diet 2018; Harlan Teklad, Madison, WI) or chow supplemented with 0.5% cholic acid (catalog no. TD.06026; Harlan Teklad). Mice were fasted for 4 hours before sacrifice.

Applicability for all NAFLD cases, diverse ethnic populations, and logistics/ low cost are other issues. To provide higher diagnostic accuracy with readily available tests, we explored conventional and extended clinicopathological variables, LSM and biomarkers, then combined modalities in a clinical model to stratify as many as possible NAFLD cases into advanced or no fibrosis, and also to identify NASH versus simple steatosis. Patients and Methods: From our combined clinical database of 200 biopsied NAFLD patients (steatosis ≥5%), 169 with LSM data were analyzed: 135 from Hong Kong, 18 Perth, 16 Canberra. A further

18 cases were excluded due to missing data (final n = 151). According to NAFLD activity score (0–3 = simple steatosis, 4 = excluded, 5–8 = NASH) and Brunt’s fibrosis score (0, 1 or 2, 3 or 4), cases were grouped into 3 categories Selleck Mitomycin C (simple steatosis, NASH, F3/4 [NB, this third category could include NASH or “not NASH” NAFLD). Biomarkers included: serum ferritin, M30 (apoptosis BIBW2992 datasheet marker), M65ed (overall cell death marker), hyaluronic acid (HA), P3NP, annexin V-positive microparticles (MP), and genetic predisposition (PNPLA3). Using generalized linear models in SPSS v22.0, a parsimonious

decision tree was created to predict the three NAFLD categories. Results: Age, waist circumference (not BMI), hypertension, diabetes/fasting blood

glucose, ALT, platelet count, INR, LSM, all biomarkers except ferritin, and NAFLD fibrosis score significantly correlated with NAFLD category. In the multivariate analysis of the above candidate indicators, LSM was found to be the dominant predictor (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.09–1.34, p < 0.0001). Consequently, LSM was stratified into 3 bands (<5.8, 5.8–30.3, >30.3 kPa) to maximize NAFLD category discrimination. Within each LSM stratum, the candidate variables were used selleck compound to further predict NAFLD categories. The significant factors entering the decision tree were P3NP (cut-off 8.7 ng/mL), ALT (cut-off of 55 U/L within the lower band, and 60 U/L within the middle LSM stratum), hypertension and LSM< or >10. Overall, 72% (109/151) agreement between predicted and histologically-observed NAFLD categories was found across the tree. The sensitivities and specificities varied by LSM band. For LSM < 5.8 kPa (27 SS, 22 NASH, 1 F3/F4), achieved sensitivity for simple steatosis was 89% (24/27), and sensitivity for NASH was 55% (12/22), with predictive values of 71% and 80%, respectively. In contrast, the middle LSM band (LSM 5.8–30.3 kPa, [25 SS, 48 NASH, 23 F3/F4]) achieved 81% (39/48) sensitivity for NASH and 40% (10/25) for simple steatosis, with predictive values of 67% and 100%, respectively.

Applicability for all NAFLD cases, diverse ethnic populations, and logistics/ low cost are other issues. To provide higher diagnostic accuracy with readily available tests, we explored conventional and extended clinicopathological variables, LSM and biomarkers, then combined modalities in a clinical model to stratify as many as possible NAFLD cases into advanced or no fibrosis, and also to identify NASH versus simple steatosis. Patients and Methods: From our combined clinical database of 200 biopsied NAFLD patients (steatosis ≥5%), 169 with LSM data were analyzed: 135 from Hong Kong, 18 Perth, 16 Canberra. A further

18 cases were excluded due to missing data (final n = 151). According to NAFLD activity score (0–3 = simple steatosis, 4 = excluded, 5–8 = NASH) and Brunt’s fibrosis score (0, 1 or 2, 3 or 4), cases were grouped into 3 categories Crizotinib solubility dmso (simple steatosis, NASH, F3/4 [NB, this third category could include NASH or “not NASH” NAFLD). Biomarkers included: serum ferritin, M30 (apoptosis HDAC inhibitor marker), M65ed (overall cell death marker), hyaluronic acid (HA), P3NP, annexin V-positive microparticles (MP), and genetic predisposition (PNPLA3). Using generalized linear models in SPSS v22.0, a parsimonious

decision tree was created to predict the three NAFLD categories. Results: Age, waist circumference (not BMI), hypertension, diabetes/fasting blood

glucose, ALT, platelet count, INR, LSM, all biomarkers except ferritin, and NAFLD fibrosis score significantly correlated with NAFLD category. In the multivariate analysis of the above candidate indicators, LSM was found to be the dominant predictor (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.09–1.34, p < 0.0001). Consequently, LSM was stratified into 3 bands (<5.8, 5.8–30.3, >30.3 kPa) to maximize NAFLD category discrimination. Within each LSM stratum, the candidate variables were used find more to further predict NAFLD categories. The significant factors entering the decision tree were P3NP (cut-off 8.7 ng/mL), ALT (cut-off of 55 U/L within the lower band, and 60 U/L within the middle LSM stratum), hypertension and LSM< or >10. Overall, 72% (109/151) agreement between predicted and histologically-observed NAFLD categories was found across the tree. The sensitivities and specificities varied by LSM band. For LSM < 5.8 kPa (27 SS, 22 NASH, 1 F3/F4), achieved sensitivity for simple steatosis was 89% (24/27), and sensitivity for NASH was 55% (12/22), with predictive values of 71% and 80%, respectively. In contrast, the middle LSM band (LSM 5.8–30.3 kPa, [25 SS, 48 NASH, 23 F3/F4]) achieved 81% (39/48) sensitivity for NASH and 40% (10/25) for simple steatosis, with predictive values of 67% and 100%, respectively.

Our playback study shows that killer whales may react to playbacks of conspecific sounds

and that reactions are dependent on the type of playback stimuli. “
“The dugong is the only herbivorous mammal that is strictly marine and a seagrass community specialist. The pasture available to the dugong varies with the tides because seagrass occurs in both intertidal and subtidal areas. We GPS-tracked seven dugongs within a 24 km2, intensively used seagrass habitat in subtropical Australia in winter. We modeled resource selection within the habitat by comparing the dugongs’ use of space with the distribution of seagrass in an area defined using the combined space-use of the tracked animals. Selection MK-2206 manufacturer by dugongs for seagrass quantity (biomass) and quality (nutrients) was analyzed within six time/tide combinations to examine the influences of

tidal periodicity and the diel cycle on resource selection. Dugong habitat use was consistently centered over seagrass patches with high nitrogen concentrations, except during the day at low tides when the animals had fewer habitat choices and find more their space use was centered over high seagrass biomass. The association of dugongs with seagrass high in starch was positive during both day and night high tides when the animals could access the intertidal areas where seagrass biomass was generally low. Associations between dugongs and seagrass species were less definite, reflecting the potential for dugongs to exploit several species. Our model of dugong resource selection suggests that nitrogen is the primary limiting nutrient for dugong populations and also confirms the preference of dugongs for high-energy foods. “
“Individual foraging tactics

are widespread in animals and have ecological and evolutionary implications. Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) selleck screening library in Shark Bay, Western Australia, exhibit a foraging tactic involving tool use, called “sponging.” Sponging is vertically, socially transmitted through the matriline and, to date, has been described in detail in the eastern gulf of Shark Bay (ESB). Here, we characterize sponging in the western gulf of Shark Bay (WSB), in which a different matriline engages in the behavior. We identified 40 individual “spongers” in 9 mo of boat-based surveys over three field seasons. As is the case in ESB, the majority of WSB spongers was female and engaged in sponging in deep channel habitats. In contrast to ESB, however, there was no difference in the number of associates between spongers and nonspongers in WSB, and activity budgets differed between spongers and deep-water nonspongers; spongers foraged more frequently and rested less than nonspongers.