Density of microbial colonization on external and internal surfaces of concurrently placed intravascular devices.

Background: Intravascular devices provide essential vascular access for management of critically ill patients but can be associated with bloodstream infections.

Objectives: To determine colonization rates in segments of concurrently placed peripheral arterial, nontunnelled short-term central venous catheters and peripherally inserted central catheters and the pattern of heaviest colonization when the catheters are removed.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted on inpatients with intravascular devices in place for 9 days or more.

Serological evidence of an antibody response in farmed southern bluefin tuna naturally infected with the blood fluke Cardicola forsteri.

In this study, adaptive immune response was investigated in farmed southern bluefin tuna, Thunnus maccoyii, infected with a sanguinicolid Cardicola forsteri. A cohort (Cohort(2005)) of southern bluefin tuna was sampled between March 2005 and August 2006. Samples were taken at the transfer of wild caught tuna to sea cages and then at regular intervals.

Maintenance of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) at elevated temperature inhibits cytochrome P450 aromatase activity in isolated ovarian follicles.

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) broodstock were transferred from natural (12-16 degrees C) to controlled temperatures of 14, 18 or 22 degrees C for 3 months during vitellogenesis. Fertility and survival were significantly reduced in eggs from broodstock held at 22 degrees C relative to 14 or 18 degrees C. Endocrine mechanisms were disrupted after only one month at 22 degrees C, as evidenced by decreased plasma vitellogenin (Vtg) and increased plasma testosterone (T) levels and, at later stages, decreased levels of plasma 17beta-estradiol (E2).