The effects of seasonal and regional differences in diet composition on the food requirements of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) were esti­ mated by using a bioenergetic model. The model considered differences in the energy density of the prey, and dif­ ferences in digestive efficiency and the heat increment of feeding of different diets. The model predicted that Steller sea lions in sou...

During 1991-2000, the western stock of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) declined at 5.2% (SE = 0.3%) per year. The population declined at statistically significant rates (P < 0.10) in all regions except the eastern Aleutian Islands. The greatest rates of declines occurred in the eastern and central Gulf of Alaska and the western Aleutian Islands (all greater than 8.6% per year). Using a p...

The lipid and fatty acid compositions in nine obligate and facultative barophilic bacteria isolated from the intestinal contents of seven deep-sea fish were determined. Phospholipid compositions were simple, with phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol predominating in all strains. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3), which has not been reported in procaryotes except for deep-sea bact...

Shipment of animals, animal products and foodstuffs (for human or animal consumption) by sea and air is economically important. However, the possibilities of pathogen transmission represent a genuine danger, even if veterinary controls are performed continuously. Bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites excreted by animals may contaminate surfaces and are protected by organic matter. Cleaning is ...

The bacterial superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) is an efficient activator of cytotoxic T cells when presented on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules of target cells. Our previous studies showed that such SEA-directed T cells efficiently lysed chronic B-lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells. Next, we made a mutated SEA-protein A (SEAm-PA) fusion protein with more...

The coccidian parasite Toxoplasma gondii infects humans and warm-blooded animals worldwide. The ecology of this parasite in marine systems is poorly understood, although many marine mammals are infected and susceptible to clinical toxoplasmosis. We summarized the lesions associated with T. gondii infection in the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) population and investigated the preva...

b a ckground: west nile virus (wnv) is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause fatal infection in mammals in-cluding humans, dogs, horses, birds and reptiles. although west nile virus is an asymptomatic infection, especially it can cause neurologic disorders in humans and horses. the aim of this study was to the investigate virological pres- ence of wnv in horses in the black sea region of turk...

Here we report, for the first time, on the global distribution of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), a fluorinated organic contaminant. PFOS was measured in the tissues of wildlife, including, fish, birds, and marine mammals. Some of the species studied include bald eagles, polar bears, albatrosses, and various species of seals. Samples were collected from urbanized areas in North America, especi...

Major advantages of the use of aquatic animals, such as trout, English sole, or sea urchins, for studying the mechanisms of reproductive toxicology are discussed. The remarkable synchrony of differentiation of gametes in large quantities for detailed morphologic and biochemical measurements enables research not readily done on mammalian nonseasonal breeders. Structural differences such as the a...