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At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Factors influencing the potential establishment of the winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus) in Alaska.

The winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus) is not known to occur in Alaska. Survival and development of free-living (i.e., non-host-associated) stages of the tick were studied at three sites in central and southern Alaska. Female ticks survived, oviposited, and eggs hatched at all sites. Hatch success was low at one site where summer temperatures were low. Results suggest that establishment of winter ticks in Alaska following accidental translocation is possible, but several factors would affect such establishment.

Alaska↗
PubMed1995

Serologic survey of Toxoplasma gondii in grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) and black bears (Ursus americanus), from Alaska, 1988 to 1991.

We tested 644 serum samples from 480 grizzly bears and 40 black bears from Alaska (USA), collected between 1988 and 1991, for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies, using a commercially available latex agglutination test (LAT). A titer > or = 64 was considered positive. Serum antibody prevalence for T. gondii in grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) was 18% (87 of 480). Prevalence ranged from 9% (seven of 77) on Kodiak Island to 28% (15 of 54) in northern Alaska. Prevalence was directly correlated to age. No grizzly bears < 2-year-old had T. gondii antibody. High antibody titers were found mainly in grizzly bears captured north of the Arctic Circle. Antibody prevalence in black bears (Ursus americanus) from Interior Alaska was 15% (six of 40), similar to the prevalence in grizzly bears from the same area (13%; five of 40).

Age Determination by Teeth↗
PubMed2002

Serum antibody prevalence of malignant catarrhal fever viruses in seven wildlife species from Alaska.

Blood samples were collected from seven species of free-ranging ungulates in Alaska. Sera were tested for evidence of exposure to malignant catarrhal fever viruses (MCFV) by means of a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Antibody prevalences were as follows: muskox (Ovibos moschatus) 100 positive samples of 104 tested (96%); Dall sheep (Ovis dalli) 212 of 222 (95%); elk (Cervus elaphus) 14 of 51 (27%); bison (Bison bison) 34 of 197 (17%); caribou (Rangifer tarandus) nine of 232 (4%); Sitka black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) one of 49 (2%); and moose (Alces alces) three of 219 (1%). Antibody prevalence in a bison population from the Interior was stable over a 5 yr period. These results indicate that at least one virus in the MCF group is enzootic in Dall sheep and muskox in Alaska. Lower antibody prevalences in the other species in this survey suggest that MCFV are latent or subclinical in these free-ranging ruminants. Whole blood samples were collected from 14 Dall sheep and subjected to a polymerase chain reaction assay. Fragments of ovine herpesvirus-2 DNA were detected in six of the samples. The significance of these findings for the health of free-ranging ungulates in Alaska is unknown.

Alaska↗
PubMed2006

Serologic survey for Brucella spp., phocid herpesvirus-1, phocid herpesvirus-2, and phocine distemper virus in harbor seals from Alaska, 1976-1999.

Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi) were captured in the coastal regions of Southeast Alaska, Gulf of Alaska, Prince William Sound (PWS), and Kodiak Island during 1976-1999. Blood was collected from 286 seals. Sera were tested for evidence of exposure to Brucella spp., phocid herpesvirus-1 (PhoHV-1), phocid herpesvirus-2 (PhHV-2), and phocine distemper virus (PDV). Antibody prevalence rates were 46% (46/100) for Brucella spp., 93% (225/243) for PhoHV-1, 0% (0/286) for PhHV-2, and 1% (2/160) for PDV. Antibody prevalence for Brucella spp. was directly related to host age. Antibody prevalence for PhoHV-1 was higher in PWS as compared to the other three regions. No evidence of mortality attributable to these four agents was observed during the course of this study. Based on the results of this survey, none of these agents is considered a significant mortality factor in harbor seals from the four regions of coastal Alaska included in the study.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1998

Alcohol, drugs, and family violence: perceptions of high school students in southwest Alaska.

Many programs have attempted to address alcohol and drug use and family violence as issues of public health. This paper examines the degree to which high school students in Southwest Alaska identify these issues as problems in their communities. Qualitative and quantitative data come from a 1995 survey of children in grades 9 to 12 in four villages, one town, and one boarding school in Alaska. Alcohol policies differ in rural Alaska, with "dry" communities banning alcohol possession, "damp" communities allowing alcohol possession but not sale, and "wet" communities permitting purchase and importation of alcohol. Although the majority of all students believe alcohol and drugs are problems in their communities, only 45% of town students and 22% of village students report too much family violence in their communities. Qualitative data indicate that alcohol and drugs are of concern to young people. One female student, when asked if she would be a successful person, responded "Yes, because I look at my drunk relatives and tell myself, that will never happen to me."

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Occupational aviation deaths in Alaska, 1990-1995.

PURPOSE: In Alaska, aviation was the leading cause of work-related death in 1995 and the second leading cause for the period 1990-95. A descriptive study of aviation crashes was completed to characterize occupational aviation crashes and fatalities in Alaska. METHODS: Aviation-related incidents were abstracted from the Alaska Occupational Injury Surveillance System and National Transportation Safety Board preliminary reports. RESULTS: Records for a total of 1065 aviation crashes were abstracted. There were 285 aviation-related fatalities (8.5/100,000/yr) for all Alaskans; 135 (47%) of the fatalities (7.3/100,000/yr for Alaskan workers) were occupationally related. Helicopters accounted for 55 (17%) of the total occupational aviation crashes and 14 (10%) of the fatalities. The most common phase of flight cited in all crashes was takeoff (59 [18%]) and landing (136 [41%]); in contrast, only 9 (13%) of the fatal crashes occurred during takeoff and landing combined. In fatal crashes, the cruise phase (27 [38%]), followed by maneuvering (16 [23%]), were the most frequent phases of flight cited. Thirty-one percent (n = 22) of aircraft involved in fatal occupational incidents were not completely destroyed, allowing for potential survivors. Shoulder harnesses and helmet use, improved cockpit design, and energy-absorbing seats could reduce aviation-related injury and death.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed1998

Alaska Native community assessment: health care services, knowledge of health issues, and health education.

This project gathered information from 32 Alaska Native communities in Bristol Bay, located in southwestern Alaska, regarding use of health care services and knowledge of health care issues. It also educated residents about health care and their role in improving health status, enabling participants to feel that their involvement in planning health care services is important. In conjunction with the University of Washington Community Development Program and the Alaska Center for Rural Health, a household survey was developed. A coordinator in each community was trained, and packets of surveys and health education materials were delivered to each household or post-office box. Completed surveys were returned, confidentially, to the village clinic. An English/Yup'ik cassette tape explaining the project was also available. Results were analyzed by the University of Washington. The findings were determined to be accurate with a 95% confidence level. Of surveys delivered to households, there was a 66% return rate and an overall return rate of 45%.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Risk factors for cervical intraepithelial neoplasm in Alaska Native women: a pilot study.

Although rates for invasive cervical cancer have declined over the past twenty years among Alaska Native women, they continue to show high rates of pre-invasive cervical lesions (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, or CIN). We investigated risk factors for CIN II/III among Alaska Native women in a pilot case-control study. Cases (n = 26) included women with biopsy-proven CIN II/III, while controls (n = 52) had normal cervical epithelium. The strongest risks associated with CIN II/III were HPV infection of any type (Crude Odds Ratio [OR] 8.4, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 2.9-29.4), HPV 16 infection (OR 40.8, 95% CI: 9.4-176.4), and a family history of cervical dysplasia (OR 3.9, 95% CI: 1.3-11.3). We also found that use of depot-medroxy progesterone acetate was associated with CIN (OR 3.0, 95% CI: 1.1-8.5). A larger investigation would be necessary to allow adequate evaluation of these, and other, risk factors for CIN among Alaska Native women.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The Alaska Blind Child Discovery project: rationale, methods and results of 4000 screenings.

BACKGROUND: Photoscreening allows lay persons to adapt the Enhanced Brückner Test to preschoolers in an attempt to identify refractive amblyopia. The Alaska Blind Child Discovery (ABCD) project is charitably funded and administered. METHODS: MTI photoscreening was offered to children in rural and urban communities in southern Alaska from 1996 through June 1999. Parents answered questions concerning the child's health, family ocular history and whether the child had any eye "Warning Signs." The MTI images were interpreted by two eye doctors using a modification in MTI published guidelines. RESULTS: Out of 4000 screenings performed on 3930 children, there was an overall "not normal" interpretation of 9% and an inconclusive rate of 1%. The mean S.D. age was 3.9 2 years. Only 6% had had a prior eye exam. The average number of Polaroid pictures per screening was 1.16. Follow-up data on "not normal" results was obtained on just over 50%. The positive predictive value during the first two years was 77% but improved to 92% from 1998-1999. Affirmative answers to the questions concerning previous eye exam, child's health, siblings eye health and positive "Warning Signs" were significantly associated with "not normal" interpretations but affirmative answers about eye health of mother, father and relatives were not. Community penetrance of photoscreening to the target age-group ranged from only 5% for Anchorage to almost 100% for the Bristol Bay public health nurses. Five percent of parents of "positive" results surveyed would not have recommended screening for their friends. Equipment functioned dependably even in remote Alaska. CONCLUSION: Charitable volunteer Polaroid photoscreening detected amblyopia and significant pediatric eye disease in over 300 children during the first 3.5 years of ABCD.

Alaska↗
PubMed2001

Botulism outbreak associated with eating fermented food--Alaska, 2001.

On January 18, 2001, the Alaska Division of Public Health was informed by a local physician of a possible botulism outbreak in a southwest Alaska village. This report summarizes the findings of the outbreak investigation, which linked disease to eating fermented food, and describes a new botulism prevention program in Alaska.

Alaska↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A qualitative study of the importance and etiology of chronic respiratory disease in Alaska native children.

OBJECTIVES: To generate new hypotheses about factors that may contribute to chronic respiratory disease in Alaska Native children in rural Alaska. METHODS: Qualitative formative research with interviews of community members, village healthcare providers, and referral providers in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Region of Alaska. RESULTS: The respondents identified chronic and acute respiratory illnesses as the most important serious child health problems of the region. They believed that chronic respiratory conditions, especially asthma, were increasing. The most frequently discussed potential contributing factors were smoke, dust, feeding practices, socioeconomic conditions, and mold. The intervention mentioned most frequently that would make the greatest impact was a more timely diagnosis of asthma. CONCLUSIONS: Reports of an increase in chronic respiratory problems are parallel with reports of increases in dust and mold in the communities. Further environmental quantitative research is necessary to confirm the importance of these factors. In addition, improved education for identification and treatment of asthma would appear to be beneficial.

Alaska↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The Alaska Trauma Registry.

Recognizing that injury is the leading cause of death and disability for virtually all age groups in Alaska, a trauma task force was developed in the Anchorage area in the early 1980s. This task force established the trauma registry pilot project in the state of Alaska. The Emergency medical Services Section, Department of Health and Social Services provided the funding to the Southern Region Emergency Medical Services Council, Inc. and the Alaska Chapter of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma to develop this pilot project. The funding originated from a federal grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Seven hospital participated in the pilot project which lasted approximately two and one half years. There were 5,087 entries into the registry with information on 4,860 patients. The rationale, methodology, and development of the registry, as well as some of the data accumulated is presented. The potential usefulness of the registry as a quality improvement tool and as an extensive data base for injury prevention and trauma care research also is discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Over-representation of Samoan/Pacific Islanders among patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections at a large family practice clinic in Anchorage, Alaska, 1996-2000.

Two pediatricians in Anchorage observed that among patients of Samoan/Pacific Islander (S/PI) descent, bacterial wound cultures that grew Staphylococcus aureus often yielded methicillin-resistant isolates. The Alaska Section of Epidemiology performed chart reviews of patients that visited a large family practice clinic in Anchorage, Alaska, from 1996 through April 2000, and who were diagnosed with a skin infection. Eight of 204 patients were identified with culture-confirmed MRSA infections. Eighty percent (4 of 5) of S/PI patients had resistant isolates compared with 12% (4 of 34) of non S/PI patients (Yates corrected chi2 = 8.61, p-value = 0.003). Although subject to limitations, these data support similar findings documented by other studies that suggest MRSA infections disproportionately affect persons of S/PI origin. This study also suggests that it would be prudent to reduce the threshold of clinical suspicion for obtaining a skin culture among S/PI patients in Alaska, and avoid beta-lactam antibiotics until culture results are received.

Alaska↗
PubMed1992

Misclassification of infant deaths--Alaska, 1990-1991.

In June 1991, the Alaska Section of Vital Statistics reported that nine deaths of Alaskan Native infants occurred in seven villages in southwestern Alaska from January 1990 through June 1991. In comparison, seven Alaskan Native infant deaths occurred in these villages during 1986-1989. Two of the deaths during 1990-1991 had been attributed to acute viral myocarditis (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision [ICD-9], code 422.9) and three to viral or unspecified pneumonitis (ICD-9 codes 480.9 and 486), while from 1985 through 1989, one infant death in these villages had been attributed to either of these causes. An examination of the clinical histories of these nine infants by the Alaska Division of Public Health (ADPH) suggested some of the diagnoses might be inaccurate. This report summarizes an investigation by the ADPH to assess the accuracy of the immediate cause of death recorded on the death certificates for the nine infants.

Alaska↗
PubMed1990

Botulism among Alaska Natives. The role of changing food preparation and consumption practices.

Alaska Natives have one of the highest rates of food-borne botulism worldwide. All outbreaks have been associated with the consumption of native foods, but in recent years outbreaks have occurred in previously unaffected areas and have involved new food items. Five botulism outbreaks occurred between 1975 and 1985 in an area of southwestern Alaska without previous confirmed outbreaks and among one ethnic group, the Yupik Eskimo. Of the 5 outbreaks, 3 were associated with fermented beaver tail, a nontraditional native food recently introduced into the region. Preparation techniques vary widely within villages and among ethnic groups. Traditional fermentation techniques have changed over the past 50 years; current preparation methods used by some families and ethnic groups may be more favorable for Clostridium botulinum growth. Prevention efforts should be targeted at high-risk subgroups of Alaska Natives who appear to have modified traditional practices and increased their risk of food-borne botulism.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Federal nutrition services for American Indian and Alaska native elders.

American Indian and Alaska native elders have a poverty rate of 61% and a life expectancy between 3 and 4 years less than that of the general older U.S. population. In 1978, Congress enacted a separate title under the Older Americans Act to address some of the special needs of American Indian elders. Since enactment of specific provisions for American Indians, Congress has continued to amend the Older Americans Act to ensure that the nutritional needs of American Indian elders are addressed. Currently, federal nutrition services are provided to American Indian and Alaska native elders through both Title III, Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging, Part C, Nutrition Services, and Title VI, Grants for Native Americans, of the Older Americans Act. In fiscal year 1987, more than 52,000 American Indian and Alaska elders received meals from congregate nutrition sites and/or home-delivered meals.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Emerging public health issues in Alaska: occupational and environmental health.

The principal purpose of this article is to examine selected Alaskan occupational and environmental health problems and associated issues. Specifically, we focus on two traditional areas of interest in occupational and environmental health: 1) Job-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities, and 2) accidental spills and uncontrolled waste sites involving hazardous materials. In 1986 the Alaska Department of Labor reported 13,154 recordable occupational injuries and illnesses among workers in the private sector. The injury rate for private sector workers was 10.2 cases per 100, compared to a rate of 7.9 for the U.S. private sector as a whole. There are approximately 550 known hazardous waste sites in Alaska identified by military, other federal, or state sources. One study documents 1,330 hazardous materials incidents in Alaska during a one year period. Effective public health policy for these occupational and environmental health hazards requires the development of an adequate database and a specific plan of action for the future.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The epidemiology of tuberculosis in Alaska, 1987.

Alaska's tuberculosis morbidity and mortality rates have declined dramatically since the 1950's. At the same time, the epidemiologic characteristics of the disease in Alaska have changed. The tuberculosis incidence rate is now highest among persons of Asian ancestry, particularly the foreign-born. The high rate of disease in Alaskan children indicates that active transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to previously uninfected persons is still occurring. The large proportion of cases among persons under the age of 35 implies a failure in the detection of tuberculosis infection and/or in the use of isoniazid chemoprophylaxis. Alaska's tuberculosis control efforts must focus on ensuring that persons with tuberculosis disease are appropriately and fully treated, on detecting tuberculosis infection in persons eligible for isoniazid preventive therapy, and on applying aggressively the preventive therapy recommendations of the American Thoracic Society and the Centers for Disease Control.

Age Factors↗