Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Micronesia”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Telemedicine in Micronesia.

Distance and isolation profoundly affect the delivery of health care in the islands of Micronesia. The lack of specialty services on most of the islands has led to a costly off-island referral system that strains health care budgets. Care providers there have incorporated advances in telecommunications to create a telemedicine network amongst themselves and with a tertiary care hospital in Hawaii. They developed an interactive video conferencing system, a still-image transmission network, and a data transfer network for use principally in patient care and continuing education. Patients now receive earlier evaluation by off-island specialists as part of an effort to improve the appropriateness of off-island referrals. Regularly scheduled medical lectures are broadcast from Pohnpei, a main island, to physicians in several more remote locations. Transmission costs are kept low by using, when possible, preexisting public-service satellites, such as the PEACESAT system that serves the entire Pacific basin. The telemedicine system is evolving, and its success depends greatly on the cooperative relationships among the partners.

Education, Medical↗
PubMed2004

Risk factors for vitamin A deficiency among preschool aged children in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia.

In 1993, the Department of Health of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) conducted a population-based stratified random survey among 355 children aged 24-48 months in Pohnpei, one of the four FSM States. The objective was to determine the prevalence, and explore risk factors for vitamin A deficiency (VAD). Trained field workers collected data from a range of demographic, dietary and socioeconomic variables related to the children. The serum retinol concentration was 19.4 +/- 7.5 microg/dl (mean +/- SD), and the VAD prevalence (serum retinol <20 microg/dl) 53.1 per cent. The significant independent risk factors, determined by logistic regression, were: mother's work at home, sibling <2 years older, rural household located on the main island, early weaning, and child anemia, controlling for pipe water and electricity in the household. If compared with a reference of apparently healthy children of similar age in the USA, the distribution of serum retinol among young Pohnpei children was shifted entirely to low levels. We conclude that eliminating the pervasive VAD problem in Pohnpei would require a multi-pronged tactical approach that combines dietary improvement strategies with the ongoing supplementation effort.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed2025

Caenorhabditis diversity on Pohnpei, Micronesia, provides evidence that the Elegans Supergroup has its roots in the Americas and diversified in the Pacific en route to Asia.

The microscopic nematode Caenorhabditis elegans stands unrivaled as a model for developmental biology, neurobiology, and genetics, but fundamental aspects of its ecology, biogeography, and natural history remain unknown. Leveraging recent findings that place its center of diversity in the cool, high-elevation forests of Hawaii, we performed an intensive survey of the Caenorhabditis fauna of Pohnpei, a high island in Micronesia that is home to the largest patch of high-elevation forest between Hawaii and East Asia. We found nine species of Caenorhabditis, five of them new, but not C. elegans. Most species were limited to the hot lowlands but three spanned the elevational range and one was found only in the cloudforest. Using the distribution of Caenorhabditis nematodes among habitat patches - individual rotting fruits or flowers - we parameterized simple models that capture key aspects of the population biology of these animals. We generated transcriptomes for the new species and inferred a phylogeny for 70 species of Caenorhabditis, based on 2955 genes. This phylogeny allowed us to perform the first quantitative biogeographic analysis for the group. Our analysis suggests that the deep ancestors of the Elegans Supergroup of species lived in the Americas, and that the Supergroup's subsequent diversification occurred in Remote Oceania. The ancestors of the Supergroup gave rise to a diverse Oceanian fauna and ultimately to multiple lineages that moved into Asia, Africa, Australasia, and back into the Americas. Though biogeographic inferences are limited by the lack of information from key regions of the southwest Pacific, the data are consistent with a model of trans-Pacific migration, with the islands of Oceania serving as sources rather than sinks for biodiversity.

Caenorhabditis↗
PubMed1990

Combining insights from epidemiological and ethnographic data to investigate substance use in Truk, Federated States of Micronesia.

There has been a recent concern in medical anthropology to combine quantitative epidemiological survey methods with qualitative ethnographic fieldwork methods as a means for drawing on the strengths of both approaches. This article shows the advantages of doing this by examining data on substance use and abuse from Truk, Federated States of Micronesia. Ethnographic research in 1976 based solely on qualitative methods is compared with a second study by the same investigator on the same island 9 years later that combined ethnographic fieldwork with an epidemiological general population survey of substance use by 1000 adults. The survey data were found to support many of the ethnographic conclusions, provide some new information not revealed by use of the qualitative methods and call into question a few interpretations of Trukese drinking based on qualitative data alone. This buttresses the argument that these methods are complementary, provide a cross-check on one another and yield more information when used together than either does by itself.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Epidemiology and factor analysis of obesity, type II diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia (syndrome X) on the Island of Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia.

OBJECTIVES: Obesity, type II diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia are major causes of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Though these disorders often cluster in individuals and families and are collectively known as syndrome X, the basis for this aggregation is not well understood. To further understand the pathogenesis of syndrome X, a comprehensive epidemiological study was undertaken on the Pacific Island of Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). METHODS: The entire adult (>20 years of age) population of Kosrae underwent a clinical evaluation that included a questionnaire that noted the participants' sex, family data including listing of biological parents, siblings, and children, smoking status, village of residence, age and health status. The medical evaluation included: anthropometric measures (weight, height, waist, hip), serum chemistries (leptin, fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and apolipoproteins B and A-I (apo B and apo A-I) and blood pressure (BP) measurements. RESULTS: Obesity (BMI >/=35) was found in 24%, diabetes (FBS >/=126 or 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test >/=200) in 12%, hypertension (SBP >/=140 or DBP >/=90) in 17%, and dyslipidemia (TC >/=240 or TG >/=200 or apo B >/=120 or apo A-I </=88) in 20% of the population. Significant covariate effects after multivariate analysis were as follows: sex affected the frequency of all four disorders, parity affected the frequency of dyslipidemia, smoking affected the frequency of obesity and diabetes, village of residence affected the frequency of obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, and age affected the frequency of all four disorders. Factor analysis identified four independent factors that explained 73% of the total variance of the entire data set: factor 1 (weight, waist, leptin, insulin, and TG), factor 2 (TC, TG, apo B, apo A-I, and insulin), factor 3 (systolic and diastolic BP, FBS, waist and weight), and factor 4 (apo A-I, TG, leptin, and weight). CONCLUSIONS: This population-based study on the Island of Kosrae suggests that syndrome X is a composite of 4 independent factors: obesity with diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia, combined hyperlipidemia with diabetes, hypertension with obesity and diabetes, and increased HDL-low TG with thinness and high leptin. Further studies to identify the genetic components of these factors as well as the individual traits are under way.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

A population-genetic study of crab-eating macaques (Macaca fascicularis) on the island of Angaur, Palau, Micronesia.

Blood protein polymorphisms of an introduced population of the crab-eating macaques on Angaur Island, Palau, Micronesia, were examined electrophoretically to assess genetic variability. Results showed a high degree of genetic heterozygosity and some distinctive features in the genetic constitution of this island population. Negative evidence is presented regarding ancestry from a single pair of macaques. Their origin is discussed in relation to the genetic structure of the present population.

Alleles↗
PubMed1985

Cross-cultural psychiatry in Micronesia: the consultant's view.

Patients evaluated by the authors as consulting clinical psychiatrists in a cross-cultural setting, Micronesia, form the basis for an examination of regional variations in demographic characteristics, diagnoses, and referral patterns. Different rates of occurrence of disorders, selective referral practices, and diversity in manifestation of symptomatology are all considered. The authors offer suggestions regarding social and cultural factors which may account for the observed differences.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Psychiatric consultation in Micronesia: the question of organicity.

The authors report on 37 referrals seen for psychiatric consultation during visits to various islands in Micronesia. A large number demonstrated either organic mental disorders or contributory medical illnesses. Observed differences between males and females are examined. In such cross-cultural settings, the authors emphasize the need for psychiatric expertise responsive not only to the dimension of culture in evaluation and treatment, but also to the importance of vigilance for organic processes that may require special attention.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Migration, markets, and mangrove resource use on Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia.

Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia, is a prototype of an island economy prone to economic crowding. Average family size is large, the habitable land area is small, economic activity is limited, and household dependence on natural resources for fuel and food is high. We analyze how economic crowding--and its mitigation through trade and migration policies--affects mangrove resource use. A comparison of household survey data from 1996 and 2000 indicates that despite decreases in US aid and public-sector jobs, average household consumption of mangrove resources has not increased. Migration and remittances have allowed the purchase of imported fuel and building materials substituting for mangrove wood. Despite changing preferences and shifts toward import consumption, population growth and further declines in US financial support will likely cause aggregate demand for mangrove and upland wood to rise. Moreover, continued emigration may accelerate the export of mangrove crabs to off-island Kosraeans.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Novel dengue virus type 1 from travelers to Yap State, Micronesia.

Dengue virus type 1 (DENV-1), which was responsible for the dengue fever outbreak in Yap State, Micronesia, in 2004, was isolated from serum samples of 4 dengue patients in Japan. Genome sequencing demonstrated that this virus belonged to genotype IV and had a 29-nucleotide deletion in the 3 noncoding region.

3' Untranslated Regions↗
PubMed1997

[High prevalence of leprosy in the Federated States of Micronesia and special project for the elimination].

Leprosy in Federated States of Micronesia is still endemic with incidence rate 221/100,000 and prevalence 33/10,000 in 1996. The disease was introduced by the patients from Nauru. Epidemic of the disease was observed in Pingelap during the 1960's and Kpingamarangi since 1966. Special project for the elimination of the disease by the chemoprophylaxis was launched in 1996. The preventive therapy is consist of one dose of an association of 3 antibiotics (rifampicin, ofloxacine and minocyclin) for adults and rifampicin alone for children. The project is completed for two years and followed by evaluation for 6 years. It is expected to reach the elimination level before year 2000.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Leprosy chemoprophylaxis in Micronesia.

A programme of chemoprophylaxis was introduced as a component of the leprosy control programme in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), beginning in 1996. The entire population of the country was to be screened, and a single dose of 600 mg rifampicin, 400 mg ofloxacin and 100 mg minocycline (ROM) was to be administered to the entire population. Two rounds of screening the entire population were carried out, approximately 1 year apart, and chemoprophylaxis was administered at the time of each screening. Ninety percent of the population were screened at least once, and 55% were screened in both rounds; 87% of the population received at least one dose, and 54% received two doses. In the course of the first round, 322 new cases were detected, whereas only 80 new cases were detected during the second round, of whom only 12 had received chemoprophylaxis in the course of the first round. A third round of screening, confined to a small number of villages in both Chuuk and Pohnpei, in which states leprosy endemicity was high, was carried out approximately 2 years after the second. Only 16 new cases were detected during the third round of screening, whereas 102 new cases had been detected in this same population during the first round of screening, and 32 new cases during the second. Six of the 16 newly detected cases stated that they had been administered chemoprophylaxis at least once; however, this information may not be reliable.

Drug Therapy, Combination↗
PubMed2001

Vitamin A deficiency among children--Federated States of Micronesia, 2000.

Vitamin A, a fat-soluble, heat-stable nutrient (retinol) derived from animal sources and certain fruits and vegetables, forms the basic component of retinal pigments and plays a vital role in optimal health, growth, and development. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) (serum retinol < or = 20 microg/dL [< or = 0.7 micromol/L] for subclinical VAD) can substantially increase the risk for childhood mortality from infectious and noninfectious causes. VAD impairs the mobilization and transport of iron and is usually associated with anemia and reduced growth. VAD is a major public health problem in parts of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Western Pacific. In Chuuk and Pohnpei, two of the four Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) (2000 population: 107,008), nutrition surveys during the early 1990s documented VAD prevalences among the highest in the world (CDC, unpublished data, 1991; U.S. Public Health Service, unpublished data, 1994). In response to these findings, FSM health authorities, with support of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), began distributing vitamin A supplements in 1993 and 1998 in Chuuk and Pohnpei, respectively. In November 1999, FSM requested assistance from CDC in VAD assessment surveys of children in Kosrae and Yap, the other two FSM states. This report summarizes levels of serum retinol and prevalence of VAD and other indicators of nutritional status among children aged 24-59 months in Kosrae and Yap. The findings indicated low serum retinol levels and high VAD prevalences but no substantial stunting or wasting. A comprehensive, long-term national strategy is needed in FSM to promote sustained improvement in vitamin A status.

Anemia↗
PubMed2000

Telemedicine in the Federated States of Micronesia.

Telemedicine (other than costly long distance telephone and facsimile messages) in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) started approximately 4 years ago with the establishment of Internet access in the State of Yap. A local access, for medical use only, via already established trunk lines maintained by Continental Airlines was established. It provided a connection to CompuServe at a baud rate of 300 bps. FSM TeleCom provided this free service. While this connection was slow, it allowed medical staff at Yap State Hospital to send and receive text based e-mail regarding patient management. By its use interest was generated in both medical and non-medical individuals to develop a commercial full scale Internet service. In March 1996, TeleCom became a full scale commercial Internet Service Provider in Yap. Rates were reasonable and the CompuServe access was phased out. The full scale internet allowed medical personnel to engage in telemedicine activities, including email; email attachments; the search and retrieval of medical literature; transmission to medical specialists of X-rays, ECG's and other images; and real-time teleconferencing over the Internet with both audio and video. In addition, to the improvement of medical care, this allowed for greater efficiency in arranging referral of patients for medical treatment outside of the FSM.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The hepatitis B immunization campaign for children in the Federated States of Micronesia.

Hepatitis B has long been recognized as hyperendemic among persons residing in the western Pacific. Effective control strategies have not been described. From December 1988 through October 1989, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) conducted a campaign to immunize children through age 6 years with three doses of hepatitis B (HB) vaccine. In addition, HB vaccination was incorporated into the routine immunization schedule for all children born in FSM, with the first dose given to newborns. Between December 1988 and October 1989, a total of 64,085 doses of HB vaccine were administered to the children. After the start of the campaign, the subject group was enlarged to include children through 15 years of age in the States of Yap and Kosrae. Fifty-nine percent of the enlarged group in all States received a complete series of HB vaccinations. During each client encounter, individual immunization records were examined and diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus, oral polio vaccine, and measles-mumps-rubella antigens were administered to children who were not adequately immunized. The annual immunization assessment for 1990 showed coverage improved significantly from previous years in every FSM State.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed2003

Cancer of the oral cavity- a growing concern in the Micronesia: a case report from the Marshall Islands.

Cancer of the oral cavity is of growing concern worldwide. In the Micronesia, there has been a recent increase in use of betel nut and tobacco chewing in addition to already existing problem of smoking and alcohol drinking. These deleterious habits have further added the risk for development of oral cancers in the Marshall Islands. The oral cancers have good prognosis, which is directly related to the early diagnosis and treatment. Advanced staged cancers need mutilating surgery in addition to radiotherapy and carry high mortality rate. The epidemiology, etiology and recent approaches in the management of oral cavity cancer has been discussed along with a case report of advanced cancer of the floor of the mouth from the Marshall Islands.

Alcoholism↗
PubMed2004

Cancer in Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia.

The purpose of this study, funded by the National Cancer Institute, was to document the state of cancer awareness and services in Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and to begin to identify the need for cancer-care services. Findings suggest that cancer is the third-leading cause of death in Chuuk, yet cancer-related awareness, prevention, detection, and treatment services are limited. A number of needs were identified, and an action plan was developed based on five priority areas: 1) establishing a cancer registry; 2) improving ICD coding skills and knowledge; 3) increasing public awareness about cancer; 4) establishing an office dedicated to cancer; and 5) increasing screening of high-risk individuals.

Delivery of Health Care↗
PubMed2004

Cancer in Pohnpei State, Federated States of Micronesia.

A cancer needs assessment, funded by the National Cancer Institute, was conducted in Pohnpei State (Pohnpei), Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Findings revealed that cancer is the third leading cause of death in Pohnpei, yet cancer-related awareness, prevention, detection, and treatment services are limited. A number of needs were identified, and an action plan was developed based on five priority areas: 1) increasing community awareness about cancer (especially, cervix, breast, liver and lung) and related risk factors; 2) securing funding for cancer prevention and control planning and activities; 3) establishing a fully staffed cancer prevention and control office; 4) building local capacity for cancer cytology; and 5) increasing capacity to obtain and process lab specimens for high-risk patients.

Delivery of Health Care↗