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At least 631 records · Page 35Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Serologic survey for Toxoplasma gondii in lynx from interior Alaska.

Two hundred fifty-five lynx (Felis lynx) carcasses were collected from trappers in Interior Alaska (USA). Serosanguinous fluids were collected from the chest cavity of each carcass. These fluids were tested for evidence of exposure to Toxoplasma gondii by means of a modified agglutination test using formalin fixed tachyzoites and mercaptoethanol. Thirty-nine of the samples had titers greater than or equal to the threshold (> or = 25). Antibody prevalence differed between areas, and was directly related to age of the host.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed2001

Concentrations and interactions of selected essential and non-essential elements in bowhead and beluga whales of arctic Alaska.

In this study, we evaluated concentrations of twelve essential and non-essential elements (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, Mg, Mn, Hg, Mo, Se, Ag, and Zn) in tissues of bowhead (Balaena mysticetus) and beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) whales from arctic Alaska (USA) and northwestern Canada. Tissue samples were collected between 1983 and 1997, mostly in 1995-97. The essential elements are reported to develop reference ranges for health status determination, and to help assess known or suspected interactions affecting toxicoses of cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg). In some tissues, Cd, Hg, and selenium (Se) were present at concentrations that have been associated with toxicoses in some domestic animals. Nevertheless, tissue levels of all elements were within ranges that have been reported previously in marine mammals. While mean Ag concentrations in beluga whale liver were relatively high (15.91 micrograms/g ww), Ag was not associated with hepatic Se levels or age, contrary to previous findings. Significant associations included: Cd with age, Zn, or Cu; Cu with age, Zn or Ag; and Hg with age, Se, Zn, or Cu. This study found hepatic Hg:Se molar ratios to be consistently lower than unity and different between species. Possible explanations for observed elemental correlations (i.e., interactions) and ancillary mechanisms of Cd and Hg detoxification are discussed.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2001

Concentrations and interactions of selected essential and non-essential elements in ringed seals and polar bears of arctic Alaska.

In this study, we evaluated concentrations of twelve essential and non-essential elements (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, Mg, Mn, Hg, Mo, Se, Ag, and Zn) in tissues of ringed seals (Phoca hispida) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) of arctic Alaska (USA). All samples were collected between 1995-97 in conjunction with subsistence harvests. The essential elements are reported to help develop reference ranges for health status determination and to help assess known or suspected interactions affecting toxicoses of cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg). In some tissues, Cd, Hg, and selenium (Se) were present at concentrations that have been associated with toxicoses in some domestic animals. Nevertheless, tissue levels of all elements were within ranges that have been reported previously in other pinnipeds and polar bears. Significant associations included: Cd with Zn or Cu; Cu with Zn or Ag; and Hg with Se, Zn, or Cu. This study found hepatic Hg:Se molar ratios to be lower than unity and different between the two species. Based upon significant differences in mean tissue elemental concentrations for polar bear versus ringed seal, we concluded that biomagnification factors (bear/seal) were significant for: Cu in liver and muscle; Pb in kidney; Se in kidney and muscle; Zn in liver and muscle; and Hg in liver. Possible explanations for observed elemental correlations (i.e., interactions) and ancillary mechanisms of Cd and Hg detoxification are discussed.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2001

Serologic survey for canine coronavirus in wolves from Alaska.

Wolves (Canis lupus) were captured in three areas of Interior Alaska (USA). Four hundred twenty-five sera were tested for evidence of exposure to canine coronavirus by means of an indirect fluorescent antibody procedure. Serum antibody prevalence averaged 70% (167/240) during the spring collection period and 25% (46/185) during the autumn collection period. Prevalence was 0% (0/42) in the autumn pup cohort (age 4-5 mo), and 60% (58/97) in the spring pup cohort (age 9-10 mo). Prevalence was lowest in the Eastern Interior study area. A statistical model indicates that prevalence increased slightly each year in all three study areas. These results indicate that transmission occurs primarily during the winter months, antibody decay is quite rapid, and reexposure during the summer is rare.

Alaska↗
PubMed2002

Elemental and organochlorine residues in bald eagles from Adak Island, Alaska.

Adak Island is a remote island in the Aleutian Island archipelago of Alaska (USA) and home to various military activities since World War II. To assess the contaminant burden of one of Adak Island's top predators, livers and kidneys were collected from 26 bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) carcasses between 1993 and 1998 for elemental and organochlorine analyses. Mean cadmium, chromium, mercury, and selenium concentrations were consistent with levels observed in other avian studies and were below toxic thresholds. However, elevated concentrations of chromium and mercury in some individuals may warrant concern. Furthermore, although mean polychlorinated biphenyl and pp'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene concentrations were below acute toxic thresholds, they were surprisingly high given Adak Island's remote location.

Alaska↗
PubMed2004

Prevalence of Soboliphyme baturini in marten (Martes americana) populations from three regions of Alaska, 1990-1998.

Marten (Martes americana) carcasses were collected from trappers in three regions of Alaska. Stomachs were examined for the nematode parasite Soboliphyme baturini. Both prevalence and intensity of infection exhibited an increase from north to south. Prevalence was higher in adults (compared with juveniles) from the two mainland study areas. Prevalences in these two age classes were similar for the southeastern region. There were no sex-specific differences in prevalence. No pathologic changes were observed in the gastrointestinal tract. Impact of the parasite on either individual animals or populations was not detected.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2005

New distribution records of Echinococcus multilocularis in the brown lemming from Barrow, Alaska, USA.

We identified Echinococcus multilocularis for the first time in brown lemmings (Lemmus trimucronatus) from Barrow, Alaska, USA. Of 467 brown lemmings trapped between 1995 and 2000, two males and two females (0.9%; 95% confidence interval=0.9+/-0.9%) were found to be infected with metacestodes of E. multilocularis. No metacestodes were found in 17 collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx rubricatus) also trapped at Barrow. In humans, E. multilocularis causes alveolar echinococcosis, which is potentially fatal. Knowledge of the distribution of this parasite is important to protect the public health.

Alaska↗
PubMed2005

Avian cholera exposure and carriers in greater white-fronted geese breeding in Alaska, USA.

We conducted a 3-yr study (2001-03) on greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons frontalis) breeding in Alaska, USA, to determine the exposure of this population to Pasteurella multocida and the potential role of these birds as disease carriers. We tested sera from nearly 600 adult geese for antibodies to P. multocida serotype 1. We found a low prevalence (<5%) of positive antibodies in adult geese, and based on the short duration of detectable antibodies, these findings indicate recent infection with P. multocida. Prevalence was similar to serologic results from both breeding and wintering lesser snow geese. We also collected oral (n=1,035), nasal (n=102), and cloacal (n=90) swab samples to determine the presence of avian cholera carriers in this population. We were unable to isolate P. multocida serotype 1 from any of the birds sampled. Based on comparison with other waterfowl species, we concluded that these geese may be exposed to avian cholera during the winter or spring migration but are unlikely to play a significant role as carriers of the bacterium causing avian cholera.

Alaska↗
PubMed2005

Poxvirus infection of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in Alaska.

Lesions suggestive of poxvirus infection were observed in two Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in Alaska during live capture-and-release studies during 2000 and 2001. Both of these animals, female pups in poor body condition, were from Prince William Sound; this population is part of the declining western stock. Umbilicated, typically ulcerated dermal nodules were present, primarily on the fore flippers in one case, and over most of the body in the second case. Histologically, there were discrete masses in the superficial dermis composed of epithelial cells, some of which contained eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies. Negative staining of skin biopsy homogenates demonstrated the presence of orthopoxvirus-like particles. Total DNA extracted from skin biopsies were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers that targeted the DNA polymerase and DNA topoisomerase genes. These primers directed the amplification of fragments 543 base pairs (bp) and 344 bp, respectively, whose deduced amino acid sequences indicated the presence of a novel poxvirus within the Chordopoxvirinae subfamily. Comparison of these amino acid sequences with homologous sequences from members of the Chordopoxvirinae indicated highest identity with orthopoxviruses.

Alaska↗
PubMed2005

A serologic survey for antibodies to three canine viruses in wolverines (Gulo gulo) from the Brooks Range, Alaska.

Canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), and canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1) are pathogens that are typically associated with canids but may cause serious disease in a wide range of other carnivores. From 1998 to 2002, serum samples from 64 wolverines (Gulo gulo) from the Brooks Range, Alaska, were tested for antibodies to CDV, CPV-2, and canine adenovirus (CAV). Four animals tested positive for antibodies to CDV (7%), one for antibodies to CPV-2 (2%), and none for antibodies to CAV. These are similar to antibody prevalence estimates for other large and medium carnivores in North America.

Adenoviridae Infections↗
PubMed2006

Geographic pattern of serum antibody prevalence for Brucella spp. in caribou, grizzly bears, and wolves from Alaska, 1975-1998.

Blood samples were collected from 2,635 caribou (Rangifer tarandus), 1,238 grizzly bears (Ursus arctos), and 930 wolves (Canis lupus) from throughout mainland Alaska during 1975-98. Sera were tested for evidence of exposure to Brucella spp. Serum antibody prevalences were highest in the northwestern region of the state. In any specific area, antibody prevalences for caribou and wolves were of a similar magnitude, whereas antibody prevalence for bears in these same areas were two to three times higher.

Alaska↗
PubMed1998

The dispersal of the 1918 influenza virus on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska: an ethnohistoric reconstruction.

This paper considers the spread of the 1918 influenza virus as it occurred among Inupiat communities on Alaska's Seward Peninsula. Documented historical sources concerning the epidemic among the Native communities are scarce and contain limited information. In contrast, oral histories of the event provide not only information about community mortality rates, but they also corroborate the few written documents that discuss the epidemic. Additionally, it has been found that the dispersal of the virus on the peninsula can only be accurately reconstructed with the aid of oral testimony. Data useful to both anthropologists and epidemiologists can be derived from this approach to historical analysis.

Alaska↗
PubMed1998

Unmet treatment needs of drug users in Alaska: correlates and societal costs.

This study assessed the unmet treatment needs of drug users in Anchorage, Alaska. It revealed that almost half of the drug users who desire treatment cannot secure it, largely for external reasons. The primary barrier to treatment was lack of availability of treatment slots, followed by excessive treatment costs and restrictive admission criteria. Unlike other studies, this investigation did not suggest that members of ethnic minority groups, women, and parenting women were disproportionately disadvantaged with regard to ability to secure treatment. However, substance abusers who also met criteria for a co-morbid psychiatric diagnosis other than substance abuse or dependence had more difficulty than their non-co-morbid peers in finding available treatment slots. Social, legal, and medical costs incurred by unsuccessful treatment seekers are outlined and suggest significant cost, as well as perpetuation of intergenerational cycles of violence and substance use.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Cocaine smokers and injection drug users in Alaska: what distinguishes Native Americans from non-Native Americans?

Demographic and behavioral characteristics were modeled for distinguishing Native American drug users from non-Native American drug users in Anchorage, Alaska. Data were collected using a structured interview administered to participants (n = 1,091) who smoked cocaine, injected drugs, or both. Multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression modeling. Four characteristics distinguish Native Americans (n = 223) from non-Native Americans (n = 868). Native Americans were more likely to have used marijuana at an earlier age and to have less than high school education; they were less likely to have ever used heroin and cocaine together, and to have used a condom during sex. Results are useful for administering interventions, data collection, and targeting hidden populations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

The development of a culture-based substance abuse treatment program in the Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska.

This paper describes the development of a substance abuse program for three remote Western Alaska villages with strong traditional cultures. Although the impact of substance abuse is known to be substantial in the Kuskokwim Delta, intervention and treatment services have not been universally accepted by the traditional Yup'ik and Cup'ik communities. The reason may be that services do not accommodate the cultural values of the people they are intended to serve. The Chemical Misuse Treatment and Recovery Services (CMTRS) program was designed to address this issue. The paper will describe the demographics and cultural characteristics of the people of the three villages participating in the program, describe how traditional Yup'ik and Cup'ik values were incorporated into the program, and discuss some of the early data on the acceptance and use of the program services.

Alaska↗
PubMed1998

Designing a home health care system for Alaska Natives in Anchorage.

PURPOSE: To design a health care program that allows Alaska Natives to receive culturally appropriate health services in their homes, thus avoiding the trauma of institutionalization and significantly increasing the quality of the patient's life during the course of the treated illness. METHOD: Utilizing the culturally appropriate sensitivity that is found within Tribal Health Corporations, Southcentral Foundation is designing a federally based community health care model to bring health support services into the patient's home. Health Aides and Community Health Representatives play an important role in extending this model into an urban community setting. The cost of care is significantly reduced, as it is more cost-effective to keep patients in their own home environments rather than in institutions. RESULTS: Major outcomes for patients are increased cultural sensitivity to their needs, personal comfort, dignity, and care in their own home surroundings. Outcomes for the federal care system are significant savings and more efficient personalized health care.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Reporting and treating gonorrhea: results of a statewide survey in Alaska.

Two hundred physicians, public health nurses, medics, and physician's assistants, comprising 92% of health care providers treating gonorrhea in Alaska, were interviewed to determine the number of cases seen during a 12-month period and to determine the adequacy of treatment given. Significantly more cases were reported on the survey than were reported to the State Department of Health. However, an attempt to validate the survey results through a chart review suggested that surveys relying on memory provide overestimates of cases and that gonorrhea may not be as underreported as previously thought. A wide variety of antibiotics were used to treat gonorrhea. Physicians in private practice accounted for the majority of inadequately treated cases. The actual number of cases receiving ineffective therapy was estimated as 2%.

Alaska↗