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At least 649 records · Page 36Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Hydroxylated and methylsulfone-containing metabolites of polychlorinated biphenyls in the plasma and blubber of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus).

Bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) blubber (n = 20) and plasma (n = 19) samples were collected during the 1997 to 2000 Inuit subsistence harvests in Barrow, Alaska, USA, to quantify the concentrations of methylsulfone (MeSO2)-containing and hydroxylated (OH) polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) metabolites in this cetacean. The distribution of MeSO2-PCBs in blubber was dominated by 4-MeSO2-substituted congeners, the most abundant being 4-MeSO2-CB-70, 3'-MeSO2-CB-132, and 4-MeSO2-CB-64. Mean (+/- 1 standard error) sum (sigma) MeSO2-PCBs concentrations in blubber were low (6.23 +/- 0.81 ng g(-1) lipid normalized) compared to concentrations previously reported in other marine mammals. However, similar ratios of MeSO2-PCB metabolites to parent PCB congeners among marine mammals suggest that cytochrome P450 2B-like biotransformation and other necessary enzyme-mediated processes and mechanisms that influence the formation and clearance of MeSO2-PCBs exist in the bowhead whale. Pentachlorophenol was the most abundant halogenated phenolic compound quantified in bowhead plasma (1.55 +/- 0.19 ng g(-1) wet wt). Despite indirect evidence for arene epoxidation of the biphenyl moiety inferred from MeSO2-PCB formation, sumOH-PCB concentrations in bowhead plasma were low (1.52 +/- 0.31 ng g(-1) wet wt) compared to humans and marine mammals and were comprised of only two detectable OH-PCB congeners (4'-OH-CB-130 and 4-OH-CB-187). Further research is required to elucidate the toxicokinetics and distribution of OH-PCBs in this cetacean.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2004

Modulation of the arachidonic cascade with omega3 fatty acids or analogues: potential therapeutic benefits.

Increasing interest in the role of omega3 fatty acids has arisen in these latest years since evidence of their implication in the cardioprotective fish based diet of the Inuit has been demonstrated. Furthermore, several in vitro, in vivo and epidemiological studies support the benefit of this fatty acids intake in various pathological states such as in the cardiovascular, cancer, inflammation, psychiatric, paediatric, pulmonary, dermatological and ophthalmologic fields. This review will focus on metabolism and pharmacological implication of omega3 fatty acids intake as well as its interest in the prevention or treatment of the above-mentioned pathologies.

Arachidonic Acid↗
PubMed2005

Canadian First Nations grandparents raising grandchildren: a portrait in resilience.

Between 1991 and 2001, there was a 20% increase in the number of Canadian children under 18 years old who were living with their grandparents without a parent present in the home. Recent research revealed that Canadians of First Nations origin, including North American Indians, Métis, and Inuit, were vastly over-represented among grandparents raising grandchildren in skipped generation households (households which include only grandparents and grandchildren). Using custom tabulation data from the 1996 Canadian Census, this article presents a profile of First Nations Canadian grandparents raising grandchildren in skipped generation households. Despite extremely high rates of poverty and disability, one-third of First Nations Canadian skipped generation families were raising two or more grandchildren. In comparison to other grandparent caregivers, First Nations custodial caregivers were more likely to also be caring for a senior (23%) and to spend more than 30 hours a week on childcare duties (46%) and on housework (41%). Implications for policy, practice, and research are discussed.

Canada↗
PubMed2005

Premature mortality due to suicide, homicide, and motor vehicle accidents in health service delivery areas: comparison of status Indians in British Columbia, Canada, with all other residents.

From each of 15 health regions, potential years of life lost (PYLL) before age 75 for Status Indians is compared for select causes of death with all other residents. Mortality data from 1991 to 2001 for rates of PYLL (standardized to the 1991 population) are from tables of the British Columbia Vital Statistics Agency and First Nations and Inuit Health Branch in 2002. PYLL rate differences and rate ratios were compared for two groups with significance of the former indicated by the 95% confidence interval. Overall, the rates of PYLL for suicide, homicide, and deaths due to motor vehicle accidents were about 224%, 340%, and 248% higher among Status Indians than all other residents. Rates of PYLL for homicide and deaths from motor vehicle accidents among Status Indian women exceeded those of other residents who were men. For suicide, Status Indian men ranked first and all other male residents of British Columbia ranked second.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1994

An outbreak of diarrhea due to verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli in the Canadian Northwest Territories.

In the summer of 1991 a large outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7 associated diarrhea occurred in 6 Inuit communities in the Canadian Northwest Territories. The total population of these communities is 5,292. Of the 521 individuals who developed diarrhea, 152 (29%) were positive for E. coli O157:H7 on stool culture or positive by verotoxin analysis. Median age was 6 years. The attack rate for children < 1 year was 43% in the major affected community of Arviat. Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) developed in 22 cases, and 2 patients died. Asymptomatic stool carriage of verotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC) 2-5 weeks after diarrheal illness was noted in 4/28 persons followed prospectively. Epidemic curves, case-control studies and phage type testing suggested person-to-person transmission. The original source of infection was not identified, though a food source was suspected. VTEC were detected in 6 food samples (minced beef and caribou) taken from retail outlets and homes. Primary prevention of infection through health education and promotion activities, as well as long-term follow-up of HUS survivors, are indicated in this population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Mortality in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut, 1987-1996.

INTRODUCTION: The Kivalliq region of Nunavut, Canada, had a 1996 population of 7,131, of which 87% were Inuit. An attempt was made to characterize patterns of mortality in the region. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive regional mortality study, based on 10-year retrospective review of health records data. METHODS: All deaths and stillbirths of Kivalliq residents during the study period were identified. Available health records data were reviewed for each death, including medical charts, death certificates and coroner's reports where applicable. Age-standardized mortality rates, both overall and cause-specific, were calculated and compared to both Canadian national rates and territorial rates from the same time period. RESULTS: The infant mortality rate was 32.3/1,000 live births, five times Canada's rate. Leading causes of infant deaths were prematurity and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The overall mortality rate was 1.8 times that of Canada, with leading causes of death being cancers (especially lung cancer), circulatory disease, respiratory disease, unintentional injury and suicide. CONCLUSIONS: Identified areas of concern included mortality due to premature birth, SIDS, unintentional injuries, suicides, respiratory disease and lung cancer. It is hoped that this study's results will assist territorial leaders, health workers and citizens in health planning activities.

Death Certificates↗
PubMed2004

Community based physiotherapy services in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut, Canada.

OBJECTIVES: Community based physiotherapy services are an integral component of the recent implementation of a medical rehabilitation program in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut. Since the year 2000, the Inuit people of Canada's central Arctic have had direct access to physiotherapy in their home communities. STUDY DESIGN: A quantitative review of physiotherapy services from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2002. METHODS: Workload measurement data gathered by the physiotherapists in the field will be utilized to present information on referral sources, location of services provided, client diagnoses and average duration of treatment provided. Administrative data will provide information on staffing complements and challenges to date. The need for physiotherapy referrals out of the Kivalliq Region will be reviewed. RESULTS: Referral sources to physiotherapy services are varied, the majority of diagnoses are musculoskeletal in nature, followed by neurological and cardiovascular. Recruitment of the physiotherapy positions has been successful to date. Referrals out of the region for physiotherapy services have been rare since community based services have begun. CONCLUSIONS: Access to physiotherapy services by the residents of the Kivalliq Region has been significantly enhanced since the implementation of the medical rehabilitation program.

Community Health Centers↗
PubMed2004

Development of a community-based medical rehabilitation programme in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut, Canada.

OBJECTIVE: In 2000, the University of Manitoba and the Department of Health and Social Services of Nunavut, Canada, jointly embarked upon the development of a community-based medical rehabilitation programme in the Kivalliq Region of Canada's central Arctic. Two main objectives were identified in moving forward with the implementation of a rehabilitation programme. Firstly, to conduct a region wide community needs assessment for rehabilitation services for all age groups of all residents of the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut. Secondly, to provide information from which a community-based rehabilitation therapy programme could be developed. METHODS: A community needs assessment of the Kivalliq Region was carried out to guide the implementation of physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech language pathology services. RESULTS: There are now two physiotherapists, one occupational therapist, and one speech language pathologist providing rehabilitation services to the residents of the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut. The results of this needs assessment, the challenges and successes of this medical rehabilitation programme are discussed. CONCLUSION: The total population of the service area is approximately 8,000 people, the significant majority of whom self-report as Inuit, and are widely dispersed over eight communities. Despite the challenges in terms of culture, geography and recruitment of introducing a rehabilitation program in Canada's north, the residents of the Kivalliq Region now have a viable model of receiving rehabilitative intervention in their home communities.

Community Health Services↗
PubMed2004

Cholestasis Familiaris Groenlandica: an epidemiological, clinical and genetic study.

OBJECTIVES: Accumulation of Cholestasis Familiaris Groenlandica (CFG) or progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1 (PFIC1) occurs in indigenous Inuit families in Greenland. It is an autosomal recessive inherited liver disease. From early childhood the children suffer from failure to thrive, jaundice, pruritus and enlarged liver. Affected persons generally die very young. STUDY DESIGN: Patients' information has been collected from the Greenlandic death register and hospital records. METHODS: Detailed genealogy including clinical description and examination if possible. Interviews of parents and relatives, linkage and DNA analysis of the probands and the closest relatives have been studied. RESULTS: 46 affected cases from a highly inbred population have been diagnosed since 1943. The disease is caused by a missense mutation in the FIC1 gene ATP8B1, chromosome 18q21. Six affected children are alive aged 1-21 years. Among the tested relatives 220 are heterozygote. One prenatal diagnosis has been performed. CONCLUSION: The mutation causing Cholestasis Familiaris Groenlandica is widespread in Greenland, but accumulation is seen in certain areas. The disease is burdensome for the child, the parents and the Greenlandic society. Genetic counselling and carrier screening are strongly recommended.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗
PubMed2004

Tuberculosis in Greenland--current situation and future challenges.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the tuberculosis (TB) epidemiology in Greenland in 1998-2002 and to identify possible obstacles for reducing the TB incidence. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: TB notification data were collected from the annual reports of the Chief Medical Officer, and culture verification data were collected from the International Reference Laboratory of Mycobacteriology at Statens Serum Institut, Denmark. RESULTS: The TB incidence in Greenland reached a peak of 185/100,000 in 2001. In 1999-2001, the majority of cases were related to an outbreak in the Southern districts. In 1998-2002, 0.5% drug-resistance was found among patients living in Greenland in contrast to 13.1% drug-resistance found previously among Inuit patients in Denmark. In 1998-2001, microscopy positive cases made up 65% of all culture confirmed cases and DNA subtyping demonstrated the emergence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains that were previously infrequently found. CONCLUSION: It is important to eliminate factors that fuel the epidemic and to improve general living conditions in Greenland. Treatment seems effective as limited drug-resistance is detected. TB reduction will therefore depend on early detection of active disease and thorough contact tracing. Greenland will face a pool of persons latently infected some of whom will progress to active disease. Sufficient resources need to be allocated for TB control in the years to come.

Antitubercular Agents↗
PubMed2004

A fresh look at an old vaccine: does BCG have a role in 21st century Canada?

INTRODUCTION: In Canada, bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine is now primarily given to First Nations and Inuit (FNI) neonates living in tuberculosis (TB) endemic areas. With declining TB rates, attention has shifted from the protective effects of BCG to reports of serious vaccine-associated adverse events (VAAE). METHODS: Surveillance data were reviewed to assess TB burden and trends, BCG coverage, and VAAE among FNI people in the 1990s. RESULTS: TB among FNI people living on reserve was 25 times higher than the Canadian-born, non-Aboriginal rate between 1997 and 2000. Paediatric TB rates declined from 149 per 100,000 in 1990 to 23 per 100,000 in 2000, with one case of TB meningitis and one TB fatality (due to congenital TB) reported in the 0-4 age group. Nine cases of disseminated BCG infection occurred in a 21-year period among children with congenital or acquired immunodeficiencies. The estimated rate of disseminated BCG infection was 205 per 1,000,000 (95% CI 62-678). DISCUSSION: BCG provides protection against severe forms of childhood TB. However, in a country with publicly funded health care and declining TB rates, it is important to consider VAAE. Disseminated BCG infection increases mortality among children with immunodeficiency disorders, which now have successful therapies. Although TB remains a threat in FNI communities, early detection and treatment of TB infection may be a more appropriate intervention.

BCG Vaccine↗
PubMed2004

Incidence of myocardial and cerebral infarction in Nuuk, Greenland.

INTRODUCTION: Myocardial and cerebral infarction are held to be rare among the Inuit, whereas cerebral haemorrhage is thought to be frequent. Recent studies have questioned these beliefs. We report data form our institution. METHOD: Retrospective data collection and review of all charts from Greenlandic patients from the Nuuk area admitted to the city hospital, Dronning Ingrids Hospital, from 1999 to 2002. RESULTS: A total of 8 patients with myocardial infarction were found, median age 70 years, 4 with ST elevation MI and 4 with non-ST elevation MI. Two of the former had thrombolysis. Thirty-five patients were admitted with stroke, excluding subarachnoid haemorrhage, median age 65 years. Of these, twenty-nine had a CT. Five scans were reported as being normal, one patient had an intracerebral haemorrhage and twenty-three had cerebral infarctions. Six had no CT. One of these was admitted comatose and died without regaining consciousness, the rest were minor strokes in patients over 70. CONCLUSION: Myocardial infarction is a rare disease in Greenlanders, whereas stroke is four times as frequent. The overwhelming majority of strokes are infarctions, whereas intracerebral haemorrhage seems to account only for a small minority.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Impact of a mass immunization campaign to control an outbreak of severe respiratory infections in Nunavik, northern Canada.

OBJECTIVES: In spring 2002, a mass immunization campaign using a 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (23-PPV) was launched in order to control an outbreak of severe pneumonia caused by a virulent clone of serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae in Nunavik, Quebec, Canada. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of this campaign on the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and hospitalizations possibly associated with pneumococcal infections (HPAPI) in the mostly Inuit population aged 10 to 64 years. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of surveillance and administrative data. METHODS: Multivariate Poisson model comparing the frequency rates of selected outcomes before the outbreak, during the outbreak, and after implementation of the mass immunization program. RESULTS: The reported incidence of serotype 1 IPD decreased markedly after the implementation of the vaccination campaign (rate ratio = 0.16; p < 0.002). The frequency of HPAPI and the mean duration of hospital stay also decreased. However, vaccine failures were documented and the HPAPI rate remained higher than in the period prior to the outbreak. CONCLUSIONS: Although 23-PPV contributed to control the outbreak, better vaccines are needed for the prevention of infections caused by serotype 1 S. pneumoniae.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Learning needs of nurses working in Canada's First Nations communities and hospitals.

BACKGROUND: What are the learning needs of nurses providing services to Canada's First Nations Communities and Hospitals? First Nations (or Indian Band) are similar to communities except some comprise more than one geographic Native community. Aboriginal (or Native) individuals are members of the North American Indian, Inuit, or Métis peoples of Canada; those who reported being a Treaty or Registered Indian (with the Federal Government); or those who are members of an Indian Band/First Nation. METHOD: A Canada-wide survey was completed to determine the learning needs of nurses working with Canada's Aboriginal persons. RESULTS: Nurses indicated both broad and specific aspects of their clinical practice, which were important to their continuing education (CE) needs. Broad thematic areas for continuing education included the following: emergency/acute care and obstetrics/gynecology clinical skills, health and physical assessment, mental health, and prenatal and postnatal care. Specific areas nurses cited for CE included issues related to: victims of violence; non-compliant clients; substance abuse; and fetal alcohol syndrome. CONCLUSION: This study examined the learning needs of nurses working with Canada's Native people and provided a basis for comparing and contrasting CE issues of these nurses to other nurses working in remote locations around the world.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Short-time infusion of fish oil-based lipid emulsions, approved for parenteral nutrition, reduces monocyte proinflammatory cytokine generation and adhesive interaction with endothelium in humans.

Potential impact of omega-3 fatty acids, as contained in fish oil, on immunological function has been suggested because observations of reduced inflammatory diseases in Greenland Inuit were published. A fish oil-based lipid emulsion has recently been approved for parenteral nutrition in many countries. We investigated the influence of a short infusion course of fish oil-based (omega-3) vs conventional (omega-6) lipid emulsion on monocyte function. In a randomized design, twelve healthy volunteers received omega-3 or omega-6 lipid infusion for 48 h, with cross-over repetition of the infusion course after 3 mo. Fatty acid profiles, monocyte cytokine release and adhesive monocyte-endothelium interaction were investigated. Resultant omega-6 lipid emulsion increased plasma-free fatty acids including arachidonic acid, whereas the omega-3/omega-6 fatty acid ratio in monocyte membranes remained largely unchanged. It also caused a tendency toward enhanced monocyte proinflammatory cytokine release and adhesive monocyte-endothelium interaction. In contrast, omega-3 lipid emulsion significantly increased the omega-3/omega-6 fatty acid ratio in the plasma-free fatty acid fraction and in monocyte membrane lipid pool, markedly suppressing monocyte generation of TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8 in response to endotoxin. In addition, it also significantly inhibited both monocyte-endothelium adhesion and transendothelial monocyte migration, although monocyte surface expression of relevant adhesive molecules (CD11b, CD18, CD49 days, CCR2) was unchanged. Although isocaloric, omega-3 and omega-6 lipid emulsions exert differential impact on immunological processes in humans. In addition to its nutritional value, fish oil-based omega-3 lipid emulsion significantly suppresses monocyte proinflammatory cytokine generation and features of monocyte recruitment.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

Intestinal parasites in man in Labrador, Canada.

Labrador, a previously unsurveyed area of Canada, has been sampled for human intestinal parasites. Four hundred and one asymptomatic volunteers between 1 and 72 years of age, including Inuit, Naskapi and whites, were examined during the summer of 1977. They harboured: Entamoeba coli, E. histolytica, E. hartmanni, Giardia lamblia and Diphyllobothrium sp. The infection rates are considerably lower than those found in other studies of Northern Canadian communities.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Indigenous health research: a critical review of outputs over time.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the number and nature of publications on Indigenous health in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States) in 1987-1988, 1997-1998 and 2001-2003. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE and PsychLit databases were searched using the following terms: Aborigines or Aboriginal; Torres Strait Islander; Maori; American Indian; North American Indian, or Indian, North American; Alaska/an Native; Native Hawaiian; Native American; American Samoan; Eskimos or Inuit; Eskimos or Aleut; Metis; Indigenous. STUDY SELECTION: Publications were included if they were concerned with the health of Indigenous people of the relevant countries. 1763 Indigenous health publications were selected. DATA EXTRACTION: Publications were classified as either: original research; reviews; program descriptions; discussion papers or commentaries; or case reports. Research publications were further classified as either measurement, descriptive, or intervention. Intervention studies were then classified as either experimental or non-experimental. DATA SYNTHESIS: The total number of publications was highest in 1997-1998 for most countries. The most common type of publication across all time periods for all countries was research publications. In Australia only, the number of research publications was slightly higher in 2001-2003 compared with other time periods. For each country and at each time, research was predominantly descriptive (75%-92%), with very little measurement (0-11%) and intervention research (0-18%). Overall, of the 1131 research publications, 983 were descriptive, 72 measurement and 76 intervention research. CONCLUSIONS: The dominance of descriptive research in Indigenous health is not ideal, and our findings should be carefully considered by research organisations and researchers when developing research policies.

Australia↗
PubMed1991

Observation of a polar bear with rabies.

On 1 November 1989 the first confirmed case of rabies in a polar bear (Ursus maritimus) was encountered by Inuit hunters in the vicinity of Cape Kendall, Southampton Island, Northwest Territories (Canada). The adult male polar bear had posterior paralysis. Rabies was detected by mouse inoculation and a positive immunoperoxidase reaction on spinal cord and Gasserian ganglion from the bear. Histologic lesions in the lumbar region of the spinal cord were consistent with the posterior paralysis. The impact of rabies on the population dynamics of polar bears probably is minimal. Rabies in polar bears constitutes a potential health hazard for polar bear hunters.

Animals↗