Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “ALASKA”

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 721 records · Page 40Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

Long-term efficacy of BCG vaccine in American Indians and Alaska Natives: A 60-year follow-up study.

CONTEXT: The duration of protection from tuberculosis of BCG vaccines is not known. OBJECTIVE: To determine the long-term duration of protection of a BCG vaccine that was previously found to be efficacious. DESIGN: Retrospective record review using Indian Health Service records, tuberculosis registries, death certificates, and supplemental interviews with trial participants. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Follow-up for the period 1948-1998 among American Indians and Alaska Natives who participated in a placebo-controlled BCG vaccine trial during 1935-1938 and who were still at risk of developing tuberculosis. Data from 1483 participants in the BCG vaccine group and 1309 in the placebo group were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Efficacy of BCG vaccine, calculated for each 10-year interval using a Cox regression model with time-dependent variables based on tuberculosis events occurring after December 31, 1947 (end of prospective case finding). RESULTS: The overall incidence of tuberculosis was 66 and 138 cases per 100 000 person-years in the BCG vaccine and placebo groups, respectively, for an estimate of vaccine efficacy of 52% (95% confidence interval, 27%-69%). Adjustments for age at vaccination, tribe, subsequent BCG vaccination, chronic medical illness, isoniazid use, and bacille Calmette-Guérin strain did not substantially affect vaccine efficacy. There was slight but not statistically significant waning of the efficacy of BCG vaccination over time, greater among men than women. CONCLUSION: In this trial, BCG vaccine efficacy persisted for 50 to 60 years, suggesting that a single dose of an effective BCG vaccine can have a long duration of protection.

BCG Vaccine↗
PubMed1997

ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITING: Impoundment Productivity in the Prudhoe Bay Oil Field, Alaska: Implications for Waterbirds

/ To evaluate impoundments as habitat for waterbirds, we compared impoundments and natural ponds in the Prudhoe Bay oil field, Alaska, from 1991 to 1993, with respect to macroinvertebrate productivity, phytoplankton biomass (chlorophyll a), and nutrient availability (phosphorus and nitrogen). High variability in these limnological characteristics, particularly among impoundments, obscured potential differences between impoundments and ponds. No significant differences were found in chlorophyll or nutrient concentrations, and in only two cases were there differences in invertebrate production: gastropods were significantly more abundant in impoundments than in ponds in June, and trichopterans were significantly more abundant in impoundments than in ponds in July. For comparisons within impoundments and ponds, there were significant differences in invertebrate abundance between habitats and between wetland types. For example, plecopterans, trichopterans, and gastropods (all taxa combined) were consistently more abundant in shallow-Arctophila impoundments and ponds than in shallow-Carex impoundments and ponds. Thus, ponds and impoundments may differ significantly in invertebrate production, but we lack information on the amount of different habitat types (i.e., center versus emergent vegetation, Carex versus Arctophila) used by these taxa within each water body type. It is a reasonable speculation, based on results of this study, that impoundments and ponds may have similar value as feeding habitat for invertebrate-eating waterbirds. Thus the presence of impoundments may be consistent with waterbird management goals on the Arctic Coastal Plain.KEY WORDS: Arctic impoundments; Production; Macroinvertebrates; Nutrients; Phytoplankton; Impact assessment

Journal Article↗
PubMed1997

Blood benzene concentrations in workers exposed to oxygenated fuel in Fairbanks, Alaska.

OBJECTIVE: In November 1992 residents of Fairbanks, Alaska became concerned about the potential health effects of an oxygenated fuel program during which 15% (by volume) methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) was added to gasoline. To address those concerns, we earlier completed a survey of occupational exposure to MTBE. We conducted a follow-up survey of workers' exposure to benzene from gasoline in Fairbanks. DESIGN: Cross-sectional exposure survey. METHODS: We examined blood concentrations of benzene from a convenience sample of workers taken in December 1992 during the oxygenated fuel program and from another convenience sample of workers taken in February 1993 after the program was suspended. RESULTS: In December, the median blood benzene concentration of samples taken from four mechanics after their workshift (postshift) was 1.32 micrograms/l (range, 0.84-2.61 micrograms/l), and seven nonmechanics (drivers and other garage workers) had a median postshift blood benzene concentration of 0.27 microgram/l (range, 0.09-0.45 microgram/l). In February, nine mechanics had a median postshift blood benzene concentration of 1.99 micrograms/l (range, 0.92-3.23 micrograms/l), and nine nonmechanics had a median postshift blood benzene concentration of 0.26 microgram/l (range, 0.2-0.46 microgram/l). CONCLUSION: Mechanics had higher blood benzene concentrations than did nonmechanics, but further study is needed to determine the impact of the oxygenated fuel program on exposure to benzene.

Benzene↗
PubMed1981

Alkyl and omega-amino alkyl agaroses as probes of light-induced changes in phytochrome from pea seedlings (Pisum sativum cv. Alaska).

Partially purified phytochrome from peas (Pisum sativum cv. Alaska) was absorbed to alkyl and omega-amino alkyl agaroses varying in the number of carbons in their alkyl chains from 2 to 10. The absorption and the elution of the absorbed phytochrome from them with KCl, KI, ethylene glycol and surfactants were investigated either in the dark or under red light in order to detect any chemical differences between the red-light-absorbing form of phytochrome (Pr) and the far-red-light-absorbing form of phytochrome (Pfr). With increasing alkyl chain length, more phytochrome was absorbed to the substituted agaroses. Phytochrome was absorbed to a greater extent by alkyl agaroses than by the less hydrophobic omega-amino alkyl agaroses. Absorbed Pfr was eluted by all the eluants tested to a lesser extent than the absorbed Pr. In those cases in which phytochrome could be eluted by KCl, a higher concentration was required to elute Pfr than Pr. As the chain length of the alkyl groups was increased, the difference in elution of Pr and Pfr by KCl increased. Phytochrome was salted out at a lesser concentration of ammonium sulfate after brief red-light irradiation than in the dark. Absorption of phytochrome to DEAE-agarose was also investigated as an example of ionic phytochrome-ligand interactions. The difference between the affinity of Pr and Pfr for DEAE-agarose was less than it was for omega-amino alkyl or alkyl agarose. It is concluded that Pfr is more hydrophobic than Pr.

Fabaceae↗
PubMed1995

Distribution of heavy metals in muscle, liver and kidney of northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) caught off Sanriku, Japan and from the Pribilof Islands, Alaska.

The concentrations of iron, manganese, zinc, copper, cadmium, and mercury were determined in muscle, liver and kidney of 67 northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) collected off Sanriku, Japan, and from the Pribilof Islands, Alaska. Almost all the elements except cadmium were highest in liver. Cadmium levels in kidney were higher than those in liver and muscle for all animals analyzed. Concentrations of mercury increased significantly with age in muscle, liver and kidney, as did iron levels in muscle and liver and cadmium levels in muscle, while manganese concentrations decreased with age in muscle and kidney. The kidney also showed decreased copper concentration with age. Cadmium concentrations of the northern fur seals in this study were higher than the other otariids, reflecting a predominantly squid diet. Concentrations of manganese and mercury were found to be higher in the fur seals caught off Sanriku than in animals from the Pribilof Islands, while those of zinc and cadmium were found to be lower. Variable concentrations of cadmium might have been attributed to those in seawaters. Discriminant analysis of heavy metal concentrations was used to identify habitat. Sixty-three of 67 animals (94%) were correctly classified using this technique. Heavy-metal concentrations in tissues may provide a useful method to elucidate the primary feeding grounds of fur seals.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

Disparities in lung cancer: focus on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, American Indians and Alaska Natives, and Hispanics and Latinos.

Significant population changes in the United States are expected over the next few decades. The changing demographics inclusive of native and newly native individuals will significantly impact health care because racial and ethnic groups vary widely in their risks for disease and approach to medical care. For lung cancer specifically, racial and ethnic groups differ in smoking habits, metabolism of nicotine, presentation, stage at diagnosis, treatment received, and outcomes. This article summarizes current information on lung cancer for American and Pacific Islanders, American Indians and Alaska natives,and Hispanics and Latinos with an emphasis on tobacco use, epidemiologic issues sur-rounding acculturation and assimilation, genetic epidemiology, and disparities in treatment outcomes.

Asian↗
PubMed2005

Field investigation on the toxicity of Alaska North Slope crude oil (ANSC) and dispersed ANSC crude to Gulf killifish, Eastern oyster and white shrimp.

A field investigation was conducted on a Louisiana Spartina alterniflora shoreline to evaluate the toxic effects of crude oil (Alaska North Slope crude oil, ANSC) and dispersed oil (ANSC + dispersant Corexit 9,500) on three aquatic species indigenous to the Gulf of Mexico: Fundulus grandis (Gulf killifish), Crassostrea virginica (Eastern oyster), and Litopenaeus setiferus (white shrimp). Results indicated that total hydrocarbons concentration value in oiled treatments decreased rapidly in 3h and were below 1 ppm at 24h after initial treatment. Corexit 9,500 facilitated more ANSC fractions to dissolve and disperse into the water column. L. setiferus showed short-term sensitivity to the ANSC and ANSC + 9,500 at 30 ppm. However, most test organisms (>83%) of each species survived well after 24h exposure to the treatments. Laboratory tests conducted concurrent with the field investigation indicated that concentrations of crude oil higher than 30 ppm were required for any significant toxic effect on the juvenile organisms tested.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Retrospective analysis: bile hydrocarbons and histopathology of demersal rockfish in Prince William Sound, Alaska, after the Exxon Valdez oil spill.

Demersal rockfish are the only fish species that have been found dead in significant numbers after major oil spills, but the link between oil exposure and effect has not been well established. After the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound, Alaska, several species of rockfish (Sebastes spp.) from oiled and reference sites were analyzed for hydrocarbon metabolites in bile (1989-1991) and for microscopic lesions (1990 and 1991). Biliary hydrocarbons consistent with exposure to Exxon Valdez oil were elevated in 1989, but not in 1990 or 1991. Significant microscopic findings included pigmented macrophage aggregates and hepatic megalocytosis, fibrosis, and lipid accumulation. Site differences in microscopic findings were significant with respect to previous oil exposure in 1991 (P=0.038), but not in 1990. However, differences in microscopic findings were highly significant with respect to age and species in both years (P<0.001). We conclude that demersal rockfish were exposed to Exxon Valdez oil in 1989, but differences in microscopic changes in 1990 and 1991 were related more to age and species differences than to previous oil exposure.

Accidents↗
PubMed2002

Winter indoor air pollution in Alaska: identifying a myth.

The benzene and toluene levels inside three homes with attached garages were measured for 12 consecutive weeks during the winter months in Fairbanks, Alaska (Latitude 64.5 degrees N). Results for air samples collected over 12 h for the homes showed indoor benzene mixing ratios ranging from 1.6 to 20.4 parts per billion of mixing ratio volume (ppbv), and toluene air mixing ratios ranging from 7.3 to 41.6 ppbv. A correlation between benzene and toluene levels in each home and similar regression lines suggested the same major emission source, car and small equipment gasoline, present in attached garages. In one home, there was a correlation between indoor benzene mixing ratios and the urinary biomarker, trans,trans-muconic acid. Inside, air mixing ratios of benzene and toluene decreased with decreasing outside temperature in all homes studied, even though homes were relatively tight to prevent heat loss during this period of low winter outdoor temperatures. It is suggested that buildup of these pollutants indoors is prevented by the influence of an increased indoor/outdoor temperature differential and an ensuing increase in home ventilation.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Nucleotide sequence of phenylalanine transfer ribonucleic acid from pea (Pisum sativum, Alaska).

Phenylalanine transfer ribonucleic acid from peas (Pisum sativum, Alaska) was completely digested with beef pancreatic ribonuclease (RNase I) and with ribonuclease T1. The resulting oligonucleotides were compared with those from the corresponding hydrolyses of phenylalanine transfer ribonucleic acid from wheat germ. The structures of both ribonucleic acids appeared to be identical. This report is the first to show that identical structures for the same specific acceptor transfer ribonucleic acid are present in two different plant species.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2002

Photoenhanced toxicity of weathered Alaska North Slope crude oil to the calanoid copepods Calanus marshallae and Metridia okhotensis.

This study investigated the synergistic toxicity of aqueous polyaromatic compounds (PAC) dissolved from crude oil and ultraviolet radiation (UV) in natural sunlight to the calanoid copepods Calanus marshallae and Metridia okhotensis. These copepods were first exposed to low doses (approximately 2 microg of total PAC/L) of the water-soluble fraction of weathered Alaska North Slope crude oil for 24 h and subsequently to low or high levels of natural sunlight. Responses included mortality, impairment of swimming ability, and discoloration of lipid sacs. There was 80-100% mortality and morbidity of C. marshallae exposed to UV and oil as compared to less than 10% effect in oil-only or UV-only treatments. In M. okhotensis, 100% mortality occurred in the UV and oil treatment, 43% mortality and 27% morbidity in the UV-only treatment, and less than 5% effect in the oil-only treatment. Bioaccumulation factors were approximately 8000 for C. marshallae and approximately 2000 for M. okhotensis. The interaction of the effect of PAC and UV radiation was highly significant (P < 0.005) in both experiments.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Meteorology: dusty ice clouds over Alaska.

Particles lofted into the atmosphere by desert dust storms can disperse widely and affect climate directly through aerosol scattering and absorption. They can also affect it indirectly by changing the scattering properties of clouds and, because desert dusts are particularly active ice-forming agents, by affecting the formation and thermodynamic phase of clouds. Here I show that dust storms that occurred in Asia early in 2004 created unusual ice clouds over Alaska at temperatures far warmer than those expected for normal cirrus-cloud formation.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

Earthquake nucleation by transient deformations caused by the M = 7.9 Denali, Alaska, earthquake.

The permanent and dynamic (transient) stress changes inferred to trigger earthquakes are usually orders of magnitude smaller than the stresses relaxed by the earthquakes themselves, implying that triggering occurs on critically stressed faults. Triggered seismicity rate increases may therefore be most likely to occur in areas where loading rates are highest and elevated pore pressures, perhaps facilitated by high-temperature fluids, reduce frictional stresses and promote failure. Here we show that the 2002 magnitude M = 7.9 Denali, Alaska, earthquake triggered widespread seismicity rate increases throughout British Columbia and into the western United States. Dynamic triggering by seismic waves should be enhanced in directions where rupture directivity focuses radiated energy, and we verify this using seismic and new high-sample GPS recordings of the Denali mainshock. These observations are comparable in scale only to the triggering caused by the 1992 M = 7.4 Landers, California, earthquake, and demonstrate that Landers triggering did not reflect some peculiarity of the region or the earthquake. However, the rate increases triggered by the Denali earthquake occurred in areas not obviously tectonically active, implying that even in areas of low ambient stressing rates, faults may still be critically stressed and that dynamic triggering may be ubiquitous and unpredictable.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1989

The solubilization of a glucuronyltransferase involved in pea (Pisum sativum var. Alaska) glucuronoxylan synthesis.

A glucuronyltransferase involved in glucuronoxylan biosynthesis was obtained from the epicotyls of 1-week-old etiolated pea (Pisum sativum var. Alaska) seedlings and was solubilized in Triton X-100, a non-ionic detergent. The enzyme was inactivated by SDS and inhibited by Derriphat 160 and cholic acid. The enzyme was active in the presence of NN-dimethyldodecylanium-N-oxide, but was not solubilized by it. The stimulatory effect of UDP-D-xylose on the particulate and solubilized enzymes was the same, but the optimum Mn2+ concentration was lower for the solubilized enzyme, and the product formed by the solubilized enzyme has altered structure and solubility properties. Gel filtration of the solubilized enzyme on Sepharose CL-6B permitted partial separation of the stimulatory effect of UDP-D-xylose from the activity in the absence of UDP-D-xylose. The solubilized enzyme was more stable than the particulate enzyme and could be stored for 2 weeks at -20 degrees C without loss of activity.

Carbon Radioisotopes↗
PubMed1999

The health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives: 2. Lessons for cancer educators.

Malignant disease is largely unrecognized as a leading cause of death among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs). Published studies of cancer incidence, cancer mortality, and cancer survival are highlighted to present an overview on the epidemiology of cancer among Native peoples. Cancer incidence and mortality have demonstrated steady increases among AI/ANs during a relatively limited time frame, as well as unique patterns of site-specific cancers. Cancer-survival data reveal that Native peoples have the poorest survival of any racial group for all cancer sites combined and for eight of the ten leading sites. Opportunities to educate health care providers, through continuing medical education programs and focused conferences for postdoctoral and current medical trainees, can be used to enhance cultural sensitivity and to examine ethnic differences in cancer patterns. Enhancement of recognition of the unique cancer patterns among AI/AN populations may lead to improved identification of at-risk individuals and more effective cancer screening programs within Native communities.

Cause of Death↗
PubMed2000

Immunogenicity of a heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Apache and Navajo Indian, Alaska native, and non-native American children aged <2 years.

High rates of invasive pneumococcal disease have been described among infants living in various Native American communities. In this study, we evaluated the immunogenicity of a 7-valent pneumococcal vaccine consisting of serotypes 4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F covalently linked to the outer membrane protein complex of Neisseria meningitidis in Apache and Navajo Indian, Alaska Native, and non-Native American children. The vaccine was administered at ages 2, 4, and 6 months; a booster dose was given at age 15 months. Levels of serotype-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) were measured by a standardized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The responses after 3 primary doses of vaccine were similar in all 3 groups of children, except for those to serotypes 14 and 23F. One month after the booster dose, geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) of serotype-specific IgG antibodies increased significantly in all 3 groups of children, compared with GMCs of IgG antibodies to pneumococcal serotypes before the booster dose.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗
PubMed2001

Changes in growth and structure of pea primary roots (Pisum sativum L. cv. Alaska) as a result of sudden flooding.

Pea (Pisum sativum L. cv. Alaska) primary roots were exposed to flooding after growth for 4 or 5 d at 25 degrees C under relatively dry conditions. Flooding after 4 d growth reduced, but did not stop, primary root growth, and cavities caused by degradation of central vascular cells were typically found from 10-60 mm from the tips. Flooding after 5 d stopped primary root growth and caused cell death in the tips, and vascular cavities formed that typically were 20-60 mm from the tips of the roots. Degradation of root tip cells in 5-day-roots was very rapid and began in the elongation zone and later in the apical zone. Root tips discolored, narrowed or curled before growth arrest. The mitotic indices of 5-day-root tips were suppressed by the flooding treatment. A few mitotic figures were observed in roots treated with flooding after 4 d growth. Affected cells had condensed nuclei, but cytoplasms appeared to be normal in the early stages of cell degradation. Later these cells became very vacuolated. The relationship of flooding to root growth, vascular cavity formation, and the morphology of pea primary roots is described with regard to the ability to resist flooding stress.

Apoptosis↗
PubMed1999

Kawasaki syndrome among American Indian and Alaska Native children, 1980 through 1995.

BACKGROUND: Kawasaki syndrome (KS) is a leading cause of acquired heart disease among US children, but the epidemiologic features of KS among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children have not been described. METHODS: We examined Indian Health Service computerized records of hospital discharges for AI/AN children <18 years of age with KS during 1980 through 1995. RESULTS: During 1980 through 1995, 85 AI/AN children were reported with a hospitalization for KS; 10 of the children had an additional KS hospitalization record within 5 months. The average annual KS hospitalization rate for children <5 years of age, based on first KS hospitalization only, was 4.3 cases per 100000 children; the rate for children age <1 year (n = 21) was 8.6 per 100000 and for children ages 1 to 4 years was 3.6 per 100000. The annual rates for children < 5 years of age ranged from 0 to 8.5 per 100000 children. KS hospitalizations for children peaked in January and February; 50.6% of the children were hospitalized during January through April. The overall median length of hospital stay was 4 days (range, 1 to 29 days); the median duration decreased from 8 days from 1980 through 1982 to 4 days from 1993 through 1995. CONCLUSIONS: The overall annual hospitalization rate of KS among AI/AN children <5 years of age was slightly lower than rates for several majority white populations in the United States. (4.6 to 15.2 cases per 100000) and much lower than rates for blacks and Asians/Pacific Islanders.

Adolescent↗