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PubMed1986

The interaction of mental illness, criminal behavior and culture: native Alaskan mentally ill criminal offenders.

The rapid changes experienced by non-Western ethnic groups as they become "acculturated" to Western life-styles are frequently associated with disintegration of the traditional cultures and psychosocial dysfunction of the groups' members. How culture changes lead to maladaptation remains a mystery. As a first step in clarifying this relationship, this paper proposes a method for analyzing the interaction of cultural change and psychosocial maladjustment. It uses Native Alaskans as a paradigmatic example of a group that is undergoing rapid changes and describes in detail a maladjusted subgroup of Native Alaskans--mentally ill criminal offenders. It compares 567 Native Alaskan criminal offenders who were referred to mental health professionals (from 1977 thru 1981) to 939 White Alaskan offenders. We find that alcohol abuse, the dominant social problem for Native Alaskans, is not clearly associated with the degree of sociocultural change. Residence in larger communities and higher educational achievement are associated with greater psychosocial maladjustment. The region of residence (i.e., Native Corporation) has a stronger influence on the rate and type of maladjustment than the ethnic group (i.e., Eskimo, Indian, or Aleut) or the "ethnic density" of the community of residence (i.e., the proportion of Native Alaskans in the population). We emphasize the importance of using such quantitative findings to focus the questions that should be addressed by ethnographic research.

Acculturation↗
PubMed1982

Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes--an epidemiological overview.

Despite the use of a wide range of different methodologies and diagnostic criteria, epidemiological studies have shown that Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes has a global distribution and its prevalence varies from country to country, in different ethnic groups in the same country, and between the same ethnic group undergoing internal or external migration. Rural-urban and migration studies indicate that change towards a 'Westernized' lifestyle is associated with a dramatic increase in the prevalence rates for Type 2 diabetes. Between populations, comparisons are confounded by a wide range of different ascertainment rates, survey methodologies, and diagnostic criteria for diabetes. However, low prevalence rates for Type 2 diabetes are seen in Eskimos and populations of the Far East, while the highest are seen in American Indians, urbanized Pacific Island populations, and migrant Asian Indians. Available evidence suggests that these latter groups have a genetic susceptibility to Type 2 diabetes ('diabetes genotype') and that the disease is unmasked by environmental factors. There appears to be a spectrum of interaction between genetic and environmental factors--in certain populations the genetic role may be more important than environmental, or vice versa. Epidemiological studies, apart from their value in population screenings and case-finding, have contributed to the new classification and diagnostic criteria for diabetes and our understanding of risk factors and host characteristics in the aetiology of Type 2 diabetes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

A sensitive immunoblotting technique to identify thyroxin-binding globulin protein heterogeneity after isoelectric focusing.

An enzyme-linked immunoblotting technique is described to detect thyroxin-binding globulin (TBG) variation in human plasma samples after isoelectric focusing in thin-layer polyacrylamide gels followed by transfer to a nitrocellulose membrane. The technique is used to demonstrate the polymorphic variation in thyroxin-binding globulin present in populations of African and Mongoloid origin and has enabled the detection of a new TBG variant in Eskimos. This technique eliminates the use of radioactive material and related expensive equipment. The technique is specific, sensitive, and reliable for the routine detection of genetic and epigenetic variation in thyroxin-binding globulin.

Black People↗
PubMed1986

Genetic studies of low-abundance human plasma proteins. I. Microheterogeneity of zinc-alpha 2-glycoprotein in biological fluids.

A high-resolution isoelectric focusing technique followed by immunoblotting has been utilized to determine the microheterogeneity of zinc-alpha 2-glycoprotein in a large number of plasma samples from U.S. Caucasians, Blacks, and Eskimos. With the exception of one Black individual, all samples were found to contain an invariant multiple-banded pattern which, after desialylation, was reduced to a single band, suggesting that the microheterogeneity observed is due to differences in the sialic acid content of a single protein product. The asialo forms of the variant sample consist of two distinct bands, consistent with the occurrence of a rare genetic variant at the zinc-alpha 2-glycoprotein structural locus. Unfortunately family studies were not feasible. In addition to plasma, the present technique has been applied to detection of zinc-alpha 2-glycoprotein microheterogeneity in amniotic fluid, saliva, and tears. The amniotic fluid pattern is identical to that present in plasma. However, the patterns observed in saliva and tears are different from each other as well as from that in plasma and could be controlled by separate loci.

Amniotic Fluid↗
PubMed1992

Anatomical risk factors in primary angle-closure glaucoma. A ten year follow up survey based on limbal and axial anterior chamber depths in a high risk population.

A population of 539 persons was examined in 1979, using LCD and ACD estimations acc. to van Herick et al. and by Haag Streit pachymetry, respectively. ACD had been measured already in 1969, due to a remarkable occurrence of primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) in the survey population of Greenland Eskimos (District of Uummannaq). The present follow up study in 1989 aimed at persons presently above age 40, who had shown either an LCD value graded as 0 (contact) or 1 (< 0.25 of corneal thickness = CT), or a value of 2 (= 0.25 CT) if an ACD value of < = 2.70 mm (CT included) had also been found. PACG patients or suspects known in 1979 already were excluded from the present analyses. A total of 75 persons was now examined. Five had developed acute (n = 2) or intermittent PACG (n = 3) during the ten year period. At the survey 3 intermittent and 4 latent PACG cases were detected, yielding in ten years a PACG prevalence of 12/75 = 16% (sex ratio: M/F = 2/10). One male case of severe secondary (partly inflammatory) ACG was also found. Past and present LCD and ACD values are given as well as gonioscopical status. Creeping, synechial angle-closure was frequent. Among probands who could not be examined, mostly due to death before 1989, 5/54 had developed PACG during the ten year period. Non-probands according to above criteria were mostly not examined. Yet their records were scrutinized for any event suspect of PACG. Thus among 258 persons above age 40 no PACG case was found.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1994

DNA polymorphism in Greenland. Allele and profile frequencies in a Greenland population sample using the VNTR probes MS1, MS31, MS43a and YNH24.

Allele frequencies obtained by RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) analysis using the VNTR (Variable Number Tandem Repeats) single locus probes MS1, MS31, MS43a and YNH24 on HinfI-restricted DNA in a Greenland Eskimo (155 individuals) and a Danish Caucasian (616 individuals) population sample are reported. For MS1 the frequency distributions were almost identical whereas minor but significant differences were seen for the other 3 probes. The distribution of the frequencies of 139 Greenland complete DNA profiles was estimated using the Greenland and the Danish database. The average profile frequencies obtained with the Greenland database were approximately 10 times higher than the estimates obtained with the Danish database.

Alleles↗
PubMed1988

Characteristics of Mongoloid and neighboring populations based on the genetic markers of human immunoglobulins.

Since the discovery in 1966 of the Gm ab3st gene, which characterizes Mongoloid populations, the distribution of allotypes of immunoglobulins (Gm) among Mongoloid populations scattered from Southeast Asia through East Asia to South America has been investigated, and the following conclusions can be drawn: 1. Mongoloid populations can be characterized by four Gm haplotypes, Gm ag, axg, ab3st, and afb1b3, and can be divided into two groups based on the analysis of genetic distances utilizing Gm haplotype frequency distributions: the first is a southern group characterized by a remarkably high frequency of Gm afb1b3 and a low frequency of Gm ag, and the second, a northern group characterized by a high frequency of both Gm ag and Gm ab3st but an extremely low frequency of Gm afb1b3. 2. Populations in China, mainly Han but including minority nationalities, show remarkable heterogeneity of Gm allotypes from north to south and contrast sharply to Korean and Japanese populations, which are considerably more homogenous with respect to these genetic markers. The center of dispersion of the Gm afb1b3 gene characterizing southern Mongoloids has been identified as the Guangxi and Yunnan area in the southwest of China. 3. The Gm ab3st gene, which is found with its the highest incidence among the northern Baikal Buriats, flows in all directions. However, this gene shows a precipitous drop from mainland China to Taiwan and Southeast Asia and from North to South America, although it is still found in high frequency among Eskimos, Koryaks, Yakuts, Tibetans, Olunchuns, Tungus, Koreans, Japanese, and Ainus. On the other hand, the gene was introduced into Huis, Uyghurs, Indians, Iranians, and spread as far as to include Hungarians and Sardinians in Italy. On the basis of these results, it is concluded that the Japanese race belongs to northern Mongoloids and that the origin of the Japanese race was in Siberia, and most likely in the Baikal area of the Soviet Union.

Asian People↗
PubMed1995

Effect of marine oils supplementation on coagulation and cellular activation in whole blood.

A study was performed to explore the effects of supplemental intake of various marine oils known to be part of the Eskimo diet. Healthy men and women (134) were randomly selected to consume 15 mL/d of oil from blubber of seal, cod liver, seal/cod liver, blubber of Minke whale, or no oil for ten weeks. Total cholesterol was unchanged in the oil groups, whereas high density lipoprotein cholesterol increased 7% in the seal/cod liver oil (CLO) group (P < 0.05) and 11% in the whale oil group (P < 0.005). Triacylglycerol was significantly reduced in the CLO group only. The concentration of prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 was reduced 25% (P < 0.05) after whale oil supplementation. No change in fibrinogen or factor VIIc was detected. Tumor necrosis factor generation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated blood was 30% reduced after whale oil (P < 0.05), but was unaffected by intake of seal or CLO. The LPS-induced tissue factor activity in monocytes was reduced to a significant degree only in the seal/CLO group (34%) and whale oil group (35%) (P < 0.05). The most dramatic change in thromboxane B2 in LPS-stimulated blood was seen after whale oil intake with 44% reduction (P < 0.01). Supplementation of a regular diet with a combination of seal oil and CLO and especially with whale oil seems to have beneficial effects on several products thought to be associated with cardiovascular and thrombotic diseases.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

The importance of N-6 and N-3 fatty acids in carcinogenesis.

Cross-cultural comparisons show that total fat intake is related to breast and colon cancer mortality. Total fat consists of different fatty acid families. Therefore different fatty acids should be studied in relation to breast and colon carcinogenesis. Animal experiments suggest that N-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids may have a tumor promoting effect and that N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may exert an inhibitory effect on chemically-induced mammary and colon tumorigenesis. Data from epidemiologic studies in this area are scarce. Comparisons between Japan and Iceland and between Eskimos and Danes suggest that a low-fat diet in combination with a N-3/N-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio of about 0.5 seems to be associated with low mortality rates from breast and colon cancer. Much more research is needed to determine the optimal intake of total fat, N-6 and N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in relation to breast and colon cancer prevention.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Phylogenetic relationships among JC virus strains in Japanese/Koreans and Native Americans speaking Amerind or Na-Dene.

Many genetic studies using human mtDNA or the Y chromosome have been conducted to elucidate the relationships among the three Native American groups speaking Amerind, Na-Dene, and Eskimo-Aleut. Human polyomavirus JC (JCV) may also help to gain insights into this issue. JCV isolates are classified into more than 10 geographically distinct genotypes (designated subtypes here), which were generated by splits in the three superclusters, Types A, B, and C. A particular subtype of JCV (named MY) belonging to Type B is spread in both Japanese/Koreans and Native Americans speaking Amerind or Na-Dene. In this study, we evaluated the phylogenetic relationships among MY isolates worldwide, using the whole-genome approach, with which a highly reliable phylogeny of JCV isolates can be reconstructed. Thirty-six complete sequences belonging to MY (10 from Japanese/Koreans, 24 from Native Americans, and 2 from others), together with 54 belonging to other subtypes around the world, were aligned and subjected to phylogenetic analysis using the neighbor-joining and maximum-likelihood methods. In the resultant phylogenetic trees, the MY sequences diverged into two Japanese/Korean and five Native American clades with high bootstrap probabilities. Two of the Native American clades contained isolates mainly from Na-Denes and the others contained isolates mainly from Amerinds. The Na-Dene clades were not clustered together, nor were the Amerind clades. In contrast, the two Japanese/Korean clades were clustered at a high bootstrap probability. We concluded that there is no distinction between Amerinds and Na-Denes in terms of indigenous JCVs, although they are linguistically distinguished from each other.

Humans↗
PubMed1997

Y chromosome polymorphisms in native American and Siberian populations: identification of native American Y chromosome haplotypes.

We have initiated a study of ancient male migrations from Siberia to the Americas using Y chromosome polymorphisms. The first polymorphism examined, a C-->T transition at nucleotide position 181 of the DYS199 locus, was previously reported only in Native American populations. To investigate the origin of this DYS199 polymorphism, we screened Y chromosomes from a number of Siberian, Asian, and Native American populations for this and other markers. This survey detected the T allele in all five Native American populations studied at an average frequency of 61%, and in two of nine native Siberian populations, the Siberian Eskimo (21%) and the Chukchi (17%). This finding suggested that the DYS199 T allele may have originated in Beringia and was then spread throughout the New World by the founding populations of the major subgroups of modern Native Americans. We further characterized Native American Y chromosome variation by analyzing two additional Y chromosome polymorphisms, the DYS287 Y Alu polymorphic (YAP) element insertion and a YAP-associated A-->G transition at DYS271, both commonly found in Africans. We found neither African allele associated with the DYS199 T allele in any of the Native American or native Siberian populations. However, we did find DYS287 YAP+ individuals who harbored the DYS199 C allele in one Native American population, the Mixe, and in one Asian group, the Tibetans. A correlation of these Y chromosome alleles in Native Americans with those of the DYS1 locus, as detected by the p49a/p49f (p49a,f) probes on TaqI-digested genomic DNA, revealed a complete association of DYS1 alleles (p49a,f haplotypes) 13, 18, 66, 67 and 69 with the DYS199 T allele, while DYS1 alleles 8 and 63 were associated with both the DYS199 C and T allele.

Asia↗
PubMed1998

Polymorphism of the HLA class II loci in Siberian populations.

The populations that colonized Siberia diverged from one another in the Paleolithic and evolved in isolation until today. These populations are therefore a rich source of information about the conditions under which the initial divergence of modern humans occurred. In the present study we used the HLA system, first, to investigate the evolution of the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) itself, and second, to reveal the relationships among Siberian populations. We determined allelic frequencies at five HLA class II loci (DRB1, DQA1, DQB1, DPA1, and DPB1) in seven Siberian populations (Ket, Evenk, Koryak, Chukchi, Nivkh, Udege, and Siberian Eskimo) by the combination of single-stranded conformational polymorphism and DNA sequencing analysis. We then used the gene frequency data to deduce the HLA class II haplotypes and their frequencies. Despite high polymorphism at four of the five loci, no new alleles could be detected. This finding is consistent with a conserved evolution of human class II MHC genes. We found a high number of HLA class II haplotypes in Siberian populations. More haplotypes have been found in Siberia than in any other population. Some of the haplotypes are shared with non-Siberian populations, but most of them are new, and some represent "forbidden" combinations of DQA1 and DQB1 alleles. We suggest that a set of "public" haplotypes was brought to Siberia with the colonizers but that most of the new haplotypes were generated in Siberia by recombination and are part of a haplotype pool that is turning over rapidly. The allelic frequencies at the DRB1 locus divide the Siberian populations into eastern and central Siberian branches; only the former shows a clear genealogical relationship to Amerinds.

Alleles↗
PubMed2005

Nucleotide sequences and functions of the Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 genes isolated from salivary gland lymphoepithelial carcinomas.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is associated with salivary gland lymphoepithelial carcinoma (SLEC) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). EBV is a ubiquitous herpes virus world wide, but EBV-associated SLEC and NPC are prevalent in restricted regions such as south areas of China, Southeastern Asia and Greenland (Eskimos). To examine whether particular EBV variants play roles in the development of SLEC and NPC, we isolated the complete EBV LMP1 genes from 12 paraffin-embedded biopsy samples of SLECs isolated from China, Taiwan and Russia, and compared these LMP1 genes with those of NPC (CAO) and the prototype B95-8 EBV. Nucleotide sequence analysis showed that SLECs LMP1 is more similar to that of CAO than that of prototype B95-8. The analysis also identified several conserved (67-100%) variations in SLEC-LMP1 and CAO-LMP1 distinct from B95-8-LMP1. These included 10-amino acid deletion, 5-amino acid deletion and 12-single amino acid variations. A SLEC-LMP1 gene with the aforementioned conserved variations inhibited the growth of an embryonic kidney cell line (293T), highly activated the NF-kappaB pathway, and these activities were equivalent to those of B95-8 and CAO. These findings suggest that the biological functions of SLEC-LMP 1 are similar to those of B95-8-LMP1 and CAO-LMP1, and that these amino acid variations including the well-known 10-aa deletion did not affect these two prominent activities. While the present results could not uncover functional differences between SLEC-LMP1 and B95-8-LMP1, the nucleotide sequences and the molecular clone of LMP1 directly isolated from SLEC patients will be a useful tool to identify the high-pathogenic EBV strain(s), associated with SLEC and NPC.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and coronary thrombosis.

Studies of Greenland Eskimos showed that a very high intake of marine n-3 fatty acids markedly inhibited platelet reactivity and suggested that intake of these fatty acids might prevent coronary thrombosis. Later studies with lower, more practical doses of n-3 fatty acids also have shown a platelet inhibitory effect of n-3 fatty acids, albeit fairly marginal. Furthermore, n-3 fatty acids have little effect on measures of blood coagulability and may slightly decrease fibrinolysis. In animal models, n-3 fatty acids often have been shown to inhibit thrombosis, but again the doses have tended to be very high. Finally, there has been little effect of (low-dose) n-3 fatty acids in clinical trials in humans on the incidence of myocardial infarction. Overall, there is little evidence for a major antithrombotic effect of practical doses of n-3 fatty acids on coronary thrombosis. This does not exclude a beneficial effect of n-3 fatty acids on coronary heart disease as suggested from clinical trials, but the major effect may be antiarrhythmic rather than antithrombotic.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

n-3 fatty acids and revascularization procedures.

Largely initiated by studies among Greenland Eskimos in the early 1970s, great attention has been given to the possible effects of the very long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in a variety of cardiovascular disease states. A series of possibly positive effects on pathogenetic mechanisms in cardiovascular disease has evolved from laboratory studies in cell cultures and animals as well as in humans, focusing mainly on eicosanoid metabolism with reduced activities of platelets and leucocytes, reduced plasma triglycerides and, antiarrhythmic effects in the myocardium. A rationale for a positive effect of very long chain n-3 PUFA in the secondary prophylaxis after revascularization procedures obviously also exists. The positive clinical effects based on prospectively randomized trials are summarized as follows. After coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), the SHOT study showed statistically significant reduction in angiographic vein graft occlusion in 610 patients after 1 yr with supplementation of 3.4 g/d of highly concentrated very long chain n-3 PUFA. The reduction in occlusion rates was significantly related to the change in the n-3 PUFA concentration in serum phospholipids during the study period with the occlusion rate in the upper quartile of such changes at only approximately 50% of that in the lower quartile. These results were also clearly related to the presence of angina pectoris and occurrence of myocardial infarction after 1 yr. Several studies were conducted in patients after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). By 1993, two meta-analyses indicated a positive effect on the restenosis rate, a significant problem after otherwise successful PTCA. During the late 1990s, three large prospective randomized placebo-controlled angiographic studies were conducted with very long n-3 PUFA 5.1-8.0 g/d, all with completely negative results. Today, therefore, very long chain n-3 PUFA supplementation cannot be recommended to reduce the incidence of restenosis after PTCA. All studies were performed without stenting of the coronary lesion. In the very special revascularization procedure of heart transplantation, evolving hypertension and accelerated atherosclerosis have been major clinical problems. In other studies, positive effects by supplementation with very long chain n-3 PUFA (3.4-5.7 g/d) were obtained on the surrogate end points coronary vasoreactivity to acetylcholine and hypertension, respectively. On the basis of the presently available literature from clinical studies, recommendations for supplementation with very long chain n-3 PUFA can be given to patients after venous CABG (up to 3.4 g/d), and after heart transplantation (3.4-5.7 g/d) but not to patients after traditional PTCA. In fact, data from substudies suggested the possibility that large doses (5.1 g/d) of very long chain n-3 PUFA might be contraindicated because they induce a proinflammatory state in patients under oxidative stress.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗
PubMed1983

The comparative reductions of the plasma lipids and lipoproteins by dietary polyunsaturated fats: salmon oil versus vegetable oils.

The lower plasma lipid levels and lower incidence of atherosclerotic diseases in Greenland Eskimos suggested that the unusual fatty acids present in their diet of seal and fish may be anti-atherogenic. These fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic (C20:5) and docosahexaenoic (C22:6) acids and are of the omega-3 fatty acid family. We have compared a salmon oil diet containing high levels of these unique fatty acids to a control diet high in saturated fat and to a vegetable oil diet high in linoleic acid (C18:2). All diets contained 40% of the total calories as fat and 500 mg of cholesterol; they differed only in fatty acid composition. In 4 wk the salmon oil diet reduced plasma cholesterol levels from 188 to 162 mg/dl (p less than 0.001) and triglyceride levels from 77 to 48 mg/dl (p less than 0.005). LDL and VLDL cholesterol levels changed from 128 to 108 and 13 to 8 mg/dl (p less than 0.005), respectively. HDL cholesterol levels did not change. The vegetable oil diet caused similar decreases in cholesterol levels but did not lower triglyceride levels. The omega-3 fatty acids comprised up to 30% of the total fatty acids in each plasma lipid class after the salmon diet. Fish oils contain fatty acids which may be metabolically unique and potentially useful in the control of both hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Malignant lymphoepithelial lesion of the submandibular gland.

A case of malignant lymphoepithelial lesion of the submandibular gland is reported and the literature is reviewed. This neoplasm has been described frequently in Eskimos and is usually located in the parotid gland. The histogenesis of the lesion is discussed. The tumor shows local aggressiveness, with frequent recurrences and metastases to regional lymph nodes. Surgical treatment consisting of wide resection of the tumor with regional lymph node dissection, with or without radiotherapy, seems to be the most appropriate therapy.

Aged↗