Prevalence of serum antibodies to
            Coxiella burnetii
            in Alaska Native Persons from the Pribilof Islands

Gilbert J. Kersh; Kelly Fitzpatrick; Karen Pletnikoff; Michael Brubaker; Michael Bruce; Alan Parkinson

doi:10.1111/zph.12661

Gerotranscendence and Alaska Native Successful Aging in the Aleutian Pribilof Islands, Alaska

Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology ◽

10.1007/s10823-020-09421-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (1) ◽

pp. 43-67

Author(s):

Erik S. Wortman ◽

Jordan P. Lewis

Keyword(s):

Psychosocial Development ◽

Alaska Native ◽

Personal Growth ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

The United States ◽

Emotional Wellbeing ◽

Theories Of Aging ◽

And Behaviors ◽

Pribilof Islands

AbstractThe population of the United States is aging and by 2045 it is projected that approximately 1 in every 6 Alaskans will be 65+. Delivering healthcare and meeting the needs of older Alaskans in their community is critical to supporting healthy aging and community sustainability. Alaska Native (AN) Elders are underserved with very few studies providing an emic perspective on their experience aging. This research opens the door and allows us a glimpse of the AN Elder experience of aging: the values, beliefs, and behaviors that allow them to age well. This study highlights the characteristics and activities of AN Elders in the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands to further develop the model of AN successful aging. There are many theories of aging and this study explores a cross-cultural understanding of gerotranscendence - the personal and interpersonal changes that result from successful aging or achieving Eldership. This study interviewed Elders in two communities of the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands region. Using 22 standardized questions based on the explanatory model, researchers facilitated discussion of what it means to be an Elder and age successfully. Employing thematic analysis, interview transcripts were analyzed for themes to organize the data. Themes were organized into 5 core elements of successful aging with specific emphasis on values, beliefs, and behaviors that were protective and helped them adapt to aging-related changes. Interview content, meaning, and themes support the four elements of the AN model of successful aging developed by Lewis (The Gerontologist, 51(4), 540-549, 2011): Mental and Emotional Wellbeing, Spirituality, Purposefulness and Engagement, and Physical Health. Elders’ stories highlight the importance of reflection, personal growth, and psychosocial development. Elders who more strongly identified with their role in the community described how their perspective had changed and they shared stories that emphasized culture, connection to the land, and enjoyment of daily activities that resulted in increased life satisfaction. Elders provided clear evidence that they experienced aspects of gerotranscendence, which Tornstam (Journal of Aging Studies, 11(2), 143-154, 1997) categorized as the cosmic dimension, the self, and social and personal relationships. Elders adapting to aging-related changes and embracing their role as an Elder provided the greatest evidence of gerotranscendence - they developed new perspectives on life, took on new roles within the community, and experienced a shift in mindset that reinforced the importance of culture, tradition, and the Native Way of Life. This research allowed AN Elders to share their experiences, define successful aging, and expand the concept of Eldership to include changes in mindset, values, and relationships with themselves and others. The study is a framework to help us better understand the experiences of AN Elders aging successfully and the wisdom they wish to impart to others to help them learn to live healthy and meaningful lives.

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Detection of serum antibodies to Bartonella henselae and Coxiella burnetii from Japanese children and pregnant women

Microbes and Infection ◽

10.1016/s1286-4579(00)01297-1 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 2 (12) ◽

pp. 1431-1434 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Kei Numazaki ◽

Hiroshi Ueno ◽

Kazuko Yokoo ◽

Yasukazu Muramatsu ◽

Shunzo Chiba ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Coxiella Burnetii ◽

Bartonella Henselae ◽

Serum Antibodies ◽

Japanese Children

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A comparison of three cryotechniques (freeze-drying, cryosubstitution, cryosectioning) of specimen preparation for immunolabelling of bacterial antigens of Coxiella burnetii

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100168438 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 52 ◽

pp. 140-141

Author(s):

T. F. McCaul ◽

R. J. Gould

Keyword(s):

Coxiella Burnetii ◽

Freeze Drying ◽

Stress Proteins ◽

Cultured Cells ◽

High Specificity ◽

Specimen Preparation ◽

Bacterial Antigens ◽

Structural Preservation ◽

Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein ◽

Cellular Components

Immuno-electron microscopy has allowed the selective localisation of molecules with high resolution and high specificity. Cryopreparatory methods have provided better retention of antigenicity suitable for precise immunolabelling together with optimal structural preservation of cellular components. Cryosubstitution and cryoultramicrotomy have widely been exploited for immunolabelling. Molecular Distillation Dryer (MDD), a form of freeze-drying technique, has recently been used for immunolabelling of Plasmodium falciparum stress proteins and nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles in cultured cells. In the present study, we report the comparison of all three cryotechniques in the immunolabelling of bacterial antigens of Coxiella burnetii.The highly infectious C. burnetii was prefixed in 3% glutaraldehyde (66 mM cacodylate buffer, pH 6.8 ). The cells were then pre-embedded in 2% low-temperature agarose on Durapore hydrophilic membrane prior to cryofixation using a LifeCell CF100 metal-mirror system. A 1% glutaraldehyde in 100% methanol was used as a medium for cryosubstitution in a Reichert CS Auto Cryosubstitution apparatus.

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Speech-Language Assessment Considerations for American Indian and Alaska Native Children Who Are Dual Language Learners

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups ◽

10.1044/persp2.sig14.29 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (14) ◽

pp. 29-40 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Christine Vining ◽

Edgarita Long ◽

Ella Inglebret ◽

Megan Brendal

Keyword(s):

American Indian ◽

Language Learners ◽

Alaska Native ◽

Dual Language ◽

Linguistic Diversity ◽

Critical Role ◽

Language Assessment ◽

Assessment Process ◽

Dual Language Learners ◽

Native Communities

The overrepresentation of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children in special education, including children who are dual language learners (DLLs), is a major concern. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can play a critical role in reducing this overrepresentation. Using a holistic assessment process that is responsive to the communication patterns of home and community contexts provides a framework for distinguishing actual language disorders from differences associated with cultural and linguistic diversity. This article presents current trends in Native communities that may impact the speech-language assessment process, including a shift from indigenous languages to English and/or Native language revitalization efforts. It also provides a framework for guiding assessment in a manner that considers cultural and linguistic factors in speech-language assessment for AI/AN children who are DLLs.

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