Updated review on contaminant communication experiences in the circumpolar Arctic.

Arctic populations are amongst the highest exposed populations to long-range transported contaminants globally, with the main exposure pathway being through the diet. Dietary advice is an important immediate means to address potential exposure and help minimize adverse health effects. The objective of this work is to enable easier access to dietary advice and communication guidance on contaminants with a focus on the Arctic.

Ticks and tick-borne microbes identified through passive and active surveillance in Alaska.

Rapid environmental change in Alaska and other regions of the Arctic and sub-Arctic has raised concerns about increasing human exposure to ticks and the pathogens they carry. We tested a sample of ticks collected through a combination of passive and active surveillance from humans, domestic animals, and wildlife hosts in Alaska for a panel of the most common tick-borne pathogens in the contiguous United States to characterize the diversity of microbes present in this region. We tested 189 pooled tick samples collected in 2019-2020 for Borrelia spp.

Evaluation of an advanced oral hygiene regimen on maternity outcomes in a randomized multicenter clinical trial (Oral Hygiene and Maternity Outcomes Multicenter Study).

Background: During pregnancy, dental plaque-induced gingivitis prevalence and subsequent risk of periodontal disease increases substantially, as a consequence of both inadequate oral hygiene and changes in sex steroid hormone levels. Although maternal periodontal disease has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including spontaneous preterm birth, previous clinical trials involving mechanical debridement (eg, scaling and root planing) to remove plaque biofilm have not yielded decreased rates of preterm birth.

Objective: We hypothesized that an advanced oral hygiene program, including an antibacterial regimen coupled with a power toothbrush and hygiene instruction, may improve the periodontal milieu and reduce the rate of spontaneous preterm birth.

A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Prenatal Oral Hygiene Education in Pregnancy-Associated Gingivitis.

Introduction: Research shows there is a significant increase in gingival inflammation during pregnancy. This study was conducted to determine if an oral health intervention (OHI), including oral hygiene education delivered by nurse-led staff and an advanced over-the-counter (OTC) oral home care regimen, improved gingival inflammation in pregnant women with moderate-to-severe gingivitis compared with a standard oral hygiene control group.

Methods: This was a multicenter, randomized, controlled, single-masked, parallel group clinical trial conducted in obstetrics clinics of 2 medical centers.

Multilocus Sequence Typing of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae Detected in Dall's Sheep (Ovis dalli dalli) and Caribou (Rangifer tarandus grantii) in Alaska, USA.

In 2018, Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae was detected in free-ranging caribou (Rangifer tarandus grantii) and Dall's sheep (Ovis dalli dalli) in Alaska, US. Evaluation of additional nasal swabs and archived tissues for M. ovipneumoniae suggested that this bacterium was widespread geographically and temporally in populations of both species.

Effects of an oral hygiene regimen on progression of gingivitis/early periodontitis: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Periodontal disease continues to be prevalent globally, but little clinical research has been undertaken to evaluate the long-term benefits of a daily oral hygiene regimen on progression of gingivitis/early periodontitis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of an oral hygiene regimen (OHR) on the periodontal health of adults in good general health with established gingivitis and early periodontitis over 24 months.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in adults with established gingivitis, with isolated sites of probing pocket depth >4 mm.

Metals in the stomach contents and brain, gonad, kidney, and liver tissues of subsistence-harvested northern sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) from Icy Strait, Alaska.

Southeast Alaska sea otters (Enhydra lutris) have had a rapid rise in their population. As they feed primarily on sessile prey, they are excellent sentinels for examining metals contamination. Objectives of this study on sea otters were to determine: (1) concentrations of metals in different tissues; (2) whether metals biomagnify from stomach contents (i.

Establishing a baseline for tick surveillance in Alaska: Tick collection records from 1909-2019.

The expanding geographic ranges of tick species that are known pathogen vectors can have implications for human, domestic animal, and wildlife health. Although Alaska is home to several hard tick species, it has historically been outside of the range of the most common medically important ticks in the contiguous United States and western Canada. To assess the status of tick species establishment in the state and to provide a baseline for tracking future change in the distribution of ticks, we reviewed and compiled historical tick records and summarized recent tick occurrence records collected through the development of the Alaska Submit-A-Tick Program and through tick drag sampling at sentinel sites in southcentral Alaska.

Subsistence fish consumption in rural Alaska: Using regional monitoring data to evaluate risk and bioavailability of dietary methylmercury.

On average, Alaskans in rural communities consume over three times the Federally recommended maximum weekly fish ingestion rate (IR), the overwhelming majority of which is Pacific salmon. Results of statewide monitoring efforts consistently show that Pacific salmon from Alaska have low concentrations of mercury, yet concerns regarding dietary exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) and other aquatic contaminants continue to contribute to declining subsistence fish consumption rates in rural communities. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to use statewide biomonitoring datasets and regional fish IRs to quantitatively evaluate potential risk from dietary MeHg exposure via subsistence consumption of salmon from Alaska.

A randomized, controlled, two-month pilot trial of stannous fluoride dentifrice versus sodium fluoride dentifrice after oxalate treatment for dentinal hypersensitivity.

Objectives: To compare the effects of a stannous fluoride dentifrice and a sodium fluoride dentifrice on dentinal hypersensitivity when used with an oxalate-based regimen combining in-office and at-home treatment.

Materials And Methods: In this single-center, randomized, controlled, double-blind, pilot clinical trial, 30 subjects were professionally treated at baseline with a 3% oxalate/potassium salt solution on up to two target teeth, then randomized 1:1 to either 0.454% stannous fluoride or 0.

Ecological drivers of mercury concentrations in fish species in subsistence harvests from Kotzebue Sound, Alaska.

The State of Alaska assesses human exposure to mercury (Hg) via fish consumption producing consumption guidelines for fish tailored for children and women of childbearing age. Under these guidelines, unrestricted consumption is suggested for many fish species, while limited consumption is recommended for others. Subsequent questions have arisen regarding ecological drivers influencing [Hg] in fishes consumed by Alaskans.

A Comparison of Oral Hygiene Products and Professional Care: A six-week randomized clinical trial.

To investigate the anti-gingivitis efficacy of a novel oral hygiene routine consisting of a two-step stannous fluoride dentifrice and hydrogen peroxide whitening gel system, an interactive oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush, and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene floss. A total of 52 participants (n=52;mean age 35.8±11.

A randomized, controlled comparison of two professional dentin desensitizing agents immediately post-treatment and 2 months post-treatment.

Purpose: To compare the desensitizing effects of two different marketed professional dentin hypersensitivity treatments, a 5% sodium fluoride varnish and an oxalic acid/potassium salt solution, in a single-center, randomized, controlled, subject-blind pilot study.

Methods: A total of 22 subjects with dentin hypersensitivity on at least two teeth were recruited from a general dentistry practice and randomized 1:1 to treatment with a 5% sodium fluoride varnish (Acclean Fluoride Varnish) group or a 3% oxalic acid/potassium salt solution (Super Seal Desensitizer). The study population was predominantly female (91%) and Caucasian (77%).

Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae in Wildlife Species beyond Subfamily Caprinae.

Elucidating the emergence of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae-associated respiratory disease in ruminants requires identification of the pathogen host range. This bacterium was thought to be host restricted to subfamily Caprinae, but we describe its identification in healthy moose, caribou, and mule deer and diseased mule and white-tailed deer, all species in subfamily Capreolinae.

A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of an Oscillating-Rotating Electric Toothbrush, a Stannous Fluoride Dentifrice, and Floss on Gingivitis.

Objectives: To evaluate the gingival health efficacy of an oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush, a stannous fluoride dentifrice, and dental floss in adults with mild-to-moderate gingivitis.

Methods: This was a single-center, randomized, controlled, examiner-blind, two-treatment, eight-week parallel group study in adults with at least 20 gingival bleeding sites. Eligible subjects were randomized equally to one of two groups: experimental oral hygiene group that included an Oral-B® oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush with round brush head (D20/EB20), Crest® stabilized stannous fluoride dentifrice (SnF2 1100 ppm F, NaF 350 ppm F), and Oral-B® Glide® floss; or regular oral hygiene control group that included a regular manual toothbrush (Oral-B® Indicator 35) and Crest® anti-cavity sodium fluoride dentifrice (NaF 1450 ppm F).

Safety and effectiveness of a two-step dentifrice/gel sequence with medication-associated hyposalivation: A randomized controlled trial in a vulnerable population.

Purpose: A randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a two-step dentifrice/gel oral hygiene sequence in a vulnerable population.

Methods: Prior to the research, institutional review was obtained for the protocol, consent and advertising. The study targeted adults with medication-associated xerostomia, because of the plaque accumulation and possible oral safety risks seen in this population.

Post-prophylaxis gingivitis prevention with two-step stannous fluoride dentifrice plus whitening gel sequence or chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinse.

Purpose: To assess use of a two-step dentifrice/gel sequence versus chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinse on gingivitis prevention after dental prophylaxis.

Methods: A 12-week, randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the effectiveness and safety of a two-step dentifrice/gel sequence to a positive control in healthy adults with established gingivitis. After informed consent, gingivitis and stain levels were assessed by clinical examination.

Randomized controlled trial evaluating concurrent gingivitis and stain effects of a two-step dentifrice/gel sequence.

Purpose: A randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a two-step dentifrice/whitening gel oral hygiene sequence on natural gingivitis and extrinsic stain.

Methods: The population consisted of healthy adults with clinical evidence of gingivitis and extrinsic stain. Consent, demographic information and clinical measurements were collected, after which subjects were randomized to treatment.

Initial evidence of two-step dentifrice/gel sequence effects on health: Outcomes from three randomized controlled trials.

Purpose: Health-related outcomes from three randomized controlled trials represented the initial research on the feasibility of novel, sequential oral hygiene with a stannous fluoride (SnF₂) dentifrice then hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) whitening gel.

Methods: One crossover and two parallel clinical trials were conducted independently. Objectives varied, with individual studies assessing short, intermediate or longer-term outcomes from breath, dental plaque or gingivitis, respectively.

Clinical evidence on a unique two-step stannous fluoride dentifrice and whitening gel sequence.

Purpose: Recently, a unique two-step product was introduced that includes sequential use of a novel 0.454% stannous fluoride dentifrice followed by a 3% hydrogen peroxide whitening gel. The technology targeted advanced gingival health benefits plus esthetic benefits such as tooth whitening.

Hyperparasitism and Non-Nidicolous Mating by Male Ixodes angustus Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae).

Ixodes angustus (Neumann) (Acari: Ixodidae) is considered to be a nidicolous tick in that the entire life cycle can be completed in the host nest. Males of this tick have been reported to be rare on hosts because most mating occurs in the host nest and males typically do not feed on hosts. Collections of I.

Mercury concentrations in Alaska Pacific halibut muscle relative to stable isotopes of C and N and other biological variables.

Total mercury concentrations ([THg]), δN and δC values were determined in muscle of 693 Pacific halibut caught in International Pacific Halibut Commission setline surveys in Alaska (2002-2011). Project goals were to evaluate whether 1) δN and δC varied with region, age, sex and length of halibut, and 2) muscle [THg] varied with δN and δC (feeding ecology) while accounting for sex, length, and region. Variation in [THg] was explained, in part, by halibut feeding ecology as [THg] increased with trophic position (increasing δN).