Dark Complexion Research Articles

Sun protection and low levels of vitamin D: are people concerned?

Recent reports on the association between low serum vitamin D and increased risk of cancer raised concerns about possible adverse effects of primary prevention strategies for skin cancer. To evaluate if these reports may influence peoples' sun protective behavior, knowledge, and attitudes to the impact of sun protection on vitamin D. Within a population-based survey in Queensland, Australia (5,611 participants, mean age 50.7 years (range 20-75); 48.2% men), agreement with the statement that sun protection may result in not having enough vitamin D as well as factors associated with agreement were assessed. Overall, 837 (15.0%) participants agreed that sun protection may result in not having enough vitamin D, 2,163 (38.7%) neither agreed nor disagreed, and 2,591 (46.3%) disagreed with this statement. Factors associated with agreement included older age, darker skin color, and attempt to develop a suntan within the past year. These results suggest that future sun protection campaigns may need to address the issue of vitamin D and present ways to achieve sufficient vitamin D levels without increasing sun exposure at least in countries with high UV radiation throughout the year.

Pigmentary Disorders in India

This article addresses pigmentary disorders relevant to India. Many of these disorders are easily spotted because of the Indians' darker complexion. The authors examine hypopigmentary and hyperpigmentary disorders, defining the main characteristics of each and their relevance to the people of India, including social as well as physical ramifications. The authors propose the treatments available to Indians exhibiting these skin disorders.

Cutaneous malignant melanoma in children and adolescents in Sweden, 1993–2002: The increasing trend is broken

The incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma rose rapidly in teenagers in Sweden during 1973-1992, while it remained low in younger children. To study the further trends and characteristics of melanoma in this young population, data on all cases in individuals under 20 years of age reported to the Swedish Cancer Registry during 1993-2002, and the corresponding pathology reports were examined. Seventy-nine cases were reported to the Registry. There were 24 males and 55 females. Most melanomas occurred on the trunk followed by the legs in both genders. The median tumor thickness was 0.8 mm. Children under age 15 had thicker melanomas than individuals aged 15-19. Superficial spreading melanoma was the most common histological subtype (43/78, 55%). The melanoma-specific 5-year survival rate was 90%. During 1993-2002, the age-standardized incidence fell to 3.6/million from 5.0/million in 1983-1992 (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.58-0.92). The most pronounced decrease was for melanomas on the trunk in boys and on the legs in girls. The incidence for 15-19-year-old boys peaked for the cohort born between 1968 and 1972 and for girls between 1973 and 1977. The decrease in incidence may be a result of public health campaigns aiming at reducing sun exposure in childhood. A contributing effect from an increased immigration of individuals with darker complexions and at a lower melanoma risk is probable.

Growing Up and Living with Neurofibromatosis1 (NF1): A British Bangladeshi Case‐study

In this article, I analyse a narrative by Rohima(1), a Bangladeshi woman now living in the UK who was diagnosed in adulthood as having NF1 (neurofibromatosis). While some themes in her narrative account resemble those of persons with NF1 in the general European and American population, other themes relate specifically to Bangladeshi cultural issues and practices. These particularly concern gender, sexual identity and marriage. As a young woman, Rohima's dark skin coloration and the tumors or lumps associated with her condition led her parents and relatives to regard her as unmarriageable and in effect, despite her evident intelligence and competence, to deny that she was a woman. Bangladeshi men and women alike found her appearance a bar to any social acceptability. Even after her marriage (to a non-Bangladeshi man), her family have been unwilling to accept her and her children fully into their kinship network. The article explores the consequences of genetic disorders such as NF1 in cultures where social identity and concepts of personhood, particularly for women, are inextricably related to appearance and to judgements regarding marriageability.

The Baseball Dreams of Eberhard "Zip" Fuhr and the Reality of Internment Baseball, 1942-1947

He had more nicknames than he could remember. At home his mother called him Abie, the German contraction for his given name Eberhard. Because he had coal black hair and a dark complexion, a few of his friends called him Dago, as if he were a thin Italian swain instead of a husky German who couldn't even dance. He blamed it on his big feet, which his friends said were the size of suitcases and earned him the nickname Satchel. But the tag he liked the best, Zip, was hung on him by his baseball teammates at Woodward High School in Cincinnati, who couldn't believe how fleet and agile their talented but satchel-footed catcher was. (1) On the afternoon of March 23, 1943, seventeen-year-old Eberhard Fuhr sat in his fifth period class, distributive education, on the third floor of Woodward High. (2) Distributive education was a fancy title for a dull course in simple salesmanship, and most of the students were on the edge of sleep or deep in spring daydreams. For Zip Fuhr that meant enjoying the dream he had harbored for years of one day being good enough to play professional baseball. He had begun harboring the dream when he was still in elementary school and on Saturdays rode the streetcar to violin lessons that his mother insisted on. But each time the streetcar passed Deer Creek Common, with an endless dirt field of Knothole League games in progress, he had to resist the urge to jump off the streetcar and join the games. After he finally gave in to the urge, his violin teacher called his mother and wanted to know, Whatever happened to Eberhard? (3) Crosley Field was just blocks away from the Fuhr household, which was located on the corner of York and Baymiller streets. (4) Zip Fuhr's dedication to baseball, rather than the violin, entitled him and his teammates, as members of the Knothole League, to free admission to Redlegs games periodically. They sat in what they called the nosebleed section of Crosley Field and studied their favorite players. For Zip that was Ernie Lombardi, the Redlegs' strapping catcher who could hit line drives with such velocity they broke fielders' hands. Lombardi's secret, they said, was an overlapping grip that permitted his bat to whip like a golf club. (5) Zip didn't fail to notice that his hero also had satchel feet and was so slow they could throw him out at first base after one of his rocket line-drive singles. Still, Lombardi's hitting and temperament were so fiery that he became Zip's idol, and when he graduated from Knothole League baseball to the greater glories of the Woodward High Bulldogs, Zip adopted Lombardi's overlapping bat grip in an effort to develop some of the same power that Lombardi had been able to incorporate into his compact swing. (6) Practice for the 1942-43 Bulldog season had begun two weeks earlier when the Redlegs traded Lombardi to the Boston Braves. Despite this move, he remained Zip Fuhr's idol. Using Lombardi's peculiar grip, Zip was learning to hit with power to the opposite field. He still had good speed and a strong arm. It all meant that, as he sat daydreaming in his distributive education class, the life of a slick salesman was the last thing on his mind. Nor did he have thoughts of college. He'd be in the trades he was certain--a warehouseman, or perhaps a baker like his father--but only until he could realize his dream of some day playing professional baseball. (7) SUDDENLY At 1:30, halfway through Zip Fuhr's class on distributive education, the door to the hallway opened suddenly. It was L. D. Peasley, Woodward High's principal. The school had nearly four thousand students and a staff of hundreds. It was, in fact, a small city, and it was rare for students to even catch a glimpse of the man who ran the school like some distant god. The sight of him abruptly entering the classroom now snapped everyone wide awake. Peasley went straight to the teacher's desk and whispered to her. …

Signatures of Positive Selection in Genes Associated with Human Skin Pigmentation as Revealed from Analyses of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms

Phenotypic variation between human populations in skin pigmentation correlates with latitude at the continental level. A large number of hypotheses involving genetic adaptation have been proposed to explain human variation in skin colour, but only limited genetic evidence for positive selection has been presented. To shed light on the evolutionary genetic history of human variation in skin colour we inspected 118 genes associated with skin pigmentation in the Perlegen dataset, studying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and analyzed 55 genes in detail. We identified eight genes that are associated with the melanin pathway (SLC45A2, OCA2, TYRP1, DCT, KITLG, EGFR, DRD2 and PPARD) and presented significant differences in genetic variation between Europeans, Africans and Asians. In six of these genes we detected, by means of the EHH test, variability patterns that are compatible with the hypothesis of local positive selection in Europeans (OCA2, TYRP1 and KITLG) and in Asians (OCA2, DCT, KITLG, EGFR and DRD2), whereas signals were scarce in Africans (DCT, EGFR and DRD2). Furthermore, a statistically significant correlation between genotypic variation in four pigmentation candidate genes and phenotypic variation of skin colour in 51 worldwide human populations was revealed. Overall, our data also suggest that light skin colour is the derived state and is of independent origin in Europeans and Asians, whereas dark skin color seems of unique origin, reflecting the ancestral state in humans.

Studies of human physique and sexual attractiveness: Sexual preferences of men and women in China

Men and women at Northwest University (n = 631), Xi'an, China, were asked to rate the attractiveness of male or female figures manipulated to vary somatotype, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), secondary sexual traits, and other features. In study 1, women rated the average masculine somatotype as most attractive, followed by the mesomorphic (muscular), ectomorphic (slim), and endomorphic (heavily built) somatotypes, in descending order of preference. In study 2, the amount and distribution of masculine trunk (chest and abdominal) hair were altered progressively in a series of front-posed figures. Women rated figures with no or little trunk hair as most attractive. Study 3 assessed the attractiveness of front-posed male figures which varied only in length of their nonerect penis. Numerical ratings for this trait were low, but moderate lengthening of the penis (22% or 33% above average) resulted in a significant increase in scores for attractiveness. In study 4, Chinese men rated the attractiveness of back-posed female images varying in waist-to-hip ratio (WHR from 0.5-1.0). The 0.6 WHR figure was most preferred, followed by 0.7, while figures with higher ratios (0.9 or 1.0) were significantly less attractive. Study 5 rated the attractiveness of female skin color: men expressed a marked preference for images which were lighter in color, as compared to images of average or darker skin colors. These results, the first of their kind reported for a Chinese population, support the view that sexual selection has influenced the evolution of human physique and sexual attractiveness in men and women.

Prevention and treatment of infant and childhood vitamin D deficiency in Australia and New Zealand: a consensus statement

Vitamin D deficiency has re-emerged as a significant paediatric health issue, with complications including hypocalcaemic seizures, rickets, limb pain and fracture. A major risk factor for infants is maternal vitamin D deficiency. For older infants and children, risk factors include dark skin colour, cultural practices, prolonged breastfeeding, restricted sun exposure and certain medical conditions. To prevent vitamin D deficiency in infants, pregnant women, especially those who are dark-skinned or veiled, should be screened and treated for vitamin D deficiency, and breastfed infants of dark-skinned or veiled women should be supplemented with vitamin D for the first 12 months of life. Regular sunlight exposure can prevent vitamin D deficiency, but the safe exposure time for children is unknown. To prevent vitamin D deficiency, at-risk children should receive 400 IU vitamin D daily; if compliance is poor, an annual dose of 150,000 IU may be considered. Treatment of vitamin D deficiency involves giving ergocalciferol or cholecalciferol for 3 months (1000 IU/day if < 1 month of age; 3000 IU/day if 1-12 months of age; 5000 IU/day if > 12 months of age). High-dose bolus therapy (300,000-500,000 IU) should be considered for children over 12 months of age if compliance or absorption issues are suspected.

Evaluation of an Audiovisual-FM System: Investigating the Interaction Between Illumination Level and a Talker’s Skin Color on Speech-Reading Performance

A program designed to evaluate the benefits of an audiovisual-frequency modulated (FM) system led to some questions concerning the effects of illumination level and a talker's skin color on speech-reading performance. To address those issues, the speech of a Caucasian female was videotaped under 2 conditions: a light skin color condition and a dark skin color condition. For the latter condition, makeup was applied to the talker's face. For both skin color conditions, the talker was recorded while speaking sentences under 7 different levels of illumination: 2, 3, 4, 16, 60, 256, and 600 footcandles (fc). Fifteen participants completed the speech perception task in a visual-only modality. The results revealed a significant interaction of illumination level and skin color. For the light skin color condition, speech-reading performance improved systematically as the illumination level increased from 3 to 16 fc. For the dark skin color condition, no differences in speech-reading performance were observed between the 2-fc and the 3-fc conditions. However, a large improvement in speech-reading performance was observed as the illumination level increased from 4 fc to 16 fc. It is speculated that in addition to an overall effect of illumination level, the contrast in luminance at the level of the talker's face has an effect on speech-reading performance.

Abnormal Hematologic Screening in an Elite Athlete

HISTORY: The patient is a 21-year-old male, elite level athlete who competes in a sprinting sport. He has no medical concerns other than some low back pain (common in his sport). Routine laboratory testing had documented elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit levels since he was first tested about 4 years previously. He was in the process of obtaining a Blood Passport from his athletic governing body which grants permission to compete based upon documentation of elevated hematocrit levels from adolescence to present time. His latest screening also demonstrated an elevated total serum iron and iron saturation for the first time. He has a family history of some relatives with elevated blood counts who were thought to be otherwise healthy. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: Routine yearly physical examinations had previously revealed no abnormalities. Laboratory screening examinations were performed several times a year to monitor blood levels consisting of Complete Blood Count (CBC), Ferritin, Serum Iron, and Total Iron Binding Capacity. The following values were obtained during the above mentioned screening exam (abnormal levels are in bold): RBC - 5.96 (n 4.5–5.9), Hgb - 19.3 (n 13.5–17.5), Hct -55.8 (n 41.0–53.0), Ferritin- 211 (n 20–300), Total Serum Iron - 200 (n 49–181), Total Iron Binding Capacity - 389 (n 250–450), Iron Percent Saturation - 51 (n 20–50). DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: Constitutionally high hemoglobin Polycythemia Hemochromatosis Altitude induced hematopoesis Erythropoetin (EPO) usage TEST AND RESULTS: Given a change in the the previously normal iron parameters, coupled with an elevated Hgb and Hct, a fasting serum transferrin saturation was ordered and found to be 45%. Genetic testing for hemochromatosis was obtained via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), which showed: C282Y Hemochromatosis Mutation: Heterozygous H63D Hemochromatosis Mutation: Heterozygous S65C Hemochromatosis Mutation: Negative Final/Working diagnosis: Hereditary Hemochromatosis TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES: The diagnosis of hemochromatosis in an elite athlete in an Olympic year played an important part in this athlete's management process. Further testing, including liver biopsy to determine the extent of end organ iron deposition, was deemed safe to delay until after Olympic competition. No phlebotomizing was started. Most importantly, notification and further evaluation of several of the athlete's family members was initiated, including a grandmother who additional history revealed had both diabetes and a “dark complexion.” This is a rare event when “routine blood screening” has revealed significant abnormalities, with implications for both the athlete and his family.

Badlands of the Republic? Revolts, the French State, and the Question of Banlieues

Badlands of the Republic? Revolts, the French state, and the question of banlieues Why did they happen? This question was remarkably absent in the aftermath of the recent series of revolts in the French banlieues (suburbs). For many activists, social workers, and researchers, the relevant question was why such revolts have not occurred more often given the state of many social housing neighbourhoods in banlieues. Having done practically nothing to alleviate inequalities, prevent discriminatory practices and police violenceodisproportionately felt by banlieue inhabitants, youth in particularothe repressive government set up by Chirac was more surprised by the magnitude and persistence of revolts than by the fact that they happened at all. Like previous revolts, the revolts of autumn 2005 were triggered by the deaths of young inhabitants, in which the police, once again, were implicated. Like previous revolts, they were spontaneousonot organisedouprisings. Like previous revolts, they took place mainly in the disadvantaged social housing neighbourhoods of banlieues. Unlike previous revolts, however, they were suppressed by exceptionally repressive measures by the French state. They not only revealed once again the geographical dimension of inequalities, discrimination, and police violence, but also the contemporary transformations of the French state along increasingly authoritarian and exclusionary lines. Geographies of revolts On 27 October 2005 three young men in Clichy-sous-Bois, a banlieue to the northeast of Paris, took refuge in an electricity substation in order to escape identity checks by the policeoa form of daily harassment not uncommon in the banlieues towards youths, especially if they have a dark complexion. Two of them were electrocuted and one was seriously wounded. That the police actually chased them was officially denied, although the surviving young man stated the contrary. This was the triggering incident for the revolts, which first started on 28 October in Clichy-sous-Bois, and quickly spread to other social housing neighbourhoods of nearly 300 towns, lasting for about two weeks. More than 10 000 vehicles were set alight, and more than 3000 people were placed under police custody, of which one third were indicted. Similar incidents had occurred in the banlieues, as early as the 1970s. However, two major series of revolts were most influential in shaping political debate around banlieues. The first took place in the so-called hot summer' of 1981, a few months after the arrival of the Left in power. By the end of the summer, some 250 cars had been stolen and set alight in the peripheral social housing neighbourhoods of Lyons, Marseilles, Roubaix, Nancy, and Paris. The second occurred a decade later, taking the Socialist government once again by surprise. On 6 October 1990 the social housing neighbourhoods of Vaulx-en-Velinoa banlieue of Lyons seen as exemplary under urban policy's rehabilitation programme owere the sites of revolts, following the killing of a young inhabitant in an accident in which the police was implicated. Incidents occurred in other banlieues as well in the following months and years, and the decade saw forty-eightocompared with five in the 1980solarge-scale revolts in French banlieues, in addition to some 250 of a smaller scale. The revolts of the 1990s shared two common features, which are also true for the 2005 revolts. First, virtually all of them took place in social housing neighbourhoods in banlieues. Second, such neighbourhoods had followed a similar pattern of Guest editorial

Cutaneous photoprotection and melanoma susceptibility: reaching beyond melanin content to the frontiers oF DNA repair

Melanoma is the most devastating form of skin cancer. The steady increase in the incidence of melanoma, its resistance to chemotherapy, together with its high potential to metastasize, have emphasized the importance of its prevention. It is becoming clear that solar ultraviolet radiation is a main culprit in the etiology of melanoma, the same as in basal and squamous cell carcinomas. It is commonly accepted that skin pigmentation and melanin content are principal determinants of the susceptibility to melanoma and other sun-induced skin cancers. Although this is generally true, however, prediction of melanoma risk based solely on pigmentary phenotype is not always precise and fails to identify high-risk individuals with dark skin color. Other important risk factors need to be considered and better defined, particularly DNA repair capacity. Emerging studies have revealed the role of melanoma susceptibility genes in regulating DNA repair, and indicated that melanoma patients have a lower DNA repair capacity than the general population. As the response of human melanocytes to ultraviolet radiation is modulated by an array of paracrine factors, we have focused our investigation on the role of melanocortins and the melanocortin 1 receptor, as well as endothelin-1, in this response. We have discovered novel roles for melanocortins and endothelin-1 as survival factors that rescue human melanocytes from ultraviolet radiation-induced apoptosis, and importantly enhance repair of DNA photoproducts and reduce the release of hydrogen peroxide that can cause oxidative stress. Our findings, together with epidemiological data showing that loss-of-function mutations in the melanocortin-1 receptor gene increase the risk of melanoma, substantiate the role of DNA repair in melanoma genesis, and suggest that responsiveness to melanocortins and endothelin-1 is important for melanoma prevention.

Morbus Addison als seltene Ursache für chronisch erhöhte Transaminasen

Common causes of chronically elevated serum liver enzymes include fatty liver disease, chronic viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, or hereditary metabolic disorders. Adrenocortical insufficiency can also cause elevated liver enzymes. Since 1990 only 11 cases have been reported. We here report a 52-year-old man with elevated liver enzymes (1.5 x upper limit of normal) over the past 10 years. Furthermore, hyponatremia and hyperkalemia were noted. He complained of fatigue and low blood pressure over the past few years. At physical examination a dark complexion was noted. After ruling out chronic viral hepatitis, autoimmune disease, metabolic or hereditary disorders, rare causes of elevated liver enzymes were considered. The endocrinological work-up revealed Addison's disease as cause of serum electrolyte disturbance and elevated liver enzymes. The patient was successfully treated with hydrocortisol and fludrocortisol. After one week, liver enzymes, serum electrolytes and arterial blood pressure had normalized. In conclusion, for patients with constantly elevated liver enzymes also rare, extrahepatic diseases have to be considered. Addison's disease is a rare but fully reversible cause for elevated liver enzymes.

The acute stress response of red porgy, Pagrus pagrus, kept on a red or white background

The skin colour of red porgy, Pagrus pagrus, can be modified by exposure to different background colours. Red and white background colours brighten the dark skin colour that develops under common culture conditions in red porgy. To assess whether skin colour is also modified by aquaculture related handling stress, we subjected red porgy to 5 min of netting stress combined with air exposure. Fish kept on a white background have: (1) a lighter skin colour, which is not influenced by an acute stressor, (2) a less saturated red colour, which significantly decreases 24 h post-handling, and (3) a similar hue as fish kept on a red background. The first plasma parameters to rise after application of the stressor are cortisol, lactate and Na +; then, glucose levels rose. Other plasma ions (Ca 2+, Cl −, K +) were not affected up to 2 h post-stressor, but had decreased at 8 and 24 h after handling. Plasma pH decreased over the first 2 h post-handling, indicative of plasma acidosis upon air exposure. The acidosis then coincided with increases in plasma lactate levels. As αMSH levels were not significantly affected by the stressor while cortisol levels showed a five to tenfold increase, we suggest that following acute stress in red porgy, plasma cortisol release is controlled by ACTH, perhaps in combination with a sympathic stimulation.

Former Olympic Gold Medalist Discusses Battle With Depression

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Association NewsFull AccessFormer Olympic Gold Medalist Discusses Battle With DepressionTara BurkholderTara BurkholderSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:15 Jul 2005https://doi.org/10.1176/pn.40.14.00400002Greg Louganis shares his story at the American Psychiatric Foundation's“ Conversations” event at APA's 2005 annual meeting. David HathcoxMore than 500 people attended a discussion between Olympic gold medalist Greg Louganis and former APA President Mary Jane England, M.D., at the American Psychiatric Foundation's fourth annual “Conversations” event held at APA's 2005 annual meeting in Atlanta. The two discussed Louganis's history of depression, substance abuse, abusive relationships, and HIV infection.For a long time, Greg Louganis appeared to have it all. At the 1976 Olympic games, when he was 16, he won a silver medal, and at 24 he was the first man in 56 years to win two gold medals in diving by winning both the platform and springboard events. But unbeknown to his worldwide audience, Louganis was suffering from depression.His depression was driven by late-detected dyslexia, prejudice about his dark skin color, and ambivalence about his sexual orientation, he said. Louganis told England that a lot of his success came from a desperate place. He felt that to be worthy of love, he had to win. Louganis said that when he won the silver medal, instead of feeling pride, he felt disappointment. Without the gold medal, he felt as though he had failed.Louganis's coping mechanisms included staying busy and getting plenty of exercise. In a follow-up interview with the APA News Network, he said,“ I had my dance, acrobatics, gymnastics, and diving to keep me physically active, which I think helped in basically my survival.”He learned that he was HIV-positive in 1988 as he prepared for the Olympic games in Seoul. For years, he did not talk about it out of fear that it would cost him his diving career. Eventually, he went public with his HIV status and began touring the country to share his life experiences.Today Louganis spends much of his time speaking to youth groups, drug and alcohol rehabilitation groups, and organizations that help people with dyslexia. His autobiography, Breaking the Surface, was first published in 1995 and spent five weeks at the top of the New York Times bestseller list.“Conversations” is supported by a grant from AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals. The foundation launched the series at the 2002 annual meeting in Philadelphia to provide an opportunity for psychiatrists to hear from people whose lives are touched every day by mental illness. The event is conducted as an interactive interview to allow for freer conversation between the featured guest and an interviewer. Previous speakers included Tipper Gore, Carrie Fischer, and George Stephanopolous. ▪Tara Burkholder is the American Psychiatric Foundation's marketing communications manager. ISSUES NewArchived

Living in Low-Latitude Regions in the United States Does Not Prevent Poor Vitamin D Status

Vitamin D deficiency may occur throughout the life cycle, and is described as an unrecognized epidemic. The risk of deficiency may be increased by darker skin color, overweight and obesity, and low vitamin D intakes, while living in low latitudes and not using protective measures against the sun may decrease risk. However, a recent study reported that Hispanic adults living in the high-sun-exposure area of Miami have a high prevalence of poor vitamin D status in the winter, suggesting that living at low latitudes alone does not protect against vitamin D deficiency. The vitamin D status of Hispanics needs further investigation, given the large number of Hispanics living in southern regions of the United States and the emerging role of vitamin D in numerous health disorders.

Living in Low-Latitude Regions in the United States Does Not Prevent Poor Vitamin D Status

Vitamin D deficiency may occur throughout the life cycle, and is described as an unrecognized epidemic. The risk of deficiency may be increased by darker skin color, overweight and obesity, and low vitamin D intakes, while living in low latitudes and not using protective measures against the sun may decrease risk. However, a recent study reported that Hispanic adults living in the high-sun-exposure area of Miami have a high prevalence of poor vitamin D status in the winter, suggesting that living at low latitudes alone does not protect against vitamin D deficiency. The vitamin D status of Hispanics needs further investigation, given the large number of Hispanics living in southern regions of the United States and the emerging role of vitamin D in numerous health disorders.

Prevalence of Demodex in Health Personnel Working in the Autopsy Room

The health personnel working in the autopsy rooms and laboratories are considered among the professional groups carrying a high risk of contamination with infection. In this study, we have investigated the prevalence of Demodex, which provides a convenient environment for bacteria and acts as a vector for certain microorganisms, in the health personnel working in autopsy rooms. The study, which was cross-sectional, was conducted on 58 health personnel working in autopsy rooms. A questionnaire was administered to the individuals. Specimens were obtained from 4 different regions of the face using the standard skin-surface biopsy technique. The data obtained were then evaluated statistically. This study group consisted of 76% males and 24% females. The prevalence of Demodex was 26%. Demodex was found to occur more frequently in women. The most frequent occurrence of Demodex was seen among people with darker complexion and in cheek localizations. We believe that Demodex, which has a role in the pathogenesis of dermatologic diseases, provides a convenient environment for bacteria, and acts as a vector for some pathogenic microorganisms, poses a risk as far as individuals working in the autopsy room are concerned.

The 8818G allele of the agouti signaling protein (ASIP) gene is ancestral and is associated with darker skin color in African Americans

Skin color, a predictor of social interactions and risk factor for several types of cancer, is due to two contrasting forms of melanin, the darker eumelanin and lighter phaeomelanin. The lighter pigment phaeomelanin is the product of the antagonistic function of the agouti signaling protein (ASIP) on the alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor (MC1R). Studies have shown that a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the 3'UTR of the ASIP gene is associated with dark hair and eyes; however, little is known about its role in inter-individual variation in skin color. Here we examine the relationship between the ASIP g.8818A>G SNP and skin color (M index) as assessed by reflectometry in 234 African Americans. Analyses of variance (ANOVA) were performed to evaluate the effects of ASIP genotypes, age, individual ancestry, and sex on skin color variation. Significant effects on M index variation were observed for ASIP genotypes (F(2,236)=4.37, P=0.01), ancestry (F(1,243)=37.2, P<0.001), and sex (F(1,244)=4.08, P=0.05). Subsequent analyses revealed a strong effect on M index from ASIP genotypes in African American females (P<0.001). Our study suggests that the ASIP G>A polymorphism exhibits a dominant effect leading to lighter skin color and that variation in the ASIP gene may have been one of several factors contributing to reductions in pigmentation in some populations. Further study is needed to reveal how interactions between ASIP and several other genes, such as MC1R and P, predict human pigmentation.

Role of Physical Anthropology in Intermediate and Secondary Education

The role of physical anthropology in precollegiate education has been limited, but has the potential to play a vital and integral role in promoting students' understanding of themselves and others. This study describes the development, implementation, and results of a program constructed on an inquiry-based learning model that introduces middle and high school students to the content of physical anthropology. Demonstrated student learning indicates that intermediate and secondary students are capable of acquiring and applying complex content about human evolution and diversity. Program findings indicate that students frequently had previous knowledge about the hominid fossil record but little information about the significance of human biological diversity. Teaching intermediate and high school students about our common evolutionary heritage and the fact that humans exhibit clinal variation were found to be both powerful and effective content material. The fact that program participants lacked previous knowledge about the relationship between human biological diversity (illustrated in this program by light and dark skin color) and the erroneous sociocultural construction of this diversity confirmed the suspicion that this content is not being addressed in precollegiate education. Traditionally, intermediate and secondary students are taught about human variation within the context of social studies, reading, communication, and fine-arts classes. This program identifies a new paradigm for teaching about human variation. Providing students with scientific knowledge about human origins and diversity provides a constructive starting point, creating a common platform and knowledge base on which to then frame discussions about cultural variation.