Dark Complexion Research Articles

A study looking at the differences between hypertrophic scars and keloid scars

Hypertrophic and keloid scars are two types of raised, abnormal scars. Hypertrophic scars grow within the borders of the original wound and eventually grow smaller, but keloids grow beyond the original wound borders, do not grow smaller on their own, and are difficult to treat. Keloids usually occur in people with darker skin colour. Sometimes it is still difficult to determine if a raised scar is a hypertrophic scar or a keloid. This study from the Netherlands aimed to find out if both these abnormal scars form because they retain characteristics of the young, immature scars, rather than maturing in a normal way. The authors examined the types of cells present in the outer (epidermis) and the inner (dermis) layer of the skin and found that the hypertrophic and keloid scars closely resembled immature scars, rather than normal healthy scars in two important ways: the outer layer cells did not mature properly (increased involucrin expression); the inner layer cells of normal skin express a protein called CD34 and do not have cells that function to contract tissue (α‐SMA), but in the abnormal scars this is reversed ‐ CD34 is missing and the (α‐SMA) contracting cells are present. Unlike abnormal scars, the cells of the inner and outer layer of immature scars showed increased cell growth (Ki67). The outer layer of the abnormal scars was much thicker and the inner layer had many cells (vimentin), but these cells had stopped growing (known as p16). It was difficult to separate the hypertrophic scars from the keloids based on what the inner layer looks like, but hypertrophic scars have more cells that contract and keloids have very thick bands of connective tissue in their inner layer. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that hypertrophic and keloid scars maintain characteristics of immature scars and do not mature like normal scars do. This is a summary of the study: Hypertrophic and keloid scars fail to progress from the CD34−α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA)+immature scar phenotype and show gradient differences in α‐SMA and p16 expression

Is White Always Right? Skin Color and Interdating Among Whites

The burgeoning literature on skin color stratification highlights how skin color is associated with disparities in outcomes such as socioeconomic status, health, and intergroup relationships among ethnoracial minorities. However, there is a limited body of work that suggests that darker skin color is also associated with differing outcomes among whites in spite of their position as the socially dominant group of the U.S. This study uses the National Longitudinal Survey of Freshmen to examine how skin color, among whites, relates to their likelihood of dating ethnoracial minorities. The results show that darker skin color is associated with greater odds of dating Latinos and Asians. The results also suggest that there is a non-linear relationship between whites’ skin color and their likelihood of dating blacks. The author argues that because darker skin color connotes lower status due to its affiliation with non-whiteness, darker skin color among whites can lead to greater interactions with ethnoracial minorities. However, there may be an exception when dating blacks. This study highlights a possible underlying mechanism, ethnoracial ambiguity among whites, that shapes current ethnoracial relations, which has long-term implications for the future of intergroup boundaries.

SAT-427 AKI IN TROPICS/PATIENT RETURNING FROM TROPICS -WHY EXPANDING OUR DIFFERENTIALS IS NEEDED!

CASE REPORT People living in tropics have some endemic risk factors specific to the demographic region they reside in. A variety of causes are prevalent - including Malaria, Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, Infectious Diarrhea, Leptospirosis, Snake Envenomation, and Scrub Typhus. We describe a case of Scrub Typhus with AKI. This particular case is interesting as it was from a cosmopolitan city, away from hilly areas where this rickettsial fever is more common. World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently warned about the potential of Scrub Typhus to cause widespread disease in tropics, deviating from the natural restriction to hilly areas to occurring in cities or towns. Scrub typhus is an important disease - frequently neglected. The annual estimate of cases is 1 million, while the population at risk, at 2 Billion is even huge, with the Tsutsugamoshi triangle extending from Japan in the east to Pakistan in the west and China to the north and Australia to the south. A 21-year-old male had presented with an 8-day history of low-grade fever, diarrhea, and oliguria. On evaluation, the patient was found to be febrile, dehydrated and in hypotension. He had icterus and tender inguinal lymphadenopathy. The patient remained anuric after rehydration despite recovering from hypotension. The patient received Hemodialysis as required. Patient was thoroughly investigated for etiology. Labs are depicted in tables uploaded together as pictures. Chest Radiograph : Normal Ultrasound of Abdomen and Pelvis:Mild Splenomegaly, Mild Ascites, Multiple Sub Centimetric Aorto-Iliac Lymph nodes. Minimal Bilateral Pleural Effusions. DIAGNOSIS: ENDEMIC ZOONOSIS SCRUB TYPHUS - WITH MULTI SYSTEM INVOLVEMENT- AKI, HEPATITIS, BICYTOPENIA. CONCLUSIONS: Scrub Typhus is thought to be a rare, endemic cause of AKI- prevalent in hilly and mountainous areas. The current case report points to an atypical presentation of the disease in a young male who had recently visited an urban garden, in the city of Hyderabad in southern India. This is due to the rapid expansion of cities extending into surrounding forest areas. The Eschar over skin which is pathognomonic- is absent in our case which had made the diagnosis difficult. Also, the presence of eschar is highly variable, is strain-specific and the dark complexion of skin makes the identification of eschar difficult. The discovery of new vectors of the pathogen, by Tilak et al (Schoengastiella ligula -northeast India) in India and Lee et al (Euschoengastia koreaensis in South Korea), marks an important breakthrough in the understanding of the epidemiology of the disease. REFERENCES: 1. Incidence, risk factors and clinical outcomes of acute kidney injury associated with scrub typhus: a retrospective study of 510 consecutive patients in South Korea (2001–2013) Hwang K, et al. BMJ Open 2017;7:e013882. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013882

Mushroom Tyrosinase Inhibition and Antimelanogenesis Activities of <i>Bacopa monnieri</i> (L.) Methanol Extract in B16F10 Melanoma Cells

Melanocytes that form stratum basale of skin epidermis express tyrosinase enzyme, which catalyzes initial two rate-limiting steps in the biotransformation of tyrosine into dark pigment called melanin. Even today, Tyrosinase inhibitors are among the promising candidates in cosmetic industry for skin-lightening formulations. Overexpression of tyrosinase causes excess melanin biosynthesis and deposition resulting in dark skin color. Moreover, localized overexpression of tyrosinase cause variety of hyperpigmentation disorders like melanoma, melasma, chloasma, dark patches, liver patches, etc. There has been a renewed interest in the natural products as main ingredients in the formulation of safe products for skin-whitening and treatment options for hyperpigmentation disorders. In the present communication, the results of our investigations on tyrosinase inhibition, modulation of intracellular tyrosinase and melanin levels in cultured B16F10 melanoma cells by Bacopa monnieri (L.) methanol extract (BME) are presented and discussed as safe option for skin lightening and to treat hyperpigmentation disorders. BME showed 11%, 29%, 54% and 80% inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase activity at an initial 100, 200, 400 and 600 μg of extract. Treatment of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) stimulated cultured murine melanoma B16F10 cells with 100 μg/ml of the extract showed a decrease in the levels of cellular melanin and cellular tyrosinase content by 22% and 46% respectively. The cytotoxicity studies by MTT assay revealed that the LC50 of the BME is ≥1000 μg/ml in cultured mouse melanoma B16F10 and HEK293 cells.

Perceptions regarding dentist persona in the Indian population

Background: India is a country with multiracial societies having diversity in culture. This can have a significant role in influencing patient's perception related to appearance, ethnicity, quality of dental care, and verbal and nonverbal communication of dentists. This research principally focused on the assessment of patient's perceptions with regard to dentist's demeanor and its role in nonverbal communication which, in turn, will affect their future dentist–patient relationship. Aims and Objective: To assess attitude of children and adults toward's the physical attributes of dentist and its association with reliability, comfortability and anxiety.Materials and Methods: 600 children and 1500 adults participated in a cross sectional observational study to assess the perception of patients regarding the physical characteristics of dentist. A set of questionnaire dealing with the physical attribute was designed in English, local (Marathi) and national language (Hindi). The participants were also asked to assess the reliability, comfortability and their anxiety level based on the persona of the dentist. Results: Results of the study showed that male dentist with short hair, clean shaven and fair complexion was most desirable. Male dentist with dark complexion, stubble and bald was least preferred. Female dentist having fair complexion wearing light makeup, jewellery with hair tied neatly was found to be most desirable. Dark complexion female wearing heavy makeup and jewellery with coloured hair was found to be least desirable. Conclusion: These results will help in developing a proper professional dentist persona for effective and efficient patient management. Limitations of the study are considered.

Bruise detection and visibility under alternate light during the first three days post-trauma

IntroductionCutaneous bruises are often hard to detect particularly on individuals with a darker complexion. Researchers and federal agencies have recommended the use of alternate light to aide in the assessment of subtle injury. However, studies are limited in their evaluation of wavelength performance during the first few days of bruise healing. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine whether an alternate light source (ALS) improves detection of bruises when compared to normal light typical of clinical practice during the first three days following induction. MethodsA sample of eight healthy adults between 22 and 36 years of age with diverse skin color were recruited for this study. One bruise was induced on each participant by dropping a 4-oz (113g) steel ball through a 5-ft (1.5 m) vertical pipe onto the anterior surface of the forearm. Using the ALS, bruises were assessed under 14 different combinations of ultraviolet and short narrowband visible wavelengths and filters along with overhead fluorescent “examination” lighting. Participants were examined 3 to 4 times per day at approximately 4-h intervals for three consecutive days post induction. ResultsRepeated bruise assessments on 8 subjects resulted in 59 bruise assessments and 885 total observations under the different wavelengths and filters combinations. A bruise was detectable in 46 (78%) of the assessments, with bruise ages ranging from 30 min to 57 h. Twenty (34%) bruises not detectable under normal light were visible with ASL. Multilevel modeling revealed a strong association between time and detection for shorter wavelengths, such as 365 nm (ultraviolet) and 450 nm. ConclusionThe results of our study suggest alternate light is more likely to detect faint bruises than normal lighting during the first three days post injury. However, more research is needed to determine which wavelengths and filter combinations are most effective during that time frame.

Pigmentation Phenotype Prediction of Chinese Populations from Different Language Families.

Objective To predict the pigmentation phenotypes of Chinese populations from different language families, analyze the differences and provide reference data for forensic anthropology and genetics. Methods The HIrisPlex-S multiplex amplification system with 41 loci related to pigmentation phenotypes was constructed in the laboratory, and 2 666 DNA samples of adult males of 17 populations from six language families, including Indo-European, Sino-Tibetan, Altaic, Hmong-Mien, Tai-Kadai and Austro-Asiatic language families distributed in different regions of China were genotyped. The pigmentation phenotype category of each individual was predicted using the online prediction system （https://HIrisPlex.erasmusmc.nl/）, and then the output data were statistically analyzed. Results About 1.92% of the individuals of Asian-European admixed populations from Indo-European and Altaic language families had blue eyes and 34.29% had brown or gold hair. The phenotypes of the color of eyes and hair of other populations had no significant difference, all individuals had brown eyes and black hair. There were differences in skin color of populations of different language families and geographical areas. The Indo-European language family had the lightest skin color, and the Austro-Asiatic language family had the darkest skin color; the southwestern minority populations had a darker skin color than populations in the plain areas. Conclusion The prediction results of pigmentation phenotype of Chinese populations are consistent with the perception of the appearance of each population, proving the reliability of the system. The color of eyes and hair are mainly related to ancestral components, while the skin color shows the differences between language families, and is closely related to geographical distribution of populations.

Association of serum vitamin D status with dietary intake and sun exposure in adults

Serum 25(OH)D deficiency is becoming an epidemic. The aim was to assess vitamin D status of the adult Greek population in relation to intake, sun exposure and other factors, using data from the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS). Data from 1084 adult participants (37.8% males) were analyzed. Vitamin D intake was assessed using 24-h recalls. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was evaluated and related to anthropometric measurements and other covariates including supplements used, by sex. Variables significantly associated with 25(OH)D<20ng/ml were assessed using simple and multiple logistic regression. Median vitamin D intake from food was 1.23 mcg/day (0.60, 2.44), with 9.1% consuming supplements. Median serum 25(OH)D was 16.72ng/ml, with no sex differences (P=0.923). The odds of having 25(OH)D<20ng/ml significantly decreased with being very active (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35, 0.98), increasing length of sun exposure [1-3h/day (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.44, 0.80), >3h/day (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.24, 0.55)], and skin colour [light to medium skin (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.24, 0.91), fairly dark skin colour (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.17, 0.67) and dark or very dark skin colour (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.15, 0.75)], compared to respective baseline levels. The odds significantly increased with obesity (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.24, 3.08), and spring season of blood sample collection (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.22, 2.50). Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in Greek adults. Relevant public health policies are highly recommended, which could include vitamin D fortification. and suggestion for increased but safe sun exposure.

Darker skin color is associated with a lower likelihood of smoking cessation among males but not females

Darker skin color is associated with discrimination and unfair treatment and may contribute to persisting health disparities. This study examined whether darker skin color was associated with smoking cessation and whether this association was moderated by sex and race. This study also explored whether biological and psychosocial factors, including nicotine and cotinine concentrations, discrimination, distrust, and neuroticism, mediated this association. The data for this study came from a prospective smoking cessation intervention that included 224 Black and 225 White adults from Kansas City, Missouri. Skin color was assessed using a DermaSpectrometer to measure melanin contained within the skin. Point prevalence smoking abstinence was biochemically-verified and assessed at weeks 4 and 26. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate hypothesized relations between skin color and smoking cessation. Interactions between race and sex with skin color were also evaluated. While skin color was not associated with smoking cessation in the overall sample or among Blacks only, results indicated that sex moderated the effect of skin color on smoking cessation after adjusting for race and other covariates. Among males, darker skin color was associated with lower odds of achieving smoking abstinence at weeks 4 (OR = 0.60 [95% CI = 0.36, 0.99]) and 26 (OR = 0.52 [95% CI = 0.29, 0.91]). Skin color did not predict smoking cessation among females. Skin color was positively correlated with discrimination (r = 0.15, p = 0.02), cynicism/distrust (r = 0.14, p = 0.03) and neuroticism (r = 0.24, p < 0.01) among males only. However, these factors did not mediate the association between skin color and smoking cessation. Skin color may contribute to cessation-related health disparities among Black males, but more research is needed to understand the psychosocial and biological mechanisms through which skin color influences tobacco cessation.

Exploration of Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction formula syndromes based on severe cases of critical care and its application for nosocomial infection in critical care medicine including hyperpyrexia after tracheotomy and severe pain accompanied by acute myocardial infarction and diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction recorded in Treatise on Febrile Diseases by Zhang Zhongjing in the Han Dynasty have been widely used in treating Yang deficiency and exogenous wind-cold syndrome by traditional Chinese medicine physicians for thousands of years. The indications of Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction include bradyarrhythmia,sinus bradycardia,sick sinus node syndrome,senile exogenous,asthmatic cold,rhinitis,bronchial asthma,optic neuritis,optic atrophy,sudden blindness,sudden onset of cough,laryngeal obstruction,migraine,joint pain,low back pain,insomnia,shock,heart failure,renal failure,accompanied by fever or nosocomial infection,and hyperpyrexia after tracheotomy; dark complexion,chills,cold limbs,listlessness,fatigue,insomnia,lack of thirst,liking hot drinks,slightly swollen limbs or whole body,pale fat tongue,greasy fur,and deep pulse. Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction is a potential drug for Shaoyin disease complicated with fever and pain. Tracheal intubation is an artificial ephedrine syndrome. It is necessary to distinguish Yin and Yang syndrome in treating hyperpyrexia after tracheotomy. However,it belongs to Yin syndrome,which could be treated by Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction. Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction is effective in the treatment of sick sinus syndrome,second degree atrioventricular block and third degree atrioventricular block. It can significantly alleviate symptoms,improve heart rate,and heart rhythm in a short period of time. However,after one year of drug withdrawal,the diseases may recur,indicating that Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction may not improve the long-term prognosis of slow arrhythmia. Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction is often used for fever or nosocomial infection in critical care medicine. In the treatment of critical care medicine complicated with high fever,Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction is often taken continuously by stomach tube.

The “dark Welsh”: Color, race, and alterity in the matter of medieval Wales

AbstractThis article examines how the medieval Welsh were racialized by Anglo‐Saxon and Anglo‐Norman sources and how the Welsh in turn developed a model of racial alterity. Literary sources, including the Old English riddles and the ethnographic work of Gerald of Wales, followed classical sources in their portrayals of the Welsh as being marked by “swarthiness,” or comparatively dark complexions. Rather than following this rhetorical practice, medieval Welsh literature reveals that the Welsh considered themselves pale‐complected, with darkness justifying biopolitical regulation of non‐European Christian peoples. While pseudo‐scientific racial discourse classifies the modern Welsh as white Caucasian, medieval texts negotiate difference between peoples with a range of methods and purposes, with racial difference being negotiated throughout various traditions in British literature.

Monte Cristo (Film)

<i>Monte Cristo</i> (Film)

An in vitro feasibility investigation considering primary human melanocytes for spray- grafting of freshly isolated autologous skin cells for burn treatment and a clinical case report

A skin cell-spray grafting technique that enables the on-site application of freshly isolated autologous single cell suspensions was already applied in many cases on caucasian patients with low skin coloration. Our project hypothesis is that these suspensions contain keratinocytes and vital melanocytes, that are of particular interest for the treatment of patients of darker skin color. To test this, we applied an in vitro model, wherein the feasibility of i) isolating and ii) spraying of freshly isolated autologous melanocyte-keratinocyte cell suspensions was investigated. Primary human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs) and melanocytes (MCs) were isolated from skin biopsies (n=8). Biochemical parameter, cell counts, cell morphology, growth behavior and immunofluorescence results were compared in two groups using MC cultures and co-cultures of MCs with HEKs. Case information on using the method clinically with one patient is included. The sprayed mixed cell suspensions proliferated in all groups without measurable loss of viability, and MCs exhibited a regular cell morphology in monoculture up to passage 4°. The sprayed MCs and HEKs demonstrated in vitro glucose and lactate metabolism that was comparable to the pipetted controls. In co-culture, well distributed CK14+ HEKs and NKI/beteb+ MCs could be demonstrated, which interacted in the in vitro model. The ratio of HEKs : MCs in our primary cultures were microscopically counted (n=8 each) as mean +/- SD 1,211,000 (+/- 574,343) HEK : 99,625 (+/- 59,025) MC; i.e., a ratio of approx. 12 : 1. Using the isolation method clinically for a patient with dark skin coloration after suffering severe second-degree burns shows a satisfying re-pigmentation of the resulting wound post healing. Freshly isolated spray-on melanocyte/keratinocyte suspensions provide for a considerable amount of viable HEKs and MCs. Using MCs in spray-grafting suspensions could represent a promising approach for treating severe partial-thickness burns and innovative therapy developments that also aim to address cosmetic aspects.

Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of high blood pressure in the elderly according to the ethnic group. Colombian survey.

Introduction:High blood pressure (HBP) is the main cardiovascular risk factor, it is more prevalent in the older adult population, and the prevalence can vary between ethnic groups.Objective: To estimate the prevalence of HBP, knowledge, treatment and control in population aged ≥60 years, resident in Colombia, according to their ethnic condition.Methods: Population sample selected by multistage sampling. Ethnicity was defined based on skin color. HBP was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140, and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg, and/or the participants’ self-report. Controlled HBP at a blood pressure value <140/90, knowledge and treatment were identified by self-report.Results: 23,694 adults aged ≥ 60 years were included, of which 54.5%, 34.5% and 10.9% were respectively identified as having light, medium or dark skin color; 54.5% were women, and 78.1% resided in urban areas. The standardized prevalence of HBP, by age, was 57.7% (95% CI: 55.2 - 60.2); 51.4% (95% CI: 47.3-55. 5), in men; and 62.9% (60.9-64.9), in women. The standardized prevalence for light, medium and dark skin in men was 53.2% (95% CI: 48.7-57.7), 49.6% (44.5-54.7), and 49.4% (95% CI: 41.0-57.8) respectively; and in women was 62.5% (95% CI: 60.5-64 , 5), 61.7% (95% CI: 57.8-65.6), and 69.9% (95% CI: 63.6-76.2) respectively. 98% of the population received treatment, and 93.9% were aware of HBP diagnosis. 42.5% of men and 55.5% of women with HBP were under control. Only 21.8% performed regular physical activity.Conclusion: Half of the adult population aged over 60 years suffers from HBP; the prevalence is higher in women particularly in dark-skinned women. It is necessary to develop policies to increase physical activity in the elderly.

&lt;p&gt;Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of a triple combination cream (hydroquinone, tretinoin, and fluocinolone) for treatment of melasma in Middle Eastern skin&lt;/p&gt;

Background: Melasma is the most common pigmentary skin disorder, especially in females and those with darker complexion. The current study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a triple combination cream containing hydroquinone 4%+tretinoin 0.05%+fluocinolone acetonide 0.01% (Januluma® cream produced by Janus Pharmaceutical Co, Tehran, Iran) in the treatment of melasma.Patients and methods: Twenty-two female volunteers (mean±standard deviation of age: 39.20±4.16 years) who fulfilled the eligibility criteria participated in this study after signing the informed consent. They were requested to apply the Januluma®cream every night for 8 weeks. Modified melasma area and severity index (mMASI), skin lightness (L value), and severity of pigmentation (E value) by Visio Face, and skin biophysical parameters including pH, melanin index, erythema index, sebum, hydration, trans epidermal water loss, thickness and density of epidermis, and dermis (using 22 MHz ultrasonography) were measured before and 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. Also patients’ satisfaction was assessed 4 and 8 weeks after treatment using visual analog score.Results: mMASI decreased significantly from 3.37 to 2.60 at week 4, and to 2.40 at week 8 (P-values=0.00 and 0.01, respectively). Also, E and L values improved significantly after 8 weeks of treatment (P=0.01 and 0.00, respectively). Skin melanin index decreased from 237.49 AU to 196.30 AU at week 8 (P=0.01). Also echo density of dermis increased significantly after 8 weeks of treatment (P=0.029). Almost all participants experienced some degrees of pruritus, scaling, and erythema, esspecially during the first month of application, which were generally mild and tolerable. The mean satisfaction of patients with the treatment was 6.77.Conclusion: The triple combination formula was reasonably safe and effective for treatment of melasma in Middle Eastern patients.

Filling in the Gaps: The Association between Intelligence and Both Color and Parent-Reported Ancestry in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997

Little research has dealt with intragroup ancestry-related differences in intelligence in Black and White Americans. To help fill this gap, we examined the association between intelligence and both color and parent-reported ancestry using the NLSY97. We used a nationally-representative sample, a multidimensional measure of cognitive ability, and a sibling design. We found that African ancestry was negatively correlated with general mental ability scores among Whites (r = −0.038, N = 3603; corrected for attenuation, rc = −0.245). In contrast, the correlation between ability and parent-reported European ancestry was positive among Blacks (r = 0.137, N = 1788; rc = 0.344). Among Blacks, the correlation with darker skin color, an index of African ancestry, was negative (r = −0.112, N = 1455). These results remained with conspicuous controls. Among Blacks, both color and parent-reported European ancestry had independent effects on general cognitive ability (color: β = −0.104; ancestry: β = 0.118; N = 1445). These associations were more pronounced on g-loaded subtests, indicating a Jensen Effect for both color and ancestry (rs = 0.679 to 0.850). When we decomposed the color results for the African ancestry sample between and within families, we found an association between families, between singletons (β = −0.153; N = 814), and between full sibling pairs (β = −0.176; N = 225). However, we found no association between full siblings (β = 0.027; N = 225). Differential regression to the mean results indicated that the factors causing the mean group difference acted across the cognitive spectrum, with high-scoring African Americans no less affected than low-scoring ones. We tested for measurement invariance and found that strict factorial invariance was tenable. We then found that the weak version of Spearman’s hypothesis was tenable while the strong and contra versions were not. The results imply that the observed cognitive differences are primarily due to differences in g and that the Black-White mean difference is attributable to the same factors that cause differences within both groups. Further examination revealed comparable intraclass correlations and absolute differences for Black and White full siblings. This implied that the non-shared environmental variance components were similar in magnitude for both Blacks and Whites.

Color matters: field experiment to explore the impact of facial complexion in Pakistani labor market

This study aims to investigate the role of facial complexion on applicant’s employability in Pakistani labor market. We carried out a resume audit study. In doing so, we sent 1216 fictitious curricula vitae (CVs) against 304 real job advertisements. Four CVs were sent against each advertisement which contained the pictures of fair and dark males and females. The results show that odds of receiving callbacks are 31.5% higher for a fair-skinned applicant compared to the applicant with dark complexion. Moreover, fair females have 28.5% higher probability in receiving (more) callbacks than fair male applicants. This discriminatory pattern in labor market exists across both front and back office jobs, however, the odds of receiving callbacks by fair applicants, particularly females, are higher in front office jobs. Further, we divide our sample into jobs advertised by companies themselves and jobs through recruitment agencies. Our results show that the impact of facial complexion is present in both recruitment sources, nevertheless, it is more pronounced when recruitment is carried out through employment agencies. Lastly, we find the evidence of beauty premium across various occupational categories, except finance and accounting.

The influence of vitamin D supplementation on local and systemic inflammatory markers in periodontitis patients: A pilot study.

Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is a worldwide public health issue that has been linked to numerous inflammatory disorders, including periodontitis. There is increasing support for a role for adequate vitamin D levels in overall health. Populations with darker skin color have a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and periodontitis. The purpose of this small pilot study was to investigate the influence of 12weeks of 25(OH)D vitamin D supplementation (VDS) on mediators of systemic inflammation in dark-skinned, periodontitis patients. A total of 23 patients with moderate to severe periodontitis were randomly assigned to the vitamin D group or placebo group and received intensive single visit scaling and root planning to elicit a systemic inflammatory response. Vitamin D supplementation increased serum 25(OH)D levels approximately 2-fold over baseline levels; moreover, VDS group had reduced peripheral blood CD3 and CD3+CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTLs) counts and reduced pro-inflammatory salivary cytokines. In contrast, VDS group had higher levels of the autophagy-related proteins and other proteins crucial for anti-microbial autophagy in whole blood PBMCs. In conclusion, VDS has multiple benefits for reducing systemic inflammation and promoting induction of autophagy-related proteins related to anti-microbial functions.

Genetic and environmental factors in skin color determination

The origin of skin color has been significantly a discussion of importance among human biology scientists, anthropologists and others interested in evolution of human skin color. Experience was done to chimpanzee and other primates shared almost the same characters with mankind, and this impressed scientists to know what makes difference in skin color among people. Different researches conducted to know the real cause of dark skin and light skin among people of the same origin. There are no other results found out of permanent variation happened to our ancestors based on geographical location. Environmental factors played a huge role in skin color determination. High UVR has been led to dark skin color and low production of UVR led to lightly skin. By natural selection genes responded to environmental conditions for a human to survive in his own environment. Melanin production came as a response to UVR to protect against consequence of UVR in low latitude regions. Depigmentation happened due migration from low latitude to high latitude regions and led lightly skinned color for our ancestors. Everyone has skin color due to ancestry antique geographical location.

Proposal of double-cropping system for 'BRS Isis' seedless grape grown in subtropical area

‘BRS Isis’ is a new colored seedless table grape tolerant to downy mildew, the main vine disease in subtropical humid areas. This new seedless cultivar is an interspecific hybrid from the crossing of CNPUV 681-29 [Arkansas 1976 × CNPUV 147-3 (‘White Niagara’ × ‘Venus’)] × ‘BRS Linda’. However, its performance under subtropical conditions hasn´t been assessed yet, especially under double annual cropping system. For this purpose, a research was designed with the objective to characterize the phenology and the main physicochemical properties of this new cultivar. The trial was carried out in a commercial vineyard of ‘BRS Isis’ seedless grape from 2-year-old vines grafted on ‘IAC 766 Campinas’ rootstock, located in Marialva, state of Paraná (PR), Brazil, in two consecutive crops, summer season 2016 and off-season 2017. The vines were trained on overhead trellises and spaced 2.0 × 5.0 m apart. The duration of the main phenological stages of ‘BRS Isis’ were evaluated from pruning until harvest, as well its thermal demand and main physicochemical characteristics. The summer and off-season crop cycles of ‘BRS Isis’ seedless grape grown under subtropical conditions last 144 and 125 days, with thermal demands of 1,931 and 1,815 degree days, respectively. This new seedless grape cultivar can be successfully grown under a double annual cropping system in subtropical conditions, however, as it is a very fruitful cultivar, it is necessary to perform a load crop adjustment after fruit set, equivalent to a density of 5 bunches.m−2, to obtain a sustainable yield in each season. Under this growing system, the berries present in both seasons, appropriate physicochemical characteristics for table grape market, but with darker skin color in off-season. Based on these results, a detailed double annual cropping system, with some specific cultural practices, is proposed for this new hybrid seedless cultivar.