Skin Color Research Articles

P30 Exposure to particulate matter induces structural and pigmentary changes to human skin

Abstract Introduction and aims The majority of the world’s population reside in places with high levels of air pollution. The impact of air pollution on human health has been extensively studied and demonstrates a significant correlation between particulate matter (PM) and risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. However, little is known about the impact of air pollution on human skin health. Here, we develop an ex vivo skin model to investigate cutaneous changes induced by the topical application of PM. Methods PM (0, 0.5, 3, 6, 10, 20 and 40 μg mL−1) was topically applied to Genoskin® NativeSkin Access® (Genoskin, Salem, MA, USA) human ex vivo skin samples of White European ancestry (n = 3) for 8 days, with reapplication on day 4. Resultant samples were assessed using haematoxylin and eosin staining (for morphometric analyses), immunofluorescence for Ki67 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) (to determine cellular turnover), while pigmentary changes were analysed by colourimetry, Warthin–Starry (WS) staining and immunohistochemistry for the melanin markers tyrosinase (TYR), gp100 and c-kit. Results Morphological assessment revealed that epidermal thickness was significantly reduced following exposure to higher doses of PM (r = −0.9163, P < 0.01). In addition, there was reduced epidermal cell proliferation (Ki67) and increased apoptosis (TUNEL) at higher doses of PM. Exposure to PM resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in individual typology angle, which is indicative of skin colour becoming darker (r = −0.7895, P < 0.05). Furthermore, WS staining demonstrated significantly increased epidermal melanin (r = 0.9583, P < 0.01) and significantly increased expression of melanin markers TYR (P < 0.01), gp100 (P < 0.001) and c-kit (P < 0.01) in response to PM exposure. Conclusions This study confirms that PM induces pigmentary changes to ex vivo human skin by increasing epidermal melanin. Increased expression of c-kit in response to PM exposure suggests that increased pigmentation occurs owing to the upregulation of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor signalling pathway. Further investigation of the mechanistic drivers of increased pigmentation is warranted.

Sequence and epigenetic variations of R2R3-MYB transcription factors determine the diversity of taproot skin and flesh colors in different cultivated types of radish (Raphanus sativus L.).

This study found that three paralogous R2R3-MYB transcription factors exhibit functional divergence among different subspecies and cultivated types in radish. Cultivated radish taproots exhibit a wide range of color variations due to unique anthocyanin accumulation patterns in various tissues. This study investigated the universal principles of taproot color regulation that developed during domestication of different subspecies and cultivated types. The key candidate genes RsMYB1 and RsMYB2, which control anthocyanin accumulation in radish taproots, were identified using bulked segregant analysis in two genetic populations. We introduced the RsMYB1-RsF3'H-RsMYB1Met genetic model to elucidate the complex and unstable genetic regulation of taproot flesh color in Xinlimei radish. Furthermore, we analyzed the expression patterns of three R2R3-MYB transcription factors in lines with different taproot colors and investigated the relationship between RsMYB haplotypes and anthocyanin accumulation in a natural population of 56 germplasms. The results revealed that three paralogous RsMYBs underwent functional divergence during radish domestication, with RsMYB1 regulating the red flesh of Xinlimei radish, and RsMYB2 and RsMYB3 regulating the red skin of East Asian big long radish (R. sativus var. hortensis) and European small radish (R. sativus var. sativus), respectively. Moreover, RsMYB1-H1, RsMYB2-H10, and RsMYB3-H6 were identified as the primary haplotypes exerting regulatory functions on anthocyanin synthesis. These findings provide an understanding of the genetic mechanisms regulating anthocyanin synthesis in radish and offer a potential strategy for early prediction of color variations in breeding programs.

Image analysis and polyphenol profiling unveil red-flesh apple phenotype complexity.

The genetic basis of colour development in red-flesh apples (Malus domestica Borkh) has been widely characterised; however, current models do not explain the observed variations in red pigmentation intensity and distribution. Available methods to evaluate the red-flesh trait rely on the estimation of an average overall colour using a discrete class notation index. However, colour variations among red-flesh cultivars are continuous while development of red colour is non-homogeneous and genotype-dependent. A robust estimation of red-flesh colour intensity and distribution is essential to fully capture the diversity among genotypes and provide a basis to enable identification of loci influencing the red-flesh trait. In this study, we developed a multivariable approach to evaluate the red-flesh trait in apple. This method was implemented to study the phenotypic diversity in a segregating hybrid F1 family (91 genotypes). We developed a Python pipeline based on image and colour analysis to quantitatively dissect the red-flesh pigmentation from RGB (Red Green Blue) images and compared the efficiency of RGB and CIEL*a*b* colour spaces in discriminating genotypes previously classified with a visual notation. Chemical destructive methods, including targeted-metabolite analysis using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (UPLC-UV), were performed to quantify major phenolic compounds in fruits' flesh, as well as pH and water contents. Multivariate analyses were performed to study covariations of biochemical factors in relation to colour expression in CIEL*a*b* colour space. Our results indicate that anthocyanin, flavonol and flavanol concentrations, as well as pH, are closely related to flesh pigmentation in apple. Extraction of colour descriptors combined to chemical analyses helped in discriminating genotypes in relation to their flesh colour. These results suggest that the red-flesh trait in apple is a complex trait associated with several biochemical factors.

The Human Being as the Image of God

Abstract This is a theological exposition of the biblical statement that the human being is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). The treatment concludes that this affirmation is the clal gadol, the foundational principle of the whole Torah (as Ben Azzai says, Talmud Yerushalmi, Nedarim, ch. 9, h. 4). There are four dimensions to the image of God: (1) Intrinsic dignities—that all human beings (no matter gender, skin color, race, religion) are endowed by their Creator with three intrinsic dignities: infinite value, equality, and uniqueness; (2) Capabilities—God has infinite consciousness, power, relationship (=love), freedom, and life. Humans have these capabilities in a finite but remarkable, i.e., Godlike, form. According to Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, humans fulfill the commandment of Imitatio Dei (v’halachta b’drachav) by developing these capabilities. God bestows these capabilities on humans to use in fulfilling a mission to perfect God’s Creation in partnership with the Divine (=covenant); (3) These dignities are rooted in love. That all humans possess these dignities reflects the fact that God loves all life, especially humans (the most advanced form of life); (4) Prophetic messianism envisions this planet turned into a Garden of Eden (paradise). This is a reality worthy of an image of God, i.e., the enemies of life (poverty, hunger, oppression, war, sickness) are overcome and the fullness of human dignity (infinite value, equality, uniqueness) is honored, in actual practice, in daily life.

The Pragmatics of Racism in Claudia Rankine’s Citizen. An American Lyric (2014)

ABSTRACT This article analyses how Claudia Rankine’s acclaimed book-length poem Citizen. An American Lyric, published in 2014, has readers experience racism in the very process of reading. It argues that the book theorises what I call a “pragmatics of racism”, in its enactment of the implicit working of racism in interactions, revealing the place assigned to each speaker on the grounds of their skin colour. It goes on to show the way the ordinary microaggressions of black people have affective effects on their bodies. Finally it examines the choice of the second-person pronoun in Citizen, claiming that the fluctuating function and pragmatic force of you, hovering between reference and address, aptly mirrors the different positioning that subjects ascribe to others or have ascribed to them by others.

Morphological characterization of indigenous potato (Solanum tuberosum) genotypes

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the most important non-grained food and vegetable crop lauded for its nutritional and health benefits. Identifying any new potato genotype primarily depends on its morphological traits, including vegetative, floral and tuber parameters. The present study was carried out during 2020–21 and 2021–22 at the research farm of ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, regional station, Modipuram, Uttar Pradesh and at ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Kufri-Fagu unit, Himachal Pradesh (for floral traits) to evaluate the potato genotypes for vegetative and tuber traits. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Total of 64 indigenous potato genotypes were characterized for 51 morphological traits for distinctiveness, uniformity and stability (DUS) test guidelines. For all traits, there was a high degree of variability between genotypes. Early maturing varieties are preferred owing to their suitability to fit into the potato-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)- paddy (Oryza sativa L.) cropping system. Most genotypes were either early or medium maturing based on foliage senescence. High variability was observed for tuber shape, i.e. genotypes bearing flattened, round, ovoid, oblong, long-oblong and reniform-shaped tubers were available. Tuber skin and flesh colour determining consumer preference depicted variability from whitish cream to dark purple-black skinned tubers. Novel genotypes bearing variegated tuber flesh with a niche market of specific consumer segments were noticed in genotypes Red flesh, Bareilly red, DRR Blue, Badami aloo and Kala aloo. Moreover, the results obtained from the present investigation indicated that the description of 64 indigenous potato genotypes based on notes can be used as a reference for the protection of new varieties under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Right Act (PPV&FRA) rules as well as a comparison against new candidate varieties.

Standardization and optimization of concentration of different mordants on the dyeing efficiency of Lawsonia inermis (Henna) on silk fibre

The natural dye henna usually being recognized as lawsone is a red-orange pigment that has long been used for the coloration of skin and hair as well as textile materials. This natural colorant garners the attention of researchers throughout the globe for the coloration of textile materials due to the fact that its color can easily be harmonized with nature. In the current study, concentration of different mordants (ferrous sulphate, alum, copper sulphate, and citric acid) were standardized on silk fibre using henna dye. To obtain the results, the study was divided into two experiments. The dyed fibre samples were analyzed for absorbance, color coordinates color strength, and color fastness properties. In experiment-I, standardization of different mordants at different concentrations were done while dye percentage was kept constant at 15%. Based on colour and acceptability results, ferrous sulphate at 2 and 4% was selected. In experiment II, optimization of the level of ferrous sulphate at 2, 3, and 4% was used along with 15% henna dye. Based on the results, it was concluded that 15% of henna dye along with 3% of ferrous sulphate gave better results on silk fibre.

Features of the gas transport function of blood in hyperpigmentations of the skin

BACKGROUND: Acquired hyperpigmentation is widespread in the population and significantly affects the quality of life of the patients. It is known that one of the clinical signs of skin hyperpigmentation is localized hyperkeratosis in the lesion associated with a high level of cell proliferation and cell saturation with melanin. Cellular proliferation and hyperkeratosis are associated with increased local metabolism rates. AIM: Study of erythrocyte gas transport function in women with skin hyperpigmentation compared to the control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To achieve the objective, the concentrations of lactic acid, pyruvic acid and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate levels in venous blood erythrocytes were investigated. RESULTS: The phenomenon of skin hyperpigmentation is accompanied by a restructuring of blood cell metabolism aimed at preserving oxygen and energy homeostasis of skin structures. The obtained data indicate redistribution of oxygen in cellular structures and tissues, which is accompanied by a significant increase in lactate concentration and formation of local tissue hypoxia. CONCLUSION: The formation of skin pigmentation is considered as a physiological mechanism in response to inflammation, mainly associated with ultraviolet radiation. The general strategy of the course of the inflammatory process under normal regulation or dysregulation has similar features, but there are also differences. It seems necessary to further study systemic adaptation mechanisms in dysregulation and formation of skin hyperpigmentation.

Health Risk Associated with Conventional Skin Lighteners and Female Civil Servants’ Comprehension of Skin Lightening Ingredient Information in Anambra State

Skin-lightening products have been in use for many years to lighten skin colour. However, these products contain chemicals that can alter the skin's chemical structure and inhibit the production of melanin. Therefore, users of these products need to understand the ingredients and the potential health risks associated with their use. A study was conducted to assess the health risks associated with conventional skin-lightening products and to determine how well female civil servants understood the ingredient information on the product packaging. The study aimed to determine how many women read the ingredient information on these products, how many understood the information, and how many were aware of the health risks associated with their use. The study was conducted as a survey of 348 civil servants from 21 Ministries in Anambra State using an online sample size calculator. The study was anchored on the Individual Difference theory and selective perception media effect. The survey found that a significant number of female civil servants in Anambra state do not read the ingredient information on skin-lightening products. It was also discovered that the majority of female civil servants in Anambra State do not comprehend the product ingredient information because of its technical nature. Despite this, the study found that most women were aware of the health risks associated with the use of these products. The study concluded that female civil servants in Anambra State were aware of the ingredient information composition on skin-lightening products, but did not read it, making it difficult for them to understand and interpret the information. However, most of these women were still aware of the health risks associated with the use of skin-lightening products but still used them because of the benefits they claimed to have experienced. The study recommended that manufacturers and brand designers should simplify the technical language used to describe the product ingredients to make it easier for users to understand. Additionally, regulatory agencies like NAFDAC and SON should ensure that manufacturers produce skin products that do not contain harmful chemicals like hydroquinone, corticosteroids, and mercury. If these chemicals are used, users should be informed of the negative side effects.

Antioxidant, Enzyme Inhibitory, and Protective Effect of Amelanchier lamarckii Extract.

The present study aimed to investigate the chemical content of Romanian juneberries (Amelanchier lamarckii), their effect on antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities, and their bioaccessibility after simulated in-vitro digestion. In Amelanchier lamarckii extract (AME), 16 polyphenolic compounds were identified by LC-ESI+-MS analysis. The most representative compounds found in the extract were cyanidin-galactoside, 3,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxybenzoic acid, feruloylquinic acid, and kaempferol, all belonging to the anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and flavonols subclasses. The polyphenols of AME exert quenching abilities of harmful reactive oxygen species, as the CUPRAC antioxidant assay value was 323.99 µmol Trolox/g fruit (FW), whereas the FRAP antioxidant value was 4.10 μmol Fe2+/g fruit (FW). Enzyme inhibition assays targeting tyrosinase (IC50 = 8.843 mg/mL), α-glucosidase (IC50 = 14.03 mg/mL), and acetylcholinesterase (IC50 = 49.55 mg/mL) were used for a screening of AME's inhibitory potential against these key enzymes as a common approach for the discovery of potential antidiabetic, skin pigmentation, and neurodegenerative effects. The screening for the potential antidiabetic effects due to the α-glucosidase inhibition was performed in glucose-induced disease conditions in a human retinal pigmented epithelial cell experimental model, proving that AME could have protective potential. In conclusion, AME is a valuable source of phenolic compounds with promising antioxidant potential and metabolic disease-protective effects, warranting further investigation for its use in the nutraceutical and health industries.

“When there’s something wrong, it’s the colour”

Abstract Haitian pupils challenge the homogenous and monolingual imaginary of the Chilean classroom primarily given their limited proficiency in Spanish and their skin colour. One bottom-up strategy implemented by some schools is the recruitment of a Haitian intercultural facilitator, whose aim is to offer linguistic and cultural support primarily through interpretation and translation. The main objective of the present article is to explore how Haitian intercultural facilitators mediate the intersection between language and race in emerging multilingual Chilean classrooms. In order to do so, the article analyses three in-depth interviews with Haitian intercultural facilitators employing the main conceptual tools offered by the model of linguistic production and circulation developed by the French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu. The main results outline that both Haitian pupils and Haitian intercultural facilitators go through a process of racialisation carried out by the rest of the school community. In turn, this affects how Haitian pupils are perceived and treated, as well as how Haitian facilitators can mediate the tensions emerging at the intersection between language and race. These findings represent novel insights into the complex but little explored multilingual schooling processes in the Global South.

Skin colour and disease diagnosis: A cross‐sectional study of medical students in Kuwait

Skin colour and disease diagnosis: A cross‐sectional study of medical students in Kuwait

Filippi syndrome: Three new families suggest that urinary system abnormalities may belong to clinical spectrum of the disease.

Filippi syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by growth and neurodevelopmental delays, dysmorphism, and selective limb abnormalities. Although the syndrome was described approximately four decades ago, only a few families with molecularly confirmed diagnoses have been reported. In this article, we present three new patients of Filippi syndrome with unusual clinical and genetic aspects. These patients exhibited novel clinical features that have not previously been associated with Filippi syndrome, including renal hypoplasia/aplasia, renal cysts, renal cortical thinning, hypomelanotic, and hypermelanotic macules. All three patients had homozygous frameshift variants of the CKAP2L gene, specifically NM_152515.3: c.554_555del, c.981_982del, and c.1463_1467del, with the second being a novel variant. Given the limited number of reported Filippi syndrome patients to date and the ongoing discovery of new clinical aspects of the disease, exploring its potential connection with kidney and skin pigmentation abnormalities could be valuable for future research.

Utilizing Data from Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy Significantly Improves the Decision to Biopsy Pigmented Skin Lesions Beyond Clinical Evaluation and Dermoscopy

Background: Even the most experienced dermatologists may forego a biopsy on as many as one-third of malignant melanomas (MMs). Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a noninvasive technology that send a painless, very low voltage electrical current through a pigmented lesion to determine if it is benign or malignant. This study aimed to determine if EIS data can improve the decision to biopsy a pigmented lesion even beyond dermoscopy. Methods: A survey with 49 images of MMs, severe dysplastic nevi (SDNs), and benign pigmented skin lesions (PSLs) was shown to dermatologists at a national conference. They were asked if they would biopsy the lesion after first seeing the clinical image, then again after seeing the dermoscopic image, and again after receiving the EIS score. Results: 151 dermatologists completed the survey. Respondents significantly increased correct biopsy decisions (biopsy MMs and SDNs and forego biopsy of benign PSLs) with the addition of dermoscopy versus clinical image alone for MM (78.5% vs. 56.2%, p<0.01) and SDN (62.7% vs. 43.8%, p<0.01). Participants also demonstrated a statistically significant increase in correct biopsy decisions beyond the dermoscopic evaluation when integrating the EIS score for MM (86.2% vs. 78.9%, p<0.01), SDN (68.1% vs. 62.7%, p<0.05) and benign lesions (58.7% vs. 48.0% vs, p<0.01). Conclusion: EIS was able to further improve the rate of correct biopsy choice for MMs and SDNs even beyond dermoscopic evaluation. While dermoscopy worsened diagnostic accuracy for benign PSLs, EIS results were able to significantly improve decision making for these lesions as well. This study demonstrates the clinical utility of EIS technology for improving melanoma diagnosis.

Training Family Medicine Residents in Dermoscopy Using an e-Learning Course: Pilot Interventional Study.

Skin cancers are the most common group of cancers diagnosed worldwide. Aging and sun exposure increase their risk. The decline in the number of dermatologists is pushing the issue of dermatological screening back onto family doctors. Dermoscopy is an easy-to-use tool that increases the sensitivity of melanoma diagnosis by 60% to 90%, but its use is limited due to lack of training. The characteristics of "ideal" dermoscopy training have yet to be established. We created a Moodle (Moodle HQ)-based e-learning course to train family medicine residents in dermoscopy. This study aimed to evaluate the evolution of dermoscopy knowledge among family doctors immediately and 1 and 3 months after e-learning training. We conducted a prospective interventional study between April and November 2020 to evaluate an educational program intended for family medicine residents at the University of Montpellier-Nîmes, France. They were asked to complete an e-learning course consisting of 2 modules, with an assessment quiz repeated at 1 (M1) and 3 months (M3). The course was based on a 2-step algorithm, a method of dermoscopic analysis of pigmented skin lesions that is internationally accepted. The objectives of modules 1 and 2 were to differentiate melanocytic lesions from nonmelanocytic lesions and to precisely identify skin lesions by looking for dermoscopic morphological criteria specific to each lesion. Each module consisted of 15 questions with immediate feedback after each question. In total, 134 residents were included, and 66.4% (n=89) and 47% (n=63) of trainees fully participated in the evaluation of module 1 and module 2, respectively. This study showed a significant score improvement 3 months after the training course in 92.1% (n=82) of participants for module 1 and 87.3% (n=55) of participants for module 2 (P<.001). The majority of the participants expressed satisfaction (n=48, 90.6%) with the training course, and 96.3% (n=51) planned to use a dermatoscope in their future practice. Regarding final scores, the only variable that was statistically significant was the resident's initial scores (P=.003) for module 1. No measured variable was found to be associated with retention (midtraining or final evaluation) for module 2. Residents who had completed at least 1 dermatology rotation during medical school had significantly higher initial scores in module 1 at M0 (P=.03). Residents who reported having completed at least 1 dermatology rotation during their family medicine training had a statistically significant higher score at M1 for module 1 and M3 for module 2 (P=.01 and P=.001). The integration of an e-learning training course in dermoscopy into the curriculum of FM residents results in a significant improvement in their diagnosis skills and meets their expectations. Developing a program combining an e-learning course and face-to-face training for residents is likely to result in more frequent and effective dermoscopy use by family doctors.

Real-World Performance of a Noninvasive Cutaneous Melanoma Rule-Out Test: A Multicenter U.S. Registry Study

Introduction: Non-invasive adjuncts to visual assessment of pigmented lesions may reduce biopsies of benign lesions without compromising melanoma detection. A non-invasive genomic melanoma rule-out assay analyzes RNA extracted from stratum corneum cells for PRAME and LINC00518, two genes commonly expressed in melanomas but less often in benign lesions. This study sought to characterize performance of this test in a large patient cohort tested in the real-world clinical setting. Methods: The test was applied to suspicious pigmented skin lesions at 63 U.S. dermatology and primary care practices. Test results (positive / negative) were compared to pathology diagnoses (melanoma / not melanoma) for lesions that were biopsied and to follow-up visual examination for those that were monitored. Results: Of 19,653 total lesions evaluated, 17,858 (90.87%) tested negative. Biopsy results and / or follow-up examinations were available for 5,096 lesions, with median and mean follow-up duration of 352 and 341 days, respectively. For melanoma, sensitivity was 95.8% and specificity was 69.4%. Positive predictive value (PPV) was 13.4%, and NPV was 99.7%. For melanoma and ‘borderline’ lesions combined, sensitivity was 94.2%, specificity was 71.2%, PPV was 20.8%, and NPV was 99.3%. Conclusion: The results suggest this noninvasive test can facilitate distinction of melanoma from its benign simulators, increasing the proportion of pigmented lesions that can be safely managed with surveillance rather than biopsy and/or excision.

R2R3-MYB transcription factor CsMYB60 controls mature fruit skin color by regulating flavonoid accumulation in cucumber.

Skin color is an important trait that determines the cosmetic appearance and quality of fruits. In cucumber, the skin color ranges from white to brown in mature fruits. However, the genetic basis for this important trait remains unclear. We conducted a genome-wide association study of natural cucumber populations, along with map-based cloning techniques, on an F2 population resulting from a cross between Pepino (with yellow-brown fruit skin) and Zaoer-N (with creamy fruit skin). We identified CsMYB60 as a candidate gene responsible for skin coloration in mature cucumber fruits. In cucumber accessions with white to pale yellow skin color, a premature stop mutation (C to T) was found in the second exon region of CsMYB60, whereas light yellow cucumber accessions exhibited splicing premature termination caused by an intronic mutator-like element insertion in CsMYB60. Transgenic CsMYB60c cucumber plants displayed a yellow-brown skin color by promoting accumulation of flavonoids, especially hyperoside, a yellow-colored flavonol. CsMYB60c encodes a nuclear protein that primarily acts as a transcriptional activator through its C-terminal activation motif. RNA sequencing and DNA affinity purification sequencing assays revealed that CsMYB60c promotes skin coloration by directly binding to the YYTACCTAMYT motif in the promoter regions of flavonoid biosynthetic genes, including CsF3'H, which encodes flavonoid 3'-hydroxylase. The findings of our study not only offer insight into the function of CsMYB60 as dominantly controlling fruit coloration, but also highlight that intronic DNA mutations can have a similar phenotypic impact as exonic mutations, which may be valuable in future cucumber breeding programs.

Genome-wide association study reveals candidate genes critical for skin pigmentation in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) strains including koi

The differentiation and variation of body color in fish is an important component of biological evolution and phylogenetic research, and is influenced by several factors such as heredity, nutrition, physiological hormones and rearing conditions, with heredity being the most critical factor. An improved comprehension of the genetic regulation in different carp populations will facilitate future applications of precision breeding and pigment cell development-related genes editing. In this study, we used restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (2d-RAD) to determine the distribution characteristics of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in eight common carp strains including six koi strains, i.e., Kohaku (Hb), Taisho (Dz), Showa (Zh), Golden (Hj), Matsukawabake (Sch) and Five-color (Ws), and two genetically improved breeding strains, i.e., FFRC No. 2 strain (Fr) and red FFRC strain (Hfr), and then SNP markers to resolve genetic information on the population structure and skin color formation of these strains. We found that most individuals of eight strains were clearly divided into eight clades. Genetic diversity within Fr, Sch and Ws is relatively high, while it is low within Dz, Hb and Hfr. A comparison between the populations revealed that Hfr and Ws have the highest degree of genetic differences, while Hb and Dz have the lowest. The GWAS analysis for two strategies identified several SNPs that are significantly related to skin color variation and affect melanin synthesis (ephrinb2, slc22a23, herc2, ephb2), carotenoid metabolism (oca2, bcmo1, bco2) and circadian rhythm(cipc). To summarize, our study provides some information on the genetic structure and diversity of Japanese koi and Chinese FFRC carp. Furthermore, based on the data obtained on relevant genes related to skin color differentiation and pigmentation, it can provide a theoretical basis for the subsequent integration of dominant traits and precision breeding in carps.

Prevalence and Correlates of Health Risk Behaviors among University Students from a State in the Southern Region of Brazil.

Surveys conducted in different regions of the world show that the prevalence rates of health risk behaviors (HRBs) in university students are sometimes higher than those found in non-university populations. This study aims to identify the prevalence rates and demographic and academic environment correlates associated with HRBs among Brazilian university students. In a cross-sectional epidemiological study, a random sample of 5310 university students answered an online questionnaire, with demographic (sex, age, skin color, marital status, and paid work) and academic setting information (housing type, size of campus, year, and shift of study), as well as items clustered in four HRB domains: personal safety and violence, sexual behavior and contraception, addictive substance use, eating habits, physical activity, and sleep. The data were analyzed statistically using bivariate analysis and hierarchical multiple regression. The highest prevalence rates occurred in HRBs clustered in the domain of eating habits, physical activity, and sleep (>60%), while HRBs for personal security and violence were less prevalent (<15%). From 15% to 35% of university students assumed HRBs regarding addictive substance use, and approximately 50% reported risky sexual behavior. The university students most susceptible to HRBs were men, aged ≥ 22 years, living far from their family, studying on larger campuses, attending night classes, and with two or more years of study at the university. The findings suggest that policies and interventions in the university context aimed at students' readiness to engage in a healthy lifestyle should target specific correlates associated with HRBs.

Poetic inquiry into the role of mentorship for marginalized migrants

ABSTRACT This paper explores the role of mentorship on inclusivity and belonging among marginalized migrants, through the experiences of a Pakistani Muslim woman academic in Canada. Using storytelling and poetic inquiry, it examines identity shifts and cultural adaptation, calling for empathetic and inclusive mentorship. Tangled thoughts freefall in poetry, An outsider amongst new faces, Rebuilding my life on my own, I wish to be home, Empty spaces beneath my colored skin, Wearing a migrant suit upon Muslim roots, Like a dandelion in the breeze, The day I heard my own heart break, As its pieces scattered on the concrete, Then my head dropped on a mentors’ shoulder, Where I was heard and seen. Another mentor pulled me up the wobbly ladder, Another introduced me to inclusivity, See the sunlight dance thru the cracks? As I outstretch my safe space, And now my heart overflows with gratitude, For my community of mentors.