Interracial Differences Research Articles

Ethno-racial categorisations for biomedical studies: the fair selection of research participants and population stratification

We argue that there are neither scientific nor social reasons to require gathering ethno-racial data, as defined in the US legal regulations if researchers have no prior hypotheses as to how to connect this type of categorisation of human participants of clinical trials with any mechanisms that could explain alleged interracial health differences and guide treatment choice. Although we agree with the normative perspective embedded in the calls for the fair selection of participants for biomedical research, we demonstrate that current attempts to provide and elucidate the criteria for the fair selection of participants, in particular, taking into account ethno-racial categories, overlook important epistemic and normative challenges to implement the results of such race-sorting requirements. We discuss existing arguments for and against gathering ethno-racial statistics for biomedical research and present a new one that refers to the assumption that prediction is epistemically superior to accommodation. We also underline the importance of closer interaction between research ethics and the methodology of biomedicine in the case of population stratifications for medical research, which requires weighing non-epistemic values with methodological constraints.

Harmonizing soft tissue subnasale and chin position in a forehead-based framework: interracial commonalities and differences between Asian and Caucasian females.

To establish a reference system for assessing the anteroposterior (A-P) position of the subnasal and lower-facial soft tissues for whole facial harmony. Forty Asian and 40 Caucasian females with attractive profiles were selected as the "attractive" samples, with "ordinary" samples for comparison. Each profile was analyzed, and comparisons were made to reveal the interracial commonalities and differences. Esthetically essential parameters were established. An averaged attractive profile for each race was created by digital morphing and then modified into 30 variations based on combined variations of the esthetically essential parameters. Assessments were performed to investigate the esthetic ranges. A-P position of the subnasal and lower-facial landmarks harmonized with the forehead for female profile esthetics. In addition to balanced soft tissue subnasale (sSn)- and soft titssue pogonion (Pos)-to-forehead A-P relations, harmonizing lower-facial soft tissues to sSn was indispensable for profile attractiveness. sSn-to-glabella, Pos-to-glabella, and Pos-to-sSn A-P relations were esthetically essential. Perceived by orthodontists, the attractive Asian female profiles had sSn-to-glabella A-P relations ranging from 0.5 mm to 4.5 mm, Pos-to-sSn from -9.0 mm to -5.5 mm, and Pos-to-glabella from -8.5 mm to -1.0 mm. Compared with Asians, the attractive Caucasian female profiles had more anteriorly and widely distributed sSn relative to the forehead, wider ranges of Pos-to-sSn A-P relations, and more prominent chins. A reference system comprising sSn-glabella, Pos-sSn, and Pos-glabella horizontal distances was constructed for facial profile analysis. This system could aid treatment planning for surgical or orthopedic repositioning of the maxilla and chin.

Comparing Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Metrics in Healthy Chinese and Caucasian Adults.

The goal of the present study was to identify differences in retinal microvasculature between healthy Caucasians and healthy Asians in order to provide a better understanding of the variability between different ethnic groups. In this cross-sectional study, 191 healthy Chinese and Caucasian participants were enrolled. They underwent optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) scans with Zeiss Cirrus HD-5000 Spectral-Domain with AngioPlex. Linear regression models were used to investigate the association of OCTA metrics with potential risk factors. Whereas participants in both groups are comparable in age and sex, Chinese participants had a longer axial length, higher spherical equivalent, higher intraocular pressure (p < 0.001), and a significantly higher perfusion density of large vessels in the superficial capillary plexus (p < 0.001). Regarding the foveolar avascular area (FAZ), Chinese participants had a larger superficial FAZ, a wider superficial FAZ perimeter, and a more circular deep FAZ shape (p < 0.001). There are significant differences in the retinal vasculature between Caucasian and Asian eyes as measured using OCTA. This needs to be considered when developing normative databases. Whether such findings relate to inter-racial differences in the incidence of retinal vascular disease remains to be shown.

Upper lip characteristics and associated excessive gingival display etiologies in adults: Race and sex differences.

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine upper lip (UL) and smile characteristics and soft tissue excessive gingival display (EGD) etiologies (hypermobile upper lip [HUL], altered passive eruption [APE], and short upper lip [SUL]) in a nondental adult population and to analyze interracial (Black and White) and intersex differences. Community participants, non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) and non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), were recruited and examined for UL vertical dimensions at rest and maximum smile and for HUL, APE, and SUL. Associations between gingival display (GD) or EGD and UL anatomical characteristics, HUL, APE, and SUL were analyzed. Participants included 66 NHB and 65 NHW adults. Ergotrid height (greater among NHW; p=0.019) averaged 14.0mm. Upper lip vermilion length (ULVL), total UL length, internal lip length, total UL length during smile, and UL mobility averaged 8.6, 22.5, 23.1, 16.6, and 5.9mm, respectively (all significantly greater in NHB; p≤0.012). SUL prevalence was 4.6%, found only among NHW. Lip length change from rest to smile (LLC) averaged 26.2% (significantly greater in females; p=0.003). HUL prevalence was 10.7% (NHB 13.1%, NHW 3.5%; p=0.024). NHB had significantly greater GD (p≤0.017). EGD and APE prevalence (6.9% for both) showed significant interracial and intersex differences (p≤0.014). Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that LLC and HUL were the most consistently significant EGD determinants. UL anatomical and functional characteristics and soft tissue-related EGD etiologies exhibit significant interracial and intersex differences, with UL mobility/hypermobility being the most consistently significant determinant of GD.

Examining Psychosocial and Economic Barriers to Green Space Access for Racialised Individuals and Families: A Narrative Literature Review of the Evidence to Date.

Social prescribing (such as green social prescribing), aims to address health disparities cross-culturally to improve well-being. However, evidence highlights racial disparities in relation to access to quality green space (including local/national parks and recreational spaces). This review aimed to identify the psycho-socioeconomic barriers to green space access for racialised individuals/families and Black Indigenous People of Colour (BIPOC), to understand what cultural adaptations might be made to help support them to access green social prescribing within the UK. A narrative systematic review was conducted to identify barriers to green space access for racialised individuals/families and BIPOC. Searches of publication databases (APA PsycInfo, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews [CDSR], Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [CENTRAL], Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature [CINAHL], and SCOPUS Preview) were undertaken from January to February 2022, to identify quantitative peer reviewed studies. Of the 4493 abstracts identified, ten studies met the inclusion criteria and were included for final review. The results suggest that interpersonal, practical (such as transportation costs, entrance fees and lodging costs) and environmental factors can act as barriers to green space access for racialised individuals/families. Most frequently reported barriers were perceptions of safety and costs associated with travel and accessing green spaces, particularly for families. Factors such as diversity-friendly schemes (e.g., multiple languages on signs and additional prayer spaces in parks), funding and strategies to improve safety should be considered in the design and commissioning of green space and green social prescribing initiatives in primary care. By mitigating these barriers green space can become more accessible and improve inclusivity for racialised individuals/families. Future research could explore the inter-racial differences between racialised populations and which mechanisms reduce barriers to access and in what contexts.

Black and non-black population: investigation of the difference in butyrylcholinesterase activity in a healthy population in Salvador, Bahia.

Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), an important biomarker of exposure to anticholinesterases, varies its activity according to the intensity and duration of exposure to these agents. Their normal values may vary in different populations. It is important to determine the reference values for the local population, mostly black/brown. The objective was to investigate the baseline values of BChE activity in a sample of the Salvador city population (Bahia, Brazil), evaluating the sociodemographic characteristics. A descriptive, quantitative study with a cross-sectional approach was carried out in 304 voluntary and healthy blood donors. BChE activity was determined using the integrated chemical system Dimension RxLMax and analyses of sociodemographic characteristics were performed. For the 304 participants (18 to 67years old), BChE activity values range were 7.4 to 19.8 U/mL (male) and 6.0 to 19.6 U/mL (female), without significant inter-racial differences (p = 0.986; Mann-Whitney). The participates were predominantly black (44.7%) and brown (40.5%), with higher levels of BchE activity in males (64.8%) (p-value = 0.01) than females (35.2%). There was no relationship between alcohol use and lower BChE activity (p = 0.725, Mann-Whitney). Women using hormonal contraceptives had a median activity 9.2% lower than the non-users. Despite the high miscegenation and predominance of the black race in Salvador, contrary to what was expected, the sample did not show statistically significant intra-racial differences in BChE activity, being able to use the same reference values currently used, observing factors such as sex, use of contraceptives, and drinking alcohol.

Inter-racial differences in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

ObjectiveLittle information exists about inter-racial differences in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We investigated whether differences in baseline characteristics between Asian and non-Asian population...

Do Discrimination and Negative Interactions with Family Explain the Relationship between Interracial Relationship Status and Mental Disorder?

Using the stress process model, the authors investigate whether individuals in interracial relationships experience greater risk for past-year mood and anxiety disorder compared with their same-race relationship counterparts. The authors also assess interracial relationship status differences in external stressors (i.e., discrimination and negative interactions with family) and whether stress exposure explains mental disorder differences between individuals in interracial versus same-race romantic partnerships. Data are from the National Survey of American Life (2001–2003). Results show that individuals in interracial relationships are at greater risk for anxiety disorder (but not mood disorder) relative to those in same-race relationships. Interracially partnered individuals also report more discrimination from the public and greater negative interactions with family. External stressors partially explain the higher risk for anxiety disorder among individuals in interracial partnerships. This study addresses a void in the literature on discrimination, family relationships, and health for the growing population of individuals in interracial unions.

A Study of Interracial Differences in Turnover Intentions: The Mitigating Role of Pro-Diversity and Justice-Oriented Management

Enhancing racial justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion are the core values of public administration and critical to the functions of public-sector strategic human resources management. However, very limited empirical research has delved into the interracial differences in public sector employees’ turnover intentions and its mitigating factors. Using the 2006–2017 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey data, the present study aims to contribute toward filling this gap in the literature. The theoretical arguments and empirical findings of this study show that when compared with White employees, Federal Black, Indigenous, and Employees of Color (BIEOC) are significantly more likely to intend to leave their current organizations. However, the likelihood of turnover intentions of Federal employees, particularly, BIEOC can be reduced through institutional interventions anchored in pro-diversity management (e.g., commitment to fostering a racially representative workforce), distributive justice in employment outcomes (e.g., in pay and promotions) and procedural justice in organizational processes (e.g., anti-discrimination practices).

Normative Data for Parameters of Accommodation in African Schoolchildren.

The reported interracial differences in normative data for parameters of accommodation call for investigating population-specific normative values. The study investigated and presents expected data for accommodative parameters among Ghanaian children. This study aimed to determine expected values for parameters of accommodation among schoolchildren in the Central Region of Ghana. This prospective cross-sectional study used a multistage cluster sampling approach. Normal participants were asymptomatic (Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey score ˂16), with unaided visual acuity or best-corrected visual acuity of 0.0 or better logMAR for each eye and having no ocular disease or no manifest strabismus. Normal participants underwent push-up and minus-lens-to-blur amplitude of accommodation tests, accuracy of accommodative response (using the monocular estimation method), and monocular and binocular accommodative facility testing. A total of 1261 normal participants within ages 11 to 17 years (mean, 14.75 ± 1.53 years) met the inclusion criteria. The mean normative data for the population include push-up amplitude of accommodation (14.04 ± 2.95 D), minus-lens-to-blur amplitude of accommodation (12.33 ± 2.55 D), and accuracy of accommodative response using the monocular estimation method (0.62 ± 0.22 D), monocular accommodative facility (9.80 ± 3.20 cycles per minute), and binocular accommodative facility (9.40 ± 3.30 cycles per minute). Age-predicted linear regression equations for the amplitude of accommodation are push-up amplitude of accommodation (16.74 - 0.18 × age in years) and minus-lens-to-blur amplitude of accommodation (15.7 - 0.23 × age in years). The study provides normative data for accommodative parameters that clinicians may use with Ghanaian populations of similar ages.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacementin Asia: Present Status and Future Perspectives.

Over the last decade, based on evidence from multiple randomized clinical trials, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become the established treatment for patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. Despite the overwhelming expansion of TAVR in Western countries, the initial uptake and widespread adoption of this procedure have been relatively delayed in Asian countries, owing to the high cost of devices; limited local health and reimbursement policies; and lack of specific training/proctoring program, specialized heart team, or dedicated infrastructure. Furthermore, it has not yet been determined whether there are substantial interracial and ethnic differences in the clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and anatomic features, as well as procedural and long-term outcomes, in patients receiving TAVR. In this review, we provide not only a comprehensive look at the current statusand outcomes of TAVR in Asian populations compared with those of Western populations but also a perspective onthe future of TAVR in Asia.

Congenital Micropenis: Etiology And Management

In the newborn, penile length is determined by a number of androgen dependent and independent factors. The current literature suggests that there are interracial differences in stretched penile length in the newborn and although congenital micropenis should be defined as a stretched penile length of less than 2.5 SDS of the mean for the corresponding population and gestation, a pragmatic approach would be to evaluate all boys with a stretched penile length below 2 cm, as congenital micropenis can be a marker for a wide range of endocrine conditions. However, it remains unclear as to whether the state of micropenis, itself, is associated with any long-term consequences. There is a lack of systematic studies comparing the impact of different therapeutic options on long-term outcomes, in terms of genital appearance, quality of life, and sexual satisfaction. To date, research has been hampered by a small sample size and inclusion of a wide range of heterogeneous diagnoses; for these reasons, condition-specific outcomes have been difficult to compare between studies. Lastly, there is a need for a greater collaborative effort in collecting standardized data so that all real-world or experimental interventions performed at an early age can be studied systematically into adulthood.

Normal Values of Left Atrial Size and Function and the Impact of Age: Results of the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography Study

Left atrial (LA) evaluation includes volumetric and functional parameters with an abundance of diagnostic and prognostic implications. Solid normal reference ranges are compulsory for accurate interpretation in individual patients, but previous studies have yielded mixed conclusions regarding the effects of age, sex, and/or race. The present report from the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography study focuses on two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) measures of LA structure and function, with subgroup analysis by age, sex, and race. Transthoracic 2D and 3D echocardiographic images were obtained in 1,765 healthy individuals (901 men, 864 women) evenly distributed among age subgroups: 18 to 40years (n=745), 41 to 65years (n=618), and >65years (n=402); the racial distribution was 38.4% white, 39.9% Asian, and 9.7% black. Images were analyzed using dedicated LA analysis software to measure LA volumes and phasic function from 3D volume and 2D strain curves. Three-dimensional maximum and minimum LA volumes adjusted for body surface area were nearly identical for men and women, but women demonstrated higher 3D total and passive emptying fractions (EFs). Two-dimensional reservoir strain was similar for both sexes. Age was associated with an incremental rise in LA volumes alongside characteristic shifts in functional indices. Total 2D EF and reservoir and conduit strain varied inversely with age, counteracted by higher booster strain, with a greater magnitude of effect in women. Active 3D EF was significantly higher, while total and passive EFs decreased with age. Interracial differences were noted in LA volumes, without substantial differences in functional indices. Although similar normal values for LA volumes and strain can be applied to both sexes, meaningful differences in LA size occur with aging. Indices of function also shift with age, with a compensatory rise in booster function, which may serve to counteract observed lower total and passive EFs. Defining age-associated normal values may help differentiate age-associated "healthy" LA aging from pathologic processes.

Whose lives mattered? How White and Black Americans felt about Black Lives Matter in 2016

AbstractWhite Americans, on average, do not support Black Lives Matter, while Black Americans generally express strong support. The lack of support among white Americans is striking, and we argue that it matters why this racial gap exists. Using a nationally representative survey collected during the crest of the first wave of widespread attention to the movement, we explore four potential explanations for interracial differences in feelings toward Black Lives Matter. These explanations reflect competing claims made by advocates and opponents of the movement and have distinct implications for understanding the meaning of these racial differences. Two explanations focus on attitudes toward the police, and two focus on racial prejudice. The results suggest that interracial differences in contact with the police mattered to views of the movement, though in opposite ways for white and Black Americans. Support for the movement among Black Americans was not motivated by an animosity toward the police. Ultimately, the lack of white support for Black Lives Matter was best explained by anti-Black animus and racial resentment, reflecting a concern about the threat this contemporary civil rights movement presents to the racial status quo.

Investigation of a 22-gene genomic classifier (GC) for risk stratification and molecular subtyping in an Asian prostate cancer (PCa) cohort.

249 Background: A 22-gene GC has been proposed to refine risk stratification of localized PCa by conventional NCCN criteria, and this may potentially influence treatment recommendations. Nonetheless, majority of studies looking at the utility of GC were conducted in White and non-White men from Western cohorts. We therefore investigated the association of GC with NCCN risk groups (RG) in an Asian PCa cohort. Additionally, we examined for inter-racial differences in molecular subtyping between Asian and White/non-White PCa. Methods: GC (Decipher Biosciences Inc., CA) was performed on diagnostic biopsies of men who were treated with radiotherapy +/- hormonal therapy at a single institution (N = 75). ISUP Gleason’s grade (GG) and tumor cellularity were reviewed by an expert GU pathologist. RNA was extracted from 2 x 2.0-mm tumor cores using Qiagen AllPrep DNA/RNA FFPE Kit (Qiagen, Germany) and gene expression was performed on Affymetrix Human Exon 1.0 ST Array (ThermoFischer, CA). PAM50 molecular subtyping was derived using the DecipherGRID database. Results: We profiled 80 tumors from 75 patients, comprising of 18 (24.0%), 9 (12.0%), 21 (28.0%), and 19 (25.3%) NCCN low-/favorable intermediate-, unfavorable intermediate-, high- and very high-RG, respectively; of note, 8 (10.7%) patients had regional/metastatic disease at diagnosis. Using the GC, 27 (33.8%), 14 (17.5%) and 39 (48.8%) were classified as low- (&lt;0.45), intermediate- (0.45-0.6) and high-RG, respectively (&gt;0.6). When stratified using a three-tier clinico-genomic (CG) classification system (Spratt et al. 2017), 6 of 21 (28.6%) NCCN-defined high-risk and 4 of 19 (21.1%) very high-risk patients were downgraded to CG-defined intermediate-/low-risk, while 2 of 27 (7.4%) NCCN low-/intermediate-risk patients were in fact upgraded to CG high-risk. Next, we interrogated the PAM50 basal-luminal signature in our cohort. Interestingly, when matched to White (N = 5762) and non-White (N = 155) for NCCN RG, ISUP GG and age, we observed a high proportion of basal subtype (62.7%) in Asians, which contrasted the prevalence observed in White (16.7%) and non-White (15.9%) North American patients (Chi-sq P &lt;0.001). Conclusions: Here, we demonstrated the utility of the 22-gene GC for refining the NCCN risk stratification in a largest Asian PCa dataset to-date. An unexpectedly high proportion of PAM50 basal-subtype was observed, suggesting race-specific differences of the tumor transcriptome.

Asian American Perspectives on Immigration Policy

Despite the rapid growth in both documented and undocumented Asian Americans, their attitudes toward immigration policy are not well understood. Drawing on data from the 2016 National Asian American Survey, this article examines both interracial and intra-Asian differences in views toward immigration. Relative to other racial groups, Asians are as likely to support legal migration, but less likely to support undocumented migration. We document significant diversity among Asians. As labor migrants, Filipinos support a congressional increase in annual work visas. As economic migrants, Chinese and Indians support an increase in annual family visas. As refugees, Vietnamese are least supportive of pro-immigration policy. These findings contribute to research on policy support by systematically including Asian Americans in this debate and by revealing their diverse policy perspectives.

After the Storm: Racial Differences in Allegiance to America’s Democracy

Many observers of American politics despair over the possible consequences for the health of America’s democratic political culture of the 2020 presidential election, the January insurrection, and the Trump impeachment and acquittal. The specific fear is that popular support for American democratic institutions has been eroded and compromised. Based on a nationally representative survey with a large oversample of African Americans, I address the hypotheses that a) support for democratic institutions is not widespread, b) that significant inter-group differences in support exist, c) that awareness and assessment of these events are connected to democratic support, and d) that support for these institutions is grounded in more elemental and obdurate democratic values. After finding that African Americans extend significantly less support to America’s democratic institutions, I consider whether reverence for these institutions was undermined by the election and its aftermath. My findings cautiously suggest that the election/insurrection events may not have changed many American minds, Black or White; instead, it appears that those already low in support for democratic values were the ones most receptive to elite canards regarding the legitimacy of the election and its outcome. On all aspects of this analysis, I find strong inter-racial differences.

A Preliminary Measurement and Understanding of Movement-Evoked Pain in African American Elder Adults

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a principal cause of disabling knee pain, and movement is a known exacerbator of pain in African Americans (AAs). Still, research has neglected to understand the relationship between pain with movement and its impact on function and mobility. Our previous study found significantly higher movement-evoked pain between AAs and White American (WAs). Therefore, this case-control observational study investigated inter-racial and intra-racial differences in movement-evoked pain in AAs and WAs (N= 28) who were 55-78 years-of-age (M= 65.75, SD= 6.23). We measured pain intensity (0-10) pre/ante/post multiple performance-based functional activities; we report preliminary results for 7-meter GAITRite® walk and Stair climbs. Pain intensity was higher before and after the 7-meter walk and stair climbs in AAs, although not significantly different than WAs. We will conduct additional statistical tests for the remaining functional activities to identify potential differences and ethnic-specific factors that distinguish movement-evoked pain and function by race.

Effect of sentencing reform on racial and ethnic disparities in involvement with the criminal justice system: The case of California's proposition 47

AbstractWe analyze the disparate effects of a recent California sentencing reform on the arrest, booking, and incarceration rates experienced by California residents from different racial and ethnic groups. In November 2014, California voters passed state Proposition 47 that redefined a series of felony and “wobbler” offenses (offenses that can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor) as straight misdemeanors, causing an immediate 15% decline in total drug arrests, an approximate 20% decline in total property crime arrests, and shifts in the composition of arrests away from felonies towards misdemeanors. Using microdata on the universe of arrests in the state in conjunction with demographic data from the American Community Survey, we document a substantial narrowing in interracial differences in overall arrest rates and arrest rates by offense type, with very large declines in the interracial arrest rate gaps for felony drug offenses. We see declines in bookings rates for all groups (conditional on being arrested), though we find a larger decrease for white arrestees. This relatively greater decline for white arrests is largely explained by differences in the distribution of arrests across recorded offenses. Despite the widening of racial gaps in the conditional booking rate, we observe substantial declines in overall booked arrests that are larger for African Americans and Hispanics relative to Whites and Asians. For some offenses (felony drug offenses), interracial disparities in jail booking rates narrow by nearly half. Finally, we use data from the American Community Survey to analyze changes in the proportion incarcerated on any given day and how these changes vary by race and ethnicity. For these results, we present trends for the time period spanning the larger set of policy reforms that have been implemented in the state since 2011. We observe sizable declines in the overall incarceration rate for African Americans, with the largest declines observed for African American males. The one quarter decline in total correctional populations in the state coincided with sizable narrowing in interracial differences in incarceration rates.

Interracial anatomical differences in the transsphenoidal approach to the sellar region

Objective Injury to vascular structures such as the internal carotid artery (ICA) is a rare but catastrophic complication of minimally invasive transsphenoidal surgery. Thorough preoperative planning, and knowledge of anatomical landmarks, such as the intercarotid distance (ICD) reduce this risk. Numerous anatomical studies have been conducted regarding the transsphenoidal approach, but none have taken racial disparities into account. Methods Since differences of the cranium, especially of the skull base exist, we sought to analyze anatomical differences of the sellar region in thin sliced T2-weighted MRI scans of 187 (87 male and 100 female) Asian, African American and Caucasian patients provided by the ‘Human Connectome Project’ (HCP). Results We found significant differences in the ICD between males and females across all races. Furthermore, we found that the ICD was up to 2.4 mm smaller in the Caucasian cohort compared to the African American/Asian cohort. Conclusion These findings indicate that racial disparities regarding the sellar anatomy should be considered in patients undergoing pituitary surgery.