Skin Color Research Articles

What does a scientist look like? Children's perceptions of scientist gender and skin tone

AbstractWhen asked to draw a scientist, children typically draw a gender stereotypical male representation; however, research has not yet assessed these representations in terms of scientist stereotypical skin tone. The current study examined children's (N = 69, 66.7% female, Mage = 7.60, SD = 2.13) scientist perceptions by analyzing both the gender and skin tone of their scientist drawings as well as stereotypical features represented (lab coats, scientific instruments, etc.). This study also examined how these perceptions as reflected in the drawings were related to children's explicit gender stereotypes and their science growth mindset. Boys were less likely to draw a female scientist than were girls. Additionally, children with higher growth mindset were more likely to draw a female scientist. Lastly, with age, children were less likely to draw a female scientist, or a darker skin‐toned scientist as compared with a male or lighter skin‐toned scientist and were more likely to draw a scientist with stereotypical features. This study furthers our knowledge of children's perceptions about scientists.

755-nm Picosecond Laser With Diffractive Lens Array for Acne Scars in Fitzpatrick Skin Types V and VI

BACKGROUND Patients commonly complain about the appearance of acne scars. While various lasers and energy-based devices can offer clinical improvement, many of them are limited in treating patients with skin of color. Concerns exist regarding efficacy and safety, including risks of scarring, prolonged dyspigmentation, necrosis, and burns. OBJECTIVE To examine the utility of a 755-nm picosecond laser with fractionated lens array in improving the clinical appearance of acne scars in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective clinical study investigated this laser using up to 5 monthly treatments. RESULTS Twenty-four subjects were enrolled, while 17 subjects completed a 3-month follow-up. The mean age was 33.9 years, and 95.8% of the subjects were women. Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI were represented. Assessments compared baseline to 3-month follow-up. Two of the 3 blinded reviewers agreed on identifying pretreatment and post-treatment photographs for 82.4% of the cases. For physician Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, 100% of the subjects had clinical improvement. Overall, 94.1% of subjects were satisfied with their treatment. No serious or unanticipated adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION A 755-nm picosecond laser with fractionated lens array can safely and effectively improve acne scars in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI.

Pulse oximetry in pediatric care: Balancing advantages and limitations.

Pulse oximetry has become a cornerstone technology in healthcare, providing non-invasive monitoring of oxygen saturation levels and pulse rate. Despite its widespread use, the technology has inherent limitations and challenges that must be addressed to ensure accurate and reliable patient care. To comprehensively evaluate the advantages, limitations, and challenges of pulse oximetry in clinical practice, as well as to propose recommendations for optimizing its use. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify studies related to pulse oximetry and its applications in various clinical settings. Relevant articles were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data were synthesized to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic. Pulse oximetry offers numerous advantages, including non-invasiveness, real-time feedback, portability, and cost-effectiveness. However, several limitations and challenges were identified, including motion artifacts, poor peripheral perfusion, ambient light interference, and patient-specific factors such as skin pigmentation and hemoglobin variants. Recommendations for optimizing pulse oximetry use include technological advancements, education and training initiatives, quality assurance protocols, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Pulse oximetry is crucial in modern healthcare, offering invaluable insights into patients' oxygenation status. Despite its limitations, pulse oximetry remains an indispensable tool for monitoring patients in diverse clinical settings. By implementing the recommendations outlined in this review, healthcare providers can enhance the effectiveness, accessibility, and safety of pulse oximetry monitoring, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of care.

Self-identification and Racial Preference in Urban and Rural Primary School Children from Southern Peru

Objective: This study aimed to understand the dynamics of self-identification and racial preference in urban and rural primary school children in southern Peru, and to discern the underlying causes of discrimination and racism in these contexts. Materials and Methods: The research adopted a naturalistic paradigm with a qualitative approach and a case study design. Participants included 24 students from urban and rural educational institutions in the southern highlands of Peru. Data was collected using the "Doll Test" questionnaire, based on the original "Doll Test" designed in the 1940s in the USA. Re-sults: The study revealed a concerning trend in students' perceptions of beauty related to the skin color of dolls. Stereotypes were evident in students' perceptions, associating the black doll with "bad" and the white doll with "good". A marked preference was identified for the blonde doll, but a majority identified with the black doll in terms of similarity. Most students anticipated an economically disadvantaged future for the black doll and a privileged one for the blonde doll. Discussion: The findings unveil the palpa-ble presence of racial stereotypes and prejudices in students' perceptions and preferences regarding skin color. This underscores the urgent need to promote a culture of inclusion and respect from childhood and the importance of implementing educational and cultur-al interventions to eradicate these stereotypes.

Smashed skin grafting in stable vitiligo: Efficacy and safety

Background: Vitiligo is a common skin disorder that entails cosmetic disfigurement due to depigmentation and carries a social stigma. Smash grafting is an easy-to-master surgical treatment modality for stable vitiligo that has failed to respond to other treatments. The technique involves procuring a thin skin graft from a donor site, smashing it into the thinnest possible pieces, and grafting the smash onto the dermabraded vitiligo site. Objective: To analyze the efficacy and safety of smash grafting in patients with stable vitiligo. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients underwent smash grafting in stable recalcitrant vitiligo lesions. The patients were randomly placed in groups A and B. Group A received PUVASOL therapy postprocedure, while group B received only sunlight exposure after smash grafting. The patients were followed up every month for 3 months to assess repigmentation of the grafted site compared to the patient’s normal skin color. Results: Repigmentation was noticed at the grafted site starting as early as 3 weeks postprocedure in all the patients, and an increase in pigmentation intensity was observed until the end of the study follow-up. At the end of the 3-month follow-up, 76.66% of the patients had regained 50% or more pigmentation of the involved lesion. Conclusion: Smash grafting provided excellent repigmentation in >75% of patients without any significant complications. It is a simple and effective surgical technique that is underutilized. Furthermore, this procedure is less resource-intensive and easier to master than other surgical techniques for vitiligo.

WP6.7 - Decolonising the roots of a UK undergraduate surgical curriculum

Abstract Aim To review our UK undergraduate medical school curriculum, by considering the legacies of the British and European empires and how they continue to affect how we perceive, structure and teach our surgical course. Method We developed a medical student led focus group to assess the existing taught surgical curriculum and monitor progression over time in both recognizing the impacts of colonialism and initiating a transformation of teaching towards equity, inclusivity and decolonisation. We encouraged open discussions about awkward traditional teaching and imagery. Facilitating the dialogue with both surgical faculty and medical students. Results These are some of root cause themes that students reviewing the surgical curriculum highlighted-Unconscious bias relating to perceived race, class and UK as well as global ethnicity.Using a range of ethnically diverse skin tones for clinical images.Discussing how Eurocentric medical teaching has affected or suppressed minorities.Using a range of ethnically diverse British names.Highlight gaps in research investigating cultural disparities.Highlight why disparities exist between different communities regarding the incidence and survival of cancer due to a range of social and economic factors. Conclusions A student led group, supported by senior clinicians enabled this discourse to take place and to be taken seriously enough for change to begin. Encouraging students to challenge dogmas and provide a framework of understanding to provide equitable patient care. Shining a light onto all corners of our surgical course. Accepting as well as explaining the issues of the past to guide future curriculum development.

ASPECTOS SOCIOECONÔMICOS E GESTACIONAIS RELACIONADOS A OCORRÊNCIA DE BAIXO PESO AO NASCER

The objective of this article is to estimate the prevalence and factors related to the risk of Low Birth Weight (LBW), and its impact on socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. A cross-sectional, analytical study was used, based on data available in the Information Technology Department of the Unified Health System (DATASUS), more specifically, in the Live Birth Information System (SINASC). For data analysis, the EPI-INFO 7.0 program was used, where bivariate analysis was used with the Chi-square test considering the Mantel-Haenszel method to identify which factors are associated with LBW. 49,481 live births were examined in the State of Mato Grosso, 8.78% of which were affected by LBW. In the bivariate analysis, LBW was mostly recorded in children of pregnant women who were in the risk age group, marital status in which they lived alone/separated, indigenous race or skin color, black or mixed race, and lived in a region with low HDI . Furthermore, there are other factors related to pregnancy that had a strong influence on LBW, including: number of prenatal consultations and type of pregnancy. Regarding the characteristics of newborns, LBW presented a majority in female babies and those born prematurely and/or with malformations or congenital anomalies. The results found in the present study justify the need to improve actions capable of serving the maternal and child population so that economic and demographic factors have less impact on the occurrence of LBW.

Aminoethoxyvinylglicine and 1-Methylcyclopropene: Effects on Preharvest Drop, Fruit Maturity, Quality, and Associated Gene Expression of 'Honeycrisp' Apples in the US Mid-Atlantic.

Preharvest fruit drop is one of the main challenges in apple production as it can lead to extensive crop losses in commercially important cultivars including 'Honeycrisp'. Plant growth regulators, such as aminoethoxyvinylglicine (AVG) and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), which hinder ethylene biosynthesis and perception, respectively, can control preharvest fruit drop, but an assessment of their effects in 'Honeycrisp' fruit grown under US mid-Atlantic conditions is lacking. In this study, we evaluated the effects of AVG (130 mg a.i. L-1) and 1-MCP (150 mg a.i. L-1) on preharvest fruit drop, ethylene production, fruit physicochemical parameters, skin color, and transcript accumulation of ethylene and anthocyanin-related genes in 'Honeycrisp' apples throughout on-the-tree ripening. We showed that both AVG and 1-MCP significantly minimized preharvest fruit drop with respect to the control fruit. Additionally, AVG was the most effective in decreasing ethylene production, downregulating ethylene biosynthesis and perception-related gene expression, and delaying fruit maturity. Nevertheless, AVG negatively impacted apple red skin color and exhibited the lowest expression of anthocyanin-biosynthesis-related genes, only allowing apples to reach the minimum required 50% blush at the last ripening stage. Conversely, 1-MCP-treated fruit displayed an intermediate behavior between AVG-treated and control fruit, decreasing ethylene production rates and the associated gene expression as well as delaying fruit maturity when compared to the control fruit. Remarkably, 1-MCP treatment did not sacrifice red skin color development or anthocyanin-biosynthesis-related gene expression, thus exhibiting > 50% blush one week earlier than AVG.

Hakikat Manajemen Pendidikan Agama Islam Multikultural di Pesantren Multidimensi Al-Fakhriyah Makassar

This research was conducted at the Multidimensi Islamic boarding school of Al-Fakhriyah Makassar. This pesantren is a modern pesantren but does not leave the culture of Salafi style, which has diverse students from various tribes, races, ethnicities, social classes, different skin colors, and regional origins. As a result of this diversity, this pesantren must have good management. The purpose of this study is to explore and analyze the form of multicultural Islamic religious education management in the Multidimensi Islamic boarding school of Al-Fakhriyah Makassar. Researchers use qualitative research methods with a case study approach, data collection using participatory observation, structured and unstructured interviews, and documentation, and then the data is processed by analyzing it through an interactive model proposed by Miles and Huberman. The result of this study is that the management of multicultural Islamic religious education in the Multidimensi Islamic boarding school of Al-Fakhriyah Makassar runs quite effectively and efficiently; all activities are carried out well, and multicultural values have been seen, although there are still a handful of perpetrators of discrimination. According to researchers, this problem can be overcome by adding more supervision and attention and updating the management related to the organizing system. Keywords: Management, Pesantrent, Multicultural.

Medicalized Aesthetic Uses of Exosomes and Cell Culture-Conditioned Media: Opening an Advanced Care Era for Biologically Inspired Cutaneous Prejuvenation and Rejuvenation

Recent advancements in aesthetic medicine offer innovative cosmetic solutions to enhance patient skin quality and appearance. Advanced treatment options enable practitioners to effectively address skin aging signs, pigmentation imbalance, and loss of elasticity in ambulatory and home-based care regimens. Exosomes (nanoscale cell-derived vesicles) transport a variety of biomolecules and are pivotal in physiological intercellular communication. Importantly, exosomes have recently emerged as key endogenous players in tissular regeneration. More broadly (from an active ingredient purity standpoint), exosomes, stem cell secretomes, and cell culture-conditioned media have been clinically proven to exert multifaceted beneficial topical effects (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, skin rejuvenation). Therefore, human, animal, and plant-derived exosomes or other refined sub-cellular biological fractions are gaining substantial interest within the aesthetic and cosmetic industries. Notably, such approaches are thought to be among the most promising novel contenders for advanced, biologically inspired skin prejuvenation and rejuvenation care. The present narrative review summarizes the latest clinically oriented research on exosomes and cell culture-conditioned media, highlighting their mechanisms of action in various topical applications. Furthermore, it explores the innovation landscape and currently commercially available products on the global cosmetic market and discusses the potential future applications of advanced, biologically inspired ingredients in the medical aesthetic industry.

Specific gut microbiome's role in skin pigmentation: insights from SCARB1 mutants in Oujiang colour common carp.

Beyond the pivotal roles of the gut microbiome in initiating physiological processes and modulating genetic factors, a query persists: Can a single gene mutation alter the abundance of the gut microbiome community? Not only this, but the intricate impact of gut microbiome composition on skin pigmentation has been largely unexplored. Based on these premises, our study examines the abundance of lipase-producing gut microbes about differential gene expression associated with bile acid synthesis and lipid metabolism-related blood metabolites in red (whole wild) and white (whole white wild and SCARB1-/- mutant) Oujiang colour common carp. Following the disruption of the SCARB1 gene in the resulting mutant fish with white body colour (SCARB1-/-), there is a notable decrease in the abundance of gut microbiomes (Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and Serratia) associated with lipase production. This reduction parallels the downregulation seen in wild-type white body colour fish (WW), as contrasting to the wild-type red body colour fish (WR). Meanwhile, in SCARB1-/- fish, there was a downregulation noted not only at the genetic and metabolic levels but also a decrease in lipase-producing bacteria. This consistency with WW contrasts significantly with WR. Similarly, genes involved in the bile acid synthesis pathway, along with blood metabolites related to lipid metabolism, exhibited downregulation in SCARB1-/- fish. The SCARB1 knockout gene blockage led to significant alterations in the gut microbiome, potentially influencing the observed reduction in carotenoid-associated skin pigmentation. Our study emphasizes that skin pigmentation is not only impacted by genetic factors but also by the gut microbiome. Meanwhile, the gut microbiome's adaptability can be rapidly shaped and may be driven by specific single-gene variations.

Locally advanced rectal cancer in a young adult affected with dyskeratosis congenita (Zinsser–Cole–Engman syndrome): a case report

BackgroundDyskeratosis congenita (DKC), also known as Zinsser–Cole–Engman syndrome, is a progressive genetic disease with a triad of reticulate skin pigmentation, nail dystrophy, and leukoplakia. Approximately 8–10% of patients with DKC develop malignancies, and cases of colorectal cancer with DKC in young people have been reported previously.Case presentationA 25-year-old man with DKC since approximately 10 years of age developed fever and lower abdominal discomfort. Diagnostic imaging revealed locally advanced rectal cancer with lymph node metastasis, direct invasion of the prostate, and pelvic abscess due to tumor microperforation (cT4bN2M0 cStage IIIC). Biopsy showed well to moderately differentiated ductal adenocarcinoma. Genetic testing was negative for RAS and BRAF gene mutations, and microsatellite instability (MSI) testing was also negative. After sigmoid colostomy, the patient was treated with total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) with systemic chemotherapy (six courses of FOLFOX + panitumumab) followed by chemoradiation therapy (50.4 Gy with capecitabine). After TNT, the primary tumor and metastatic lymph nodes shrank. According to the findings of colonoscopy and magnetic resonance image (MRI), we diagnosed near complete response (near-CR) and decided to follow the patient without surgery by every 3 months re-evaluation. However, 5 months after TNT, tumor regrowth was detected on colonoscopy and imaging, and the patient underwent total pelvic exenteration. He developed paralytic ileus as a postoperative complication, and was discharged on the 38th postoperative day. Pathological examination revealed a residual tumor with invasion of the periprostatic tissue. There was no metastasis in the pararectal and lateral pelvic lymph nodes, but one extramural non-contiguous cancerous extension (tumor deposit) was observed (ypT4bN1cM0 ypStage IIIC). The patient has been free of recurrence for one year after surgery.ConclusionsDKC often develops into various tumors in the digestive system at an early age; therefore, appropriate surveillance may be required. In addition, considering that cancers in patients with DKC occur at a young age, fertility preservation and survivorship are also important, and adequate explanations and care should be provided to patients before and after treatment.

Gender and ethnicity bias in generative artificial intelligence text-to-image depiction of pharmacists.

In Australia, 64% of pharmacists are women but continue to be under-represented. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is potentially transformative but also has the potential for errors, misrepresentations, and bias. Generative AI text-to-image production using DALL-E 3 (OpenAI)is readily accessible and user-friendly but may reinforce gender and ethnicity biases. In March 2024, DALL-E 3 was utilized to generate individual and group images of Australian pharmacists. Collectively, 40 images were produced with DALL-E 3 for evaluation of which 30 were individual characters and the remaining 10 images were comprised of multiple characters (N = 155). All images were independently analysed by two reviewers for apparent gender, age, ethnicity, skin tone, and body habitus. Discrepancies in responses were resolved by third-observer consensus. Collectively for DALL-E 3, 69.7% of pharmacists were depicted as men, 29.7% as women, 93.5% as a light skin tone, 6.5% as mid skin tone, and 0% as dark skin tone. The gender distribution was a statistically significant variation from that of actual Australian pharmacists (P < .001). Among the images of individual pharmacists, DALL-E 3 generated 100% as men and 100% were light skin tone. This evaluation reveals the gender and ethnicity bias associated with generative AI text-to-image generation using DALL-E 3 among Australian pharmacists. Generated images have a disproportionately high representation of white men as pharmacists which is not representative of the diversity of pharmacists in Australia today.

A Study of Selected Racialised Linguistic Experience among International Students in the United Kingdom

The presence of linguistic diversity in many societies is widely acknowledged, yet it is often linked to various social challenges that must be addressed. These challenges are increasingly causing concern, particularly based on the experiences of immigrants from linguistically diverse backgrounds in western societies. Given the noticeable lack of discussions on the experiences of linguistic diverse groups, this study aims to investigate the experiences of linguistic diverse immigrants in Scotland. The study utilises interviews to extract responses from three immigrant international students. The interview consisted of 6 carefully crafted open-ended questions, employing a qualitative analytical approach. In the data analysis, Piller's (2016) theory of linguistic diversity was utilised. The research findings indicate that all three participants have experienced instances of linguistic discrimination due to their diverse backgrounds. Although linguistic diversity is acknowledged globally, it often leads to inequality rather than equality, as demonstrated in this study. This is because language is always assessed in relation to the speaker's skin colour and idea that only the western society has a standard mastery of English language.

Evaluation of dermatologic diagnostic ability on skin of colour in preclinical medical students

AbstractBackgroundVarious studies have revealed that there is a disproportionately low representation of skin of colour (SOC) in medical school dermatologic curriculum and board study resources.MethodsFirst‐year and second‐year medical students were emailed an 18‐question survey regarding (1) identifying correct diagnoses of dermatologic conditions on either White skin or SOC and (2) their confidence in identifying dermatologic conditions on SOC.Results15% of the images of dermatologic conditions included in the institutional preclinical curriculum show images of patients with SOC. Regarding overall scores for diagnosing dermatologic diseases, students performed similarly on both the White image survey (61.73%) and SOC image survey (66.20%) with no statistically significant differences between surveys (p = 0.14). Second‐year medical students performed better than first‐year medical students overall (p = 0.01) and on White skin image survey scores (p = 0.02) but not on people of colour image survey scores (p = 0.09). Students largely agreed that they were more comfortable identifying dermatologic diagnoses on White skin and that their school could benefit from increased SOC dermatological resources.ConclusionThe overall low scores for the diagnosis of common skin conditions on both the White image and SOC image survey by first‐ and second‐year students are not surprising given the results of a prior study and support the need for re‐exposure to dermatology presentations in all skin types during the preclinical curriculum. The low scores support the need for changes in the pre‐clinical dermatology curriculum to improve diagnostic ability. Second‐year students performed better at diagnosing dermatologic conditions overall and on White skin compared to SOC at the end of their didactic years, possibly due to an underrepresentation of SOC images in institutional and outside educational resources. Attitudes towards school‐specific dermatologic SOC education demonstrated a clear desire amongst students for more exposure to dermatologic conditions in various skin colours throughout the curriculum.

Effect of Different Types of Bagging Materials and Its Timing on Quality Mango Production in Barind Region of Bangladesh

To improve the quality fruits of mango (cv. Banana) in Barind areas of Bangladesh three bagging materials were used for three time points e.g. 35, 45 and 55 days. Based on the paper bag three treatments (T1, T2 and T3) were undertaken for the study. Here, T1 = brown, T2 = white, T3 = black polyethylene bag, and for the Control (C) no paper bag was used. When the fruit size was around (7.24 cm long) the bagging materials were applied for its proper covering. Results showed that for all cases like- fruit color (green-yellowish), length (13.75-15.24 cm long), diameter (4.70-5.08 cm long), weight (293.20 g to 350.12 g), TSS (27.00-32.33%), yield (25.34-30.41 t/ha), skin colour (skin sunburn), and fruit quality (reducing splitting and mechanical damage, internal quality of mango), and finally for the ix) shelf life (15.25 days) the brown paper bag gave the best results at 35 days comparisons with other treatments. Without paper bag the control gave the poor results of the studied parameters. Results showed that the shortest shelf-life (8.56 days) was found in control. From this finding it may be concluded that for quality fruits production the bagging types and the duration is very much important. It is clear to us that the bagging with brown paper at 35 days showed better and it is recommended for mango traders, growers and all stakeholders in Bangladesh. It is important for small organic growers who want to sell high quality and healthy fruit of Banana mango to our local and foreign market. This technology is very environment friendly and also cost-effective. J. Bio-Sci. 32(2): 83-92, 2024

Clinical characterization of women with migraine in neurology consultation

Introduction: migraine is a disease of the central nervous system that presents with recurrent headache, accompanied by autonomic symptoms and increased sensitivity to stimuli.Aim: to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of women with migraine in a neurology consultation.Methodology: an observational, descriptive and cross- sectional study was carried out. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data and the chi square statistic was used to determine the possible association between qualitative variables.Results: a total of 40 patients were evaluated. The mean age was 30.7(SD=7.55) years. Patients whit white and black skin color predominated, 75% presented migraine episodes whithout aura. The patients had moderate to severe pain intensity with visual analog scale (VAS) score 7.70 (SD = 1.77), 100% presented severe disability with Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) score 23.2 (SD= 1.91), 75% of the patients had a very severe headache impact with HIT-6 score 62.5 (SD = 4.40). There wasn’t association between pain intensity and family history of migraine (p=0,804).Conclusion: young women are the ones who most frecuently attend neurology consultations with great disability and the impact of headache

Intradermal Injection of a Thermoresponsive Polymeric Dexamethasone Prodrug (ProGel-Dex) Ameliorate Dermatitis in an Imiquimod (IMQ)-Induced Psoriasis-like Mouse Model.

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease, affecting ∼ 3% of the US population. Although multiple new systemic therapies have been introduced for the treatment of psoriatic skin disease, topical and intralesional glucocorticoids (GCs) continue to be used as effective psoriasis therapies. Their clinical utility, however, has been hampered by significant adverse effects, including skin atrophy and pigmentation as well as elevated blood glucose levels and hypertension. To mitigate these limitations, we have developed a N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer-based thermoresponsive dexamethasone (Dex) prodrug (ProGel-Dex) and assessed its therapeutic efficacy and safety in an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like (PL) mouse model. ProGel-Dex was intradermally administered once at three dosing levels: 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg/day Dex equivalent at the beginning of the study. PL mice were also treated with daily topical saline or Dex, which were used as control groups. Treatment of PL mice with ProGel-Dex dosed at 0.5 mg/kg/day resulted in a significant reduction in scaling and erythema. Improvement in gross pathology scores, skin histological scores, and serum cytokine levels was also observed. Interestingly, for mice treated with ProGel-Dex at 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg/day Dex equivalent, only improvement in skin erythema was observed. GC-associated side effects, such as elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and amylase levels and body weight loss, were not observed in mice treated with ProGel-Dex at 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg/day Dex equivalent. Collectively, these results demonstrate the efficacy and improved safety of ProGel-Dex in treating psoriatic skin lesions when compared to topical Dex treatment, supporting its translational potential for clinical management of lesional skin psoriasis.

Genetic mapping and molecular marker development for white flesh color in tomato.

Fruit color significantly influences the quality of horticultural crops, which affects phytochemical diversity and consumer preferences. Despite its importance, the genetic basis of the white-colored fruit in tomatoes remains poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that white-fleshed tomato varieties accumulate fewer carotenoids than yellow-fleshed varieties. We developed various segregating populations by hybridizing red, yellow, and white fruit tomato cultivars. Genetic analysis revealed that the white fruit color trait is controlled by a single gene that dominates both red and yellow fruits. Bulk segregant RNA sequencing provided a preliminary map of a 3.17 Mb region on chromosome 3 associated with the white color trait. Based on kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers, we narrowed the candidate gene region to 819 kb. Within this region, we identified a 4906-bp sequence absence variation near Phytoene Synthase 1 (SlPSY1) specific to white-colored tomatoes. Genotyping of the progeny and natural populations using a single nucleotide polymorphism adjacent to this absence of variation confirmed its key role in white fruit formation. Collectively, our findings provide insights into white fruit trait formation in tomatoes, enabling tomato breeders to precisely introduce white fruit traits for commercial exploitation.

Rare skin color changes in an acute pancreatitis patient undergoing maintenance hemodialysis

BackgroundSkin conditions are common in patients on maintenance hemodialysis and those with pancreatitis. However, there is a lack of research on dermatological issues in patients who have both hemodialysis and pancreatitis concurrently.Case presentationA 62-year-old male patient with a 4-year history of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) presented with pain and was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and gallbladder stones. Markedly elevated blood amylase, creatine kinase, and myoglobin were noted, alongside a purplish-red skin discoloration. Treatment included inhibition of digestive fluid secretion, anti-infection measures, blood purification, fasting, rehydration, and symptomatic care. Notably, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) combined with hemoperfusion (HP) was employed. The patient’s dialysis effluent initially appeared red. Upon examination of the patient’s peripheral blood smear, red blood cell debris was not observed. The dialysis effluent (on Day 0) was analyzed, revealing no hemoglobin (0 g/L) but an elevated myoglobin concentration of 80.4 U/L. After the therapeutic intervention, the indicators, including the blood amylase, C-reactive protein, total bilirubin, creatine kinase, and myoglobin were improved. The patient experienced resolution of sternal and upper abdominal pain within two days. After four consecutive days of CRRT and HP treatment, the skin color returned to normal, alongside improved clarity of the dialysis effluent. Subsequently, the patient’s method of blood purification was reverted to conventional hemodialysis. On the eighth day of hospitalization, the patient resumed normal diet and was discharged.ConclusionsIn the case of the current patient with acute pancreatitis undergoing MHD, it is noteworthy to report the observation of a unique purplish-red skin discoloration. This phenomenon may be attributable to inflammation resulting from acute pancreatitis, and the retention of myoglobin within the body.