Biracial, Black, and proud: Can racial pride protect Biracial-Black young people from identity invalidation and depressive symptoms?

A growing body of theory and research suggests that racial identity invalidation (RII)-the active denial of a person's racial identity and/or belonging to the racial group(s) they identify with-may play an important role in the mental health problems that Biracial Black-White youth face. However, research has yet to explore this empirically. The purpose of this study was to address this gap by examining whether RII was associated with depressive symptoms among Biracial Black-White adolescents and emerging adults (N = 713; 61% male; M = 18.40, SD = 3.71). From an intersectional and strengths-based lens, we also explore if (a) Biracial and Black pride individually or collectively moderate the relationship between RII and depressive symptoms and (b) if any of these associations differ by gender. The analyses included two hierarchical linear regressions (one for girls and one for boys) that were conducted using Model 3 of the PROCESS Macro in SPSS. The results indicated that RII was associated with depression symptoms for all participants. We also found several significant interaction effects illustrating that Biracial and Black pride both played a meaningful role in the relationship between RII and the mental health of the participants, but different patterns emerged for girls and boys. Collectively, the results position RII as a salient risk factor for Biracial Black-White adolescents and emerging adults while also illuminating the promotive and protective power of racial pride. The implications for research and practice are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Exploring the association between parental ethnic-racial socialization and parental closeness on Black-White biracial adolescents' choice of racial identification toward blackness.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the influences of Black-White biracial adolescents' choice to racially identify with Blackness, parental ethnic-racial socialization (ERS) messages, parental race, and perceived parental closeness were examined. Specifically, this study investigated how messages that promote monoracial Black pride and messages that prepare youth for monoracial Black bias may be related to adolescents' identification with Blackness, and whether parental race or parental closeness moderated these relationships. METHOD: Three hundred thirty Black-White biracial adolescents (Mage = 14.82) were recruited across the United States via social media. Participants completed the Racial Socialization Questionnaire for Biracial Adolescents and a demographic questionnaire to indicate how close they felt to each parent. The analytic sample (n = 280) included respondents who racially identified as exclusively Black, blended Black, or exclusively biracial. RESULTS: Multinomial logistic regression analyses revealed significant differences in the association between ERS messages and adolescent racial identification based on the race of the parent socializer. Further moderation analyses indicated that parental closeness, particularly regarding fathers, amplifies these findings. CONCLUSION: Maternal and paternal ERS messages are differentially associated with biracial adolescents' choice of racial identification toward Blackness. interestingly, ERS messages from White parents seem to significantly influence racial identification compared to Black parents. Parental closeness further elucidates these findings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Let's talk: The impact of gendered racial socialization on Black adolescent girls' mental health.

OBJECTIVE: For Black adolescent girls to develop a healthy sense of self, families must prepare them to cope with the realities of experiencing oppression at the nexus of racism and sexism. In this study, we examined the associations of positive and negative gendered racial socialization with mental health outcomes for Black adolescent girls. METHOD: To test the hypothesis that socialization messages of gendered racial pride and empowerment (GRPE) moderate the relationship between messages of internalized gendered racial oppression (IGRO) and indicators of psychological well-being (i.e., depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms), a series of hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted based on the experiences of 282 Black adolescent girls (Mage = 15.40). RESULTS: Findings show that more frequent messages of IGRO were associated with more depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in Black girls. Findings also suggest that more frequent messages of GRPE reduce the negative associations between messages of IGRO and Black adolescent girls' mental health symptoms to attenuation. CONCLUSIONS: Mental health symptoms in Black girls are able to be moderated by parents' intentional messaging of GRPE. These findings may provide a strategy to protect Black youth from the deleterious consequences of negative messages around race and gender. Future studies may wish to examine the impact of socialization messages of GRPE and IGRO on Black boys' mental health symptoms. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Patients' narratives of orthognathic treatment for facial asymmetry: a qualitative study.

To explore patients' experiences of orthognathic treatment for facial asymmetry and their adaptation to facial changes after surgery, we did a qualitative, cross-sectional study of patients after treatment for non-cleft asymmetry at two UK sites. A total of 15 patients aged 19-40 years were approached after being identified using patient databases and clinical notes. Individual and photo-elicitation interviews were conducted covering experiences prior to treatment, during treatment, and after surgery. Interviews were transcribed and thematic narrative analysis undertaken. Participants were largely positive about their orthognathic treatment. The following themes were identified: preoperative (becoming aware, negative impacts of asymmetry, committing to treatment, establishing expectations), pre-surgery orthodontics and inpatient experiences (challenges and coping strategies, preparedness, support, and shared experiences); and postoperative (surgery as 'worth it', positive impacts of treatment, adapting to facial change). Undergoing orthognathic surgery was portrayed as a journey involving recognisable narratives (treatment unfinished, threat of liminality, treatment as resolution, and treatment as transformation). Patients' experiences of facial asymmetry are associated with feeling 'abnormal', and negative impacts, and orthognathic treatment for facial asymmetry is worthwhile. Having the feeling that something is 'wrong' legitimised by clinicians allows patients access to a recognisable treatment narrative (resolution). Orthognathic treatment is also described as transformation from 'normal abnormality' to being 'normal'. Nevertheless, the associated challenges can be frustrating, particularly if resolution is hard to envisage. Further psychological input could help patients cope with these challenges and the complex process of adapting to facial change.

Role of carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) in generating an aerobic metabolic phenotype and in breast cancer progression.

BACKGROUND: The lipogenic transcription factor carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) may play a key role in malignant progression of breast cancer by allowing metabolic adaptations to take place in response to changes in oxygenation. METHODS: Immunohistochemical analysis of ChREBP was carried out in human breast tumour tissue microarrays representative of malignant progression from normal breast through to metastatic cancer. The ChREBP protein and mRNA expressions were then analysed in a series of breast cancers for correlative analysis with common and breast-specific hypoxia signatures, and survival. RESULTS: In invasive ductal carcinoma, ChREBP correlated significantly with mean 'downregulated' hypoxia scores (r=0.3, P<0.015, n=67) and in two distinct breast progression arrays, ChREBP protein also increased with malignant progression (P<0.001). However, bioinformatic analysis of a large data set (2136 cases) revealed an apparent reversal in the relationship between ChREBP mRNA level and clinical outcome - not only being significantly correlated with increased survival (log rank P<0.001), but also downregulated in malignant tissue compared with adjacent normal tissue. CONCLUSION: The ChREBP expression may be reflective of an aerobic metabolic phenotype that may conflict with hypoxia-induced signalling but provide a mechanism for growth at the oxygenated edge of the tumours.

Investigation of dyslexia and SLI risk variants in reading- and language-impaired subjects.

Dyslexia (or reading disability) and specific language impairment (or SLI) are common childhood disorders that show considerable co-morbidity and diagnostic overlaps and have been suggested to share some genetic aetiology. Recently, genetic risk variants have been identified for SLI and dyslexia enabling the direct evaluation of possible shared genetic influences between these disorders. In this study we investigate the role of variants in these genes (namely MRPL19/C20RF3, ROBO1, DCDC2, KIAA0319, DYX1C1, CNTNAP2, ATP2C2 and CMIP) in the aetiology of SLI and dyslexia. We perform case-control and quantitative association analyses using measures of oral and written language skills in samples of SLI and dyslexic families and cases. We replicate association between KIAA0319 and DCDC2 and dyslexia and provide evidence to support a role for KIAA0319 in oral language ability. In addition, we find association between reading-related measures and variants in CNTNAP2 and CMIP in the SLI families.

Regulation of autophagy by ATF4 in response to severe hypoxia.

Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) is a transcription factor induced under severe hypoxia and a component of the PERK pathway involved in the unfolded protein response (UPR), a process that protects cells from the negative consequences of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In this study, we have used small interfering RNA (siRNA) and microarray analysis to provide the first whole-genome analysis of genes regulated by ATF4 in cancer cells in response to severe and prolonged hypoxic stress. We show that ATF4 is required for ER stress and hypoxia-induced expansion of autophagy. MAP1LC3B (LC3B) is a key component of the autophagosomal membrane, and in this study we demonstrate that ATF4 facilitates autophagy through direct binding to a cyclic AMP response element binding site in the LC3B promoter, resulting in LC3B upregulation. Previously, we have shown that Bortezomib-induced ATF4 stabilization, which then upregulated LC3B expression and had a critical role in activating autophagy, protecting cells from Bortezomib-induced cell death. We also showed that severe hypoxia stabilizes ATF4. In this study, we demonstrate that severe hypoxia leads to ER stress and induces ATF4-dependent autophagy through LC3 as a survival mechanism. In summary, we show that ATF4 has a key role in the regulation of autophagy in response to ER stress and provide a direct mechanistic link between the UPR and the autophagic machinery.

High-density SNP association study and copy number variation analysis of the AUTS1 and AUTS5 loci implicate the IMMP2L-DOCK4 gene region in autism susceptibility.

Autism spectrum disorders are a group of highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorders with a complex genetic etiology. The International Molecular Genetic Study of Autism Consortium previously identified linkage loci on chromosomes 7 and 2, termed AUTS1 and AUTS5, respectively. In this study, we performed a high-density association analysis in AUTS1 and AUTS5, testing more than 3000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in all known genes in each region, as well as SNPs in non-genic highly conserved sequences. SNP genotype data were also used to investigate copy number variation within these regions. The study sample consisted of 127 and 126 families, showing linkage to the AUTS1 and AUTS5 regions, respectively, and 188 gender-matched controls. Further investigation of the strongest association results was conducted in an independent European family sample containing 390 affected individuals. Association and copy number variant analysis highlighted several genes that warrant further investigation, including IMMP2L and DOCK4 on chromosome 7. Evidence for the involvement of DOCK4 in autism susceptibility was supported by independent replication of association at rs2217262 and the finding of a deletion segregating in a sib-pair family.

Detection, breakpoint identification and detailed characterisation of a CNV at the FRA16D site using SNP assays.

Copy Number Variants (CNV) and other submicroscopic structural changes are now recognised to be widespread across the human genome. We show that SNP data generated for association study can be utilised for the identification of deletion CNVs. During analysis of data for an SNP association study for Specific Language Impairment (SLI) a deletion was identified. SLI adversely affects the language development of children in the absence of any obvious cause. Previous studies have found linkage to a region on chromosome 16. The deletion was located in a known fragile site FRA16D in intron 5-6 of the WWOX gene (also known as FOR). Changes in the FRA16D site have been previously linked to cancer and are often characterised in cell lines. A long-range PCR assay was used to confirm the existence of the deletion. We also show the breakpoint identification and large-scale characterisation of this CNV in a normal human sample set.

Use of relaxation time as a marker for arterial distensibility.

Arterial stiffening is associated with a number of known cardiovascular risk factors, including advancing age, increased systolic blood pressure (SBP), diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and obesity. Many methodologies, both invasive and noninvasive, have been applied to the assessment of the stiffening of large elastic arteries in vivo, but there is no economically and/or universally accepted means of screening patients for atherosclerosis. From preliminary studies, a novel parameter, arterial relaxation time, has been identified as a potential indicator for inferring the elasticity of arteries. Preliminary measurements of arterial relaxation time of six normotensive subjects are significantly less than measurements of four hypertensive subjects.

Application of Raman scattering to the measurement of ligament tension.

More marginal results and complications occur as a result of knee ligament surgery than of other common surgical procedure. Long-term success rates of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction range between 75 and 90%. The goal of knee surgery is to restore the normal kinematics of the knee. If the tension is too high, the range of motion of the joint is restricted, resulting in abnormal stresses on the articular cartilage and the meniscuses, and interfering with the revascularization of the graft. The use of Raman spectroscopy for the measurement of tension in ligaments and tendons is described. Measurements of the Raman spectrum demonstrate that the Raman frequencies shift with applied tension.

The effect of a mandibular advancement splint in subjects with sleep-related breathing disorders.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the effectiveness of a mandibular advancement splint (MAS) in subjects with sleep-related breathing disorders using both objective and subjective outcome measures. DESIGN: The study was carried out as a retrospective analysis. SETTING: The study was conducted within the Sleep Studies Unit at the Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, between May 1997 and March 2000. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty subjects with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and six with non-apnoeic snoring, diagnosed by overnight polysomnography, were fitted with a monobloc appliance between May 1997 and March 2000. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The subjects were analysed for changes in the respiratory disturbance index (RDI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores. In addition each subject completed an outcome questionnaire following fitting of the appliance. RESULTS: Variability in response measured by the change in the respiratory disturbance index was found with no correlation to the baseline recording. Although median RDI values improved in both groups, significantly so in the obstructive sleep apnoea group (p<0.05), seven subjects exhibited an increased RDI score following mandibular advancement splint therapy. The median Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores decreased in both the OSA group and the non-apnoeic snorers although not significantly. Twenty-one of the 26 subjects completed the outcome questionnaire revealing an 81% reduction in snoring. Side-effects were generally transient and minor. Eighty-six per cent of the subjects' partners reported better quality of sleep as a result of MAS therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The monobloc appliance significantly improved the Respiratory Disturbance Index in the obstructive sleep apnoea group. Some subjects had increased RDI scores following splint therapy. This supports the need for an objective assessment in the follow-up of patients treated with mandibular advancement splints.

Retinal Blood Velocity Measurements using Laser Speckle Imaging.

Retinal blood velocity measurements using laser speckle imaging were obtained using a modified fundus camera. The effect of blood oxygen saturation on retinal blood velocity was examined using a rabbit model.

A clinical comparison of the quadhelix appliance and the nickel titanium (tandem loop) palatal expander: a preliminary, prospective investigation.

Maxillary expansion using either a quadhelix appliance (Qx) or a nickel titanium palatal expander (Nt) was prospectively compared in 28 consecutive new patients (19 female, nine male) presenting with posterior buccal segment crossbites. Study models taken at each activation were measured to determine the mean maxillary expansion efficacy (Emax) and the mean expansion rate (m(max)) across the first molars and first premolars. Patient discomfort was assessed using visual analogue scores, and cost-effectiveness was also considered. Neither Emax nor m(max) differed significantly between Qx and Nt across either the first molars or the first premolars. However, both Emax and m(max) were significantly greater across the first molars than across the first premolars only with Qx (Emax: 8.4 +/- 0.7 mm versus 5.1 +/- 0.6 mm, P = 0.001; m(max): 0.09 +/- 0.005 mm/day versus 0.05 +/- 0.006 mm/day, P = 0.0001). In addition, greater variance was apparent in m(max) with Nt than with Qx across both the first molars and the first premolars. Overall, Qx and Nt elicited similar discomfort. However, significantly less was reported with Nt on days 6 (P = 0.04) and 7 (P= 0.03) following the second 'activation'. These preliminary results suggest that Qx and Nt are equally efficacious maxillary expanders. However, Qx expansion appeared significantly more controlled, as well as more individually predictable in expansion rate. Overall, Qx and Nt probably elicit similar discomfort, but significantly less discomfort may be seen with Nt following the second activation. Finally, because more than one appliance is invariably required with Nt, Qx expansion is potentially less costly.

Screening for novel ENU-induced rhythm, entrainment and activity mutants.

Chemical mutagenesis has provided an opportunity to develop and expand the repertoire of behavioural mutants for gene function studies. With this in mind, we have established a screen in mice for mutations affecting circadian rhythms, entrainment to light and other wheel-running parameters. The screen consists of an assessment of mouse wheel-running activity in a 12:12 h light/dark cycle for 7-10 days followed by assessment in constant darkness for up to 20 days. Responses to light are assessed using two protocols; a 15 minute light pulse given at circadian time 16 on the tenth day in constant darkness and an additional 12 h of light upon transition from light/dark conditions to constant darkness. To date, approximately 1300 progeny of chemically mutagenised mice have been screened. Computer-aided assessment of wheel-running parameters has helped in identifying abnormal phenotypes in approximately 5% of all animals screened. Inheritance testing of mice with abnormal phenotypes has confirmed the number of robustly inherited mutant phenotypes to be 1% of the total screened. Confirmed mutants including those affecting free-running period, light-responsiveness and wheel-running endurance have been identified. Thus far, low-resolution map positions have been established for four mutants by completing genome scans in backcross progeny. Mutant loci do not correspond with those previously associated with wheel-running behaviour. This result confirms that phenotype-driven approaches such as this should continue to provide material for mammalian gene function studies.

Blood velocity measurements using laser speckle imaging.

Blood velocity measurements in the skin of pigs are reported. Measurements were obtained using laser speckle contrast analysis with a multiple scattering correction. Laser speckle contrast analysis is a rapid technique for obtaining a velocity mapping of perfused tissue. Measurements of blood velocity in pig skin were obtained using a laser and a monochrome digital camera. Blood velocities were measured in tissue prior to and after elevation of flaps. The effect of Iloprost and nitroglycerine on local blood velocity was also examined in nonexcised tissue.

A radiographic analysis of computer prediction in conjunction with orthognathic surgery.

This retrospective study analysed the accuracy and reliability of predictions generated in patients treated with orthognathic surgery by comparing Quick Ceph Image software (Quick Ceph Image Pro version 3.0) predictions with post-surgical lateral cephalographs. Pre- and post-surgical lateral cephalographs of 28 adult patients (12 males and 16 females) were scanned into the computer and 28 landmarks were identified and digitized. Digitization error was assessed from repeated digitization. Fourteen measurements of the predicted and actual postsurgical hard tissue landmarks were compared using Student's t-test. Results showed a good correlation between repeated digitization for all measurements. Student's t-test indicated that 10 of the 14 measurements showed no statistically significant differences. Only the ANB (P=0.008), FMA (P=0.001), SN-Mxl (P=0.03) and Wit's (P=0.0001) showed statistically significant differences between the predicted and actual measurements. However only the Wit's showed clinical significant differences between the two measurements. Caution still must remain as the surgeon may not achieve his planned position in an individual patient. In some cultures there may also be medico-legal implications of these predictions.

Men's estimates of prostate cancer risk and self-reported rates of screening.

OBJECTIVE: To determine rates of prostate cancer screening and predictors of men's participation in this screening in the light of national recommendations against prostate cancer screening DESIGN: Community-based study (computer-assisted telephone survey). SETTING: Central Sydney Area Health Service. PARTICIPANTS: Randomly selected men aged 40-80 years. RESULTS: 340 men participated (65% response rate). While the true lifetime (0-74 years) risk of developing or dying from prostate cancer is reported to be one in 18 (6%) and one in 65 (1.5%), respectively, 37% of respondents thought that at least one in five men (20%) would develop prostate cancer before the age of 75 years and 11% that one in five (20%) would die from it. Twenty-two per cent of men aged 50 years or over had been screened for prostate cancer within the previous 12 months. Ever worrying about prostate cancer and bothersome urinary symptoms independently predicted the probability of screening within the previous year. Sociodemographic characteristics such as age, occupation and country of birth were not associated with screening. CONCLUSIONS: Public health initiatives to discourage prostate cancer screening should focus particularly on men with bothersome urinary symptoms and those who worry about prostate cancer. Accurate information about the low risks of dying from prostate cancer needs to be communicated, and the speculative nature of current evidence in support of screening as a means of reducing this risk should be emphasised.

Methods of debonding ceramic brackets.

The problem of debonding ceramic brackets is still one which concerns the orthodontist. It is advisable to use the manufacturers recommended method of debonding each particular type of bracket. The risks of using such brackets need to be carefully assessed against the benefits. Risks can be minimized by carefully assessing the patient and the dentition, avoiding heavily restored teeth with pre-existing enamel cracks. It would seem wise to obtain an informed consent from the patient having out-lined the potential problems.