Voltage sensor dynamics of a bacterial voltage-gated sodium channel NavAb reveal three conformational states.

High-resolution structures of voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) were first obtained from a prokaryotic ortholog NavAb, which provided important mechanistic insights into Na+ selectivity and voltage gating. Unlike eukaryotic Navs, the NavAb channel is formed by four identical subunits, but its ion selectivity and pharmacological profiles are very similar to eukaryotic Navs. Recently, the structures of the NavAb voltage sensor at resting and activated states were obtained by cryo-EM, but its intermediate states and transition dynamics remain unclear. In the present work, we used liposome flux assays to show that purified NavAb proteins were functional to conduct both H+ and Na+ and were blocked by the local anesthetic lidocaine. Additionally, we examined the real-time conformational dynamics of the NavAb voltage sensor using single-molecule FRET. Our single-molecule FRET measurements on the tandem NavAb channel labeled with Cy3/5 FRET fluorophore pair revealed spontaneous transitions of the NavAb S4 segment among three conformational states, which fitted well with the kinetic model developed for the S4 segment of the human voltage-gated proton channel hHv1. Interestingly, even under strong activating voltage, the NavAb S4 segment seems to adopt a conformational distribution similar to that of the hHv1 S4 segment at a deep resting state. The conformational behaviors of the NavAb voltage sensor under different voltages need to be further examined to understand the mechanisms of voltage sensing and gating in the canonical voltage-gated ion channel superfamily.

Endothelial Dysfunction in Systemic Sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis, commonly known as scleroderma, is an autoimmune disorder characterized by vascular abnormalities, autoimmunity, and multiorgan fibrosis. The exact etiology is not known but believed to be triggered by environmental agents in a genetically susceptible host. Vascular symptoms such as the Raynaud phenomenon often precede other fibrotic manifestations such as skin thickening indicating that vascular dysfunction is the primary event. Endothelial damage and activation occur early, possibly triggered by various infectious agents and autoantibodies. Endothelial dysfunction, along with defects in endothelial progenitor cells, leads to defective angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. Endothelial to mesenchymal cell transformation is another seminal event during pathogenesis that progresses to tissue fibrosis. The goal of the review is to discuss the molecular aspect of the endothelial dysfunction that leads to the development of systemic sclerosis.

The impact of racial identity and school composition on affirmative action attitudes of African American college students.

Affirmative Action remains a controversial policy that incites a variety of reactions. Some believe it's an unjust policy that discriminates against applicants, while others view it as a policy aimed at fighting against past inequalities and discrimination. Little is known about African American endorsement of the policy. Two hundred and seven Black students from a predominantly White institution (PWI) and a historically Black university (HBCU) participated in the current study to examine the impact of racial identity on affirmative action attitudes (AA). Results indicated that school type and race centrality significantly predicted AA attitudes. Students who attended a HBCU were less likely to endorse AA compared to students at the PWI and those higher in race centrality were more likely to endorse AA. This study is one of the first to investigate the impact of the educational environment on the affirmative action attitudes of African Americans.

Contemporary Outcomes After Partial Resection of Infected Aortic Grafts.

INTRODUCTION: Aortic graft infection remains a considerable clinical challenge, and it is unclear which variables are associated with adverse outcomes among patients undergoing partial resection. METHODS: A retrospective, multi-institutional study of patients who underwent partial resection of infected aortic grafts from 2002 to 2014 was performed using a standard database. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, operative, and postoperative variables were recorded. The primary outcome was mortality. Descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival analysis, and Cox regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: One hundred fourteen patients at 22 medical centers in 6 countries underwent partial resection of an infected aortic graft. Seventy percent were men with median age 70 years. Ninety-seven percent had a history of open aortic bypass graft: 88 (77%) patients had infected aortobifemoral bypass, 18 (16%) had infected aortobiiliac bypass, and 1 (0.8%) had an infected thoracic graft. Infection was diagnosed at a median 4.3 years post-implant. All patients underwent partial resection followed by either extra-anatomic (47%) or in situ (53%) vascular reconstruction. Median follow-up period was 17 months (IQR 1, 50 months). Thirty-day mortality was 17.5%. The KM-estimated median survival from time of partial resection was 3.6 years. There was no significant survival difference between those undergoing in situ reconstruction or extra-anatomic bypass (P = 0.6). During follow up, 72% of repairs remained patent and 11% of patients underwent major amputation. On univariate Cox regression analysis, Candida infection was associated with increased risk of mortality (HR 2.4; P = 0.01) as well as aortoenteric fistula (HR 1.9, P = 0.03). Resection of a single graft limb only to resection of abdominal (graft main body) infection was associated with decreased risk of mortality (HR 0.57, P = 0.04), as well as those with American Society of Anesthesiologists classification less than 3 (HR 0.35, P = 0.04). Multivariate analysis did not reveal any factors significantly associated with mortality. Persistent early infection was noted in 26% of patients within 30 days postoperatively, and 39% of patients were found to have any post-repair infection during the follow-up period. Two patients (1.8%) were found to have a late reinfection without early persistent postoperative infection. Patients with any post-repair infection were older (67 vs. 60 years, P = 0.01) and less likely to have patent repairs during follow up (59% vs. 32%, P = 0.01). Patients with aortoenteric fistula had a higher rate of any post-repair infection (63% vs. 29%, P < 0.01) CONCLUSION: This large multi-center study suggests that patients who have undergone partial resection of infected aortic grafts may be at high risk of death or post-repair infection, especially older patients with abdominal infection not isolated to a single graft limb, or with Candida infection or aortoenteric fistula. Late reinfection correlated strongly with early persistent postoperative infection, raising concern for occult retained infected graft material.

Comparison of Athletes and Nonathletes Undergoing Thoracic Outlet Decompression for Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) is the most common form of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) and may occur from injury, occupational stress, or athletic endeavors. Although most patients with NTOS will improve after first-rib resection and scalenectomy (FRRS), the prognostic risk factors for success remain unclear. Athletes are a very motivated and disciplined demographic and therefore should be a group more likely to respond to FRRS for NTOS than nonathletes. We hypothesized that athletes would do better after FRRS than nonathletes despite the added physical stress that sporting activity imposes. METHODS: We reviewed our office records for all patients treated for TOS from July 2009 to May 2014 and extracted demographic, historical, procedural, and follow-up data. We contacted these patients to complete a survey to assess patient-centered outcomes of FRRS and compared athlete versus nonathlete survey responses. RESULTS: Five hundred sixty-four patients had FRRS for NTOS, and 184 (33%) responded to the survey. Of the 184 who responded, 97 were athletes (53%) and 87 were nonathletes (47%). Survey results suggested that 87% were improved in pain medication use (athletes 93% vs. nonathletes 80%, P = 0.013), 77% would undergo FRRS on the contralateral side if needed (athletes 75% vs. nonathletes 79%, P = 0.49), 73% had resolution of TOS symptoms (athletes 80% vs. nonathletes 65%, P = 0.02), and 86% could perform activities of daily living without limitation (athletes 95% vs. nonathletes 77%, P = 0.0004). Although 24% of respondents required another non-TOS procedure (athletes 27% vs. nonathletes 22%, P = 0.6), 89% felt that they had made the right decision (athletes 93% vs. nonathletes 80%, P = 0.09). Multivariable analysis of age, race, gender, previous surgery, preoperative physical therapy, preoperative narcotic use, and athletic status confirmed that athletic status was a significant predictor for improvement in pain medication use, complete TOS resolution, and the ability to perform activities of daily living. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients undergoing FRRS for NTOS are improved and satisfied with the result and indicate they made the correct choice to have FRRS. Although being an athlete was an independent variable for better outcomes in activity and pain medication use, their satisfaction after FRRS was similar to that in nonathletes. Further investigation is needed to determine if these findings are due to physical and/or psychosocial factors.

Midterm and long-term follow-up in competitive athletes undergoing thoracic outlet decompression for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) results from compression of the brachial plexus by the clavicle, first rib, and scalene muscles and may develop secondary to repetitive motion of the upper extremity. Athletes routinely perform repetitive motions, and sports requiring significant arm and shoulder use may put the participant at increased risk for NTOS. Competitive athletes who develop NTOS may require first rib resection and scalenectomy (FRRS) for symptomatic relief. However, the effectiveness of FRRS has not previously been studied in this vulnerable population. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of competitive athletes with NTOS who received FRRS by the senior author between 2009 and 2014. Eligible patients were contacted by phone and invited to complete a nine-item survey assessing the long-term effects of FRRS on pain medication use, postoperative physical therapy duration, patient satisfaction, symptom relief, activities of daily living, athletic performance, time to return of athletic performance, and need for other operations. Multivariate analyses of the following risk factors were performed: age, pectoralis minor release, preoperative narcotic use, athletic shutdown, and involvement in a throwing sport. RESULTS: There were 232 competitive athletes who met the inclusion criteria, and 67 of these (age, 14-48 years; 35 male; 99% white) responded to the survey. The average time between surgery and survey completion was 3.9 years (range, 2.2-7.0 years). The most frequent sports conducted by this group were baseball and softball (n = 44 [66%]), volleyball (n = 7 [10%]), and cheerleading and gymnastics (n = 5 [7%]), ranging from high-school to professional levels. The survey results revealed that 96% were improved in pain medication use, 75% would undergo FRRS on the contralateral side if needed, 82% had resolution of symptoms, and 94% were able to perform activities of daily living without limitation; 70% returned to the same or better level of athletic activity after FRRS, and this occurred within 1 year in 50%. Multivariate regression analysis identified younger age as a predictor of the length of physical therapy and preoperative narcotics use as a predictor of symptom resolution. CONCLUSIONS: At our center, >40% of patients requiring FRRS for NTOS are competitive athletes. The results of this study show that the majority of them are able to return to their precompetitive state after FRRS, and few experience limitations in their daily living activities. Half can return to competition at or exceeding their premorbid ability level within 6 months of surgery. The majority are pleased with their decision to undergo FRRS. Further investigation is needed to identify predictive factors for successful return to competitive athletics.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Arnica montana and Rhododendron tomentosum (Ledum palustre) in the Reduction of Ecchymosis and Edema After Oculofacial Surgery: Preliminary Results.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to provide preliminary data on the potential effectiveness of the combination of topical Arnica montana and Rhododendron tomentosum (Ledum palustre) in reducing postoperative ecchymosis and edema in a select population of healthy volunteers after oculofacial surgery. METHODS: This retrospective review examined the postoperative course of healthy volunteers using topical Arnica and Ledum after undergoing common oculofacial procedures, including blepharoplasty, browpexy, and rhinoplasty, in the hands of 4 surgeons at tertiary referral centers from July 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012 using medical records review. Each patient included had used topical hydrogel pads (OcuMend, Cearna Inc., Chicago, IL) containing Arnica 50 M (10) 50% and Ledum 50 M (10). The pads were applied bilaterally after surgery through postoperative day 6. At each postoperative visit, the patients were evaluated by their respective surgeons and assigned a subjective physician-patient rating score comparing each patient's observed healing compared with expected healing if not using Arnica/Ledum. Photographs of patients undergoing equivalent procedures, but not using Arnica/Ledum were used as controls for comparison. Physician-patient rating scores were categorical: markedly accelerated healing defined as approximately 7 days ahead of expected, accelerated healing, defined as <7 days ahead of expected, and no appreciable difference from expected. The proportion of patients with each physician-patient rating score was calculated for postoperative days 1 to 2, 3 to 5, 6 to 8, and overall. Difference of proportions was calculated with 95% confidence intervals using Newcombe unpaired difference comparison of proportions. Photographs documenting the clinical progression of selected patients are provided. RESULTS: A total of 27 patients (16 females, 11 males) were included in the study. Age range was 18 to 70 years. The majority of patients were white (52.9%), and underwent blepharoplasty (78.9%). The median duration of follow-up was 7 days, range 1 to 14 days. The proportions of patients with markedly accelerated healing were 38.5% (5 of 13), 85.7% (6 of 7), 60.0% (12 of 20), and 51.9% (14 of 27) at POD 1 to 2, 3 to 5, 6 to 8, and overall, respectively. The proportions of patients with accelerated healing at the same time points were 15.4% (2 of 13), 14.3% (1 of 7), 30.0% (6 of 20), and 37.0% (10 of 27), respectively. The proportions of patients with no appreciable difference at the same time points were 46.2% (6 of 13), 0% (0 of 7), 10.0% (2 of 20), and 11.1% (3 of 27) of patients, respectively. The proportion of patients using Arnica/Ledum with markedly accelerated healing was significantly more than the proportion of those demonstrating no appreciable difference from expected at POD 3 to 5 (85.7% vs. 0%, p = 0.05), POD 6 to 8 (60.0% vs. 10.0%), and overall (51.9% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.05). No adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary results from this study demonstrate that the combination of topical Arnica montana and Rhododendron tomentosum (Ledum palustre) may be effective in reducing postoperative ecchymosis and edema after oculofacial surgery.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland in a 14-year-old male.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the lacrimal gland is an aggressive, malignant epithelial neoplasm. This tumor is rarely seen in adults and even less commonly seen in children and adolescents; thus, there have been no large studies to date describing the optimal treatment of this malignancy in the pediatric population. Here, we report a case of lacrimal gland ACC in a 14-year-old male treated with neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy followed by globe-sparing tumor resection and chemoradiation. At 2-year follow-up, he remains disease free without evidence of tumor recurrence.

Epidemiology of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus: Recurrence and Chronicity.

PURPOSE: A hospital-based epidemiology study to describe herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) prevalence and risk factors for recurrent and chronic disease. DESIGN: Retrospective, hospital-based cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: All patients evaluated in the Broward and Miami Veterans Administration Healthcare System (MIAVHS) during the study period. METHODS: Retrospective medical record review of patients seen in the MIAVHS from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2014, with a HZO clinical diagnosis. Assessment of the patient's clinical course was defined by the following: an acute episode of HZO was defined as quiescence of disease within 90 days of initial presentation, HZO recurrence was defined as any recurrent eye disease or rash 90 days or more after quiescence of disease was noted off therapy, and chronic HZO was defined as active disease persisting more than 90 days from initial presentation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Main outcome measures included the frequency of HZO with and without eye involvement, HZO recurrence rates, and risk factors for recurrent or chronic HZO. RESULTS: Ninety patients with HZO were included in the study. The mean age at incident episode of HZO was 68±13.8 years (range, 27-95 years). Most patients were white (73%), immune competent (79%), and did not receive zoster vaccination at any point during the follow-up (82%). Patients were followed for a mean of 3.9±5.9 years (range, 0-33 years). The period prevalence of HZ in any dermatome was 1.1%, the frequency of HZ involving V1 (HZO) was 0.07%, and the frequency of HZO with eye involvement was 0.05%. The overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year recurrence rates for either recurrent eye disease or rash were 8%, 17%, and 25%, respectively. Ocular hypertension (hazard ratio [HR], 4.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-16.5; odds ratio [OR], 6.7; 95% CI, 1.5-31.2) and uveitis (HR, 5.7; 95% CI, 1.7-19.0; OR, 6.7; 95% CI, 1.5-31.2) increased the risk of recurrent and chronic disease. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports newer data indicating that a significant proportion of patients experience recurrent and chronic HZO. Further study is needed to guide preventative and therapeutic approaches to recurrent and chronic HZO.

Suicidal Asian American College Students' Perceptions of Protective Factors: A Qualitative Study.

This study addresses the paucity of knowledge on protective factors associated with Asian American college students' suicidal behavior. Participants were 58 Asian American college students who seriously considered suicide within the past 12 months and responded to open-ended online survey questions about what was helpful during their suicide crisis. A phenomenological analysis of participants' narratives revealed the following protective factors: (a) a desire not to hurt or burden others, (b) social support, (c) fear, (d) self-reliance, and (e) insight. These findings can guide culturally informed clinical interventions by mental health professionals.

Mastication induced retrobulbar hemorrhage.

Retrobulbar hemorrhage is a feared potentially sight threatening complication after orbital decompression surgery. We present a patient, 36 hours after surgery, while forcefully biting, suddenly developed a retrobulbar hemorrhage arising from the temporalis muscle causing an orbital compartment syndrome. Rapid intervention with canthotomy and cantholysis was associated with recovery of vision from absent light perception to 20/20. A mastication induced retrobulbar hemorrhage has not been previously described.

Dosing Accuracy of Insulin Aspart FlexPens After Transport Through the Pneumatic Tube System.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether transporting insulin aspart FlexPens via a pneumatic tube system affects the dosing accuracy of the pens. METHODS: A total of 115 Novo Nordisk FlexPens containing insulin aspart were randomly assigned to be transported via a pneumatic tube system (n = 92) or to serve as the control (n = 23). Each pen was then randomized to 10 international unit (IU) doses (n = 25) or 30 IU doses (n = 67), providing 600 and 603 doses, respectively, for the pneumatic tube group. The control group also received random assignment to 10 IU doses (n = 6) or 30 IU doses (n = 17), providing 144 and 153 doses, respectively. Each dose was expelled using manufacturer instructions. Weights were recorded, corrected for specific gravity, and evaluated based on acceptable International Organization for Standardization (ISO) dosing limits. RESULTS: In the group of pens transported through the pneumatic tube system, none of the 600 doses of 10 IU (0.0%; 95% CI, 0.0 to 0.6) and none of the 603 doses of 30 IU (0.0%; 95% CI, 0.0 to 0.6) fell outside of the range of acceptable weights. Correspondingly, in the control group, none of the 144 doses at 10 IU (0.0%; 95% CI, 0.0 to 2.5) and none of the 153 doses at 30 IU (0.0%; 95% CI, 0.0 to 2.4) were outside of acceptable ISO limits. CONCLUSION: Transportation via pneumatic tube system does not appear to compromise dosing accuracy. Hospital pharmacies may rely on the pneumatic tube system for timely and accurate transport of insulin aspart FlexPens.

The moderating role of ethnicity in the relation between religiousness and mental health among ethnically diverse college students.

Many studies have documented the links between dimensions of religiousness with mental health (e.g., Hackney and Sanders 2003; Mofidi et al. 2006). However, very little is known about whether these links differ across ethnic groups. This study examined the contribution of dimensions of religiousness to the prediction of mental health in an ethnically diverse sample of 413 college students (167 European Americans, 83 African Americans, 81 Asian Americans, and 82 Latino Americans). Results indicated significant ethnic differences across dimensions of religiousness. African Americans were significantly higher on religious engagement and religious conservatism than the other ethnic groups and significantly lower on religious struggle than European Americans. Moderated multiple regressions revealed that increases in religious struggle was associated with poorer mental health for African Americans and Latino Americans, while increases in religious engagement and ecumenical worldview were associated with better mental health for African Americans. The findings indicate that ethnicity is an important factor to consider when examining the link between religiousness and mental health.

Structural dynamics determine voltage and pH gating in human voltage-gated proton channel.

Voltage-gated proton (Hv) channels are standalone voltage sensors without separate ion conductive pores. They are gated by both voltage and transmembrane proton gradient (i.e., ∆pH), serving as acid extruders in most cells. Like the canonical voltage sensors, Hv channels are a bundle of four helices (named S1 -S4), with the S4 segment carrying three positively charged Arg residues. Extensive structural and electrophysiological studies on voltage-gated ion channels, in general, agree on an outwards movement of the S4 segment upon activating voltage, but the real-time conformational transitions are still unattainable. With purified human voltage-gated proton (hHv1) channels reconstituted in liposomes, we have examined its conformational dynamics, including the S4 segment at different voltage and pHs using single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET). Here, we provide the first glimpse of real-time conformational trajectories of the hHv1 voltage sensor and show that both voltage and pH gradient shift the conformational dynamics of the S4 segment to control channel gating. Our results indicate that the S4 segment transits among three major conformational states and only the transitions between the inward and outward conformations are highly dependent on voltage and pH. Altogether, we propose a kinetic model that explains the mechanisms underlying voltage and pH gating in Hv channels, which may also serve as a general framework for understanding the voltage sensing and gating in other voltage-gated ion channels.

Asian American college students' suicide ideation: a mixed-methods study.

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to explore the phenomenon of suicide ideation among 293 Asian American college students. Guided by T. Joiner's (2005) interpersonal-psychological theory of suicidal behavior, the authors examined the relationships among perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, self-construals, and suicide ideation. Compared with thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness was a more robust predictor of suicide ideation. However, thwarted belongingness moderated the positive association between perceived burdensomeness and suicide ideation. Furthermore, interdependent self-construal and independent self-construal both weakened the link between perceived burdensomeness and suicide ideation and between thwarted belongingness and suicide ideation. The authors also conducted a qualitative analysis of participants' open-ended responses about their perceptions of why Asian American college students might consider suicide. The authors identified a core phenomenon of unfulfilled expectations as well as 2 broad themes related to this core phenomenon: unfulfilled intrapersonal expectations and unfulfilled interpersonal expectations, comprising the subthemes of (a) family, (b) relationship, (c) cultural differences, and (d) racism. These findings are discussed in terms of implications for suicide-related clinical interventions and primary prevention efforts among Asian American college students.

Association of ST2 levels with cardiac structure and function and mortality in outpatients.

BACKGROUND: ST2, an interleukin-1 receptor family member up-regulated in the setting of cardiomyocyte strain, has prognostic value in patients with acute myocardial infarction, chronic severe heart failure, and acute heart failure. The predictive value of ST2 levels in outpatients is unknown. We studied the clinical and echocardiographic correlates of ST2 levels and evaluated their prognostic use in outpatients referred for echocardiograms. METHODS: ST2 levels were measured in 588 outpatients referred for echocardiogram. Subjects were analyzed by quartile as well as by optimal ST2 cut-point (28.25 ng/mL) derived from receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. All-cause death at 1 year was the primary outcome. RESULTS: In this cohort with mean age of 68 ± 12 years and median ST2 level of 19.8 ng/mL (interquartile range 15.8-23.7), 25 deaths occurred. Heart rate, creatinine clearance, use of diuretics, and the presence of right ventricular hypokinesis were independently associated with ST2 levels. At 6 months, no patients with ST2 below the median had died. Patients with high ST2 levels had an increased risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.5, P = .02); those with elevated levels of both ST2 and B-type natriuretic peptide were at even higher risk (adjusted HR 4.3, P = .01 vs none elevated). CONCLUSIONS: ST2 levels reflect right-side heart size and function and are independent predictors of 1-year mortality in outpatients referred for echocardiograms. The optimal cut-point derived in this cohort is comparable with the previously identified prognostic cut-point for sicker patients. ST2 may be an especially strong prognostic marker for short-term mortality risk.

Stem cell transplantation methods.

Just a few short years ago, we still used to think that we were born with a finite number of irreplaceable neurons. However, in recent years, there has been increasingly persuasive evidence that suggests that neural stem cell (NSC) maintenance and differentiation continue to take ace throughout the mammal's lifetime. Studies suggest that neural stem cells not only persist to mammalian adulthood, but also play a continuous role in brain tissue repair throughout the organism's lifespan. These preliminary results further imply that NSC transplantation strategies might have therapeutic promise in treating neurodegenerative diseases often characterized by isolated or global neuronal and glialloss. The destruction of neural circuitry in neuropathologies such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, MS, SCI prevents signals from being sent throughout the body effectively and is devastating and necessitates a cure. NSC transplantation is among one of the foremost researched fields because it offers promising therapeutic value for regenerative therapy central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Both chemotropic and exogenous cell graft mechanisms ofCNS repair are under review for their therapeutic value and it is hoped that one day, these findings will be applied to human neurodegenerative disorders. The potential applications for NSC transplantations to treat both isolated and global neurodysfunction in humans are innumerable; these prospects include inherited pediatric neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders such as lysosomal storage diseases including leukodystrophies, Sandhoff disease, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and adult CNS disorders characterized by neuronal or glial cell loss such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke and spinal cord injury.

Asian Americans' adherence to Asian values, attributions about depression, and coping strategies.

Using Brickman et al.'s (1982) theoretical framework of responsibility attributions, the authors examined the relationships among adherence to Asian values, attributions about the cause of and solution to depression, and preferred coping strategies in a nonclinical sample of Asian Americans. Results of a path analysis (N = 238) indicate that attribution of cause fully mediated the relations between adherence to Asian values and use of coping strategies. Adherence to Asian values was positively related to attributing the cause of depression to internal factors, which was in turn associated with greater use of disengagement coping strategies and decreased use of engagement coping strategies. In addition, an internal attribution for the solution to depressive symptoms was related to more reliance on engagement coping strategies and a lower use of disengagement coping strategies. Practical implications of the results are discussed.

Asian Americans' lay beliefs about depression and professional help seeking.

Guided by a culturally informed illness representation self-regulation model (CIRSRM), this study analyzed the relations among 223 Asian Americans' lay beliefs about depression, enculturation to Asian values, and their likelihood of seeking professional help for depression. Participants' lay beliefs were assessed through an analysis of written responses to open-ended questions about depression. Enculturation as well as beliefs in biological causes, situational causes, and a short duration of depression were significantly related to the likelihood of professional help seeking. In addition, enculturation moderated the association between several lay beliefs and the endorsement of professional help seeking. The findings are discussed in light of how clinicians can incorporate mental illness lay beliefs in their work with Asian Americans.