Effects of cognitively induced anxiety on hand temperature

This study explored the relationship of cognitively induced anxiety and hand temperature reduction in a nonclinical sample. Forty college students were randomly assigned to either the Anxiety Group or the Pleasant Group. Following a baseline period, individuals in the Anxiety Group discussed with the experimenter topics which were anxiety-producing for them. Individuals in the Pleasant Group discussed topics of a pleasant nature. During these discussions, hand temperatures were recorded from the palmar surface of the third finger on the dominant hand. Data analysis indicated that hand temperature decreases were significant only in subjects discussing anxiety-producing topics.     

Substrate phosphorylation in the protein kinase Cgamma knockout mouse

The phosphorylation state of three identified neural-specific protein kinase C substrates (RC3, GAP-43/B-50, and MARCKS) was monitored in hippocampal slices of mice lacking the gamma-subtype of protein kinase C and wild-type controls by quantitative immunoprecipitation following 32Pi labeling. Depolarization with potassium, activation of glutamate receptors with glutamate, or direct stimulation of protein kinase C with a phorbol ester increased RC3 phosphorylation in wild-type animals but failed to affect RC3 phosphorylation in mice lacking the gamma-subtype of protein kinase C. Our results suggests the following biochemical pathway: activation of a postsynaptic (metabotropic) glutamate receptor stimulates the gamma-subtype of protein kinase C, which in turn phosphorylates RC3. The inability to increase RC3 phosphorylation in mice lacking the gamma-subtype of protein kinase C by membrane depolarization or glutamate receptor activation may contribute to the spatial learning deficits and impaired hippocampal LTP observed in these mice.     

Genitourinary anomalies in the CHARGE association

PURPOSE: We identified the incidence and types of genital and urinary anomalies, and established a plan for evaluating the urinary system in the CHARGE association. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 32 patients in whom the CHARGE association was diagnosed. RESULTS: Of the 32 patients identified 22 (69%) had genitourinary abnormalities. Genital anomalies, including micropenis, penile agenesis, hypospadias, chordee, cryptorchidism, a bifid scrotum, atresia of the uterus, cervix and vagina, and hypoplastic labia majora, labia minora and clitoris, were present in 18 patients (56%). Of the 24 patients who underwent renal ultrasound 10 (42%) were diagnosed with urinary tract anomalies including a solitary kidney, hydronephrosis, renal hypoplasia and duplex kidneys. Further evaluation revealed vesicoureteral reflux, neurogenic bladder secondary to spinal dysraphism, nephrolithiasis, ureteropelvic junction obstruction and a nonfunctioning upper pole in both duplex kidneys. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high incidence of genitourinary anomalies in the CHARGE association. Because of this high incidence of anomalies, patients with this condition should undergo a careful genitourinary evaluation, including renal and bladder ultrasound, and voiding cystourethrography screening.     

Memory improvement following cardiac transplantation

Seventeen patients with severe cardiomyopathy underwent neuropsychological evaluation prior to and at least 1 year after successful heart transplantation. Study candidates were screened, and individuals with a history of stroke, cardiac arrest, or medical and neurological conditions which might affect brain function were excluded. Pre-transplant testing revealed normal intelligence and normal attentional, language, and executive abilities but impaired recent memory. Following heart transplant, memory functioning improved significantly, reaching normal levels. Other cognitive abilities remained unchanged. Results suggest that cardiomyopathy is associated with mesial temporal dysfunction, possibly attributable to inadequate or reduced cerebral blood flow and related hypometabolism. This cerebral dysfunction is potentially reversible following successful transplantation, which restores cardiac output and cerebrovascular perfusion.