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La prima edizione di Computers as Theatre di Brande Laurel è considerata da molti esperti e critici una svolta e un contributo sorprendente non solo per il mondo degli operatori e degli scienziati del computer. Attraverso la scelta di mettere in campo insieme computer e teatro l’autrice spalanca le porte di nuove prospettive, inedite. Esse riguardano la natura della macchina e la possibilità di decostruirla in modo assolutamente innovativo. Investono anche coloro che erano considerati e si consideravano i protagonisti: in primo luogo gli ingegneri, e poi gli ingeneri informatici. Il teatro e le sue caratteristiche fondamentali e il suo pubblico e i modi che si offrono a una nuova progettazione delle interfacce sono i protagonisti di questo saggio. Il linguaggio di Brenda Laurel non solo non segue pari passo le abitudini del recente passato ma il suo stile simpatico, diretto, colloquiale e non accademico, introduce in modo perentorio quella che possiamo chiamare l’esperienza di vita vissuta. Quella che altre sue colleghe in questa “rivoluzione” ridefiniscono non solo nei comportamenti e nelle regole ma nel profondo dell’io e della propria vita e di quella degli altri. Alla fine tutte insieme, le voci delle esperte nel campo degli studi sui media, partecipano al gioco, a un nuovo gioco in cui le donne sono protagoniste: quelle donne che entrano nel gioco dell’interattività.

Abstract Background Several studies have reported a relationship between retinal thickness and dementia. Therefore, optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been proposed as an early diagnosis method for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) aimed at identifying genes associated with retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness assessed by OCT and exploring the relationships between the spectrum of cognitive decline (including AD and non-AD cases) and retinal thickness. Methods RNFL and GCIPL thickness at the macula were determined using two different OCT devices (Triton and Maestro). These determinations were tested for association with common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) using adjusted linear regression models and combined using meta-analysis methods. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for retinal thickness and AD were generated. Results Several genetic loci affecting retinal thickness were identified across the genome in accordance with previous reports. The genetic overlap between retinal thickness and dementia, however, was weak and limited to the GCIPL layer; only those observable with all-type dementia cases were considered. Conclusions Our study does not support the existence of a genetic link between dementia and retinal thickness.

L’articolo concentra l’attenzione sulla forma inedita di dominio propria della comunicazione digitale. Questo dominio è comparabile con la frattura epocale che ha caratterizzato l’affermazione del capitalismo nel mondo ed è comparabile con la rivoluzione inavvertita (Eisenstein, 1986) che ha segnato l’avvento della tipografia gutemberghiana. La rottura e crisi della modernità richiede una nuova narrazione. Decisivo è il ruolo della tecnologia, non più strumento del paradigma logico-sequenziale (codice alfabetico) ma, al contrario, “padrona assoluta” della comunicazione digitale. Lo strappo che il dominio della comunicazione digitale imprime alla società del presente è in un primo tempo la promessa delle tecnologie di libertà (De Sola Pool, 1995). Ma poi prevalgono cedimento, resa e complicità totale alla forza dominante del capitalismo radicale. La narrazione controllata dal dominio della comunicazione digitale rappresenta una realtà libera da conflitti e frizioni (Gates, 1997). È una realtà piatta. A questa narrazione oppongo una visione drammatica, di lungo periodo e un pensiero del conflitto. Il comando globale della comunicazione digitale non accetta forme di costituzione di una scienza che analizzi e riveli la sua natura e i conflitti che genera, tantomeno una teoria “negativa” che riattualizzi un’antica forma di teoria critica (Adorno, Horkheimer, 1947). Rimane oscura la fine traumatica della modernità: la falsa pace universale della globalizzazione va a pezzi, sparisce il nocciolo duro della modernità, quello definito da Kant: la ragione, e con essa il suo strumento fondamentale la ratio alfabetica. L’apparenza di una diffusione globale di ricchezza e di benessere si fonda sull’ideologia di una realtà piatta. Narrata da un pensiero conciliante che non conosce conflitti, disuguaglianze, guerre e povertà. Questo è il campo in cui vivono gli outsiders senza che essi percepiscano la drammaticità della propria condizione di vita. Il popolo degli outsiders è un soggetto intermittente ma originato da questi processi rivoluzionari e al tempo stesso involutivi. Gli outsiders sono una realtà e una presenza attuale. Un popolo attrezzato tecnologicamente ma povero culturalmente. I fans, infine, sono la degradazione degli outsiders.

Abstract Although beta-amyloid (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau remain the preferred targets for disease-modifying treatments (DMT) against Alzheimer’s disease (AD), part of the pathophysiological mechanisms of cognitive impairment are related to neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. In mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a prodromal stage of AD and other neurodegenerative conditions, the joint appearance of inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic alterations are the common pathways of neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration. The standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba EGb 761 interferes with the pathogenic mechanisms involved in both the development of cognitive impairment due to AD and that of vascular origin. The primary objective of this study is to compare changes in the levels of blood markers of inflammation and oxidative stress after treatment with EGb 761 in a cohort of 100 patients with MCI. In addition, we aim to assess changes in these blood markers during an additional 12-month extension phase in which patients in the control group will also receive EGb 761 and patients in the active group will extend their treatment duration. Secondary objectives include comparing changes in neuropsychiatric and cognitive test scores between the baseline (v0) and 12-month visits (v2). This study is a Phase IV, single-center, randomized, open-label, parallel-group clinical trial consisting of the 12-month follow-up of a cohort of participants with MCI [Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) = 3] and an extension with an additional 12-month follow-up. During the first 12 months, participants will be randomized into two arms: in one arm, patients will receive 1 daily tablet of EGb 761 240 mg orally (study group, n = 50), while in the other arm, patients will not receive EGb 761 and will undergo the same assessments as the treated group (control group, n = 50). After the first 12 months of the study, patients in the EGb 761-treated group will continue treatment, and patients in the control group will be offered one EGb 761 240 mg tablet per day orally. All participants will be monitored for an additional 12 months. A battery of blood markers of inflammation and oxidative stress will be quantified at v0, v1, v2, v3, and v4. The Olink Proteomics panel of inflammation markers ( https://www.olink.com/products/inflammation/ ) will be used to evaluate 92 proteins associated with inflammatory diseases and related biological processes. The second panel measures 92 proteins involved in neurological processes. At v0, v2, and v4, neuropsychological and neurological evaluations will be conducted in addition to vital signs and anthropometric studies using a body composition monitor with bioimpedance technology (Tanita). Sixty percent of the 100 MCI patients recruited were women. The mean age was 73.1 years, and the mean time between symptom onset and MCI diagnosis was 2.9 years. The mean Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score was 26.7. Depressive and anxiety disorders, as well as vascular risk factors, were the most frequent comorbidities among the cohort. The study is still ongoing, and results for the first year of treatment (v0, v1, v2) are expected by 2023. Individuals with MCI have an elevated risk of developing dementia. EGb 761 is used worldwide for the symptomatic treatment of cognitive disorders due to its neuroprotective effects. In experimental models and clinical observational studies, EGb 761 has shown strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. As a result, this study has been proposed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on plasma markers and their potential clinical correlation with the progression of cognitive decline in patients with MCI. Trial registration: Registro Español de estudios clínicos (REec) number 2020-003776-41, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05594355.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by a gradual decline in cognitive functions. Currently, there are no effective treatments for AD, underscoring the importance of identifying individuals in the preclinical stages of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to enable early interventions. Among the neuropathological events associated with the onset of the disease is the accumulation of amyloid protein in the brain, which correlates with decreased levels of Aβ42 peptide in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Consequently, the development of non-invasive, low-cost, and easy-to-administer proxies for detecting Aβ42 positivity in CSF becomes particularly valuable. A promising approach to achieve this is spontaneous speech analysis, which combined with machine learning (ML) techniques, has proven highly useful in AD. In this study, we examined the relationship between amyloid status in CSF and acoustic features derived from the description of the Cookie Theft picture in MCI patients from a memory clinic. The cohort consisted of fifty-two patients with MCI (mean age 73 years, 65% female, and 57% positive amyloid status). Eighty-eight acoustic parameters were extracted from voice recordings using the extended Geneva Minimalistic Acoustic Parameter Set (eGeMAPS), and several ML models were used to classify the amyloid status. Furthermore, interpretability techniques were employed to examine the influence of input variables on the determination of amyloid-positive status. The best model, based on acoustic variables, achieved an accuracy of 75% with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.79 in the prediction of amyloid status evaluated by bootstrapping and Leave-One-Out Cross Validation (LOOCV), outperforming conventional neuropsychological tests (AUC = 0.66). Our results showed that the automated analysis of voice recordings derived from spontaneous speech tests offers valuable insights into AD biomarkers during the preclinical stages. These findings introduce novel possibilities for the use of digital biomarkers to identify subjects at high risk of developing AD.

BackgroundOptical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) is a novel method in the dementia field that allows the detection of retinal vascular changes. The comparison of OCT-A measures with established Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-related biomarkers is essential to validate the former as a marker of cerebrovascular impairment in the AD continuum. We aimed to investigate the association of macular vessel density (VD) in the superficial plexus quantified by OCT-A with the AT(N) classification based on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ1-42, p181-tau and t-tau measurements in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).Materials and methodsClinical, demographic, ophthalmological, OCT-A and CSF core biomarkers for AD data from the Neuro-ophthalmology Research at Fundació ACE (NORFACE) project were analyzed. Differences in macular VD in four quadrants (superior, nasal, inferior, and temporal) among three AT(N) groups [Normal, Alzheimer and Suspected non-Alzheimer pathology (SNAP)] were assessed in a multivariate regression model, adjusted for age, APOE ε4 status, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and smoking habit, using the Normal AT(N) group as the reference category.ResultsThe study cohort comprised 144 MCI participants: 66 Normal AT(N), 45 Alzheimer AT(N) and 33 SNAP AT(N). Regression analysis showed no significant association of the AT(N) groups with any of the regional macular VD measures (all, p > 0.16). The interaction between sex and AT(N) groups had no effect on differentiating VD. Lastly, CSF Aβ1-42, p181-tau and t-tau measures were not correlated to VD (all r < 0.13; p > 0.13).DiscussionOur study showed that macular VD measures were not associated with the AT(N) classification based on CSF biomarkers in patients with MCI, and did not differ between AD and other underlying causes of cognitive decline in our cohort.

El objetivo de este artículo es comprender e identificar qué aspectos normativos favorecen o inhiben procesos electorales de calidad desde la perspectiva de la integridad electoral. A partir de un estudio de caso, se desarrolla una perspectiva teórica para estudiar cualitativamente la elección municipal de Puebla en 2013 en relación a las prácticas de marketing político y el actuar de los grupos de interés en las campañas. El análisis del caso y la problemática, así como la revisión de la manera en que se evalúa la calidad de las elecciones en índices de observación electoral, plantea la necesidad de profundizar sobre propuestas teóricas y metodológicas interdisciplinarias, como las del marketing político. Así, este trabajo propone líneas de investigación para profundizar la observación con elementos teóricos del marketing político desde una dimensión micro y macro de la política de los grupos de interés y sus prácticas de marketing político, desde la perspectiva de la integridad electoral.

Over the last decade, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) have revolutionized diagnostic potential in small animal practice, providing adequate assessment of spinal diseases at levels comparable to that achieved in human radiology. T2-weighted MRI images are extremely sensitive to intramedullary parenchymal disorders, while balanced steady-state free precession sequences provide high-quality myelographic images of the spine without the need of intrathecal contrast medium administration. Multidetector computed tomography, with its near-isotropic spatial resolution and multiplanar reformatting of the acquired datasets, provides sufficient stratigraphic details of the spinal cord and the epidural space, facilitating the detection of compressive pathologies without the need of subarachnoid opacification. Nowadays, MDCT and low-field (LF) MRI have become fairly standard and available in academic institutions and private veterinary facilities, appearing to be valuable, complementary, and non-invasive diagnostic tools for imaging the spine. In this scenario, this clinical communication provides a series of preliminary observations that may help to reconsider the usefulness of CT-myelography in the light of its invasiveness and actual diagnostic advantages compared to MRI and unenhanced MDCT for the assessment of compressive and non-compressive spinal diseases in small animals.

Traumatic lesions of the patellar ligament (PL) are rare in dogs. The resulting injury can be a complete or partial laceration, depending on the quantity of torn collagen fibres. Information obtained from imaging evaluation is of great value to the clinical approach towards PL injuries, because subsequent treatment options are affected by the distinction between complete or partial tears. Imaging diagnosis of PL damage in veterinary practice commonly relies on radiographic examination through the recognition of indirect signs, such as “patella alta”, bone fragments at the level of the patellar or tibial insertion, and soft tissue opacity at the cranial aspect of the joint. Although ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been described as useful diagnostic tools for the assessment of PL tears in human patients, specific comparative data regarding the evaluation of PL rupture in dogs using different imaging modalities is lacking in the veterinary literature. This paper describes the radiographic, ultrasonographic, CT and MRI imaging findings of a partial PL tear in a dog and discusses the utility of these techniques in diagnosing this condition. CT provided more detailed information than X-ray examination in the assessment of the osteoligamentous junction, the exclusion of microfracture and distal PL avulsion, but did not add information regarding PL integrity. MRI and US provided the most useful information regarding intra-ligamentous damage and as such their combined use may be considered for the assessment of PL injuries after clinical examination and survey radiographs.

In human medicine, central nervous system (CNS) concussion is defined as a transient neurological dysfunction following a traumatic event, without evidence of structural abnormalities of the affected region on advanced diagnostic imaging. Depending on the anatomical region involved, three forms of concussive syndromes are described: brain concussion, spinal concussion and cerebellar concussion. Although major textbooks of veterinary neurology admit the existence of canine brain concussion, spontaneous cases of this pathological condition have not been reported in small animals so far. This report describes two cases of concussion in dogs: a 9-month-old, intact male, shih-tzu with brain concussion; and a 10-month-old, intact male, poodle with cerebellar concussion. In addition, a brief review of the definition of the term “concussion” in the veterinary medical literature is provided, in comparison to its meaning in the human medical literature. Finally, this paper proposes an appropriate definition of “concussion” in dogs, that may facilitate clinicians in the recognition of such an elusive syndrome.

Thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin, which participates in several vital metabolic pathways involved in energy metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis of mammals. In companion animals thiamine deficiency is classically associated with signs of diffuse encephalopathy and lesions on brainstem nuclei and mesencephalic colliculi evident on magnetic resonance imaging. This paper describes a novel clinical presentation in a thiamine-deficient dog showing multifocal, central and peripheral nervous and cardiovascular system alterations. Brain MRI showed bilateral caudate nuclei damage, with necrotic-malacic evolution, similar to the atypical MRI pattern found in Wernicke’s encephalopathy in humans. Detection of bilateral symmetrical lesions of the caudate nuclei in dogs should prompt consideration of a thiamine deficiency among the differential diagnoses.

A wild young male red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was found in the mountainous hinterland of Rome (Italy) with a heavily depressed mental status and unresponsive to the surrounding environment. Neurological examination revealed depression, left circling, right head tilt, ventromedial positional strabismus and decreased postural reactions on the left side. Neurological abnormalities were suggestive of central vestibular syndrome. Two consecutive MRIs performed with 30 days interval were compatible with lacunar ischemic infarct in the territory of right caudal cerebral artery and its collateral branches. The lesion epicentre was in the right periaqueductal portion of the rostral mesencephalic tegmentum. Neuroanatomical and neurophysiological correlation between lesion localization and clinical presentation are discussed.

Extrahepatic porto-systemic shunt (PSS) in small animals can be congenital (CPSS) or acquired (APSS) as a consequence of portal hypertension (PH), and are distinguished on the bases of their anatomical pattern. A precise morphologic imaging assessment, along with clinical and histopathologic findings, is important for distinguishing patients with PH from those with congenital PSSs, which require different therapeutic approach. Expected findings in patients with PH are presence of ascites, multiple APSS, and a confirmed cause of portal flow obstruction. On the other hand, a single PSS, absence of ascites and no evidence of portal vein, caudal vena cava or hepatic disorders are typical findings of CPSS patients. This paper describes four cases of PSSs in which the combination of the computed tomographic imaging findings did not match the standards for APSS nor for CPSS: one dog had chronic hepatitis causing PH and ascites and a splenoazygos PSS, to date considered a CPSS pattern. One dog showed a left splenogonadal PSS and porto-caval varices, to date considered an APSS pattern, without ascites, portal vein obstruction, primary structural hepatic disorders nor evidence of PH. Two cats, with and without diffuse hepatic structural disorders respectively, had a single left splenogonadal PSS without ascites. Possible interpretation of such unusual haemodynamic conditions and clinical repercussion, especially for orientation of treatment choice, are discussed.

Esiste una società della globalizzazione? O una società del digitale? Qual è il ruolo della cultura e dell’elaborazione culturale nella formazione della ratio digitale? Il contributo riflette su queste domande individuando due grandi processi nella relazione tra cultura e società digitale. Il primo si afferma come processo di liberazione da un potere autoritario e repressivo, identificato principalmente nelle istituzioni pubbliche. L’obbiettivo è la libertà culturale dall’autorità e dalle “catene” che si sono costruite nel tempo attraverso il dominio culturale della mente alfabetica e del paradigma logico-sequenziale. Questa cultura, fondata storicamente sulla mente alfabetica, si identifica con la natura umana moderna e con la sua visione del mondo. Il secondo processo è una controrivoluzione. Al centro di questa controrivoluzione è il ridimensionamento e poi l’annullamento della centralità sociale dei produttori. I produttori moderni (del tempo della modernità) sono la personificazione dialettica e conflittuale dei capitalisti industriali (i padroni, gli imprenditori) con i salariati (gli operai, i disoccupati e alla fine i cittadini). L’obbiettivo primario è stato un ribaltamento dall’utopia dell’uguaglianza (presente nella critica al logocentrismo e nell’affermazione della parità globale di ogni punto della rete) alla realtà di un dominio feroce della disuguaglianza su scala globale.

Editorial by Mario Ricciardi, DigitCult editor

Our field of research deals with the interaction between CULTURAL ELABORATION AND REAL PROCESSES. We know how to use a continuous idea that is seamlessly in line with both the recent past and the prevailing dynamics that historically characterize our present society (i.e. the European society). On the contrary, we can use an idea of rupture that emphasizes profound changes: a real change of civilizations, an irreversible, general turning point, an unquestionable revolution with new players and new leading forces. DigitCult aims to define the field of digital cultures by facing the key categories that are widespread today while still maintaining a close link between cultural elaboration and real processes, between specialist research and the spreading of relevant information. Our purpose: RE-BUILD A MAP and A CONSTELLATION OF MEANINGS AND BELIEFS IN A PROCESS OF SHARING AND CULTURAL AND SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION. Video Extension Click on the thumbnail below for the video extension on YouTube.

The framework for this contribution is the transformation of the textual community, namely, modern society, into a digital community, in other words, a network society. This paper analyzes two theses. The first holds that the text, due to its genetic and historic nature, is always IMMUTABLE, STABLE, and never mobile. For this reason, the text represents the foundational element of a specific society, modern society. The second thesis is based on the assertion that within information and hypertext technologies two diverse views confront and contrast each other. I locate these tendencies in the following key words: “dream” (Nelson) and “intellect” (Engelbart). Hypertext technology and culture represent the most transformative location and agency, they are the actors of the paradigm shift in which we are implicated. The hypertext revolution is based on the criticism of and attack against the material supports of writing and reading, as well as typographic technologies. Hypertext fights and wins this battle. However, hypertext technology is not able to reach the deep structure of alphabetic culture that is made not only of material support but also mental and bodily experience, consolidated and evolving, and of social relationships that are implied in the materiality of the support. La cornice di riferimento di questo contributo è la trasformazione della società testuale, cioè della società moderna, in società digitale, ovvero nella società dei network. Nell’intervento vengono analizzate due tesi: la prima afferma che il testo, per sua natura genetica e storica, è sempre IMMUTABILE, STABILE e non è mai mobile e per questo è fondativo di una società specifica, quella che noi chiamiamo la società moderna. La seconda tesi si basa sull’assunto che all’interno della cultura informatica e tecnologica che genera gli ipertesti si confrontano e si scontrano due idee diverse. Identifico queste due tendenze nelle parole chiave: dream (Nelson) e intellect (Engelbart). La tecnologia e la cultura ipertestuale sono il luogo e l’agente più fortemente trasformativi, gli attori del cambio di paradigma che ci coinvolge. La rivoluzione ipertestuale ha le sue basi nell’attacco e nella critica dei supporti materiali della scrittura e della lettura e sulle tecnologie tipografiche. L’ipertesto combatte e vince questa battaglia. La tecnologia ipertestuale non riesce però a raggiungere la struttura profonda della cultura alfabetica che è composta non solo da supporti ma da esperienze sia della mente sia del corpo, da relazioni sociali consolidate e mutanti che sono sottese e operanti con la materialità del supporto.

An 8-year-old intact male Lagotto Romagnolo was presented with forebrain signs. Neuroanatomic localization was diffuse prosencephalon. MRI revealed diffuse, bilateral, and symmetric T2 and FLAIR hyperintensities in the parieto-occipital white matter and corpus callosum. No mass effect or contrast enhancement was noted. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid revealed normal protein content and mild mononuclear pleocytosis. Atypical cells were not identified. 15 days later because of the worsening of clinical condition the patient was euthanized upon owner’s request. Neuropathological investigations were consistent with gliomatosis cerebri (GC). Such an unusual imaging pattern appeared similar to some cases of human GC and to a previous reported case in a dog, suggesting a possible repeatable imaging findings for this rare brain neoplasm. GC should be included in the MRI differentials for diffuse bilateral white matter signal changes and specific MRI findings described in this report may help in reaching a presumptive diagnosis of this tumor.

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Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) reside in many organs including lung, as shown by their isolation from fetal lung tissues, bronchial stromal compartment, bronchial-alveolar lavage and transplanted lung tissues. It is still controversial whether lung MSCs can undergo mesenchymal-to-epithelial-transition (MET) and possess immune regulatory properties. To this aim, we isolated, expanded and characterized MSCs from normal adult human lung (lung-hMSCs) and compared with human bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-hMSCs). Our results show that lung-MSCs reside at the perivascular level and do not significantly differ from BM-hMSCs in terms of immunophenotype, stemness gene profile, mesodermal differentiation potential and modulation of T, B and NK cells. However, lung-hMSCs express higher basal level of the stemness-related marker nestin and show, following in vitro treatment with retinoic acid, higher epithelial cell polarization, which is anyway partial when compared to a control epithelial bronchial cell line. Although these results question the real capability of acquiring epithelial functions by MSCs and the feasibility of MSC-based therapeutic approaches to regenerate damaged lung tissues, the characterization of this lung-hMSC population may be useful to study the involvement of stromal cell compartment in lung diseases in which MET plays a role, such as in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

BackgroundEvaluation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) functional activity to assess new therapies and define diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) is cumbersome. It is known that leukocytes express detectable levels of CFTR but the molecule has not been characterized in these cells. In this study we aim at setting up and validating a blood test to evaluate CFTR expression and function in leukocytes.DescriptionWestern blot, PCR, immunofluorescence and cell membrane depolarization analysis by single-cell fluorescence imaging, using the potential-sensitive DiSBAC(2)(3) probe were utilized. Expression of PKA phosphorylated, cell membrane-localized CFTR was detected in non-CF monocytes, being undetectable or present in truncated form in monocytes derived from CF patients presenting with nonsense mutations. CFTR agonist administration induced membrane depolarization in monocytes isolated from non-CF donors (31 subjects) and, to a lesser extent, obligate CFTR heterozygous carriers (HTZ: 15 subjects), but it failed in monocytes from CF patients (44 subjects). We propose an index, which values in CF patients are significantly (pResults and significanceCFTR is detectable and is functional in human monocytes. We also showed that CFTR-associated activity can be evaluated in 5 ml of peripheral blood and devise an index potentially applicable for diagnostic purposes and both basic and translational research: from drug development to evaluation of functional outcomes in clinical trials.