The ΔF508 mutation in cystic fibrosis patients of Southern Italy

Summary Fifty one independent cystic fibrosis (CF) families originating from a restricted area of Southern Italy (Campania) have been analyzed for KM19 and XV2c haplotypes and the ΔF508 mutation: 54% of the total CF chromosomes show the ΔF508 mutation. No significative correlations were obtained when clinical score, radiological score,Pseudomonas colonization, or clinical symptoms at presentation were matched with the presence or absence of the ΔF508 mutation.     

Balancing Fairness and Efficiency: The Impact of Identity-Blind and Identity-Conscious Accountability on Applicant Screening

This study compared two forms of accountability that can be used to promote diversity and fairness in personnel selections: identity-conscious accountability (holding decision makers accountable for which groups are selected) versus identity-blind accountability (holding decision makers accountable for making fair selections). In a simulated application screening process, undergraduate participants (majority female) sorted applicants under conditions of identity-conscious accountability, identity-blind accountability, or no accountability for an applicant pool in which white males either did or did not have a human capital advantage. Under identity-conscious accountability, participants exhibited pro-female and pro-minority bias, particularly in the white-male-advantage applicant pool. Under identity-blind accountability, participants exhibited no biases and candidate qualifications dominated interview recommendations. Participants exhibited greater resentment toward management under identity-conscious accountability.     

Interleukin-6 and alpha-2-macroglobulin indicate an acute-phase state in Alzheimer's disease cortices.

Recent studies indicated that the formation of a major constituent of Alzheimer's disease (AD) senile plaques, called beta A4-peptide, does not result from normal processing of its precursor, amyloid precursor protein (APP). Since proteolytic cleavage of APP inside its beta A4 sequence was found to be part of APP processing the formation of the beta A4-peptide seems to be prevented under normal conditions. We considered whether in AD one of the endogenous proteinase inhibitors might interfere with APP processing. After we had recently found that cultured human neuronal cells synthesize the most potent of the known human proteinase inhibitors, alpha-2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M), upon stimulation with the inflammatory mediator interleukin-6 (IL-6) we now investigated whether alpha 2M and IL-6 could be detected in AD brains. Here we report that AD cortical senile plaques display strong alpha 2M and IL-6 immunoreactivity while no such immunoreactivity was found in age-matched control brains. Strong perinuclear alpha 2M immunoreactivity in hippocampal CA1 neurons of Alzheimer's disease brains indicates that neuronal cells are the site of alpha 2M synthesis in AD brains. We did not detect elevated IL-6 or alpha 2M levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of AD patients. Our data indicate that a sequence of immunological events which seem to be restricted to the local cortical environment is part of AD pathology.     

Pituitary Secretory Granule Topography: Influence of Different Electron Microscopic Preparation Procedures on the Surface of Epon Sections

Human, rat and mouse pituitary tissues have been examined electron microscopically in transmission (TEM), scanning-transmission (STEM) and scanning (SEM) modes for the surface appearance of the secretory granules in tissue sections. Cryofixed and cryosectioned tissue showed only slightly protruding granule profiles which had a smooth surface. Cryofixed, freeze-dried and Epon embedded pituitaries, on the other hand, demonstrated swollen and furrowed surfaces over the granules after contact with water. This topography could also be seen after glutaraldehyde fixation but less after post-fixation in OsO₄. The surface alterations in the sections of pituitary secretory granules are thought to be due to differences in the homogeneity of the resin infiltration, leaving resin-free openings where water can enter. It also seems probable that the Epon resin is more influenced by water than has been previously assumed, based on the findings of efficient elimination of osmium from the granules after incubation of tissue sections in water for only 10 min.