Initial Hypothesis Research Articles

Social representation of informational stress in adolescents

This article explores the social representation of informational stress among adolescents in the context of the exponential growth of available information in the online environment. The research sample consists of 100 teenagers. By analyzing the results obtained through associative methods and the prototypic-categorical technique, it is observed that adolescents exhibit signifi cant variation in the frequency and importance of terms associated with informational stress. Terms such as‚ News’ and ‚Knowledge’ appear to be central in their representation, suggesting a less negative perspective on informational stress. Conversely, terms like ‚Competition’ and ‚Job’ have lower frequencies, indicating an underestimation of the impact of these factors on stress levels. Overall, these observations support the initial hypothesis, highlighting the diversity of adolescents’ perceptions regarding the impact of informational stress and emphasizing the need for a balanced approach in managing online information.

Exploring the Correlation between Emotional Color Perception and Myers-Briggs Personality Types: A Comparative Analysis

The influence of a color’s emotional connotation is a ubiquitous presence, found woven through our known world and shaping our perspectives and interactions. A common debate is that which calls into question the varying ways in which humans emotionally perceive different colors. This study seeks to ascertain whether an individual's personality traits and behavioral patterns, as characterized by the Myers-Briggs Personality Indicator Test, play a characterizing role in this thought process. To decipher an individual’s specific personality traits, 200 participants are subject to a Meyers-Briggs Personality Type Test. The Myers-Briggs Personality Test, developed by Isabel Myers and her mother Katherine Briggs is a self-report inventory designed to identify an individual’s personality type, strengths, and preferences (Cherry, 2022). The questionnaire is comprised of eight different characteristics that are ultimately conjoined to create one unique personality description. Once an individual’s personality type was deciphered, they were subject to a test in which they are to choose the positive, negative, or neutral emotional connotation of each of the 6 colors in the rainbow in a scenic image. The correlations between their MBTI personality type and emotional perceptions of color were then cross-analyzed to understand the existent relations. The results of this study depict that the initial hypothesis has been validated, demonstrating a significant correlation between emotional color perception and personality types as categorized by the Myers-Briggs personality model. Each pairing of the Myers-Briggs model exemplified a strong association to a specific color connotation.

Effect of the interaction between brand attachment and physiological nicotine dependence on motivation to quit smoking

Our studyaimed to explore the effect of the interaction between brand attachment and nicotine dependence on the motivation to quit smoking. Contrary to our initial hypothesis, whichsuggestedthathighlevels of brand attachmentcombinedwithstrong nicotine dependencewouldlead to low motivation to quit smoking, ourresultsrevealed an unexpected trend. Participants lessattached to a specific cigarette brand wereactuallylessinclined to quit smoking, indicatingthatindividualswho are not stronglyattached to a specific cigarette brand maybesonicotine-dependentthat the type of cigarette itselfbecomesless important. Thus, theymaybelessmotivated to quit smoking. A comprehensiveunderstanding of thesemechanismswouldoftenrequire a multidimensionalapproach. This shouldbeinvestigated in future studies, integratingvarious variables to obtain a more holistic perspective of the phenomenon.

Emotional Processes and Performance

This study investigates the interplay between stress perception and its intensity concerning performance in a professional setting. Contrary to our initial hypothesis of an interaction between stress perception and intensity, our results reveal that individuals perceiving stress as a challenge exhibit higher performance levels, while those viewing stress as a threat experience significantly lower performance, irrespective of stress intensity. This underscores the importance of how individuals interpret stress in the workplace. Our findings have crucial implications for management, employees, and human resources, suggesting that fostering a positive perception of stress as a challenge could enhance overall performance.
 Drawing on Lazarus and Folkman's transactional model, stress is viewed as a dynamic relationship between individuals and environmental demands. Stress emerges from the subjective appraisal of events rather than the events themselves. This study distinguishes between threat and challenge appraisals, positing that threat perceptions decrease performance, while challenge perceptions enhance it. Additionally, Hanin's stress intensity theory suggests an optimal performance zone unique to each individual.
 Eighty-five participants (62 men, 25 women) completed a questionnaire assessing stress perception, intensity, and professional performance. Stress perception was manipulated using the Appraisal of Life Events Scale, measuring threat, challenge, and loss. Intensity was assessed with a single item. Professional performance was measured using the Attainment of Sport Achievement Goals Scale.Contrary to expectations, there was no interaction between stress perception and intensity. Threat perception correlated with decreased performance, while challenge perception correlated with increased performance. No significant effects were observed for loss perception. Satisfaction with performance did not align with increased performance levels.
 Our hypothesis of an interaction effect was not supported, highlighting the impact of stress perception on performance. Positive stress appraisal correlated with enhanced performance, aligning with Lazarus and Folkman's appraisal approach. However, high-performance levels did not necessarily translate into satisfaction, potentially influenced by self-critical tendencies associated with positive perfectionism. Limitations include subjective performance measurement and reliance on self-reporting, suggesting the need for future research combining subjective and physiological measures.This study emphasizes the influence of stress perception on workplace performance, urging managers to consider employees' interpretations of situations. Fostering a challenge perception and providing clear goals may enhance performance and well-being, acknowledging the unique responses of individuals to stress.

Exploration of Strategies for Improving Brand Competitiveness of Agricultural Products in the Context of Digitization

Abstract Brand competitiveness of agricultural products has become an important source of agricultural production development. This paper proposes the source and generation mechanism of brand competitiveness through the analysis of brand equity differences, combined with enterprise and consumer levels. Based on the composition of brand competitiveness, brand cognition, quality perception, association and loyalty are selected as the influencing dimensions, and the initial hypothesis of competitiveness is initially constituted by applying relevant factors. Structural equation modeling was used to complete the measurement of the research data so that the model was revised, empirical research was conducted, and strategies for competitiveness enhancement were proposed through the discussion of the influence path coefficients. Brand awareness and brand quality perception have a direct positive effect on the competitiveness of regional brands of agricultural products, and the direct influence path coefficients of brand competitiveness are 0.294 and 0.195, respectively. The path coefficients of the influence of the regional natural environment on brand awareness reach 1.169, with an S.E. value of 0.725 and a C.R. value of 11.063, which are significant. The exploration of digitization shows a clear path for improving the competitiveness of agricultural product brands.

Prevalence, Dynamics and Clinical Significance of Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential (CHIP) in Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients

INTRODUCTION Prevalence of CHIP in cancer patients (pts) is estimated at about 25%, its presence being associated with inferior outcomes and with increased risk of development of therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (TRMN). Despite the increased body of knowledge on cancer and CHIP, processes driving the selection of clones and their latter malignant transformation have not been fully elucidated. We hypothesized that CHIP in cancer pts might not only lead to TRMN but also affect the prognosis of the primary neoplasm and its treatment-related toxicity. Our study aims to describe the prevalence and dynamics of CHIP in treatment-naïve pts with cancer and to analyze its impact on clinical outcomes. METHODS This study included 103 pts with a first cancer diagnosis at age ≥ 60 years and eligible for anticancer treatment without prior exposure to cytostatic agents. Peripheral blood (PB) samples were collected at diagnosis and 6 months after treatment. A customized NGS panel covering common CHIP genes ( DNMT3A, TET2, ASXL1, JAK2, PPM1D, TP53, SF3B1, GNB1, SRSF2, CHEK2, CBL, GNAS, and NRAS) was used to identify CHIP-positive (VAF≥ 1%) and CHIP-negative cases. Clonal dynamics were assessed through NGS at 6 months after treatment, categorized as ‘growing’ when their VAF increased by more than 25% compared to the baseline, ‘shrinking’ when VAF decreased by more than 25% compared to the baseline and ‘stable’ if it remains unaltered. RESULTS Baseline characteristics are shown in table 1.The prevalence of CHIP in our cohort was 35%, with an average of 1.5 somatic variants per patient and 54 identified variants, and a median VAF of 4.7% (IQR 2.5-11.0%). Notably, mutations in DNMT3A (33%), TET2 (28%), and PPM1D (13%) were the most prevailing gene aberrations, accounting for nearly 75% of all variants, while other common CHIP genes such as ASXL1 (9%) or JAK2 (0%) were less frequent. TP53 variants represented 9% of all mutations, whereas SF3B1, GNB1, SRSF2, and CBL each accounted for 2%. Breast cancer pts displayed a significantly higher prevalence of CHIP compared to other primary neoplasms (66% vs. 36%, p=0.01) whereas no patient with bladder neoplasm presented CHIP at diagnosis (p=0.04). These observations were not warranted only by differences in the age or smoking habit of these subgroup of neoplasms. The mutational spectrum of CHIP across different cancer categories was comparable. Among 20 paired samples sequenced (baseline and post-genotoxic exposure), 41% of all variants exhibited a growing pattern, 31% a shrinking pattern, and 28% remained static (Figure 1). Platinum-based therapy exposition promoted clonal expansion in DNMT3A mutations (p=0.03), while this effect was not observed in PPM1D or other genes, likely due to the low sample size. Age, tobacco use, and type of primary neoplasm did not appear to influence clonal fitness. There were no significant differences in the incidence of infectious complications or chemotherapy-induced hematologic toxicity between CHIP-positive and CHIP-negative cohorts. With the current follow-up time (16.8 months), the overall response (ORR) and complete response rates (CR) appeared comparable (ORR: 94% in CHIP-positive vs. 85% in CHIP-negative; CR: 79% vs. 70%, respectively). A patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and CHIP ( ASXL1, PPM1D, and TP53 variants) developed a TRMN (MDS-MD) 7 months after completing R-CHOP treatment. CONCLUSION The prevalence of CHIP in our cancer pts cohort is 35%, with breast cancer cases displaying a CHIP occurrence around 62% not previously reported. Our study highlights an enrichment of mutations in PPM1D in treatment-naïve cancer pts, surpassing the frequency of ASXL1 in contrast to prior literature. Genotoxic therapy promotes clonal expansion in 41% of variants in our cohort; although factors influencing CHIP fitness remain poorly understood, DNMT3A showed heightened susceptibility to platinum therapy. Finally, and in contrast contrast with our initial hypothesis, we found no evidence of impaired outcomes in the CHIP population. These results emphasize the need for further longitudinal follow-up. Acknowledgements: This work was supported by two grants from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PI20/00881 and PI 20/00531)(Co-funded by European Regional Development Fund. ERDF, a way to build Europe). 2021 SGR 00560 (GRC) Generalitat de Catalunya; economical support from CERCA Programme.

Hippocampal Upregulation of Complement Component C3 in Response to Lipopolysaccharide Stimuli in a Model of Fragile-X Syndrome.

The complement system is part of the innate immune system and has been shown to be altered in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Fragile-X syndrome (FXS) is the main genetic cause of ASD and studies suggest a dysregulation in the immune system in patients with the disorder. To assess if an animal model of FXS presents with altered complement signaling, we treated male Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and collected the hippocampus 24 h later. Assessment of the expression of the complement genes C1q, C3, and C4 identified the upregulation of C3 in both wild-type (WT) and knockout mice. Levels of C3 also increased in both genotypes. Analysis of the correlation between the expression of C3 and the cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α identified a different relationship between the expression of the genes in Fmr1 KO when compared to WT mice. Our findings did not support our initial hypotheses that the lack of the FMR1 gene would alter complement system signaling, and that the induction of the complement system in response to LPS in Fmr1 KO mice differed from wild-type conspecifics.

DanceTrend: An Integration Framework of Video-Based Body Action Recognition and Color Space Features for Dance Popularity Prediction

Background: With the rise of user-generated content (UGC) platforms, we are witnessing an unprecedented surge in data. Among various content types, dance videos have emerged as a potent medium for artistic and emotional expression in the Web 2.0 era. Such videos have increasingly become a significant means for users to captivate audiences and amplify their online influence. Given this, predicting the popularity of dance videos on UGC platforms has drawn significant attention. Methods: This study postulates that body movement features play a pivotal role in determining the future popularity of dance videos. To test this hypothesis, we design a robust prediction framework DanceTrend to integrate the body movement features with color space information for dance popularity prediction. We utilize the jazz dance videos from the comprehensive AIST++ street dance dataset and segment each dance routine video into individual movements. AlphaPose was chosen as the human posture detection algorithm to help us obtain human motion features from the videos. Then, the ST-GCN (Spatial Temporal Graph Convolutional Network) is harnessed to train the movement classification models. These pre-trained ST-GCN models are applied to extract body movement features from our curated Bilibili dance video dataset. Alongside these body movement features, we integrate color space attributes and user metadata for the final dance popularity prediction task. Results: The experimental results endorse our initial hypothesis that the body movement features significantly influence the future popularity of dance videos. A comprehensive evaluation of various feature fusion strategies and diverse classifiers discern that a pre–post fusion hybrid strategy coupled with the XGBoost classifier yields the most optimal outcomes for our dataset.

Knockout of ovary serine protease Leads to Ovary Deformation and Female Sterility in the Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia furnacalis.

Oogenesis in insects is a carefully orchestrated process, facilitating the formation of female gametes, which is regulated by multiple extrinsic and intrinsic factors, including ovary serine protease (Osp). As a member of the serine protease family, Osp is a homolog of Nudel, a maternally required protease defining embryonic dorsoventral polarity in Drosophila. In this study, we used CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis to functionally characterize Osp in the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis, a devastating maize pest throughout Asia and Australia. Building on previous knowledge, we hypothesized that knockout of Osp would disrupt embryonic development in O. furnacalis females. To examine this overarching hypothesis, we (1) cloned and characterized Osp from O. furnacalis, (2) designed target sites on exons 1 and 4 to construct a CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis system, and (3) documented phenotypic impacts among O. furnacalis Osp mutants. As a result, we (1) examined the temporal-spatial expression profiles of OfOsp, which has an open reading frame of 5648 bp in length and encodes a protein of 1873 amino acids; (2) established O. furnacalis Osp mutants; and (3) documented recessive, female-specific sterility among OfOspF mutants, including absent or deformed oviducts and reduced fertility in female but not male mutants. Overall, the combined results support our initial hypothesis that Osp is required for embryonic development, specifically ovarian maturation, in O. furnacalis females. Given its substantial impacts on female sterility, Osp provides a potential target for the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) to manage Lepidoptera pests in general and the species complex Ostrinia in particular.

Correlation between <em>Phragmites australis</em> growth and seasonal lake level variations in Lake Maggiore (Italy/Switzerland): common reed management guidelines

The present study investigates the impact of water level regulation on the growth of common reed (Phragmites australis), a globally widespread helophytic plant. The investigation has been carried out in the Bolle di Magadino (municipalities of Locarno, Gambarogno, Gordola and Tenero; Ticino, Switzerland), a lacustrine-riparian nature reserve in the context of the Lake Maggiore (that stretches between Italy and Switzerland). This is an oligotrophic, artificially regulated lake. Our initial hypothesis was that variation in water table regulation is the most influential factor for explaining observed local reed dieback. To test this, culm height of P. australis was measured at each significant change in lake water level (water table height increase greater than 20 cm), or monthly in the case of a relatively constant lake level. The study took place between 2020 and 2022, monitoring 14 plots of 400 m2, placed at three different relative elevation classes with respect to the level of the lake (5 plots at low elevation, <193.475 m; 7 plots at intermediate elevation, 193.476-193.700 m; 2 plots at high elevation, >193.701 m). The results showed that P. australis growth is significantly influenced by the lake water level and thus the relative elevation of the stands, with lower lake levels leading to better growth, especially during the early phases of the growing season. On the other hand, prolonged flooding of shoots significantly impaired common reed growth. The study identifies two relevant relative elevation thresholds for winter mowing, a management practice that enhances reedbeds health. Mowing below 193.20 m elevation is considered risky, as no healthy reedbeds have been observed below this threshold. Mowing below an elevation of 193.50 m was defined as possibly risky, due to observed dieback in some areas as well as healthy reedbeds in other locations at the same or lower elevations. The research also discussed the potential impact of future changes in water level regulation, including the planned change in the spring regulation threshold (+1.50 m above the hydrometric zero in Sesto Calende). This is expected to result in a further rearrangement in lacustrine vegetation, with the growth optimum for P. australis becoming higher and an increase in clumping habit. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the impact of water level regulation on the growth of P. australis in the Bolle di Magadino nature reserve. The research highlights the need for careful management of water level regulation to preserve the reedbed ecosystem and identifies relevant elevation thresholds for winter mowing to mitigate the risks of reed dieback. The findings can inform future management strategies for the Bolle di Magadino reserve and other similar ecosystems facing the challenges of artificial regulation of water levels.

A Multimodal Research Approach to Assessing the Karst Structural Conditions of the Ceiling of a Cave with Palaeolithic Cave Art Paintings: Polychrome Hall at Altamira Cave (Spain).

Integrating geomatics remote sensing technologies, including 3D terrestrial laser scanning, unmanned aerial vehicles, and ground penetrating radar enables the generation of comprehensive 2D, 2.5D, and 3D documentation for caves and their surroundings. This study focuses on the Altamira Cave's karst system in Spain, resulting in a thorough 3D mapping encompassing both cave interior and exterior topography along with significant discontinuities and karst features in the vicinity. Crucially, GPR mapping confirms that primary vertical discontinuities extend from the near-surface (Upper Layer) to the base of the Polychrome layer housing prehistoric paintings. This discovery signifies direct interconnections helping with fluid exchange between the cave's interior and exterior, a groundbreaking revelation. Such fluid movement has profound implications for site conservation. The utilization of various GPR antennas corroborates the initial hypothesis regarding fluid exchanges and provides concrete proof of their occurrence. This study underscores the indispensability of integrated 3D mapping and GPR techniques for monitoring fluid dynamics within the cave. These tools are vital for safeguarding Altamira, a site of exceptional significance due to its invaluable prehistoric cave paintings.

Investigation of the methylation changes in the promoter region of RB1 gene in retinoblastoma: Unraveling the epigenetic puzzle in retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is an infrequent neoplasm that arises during childhood from retinal nerve cells and is attributed to the biallelic inactivation of the RB1 gene. In conjunction with anatomical anomalies, it is widely acknowledged that epigenetic modifications play a significant role in the pathogenesis of cancer. The association between methylation of the RB1 gene promoter and tumor formation has been established; however, there is currently no scholarly evidence to substantiate the claim that it is responsible for the inheritance of retinoblastoma. The initial hypothesis posited for this work was that familial retinoblastoma disease would be similarly observed in cases with RB1 promotor gene methylation, akin to RB1 mutations. The RB1 gene promoter region was subjected to methylation screening using real-time PCR in individuals diagnosed with familial retinoblastoma but lacking RB1 mutations. The study involved a comparison of the germline methylation status of the RB1 gene in the peripheral blood samples of 50 retinoblastoma patients and 52 healthy individuals. The healthy individuals were carefully selected to match the retinoblastoma patients in terms of age, sex, and ethnicity. The data obtained from both groups were subjected to statistical analysis. The study revealed that the methylation level in a cohort of 50 individuals diagnosed with retinoblastoma and 52 healthy control participants was determined to be 36.1% and 33.9%, respectively. As a result, there was no statistically significant disparity observed in RB1 promoter methylation between the patient and control groups (p = 0.126). The methylation of the promoter region of the RB1 gene in familial retinoblastoma does not exert any influence on the hereditary transmission of the disease.

A quantitative analysis of gender impact in judgements of offenders with mental illnesses

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the effect gender has on the public perceptions of offenders with mental health issues. The authors aim to understand how offenders with mental illness are viewed by the public so future information and practices can be implemented to further educate on the topic of mental illness. Research has shown that mental health education can be a pivotal part of reducing risk and crime among the mentally ill population.Design/methodology/approachThis study applies a quantitative design using vignettes. There were four scenarios, two as controls, and two experimental variables to examine how responses differed depending on gender and mental health. Twenty statements then followed each vignette and participants were asked to share how much they aligned their opinions with each statement on a five-point Likert scale. The sample was comprised of 80 participants.FindingsThe findings of this study largely support the relevant literature on the topic of gender and mental illness in offenders. Overall, the public was the least supportive of female offenders with mental illness, followed by male offenders with mental illness, then male offenders and lastly the most support was directed towards female offenders. Therefore, the present study’s initial hypotheses are also supported in that female offenders will garner a more sympathetic reaction than their male counterparts. However, if female offenders have mental health issues, they are viewed more negatively than males.Research limitations/implicationsFor future replication of this study, the authors consider that a larger and more gender-balanced sample size would increase the ecological validity of the findings. Despite this, the findings of this study do fall in line with the relevant literature. Therefore, suggesting perhaps that the gender of the sample does not affect the overall outcome of the results.Practical implicationsEducation regarding mental health for the public should be implemented as research has found this effective in de-stigmatising and helping to create protective factors to reduce offending. More training is needed for professionals within the criminal justice system, including police personnel, to ensure they are better equipped to consider the needs and behaviours of mentally ill individuals. The authors suggest that mental health awareness should be taught as part of the education system in the UK to help de-stigmatise and share helpful resources. The prison system in the UK needs to be able to provide better treatment programmes for inmates with mental health issues as research shows this is the most effective form of treatment at reducing recidivism.Social implicationsThe social implications of this study are that it aims to understand perceptions of mental illness, gender and offending and, therefore, use the conclusions drawn to inform what is needed to improve perceptions if necessary. De-stigmatising and acknowledging mental illness can allow for better access to appropriate treatment. Facilitating reintegration back into society, and, therefore, increasing peer support which has been shown to reduce reoffending rates within the mentally ill population.Originality/valueThere are very few research studies looking at the impact of both gender and mental illness on how offenders are perceived. Most relevant research tends to either pick one or the other and therefore the present study is unique. In addition, most established research looks at the perception of a specific population. Whereas the present study has used a small but broad UK participant sample which is likely to be more generalisable. Finally, the results of this research have been able to both meet the aims of the study and accept the proposed hypotheses.

How does the type of MCDM method affect the results of the prioritization and assessment of ecosystem services? A case study in the Ebro River Delta (Spain)

The prioritization and assessment of ecosystem services allow governments to apply public policies on target to improve these natural areas' sustainable development and human well-being. It also enhances the environmental, socio-cultural and agricultural management of ecosystems. Previous research has proved that geographical and socio-cultural factors could influence the results obtained in real study cases. However, other factors should be studied since stakeholders have differing views on the most suitable method to prioritize ecosystem services. Regarding how stakeholders structure criteria, networked processes are, theoretically, more appropriate than the hierarchical techniques such as AHP, since they capture all the relationships among criteria. Consequently, nowadays ANP has become one of the most common MCDM methods in this field. Moreover, this technique also analyzes the consistency of the decision-makers' judgements. Nonetheless, the use of this method also encompasses some weak points: it is too laborious and time-consuming. Additionally, it is not easy to manage when the number of criteria per cluster is too large. It is why some researchers prefer using other techniques such as AHP in spite of the fact that it does not capture the relationships among criteria, or a hybrid DEMATEL-Based ANP technique, better-known as DANP, which does not utilize pairwise comparisons and hence is not able to study judgments’ inconsistencies. Therefore, this study aims to analyze how each method (AHP, ANP and DANP) influences the prioritization of ecosystem services in a real case conducted in the Ebro River Delta (Spain). Once all priorities are obtained, the results are compared through a statistical analysis of compatibility and correlation. Regarding the results of the three techniques, they show no compatibility among them. However, the correlation between the rankings obtained with ANP and DANP is reasonably correlated for seven of the eleven experts participating in the study. Besides, when the results are aggregated, their compatibility and correlation increase. On the contrary, the results obtained in AHP differ from the other two methods. Finally, and contrary to the initial hypothesis, most experts agreed more with the results obtained with DANP and AHP than with ANP.

Neutron star mass in dark matter clumps

ABSTRACT This paper investigates a hypothesis proposed in previous research relating neutron star (NS) mass and its dark matter (DM) accumulation. As DM accumulates, NS mass decreases, predicting lower NS masses toward the Galactic centre. Due to limited NSs data near the Galactic centre, we examine NSs located within DM clumps. Using the CLUMPY code simulations, we determine the DM clumps distribution, with masses from 10 to 108 M⊙ and scales from 10−3 to 10 kpc. These clumps’ DM exhibit a peak at the centre, tapering toward the outskirts, resembling our Galaxy’s DM distribution. We analyse these DM clumps’ NS mass variations, considering diverse DM particle masses and galaxy types. We find relatively stable NS mass within 0.01 – 5 kpc from the clump centre. This stability supports the initial hypothesis, particularly for NSs located beyond 0.01 kpc from the clump centre, where NS mass reaches a plateau around 0.1 kpc. Nevertheless, NS mass near the clump’s periphery reveals spatial dependence: NS position within DM clumps influences its mass in Milky Way-type galaxies. Moreover, this dependence varies with the DM model considered. In summary, our study investigates the proposed link between NS mass and DM accumulation by examining NSs within DM clumps. While NS mass remains stable at certain distances from the clump centre, spatial dependencies arise near the clump’s outer regions, contingent on the specific DM model.

PSI-20 Trans Vaccenic Acid Does Not Improve Insulin Resistance in Diet Induced Obese Mice

Abstract Trans vaccenic acid (TVA, trans11-18:1) is a natural trans fatty acid that is exclusively found in ruminant fats such as dairy, beef, and lamb. Increased circulating concentrations of TVA and its metabolites are epidemiologically related to a reduced risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, direct causative evidence is lacking, and the mechanisms are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether TVA can alleviate insulin resistance in diet-induced obese mice when compared with oleic acid (OA, cis9-18:1, the major dietary cis 18:1 isomer) or trans10-18:1 (a major industrial trans fatty acid isomer). Forty-eight male C57BL/6J mice (7 weeks old) were fed either a low-fat diet (LFD,10% kcal total fat), a high-fat diet (HFD) enriched with OA (HFD-OA; 45% kcal total fat, 6% kcal from pure OA), an HFD enriched with TVA (HFD-TVA; 45% kcal total fat, 6% kcal from pure TVA), or an HFD enriched with trans-10 18:1 (HFD-T10; 45% kcal total fat, 6% kcal from pure trans-10 18:1) for 19 weeks. The metabolic phenotype was characterized using a glucose tolerance test (GTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT). Insulin-sensitive tissues (muscle, liver, and adipose) were harvested and extracted for protein, which was analyzed for protein kinase B (Akt) and phosphorylated Akt (pAKT) by western blot using Vinculin as a loading control. The resulting band intensities were quantitated using the FluorChem 9900 program (Alpha Innotech). pAkt expression was normalized to Akt. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s test. Our GTT results suggested a greater (P < 0.05) glucose intolerance in both HFD-TVA and HFD-T10 groups compared with the LFD group. Whereas HFD-OA-fed mice maintained their glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity despite greater body weight and adiposity. In agreement with GTT and ITT results, we found reduced (P < 0.05) Akt phosphorylation in the muscle of both HFD-TVA and HFD-T10 groups compared with LFD while there was no difference in phosphorylation level in the liver and adipose. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that contrary to our initial hypothesis, a large dose of TVA (6% of calorie intake) promotes glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in HFD-fed mice. Further studies using the typical intake of TVA in humans (0.5 to 1% of calorie intake) are required to better understand the effects of TVA on glucose homeostasis.

How to Improve a Successful Product? The Case of “Asproudi” of the Monemvasia Winery Vineyard

An interesting way to maintain genetic diversity in the vineyard could be based on selecting the desirable characters of each clone or variety in order to produce a high-quality poly-clonal or poly-varietal wine, according to the consumer’s desire. The current study describes a holistic approach in viticulture towards wine production, applying a multidisciplinary methodology. Firstly, “Asproudi”, a rare Greek variety, was analyzed molecularly. The initial hypothesis that “Asproudi” is a distinct variety was questioned; microsatellite analysis showed that “Asproudi” is a population of different genotypes, at least in the Monemvasia Winery vineyard. A targeted harvest of each genotype was performed during the same day and was followed by micro-vinifications. All standard analyses of must and wine were performed in the laboratory, while a sensory analysis by a professional team evaluated each of the produced wines, showing distinctive differences. The genetic relationship of some of the Monemvasia Winery “Asproudi” genotypes to the varieties maintained in the reference collection was revealed whereas some other genotypes remained unknown.

Impact of PARP Inhibitor and Platinum Therapy on Clonal Hematopoiesis

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) are a promising new class of targeted therapy used in a variety of solid tumors with homologous recombination deficiencies (HRD). Data from clinical trials and observational studies have linked PARPi and platinum-based agents to therapy-related myeloid neoplasia (tMN). However, interpretation of these findings is limited by confounding variables including germline mutation status and prior therapeutic exposure. We and others have shown that the oncologic therapies known to confer an elevated risk of leukemia also promote the expansion of clonal hematopoiesis (CH) due to mutations of genes in the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway, including TP53, PPM1D and CHEK2. However, the extent to which CH is associated with targeted therapies such as PARPi is not clear. We hypothesized that exposure to PARPi confers a competitive advantage to hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) containing mutations in DDR pathway genes. Moreover, we hypothesized that in patients with germline mutations in HRD genes, such as BRCA1/BRCA2genotoxic stress induced by PARPi or cytotoxic agents is increased, further enhancing the fitness of HSPCs carrying DDR gene mutations . To test these hypotheses, we performed longitudinal studies on 942 peripheral blood samples collected from 418 patients (ages 32 to 94) before and after treatment with PARPi (n = 100), carboplatin (n = 142), and untreated individuals (n = 176). Patients with lung, ovarian, uterine, prostate, and breast cancer who received PARPi or carboplatin on clinical trials or through standard of care were included. Patients were treated with a variety of PARPi including Olaparib (n=48), Talazoparib (n=33), Rucaparib (n = 13) and Niraparib (n = 6.) Of the 418 patients, 45 individuals harbored an HRD germline mutation. Samples were sequenced at a depth of 18,946x using a UMI-based panel including 9 common CH genes ( DNMT3A, TET2, ASXL1, TP53, PPM1D, SRSF2, SF3B1 and JAK2). Both carboplatin and PARPi treatment significantly increased the growth rate of CH mutations, driven almost entirely by mutations in DDR genes (Figure 1). Patients undergoing carboplatin treatment had significantly higher rates of mutational growth compared to those undergoing PARPi therapy (p-value = 5e -17). The strongest PARP-trapping member, Talazoparib, had the largest effect on the growth rate of CH mutations in DDR genes (p-value = 3e -9) but still lower compared to carboplatin. Surprisingly, DDR CH expansion was largely abrogated in patients harboring a pathogenic HRD germline variant for both carboplatin (p-value = 3e -5) and PARPi (p-value = 7e -10). To validate these findings, we developed a mouse model of TP53-mutatedCH by transplanting a limited number of Trp53 R172Hbone marrow cells along with congenic wildtype bone marrow into irradiated recipients. The percentage of Trp53 R172Hcells in the blood was measured by flow cytometry at baseline (6 weeks after transplantation) and after treatment with vehicle alone, Talazoparib or Olaparib daily, or cisplatin weekly, for 4 weeks. As expected, treatment with cisplatin resulted in a significant expansion of TP53-mutated cells (Figure 2). A non-significant trend to expansion of TP53-mutated cells also was observed after talazoparib, but not olaparib. We next modeled the effect of germline HRD mutations by generating bone marrow chimeras containing heterozygous Brca1-mutated HSPCs competed with Brca1-mutated HSPCs also carrying Trp53 R172H. Consistent with the human CH data, no expansion of TP53-mutated cells was observed after treatment with either cisplatin or Talazoparib, indeed there was a small, but significant decrease (Figure 2). Collectively, these data support the hypothesis that mutations in DDR genes provide a fitness advantage to HSPCs following PARP inhibitor and platinum therapy. However, compared to platinum therapy, PARPi shows less selective pressure on DDR CH. Importantly, these data strongly argue against our initial hypothesis that germline HRD variants enhance this fitness advantage. Indeed, our data suggest the opposite, with the fitness advantage of DDR gene-mutated HSPCs lost in cells with a heterozygous Brca1-mutations. These data suggest that PARPi therapy may have less of an impact on leukemia risk compared to carboplatin and in fact may show synergistic effects with HRD in blocking the competitive advantage of DDR CH during genotoxic stress.

An Insight on the Inconsistency of the Theoretical Construction of Avant-garde Concept in 20th-Century Art

This paper analyses avant-garde art theory through the concept of originality, understood as shock. The initial hypothesis is that this theoretical construction is a misunderstanding because it neglects the body during the experience lived before the work of art. It reminds us that if we are aware of our presence, it is thanks to the fact that we are psychosomatic individuals. Even so, we tend to evaluate the work of art from philosophical reflection rather than from analysing the form that excites us. It shows how the materialisation of the work of art sought by the avant-garde should have destroyed our cognitive baggage. It concludes that it only succeeded in initiating a tendency in art towards rhetoric that reaches the present day, where theoretical constructions are the only works of art. The emptiness of this avant-garde art theory concerning the touching causes its inconsequentiality, being left without any other pretension as only art. The author relies on the fact that we understand ourselves as people through our subjection to what we see to make us understand that looking without feeling is a contradiction.

DECENTRALIZED INDUSTRY 5.0: BLOCKCHAIN’S CONTRIBUTION TO INDUSTRIAL SUSTAINABILITY, RESILIENCE, AND HUMAN-CENTRICITY

The emerging concept of Industry 5.0 presents new challenges related to sustainability, resilience, and worker welfare in industrial companies; challenges that are vital for industrial and social development in the coming years. We believe that blockchain can help to face these challenges thanks to the trust and security it provides in complex ecosystems such as industrial supply chains. To verify this hypothesis, this paper performs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) based on two stages. A first stage focused on the analysis of publications related to blockchain and Industry 5.0. Being such a novel term and with limited literature, we complemented the analysis with a second stage in which we analyzed the benefits of blockchain on each of the three pillars of Industry 5.0: sustainability, resilience, and human-centricity. The results of the SLR confirm our initial hypothesis and provide details on how, and to what extent, blockchain can add value to each of the three challenges of Industry 5.0, empowering at least nine use cases that will contribute to those challenges. Keywords: blockchain, industry 5.0, sustainability, resilience, human-centricity, human centric