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Launched onboard the BepiColombo Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) in October 2018, the Mercury Radiometer and Thermal Infrared Spectrometer (MERTIS) is on its way to planet Mercury. MERTIS consists of a push-broom IR-spectrometer (TIS) and a radiometer (TIR), which operate in the wavelength regions of 7-14 μm and 7-40 μm, respectively. This wavelength region is characterized by several diagnostic spectral signatures: the Christiansen feature (CF), Reststrahlen bands (RB), and the Transparency feature (TF), which will allow us to identify and map rock-forming silicates, sulfides as well as other minerals. Thus, the instrument is particularly well-suited to study the mineralogy and composition of the hermean surface at a spatial resolution of about 500 m globally and better than 500 m for approximately 5-10% of the surface. The instrument is fully functional onboard the BepiColombo spacecraft and exceeds all requirements (e.g., mass, power, performance). To prepare for the science phase at Mercury, the team developed an innovative operations plan to maximize the scientific output while at the same time saving spacecraft resources (e.g., data downlink). The upcoming fly-bys will be excellent opportunities to further test and adapt our software and operational procedures. In summary, the team is undertaking action at multiple levels, including performing a comprehensive suite of spectroscopic measurements in our laboratories on relevant analog materials, performing extensive spectral modeling, examining space weathering effects, and modeling the thermal behavior of the hermean surface.

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-020-00780-w

The MERTIS (MErcury Radiometer and Thermal Infrared Spectrometer) instrument onboard the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission will provide mid-infrared data, which will be crucial to characterize the surface mineralogy of Mercury. In order to interpret the results, we are creating a database of mid infrared spectra. As part of a study of synthetic glasses which are to serve as analog materials for the interpretation of remote sensing and modeling data, we present mid infrared data for analog materials of Mercury regolith, surface and mantle compositions. In addition, we provide data for similar analogs of Earth, Moon, Venus, and Mars rocks for a coherent picture. The analog samples have been first characterized by optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and EMPA. Powdered size fractions (0-25 micron, 25-63 micron, 63-125 micron, and 125 -250 micron) were studied in reflectance in the mid-infrared range from 2.5 to 18 micron (550 to 2000cm-1), additional micro FTIR analyses were also obtained. Results for the size fractions of the surface and regolith analogs for Mercury show typical features for amorphous material with Christiansen Features (CF) at 8 to 8.1 micron, Reststrahlen Bands (RB) at 9.8 to 9.9 micron, and the Transparency Feature (TF) at 12 micron. The six bulk silicate Mercury analogs have varying CF positions from 8.1 to 9 micron, with RB crystalline features of various olivines dominating in most samples. Similarly, bulk silicate analogs of the other planetary bodies show glassy features for the surface analogs with CF from 7.9 micron (Earth Continental Crust) to 8.3 micron (Lunar Mare), strong RB from 9.5 micron (Earth Continental Crust ) to 10.6 micron (Lunar Mare and Highlands). TF are usually very weak for the glassy analogs.

This study is part of an effort to build a mid-infrared database (7-14micron) of spectra for MERTIS (Mercury Radiometer and Thermal Infrared Spectrometer), an instrument onboard of the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo space probe to be launched to Mercury in 2017. Mercury was exposed to abundant impacts throughout its history. This study of terrestrial impactites can provide estimates of the effects of shock metamorphism on the mid-infrared spectral properties of planetary materials. In this study, we focus on the Noerdlinger Ries crater in Southern Germany, a well preserved and easily accessible impact crater with abundant suevite impactites. Suevite and melt glass bulk samples from Otting and Aumuehle, as well as red suevite from Polsingen were characterized and their reflectance spectra in mid-infrared range obtained. In addition, in-situ mid-infrared spectra were made from glasses and matrix areas in thin sections. The results show similar, but distinguishable spectra for both bulk suevite and melt glass samples, as well as in-situ measurements. Impact melt glass from Aumuehle and Otting have spectra dominated by a Reststrahlen band at 9.3-9.6 micron. Bulk melt rock from Polsingen and bulk suevite and fine-grained matrix have their strongest band between 9.4 to 9.6 micron. There are also features between 8.5 and 9 micron, and 12.5 - 12.8 micron associated with crystalline phases. There is evidence of weathering products in the fine-grained matrix, such as smectites. Mercury endured many impacts with impactors of all sizes over its history. So spectral characteristics observed for impactites formed only in a single impact like in the Ries impact event can be expected to be very common on planetary bodies exposed to many more impacts in their past. We conclude that in mid-infrared remote sensing data the surface of Mercury can be expected to be dominated by features of amorphous materials.

ObjectiveTo better comprehend transcriptional phenotypes of cancer cells, we globally characterised RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) to identify altered RNAs, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs).DesignTo unravel RBP-lncRNA interactions in cancer, we curated a list of ~2300 highly expressed RBPs in human cells, tested effects of RBPs and lncRNAs on patient survival in multiple cohorts, altered expression levels, integrated various sequencing, molecular and cell-based data.ResultsHigh expression of RBPs negatively affected patient survival in 21 cancer types, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). After knockdown of the top 10 upregulated RBPs and subsequent transcriptome analysis, we identified 88 differentially expressed lncRNAs, including 34 novel transcripts. CRISPRa-mediated overexpression of four lncRNAs had major effects on the HCC cell phenotype and transcriptome. Further investigation of four RBP-lncRNA pairs revealed involvement in distinct regulatory processes. The most noticeable RBP-lncRNA connection affected lipid metabolism, whereby the non-canonical RBP CCT3 regulated LINC00326 in a chaperonin-independent manner. Perturbation of the CCT3-LINC00326 regulatory network led to decreased lipid accumulation and increased lipid degradation in cellulo as well as diminished tumour growth in vivo.ConclusionsWe revealed that RBP gene expression is perturbed in HCC and identified that RBPs exerted additional functions beyond their tasks under normal physiological conditions, which can be stimulated or intensified via lncRNAs and affected tumour growth.

BackgroundSystemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), primary Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), and systemic sclerosis (SSc) occasionally affect the peripheral nervous system. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) can almost certainly confirm the diagnosis of SARD-associated neuropathy. The NCS method is usually considered the gold standard for neuropathy assessment, although this method is based on physicians’ knowledge and experience. However, it is painful for patients, long-lasting, prone to errors, and can’t be used for routine follow-up. There is an urgent need for potential alternative diagnostic screening methods for implementation in everyday practice. Wearable sensor devices, such as accelerometers, are instruments that can be utilized to acquire data during different activities. Their size and wirelessness, lower cost, portability, and use in home-based and real-life situations are a few of the advantages.ObjectivesTo evaluate a telemedicine wearable device with a machine learning algorithm that can be used as a screening and tracking tool for SARD-related neuropathy.MethodsA monocentric, diagnostic study was conducted at the Institute of Rheumatology in 2020. The participants were healthy volunteers and SARD patients who had suspected neuropathy. The participant started with the NCS examination; electrodes were placed on the limbs, and amplitude, latency, and conduction velocity of n. medianus, n. ulnaris, n. peroneus, n. tibialis, and n. supraspinatus (motor and sensory fibres) were measured. The novel method consists of four wearable sensors placed over the middle of the hands and feet. The subject performed six exercises with open and closed eyes. Raw data was sent through the Bluetooth connection from the sensors to the tablet and then via WiFi connection to the central server for further analysis. A wearable device uses a specific mathematical algorithm that transforms signals from the accelerometer and gyroscope into specific values. The outcome is defined as a binary variable: whether or not neuropathy exists.ResultsThe study included 23 participants (9 ♂ and 14 ♀), 11 with SARDs (45.8%). Of the total number of SARD participants, 8 (72.7%) had neuropathy confirmed with the NCS examination. The features (such as acceleration or power) obtained with signal processing were examined, and only those that can be used to discriminate SARD-related neuropathy are presented (Table 1). The model for binary classification was developed and presented in Table 2. As shown, the sensitivity and specificity are satisfactory, but the confidence intervals are still wide. Positive predictive value is significantly lower compared to negative predictive value.ConclusionWearable sensors represent accurate and promising technology for the diagnosis of neuropathies related to SARDs. Further studies are needed to evaluate the true accuracy of the technology.Table 1.The features used to discriminate neuropathyNeuropathy (NCS)p valueNo (15)Yes (8)EXC 1 heel-toe walkSDP LL Heels 10hz0.01±0.010.01±0.0030.02SDP Acc Norm LL Heels0.1±0.050.06±0.030.01EXC 2 tandem walkSigPow Acc Norm RL Min1.5±0.21.33±0.130.07EXC 3 heel-knee testCorrSeg Acc Norm LL ClE0.03±0.030.01±0.020.03DiffSig Acc Norm LL_LL OpE0.06±0.10.02±0.0150.2DiffSig Acc Norm RL_RL OpE0.05±0.10.03±0.060.5CorrSeg Acc Norm LL ClE Std0.7±0.230.44±0.160.03EXC 4 Romberg testVar Acc Norm LL CloseEye0.1±0.150.28±0.30.04EXC 5 postural tremorStatPos AbsDiff RA Max0.02±0.010.01±0.010.07Var Acc Norm LA BefAft1.2±0.60.71±0.20.05EXC 6 finger-noseDiffSig Acc Norm RA_RA OpE1.0±0.020.97±0.10.01Exp Acc Norm RA TotPow0.003±0.01-0.02±0.030.01Table 2.Validation of new proposed model for neuropathy screeningModelNCS - (n=15)NCS + (N=8)SnSpPPVNPV1 FT EXC 1 + 4 FT EXC 3WS +370.875(0.466-0.993)0.800(0.513-0.946)0.700(0.513–0.946)0.923(0.621–0.996)WS -121Abb. FT – feature, WS – wearable sensors, NCS – nerve condution studiesAcknowledgementsThe authors acknowledge the company “DIVS Neuroinformatics” for providing equipment to us, for signal processing and data analysis. We also acknowledge the collaboration of patients and other rheumatologists at the Institute of Rheumatology for participating in this study.Disclosure of InterestsZoran Veličković: None declared, Slavica Pavlov Dolijanovic Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Novartis, Eli Lilly, Abbvie, Nina Tomonjic: None declared, Saša Janjić: None declared, Biljana Stojic: None declared, Goran Radunovic Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Novartis, Eli Lilly, Abbvie, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Abbvie.

Based on the UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2021, approximately 931 million tons of food waste were generated in 2019, with nearly 570 million tons of that waste occurring in households. Hunger affects more than 800 million people worldwide. Furthermore, the non-consumption of food accounts for 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, food waste generation has significant environmental, societal, and economic consequences. The circular economy (CE) is an economic model that seeks to reduce waste and extend resource life. The purpose of this study is to examine and present the connections between the CE, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and food waste management. Food waste management is commonly regarded as an environmental issue. Still, it also offers vital economic and social benefits for sustainable development. The first section of the research looks at the function of food waste management in the transition to a circular economy. The second part of this study examines the SDGs in food waste management and circular economy. The findings revealed that the most significant connections and synergies between food waste management, circular economy practices, and SDG targets could be found in SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Both goals have high scores for direct and indirect contributions.

The MErcury Radiometer and Thermal Infrared Spectrometer instrument onboard the BepiColombo spacecraft is designed to investigate Mercury’s surface in the mid‐infrared (mid‐IR). Based on MESSENGER data and modeling, Mercury is thought to be evolved under highly reducing conditions (e.g., McCubbin et al., 2017, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JE005367; Namur & Charlier, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1038/ngeo2860). The modeling also indicates that Mercury's surface is rich in feldspar. However, it is unknown if reducing conditions during the emplacement of volcanic melts have an influence on the IR properties of feldspars. Therefore, we investigated basaltic samples from the Bühl quarry in northern Hesse, Germany, that evolved under reducing conditions in the mid‐IR and compared the spectra with samples that experienced more oxidizing conditions during their formation. The Bühl samples are feldspar‐rich and contain metallic iron in some areas. Our investigations show that there are no differences between feldspars that formed under different oxidizing conditions. All spectral properties could be explained by well‐known factors that affect mid‐IR spectra of silicates. Plain Language Summary ESA's and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s spacecraft BepiColombo is equipped, beside other instruments, with a thermal infrared (IR) radiometer and spectrometer called MErcury Radiometer and Thermal Infrared Spectrometer (MERTIS). For the accurate interpretation of the data from the MERTIS instrument, laboratory analog material is necessary. This analog material must fulfill different characteristics, such as different chemical and mineralogical compositions. Another not yet studied property is the availability of oxygen during the formation of the minerals. Depending on how much oxygen is available, different minerals form. However, this is an important feature, because Mercury is thought to have evolved under highly reducing conditions, as opposed to Earth where nearly all material formed significant more oxidizing conditions. One phase that is strongly associated with reducing magma formation conditions is metallic iron. There are only few natural outcrops on Earth, were stronger reducing conditions were present so that metallic iron could be formed. One of these outcrops is the Bühl quarry in northern Hesse, Germany. From there we used different samples to analyze the effect of oxygen availability on mid‐IR spectra of plagioclase feldspars. Key Points We present infrared spectra of basaltic samples from the Bühl, Hesse, Germany in preparation of the MERTIS experiment Comparison of feldspars formed at different oxygen fugacities showed no spectral differences This is an important result for MERTIS, which will investigate Mercury that formed under reducing conditions

ObjectivesThe extent of tumor cytoreduction (residual tumor volume) is the most important prognostic factor in advanced ovarian cancer (AOC). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by interval debulking surgery (IDS) is an option in cases where optimal cytoreduction is not possible in upfront surgery. Despite that NACT did not raise the survival rate, it still showed increased cytoreduction rate, decreased surgical morbidity and good progression-free interval. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of imaging in the prediction of the extent of cytoreduction after NACT.MethodsThe 37 patients with AOC were included in the study. They were operated in our center after the administration of NACT. Evaluation of the response to NACT was done with CT/MRI after 3–4 cycles of NACT.ResultsNACT was administered in 3 or 4 cycles of Paclitaxel/Carboplatin protocol. Patients were diagnosed in FIGO stage III (29; 78,4%) or IV (8; 21,6%). Cytological (26; 70,3%) or histopathological (9; 29,7%) confirmation of malignancy was done prior chemotherapy. According to imaging, 32 subjects (86,5%) achieved a partial response (PR) to chemotherapy, 4 of them (11,8%) obtained complete response (CR) and one retained stable disease (2,7%). Out of those subjects with PR, 19 (59,4%) had optimal debulking, while 13 (40,6%) had a suboptimal debulking procedure. All 4 of the patients with CR had complete debulking, while one with SD had suboptimal debulking.ConclusionsImaging evaluation of response to NACT is a valid method to assess surgical resectability and select patients appropriate for complete cytoreduction.

Individuals with spinal cord injury are at risk of secondary health conditions (SHC) that develop as a consequence of autonomic dysfunction, prolonged oxidative stress and inflammation, and physical inactivity coupled with inadequate energy and nutritional intake. SHC can be debilitating and even life-threatening, and its prevention remains one of the major challenges in the continuum of medical care of aging SCI population. An unhealthy diet is a major driver of inflammation, oxidative stress, and unfavourable metabolic status and may be a practical preventive target to tackle increased SHC risk post-injury. To provide a catalogue of dietary interventions beneficial in prevention of SHC among individuals with SCI by conducting a systematic review of the literature on dietary interventions and dietary supplementation in promoting health and well-being after the injury. In addition, we aimed to provide a summary of observational studies exploring the association between habitual diet (macro- and micronutrients intake and dietary patterns) and health patterns following the injury. This review was registered at PROSPERO (University of York) with registration number CRD42022373773. Four medical databases (EMBASE.com, MEDLINE [Ovid], Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science Core Collection) and Google Scholar were searched from inception until 11th July 2022. Studies were included if they were clinical trials or observational studies conducted in adult individuals with SCI and provided information of interest. Based on strength of the study design and risk of bias assessment (using the NIH tool), we classified studies from Level 1 (most reliable studies) to Level 4 (least reliable studies). Of 12,313 unique citations, 47 articles (based on 43 original studies) comprising 32 interventional (22 RCTs, 3 NRCT, and 7 pre-post studies) and 11 observational studies (2 cohort studies, 2 case-control, 1 post-intervention follow-up study, and 6 cross-sectional studies) were included in the present systematic review. Twenty studies (46.5%) were classified as Level 1 or 2, indicating high/moderate methodological quality. Based on those studies, dietary strategies including high protein diet, intermittent fasting, balanced diet in combination with physical conditioning and electrical stimulation, and dietary supplementation including alpha-lipoic acid, creatine, vitamin D, and cranberry-derived supplements and probiotics were mapped as the most promising in prevention of SHC among individuals with SCI. To develop timely and effective preventive strategies targeting major SHC (e.g., cardiometabolic diseases, urinary tract infections) in SCI, further research is warranted to confirm the effectiveness of dietary strategies/interventions identified through the current systematic review of the literature.