Intraoperative radial nerve injury during coronary artery surgery – report of two cases

BACKGROUND: Peripheral nerve injury and brachial plexopathy are known, though rare complications of coronary artery surgery. The ulnar nerve is most frequently affected, whereas radial nerve lesions are much less common accounting for only 3% of such intraoperative injuries. CASE PRESENTATIONS: Two 52- and 50-year-old men underwent coronary artery surgery. On the first postoperative day they both complained of wrist drop on the left. Neurological examination revealed a paresis of the wrist and finger extensor muscles (0/5), and the brachioradialis (4/5) with hypoaesthesia on the radial aspect of the dorsum of the left hand. Both biceps and triceps reflexes were normoactive, whereas the brachioradialis reflex was diminished on the left. Muscles innervated from the median and ulnar nerve, as well as all muscles above the elbow were unaffected. Electrophysiological studies were performed 3 weeks later, when muscle power of the affected muscles had already begun to improve. Nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography revealed a partial conduction block of the radial nerve along the spiral groove, motor axonal loss distal to the site of the lesion and moderate impairment in recruitment with fibrillation potentials in radial innervated muscles below the elbow and normal findings in triceps and deltoid. Electrophysiology data pointed towards a radial nerve injury in the spiral groove. We assume external compression as the causative factor. The only apparatus attached to the patients' left upper arm was the sternal retractor, used for dissection of the internal mammary artery. Both patients were overweight and lying on the operating table for a considerable time might have caused the compression of their left upper arm on the self retractor's supporting column which was fixed to the table rail 5 cm above the left elbow joint, in the site where the radial nerve is directly apposed to the humerus. CONCLUSION: Although very uncommon, external compression due to the use of a self retractor during coronary artery surgery can affect – especially in obese subjects – the radial nerve within the spiral groove leading to paresis and should therefore be included in the list of possible mechanisms of radial nerve injury

Assessing the Status of Electricity Generation in the Non-Interconnected Islands of the Aegean Sea Region

Assessment of the electricity generation status for Non-Interconnected Islands (NIIs) of the Aegean Sea region, excluding the electricity systems of Crete and Rhodes, is undertaken in the current study. The authors focus on the long-term analysis of thermal power generation characteristics and also on the challenges so far limiting the contribution of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in covering the electricity needs of the specific area. According to the present analysis, due to the existing technical limitations, the annual RES shares in the electricity balance of NIIs of the Aegean Sea have since 2010 stagnated in the range of 15% to 18%. Moreover, the performance of thermal power stations for all 30 NII systems is evaluated on the basis of their utilization factor, associated fuel consumption and electricity production costs. The vast majority of these stations is characterized by low capacity factors in combination with high specific fuel consumption and high operational expenses that in the case of smaller scale island regions could even exceed 600€/MWh. At the same time, the authors discuss on the alternatives and encourage further investigation of novel, intelligent energy solutions, such as the smart microgrid and battery-based hybrid power station that are currently developed on the island of Tilos under the implementation of the TILOS Horizon 2020 program

Sustainable energy solutions for the Aegean Archipelago Islands: What is the public attitude?

In contributing towards the realisation of plans to transform the Aegean into a “green” archipelago, the internationally acclaimed TILOS research consortium seeks to transfer tacit knowledge of smart micro-grids beyond the island of Tilos. However, research on public acceptability of sustainable energy technologies suggests that local opposition might undermine such plans. In order to minimize the problems of technological transfers it is, thus, imperative to embark on an early-stage exploration of public attitudes towards proposed interventions. In this paper, we draw on survey data from across the Aegean to uncover the widespread acceptability of green energy solutions. Simultaneously, though, we uncover how broad acceptability does not always translate into actual acceptance of the TILOS energy model, especially with respect to solutions that affect the end-user. In turn, we argue that these findings should inform future interventions with the ultimate aim of securing public support to “green” the Aegean

Bringing innovation to market: business models for battery storage

Power systems around the world have undergone significant transitions towards a decentralization and decarbonization with higher requirements on supply security and flexibility. Technology advancement helps to improve energy efficiency and bring down cost, which in turn promote the growth of battery storage internationally. Business models of battery storage remain vague given its early stages of development but it is clear that there is no universal business model for batteries given the breadth of applications. In this study, we review the main components of existing business models and highlight the areas to be strengthened in a novel business model. Business models should be distinguished at different scales (utility-scale; behind-the-meter application; community-island mode operation) addressing different needs (to replace existing system or to add new capacity). A successful business model of a battery storage system needs to take into account electricity system transition, market and regulatory barriers, among others. Last but not least, it is important to consider innovations in other technologies for the design of a business model

Public perception of sustainable energy innovation: A case study from Tilos, Greece

Renewable and smart grid technologies play a key role in delivering a sustainable energy future for non-interconnected islands. In this context, societal acceptance of proposed interventions manifests itself as a major determinant of planned transitions. With extant scholarship on public acceptability of sustainable energy technologies focusing on local opposition to wind farms, this paper presents timely survey data from the island of Tilos to provide a better understanding of energy-users’ perceptions vis-à-vis novel smart island proposals. Against stultifying narratives highlighting the lack of community acceptance for local interventions, we uncover: a) the widespread acceptance of sustainable and smart energy solutions, and b) the willingness of a large proportion of locals to play their part, as engaged energy prosumers, in a green energy transition. In turn, these findings form the basis for future academic and technical interventions on the island, and inform broader conclusions on public engagement around energy

Martian Superoxide and Peroxide O2 Release (OR) Assay: A New Technology for Terrestrial and Planetary Applications

This study presents an assay for the detection and quantification of soil metal superoxides and peroxides in regolith and soil. The O2 release (OR) assay is based on the enzymatic conversion of the hydrolysis products of metal oxides to O2, and their quantification by an O2 electrode based on the stoichiometry of the involved reactions: The intermediate product O2 from the hydrolysis of metal superoxides is converted by cytochrome c to O2, and also by superoxide dismutase (SOD) to 1/2 mol O2 and 1/2 mol H2O2, which is then converted by catalase (CAT) to 1/2 mol O2. The product H2O2 from the hydrolysis of metal peroxides and hydroperoxides is converted to 1/2 mol O2 by CAT. The assay-method was validated in a sealed sample chamber using a liquid-phase Clark-type O2 electrode with known concentrations of O2 and H2O2, and with commercial metal superoxide and peroxide mixed with Mars analogue Mojave and Atacama Desert soils. Carbonates and perchlorates, both present on Mars, do not interfere with the assay. The assay lower limit of detection, using luminescence quenching/optical sensing O2-electrodes, is 1 nmol O2 cm(exp. -3) or better. The activity of the assay enzymes SOD and cytochrome c was unaffected up to 6 Gy exposure by gamma-radiation, while CAT retained 100% and 40% of its activity at 3 and 6 Gy, respectively, demonstrating the suitability of these enzymes for planetary missions, e.g., in Mars or Europa

Untangling a Gordian knot : the role of a GluCl3 I321T mutation in abamectin resistance in Tetranychus urticae

BACKGROUND: The cys-loop ligand-gated ion channels, including the glutamate-gated chloride channel (GluCl) and GABA-gated chloride channel (Rdl) are important targets for drugs and pesticides. The macrocyclic lactone abamectin primarily targets GluCl and is commonly used to control the spider mite Tetranychus urticae, an economically important crop pest. However, abamectin resistance has been reported for multiple T. urticae populations worldwide, and in several cases was associated with the mutations G314D in GluCl1 and G326E in GluCl3. Recently, an additional I321T mutation in GluCl3 was identified in several abamectin resistant T. urticae field populations. Here, we aim to functionally validate this mutation and determine its phenotypic strength. RESULTS: The GluCl3 I321T mutation was introgressed into a T. urticae susceptible background by marker-assisted backcrossing, revealing contrasting results in phenotypic strength, ranging from almost none to 50-fold. Next, we used CRISPR-Cas9 to introduce I321T, G314D and G326E in the orthologous Drosophila GluCl. Genome modified flies expressing GluCl I321T were threefold less susceptible to abamectin, while CRISPRed GluCl G314D and G326E flies were lethal. Last, functional analysis in Xenopus oocytes revealed that the I321T mutation might reduce GluCl3 sensitivity to abamectin, but also suggested that all three T. urticae Rdls are affected by abamectin. CONCLUSION: Three different techniques were used to characterize the role of I321T in GluCl3 in abamectin resistance and, combining all results, our analysis suggests that the I321T mutation has a complex role in abamectin resistance. Given the reported subtle effect, additional synergistic factors in resistance warrant more investigation

The social perspective on island energy transitions: Evidence from the Aegean archipelago

Multiple (inter)national networks and research consortia attempt to capitalise on their emerging experience of integrated smart and green energy solutions by contributing towards the sustainable energy transition of non-interconnected island communities. However, past research at an international level suggests that local opposition might undermine otherwise promising transition plans. In order to minimise the problems of technological transfers, it is, thus, imperative to embark on an early-stage exploration of public attitudes towards such innovations. In light, however, of the routine exclusion of social issues in island energy studies, we present timely data from the first-ever questionnaire survey conducted across the islands of the Aegean Sea. In doing so, we uncover the widespread acceptability of green energy solutions developed as part of the internationally acclaimed TILOS (“Technology Innovation for the Local Scale, Optimum Integration of Battery Energy Storage”) Horizon 2020 project. Simultaneously, though, we draw on the outputs of our unique end-user segmentation analyses and argue that only certain islanders are likely to accept the full replication of the TILOS energy model in their communities. Numerous personal/demographic factors influence the likelihood of accepting specific sustainable energy technologies and, subsequently, only a group of individuals who are young, male, knowledgeable and concerned about the environment are expected to support the proposed technological transition. In turn, we argue that these findings should inform future interventions and research with the ultimate aim of supporting efforts to “green” the Aegean archipelago and other non-interconnected islands at an international level

Beneficial effect of the oxygen free radical scavenger amifostine (WR-2721) on spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury in rabbits

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Paraplegia is the most devastating complication of thoracic or thoraco-abdominal aortic surgery. During these operations, an ischemia-reperfusion process is inevitable and the produced radical oxygen species cause severe oxidative stress for the spinal cord. In this study we examined the influence of Amifostine, a triphosphate free oxygen scavenger, on oxidative stress of spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion in rabbits.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Eighteen male, New Zealand white rabbits were anesthetized and spinal cord ischemia was induced by temporary occlusion of the descending thoracic aorta by a coronary artery balloon catheter, advanced through the femoral artery. The animals were randomly divided in 3 groups. Group I functioned as control. In group II the descending aorta was occluded for 30 minutes and then reperfused for 75 min. In group III, 500 mg Amifostine was infused into the distal aorta during the second half-time of ischemia period. At the end of reperfusion all animals were sacrificed and spinal cord specimens were examined for superoxide radicals by an ultra sensitive fluorescent assay.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Superoxide radical levels ranged, in group I between 1.52 and 1.76 (1.64 ± 0.10), in group II between 1.96 and 2.50 (2.10 ± 0.23), and in group III (amifostine) between 1.21 and 1.60 (1.40 ± 0.19) (p = 0.00), showing a decrease of 43% in the Group of Amifostine. A lipid peroxidation marker measurement ranged, in group I between 0.278 and 0.305 (0.296 ± 0.013), in group II between 0.427 and 0.497 (0.463 ± 0.025), and in group III (amifostine) between 0.343 and 0.357 (0.350 ± 0.007) (p < 0.00), showing a decrease of 38% after Amifostine administration.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>By direct and indirect methods of measuring the oxidative stress of spinal cord after ischemia/reperfusion, it is suggested that intra-aortic Amifostine infusion during spinal cord ischemia phase, significantly attenuated the spinal cord oxidative injury in rabbits.</p

Pancreatic Cancer Organoids : An Emerging Platform for Precision Medicine?

Despite recent therapeutic advances, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most aggressive malignancies, with remarkable resistance to treatment, poor prognosis, and poor clinical outcome. More efficient therapeutic approaches are urgently needed to improve patients’ survival. Recently, the development of organoid culture systems has gained substantial attention as an emerging preclinical research model. PDAC organoids have been developed to study pancreatic cancer biology, progression, and treatment response, filling the translational gap between in vitro and in vivo models. Here, we review the rapidly evolving field of PDAC organoids and their potential as powerful preclinical tools that could pave the way towards precision medicine for pancreatic cancer