Wirbelsäulen-Institut München

The energy transition poses significant challenges for the electrical distribution grid. This paper examines curative system operation in the 110 kV distribution grid that aims to tackle some of these challenges. Unlike preventive system operation, which avoids potential violations of operating thresholds during normal operation before they occur, curative system operation aims to maintain the grid within permissible thresholds only after a critical event through prepared, targeted measures. This paper analyses the complex requirements and challenges in implementing curative measures, particularly in comparison to existing approaches and concerning the high node density and the multitude of possible measures involving renewable generation plants and other customer facilities in the high-voltage distribution grid. By defining relevant thresholds and considering influencing factors, a unified understanding of curative system operation in the distribution grid is established. The paper demonstrates how curative system operation approaches can contribute to ensuring system security and describes the advantages of their utilization. Finally, perspectives for future research in the area of curative system operation in the 110 kV distribution grid are outlined.

Supplementary Data and figures belonging to the manuscript titled "Tracing timing of growth in cultured mollusks using strontium spiking", in review with Frontiers in Marine Science. v2.0: Updated Supplementary File SI7 to include calculations of percentages of trace element peaks cooccurring with peaks in Sr. v2.1: Add latest versions of manuscript figures

Epiduroscopy is a proven method of diagnosis and treatment for chronic radicular pain after spinal surgery, which is known as failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of drugs (the enzyme hyaluronidase and corticosteroid DEPO-Medrol) administrated into the epidural space during epiduroscopy, performed within the ventral and ventro-lateral epidural space with a focus on releasing foraminal adhesions. Forty-eight patients with diagnosed FBBS were randomized into two groups before epiduroscopy. Group A received the standard treatment-mechanical lysis of fibrotic tissue in the epidural space. Group B received hyaluronidase and corticosteroid methylprednisolone acetate during the procedure. Subjects were followed for six and 12 months via scheduled double-blinded examinations by pain physicians. Leg and back pain intensity was assessed by an 11-point numerical rating scale, and patients' functional disability was assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Study subjects showed a significant decrease in ODI score in both groups (P < 0.05). Significantly lower pain scores for leg pain (P < 0.05) and back pain (P < 0.05) were also recorded after the six-month follow-up. However, the one-year follow-up showed a return to the baseline ODI values of most monitored pain scores in both groups (P > 0.05). Improvement was only noted on the NRS for back pain at one-year follow-up (P < 0.05). A significant improvement of leg and back pain was found in both groups after six months. ODI was significantly improved only in group B in both the six- and 12-month intervals. Back pain at one-year follow-up was only improved in group B.