Physiology and biochemistry of reduction of azo compounds by Shewanella strains relevant to electron transport chain

Azo dyes are toxic, highly persistent, and ubiquitously distributed in the environments. The large-scale production and application of azo dyes result in serious environmental pollution of water and sediments. Bacterial azo reduction is an important process for removing this group of contaminants. Recent advances in this area of research reveal that azo reduction by Shewanella strains is coupled to the oxidation of electron donors and linked to the electron transport and energy conservation in the cell membrane. Up to date, several key molecular components involved in this reaction have been identified and the primary electron transportation system has been proposed. These new discoveries on the respiration pathways and electron transfer for bacterial azo reduction has potential biotechnological implications in cleaning up contaminated sites

“Rendezvous technique” for intraluminal vacuum therapy of anastomotic leakage of the jejunum

Background Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most common and serious complications following visceral surgery. In recent years, endoluminal vacuum therapy has dramatically changed therapeutic options for AL, but its use has been limited to areas easily accessible by endoscope. Case presentation We describe the first use of endoluminal vacuum therapy in the small intestine employing a combined surgical and endoscopic “rendezvous technique” in which the surgeon assists the endoscopic placement of an endoluminal vacuum therapy sponge in the jejunum by means of a pullback string. This technique led to a completely closed AL after 27 days and 7 changes of the endosponge. Conclusion The combined surgical and endoscopic rendezvous technique can be useful in cases of otherwise difficult endosponge placement

SPECT- and PET-based patient-tailored treatment in neuroendocrine tumors: a comprehensive multidisciplinary team approach.

The overexpression of somatostatin receptors on the tumor cell surface of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) detected by multimodal functional imaging modalities such as SPECT and PET tracers constitutes a therapeutic option using targeting radiolabeled compounds. We will introduce the theranostic concept in general, explain in more detail its development in NETs, and discuss available SPECT and PET tracers regarding their potential for diagnostic imaging, visualization of target expression, and treatment tailoring. Moreover, we will discuss the currently available peptide receptor radionuclide therapy principles and compare them to previously published studies. Finally, we will iscuss which new concepts will most likely influence the theranostic treatment approach in NETs in the future