Wide and fast focus-tunable dielectro-optofluidic lens via pinning of the interface of aqueous and dielectric liquids.

Electrohydrodynamic actuation of dielectric liquid enables the development of an efficient focus-tunable dielectro-optofluidic lens (DOL) by manipulating a liquid-liquid interface. However, practical utilization of the previous DOL is hindered by its narrow and slow focus-tunability due to the direct movement of the interface. Here, we propose pinning the interface to directly change the interface shape while preventing the interface movement. The newly designed DOL exploits sudden changes in the channel diameter and the surface wettability to firmly pin the interface. Our results demonstrate that the tuning range of the DOL from -40 to +35 diopters is achieved in 0.1 s.

Characterization of a novel ginsenoside-hydrolyzing α-L-arabinofuranosidase, AbfA, from Rhodanobacter ginsenosidimutans Gsoil 3054T.

The gene encoding an α-L-arabinofuranosidase that could biotransform ginsenoside Rc {3-O-[ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-2)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl]-20-O-[α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1-6)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl]-20(S)-protopanaxadiol} to ginsenoside Rd {3-O-[ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-2)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl]-20-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol} was cloned from a soil bacterium, Rhodanobacter ginsenosidimutans strain Gsoil 3054(T), and the recombinant enzyme was characterized. The enzyme (AbfA) hydrolyzed the arabinofuranosyl moiety from ginsenoside Rc and was classified as a family 51 glycoside hydrolase based on amino acid sequence analysis. Recombinant AbfA expressed in Escherichia coli hydrolyzed non-reducing arabinofuranoside moieties with apparent K (m) values of 0.53 ± 0.07 and 0.30 ± 0.07 mM and V (max) values of 27.1 ± 1.7 and 49.6 ± 4.1 µmol min(-1) mg(-1) of protein for p-nitrophenyl-α-L-arabinofuranoside and ginsenoside Rc, respectively. The enzyme exhibited preferential substrate specificity of the exo-type mode of action towards polyarabinosides or oligoarabinosides. AbfA demonstrated substrate-specific activity for the bioconversion of ginsenosides, as it hydrolyzed only arabinofuranoside moieties from ginsenoside Rc and its derivatives, and not other sugar groups. These results are the first report of a glycoside hydrolase family 51 α-L-arabinofuranosidase that can transform ginsenoside Rc to Rd.

Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases guidance for clinical practice of adult inflammatory bowel disease during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: expert consensus statements.

Many unexpected problems have resulted from the unprecedented coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The optimal management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during the COVID-19 pandemic has also been a challenge. Therefore, the Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases (KASID) developed a consensus statement of experts regarding the management of IBD during the COVID-19 pandemic. This consensus statement made recommendations regarding the risk and treatment of COVID-19 in IBD patients. This statement emphasizes that IBD is not a risk factor for COVID-19, and care should be taken not to exacerbate IBD in patients in remission state by maintaining their medications, except for corticosteroids.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease: expert consensus statement by KASID.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the novel coronavirus, is threatening global health worldwide with unprecedented contagiousness and severity. The best strategy to overcome COVID-19 is a vaccine. Various vaccines are currently being developed, and mass vaccination is in progress. Despite the very encouraging clinical trial results of these vaccines, there is insufficient information on the safety and efficacy of vaccines for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients facing various issues. After reviewing current evidence and international guidelines, the Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases developed an expert consensus statement on COVID-19 vaccination issues for Korean IBD patients. This expert consensus statement emphasizes that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccination be strongly recommended for IBD patients, and it is safe for IBD patients receiving immunomodulatory therapy.

Clinical outcomes of palliative self-expandable metal stent placement in right- and left-sided malignant colon obstruction: A Honam Association for the Study of Intestinal Disease (HASID) multicenter study.

Self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement is commonly used for palliation of left-sided malignant colorectal obstruction (MCO). However, right-sided MCO is usually treated surgically. Recent studies that compared palliative SEMS insertion and emergency surgery in right-sided MCOs have reported conflicting results. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of palliative SEMS placement in left-sided MCOs and right-sided MCOs and to investigate the predictive factors for clinical success and risk factors for complications. Data from 469 patients who underwent palliative SEMS placement for MCO at 6 hospitals in the Honam province of South Korea between 2009 and 2018 were reviewed. Among them, 69 patients with right-sided MCO and 400 patients with left-sided MCO who underwent SEMS placement for palliative purposes were enrolled. Clinical success, overall survival, complications, and predictive factors for clinical success and risk factors for complications were included as the main outcome measures. The clinical success rates were 97.1% (65/67) in right-sided MCO patients and 88.2% (353/400) in left-sided MCO patients. Complications including stent migration, tumor ingrowth, outgrowth, perforation, bacteremia/fever, and bleeding occurred in 10.1% (7/69) of right-sided MCO patients and 19.9% (79/400) of left-sided MCO patients. The mean overall survival of right-sided MCO was 28.02 months and 18.23 months for left-sided MCO. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, T3 stage tumors and the use of uncovered stents were significant factors for the clinical success of SEMS. The use of covered stents and performance status score of 0 to 2 were independent significant risk factors for complications. Palliative SEMS placement in right-sided MCO showed better clinical success rates than left-sided MCO. The use of uncovered stents is recommended for higher clinical success rates and lower complication rates.

The HDAC1 Inhibitor CBUD-1001 Enhances TRAIL-induced Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer Cells.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a potential anti-tumor agent. However, resistance to TRAIL has been reported in a number of clinical trials. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which a novel histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, CBUD-1001, sensitizes colorectal cancer (CRC) cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Apoptotic cell death induced by CBUD-1001 and/or TRAIL was assessed on human CRC cells using the MTT assay, FACS analysis and nuclei staining. The involved molecular mechanisms were explored through western blotting analysis. RESULTS: We demonstrated that combined with CBUD-1001, TRAIL significantly enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis in CRC cells via mitochondria-mediated pathways. We also found that hyper-acetylation of histone by CBUD-1001 treatment leads to up-regulation of death receptor (DR) 5 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, we identified that enhanced sensitivity to TRAIL by combination with CBUD-1001 depends on the MAPK/CHOP axis, being a key mediator of DR5. CONCLUSION: A novel HDAC inhibitor CBUD-1001 sensitizes TRAIL-induced apoptosis via up-regulation of DR5, and that CBUD-1001 and TRAIL combination treatment offers an effective strategy to overcome TRAIL resistance in CRC cells.

[KASID Guidance for Clinical Practice Management of Adult Inflammatory Bowel Disease during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Expert Consensus Statement].

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has reduced the ability to prevent or control chronic disease due to the concerns about safety in accessing health care. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition requiring long- term sustained treatment, which is difficult in the current panedemic situation. The Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases (KASID) has developed an expert consensus statement on the clinical practice management of adult inflammatory bowel disease during the COVID-19 pandemic. This expert consensus statement is based on guidelines and clinical reports from several countries around the world. It provides recommendations to deal with the risk of COVID-19 and medication use in IBD patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and emphasizes the importance of right treatment approach to avoid worsening of the disease condition in IBD patients.

[SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination for Adult Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Expert Consensus Statements by KASID].

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the novel coronavirus, is threatening global health worldwide with unprecedented contagiousness and severity. The best strategy to overcome COVID-19 is a vaccine. Various vaccines are currently being developed, and mass vaccination is in progress. Despite the very encouraging clinical trial results of these vaccines, there is insufficient information on the safety and efficacy of vaccines for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients facing various issues. After reviewing current evidence and international guidelines, the Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases (KASID) developed an expert consensus statement on COVID-19 vaccination issues for Korean IBD patients. This expert consensus statement emphasizes that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination be strongly recommended for IBD patients, and it is safe for IBD patients receiving immunomodulatory therapy.

Predictors of clinical outcomes of self-expandable metal stent treatment for malignant colorectal obstruction: A Honam Association for the Study of Intestinal Disease (HASID) multicenter study.

ABSTRACT: There has been increased use of self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) in treating malignant colorectal obstruction (MCO). The aim of this study was to investigate factors that are associated with the outcomes of SEMS placement for MCO.Clinical data from patients who underwent SEMS placement for MCO at 6 hospitals in Honam province of South Korea between 2009 and 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Eight hundred two patients were identified and their data were analyzed. Technical success, clinical success, complications, and predictors of outcome were included as main outcome measures.Technical and clinical success rates were 98.8% (792/802) and 90.1% (723/802), respectively. Complications including stent migration, stent occlusion due to tumor ingrowth and outgrowth, perforation, bacteremia/fever, and bleeding occurred in 123 (15.3%) patients. In multivariate regression analyses, procedure time was significantly associated with the technical success of SEMS placement (P = .001). Longer length of obstruction, the use of covered stent, and longer procedure time were significant independent predictive factors for the clinical success of SEMS placement (odds ratio [OR] 0.974 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.950-0.990); P = .043, OR 0.255 (95% CI 0.138-0.471); P < .001, and OR 0.957 (95% CI 0.931-0.984); P = .002, respectively). Stage IV colorectal cancer and the use of covered stent were significant independent predictive factors for the development of complications after SEMS placement (OR 2.428 (95% CI 1.407-4.188); P = .001 and OR 3.329 (95% CI 2.060-5.378); P < .001, respectively).Longer length of obstruction, the use of covered stent, and longer procedure time were associated with lower clinical success rates. Having stage IV colorectal cancer and the use of covered stents were associated with an increased risk of complications.

Multidisciplinary and Multisociety Practice Guideline on Reprocessing Flexible Gastrointestinal Endoscopes and Endoscopic Accessories.

The area of endoscopic application has been continuously expanded since its introduction in the last century and the frequency of its use also increased stiffly in the last decades. Because gastrointestinal endoscopy is naturally exposed to diseased internal organs and contact with pathogenic materials, endoscopy mediated infection or disease transmission becomes a major concern in this field. Gastrointestinal endoscopy is not for single use and the proper reprocessing process is a critical factor for safe and reliable endoscopy procedures. What needed in these circumstances is a practical guideline for reprocessing the endoscope and its accessories which is feasible in the real clinical field to guarantee acceptable prevention of pathogen transmission. This guideline contains principles and instructions of the reprocessing procedure according to the step by step. And it newly includes general information and updated knowledge about endoscopy-mediated infection and disinfection. Multiple societies and working groups participated to revise; Korean Association for the Study of the Liver, the Korean Society of Infectious Diseases, Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research, the Korean Society of Gastroenterology, Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases, Korean Pancreatobiliary Association, the Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Nurses and Associates and Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Through this cooperation, we enhanced communication and established a better concordance. We still need more researches in this field and fill up the unproven area. And our guidelines will be renewed accordingly.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Liver Biopsy Using a Core Needle for Hepatic Solid Mass.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy (EUSFNB) using a core needle for hepatic solid masses (HSMs). Additionally, the study aimed to assess factors that influence the diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNB for HSMs. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent EUS-FNB for the pathological diagnosis of HSMs was conducted between January 2013 and July 2017. The procedure had been performed using core needles of different calibers. The assessed variables were mass size, puncture route, needle type, and the number of needle passes. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients underwent EUS-FNB for the pathologic evaluation of HSMs with a mean mass size of 21.4±9.2 mm. EUSFNB was performed with either a 20-G (n=14), 22-G (n=29) or a 25-G core needle (n=15). The diagnostic accuracy for this procedure was 89.7%, but both specimen adequacy for histology and available immunohistochemistry stain were 91.4%. The sensitivity and specificity of EUS-FNB were 89.7% and 100%, respectively. There was one case involving bleeding as a complication, which was controlled with endoscopic hemostasis. According to the multivariate analysis, no variable was independently associated with a correct final diagnosis. CONCLUSION: EUS-FNB with core biopsy needle is a safe and highly accurate diagnostic option for assessing HSMs. There were no variable factors associated with diagnostic accuracy.

Feasibility of Adopting the "Step-up Approach" in Managing Necrotizing Pancreatitis-induced Pancreatic-colonic Fistula.

Managing acute pancreatitis is clinically challenging because of the generally poor patient condition, the variety of treatment options depending on the severity and complications, and the uncertainty of outcomes. Recently, the step-up approach, which involves less invasive initial treatment and more invasive subsequent treatment, where necessary, has been proposed as the mainstay of managing pancreatitis. This paper presents a case of a 57-year-old man with severe acute pancreatitis, who developed an unexpected fistula in the rectum, which was treated successfully using the step-up approach. In managing this case, the authors faced clinical challenges in determining the infection of necrotic tissue in the early phase of the disease, the optimal timing and method of drainage, and the fistula closure or repair technique. Successful management of this case using the step-up approach validated current recommendations and suggests that it is a reasonable treatment strategy for pancreatic-colonic fistulas. This case also highlights the importance of an awareness that pancreatitis-associated complications can develop in an unexpected manner.

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and coexisting hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is an acute viral disease with fever, hemorrhage and renal failure caused by hantavirus infection. Hantavirus induces HFRS or hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). HPS progression to a life-threatening pulmonary disease is found primarily in the USA and very rarely in South Korea. Here, we report a case of HFRS and coexisting HPS.

Aspromonas composti gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel member of the family Xanthomonadaceae.

Two novel bacteria, strains TR7-09(T) and P2-12-1, were isolated from samples of compost and river sediment, respectively. The strains comprised Gram-negative, motile, non-spore-forming rods, produced creamy white colonies on R2A agar, contained Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone, contained iso-15 : 0, iso-17 : 0 omega 9c and iso-11 : 0 3-OH as the major fatty acids, and had polar lipid profiles consisting of phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and an unknown phospholipid. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strains were most closely related to Thermomonas haemolytica DSM 13605(T), Silanimonas lenta KCTC 12236(T) and Xanthomonas campestris LMG 568(T) (with 92.5, 92.0 and 92.0 % sequence similarity, respectively) and formed a separate lineage within the family Xanthomonadaceae. The combined genotypic and phenotypic data supported the conclusion that the strains represent a novel genus and species, for which the name Aspromonas composti gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TR7-09(T) (=KCTC 12666(T)=DSM 18010(T)).

Halomonas gomseomensis sp. nov., Halomonas janggokensis sp. nov., Halomonas salaria sp. nov. and Halomonas denitrificans sp. nov., moderately halophilic bacteria isolated from saline water.

A total of 34 Halomonas strains were isolated from saline water in Anmyeondo, Korea. Ten of these strains, considered to belong to novel species, were subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic investigation. The strains were Gram-negative, moderately halophilic, motile and non-spore-forming rods that contained Q-9 as the predominant ubiquinone and C(18 : 1)omega7c, C(16 : 0) and either summed feature 4 (C(16 : 1)omega7c/C(15 : 0) iso 2-OH) or C(19 : 0) cyclo omega8c as the major fatty acids. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, showed that the ten isolates formed four separate lineages in the genus Halomonas. Combined phenotypic data and DNA-DNA hybridization data supported the conclusion that they represent four novel species in the genus Halomonas, for which the names Halomonas gomseomensis sp. nov. (type strain M12(T)=KCTC 12662(T)=DSM 18042(T)), Halomonas janggokensis sp. nov. (type strain M24(T)=KCTC 12663(T)=DSM 18043(T)), Halomonas salaria sp. nov. (type strain M27(T)=KCTC 12664(T)=DSM 18044(T)) and Halomonas denitrificans sp. nov. (type strain M29(T)=KCTC 12665(T)=DSM 18045(T)) are proposed.