Predictors of postoperative bleeding after minimally invasive bariatric surgery.

Background: Minimally invasive bariatric surgeries provide effective weight loss with fewer complications. However, postoperative bleeding remains a significant concern due to its potential for serious morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to identify factors predicting postoperative bleeding following laparoscopic and robotic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

Interstitial Lung Disease as an Emerging Contributor to Mortality in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Population-Based Epidemiological Study.

Introduction: We aim to investigate the contribution of interstitial lung disease (ILD) to mortality in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods: We performed a comprehensive retrospective, population-based epidemiological study across the United States from 2001 to 2020, using the Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database. Mortality data were classified according to the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision , with the codes J84 for ILD, K50 for Crohn's disease, and K51 for ulcerative colitis.

Evaluation of the clinical relevance of the Biofire FilmArray pneumonia panel among hospitalized patients.

Purpose: Panel PCR tests provide rapid pathogen identification. However, their diagnostic performance is unclear. We assessed the performance of the Biofire FilmArray pneumonia (PN)-panel against standard culture in broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) samples.

Do advances in technology translate to improved outcomes? Comparing robotic bariatric surgery outcomes over two-time intervals utilizing the MBSAQIP database.

Background: This study aims to compare outcomes and utilization of robotics in bariatric procedures across two-time intervals, chosen because they correspond to drastic changes in technology utilization-namely, a new platform and a new stapling device. Outcomes of robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (rRYGB) and robotic sleeve gastrectomy (rSG) across this changing landscape have not been well studied, despite increasing popularity.

Methods: The MBSAQIP database was analyzed over early (2015-2016) and late (2019-2020) time intervals.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass conversion versus primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a propensity score matching analysis.

Background: Secondary bariatric surgery rates have increased, accounting for approximately 19% of the total bariatric cases in the last years, most commonly conversion of sleeve gastrectomy to gastric bypass. Using the MBSAQIP, we evaluate the outcomes of this procedure compared to the primary RYGB surgery.

Methods: The new variable, conversion of sleeve gastrectomy to RYGB in the 2020 and 2021 MBSAQIP database was analyzed.

Comparison of Hormonal Response to a Mixed-Meal Challenge in Hypoglycemia After Sleeve Gastrectomy vs Gastric Bypass.

Context: Exaggerated postprandial incretin and insulin responses are well documented in postbariatric surgery hypoglycemia (PBH) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). However, less is known about PBH after sleeve gastrectomy (SG).

Objective: We sought to compare meal-stimulated hormonal response in those with PBH after SG vs RYGB.

GDF15 and Cortisol Response to Meal Tolerance Test in Post-Sleeve Gastrectomy Patients with Weight Regain.

Background: Hormonal factors behind weight regain (WR) after surgical weight loss remain inadequately understood. Growth/differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in obesity treatment. Cortisol, another stress hormone, has also been associated with weight gain at both low and high circulating concentrations.

Validation of the cumulative deficit theory in bariatric surgery: new bariatric frailty score is associated with non-home discharge, prolonged hospital stay and mortality in the era of fast-track bariatric surgery.

Background: Frailty is a wasting disorder that can coexist with obesity, thus, the term "obese frailty syndrome". Frailty can be measured using the cumulative deficit model demonstrated in the Canadian Study of Health and Aging-Frailty Index (CSHA-FI).

Objectives: To develop a Bariatric Frailty Score (BFS) to predict 30-day adverse postoperative outcomes.

Does endoscopic mean safer? A comparison of the short-term safety of endoscopic versus laparoscopic bariatric therapies.

There is minimal research on real-world, large-volume data comparing endoscopic bariatric therapy (EBT) to laparoscopic bariatric therapy (LBT). This study aimed to compare 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality outcomes of primary EBT vs LBT using the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program. Patients aged 18 to 80 with body mass index (BMI) 35 to 40 kg/m undergoing primary procedures were included.

Multicenter Technical Validation of 30 Rapid Antigen Tests for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 (VALIDATE).

During COVID19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (RATs) were marketed with minimal or no performance data. We aimed at closing this gap by determining technical sensitivities and specificities of 30 RATs prior to market release. We developed a standardized technical validation protocol and assessed 30 RATs across four diagnostic laboratories.

Gastric per-oral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) for the treatment of gastric sleeve stenosis: a feasibility and safety study.

Background: Traditional endoscopic treatments have limited success in gastric sleeve stenosis (GSS). Gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) could conceivably obliterate the twist/angulation that causes GSS through a tunneled stricturotomy. We report early outcomes of G-POEM for GSS treatment.

Global Genomic Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 RNA Dependent RNA Polymerase Evolution and Antiviral Drug Resistance.

A variety of antiviral treatments for COVID-19 have been investigated, involving many repurposed drugs. Currently, the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp, encoded by ) has been targeted by numerous inhibitors, e.g.

SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in a tri-national urban area is dominated by a B.1 lineage variant linked to a mass gathering event.

The first case of SARS-CoV-2 in Basel, Switzerland was detected on February 26th 2020. We present a phylogenetic study to explore viral introduction and evolution during the exponential early phase of the local COVID-19 outbreak from February 26th until March 23rd. We sequenced SARS-CoV-2 naso-oropharyngeal swabs from 746 positive tests that were performed at the University Hospital Basel during the study period.

Transoral outlet reduction: could additional sutures cause more harm?

Background: The double purse-string pattern (DPSP) of transoral outlet reduction (TORe) should conceivably result in a more robust scaffolding for the gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJA). However, there is a paucity of literature pertaining to post-TORe stenosis as an adverse event. Our aim was to determine the rate of stenosis, its potential predictors, and other complications of DPSP TORe.

Central sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation: A review on pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic implications.

Precipitating factors and chronic diseases associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) are detailed in the literature. Emerging evidence over the last several decades suggests a potential causal relationship between central sleep apnea (CSA) and AF. Mechanisms including apnea-induced hypoxia with intermittent arousal, fluctuating levels of carbon dioxide, enhanced sympathetic/neurohormonal activation and oxidative stress causing inflammation have been implicated as etiologic causes of AF within this subpopulation.

Building an endobariatric program: lessons learned.

The emphasis on treating obesity has never been more critical, yet the complexity of delivering care has become more intricate due to new procedures, variable insurance coverage, and inconsistent reimbursement. This is our experience building an endobariatric program and treating overweight and obese patients with endobariatric therapies (EBTs) over 3 years. The primary intention of this manuscript was to educate the reader on how to build an endobariatric program, identify barriers, and provide succinct solutions to establish a successful program.

Gastric mucosal devitalization (GMD): translation to a novel endoscopic metabolic therapy.

 The metabolic effects of bariatric surgery may partially result from removal of the gastric mucosa, an often underappreciated endocrine organ. Using argon plasma coagulation (APC), we may be able to selectively devitalize (ablate) the mucosa. The aim of this study was to identify the optimal tissue color that would correspond to selective gastric mucosal devitalization (GMD) using ex-vivo human stomach specimens.

Mobilization of Environmental Toxicants Following Bariatric Surgery.

Objective: Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are lipophilic environmental toxicants that accumulate in adipose tissue. Weight loss leads to mobilization and increased redistribution of these toxicants. Many are obesogens and endocrine disruptors.

Implementation of an enhanced recovery program for bariatric surgery.

Introduction: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs have been successfully implemented in several surgical fields; however, there have been mixed results observed in bariatric surgery. Our institution implemented an enhanced recovery program with specific pre-, intra-, and post-operative protocols aimed at patients, nursing staff, and physicians. The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of the ERAS program.

Changes in Gut Microbiome after Bariatric Surgery Versus Medical Weight Loss in a Pilot Randomized Trial.

Background: Gut microbiota likely impact obesity and metabolic diseases. We evaluated the changes in gut microbiota after surgical versus medical weight loss in adults with diabetes and obesity.

Methods: We performed 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to identify the gut microbial composition at baseline and at 10% weight loss in adults with diabetes who were randomized to medical weight loss (MWL, n = 4), adjustable gastric banding (AGB, n = 4), or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB, n = 4).

Safety and Efficacy of Endoscopically Secured Fully Covered Self-Expandable Metallic Stents (FCSEMS) for Post-Bariatric Complex Stenosis.

Background: The use of fully covered self-expandable metallic stents (FCSEMS) has opened the door to treat stenosis in the post-bariatric stomach. We hypothesized that endoscopically securing a FCSEMS would be technically feasible, effective, and safe for > 30-day dwell time.

Objectives: To assess the technical feasibility, clinical efficacy, and safety of endoscopically secured FCSEMS in the stomach for > 30 days.

Obesity is associated with copper elevation in serum and tissues.

Copper misbalance has been linked to fat accumulation in animals and experimental systems; however, information about copper homeostasis in human obesity is limited. In this study, the copper status of obese individuals was evaluated by measuring their levels of copper and cuproproteins in serum, adipose and hepatic tissues. The analysis of serum trace elements showed significant positive and element-specific correlation between copper and BMI after controlling for gender, age, and ethnicity.