Comparative evaluation of early diabetic outcomes in southeast asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) versus sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an alarming problem globally and a growing epidemic. Metabolic surgery has been shown to be successful in treating both obesity and T2DM, usually after other treatments have failed. This study aims to compare Roux-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy in determining early diabetic outcomes in obese Malaysian patients with T2DM following surgery. A total of 172 obese patients with T2DM who were assigned to either laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) were analysed up to a year post-procedure. The patients' T2DM severity were stratified using the Individualized Metabolic Surgery (IMS) score into mild, moderate and severe. Remission rates of diabetes were compared between surgical techniques and within diabetic severity categories. T2DM remission for patients who underwent either surgical technique for mild, moderate or severe disease was 92.9%, 56.2% and 14.7% respectively. Both surgical techniques improved T2DM control for patients in the study. Comparing baseline with results 1 year postoperatively, median HbA1c reduced from 7.40% (IQR 2.60) to 5.80% (IQR 0.80) (p < 0.001), mean total antidiabetic medications use reduced from 1.48 (SD 0.99) to 0.60 (SD 0.86) [p < 0.001], insulin usage reduced from 27.9 to 10.5% (p < 0.001), and T2DM control improved from 27.9 to 82% (p < 0.001). The patients had a median excess BMI loss of 69.4% (IQR 34%) and 53.2% (IQR 36.0%) for RYGB and SG respectively (p = 0.016). At one year following surgery, there is no difference between LRYGB and LSG in terms of diabetic remission. LSG is not inferior to LRYGB in terms of early diabetic outcomes. Milder T2DM shows a better response. LSG is a simpler procedure with a lower risk profile and should be considered as an early treatment option for obese patients with T2DM.

Improvement in Erectile Dysfunction Among Male Obese Patient, Following Bariatric Surgery in Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HUKM).

PURPOSE: Obesity is associated with multiple health-related complications and affects various aspects of life, including erectile dysfunction (ED). The aim of this study is to postulate that erectile dysfunction in male obese patients can be reversed following bariatric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a non-randomized quasi-experimental study (prospective) between 2 groups, those who underwent surgery with the control group. In this study, the resolution of erectile dysfunction following bariatric surgery comparing with the control group was evaluated in terms of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score. IIEF score is taken by delivering validated questionnaire to participants that enrolled in this study, both the control and intervention group. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients were included in this study, 13 from the intervention group and 12 from the control group. From our study, we evaluated the resolution of IIEF score in both groups. We found that the resolution of erectile function is statistically significant in the intervention group compared to control group. Spearman rank correlation (rs) test was performed to identify the correlation between age and IIEF score. CONCLUSION: Statistically significant improvements in erectile function were found following bariatric surgery. This is evidenced by the improvements in the IIEF score post-surgery compared to control group.

Fabrication of Adipose-Derived Stem Cell-Based Self-Assembled Scaffold under Hypoxia and Mechanical Stimulation for Urethral Tissue Engineering.

Long urethral strictures are often treated with autologous genital skin and buccal mucosa grafts; however, risk of hair ingrowth and donor site morbidity, restrict their application. To overcome this, we introduced a tissue-engineered human urethra comprising adipose-derived stem cell (ASC)-based self-assembled scaffold, human urothelial cells (UCs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). ASCs were cultured with ascorbic acid to stimulate extracellular matrix (ECM) production. The scaffold (ECM) was stained with collagen type-I antibody and the thickness was measured under a confocal microscope. Results showed that the thickest scaffold (28.06 ± 0.59 µm) was achieved with 3 × 104 cells/cm2 seeding density, 100 µg/mL ascorbic acid concentration under hypoxic and dynamic culture condition. The biocompatibility assessment showed that UCs and SMCs seeded on the scaffold could proliferate and maintain the expression of their markers (CK7, CK20, UPIa, and UPII) and (α-SMA, MHC and Smootheline), respectively, after 14 days of in vitro culture. ECM gene expression analysis showed that the ASC and dermal fibroblast-based scaffolds (control) were comparable. The ASC-based scaffold can be handled and removed from the plate. This suggests that multiple layers of scaffold can be stacked to form the urothelium (seeded with UCs), submucosal layer (ASCs only), and smooth muscle layer (seeded with SMCs) and has the potential to be developed into a fully functional human urethra for urethral reconstructive surgeries.

Changes in the disease-specific quality of life following Dor fundoplication. A multicentre cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Gastrooesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a spectrum of symptoms arising from the laxity of the cardio-oesophageal junction. Anti-reflux surgery is reserved for patients with refractory GERD. Anterior partial fundoplication (Dor) is a regularly performed anti-reflux surgery in Malaysia. We intend to determine the improvement in disease-specific quality of life in our patients after surgery. METHODS: A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted to assess patients' improvement in disease-specific quality of life after Dor fundoplication. Ethics approval was obtained from our institutional review board. Patients between the ages of 18 and 65 years who underwent Dor fundoplication within the past five years were assessed using the GERD HRQL as well as the VISICK score via telephone interview. We excluded cases of revision surgery. RESULTS: Out of 129 patients screened, 55 patients were included. We found a significant improvement in patients' GERD HRQL score with the pre-operative mean score of 28.3 ± 9.39 and 6.55 ± 8.52 post-operatively, p < 0.01.50.9% of patients reported a VISICK score of 1. However, we noticed a deterioration in the GERD HRQL and VISICK score in patients followed up four years after surgery. This consisted of 25.5% of total patients. CONCLUSION: Dor Fundoplication improves the overall disease-specific quality of life in patients with refractory GERD in the short term period. Recurrence of symptoms causing a deterioration in the quality of life is seen in patients followed up beyond four years of index surgery.

Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in an Asian bariatric population: an underdiagnosed dilemma.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a growing health problem that has become a global epidemic. Serial population studies have shown the same in Malaysia, where the prevalence of obesity increased rapidly in the last decade. Currently, bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment in patients with morbid obesity. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep-related breathing disorder seen in obesity. OBJECTIVES: We aim to ascertain the prevalence and severity of OSA in Asian patients who underwent bariatric surgery and were seen in our center. SETTING: The study was conducted in our university hospital. METHODS: Study approval was obtained from our institutional review board for a retrospective chart review. A total of 226 patients were included in this review. OSA was noted as absent or present and graded from mild to severe. The patient population was stratified by body mass index according to the World Health Organization guidelines for Asian population. RESULTS: The overall sample prevalence of OSA was 80.5%. Of these, 24.3% had mild OSA, 23.9% had moderate OSA, and 32.3% had severe OSA. Only 17.3% have been diagnosed with OSA before bariatric workup. Among men, the prevalence of OSA was 93.7% and 75.5% among women. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, Asian patients undergoing bariatric workup should be considered for routine polysomnography to enable treatment of OSA.

Reduction in Urinary Chemokine (C-C Motif) Ligand 2 (CCL2) After Surgery-Induced Weight Loss.

Kidney dysfunction, a deleterious effect of obesity, is now recognized as a relevant health risk. Chemokine (C-C Motif) Ligand 2 (CCL2) is one of the critical chemokines that play a vital role in the development of obesity-related metabolic disease. We aim to measure the changes in urinary CCL2 in our patients before and after their bariatric procedure and examine the correlation between CCL2 and renal function. A prospective cohort study was conducted at our teaching university hospital. Ethics approval was obtained from our institutional review board. Patients with a BMI of ≥37.5 kg/m2 with no history of renal disease were included. They underwent single anastomosis gastric bypass (SAGB), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG), all performed via laparoscopic approach. Venous blood and urine samples were obtained preoperatively and six months after surgery. A total of 58 patients were recruited, with SG being performed in 74.1% of patients. At six-months follow-up, median (IQR) body weight reduced from 101.35 kgs (20.25) to 76.95 kg (24.62) p < 0.001. The mean (SD) estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) improved from 96.26 ± 14.97 to 108.06 ± 15.00 mL/min/1.73 m2, p < 0.001. The median (IQR) urinary CCL2 levels reduced from 15.2 pg/ml (10.77) to 4.30 pg/ml (4.27) p < 0·001. There is a significant correlation between the reduction of BMI and the reduction of urinary CCL2 (r = -0.220, p = 0.048). We also found a significant correlation between the reduction of urinary CCL2 with the reduction of urine ACR (r = -0.240, p = 0.035). Urinary CCL2 is a promising biomarker that can be used to assess improvement in renal function in obese patients after bariatric surgery.

Early outcome of bariatric surgery for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in super-obese Malaysian population.

INTRODUCTION: Despite many challenges, the benefit of bariatric surgery in super-obese population remains irrefutable with significant improvement in metabolic syndrome and quality of life. There are currently no published data from Malaysia on this topic. OBJECTIVE AND METHODOLOGY: A single-centre retrospective study aimed at analysing the outcome of laparoscopic bariatric surgery on super-obese Malaysians with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at 12 months following surgery. Demographic details, glycaemic control and weight-loss parameters were analysed.P < 0.01 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 33 patients, 55% were women and 45% were men with a mean age of 40 ± 11 years and body mass index (BMI) of 59.3 ± 9.0 kg/m2. Majority of patients were of Malay ethnicity (82%). Malaysian-Indians and Malaysian-Chinese each accounted for 9% of total case volume. The three types of laparoscopic bariatric surgery recorded in this study were sleeve gastrectomy (82%), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (9%) and mini-gastric bypass (9%) with operative time of 103.5 ± 31.1, 135.8 ± 32.6 and 116.2 ± 32.3 min, respectively. Percentage total body weight loss was 33.11% ± 9.44% at 12 months following surgery (P < 0.01). BMI change and percentage excess BMI loss showed similar improvement. Glycosylated haemoglobin and fasting blood sugar decreased from pre-operative values of 7.0% ± 1.0% and 7.0 ± 0.9 mmol/L to 5.6% ± 0.4% and 5.0 ± 0.6 mmol/L at 12 months (P < 0.01). Remission of T2DM was noted in 93% of patients. There was no correlation between weight loss and improvement in glycaemic status. CONCLUSION: There are significant weight loss and improvement of glycaemic control at 12 months post-laparoscopic bariatric surgery among super-obese Malaysians.

Perioperative Practices Concerning Sleeve Gastrectomy - a Survey of 863 Surgeons with a Cumulative Experience of 520,230 Procedures.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) is the most commonly performed bariatric procedure worldwide. There is currently no scientific study aimed at understanding variations in practices concerning this procedure. The aim of this study was to study the global variations in perioperative practices concerning SG. METHODS: A 37-item questionnaire-based survey was conducted to capture the perioperative practices of the global community of bariatric surgeons. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Response of 863 bariatric surgeons from 67 countries with a cumulative experience of 520,230 SGs were recorded. A total of 689 (80%) and 764 (89%) surgeons listed 13 absolute and relative contraindications, respectively. 65% (n = 559) surgeons perform routine preoperative endoscopy and 97% (n = 835) routinely use intraoperative orogastric tube for sizing the resection. A wide variation is observed in the diameter of the tube used. 73% (n = 627) surgeons start dividing the stomach at a distance of 3-5 cm from the pylorus, and 54% (n = 467) routinely use staple line reinforcement. Majority (65%, n = 565) of surgeons perform routine intraoperative leak test at the end of the procedure, while 25% (n = 218) surgeons perform a routine contrast study in the early postoperative period. Lifelong multivitamin/mineral, iron, vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin B12 supplementation is advocated by 66%, 29%, 40%, 38% and 44% surgeons, respectively. CONCLUSION: There is a considerable variation in the perioperative practices concerning SG. Data can help in identifying areas for future consensus building and more focussed studies.

Concurrent bariatric surgery and surgical resection of massive localized lymphedema of the thigh. A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Massive localised lymphedema (MLL) is considered a rare large, pendulous localised benign overgrowth of lymphoproliferative tissue commonly seen in patients with morbid obesity. Histologically, it may be mistaken for well-differentiated liposarcoma; hence, it is also known as pseudosarcoma. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We describe the successful management of MLL of the left medial thigh in a 35-year-old man weighing 220 kgs (BMI 80.8 kgs/m2). He underwent a concurrent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with surgical resection of the MLL. He recovered well and during our last follow up six months after the operation, he is ambulating well and weighs 148 kgs (BMI 54.4 kgs/m2). DISCUSSION: MLL is a form of secondary lymphedema resulting in disruption or compression of normal lymphatic drainage due to fat accumulation in obese patients. Patients usually delay treatment for even up to a decade, when it becomes sufficiently large enough to restrict mobility and daily activities, or when it becomes infected. MLL is primarily a clinical diagnosis. A detailed history regarding its slow growth spanning over the years makes malignancy less likely. However, if left untreated, MLL may progress to angiosarcoma. Imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT) and a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are usually performed to rule out malignancy or vascular malformations. A tissue biopsy is not recommended unless there are suspicious pigmented lesions. CONCLUSION: MLL remains to be underdiagnosed. Due to the obesity epidemic, clinicians must be aware of this once rare disease. The role of concurrent bariatric surgery with surgical resection of MLL warrants further studies.

Oesophageal perforation following transoesophageal echocardiography: A case report on successful conservative management.

INTRODUCTION: Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) is a widely used intraoperative diagnostic tool in cardiac patients, and it is considered as a safe and non-invasive procedure. However, it has its known complications, which is estimated to be 0.18% with mortality reported as 0.0098%. Complications of TOE include odynophagia, upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage, endotracheal tube malpositioning and dental injury. One of the rarer complications includes oesophageal perforation, whose incidence is reported to be 0.01%. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 61-year-old lady with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) who underwent TOE with subsequent presentation of odynophagia with left neck swelling. An upper endoscopy examination was inconclusive; however, a contrasted computed tomography of the neck showed evidence of cervical oesophageal perforation. She was managed conservatively and discharged well. DISCUSSION: The trauma caused by TOE probe insertion and manipulation accounts for most of the upper gastrointestinal complications. Mortality of patients associated with oesophageal perforation can be up to 20% and doubled if the treatment is delayed for more than 24 h. Mechanism of injury from TOE probe is likely multifactorial. Predisposing factors that increase the risk of tissue disruption include the presence of unknown structural pathology. Imaging studies and an upper endoscopy examination may aid in the diagnosis of oesophageal perforation. CONCLUSION: A high index of suspicion, coupled with a tailored, multidisciplinary approach, is essential to achieve the best possible outcome. Conservative management may be worthwhile in a stable patient despite delayed presentation. Although TOE is considered a safe procedure, physicians should be made aware of such a dreaded complication.

Overview of Urethral Reconstruction by Tissue Engineering: Current Strategies, Clinical Status and Future Direction.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract is subjected to a variety of disorders such as urethral stricture, which often develops as a result of scarring process. Urethral stricture can be treated by urethral dilation and urethrotomy; but in cases of long urethral strictures, substitution urethroplasty with genital skin and buccal mucosa grafts is the only option. However a number of complications such as infection as a result of hair growth in neo-urethra, and stone formation restrict the application of those grafts. Therefore, tissue engineering techniques recently emerged as an alternative approach, aiming to overcome those restrictions. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive coverage on the strategies employed and the translational status of urethral tissue engineering over the past years and to propose a combinatory strategy for the future of urethral tissue engineering. METHODs: Data collection was based on the key articles published in English language in years between 2006 and 2018 using the searching terms of urethral stricture and tissue engineering on PubMed database. RESULTS: Differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into urothelial and smooth muscle cells to be used for urologic application does not offer any advantage over autologous urothelial and smooth muscle cells. Among studied scaffolds, synthetic scaffolds with proper porosity and mechanical strength is the best option to be used for urethral tissue engineering. CONCLUSION: Hypoxia-preconditioned mesenchymal stem cells in combination with autologous cells seeded on a pre-vascularized synthetic and biodegradable scaffold can be said to be the best combinatory strategy in engineering of human urethra.

Jejunal GIST: Hunting down an unusual cause of gastrointestinal bleed using double balloon enteroscopy. A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the alimentary tract but accounts for only 0.1-3% of all gastrointestinal neoplasms. The most common presentation of GISTs is acute or chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, in which the patient presents with symptomatic anaemia. PRESENTATION OF CASE: With that in mind, we describe a 66-year-old man who presented with recurrent episodes of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding for two years. Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) showed several small telangiectasias in the proximal small bowel. Oral route double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) revealed abnormal mucosa 165 cm from incisor with central ulceration and vascular component. He subsequently underwent surgical excision. The histopathological report confirmed the diagnosis of GIST arising from the jejunum. During his clinic follow up, he remains symptom-free with no evidence of recurrence. DISCUSSION: The diagnosis of bleeding small intestine GISTs can be challenging as these are inaccessible by conventional endoscopy. Imaging modalities such as double-balloon enteroscopy, capsule endoscopy, CT angiography, intravenous contrast-enhanced multidetector row CT (MDCT) and magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) have been used to assist in the diagnosis of bleeding small intestine GISTs. The mainstay of management for small intestine GIST is complete surgical excision. CONCLUSION: Bleeding jejunal GIST is very rare and only a handful of case reports have been published. The mainstay of management for small intestine GIST is complete surgical excision. It is essential to obtain a complete excision of localised disease and avoiding tumour spillage in order to reduce the risk of local recurrence and metastatic spread of GISTs.

Staple-line leak post primary sleeve gastrectomy. A two patient case series and literature review.

There is an increasing trend in the number of bariatric surgeries performed worldwide, partly because bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) remains the most common bariatric surgery procedure performed, representing more than 50% of all primary bariatric interventions. Major surgical complications of SG include staple-line bleeding, leaking, and stenosis. A leak along the staple-line most commonly occurs at the gastroesophageal junction (GOJ). From January 2018 to December 2018, our centre performed 226 bariatric procedures, of which, 97.8% were primary bariatric procedures. The mean age and BMI were 38.7±8.3 years and 44 kg/m2, respectively. Out of the 202 primary SG performed, we encountered two cases of a staple-line leak (0.99%). This is the first reported case series of SG leaks from the Southeast Asia region. A summary of their characteristics, clinical presentation, subsequent management, and the outcome is discussed. Based on the latest available evidence from the literature, several methods may decrease staple-line leaks in SG. These include the use of a bougie size greater than 40 Fr, routine use of methylene blue test during surgery, beginning transection at 2-6 cm from the pylorus, mobilising the fundus before transection, and staying away from the GOJ at the last firing. Other methods include the proper alignment of the staple-line, control of staple-line bleeding, and performing staple-line reinforcement. The management of a staple-line leak remains challenging due to limited systematic, evidence-based literature being available. Therefore, a tailored approach is needed to manage this complication.

Influence of Asian Ethnicities on Short- and Mid-term Outcomes Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

PURPOSE: Prevalence of obesity in Asia has been on the increasing trend, with corresponding increase in utilisation of bariatric surgery. The objective of this study was to examine differences in weight loss outcomes following bariatric surgery between Asian ethnicities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective database review was conducted of patients undergoing primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy between 2009 and 2013 in 14 centres from Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, Switzerland, and the USA. All patients with available follow-up data at 12 months and 36 months post-surgery were included in this study. Outcome measures used were percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) and percentage total weight loss (%TWL). Differences in outcomes between ethnicities were analysed after adjusting for age, gender, baseline body mass index (BMI), and presence of diabetes. RESULTS: The study population (n = 2150) consisted of 1122 Chinese, 187 Malays, 309 Indians, 67 Japanese, 259 Koreans, and 206 Caucasians. 67.1% were female and 32.9% were male. Mean age was 37.1 ± 11.2 years. Mean pre-operative BMI was 40.7 ± 8.1 kg/m2. With the Caucasian population as reference, Japanese had the best %TWL (3.90, 95% CI 1.16-6.63, p < 0.05) and %EWL (18.55, 95% CI 10.33-26.77, p < 0.05) while the Malays had the worst outcomes. Both Chinese and Koreans had better %EWL but worse %TWL as compared to Caucasians and there were no significant differences with the Indian study group. CONCLUSION: There are differences in weight loss outcomes following bariatric surgery between Asian ethnicities.

Resolution of Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) Among the Obese Multiethnic Malaysian Women Now a Reality with Bariatric Surgery: a Prospective Pilot Study in Malaysia.

INTRODUCTION: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) among the obese women is often under diagnosed and ignored especially in Malaysia, a nation of conservative multiethnic society. There are only a few studies on FSD resolution post-bariatric surgery. The objective was to identify the rate and resolution or improvement of FSD, among obese multiethnic Malaysian women post-bariatric surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective study of women undergoing bariatric surgery, between May 2017 and April 2018. FSD was diagnosed using the Malay version of Female Sexual Function Index (MVFSFI) questionnaire. Patients filled up the questionnaire before and 6 months after surgery. Association between BMI reduction and FSFI score improvement was measured using Fisher's exact test. Outcomes between types of surgery (sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass) was compared. RESULTS: Fifty-two women completed the study. The mean age was 38.77 ± 6.7. There were 44 (84.6%) Malay patients, 7 (13.5%) Indian patients, and 1 (1.9%) Chinese patient. There was a significant reduction in mean BMI, 39.89 ± 6.9 pre-surgery to 30.32 ± 5.4 post-surgery (p value < 0.001). The rate of FSD among the obese is 75.0% pre-surgery compared to 36.0% post-surgery. There was a significant improvement in mean FSFI score pre- and post-surgery: 18.73 and 25.93 respectively and in each of all 6 domains (p value < 0.001). There was a significant association between BMI reduction and improvement in FSFI score (p = 0.019). There was no difference in outcomes between types of surgery. CONCLUSION: FSD is highly prevalent among the obese multiethnic Malaysian women. Bariatric surgery has proven benefit in resolving FSD across all sexual domains and should be considered as a management option in this group of women.

Eating Behaviour Predicts Weight Loss Six Months after Bariatric Surgery: A Longitudinal Study.

Bariatric surgery is currently the most durable weight loss solution for patients with morbid obesity. The extent of weight loss achieved, however, is subject to variation due to various factors, including patients' behaviour. In this study, we aimed to identify pre- and post-surgical predictors of weight loss following bariatric surgery. This prospective study included 57 participants who went through bariatric surgery (laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: n = 30; laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: n = 23; one anastomosis gastric bypass-mini gastric bypass: n = 4) in two tertiary referral hospitals. Consenting participants were assessed prior to surgery (T0), and three months (T1) and six months (T2) after surgery. The assessment included interview and anthropometric measurements. The interview was done with the aid of instruments, including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for anxiety and depression screening and the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ) for eating behaviour assessment. Baseline comorbidity status was obtained from medical records. A Generalised Estimating Equation (GEE) was developed to determine predictors of weight loss. Participants in the study were mostly women (n = 37, 65%) with a mean age of 39.4 (SD = 10.01) years. The mean excess BMI loss (EBMIL) and total weight loss (TWL) at the sixth month was 63.31% and 23.83%, respectively. Anxiety, depression, and external eating scores reduced over time. Advancing age, high BMI, and higher scores for emotional and external eating emerged as significant negative predictors for TWL%. It can be concluded that the patients experienced substantial weight loss after surgery. Continuous monitoring of psychological well-being and eating behaviour are essential for optimal weight loss.

History and Progress of Bariatric Surgery in Malaysia.

Bariatric surgery has become a popular treatment modality for obesity in Malaysia. However, the absence of a standardized national registry has led to paucity of information pertaining to quantity and quality of bariatric surgery in Malaysia. In the absence of a national registry, a nationwide survey was conducted with the aim of establishing a fair estimate of case volume based on type of procedure and to identify the total number of surgeons performing those procedures at their respective centers from 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2016. For this purpose, a questionnaire was designed and distributed to bariatric surgeons throughout Malaysia. The data along with a brief narrative of the history and progress of bariatric surgery in Malaysia is presented in this report.

Metaplastic breast carcinoma with upper limb gangrene.

Metaplastic breast carcinomas (MBCs) are rapidly growing tumors with histological heterogeneity, and triple negative receptor status. The aim of this case report is to highlight a case of advanced MBC with axillary artery infiltration leading to gangrene of the ipsilateral upper limb, in a young woman.

The Molecular Concept of Atheromatous Plaques.

BACKGROUND: Recently, there are scientific attempts to discover new drugs in the biotechnology industry in order to treat various diseases including atherosclerosis. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of the present review was to highlight the cellular, molecular biology and inflammatory process related to the atheromatous plaques. METHODS: A thorough literature search of Pubmed, Google and Scopus databases was done. RESULTS: Atherosclerosis is considered to be a leading cause of death throughout the world. Atherosclerosis involves oxidative damage to the cells with production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Development of atheromatous plaques in the arterial wall is a common feature. Specific inflammatory markers pertaining to the arterial wall in atherosclerosis may be useful for both diagnosis and treatment. These include Nitric oxide (NO), cytokines, macrophage inhibiting factor (MIF), leucocytes and Pselectin. Modern therapeutic paradigms involving endothelial progenitor cells therapy, angiotensin II type-2 (AT₂R) and ATP-activated purinergic receptor therapy are notable to mention. CONCLUSION: Future drugs may be designed aiming three signalling mechanisms of AT₂R which are (a) activation of protein phosphatases resulting in protein dephosphorylation (b) activation of bradykinin/nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine 3&#039;,5&#039;-monophosphate pathway by vasodilation and (c) stimulation of phospholipase A(2) and release of arachidonic acid. Drugs may also be designed to act on ATP-activated purinergic receptor channel type P2X7 molecules which acts on cardiovascular system.