Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation of acupuncture points improves tolerance in adults undergoing diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: a single-center, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGDS) is the most common diagnostic procedure for upper gastrointestinal diseases. It often causes discomfort and anxiety, which are only mitigated by systemic sedation. However, sedation poses additional risks of adverse cardiopulmonary events, increased medical costs, and prolonged recovery. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation of acupuncture points (Acu-TENS) is a non-invasive and innovative approach that induces analgesic effect during endoscopy. This trial is the first to be reported in English that explores the potential of Acu-TENS to increase patient tolerance during non-sedated elective diagnostic OGDS. METHODS: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial involving 348 subjects was conducted at a tertiary hospital to evaluate the success rate of OGDS with Acu-TENS. Subjects aged 18-75 years scheduled for their first elective diagnostic OGDS were randomized into the intervention (Acu-TENS) and placebo arms. OGDS success was assessed based on subjects' satisfaction ratings on a Likert scale and procedure's technical adequacy. Secondary measures included subjects' willingness to undergo future OGDS under similar conditions, procedure duration, and the endoscopist's perceived ease of the procedure. RESULTS: OGDS success rates were significantly higher with Acu-TENS (77.8%) than with the placebo (68.0%; odds ratio [OR] 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-2.66, p = 0.043). Subjects who received Acu-TENS expressed higher willingness for future OGDS (78.9%) than those who received the placebo (68.6%; OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.04-2.79, p = 0.031). Procedure duration were significantly shorter in the intervention arm (6.0 min) than in the placebo arm (10.0 min; p = 0.002). No adverse effects were reported, and endoscopists perceived similar procedure ease in both arms. CONCLUSIONS: Acu-TENS improved OGDS success and enhanced patients' experiences during non-sedated OGDS. It demonstrated safety with no side effects and reduced the procedure completion time. It could be used as an adjunct in non-sedated diagnostic OGDS.

New insight on the role of Helicobacter pylori cagA in the expression of cell surface antigens with important biological functions in gastric carcinogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Expression of cluster of differentiation (CD) antigens changes according to disease status and inflammation. Profiles of CD antigens expression in gastric cancer patients are different based on the status of H. pylori infection. AIMS: We conducted this study to profile CD antigen markers in gastric adenocarcinoma cells (AGS cell line) infected with distinct cytotoxin-associated gene A (cagA) genotypes of H. pylori clinical isolates. METHODS: The AGS cells were infected with H. pylori isolates with different cagA genotypes, and CD antigens expression was determined using DotScan™ antibody microarray. Formation of "hummingbird" phenotype was determined, and the percentage was calculated. RESULTS: H. pylori strains harboring cagA upregulated the expression of CD antigen involved in cancer stem cell formation (CD55), but downregulated CD antigens involved in immune regulation (CD40 and CD186) and cell adhesion (CD44). CD54 (neutrophil adhesion) and CD71 (iron transfer) were highly downregulated in the gastric cells infected with Western cagA isolates compared with East Asian isolates. CD antigen expression was different in the cells infected with H. pylori harboring different CagA EPIYA (Glu-Pro-Ile-Tyr-Ala) numbers, in which higher repression of CD54 and CD15 (Lewis x antigen) were observed in the isolate with the highest number of EPIYA motif. Furthermore, higher downregulation of CD15 was observed in the infected gastric cells with high percentage of "hummingbird" phenotype than that of low percentage of "hummingbird" phenotype. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated the critical roles of CD antigens in the CagA pathogenesis and should be investigated further.

Malaysian Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology consensus statement on metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease.

The Malaysian Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology saw the need for a consensus statement on metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). The consensus panel consisted of experts in the field of gastroenterology/hepatology, endocrinology, bariatric surgery, family medicine, and public health. A modified Delphi process was used to prepare the consensus statements. The panel recognized the high and increasing prevalence of the disease and the consequent anticipated increase in liver-related complications and mortality. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in MAFLD patients; therefore, cardiovascular disease risk assessment and management is important. A simple and clear liver assessment and referral pathway was agreed upon, so that patients with more severe MAFLD can be linked to gastroenterology/hepatology care, while patients with less severe MAFLD can remain in primary care or endocrinology, where they are best managed. Lifestyle intervention is the cornerstone in the management of MAFLD. The panel provided a consensus on the use of statin, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist, pioglitazone, vitamin E, and metformin, as well as recommendations on bariatric surgery, screening for gastroesophageal varices and hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver transplantation in MAFLD patients. Increasing the awareness and knowledge of the various stakeholders on MAFLD and incorporating MAFLD into existing noncommunicable disease-related programs and activities are important steps to tackle the disease. These consensus statements will serve as a guide on MAFLD for clinicians and other stakeholders.

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.

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.

Surface Antigen Profiling of Helicobacter pylori-Infected and -Uninfected Gastric Cancer Cells Using Antibody Microarray.

BACKGROUND: Comprehensive immunophenotyping cluster of differentiation (CD) antigens in gastric adenocarcinoma, specifically between Helicobacter pylori-infected and -uninfected gastric cancer patients by using DotScan(™) antibody microarray has not been conducted. Current immunophenotyping techniques include flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry are limited to the use of few antibodies for parallel examination. We used DotScan(™) antibody microarray consisting 144 CD antibodies to determine the distribution of CD antigens in gastric adenocarcinoma cells and to elucidate the effect of H. pylori infection toward CD antigen expression in gastric cancer. METHODS: Mixed leukocytes population derived from gastric adenocarcinoma patients were immunophenotyped using DotScan(™) antibody microarray. AGS cells were infected with H. pylori strains and cells were captured on DotScan(™) slides. RESULTS: Cluster of differentiation antigens involved in perpetuating the tolerance of immune cells to tumor cells was upregulated in gastric adenocarcinoma cells compared to normal cells. CD279 which is essential in T cells apoptosis was found to be upregulated in normal cells. Remarkably, H. pylori-infected gastric cancer patients exhibited upregulated expression of CD27 that important in maintenance of T cells. Infection of cagA+ H. pylori with AGS cells increased CD antigens expression which involved in cancer stem cell while cagA- H. pylori polarized AGS cells to express immune-regulatory CD antigens. Increased CD antigens expression in AGS cells infected with cagA+ H. pylori were also detected in H. pylori-infected gastric cancer patients. CONCLUSION: This study suggests the tolerance of immune system toward tumor cells in gastric cancer and distinct mechanisms of immune responses exploited by different H. pylori strains.

A case of closed loop small bowel obstruction within a strangulated incisional hernia in association with an acute gastric volvulus.

Small bowel obstruction is a common clinical problem presenting with abdominal distention, colicky pain, absolute constipation and bilious vomiting. There are numerous causes, most commonly attributed to an incarcerated hernia, adhesions or obstructing mass secondary to malignancy. Here we present an unusual cause of a small bowel obstruction secondary to an incarcerated incisional hernia in association with an acute organoaxial gastric volvulus.

One-Year Outcomes in a Supervised Program of Swallowable Intragastric Balloon-Analysis of 486 Patients in a High-Volume Bariatric Centre in Malaysia.

INTRODUCTION: The swallowable intragastric balloon (IGB) has recently emerged as a popular alternative for weight loss in Malaysia. It can reduce total body weight loss (TBWL) by 6-15%. We aim to observe positive weight loss up to a year after the swallowable IGB is implanted. METHODS: A total of 486 consecutive patients with overweight or obesity who underwent swallowable IGB insertion were included in this prospective data collection. RESULTS: Out of 486 patients, 404 patients (83%) had complete data at the end of 4 and 12 months. Patients included in the study had a starting mean body mass index of 35.3 ± 7.2 kg/m2 which decreased to 31.5 ± 5.7 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001) at the end of 4 months and further reduced to 30.3 ± 5.4 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001) at the end of 12 months. At 4 months, the overall average weight loss was 9.8 kg, meanwhile, at 12 months, the average weight loss increased to 12.9 kg. At 4 months, the average TBWL was 10.5%, while at the end of 1 year, the combined %TBWL increased to 13.7%. CONCLUSION: Most weight loss is typically observed within the first 4 months following the procedure. However, it is important to note that patients can continue to experience ongoing weight loss for up to 1 year. The swallowable IGB is a safe and effective option for patients seeking weight loss solutions. It offers numerous advantages, especially its non-invasive procedureless nature, which makes it more appealing to individuals considering this treatment.

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.

The Impact of Laparoscopic Intraperitoneal Instillation of Ropivacaine in Enhancing Respiratory Recovery and Reducing Acute Postoperative Pain in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Double-Blinded Randomised Control; RELiEVE Trial.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic intraperitoneal instillation of local anaesthetic in bariatric surgery proven to reduce postoperative pain. Limited data are available regarding the use of instillation ropivacaine and its impact on the recovery of respiratory effort. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic intraperitoneal instillation of ropivacaine in reducing acute postoperative pain and enhancing the recovery of respiratory effort in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This double-blinded RCT enrolled 110 patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM from November 2020 to May 2021. Any patients with previous abdominal surgery, chronic kidney disease, or liver disease were excluded. The patients were randomised into two groups: (i) the IPLA group which received ropivacaine intraperitoneal instillation at the dissected left crus and (ii) the placebo group (sterile water instillation). Perioperative analgesia was standardised. The first 24-h postoperative pain was assessed using a VAS. The respiratory effort was assessed using incentive spirometry simultaneously. RESULTS: Total of 110 patients were recruited. The VAS score was lower with an enhanced recovery of respiratory effort in the local anaesthetic group compared to the placebo group (P < 0.05) within the first 24 h postoperatively. In addition, the placebo group required additional postoperative analgesia (P < 0.05). No side effects were reported with the use of intraperitoneal instillation of ropivacaine. CONCLUSION: The use of intraperitoneal instillation of ropivacaine in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is recommended as it is safe, effectively reduces acute postoperative pain, and enhances the recovery of respiratory effort postoperatively.

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.

Adult idiopathic hypertrophic pyloric stenosis presenting with gastroduodenal intussusception: A rare case report.

Adult idiopathic hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (AIHPS) is a rare entity first described by Cruveilhier in 1835. There are only approximately 200 cases reported in the English literature to date. Histologically, it may be mistaken for spindle cell neoplasms such as gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST). Patients with AIHPS usually present with early satiety, abdominal fullness, postprandial vomiting, epigastric pain, and eructations. Adult intussusception is rare and only accounts for 5% of all intussusceptions. Gastroduodenal intussusception is one of the rare types of adult intussusception. This is more likely to occur when a benign or malignant stomach lesion acts as a lead point. We report a case of AIHPS in a 70-year-old lady presenting with gastroduodenal intussusception. An oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGDS) was performed, and it revealed a diffusely thickened and narrowed pyloric antrum. A contrasted computed tomography (CECT) of the thorax and abdomen showed a distended stomach with circumferential thickening of the pylorus. The pre-pyloric antrum was intussuscepting into the pylorus, and the apex is seen within the first part of duodenum. She underwent distal gastrectomy with a Roux-en-y reconstruction via laparoscopic approach and was discharged well. AIHPS is a rare condition and should be a differential in adults presenting with gastric outlet obstruction. We believe in cases of AIHPS presenting with gastroduodenal intussusception, a distal gastrectomy with reconstruction is a reasonable approach. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to obtain the best outcome.

The Roles of Immune Cells in Gastric Cancer: Anti-Cancer or Pro-Cancer?

Despite the fact that the incidence of gastric cancer has declined over the last decade, it is still the world's leading cause of cancer-related death. The diagnosis of early gastric cancer is difficult, as symptoms of this cancer only manifest at a late stage of cancer progression. Thus, the prognosis of gastric cancer is poor, and the current treatment for improving patients' outcomes involves the application of surgery and chemotherapy. Immunotherapy is one of the most recent therapies for gastric cancer, whereby the immune system of the host is programmed to combat cancer cells, and the therapy differs based upon the patient's immune system. However, an understanding of the role of immune cells, namely the cell-mediated immune response and the humoral immune response, is pertinent for applications of immunotherapy. The roles of immune cells in the prognosis of gastric cancer have yielded conflicting results. This review discusses the roles of immune cells in gastric cancer pathogenesis, specifically, T cells, B cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells, as well as the evidence presented thus far. Understanding how cancer cells interact with immune cells is of paramount importance in designing treatment options for gastric cancer immunotherapy.

Ten Years of Change in Bariatric/Metabolic Surgery in the Asia-Pacific Region with COVID-19 Pandemic: IFSO-APC National Reports 2021.

BACKGROUND: On November 25, 2021, the IFSO-Asia-Pacific Chapter (IFSO-APC) Virtual Meeting 2021 was held online, and the representatives from the Asia-Pacific region presented 10 years of change in bariatric/metabolic surgery and the influence of COVID-19 in the special session of "IFSO-APC National Reports 2010-2020". We herein report the summarized data. METHODS: National bariatric/metabolic surgery data, which included the data of 2010 and 2020, were collected from the representatives using a questionnaire that consisted of 10 general questions. At the congress, the data were calculated and summarized. RESULTS: Thirteen of the 14 national societies responded to the survey. From 2010 to recent years, the populations of individuals with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and individuals with diabetes both significantly increased. Eight countries and regions expanded the lower limit of criteria for bariatric surgery by 2-5 kg/m2 (BMI), and 5 countries newly established criteria for metabolic surgery in the last ten years. Sixty-nine percent of the countries currently run public health insurance systems, which doubled from 2010. The number of bariatric surgeons and institutions increased more than threefold from 2010. In 2010, 2019, and 2020, surgeons in IFSO-APC societies performed 18,280, 66,010, and 49,553 bariatric/metabolic surgeries, respectively. Due to the COVID pandemic, restriction policies significantly reduced access to surgery in South and Southeast Asian countries. The biggest changes included increased numbers of bariatric surgeons and institutions, operation numbers, public insurance coverage, raising awareness, and national registry systems. CONCLUSION: For the last 10 years, bariatric/metabolic surgery has rapidly grown in the Asia-Pacific region.

Extensive peritoneal lavage with saline after curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer (EXPEL): a multicentre randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal recurrence of gastric cancer after curative surgical resection is common and portends a poor prognosis. Early studies suggest that extensive intraoperative peritoneal lavage (EIPL) might reduce the risk of peritoneal recurrence and improve survival. We aimed to evaluate the survival benefit of EIPL in patients with gastric cancer undergoing curative gastrectomy. METHODS: In this open-label, phase 3, multicentre randomised trial, patients aged 21-80 years with cT3 or cT4 gastric cancer undergoing curative resection were enrolled at 22 centres from South Korea, China, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Patients were randomly assigned to receive surgery and EIPL (EIPL group) or surgery alone (standard surgery group) via a web-based programme in random permuted blocks in varying block sizes of four and six, assuming equal allocation between treatment groups. Randomisation was stratified according to study site and the sequence was generated using a computer program and concealed until the interventions were assigned. After surgery in the EIPL group, peritoneal lavage was done with 1 L of warm (42°C) normal 0·9% saline followed by complete aspiration; this procedure was repeated ten times. The primary endpoint was overall survival. All analyses were done assuming intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02140034. FINDINGS: Between Sept 16, 2012, and Aug 3, 2018, 800 patients were randomly assigned to the EIPL group (n=398) or the standard surgery group (n=402). Two patients in the EIPL group and one in the standard surgery group withdrew from the trial immediately after randomisation and were excluded from the intention-to-treat analysis. At the third interim analysis on Aug 28, 2019, the predictive probability of overall survival being significantly higher in the EIPL group was less than 0·5%; therefore, the trial was terminated on the basis of futility. With a median follow-up of 2·4 years (IQR 1·5-3·0), the two groups were similar in terms of overall survival (hazard ratio 1·09 [95% CI 0·78-1·52; p=0·62). 3-year overall survival was 77·0% (95% CI 71·4-81·6) for the EIPL group and 76·7% (71·0-81·5) for the standard surgery group. 60 adverse events were reported in the EIPL group and 41 were reported in the standard surgery group. The most common adverse events included anastomotic leak (ten [3%] of 346 patients in the EIPL group vs six [2%] of 362 patients in the standard surgery group), bleeding (six [2%] vs six [2%]), intra-abdominal abscess (four [1%] vs five [1%]), superficial wound infection (seven [2%] vs one [<1%]), and abnormal liver function (six [2%] vs one [<1%]). Ten of the reported adverse events (eight in the EIPL group and two in the standard surgery group) resulted in death. INTERPRETATION: EIPL and surgery did not have a survival benefit compared with surgery alone and is not recommended for patients undergoing curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer. FUNDING: National Medical Research Council, Singapore.

Epidemiology and role of Helicobacter pylori virulence factors in gastric cancer carcinogenesis.

Infection with Helicobacter pylori is associated with the development of gastric cancer. Although the prevalence of gastric cancer has declined throughout years due to improvement in early screening strategy, mortality due to gastric cancer has not changed. Incidence and mortality due to gastric cancer are higher in developing countries as compared to developed countries. Diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer are still poor with patients usually diagnosed with cancer at an advanced stage. Eradication of H. pylori is pertinent for the prevention of gastric cancer. However, the rise in antimicrobial resistance among H. pylori isolates has complicated the prevention strategy. H. pylori express multiple virulence factors for survival in the hostile acid gastric environment. The expression of oncogenic protein cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA), vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA), and outer inflammatory protein is essential for H. pylori to exert pathogenesis towards the host. Interestingly, <3% of H. pylori-infected subjects develop gastric cancer, suggesting a unique way of interaction between the host's immune response and H. pylori virulence factors. This article is aimed to review the epidemiology and role of H. pylori in gastric carcinogenesis. A better understanding of the interaction between H. pylori virulence factors and host is required for better gastric cancer prevention.

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.

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.

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.

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.