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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. Methods We enrolled 23 post-SG (12 with and 11 without PBH) and 20 post-RYGB (7 with and 13 without PBH) individuals who underwent bariatric surgery at our institution. PBH was defined as plasma glucose less than 60 mg/dL on 4-hour mixed-meal tolerance test (MTT). Islet and incretin hormones were compared across the 4 groups. Results Participants (N = 43) were on average 5 years post surgery, with a mean age of 48 years, mean preoperative body mass index of 48.4, 81% female, 61% White, and 53% post SG. Regardless of PBH, the SG group showed lower glucose, glucagon, and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) responses to MTT and similar insulin and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) responses compared to the RYGB group. Among those with PBH, the SG group following the MTT showed a lower peak glucose (P = .02), a similar peak insulin (90.3 mU/L vs 171mU/L; P = .18), lower glucagon (P Conclusion Among individuals with PBH, those who underwent SG were significantly different compared to RYGB in meal-stimulated hormonal responses, including lower glucagon and GLP-1 responses, but similar insulin and GIP responses. Future studies are needed to better understand the differential contribution of insulin and non–insulin-mediated mechanisms behind PBH after SG vs RYGB.

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. We aimed to compare meal-stimulated GDF15 and cortisol response in adults with and without WR after sleeve gastrectomy (SG). We hypothesized that GDF15 and cortisol response to meal tolerance test (MTT) will be lower in those with versus without WR after SG. METHODS: Cross-sectional study comprised 21 adults without diabetes, who underwent SG. WR was defined as 100 × (current weight − nadir)/(preoperative weight − nadir) > 10%. GDF15, cortisol, insulin, glucose, and incretins (total glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) circulating concentrations) were measured during MTT (0–240 min) after 3–6 years post-bariatric surgery. RESULTS: All participants were 48% White, 85% female, with mean (SD) age: 43(10) years, and BMI: 36.2(7.6) kg/m(2). Compared to the non-WR group (n = 6), the WR group (n = 15) had significantly higher BMI (WR: 38.6 ± 7.6 kg/m(2), non-WR: 30.3 ± 3.5 kg/m(2), p = 0.02) and showed lower GDF15 response (WR AUC vs non-WR AUC (116143 ± 13973 vs 185798 ± 38884 ng*min/L, p = 0.047)) and lower cortisol response (WR AUC vs non-WR AUC (3492 ± 210 vs 4880 ± 655 μg*min/dL, p = 0.015)). Incretin response did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: GDF15 and cortisol responses to MTT were lower in those who regained the weight after SG compared to those who did not, suggesting that dysregulation in GDF15 and cortisol response following bariatric surgery.

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. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients with GSS treated with G-POEM at our center. The primary end point was clinical success, defined as symptom improvement with resumption of adequate oral intake, without requiring further intervention. Results 13 patients (mean age 43 ± 10.9 years; 12 female) underwent G-POEM for predominantly helical (11/13, 85 %) GSS. Three (23 %) had concurrent sleeve leak and 10 (77 %) had prior GSS treatment. Two intraoperative complications occurred, with no deviation to the procedure; no major complications occurred. At median follow-up of 175 (interquartile range [IQR] 119–260) days, clinical success was achieved in 10 patients (77 %). Median Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index score in responders decreased from 2.06 (IQR 1.5–2.8) to 0.39 (IQR 0.2–0.5). Three patients (23 %) required surgical revision. Conclusions G-POEM was feasible and safe, and may provide an alternative option for those averse to undergoing surgical revision for treatment of GSS.

Objectives SARS-CoV-2 may cause acute lung injury, and secondary infections are thus relevant complications in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. However, detailed information on community- and hospital-acquired infections among patients with COVID-19 pneumonia is scarce. Methods We identified 220 SARS-CoV-2-positive patients hospitalized at the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland (between 25 February and 31 May 2020). We excluded patients who declined the general consent (n = 12), patients without clinical evidence of pneumonia (n = 29), and patients hospitalized for n = 17). We evaluated the frequency of community- and hospital-acquired infections using respiratory and blood culture materials with antigen, culture-based, and molecular diagnostics. For ICU patients, all clinical and microbial findings were re-evaluated interdisciplinary (intensive care, infectious disease, and clinical microbiology), and agreement reached to classify patients with infections. Results In the final cohort of 162 hospitalized patients (median age 64.4 years (IQR, 50.4–74.2); 61.1% male), 41 (25.3%) patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, 34/41 (82.9%) required mechanical ventilation, and 17 (10.5%) of all hospitalized patients died. In total, 31 infections were diagnosed including five viral co-infections, 24 bacterial infections, and three fungal infections (ventilator-associated pneumonia, n = 5; tracheobronchitis, n = 13; pneumonia, n = 1; and bloodstream infection, n = 6). Median time to respiratory tract infection was 12.5 days (IQR, 8–18) and time to bloodstream infection 14 days (IQR, 6–30). Hospital-acquired bacterial and fungal infections were more frequent among ICU patients than other patients (36.6% vs. 1.7%). Antibiotic or antifungal treatment was administered in 71 (43.8%) patients. Conclusions Community-acquired viral and bacterial infections were rare among COVID-19 pneumonia patients. By contrast, hospital-acquired bacterial or fungal infections were frequently complicating the course among ICU patients.

Future production environments must be flexible and reconfigurable. To achieve this, the devices and services to fulfill the different steps of a production order (PO) should not be selected in the manufacturing execution system (MES), but in an edge component close to the shop floor. To enable this, abstract services in the PO and concrete services provided by the field devices on the shop floor need to refer to a production ontology. The creation of this ontology is a challenge of its own. This research proposes a pragmatic automation of an encoding of a primary and light weight production ontology based on the source code of MES. The transformation procedure of source code to resource, product and generic concepts of the manufacturing plant ontology is described. To this end, the knowledge of OPC UA collaborations are also exploited during the creation of resource ontologies. Due to a fundamental difference between source code implementation (imperative paradigm) and ontology representation (declarative paradigm), the problem of information loss is inevitable. This problem is overcome by formulation of production and business rules that encapsulate the logic of the MES. The foundation of ontology is exploited to formulate these rulesets using OWL based constructs and OWL based rule languages such as Semantic Web Rule Language (SWRL), Semantic Query-Enhanced Web Rule Language (SQWRL) and SPARQL Protocol and RDF Query Language (SPARQL) based on feasibility and requirements of specific rules. Further, these rulesets are either run on the automatically generated ontology at design time with an intention to enrich the knowledge base, or production runtime to validate the pre-defined business rules between the production steps. The generated ontology also acts as basis for automatically generating the OWL-S ontologies for the OPC UA application methods for the purpose of dynamic manufacturing service discovery and orchestration. The generated ontology and an abstract PO hooked with formulated rules are cached to the shop-floor network for consequent production control to enable smart edge production. An implementation is conducted on an industrial use-case demonstrator to evaluate the applicability of the proposed approach.

Background Transmission chains within small urban areas (accommodating∼30% of the European population) greatly contribute to case burden and economic impact during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and should be a focus for preventive measures to achieve containment. Here, at very high spatio-temporal resolution, we analysed determinants of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a European urban area, Basel-City (Switzerland). Methodology. We combined detailed epidemiological, intra-city mobility, and socioeconomic data-sets with whole-genome-sequencing during the first SARS-CoV-2 wave. For this, we succeeded in sequencing 44% of all reported cases from Basel-City and performed phylogenetic clustering and compartmental modelling based on the dominating viral variant (B.1-C15324T; 60% of cases) to identify drivers and patterns of transmission. Based on these results we simulated vaccination scenarios and corresponding healthcare-system burden (intensive-care-unit occupancy). Principal Findings. Transmissions were driven by socioeconomically weaker and highly mobile population groups with mostly cryptic transmissions, whereas amongst more senior population transmission was clustered. Simulated vaccination scenarios assuming 60-90% transmission reduction, and 70-90% reduction of severe cases showed that prioritizing mobile, socioeconomically weaker populations for vaccination would effectively reduce case numbers. However, long-term intensive-care-unit occupation would also be effectively reduced if senior population groups were prioritized, provided there were no changes in testing and prevention strategies. Conclusions. Reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission through vaccination strongly depends on the efficacy of the deployed vaccine. A combined strategy of protecting risk groups by extensive testing coupled with vaccination of the drivers of transmission (i.e. highly mobile groups) would be most effective at reducing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 within an urban area., medRxiv

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).To develop a Bariatric Frailty Score (BFS) to predict 30-day adverse postoperative outcomes.University hospital.Patients (aged 18-80 yr) who underwent sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass (RYGB) were included using the 2015-2018 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database. Fourteen variables of the CSHA-FI were mapped onto 10 variables of MBSAQIP (each component equal 1 point). Correlations and multivariate logistical regression analysis were performed between BFS and 4 postoperative outcomes (non-home discharge, mortality, prolonged hospital stay, and ICU admissions). Finally, a propensity matching score (PSM) between low BFS (0-4) and high BFS (5-10) was performed.In 650,882 patients (72% SG, 28% RYGB), the increasing BFS was strongly correlated on linear regression. In the multivariate analysis, scores of 5, 6, and 7 strongly predicted the 4 postoperative outcomes of interest. After the PSM, high BFS (5-10) was associated with an increased rate of postoperative complications in SG and RYGB groups.Our BFS is a better predictor of non-home discharge, prolonged hospital stay, mortality, and unplanned ICU admission compared with age60 years or American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of IV-V. Our study validated the cumulative deficit theory in bariatric surgery, implying that the cumulative effects of the existing co-morbidities are higher than if these co-morbidities were simply added.

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. Increased exposure could pose long-term health risks. The study objective was to measure the changes in serum concentrations of lipophilic POPs during significant weight loss. Methods This study enrolled 27 patients at a university hospital in a longitudinal, 6-month, observational study examining changes in POP blood levels after bariatric surgery. The primary outcome was the changes in the concentrations of 24 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 9 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), 11 polybrominated diphenyl ethers, 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl, and 4 perfluorochemicals (PFCs). Results Older adults (those born before 1976) had baseline levels of PCBs, OCPs, and PFCs that were two- to fivefold higher than younger adults (those born after 1976). Older adults had greater increases in PCBs, OCPs, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers associated with weight loss. Conversely, younger adults had greater increases in PFCs associated with weight loss. On average, blood POP levels increased as weight loss occurred. Conclusions Although weight loss is considered beneficial, the release and redistribution of POPs to other lipid-rich organs such as the brain, kidneys, and liver warrant further investigation. Interventions should be considered to limit organ exposure to POPs when weight loss interventions are planned.

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. Patients who underwent bariatric surgery prior to the implementation of the enhanced recovery program in the calendar year 2015 were compared to those who had surgery after implementation in 2017. Data for our institution was drawn from the Premier Hospital Database. Poisson and quantile regressions were used to examine the association between ERAS protocol and LOS and cost, respectively. Logistic regression was used to assess the impact of ERAS on 30-day complications and readmissions. 277 bariatric surgical procedures were performed in the pre-ERAS group, compared to 348 procedures post-ERAS. While there was a 25.6% increase in volume, there was no statistical difference between the patient populations or the type of procedure performed between the 2 years. A decrease in length of stay was observed from 2.77 days in 2015 to 1.77 days in 2017 (p

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. 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). All participants were female, 75% reported black race with mean age of 51 years. At similar weight loss amount and glycemic improvement, the RYGB group had the most number of bacterial species (10 increased, 1 decreased) that significantly changed (p

The Fellowship Council (FC) oversees 172 non-ACGME surgical fellowships offering 211 fellowship positions per year. These training programs cover multiple specialties including Advanced gastrointestinal (GI), Advanced GI/MIS, Bariatric, Hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB), Flexible Endoscopy, Colorectal, and Thoracic Surgery. Although some data have been published detailing the practice environments (i.e., urban vs. rural) and yearly total case volumes of FC alumni, there is a lack of granular data regarding the practice patterns of FC graduates. The aim of this study was to gather detailed data on the specific case types performed and surgical approaches employed by recent FC alumni. A 21-item survey covering 64 data points was emailed to 835 FC alumni who completed their fellowship between 2013 and 2017. Email addresses were obtained from FC program directors and FC archives. We received 327 responses (39% response rate). HPB, Advanced Colorectal, and Advanced Thoracic alumni appear to establish practices focused on their respective fields. Graduates from Advanced GI, Adv GI/MIS, and Bariatric programs appear to build practices with a mix of several complex GI case types including bariatrics, colorectal, foregut, HPB, and hernia cases. This is the first large data set to provide granular information on the practice patterns of FC alumni. FC trained surgeons perform impressive volumes of complex procedures, and minimally invasive approaches are extremely prevalent in these practices. Further, many graduates carve out practices with large footprints in robotics and endoscopy.

Bariatric surgery leads to more rapid and greater weight loss (WL) compared to medical weight loss (MWL), but the differences in body composition (BC) changes for these modalities remain unclear. Due to the known health risks associated with central adiposity, we compared the changes in regional distribution of fat mass (FM) and lean mass (LM) after surgical versus MWL. In this 1:1:1 randomized trial among 15 persons with type 2 diabetes and body mass index (BMI) 30–39.9 kg/m2, we compared changes in BC, by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and abdominal computerized tomography, at time of 10%WL or 9 months after intervention (whichever came first). Participants underwent MWL, adjustable gastric banding (AGB), or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Non-parametric tests evaluated BC differences (FM, LM, and visceral adipose tissue [VAT]) within and across all three arms and between pair-wise comparisons. Twelve female participants (75% African American) completed the study. Patient age, BMI, and baseline anthropometric characteristics were similar across study arms. AGB lost more LM (MWL − 5.2%, AGB − 10.3%, p = 0.021) and VAT (MWL + 10.9%, AGB − 28.0%, p = 0.049) than MWL. RYGB tended to lose more VAT (MWL +10.9%, RYGB − 20.2%, p = 0.077) than MWL. AGB tended to lose more LM than RYGB (AGB − 12.38%, RYGB − 7.29%, p = 0.15). At similar WL, AGB lost more LM and VAT than MWL; RYGB similarly lost more VAT. Given the metabolic benefits of reducing VAT and retaining LM, larger studies should confirm the changes in BC after surgical versus medical WL. NCTDK089557 – ClinicalTrials.gov

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. Serum copper also positively correlated with leptin, insulin, and the leptin/BMI ratio. When compared to lean controls, obese patients had elevated circulating cuproproteins, such as semucarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) and ceruloplasmin, and higher SSAO activity and copper levels in visceral fat. Although hepatic steatosis reduces copper levels in the liver, obese patients with no or mild steatosis have higher copper content in the liver compared to lean controls. In conclusion, obese patients evaluated in this study had altered copper status. Strong positive correlations of copper levels with BMI and leptin suggest that copper and/or cuproproteins may be functionally linked to fat accumulation.

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 nsp12-nsp7-nsp8) has been targeted by numerous inhibitors, e.g., remdesivir, the only provisionally approved treatment to-date, although the clinical impact of these interventions remains inconclusive. However, the potential emergence of antiviral resistance poses a threat to the efficacy of any successful therapies on a wide scale. Here, we propose a framework to monitor the emergence of antiviral resistance, and as a proof of concept, we address the interaction between RdRp and remdesivir. We show that SARS-CoV-2 RdRp is under purifying selection, that potential escape mutations are rare in circulating lineages, and that those mutations, where present, do not destabilise RdRp. In more than 56,000 viral genomes from 105 countries from the first pandemic wave, we found negative selective pressure affecting nsp12 (Tajima’s D = −2.62), with potential antiviral escape mutations in only 0.3% of sequenced genomes. Potential escape mutations included known key residues, such as Nsp12:Val473 and Nsp12:Arg555. Of the potential escape mutations involved globally, in silico structural models found that they were unlikely to be associated with loss of stability in RdRp. No potential escape mutation was found in a local cohort of remdesivir treated patients. Collectively, these findings indicate that RdRp is a suitable drug target, and that remdesivir does not seem to exert high selective pressure. We anticipate our framework to be the starting point of a larger effort for a global monitoring of drug resistance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background and study aims 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 and methods Patients aged 18 to 80 with body mass index (BMI) 35 to 40 kg/m2 undergoing primary procedures were included. Propensity score matching 1:50 was performed for EBT versus LBT based on age, sex, and BMI. Results We matched 211 EBTs with 9,059 LBTs. Operative length (63.9, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 57.9, 69.8 versus 81.1, 95 % CI: 80.1, 82.1) and length of stay (0.49 days, 95 % CI: 0.29, 0.69 versus 1.43 days, 95 % CI: 1.41, 1.45) were significantly lower in the EBT group than the LBT group. There was no difference between EBT and LBT in the odds of readmission (odds ratio [OR] = 0.31, 95 % CI: 0.08, 1.25), reoperation (OR = 0.39, 95 % CI: 0.05, 2.84), or reintervention (OR = 0.98, 95 % CI: 0.24, 3.99). After controlling for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, history of myocardial infarction, hypertension requiring medications, and diabetes, EBT continued to be associated with lower odds of having any adverse event (AE) than LBT, with an OR of 0.34 (95 % CI: 0.16, 0.69). Subgroup analysis comparing EBT to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) showed that EBT was associated with a lower risk having any AE than LSG, with an OR of 0.39 (95 % CI: 0.19, 0.79). Conclusions EBT is associated with a lower 30-day AE rate and shorter procedural length and length of stay than LBT, with similar rates of readmission, reintervention, and reoperation.

Antiviral treatments for COVID-19 have involved many repurposed drugs. Currently, SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp, encoded bynsp12-nsp7-nsp8) has been targeted by numerous inhibitors with debated clinical impact. Among these, remdesivir has been conditionally approved for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Although the emergence of antiviral resistance, an indirect proxy for antiviral efficacy, poses a considerable healthcare threat, an evolutionary perspective on emerging resistant mutants is still lacking.Here we show that SARS-CoV-2 RdRp is under purifying selection, that potential escape mutations are rare, and unlikely to lead to viral fitness loss.In more than 56,000 viral genomes from 105 countries dating from December 2019 to July 2020 we found negative selective pressure affectingnsp12(Tajima’s D = −2.62), with potential antiviral escape mutations in only 0.3% of sequenced genomes. Those affected known key residues, such as Nsp12:Val473 and Nsp12:Arg555. Of the potential escape mutations found globally,in silicostructural models show that this rarely implies loss of stability in RdRp. No potential escape mutation were found in our local cohort of remdesivir treated patients from the first wave (n=8). Our results indicate that RdRp is a suitable drug target, and that remdesivir does not seem to exert high selective pressure. Our study could be the starting point of a larger monitoring effort of drug resistance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We recommend the application of repetitive genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 from patients treated with antivirals to provide early insights into the evolution or antiviral resistance.

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. We successfully generated 468 high quality genomes from unique patients and called variants with our COVID-19 Pipeline (COVGAP), and analysed viral genetic diversity using PANGOLIN taxonomic lineages. To identify introduction and dissemination events we incorporated global SARS-CoV-2 genomes and inferred a time-calibrated phylogeny. Epidemiological data from patient questionnaires was used to facilitate the interpretation of phylogenetic observations. The early outbreak in Basel was dominated by lineage B.1 (83·6%), detected first on March 2nd, although the first sample identified belonged to B.1.1. Within B.1, 68·2% of our samples fall within a clade defined by the SNP C15324T (‘Basel cluster’), including 157 identical sequences at the root of the ‘Basel cluster’, some of which we can specifically trace to regional spreading events. We infer the origin of B.1-C15324T to mid-February in our tri-national region. The other genomes map broadly over the global phylogenetic tree, showing several introduction events from and/or dissemination to other regions of the world via travellers. Family transmissions can also be traced in our data. A single lineage variant dominated the outbreak in the Basel area while other lineages, such as the first (B.1.1), did not propagate. A mass gathering event was the predominant initial source of cases, with travel returners and family transmissions to a lesser extent. We highlight the importance of adding specific questions to epidemiological questionnaires, to obtain data on attendance of large gatherings and their locations, as well as travel history, to effectively identify routes of transmissions in up-coming outbreaks. This phylogenetic analysis in concert with epidemiological and contact tracing data, allows connection and interpretation of events, and can inform public health interventions. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04351503., Author summary COVID-19 was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and has spread around the globe since. The most common tool for tracking and containing the spread of the disease-causing virus–SARS-CoV-2 –are classical epidemiology and contact tracing, which collapse under too high case burdens as seen in this pandemic. However, whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of the viral genomes will be crucial to understand the virus evolution and outbreak dynamics to ultimately stop the spread of the disease. Here we combined epidemiological data and whole-genome sequences originating from the time of the arrival of the virus in early 2020 in a typical medium-sized European city, namely Basel-City, Switzerland. On one hand, we identified limited community spread of very distinct viral variants originating from travel returners, which is possibly due to the heightened attention and restrictions imposed on international travellers. On the other hand, we find evidence for large cryptic community spread of a single virus variant in the city, which we infer to have originated around mid-February 2020 in the larger tri-national area around Basel, and which has epidemiological links to a mass gathering event in the region of Alsace, France.

BackgroundTransmission chains within small urban areas (accommodating∼30% of the European population) greatly contribute to case burden and economic impact during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and should be a focus for preventive measures to achieve containment. Here, at very high spatio-temporal resolution, we analysed determinants of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a European urban area, Basel-City (Switzerland). Methodology. We combined detailed epidemiological, intra-city mobility, and socioeconomic data-sets with whole-genome-sequencing during the first SARS-CoV-2 wave. For this, we succeeded in sequencing 44% of all reported cases from Basel-City and performed phylogenetic clustering and compartmental modelling based on the dominating viral variant (B.1-C15324T; 60% of cases) to identify drivers and patterns of transmission. Based on these results we simulated vaccination scenarios and corresponding healthcare-system burden (intensive-care-unit occupancy). Principal Findings. Transmissions were driven by socioeconomically weaker and highly mobile population groups with mostly cryptic transmissions, whereas amongst more senior population transmission was clustered. Simulated vaccination scenarios assuming 60-90% transmission reduction, and 70-90% reduction of severe cases showed that prioritizing mobile, socioeconomically weaker populations for vaccination would effectively reduce case numbers. However, long-term intensive-care-unit occupation would also be effectively reduced if senior population groups were prioritized, provided there were no changes in testing and prevention strategies. Conclusions. Reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission through vaccination strongly depends on the efficacy of the deployed vaccine. A combined strategy of protecting risk groups by extensive testing coupled with vaccination of the drivers of transmission (i.e. highly mobile groups) would be most effective at reducing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 within an urban area.Author summaryWe examined SARS-CoV-2 transmission patterns within a European city (Basel, Switzerland) to infer drivers of the transmission during the first wave in spring 2020. The combination of diverse data (serological, genomic, transportation, socioeconomic) allowed us to combine phylogenetic analysis with mathematical modelling on related cases that were mapped to a residential address. As a result we could evaluate population groups driving SARS-CoV-2 transmission and quantify their effect on the transmission dynamics. We found traceable transmission chains in wealthier or more senior population groups and cryptic transmissions in the mobile, young or socioeconomic weaker population groups - these were identified as transmission drivers of the first wave. Based on this insight, we simulated vaccination scenarios for various vaccine efficacies to reflect different approaches undertaken to handle the epidemic. We conclude that vaccination of the mobile inherently younger population group would be most effective to handle following waves.

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. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of 129 consecutive patients who underwent DPSP TORe between December 2015 and August 2019. Results The adverse event rate of TORe was 17.1 % (n = 22), with a 13.3 % (n = 17) rate of stenosis. Stenosis was not significantly associated with any baseline characteristics. GJA diameter pre- and post-TORe, the difference between these values, and procedure duration were not predictive of stenosis. Of patients who developed stenosis, 10 (58.8 %) responded to endoscopic balloon dilation and 7 (41.2 %) required stent placement. Conclusion As the DPSP technique is a challenging procedure, with high complication rate and limited benefit, it should not be used for TORe.

Over the past few decades, the incidence of obesity has been steadily rising in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates greater than 40% of the US adult population is obese. Rising obesity rates are also increasing among children and adolescents as well, with nearly one in five children and adolescents considered obese. As a result, surgeons today face the challenge of caring for an increasing number of morbidly obese patients, and this trend is expected to worsen over time. This review covers preoperative evaluation, obesity-related comorbidities, respiratory insufficiency, anesthesia in patients with respiratory insufficiency, intraoperative management, postoperative management, complications of gastric surgery for obesity, diabetes mellitus, wound care, and other obesity-related diseases. Figures show impaired pulmonary function in the morbidly obese improved significantly after weight loss induced by bariatric surgery, significant improvement in mean pulmonary arterial pressure in 18 patients, 3 to 9 months after gastric surgery-induced weight loss of 42% ± 19% of excess weight, and a chronic venous stasis ulcer present for several years in a morbidly obese patient. The tables list evaluation and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, and indications for extended postoperative chemoprophylaxis for venous thromboembolism in morbidly obese patients. This review contains 3 highly rendered figures, 2 tables, and 46 references Keywords: morbid obesity, obesity, metabolic surgery, venous thromboembolism chemoprophylaxis, Obstructive Sleep Apnea

BackgroundThe first case of SARS-CoV-2 in Basel, Switzerland, was detected on February 26th2020. We present a phylogenetic longitudinal study and explore viral introduction and evolution during the exponential early phase of the local COVID-19 outbreak from February 26thuntil March 23rd.MethodsWe sequenced SARS-CoV-2 from naso-oropharyngeal swabs, generated 468 high quality genomes, and called variants with our COVID-19 Pipeline (COVGAP). We analysed viral genetic diversity using PANGOLIN taxonomic lineages. To identify introduction and dissemination events we incorporated global SARS-CoV-2 genomes and inferred a time-calibrated phylogeny.FindingsThe early outbreak in Basel was dominated by lineage B.1 (83·6%), detected from March 2nd, although the first lineage identified was B.1.1. Within B.1, a clade containing 68·2% of our samples, defined by the SNP C15324T, suggests local spreading events. We infer the geographic origin of this mutation to our tri-national region. The remaining genomes map broadly over the global phylogenetic tree, evidencing several events of introduction from and/or dissemination to other regions of the world. We also observe family transmission events.InterpretationA single lineage dominated the outbreak in the City of Basel while other lineages such as the first (B1.1) did not propagate. Thus spreading events seem to have contributed most to viral spread, while travel returners and family transmissions were better controlled by the recommended measures. This phylogenetic analysis enriches epidemiological and contact tracing data, allowing connection of seemingly unconnected events, and can inform public health interventions.FundingNo dedicated funding was used for this work.

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. The secondary aim was weight loss outcomes of procedures offered at our institution. We compiled a list of lessons learned, based on the difficulties we experienced to make it easy for others embarking on this journey. Herein, we present a business development strategy to overcome impediments, whilst offering high quality service. The high cost and lack of insurance coverage are significant barriers. Marketing can be costly and is often a factor that is ignored particularly early on, when finances are limited. However, it is an integral component of growing the program. The percentage total body weight loss (%TBWL) at 6 and 12 months post ESG was 17.8 ± 6.48 and 20.6 ± 8.3 (P The key to building a successful endobariatric program is a motivated physician leader, collaborative bariatric surgeons, institutional support, and marketing. Insurance coverage will likely occur in the near future and programs must be prepared to manage the massive influx of patients that will likely request these procedures.

Background Hypoglycemia after bariatric surgery is an increasingly recognized metabolic complication associated with exaggerated secretion of insulin and gut hormones. Objective We sought to determine the incidence of hypoglycemic symptoms (hypo-sx) after bariatric surgery and characteristics of those affected compared with those unaffected. Setting University hospital. Methods We collected retrospective survey data from the patients who underwent bariatric surgery at a single center. Based on number and severity of postprandial hypo-sx in Edinburgh hypoglycemia questionnaire postoperatively, patients without preoperative hypo-sx were grouped into high versus low suspicion for hypoglycemia. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine potential baseline and operative risk factors for the development of hypo-sx after surgery. Results Among the 1119 patients who had undergone bariatric surgery who received the questionnaire, 464 (40.6%) responded. Among the 341 respondents without preexisting hypo-sx, 29% (n = 99) had new-onset hypo-sx, and most were severe cases (n = 92) with neuroglycopenic symptoms. Compared with the low suspicion group, the high suspicion group consisted of more female patients, younger patients, patients without diabetes, and those who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with a longer time since surgery and more weight loss. In multivariate analysis, factors independently associated with incidence of hypo-sx after bariatric surgery were female sex (P = .003), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (P = .001), and absence of preexisting diabetes (P = .011). Conclusions New onset postprandial hypoglycemic symptoms after bariatric surgery are common, affecting up to a third of those who underwent bariatric surgery. Many affected individuals reported neuroglycopenic symptoms and were more likely to be female and nondiabetic and to have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Dust storms are strong winds which lead to particle exposure over extensive areas. These storms influence air quality on both a local and global scale which lead to both short and long-term effects. The frequency of dust storms has been on the rise during the last decade. Forecasts suggest that their incidence will increase as a response to the effects of climate change and anthropogenic activities. Elderly people, young children, and individuals with chronic cardiopulmonary diseases are at the greatest risk for health effects of dust storms. A wide variety of infectious and non-infectious diseases have been associated with dust exposure. Influenza A virus, pulmonary coccidioidomycosis, bacterial pneumonia, and meningococcal meningitis are a few examples of dust-related infectious diseases. Among non-infectious diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, sarcoidosis and pulmonary fibrosis have been associated with dust contact. Here, we review two molecular mechanisms of dust induced lung disease for asthma and sarcoidosis. We can also then further understand the mechanisms by which dust particles disturb airway epithelial and immune cells.

Despite recent advances in Cloud manufacturing such as the introduction of Edge components, this application area still suffers from inflexible production planning and static routing. In very dynamic scenarios such as high-speed manufacturing, more autonomy of the Edge is desired in order to enable it to react to unforeseen events. The concepts of the Semantic Web, on the other hand, allow to connect machines without human intervention. Semantic Web Services (SWS) have the potential to replace manual configuration of the control applications that connect and supervise the various manufacturing resources on the shop-floor. Several specifications exist to realize SWS; one of the most prominent is OWL-S. Our approach, called SemOPC-UA, introduces the concepts of OWL-S to the OPC-UA protocol and in particular, to the application specific methods of OPC-UA. Consequently, SemOPC-UA enables the creation of flexible orchestration plans in a manufacturing scenario controlled by cloud Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).

Gastric stenosis (GS) is a potential adverse event post-laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Endoscopic management is preferred; however, there is significant variation in therapeutic strategies with no defined algorithm. This study aims to describe the safety and efficacy of a predefined step-wise algorithm for endoscopic management of GS post-LSG. Consecutive patients with symptomatic GS post-LSG, presenting between July 2015 and August 2016, were subjected to a predefined treatment algorithm of serial dilations using achalasia balloons, followed by a fully covered self-expanding metal stent (FCSEMS) if dilations were inadequate. Patients who did not respond or opted out of ongoing endoscopic therapy were offered revision Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Total of 17 patients underwent a median of 2 (range 1–4) balloon dilations. Twelve patients (70.6%) reported clinical improvement with balloon dilation alone, while 3 (17.6%) required subsequent FCSEMS placement. One patient suffered a tear to the muscularis propria with balloon dilation, which was managed conservatively. Overall, 15 (88.2%) reported clinical improvement with endoscopic management. PAGI-SYM scores revealed that the strongest response to therapy, based on mean reduction of score ± SD, was in the following items: nausea (3 ± 1.9, P

Background and study aims 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. Patients and methods Stomach specimens were obtained at sleeve gastrectomy. Prior to APC application, a submucosal fluid cushion was created. APC was then applied over a 2 × 2-cm area to the fundus and body, aiming for the three indicator colors (white, golden, brown). Pathological analysis was then performed independently and in a blinded fashion by two pathologists to determine the depth of mucosal and submucosal percent thermal injury and mucosal percent cell death. Results Six patients were enrolled. There was a significant correlation between tissue color and mucosal percent thermal injury. The highest percent mucosal thermal injury was seen with brown (99.6 %, 95 % CI: 98.7, 100), followed by golden (92.5 %, 95 % CI: 85.5, 99.5), and then white (75.2 %, 95 % CI: 58.3, 92.1, P 10 % depth) was found significantly more with brown tissue color (91.6 %) than golden (75 %) or white (33.3 %, P Conclusion GMD is achievable using APC without thermal injury to muscularis propria. A golden color results in sufficient mucosal injury with only superficial injury to the submucosa.