Nations within a nation: variations in epidemiological transition across the states of India, 1990–2016 in the Global Burden of Disease Study

18% of the world's population lives in India, and many states of India have populations similar to those of large countries. Action to effectively improve population health in India requires availability of reliable and comprehensive state-level estimates of disease burden and risk factors over time. Such comprehensive estimates have not been available so far for all major diseases and risk factors. Thus, we aimed to estimate the disease burden and risk factors in every state of India as part of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2016

The prevalence and spectrum of colonic lesions in patients with cirrhotic and noncirrhotic portal hypertension

Portal hypertension diffusely affects the gastrointestinal tract. The frequency and profile of distinct colonic mucosal lesions (portal colopathy) and rectal varices (RV; veins >4 cm above the anal verge) is not well studied. Fifty consecutive patients with portal hypertension (25 with cirrhosis, 10 with noncirrhotic portal fibrosis [NCPF], and 15 with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction [EHPVO]) were assessed clinically and by upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. Colorectal lesions were seen in 35 (70%) patients, significantly more often in bleeders than in nonbleeders. Rectal varices were detected in 22 (44%) patients; larger and more often seen in EHPVO (80%) than in cirrhosis (28%) and NCPF (30%) (P < 0.01) patients. Portal colopathy was seen in 26 (52%) patients, with nearly similar frequency in cirrhotics, NCPF, and EHPVO patients. Previous sclerotherapy or presence of gastric varices had little influence on the development of these lesions. An association (P < 0.01) was, however, seen between the presence of colopathy and portal gastropathy. Overt bleeding was seen in 8% and 4% of patients with RV and colopathy, respectively. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that colorectal lesions are present in about two thirds of patients with portal hypertension. Patients with portal hypertension and lower GI bleeding should be colonoscoped. Patients with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction may in turn benefit from baseline sigmoidoscopic examination to define the presence and size of rectal varices

Resealable, optically accessible, PDMS-free fluidic platform for ex vivo interrogation of pancreatic islets

We report the design and fabrication of a robust fluidic platform built out of inert plastic materials and micromachined features that promote optimized convective fluid transport. The platform is tested for perfusion interrogation of rodent and human pancreatic islets, dynamic secretion of hormones, concomitant live-cell imaging, and optogenetic stimulation of genetically engineered islets. A coupled quantitative fluid dynamics computational model of glucose stimulated insulin secretion and fluid dynamics was first utilized to design device geometries that are optimal for complete perfusion of three-dimensional islets, effective collection of secreted insulin, and minimization of system volumes and associated delays. Fluidic devices were then fabricated through rapid prototyping techniques, such as micromilling and laser engraving, as two interlocking parts from materials that are non-absorbent and inert. Finally, the assembly was tested for performance using both rodent and human islets with multiple assays conducted in parallel, such as dynamic perfusion, staining and optogenetics on standard microscopes, as well as for integration with commercial perfusion machines. The optimized design of convective fluid flows, use of bio-inert and non-absorbent materials, reversible assembly, manual access for loading and unloading of islets, and straightforward integration with commercial imaging and fluid handling systems proved to be critical for perfusion assay, and particularly suited for time-resolved optogenetics studies