Sugar Levels Research Articles

Bioactive Milk Peptides as a Nutraceutical Opportunity and Challenges.

The biotechnology field has witnessed rapid advancements, leading to the development of numerous proteins and peptides (PPs) for disease management. The production and isolation of bioactive milk peptides (BAPs) involve enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation, followed by purification through various techniques such as ultrafiltration and chromatography. The nutraceutical potential of bioactive milk peptides has gained significant attention in nutritional research, as these peptides may regulate blood sugar levels, mitigate oxidative stress, improve cardiovascular health, gut health, bone health, and immune responses, and exhibit anticancer properties. However, to enhance BAP bioavailability, the encapsulation method can be used to offer protection against protease degradation and controlled release. This article provides insights into the composition, types, production, isolation, bioavailability, and health benefits of BAPs.

Main pancreatic duct 360° denudation technique for local resection of solid pseudopapillary tumor: a case report

Pancreatic enucleation is a reasonable surgical procedure for small pancreatic solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs). For patients with tumors close to the main pancreatic duct, enucleation surgery was previously considered contraindicated. We reported a 36-year-old Asian woman with SPT of 1.8×1.5 cm which contacting with part of the main pancreatic duct, that was once considered contraindicated for enucleation. We adopted the "main pancreatic duct approach" surgical method, and denuded main pancreatic duct with a length of about 2 cm for 360°, to locally resect the tumor, successfully preserving the continuity of the pancreatic duct in this patient. The patient did not complain of discomfort, had no symptoms of indigestion, normal blood sugar levels, and no dilation of the main pancreatic duct was seen on CT and MRI examinations in the 1st month and 3rd month after surgery.

Novel Machine Learning Approach for Forecasting the Possibility of Recurrence in Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Antipsychotic drug usage is known to increase the risk of pneumonia, despite the fact that medications are commonly used to treat schizophrenia. By utilize machine learning (ML) to assemble a model for predicting community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in schizophrenia patient. The beginning of pneumonia was predicted by eleven factors including gender, age, clozapine usage, drug-drug interactions, dose, length treatment, coughing, and changes in neutrophil and leukocyte counts, blood sugar levels, and body weight. To create the prediction models employed in this work, seven ML techniques were utilized in the study. To assess the overall performance of the model, we employed accuracy, sensitivity, specificity. In comparison to other seven ML methods, RF and DT have results the improved forecasting efficiency. Six other key risk variables were also found, including dose, clozapine usage, medication duration, change in neutrophil or leukocyte count, and drug-drug interaction. Our prediction model could be a helpful device for doctors caring for schizophrenic patients, even though these individuals still run the risk of pneumonia while using anti-psychotic medications.

Shade signals activate distinct molecular mechanisms that induce dormancy and inhibit flowering in vegetative axillary buds of sorghum.

Shoot branches grow from axillary buds and play a crucial role in shaping shoot architecture and determining crop yield. Shade signals inactivate phytochrome B (phyB) and induce bud dormancy, thereby inhibiting shoot branching. Prior transcriptome profiling of axillary bud dormancy in a phyB-deficient mutant (58M, phyB-1) and bud outgrowth in wild-type (100M, PHYB) sorghum genotypes identified differential expression of genes associated with flowering, plant hormones, and sugars, including SbCN2, SbNCED3, SbCKX1, SbACO1, SbGA2ox1, and SbCwINVs. This study examined the expression of these genes during bud dormancy induced by shade and defoliation in 100M sorghum. The aim was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms activated by shade in axillary buds by comparing them with those activated by defoliation. The expression of marker genes for sugar levels suggests shade and defoliation reduce the sugar supply to the buds and induce bud dormancy. Intriguingly, both shade signals and defoliation downregulated SbNCED3, suggesting that ABA might not play a role in promoting axillary bud dormancy in sorghum. Whereas the cytokinin (CK) degrading gene SbCKX1 was upregulated solely by shade signals in the buds, the CK inducible genes SbCGA1 and SbCwINVs were downregulated during both shade- and defoliation-induced bud dormancy. This indicates a decrease in CK levels in the dormant buds. Shade signals dramatically upregulated SbCN2, an ortholog of the Arabidopsis TFL1 known for inhibiting flowering, whereas defoliation did not increase SbCN2 expression in the buds. Removing shade temporarily downregulated SbCN2 in dormant buds, further indicating its expression is not always correlated with bud dormancy. Because shade signals also trigger a systemic early flowering signal, SbCN2 might be activated to protect the buds from transitioning to flowering before growing into branches. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that shade signals activate two distinct molecular mechanisms in sorghum buds: one induces dormancy by reducing CK and sugars, whereas the other inhibits flowering by activating SbCN2. Given the agricultural significance of TFL1-like genes, the rapid regulation of SbCN2 by light signals in axillary buds revealed in this study warrants further investigation to explore its potential in crop improvement strategies.

Associated between hypertension and body mass index, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels in elderly women

Hypertension remains a significant public health problem, including in Indonesia. The highest number of sufferers is known to be the group of elderly women. Hypertension can occur because the heart pumps blood throughout the body strongly due to thickening and stiffness of the artery walls. The thickening increases with age.This study assesses the relationship between BMI, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels and women's systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This observational study was conducted using a cross-sectional design, where 330 women aged 60 years or older in West Aceh Regency were involved as samples.The correlations were conducted by simple linear regression (bivariate) and multiple linear regression tests to determine the relationship between independent variables (systolic and diastolic blood pressure) and dependent variables (BMI, cholesterol, and blood sugar level). The results of bivariate test show the correlation of BMI, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, with systolic blood pressure are weak, as indicated by the r values below 0.25. Meanwhile, BMI with diastolic blood pressure is moderate (r=0.272). In contrast, the correlation cholesterol and blood sugar levels with diastolic blood pressure are weak, with r values below 0.25. Multivariate analysis through linear regression showed that BMI (p<0.001), cholesterol (p<0.001), and blood glucose levels (p=<0.013) were significantly associated with systolic blood pressure. Furthermore, diastolic blood pressure was only significantly associated with BMI (p<0.001). BMI plays an essential role in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, while cholesterol and blood glucose levels only contribute to systolic blood pressure, not to diastolic blood pressure.

Machine Learning Models for Predicting Heart Failure: Unveiling Patterns and Enhancing Precision in Cardiac Risk Assessment

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of various machine learning models in predicting heart failure incidence using medical data, focusing on the innovative aspect of a novel dataset. Unlike previous studies that predominantly examined features such as smoking status or age, this research explores novel features. The primary challenge addressed is the utilization of these new features, coupled with machine learning techniques, to accurately diagnose heart failure. Methods Five machine learning models, including logistic regression, support vector classifier, decision tree classifier, random forest classifier, and K-nearest neighbors, were applied to analyze medical data from a dataset comprising over 900 individuals. The dataset encompasses diverse parameters such as age, sex, chest pain severity, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and electrocardiogram results, introducing a novel approach to feature selection. Results The evaluation of machine learning models unveiled varying performances in predicting heart failure. Logistic regression and support vector classifier exhibited the highest accuracy of 88%, followed by the decision tree classifier (below 85%), random forest classifier (84%), and K-nearest neighbors (82%). Additionally, the analysis revealed a balanced dataset distribution and highlighted sex-based disparities in heart failure incidence, along with significant correlations with factors such as age, chest pain severity, blood glucose levels, and physical activity. Conclusions The findings underscore the potential of integrating multiple machine learning models for early detection of heart failure, leveraging the inclusion of novel features in the dataset. However, careful model selection is crucial to account for discrepancies in accuracy among different models, emphasizing the importance of tailoring approaches based on specific project requirements.

Curbing Key Digestive Enzymes by Three Plant Extracts for Sustainable Management of Postprandial Hyperglycemia

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic condition marked by persistently elevated blood sugar levels. Key digestive enzymes viz. α-amylase and α-glucosidase, hydrolyze consumed carbohydrates into glucose which raises the postprandial blood glucose level in a diabetic patient. So, the development of α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors procured from medicinal plants to retard starch digestion is an alternative approach for controlling type 2 diabetes mellitus. Objective: The current study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory potentials of the key digestive enzymes viz. α-amylase and α-glucosidase by the extracts of three medicinal plants; red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) pulp and peel, bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) shoot, turnip (Brassica rapa L.) shoot and leaf by performing α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays in vitro. Methods: Inhibition of α-amylase activity was conducted using 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid method, and 4- Nitrophenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside was used as a substrate to perform α-glucosidase inhibition assay in vitro. Results: Among all the selected sample extracts, red dragon fruit pulp expressed the highest percentage of α-amylase inhibition (59.73 ± 4.33%) at the concentration of 1000 μg/mL which is comparable to standard antidiabetic drug Acarbose (70.59 ± 2.64%), whereas the lowest inhibition was observed in turnip shoot extract (42.48 ± 2.10%) at the same concentration. In terms of α-glucosidase inhibition activity, again, red dragon fruit pulp extract demonstrated the maximum inhibition rate (56.42 ± 2.38%) at 1000 μg/mL concentration. This is respectable in comparison to the reference Acarbose (66.45 ± 1.78%). In contrast, turnip shoot extracts displayed the lowest α-glucosidase inhibition activity (38.27 ± 2.21%) at the same concentration. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that the red dragon fruit pulp extract possesses substantial antihyperglycemic activity (α-amylase inhibition: 59.73 ± 4.33%, α-glucosidase inhibition: 56.42 ± 2.38%) in vitro, which could be a putative nutraceutical to manage postprandial hyperglycemia.

Study of changes in functional properties of fermented Idli batter during storage under different temperature conditions

The comprehensive analysis of multiple quality parameters in Idli batter (IB) was estimated quantitatively for 16 days of storage at 5 and 30 ℃. A modified Baranyi model was proposed for fitting microbial growth during storage conditions in IB with the inclusion of the death rate (kd) constant in the original model equation. The kd observed for lactic acid bacteria, total bacteria, and yeast counts were − 0.059, − 0.103, − 0.074 at 30 °C and − 0.019, − 0.040, − 4.97 (log CFU/g/d) at 5 °C during storage of IB. Peleg’s model was used to estimate the phenolic content during the storage of IB. The correlation coefficients (R2) were above 0.90 for these models. The acidity and pH content marginally increased in the IB stored at 5 °C. The total and reducing sugar levels increased in IB from 67 to 122 and 96 to 226 µg/mL, respectively, after storage. The antioxidant activity and total flavonoid content in batter increased significantly during storage. The biogenic amine content varied from 10- 256 µg/g during storage. In the product prepared from batter stored at 5 °C, hardness was not observed until the 9th day, whereas for 30 ℃ stored batter, the hardness was seen from the 2nd day onwards, as determined by texture profile analysis. Based on Pearson’s coefficient correlation between parameters significantly varied when the batter was stored at 5 and 30 ℃. Based on our study, it was observed that the IB stored at 5 ℃ can retain its properties for consumption until 9 days, whereas IB stored at 30 ℃ loses its properties after just 48 h of storage. Thus the above models were useful in predicting the food quality and shelf-life of the product.

Insightful Perspectives on Sodium-glucose Co-transporter 2 Inhibitors: Navigating Safety Updates and Beyond

SGLT2 (Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter 2) inhibitors, also known as gliflozin class, are a novel family of oral drugs being used to treat type 2 diabetes. SGLT2 inhibitors can work alone or in conjunction with other medications. This class includes five drugs, including canagliflozin, ertugliflozin, sotagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin. SGLT2 inhibitors inhibit the SGLT2 cotransporter in the proximal tubules of the kidney, reducing glucose and sodium reabsorption. It promotes the elimination of sugar in urine (diabetes mellitus) and lowers blood sugar levels. SGLT2 inhibitors also have pleiotropic effects on cardiac and renal function, broadening their therapeutic applications in heart failure. Despite the clinical benefits, regulators have placed secondary warnings in product information since the medications first hit the market. SGLT2 inhibitors, in particular, have had a significant impact on a variety of risk factors. This can lead to hypoglycaemia, urinary tract infections, diabetic ketoacidosis, lower limb amputation, and fractures. Although some of these events are uncommon, they can lead to severe and deadly consequences; therefore, patients must be closely monitored. In general, SLGT2 inhibitors are an efficient diabetes treatment with strong cardiovascular and renal protection and a favourable safety overview. This review sought to summarise the safety overview of commercially available SGLT2 inhibitors.

The multifactorial phenomenon of enzymatic hydrolysis resistance in unripe banana flour and its starch: A concise review.

Unripe banana flour starch possesses a high degree of resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis, a unique and desirable property that could be exploited in the development of functional food products to regulate blood sugar levels and promote digestive health. However, due to a multifactorial phenomenon in the banana flour matrix-from the molecular to the micro level-there is no consensus regarding the complex mechanisms behind the slow enzymatic hydrolysis of unripe banana flour starch. This work therefore explores factors that influence the enzymatic hydrolysis resistance of raw and modified banana flour and its starch including the proportion and distribution of the amorphous and crystalline phases of the starch granules; granule morphology; amylose-amylopectin ratio; as well as the presence of nonstarch components such as proteins, lipids, and phenolic compounds. Our findings revealed that the relative contributions of these factors to banana starch hydrolytic resistance are apparently dependent on the native or processed state of the starch as well as the cultivar type. The interrelatability of these factors in ensuring amylolytic resistance of unripe banana flour starch was further highlighted as another reason for the multifactorial phenomenon. Knowledge of these factors and their contributions to enzymatic hydrolysis resistance individually and interconnectedly will provide insights into enhanced ways of extraction, processing, and utilization of unripe banana flour and its starch.

Gerakan Sehat Bersama: Pemeriksaan Gula Darah Untuk Menunjang 9 Pilar Transformasi Kesehatan

Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high body sugar levels, but the body does not utilize them. Based on data from 2023, 14% of Indonesia's population has diabetes. The spread of diabetes also penetrates rural areas, posing a threat to rural areas and threatening the health of rural communities, and Saentis Village is no exception. The program "Healthy Movement Together: Blood Sugar Checking to Support the 9 Pillars of Health Transformation" is a community service initiative that aims to increase public health awareness. Some people in Saentis Village have a history of diabetes. This activity aims to provide education and conduct initial screening for diabetes. The service method is carried out by collaborating between medical personnel, local government, and the community. The activity began by providing education about the dangers and early symptoms of diabetes and continued by conducting an initial diabetes screening by checking blood sugar. Ninety-six people attended this activity. Based on the results of the examination, it was found that as many as 17 people had high blood sugar levels, and as many as 14 people experienced hyperglycemia. Based on the results of the screening that has been carried out, it is known that there are people who are not aware of the importance of maintaining a lifestyle, so there are still 14.6% of people who have pre-diabetes conditions, so it is necessary to check HbA1C.

Investigating metabolic syndrome markers and body mass index changes in patients with acne vulgaris treated with isotretinoin: A prospective study.

Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory skin disease that occurs during puberty, affecting approximately 85% of young adults and may persist into adulthood. The pathophysiology of acne is multifactorial, involving hormonal, inflammatory, and immune mechanisms. Isotretinoin is widely used for treating severe cystic acne or recurrent acne. This medication is considered a pharmacological option that significantly reduces sebum secretion, leading to a reduction in the size of sebaceous glands. It also induces a lack of differentiation in sebaceous cysts, resulting in a decrease in lipid accumulation. This research is a prospective study. Patient contact details were obtained directly from those visiting the dermatology clinic, and they were monitored for a duration of 3 months. Essential data was gathered through patient examinations and inquiries at the clinic, including the prescription of tests prior to initiating isotretinoin treatment. Furthermore, follow-up tests and examinations were performed within the initial and third months post-treatment commencement. Sixty-two patients participated in the study, selected through non-probability (convenience) sampling. The therapeutic dose taken by patients was 20 mg of isotretinoin daily (n = 49) or every other day (n = 13). Among the participants, six patients experienced a decrease of 3 units or more in HDL levels, while 16 patients saw an increase of 3 units or more in LDL levels, 3 months after beginning the treatment. Additionally, the triglyceride (TG) levels increased by 9 units or more in six individuals, and the blood sugar (BS) levels increased by 5 units or more in nine individuals, 3 months after treatment initiation. Moreover, one person's waist circumference increased by 1.5 cm 3 months after treatment began. The average weight of the individuals at the end of the treatment rose from 60.74 kg to 61.12 kg. However, this weight increase was not statistically significant. (p > 0.05). In general, the results of our study show that the use of oral isotretinoin as a treatment option for the management of acne vulgaris can be effective when administered at the correct dosage, offering a safe and low-complication option.

Incretin-based therapies for the management of cardiometabolic disease in the clinic: Past, present, and future.

Among newer classes of drugs for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are incretin-based agents that lower both blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. They do so by activating pancreatic GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R) to promote glucose-dependent insulin release and inhibit glucagon secretion. They also act on receptors in the brain and gastrointestinal tract to suppress appetite, slow gastric emptying, and delay glucose absorption. Phase 3 clinical trials have shown that GLP-1 RAs improve cardiovascular outcomes in the setting of T2DM or overweight/obesity in people who have, or are at high risk of having atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This is largely driven by reductions in ischemic events, although emerging evidence also supports benefits in other cardiovascular conditions, such as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The success of GLP-1 RAs has also seen the evolution of other incretin therapies. Tirzepatide has emerged as a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1 RA, with more striking effects on glycemic control and weight reduction than those achieved by isolated GLP-1R agonism alone. This consists of lowering glycated hemoglobin levels by more than 2% and weight loss exceeding 15% from baseline. Here, we review the pharmacological properties of GLP-1 RAs and tirzepatide and discuss their clinical effectiveness for T2DM and overweight/obesity, including their ability to reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes. We also delve into the mechanistic basis for these cardioprotective effects and consider the next steps in implementing existing and future incretin-based therapies for the broader management of cardiometabolic disease.

Blood Glucose Dynamics in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery: A Descriptive-Analytical Cross-Sectional Investigation

Background: Major surgeries cause metabolic stress and insulin resistance, leading to postoperative hyperglycemia and increased morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Therefore, this study aimed to assess blood sugar level changes in diabetic patients undergoing elective surgery and its confounding factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study compared blood sugar levels (BS) in 100 diabetic patients undergoing elective surgeries. Demographic data, medical history, surgery type, and anesthetic technique were documented. Laboratory assessments included fasting blood sugar (FBS) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C). Statistical analysis used SPSS software and nonparametric tests. Results: Postoperative blood sugar levels significantly increased compared to preoperative levels (mean change 11.40 ± 14.356 mg/dL). Age over 60 and general anesthesia were significant factors associated with elevated blood sugar. Conclusion: This study reveals a significant postoperative increase in blood glucose levels in diabetic patients, particularly those aged over 60 and under general anesthesia.

Inhibitory activities of ten accessions of underutilised West Africa legume Macrotyloma geocarpum (Harms) Maréchal & Baudet, growing in Nigeria against metabolic enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase

Underutilised legumes are important crop species whose cultivation and consumption are declining despite their medicinal and nutritional benefits. One of the most pressing global health concerns of the twenty-first century is diabetes, characterised by elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycaemia). Food plays a huge role in the incidence and management of metabolic diseases such as diabetes. Hence, pharmacological research along the food-medicine continuum is being ignited by recent evidence linking diet to health and illness incidence. Herein, we determined in vitro the inhibitory effects of the gene bank-stored seed and freshly cultivated seed and leaf extracts of ten accessions of an underutilised legume (Macrotyloma geocarpum) on the enzymes involved in carbohydrate breakdown to glucose (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) as a strategy to reduce hyperglycaemia. The extracts of seed accessions obtained from the gene bank showed weakly α-amylase inhibition (IC50 range = 300–1000 µg/mL) while, extracts of the cultivated seed accessions generally showed enhanced inhibitory effects (IC50 range = 63–355 µg/mL), when compared to standard Acarbose® (IC50 = 64.23 ± 0.02 µg/mL). Freshly harvested seed accessions (72–616 µg/mL) were also observed to have enhanced inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase enzyme than the seeds from the gene bank (39–185 µg/mL) when compared to Acarbose® (73.23 ± 0.02 µg/mL). However, the leaf extracts of the cultivated accessions displayed significantly higher α–amylase inhibition (IC50 range = 54–61 µg/mL) than the cultivated seeds while a reversed case was observed in the α–glucosidase inhibition. Overall, this study suggests the medicinal importance of the underutilised M. geocarpum legume in the management of diabetes while considering the varying bioactive effects of the accessions as well as cultivation and storage.

Prediction of Adverse Maternal Outcomes in Preeclampsia Using the FullPIERS (Preeclampsia Integrated Estimate of Risk) Model in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Eastern India.

Preeclampsia, characterized by hypertensive disorders and systemic inflammatory response, remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality globally. Effective risk assessment tools are crucial for predicting adverse maternal outcomes. This study evaluates the performance of the fullPIERS (Preeclampsia Integrated Estimate of Risk) model in predicting adverse maternal outcomes within 24 hours of admission for preeclampsia. A cross-sectional study was conducted over one year, involving 100 preeclamptic patients admitted to Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College & Hospital (NRSMCH). Predictor variables were collected within 24 hours of admission and analyzed using the fullPIERS model. The fullPIERS model effectively stratified maternal risk. Adverse outcomes were significantly associated with systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥ 140 mmHg, diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg, oxygen saturation ≤ 95%, frontal headache, visual disturbances, chest pain/dyspnea, and abnormal random blood sugar, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, platelet count, and creatinine levels. A fullPIERS score ≥ 30 was strongly predictive of adverse maternal outcomes. The fullPIERS model is a valuable tool for predicting adverse maternal outcomes in preeclampsia, aiding in timely and effective clinical decision-making.

Edukasi Pencegahan Stroke pada Masyarakat Desa Cigugur Girang

Stroke patients could get sequelae, and it will decrease the patient’s quality of life. Stroke could be caused by comorbid diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. Thus, stroke could be prevented by reducing the comorbid diseases. The prevention of stroke is necessary to be done in order to reduce stroke cases, especially in Bandung’s rural area. Villagers have limited access to health information and health services. In this community service, the methods we used were to screen the two risk factors of stroke (blood pressure and blood glucose ad random measurement) in Cigugur Girang Village, West Bandung area. The aim of this community service is to find comorbid factors of stroke and give education to people who have one or more stroke risk factors. The results of the blood pressure measurement screening showed that more than 40% of the residents of Cigugur Girang village had blood pressure above normal, and 5% of the population had blood sugar levels higher than normal. The risk factor for stroke in residents of Cigugur Girang Village mainly is high blood pressure. In this community service, people with high blood pressure were educated on how to maintain normal blood pressure and how to change their lifestyle. On the other hand, some participant has high blood glucose level. High blood glucose levels will develop into diabetes mellitus. In this education program, we gave information about the complications of high blood glucose, including stroke. Thus, this education program could increase community awareness to prevent stroke.

Optimized automated detection of diabetic retinopathy severity: integrating improved multithresholding tunicate swarm algorithm and improved hybrid butterfly optimization.

Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, damages the retina due to prolonged high blood sugar levels, leading to vision impairment and blindness. Early detection through regular eye exams and proper diabetes management are crucial in preventing vision loss. DR is categorized into five classes based on severity, ranging from no retinopathy to proliferative diabetic retinopathy. This study proposes an automated detection method using fundus images. Image segmentation divides fundus images into homogeneous regions, facilitating feature extraction. Feature selection aims to reduce computational costs and improve classification accuracy by selecting relevant features. The proposed algorithm integrates an Improved Tunicate Swarm Algorithm (ITSA) with Renyi's entropy for enhanced adaptability in the initial and final stages. An Improved Hybrid Butterfly Optimization (IHBO) Algorithm is also introduced for feature selection. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated using retinal fundus image datasets, achieving promising results in DR severity classification. For the IDRiD dataset, the proposed model achieves a segmentation Dice coefficient of 98.06% and classification accuracy of 98.21%. In contrast, the E-Optha dataset attains a segmentation Dice coefficient of 97.95% and classification accuracy of 99.96%. Experimental results indicate the algorithm's ability to accurately classify DR severity levels, highlighting its potential for early detection and prevention of diabetes-related blindness.

Renal Protective Effect of Boeravinone B against Diabetic Nephropathy Rats via Inhibition of The Inflammatory and JAK2/STAT3 Signalling Pathway.

Chronic inflammation is a common feature in diabetes, especially when blood sugar levels are poorly controlled. This chronic low-grade inflammation can affect various organs, including the kidneys. Podocyte damage play a key role in the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The aim of the study was to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of Boeravinone B (BB) against streptozotocin (STZ) induced DN in rats and explore the underlying mechanism. In this experimental study, the rats received intraperitoneal injections of STZ (60 mg/kg) to induce DN. Various doses of BB (2.5, 5, and 7.5 mg/kg) were administered orally. Glucose levels, body weights, and organ weights (hepatic and renal) were assessed. Renal, histomorphological, antioxidant, hepatic, and cytokine levels were determined, as were the mRNA expression levels of JAK2 and STAT3. At end of the experimental study, the rats were sacrificed and their renal tissues were removed for histopathological assessment. BB treatment decreased glucose levels and increased body weights. This treatment suppressed hepatic weights, increased renal tissue weights, and also decreased renal parameters like uric acid, urea, bilirubin, creatinine (Cr) and, albumin. There was a decrease (P<0.001) in histomorphological parameters such as kidney hypertrophy index (KHI), mean glomerular volume (MGV), foot process fusion ratio (FPFR), and glomerular basement membrane thickness (GBMT) after treatment with BB. In addition, this treatment improved the levels of renal podocin, renal CD2- associated protein (CD2AP) and suppressed hepatic parameter levels. BB treatment (P<0.001) altered antioxidant parameters and cytokine levels, and suppressed mRNA expressions of JAK2, STAT3, RAGE, KIM-1, NAGL, and S100A8. Administration of BB showed renal protective effects against STZ-induced DN in rats via the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions.

The Impact of Freeze-Dried Tenebrio molitor Larvae on the Quality, Safety Parameters, and Sensory Acceptability of Wheat Bread.

The research context involves analyzing the potential benefits derived from integrating insect protein into everyday food items. Utilizing methods consistent with established food science protocols, wheat bread was prepared with variations of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% Tenebrio molitor larvae powder, derived from larvae cultivated on brewery spent grain. A substrate selected for its superior nutritional content and a substrate with agar-agar gels were used. The tests included basic bread tests; sugar, acrylamide, amino, and fatty acid (FA) tests; and sensory acceptability. The results have shown that the acrylamide levels in bread with larvae remained below harmful thresholds, suggesting that using T. molitor can be a safe alternative protein source. The incorporation of powdered T. molitor larvae (p-TMLs) into bread was observed to increase certain sugar levels, such as glucose, particularly at higher larval concentrations. The addition of T. molitor significantly raised the protein and fat levels in bread. The inclusion of larvae enriched the bread with essential amino acids, enhancing the nutritional value of the bread significantly. The FA profile of the bread was altered by the inclusion of p-TMLs, increasing the levels of monounsaturated FAs. Despite the nutritional benefits, higher concentrations of larvae decreased the sensory acceptability of the bread. This suggests that there is a balance to be found between enhancing the nutritional content and maintaining consumer appeal. These findings highlight the potential for using p-TMLs as a sustainable, nutritious ingredient in bread making, although the sensory qualities at higher concentrations might limit consumer acceptance.