GlucoSentient (United States)

This paper investigates the potential of different fermentation feedstocks towards succinic acid production. Three alternative flowsheets were constructed and modelled in SuperPro Designer™, utilizing different fermentation substrates: crude glycerol (a by-product of the biodiesel industry), a commercial 95% glucose syrup and pure glycerol. Techno-economic analysis of the modelled plants showed that all three potential investments can be economically profitable, with the crude glycerol case as the most promising one. The succinic acid production cost for the crude glycerol scenario is estimated at 3.59 $/kg, while a thorough study of the capacity effect to the economics showed that it could drop as low as $2.6 $/kg. Parametric analysis and optimization performed on a flowsheet level, indicated opportunities for lowering the production cost down to 3 $/kg, a value that could pave the framework for a further potential decrease in the selling price of the product.

In an article in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, Ji et al. report on the accuracy of a new factory calibrated continuous glucose monitoring system, the AiDEX CGM (Microtech Medical Company, Ltd., Hangzhou, China). This is the first report from a new manufacturer of a highly accurate factory calibrated CGM. The authors report that the accuracy of the AiDEX CGM is comparable to previous results from Abbott Diabetes Care and Dexcom. However, the study protocol was significantly different from previous studies. This study is the first of numerous studies likely from other manufacturers of CGM technology. It raises the question of how to evaluate sensor performance in the coming era of mass adoption of CGM and increased use of automated insulin delivery systems.

The number of people affected with obesity and type 2 diabetes has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. Insulin resistance, a common feature of both conditions, has come under intense investigation. This review focuses on our current understanding of the insulin signaling cascade and potential mechanisms of regulation. Recent studies have concentrated on inhibition of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by free fatty acids as the primary cause of insulin resistance, particularly in muscle, a major site of insulin-stimulated glucose disposal. Mouse models of muscle-specific lipoprotein lipase overexpression permit closer examination of the consequences of lipid oversupply to muscle. Such mice exhibit whole-body and muscle insulin resistance, accompanied by increased accumulation of intramyocellular triglyceride and other fatty acid metabolites (i.e. long-chain acyl coenzyme A, diacylglycerol, and ceramide). These molecules may impede glucose transport by interfering with insulin signal transduction. The mechanisms for the inhibitory effect of free fatty acids on insulin-stimulated glucose transport are complex, and multiple pathways may be involved. Although key molecules have been identified, no single, clearly defined pathway has been established. The mouse model of muscle-specific lipoprotein lipase overexpression allows closer examination of increased free fatty acid delivery to the muscle and of effects on insulin sensitivity. Further study of this model may provide additional insight into the role that lipids play in the development of insulin resistance, and may possibly help to identify novel approaches to prevention or treatment.