The starchy storage roots of cassava are commonly processed into a variety of products, including cassava granulated processed products (gari). The commercial value of cassava roots depends on the yield and quality of processed products, directly influencing the acceptance of new varieties by farmers, processors, and consumers. This study aims to estimate genetic advance through phenotypic selection and identify genomic regions associated and candidate genes linked with gari yield and quality. Higher single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based heritability estimates compared to broad-sense heritability estimates were observed for most traits highlighting the influence of genetic factors on observed variation. Using genome-wide association analysis of 188 clones, genotyped using 53,150 genome-wide SNPs, nine SNPs located on seven chromosomes were significantly associated with peel loss, gari yield, color parameters for gari and eba, bulk density, swelling index, and textural properties of eba. Future research will focus on validating and understanding the functions of identified genes and their influence on gari yield and quality traits.

MeFtsZ2-1 is a key gene for plant plastid division, but the mechanism by which MeFtsZ2-1 affects pigment accumulation in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) through plastids remains unclear. We found that MeFtsZ2-1 overexpression in cassava (OE) exhibited darker colors of leaves, with increased levels of anthocyanins and carotenoids. Further observation via Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) revealed no apparent defects in chloroplast structure but an increase in the number of plastoglobule in OE leaves. RNA-seq results showed 1582 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in leaves of OE. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that these DEGs were enriched in pathways related to flavonoid, anthocyanin, and carotenoid biosynthesis. This study reveals the role of MeFtsZ2-1 in cassava pigment accumulation from a physiological and transcriptomic perspective, providing a theoretical basis for improving cassava quality.

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a new therapeutic approach (cassava wax bath: CWB) compared with usual care (paraffin wax bath: PWB) in patients with plantar fasciitis (PF). Forty patients with PF were recruited into the study (CWB group, n = 20, PWB group, n = 20). Patients in the CWB group received cassava wax bath and patients in the PWB group received usual care (PWB). The primary outcome was pain intensity (PI). The secondary outcomes were the pressure pain threshold (PPT), pain frequency (PFr), foot and ankle ability measure (FAAM), and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ADROM). All outcomes were assessed before and after the five-week intervention, one month, and three months after the intervention period. After the intervention, statistically significant improvement was found in all outcomes after the intervention period and during the one month and three months follow-up study in both groups (P < 0.05). For all outcomes, no between-group differences were seen at any post-assessment time-point, except for PFr (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the findings of this study indicate that CWB was significantly superior to PWB in reducing PFr. For the other outcomes, CWB and PWB were both equally effective in reducing PI and increasing PPT, FAAM, and ADROM in patients with PF. Therefore, CWB might be considered as a novel useful therapeutic option for PF patients.Trial registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR) (Identification number: TCTR20220128002), First posted date: 28/01/2022.

Effect of complexation of three medium-chain fatty acids (octanoic, decylic and lauric acid, OA, DA and LA, respectively) on structural characteristics, physicochemical properties and digestion behaviors of cassava starch (CS) was investigated. Current study indicated that LA was more easily to combine with CS (complex index 88.9%), followed by DA (80.9%), which was also consistent with their corresponding complexed lipids content. Following the investigation of morphology, short-range ordered structure, helical structure, crystalline/amorphous region and fractal dimension of the various complexes, all cassava starch-fatty acids complexes (CS-FAs) were characterized with a flaked morphology rather than a round morphology in native starch (control CS). X-ray diffraction demonstrated that all CS-FAs had a V-type crystalline structure, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed that the complexes made from different fatty acids displayed similar V6 or V7 type polymorphs. Interestingly, small-angle X-ray scattering analysis revealed that α value became greater following increased carbon chain length of fatty acids, indicating the formation of a more ordered fractal structure in the aggregates. Changes in rheological parameters G\' and G\'\' indicated that starch complexed with fatty acids was more likely to form a gel network, but difference among three CS-FAs complexes was significant, which might be contributed to their corresponding hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity raised from individual fatty acids. Importantly, digestion indicated that CS-LA complexes had the lowest hydrolysis degree, followed by the greatest RS content, indicating the importance of chain length of fatty acids for manipulating the fine structure and functionality of the complexes.

Cassava extracts containing cyanogenic compounds demonstrate anticancer properties. The cyanogenic glucoside linamarin found abundantly in cassava can release hydrogen cyanide (HCN) upon hydrolysis, a potent cytotoxin. However, linamarin\'s hydrolysis mechanism by human enzymes is poorly delineated and constitutes a bottleneck for therapeutic development. This study aimed to investigate linamarin\'s hydrolysis mechanism by human β-glucosidase and identify structural derivatives with enhanced hydrolytic potential using density functional theory calculations. Results revealed α-anomeric derivatives as promising, with leaving group ability and steric bulk strongly governing hydrolysability. We identified several linamarin analogs with predicted rapid hydrolysis kinetics that may enable swift cytotoxic HCN release against cancer cells. This investigation enriches understanding of cyanogenic glycoside reactivity to facilitate their development as targeted antineoplastic agents. The identified derivatives set the groundwork for experimental evaluation of enhanced linamarin-inspired compounds as innovative cancer therapeutics.

Improper discharge of cassava mill effluent (CME) has attracted much attention in major cassava-producing areas due to cyanide contamination. This study conducted a target survey on inhabitants and processors of the Akrofrom-Techiman cassava processing area in Ghana that aimed to assess their knowledge and perception of cyanide contamination from the CME discharge. The study further examined the effect of CME on the soil and groundwater at the processing area using physicochemical and bacteriological characterizations. Results revealed that inhabitants and processors exhibited high illiteracy on the impact of CME on cyanide contamination in the processing area. The study also indicated a wide characteristics of the soil at the processing site: pH (4.89-8.77), electrical conductivity (EC) (1063.00-1939.00 μS/cm), total dissolved solids (TDS) (523.90-963.50 mg/L), soil moisture (11.90-31.70%), free cyanide (0.02-0.33 mg/kg), and total cyanide (0.40-2.70 mg/kg). Results also showed that the physicochemical values of the CME were all above the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permissible limits and were unsafe for discharging into the environment. The range of physicochemical and bacteriological parameters of the two boreholes revealed the following: pH (7.85-8.74), TDS (165.77-192.37 mg/L), EC (320.87-396.20 μS/cm), free cyanide (0.13-0.16 mg/L), total cyanide (1.29-2.15 mg/L), and bacteriological parameter (220-622 cfu/mL). The two hand-dug wells also recorded pH (8.54-9.56), TDS (140.77-156.10 mg/L), EC (288.53-340.67), biological oxygen demand (BOD) (21.51-1.61 mg/L), chemical oxygen demand (COD) (13.5-16.5 mg/L), free cyanide (0.10-0.11 mg/L), bacteriological parameter (241-302 cfu/mL), and total cyanide (0.79-0.86 mg/L). The study concluded that the discharge of CME at the processing site contributes significantly to cyanide contamination of the soil and groundwater at the processing area.

Cassava root rot disease is caused by a complex of soil-borne pathogens and has high economic impacts because it directly affects the tuberous roots, which are the main commercial product. This study aimed to evaluate cassava genotypes for resistance to root rot disease in a field with a previous history of high disease incidence. It also aimed to identify possible genomic regions associated with field resistance based on genome-wide association studies. A total of 148 genotypes from Embrapa Mandioca and Fruticultura were evaluated over two years, including improved materials and curated germplasms. Analysis of phenotypic data was conducted, as well as a genomic association analysis, based on the general linear model, mixed linear model, and fixed and random model circulating probability unification. The observed high disease index (ω) was directly correlated with genotype survival, affecting plant height, shoot yield, and fresh root yield. The genotypes were grouped into five clusters, which were classified according to level of root rot resistance (i.e., extremely susceptible, susceptible, moderately susceptible, moderately resistant, and resistant). The 10 genotypes with the best performance in the field were selected as potential progenitors for the development of segregating progenies. Estimates of genomic kinship between these genotypes ranged from -0.183 to 0.671. The genotypes BGM-1171 and BGM-1190 showed the lowest degree of kinship with the other selected sources of resistance. The genotypes BGM-0209, BGM-0398, and BGM-0659 showed negative kinship values with most elite varieties, while BGM-0659 presented negative kinship with all landraces. A genome-wide association analysis detected five significant single nucleotide polymorphisms related to defense mechanisms against biotic and abiotic stresses, with putative association with fresh root yield in soil infested with root rot pathogens. These findings can be utilized to develop molecular selection for root rot resistance in cassava.

The controlled release formulations (CRFs) are considered an effective way to solve damage to the environment caused by traditional pesticide formulations. To change the defects of traditional neonicotinoid formulations that dissolve quickly in soil, three types of thiamethoxam (TM) CRFs microspheres with content of 20% TM were prepared using microcrystalline wax (MK) as the matrix, laurate acid tapioca starch ester (MSK) and stearyl dehydroabietic acid ester (MDK) as the regulators of ingredient release. The release behavior of CRFs microspheres in water and soil showed that the microspheres had superior stability and different TM sustained-release periods, and TM release of the microspheres in soil was faster than that in water. The release rate is TM/MDK > TM/MSK > TM/MK. In water, the release of thiamethoxam technical was finished after 38 hours. However, for TM/MK, the release rate was 94% after 240 hours, and the release time was extended by 6 times. Meanwhile, TM/MDK has a particular pH-responsive release. Research shows that using microcrystalline wax as the matrix, by adding MSK or MDK to adjust the release of ingredients, pesticide CRFs microspheres with different release periods can be prepared to achieve the purpose of controlling the release of pesticides.

Background: Bubble tea drinks contain tea and tapioca pearls. Chewing tapioca pearls in bubble tea drinks may increase salivary components. Because of its proteins, inorganic components, and enzymes, saliva plays an important role in the body\'s defense against bacteria and viruses. This study aims to analyze the effect of chewing tapioca pearls in bubble tea drinks on salivary C-reactive protein (CRP) and calcium (Ca) levels. Methods: The inclusion criterion was 18-25 years of age. The exclusion criteria were receiving medication, using dentures, a history of dry mouth, smoking and systemic disease. In the first week of the experiment, subjects drank bubble tea with tapioca pearls for three days (intervention week). In the second week, the same subjects drank tea without pearls for three days (control week). Each subject drank the bubble tea for 5 minutes per day over 3 days. Saliva samples were collected on the first day before bubble tea consumption (pretest) and on the third day after tea consumption (posttest). Saliva collection was performed in the morning (09:00 am-12:00 pm) for 1 minute. Sixty saliva samples were collected from 15 subjects. Salivary CRP levels were measured using a commercial ELISA kit, and Ca levels were determined using semi-quantitative test strips. Results: Salivary CRP decreased significantly on the third day in the intervention group but showed no significant difference with the control group. Calcium levels increased significantly on the third day in both groups. Conclusion: Bubble tea drinks could improve the quality of saliva by decreasing salivary CRP and increasing Ca levels. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04670341 (17 th December 2020).

Cassava inner bark (CIB) and grape stalks (GS), residues from agro-industrial activities, were applied in the development of biodegradable foams by thermocompression. The samples produced with untreated stalks (sample GSWT) and with stalks only physically treated (sample GSP) presented good mechanical strength (2.1 MPa and 2.5 MPa, respectively) and low water absorption capacity (58% and 56% at 90 min, respectively). Therefore, these samples were selected for the storage of carrot cake and cherry tomatoes. Compared with the cakes stored in the supermarket packaging, there were no significant moisture content differences of the cakes stored in the biodegradable packaging developed by the formulation with the GSP sample (25% and 23%, respectively). The cakes\' hardness increased up to 88% when stored in S + CIB + GSWT foam. More interesting, it was observed that the biodegradable packaging is more suitable for the storage of cherry tomatoes than the supermarket ones once the firmness of this product was maintained during storage (initial firmness of 5.4 N and final firmness of 5.3 N after 15 days in S + CIB packaging). Thus, biodegradable packaging developed from agro-industrial residues (CIB and GS) can be considered environmentally-friendly and promising materials to preserve the quality and freshness of carrot cake and cherry tomatoes.