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Social Impact Statement: Cassava is a vital food source for millions worldwide, crucial for food security and economic stability. This study analyzed cell wall polysaccharides in cassava roots to understand their impact on cooking properties. We found these polysaccharides influence the textural attributes of cassava roots, essential for both cooking and consumption. The research highlights the need to further identify and analyze cassava cell wall components. By improving our understanding of these components, we can improve food security, affordability, and resilience in diverse regions, ultimately contributing to global food security and better aligning with consumer preferences. Summary: The textural attributes of cassava roots significantly influence preferences in cooking and consumption as a food source, yet the specific components dictating these properties remain unclear. We aimed to identify the factors shaping the cooking properties of cassava roots.We conducted a compositional analysis of 22 traits in a diverse F1 biparental population derived from soft‐ and hard‐boiling progenitors. The traits encompassed cooking qualities, starch properties, and cell wall composition.Specific cell wall components including cellulose, xylan, un‐esterified, and methyl‐esterified homogalacturonan (HG) demonstrated a correlation with cooking quality attributes: sensory assessments related to texture (SAT) and water absorption during boiling (WAB). Correlation and regression analyses revealed that these wall components collectively contribute to 20% of SAT variability and 14% of WAB variability. SAT appeared to be influenced by methyl‐esterified and un‐esterified HGs, xylan, and cellulose, impacting the tensile strength of the cell wall. Conversely, WAB appeared to be associated with methyl‐esterified HG, potentially altering water absorption properties. Although genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) were unable to identify significant SNPs for SAT and WAB, notable associations emerged for cellulose, xylan, and un‐esterified‐ and methyl‐esterified HG. Candidate genes associated with these SNPs point towards diverse cell wall‐related proteins, transcription factors, sugar metabolism‐related genes, and glycosyl hydrolases.This study provides insights into the relationship between cassava root compositions and cooking characteristics and the role of wall components in determining the cooking quality of edible cassava. This information represents a substantial contribution towards the development of protocols for selecting varieties with texture preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of acid or alkali modification of isolated cassava starch (ICS) on its physicochemical properties. Acetic acid concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 20% v/v (0.87, 1.73, and 3.46 M, respectively) and calcium hydroxide concentrations of 0.15%, 0.20%, and 0.30% w/w (0.02, 0.025, and 0.04 M, respectively) were tested independently and compared with untreated isolated starch. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) shows starches with polyhedral and semispherical shapes; these modifications do not change the surface of the starch granules. Nanocrystals with orthorhombic crystal structure were extracted from ICS. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) shows crystallites with a size (two‐dimensional) of 20 ± 5 nm in length and 10 ± 2 nm in width and reveals that this starch contains nanocrystals with orthorhombic crystal structure. The X‐ray patterns show that these nanocrystals are unaffected by acidic or alkaline treatments. The Ca+2 and CH3COO− ions do not interact with these nanocrystals. The alkaline treatment only affects the gelatinization temperature at a Ca(OH)2 concentration of 0.30%. Low concentrations of acidic and alkaline treatments affect the ability of cassava starch to absorb water and reduce the peak and final viscosity. The infrared spectra show that the modifications lead to C–H and C═C bond formations. ICS‐B 0.30 can modify the amorphous regions of the starch, and the acid treatment leads to acetylation, which was confirmed by the presence of an IR band at 1740 cm−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teaching medical rounds in intensive care units (ICUs) are essential for resident education. However, the ICU's high workload can hinder these rounds. We propose a new approach that is based on the constructivist theory of learning communities. This approach emphasizes active, collaborative learning through interaction. In the ICU, it encourages active learning, peer interaction, and shared responsibility among residents. Our model involves structured teaching rounds that promote active learning, collaboration, and reflection, all integrated into the ICU workflow. This new approach aims to enhance the learning experience; improve teaching round effectiveness; and, ultimately, contribute to better patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Four Vietnamese breeding lines (2 Japonica and 2 Indica) were directly compared in field settings for phenotypic traits associated with yield. These Vietnamese rice genomes were newly de novo assembled and annotated, and a phylogenetic analysis of the phytochrome C (phyC) confirmed the positioning and diversity between the four varieties. The four lines showed enough phenotypic and genetic differences to be used as parental lines for climate-adaptation breeding programs. This study begins by examining phenotypic variations in field growth among four parental Vietnamese rice lines, consisting of two Indica (PD211/GL37) and two Japonica (J23/SRA2-1) cultivars, which differ in life-cycle durations. Their phenotypic observations revealed both similarities and differences in growth patterns and field responses, setting the stage for further genomic investigation. We then focused on the sequencing and de novo genome assembly of these lines using high-coverage Illumina sequencing and achieving pseudochromosome assemblies ranging between 379 Mbp and 384 Mbp. The assemblies were further enhanced by annotation processes, designating between 44,427 and 48,704 gene models/genome. A comparative genomic analysis revealed that the Japonica varieties (J23/SRA2-1) exhibited more genetic similarity than the Indica varieties (PD211/GL37). From this, a phylogenetic analysis on the phytochrome C (phyC) gene distinctly positions the Indica and Japonica lines within their respective clades, affirming their genetic diversity and lineage accuracy. These genomic resources will pave the way for identifying quantitative trait loci (QTLs) critical for developing rice cultivars with shorter life cycles, thus enhancing resilience to adverse climatic impacts in Vietnam. This study provides a foundational step towards leveraging genomic data for rice breeding programs aimed at ensuring food security in the face of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetative desiccation tolerance has evolved within the genera Craterostigma and Lindernia. A centre of endemism and diversification for these plants appears to occur in ancient tropical montane rainforests of east Africa in Kenya and Tanzania. Lindernia subracemosa, a desiccation-sensitive relative of Craterostigma plantagineum, occurs in these rainforests and experiences adequate rainfall and thus does not require desiccation tolerance. However, sharing this inselberg habitat, another species, Lindernia brevidens, does retain vegetative desiccation tolerance and is also related to the resurrection plant C. plantagineum found in South Africa. Leaf material was collected from all three species at different stages of hydration: fully hydrated (ca. 90% relative water content), half-dry (ca. 45% relative water content) and fully desiccated (ca. 5% relative water content). Cell wall monosaccharide datasets were collected from all three species. Comprehensive microarray polymer profiling (CoMPP) was performed using ca. 27 plant cell-wall-specific antibodies and carbohydrate-binding module probes. Some differences in pectin, xyloglucan and extension epitopes were observed between the selected species. Overall, cell wall compositions were similar, suggesting that wall modifications in response to vegetative desiccation involve subtle cell wall remodelling that is not reflected by the compositional analysis and that the plants and their walls are constitutively protected against desiccation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a key industrial crop in Southeast Asia and a staple for food security in Africa, owing to its resilience and efficiency in starch production. This study aims to unravel the genetic determinants of specific cassava root crown traits, utilizing 3D modeling for yield-related attributes and root crown morphology. Phenotypic analysis of 130 partially inbred lines and their six parental lines from Thai commercial varieties revealed a range of root traits within populations showcasing robust correlations among various traits, particularly root size parameters and root weight. Genotyping-by-sequencing yielded a total of 29,361 SNP markers identified within the nuclear genome of cassava and shared across all genotypes. Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) of these 136 genotypes identified 23 significant SNPs for six out of 11 root crown traits, including 3D root angle, 3D surface area, root number, 3D crown diameter, root weight, and 3D volume. We found one shared significant SNP between 3D crown diameter and root weight, and another shared SNP between root weight and 3D volume. Two closely linked SNPs were identified for 3D volume, root weight, and 3D surface area. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis for each pair of SNP markers indicated the linkage decay point at approximately 60 kb. Based on LD decay and available transcriptome data, candidate gene identification highlighted 29 genes associated with five traits, providing an understanding of the genetic basis of cassava root crown traits. Our findings offer novel insights into cassava storage root traits as well as data for marker development and candidate gene identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein the authors report a detailed insight into the tribological and chemical mechanisms that take place when leaf matter is present at the wheel/rail interface. The approach used enables further insight into the formation and subsequent effects on friction from leaf derived layers. Results shed insight on the process that facilitates the formation of leaf derived layers, their structure and chemical make-up. Our analysis indicates that polyphenols, a chemical family that include tannins, have an important role in layer formation and hypothesis on the layer's stability, when formed under high pressures. The data indicate that the high pressure found at the wheel/rail interface facilitates conversion of biomass into a tenacious, thin film. This is shown by the increase in the amount of phenolic compounds present. Phenolic compounds are typically rich in oxygen functional groups that have the ability to bind to metal ions. This insight into the composition of the film is expected to enable the development of novel remediation strategies. It highlights the potential for cleaning agents to be used as tools for restoring friction to safe values. This should lead to improvements in the operational performance and safety of rail transport for passengers and train operators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]