Color and Grey-Level Co-Occurrence Matrix Analysis for Predicting Sensory and Biochemical Traits in Sweet Potato and Potato.

In sweet potato and potato, sensory traits are critical for acceptance by consumers, growers, and traders, hence underpinning the success or failure of a new cultivar. A quick analytical method for the sensory traits could expedite the selection process in breeding programs. In this paper, the relationship between sensory panel and instrumental color plus texture features was evaluated.

Physician preferences of biomarker testing strategies in newly diagnosed stage IV non-small cell lung cancer patients.

To understand physicians' attitudes and behaviors regarding EGFR testing and retesting strategies in newly diagnosed metastatic non-small cell lung cancer patients. Oncologists and pathologists completed an online, cross-sectional survey. Most oncologists (73.

Neuronal functional connectivity is impaired in a layer dependent manner near chronically implanted intracortical microelectrodes in C57BL6 wildtype mice.

This study aims to reveal longitudinal changes in functional network connectivity within and across different brain structures near chronically implanted microelectrodes. While it is well established that the foreign-body response (FBR) contributes to the gradual decline of the signals recorded from brain implants over time, how the FBR affects the functional stability of neural circuits near implanted brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) remains unknown. This research aims to illuminate how the chronic FBR can alter local neural circuit function and the implications for BCI decoders.

Machine learning methods in near infrared spectroscopy for predicting sensory traits in sweetpotatoes.

It has been established that near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has the potential of estimating sensory traits given the direct spectral responses that these properties have in the NIR region. In sweetpotato, sensory and texture traits are key for improving acceptability of the crop for food security and nutrition. Studies have statistically modelled the levels of NIR spectroscopy sensory characteristics using partial least squares (PLS) regression methods.

Microsatellites' mutation modeling through the analysis of the Y-chromosomal transmission: Results of a GHEP-ISFG collaborative study.

The Spanish and Portuguese Speaking Working Group of the International Society for Forensic Genetics (GHEP-ISFG) organized a collaborative study on mutations of Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats (Y-STRs). New data from 2225 father-son duos and data from 44 previously published reports, corresponding to 25,729 duos, were collected and analyzed. Marker-specific mutation rates were estimated for 33 Y-STRs.

Role of Heteronucleants in Melt Crystallization of Crystalline Solid Dispersions.

Few publications exist concerning polymorphic control during melt crystallization, particularly when employing heteronucleants. Here, the influence of a polymeric thin film (polyethylene terephthalate, PET) on the crystallization from melt of the polymorphic compound acetaminophen (ACM) in polyethylene glycol (PEG) was investigated. Molten ACM-PEG at different compositions was monitored using in situ Raman spectroscopy for nucleation induction time measurements and phase identification.

Population-Specific Distribution of Deficiency Variants and Ancestry Proportions in Ecuadorian Ethnic Groups: Towards Personalized Medicine.

Purpose: Thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) is an enzyme that metabolizes purine analogs, agents used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Improper drug metabolism leads to toxicity in chemotherapy patients and reduces treatment effectiveness. variants associated with reduced enzymatic activity vary across populations.

Genetic basis and spatial distribution of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in ecuadorian ethnic groups: a malaria perspective.

Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDd) is an X-linked disorder affecting over 400 million people worldwide. Individuals with molecular variants associated with reduced enzymatic activity are susceptible to oxidative stress in red blood cells, thereby increasing the risk of pathophysiological conditions and toxicity to anti-malarial treatments. Globally, the prevalence of G6PDd varies among populations.

A tool for the cheap and rapid screening of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VoCs) by Sanger sequencing.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an emerging virus that, since March 2020, has been responsible for a global and ongoing pandemic. Its rapid spread over the past nearly 3 years has caused novel variants to arise. To monitor the circulation and emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, surveillance systems based on nucleotide mutations are required.

Biofortified Yellow-Fleshed Potatoes Provide More Absorbable Zinc than a Commonly Consumed Variety: A Randomized Trial Using Stable Isotopes in Women in the Peruvian Highlands.

Background: Zinc-biofortified potatoes have considerable potential to reduce zinc deficiency because of their low levels of phytate, an inhibitor of zinc absorption, and their high consumption, especially in the Andean region of Peru.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to measure fractional and total zinc absorption from a test meal of biofortified compared with regular potatoes.

Methods: We undertook a single-blinded randomized crossover study (using Zn and Zn stable isotopes) in which 37 women consumed 500-g biofortified or regular potatoes twice a day.

Total Iron Absorbed from Iron-Biofortified Potatoes Is Higher than that from Nonbiofortified Potatoes: A Randomized Trial Using Stable Iron Isotopes in Women from the Peruvian Highlands.

Background: Yellow-fleshed potatoes biofortified with iron have been developed through conventional breeding, but the bioavailability of iron is unknown.

Objectives: Our objective was to measure iron absorption from an iron-biofortified yellow-fleshed potato clone in comparison with a nonbiofortified yellow-fleshed potato variety.

Methods: We conducted a single-blinded, randomized, crossover, multiple-meal intervention study.

Mental health and associated risk factors of Puerto Rico Post-Hurricane María.

Background: Mental health disorders have an increased prevalence in communities that experienced devastating natural disasters. Maria, a category 5 hurricane, struck Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017, weakening the island's power grid, destroying buildings and homes, and limiting access to water, food, and health care services. This study characterized sociodemographic and behavioral variables and their association with mental health outcomes in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

Antiviral Activity and Crystal Structures of HIV-1 gp120 Antagonists.

As part of our effort to discover drugs that target HIV-1 entry, we report the antiviral activity and crystal structures of two novel inhibitors in a complex with a gp120 core. NBD-14204 showed similar antiviral activity against all the clinical isolates tested. The IC values were in the range of 0.

Complete Genome Sequences of Actinobacteriophages Anaysia and Caviar.

Anaysia and Caviar are temperate siphoviruses isolated from soil using Gordonia terrae 3612 and Mycobacterium smegmatis mc155, respectively. Anaysia's 52,861-bp genome carries 102 genes, while Caviar's 47,074-bp genome carries 79 genes. Based on gene content similarity, Anaysia and Caviar are assigned to phage clusters A15 and A3, respectively.

Qualitative and Quantitative Anatomical Analysis of the Constitutive Bark of x Hybrids.

Hybridization and introgression between cork oak () and holm oak () have traditionally been reckoned as undesirable processes, since hybrid individuals lack the profitable bark characteristics of cork oak. Nevertheless, a systematic and quantitative description of the bark of these hybrids at the microscopic level, based on a significant number of individuals, is not available to date. In this work we provide such a qualitative and quantitative description, identifying the most relevant variables for their classification.

Genetic Variations of the Gene and Its Relationship with Ancestry Proportions in Different Ecuadorian Trihybrid Populations.

Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase is one of the main pharmacological metabolizers of fluoropyrimidines, a group of drugs widely used in clinical oncology. Around 20 to 30% of patients treated with fluoropyrimidines experience severe toxicity caused by a partial or total decrease in enzymatic activity. This decrease is due to molecular variants in the DPYD gene.

Post-Hurricane Distress Scale (PHDS): Determination of General and Disorder-Specific Cutoff Scores.

The Post-Hurricane Distress Scale (PHDS) was developed to assess mental health risk in the aftermath of hurricanes. We derive both disorder-specific cutoff values and a single nonspecific cutoff for the PHDS for field use by disaster relief and mental health workers. Data from 672 adult residents of Puerto Rico, sampled 3 to 12 months after Hurricane Maria, were collected.

Testing the Ion AmpliSeq™ HID Y-SNP Research Panel v1 for performance and resolution in admixed South Americans of haplogroup Q.

Y haplogroups, defined by Y-SNPs, allow the reconstruction of the human Y chromosome genealogy, which is important for population, evolutionary and forensic genetics. In this study, Y-SNPs were typed and haplogroups inferred with the MPS Ion AmpliSeq™ HID Y-SNP Research Panel v1, as a high-throughput approach. Firstly, the performance of the panel was evaluated with different DNA input amounts, reagent volumes and cycle numbers.

A comparative analysis of lung function and spirometry parameters in genotype-controlled natives living at low and high altitude.

Background: The reference values for lung function are associated to anatomical and lung morphology parameters, but anthropometry it is not the only influencing factor: altitude and genetics are two important agents affecting respiratory physiology. Altitude and its influence on respiratory function has been studied independently of genetics, considering early and long-term acclimatization.

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate lung function through a spirometry study in autochthonous Kichwas permanently living at low and high-altitude.

Mental Health Burden of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Healthcare Workers in Four Latin American Countries.

The aim of the study was to assess the mental health burden of the COVID-19 pandemic in healthcare workers in four Latin American countries in 2020.An online survey was carried out with 1721 participants from Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Mexico in 2020. A non-probabilistic convenience sampling method was used to recruit voluntary participants.

Hematological Parameters, Lipid Profile, and Cardiovascular Risk Analysis Among Genotype-Controlled Indigenous Kiwcha Men and Women Living at Low and High Altitudes.

Human adaptation to high altitude is due to characteristic adjustments at every physiological level. Differences in lipid profile and cardiovascular risk factors in altitude dwellers have been previously explored. Nevertheless, there are no reports available on genotype-controlled matches among different altitude-adapted indigenous populations.

INFECTION DYNAMICS OF BATRACHOCHYTRIUM DENDROBATIDIS IN TWO FROG SPECIES INHABITING QUITO'S METROPOLITAN GUANGÜILTAGUA PARK, ECUADOR.

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) infection is one of the principal causes of amphibian declines worldwide. The presence of Bd has been determined in Gastrotheca riobambae tadpoles that inhabit ponds in Quito's Metropolitan Guangüiltagua Park, Ecuador. This study sought to determine whether these tadpoles are infected and to determine the presence of chytridiomycosis in another frog species, Pristimantis unistrigatus, which also inhabits the park and has different reproductive biology and distinct behavioral habits.

Investigating genetic diversity in admixed populations from Ecuador.

Objectives: According to demographic history, Ecuador has experienced shifts in its Native American populations caused by European colonization and the African slave trade. The continuous admixture events among Europeans, Native Americans, and Africans occurred differently in each region of the country, producing a stratified population. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the level of genetic substructure in the Ecuadorian Mestizo population.