Childhood-Onset Non-Infectious Uveitis in the "Biologic Era". Results From Spanish Multicenter Multidisciplinary Real-World Clinical Settings.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize and describe clinical experience with childhood-onset non-infectious uveitis. STUDY DESIGN: A multicenter retrospective multidisciplinary national web-based registry of 507 patients from 21 hospitals was analyzed. Cases were grouped as immune disease-associated (IMDu), idiopathic (IDIu) or ophthalmologically distinct. Characteristics of juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated (non-HLA-B27-related) uveitis (JIAu), IDIu, and pars planitis (PP) were compared. RESULTS: IMDu (62.3%) and JIAu (51.9%) predominated in young females; and IDIu (22.7%) and PP (13.6%) in older children, without sex imbalance. Ocular complications occurred in 45.3% of cases (posterior synechiae [28%], cataracts [16%], band keratopathy [14%], ocular hypertension [11%] and cystoid macular edema [10%]) and were associated with synthetic (86%) and biologic (65%) disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) use. Subgroups were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with different characteristics. JIAu was typically anterior (98%), insidious (75%), in ANA-positive (69%), young females (82%) with fewer complications (31%), better visual outcomes, and later use of uveitis-effective biologics. In contrast, IDIu was characteristically anterior (87%) or panuveitic (12.1%), with acute onset (60%) and more complications at onset (59%: synechiae [31%] and cataracts [9.6%]) and less DMARD use, while PP is intermediate, and was mostly bilateral (72.5%), persistent (86.5%) and chronic (86.8%), with more complications (70%; mainly posterior segment and cataracts at last visit), impaired visual acuity at onset, and greater systemic (81.2%), subtenon (29.1%) and intravitreal (10.1%) steroid use. CONCLUSION: Prognosis of childhood uveitis has improved in the "biologic era," particularly in JIAu. Early referral and DMARD therapy may reduce steroid use and improve outcomes, especially in PP and IDIu.

Comparative Study of the Influence of Heat Treatment on Fracture Resistance of Different Ceramic Materials Used for CAD/CAM Systems.

The aim of this study was to compare the influence of heat treatment on fracture resistance (FR) of different ceramic materials used for CAD/CAM systems. METHODS: Eighty monolithic restorations were designed using the same parameters and milled with a CAD/CAM system (CEREC SW 5.0, PrimeMill, Dentsply-Sirona™, Bensheim, Germany), forming five study groups: Group 1 (n = 10), CEREC Tessera (Dentsply-Sirona™, Bensheim, Germany) crystallized (CCT), Group 2 (n = 10), CEREC Tessera uncrystallized (UCT), Group 3 (n = 20), Emax-CAD (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) (CEC), Group 4 (n = 20), Vita Suprinity (Vita Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany) (CVS), and Group 5 (n = 20) Cameo (Aidite, Qinhuangdao, China) (CC). RESULTS: The average FR was similar for CCT, CC, and CEC at above 400 N, while CVS and UCT had the lowest values at 389,677 N and 343,212 N, respectively. CONCLUSION: Among the three ceramic materials that exhibited an FR above 400 N, CCT was considered the first recommended choice for CAD/CAM systems. This material not only demonstrated the highest FR but also exhibited outstanding consistency in the related measurements without the presence of outliers. Although the CC material showed high FR, its high dispersion revealed inconsistencies in the repetitions, suggesting caution in its use.

Comparative Analysis of the Structural Weights of Fixed Prostheses of Zirconium Dioxide, Metal Ceramic, PMMA and 3DPP Printing Resin-Mechanical Implications.

The aim of this study was to determine the mechanical implications of four-unit fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) made of (1) monolithic zirconium dioxide (ZR O2), (2) polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), (3) metal ceramic (PFM) and (4) impression resin (3DPP). METHODS: Four groups were studied with eight samples for each material (n: 32). Each structure was weighed, subjected to compressive tests and analyzed using 3D FEA. RESULTS: PMMA presented the lowest structural weight (1.33 g), followed by 3DPP (1.98 g), ZR O2 (6.34 g) and PFM (6.44 g). In fracture tests, PMMA presented a compressive strength of 2104.73 N and a tension of 351.752 MPa; followed by PFM, with a strength of 1361.48 N and a tension of 227.521 MPa; ZR O2, with a strength of 1107.63 N and a tension of 185.098 MPa; and 3DPP, with a strength of 1000.88 N and a tension of 143.916 MPa. According to 3D FEA, 3DPP presented the lowest degree of deformation (0.001 mm), followed by PFM (0.011 mm), ZR O2 (0.168 mm) and PMMA (1.035 mm). CONCLUSIONS: The weights of the materials did not have a direct influence on the mean values obtained for strength, stress or strain. Since the performance was related to the tension and forces supported by the structures in critical zones, the importance of considering design factors is clear. In vitro and 3D FEA assays allowed us to simulate different scenarios for the mechanical properties of certain materials before evaluating them clinically. Thus, they can generate predictions that would allow for the design of a better research methodology in future clinical trials.

Comparative Analysis between Conventional Acrylic, CAD/CAM Milled, and 3D CAD/CAM Printed Occlusal Splints.

The development of digital technologies has allowed for the fabrication of new materials; however, it makes it difficult to choose the best methods to obtain occlusal splints with optimal properties, so it is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of these materials. The aim of the study is to compare the fracture resistance of occlusal splints made of different materials after thermo-mechanical aging. METHODS: A total of 32 samples were made from 4 materials (two 3D printed polymeric materials, a PMMA disc for CAD/CAM, and a conventional heat-cured acrylic resin); subsequently, the fracture test was performed using the load compression mode applied occlusally on the splint surface. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Four statistical tests were used (Shapiro-Wilk, Levene's test, ANOVA, and Tukey's HSD test). RESULTS: The following study showed that there are differences in fracture strength among the four materials investigated, where the highest strength was observed in the milled splint, with a mean of 3051.2 N (newton) compared to the strength of the flexible splint with 1943.4 N, the printed splint with 1489.9 N, and the conventional acrylic splint with 1303.9 N. CONCLUSIONS: The milled splints were the most resistant to fracture. Of the printed splints, the splint made with flexural rigid resin withstood the applied forces in acceptable ranges, so its clinical indication may be viable. Although the results of this research indicated differences in the mechanical properties between the CAD/CAM and conventional fabrication methods, the selection may also be influenced by processing time and cost, since with a CAD/CAM system there is a significant reduction in the production time of the splint material.

Fracture Resistance Comparative Analysis of Milled-Derived vs. 3D-Printed CAD/CAM Materials for Single-Unit Restorations.

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the fracture resistance of a single-unit fixed prosthesis, using a CAD/CAM PMMA material and two printed materials (3DPPa and 3DPPb). A typodont with a specific preparation for a full crown was used; a digital impression was made with a state-of-the-art scanner (PrimeScanTM, Dentsply-SironaTM, New York, NY, USA), and a full coverage restoration was designed using a biogeneric design proposal by means of specific software (InLAB 22.1, Dentsply-Sirona, NY, USA). Sixty crowns were prepared, divided into three groups according to the material: 3DPPa (n = 20), 3DPPb (n = 20), both 3D-printed from the .STL file with a resolution of 50 µm, and PMMA (n = 20) milled-derived, which were subjected to a thermocycling process. A universal testing machine (Universal/Tensile Testing Machine, Autograph AGS-X Series) with integrated software (TRAPEZIUM LITE X) equipped with a 20 kN load cell was used to determine the fracture resistance. Significant differences were found by Kruskal-Wallis test and multiple comparisons (p < 0.05) in fracture resistance between materials. The fracture resistance for the PMMA material was higher, and the standard deviation was lower (x = 1427.9; sd = 36.9 N) compared to the 3DPPa (x = 1231; sd = 380.1 N) and 3DPPb (x = 1029.9; sd = 166.46 N) prints. The restorations from the milled-derived group showed higher average fracture resistance than the provisional restorations obtained from the printed groups. However, the results demonstrated that all three materials analyzed in single-unit restorations are capable of withstanding the average masticatory forces.

Numerical and Experimental Analysis of the Mode I Interlaminar Fracture Toughness in Multidirectional 3D-Printed Thermoplastic Composites Reinforced with Continuous Carbon Fiber.

It is well known that the use of continuous reinforcing fibers can largely improve the typical low in-plane mechanical properties of 3D-printed parts. However, there is very limited research on the characterization of the interlaminar fracture toughness of 3D-printed composites. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of determining the mode I interlaminar fracture toughness of 3D-printed cFRP composites with multidirectional interfaces. First, elastic calculations and different FE simulations of Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) specimens (using cohesive elements for the delamination, in addition to an intralaminar ply failure criterion) were carried out to choose the best interface orientations and laminate configurations. The objective was to ensure a smooth and stable propagation of the interlaminar crack, while preventing asymmetrical delamination growth and plane migration, also known as crack jumping. Then, the best three specimen configurations were manufactured and tested experimentally to validate the simulation methodology. The experimental results confirmed that, with the appropriate stacking sequence for the specimen arms, it is possible to characterize the interlaminar fracture toughness in multidirectional 3D-printed composites under mode I. The experimental results also show that both initiation and propagation values of the mode I fracture toughness depend on the interface angles, although a clear tendency could not be established.

Cannabis Extraction Technologies: Impact of Research and Value Addition in Latin America.

The Cannabis genus of plants has been widely used in different cultures for various purposes. It is separated into three main species: sativa, indica, and ruderalis. In ancient practices, the plant was used as a multipurpose crop and valued for its fiber, food, and medicinal uses. Since methodologies for the extraction, processing, and identification of components have become available, medical, and food applications have been increasing, allowing potential development in the pharmaceutical and healthy functional food industries. Although the growing legalization and adoption of cannabis for the treatment of diseases are key factors pushing the growth of its market, the biggest challenge is to obtain higher-quality products in a time- and cost-effective fashion, making the process of extraction and separation an essential step. Latin American countries exhibit great knowledge of extraction technologies; nevertheless, it is still necessary to verify whether production costs are economically profitable. In addition, there has been an increase in commercial cannabis products that may or may not be allowed, with or without quality fact sheets, which can pose health risks. Hence, legalization is mandatory and urgent for the rest of Latin American countries. In this article, the phytochemical compounds (cannabinoids, terpenes, and phenolic compounds), the current status of legalization, extraction techniques, and research advances in cannabis in Latin America are reviewed.

Fracture Resistance Analysis of CAD/CAM Interim Fixed Prosthodontic Materials: PMMA, Graphene, Acetal Resin and Polysulfone.

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the fracture resistance of temporary restorations made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), graphene-modified PMMA (GRA), acetal resin (AR) and polysulfone (PS) obtained by a subtractive technique (milling) using a computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system of a three-unit fixed dental prosthesis (FDP). METHODS: Four groups of ten samples were fabricated for each material. Each specimen was characterized by a compression test on a universal testing machine, all specimens were loaded to fracture and the value in Newtons (N) was recorded by software connected to the testing machine. The fracture mode was evaluated on all samples using a stereomicroscope. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences (p value < 0.005) between PMMA and the other three materials (PMMA: 1302.71 N; GRA: 1990.02 N; RA: 1796.20 N; PS: 2234.97). PMMA presented a significantly lower value than the other materials, and PS showed the highest value. GRA and RA presented a similar range of values but they were still higher than those of PMMA. CONCLUSIONS: GRA, RA and PS are presented as valid options within the range of interim milled restorative materials and as alternatives to PMMA.

MAT Gain of Activity Mutation in Helicobacter pylori Is Associated with Resistance to MTAN Transition State Analogues.

Helicobacter pylori is found in the gut lining of more than half of the world's population, causes gastric ulcers, and contributes to stomach cancers. Menaquinone synthesis in H. pylori relies on the rare futalosine pathway, where H. pylori 5'-methylthioadenosine nucleosidase (MTAN) is proposed to play an essential role. Transition state analogues of MTAN, including BuT-DADMe-ImmA (BTDIA) and MeT-DADMe-ImmA (MTDIA), exhibit bacteriostatic action against numerous diverse clinical isolates of H. pylori with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC's) of <2 ng/mL. Three H. pylori BTDIA-resistant clones were selected under increasing BTDIA pressure. Whole genome sequencing showed no mutations in MTAN. Instead, resistant clones had mutations in metK, methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT), feoA, a regulator of the iron transport system, and flhF, a flagellar synthesis regulator. The mutation in metK causes expression of a MAT with increased catalytic activity, leading to elevated cellular S-adenosylmethionine. Metabolite analysis and the mutations associated with resistance suggest multiple inputs associated with BTDIA resistance. Human gut microbiome exposed to MTDIA revealed no growth inhibition under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. Transition state analogues of H. pylori MTAN have potential as agents for treating H. pylori infection without disruption of the human gut microbiome or inducing resistance in the MTAN target.

Markers of senescence are often associated with neuronal differentiation in the developing sensory systems.

It has been shown that senescent cells accumulate in transient structures of the embryo that normally degenerate during tissue development. A collection of biomarkers is generally accepted to define senescence in embryonic tissues. The histochemical detection of ß-galactosidase activity at pH 6.0 (ß-gal-pH6) is the most widely used assay for cellular senescence. Immunohistochemical detection of common mediators of senescence which block cell cycle progression, including p16, p21, p63, p15 or p27, has also been used to characterize senescent cells in the embryo. However, the reliability of this techniques has been discussed in recent publications because non-senescent cells are also labelled during development. Indeed, increased levels of senescent markers promote differentiation over apoptosis in developing neurons, suggesting that machinery used for the establishment of cellular senescence is also involved in neuronal maturation. Notably, it has recently been argued that a comparable state of cellular senescence might be adopted by terminally differentiated neurons. The developing sensory systems provide excellent models for studying if canonical markers of senescence are associated with terminal neuronal differentiation.

Effective Methods Based on Distinct Learning Principles for the Analysis of Hyperspectral Images to Detect Black Sigatoka Disease.

Current chemical methods used to control plant diseases cause a negative impact on the environment and increase production costs. Accurate and early detection is vital for designing effective protection strategies for crops. We evaluate advanced distributed edge intelligence techniques with distinct learning principles for early black sigatoka disease detection using hyperspectral imaging. We discuss the learning features of the techniques used, which will help researchers improve their understanding of the required data conditions and identify a method suitable for their research needs. A set of hyperspectral images of banana leaves inoculated with a conidial suspension of black sigatoka fungus (Pseudocercospora fijiensis) was used to train and validate machine learning models. Support vector machine (SVM), multilayer perceptron (MLP), neural networks, N-way partial least square-discriminant analysis (NPLS-DA), and partial least square-penalized logistic regression (PLS-PLR) were selected due to their high predictive power. The metrics of AUC, precision, sensitivity, prediction, and F1 were used for the models' evaluation. The experimental results show that the PLS-PLR, SVM, and MLP models allow for the successful detection of black sigatoka disease with high accuracy, which positions them as robust and highly reliable HSI classification methods for the early detection of plant disease and can be used to assess chemical and biological control of phytopathogens.

Micromechanical Model for Predicting the Tensile Properties of Guadua angustifolia Fibers Polypropylene-Based Composites.

In this paper, the one-dimensional tensile behavior of Guadua angustifolia Kunth fibre/polypropylene (PP+GAKS) composites is modeled. The classical model of Kelly-Tyson and its Bowyer-Bader's solution is not able to reproduce the entire stress-strain curve of the composite. An integral (In-Built) micromechanical model proposed by Isitman and Aykol, initially for synthetic fiber-reinforced composites, was applied to predict micromechanical parameters in short natural fiber composites. The proposed method integrates both the information of the experimental stress-strain curves and the morphology of the fiber bundles within the composite to estimate the interfacial shear strength (IFSS), fiber orientation efficiency factor ηFOD, fiber length efficiency factor ηFLD and critical fiber length lc. It was possible to reproduce the stress-strain curves of the PP+GAKS composite with low residual standard deviation. A methodology was applied using X-ray microtomography and digital image processing techniques for the precise extraction of the micromechanical parameters involved in the model. The results showed good agreement with the experimental data.

Thermo-Mechanical and Fungi Treatment as an Alternative Lignin Degradation Method for Bambusa oldhamii and Guadua angustifolia Fibers.

Different strategies have been used to degrade the molecular structure of lignins in natural fibers. Both chemical and biological processes can obtain different types of lignins for industrial use. In this study, a variation of the spectral intensity of the thermo-mechanical and fungi-modified Bambusa oldhamii (giant bamboo) and Guadua angustifolia Kunt fibers were examined via Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy. The giant bamboo and Guadua angustifolia Kunt specimens were modified using a non-chemical alternative steam pressure method for degrading lignins, followed by mechanical sieving to obtain fibers of different lengths. The obtained fibers were treated with the Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti MF18MH45591 strain in a 21 d degradation process. The samples were subjected to Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy before and after the strain treatment. The intensity variation was found to be in the spectral range of 1200 cm-1 to 1800 cm-1, in which lignin components are commonly found in most plant species. A multivariate analysis of the principal components of the treated and untreated control samples confirmed the changes in the spectral region of interest, which were associated with the thermo-mechanical and fungal treatment.

Phytochemical Content and Potential Health Applications of Pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh) K. Koch] Nutshell.

BACKGROUND: The pecan nutshell contains phytochemicals with various biological activities that are potentially useful in the prevention or treatment of diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and metabolic imbalances associated with heart diseases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to update this topic by means of a literature review and include those studies that contribute to the knowledge of the chemical composition and biological activities of pecan nutshell, particularly those related to the therapeutic potential against some chronic degenerative diseases associated with oxidative stress. METHODS: Exhaustive and detailed review of the existing literature was conducted using electronic databases. CONCLUSION: The pecan nutshell is a promising natural product with pharmaceutical uses in various diseases. However, additional research related to the assessment of efficient extraction methods and characterization, particularly the evaluation of the mechanisms of action in new in vivo models, is necessary to confirm these findings and development of new drugs with therapeutic use.

Experimental Analysis of the Relationship between Textile Structure, Tensile Strength and Comfort in 3D Printed Structured Fabrics.

In this article, an experimental investigation was conducted to study the effects of 3D printed structured fabrics on the tensile strength of two additive manufacturing technologies: (i) fused deposition modeling (FDM); and (ii) stereolithography (SLA). Three types of structured fabrics were designed in a linked fabric structure, which resembled the main characteristics of a conventional textile. Through computer-aided design (CAD), the textile structures were sketched, which, in a STL format, were transferred to 3D printing software, and consequently, they were printed. The specimens were subjected to tensile tests to analyse the behaviour of the linked structures under tensile loads. The results obtained indicated that the elements structured in a linked fabric pattern showed a statistically significant effect between the design of the 3D printed structured fabric and its tensile strength. Some important properties in textiles, fabric areal density, fineness (tex) and fabric flexibility were also analysed. This study opens an important field of research on the mechanical resistance of textile structures manufactured by 3D printing, oriented for applications in wearables that have a promising future in the fields of medicine, aerospace, sports, fashion, etc.

Comparative Analysis of Fracture Resistance between CAD/CAM Materials for Interim Fixed Prosthesis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the resistance to fracture of interim restorations obtained through additive techniques (3D impressions) and subtractive techniques (milling) using a computer-aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM) system of a three-unit fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) to ascertain its clinical importance. (1) Materials and methods: In total, 40 samples were manufactured and divided into two groups (n = 20) using: (1) light-curing micro hybrid resin for temporary crowns and bridges (PriZma 3D Bio Prov, MarketechLabs, São Paulo, Brazil) for the rapid prototyping group (RP) and (2) a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) CAD/CAM disc (Vipiblock Trilux, VIPI, São Paulo, Brazil) for the computer-assisted milling (CC). The resistance to fracture was determined with a universal testing machine. (2) Results: The strength and the standard deviation for the computer-assisted milling group were higher (1663.57 ± 130.25 N) than the rapid prototyping (RP) group, which had lower values of (1437.74 ± 73.41 N). (3) Conclusions: The provisional restorations from the computer-assisted milling group showed a greater resistance to fracture than the provisional restorations obtained from the rapid prototyping group.

Resistance to Fracture of Lithium Disilicate Feldspathic Restorations Manufactured Using a CAD/CAM System and Crystallized with Different Thermal Units and Programs.

The aim of this study was to determine the resistance to fracture of feldspathic restorations with lithium disilicate and crystallized with different ovens and programs. METHODS: Sixty monolithic restorations (LD) (EMAX CAD™ LT, Ivoclar-Vivadent™) were designed with the same parameters and milled with a CAD/CAM system (CEREC SW 5.1, CEREC MCXL, Dentsply-Sirona™, Bensheim). Each restoration was randomly assigned by randomization software (RANDNUM) to one of the three groups: (a) (NF) Oven P310 (Ivoclar, Vivadent) normal crystallization program, (b) (FF) Ivoclar P310 oven (Ivoclar-Vivadent™) rapid crystallization program, or (c) (SF) SpeedFire oven (Dentsply-Sirona™). RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between the groups (ANOVA, p < 0.05). The NF and FF groups showed the highest values of resistance to fracture, with statistically significant differences with the SF group. CONCLUSIONS: Using a furnace from the same dental company with predetermined programs from the material manufacturer, as well as using a predetermined program for rapid crystallization, has no effect on fracture resistance, and would save clinical time when performing ceramic restorations with lithium disilicate, while keeping their mechanical properties.

Residue-based pharmacophore approaches to study protein-protein interactions.

This review focuses on pharmacophore approaches in researching protein interfaces that bind protein ligands. Pharmacophore descriptions of binding interfaces that employ molecular dynamics simulation can account for effects of solvation and conformational flexibility. In addition, these calculations provide an approximation to entropic considerations and as such, a better approximation of the free energy of binding. Residue-based pharmacophore approaches can facilitate a variety of drug discovery tasks such as the identification of receptor-ligand partners, identifying their binding poses, designing protein interfaces for selectivity, or defining a reduced mutational combinatorial exploration for subsequent experimental engineering techniques by orders of magnitudes.

Development and postnatal neurogenesis in the retina: a comparison between altricial and precocial bird species.

The visual system is affected by neurodegenerative diseases caused by the degeneration of specific retinal neurons, the leading cause of irreversible blindness in humans. Throughout vertebrate phylogeny, the retina has two kinds of specialized niches of constitutive neurogenesis: the retinal progenitors located in the circumferential marginal zone and Müller glia. The proliferative activity in the retinal progenitors located in the circumferential marginal zone in precocial birds such as the chicken, the commonest bird model used in developmental and regenerative studies, is very low. This region adds only a few retinal cells to the peripheral edge of the retina during several months after hatching, but does not seem to be involved in retinal regeneration. Müller cells in the chicken retina are not proliferative under physiological conditions, but after acute damage some of them undergo a reprogramming event, dedifferentiating into retinal stem cells and generating new retinal neurons. Therefore, regenerative response after injury occurs with low efficiency in the precocial avian retina. In contrast, it has recently been shown that neurogenesis is intense in the retina of altricial birds at hatching. In particular, abundant proliferative activity is detected both in the circumferential marginal zone and in the outer half of the inner nuclear layer. Therefore, stem cell niches are very active in the retina of altricial birds. Although more extensive research is needed to assess the potential of proliferating cells in the adult retina of altricial birds, it emerges as an attractive model for studying different aspects of neurogenesis and neural regeneration in vertebrates.

Early detection of black Sigatoka in banana leaves using hyperspectral images.

PREMISE: Black Sigatoka is one of the most severe banana (Musa spp.) diseases worldwide, but no methods for the rapid early detection of this disease have been reported. This paper assesses the use of hyperspectral images for the development of a partial-least-squares penalized-logistic-regression (PLS-PLR) model and a hyperspectral biplot (HS biplot) as a visual tool for detecting the early stages of black Sigatoka disease. METHODS: Young (three-month-old) banana plants were inoculated with a conidia suspension of the black Sigatoka fungus (Pseudocercospora fijiensis). Selected infected and control plants were evaluated using a hyperspectral imaging system at wavelengths in the range of 386-1019 nm. PLS-PLR models were run on the hyperspectral data set. The prediction power was assessed using leave-one-out cross-validation as well as external validation. RESULTS: The PLS-PLR model was able to predict the presence of the disease with a 98% accuracy. The wavelengths with the highest contribution to the classification ranged from 577 to 651 nm and from 700 to 1019 nm. DISCUSSION: PLS-PLR and HS biplot effectively estimated the presence of black Sigatoka disease at the early stages and can be used to graphically represent the relationship between groups of leaves and both visible and near-infrared wavelengths.