Morphological and pomological assessments of seedling-originated walnut (Juglans regia L.) trees to select the promising late-leafing genotypes.

BACKGROUND: In many parts of the world, including Iran, walnut (Juglans regia L.) production is limited by late-spring frosts. Therefore, the use of late-leafing walnuts in areas with late-spring frost is the most important method to improve yield. In the present study, the phenotypic diversity of 141 seedling genotypes of walnut available in the Senejan area, Arak region, Markazi province, Iran was studied based on morphological traits to obtain superior late-leafing genotypes in the cropping seasons of 2022 and 2023. RESULTS: Based on the results of the analysis of variance, the studied genotypes showed a significant variation in terms of most of the studied morphological and pomological traits. Therefore, it is possible to choose genotypes for different values ​​of a trait. Kernel weight showed positive and significant correlations with leaf length (r = 0.32), leaf width (r = 0.33), petiole length (r = 0.26), terminal leaflet length (r = 0.34), terminal leaflet width (r = 0.21), nut length (r = 0.48), nut width (r = 0.73), nut weight (r = 0.83), kernel length (r = 0.64), and kernel width (r = 0.89). The 46 out of 141 studied genotypes were late-leafing and were analyzed separately. Among late-leafing genotypes, the length of the nut was in the range of 29.33-48.50 mm, the width of the nut was in the range of 27.51-39.89 mm, and nut weight was in the range of 8.18-16.06 g. The thickness of shell was in the range of 1.11-2.60 mm. Also, kernel length ranged from 21.97-34.84 mm, kernel width ranged from 21.10-31.09 mm, and kernel weight ranged from 3.10-7.97 g. CONCLUSIONS: Based on important and commercial traits in walnut breeding programs, such as nut weight, kernel weight, kernel percentage, kernel color, and ease of kernel removal from nuts, 15 genotypes, including no. 92, 91, 31, 38, 33, 18, 93, 3, 58, 108, 16, 70, 15, 82, and 32 were superior and could be used in walnut breeding programs in line with the introduction of new cultivars and the revival of traditional walnut orchards to commercialize them.

Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic dynamic profiles of endopleura coloration during fruit maturation in three walnut cultivars.

BACKGROUND: The color of endopleura is a vital factor in determining the economic value and aesthetics appeal of nut. Walnuts (Juglans) are a key source of edible nuts, high in proteins, amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates. Walnut had a variety endopleura color as yellow, red, and purple. However, the regulation of walnut endopleura color remains little known. RESULTS: To understand the process of coloration in endopleura, we performed the integrative analysis of transcriptomes and metabolomes at two developmental stages of walnut endopleura. We obtained total of 4,950 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 794 metabolites from walnut endopleura, which are involved in flavonoid and phenolic biosynthesis pathways. The enrichment analysis revealed that the cinnamic acid, coniferyl alcohol, naringenin, and naringenin-7-O-glucoside were important metabolites in the development process of walnut endopleura. Transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed that the DEGs and differentially regulated metabolites (DRMs) were significantly enriched in flavonoid biosynthesis and phenolic metabolic pathways. Through co-expression analysis, CHS (chalcone synthase), CHI (chalcone isomerase), CCR (cinnamoyl CoA reductase), CAD (cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase), COMT (catechol-Omethyl transferase), and 4CL (4-coumaroyl: CoA-ligase) may be the key genes that potentially regulate walnut endopleura color in flavonoid biosynthesis and phenolic metabolic pathways. CONCLUSIONS: This study illuminates the metabolic pathways and candidate genes that underlie the endopleura coloration in walnuts, lay the foundation for further study and provides insights into controlling nut's colour.

Transcriptome analysis of lipid biosynthesis during kernel development in two walnut (Juglans regia L.) varieties of 'Xilin 3' and 'Xiangling'.

BACKGROUND: Walnut is an oilseed tree species and an ecologically important woody tree species that is rich in oil and nutrients. In light of differences in the lipid content, fatty acid composition and key genes expression patterns in different walnut varieties, the key gene regulatory networks for lipid biosynthesis in different varieties of walnuts were intensively investigated. RESULTS: The kernels of two walnut varieties, 'Xilin 3' (X3) and 'Xiangling' (XL) were sampled at 60, 90, and 120 days post-anthesis (DPA) to construct 18 cDNA libraries, and the candidate genes related to oil synthesis were identified via sequencing and expression analysis. A total of 106 differentially expressed genes associated with fatty acid biosynthesis, fatty acid elongation, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, triglyceride assembly, and oil body storage were selected from the transcriptomes. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), correlation analysis and quantitative validation confirmed the key role of the FAD3 (109002248) gene in lipid synthesis in different varieties. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide valuable resources for future investigations and new insights into genes related to oil accumulation and lipid metabolism in walnut seed kernels. The findings will also aid future molecular studies and ongoing efforts to genetically improve walnut.

Transcription factors TgbHLH95 and TgbZIP44 cotarget terpene biosynthesis gene TgGPPS in Torreya grandis nuts.

Terpenes are volatile compounds responsible for aroma and the postharvest quality of commercially important xiangfei (Torreya grandis) nuts, and there is interest in understanding the regulation of their biosynthesis. Here, a transcriptomics analysis of xiangfei nuts after harvest identified 156 genes associated with the terpenoid metabolic pathway. A geranyl diphosphate (GPP) synthase (TgGPPS) involved in production of the monoterpene precursor GPP was targeted for functional characterization, and its transcript levels positively correlated with terpene levels. Furthermore, transient overexpression of TgGPPS in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) leaves or tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit led to monoterpene accumulation. Analysis of differentially expressed transcription factors identified one basic helix-loop-helix protein (TgbHLH95) and one basic leucine zipper protein (TgbZIP44) as potential TgGPPS regulators. TgbHLH95 showed significant transactivation of the TgGPPS promoter, and its transient overexpression in tobacco leaves led to monoterpene accumulation, whereas TgbZIP44 directly bound to an ACGT-containing element in the TgGPPS promoter, as determined by yeast 1-hybrid test and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation, firefly luciferase complementation imaging, co-immunoprecipitation, and GST pull-down assays confirmed a direct protein-protein interaction between TgbHLH95 and TgbZIP44 in vivo and in vitro, and in combination these proteins induced the TgGPPS promoter up to 4.7-fold in transactivation assays. These results indicate that a TgbHLH95/TgbZIP44 complex activates the TgGPPS promoter and upregulates terpene biosynthesis in xiangfei nuts after harvest, thereby contributing to its aroma.

Prevalence of tree nut allergy in Europe: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

In 2014, the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) published the first systematic review that summarized the prevalence of food allergy (FA) and food sensitization in Europe for studies published 2000-2012. However, only summary estimates for tree nut allergy (TNA) were feasible in that work. In the current update of that systematic review, we summarized the prevalence of tree nut allergy/sensitization to individual tree nuts. Six databases were searched for relevant papers published 2012-2021 and 17 eligible studies were added to the 15 studies already identified between 2000 and 2012, giving a total of 32 studies. Of the investigated tree nuts, meta-analysis was possible for hazelnut, walnut, almond, and in few cases, for cashew, and Brazil nut. The lifetime self-reported prevalence was 0.8% (95% CI 0.5-1.1) for hazelnut and 0.4% (0.2-0.9) for walnut. The point self-reported prevalence was 4.0% (2.9-5.2) for hazelnut, 3.4% (2.0-4.9) for Brazil nut, 2.0% (1.1-2.9) for almond, and 1.8% (1.1-2.5) for walnut. Point prevalence of food challenge-confirmed TNA was 0.04% (0.0-0.1) for hazelnut and 0.02% (0.01-0.1) for walnut. Due to paucity of data, we could not identify any meaningful and consistent differences across age groups and European regions.

Daily Cashew and Brazil Nut Consumption Modifies Intestinal Health in Overweight Women on Energy-Restricted Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial (Brazilian Nuts Study).

BACKGROUND: Increased intestinal permeability and dysbiosis are related to obesity. Nuts can provide nutrients and bioactive compounds that modulate gut microbiota and inflammation, enhancing the beneficial effects of weight loss. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of consuming cashew nuts (Anacardium occidentale L.) and Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K) on intestinal permeability and microbiota, fecal SCFAs and pH, inflammation, and weight loss in energy restriction condition. METHODS: In this 8-week randomized controlled trial, 40 women with overweight or obesity were assigned to energy-restricted groups (-500 kcal/d): control group (free of nuts) or Brazilian nuts group (BN: 30 g of cashew nuts and 15 g of Brazil nuts per day). Permeability was analyzed by the lactulose/mannitol test and the microbiota by sequencing the 16S gene in the V3-V4 regions. Plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL-6, IL-10, IL-8, IL-17A) and C-reactive protein were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 25 women completed the intervention. Both groups lost weight without statistical differences. Lactulose excretion increased only in the control group (P < 0.05). The BN consumption increased fecal propionic acid and potentially beneficial bacteria, such as Ruminococcus, Roseburia, strains NK4A214 and UCG-002 from the Ruminococcaceae family, but also Lachnospiraceae family, Bacteroides, and Lachnoclostridium, when compared to the control group. Changes in intestinal permeability were correlated to a greater reduction in body fat (kg), and IL-8, and increases in Ruminococcus abundance. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate a positive impact of BN consumption within an energy-restricted context, linked to the augmentation of potentially beneficial bacteria and pathways associated with body fat reduction. Besides, BN consumption mitigated increased intestinal permeability, although its capacity to diminish permeability or enhance weight loss proved limited. This trial was registered at the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials as ReBEC (ID: RBR-3ntxrm).

Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.) Consumption in Energy-Restricted Intervention Decreases Proinflammatory Markers and Intestinal Permeability of Women with Overweight/Obesity: A Controlled Trial (Brazilian Nuts Study).

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with low-grade inflammation and increased intestinal permeability (IP). The Brazil nut (BN) (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.) appears to be a promising dietary intervention to control inflammation by enhancing antioxidant defenses. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the effect of daily BN consumption on inflammatory biomarkers and IP in the context of an energy-restricted intervention. Furthermore, we evaluated the correlation between the changes in these inflammatory markers and the changes in serum selenium and IP. METHODS: In this 8-wk nonrandomized controlled trial, 56 women with overweight or obesity were allocated into 2 groups, both following an energy-restricted diet (-500 kcal/d). The control group (CO) consumed a nut-free diet, while the BN group consumed 8 g BN/d, providing 347.2 µg selenium (Se). Inflammatory cytokines were analyzed in plasma and Se in serum. IP was assessed using the lactulose/mannitol test (LM ratio). RESULTS: Forty-six women completed the intervention. Both groups achieved similar energy restriction (CO Δ= -253.7 ± 169.4 kcal/d; BN Δ= -265.8 ± 141.8 kcal/d) and weight loss (CO Δ= -2.5 ± 0.5 kg; BN Δ= -3.5 ± 0.5 kg). The BN group showed lower values of C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin (IL)1-ß, IL-8, percentage lactulose excretion, and LM ratio than the CO group. Additionally, changes in serum Se concentration were predictive of changes in IL-8 concentration (ß: -0.054; adjusted R2: 0.100; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.100; -0.007; P = 0.025), and changes in IL-8 were predictive of changes in the LM ratio (ß: 0.006; adjusted R2: 0.101; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.011; P = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Regular intake of BNs can be a promising complementary dietary strategy for controlling low-grade inflammation and improving IP in women with overweight/obesity undergoing energy-restricted treatment. However, the effects of BNs seem to be Se status-dependent. This trial was registered at the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC: https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-3ntxrm/.

The archaeological visibility of chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) nut-cracking.

The earliest evidence for complex tool use in the archaeological record dates to 3.3 Ma. While wooden tools may have been used by our earliest ancestors, the evidence is absent due to poor preservation. However, insights into possible early hominin wooden tool use can be gained from observing the tool-use practices of our closest living relatives, chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). By using stone hammers used to crack various nuts, chimpanzees leave a durable material signature comprised of formal tools and associated diagnostic fragments. While the archaeological evidence of chimpanzee wooden tool use is temporary, the combination of stone hammers and wooden anvils can create a more enduring lithic record. This study explores the lithic assemblages associated with wooden and stone anvil use at nut-cracking sites in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire, using technological and use-wear analyses. Our results indicate clear differences in density, fracture patterns, and use-wear in the lithic records between wooden anvil and stone anvil sites. New archaeological excavations at six chimpanzee nut-cracking sites reveal that the anvils' material directly influences the visibility of nut-cracking evidence in the archaeological record. By examining the nature of the lithic signatures associated with wooden anvil and stone anvil use by chimpanzees, we can formulate hypotheses about the probability of such behaviors being preserved and identifiable in the Plio-Pleistocene hominin archaeological record. The variability in material signatures from nut-cracking on different anvils suggests that stone anvils leave a clear archaeological record. Evidence for wooden anvil use is likely underrepresented due to the more ephemeral nature of the associated percussive damage and material signature. It may, however, still be possible, albeit challenging, to identify wooden anvil use in the archaeological record.

Groundnut and tree nuts: a comprehensive review on their lipid components, phytochemicals, and nutraceutical properties.

The health benefits of nut consumption have been extensively demonstrated in observational studies and intervention trials. Besides the high nutritional value, countless evidences show that incorporating nuts into the diet may contribute to health promotion and prevention of certain diseases. Such benefits have been mostly and certainly attributed not only to their richness in healthy lipids (plentiful in unsaturated fatty acids), but also to the presence of a vast array of phytochemicals, such as polar lipids, squalene, phytosterols, tocochromanols, and polyphenolic compounds. Thus, many nut chemical compounds apply well to the designation "nutraceuticals," a broad umbrella term used to describe any food component that, in addition to the basic nutritional value, can contribute extra health benefits. This contribution analyses the general chemical profile of groundnut and common tree nuts (almond, walnut, cashew, hazelnut, pistachio, macadamia, pecan), focusing on lipid components and phytochemicals, with a view on their bioactive properties. Relevant scientific literature linking consumption of nuts, and/or some of their components, with ameliorative and/or preventive effects on selected diseases - such as cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurodegenerative pathologies - was also reviewed. In addition, the bioactive properties were analyzed in the light of known mechanistic frameworks.

Current options in the management of tree nut allergy: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Tree nut allergy is a lifelong and potentially life-threatening condition. The standard of care is strictly avoiding the culprit nut and treating accidental reactions symptomatically. To evaluate potential therapeutic options for desensitizing patients with IgE-mediated tree nut allergy, we systematically searched three bibliographic databases for studies published until January 2024. We looked for active treatments of IgE-mediated allergy to tree nuts (walnut, hazelnut, pistachio, cashew, almond, pecan, macadamia nut, and brazil nut). We focused on allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) using oral (OIT), sublingual (SLIT), epicutaneous (EPIT), or subcutaneous (SCIT) delivery, or other disease-modifying treatments. We found 19 studies that met our criteria: 3 studies investigated sublingual immunotherapy, 5 studied oral immunotherapy to a single tree nut, and 6 used multi-food oral immunotherapy with or without omalizumab. The remaining studies investigated the effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies or IgE-immunoadsorption in multi-food allergic patients, including patients with tree nut allergy. The heterogeneity of the studies prevented pooling and meta-analysis. Oral immunotherapy, single or multi-nut, with or without omalizumab, was the most studied approach and appears effective in conferring protection from accidental exposures. Omalizumab monotherapy is the only approved alternative management for reducing allergic reactions that may occur with accidental exposure.

Tolerance of peanuts and tree nuts in Spanish children with exclusive sensitization to lipid transfer proteins.

BACKGROUND: Allergy to peanuts and tree nuts is a common cause of food allergy in Spain, with lipid transfer proteins (LTP) being the most frequently recognized panallergen. LTP sensitization often leads to multiple food group sensitivities, resulting in overly restrictive diets that hinder patient's quality of life. This study aimed to assess the tolerance of peanuts and tree nuts (hazelnuts and walnuts) in children sensitized to LTP, potentially mitigating the need for such diets. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled individuals diagnosed with allergy to peanuts, hazelnuts, or walnuts. Data were collected from medical records, including demographics and clinical history. Allergological assessment comprised skin prick tests using commercial extracts and the nuts in question, alongside measurements of total and specific IgE to nuts and their primary molecular components. Participants showing positive LTP sensitization without sensitization to seed storage proteins underwent open oral nut challenges. RESULTS: A total of 75 individuals labeled as allergic to peanuts, 44 to hazelnuts, and 51 to walnuts were included. All of them underwent an open oral provocation test with the incriminated nut, showing a high tolerance rate. Peanut was tolerated by 98.6% of patients, 97.72% tolerated hazelnut, and 84.3% tolerated walnut. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the majority of patients allergic to peanuts, hazelnuts, or walnuts, due to LTP sensitization and lacking IgE reactivity to seed storage proteins, can tolerate these nuts. This supports the need for personalized nut tolerance assessments to avoid unnecessary dietary restrictions.

Determination of nut varieties and their detection in festive cookies by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

RATIONALE: Nuts contain a large amount of essential fatty acids, amino acids, and whole range of minerals and vitamins valuable for human health, yet certain risks are associated with their consumption, of which allergic reaction is the most important. Considering the growing number of people suffering from allergies caused by allergens of protein origin, the aim of this work is to find out whether nuts can be distinguished from each other on the basis of contained proteins. METHODS: A total of eleven raw and subsequently heat-treated nuts (almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, coconuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, peanuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts) were analyzed using MALDI-TOF (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight) mass spectrometry with the subsequent finding of characteristic m/z values for each analyzed nut. No previous method for protein extraction was used. RESULTS: The characteristic values were used to verify the composition of seven types of festive cookies - six commercial products and one "unknown" cookie, where it was not known in advance, which nut it was made from. CONCLUSIONS: The procedure, together with the found characteristic m/z values, could serve to rapidly identify the plant origin of nut products.

Association between nut consumption and low muscle strength among Korean adults.

Nuts are an important component of a healthy diet, but little has been known about their effects on muscle health. Therefore, this study examined the association between nut consumption and low muscle strength among Korean adults. This cross-sectional analysis was conducted using single 24-h recall and handgrip strength data from 3962 younger adults 19-39 years, 6921 middle-aged adults 40-64 years and 3961 older adults ≥65 years participated in the seventh cycle (2016-2018) of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Low muscle strength was defined as handgrip strength <28 kg for men and <18 kg for women. Sex-specific OR were obtained for younger, middle-aged and older adults using multivariable logistic regression analyses. About one in four Korean adults were consuming nuts (using a culinary definition) with peanut being the most frequently consumed type. After adjustment for age, BMI, total energy intake, household income, alcohol consumption, smoking, resistance exercise, medical history and dietary protein intake, nut consumption was associated with the lower risk of low muscle strength among older adults ≥65 years (men: OR 0·55, 95 % CI (0·38, 0·79); women: OR 0·69, 95 % CI (0·51, 0·93)); however, this association was not observed among younger adults 19-39 years or middle-aged adults 40-64 years. Our results suggest that consuming nuts might be beneficial in lowering the risk of low muscle strength among Korean older adults.

Chronic administration of hydrolysed pine nut oil to mice improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance and increases energy expenditure via a free fatty acid receptor 4-dependent mechanism.

A healthy diet is at the forefront of measures to prevent type 2 diabetes. Certain vegetable and fish oils, such as pine nut oil (PNO), have been demonstrated to ameliorate the adverse metabolic effects of a high-fat diet. The present study investigates the involvement of the free fatty acid receptors 1 (FFAR1) and 4 (FFAR4) in the chronic activity of hydrolysed PNO (hPNO) on high-fat diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. Male C57BL/6J wild-type, FFAR1 knockout (-/-) and FFAR4-/- mice were placed on 60 % high-fat diet for 3 months. Mice were then dosed hPNO for 24 d, during which time body composition, energy intake and expenditure, glucose tolerance and fasting plasma insulin, leptin and adiponectin were measured. hPNO improved glucose tolerance and decreased plasma insulin in the wild-type and FFAR1-/- mice, but not the FFAR4-/- mice. hPNO also decreased high-fat diet-induced body weight gain and fat mass, whilst increasing energy expenditure and plasma adiponectin. None of these effects on energy balance were statistically significant in FFAR4-/- mice, but it was not shown that they were significantly less than in wild-type mice. In conclusion, chronic hPNO supplementation reduces the metabolically detrimental effects of high-fat diet on obesity and insulin resistance in a manner that is dependent on the presence of FFAR4.

Nutrient competition between female cones and young seeds in spring affects the physiological dropping and nut-setting rate in Torreya grandis.

Physiological seed drop is a recognized phenomenon in economic forest, caused by the abscission of developing seeds due to intergroup competition for resources. However, little is known about the resource allocation dynamics in species exhibiting a biennial fruiting cycle, where interactions occur not only among seeds of the same year but also between reproductive structures from consecutive years. In this study, we explored the dynamics of resource allocation in Torreya grandis, a nut crop with a prototypical two-year seed development pattern. We implemented thinning treatments of 0%, 30%, and 60% on female cones and/or immature seeds during the spring, targeting various stages of development both pre- and post-pollination. Our findings reveal a pronounced resource competition in Torreya, evidenced by a natural seed-setting rate of merely 9.4%. Contrary to expectations, seed thinning did not lead to an obvious increase in nut-setting rates, whereas a substantial increase to 20.5% was observed when female cones were thinned by 60% at 20 days before pollination. The cone thinning treatment appears to have influenced seed development through positive cytokinin and negative abscisic acid effects. This indicates that intergroup competition between female cones and nuts is a more significant factor in seed drop than inner nut competition, and there seems to be an interaction between the two groups. We demonstrate that, in Torreya with biennial seed development, it is the competition between female cones and immature seeds that is important. This insight expands our comprehension of the physiological mechanisms governing seed drop in biennial fruiting species and managing the reproductive organ load to optimize nutrient allocation.

Effect of nuts on lipid profile and inflammatory biomarkers in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: Nut-enriched diets are related to improve lipid and inflammatory biomarkers in meta-analyses in the context of primary cardiovascular prevention. However, primary studies on secondary cardiovascular prevention are scarce and controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of nut supplementation on lipid and inflammatory profiles in individuals with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and the frequency of adverse events. METHODS: Six databases were used for research: PubMed, EMBASE, BVS, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov, until February 2023, with no language restrictions. We performed random-effects meta-analyses to compare nut-enriched diets vs. control diets for pre-post intervention changes. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system assessed the evidence's certainty. RESULTS: From the 5187 records identified, eight publications containing data referring to five randomized clinical trials involving 439 participants were included in the final analyses. The nuts evaluated were almonds, pecans, Brazil nuts, and mixed nuts, with doses ranging between 5 g and 85 g (median: 30 g/day). The intervention time varied between 6 and 12 weeks. Compared to nut-free diets, nut intake did not have a statistically significant effect on lipid profile biomarkers, except on the atherogenic index (MD: -0.32 [95% CI -0.58 to -0.06], I2 = 0% - moderate certainty of the evidence). Similarly, there was no effect of nuts on inflammatory profile biomarkers. It was not possible to aggregate data on adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Nut supplementation did not change lipid and inflammatory profiles in the secondary cardiovascular prevention setting.

Dietary intake of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), serum BCAAs, and cardiometabolic risk markers among community-dwelling adults.

PURPOSE: To investigate the associations between dietary/serum branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and cardiometabolic risk markers. METHODS: In a cohort of 2791 participants, diet and cardiometabolic risk markers were measured twice at baseline in overall participants and after 1-year in a subset of 423 participants. We assessed serum BCAAs at baseline and arterial stiffness after 1-year. The cross-sectional associations between dietary/serum BCAAs and cardiometabolic risk markers were analyzed using baseline measurements by linear regression, while the 1-year longitudinal association were analyzed using repeated measurements by linear mixed-effects regression. RESULTS: Higher BCAA intake from poultry was associated with lower triglycerides (ß=-0.028, P = 0.027) and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, ß = 0.013, P = 0.006), while BCAAs in red and processed meat or fish were inversely associated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (ß = 0.025, P = 0.001) and total cholesterol (ß = 0.012, P = 0.033), respectively. BCAAs in whole grains and nuts were associated with higher HDL-C (ß = 0.011, P = 0.016), and lower TG (ß=-0.021, P = 0.041) and diastolic blood pressure (ß=-0.003, P = 0.027). Also, BCAAs from soy or vegetables and fruits were inversely associated with arterial stiffness (ß=-0.018, P = 0.047) and systolic blood pressure (ß=-0.011, P = 0.003), respectively. However, BCAAs in refined grains were positively associated with triglycerides (ß = 0.037, P = 0.014). Total serum BCAAs were unfavorably associated with multiple cardiometabolic risk markers (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Dietary BCAAs in poultry, whole grains and nuts, soy, and vegetables and fruits may be favorably, while BCAAs in red and processed meat, fish, and refined grains were unfavorably associated with cardiometabolic health. Serum BCAAs showed a detrimental association with cardiometabolic risk markers.

Nut consumption during pregnancy is associated with decreased risk of peer problems in 5-year-old Japanese children.

OBJECTIVES: Nuts are nutrient-dense foods rich in unsaturated fatty acids, protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The present prebirth cohort study examined the association between maternal nut intake during pregnancy and the risk of childhood behavioral problems in 5-year-old Japanese children. METHODS: Study subjects were 1199 mother-child pairs. Dietary intake was assessed using a diet history questionnaire. Emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity problems, peer problems, and low prosocial behavior were assessed using the parent-reported version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Adjustments were made for a priori-selected nondietary confounders and potentially related dietary factors. RESULTS: Compared with mothers who had not eaten nuts during pregnancy, mothers who had eaten nuts had a significantly reduced risk of peer problems in children; the adjusted odds ratio was 0.64 (95% confidence interval: 0.42-0.97). There were no measurable associations between maternal consumption of nuts during pregnancy and the risk of childhood emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity problems, and low prosocial behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal consumption of nuts during pregnancy may be associated with a decreased risk of peer problems in 5-year-old children.

Purification of proanthocyanidins from nut seeds and study on its bactericidal mechanism against Streptococcus mutans.

AIM: The aim of this study was to purify proanthocyanidins from areca nut seeds (P-AN) and to investigate the bactericidal activity and mechanism of the purified products against Streptococcus mutans. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared, Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MADLI-TOF-MS), and thiolysis experiment were used for P-AN chemical analysis. Time-kill analysis and glycolytic pH drop were used to evaluate the activity of S. mutans in vitro. Meanwhile, the investigation of the bacteriostatic mechanism included membrane protein, fluidity, permeability, and integrity tests. The results showed that P-AN was a kind of proanthocyanidin mainly composed of B-type proanthocyanidins and their polymers. Moreover, MADLI-TOF-MS and thiolysis experiments demonstrated that the degree of polymerization of P-AN was 13. The time-kill analysis showed that P-AN had strong bactericidal activity against S. mutans. P-AN at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) concentrations was able to induce S. mutans death, while complete lethality occurred at 2 MIC. Glycolysis test showed that P-AN significantly inhibited S. mutans acid production (P < .01). The morphological changes of S. mutans were observed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy experiments, which indicated that P-AN destroyed the cellular structure of S. mutans. At the same time, significant changes were observed in membrane proteins, fluidity, permeability, and integrity. CONCLUSION: P-AN can effectively inhibit the activity of S. mutans. P-AN can reduce the erosion of the tooth surface by the acid of S. mutans. P-AN could break the structure of the cell membrane protein of S. mutans. P-AN could destroy the integrity of membrane, resulting in the death of S. mutans.

Does hazelnut consumption affect brain health and function against neurodegenerative diseases?

INTRODUCTION: A healthy daily diet and consuming certain nutrients, such as polyphenols, vitamins, and unsaturated fatty acids, may help neuronal health maintenance. Polyphenolic chemicals, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, are involved in the neuroprotective pathway. Because of their nutritional value, nuts have been shown in recent research to be helpful in neuroprotection. OBJECTIVE: Hazelnut is often consumed worldwide in various items, including processed foods, particularly in bakery, chocolate, and confectionery products. This nut is an excellent source of vitamins, amino acids, tocopherols, phytosterols, polyphenols, minerals, and unsaturated fatty acids. Consuming hazelnut may attenuate the risk of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and Huntington's disease due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant qualities. RESULTS: Many documents introduce hazelnut as an excellent choice to provide neuroprotection against neurodegenerative disorders and there is some direct proof of its neuroprotective effects. DISCUSSION: So hazelnut consumption in daily diet may reduce neurodegenerative disease risk and be advantageous in reducing the imposed costs of dealing with neurodegenerative diseases.