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.

Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) consumption improves cognitive performance and mood in overweight young adults: A pilot study.

This pilot study evaluated the impact of pistachio consumption on cognitive performance and mood in overweight young adults. Pistachios were characterized (chemical and nutraceutical), and a baseline-final, uncontrolled nutritional intervention was performed (28 g of pistachio/28 days). Psychometric tests were applied to estimate cognitive performance and mood; anthropometric evaluation, biochemical analysis, and plasma antioxidant activity were included. The main component of nuts was lipids (48.1%). Pistachios consumption significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced waist circumference (-1.47 cm), total cholesterol (-10.21 mg/dL), LDL (-6.57 mg/dL), and triglycerides (-21.07 mg/dL), and increased plasma antioxidant activity. Pistachio supplementation improved risk tolerance (p ≤ 0.006) and decision-making strategy (p ≤ 0.002; BART-task), executive functions (BCST-task; p ≤ 0.006), and selective and sustained attention (Go/No-Go-test; p ≤ 0.016). The mood state was positively modulated (p ≤ 0.05) for anxiety, anger-hostility, and sadness-depression. These results show for the first time the benefits of pistachio consumption on cognitive performance and mood in overweight young adults.

Preventive effects of systemic Pistacia eurycarpa Yalt. administration on alveolar bone loss and oxidative stress in rats with experimental periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of systemic administration of P. eurycarpa Yalt. plant extract on alveolar bone loss and oxidative stress biomarkers in gingival tissue in a rat model of experimental periodontitis. METHODOLOGY: 32 male Wistar albino rats, weighing 200-250 g, were divided into four groups (n=8): Healthy control (HC), Experimental periodontitis control (EPC), Experimental periodontitis 400 mg/kg (EP400), Experimental periodontitis 800 mg/kg (EP800). Experimental periodontitis was induced using the ligating method. Distilled water was administered to the HC and EPC groups and the plant extract was administered to the EP400 and EP800 groups by oral gavage at doses of 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg, respectively. The rats were sacrificed on the 15th day. The values of glutathione peroxidase GSH-Px, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismustase (SOD), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-10 (IL-10), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) in the gingival tissues were analyzed by ELISA tests. Alveolar bone loss was assessed using micro-CT images of the maxilla. RESULTS: Although the IL-1ß, TOS, OSI results of the healthy control group were lower than those of the other groups, the TAS values were higher (p<0.05). No significant difference was found in the biochemical parameters among the EPC, EP400, and EP800 groups (p>0.05). Alveolar bone loss was significantly reduced in the extract groups compared to the EPC group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, it was observed that the systemic P. eurycarpa extract application reduced alveolar bone loss in a rat model of experimental periodontitis. Further studies are needed to elucidate the beneficial effects of P. eurycarpa.

Photocatalytic activity of silver nanoparticles@cellulose nanocomposites, from pistachio husk, in the toxic azo commercial dye degradation.

In this work, an over-the-counter commercial dye, containing direct blue 151 in its composition, which is also discarded without any environmental regulation, was efficiency photodegraded using a green chemistry-synthesized nanocomposites type silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) supported on pistachio husk (PH). The green synthesis (GS) of the nanocomposites was carried out using the Anemopsis californica leaf extract (ExAc) as a reducing-stabilizing agent (AgNPs/ExAc-PH), for the first time. The presence of AgNPs on the nanocomposite surface was corroborated by field emission transmission electron microscope (FE-TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The synthesized AgNPs/ExAc-PH has a bimodal size of 24 and 25 nm (4.86 % each) and a 0.72 % of AgNPs on its surface. AgNPs were adhered to the PH surface, through secondary bonds between the Ag and the cellulose of the PH. The optimum conditions, for efficient photocatalytic degradation, were 5 mg of nanocomposite, 3.18 × 10-2 M of NaBH4, natural sunlight, and stirring; this results in a photodegradation efficiency of 100 % almost instantaneously. Furthermore, it was shown that the dye degradation process is primarily due to the photocatalytic degradation of the dye, which occurs almost instantaneously.

Evaluation of Thermal Properties of Composites Prepared from Pistachio Shell Particles Treated Chemically and Polypropylene.

The purpose of the present work was to prepare polypropylene (PP) matrix composited filled with chemically treated pistachio shell particles (PTx), and evaluate their effect on the composites' thermal properties. PP-PTx composites were formulated in different PTx content (from 2 to 10 phr) in a mixing chamber, using the melt-mixing process. The PTx were chemically treated using a NaOH solution and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). According to thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the treatment of pistachio shell particles resulted in the remotion of lignin and hemicellulose. The thermal stability was evaluated by means of TGA, where the presence of PTx in composites showed a positive effect compared with PP pristine. Thermal properties such as crystallization temperature (Tc), crystallization enthalpy (∆Hc), melting temperature (Tm) and crystallinity were determinate by means differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); these results suggest that the PTx had a nucleation effect on the PP matrix, increasing their crystallinity. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed that stiffness of the composites increase compared with that PP pristine, as well as the storage modulus, and the best results were found at a PTx concentration of 4 phr. At higher concentrations, the positive effect decreased; however, they were better than the reference PP.

Effectiveness of phytotherapeutics in the prevention and treatment of 5-fluorouracil-induced oral mucositis in animal models: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review evaluated the effect of phytotherapeutics in the treatment and prevention of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced oral mucositis (OM) in animal models. DESIGN: A search was performed in PubMed/Medline, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library), EMBASE, and Web of Science, including studies published up to January 2020. Only articles investigating the chemoinduction of OM by 5-FU in animal models were included. Eligibility was evaluated and data were extracted from the eligible studies following the predefined PICO questions. The Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. RESULT: A total of 503 articles were retrieved and 13 were included. The hamster was the animal model used in all included studies. The treatment method ranged from the topical application of ointment (n = 3), gel (n = 5) and extract (n = 3) to the oral ingestion of the phytotherapeutics (n = 3). Chamomilla recutita L. (n = 3) and Pistacia atlantica (n = 3) were the most used therapeutic agents. Although all studies were classified as high risk of bias, all of them reported promising results regarding the use of phytotherapeutics in the management of OM, including lower clinical and histopathological scores as well as healing, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. CONCLUSION: Despite the high risk of bias of the studies, phytotherapy is a promising alternative for the treatment of 5-FU-induced OM, showing interesting results in terms of tissue healing and anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.

Pistacia atlantica's effect on ovary damage and oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with numerous complications, including gonadal dysfunction. There are specific traditional medicine remedies for DM, including medicinal herbs. Our study aimed to evaluate the role of Pistacia atlantica's extract in the protection against ovary damage by streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM in rats. METHODS: We ran this experimental study on 40 adult female Wistar rats. We divided the animals into five groups, control (A); DM (STZ by 60 mg/kg- intraperitoneally) (B); DM + hexane extract of P. atlantica (200 mg/kg -orally) (C); P. atlantica extract (D) and DM + glibenclamide (200 mg/kg -orally) (F). The experiment continued for four weeks, and we administered the extract daily. After slaughtering the rats, we removed the ovaries. We assessed parameters, such as blood glucose and levels of oxidative stress markers as well as histological ovary structure. RESULTS: Blood glucose, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and the number of atretic follicles were elevated; catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels and the number of corpora lutea were significantly decreased in the untreated diabetic rats. These changes returned to normal or diminished with P. atlantica extract and glibenclamide in the treated rats. CONCLUSIONS: The extract of P. atlantica has antihyperglycemic and antioxidative properties, and it decreased ovarian complications in experimental diabetes mellitus.

Veterinary phytotherapy in Algeria: Pistacia lentiscus as an antimicrobial model / Fitoterapia veterinária na Argélia: emprego da Pistacia lentiscus como um modelo antimicrobiano

Currently, the use of alternative medicine is necessary, even in animals. Our study focused on the valorisation of the use of herbal products in Algerian veterinary medicine. This study is based on a 6-month exploratory survey of 257 private practicing veterinarians, followed by a study of the bacteriological activity of the essential oil of the Pistacia lentiscus plant. The survey results generally indicate that private veterinarians support phytotherapy as an alternative to conventional drugs in several areas and species. Also, the results of research conducted on the antibacterial activity of Pistacia lentiscusessential oil show that it inactivates 50% of the bacterial strains. This confirms the well-defined role of this medicinal plant used as an alternative in veterinary medicine.(AU)

Na atualidade o emprego da medicina alternativa é uma realidade, inclusive para os animais; este trabalho visa a valorização do emprego de produtos fitoterápicos na medicina veterinária da Argélia. O presente estudo baseou-se em um levantamento realizado durante seis meses com 257 médicos veterinários do setor privado, seguido de uma investigação da atividade bacteriológica do óleo essencial da planta Pistacia lentiscus. Os resultados do levantamento indicaram que esses profissionais aceitam o emprego da fitoterapia como uma alternativa para as drogas de uso convencional em diferentes áreas e espécies de animais. A avaliação da atividade antibacteriana do óleo essencial da Pistacia lentiscusrevelou que 50% das estirpes bacterianas empregadas foram inativadas após seu uso, o que confirmou a possibilidade do emprego desta planta medicinal como uma alternativa para a medicina veterinária.(AU)

Veterinary phytotherapy in Algeria: Pistacia lentiscus as an antimicrobial model / Fitoterapia veterinária na Argélia: emprego da Pistacia lentiscus como um modelo antimicrobiano

Currently, the use of alternative medicine is necessary, even in animals. Our study focused on the valorisation of the use of herbal products in Algerian veterinary medicine. This study is based on a 6-month exploratory survey of 257 private practicing veterinarians, followed by a study of the bacteriological activity of the essential oil of the Pistacia lentiscus plant. The survey results generally indicate that private veterinarians support phytotherapy as an alternative to conventional drugs in several areas and species. Also, the results of research conducted on the antibacterial activity of Pistacia lentiscusessential oil show that it inactivates 50% of the bacterial strains. This confirms the well-defined role of this medicinal plant used as an alternative in veterinary medicine.(AU)

Na atualidade o emprego da medicina alternativa é uma realidade, inclusive para os animais; este trabalho visa a valorização do emprego de produtos fitoterápicos na medicina veterinária da Argélia. O presente estudo baseou-se em um levantamento realizado durante seis meses com 257 médicos veterinários do setor privado, seguido de uma investigação da atividade bacteriológica do óleo essencial da planta Pistacia lentiscus. Os resultados do levantamento indicaram que esses profissionais aceitam o emprego da fitoterapia como uma alternativa para as drogas de uso convencional em diferentes áreas e espécies de animais. A avaliação da atividade antibacteriana do óleo essencial da Pistacia lentiscusrevelou que 50% das estirpes bacterianas empregadas foram inativadas após seu uso, o que confirmou a possibilidade do emprego desta planta medicinal como uma alternativa para a medicina veterinária.(AU)

Wound healing effect of Pistacia lentiscus L. seed oil: confirmation of its uses in Mediterranean traditional medicine / Efecto curativo de heridas del aceite de semilla de Pistacia lentiscus L: confirmación de sus usos en medicina tradicional mediterránea

In order to evaluate the potential of this formulation (P. lentiscus L. oil-based ointment) to heal wounds, experimental wounds were done on guinea pigs and efficiency was comparatively assessed against a reference ointment, Cicaderma®. Wound contraction was performed on days 5, 10 and 15. Tissue sections were also evaluated histopathological on days 7, 14 and 21. Results showed that for all days (5, 10 and 15), the highest wound contraction values were attained for the P. lentiscus oil-based ointment treated group with wound contraction values of 19.38, 55.8 and 77.11%, respectively, as compared to the reference drug Cicaderma® where contractions were 7.97%, 49.53% and 71.44%, respectively. Vehicle and negative control groups however showed no statistically significant wound healing activity on the excision wound model. These experimental studies revealed that the P. lentiscus oil-based ointment displays remarkable wound healing activity, in accordance with its use in traditional medicine.

Con el fin de evaluar el potencial de esta formulación (ungüento a base de aceite de P. lentiscus L.) para curar heridas, se realizaron heridas experimentales en cobayos y se evaluó comparativamente su eficacia respecto de un ungüento de referencia, Cicaderma®. La contracción de la herida se realizó los días 5, 10 y 15. Las secciones de tejido también se evaluaron histopatológicamente los días 7, 14 y 21. Los resultados mostraron que para todos los días (5, 10 y 15), se obtuvieron los valores más altos de contracción de la herida para el grupo tratado con ungüento a base de aceite de P. lentiscus con valores de contracción de la herida de 19.38, 55.8 y 77.11%, respectivamente, en comparación con el medicamento de referencia Cicaderma® en donde las contracciones fueron 7.97%, 49.53% y 71.44%, respectivamente. Sin embargo, los grupos de control de vehículo y negativo no mostraron actividad de curación de heridas estadísticamente significativa en el modelo de herida por escisión. Estos estudios experimentales revelaron que la pomada a base de aceite de P. lentiscus muestra una notable actividad de curación de heridas, de acuerdo con su uso en la medicina tradicional.

Effect of contract farming on the income and risk of pistachio and saffron producers in Iran / Efeito do cultivo sob contrato na renda e no risco dos produtores de pistache e açafrão no Irã

Contract farming is among the institutional arrangements essential for agricultural products. In most cases, these contracts lead to increased incomes and welfare of farmers. However, this type of business has not been taken seriously in Iran. This study aimed to analyze the effect of contract farming on the income and risk of the farmers income. To this end, pistachio and saffron farmers in the Yazd Province, in central Iran, were considered in the harvest year of 2017-2018. We divided the farmers into three homogeneous groups, each with different input consumption levels and production per hectare. We calibrated the cost functions of representative farmers in each group. These functions were employed to develop an ideal formal contract model and relational contract model. According to the results, formal contracts and relational contracts increased income and relational contracts reduced the risk to farmers when they were compatible with the incentive constraints of the farmer. Policymakers should provide favorable conditions for the development of contract farming. For instance, they can present contract farming to farmers and encourage agricultural enterprises to participate in contracts by facilitating access to credit and other investment incentives.

A agricultura por contrato está entre os arranjos institucionais mais essenciais para os produtos agrícolas. Esses contratos, na maioria dos casos, levam ao aumento da renda e do bem-estar dos agricultores. No entanto, esse tipo de negócio não foi levado a sério no Irã. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar o efeito da agricultura contratual sobre a renda e o risco da renda do agricultor. Para esse fim, os produtores de pistache e açafrão na província de Yazd, no centro do Irã, foram considerados na safra 2017-2018. Os agricultores foram divididos em três grupos homogêneos, cada um com diferentes níveis de consumo de insumos e produtividade por hectare. Em seguida, as funções de custo dos agricultores representativos foram calibradas em cada grupo. Essas funções foram empregadas para desenvolver um modelo de contrato formal ideal e contrato relacional. De acordo com os resultados, contratos formais e contratos relacionais aumentaram a renda e os contratos relacionais reduziram o risco dos agricultores quando eles eram compatíveis com as restrições de incentivo do produtor e principal. Recomenda-se aos formuladores de políticas que forneçam condições favoráveis ao desenvolvimento da agricultura contratada. Por exemplo, eles podem familiarizar os agricultores com a agricultura contratual e incentivar as empresas agrícolas a participar de contratos, facilitando o acesso ao...

Effect of contract farming on the income and risk of pistachio and saffron producers in Iran / Efeito do cultivo sob contrato na renda e no risco dos produtores de pistache e açafrão no Irã

Contract farming is among the institutional arrangements essential for agricultural products. In most cases, these contracts lead to increased incomes and welfare of farmers. However, this type of business has not been taken seriously in Iran. This study aimed to analyze the effect of contract farming on the income and risk of the farmers income. To this end, pistachio and saffron farmers in the Yazd Province, in central Iran, were considered in the harvest year of 2017-2018. We divided the farmers into three homogeneous groups, each with different input consumption levels and production per hectare. We calibrated the cost functions of representative farmers in each group. These functions were employed to develop an ideal formal contract model and relational contract model. According to the results, formal contracts and relational contracts increased income and relational contracts reduced the risk to farmers when they were compatible with the incentive constraints of the farmer. Policymakers should provide favorable conditions for the development of contract farming. For instance, they can present contract farming to farmers and encourage agricultural enterprises to participate in contracts by facilitating access to credit and other investment incentives.(AU)

A agricultura por contrato está entre os arranjos institucionais mais essenciais para os produtos agrícolas. Esses contratos, na maioria dos casos, levam ao aumento da renda e do bem-estar dos agricultores. No entanto, esse tipo de negócio não foi levado a sério no Irã. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar o efeito da agricultura contratual sobre a renda e o risco da renda do agricultor. Para esse fim, os produtores de pistache e açafrão na província de Yazd, no centro do Irã, foram considerados na safra 2017-2018. Os agricultores foram divididos em três grupos homogêneos, cada um com diferentes níveis de consumo de insumos e produtividade por hectare. Em seguida, as funções de custo dos agricultores representativos foram calibradas em cada grupo. Essas funções foram empregadas para desenvolver um modelo de contrato formal ideal e contrato relacional. De acordo com os resultados, contratos formais e contratos relacionais aumentaram a renda e os contratos relacionais reduziram o risco dos agricultores quando eles eram compatíveis com as restrições de incentivo do produtor e principal. Recomenda-se aos formuladores de políticas que forneçam condições favoráveis ao desenvolvimento da agricultura contratada. Por exemplo, eles podem familiarizar os agricultores com a agricultura contratual e incentivar as empresas agrícolas a participar de contratos, facilitando o acesso ao...(AU)

Subcritical Fluid Extraction of Antioxidant Phenolic Compounds from Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) Nuts: Experiments, Modeling, and Optimization.

A process to obtain phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties from pistachio nuts using water/ethanol mixture under high temperature and pressure conditions was carried out. To optimize extraction conditions and antioxidant activity of bioactive compounds, theoretical models were scanned against experimental data. Phenolic profile was dominated by several flavonoids and gallic acid derivatives. A fitted model for phenolic compounds extraction presented a maximum predicted value under the following conditions: 220 °C extraction temperature, 6.5 MPa pressure, and 50% ethanol. Beneath these conditions, phenolic extracts gave the highest radical scavenging capacity, similar to that reached by using commercial antioxidants. A mathematical model, namely two-site desorption kinetic model, showed to be suitable for the description of extraction kinetics under the optimal operation conditions. Overall, the process described in this study shows a potential alternative method for extraction of pistachio bioactive compounds. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Pistachio nuts are known to contain a vast array of phenolic and polyphenolic substances having strong antioxidant properties. Currently, the use of natural antioxidants in the food industry has increased, in consequence there is a growing interest in improving the extraction processes using GRAS (general recognize as safe) solvents. This study describes a safe, inexpensive, and short-time method (subcritical fluid extraction) to obtain antioxidant extracts from defatted pistachio nuts. This type of process may be adapted toward applications at industrial scale.

Effect of chronic consumption of pistachios (Pistacia vera L.) on glucose metabolism in pre-diabetics and type 2 diabetics: A systematic review.

Pistachio is a nut with high polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyphenols and carotenoids content, and the synergism between these compounds appears to affect glucose metabolism. In this systematic review we analyzed studies in which the effect of chronic consumption of pistachio on markers of glucose metabolism was evaluated in pre-diabetic and type 2 diabetics. We used the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Lilacs databases. The research terms used were pistachio, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, blood glucose, hyperglycemia and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Four articles were selected, of which three tested the intake of 50 to 57 g of pistachio/day and one 20% of the daily caloric intake, for a period of 1 to 4 months. Studies reported a decrease in fasting blood glucose, insulinemia, HOMA-IR, and fructosamine, but no change in HbA1c. Lower concentrations of miR-192 and miR-375 were also found, which correlated positively with HOMA-IR. The synergism between PUFA, MUFA, polyphenols and carotenoids present in pistachios can modulate specific miRNA, increasing insulin sensitivity through the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. This modulation can be used as a tool to monitor the response to interventions, favoring the prevention and treatment of complications related to diabetes.

Combustion of pistachio shell: physicochemical characterization and evaluation of kinetic parameters.

The study of different renewable energy sources has been intensifying due to the current climate changes; therefore, the present work had the objective to characterize physicochemically the pistachio shell waste and evaluate kinetic parameters of its combustion. The pistachio shell was characterized through proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, SEM, and FTIR. The thermal and kinetic behaviors were evaluated by a thermogravimetric analyzer under oxidant atmosphere between room temperature and 1000 °C, in which the process was performed in three different heating rates (20, 30, and 40 °C min-1). The combustion of the pistachio shell presented two regions in the derivative thermogravimetric curves, where the first represents the devolatilization of volatile matter compounds and the second one is associated to the biochar oxidation. These zones were considered for the evaluation of the kinetic parameters E a , A, and f(α) by the modified method of Coats-Redfern, compensation effect, and master plot, respectively. The kinetic parameters for zone 1 were E a1 = 84.11 kJ mol-1, A 1 = 6.39 × 106 min-1, and f(α)1 = 3(1 - α)2/3, while for zone 2, the kinetic parameters were E a2 = 37.47 kJ mol-1, A 2 = 57.14 min-1, and f(α)2 = 2(1 - α)1/2.

Effects of Pistacia terebinthus seed meal and different storage times on egg quality of laying hens

The present study examined the effect of supplementing the diets of laying hens with Pistacia terebinthus seed meal on egg quality during different storage intervals. A total of 192 laying hens (Babcock) were divided into six groups, and each group was further divided into four subgroups with eight hens each. Pistacia terebinthus seed meal was added to the diets of laying hens in the experimental groups at a rate of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 g kg−1 of feed. At the end of the study (56 days), a total of 288 eggs (48 eggs from each group) were collected randomly. Seventy-two eggs were analyzed on day zero of storage, while the other eggs were stored at a temperature of 4 °C. The remaining eggs were analyzed after 10, 20, and 30 days of storage. The result revealed that, at 30 days of storage, the supplementation of terebinthus had a significant effect on the Haugh unit on inclusion levels of 20 and 40 g kg−1. Likewise, the inclusion level of 30 g kg−1 manifested a significant impact on yolk color at 20 days of storage. Eggshell breaking strength and egg weight remained unaffected. Terebinthus seed could be used to extend the storage time of eggs without any adverse effect on egg quality.(AU)

Anti-staphylococcal properties of Eichhornia crassipes, Pistacia vera, and Ziziphus amole leaf extracts: Isolates from cattle and rabbits.

The desideratum aim of the present context was to assess the biopotency of methanolic extracts of Eichhornia crassipes (E. crassipes), Pistacia vera (P. vera), and Ziziphus amole (Z. amole) leaves against various staphylococcal strains, and to quantify the phenolics as well as saponin content in them. The antibacterial activity of various concentrations (62.5-1000 µg/mL) of plant extracts was tested against control clinical strains (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, S. aureus ATCC 29213, and S. aureus ATCC 43300), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA1 and MRSA2), oxacillin sensitive S. aureus (SOSA1 and SOSA2), and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus epidermidis (CoNS1, CoNS2, and CoNS3) using disc diffusion assay. Leaf extracts of the three plants exhibited pronounced growth inhibitory characteristics against staphylococci in a dose dependent manner. E. crassipes extract depicted the highest relative percentage inhibition values against control clinical strains (68.6 ± 0.5%), while P. vera (68.6 ± 0.3%) and Z. amole (74.79 ± 0.3%) extracts showed pronounced relative inhibition values against staphylococcal strains isolated from cattle. Total phenols and saponin content of leaf extracts were investigated by standard in vitro methods. The methanolic extracts of these plants were found to comprise substantial content of phenolics and saponin at varying levels. The highest value of phenolics was estimated in P. vera extract (60.0 ± 1.3 mg gallic acid/g extract), followed by Z. amole (33.6 ± 1.4 mg gallic acid/g extract), and E. crassipes (23.0 ± 1.3 mg gallic acid/g extract). Saponin content for P. vera, Z. amole, and E. crassipes extracts were estimated as 41.0 ± 1.3, 35.8 ± 1.3, and 25.0 ± 1.2 mg diosgenin/g extract, respectively. The outcome of this study suggested the exploitation of methanolic extract of P. vera, Z. amole, and E. crassipes leaves for their possible application in ethnomedicine, particularly as drugs preparation against staphylococcal infections. In conclusion, the study indicates the biopotency of these plants against pathogenic MRSA present in cattle, and SOSA as well as CoNS bacteria present in rabbits, which could be a serious issue for livestock.

Physiology of Hibernating Larvae of the Pistachio Twig Borer, Kermania pistaciella Amsel (Lepidoptera: Tineidae), Collected from Akbari Cultivar of Pistacia vera L.

The pistachio twig borer, Kermania pistaciella Amsel (Lepidoptera: Tineidae), a key pest of pistachio trees, is a monovoltine pest living inside the feeding tunnel of pistachio twigs for almost 10 months in a year and overwinters there as last instar larvae. In this study, we measured some physiological parameters of overwintering field collected larvae of the pest. There were no changes in trehalose, glucose, and myo-inositol contents, but there were differences in the levels of total simple sugar and glycogen during overwintering. Total sugar content at the beginning of overwintering (October) was at the lowest level (24.13 mg/g body weight) and reached to the highest level (55.22 mg/g fresh body weight) in November whereas glycogen content was at the highest level (44.05 mg/g fresh body weight) in October and decreased to 18.42 mg/g fresh body weight in November. Decrease in lipid content during the overwintering period was not significant. The highest and lowest levels of protein content were recorded in January and February, respectively. Supercooling points (SCP) of the overwintering larvae were stable and low (ranged between -17.80 and -25.10°C) throughout the cold season and no larva survived after SCP determination. The lowest cold hardiness (60 and 0.0% survival following exposure to -10 and -20°C/24 h, respectively) was observed for in November-collected larvae. Overwintering larvae of the pistachio twig borer rely mostly on maintaining the high supercooling capacity throughout the overwintering to avoid freezing of their body fluid.

Formulation and in vitro evaluation of carbopol 934-based modified clotrimazole gel for topical application.

The aim of present study was to enhance topical permeation of clotrimazole gel preparation by using various permeability enhancers such as coconut oil, pistachio oil and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). Clotrimazole gel preparations were prepared and optimized by using three factor, five level central composite design. A second-order polynomial equation was generated in order to estimate the effect of independent variables i.e. coconut oil (X1), pistachio oil (X2) and sodium lauryl sulphate (X3) at various dependent variables i.e. flux (Y1), lag time (Y2), diffusion coefficient (Y3), permeability coefficient (Y4), and input rate (Y5) of clotrimazole gel formulations. Ex vivo skin permeation study was performed through rat skin by using modified Franz diffusion cell system. Optimized formulation F8 exhibited highest flux 2.17 µg/cm2/min, permeability coefficient 0.0019 cm/min and input rate 1.543 µg/cm2/min, along with moderate lag time 77.27 min and diffusion coefficient 0.063 cm2/min, which is further supported by anti-fungal activity that exhibited more prominent zone of inhibition against Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Mucor. Thus, it can be concluded that permeation of clotrimazole gel was enhanced by various combination of coconut oil, pistachio oil and sodium lauryl sulphate but optimized formulation F8 containing 0.4 ml pistachio oil, 0.8 ml coconut oil and 0.04 g of SLS exhibited more pronounced and promising effect through rat skin.

Analysis of genetic diversity of Tunisian pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) using sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers.

Sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers preferentially amplify open reading frames and were used to study the genetic diversity of Tunisian pistachio. In the present study, 43 Pistacia vera accessions were screened using seven SRAP primer pairs. A total of 78 markers was revealed (95.12%) with an average polymorphic information content of 0.850. The results suggest that there is strong genetic differentiation, which characterizes the local resources (GST = 0.307). High gene flow (Nm = 1.127) among groups was explained by the exchange of plant material among regions. Analysis of molecular variance revealed significant differences within groups and showed that 73.88% of the total genetic diversity occurred within groups, whereas the remaining 26.12% occurred among groups. Bayesian clustering and principal component analysis identified three pools, El Guettar, Pollenizers, and the rest of the pistachios belonging to the Gabès, Kasserine, and Sfax localities. Bayesian analysis revealed that El Guettar and male genotypes were assigned with more than 80% probability. The BayeScan method proposed that locus 59 (F13-R9) could be used in the development of sex-linked SCAR markers from SRAP since it is a commonly detected locus in comparisons involving the Pollenizers group. This is the first application of SRAP markers for the assessment of genetic diversity in Tunisian germplasm of P. vera. Such information will be useful to define conservation strategies and improvement programs for this species.