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Crown gall disease (Agrobacterium tumefaciens), crown/root rot disease (Phytophthora spp.), root lesion disease (Pratylenchus vulnus) and tree vigor are key traits affecting the productivity and quality of walnuts in California. Unchallenged hybrid rootstocks were analyzed by RNA-seq to examine pre-formed factors affecting these traits. Enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed genes revealed that the increased expression of cell wall biogenesis-related genes plays a key role in susceptibility to A. tumefaciens, susceptibility to Phytophthora spp. and increased vigor. Analysis of the predicted subcellular loci of the encoded proteins revealed that many gene products associated with vigor and susceptibility were targeted to the plasma membrane and extracellular space, connecting these traits to sustaining barrier function. We observed that RNA processing and splicing, along with predicted nuclear targeting, were associated with resistance to A. tumefaciens, resistance to Phytophthora spp. and low vigor. Four genes within the J. microcarpa QTL region for resistance to A. tumefaciens and Phytophthora spp. were represented among our transcripts, with two of the genes being differentially expressed in association with resistance to A. tumefaciens and decreased vigor. No differential expression related to Phytophthora spp. or P. vulnus resistance was observed in this region. Additionally, the J. microcarpa haplotype expressed more transcripts associated with resistance to A. tumefaciens, Phytophthora spp. and low vigor, but not P. vulnus, than the J. regia haplotype. We also report unique and shared hormone and defense responses associated with each trait. This research suggests a link between cell wall biogenesis, vigor and critical root diseases of walnut.

Purpose: Vitamin D has a crucial role in our metabolic health. We aimed to examine associations of vitamin D status and its related dietary pattern (DP) with prevalent risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in 9,237 Korean adults aged 19–64 years based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Methods: Vitamin D status was examined by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). A vitamin D-related DP associated with 25(OH)D levels was derived using reduced rank regression (RRR). Associations of vitamin D status and its related DP with MetS prevalence were examined using multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Results: Men with sufficient vitamin D status had a 44% lower risk of MetS prevalence (OR: 0.56; 95%CI: 0.36–0.87) compared to those with deficiency. A vitamin D-related DP derived using RRR was characterized by high intakes of vegetables, fish, fruits, and nuts and low intakes of eggs, oils, and mushrooms in this study population. Among men, the DP was significantly associated with a lower risk of MetS prevalence, showing a 12% (95%CI: 4–20%) reduction in risk for a one-unit increase in the DP score. However, there was no significant association among women. Conclusion: The study's findings suggest that a sufficient vitamin D status and a related DP with high intakes of vegetables, fish, fruit, and nuts were associated with the risk of MetS, particularly in Korean male adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study traced the cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity, and phytochemical profile before and after in vitro digestion of nuts from Sterculia striata A. St.-Hil. & Naudin (Malvaceae) (chichá or monkey's peanut), a native plant from Brazil, in comparison with Arachis hypogaea L. (peanut). The antioxidant activity in the 2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power Assay (FRAP) assays was lower in chichá when compared with peanuts, corroborating the lower concentration of polyphenols. None of the samples studied showed significant cytotoxicity in 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromideDAD: diode-array detection (MTT) assays. In vitro digestion altered the phytochemical profile in both plants, increasing the concentration of rutin in fresh and roasted chichá but only in raw peanuts. In roasted peanuts, rutin was converted into quercetin. Chichá nuts have been used by the local population for centuries, and the identification of their bioactive components can be useful to promote their benefits as a functional food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nuts consumption is related to cardioprotective effects on primary cardiovascular prevention, but studies conducted in secondary prevention are small, scarce and controversial. The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effects of a regional and sustainable cardioprotective diet added or not with an affordable mixed nuts on cardiometabolic features in patients with previous myocardial infarction. Methods: DICA-NUTS study is a national, multi-center, and superiority-parallel randomized clinical trial. Males and females over 40 years old diagnosed with previous myocardial infarction in the last 2 to 6 months were included. Patients were allocated into two groups: the Brazilian Cardioprotective diet (DICA Br) supplemented with 30 g/day of mixed nuts (10 g of peanuts; 10 g of cashew; 10 g of Brazil nuts) (intervention group, n = 193); or only DICA Br prescription (control group, n = 195). The primary outcome was low-density lipoprotein cholesterol means (in mg/dL) after 16 weeks. Secondary outcomes were other lipid biomarkers, glycemic and anthropometric data and diet quality. Results: After adjustment for baseline values, participating study site, time since myocardial infarction and statin treatment regimen (high potency, moderate and low potency/no statins), no significant difference was found between the groups in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations (intervention-control difference: 3.48 mg/dL [-3.45 to 10.41], P = 0.32). Both groups improved their overall diet quality at the end of the study without differences between them after 16 weeks (intervention-control difference: 1.05 (-0.9 to 2.99); P = 0.29). Other lipids, glycemic profile and anthropometrics were also not different between study groups at the end of the study. Conclusion: Adding 30 g/day of mixed nuts to the DICA Br for 16 weeks did not change lipid, glycemic and anthropometric features in the post-myocardial infarction setting. Trial registration: This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov website under number NCT03728127 and its World Health Organization Universal Trial Number (WHO-UTN) is U1111-1259–8105. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adequate nutritional knowledge and healthy dietary behaviours are essential for promoting rational nutrition for children. However, lack of nutritional knowledge and unhealthy dietary behaviours are common among Chinese children. Therefore, we developed a school‐based nutrition education (NE) program to assess its impacts on nutritional knowledge and dietary behaviours in pupils. Methods: In this trial, one school was assigned as an intervention group (n = 199) and the other two schools were designated as a control group (n = 140). Children in the intervention group received the NE program in addition to their regular health curriculum, whereas the control group continued with their usual health curriculum without any NE program materials. Results: Concerning nutritional knowledge, the mean difference (follow‐up minus baseline) of average knowledge scores in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group (1.99 ± 3.22 vs. 0.66 ± 3.60, p = 0.001). However, subgroup analysis revealed that this difference disappeared among boys and students with malnutrition status. Regarding dietary behaviours, the NE program significantly increased the proportion of children exhibiting high frequencies of meat and nuts consumption in the intervention group, along with diverse food choice at breakfast. Additionally, it markedly reduced the proportion of children exhibiting high frequencies of sugar‐sweetened beverages and fast food consumption. Structural equation modelling analyses indicated a significant direct effect of NE intervention on nutritional knowledge and an indirect effect on dietary behaviours. Conclusions: The NE program effectively enhanced nutritional knowledge scores and further improved dietary behaviours among Chinese primary school students. Future NE programs should pay more attention to boys and children with malnutrition. Highlights: The nutrition education (NE) program is a school‐based initiative that aims to provide NE and assess its impacts on nutritional knowledge and dietary behaviours in pupils.The NE program significantly enhanced students' nutritional knowledge, particularly among female students and those with normal weight.A marked increase in the proportion of children consuming meat and nuts was observed, whereas there was a decrease in the proportion of consuming sugar‐sweetened beverages and fast food.Structural equation modelling analyses indicated that the NE intervention had a significant direct effect on nutritional knowledge and an indirect effect on dietary behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although nuts are a well-known healthy food group, the relationship between nut consumption and mortality remains unclear, particularly among Asians. This prospective cohort study examined the association between nut consumption and the risk of all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality in Korean adults. Methods: Data from two cohorts (the Ansan-Ansung and Health-Examinees) from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study were used. A total of 114,140 individuals aged 40–79 years were included in the data analyses. Nut consumption was assessed using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and categorized into four groups: non-consumers, less than 1 serving/week, 1–2 servings/week, and 2 or more servings/week (one serving was 15 g of nuts). Mortality outcomes were determined based on the 2001–2021 death records from Statistics Korea. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for mortality across nut consumption categories. A stratified subgroup analysis by health-related variables was also performed. Results: During a mean follow-up of 12.3 years, 4,559 deaths were recorded. After adjusting for covariates, the HR for all-cause mortality was 0.877 (95% CI = 0.772–0.996, p for trend = 0.006) in individuals with a nut consumption of 2 or more servings/week compared with that in non-consumers. Multivariable HRs for CVD mortality were 0.800 (95% CI = 0.681–0.939) in individuals consuming less than 1 serving/week, 0.656 (95% CI = 0.469–0.918) in those consuming 1–2 servings/week, and 1.009 (95% CI = 0.756–1.347) in those consuming 2 or more servings/week compared with that in non-consumers (p for trend = 0.080). No association was observed between nut consumption and cancer mortality. Stratified analysis identified significant interactions in the association between nut consumption and all-cause mortality by age, body mass index, and physical activity. Conclusions: Nut consumption was linearly associated with the reduced risk of all-cause mortality and showed a non-linear dose-response relationship with CVD mortality in Koreans, but had no association with cancer mortality. The effects of nut consumption, which have been inadequately investigated in this population, varied across different subgroups. These findings suggest that incorporating nuts into the diet should be encouraged for long-term health of Korean adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new fossil species of walnuts, Juglans eoarctica sp. nov., J. nathorstii sp. nov., and J. cordata sp. nov., are described on the basis of nuts recovered from the middle Eocene fossil forests of Axel Heiberg Island in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. These represent the most northerly occurrence of Juglans and are among the oldest records of Juglans to date. The Axel Heiberg Island walnuts conform to the sections Rhysocaryon and Cardiocaryon and, together with the contemporaneous midlatitude fossil species J. clarnensis Scott, imply the establishment of two distinct Juglans lineages prior to the middle Eocene. Climatic cooling, leading ultimately to Pleistocene glaciation, has transformed high-latitude vegetation and resulted in the American/Eurasian disjunct distribution found in many north temperate families, of which Juglans is typical. With three coexisting species in the Axel Heiberg Island fossil forests, it is clear that Juglans was an important component of this ancient polar landscape and played a significant role in the evolution of northern temperate forest ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews inflammatory versus anti-inflammatory foods, autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, the benefits of specific anti-inflammatory diets, and strategies for nurses to partner with individuals, while considering culture and food preferences, to promote healthy eating habits and prevent diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effects of a Brazil nut-enriched diet on the wall thickness and the left ventricular chamber diameter of the heart, and lipid peroxidation in a CKD-induced model. Male Wistar rats at 12 weeks of age were divided into two groups (n=16/group): the Nx group, which underwent 5/6 nephrectomy, and the Sham group, as a control. After 5 weeks, the groups were subdivided according to diet (n=8/group): the Nx and Sham groups received a control diet; the Nx5% and Sham5% groups received a diet enriched with 5 % Brazil nuts for 8 weeks. The left ventricular thickening and chamber diameter were determined. Plasma biochemical parameters were evaluated. Analysis of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and antioxidant enzyme activity was performed in the plasma and the left ventricle (LV). LV mRNA expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The Nx5% group showed a remodeled LV wall with decreased thickness compared to the Nx group (p=0.016). Furthermore, LV TBARS concentration was reduced in the Nx5% group (p=0.0064). In addition, the Nx5% group showed an increase in plasma GPx activity (p=0.0431). No significant results were found concerning the LV mRNA expression of NF-κB and Nrf2 genes. A Brazil nut-enriched diet decreased LV thickness and LV TBARS concentration and increased GPx activity in a 5/6 nephrectomy experimental model, making it a promising adjuvant therapy to improve antioxidant status and cardiovascular outcomes in chronic kidney disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The American College of Lifestyle Medicine recommends eating a predominantly plant-based diet with a variety of minimally processed vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. At any level, adoption of a plant-based diet can improve one's health through a variety of mechanisms. Increasing intake of plant-based foods often results in increases in fiber intake, decreases in saturated fat intake, and increased intake of essential vitamins and minerals, among other healthful benefits. Despite such potential benefits, many individuals are reluctant or resistant to change their usual dietary behaviors or unable to sustain diet changes over time. This is largely because an individual's decision to adopt a plant-based diet is influenced by a diverse array of motivating factors, priorities, and/or misconceptions about nutrient adequacy of plant-based diets. Here, we discuss key points from a session at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine's annual conference LM2023. Specifically, we review common preconceptions about plant-based diets, provide guidance on removing the barriers to adopting and adhering to plant-based diets, and highlight key literature findings supporting the health benefits of plant-based diets. Last, we discuss how plant-based diets are increasingly being implemented within health care and clinical practice to support Food is/as Medicine approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 (β=-0.028, P = 0.027) and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, β = 0.013, P = 0.006), while BCAAs in red and processed meat or fish were inversely associated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (β = 0.025, P = 0.001) and total cholesterol (β = 0.012, P = 0.033), respectively. BCAAs in whole grains and nuts were associated with higher HDL-C (β = 0.011, P = 0.016), and lower TG (β=-0.021, P = 0.041) and diastolic blood pressure (β=-0.003, P = 0.027). Also, BCAAs from soy or vegetables and fruits were inversely associated with arterial stiffness (β=-0.018, P = 0.047) and systolic blood pressure (β=-0.011, P = 0.003), respectively. However, BCAAs in refined grains were positively associated with triglycerides (β = 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin on pistachio are the most important hazards to human health, which start in the orchard and will continue to the storage. This research selected 16 most effective yeast strains through dual culture (DC) assay according to the interaction between 376 yeast strains and A. flavus isolate P1684 in an initial screening. The antifungal ability of the strains was determined to be 94.5%, 72.08 %, and 91.31% in DC, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and extracellular secretions (ESs) assays, respectively. In DC and VOCs assays, the YE 43-6 yeast strain showed maximum inhibition of growth, whereas powder and liquid formulation of the YE 43-10 yeast strain showed better performance. Ammonia vapor assay revealed that yeast strains significantly reduced aflatoxin production in A. flavus. Under in-situ conditions, trees were sprayed with cell/spore populations of both effective yeasts and A. flavus to determine the ability of yeast strains to compete with the pathogen. After 45 days, the fruits were harvested, and the average number of colonies per pistachio fruit unit (CFU/Nut) was determined. The highest and lowest reduction of populations were observed in YE 43-10 (85.71%) and YE 36-9 (35.18%), respectively. In both YE 43-6 and YE 43-10 strains, powder formulation was slightly more effective than liquid, and VOCs effectively prevented pistachio contamination with A. flavus and aflatoxin.

Abstract Background Nuts consumption is related to cardioprotective effects on primary cardiovascular prevention, but studies conducted in secondary prevention are small, scarce and controversial. The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effects of a regional and sustainable cardioprotective diet added or not with an affordable mixed nuts on cardiometabolic features in patients with previous myocardial infarction. Methods DICA-NUTS study is a national, multi-center, and superiority-parallel randomized clinical trial. Males and females over 40 years old diagnosed with previous myocardial infarction in the last 2 to 6 months were included. Patients were allocated into two groups: the Brazilian Cardioprotective diet (DICA Br) supplemented with 30 g/day of mixed nuts (10 g of peanuts; 10 g of cashew; 10 g of Brazil nuts) (intervention group, n = 193); or only DICA Br prescription (control group, n = 195). The primary outcome was low-density lipoprotein cholesterol means (in mg/dL) after 16 weeks. Secondary outcomes were other lipid biomarkers, glycemic and anthropometric data and diet quality. Results After adjustment for baseline values, participating study site, time since myocardial infarction and statin treatment regimen (high potency, moderate and low potency/no statins), no significant difference was found between the groups in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations (intervention-control difference: 3.48 mg/dL [-3.45 to 10.41], P = 0.32). Both groups improved their overall diet quality at the end of the study without differences between them after 16 weeks (intervention-control difference: 1.05 (-0.9 to 2.99); P = 0.29). Other lipids, glycemic profile and anthropometrics were also not different between study groups at the end of the study. Conclusion Adding 30 g/day of mixed nuts to the DICA Br for 16 weeks did not change lipid, glycemic and anthropometric features in the post-myocardial infarction setting. Trial registration This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov website under number NCT03728127 and its World Health Organization Universal Trial Number (WHO-UTN) is U1111-1259–8105.

Abstract Background Although nuts are a well-known healthy food group, the relationship between nut consumption and mortality remains unclear, particularly among Asians. This prospective cohort study examined the association between nut consumption and the risk of all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality in Korean adults. Methods Data from two cohorts (the Ansan-Ansung and Health-Examinees) from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study were used. A total of 114,140 individuals aged 40–79 years were included in the data analyses. Nut consumption was assessed using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and categorized into four groups: non-consumers, less than 1 serving/week, 1–2 servings/week, and 2 or more servings/week (one serving was 15 g of nuts). Mortality outcomes were determined based on the 2001–2021 death records from Statistics Korea. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for mortality across nut consumption categories. A stratified subgroup analysis by health-related variables was also performed. Results During a mean follow-up of 12.3 years, 4,559 deaths were recorded. After adjusting for covariates, the HR for all-cause mortality was 0.877 (95% CI = 0.772–0.996, p for trend = 0.006) in individuals with a nut consumption of 2 or more servings/week compared with that in non-consumers. Multivariable HRs for CVD mortality were 0.800 (95% CI = 0.681–0.939) in individuals consuming less than 1 serving/week, 0.656 (95% CI = 0.469–0.918) in those consuming 1–2 servings/week, and 1.009 (95% CI = 0.756–1.347) in those consuming 2 or more servings/week compared with that in non-consumers (p for trend = 0.080). No association was observed between nut consumption and cancer mortality. Stratified analysis identified significant interactions in the association between nut consumption and all-cause mortality by age, body mass index, and physical activity. Conclusions Nut consumption was linearly associated with the reduced risk of all-cause mortality and showed a non-linear dose-response relationship with CVD mortality in Koreans, but had no association with cancer mortality. The effects of nut consumption, which have been inadequately investigated in this population, varied across different subgroups. These findings suggest that incorporating nuts into the diet should be encouraged for long-term health of Korean adults.

Background: The global population has been under threat of ongoing COVID-19 pandemics. Diet was shown to significantly impact the severity of the disease. The primary focus of this research is to explore the potential correlation between consuming nuts and the severity of COVID-19 symptoms.Methods: Totally, 684 individuals who recovered from COVID-19 were enrolled; while 168-item frequency questionnaire (FFQ), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), were used to assess dietary intakes of participants. The severity of COVID-19 was assessed based on the COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines (CTG). Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) questionnaire was utilized to determine the level of life satisfaction. Outcomes including severity of COVID-19 symptoms, hospitalization, hypoxia, lung infection, need to respiratory support, duration of disease, recovery after hospitalization, serum levels of C reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2) level were evaluated.Results: Among those recovered from COVID-19, there was an association between increased intake of nuts and reduction in CRP level (p=0.007), increase in life satisfaction score (p

Consumption of nuts and berries are considered part of a healthy eating pattern. Nuts and berries contain a complex nutrient profile consisting of essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and phenolics in quantities that improve physiological outcomes. The spectrum of health outcomes that may be impacted by the consumptions of nuts and berries includes cardiovascular, gut microbiome, and cognitive, among others. Recently, new insights regarding the bioactive compounds found in both nuts and berries have reinforced their role for use in precision nutrition efforts. However, challenges exist that can affect the generalizability of outcomes from clinical studies, including inconsistency in study designs, homogeneity of test populations, variability in test products and control foods, and assessing realistic portion sizes. Future research centered on precision nutrition and multi-omics technologies will yield new insights. These and other topics such as funding streams and perceived risk-of-bias were explored at an international nutrition conference focused on the role of nuts and berries in clinical nutrition. Successes, challenges, and future directions with these foods are presented here.

Demand for almond is in rise, due to its desired flavor and beneficial health-related properties. Roasting is the most common practice in almond processing, improving aroma and texture, as well as nutritional properties. “Shefa,” a new Israeli almond variety, was recently introduced; however, no information is available regarding its phytochemical composition and response to roasting. The aim of the current work was to characterize its health-related composition, in addition to describe its response to moderate roasting conditions, including temperature and duration. For this, “Shefa” almonds were roasted at 100°C, 125°C, 150°C, and 175°C for 15 and 25 min. and compared to raw unroasted kernels. Health and nutritional quality parameters included antioxidant capacity (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS; spectrophotometric), total polyphenol, tocopherol and phytosterol content (spectrophotometric), and fatty acid profiling (GC-MS). Our results demonstrate that “Shefa” variety phytochemical composition resembles that of other Mediterranean almond varieties, e.g. Italian and Turkish are high in tocopherols and phytosterols, with average polyphenol content. Its antioxidant activity was 19.11, 25.56, and 22.18 mg TE/100 g DW for DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS, respectively. In addition, under the roasting conditions evaluated in the current work, “Shefa” almonds presented an improved health-related composition, with levels of antioxidant capacity, polyphenols, tocopherols, and phytosterols increasing with temperature and duration. “Shefa” response to roasting resembled that of other almond varieties evaluated under comparable roasting conditions. To conclude, the newly introduced Israeli almond “Shefa” has a healthy and nutritionally beneficial phytochemical composition, which improves with moderate roasting. Further investigation is needed to profile its polyphenol and tocopherol composition, to provide additional valuable insights into its phytochemical composition.

In line with the existing literature, the primary focus of the present paper is on understanding the multifaceted factors contributing to unequal employment opportunities for women and the potential implications for both individuals and society. Specifically, the objective is to identify meaningful risk factors that affect the probability of being employed for women in the 20–49 age group, exploring possible demographic, educational, social, and family factors, as well as territorial context factors. The analysis is conducted on the three most populous European countries (Italy, France, and Germany) as representatives of different welfare regimes. The analysis exploits the rich information available in the micro-data of the Labour Force Survey (2021) as well as Eurostat regional statistics considering individuals nested in regions (NUTS 2). A deep analysis of empirical findings sheds light on employment determinants and motivations for not working, which appear to be essentially related to family and demographic factors. These results reveal the country-specific profiles that indicate greater risk of non-employment and also provide a basis for suggesting different policy implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study compared the furan levels and physicochemical properties of various 70 samples of five nuts (peanuts, almonds, cashew nuts, hazelnuts, and sacha inchi) roasted using an air fryer (AF) and microwave oven (MO). In the five nuts, furan levels ranged from 1.11 to 2.39 ng g−1 before roasting. As the AF‐based and MO‐based roasting progressed, the furan levels increased to 6.39–165.52 ng g−1 and 11.47–183.87 ng g−1, respectively. The contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid and linolenic acid) decreased significantly after roasting but the content of monounsaturated fatty acid (oleic acid) showed only slightly significant differences between the control and roasted nuts. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity increased by up to 337% and 218% as roasting progressed but decreased slightly when roasting was performed at 180 °C for 20 min in an AF or at 700 or 1000 W for 5 min in an MO. This study provides useful information on furan production and the changes in physicochemical properties such as fatty acid composition, colour, BI, TPC, and antioxidant activity of nuts roasted using an AF or MO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Snack bars, a globally popular food category, contain a diverse variety of ingredients and appeal to different dietary preferences. Even though snack alternatives are gaining prominence as viable options for promoting healthy dietary patterns, the composition of certain snacks may pose sustainability-related concerns and effects on environment. This study investigates the energy and nutrient composition of fruit-based snack bars, with a focus on sustainable practices, and the significant inclusion of dates and nuts in production. Methods: Between 10 and 25 July 2023, 49 healthy bars from 12 companies, accessible in five supermarkets, underwent a comprehensive analysis. The researchers visited selected supermarkets, identified the products on the shelves, and collected information on the contents from the labels. The label information was then cross-referenced with the brands' websites. The average values of energy, protein, total fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, fiber, sugar, and salt contents of 100 g samples of the products were assessed. Group proportions were investigated through the Chi-square test. As comparisons involving numerical variables failed to meet the assumption of normal distribution, independent comparisons were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test for more than two groups and Mann-Whitney U test for two groups. The significance level was set at p

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dietary assessment methods have limitations in capturing real-time eating behaviour accurately. Equipped with automated dietary-data-collection capabilities, the "intelligent ordering system" (IOS) has potential applicability in obtaining long-term consecutive, relatively detailed on-campus dietary records among university students with little resource consumption. We investigated (1) the relative validity of IOS-derived nutrient/food intakes compared to those from the 7-day food diary (7DFD); (2) whether including a supplemental food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ) improves IOS accuracy; and (3) sex differences in IOS dietary intake estimation. Methods: Medical students (n = 221; age = 22.2 ± 2.4 years; 38.5% male and 61.5% female) completed the 7DFD and SFFQ. During the consecutive 7-day survey period, students weighed and photographed each meal before and after consumption. Then, students reviewed their 3-month diet and completed the SFFQ, which includes eight underprovided school-canteen food items (e.g., dairy, fruits, nuts). Meanwhile, 9385 IOS dietary data entries were collected. We used Spearman coefficients and linear regression models to estimate the associations among the different dietary intake assessment methods. Individual- and group-level agreement was assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, cross-classification, and Bland‒Altman analysis. Results: IOS mean daily energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrate intake estimations were significantly lower (-15-20%) than those of the 7DFD. The correlation coefficients varied from 0.52 (for added sugar) to 0.88 (for soybeans and nuts), with fruits (0.37) and dairy products (0.29) showing weaker correlations. Sixty-two (milk and dairy products) to 97% (soybeans and nuts) of participants were classified into the same or adjacent dietary intake distribution quartile using both methods. The energy and macronutrient intake differences between the IOS + SFFQ and 7DFD groups decreased substantially. The separate fruit intake measurements from each assessment method did not significantly differ from each other (p > 0.05). IOS and IOS + SFFQ regression models generally yielded higher R2 values for males than for females. Conclusion: Despite estimation differences, the IOS can be reliable for medical student dietary habit assessment. The SFFQ is useful for measuring consumption of foods that are typically unavailable in school cafeterias, improving the overall dietary evaluation accuracy. The IOS assessment was more accurate for males than for females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is rich in agrobiodiversity and is considered to be one of the important countries for production of food, oilseed and horticultural crops, spices, and medicinal plants. However, the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity has been rapidly increasing in India due to unhealthy food habits, for example, changing from healthy unpolished brown rice to highly polished white rice. Bringing back our traditional foods such as millets and making use of India's rich biodiversity could help improve the health of its population and help in preventing and control of NCDs such as T2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Brain glucose hypometabolism is a preclinical feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Dietary omega‐3 fatty acids promote brain glucose metabolism, but clinical research is incipient. Circulating omega‐3s objectively reflect their dietary intake. METHODS: This was a cross‐sectional study in 320 cognitively unimpaired participants at increased risk of AD dementia. Using lipidomics, we determined blood docosahexaenoic (DHA) and alpha‐linolenic (ALA) acid levels (omega‐3s from marine and plant origin, respectively). We assessed brain glucose metabolism using [18‐F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET). RESULTS: Blood ALA directly related to FDG uptake in brain areas known to be affected in AD. Stronger associations were observed in apolipoprotein E ε4 carriers and homozygotes. For DHA, significant direct associations were restricted to amyloid beta–positive tau‐positive participants. DISCUSSION: Blood omega‐3 directly relate to preserved glucose metabolism in AD‐vulnerable brain regions in individuals at increased risk of AD dementia. This adds to the benefits of omega‐3 supplementation in the preclinical stage of AD dementia. Highlights: Blood omega‐3s were related to brain glucose uptake in participants at risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia.Complementary associations were observed for omega‐3 from marine and plant sources.Foods rich in omega‐3 might be useful in early features of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global population growth and intensive agriculture have both contributed negatively to the environment. As a result, there is increasing interest in the use of sustainable alternatives is increasing to promote better use of natural resources and create an equilibrium between agriculture and the environment. Intercropping, the simultaneous cultivation of multiple crops, aims to optimize land use economically while enhancing biodiversity through plant–microorganism interactions, thereby boosting crop productivity. This practice has particularly benefited nut production by combining the nutrient-sequestering capacity of trees with continuous annual crop production, improving soil nutrient and water utilization. Intercropping systems not only enhance nut yield and quality but also offer economic advantages to farmers. This review synthesized the existing literature with the aim of highlighting not only the positive aspects that intercropping brings to the production of nuts, but also the challenges and limitations faced in different regions when it comes to agricultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption of almonds has been associated with several health benefits, particularly concerning cardiovascular and intestinal health. In this comprehensive review, we compile and deliberate studies investigating the effects of almond consumption on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and gut health. Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols, which contribute to their health-promoting properties. Regular intake of almonds has been shown to improve lipid profiles by reducing LDL cholesterol and enhancing HDL functionality. Additionally, almonds aid in glycemic control, blood pressure reduction, and chronic inflammation amelioration, which are critical for cardiovascular health. The antioxidant properties of almonds, primarily due to their high vitamin E content, help in reducing oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, almonds positively influence body composition by reducing body fat percentage and central adiposity and enhancing satiety, thus aiding in weight management. Herein, we also contemplate the emerging concept of the gut–heart axis, where almond consumption appears to modulate the gut microbiome, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and increasing short-chain fatty acid production, particularly butyrate. These effects collectively contribute to the anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective benefits of almonds. By encompassing these diverse aspects, we eventually provide a systematic and updated perspective on the multifaceted benefits of almond consumption for cardiovascular health and gut microbiome, corroborating their broader consideration in dietary guidelines and public health recommendations for CVD risk reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the possibilities of using the prototype manufactured hazelnut harvesting machine with a mechanical efficient harvesting unit and hazelnut harvesting machine with a pneumatic efficient harvesting unit in the mechanical harvesting of hazelnuts grown in flat and near flat land conditions were examined and the nut losses and the efficiency values of separating foreign materials were determined to reveal how these machines affect the hazelnut harvesting system. For this purpose, the trials were carried out under five different orchard yield conditions (71.74, 143.48, 215.23, 286.97, and 358.72 kg ha-1). As a result of the experiments, the nut loss and foreign material removal efficiency obtained by hazelnut harvesting with a hazelnut harvesting machine with a mechanical effective harvesting unit were determined between 34.39-37.92% and 96.91-95.62%, respectively. The nut losses and foreign material removal efficiency values obtained by hazelnut harvesting machine with a pneumatic effective harvesting unit were determined between 6.84-5.07% and 93.33-86.73%, respectively. The data to be obtained as a result of the study, in addition to examining the mechanical harvesting of hazelnuts, will enable the reasons for the changes that may occur in the performance characteristics of existing machines to be explained and suggestions can be made for improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of adding 10% almonds, pistachios, apricots, plums, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and black olives to sweet and savoury biscuits on acrylamide (AA) concentration. These ingredients, which are increasingly used to enrich bakery products, can increase the final AA content, because they contain its precursors and sometimes AA itself, due to the processing treatments they undergo. The AA and some quality characteristics of all ingredients and biscuit samples were analysed. The results showed that sweet biscuits with almonds, pistachios and apricots had AA concentrations exceeding the European benchmark level (350 µg/kg), while those with plums had a lower value (190.7 µg/kg). The enriched savoury biscuits had significantly higher AA concentrations than the control (198.9 µg/kg), up to + 163%. A 10% addition of enrichment ingredients to biscuits can lead to high AA concentrations, highlighting the need for further studies aimed at its mitigation in bakery products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of plant‐based residues has been extensively employed for the control of diverse illnesses, owing to their safety and minimal adverse effects. In the current study, it was aimed for the characterization of the bioactive, enzyme inhibitory, and cytotoxic activities of fresh pistachio shell skin (FPSS), green walnut husk and walnut membrane (GWH), almond outer shell and inner brown skin (ASIS), as well as peanut husk and inner skin (PHIS) to be used as industrial food processing by‐products. The results showed that the samples exhibited different extraction yields, with GWH having the highest percentage at 15.18%, followed by FPSS at 12.81%, ASIS at 10.29%, and PHIS at 7.80%. FPSS had the highest total phenolic content (16.28 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g) as well as the best antioxidant capabilities for DPPH (8.96 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g), FRAP (11.46 mg TE/g), and ABTS (22.38 mg TE/g) assays. FPSS was followed by PHIS, ASIS, and GWH, respectively. Moreover, the extracts exhibited relatively low activity against acetylcholinesterase, α‐glucosidase, and α‐amylase compared to standard acarbose or galantamine. Furthermore, the extracts may have the potential to induce cytotoxic effects, varying from moderate to mild, on both cancerous (IC50 = 454.55–617.28 μg/mL) and healthy cells (IC50 = 438.60–490.20 μg/mL). The results of this research showed that shell residues of nut hold promise for a variety of industrial applications spanning the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the research behind diverticular disease and its dietary management, with a focus on dietary fibre. Diverticula, saclike protrusions in the colonic wall, are extremely prevalent in older people living in Western countries and range from asymptomatic (diverticulosis) to moderately symptomatic (diverticular disease) to severely symptomatic (diverticulitis). Diet and lifestyle are implicated in the development of these conditions, as demonstrated by the vast increase in prevalence as countries become more industrialised and follow a Western dietary pattern. Dietary fibre is a particular nutrient of interest. Contrary to prior dogma, research suggests that individuals with diverticular disease should actually strive for a high fibre diet to reduce the risk of developing further diverticula and prevent progression to diverticulitis. The dietary management of the symptoms of diverticular disease is not well understood. Vigorous physical activity may reduce the risk of diverticulitis. Community nurses can help their patients to avoid harmful and unnecessary dietary restrictions by using the information in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Snack bars, a globally popular food category, contain a diverse variety of ingredients and appeal to different dietary preferences. Even though snack alternatives are gaining prominence as viable options for promoting healthy dietary patterns, the composition of certain snacks may pose sustainability-related concerns and effects on environment. This study investigates the energy and nutrient composition of fruit-based snack bars, with a focus on sustainable practices, and the significant inclusion of dates and nuts in production. Methods: Between 10 and 25 July 2023, 49 healthy bars from 12 companies, accessible in five supermarkets, underwent a comprehensive analysis. The researchers visited selected supermarkets, identified the products on the shelves, and collected information on the contents from the labels. The label information was then cross-referenced with the brands' websites. The average values of energy, protein, total fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, fiber, sugar, and salt contents of 100 g samples of the products were assessed. Group proportions were investigated through the Chi-square test. As comparisons involving numerical variables failed to meet the assumption of normal distribution, independent comparisons were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test for more than two groups and Mann-Whitney U test for two groups. The significance level was set at p<0.05. Results: Dried fruits, particularly date and their derivatives, are the most prominently featured ingredients (87.8%) of the nutritious snacks, followed by other dried fruits containing apple, cherry, and orange. Oily seeds are the most preferred additional ingredient (75.5%), followed by cocoa (57.1%), spices (57.1%), sweeteners, and coconut. Almonds are the most preferred variety among nuts (36.7%). Other ingredients frequently utilized in bars, such as chickpea flour and chicory root fiber. It is noteworthy that, several snack bars were including multiple ingredients simultaneously whereas others lacked certain ingredients entirely. Furthermore, combination of those ingredients were discovered to be prevalent in various snack bars. Conclusion: In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights for consumers and industry stakeholders, guiding them towards choices aligned with nutritional preferences and supporting environmental and economic sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of plant‐based residues has been extensively employed for the control of diverse illnesses, owing to their safety and minimal adverse effects. In the current study, it was aimed for the characterization of the bioactive, enzyme inhibitory, and cytotoxic activities of fresh pistachio shell skin (FPSS), green walnut husk and walnut membrane (GWH), almond outer shell and inner brown skin (ASIS), as well as peanut husk and inner skin (PHIS) to be used as industrial food processing by‐products. The results showed that the samples exhibited different extraction yields, with GWH having the highest percentage at 15.18%, followed by FPSS at 12.81%, ASIS at 10.29%, and PHIS at 7.80%. FPSS had the highest total phenolic content (16.28 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g) as well as the best antioxidant capabilities for DPPH (8.96 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g), FRAP (11.46 mg TE/g), and ABTS (22.38 mg TE/g) assays. FPSS was followed by PHIS, ASIS, and GWH, respectively. Moreover, the extracts exhibited relatively low activity against acetylcholinesterase, α‐glucosidase, and α‐amylase compared to standard acarbose or galantamine. Furthermore, the extracts may have the potential to induce cytotoxic effects, varying from moderate to mild, on both cancerous (IC50 = 454.55–617.28 μg/mL) and healthy cells (IC50 = 438.60–490.20 μg/mL). The results of this research showed that shell residues of nut hold promise for a variety of industrial applications spanning the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The epidemiology and management of anaphylaxis are not well‐reported in Asia. Methods: A regional pediatric anaphylaxis registry was established by the Asia‐Pacific Research Network for Anaphylaxis (APRA), using standardized protocols for prospective data collection, to evaluate the triggers and management of anaphylaxis in the Asia‐Pacific region. Pediatric patients below 18 years presenting with anaphylaxis across four Asian countries/cities (Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong (HK), and Qingdao) were included. Allergen triggers, symptoms, anaphylaxis severity, and management were compared. Results: Between 2019 and 2022, 721 anaphylaxis episodes in 689 patients from 16 centers were identified. The mean age at anaphylaxis presentation was 7.0 years (SD = 5.2) and 60% were male. Food was the most common trigger (62%), particularly eggs and cow's milk in children aged 3 years and below. In school‐age children, nut anaphylaxis was most common in HK and Singapore, but was rare in the other countries, and wheat was the top allergen in Bangkok. Shellfish anaphylaxis was most common in children aged 7–17. Adrenaline was administered in 60% of cases, with 9% given adrenaline before hospital arrival. Adrenaline devices were prescribed in up to 82% of cases in Thailand but none in Qingdao. Conclusions: The APRA identified food as the main trigger of anaphylaxis in children, but causative allergens differed even across Asian countries. Fewer than two‐thirds of cases received adrenaline treatment, pre‐hospital adrenaline usage was low, and adrenaline device prescription remained suboptimal. The registry recognizes an unmet need to strengthen anaphylaxis care and research in Asia‐Pacific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Heterogeneity in ageing rates drives the need for research into lifestyle secrets of successful agers. Biological age, predicted by epigenetic clocks, has been shown to be a more reliable measure of ageing than chronological age. Dietary habits are known to affect the ageing process. However, much remains to be learnt about specific dietary habits that may directly affect the biological process of ageing. Objective To identify food groups that are directly related to biological ageing, using Copula Graphical Models. Methods We performed a preregistered analysis of 3,990 postmenopausal women from the Women's Health Initiative, based in North America. Biological age acceleration was calculated by the epigenetic clock PhenoAge using whole-blood DNA methylation. Copula Graphical Modelling, a powerful data-driven exploratory tool, was used to examine relations between food groups and biological ageing whilst adjusting for an extensive amount of confounders. Two food group–age acceleration networks were established: one based on the MyPyramid food grouping system and another based on item-level food group data. Results Intake of eggs, organ meat, sausages, cheese, legumes, starchy vegetables, added sugar and lunch meat was associated with biological age acceleration, whereas intake of peaches/nectarines/plums, poultry, nuts, discretionary oil and solid fat was associated with decelerated ageing. Conclusion We identified several associations between specific food groups and biological ageing. These findings pave the way for subsequent studies to ascertain causality and magnitude of these relationships, thereby improving the understanding of biological mechanisms underlying the interplay between food groups and biological ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food patterns are deteriorating and, consequently, not meeting nutritional recommendations. Learning about the adherence to a diet is crucial for understanding children's dietary habits. The objective of the present analysis was to assess the degree of compliance with the ALINFA nutritional intervention and the effectiveness of adherence groups, and to evaluate potential baseline factors predicting a higher adherence to the intervention. A total of 44 children aged 6 to 12 years-old participated in the eight-week intervention. A two-week dietary plan was specifically designed, providing participants with food products, ready-to-eat dishes, and recipes. An intake of 75% of calories of the prescribed diet was defined to divide the participants into high- and low-adherence groups (HA/LA, respectively). From the 44 participants, 24 showed a LA to the intervention, whereas 20 of them were in the HA group. Diet quality improved in both groups (p < 0.001), mainly by increasing cereals and nuts, and reducing pastries. A decrease in BMI z-score was observed (LA: p < 0.001; HA: p = 0.021). Fat mass (p = 0.002), LDL-c (p = 0.036), and CRP (p = 0.023) reductions were only achieved in the HA group, whereas leptin decreased only in the LA group (p = 0.046). All participants ameliorated their dietary habits, but those with better diet quality at baseline experienced greater enhancements in their nutritional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pistachio is a nut crop domesticated in the Fertile Crescent and a dioecious species with ZW sex chromosomes. We sequenced the genomes of Pistacia vera cultivar (cv.) Siirt, the female parent, and P. vera cv. Bagyolu, the male parent. Two chromosome-level reference genomes of pistachio were generated, and Z and W chromosomes were assembled. The ZW chromosomes originated from an autosome following the first inversion, which occurred approximately 8.18 Mya. Three inversion events in the W chromosome led to the formation of a 12.7-Mb (22.8% of the W chromosome) non-recombining region. These W-specific sequences contain several genes of interest that may have played a pivotal role in sex determination and contributed to the initiation and evolution of a ZW sex chromosome system in pistachio. The W-specific genes, including defA, defA-like, DYT1, two PTEN1, and two tandem duplications of six VPS13A paralogs, are strong candidates for sex determination or differentiation. Demographic history analysis of resequenced genomes suggest that cultivated pistachio underwent severe domestication bottlenecks approximately 7640 years ago, dating the domestication event close to the archeological record of pistachio domestication in Iran. We identified 390, 211, and 290 potential selective sweeps in 3 cultivar subgroups that underlie agronomic traits such as nut development and quality, grafting success, flowering time shift, and drought tolerance. These findings have improved our understanding of the genomic basis of sex determination/differentiation and horticulturally important traits and will accelerate the improvement of pistachio cultivars and rootstocks.

BackgroundResults from clinical trials investigating the effect of nuts consumption on cognition are conflicting. We decided to conduct the current meta-analysis to summarize all available evidence on the effect of consuming nuts on cognition scores.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive search in the online databases using relevant keywords up to June 2024. We included all the published Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of nuts, compared to control, on cognition scores.ResultsOverall, 5 trials were included with a total sample size of 928 adults. Based on 6 effect sizes from these 5 trials, we did not find a significant effect of nuts on cognition function [Standardized Mean Difference (SMD): 0.27, 95% CI: −0.65 to 1.19, p = 0.57].ConclusionOur review could not find a significant effect of nuts on cognition function. Future high-quality RCTs with larger sample sizes should be conducted to shed light on the impact of nuts on cognition.

In-shell pecans are typically harvested after falling from trees to the ground, presenting a potential route of contamination of foodborne pathogens from soil contact. In-shell pecans are often subjected to various processing or washing steps prior to being shelled. This study determined Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) reductions after treatment with antimicrobial washes on direct and soil-inoculated in-shell pecans and evaluated the cross-contamination potential of the spent pecan washes after treatment. Pecans were directly and soil-inoculated with an STEC cocktail (O157:H7, O157:NM, O121, O26). Direct inoculation was achieved by spraying the STEC cocktail on the pecans. For soil-inoculation pecans, autoclaved soil was sprayed with the STEC cocktail, homogenized for 2 min, and used to coat in-shell pecans. Inoculated pecans were washed in treatments of 2% lactic acid (LA), 1,000 ppm free chlorine (sodium hypochlorite; NaClO), hot water (HW; 85 ± 2 °C), or ambient water (C [control]; 18 ± 2 °C) for 2, 5, and 10 min and diluted to enumerate STEC populations. After treatments, 100 mL of the spent wash was vacuum filtered through a 0.45-µm membrane and plated on selective agar. HW significantly reduced STEC populations from pecans with and without soil regardless of treatment time (p 0.05). Larger STEC populations were enumerated from ambient water wash compared to the antimicrobial washes (p 5-log CFU/mL reductions).

Background: Walnuts contain nutrients and phytochemicals that can promote metabolic health. However, the high energy content of walnuts along with other nuts raises the concern that consuming nuts promotes obesity. Objectives: We sought to investigate the associations between consumption of walnuts as well as other nuts and measures of obesity in adolescents and young adults. Methods: This study included 8874 adolescents (12–19 y) and 10,323 young adults (20–39 y) from 8 waves of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2003–2020). The associations of consumption of 1) walnuts only (WO); 2) walnuts with other nuts (WON); 3) other nuts (ON); and 4) no nuts (NN) with obesity status and relative fat mass (RFM) were assessed using logistic and linear regressions stratified by age group and sex. Sample weights were used in all statistical analyses. Results: The mean daily intake of walnuts was not different between the 2 walnut consumption groups within each age group (adolescents: 2.18 [standard error (SE) 0.14] g; P = 0.917; young adults: 4.23 [0.37] g; P = 0.682). The WON group had the lowest prevalence of obesity (adolescents: 8.3%; young adults: 21.1%) while the NN group had the highest prevalence (adolescents: 24.1%; young adults: 35.4%). The models indicated lower odds of obesity in adolescent girls (odds ratio [OR]: 0.27; P < 0.05) and young adult women (OR: 0.58; P < 0.05) who consumed WON than in those who consumed NN. In both young women and girls, RFM was significantly lower in the WON and ON groups than the NN group (P < 0.001). In young men, WON consumption was also associated with a lower RFM (OR: −1.24; 95% confidence interval: −2.21, −0.28) compared with NN consumption. Conclusions: For adolescents girls and young women, dietary intake of walnuts combined with other nuts has the strongest inverse association with measures of obesity.

This article examines the timing of sensitization to hen's eggs and nuts in infants with eczema. The study found that the age of sensitization onset differed between egg white and tree nuts, with sensitization to nuts occurring at older ages. The rate of sensitization to nuts was notably lower than that to egg whites. The study suggests that introducing nuts by 6 months of age may be a safe strategy to reduce the incidence of food allergy. However, the study also acknowledges the challenges of introducing nuts due to their texture during the initial phases of weaning. The authors plan to conduct further research to explore the preventive effects of walnut allergy based on the timing of walnut consumption initiation. [Extracted from the article]

Infertility has a significant impact on the quality of lives of infertile couples, necessitating the exploration of approaches to reduce its prevalence and improve fertility chances. This review focuses on the role of tree nuts in male fertility, considering their potential effects on seminal fluid quality and sperm parameters. Nuts are rich in antioxidants such as vitamins C, D, and E, as well as minerals like zinc and selenium, which are known to have a positive influence on fertility. While numerous reviews have summarized the effects of various nutrients on male fertility, there is currently no published review specifically categorizing the effects of tree nuts on male fertility. This review aimed to fill that gap by summarizing the relevant literature on nuts and male infertility. The findings of reviewed studies suggest the beneficial effects of nut consumption on reproductive health and overall health. The improvement in lipid stability, oxidative stress, inflammation indicators, and endothelial function can potentially contribute to better reproductive health, particularly in relation to agedependent decreases in sperm quality and fertility.

Background: Nuts and seeds have been part of diets in most of the world for millenniums, and they have also been consumed in the Nordic and Baltic countries for centuries. Consumption of nuts and seeds is linked with various health outcomes. Therefore, when updating the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR), summarizing the best evidence on key health outcomes from the consumption of nuts and seeds is essential. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the updated evidence on the consumption of nuts and seeds and health outcomes regarded relevant for the Nordic and Baltic countries, as well as their dose-response relationship presented in updated systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Method: The scoping review is built on a de novo systematic review and an umbrella review published in 2022 on the consumption of nuts and seeds and its various health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Results: Intake of nuts and seeds is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, with evidence assessed as probable. This conclusion is mirrored by evidence from trials on biomarkers for chronic diseases. An intake of a serving of nuts of 28–30 g/day compared to not eating nuts is estimated to translate into approximately 20% relative reduction in the risks of cardiovascular disease and premature deaths. For cancers, consumption of a serving of nuts is inversely associated with cancer mortality. However, for type 2 diabetes, there are mixed and inconclusive results. Additionally, there are inverse associations between nut consumption and respiratory and infectious disease mortality. Allergies for nuts are seen among 1–2% of the population. Conclusion: Overall, the current evidence supports dietary recommendations to increase nut consumption to a serving of nuts and seeds per day for people without allergies to these foods.