Study on the underlying mechanism of almond and platycodon in treating acute bronchitis based on network pharmacology

Objective:Network pharmacology method was adopted in this study to screen the target of almond and platycodon of the treatment to Acute Bronchitis and exploring its mechanism of treatment.Methods:Chemical components and selected targets related to almond and platycodon were searched through the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP).Through GeneCards database,OMIM database,disease targets of Acute Bronchitis were searched.Venn diagram analysis was used to screen the common targets between drugs and disease,and then the interaction network diagram of the targets was constructed by String.Cytoscape3.7.0 was applied to construct the drugcomposition-target-disease interacted network.GO Enrichment and KEGG Enrichment Analysis of Targets were based on DAVID.Results:There are 25 active components such as luteolin,acacetin and Glabridin in the almond and platycodon,corresponding to 127 targets.81 targets are obtained by mapping with 1593 targets of acute bronchitis,including PTGS2,PTGS1,AKT1,TP53,etc.KEGG enrichment analysis mainly involves Apoptosis,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,TNF signaling pathway,T cell receptor signaling pathway,etc.Conclusion:Based on the network pharmacology,the potential mechanism of almond and platycodon in the treatment of acute bronchitis was discussed,which provides ideas and directions for further experimental research.

Encapsulation of Almond Essential Oil by Co-Extrusion/Gelling Using Chitosan as Wall Material

Encapsulation confers protection to substances as essential oils from processes like oxidation, evaporation or uncontrolled release. In this study almond oil capsules were obtained by co-extrusion/gelling technique. Chitosan was used as shell material and sodium triphosphate pentabasic as cross linking agent. Different encapsulation process variables were studied: cross-linker concentration, nozzles size and potential. Optical microscopy was used to determine the capsules morphology and degradability tests were performed in order to study capsules degradation over time. Results showed that nozzles size and cross linking concentration are key variables to consider in the encapsulation process. Degradability tests showed rapid weight loss.

Almond Consumption Is Associated with Better Nutrient Intake, Nutrient Adequacy, and Diet Quality in Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between almond consumption, the most widely consumed tree nut in the US, and nutrient intake, nutrient adequacy, diet quality, and weight/adiposity in adults. Methods: Data from adults (N=24,808), 19+ years, participating in the NHANES 2001-2010 were used. The NCI method was used to estimate the usual intake of almonds and selected nutrients. Almond consumers were defined as those consuming any amount of almonds/almond butter. Percentages of the consumers/non-consumers below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) or above the Adequate Intake (AI) for select nutrients were determined. To assess significant differences for the percentage of almond consumers vs. non-consumers with intakes less than the EAR or above the AI, a Z-statistic for differences in population proportions was used. Covariate-controlled linear regression was used to determine differences in diet quality, measured by the Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010), between the consumer groups. Body mass indices and waist circumference were assessed. P was set at p < 0.01. Results: Almond consumers were more likely to be non-Hispanic white, older, of higher income, more physically active, and were less likely to be a current smoker than non-consumers. Usual intake of almonds among consumers was 29.5 ± 1.5 g/day. Usual intake of protein;dietary fiber;vitamins A, D, E, and C;thiamin;niacin;riboflavin;folate, calcium, copper, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, and potassium was higher in almond consumers. Almond consumers were less likely to be below the EAR for protein, vitamins A, D, E, B12, and C;riboflavin;calcium;copper;magnesium;iron;phosphorus;and zinc. They were also more likely to be above the AI for dietary fiber and potassium. Total HEI-2010 scores were approximately 15 points higher in almond consumers. Body mass indices and waist circumference measures were lower in almond consumers. Conclusions: Moderate consumption of almonds should be encouraged as part of a healthy diet.

Influence of Seven Growth Regulators on Fruit Set, Pollen Germination and Pollen Tube Growth of Almonds

To improve fruit set in ＂Carmel＂ almond （Prunus dulcis） trees grown in the 6th region of Chile, seven different growth regulators （GRs） were sprayed onto flowering branches： gibberellic acid （GA3）, Promalin, naphthaleneacetic acid （NAA）, Thidiazuron, Kinetin, Point-tomatomone and Brassinolide. The percentage of fruit set was determined by comparing the initial number of flowers present on each treated branch with the total number of almonds on the branches 50 days after anthesis. In comparison to the controls, Brassinolide, Point-tomatomone and Promalin achieved increases in fruit set of 19.4%, 14.5% and 12.9%, respectively. A parallel experiment was done in vitro, on the effects of these GRs on pollen germination and pollen tube growth. The greatest pollen germination （4 hours at 20 ~C） occurred with Brassinolide and GA3, which were significantly higher than the control, while NAA and Promalin significantly reduced germination. For pollen tube growth （24 hours at 20 ~C）, the greatest lengths were observed with Point-tomatomone and Brassinolide, which were significantly longer than the control, while NAA, Thidiazuron and Promalin were significantly shorter than the control, and the least growth was observed with Kinetin.

Non-covalent interaction between almond protein and sinapic acid: impact on protein structure and antioxidant activity

Plant phenolic acids are good sources of antioxidants and sinapic acid(SA)is one of them that can be applied in protein-based food system.However,little research is available regarding interactions between almond protein(AP)and SA.In this study,structure-affinity interaction between SA and AP,structure and antioxidant activity of proteins were investigated.Different mathematical models showed that Ka of binding SA and AP were 3.27×10^4 L/mol and 3.08×10^4 L/mol.CD(Circular dichroism)spectroscopy and FT-IR(Fourier transform infrared)spectroscopy showed that the amount of random coil andα-helix decreased whileβ-sheet increased in AP-SA complex.In combination,the interaction model of AP-SA complex was static quenching and attributed to hydrophobic interaction.Further,AP-SA complex exerted better DPPH radical scavenging ability(36.97±0.78%),ABTS+radical scavenging ability(47.26±0.45%),and higher ORAC value(2.41±0.23 M trolox/g)compared to AP.In the further,SA can be applied in protein matrix to improve film stability,gel strength and restraining fat oxidation degradation.

How to Improve the Production of Wild Almond and Marketing in Chengde

The paper discusses how to improve the production of the wild almond in the mountain areas.The fact that improves the techniques and gets more production of the wild almond can not only help the farmers to be wealthy,but also increase the land to be utilized.The price will drop as production increases and then consumer groups will be expanded.In this way,it is easy to increase the economic effi ciency of the enterprise.So in this paper a survey is made on consuming the almond.

Evaluation of the in vitro and in vivo Genotoxicity of Almond Skins

Objective It aims to study potential genotoxicity of almond skins.Methods A bacterial reverse mutation assay was performed on S.typhimurium strains TA97,TA98,TA100,TA102,and TA1535 in the absence or presence of S-9 mixture at a dose range of 312.5 to 5 000 μg/plate.A micronucleus test and a mammalian bone marrow chromosome aberration tests were performed in Swiss Albino （CD-1） mice at doses of 625,1 250,and 2 500 mg/kg bw used.Results Almond skins exerted no mutagenic activity in various bacterial strains of Salmonella typhimurium in either the absence or the presence of metabolic activation at all doses tested.Various doses of almond skins did not affect the proportions of immature to total erythrocytes,the number of micronuclei in the immature erythrocytes,or the number of structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations of Swiss albino mice.Conclusion Almond skins are not genotoxic under the conditions of the in vitro bacterial reverse mutation assay and two in vivo tests-micronucleus test and mammalian bone marrow chromosome aberration test,which supports the safety of almond skins for dietary consumption.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity of Moroccan Cultivated Almond(Prunus dulcis Mill.DA Webb)in Its Area of Extreme Diffusion,Using Nuclear Microsatellites

Assessment of genetic diversity of Moroccan cultivated almond (Prunus dulcis Mill.) grown from seed and cultivated at four eco-geographical regions was performed using 16 nuclear SSRs. 238 alleles were detected with an average of 14.88 alleles per locus, ranging from 4 (locus BPPCT027) to 24 (locus CPSCT018). The size of alleles ranged from 84 bp (locus UDP96-003) to 253 bp (locus UDP96-018). A high genetic diversity of the local almonds is apparent and structured into three major clusters (Oasis cluster, High and Anti Atlas cluster, and Middle Atlas cluster). Compared to the Mediterranean genetic pools, from the East to West, the genetic diversity tends to be limited in Morocco which is the area of its extreme diffusion.

Current Global Almond Trade and Its Consumption Patterns Analysis

This article aims to investigate the current situation of the international almond trade and its consumption patterns. Traditionally, almonds are characterized by their good taste and high quality and regarded as an ideal source of several natural health nutrients. At present, the United States is the leading almond producer and exporter in the world, accompanied by Germany, Spain and Japan, the biggest almond importing countries. In order to study almond consumption patterns, two indicators were used in our study, the Food Consumer Location Ratio （FCLR） and the Food Consumer Location Relative Ratio （FCLRR）. Furthermore, to identify the almond consumption groups, we carried out two cluster analyses based on FCLR and FCLRR values, Finally, an analysis of the factors which have an impact on a country＇s almond consumption was conducted. It shows that income level, endowment of resources and tradition as well as dietary habits are key factors that help to shape a country＇s almond consumption pattern.

Effects of commercially produced almond by-products on chemotherapy-induced mucositis in rats

AIM To determine if almond extracts reduce the severity of chemotherapy-induced mucositis as determined through biochemical,histological and behavioural markers.METHODS Intestinal mucositis is a debilitating condition characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the gastrointestinal mucosa experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.Certain bioactive plant products have shown promise in accelerating mucosal repair and alleviating clinical symptoms.This study evaluated almond extracts for their potential to reduce the severity of chemotherapy-induced mucositis in Dark Agouti rats.Female Dark Agouti rats were gavaged(days 3-11) with either PBS,almond hull or almond blanched water extract at two doses,and were injected intraperitoneally with 5-fluorouracil(5-FU-150 mg/kg) or saline on day 9 to induce mucositis.Burrowing behavior,histological parameters and myeloperoxidase activity were assessed.RESULTS Bodyweight was significantly reduced in rats that received 5-FU compared to saline-treated controls(P < 0.05).Rats administered 5-FU significantly increased jejunal and ileal MPO levels(1048%; P < 0.001 and 409%; P < 0.001),compared to healthy controls.Almond hull extract caused a pro-inflammatory response in rats with mucositis as evidenced by increased myeloperoxidase activity in the jejunum when compared to 5-FU alone(rise 50%,1088 ± 96 U/g vs 723 ± 135 U/g,P = 0.02).Other extractrelated effects on inflammatory activity were minimal.5-FU significantly increased histological severity score compared to healthy controls confirming the presence of mucositis(median of 9.75 vs 0; P < 0.001).The extracts had no ameliorating effect on histological severity score in the jejunum or ileum.Burrowing behavior was significantly reduced in all chemotherapy-treated groups(P = 0.001).The extracts failed to normalize burrowing activity to baseline levels.CONCLUSION Almond extracts at these dosages offer little beneficial effect on mucositis severity.Burrowing provides a novel measure of affective state in studies of chemotherapyinduced mucositis.

A Methodological Approach to Study Almond Oil Stability in Relation to <i>α</i>-Tocopherol Supplementation

The objectives of the present study were to identify a suitable parameter to assess the oil oxidation and to study the possibilities of delaying the oxidation of moderately oxidized unrefined almond oil by adding supplementary amounts of α-tocopherol. Three oil samples, with initial peroxide values of 13.3, 19.5 (moderately oxidized oils), and 28.9 (oxidized oil), were supplemented with 100, 250 and 500 ppm of α-tocopherol and subjected to the oxidation at 50°C for 9 days. The level of oxidation was determined by measuring peroxide value (PV), conjugated dienes (CD) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Chemometric analysis indicated that, under the conditions of the present study, PV was the most suitable indicator of oil oxidation. The results have shown that the α-tocopherol could have an anti- oxidant or pro-oxidant effects, depending on its concentration and initial level of oil oxidation. Results also show that α-tocopherol addition at all the concentrations tested resulted in pro-oxidation of the moderately oxidized oils;hence additional supplementation with α-tocopherol could not be recommended to delay oxidation of unrefined almond oil.

Almond cold-pressed oil by-product as ingredient for cookies with potential health benefits:Chemical and sensory evaluation

Nowadays,food security is a global concern and a great scientific challenge.Agro-industrial by-products can be used as potential ingredients of innovative food products,contributing to solve this societal demand.By-products of high specialty oils processing,for instance,have remarkable nutritional and organoleptic properties.Accordingly,the partially delipidified almond flour(PDAF)remaining from almond oil extraction,was used as an alternative ingredient in a highly appreciated almond-based cookie(“almendrados”).For comparison purposes,four different“almendrados”formulations(one industrial,two with PDAF,and one with whole almond flour),were compared regarding nutritional composition,vitamin E and fatty acids profiles.To assess the cookie sensory properties,seventy-four consumers evaluated“appearance”,“taste”,“sweetness”,“crunchiness”,“hardness”,“overall quality”using adequate hedonic scales.Fat and protein levels showed significant differences among industrial and the other three samples.Cookies with PDAF presented similar tocopherols and fatty acids to the traditional(more expensive)formulation,besides reaching the highest scores on“appearance”,“sweetness”,“hardness”,“overall quality”and“buying predisposition”parameters.Accordingly,the incorporation of PDAF might represent an effective way of adding value to an industrial by-product,while providing a pleasant novel cookie formulation.

Effects of Almond Milk on Body Measurements and Blood Pressure

In recent years, the demand for almond milk and its sales has increased owing to consumers’ perceptions about its health benefits. Hence, we sought to measure the effect of almond milk on body measurements such as body weight, body mass index and waist and hip circumference, in addition to diastolic and systolic blood pressures. Thirty volunteers of both sexes participated in the study, with a mean age of 23.27 ± 6.20 years. The study was conducted over 4 weeks, and the results showed that daily substitution of one serving of dairy product with one cup (240 ML) of almond milk significantly decreased body weight, body mass index and waist and hip circumference, However, no effects were observed on blood pressures.

Influence of Fungicides on Almond Pollen Germination and Fruit Set

The almond （Prunus dulcis） is a self-incompatible species that requires various orchard management techniques to encourage pollination and achieve a good fruit set. Fungicides are commonly applied to almond flowers to control fungaI infections, such as ＂blossom blight＂ and ＇brown rot＂ that damage the flowers and developing fruits. However there is evidence that the application of some of these products may adversely affect pollination and fruit set. The effects of the fungicides captan, chlorothalonyl, propiconazole, mancozeb and dichloran on fruit set were studied in an orchard using ＂Nonpareil＂ and ＂Carmel＂ almond trees. The effects on in vitro pollen germination and pollen tube elongation were studied using ＂Carmel＂ pollen. With respect to Non Pareil fruit set, all fungicidal treatments were statistically similar to the control （11.5%） but being propiconazole （13.1%） and chlorotalonil （5.6%） different between them. Fruit set for ＂Carmel＂ was significantly lower than the control （26.1%） with all fungicidal treatments. After 24 hours, in vitro ＂Carmel＂ pollen germination was significantly higher in the control （90.5%） compared with the fungicidal treatments, with the exception of chlorothalonyl （70.2%）. Pollen tube growth in the control was four times greater than in the fungicide treatments at 24 hours, none of which were significantly different from the other treatments. It can be concluded that the application of certain fungicides has a clearly detrimental effect on fruit set in ＂Nonpareil＂ and ＂Carmel＂ almond trees and on ＂Carmel＂ pollen activity.

Development of Bitter Chocolate Bonbon Stuffed with Almond (Prunus amygdalus var. dulcis) and Its Physicochemical Evaluation and Sensory Acceptance

Objective: Develop and evaluate bitter chocolate bonbons filled with granulated flour/almond cream, cinnamon powder and decaffeinated coffee essence. Methodology: Two formulations of bitter chocolate bonbons (73% cocoa) stuffed with granulated flour (F1) almond cream (F2), cinnamon powder, and coffee essence were made;no sweeteners. Physicochemical analyses of protein, fat, ash, dry matter, moisture and pH were performed. The nutritional content was estimated according to the regulations. In addition, an evaluation of subjective sensory acceptance was performed with 5-point hedonic scale, with 100 untrained judges who rated the attributes of aroma, texture, taste and color, a descriptive and inferential statistical analysis of the sum of ranges Mann-Whitney (Sigma Stat 4.0). Results: A bonbon with a characteristic chocolate color was obtained as a final product, with a firm texture. The interior obtained a soft beige color with creamy texture and almond pieces. The aroma was chocolate and coffee. The bonbon was characterized by the fat content (67 g) and protein content (21.9 g). Sensory evaluation favored F2 with 89% acceptance, the range of values found for the different attributes of the two formulations was 4 to 4.4, and there was no statistical difference (p > 0.05). Conclusions: We obtained a bitter chocolate bonbon (73% cocoa) without sweetener, it was characterized nutritionally, and both formulations obtained an important acceptance.

Evaluation of seed quality and oil parameters in native Iranian almond(Prunus L.spp.) species

We assessed chemical composition and variation in oil content and seed weight of 40 wild-growing almonds（Prunus L. spp.） accessions collected from different parts of Iran. There were significant differences in kernel weight and oil parameters. Accessions ranged from0.20 to 1.5 g in kernel weight, 0.2–3.0 mm in shell thickness, and 16–55 % in oil content. The predominant vegetable oil components of kernels were 4.6–9.5 % palmitic acid, 0.4–0.8 % palmitoleic acid, 1.0–3.4 % stearic acid,48.8–88.4 % oleic acid and 11.3–33.2 % linoleic acid.Linolenic acid was detected in 15 accessions. High heritability was recorded for all studied traits and was maximum for shell thickness（98.5 %） and minimum for oil content（97.1 %）. Maximum and minimum ‘Euclidean＇pair wise dissimilarities were 17.9 and 0.5, respectively.All 40 accessions were grouped into two major clusters.

Development of a Process for Formulating Infant Flours from the Almonds of <i>Treculia obovoidea, Terminalia catappa</i>Linne as well as <i>Ipomoea batatas</i>Lam Leaves

In response to the malnutrition problem affecting children in Congo Brazzaville, we made three cooking-type infant flours from Treculia obovoidea, Terminalia catappa L. almonds and Ipomoea batatas L. leaves. The nutritional quality of the three infant flours we developed indicates 11.07% - 12.47% protein content, 9.92% - 14.87% fat content, 58.85% - 68.06% carbohydrate content, 1.50% - 2.18% ash and an energy intake varying between 399.84 and 439.37 Kcal. Functionally, our prepared flours have a water absorption capacity between 219.05 and 317.86 mL/g, an oil absorption capacity of 0.19 mL/g, a water solubility index varying from 29.66 - 41.03 and a swelling capacity of 250% - 320%.

巴旦木分级破壳机设计与试验

为解决巴旦木破壳机械生产效率低、破壳率低和核仁损伤量大等问题,通过研究坚果破壳原理,选用适宜机械加工的大巴旦木(‘莎车3号’)为研究对象,设计了巴旦木分级破壳机,同时进行巴旦木尺寸、破壳力加载方向及加载速度、巴旦木含水率的物料特性分析。结果表明:破壳机破壳辊间隙和含水率对巴旦木破壳力和变形量影响显著。使用试验法优化了巴旦木分级破壳机构工作参数,当两轧辊间距离调整为Ⅰ级14 mm、Ⅱ级13 mm和Ⅲ级12 mm,含水率控制在9.8%~10.5%范围内,转速为1 000 r·min^(-1)时,测得平均破壳率为95.57%,平均破损率为3.37%,满足实际生产需求。

基于网络药理学探讨紫苏子—杏仁药对治疗咳嗽变异性哮喘的作用机制

目的 基于网络药理学探讨紫苏子—杏仁药对治疗咳嗽变异性哮喘(CVA)的潜在分子作用靶点及机制。方法 采用中药系统药理学数据库和分析平台(TCMSP)数据库对紫苏子—杏仁药对的有效活性成分进行筛选,并采用SwissTargetPrediction网站进行靶点预测。采用GeneCards数据库检索CVA相关靶点,借助Venny 2.1.0获取交集靶点,对交集靶点分别运用Cytoscape 3.9.1软件和STRING数据库构建主要活性成分—潜在治疗靶基因网络图和PPI蛋白互作网络,并筛选出关键有效活性成分和核心靶蛋白,通过DAVID数据库对交集靶点进行GO功能及KEGG通路的富集分析。结果 筛选出紫苏子—杏仁药对有效成分19个,与CVA相关靶点224个,核心靶点为AKT1、IL-6、TP53、SRC、MAPK3、EGFR、JUN、PTGS2、HSP90AA1、ESR1。GO功能富集分析显示分子功能165个、细胞组分79个、生物过程630个。KEGG通路富集分析显示得到信号通路155条,主要涉及cAMP信号通路、PI3K-Akt信号通路、癌症通路、化学致癌—受体激活通路、神经活性配体—受体相互作用等。结论 紫苏子—杏仁药对可通过多成分、多靶点、多通路的协同作用抗CVA。

山杏壳中纤维素、半纤维素、木质素含量的测定

以榆林市的山杏壳作为研究对象,为了精确测定其主要成分(纤维素、半纤维素和木质素)的质量分数,采用了硫酸与重铬酸钾氧化法、2 mol·L^(-1)盐酸水解法和72%的硫酸法,分别针对上述3种成分进行测定。通过控制单因素变量法,确定了每种方法的最佳条件。在最佳条件下,测得山杏壳中纤维素质量分数为26.10%,半纤维素的质量分数达到33.03%,木质素质量分数为31.22%。榆林市山杏壳中富含纤维素、木质素和半纤维素,是重要的可再生资源。