Late Oligocene fossil acorns and nuts of Quercus section Cyclobalanopsis from the Nanning Basin,Guangxi,South China

Quercus is the largest genus within the Fagaceae and has a rich fossil record.Most of the fossil material is attributed to the subgenus Quercus based on leaves,pollen or rarely acorns and nuts.Fossil records of Q.section Cyclobalanopsis characterized by ring-cupped acorns are relatively few and especially those described based on nuts are scant.In this study,we described four new species of Quercus section Cyclobalanopsis based on mummified acorns and nuts:Q.paleodisciformis X.Y.Liu et J.H.Jin sp.nov.,Q.paleohui X.Y.Liu et J.H.Jin sp.nov.,Q.nanningensis X.Y.Liu et J.H.Jin sp.nov.and Q.yongningensis X.Y.Liu et J.H.Jin sp.nov.These species closely resemble the extant species Q.disciformis,Q.hui,Q.kerrii,and Q.dinghuensis.The occurrence of Q.section Cyclobalanopsis in the Oligocene stratum of Guangxi,South China,suggests that the section has diversified within its extant distribution center since the Oligocene.By combining records from other areas,we propose that the section first appeared in the middle Eocene of East Asia(Sino-Japan),has diversified in situ with a few elements scattering into West Asia and southern Europe since the Oligocene and Pliocene,respectively,and finally became restricted in East Asia since the Pleistocene.This indicates that the section originated and diversified in East Asia,before spreading into West Asia no later than the Oligocene and into southern Europe by the Pliocene.Subsequently it disappeared from South Europe and West Asia due to the appearance of the(summer dry)Mediterranean climate and widespread cooling during the Pleistocene.

Multi-mycotoxin exposure and risk assessments for Chinese consumption of nuts and dried fruits

In this study, 15 mycotoxins were detected in 233 nut and dried fruit samples from China. The 15 mycotoxins included aflatoxins （AFs： AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2）, trichothecene toxins （TCs： T-2, ZEA, ENA, ENA1, ENB, ENB1 and BEA）, Alternaria toxins （ATs： TEN, AOH and AME） and ochratoxin A （OTA）. The mycotoxins were detected in 47.6% of the samples and all 15 of the mycotoxins were found. Two samples were positive for AFB1 and exceeded the maximum tolerable levels allowed in China. The contamination levels of the mycotoxins found in nuts, dried jujubes, raisins, dried figs and dried Iongans were in the ranges of 0.1-462.7, 0.2-247.3, 0.8-10.1,0.2-384.1 and 0.1-89.2 μg kg^-1, respectively. Dried figs （80.0%） had the highest incidence of mycotoxins, followed by dried Iongans （60.0%）, dried jujubes （57.1%）, nuts （43.6%） and raisins （26.7%）. The estimated daily intake （EDI） values of each individual mycotoxin and all of the mycotoxins collectively were calculated by both the deterministic approach （DA） and the probability approach （PA）. For risk characterization, dietary exposure to TCs, ATs and OTA through consumption of nuts and dried fruits according to both approaches, showed no health risk to Chinese adults by exposure to either individual mycotoxins or in combination. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work in which risk assessment of multimycotoxins is performed, specifically including the emerging ENNs and BEA, in nuts and dried fruits of China.

Adsorption of Tartrazine onto Activated Carbon Based Cola Nuts Shells: Equilibrium, Kinetics, and Thermodynamics Studies

The uptake of tartrazine from its aqueous solution by powdered activated carbon prepared from cola nut shells chemically activated with potassium hydroxide (ACK) and phosphoric acid (ACP) has been investigated using kinetics models. Batch isotherm data were analysed with the pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order model as well as the intraparticle diffusion model. For structural elucidation, the materials were characterized using FTIR, XRD and SEM. These analyses revealed that the activated carbons (ACK and ACP) were predominantly mesoporous with several oxygen-containing functional groups dispersed on their surface. The reaction was systematically investigated under various experimental conditions such as contact time, adsorbent dose and pH. For the two adsorbents, the quantity adsorbed of 19.256 mg/g and 18.196 mg/g respectively for ACP and ACK at respective contact times of 5 and 10 min were obtained. The adsorption data were tested with the Langmuir, Freundlich models. Langmuir model was found to best describe the adsorption of tartrate ions with maximum monolayer adsorption capacities of 24.57 and 21.59 mg/g for ACP and ACK, respectively. Results analysis indicated clearly that the pseudo-second order kinetic rate model best fitted the experimental data and therefore was the adsorption controlling mechanism for both adsorbents. Thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic for ACP with increased randomness at the solid solution interface, then exothermic but non-spontaneous for ACK. The results show that these activated carbons could be an alternative for more costly adsorbents for the purpose of tartrate ions elimination.

EFFECT OF COMBINATION METHODS ON INSECT DISINFESTATION AND QUALITY OF PLANT NUTS

Almond, groundnut, pinenut and walnut, were radiated (0.25 kGy) after packing in coloured and clear polyethylene bags (0.04mm) and subsequently stored for 24 weeks at room (16-36℃) and low temperatures (10-20℃). The effect of these treatments on insect infestation and quality was studied. It was observed that radiation (0.25 kGy) treatment in combination with low temperature (10-20℃) completely checked the insect infestation of nuts during 24 weeks of storage. Peroxidation was higher in samples stored at room than at low temperature. Storage period had a marked adverse influence on sensory quality of nuts, however, samples kept at low temperature were comparatively rated higher.

POST—DEHYDRATION SHELF LIFE EXTENSION OF FRUITS AND NUTS

Post- dehydration storage life of fruits and plant nuts such as apricot, raisin, date, fig, almond, peanut, pinenut and walnut, was studied. The results showed that radiation dose of 1.0 kGy completely, inhibited insect infestation. Low dose radiation (0.25kGy) plus 20℃ and vacuum extended the storage life for 6 and 12 months in dry nuts and fruits respectively without affecting nutritional quality except ascorbic acid. Packaging in opaque pouches under vacuum proved better than other treatments in maintaining nutritional and sensoric quality.

Edible Seeds and Nuts Grown in Brazil as Sources of Protein for Human Nutrition

Edible seeds and nuts can contribute to an adequate intake of protein, particularly in vegetable-based diets. However, there are relatively few reports with insufficient data regarding the protein quality of these foods, especially of edible seeds and nuts from Brazil. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition and in vivo protein quality of two edible seeds (baru almond and peanut) and two nuts (Brazil nut and cashew nut) grown in Brazil. The proximate composition and the amino acid profile were analyzed. The true protein digestibility and the protein quality of these foods were evaluated by bioassay with male weanling Wistar rats over a period of 14 days, and the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) was estimated. Edible seeds and nuts presented high contents of proteins (16.3 to 32.3 g/100g), lipids (42.7 to 57.9 g/100g) and dietary fibers (6.5 to 14.3 g/100g). Lysine was found to be the limiting amino acid in baru almond, peanut and Brazil nut, which had amino acid scores ranging from 71% to 76%. Cashew nut had no limiting amino acid. These foods showed high protein digestibility (around 90%) except for baru almond (75%), and their PDCAAS values varied significantly (57%, for baru almond, and 90%, for cashew nut). The edible seeds and nuts grown in Brazil provide a high density of energy and nutrients and they can be used as complementary sources of proteins.

Fatty Acid Profile of New Zealand Grown Edible Pine Nuts (<i>Pinus</i>spp.)

Pine nuts are becoming a popular snack because of their interesting taste and positive nutritional profile. Their fatty acid profile has been reported but there is some confusion identifying named cultivars. This study presents the fatty acid profile of five different cultivars of pine nuts currently growing in the South Island of New Zealand. The data are compared to three different samples of pine nuts currently imported into NZ. Identification of the twelve different fatty acids extracted from these samples was identified by retention time using GC-FID and GC-MS methods. The peaks were further identified by comparison of the retention times with a MS Library match and their corresponding LRI value. All but two of the extracted fatty acids were identified by comparisons with a known pure fatty acid standard sample for each fatty acid. Botanical identification of the five locally grown pine nuts was confirmed by calculating the Diagnostic Index of each cultivar from its fatty acid composition.

An Empirical Study on Aflatoxin Occurrence in Nuts Consumed in Tehran, Iran 2013

By definition, “aflaxions” refer to a group of chemically toxic fungal metabolites, which are generated by specific species of genus Aspergillus. The species flourish on some of raw foods. This research is an attempt to assess aflatoxin contamination in nuts (Fig, Almond, Hazelnut, Walnut, Pistachio and Sunflower) available in Tehran city market in 2013. The assessments were done using ELISA method. To this end, 200 samples including Fig (n = 30), Almond (n = 25), Hazelnut (n = 25), Walnut (n = 40), Pistachio (n = 40), Sunflower (n = 40) were collected and analyzed regarding contamination with aflatoxin. The result of the tests was positive for 96.5% (193 samples) with total average concentration of 1.68 μg/kg (0 - 6 μg/kg). Moreover, in 6% (12 samples) of the cases, contamination exceeded the EU limits (4 μg/kg), while 100% of the samples met the legal limits of National Standard of Iran (15 μg/kg). In spite of contamination of majority of the cases, none was at hazardous level as the condition for growth of mycotoxin fungus or antioxidant activity in the nut was not suitable in Tehran (humidity level).

The Effect of Soy Nuts on Glycemic Control, Lipid Profile and Insulin-Resistance in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Type 2 diabetes has a high prevalence and a growing trend. The use of a proper diet treatment is one of the therapeutic approaches of patients. The use of the soy has shown the effective results in glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes;however, data are paradoxical. The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of soy nuts on glycemic control, blood pressure and lipid profile and insulin-resistance of the diabetic patients. Methods: In this case-control study 69 type 2 diabetic patients were randomly divided into two groups: intervention (n = 35) and control (n = 34). The patients in the intervention group substituted 60 grams of soy nuts as a part of the daily protein requirement for eight weeks. In contrast, the patients in the control group received usual diet of diabetes (no soy). The drugs received by patients had not been changed during the intervention period. Before and at the end of the intervention, Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum insulin levels, insulin-resistance, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) and total cholesterol, and triglycerides (TG) were measured in the patients. Insulin-resistance was calculated by Homeostatic model assessment-IR formula (HOMA-IR). Results: Soy consumption significantly lowered FPG (P = 0.03), HbA1c (P P = 0.01), insulin-resistance (P = 0.01), total cholesterol (P P = 0.01), but did not have any significant effect on systolic blood pressure (P = 0.4), diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.2), HDL-c (P = 0.4) and TG (P = 0.2). Conclusion: Consumption of soy nuts in type 2 diabetic patients can cause an improvement in the glycemic control and insulin-resistance, and the lipid profile does not have any significant effect on blood pressure.

Assessment of Pricing Efficiency and Levels of Concentration in Cashew Nuts Market in South Western Nigeria

Cashew nuts market in south western Nigeria is characterized by price fluctuations through space and time. This may be linked with the large number of market intermediaries who act between the primary producers and the markets. The sample for the study comprised 250 cashew nuts marketers who were randomly selected from the five south westem states of Nigeria. About 76 % of the cashew nuts marketers had up to secondary school education and 86% of them had 15-year marketing experience and below. Pricing efficiency of the marketers was highest in Ogun state with average efficiency level of85.1% and least for Oyo state （68.9%）. In all, 720 tonnes were transacted in the region with 206 marketers handling maximum of 2 kg per month per individual. Gini-coefficient estimate of 82.3% implied that there was a concentrated market for the cashew nuts. To further increase the pricing efficiency of the commodity it is necessary to reduce the costs incurred on various physical aspects in marketing system. Corporate organizations, government agencies and co-operative societies should assist the cashew nuts marketers in the provision of credit facilities so as to ensure a higher level of pricing efficiency, stable market prices and reduced level of concentration of the marketers.

Feeding Walnuts and Peanuts Reduced Development of Azoxymethane-Induced Precancerous Lesions

Walnuts and peanuts contain phytochemicals that exhibit properties that may prevent colon cancer development. The objective was to determine the potential of walnuts and peanuts on Azoxymethane (AOM) induced Aberrant Crypt Foci (ACF) and the activity of detoxification enzymes: Glutathione S-Transferase (GST), Catalase (CAT), and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) in Fisher 344 male rats. After 1 week acclimatization period, 20 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups. One was fed AIN93G Control (C) diet, 4 groups were fed walnuts (W) and peanuts (P) at 5% and 10%. At 7 - 8 weeks, rats received AOM injections at 16 mg/kg body weight (subcutaneously). Rats were killed by CO2 asphyxiation at 17 weeks. Enzyme activities GST, CAT and SOD were determined. ACF incidence in rats fed W (5% and 10%) was 131 and 95, and in those fed P (5% and 10%) was 110 and 56. Rats fed W and P had a significant (p < 0.05) percent reduction (17.92% - 65.09%) in total ACF compared to C (159). Liver GST activity (μmol/mg) in rats fed W (5% and 10%) was 3.64 and 3.98, and in those fed P (5% and 10%) was 3.84 and 3.30, compared to rats fed C (0.26). CAT activity (μmol/mg) in rats fed W (5% and 10%) was 0.57 and 0.65 and in those fed P (5% and 10%), was 0.76 and 1.26, compared to rats fed C (0.14). SOD activity (U/mg) in rats fed W (5% and 10%) was 529.38 and 576.57 and in those fed P (5% and 10%), was 293.50 and 466.95, compared to rats fed C (82.42). Feeding walnuts and peanuts, especially at 10%, significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the incidence of AOM induced ACF, likely due to the phytochemicals present in nuts.

Comparative Study of Physical Properties of Cashew Nuts from Three Main Production Areas in Côte d’Ivoire

The aim of our study was to evaluate physical properties of cashew nuts from the three main production areas in Côte d’Ivoire namely Bondoukou, Dabakala and Mankono after 6 months of storage in identical conditions. Sample cashew nuts have been collected from farmers randomly selected in 20 localities far enough apart and also veritable purveyors of nuts. The physical traits of the raw cashew nuts and their different parts were evaluated by standard methods. As results, our data showed that despite the similar mass (in mean 6.23 g) of cashew nuts independently of the origin, the mass of the kernels nuts from Bondoukou (2.17 g) were significantly higher than those from Dabakala (1.90 g) and Mankono (1.81 g) respectively in contrast to the shell mass indicating the best kernels yield at Bondoukou. Nuts water content diminished slowly from nuts at Bondoukou (3.86%) but rapidly at Mankono (5.68%) after 6 months of storage. For the morphometric characteristics, our results revealed that the nuts from Bondoukou were statistically shorter but the kernels were thicker (15.1 ± 0.50 mm) versus and for Dabakala (11.4 ± 0.16 mm) and Mankono (11.2 ± 0.19 mm) respectively. There is a clear correlation between the arithmetic diameter of the kernels and their sphericity (r = 0.99). Concerning the technological properties, out-turn was average ranged from 44.09 to 46.69 with defective up to 18% at Dabakala. Taken together, our results suggested that the cashew nuts presented different physical properties according to each region of production in Côte d’Ivoire requiring appropriated agricultural practices.

Using Computer Vision and Intelligent Classification Techniques for the Classification and Selection of Brazilian Nuts

Aiming to improve the processes involved in the industrial beneficiation of the Brazilian nuts, this work used a new methodology based on concepts of computer vision and intelligent classification, with a focus on two of the various stages of the processing： classification according to the origin and selection. Using the proposed methodology for the selection of the nuts it was possible to distinguish between intact and broken nuts and between good and spoiled nuts with a very high percentage of correct identifications. Also to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed methodology, visual tests by human subjects were performed for the classification of the nuts, the results demonstrated that the intelligent techniques performed the same or better than the visual classification.

Gap in food safety standard and catching up strategy:A case of China-EU nuts trade

Food safety standard varies among countries due to their income.The food safety standard in advanced countries has become an export barrier for agricultural products and food from developing countries.How to deal with the barrier is a challenge for the less developed countries.This paper,approaching the problem from the gap of food safety standard,employs the data of China-EU nuts trade during 1992 to 2013,to analyze the impact of discrepancy of food safety standard on nuts trade.It found that the difference of food safety standard did affect the bilateral nuts trade,i.e.if the standard gap shrinks by lppb or in the case China's MRLs(maximum residue limits)of aflatoxin B1 close to EU's by lppb,China's nuts exports to EU countries would expand by 6.6%.There're two ways to fill the gap,either EU lower its standard or China enhance its standard,the simulation found the effect that China elevate its nuts chemical standard to CAC or international level will exceed that of EU degrading its standard to CAC level.

Mycotoxin Contamination of Bush Mango,Cashew Nuts,Okra,Sesame and Sorghum Marketed in Nasarawa State,Nigeria

Food crops(bush mango(n=12),roasted cashew nut(n=12),dried okra(n=12),sesame(n=35)and sorghum(n=36))sold in markets in Nasarawa state,Nigeria,were analyzed using a LC-MS/MS mycotoxin method.The hepatocarcinogenic aflatoxin B_(1) was detected in 42%,25%and 19%of bush mango,dried okra and sorghum samples at mean concentrations of 19.2μg/kg,8.27μg/kg and 4.75μg/kg,respectively,while fumonisin B_(1) contaminated 9%of the sesame(mean:12.5μg/kg)and 47%of the sorghum(mean:461μg/kg)samples.At least 19%of the sorghum samples were co-contaminated with aflatoxin B_(1) and fumonisin B_(1).The nephrotoxic ochratoxin A was detected in bush mango,sorghum and,for the first time to the best of our knowledge,in dried okra.These vended food crops in the local markets are therefore prone to mycotoxin contamination,which may pose a health threat to consumers,and require intentional mitigation efforts.

Development of Renewable Woodceramics Synthesized from Cashew Nuts Shell Oil

The international issue to be addressed towards realizing a low-carbon society is to reduce the amount of carbon-based underground reserves such as coal, petroleum, and coke, and strongly encouraged to use carbon neutral biomass-derived resources. Woodceramics is a hybrid porous carbon material composed of wood-based biomass and phenolic resin, characterized by high far-infrared emissivity and large specific surface area. Woodceramics has been studied as heating elements and humidity and gas sensors, etc. If this is applied to the inner walls of aging and grain drying furnaces for vegetables and fruits, both ripening and drying are greatly promoted and fossil fuels used in boilers can be significantly reduced. In fact, it can produce black garlic with far infrared rays using a woodceramics brick efficiently. Furthermore, as a substitute for phenolic resin, if plant-based liquefied materials from cashew nut shell oil can be prepared and can be used for manufacturing woodceramics, then all carbon neutral circulating woodceramics made from wood-based biomass is possible to manufacture. On the other hand, woodplastics is a composite material that can be made of wooden materials and plastics, and able to expect the effective use of wood-based biomass and waste plastics.

Nutritional and Anti-Nutrient Composition of Three Kola Nuts(Cola nitida,Cola acuminata and Garcinia kola)Produced in Benin

Kola nuts were regularly chewed by West Africans and Beninese in particularly. The aim of this study was to investigate nutritional and anti-nutrient content of three Benin’s kola nuts (Cola nitida, Cola acuminata and Garcinia kola). Proximate composition of the three species of kola nuts was assessed using standard analytical AOAC methods. Phenolics and flavonoids contents were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum trichloride methods, respectively. Mineral composition was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry method. Free and total amino acids were separated and quantified by HPLC. Protein content of the three kola nuts ranges from 4.95% (G. kola) to 10.64% (C. acuminata) whereas fat content ranges from 0.2 ± 0.00 (C. nitida) to 2.5 ± 0.42 (G. kola). Total phenolics abounded (2444.96 ± 81.56 μg Eq AG/100g) in C. acuminata, while flavonoids predominated (561.69 ± 22.10 μgEqQ/100g) in G. kola. The three species are a good source of magnesium and a copper provider was lowest in C. nitida (0.59 ± 0.08 mg/g) and in C. acuminata (0.65 ± 0.02 mg/g). The dominant total essential amino acids were threonine (C. acuminata) and methionine (C. acuminata and G. kola), while the predominant non-essential total amino acids according to species were arginine (C. nitida and G. kola), proline (C. acuminata) and cysteine (G. kola). For the anti-nutrients factors, saponins were in great proportion (8.33% ± 0.25%), while the oxalates were in small proportion (0.44% ± 0.04%). The three species have an interesting nutritional composition, but these seeds have the relatively lowest amino acids content.

Science Letters： Radio frequency heating： a potential method for post-harvest pest control in nuts and dry products

The multi-billion dollar US tree nut industries rely heavily on methyl bromide fumigation for postharvest insect control and are facing a major challenge with the mandated cessation by 2005 of its use for most applications. There is an urgent need to develop effective and economically viable alternative treatments to replace current phytosanitary and quarantine practices in order to maintain the competitiveness of US agriculture in domestic and international markets. With the reliable heating block system, the thermal death kinetics for fifth-instar codling moth, Indianmeal moth, and navel orangeworm were determined at a heating rate of 18℃/min. A practical process protocol was developed to control the most heat resistant insect pest, fifth-instar navel orangeworm, in in-shell walnuts using a 27 MHz pilot scale radio frequency (RF) system. RF heating to 55℃ and holding in hot air for at least 5 min resulted in 100% mortality of the fifth-instar navel orangeworm. Rancidity, sensory qualities and shell characteristics were not affected by the treatments. If this method can be economically integrated into the handling process, it should have excellent potential as a disinfestation method for in-shell walnuts.

Lipid Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Macadamia Nuts (<i>Macadamia integrifolia</i>) Cultivated in Venezuela

Macadamia nuts (Macadamia integrifolia) grown in Venezuela have showed an average total fat content of 70%. Oleic acid (18:1) was the main monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) (51.3%), followed by palmitoleic acid (16:1, 22.6%). The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), C18:2 and C18:3 represented 5.4%. Thus, MUFAs and PUFAs together constituted more than 80% of the total fatty acids present. Trans-vaccenic acid was also present (3%). As regards to other phytochemical compounds, tocopherols and tocotrienols were not found in the sample, but the presence of squalene was detected.The antioxidant activity (44.2%) of the extract was produced by the phytochemicals present.

Influence of Heating Time of Shea Nuts (vitellariaparadoxa) on Some Chemical Properties of Shea Butter

The experiment was conducted in the laboratories of the Departments of Chemistry and Animal Health and Production Technology, Adamawa State University, Mubi, Nigeria. The experiment was replicated three times in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and consisted of six heating time 30, 60 and 120 minutes boiling, 30, 60 and 120 minutes roasting and one control. Data were collected on acid value, free fatty acid, iodine value, peroxide value, saponification value and unsaponifiable matter. The data collected were analyzed statistically using Generalized Linear Model (GLM) procedure of statistical analysis system (SAS). The means that were significantly different were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD). The results showed that there were highly significant differences (P ≤ 0.01) among the treatments. The highest Acid Value (AV) of 3.53 and 3.64 were recorded by heating time at 120 minutes of boiling and 120 minutes of roasting. Heating time at 30 minutes of boiling, 30 minutes roasting, 60 minutes boiling and 60 minutes roasting recorded lower Free Fatty Acid (FFA) values of 1.52, 1.55, 1.57 and 1.58, respectively. Heating time at 60 minutes of roasting and 60 minutes of boiling recorded the highest Iodine value (IV) of 43.80 and 43.53, respectively. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that heating time of 30 or 60 minutes by boiling or roasting are better than longer heating times for Shea butter extraction.