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.

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.

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.

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.

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。

吉林西部不同品种甜杏仁的油脂肪酸组成分析

以吉林西部3个甜杏仁品种(龙王帽、香仁杏、晚甜杏)为原材料,通过索式提取法提取杏仁油,进行杏仁油脂肪酸组成和含量分析。结果表明:3种甜杏仁均检测出18种脂肪酸,主要为不饱和脂肪酸,占总脂肪酸含量的94.63%~95.08%,其中油酸占比64.09%~73.72%,排在第1位,且龙王帽的总脂肪酸含量、不饱和脂肪酸含量均为3种甜杏仁中最高的;主成分分析结果表明,龙王帽在3种甜杏仁中品质最好,说明龙王帽更适合做油料作物。

Prevalence and ecological factors affecting the distribution of plant-parasitic nematodes in Prunus groves in Spain

A wide survey was conducted to study plant-parasitic nematodes(PPNs)associated with Prunus groves in Spain.This research aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of PPNs in Prunus groves,as well as the influence of explanatory variables describing soil,climate and agricultural management in structuring the variation of PPNs community composition.A total of 218 sampling sites were surveyed and 84 PPN species belonging to 32 genera were identified based of an integrative taxonomic approach.PPN species considered as potential limiting factors in Prunus production,such as Meloidogyne arenaria,M.incognita,M.javanica,Pratylenchus penetrans and P.vulnus,were identified in this survey.Seven soil physico-chemical(C,Mg,N,Na,OM,P,pH and clay,loamy sand and sandy loam texture classes),four climate(Bio04,Bio05,Bio13 and Bio14)and four agricultural management variables(grove-use history less than 10 years,irrigation,apricot seedling rootstock,and Montclar rootstock)were identified as the most influential variables driving spatial patterns of PPNs communities.In particular,younger plantations showed higher values for species richness and diversity indices than groves cultivated for more than 20 years with Prunus spp.Our study increases the knowledge of the distribution and prevalence of PPNs associated with Prunus rhizosphere,as well as on the influence of explanatory variables driving the spatial structure PPNs communities,which has important implications for the successful design of sustainable management strategies in the future in this agricultural system.