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%.

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.

Some physical properties of Australian Nonpareil almonds related to bulk storage

The Australian almond industry desires to improve storage of harvested almonds awaiting processing.The present work quantified some storage-related physical properties of almonds.The sample used in the study was Nonpareil almonds with a kernel moisture content of 4.5% d.b.The mass composition of the sample was 55% hull,32% kernel and 13% shell.Tests showed that the bulk stored in-shell almonds had only 41% of the volume of in-hull almonds and 45% of the mass.Thus removing hulls before storage would result in saving both storage and subsequent transportation costs.Tests simulating various storage heights of almonds showed that a 10 m storage height of almonds increased the bulk density of in-hull almonds from 320 to 355 kg/m^(3),of in-shell almonds(hull removed)from 356 to 378 kg/m3,and kernels(hull and shell removed)from 604 to 649 kg/m^(3).A 10 m storage height of almonds reduced the porosity of in-hull almonds from 67% to 64%,of in-shell almonds from 58% to 55%,and of the kernel from 48% to 44%.Observation showed that the change in bulk density and porosity occurred in an exponential manner with fitted curves that provided R2 between 0.97 and 0.99.

Development of sorting methods based on physical and aerodynamic properties of off-ground harvested almonds

This research was conducted to develop an effective approach to sort off-ground harvested almonds for efficient drying based on their physical and aerodynamic properties.Three popular varieties were studied,including Nonpareil,Monterey,and Fritz.The insect damage,axial dimensions,weight ratio,moisture content,bulk density and terminal velocity of in-hull almonds,in-shell almonds and loose hull at harvest were measured.The results indicated that the insect infestation percentage in the off-ground harvested almonds ranged from 2.5%to 6.3%,which was about half of those in the conventional on-ground dried almonds.Loose hulls and in-hull almonds had higher moisture content and wider moisture distribution than those of in-shell almonds,suggesting that sorting of the almonds and drying them separately are necessary for efficient handling and processing.Thickness was the smallest axial dimension of an almond,and thus could be used for sorting.The cut-off sizes of 16.5 mm,21.3 mm and 21.1 mm could separate 100%of the in-shell almonds from the rest for Nonpareil,Monterey and Fritz varieties,respectively,as the first step.In the second step,applying terminal velocities of 12.3 m/s,11.8 m/s and 12.2 m/s could efficiently separate the in-hull almonds and loose hulls for Nonpareil,Monterey and Fritz varieties,respectively.Overall,up to 76.7%of the loose hulls could be removed,and up to 3.3%in-hull almonds may be lost during the sorting process.The experimental results provided important information for developing efficient sorting and drying methods with improved throughput,energy efficiency,better quality and safety of off-ground harvested almonds.

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.

Application of Prunus amygdalus By-products in Eco-friendly Dyeing of Textile Fabrics

Natural dyes have become an interesting subject of study because of their better ecological properties in comparison to their synthetic counterparts.This article concerns the dyeing of wool,silk,and polyamide fabrics with natural dyes extracted from almond shells and stems.The developed method of dyeing by these extracts is interesting and very attractive for several reasons:firstly,the extracts used are the black liquor discharged from the industries of delignification,which is a chemical process for removing lignin from agricultural wastes to produce a cellulosic fiber;(ii)these natural dyes are renewable and available in large quantities;(iii)this method is economical;and(iv)lastly,the dyeing performances of the obtained dyed textiles are very promising.The color of each dyed material was investigated in terms of the CIELAB coordinates and their fastness properties measured by washing,rubbing,and light.

Characterization of cobalt ferrite-supported activated carbon for removal of chromium and lead ions from tannery wastewater via adsorption equilibrium

In this experiment,cobalt ferrite-supported activated carbon(CF-AC)was developed and characterized via the wet impregnation method for the removal of Cr and Pb(II)ions from tannery wastewater.Batch adsorption was carried out to evaluate the effect of experimental operating conditions(pH of solution,contact time,adsorbent dose,and temperature),and the removal efficiencies of Cr and Pb(II)ions by the developed adsorbents were calculated and recorded for all experimental conditions.These variables were estimated and reported as removal efficiencies of 98.2%for Cr and 96.4%for Pb(II)ions at the optimal conditions of 5,0.8 g,80 min,and 333 K for pH,adsorbent dose,contact time,and temperature,respectively.The equilibrium for the sorption of Cr and Pb(II)ions was studied using four widely used isotherm models(the Langmuir,Freundlich,Dubinin-Radushkevich,and Temkin isotherm models).It was found that the Freundlich isotherm model fit better with the coefficient of determination(R2)of 0.9484 and a small sum of square error of 0.0006.The maximum adsorption capacities(Qm)of Pb(II)and Cr adsorbed onto CF-AC were determined to be 6.27 and 23.6 mg/g,respectively.The adsorption process conformed well to pseudo-second order kinetics as revealed by the high R2 values obtained for both metals.The thermodynamic parameters showed that adsorption of Cr and Pb(II)ions onto CF-AC was spontaneous,feasible,and endothermic under the studied conditions.The mean adsorption energy(E)values revealed that the adsorption mechanism of Cr and Pb(II)by CF-AC is physical in nature.The results of the study showed that adsorbent developed from CF-AC can be efficiently used as an environmentally friendly alternative adsorbent,for removal of Cr and Pb(II)ions in tannery wastewater.

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.

Development of Biocomposites of MCC Extracted From Non-Wood Sources

The present work mainly focuses on the estimation of various components and the extraction of microcrystalline cellulose(MCC)from non-wood sources like Country Almond/Badam shell through acid hydrolysis.This hydrolyzed MCC was successfully used as reinforcement for development of biocomposites.Country Almond/Badam trees are found all over Kerala,India and they give nuts once in a year.Usually the nut shells are discarded and are becoming one of the sources of agricultural waste.During this investigation various components were isolated from the Country Almond shells and they were characterised using different spectral and analytical techniques thereby the composition of Country Almond shells was successfully determined for the first time.The properties of MCC especially the crystalline nature depends on the source from which is isolated.FT-IR spectra give evidence for the chemical structure of MCC.Morphology of MCC was evidenced from scanning electron microscopy.Transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy reveal the agglomerated bundles of particles and rough surface of MCC.The extracted MCC was found to contain Cellulose I and Cellulose II polymorphs,and this was confirmed from the X-ray diffraction(XRD)studies.The MCC extracted from Country Almond shells has reasonably good thermal stability.Solution casting method was adopted for the development of green composite of Poly(vinyl alcohol)reinforced with MCC extracted from Country Almond shell.The mechanical property of developed composites has been enhanced by the addition of MCC.The dispersion of MCC in the PVA matrix and flocculation of MCC significantly influence the mechanical strength.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Development of a Real-Time PCR Approach for the Specific Detection of Prunus mahaleb

In 2015 a number of cumin spice products were withdrawn from the international market because of the suspected presence of almond, a known allergen from the Prunus genus. However, immunoassay results were unable to provide unequivocal evidence of the Prunus species present, because of significant cross-reactivity with other species within the Prunus genus. A novel real-time PCR assay was developed for the specific detection of Prunus mahaleb DNA, a species known to be capable of causing false positives in almond immunoassays. The assay was developed based on available DNA sequence information from the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region, and tested against representative species within the Prunus genus to ensure no cross-reactivity. Results showed that mahaleb DNA was detected in a cumin spice product subject to the earlier international recalls, which could not be unequivocally identified using immunoassay approaches alone. This short report details preliminary results from the application of this assay, and will be of interest to analytical laboratories involved in trace detection of ingredients in support of relevant food labelling legislation.