Raw Walnut Research Articles

Tracked evolution of single biochar particle’s morphology during pyrolysis in operando x-ray micro-computed tomography

The engineering of biochars with desired morphologies and pore structures is a far-reaching objective towards sustainable pore-dependent environmental technologies, such as water and soil remediation or catalysis. We hereby report a series of experiments that allow the direct following of the shape and porosity of single biochar particles during pyrolysis. Particles ~ 1–2 mm in diameter of unwashed and water-washed raw walnut shells were continuously 3D imaged during pyrolysis to 575 ℃ at a 10 K min−1 in Ar to obtain time- and temperature-resolved x-ray micro computed tomographies to a 0.82 μm resolution. Results showed visual evidence of a 30% and 70% v/v particle shrinkage for unwashed and washed samples, respectively. Particle swelling between 200 and 300 ℃ in the unwashed sample provided evidence of the softening of native biopolymers associated with lignin in untreated biomass. A purpose-defined parameter Λ shows the temperature-dependence of pore re-distribution towards the center of the particle to be linear for both samples. Λ was found to be 3.2×10-4K-1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$3.2\ imes {10}^{-4}{K}^{-1}$$\\end{document} in the washed sample, approximately 3.5 times faster than in the unwashed one. Such linear dependence is significantly slower than an exponential Arrhenius-like trend thereby providing a qualitative measure of the heat and mass transport phenomena limiting the chemical reactions in the porous medium. This evidence is key to resolving the pathways to the thermochemical decomposition of biomass leading to preparation of precision-engineered biochars.Graphical

Towards a profound understanding of methyl orange removal from industrial wastewater using a raw walnut shell: Kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, and statistical physics calculations

The present study investigates the adsorption of the anionic dye methyl orange (MO) using raw walnut shells (RWS). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to evaluate RWS collected in the Moroccan High Atlas (Tounfite) highlands. The batch mode adsorption experiments showed a remarkable removal during the first ten minutes, suggesting that the adsorption capacity is controlled by several parameters related to both the medium and the adsorbent. Based on the experimental results, 98 % of the MO dye was adsorbed on the walnut shell at pH >5 and room temperature (25±2 °C). The general order best explained the adsorption of MO on the walnut shells, suggesting that the number of active sites required changes with temperature. The two-layer model was the most appropriate physical-statistical model to explain the L-2 isotherms regarding the adsorption equilibrium. According to the models, methyl orange tends to be adsorbed on the surface of the monolayer, with individual molecules then adsorbing on top of each other. At all temperatures studied, the adsorption is endothermic and tends to be spontaneous, according to simulations of thermodynamic functions of RWS.

Assessment of handling practices and microbial contamination of raw and cooked African walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum) fruit snacks in Abuja Nigeria markets

Microbial contamination of walnut fruits can be of health risk concern. This study assessed the handling practices and the microbial contaminant of raw and cooked African walnuts (Tetracarpidum conophorum Mull. [Arg]), fruits in Abuja, Nigeria. An initial market survey involving the administration of 120 semi-structured questionnaires was conducted. Seventy-two raw walnuts and 72 cooked walnuts samples were collected from Gwagawlada, Bwari and Abuja municipal area councils and bulked separately into 24 composite samples and examined for the total bacterial count. Fifty-two (52.0%) of the traders, preserve the cooked walnuts by submerging them in cold water overnight. The raw ones were preserved by shade-drying monthly for 4-5 hrs and bagging jute sacks by (68.0%) traders. The bacterial colony count in the raw walnut sample ranged from 1.13 x 105- 2.30 x 106 and 1.53 x 105- 6.80 ×106 in the cooked samples. Three Gram-negative bacteria - Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Shigella sonnie, and two Gram-positive bacteria; Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp. were identified biochemically. Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli had the highest incidence of 42.0% and 25.2% in both the cooked and raw samples respectively. Thirty-three (67%) of the raw samples were in the satisfactory level while 83% of the cooked samples were in the satisfactory category when compared to the ICMSF food standard. Since some ready-to-eat cooked samples contained notable pathogenic microbes that are harmful to humans, this indicated a health risk concern.

Structural and functional relationships of plant allergenic proteins: gastrointestinal metabolism and structural heterogeneity

The prevalence of food allergies has increased in recent decades and affects up to 5% of the population, frequently resulting in severe symptoms. Specific structures of the corresponding proteins, the epitopes, are recognized by T‐cell receptors or IgE antibodies, resulting in an immune response. Many food allergens and immunogenic proteins for various plant‐based foods have been investigated thoroughly on different levels. However, research into the gastrointestinal metabolism of plant‐based food allergens on the molecular level is scarce, so far. The aim of this thesis was to characterize the gastrointestinal metabolism of food allergens and proteins involved in celiac disease, and to derive global properties that account for the immunogenic and allergenic potential of these proteins. Raw walnut, raw and cooked soybeans, and wheat‐based bread have been chosen as representatives for tree nuts, legumes and cereals, in order to adress the given research question. The project is divided into three sub‐steps, which are as follows: Adaption of the in vitro digestion model to different matrices and comprehensive analysis of proteins and peptides Development of a data‐processing strategy to enable visualisation of the resulting data Interpretation of the data regarding the gastrointestinal metabolism of relevant proteins in different matrices The in vitro digestion model by Minekus et al. was successfully adapted to simulate gastrointestinal digestion of a variety of food matrices. The analytical approach at protein level by SDS‐PAGE analysis and in‐gel digestion, combined with mass spectrometry at peptide level, enabled comprehensive identification of degradation products. As an example, up to 7279 peptides were assigned to soy proteins over the course of gastral digestion of raw soy, and a further 1027 peptides for samples of simulated intestinal digestion. In order to deal with these huge amounts of data, various data processing steps have been designed. Peptide identification by PEAKS® was extended using scripts in Python, to perform label‐free quantification of mass spectrometry data and to compare the identified degradation products with known epitopes. The multistage preprocessing approach developed in Python provided the basis for a set of data visualisations to further interpret the behaviour of proteins during gastrointestinal digestion. Analysis at protein and peptide levels revealed that quantities of most of the analysed proteins for all matrices exhibited stability against gastrointestinal digestion. Analysis of the resulting sequence coverage over the course of gastrointestinal digestion, combined with label‐free quantification in 3D surface plots, allowed conclusions on the behaviour of distinct protein regions over time. This approach provided detailed insights into the multistage formation and degradation mechanisms of differently sized peptides. ‐gliadin‐assigned peptides covering epitopes related to food allergy, as well as eight peptides covering celiac disease related epitopes, was characterized by label‐free quantification, outlining enhanced resistance against gastrointestinal digestion. Bioinformatic tools were applied to provide further characteristics of all proteins of interest related to the amino acid sequence. Sequence alignment with secondary structure features. The given results of this thesis provide insight into the stability of the proteins involved in adverse reactions to food, such as allergy or celiac disease, throughout the process of gastrointestinal digestion.

In vivo anti-diabetic activity, physicochemical and sensory properties of Kunu enriched with African walnut

This study aimed at determining the anti-diabetic, physicochemical and sensory characteristics of African walnut enriched- kunu beverage in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats. The physicochemical, sensory and anti-diabetic properties of the four formulated samples viz: NWJ (90% kunu + 10% raw walnut juice); BWJ (90% kunu + 10% boiled walnut juice); RWJ (90% kunu + 10% roasted walnut juice) and ZWJ (kunu 100%) were evaluated using standard methods. The boiling and roasting of the walnut juice affected the TTA and brix of the enriched kunu but all have similar pH around 5. The significant (p < 0.05) increase in insulin, glycogen concentrations, hexokinase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities were observed in the STZ-induced rats after treatment with the enriched kunu. However, the decrease in hepatic glucose concentration and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase activities in the treated rats, signified a significant (p < 0.05) lowering of the fasting blood glucose level (from 30 to 10 mmol/l) when compared with the untreated rats. Besides, the boiling process of the BWJ sample gave it a significantly (p < 0.05) higher overall acceptability when compared to the RWJ, NWJ and ZWJ samples. The study established the antidiabetic potentials and consumer acceptability of African walnut enriched kunu as potential functional food in diabetes management.

Effect of walnut consumption on neuropsychological development in healthy adolescents: a multi-school randomised controlled trial

Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for neuropsychological functioning. Adolescence is increasingly believed to entail brain vulnerability to dietary intake. The potential benefit on adolescent neurodevelopment of consuming walnuts, a source of omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), remains unclear. We conducted a 6-month multi-school-based randomised controlled nutrition intervention trial to assess whether walnut consumption has beneficial effects on the neuropsychological and behavioural development of adolescents. The study took place between 04/01/2016 and 06/30/2017 in twelve different high schools in Barcelona, Spain (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02590848). A total of 771 healthy teenagers aged 11-16 years were randomised into two equal groups (intervention or control). The intervention group received 30g/day of raw walnut kernels to be incorporated into their diet for 6 months. Multiple primary endpoints concerning neuropsychological (working memory, attention, fluid intelligence, and executive function) and behavioural (socio-emotional and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] symptoms) development were assessed at baseline and after intervention. Red blood cell (RBC) ALA status was determined at baseline and 6 months as a measure of compliance. Main analyses were based on intention-to-treat using a linear mixed-effects model. A per-protocol effect of the intervention was analysed using inverse-probability weighting to account for post-randomisation prognostic factors (including adherence) using generalised estimating equations. In intention-to-treat analyses, at 6 months there were no statistically significant changes between the intervention and control groups for all primary endpoints. RBC ALA (%) significantly increased only in the intervention group, coefficient=0.04 (95% Confidence Interval (CI)=0.03, 0.06; p<0.0001). The per-protocol (adherence-adjusted) effect on improvement in attention score (hit reaction time variability) was-11.26ms (95% CI=-19.92,-2.60; p=0.011) for the intervention group as compared to the control group, improvement in fluid intelligence score was 1.78 (95% CI=0.90, 2.67; p<0.0001), and reduction of ADHD symptom score was-2.18 (95% CI=-3.70,-0.67; p=0.0050). Our study suggested that being prescribed eating walnuts for 6 months did not improve the neuropsychological function of healthy adolescents. However, improved sustained attention, fluid intelligence, and ADHD symptoms were observed in participants who better complied with the walnut intervention. This study provides a foundation for further clinical and epidemiological research on the effect of walnuts and ALA on neurodevelopment in adolescents. This study was supported by Instituto de Salud Carlos III through the projects 'CP14/00108, PI16/00261, PI21/00266' (co-funded by European Union Regional Development Fund 'A way to make Europe'). The California Walnut Commission (CWC) has given support by supplying the walnuts for free for the Walnuts Smart Snack Dietary Intervention Trial.

Congo red dye adsorption onto cationic amino-modified walnut shell: Characterization, RSM optimization, isotherms, kinetics, and mechanism studies

Congo red (CR) dye contamination in aquatic ecosystems often threatens human and aquatic health. This work synthesized a chemically modified, cationic amino-modified walnut shell (CMWS) adsorbent to treat CR dye-contaminated water. Central composite design (CCD) using standard response surface methodology design was performed to understand optimal conditions for removing dye with minimal experimentation. Maximum removal efficiency (94.12%) was achieved through CMWS than the raw walnut shell (RWS). Hydrogen bonding, pore filling, and electrostatic attractions effectively removed CR dye using CMWS. To understand cost-effectiveness and practical applicability, an adsorption-desorption analysis of CMWS was performed up to the third cycle with a removal efficiency of 82.18% with biomass loss of 26%. This study recommends CMWS as a potential adsorbent for CR dye removal and is worth investigating in the future.

Application of Walnut Shell Biowaste as an Inexpensive Adsorbent for Methylene Blue Dye: Isotherms, Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and Modeling

This research aimed to assess the adsorption properties of raw walnut shell powder (WNSp) for the elimination of methylene blue (MB) from an aqueous medium. The initial MB concentration (2–50 mg/L), the mass of the biomaterial (0.1–1 g/L), the contact time (10–120 min), the medium’s pH (2–12), and the temperature (25–55 °C) were optimized as experimental conditions. A maximum adsorption capacity of 19.99 mg/g was obtained at an MB concentration of 50 mg/L, a medium pH of 6.93 and a temperature of 25 °C, using 0.2 g/L of WNSp. These conditions showed that the MB dye elimination process occurred spontaneously. Different analytical approaches were used to characterize the WNSp biomaterial, including functional groups involved in MB adsorption, the surface characteristics and morphological features of the WNSp before and after MB uptake, and identification of WNSp based on their diffraction pattern. The experimental isotherm data were analyzed by the Langmuir and Freundlich models for the adsorption of MB dye. The corresponding values of parameter RL of Langmuir were between 0.51 and 0.172, which confirmed the WNSp’s favorable MB dye adsorption. The experimental kinetic data were examined, and the pseudo-second-order model was shown to be more suitable for describing the adsorption process, with an excellent determination coefficient (R2 = 0.999). The exchanged standard enthalpy (H° = −22.456 KJ.mol−1) was calculated using the van ‘t Hoff equation, and it was proven that the adsorption process was exothermic. The spontaneous nature and feasibility of the MB dye adsorption process on WNSp were validated by negative standard enthalpy values (G°) ranging from −2.580 to −0.469 at different temperatures. It was established that WNSp may be employed as a novel, effective, low-cost adsorbent for the elimination of methylene blue in aqueous solutions.

Biomass valorization of walnut shell into biochar as a resource for electrochemical simultaneous detection of heavy metal ions in water and soil samples: Preparation, characterization, and applications

Lately, due to its accessibility and eco-friendliness, walnut shell biochar (WS-BC) is gaining attention as an electrode material component in the electrochemical detection of water pollutants. The overall performance of WS-BC is reliant on the nature of raw biomass and the production methods as well. In our concept, biochar, prepared from raw walnut shell (WS) by pyrolysis, was added to a carbon paste electrode (CPE), and poly-tyrosine (p-Tyr) was electrodeposited on the surface of the BC-doped electrode. The conditions of the elaboration of the electrode, such as pH, potential, and the number of deposition cycles, pH were optimized. The obtained p-Tyr-BC-CPE platform was tested for the determination of cadmium, lead, copper, and mercury ions in water and soil samples, using square wave voltammetry (SWV). The raw WS biomass and its BC were examined by thermal analysis (TG-DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) techniques. The synergistic effects of the coexistence of the WS-BC and the thin film of p-Tyr, for the detection of traces of heavy metal ions were investigated by electrochemical tests. The electrochemical characterization of the unmodified and modified electrodes was performed using the cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods, while the Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, and Hg2+ detection experiments were studied using the CV and SWV techniques. The optimized experimental conditions for the p-Tyr-BC-CPE platform were evaluated. The obtained electrochemical results showed that the p-Tyr-BC-CPE platform produced excellent sensitivity toward the heavy metal ions: LOD of 0.086, 0.175, 0.246, and 0.383 nM for Cd(II), Pb(II), Cu(II) and Hg(II), respectively. The modified electrode platform displayed high selectivity, stability, and good reproducibility.

Removal of Sunset Yellow by Methanol Modified Walnut Shell

The present research was aimed to analyze the possibility of a novel low-cost biosorbent, Methanol Modified Walnut Shell (MMWS), to improve its biosorption properties with respect to the removal of Sunset Yellow (SY) from aqueous solution, The influences of process parameters, such as pH, temperature, and initial concentration of SY on its adsorption capacity were investigated in a batch system. The equilibrium data were evaluated using the Langmuir and the Freundlich models and the latter could provide a better fit. The Langmuir maximum adsorption capacity of SY onto MMWS was 18.35 mg/g at 298 K, which showed a significant improvement as compared to the raw walnut shell. The obtained thermodynamic parameters demonstrated a spontaneous and endothermic nature of the adsorption process of SY onto walnut shell biomass. The adsorption kinetics fitted well with the pseudo-second-order model. It was concluded that intra-particle diffusion was one of the rate-controlling steps in this process. MMWS was proved to be a promising adsorbent to treat dye wastewater.

Raw walnut kernel: A natural source for dietary proteases and bioactive proteins

Walnut kernels are health-promoting nuts, which are mainly attributed to polyunsaturated fatty acids, phenolics, and phytosterols. However, the information concerning benefits of walnut proteins are limited. In this study, endopeptidases, aminopeptidases, carboxypeptidases, superoxide dismutases, catalases, and phospholipases with respective relative abundance of 2.730, 1.728, 0.477, 3.148, 0.743, and 0.173‰ were identified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. These endogenous proteases exhibited activity in a broad pH range of 2–6.5, and optimal at pH 4.5 and 50 °C. Aspartic endopeptidases were predominant endopeptidases, followed by cysteine ones. There were two types of aspartic endopeptidases, one (not inhibited by pepstatin A) exerted activity at pH 2–3 and the other (inhibited by pepstatin A) optimal at pH 4.5. Carboxypeptidases were optimal at pH 4.5, and aminopeptidases exerted activity at pH near 6.5. These endogenous proteases assisted the digestion of walnut proteins, and soaking, especially peeling, greatly improved the in vitro digestibility.

Assessment of sexual behavior and neuromodulation of Cyperus esculentus L. and Tetracarpidium conophorum Müll. Arg dietary supplementation regulating the purinergic system in the cerebral cortex of L-NAME-challenged rats.

This study examined the behavioral responses, purinergic receptor densities, ectonucleotidases (E-NTPDase), adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity, and nitric oxide (NO) levels along with the parameters of oxidative stress-related to erectile function in the cerebral cortex (CC) of L-NAME-challenged rats pretreated with tigernut (TN) and walnut (WN) dietary supplementation. Wistar rats (male) of 70 total animals (250-300g) were used in this research and hence separated into seven groups (n=10): Group I: normal control-fed basal diet; Group II: positive control-fed basal diet/L-NAME/Sildenafil citrate (5mgkg-1 day-1 ); Group III: ED-induced (placed on a basal diet/L-NAME); Group IV: diet supplemented with processed TN (20%)/L-NAME; Group V: diet supplemented with raw TN (20%)/L-NAME; Group VI: diet supplemented with processed WN (20%)/L-NAME; and Group VII placed on a diet supplemented with raw WN (20%)/L-NAME. The rats were pretreated for 2weeks before the L-NAME (40mgkg-1 day-1 ) challenge on their respective diet. L-NAME brought about a decrease in the sexual behaviors evaluated while the effect was significantly reversed by supplemented diets containing TN and WN. L-NAME increased the levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, E-NTPDase as well as ADA activities, and caused the level of NO in the CC as well as the purinoreceptor densities to be downregulated. Treatments with enriched diets, however, greatly reverse these effects. The behavioral responses and neuromodulatory capacity of the nuts displayed on the CC can, therefore, further support their aphrodisiac property. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The results revealed the ability of tigernut (TN; Cyperus esculentus L.) and walnut (WN; Tetracarpidium conophorum Müll. Arg.) to enhance behavioral responses; modulate purinergic receptor densities, E-NTPDase, and ADA activities; increase NO levels; and prevent oxidative stress related to erectile function in the CC of L-NAME-challenged Wistar rats. The results show that these nuts are useful feeds for both animal and human nutrition.

Sensitivity of prick test with walnut commercial extracts and of prick by prick with raw walnut compared with open food challenge in walnut allergy.

Background and aim:Diagnosis of walnut allergy includes the evaluation of IgE sensitization by skin prick tests (SPT) with standardized commercial extracts. When assuming the loss of relevant allergens due to extract preparation and storage, it is possible to perform SPT with fresh foods, i.e., prick by prick (PbP). To our knowledge, there is no published comparison between SPT with commercial extracts and PbP with fresh food about their sensitivity to the diagnosis of walnut allergy. Therefore, we describe our experience.Methods:We observed seven children (mean age ± SD 6.8 years ± 5.2, range 2 - 15 years; male 85%) with an history of immediate adverse reaction following walnut ingestion. All but one the patients underwent SPT with at least two out of three walnut commercial extracts (Lofarma, Milan, Italy; ALK-Abellò, Milan, Italy; Allergopharma, Rome, Italy). It has also been performed PbP with raw walnut. IgE-mediated walnut allergy was diagnosed based on suggestive history, positivity of PbP and failed open food challenge with walnut.Results:The SPT with Lofarma extract was never positive (sensitivity = 0%), that performed with ALK extract was positive in 2/5 cases (sensitivity 40%) and that of Allergopharma extract was positive in 1/5 cases (sensitivity 20%). PbP was positive in 7/7 cases (sensitivity 100%).Conclusions:In the specific case of walnut allergy in pediatric age, the execution of SPT alone with commercial extract may not be sufficient and clarifying in the diagnostic iter. We suggest to always associate the execution of PbP test. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Evaluation of Hydrogen Yield Evolution in Gaseous Fraction and Biochar Structure Resulting from Walnut Shells Pyrolysis

Conversion experiments of wet and dry walnut shells were performed, the influence of moisture content on the hydrogen yield in the gas fraction was estimated and the resulted biochar structure was presented. Measurements of the biochar structures were performed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy methods. The results demonstrate that heating rate played a key role in the pyrolysis process and influenced the biochar structure. Under fast heating rate, the interactions between the water vapors released and other intermediate products, such as biochar was enhanced and consequently more hydrogen was generated. It could also be observed that both biochar samples, obtained from wet and dry walnut shells, had an approximately smooth surface and are different from the rough surface of the raw walnut shell, but there are not obvious differences in shape and pores structure between the two biochar samples. The increasing of the biochar surface area versus pyrolysis temperature is due tothe formation of micropores in structure. The biochar shows a surface morphology in the form of particles with rough, compact and porous structure. In addition the biochar structure confirmed that directly pyrolysis of wet walnut shells without predried treatment has enhanced the hydrogen content in the gas fraction.

Proximate Composition, Phytochemical and Mineral Analysis of Cooked and Raw Walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum)

Aim: This work attempts to determine the bioactive agents’ groups probably responsible for the diverse growth characteristics and medicinal uses of (Tetracarpidium conophorum) Nigerian walnut.&#x0D; Methodology: The following analyses were carried out in the study proximate, phytochemical and mineral were analyzed.&#x0D; Results: The result for proximate analysis of the raw and cooked walnut seed extract contained the following parameters 42.57% and 40.91% moisture content, 20.54% and 23.03% protein, 4.51% and 4.27% Fat content, 7.26% and 7.05% crude fiber, 5.02% and 5.16% Ash content, 20.12% and 19.59% carbohydrate respectively. The phytochemical analysis results obtained revealed the presence of bioactive compounds containing 0.92 mg/100 g Tannin, 1.69 mg/100 g Saponin, 2.78 mg/100 g Flavonoid, 0.41 mg/100 g Alkaloid for cooked walnut while raw walnut contained 1.10 mg/100 g Tannin, 3.09 mg/100 g Oxalate, 2.63 mg/100 g Phytate, 3.43 mg/100 g Saponin, 3.19 mg/100 g Flavonoid and 1.34 mg/100 g Alkaloid. This study has shown the phytochemical, mineral and proximate compositions of boiled Tetracarpidium conophorum seeds.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study revealed that the boiled seeds contain concentrations of alkaloids and also contain moderate quantities of tannins. These bioactive compounds could be responsible for the reported medicinal properties of Tetracarpidium conophorum seeds. This partly shows the use of this seed in herbal medicine.

Identifying Usual Food Choice Combinations With Walnuts: Analysis of a 2005-2015 Clinical Trial Cohort of Overweight and Obese Adults.

Consumption of nuts has been associated with a range of favorable health outcomes. Evidence is now emerging to suggest that walnuts may also play an important role in supporting the consumption of a healthy dietary pattern. However, limited studies have explored how walnuts are eaten at different meal occasions. The aim of this study was to explore the food choices in relation to walnuts at meal occasions as reported by a sample of overweight and obese adult participants of weight loss clinical trials. Baseline usual food intake data were retrospectively pooled from four food-based clinical trials (n = 758). A nut-specific food composition database was applied to determine walnut consumption within the food intake data. The a priori algorithm of association rules was used to identify food choices associated with walnuts at different meal occasions using a nested hierarchical food group classification system. The proportion of participants who were consuming walnuts was 14.5% (n = 110). The median walnut intake was 5.14 (interquartile range, 1.10–11.45) g/d. A total of 128 food items containing walnuts were identified for walnut consumers. The proportion of participants who reported consuming unsalted raw walnut was 80.5% (n = 103). There were no identified patterns to food choices in relation to walnut at the breakfast, lunch, or dinner meal occasions. A total of 24 clusters of food choices related to walnuts were identified at others (meals). By applying a novel food composition database, the present study was able to map the precise combinations of foods associated with walnuts intakes at mealtimes using data mining. This study offers insights into the role of walnuts for the food choices of overweight adults and may support guidance and dietary behavior change strategies.

Investigation of Walnut Herbal Drug Raw Material

Introduction. Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is a medicinal plant containing a large number of biologically active substances. A number of authors propose to use walnut leaves as medicinal raw materials, in which juglone, flavonoids, tannins, ascorbic acid and other substances are identified. Currently, a standardization technique for this type of raw material has been developed and proposed. However, the medicinal plant walnut can be a source of other types of raw materials, such as milky-waxed walnuts, walnut bark, and walnut partitions. These types of medicinal raw materials contain a large number of biologically active substances and have a great potential for pharmacological activity. Therefore, the study with the subsequent standardization of medicinal plant material of walnut fruits in the stage of milk-wax ripeness and walnut bark is relevant.Aim. The aim of the study is to study the external signs, microscopy of raw walnut bark and walnut fruit in the stage of milky-wax ripeness and chemical composition of alcohol extract from these types of raw materials.Materials and methods. Chromato-mass spectrometry and TLC were used in the work.Results and discussion. When describing external signs and microscopy, diagnostic signs of both whole and crushed raw materials, and powder of walnut bark, and fruits of walnut in the stage of milky-wax ripeness were revealed. Alcohol extract obtained from medicinal plant raw materials walnut bark is a clear brown liquid. Alcohol extract obtained from medicinal plant raw materials of walnut fruit at the stage of milky-wax ripeness is a transparent, green-brown liquid with a fragrant odor.Conclusion. Gallic acid was identified by TLC in walnut bark. Chromato-mass spectrometry in alcohol extraction from the fruit of walnut in the stage of milky-wax maturity was able to identify 17 compounds belonging to different classes of biologically active substances. Sugars, flavonoids, coumarin phenolic compounds, organic acids were identified. In alcoholic extraction from the bark of a walnut, marker compounds have been determined, the combination of which makes it possible to quickly identify this type of raw material using chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Hydrochar-derived fuels from waste walnut shell through hydrothermal carbonization: characterization and effect of processing parameters

The raw walnut shell was converted to hydrochar fuel through hydrothermal carbonization. The structural, morphological, and compositional analyses were carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric and basic elemental analyses. The effect of the processing parameters including reaction temperature, residence time, and water:biomass ratio on the hydrothermal treatment was studied. The selected hydrochar has been produced at the optimized condition of T = 250 °C, t = 5 h, and water:biomass ratio = 6.0 mL/g. The H:C and O:C atomic ratios decreased from 1.51 and 0.73 to 0.91 and 0.26 for walnut shell and the selected hydrochar, respectively. The elemental reduction occurred through the carbonization process, which mainly includes dehydration, decarboxylation, and depolymerization reactions in liquid phase. The higher heating value increased from 18.85 for walnut shell to 27.95 for the selected hydrochar. The obtained walnut shell–based hydrochar presents a relatively homogenized structure consisting of microspherical particles with a mean diameter of 6 μm. This lignin-like material with high carbon content and low ash content shows high thermal stability. These promising results are relevant to the development of hydrochar products from waste biomass for fuel applications.

Actual Aspects of Medical Application of Black Nut – Juglans Nigra L. (Review)

Introduction. Herbal drugs of black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) are not registered on the territory of the Russian Federation at the present time. However, the State Register of Medicinal Products includes an extract of unripe fruits of a related species walnut (Juglans regia L.) «Yuglanex» (made in Russia) and the complex herbal drug «Tonsilgon» (made in Germany). A number of biologically active food supplements from black walnut raw materials have been registered by Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing. They are an additional source of phenolic compounds as tannins and flavonoids. The purpose of the article is to study and systematize up-to-date information on the chemical composition of the medicinal plant raw material of black walnut and the pharmacological properties of its main biologically active compounds.Text. All parts of the black walnut are used in the ethnomedicine of the indigenous population of North America according to indications similar to the walnut in Asia and the Manchurian nut in the Far East: snake bites, fever and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.The chemical composition of the medicinal plant raw material of black walnut is dencently walnut by its qualitative composition. Fruits, bark and leaves of black walnut contain a rich polyphenol complex (naphthoquinones, in particular, juglon and its derivatives, tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids), vitamins, essential oil, organic acids. However, the quantitative analysis revealed a higher content of biologically active substances in the raw black walnut, especially in relation to polyphenolic compounds.The scientific literature describes the results of experiments on animals, confirming antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, hypoglycemic, antispasmodic, and anti-tumor effect on certain cell lines.Conclusion. As a result of studying the literature and systematizing the current information on the chemical composition of the medicinal plant raw material of the black nut and the pharmacological properties of its main biologically active compounds, it has been established that the main properties are related to the presence of the phenol complex. However, a deeper study of the chemical composition is required. Both the total extracts of the black walnut from plant raw materials and individual compounds show predominantly antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiviral, hypotensive, immunomodulatory, antitumor and antispasmodic activities in preclinical trials.

Synbiotic yoghurt with walnut and cereal brittle added as a next-generation bioactive compound: Development and characteristics.

The article presents a technology developed for the production of synbiotic Yoghurt with new bioactive filler based on natural components. The Yoghurt has prebiotic and sorption properties. A higher consumer appeal of the product developed has been substantiated; its characteristics compared with the Yoghurt of traditional production technology have been presented. The brittle, containing peeled walnuts, as well as barley, wheat, rye, oatmeal and buckwheat flakes, sugar, and water, was used as a filler. Optimum time and temperature regimes of boiling caramel mixtures and brewing raw walnut–cereal mass in the brittle have been selected. The formulation developed enables increasing the nutritional and biological values of the finished product. The research studies of the finished product involved an analysis of organoleptic, physicochemical, and microbiological points. When performing the tasks, the approved regulatory and technical documentation (GOST) was applied. Each measurement was carried out in triplicate. The physicochemical characteristics of the samples developed were compared with the requirements for the quality of fermented milk products. The nutritional and biological values were calculated. The increase in consumer properties, and nutritional and biological values of the finished dairy product was scientifically substantiated and experimentally confirmed.