Peanuts in the air clinical and experimental studies
Background: Allergic reactions to food allergens usually occur after ingestion. However, fear of reactions to airborne peanut is a common concern for people with peanut allergy. There are no scientific reports on severe reactions with airborne peanut allergen.
Objective: To investigate the occurrence of allergic reactions in peanut-allergic children undergoing airborne peanut challenge and to determine levels of airborne peanut protein in a separate experimental evaluation.
Methods: Eighty-four children with peanut allergy underwent an airborne peanut challenge; 0,5 m from a bowl of peanuts for 30 minutes under controlled conditions. In a separate experiment, airborne peanut proteins from roasted and dry-roasted peanuts was collected at varying distances and at varying times with an electret SensAbues filter connected to an air pump. Collected airborne peanut proteins were extracted, dissolved, and detected by ELISA. Basophil activation test were used to confirm biological activity.
Results: No moderate/severe allergic reactions to airborne peanut allergens were observed. Two children (2%) had mild rhino-conjunctivitis which required no treatment. The IgE-antibodies to peanut or Ara h 2 did not predict a reaction. In the experimental set-up biological active peanut proteins were detected, in a very low amount, in median 166 ng/ml for dry-roasted and 33 ng/ml for roasted peanuts and decreased dramatically when the collection occurred at a greater distance (0.5-2 m) from the peanut source. Increased exposure time did affect the amount of collected peanut protein at 0 meter, and the highest median was obtained after 60 minutes (p=0.012); for time trend p=0.0006.
Conclusions & clinical relevance: Allergic reactions to airborne peanut proteins are rare and cannot be predicted by high levels of IgE-antibodies to peanut or Ara h 2. Only small amounts of biologically active peanut proteins were detected in the air and seems unlikely to trigger moderate/severe allergic reactions.
Evaluation of the Introduction of Allergen Containing Foods: Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS) 2016
Background: Guidelines on early introduction of allergen-containing foods are evolving; however, little national data exist defining current allergen feeding practices.
Objective: To investigate consumption rates of foods containing egg and peanut among infants and toddlers prior to guideline changes in 2017.
Methods: The Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS) 2016 was conducted nationally among 3235 caregivers with a child under 4 years-of-age. 24-hr dietary recalls were reviewed for peanut or egg ingredients. Participants were categorized as "consuming peanut or egg-containing foods" or "not consuming peanut or eggcontaining foods". Data on physician-diagnosed food allergies and avoidance were collected.
Results: Consumption rates of peanut- and/or egg-containing foods were low. For the age group of 4-5.9 months, 0.3% reported peanut consumption, and 2.4% reported egg consumption. For 6-8.9 months, 0.9% reported eating peanut-containing foods and 13.0% egg, and at 9-11.9 months, 5.5% were consuming peanut-containing foods, and 33.2% egg-containing foods. Peanut or egg ingredients were identified in the diet of children whose caregivers reported avoidance.
Conclusion: Prior to publication of the 2017 Addendum Guidelines for the Prevention of Peanut Allergy, there were low rates of reported peanut consumption across the study population with < 1% of any age group prior to 9 months-of-age and < 6% in any age group prior to 12 months-of-age consuming peanut, on the 24-hour recall day. Reported egg consumption was also low and increased with age. These results serve as an important baseline comparison for future studies evaluating the implementation and impact of early peanut and egg introduction.
Recent advances in the management of nut allergy
Peanut/tree nut allergy is common and has been associated with particularly severe reactions. Epidemiological data have shown that the prevalence ranges between 0.05% and 4.9% for tree nut and between 0.5% and 3% for peanut. These large variations can be explained by differences in the age of included patients and the geographical region. In addition, the food consumption modality (ie, raw versus roasted) plays a major role, as heat treatment has the capacity to modify the allergenicity of nuts and legumes. Nut allergies tend to persist into adulthood and consequently have a high impact on quality of life. Recently, it has been demonstrated that a significant proportion of nut allergic patients are able to tolerate other nuts. As opposed to the avoidance of all nuts, this approach is currently proposed in several tertiary allergy centers. However, diagnosis of nut allergy is particularly difficult due to co-sensitization leading to high rate of false positive skin prick tests and/or specific IgE to whole allergen extracts. The use of component resolved diagnosis leads to major improvement of diagnosis, particularly to distinguish between primary and secondary nut allergies. The basophil activation test has been suggested to be useful but is still used mainly as a research tool. Thus, diagnosis remains mainly based on the oral food challenge, which is considered as the gold standard. Regarding treatment, avoidance remains the cornerstone of management of nut allergy. Oral immunotherapy is increasingly proposed as an alternative management strategy.
Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Activities of Juglans regia L. Pellicle Extract
The difficulty to treat resistant strains-related hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) promoted the study of phytoextracts, known sources of bioactive molecules. Accordingly, in the present study, the pharmacological activities of Juglans regia (L.) pellicle extract (WPE) were investigated. The antiviral effect was tested against Herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2, Poliovirus 1, Adenovirus 2, Echovirus 9, Coxsackievirus B1 through the plaque reduction assay. The antibacterial and antifungal activities were evaluated against medically important strains, by the microdilution method. DPPH and superoxide dismutase (SOD)s-like activity assays were used to determine the antioxidant effect. Besides, the extract was screened for cytotoxicity on Caco-2, MCF-7, and HFF1 cell lines by the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also evaluated. Interestingly, WPE inhibited Herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) replication, bacterial and fungal growth. WPE showed free radical scavenging capacity and inhibited superoxide anion formation in a dose-dependent manner. These effects could be attributed to the high content of phenols and flavonoids, which were 0.377 ± 0.01 mg GE/g and 0.292 ± 0.08 mg CE/g, respectively. Moreover, WPE was able to reduce Caco-2 cell viability, at both 48 h and 72 h. The promising results encourage further studies aimed to better elucidate the role of WPE in the prevention of human infectious diseases.
Evaluation of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables from the Aegean region of Turkey and assessment of risk to consumers
esticides may cause a potential risk to human health when applied in excess to control pests, diseases, and weeds in crop fields. In the current study, conducted in the Aegean region of Turkey from 2012 to 2016, a total of 3044 samples of 16 different commodities of fruits and vegetables were screened to identify pesticide residues and health risk to consumers posed by such residues was assessed. Results showed that 354 samples out of the total samples had higher maximum residue limit (MRL) values, while the MRL values were lower in 473 samples. In the study, residues of 64 different pesticides detected in 3044 samples in which 11.6% samples exceeded maximum residue limit (MRL) levels as compared with that of the approved MRL level by the Turkish authorities. Out of total samples, number of samples having high MRL level were as follows: 74 for chlorpyrifos (2.43%), 145 for azoxystrobin (3.8%), 112 for triadimenol (3.8%), 103 for carbendazim (3.4%), 98 for chlorpyrifos (3.2%), 94 for pyrimethanil (3.10%), 90 for cyprodinil (2.9%), 76 for fludioxonil (2.50%), 75 for indoxacarb (2.40%), 66 for imidacloprid (2.10%), and 60 for boscalid (1.90%). Residues of one, two, three, four, and even more than five pesticides were detected, respectively, in 16.1, 5.8, 2.8, 1, and 1.7% of the total test samples. The lowest estimated daily intake (EDI) values ranged from 3.57×10-3 to 8.98. The lower values of hazard quotient (HQ) were obtained in dried apricot, grape, and strawberry with the value of 0.01, although the HQ value in 32 out of 62 pesticides tested was found to be close to 0.
Survey of Salmonella in raw tree nuts at retail in the United States
The objective of this survey was to estimate the prevalence, contamination level, and genetic diversity of Salmonella in selected raw, shelled tree nuts (Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts) at retail markets in the United States. A total of 3,374 samples of eight tree nuts were collected from different types of retail stores and markets nationwide between September 2015 and March 2017. These samples (375 g) were analyzed using a modified FDA's BAM Salmonella culture method. Of the 3,374 samples, 15 (0.44%) (95% confidence interval [CI] [0.25, 0.73]) were culturally confirmed as containing Salmonella; 17 isolates were obtained. Among these isolates, there were 11 serotypes. Salmonella was not detected in Brazil nuts (296), hazelnuts (487), pecans (510), pine nuts (500), and walnuts (498). Salmonella prevalence estimates in cashews (510), macadamia (278), and pistachios (295) were 0.20% (95% CI [<0.01, 1.09]), 2.52% (95% CI [1.02, 5.12]), and 2.37% (95% CI [0.96, 4.83]), respectively. The rates of Salmonella isolation from major/big-chain supermarkets (1381), small-chain supermarkets (328), discount/variety/drug stores (1329), and online (336) were 0.29% (95% CI [0.08, 0.74]), 0.30% (95% CI [0.01, 1.69]), 0.45% (95% CI [0.17, 0.98]), and 1.19% (95% CI [0.33, 3.02]), respectively. Salmonella prevalence in organic (530) and conventional (2,844) nuts was not different statistically (P = 0.0601). Of the enumerated samples (15), 80% had Salmonella levels ≤0.0092 most probable number (MPN)/g. The highest contamination level observed was 0.75 MPN/g. The prevalence and contamination levels of Salmonella in the tree nuts analyzed were generally comparable to previous reports. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, serotype, and sequencing data all demonstrated that Salmonella population in nuts is very diverse genetically. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The prevalence, contamination level, and genetic diversity of Salmonella in eight types of tree nuts (3,374 samples collected nationwide) revealed in this survey could help the development of mitigation strategies to reduce public health risks associated with consumption of these nuts.
Analysis of E.U. Rapid Alert System (RASFF) Notifications for Aflatoxins in Exported U.S. Food and Feed Products for 2010-2019
The most common, toxic, and carcinogenic mycotoxins found in human food and animal feed are the aflatoxins (AFs). The United States is a leading exporter of various nuts, with a marketing value of $9.1 billion in 2019; the European Union countries are the major importers of U.S. nuts. In the past few years, border rejections and notifications for U.S. tree nuts and peanuts exported to the E.U. countries have increased due to AF contamination. In this work, we analyzed notifications from the "Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF)" on U.S. food and feed products contaminated with mycotoxins, primarily AFs, for the 10-year period 2010-2019. Almost 95% of U.S. mycotoxin RASFF notifications were reported for foods and only 5% for feeds. We found that 98.9% of the U.S. food notifications on mycotoxins were due to the AF contamination in almond, peanut, and pistachio nuts. Over half of these notifications (57.9%) were due to total AF levels greater than the FDA action level in food of 20 ng g-1. The Netherlands issued 27% of the AF notifications for U.S. nuts. Border rejection was reported for more than 78% of AF notifications in U.S. nuts. All U.S. feed notifications on mycotoxins occurred due to the AF contamination. Our research contributes to better understanding the main reasons behind RASFF mycotoxins notifications of U.S. food and feed products destined to E.U. countries. Furthermore, we speculate possible causes of this problem and provide a potential solution that could minimize the number of notifications for U.S. agricultural export market.
Functional foods modulating inflammation and metabolism in chronic diseases: a systematic review
Chronic diseases are responsible for approximately 71% global deaths. These are characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation and metabolic alterations. "Functional foods" have been attributed with anti-inflammatory properties, demonstrated in cell lines and murine models; however, studies in humans are inconclusive. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify clinical trials that analyzed changes in inflammatory and metabolic mediators, in response to consumption of specific functional foods. A total of 3581 trials were screened and 88 were included for this review. Foods identified to regulate inflammation included cranberries, grapes, pomegranate, strawberries, wheat, whole grain products, low fat dairy products, yogurt, green tea, cardamom, turmeric, soy foods, almonds, chia seeds, flaxseed, pistachios, algae oil, flaxseed oil and grape seed oil. Clinical trials that focus on a dietary pattern rich in functional foods are necessary to explore if the additive effect of these foods lead to more clinically relevant outcomes.
Pistacia atlantica's effect on ovary damage and oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with numerous complications, including gonadal dysfunction. There are specific traditional medicine remedies for DM, including medicinal herbs. Our study aimed to evaluate the role of Pistacia atlantica's extract in the protection against ovary damage by streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM in rats.
Methods: We ran this experimental study on 40 adult female Wistar rats. We divided the animals into five groups, control (A); DM (STZ by 60 mg/kg- intraperitoneally) (B); DM + hexane extract of P. atlantica (200 mg/kg -orally) (C); P. atlantica extract (D) and DM + glibenclamide (200 mg/kg -orally) (F). The experiment continued for four weeks, and we administered the extract daily. After slaughtering the rats, we removed the ovaries. We assessed parameters, such as blood glucose and levels of oxidative stress markers as well as histological ovary structure.
Results: Blood glucose, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and the number of atretic follicles were elevated; catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels and the number of corpora lutea were significantly decreased in the untreated diabetic rats. These changes returned to normal or diminished with P. atlantica extract and glibenclamide in the treated rats.
Conclusions: The extract of P. atlantica has antihyperglycemic and antioxidative properties, and it decreased ovarian complications in experimental diabetes mellitus.
Microbial load and Prevalence of Escherichia coli, and Salmonella spp. in Macadamia Nut Production Systems
This study evaluated the potential impact of environmental factors and harvesting practices on microbial load of macadamia nuts. Three farms located in the main macadamia nut production regions including Mbombela (A), Barberton (B) and White River (C) areas in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa were sampled over a ,rtwo-year period. A total of 264, irrigation water (54), soil (30) and macadamia nut (180) samples were collected and evaluated for microbial concentrations. All water samples had mean E. coli counts below 1000 CFU/100ml which is the standard regulatory requirement for agricultural water considered fit-for-purpose for irrigation of nut trees in south Africa. Mean total aerobic plate counts of on-tree nut-in-husk samples (3.91 log CFU/g; n=60) increased after harvesting (5.98 log CFU/g; n=60) but decreased with dehusking to 4.89 log CFU/g (n=60) on nut-in-shell. Salmonella spp. were only detected in water samples from two farm B (67 %; n=18) and C(15 %; n=18). However, neither Listeria monocytogenes nor Salmonella spp. were detected in any of the soil samples. Escherichia coli were only detected in 20 % (n=10) of soil samples collected from two farms (A and B). None of the E. coli isolated in this study were positive for the eae, stx 1, and stx 2, enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), virulence genes. Information from this study provides basic data that can be used in the development of macadamia nut specific hazard assessment tools within primary production environments.