Dietary combination of linseed and hazelnut skin as a sustainable strategy to enrich lamb with health promoting fatty acids

This study investigated the effect of the inclusion of extruded linseed and hazelnut skin on fatty acid (FA) metabolism in finishing lambs. Forty lambs were divided into 4 groups and fed for 60 d with: a conventional cereal-based diet, or the same diet with 8% of extruded linseed, or 15% of hazelnut skin, or 4% of linseed plus 7.5% of hazelnut skin as partial replacement of maize. Dietary treatments did not affect growth performances, carcass traits, and ruminal fermentation. The combined effect of linseed and hazelnut skin enriched the intramuscular fat with health promoting FA. Particularly, increases in α-linolenic acid (3.75-fold), and very long-chain n-3 poly-unsaturated FA (+ 40%) were attributed to the supplementation with linseed, rich in α-linolenic acid. In addition, increases in rumenic (+ 33%), and vaccenic (+ 59%) acids were attributed to hazelnut skin tannins modulating ruminal biohydrogenation and accumulating intermediate metabolites. The simultaneous inclusion of linseed and hazelnut skin can be a profitable strategy for enriching the intramuscular fat of lambs with health promoting FA, without adverse effects on ruminal fermentation and animal performance.

Textural, rheological, melting properties, particle size distribution, and NMR relaxometry of cocoa hazelnut spread with inulin-stevia addition as sugar replacer

This study investigated the influence of substituting 60, 80, and 100% of the sugar in traditional cocoa hazelnut paste (control) formulation with inulin-stevia (90:10, w/w) mixture on textural and rheological characteristics, melting behavior, water activity (aw), particle size distribution (PSD), and color. Textural, rheological, melting properties, and color of samples were analyzed after 1, 2, and 3 months of storage at 11°C. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry experiments were also performed to understand the interaction of new ingredients with oil. Replacement of sugar with inulin-stevia gave darker color, reduced Casson yield stress, and changed the textural parameters and melting profile of the samples depending on the level but did not create a remarkable effect on PSD and Casson plastic viscosity. Increasing inulin-stevia content yielded lower aw and higher T2a values indicating decreased mobility of water. Complete removal of sugar caused low spreadability. The results showed that an 80% replacement level yielded a product with similar textural parameters and fat-melting mouth feeling compared to control sample. Cocoa hazelnut spreads prepared with inulin and stevia showed good textural stability during storage.

Identification of New Allergens in Macadamia Nut and Cross-Reactivity with Other Tree Nuts in a Spanish Cohort

The consumption of macadamia nuts has increased due to their cardioprotective and antioxidant properties. However, this rise is consistent with an increase in the cases of macadamia nut allergy, leading to severe reactions. Although two Macadamia integrifolia allergens (Mac i 1 and Mac i 2) have been identified in Australian and Japanese patients, the allergenic sensitization patterns in Western European populations, particularly in Spain, remain unclear. For this purpose, seven patients with macadamia nut allergy were recruited in Spain. Macadamia nut protein extracts were prepared and, together with hazelnut and walnut extracts, were used in Western blot and inhibition assays. IgE-reactive proteins were identified using MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry (MS). Immunoblotting assays revealed various IgE-binding proteins in macadamia nut extracts. Mass spectrometry identified three new allergens: an oleosin, a pectin acetylesterase, and an aspartyl protease. Cross-reactivity studies showed that hazelnut extract but not walnut extract inhibited macadamia nut oleosin-specific IgE binding. This suggests that oleosin could be used as marker for macadamia-hazelnut cross-reactivity. The results show an allergenic profile in the Spanish cohort different from that previously detected in Australian and Japanese populations. The distinct sensitization profiles observed highlight the potential influence of dietary habits and environmental factors exposure on allergenicity.

Determination and risk assessment of aflatoxin B1 in the kernel of imported raw hazelnuts from Eastern Azerbaijan Province of Iran

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is widespread and seriously threatens public health worldwide. This study aimed to investigate AFB1 in imported hazelnut samples in northwest of Iran (Eastern Azerbaijan Province) using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with a Fluorescent Detector (HPLC-FLD). In all tested samples AFB1 was detected. The mean concentration of AFB1 was 4.20 μg/kg and ranged from 3.145 to 8.13 μg/kg. All samples contained AFB1 levels within the maximum acceptable limit except for one sample. Furthermore, the human health risk assessment of AFB1 from consuming imported hazelnuts by Iranian children and adults was evaluated based on the margin of exposure (MoE) and quantitative liver cancer risk approaches. The MoE mean for children was 2529.76, while for adults, it was 8854.16, indicating a public health concern. The present study found that the risk of developing liver cancer among Iranian children was 0.11100736 per 100,000 people, and in the Iranian adult population was 0.0314496 cancers per 100,000 people. Since environmental conditions potentially affect aflatoxin levels in nuts, countries are advised to monitor aflatoxin contents in imported nuts, especially from countries with a conducive climate for mold growth.

Allergenicity and structural properties of new Cor a 1 isoallergens from hazel identified in different plant tissues

The hazel allergen Cor a 1 is a PR-10 protein, closely related to the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1. Hazel allergies are caused by cross-reactive IgE antibodies originally directed against Bet v 1. Despite the importance of PR-10 proteins in allergy development, their function and localization in the plant remain largely elusive. Therefore, the presence of Cor a 1 mRNA and proteins was investigated in different tissues, i.e., the female flower, immature and mature nuts, catkins, and pollen. Four yet unknown Cor a 1 isoallergens, i.e., Cor a 1.0501-1.0801, and one new Cor a 1.03 variant were discovered and characterized. Depending on the isoallergen, the occurrence and level of mRNA expression varied in different tissues, suggesting different functions. Interestingly, Cor a 1.04 previously thought to be only present in nuts, was also detected in catkins and pollen. The corresponding Cor a 1 genes were expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified proteins were analysed by CD and NMR spectroscopy. Immunoblots and ELISAs to determine their allergenic potential showed that the new proteins reacted positively with sera from patients allergic to birch, hazel and elder pollen and were recognized as novel isoallergens/variants by the WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Sub-Committee.

Determination of volatile aroma composition of some hazelnut varieties grown in Akçakoca conditions

Türkiye is leading country for hazelnut production and hazelnut orchards are widely established in Black Sea belt. Akçakoca district belongs to Duzce province is accepted as one of the most important production areas. In this research, volatile aroma components in nuts (kernels) of Çakıldak, Kara, Sarı (Mincane), Tombul and Yomra hazelnut varieties grown in Akçakoca district were determined by SPME/GC-MS. The analysis revealed the presence a total of 55 different volatile aroma components. These analyzes identified the presence of 39 descriptive volatile aroma compounds with significant differences between varieties. Çakıldak variety differed from the other varieties in terms of Isopentyl alcohol and Ethyl acetate components. At the same time, some volatile aroma compounds are commonly detected among the all varieties. This study has shown that the climate and soil conditions of Akçakoca cause the emergence of unique taste profiles through the effect of hazelnut varieties on volatile aroma components. The findings emphasize that regional diversity and local ecosystem factors play a critical role in determining flavor in hazelnut kernels. This study also emphasizes that variety selection is a critical factor in ensuring sustainability in hazelnut cultivation and that determining volatile aroma components is an important indicator in this selection.

Effects of cultural practices on soil respiration in hazelnut orchards and a comparison with an adjacent natural oak forest

Soil respiration (RS) is one of the largest terrestrial sources of CO2 causing global warming and may vary according to land use and vegetation type. Türkiye is in the first place in the world in terms of area of hazelnut orchards that are generally converted from natural forests. The aim of this study was the comparison of the effects of cultural practices (pruning, fertilizing, and pruning+fertilizing) on RS in hazelnut orchards and that of the adjacent natural oak forest. Every trial site had a statistically similar annual mean RS, which ranged from 0.15 to 1.55 g C m-2 day-1. The RS on the sites was different only in the spring season and was similar in the other seasons. The RS of the pruned and fertilized hazelnut orchard (Hpf) in the spring was 58% greater than the unmaintained hazelnut orchard (Hc) and oak forest and 28% greater than the only fertilized hazelnut orchard (Hf). The RS of Hpf was also greater than other sites in most monthly measurements. While the positive correlation between soil moisture and RS was on an annual basis (r = 0.44), it was higher in summer (r = 0.61) and autumn (r = 0.55) seasons. The negative correlation between soil temperature and RS in the summer and autumn seasons evolved positively in winter. The results of the study suggest that the maintenance practices applied in the hazelnut garden could increase RS in the spring when soil moisture and temperature are optimal but have no effect in other seasons or on an annual basis.

Effects of composts obtained from hazelnut wastes on the cultivation of pepper (Capsicum annuum) seedlings

Mixing animal waste and agricultural waste in certain proportions forms agricultural compost through appropriate air, time, and water supply. One of their use areas is directly used as fertilizer, and the other one is used as a material that can partially or completely replace P (peat) in the PGM (plant growth media). In this study, the initial mixtures with an appropriate C/N ratio and moisture content, which were created by mixing cow manure, chicken manure, hazelnut husk, hazelnut pruning wastes, vegetable and fruit wastes, and dry leaves, were composted for 180 days. The physicochemical properties of the mature composts were determined. Their effects on the fruit yield (weight of fruits) and plant height of pepper seedlings were evaluated in pot and field experiments. N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus), Cu (copper), and Zn (zinc) content were the highest in C4 (2.59%, 1.12%, 83.11 mg/kg, and 605.3 mg/kg). K (potassium) and Mn (manganese) content in C3 (1.79% and 750.5 mg/kg) and Fe (iron) content in C1 (4025 mg/kg) were determined to be the highest. There was no phytotoxic effect of all composts on Lepidium sativum seeds. Except for pH and organic matter, C1 45%, C1 20%, C4 45%, C4 20%, and P 90% met the requirements for ideal media. The mean height of eight-week seedlings increased in media of C1 20%, C1 45%, C2 20%, C2 45%, and C4 20%, but decreased in media of C3 90%. In field studies, while the highest yield was determined in C3 as 1530 g/plant, the lowest yield was 765.5 g/plant in control. The highest mean height was observed in C3 at 76.33 cm; the lowest was 63.03 cm in control.

Pickering emulsions stabilized by cellulose nanocrystals extracted from hazelnut shells: Production and stability under different harsh conditions

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are biodegradable particles that have emerged as promising stabilizers for Pickering emulsions. This study investigated the effectiveness of CNCs in forming the Pickering emulsion from hazelnut shells (HS), an agricultural waste. Following the alkaline and bleaching treatments applied to HS, CNCs were obtained from treated hazelnut shell with acid hydrolysis. The physicochemical characteristics of CNCs were investigated using dynamic light scattering, XRD, FTIR, SEM, and TEM. A high crystalline (69.6 %) CNCs with a spherical shape were obtained. Contact angle and interfacial tension tests were conducted and showed that CNCs had amphiphilic nature. Pickering emulsions were investigated for their size, zeta potential, and stability under varying CNC concentrations. The results showed that when CNCs concentration increased from 0.5 to 2.0 wt%, droplet diameter decreased approximately 1.8 times and zeta potential increased. Creaming was not observed during 28 days of storage in a concentration of 2.0 wt% CNCs. The CNC stabilized emulsions exhibited high stability within a range of pH, temperatures, and salt concentrations. This study demonstrated that CNCs extracted from HS as environmentally friendly and cost-effective materials, could serve as a new stabilizer for Pickering emulsions especially for high temperature and low pH sensitive products such as mayonnaise.

The association between iris color and refractive errors in children

This study aimed to evaluate the association between iris color and refractive errors in children aged 6-12 years. This cross-sectional study was based on data obtained from the first phase of the Shahroud Schoolchildren Eye Cohort Study. The target population was 6 to12 year-old students living in urban and rural areas. Iris colors were classified by comparing eye colors with close-up images of iris colors. Myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent (SE) ≤ - 0.5 diopter and hyperopia was defined as SE ≥ 2 diopter in cycloplegic refraction. The association of iris color with hyperopia and myopia was investigated by fitting two separate multiple logistic regression models adjusted for place of residence, age, sex, and times for outdoor activity and near work. Among the 5394 participates with the mean age of 9.7 year, the prevalence of myopia and hyperopia was 4.8% and 4.7% respectively. The number and proportion (in parentheses) of amber, light blue, light brown, dark brown, gray, green and hazel iris colors were 19(0.4%), 26(0.5%), 645(12.0%), 4517(83.7%), 4(0.1%), 59(1.1%), and 124(2.3%) respectively. Compared to dark brown, the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (in parentheses) of myopia were 4.8(1.2-18.7), 0.8(0.1-5.8), 1.0(0.7-1.5), 0.4(0.1-2.7) and 0.6(0.2-1.8) for amber, light blue, light brown, green and hazel iris colors in multiple logistic regression model. No significant association was observed between iris colors and hyperopia. This study shows that amber iris is significantly associated with higher odds of myopia. These children should be further monitored and examined. More studies with higher sample size in all iris colors are recommended.

Analysis of Polyphenol Extract from Hazel Leaf and Ameliorative Efficacy and Mechanism against Hyperuricemia Zebrafish Model via Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Hazel leaf, a by-product of hazelnuts, is commonly used in traditional folk medicine in Portugal, Sweden, Iran and other regions for properties such as vascular protection, anti-bleeding, anti-edema, anti-infection, and pain relief. Based on our previous studies, the polyphenol extract from hazel leaf was identified and quantified via HPLC fingerprint. The contents of nine compounds including kaempferol, chlorogenic acid, myricetin, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, resveratrol, luteolin, gallic acid and ellagic acid in hazel leaf polyphenol extract (ZP) were preliminary calculated, among which kaempferol was the highest with 221.99 mg/g, followed by chlorogenic acid with 8.23 mg/g. The inhibition of ZP on α-glucosidase and xanthine oxidase activities was determined via the chemical method, and the inhibition on xanthine oxidase was better. Then, the effect of ZP on hyperuricemia zebrafish was investigated. It was found that ZP obviously reduced the levels of uric acid, xanthine oxidase, urea nitrogen and creatinine, and up-regulated the expression ofOAT1 and HPRT genes in hyperuricemia zebrafish. Finally, the targeted network pharmacological analysis and molecular docking of nine polyphenol compounds were performed to search for relevant mechanisms for alleviating hyperuricemia. These results will provide a valuable basis for the development and application of hazel leaf polyphenols as functional ingredients.

Breakthrough curve analysis of phosphorylated hazelnut shell waste in column operation for continuous harvesting of lithium from water

In batch-scale operations, biosorption employing phosphorylated hazelnut shell waste (FHS) revealed excellent lithium removal and recovery efficiency. Scaling up and implementing packed bed column systems necessitates further design and performance optimization. Lithium biosorption via FHS was investigated utilizing a continuous-flow packed-bed column operated under various flow rates and bed heights to remove Li to ultra-low levels and recover it. The Li biosorption capacity of the FHS column was unaffected by the bed height, however, when the flow rate was increased, the capacity of the FHS column decreased. The breakthrough time, exhaustion time, and uptake capacity of the column bed increased with increasing column bed height, whereas they decreased with increasing influent flow rate. At flow rates of 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mL/min, bed volumes (BVs, mL solution/mL biosorbent) at the breakthrough point were found to be 477, 369, and 347, respectively, with the required BVs for total saturation point of 941, 911, and 829, while the total capacity was calculated as 22.29, 20.07, and 17.69 mg Li/g sorbent. In the 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 cm height columns filled with FHS, the breakthrough times were 282, 366, and 433 min, respectively, whereas the periods required for saturation were 781, 897, and 1033 min. The three conventional breakthrough models of the Thomas, Yoon-Nelson, and Modified Dose-Response (MDR) were used to properly estimate the whole breakthrough behavior of the FHS column and the characteristic model parameters. Li's extremely favorable separation utilizing FHS was evidenced by the steep S-shape of the breakthrough curves for both parameters flow rate and bed height. The reusability of FHS was demonstrated by operating the packed bed column in multi-cycle mode, with no appreciable loss in column performance.

Effects of hazelnut soluble dietary fiber on lipid-lowering and gut microbiota in high-fat-diet-fed rats

Hazelnut is one of the most popular nuts in the world, rich in nutrients and various active substances. In this study, soluble dietary fiber (SDF) was extracted from hazelnut kernels, and its physicochemical properties and absorbability were explored. Hazelnut-SDF exhibited ideal water-holding, oil-holding and swelling capacity, and glucose, cholesterol and cholate absorbing ability. Scanning electron microscopy and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that hazelnut-SDF had typical polysaccharide structure of functional groups. The main monosaccharides were identified as arabinose, rhamnose, xylose, ribose, glucuronic acid, mannose and glucose by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In high-fat diet rats, hazelnut-SDF could improve serum lipid parameters, inhibit lipid accumulation in liver and adipocytes, and regulate the expression level of liver lipid synthesis-related genes. It also could adjust intestinal short chain fatty acids, promote the composition and structure of intestinal microbiota, and significantly balance the abundance of Alloprevotella, Fusicatenibacter, Lactobacillus, Roseburia, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 and Clostridiales. The results concluded that oral administration of hazelnut-SDF could alleviate hyperlipidemia and obesity, and might serve as a potential functional food ingredient.

Removal of cationic dye pollutants from wastewater with HS loaded semi-IPN composites: kinetic and thermodynamic studies

In this study, methylene blue (MB) pollutant in water was removed using produced hazelnut shell loaded semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (HS loaded semi-IPN) adsorbent. The physical and chemical characterizations of the adsorbents were investigated using TGA, DSC, FT-IR, BET, FE-SEM, and EDX. Experimental parameters such as temperature, swelling, dye concentration, contact time, pH solution, and adsorbent dosage for MB adsorption were thoroughly investigated. It was determined that the HS loaded semi-IPN adsorbent removed 92.1% of MB dye. Subsequently, the adsorption properties between the adsorbent and dye were investigated in detail using several different kinetic, isotherm, and thermodynamic models. As a result of the obtained data, the interaction between adsorbent and dye molecules is discussed. Moreover, studies on the industrial usability of the adsorbent have been carried out, and it has been observed that the adsorbent can be employed even after four cycles.

Effects of hazelnut protein isolate-induced food allergy on the gut microenvironment in a BALB/c mouse model

Hazelnuts are reported as among the nuts that cause severe allergic reactions. However, few systematic studies exist on the changes in the gut microenvironment following hazelnut allergy. This study focused on the effects of hazelnut allergy on the duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon microenvironment in vivo. We established a hazelnut protein isolate (HPI)-allergic mouse model, which was distinguished by the visible allergy symptoms, dropped temperatures and enhanced allergic inflammatory factor levels in serum, such as HPI-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE), sIgG2a, interleukin-4, histamine, mouse mast cell protease-1, TNF-α, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and lipopolysaccharide. For HPI sensitized mice, aggravated mast cell degranulation, severe morphologic damage and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and colon, while goblet cell numbers were reduced in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Secretory IgA of the jejunum and tight junctions of the duodenum and jejunum were decreased significantly after HPI sensitization. There was no remarkable difference in the pH values of small intestinal contents, but the pH values of colonic contents were elevated, which was due to the decreased short-chain fatty acids (mainly acetate, propionate and butyrate) in the colon. The antioxidant capacity of both large and small intestinal contents declined after HPI sensitization, as evidenced by the increased malondialdehyde and decreased superoxide dismutase activity. HPI sensitization induced gut microbiota dysbiosis with decreased α diversity and altered β diversity in colonic contents. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that the increased characteristic genera, namely Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, Alloprevotella, Erysipelatoclostridium, Parabacteroides, and Helicobacter, played potentially synergistic roles in promoting allergy and gut microenvironment dysregulation.

In-depth characterization of the sarcoplasmic muscle proteome changes in lambs fed with hazelnut skin by-products: Relationships with meat color

This study investigated the effect of agro-industrial hazelnut skin by-products supplementation on lamb meat color variation and the changes in the sarcoplasmic muscle proteome during post-mortem storage (0, 4 and 7 days). Gel-based proteomics and bioinformatics approaches were applied to better understand the potential role of feeding strategies in modulating the mechanisms underpinning meat discoloration and post-mortem changes during storage. Therefore, twenty-two Valle del Belice male lambs were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments: control (C), lambs fed with maize-barley diet, and hazelnut skin (H), lambs fed hazelnut skin by-product as maize partial replacer in the concentrate diet. Hazelnut dietary treatment led to better lamb meat color stability as evidenced by the lowest decrease in redness and saturation index values. Proteomics and bioinformatics results revealed changes in the abundance of 41 proteoforms, which were mainly involved in glycolytic processes, responses to oxidative stress, and immune and endocrine system. The proteins allowed revealing interconnected pathways to be behind meat color variation as a consequence of using hazelnut skin by-products to sustainable feed lamb. The proteins can be used as potential predictors of lamb meat color variation. Accordingly, the regression equations developed in this paper revealed triosephosphate isomerase (TPI1) as a reliable candidate biomarker of color stability in lamb meat. SIGNIFICANCE: The use of agro-industrial by-products in animal feeding can be a potential sustainable strategy to reduce the environmental impacts of the food production chain and consequently improve animal welfare and product quality. The inclusion of hazelnut skin by-products in the animal's diet, due to the high concentration of polyphenols, represents an effective strategy to improve the oxidative stability of meat, with significant implications on color. The use of proteomics combined with bioinformatics on the sarcoplasmic proteome is a powerful approach to decipher the underlying mechanism. Accordingly, this approach allowed in this trial a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the post-mortem processes through the discovery of several biological pathways linked with lamb meat color variation. Glycolysis, followed by responses to oxidative stress, and other proteins involved in the immune and endocrine system were found as the major interconnected pathways that could act as potential predictors of lamb meat color stability. Candidate proteins biomarkers were further revealed in this study to be related with multiple meat color traits.

Temperature acclimation of leaf dark respiration in Corylus avellana: the role of relative growth rate

Relative growth rate (RGR) is a standardized measure of growth that accounts for the difference in initial organ size. Relative growth rate sets the sink strength potential that, in combination with dark respiration (Rd), determines the carbon need of organs. Total Rd is the sum of maintenance respiration and growth respiration (Rg). The first provides energy for the maintenance of the existing cell structures, while the latter provides energy for growth. Dark respiration is mainly driven by temperature, but it varies during the season according to temperature acclimation and organ growth. Temperature acclimation is defined as the variation of Rd following the exposure to short or long periods of different temperatures. Temperature strongly affects growth and drives the Rg component of Rd. We hypothesized that RGR has a fundamental role in Rd variation during the season. The aims of the study were to determine the following: (i) if there was a variation of leaf Rd over the season and if such variation could be due to acclimation and/or RGR; (ii) the type of acclimation (i.e., Type I or II) on fully expanded leaves and newly formed leaves; and finally, (iii) if acclimation or RGR should be included to model Rd variation over the season. Leaf Rd was measured in field-grown plants from bud break to summer. Different cohorts of leaves were used to test the effect of exposure to different temperature regimes during leaf formation. The only case of acclimation was found in fully expanded leaves. It was an acclimation of Type II. Under field conditions, acclimation of filbert leaves, Rd to temperature was limited since most of the Rd variation during the season was explained by RGR. Our work suggests that RGR is a fundamental parameter that should be included in addition to temperature to model seasonal Rd pattern.

Removal performance and mechanisms of aqueous Cr (VI) by biochar derived from waste hazelnut shell

Cr (VI) is still of great concern due to its high toxicity, solubility, and mobility. The transformation of waste biomass to biochar is favorable for sustainable development. Hazelnut shell, an agriculture waste, was utilized as precursor to prepare biochar at 700 °C and firstly conducted for Cr (VI) removal. Nearly all 50 mg L-1 of Cr (VI) was removed from aqueous media in 180 min under the optimal conditions. The best compliance with pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.999) and Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.999) indicated Cr (VI) removal was a monolayer chemisorption process. The hazelnut shell biochar exhibited superior performance on Cr (VI) removal at low pH (2.0) and Cr (VI) concentrations (≤ 50 mg L-1). Various techniques illustrated that the predominant mechanism of Cr (VI) removal by hazelnut shell biochar involved electrostatic attraction, reduction, and complexation. This study provides a promising low-cost alternative for Cr (VI) elimination from acidic wastewater and groundwater after extraction following by pH adjustment to 2.0.

Nutritional Value and Structure Characterization of Protein Components of Corylus mandshurica Maxim

Alternative protein sources for the human diet may help overcome the growing food pressure. Plants with abundant resources and high protein content are potential sources. In this article, graded proteins and isolated proteins from Corylus mandshurica Maxim kernels were extracted by the Osborne procedure and the alkali-solution and acid-isolation method, respectively, and the contents of the five proteins, and the differences in nutritional value and structural properties of the main proteins, were investigated. Amino acid analysis revealed that the total essential amino acids in the five proteins ranged from 249.58 to 324.52 mg/g. The essential amino acid profiles in the proteins were similar to those of FAO/WHO except for the alcohol-soluble protein. The essential amino acid indices ranged from 58.59 to 72.19 and the biological values ranged from 52.16 to 66.99, and the highest nutritional indices were found for the isolate and water-soluble protein, which were 41.68 and 55.78, respectively. The molecular weight pattern distribution of the protein isolates of the Corylus mandshurica Maxim kernel was more similar to that of the water-soluble proteins by SDS-PAGE. The β-sheet and α-helix were the main secondary structures in the two protein fractions. The fluorescence spectra showed that the maximum fluorescence intensity of the two proteins and their λmax were also somewhat different. From the perspective of microscopic morphology, the two proteins are mainly compact and irregular lamellar structures, but the surface of the water-soluble protein is more flat and regular. Both proteins have good solubility, and the water-soluble protein has higher solubility. In general, the protein isolates of the Corylus mandshurica Maxim kernel and the water-soluble protein showed their potential as plant protein resources.

Inconsistent Skin Prick Tests for Allergy to Birch Homologous Trees May Result from Cross-Reacting Allergens or Technical Errors

INTRODUCTION

Skin prick tests (SPTs) are the gold standard for diagnosis of allergic rhinitis (AR). A decrease in the number of allergens included in standard SPT panels has recently been debated - particularly regarding the cross-reacting homologous pollen from birch, alder, and hazel trees - but has not yet been implemented in clinical guidelines.

METHODS

A subgroup of patients with AR (n = 69) who showed inconsistent SPT results among birch, alder, and hazel was investigated in detail. Beyond SPT, patient workup included assessment of clinical relevance and various serological parameters (total IgE, and specific IgE to birch, alder, and hazel and to Bet v 1, Bet v 2, and Bet v 4).

RESULTS

More than half the study group had negative SPT results for birch but positive results for alder and/or hazel, and 87% of the study group was polysensitized, showing at least one more positive SPT result for other plants. Whereas 30.4% of patients showed serological sensitization to birch pollen extract, only 18.8% displayed positive specific IgE to Bet v 1. Clinical assessment revealed that most patients with AR were polysensitized and had perennial symptoms or symptoms also occurring during times other than tree flowering times. If the SPT panel is limited to testing birch only, 52.2% of patients in this subgroup would have been overlooked.

CONCLUSION

Inconsistent SPT results in the birch homologous group may result from cross-reacting allergens or technical errors. If patients report convincing clinical symptoms despite negative results from a reduced SPT panel or inconsistent results for homologous allergens, SPT should be repeated, and molecular markers should be added to achieve a correct diagnosis.

The Hazel Stem Borer, Agrilus pseudocoryli (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), as a Pest of Hybrid Hazelnuts

Nuts from hybrid hazels (Corylus americana Walter × Corylus avellana L.) are a burgeoning, novel industry for the Great Lakes region of the United States. As such, scant information exists about the pest complex, although stem-boring beetles in the genus Agrilus Curtis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) have been noted by growers as potential pests. Here, we report results of a comprehensive survey of 186 plants in a hybrid hazel planting consisting of nine cultivars in southeastern Minnesota affected by stem borers. Sixteen percent of the hybrid hazel plants exhibited between 25 and 100% buprestid associated dieback. Morphological and molecular identification of the adult and larval buprestids colonizing hybrid hazel plants revealed that the hazel stem borer, Agrilus pseudocoryli Fisher, was the only species present. Adult A. pseudocoryli were observed on plants between 8 June and 13 July 2021. Plants with higher damage ratings from the hazel stem borer were more likely to exhibit signs of eastern filbert blight (Anisogramma anomala Peck), a fungal pathogen virulent to C. avellana. Some hazel cultivars were more susceptible to damage from stem borers than others. Taken together, our findings suggest that the hazel stem borer has the potential to impact hybrid hazelnut yield. We speculate that a regional drought may have promoted increased populations of the hazel stem borer, as native Agrilus species are often secondary pests that become problematic when environmental stresses decrease host resistance. More research is needed to elucidate interactions between hazels, buprestid pests, and environmental conditions to predict impacts on crop yields.

Production of novel hazelnut shell-based semi-IPN biocomposite absorbents and their use in removing heavy metal ions from water

In this study, a hazelnut shell (HS) filled semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (semi-IPN) biocomposite adsorbent with novel and different compositions was developed that will enable the removal of lead ions, which are commonly found in water, by adsorption reactions. The structural and morphological properties of the produced adsorbents were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, TGA, DSC, BET, FE-SEM, EDX, and zeta potential measurements, and the production mechanism of these adsorbents was discussed. The effects of parameters such as different adsorbent dosages, different heavy metal concentrations, type of adsorbent, contact time, pH, and temperature on the swelling abilities and adsorption properties of adsorbents were investigated in detail. It has been determined that the adsorbent, which exhibits optimum adsorption and swelling properties, is a biocomposite containing 5% by weight HS filler, and it has been observed that it can remove up to 85% of lead ions under different parameters and conditions. In addition, the adsorption behaviors of the produced biocomposites are discussed using isothermal, kinetic, and thermodynamic models. Moreover, studies have been carried out on the reusability of the adsorbent, and it has been observed that the adsorbent produced within the scope of the study is still usable even after four cycles.

Evaluating heavy metal pollution risks and enzyme activity in soils with intensive hazelnut cultivation under humid ecological conditions

In order to promote sustainable agriculture and ensure food security, it has become more vital to identify the causes of soil pollution in agricultural areas. This study was carried out in order to determine the danger of heavy metal contamination in hazelnut production areas and to take the appropriate actions in accordance with the study's findings. In this context, the main objectives of this study were to (i) determine some physical, chemical, and biological properties and heavy metal concentrations of different soils in intensive hazelnut cultivation areas under humid ecological conditions; (ii) reveal the heavy metal pollution risks of these areas by their enrichment factor, contamination factor, geo-accumulation index, degree of contamination, pollution load index, and potential ecological risk index; (iii) analyze the quality of soils contaminated with heavy metals by their total enzyme activity index and the geometric mean of enzymatic activities; and (iv) explore the correlation between heavy metals and soil enzyme activity indices. According to our results, the average concentrations of heavy metals in the study area ranked as Fe > Mn > Zn > Cr > Ni > Cu > Co > Pb > Cd. Based on EF, the area was evaluated as between deficiency to low enrichment and moderate enrichment for all elements except for Cd. When the parameters used to assess the risk of heavy metal contamination were evaluated, it was determined that the risk of contamination of other elements in the study area, except Cd, was low. Finally, analyzing the heavy metals and soil enzyme activity indices shows that there is a negative correlation between Ni and GMea and TEI.

Prepared activated carbon from hazelnut shell where coated nanocomposite with Ag+ used for antibacterial and adsorption properties

In this research, prepared activated carbon by H₃PO₄ from hazelnut shells was coated with silver ions for the preparation of nanoparticles which were mixed in two ratios (1:0.5 and 1:1) by using of chemical reduction method. The adsorption capacity of activated carbons has been proven by BET and iodine number. Then, the antimicrobial effect of nanoparticles on the Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was investigated; in addition to that, the characterization of hazelnut shell and silver-coated activated carbons was determined by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. The optimum condition of activated carbon from hazelnut shells indicated that 66.01% carbon content within 36.22% efficiency, while BET surface area achieved as 1208 m2/g and its contained 0.6104 cm3 g^-1 total pore volume. The microbial effect indicated that 105 CFU/mL of E. coli was completely inhibited in 30 min. Silver-coated activated carbon showed excellent bacteriostatic activity against E. coli and S. aureus. The results show that the composite has good prospects for applications in drinking water. E. coli of 10⁴ CFU/mL in drinking water were destroyed within 25 min of contact with the filter made with AgAC.

Plastome phylogenomics provide new perspective into the phylogeny and evolution of Betulaceae (Fagales)

BACKGROUND

Betulaceae is a relatively small but morphologically diverse family, with many species having important economic and ecological values. Although plastome structure of Betulaceae has been reported sporadically, a comprehensive exploration for plastome evolution is still lacking. Besides, previous phylogenies had been constructed based on limited gene fragments, generating unrobust phylogenetic framework and hindering further studies on divergence ages, biogeography and character evolution. Here, 109 plastomes (sixteen newly assembled and 93 previously published) were subject to comparative genomic and phylogenomic analyses to reconstruct a robust phylogeny and trace the diversification history of Betulaceae.

RESULTS

All Betulaceae plastomes were highly conserved in genome size, gene order, and structure, although specific variations such as gene loss and IR boundary shifts were revealed. Ten divergent hotspots, including five coding regions (P_i > 0.02) and five noncoding regions (P_i > 0.035), were identified as candidate DNA barcodes for phylogenetic analysis and species delimitation. Phylogenomic analyses yielded high-resolution topology that supported reciprocal monophyly between Betula and Alnus within Betuloideae, and successive divergence of Corylus, Ostryopsis, and Carpinus-Ostrya within Coryloideae. Incomplete lineage sorting and hybridization may be responsible for the mutual paraphyly between Ostrya and Carpinus. Betulaceae ancestors originated from East Asia during the upper Cretaceous; dispersals and subsequent vicariance accompanied by historical environment changes contributed to its diversification and intercontinental disjunction. Ancestral state reconstruction indicated the acquisition of many taxonomic characters was actually the results of parallel or reversal evolution.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research represents the most comprehensive taxon-sampled and plastome-level phylogenetic inference for Betulaceae to date. The results clearly document global patterns of plastome structural evolution, and established a well-supported phylogeny of Betulaceae. The robust phylogenetic framework not only provides new insights into the intergeneric relationships, but also contributes to a perspective on the diversification history and evolution of the family.

Assessing the sustainability index of part-time and full-time hazelnut farms in Giresun and Ordu Province, Turkey

The study's primary purposes were to assess the sustainability of hazelnut farms and explore the effects of part-time and full-time farming types on sustainability in hazelnut production in the Giresun and Ordu Province of Turkey. One hundred fifty-two hazelnut farms were selected using the stratified sampling method, and data were collected by using face-to-face questionnaires. Several steps were taken, including using factor analysis after standardizing the variables to determine their weights to calculate the composite hazelnut farms' sustainability index. The research findings showed that overall hazelnut sustainability scores of farms varied from 0.28 to 0.59, and the average score was 0.44 at sampled farms. The composite hazelnut sustainability index was at an unsatisfactory level. The social and economic sustainability index values of farms were equal, and they were higher than the environmental index value. The values were 0.50 and 0.30, respectively. The economic sustainability index score of full-time farms was higher than that of part-time farms, and part-time farms had higher environmental sustainability index scores than that of full-time farms. Social sustainability scores were not different in terms of farm type. It was recommended that when designing and regulating support policies, policy-makers should differentiate part-time and full-time farming. Training and extension programs must be planned to increase the level of knowledge of every willing farmer. To increase sustainability, specific policies are developed according to the farming type.

Estimation of the water footprint of kiwifruit: in the areas transferred from hazelnut to kiwi

Agriculture is the largest consumer of freshwater and plays a critical role in addressing global water scarcity. While numerous studies have focused on the water footprint (WF) of various agricultural products, little attention has been paid to changing cropping patterns and their impact on WF. Here, we investigate the impact of conversion from hazelnut fields to kiwi orchards on green, blue, and gray WF between 2010 and 2021 in Ordu, Turkey. Our results show a total increase of 803,901 tons WF for all green, blue, and gray WF. Compared to the previous situation, changing the agricultural product and growing kiwifruit on previously established hazelnut fields increases green WF by 372,106 tons and blue WF by 334,167 tons. Thus, the change of cultivation pattern could significantly contribute to the water scarcity in the area, and at the same time, the increase in WF. Although kiwi cultivation might be advantageous economically, this economic benefit might be an ecological disadvantage as kiwi production is highly dependent on limited blue water resources. Therefore, it is suggested to further promote the rain-fed product, the hazelnut.

Use of High-Resolution Multispectral UAVs to Calculate Projected Ground Area in Corylus avellana L. Tree Orchard

In the last decade, research on Corylus avellana has focused on improving field techniques and hazelnut quality; however, climatic change and sustainability goals call for new agronomic management strategies. Precision management technologies could help improve resource use efficiency and increase grower income, but research on remote sensing systems and especially on drone devices is still limited. Therefore, the hazelnut is still linked to production techniques far from the so-called Agriculture 4.0. Unmanned aerial vehicles platforms are becoming increasingly available to satisfy the demand for rapid real-time monitoring for orchard management at spatial, spectral, and temporal resolutions, addressing the analysis of geometric traits such as canopy volume and area and vegetation indices. The objective of this study is to define a rapid procedure to calculate geometric parameters of the canopy, such as canopy area and height, by methods using NDVI and CHM values derived from UAV images. This procedure was tested on the young Corylus avellana tree to manage a hazelnut orchard in the early years of cultivation. The study area is a hazelnut orchard (6.68 ha), located in Bernalda, Italy. The survey was conducted in a six-year-old irrigated hazelnut orchard of Tonda di Giffoni and Nocchione varieties using multispectral UAV. We determined the Projected Ground Area and, on the Corylus avellana canopy trough, the vigor index NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) and the CHM (Canopy Height Model), which were used to define the canopy and to calculate the tree crown area. The projection of the canopy area to the ground measured with NDVI values > 0.30 and NDVI values > 0.35 and compared with CHM measurements showed a statistically significant linear regression, R2 = 0.69 and R2 = 0.70, respectively. The ultra-high-resolution imagery collected with the UAV system helped identify and define each tree crown individually from the background (bare soil and grass cover). Future developments are the construction of reliable relationships between the vigor index NDVI and the Leaf Area Index (LAI), as well as the evaluation of their spatial-temporal evolution.

Agriculture management and seasonal impact on soil properties, water, sediment and chemicals transport in a hazelnut orchard (Croatia)

Soil and water conservation practices are key to agroecosystems sustainability and avoiding diffuse pollution. Here, we compare the impacts of different types of mulch, barley straw (Straw), wooden chips (Chip) and tillage (Till) on vegetation mulch cover (VMC); soil properties, bulk density (BD), mean weight diameter (MWD), water stable aggregates (WSA), soil water content (SWC), soil organic matter (SOM), pH and total phosphorous (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb). We also assessed the ponding time (PT), runoff time (RT), runoff, sediment concentration (SC), sediment loss (SL) and chemicals transport (the same studied in soil). A set of rainfall simulation experiments (90 in total) was applied in the different Spring, Summer, and Fall treatments. The results showed that mulch increased VMC in all the seasons, while other properties (BD; MWD, WSA SOM, pH) were not affected, especially in Spring. The biggest impact was observed in Fall, especially in the Till plot, due to the tillage practices applied in Summer. Mulch increased PT, RT and reduced runoff, SL and chemicals transport. Chemical losses were very much associated with SL, and the concentration of P and metals in soil depended on soil Ca and pH. SWC, MWD and runoff were inversely related to PT, RT and SC. Finally, BD, VMC and SOM were highly associated. Overall, tillage practices dramatically impact SL, and diffuse pollution and urgent measures are needed to reverse this. Mulching is excellent and cost-effective to mitigate the impacts of agriculture on land degradation and diffuse pollution.

First rhyncaphytoptine mite (Eriophyoidea, Diptilomiopidae) parasitizing American hazelnut (Corylus americana): molecular identification, confocal microscopy, and phylogenetic position

The plant genus Corylus is an economically important crop, valued especially for its nuts. Numerous pathogens and harmful phytophagous arthropods are known to damage hazelnuts. We report on a new eriophyoid mite, Rhyncaphytoptus corylivagrans n. sp., and the first record of Coptophylla lamimani both collected from leaves of American hazelnut (Corylus americana) in North Carolina, USA. Including our new data, the complex of eriophyoids from Corylus comprises 15 species from three families: Phytoptidae (2 spp.), Eriophyidae (11 spp.), and Diptilomiopidae (2 spp.). We obtained sequences of three genes (Cox1, D1-D5 28S, and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2), applied BLAST and tree-based approaches for identification of R. corylivagrans n. sp., and performed the first molecular phylogenetic analysis focused on Rhyncaphytoptinae. Among the three genes, Cox1 showed better power when used for BLAST searches. Combined molecular phylogenetic analyses inferred R. corylivagrans n. sp. as sister to R. betulae, determined several moderately supported host-specific lineages of rhyncaphytoptines, and indicated a close relationship of the new species with members of the genus Rhinotergum. In two Rhinotergum spp. from Rosaceae, confocal microscopy revealed a new structure, the needle-like anterior process of the prodorsal shield, which is absent in R. corylivagrans n. sp. Additionally, the elements of the anal secretory apparatus presumably associated with silk-production and hypothesized as a synapomorphy of Eriophyoidea, were detected in the new species, providing the first documented report of this structure in Diptilomiopidae. Our study contributes to knowledge on the biodiversity of phytoparasites associated with hazelnuts and calls for future comparative phylogenetics of Diptilomiopidae.

Fed-batch anaerobic digestion of raw and pretreated hazelnut skin over long-term operation

This study provided important insights on the anaerobic digestion (AD) of hazelnut skin (HS) by operating a fed-batch AD reactor over 240 days and focusing on several factors impacting the process in the long term. An efficient reactor configuration was proposed to increase the substrate load while reducing the solid retention time during the fed-batch AD of HS. Raw HS produced maximally 19.29 mL CH₄/g VS_add/d. Polyphenols accumulated in the reactor and the use of NaOH to adjust the pH likely inhibited AD. Maceration and methanol-organosolv pretreatments were, thus, used to remove polyphenols from HS (i.e. 82 and 97%, respectively) and improve HS biodegradation. Additionally, organosolv pretreatment removed 9% of the lignin. The organosolv-pretreated HS showed an increment in methane potential of 21%, while macerated HS produced less methane than the raw substrate, probably due to the loss of non-structural sugars during maceration.

Is airborne graphene oxide a possible hazard for the sexual reproduction of wind-pollinated plants?

Products containing graphene-related materials (GRMs) are becoming increasingly common, allowing GRM nanoparticles (NPs) to enter the environment during their life cycle. Thanks to their lightness and bidimensional geometry, GRM NPs can be easily dispersed in the air and travel very long distances. The flowers of wind-pollinated plants may be exposed to airborne GRMs, being apt to intercept pollen from the air and, inevitably, other airborne particles. Here, stigmas of four wind-pollinated plants (Corylus avellana, common hazel; Juglans regia, walnut; Quercus ilex, holm oak; Zea mays, maize) were exposed to airborne graphene oxide (GO) and GO purified from production residues (PGO) at a concentration of 3.7 ng m^-3. Subsequently, the stigmas were pollinated and the adhesion of GOs and their effects on stigma integrity and pollen-stigma interaction were examined. The effect of GO NPs in presence of liquid water on the stigma of C. avellana was also investigated. GOs NPs were intercepted by all species, but their effect varied among them. GO reduced pollen adhesion in J. regia and Q. ilex, whereas pollen germination was unaffected in all four species. The presence of a film of water neither completely removed GO NPs from the stigma, nor it enhanced the toxic effect of GO acidity. PGO never affected pollen-stigma interaction, indicating that the phytotoxic substances used for the production of GO, still in traces in commercial GO, are the main cause of GO toxicity. These results reconfirm the need to verify GRMs effects also on key biological processes beside single model organisms.

Arthropod Community in Hybrid Hazelnut Plantings in the Midwestern United States

There is a lack of knowledge of the arthropod communities in both wild hazelnut and cultivated hybrid hazelnut ecosystems in the Midwestern United States. Our goal was to characterize the composition of these arthropod communities in hazelnut plantings. We surveyed six experimental plantings of hazelnuts in Wisconsin and two in Minnesota during growing seasons, from May 2017 to August 2021. We used four methods to survey the arthropod community of these plantings: ad libitum survey of specimen observations and collection, dissection of hazelnut buds and nuts, cone traps placed on the ground, and beat sheet sampling of plants. We registered 116 different morphospecies of five classes and 83 families. Arthropods with known feeding habits were grouped into four guilds: 59 herbivores, 36 carnivores (predators, parasites, and parasitoids), 4 decomposers (detritivores and scavengers), and 4 omnivores. While we registered 12 herbivorous species that could potentially cause damage to hazelnuts, we directly observed nine of them feeding upon or damaging plant parts: Phytoptus avellanae s.l. Nalepa (Eriophyoidea: Phytoptidae), Curculio obtusus Blanchard and Strophosoma melanogrammum Förster (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Popillia japonica Newman (Coleoptera: Scarabeidae), Parthenolecanium sp. (Hemiptera: Coccidae), Euschistus servus euschistoides Say (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae), Acleris sp., and Choristoneura rosaceana Harris (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). We also registered eight species of parasites or parasitoids that could offer biocontrol services in the cropping system. These findings provide a foundation for future targeted studies on potential pests and beneficial arthropods, as well as ecological interactions within the hybrid hazelnut ecosystem in the Midwest.

Comparative life cycle assessment of conventional and organic hazelnuts production systems in Central Italy

Agricultural activity is responsible of considerable negative effects on the environment. In this context, in the last years, organic cultivation is increasing being perceived as more sustainable for the environmental. Nevertheless, this higher sustainability compared to conventional agricultural systems is debated. This applied for crops but also for livestock systems. For some of the main crops (i.e., cereals, soybean) comparative analysis were carried out but for most of the other annual and perennial crops there is a lack of information about the environmental impact related to conventional and organic cultivation In this study, the environmental impact of the conventional and organic farming systems of hazelnuts production in Viterbo province in Italy was evaluated using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach. Even if originally developed for industrial processes, LCA is more and more applied also to agriculture systems to quantify the environmental impact. Primary data were collected by the main Producer Organization and elaborated considering 1 kg of hazelnuts as functional unit and a from cradle to gate approach considering the 50-years as life cycle duration of the crop. Finally, using the Recipe characterization method, 15 midpoint impact categories were evaluated. The results show how, except than for ecotoxicity related impact categories, organic cultivation practice shows higher impact (from +5% to +285%) respect to the conventional production. For ecotoxicity related impact categories, organic hazelnut production performs better (from -42% to -81%) than the conventional one because no synthetic pesticides are applied. The sensitivity analysis carried shows how yield is the main driver of the environmental results while the uncertainty analysis performed with the Monte Carlo technique shows that the to the selection of the data source, model imprecision and data variability does not significantly affect the environmental results for the evaluated impact categories.

Nanocomposites of immobilized nano-zirconia on low-cost activated carbon derived from hazelnut shell for enhanced removal of 3-Nitro-4-Hydroxy-Phenylarsonic acid from water

3-Nitro-4-hydroxy-phenylarsonic acid (NHPA) as a veterinary drug can degraded into highly toxic inorganic arsenic and will be harmful to environment and food safety. Nanocomposites for the uptake of NHPA were obtained by efficiently immobilizing the nano-sized zirconium oxide onto hazelnut shell-based activated carbon using pyrolysis method. We found that the pyrolysis temperature played a crucial role in the adsorptive performances of the nanocomposites. The prepared nanocomposite at pyrolysis temperature of 600 °C with a mass ratio of ZrOCl₂/activated carbon of 1:3 exhibited a fast adsorption equilibrium for NHPA within 5 min, excellent adsorption capacity of 825.7 mg g^-1 and the higher adsorption capacity with the increase in temperature from 20 to 45 °C across a pH range of 4-6. 90% of the NHPA uptake was sustained in the NaNO₃ solution of 0.7 mol L^-1. The adsorption data were well simulated by the Langmuir and pseudo-second order equations. Thermodynamic parameters suggested that the uptake of the NHPA occurred spontaneously (ΔG⁰<0) with an endothermic characteristic (ΔH⁰>0). A synergetic effect of electrostatic attraction, As-O-Zr surface coordination and π-π interaction is the main adsorption mechanism of the nanocomposites for the removal of the NHPA.

Geographic information system-assisted site quality assessment for hazelnut cultivation using multi-criteria decision analysis in the Black Sea region, Turkey

Developing land suitability models for strategically critical agricultural products to expand sustainable agricultural policies and sensitive agriculture management has become a significant trend. This study aims to improve a unique land suitability model for hazelnut cultivation by applying the criteria set (7 main criteria, 35 sub-criteria) including qualitative and quantitative reasons, integrated fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, inverse distance weighting, multi-criteria decision analysis, geographic information system, and weighted linear combination approaches. The model developed in the present study was applied and tested in Ünye District of Ordu Province, where hazelnut production in the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey is an important economic activity. While 71.17% of the study area is classified as very highly suitable, highly suitable, and moderately suitable, 28.83% of the study area has marginally suitable and unsuitable properties for hazelnut cultivation. Generally, it was determined that the coastal parts of the study area were the most suitable areas for hazelnut growing. The hazelnut land suitability model's two main criteria impacting the final score values are climatic and topographic conditions, respectively. Heavy metal pollution and physical, chemical, and fertility conditions related to soil properties followed these, respectively. The first ten sub-criteria with the highest weight value were determined as elevation, annual average temperature, annual average precipitation, aspect, annual average relative humidity, nickel (pollution), slope, annual average maximum temperature, lead (pollution), and soil depth, respectively. Existing hazelnut cultivation areas were used to test the model. Of the existing cultivation areas, 75.59% coincided with the very highly suitable, highly suitable, and moderately suitable classes presented in this study, while 17.15% were in marginally suitable and 7.26% in unsuitable classes. The study results reveal that the hazelnut land suitability model developed is suitable in mild climate conditions. Using this model as a general transition model will be beneficial to test it in areas containing similar climatic conditions and various soil properties. This study will create a rational background in ensuring the sustainable food production system and security, agricultural land use planning, strategic planning and management of the hazelnut plant, increasing agricultural productivity and income, and the ecosystem.

In Vivo and In Vitro Assessment and Proteomic Analysis of the Effectiveness of Physical Treatments in Reducing Allergenicity of Hazelnut Proteins

Hazelnut is a widespread nut species, especially present in Europe, that can be consumed raw or roasted thanks to its pleasant taste and nutritional properties. In addition to renowned beneficial properties hazelnuts contain several proteins capable of inducing food allergy in sensitized individuals, including Cor a 2 (a profilin), Cor a 8 (a lipid transfer protein), Cor a 9 (an 11S seed storage globulin, legumin-like), and Cor a 11 (a 7S seed storage globulin, vicilin-like). In the present paper we investigated the effectiveness of autoclave-based treatments in decreasing the allergic potential of hazelnut as assessed by submitting the treated material to an in vivo skin prick test and an in vitro immunoblot analysis, with sera of allergic individuals exposed to the treated food material. This preliminary analysis showed that autoclave treatment preceded by hydration and/or followed by drying seems to be a promising approach and appears to be effective in reducing the allergenicity of hazelnuts in most patients, probably due to the denaturation of most major and minor allergenic proteins. This work opens up the opportunity to produce hypoallergenic hazelnut derivatives that can be tolerated by allergic subjects.

Targeted Lipidomics Analysis of Oxylipids in Hazelnut Oil during Storage by Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Hazelnut oil is a high-grade edible oil with high nutritional value and unique taste. However, it is prone to oxidative degradation during storage. Herein, we used liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry to carry out a lipidomics analysis of the storage process of hazelnut oil. A total of 41 triacylglycerols and 12 oxylipids were determined. The contents of all oxylipids increased significantly after storage (p < 0.05). The oxylipid accumulation of hazelnut oil during storage was clarified for the first time. Nine significantly different oxylipids were further screened out. It was considered that the 15th day of storage is the dividing point. In addition, the lipoxygenase-catalyzed oxidation may be the major contributor to lipid oxidation of hazelnut oil. This study provides a new insight and theoretical basis to explore the storage oxidation mechanism of hazelnut oil and take quality control measures.

Monitoring of Hazelnut oil quality during thermal processing in comparison with extra virgin olive oil by using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy combined with chemometrics

Hazelnut oil (HO), which is not widely used because its healthy properties are not fully known yet, is an excellent nutrient due to its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. In this study, the effects of thermal processing on the quality of HO in comparison to extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), which is one of the healthiest and heat-resistant oils, were investigated using Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Oil samples were heated at a frying temperature (180 °C) for 24 h in periods of 8 h per day and alterations in the spectra of these oils sampled every 2 h were evaluated. The heating process caused decreases in the areas of the bands at 3007 and 722 cm^-1 and the area ratios of 3007/2854 and 722/2854 cm^-1 and increases in the areas of the bands at 987 and 965 cm^-1 and the area ratio of 965/2854 cm^-1 in both oils suggesting the conjugation and cis-trans isomerization of unsaturated fatty acids. In addition, heating caused increases in the areas of the bands at 3475 and 1744 cm^-1 and the ratios of 3475/2854 cm^-1 and 1744/2854 cm^-1, a shift to a lower value in the wavenumber and a broadening of the 1744 cm^-1 band indicating the formation of primary and secondary oxidation products in the heated oils, which were also supported by chemical studies. Most of these changes began earlier in EVOO and all occurred to a higher extent, revealing that HO has a higher thermal stability than EVOO. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis confirmed that HO is more resistant to heat than EVOO. These results showed that HO is superior to EVOO and it could be used for frying as a healthier and cheaper oil alternative. This study also indicated that oil oxidation could be monitored easily and rapidly via ATR-FTIR spectroscopy.

Radial stem growth dynamics and phenology of a multi-stemmed species (Corylus avellana L.) across orchards in the Northern and Southern hemispheres

Climate change and the global economy impose new challenges in the management of food-producing trees and require studying how to model plant physiological responses, namely growth dynamics and phenology. Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) is a multi-stemmed forest species domesticated for nut production and now widely spread across different continents. However, information on stem growth and its synchronization with leaf and reproductive phenology is extremely limited. This study aimed at (i) defining the sequencing of radial growth phases in hazelnut (onset, maximum growth and cessation) and the specific temperature triggering stem growth; and (ii) combining the stem growth phases with leaf and fruit phenology. Point dendrometers were installed on 20 hazelnut trees across eight orchards distributed in the Northern and Southern hemisphere during a period of three growing seasons between 2015 and 2018. The radial growth variations and climatic parameters were averaged and recorded every 15 min. Leaf and reproductive phenology were collected weekly at each site. Results showed that stem radial growth started from day of year 84 to 134 in relation to site and year but within a relatively narrow range of temperature (from 13 to 16.5 °C). However, we observed a temperature-related acclimation in the cultivar Tonda di Giffoni. Maximum growth always occurred well before the summer solstice (on average 35 days) and before the maximum annual air temperatures. Xylogenesis developed rapidly since the time interval between onset and maximum growth rate was about 3 weeks. Importantly, the species showed an evident delay of stem growth onset with respect to leaf emergence (on average 4-6 weeks) rarely observed in tree species. These findings represent the first global analysis of radial growth dynamics in hazelnut, which is an essential step for developing models on orchard functioning and management on different continents.

Establishing the twig method for investigations on pollen characteristics of allergenic tree species

The twig method in climate chambers has been shown to successfully work as a proxy for outdoor manipulations in various experimental setups. This study was conducted to further establish this method for the investigation of allergenic pollen from tree species (hazel, alder, and birch). Direct comparison under outdoor conditions revealed that the cut twigs compared to donor trees were similar in the timing of flowering and the amount of pollen produced. Cut twigs were able to flower in climate chambers and produced a sufficient amount of pollen for subsequent laboratory analysis. The addition of different plant or tissue fertilizers in the irrigation of the twigs did not have any influence; rather, the regular exchange of water and the usage of fungicide were sufficient for reaching the stage of flowering. In the experimental setup, the twigs were cut in different intervals before the actual flowering and were put under warming conditions in the climate chamber. An impact of warming on the timing of flowering/pollen characteristics could be seen for the investigated species. Therefore, the twig method is well applicable for experimental settings in pollen research simulating, e.g., accelerated warming under climate change.

Adsorption of U(VI) from aqueous solution by using KMnO4-modified hazelnut shell activated carbon: characterisation and artificial neural network modelling

This study is based on U(VI) removal from wastewater by KMnO₄-modified hazelnut shell activated carbon (KM-HSAC) using adsorption technology. A characterisation study of KM-HSAC was conducted through scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The rough surface of KM-HSAC contains many irregular microspores. The EDS pattern confirmed the U(VI) adsorption on the KM-HSAC. A batch study experiment gave optimum results for U(VI) at pH 6, contact time of 160 min, initial U(VI) concentration of 155.56 mg/L and KM-HSAC dosage of 4 g/L, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 22.27 mg/g. The prediction performance of artificial neural network models was validated through the low values of statistical error (2.708 and 8.241 for RMSE of training and testing data, respectively) and the high determination coefficient value (0.987 and 0.906 for training and testing data, respectively). Experimental results suggest that KM-HSAC has a high potential for the removal of U(VI) from wastewater.

Cytospora and Diaporthe Species Associated With Hazelnut Canker and Dieback in Beijing, China

Hazelnut (Corylus heterophylla Fisch.) is an important nut crop in China but has been declining owing to the destructive effects of fungal branch canker and dieback. The identification and management of these pathogens are difficult because of the lack of attention to branch canker, insufficient understanding of phylogenetic, and overlapping morphological characteristics of the pathogens. In total, 51 strains were isolated from Chinese wild hazelnut in this study, and three species of Cytospora and two of Diaporthe were identified through morphological observation and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses (ITS, act, rpb2, tef1-α, and tub2 for Cytospora; ITS, cal, his3, tef1-α, and tub2 for Diaporthe). Three new species, Cytospora corylina, C. curvispora, and Diaporthe corylicola, and two known species, Cytospora leucostoma and Diaporthe eres, grew at 5-30°C and a pH of 3.0-11.0, with optimum growth at approximately 25°C and pH 4.0-7.0. Additionally, the effects of six carbon sources on mycelial growth were investigated. This study explored the main pathogenic fungi species of Corylus heterophylla, completed the corresponding database of pathogenic fungi information, and clarified their biological characteristics. Moreover, the results of this study provided a theoretical basis for Corylus heterophylla disease management and prevention in China.

Characterization of bitter compounds in native and hybrid American hazelnuts

The main objective of this study was to identify compounds that contribute to the bitter taste attributes of American hazelnuts (C. americana) and derived hybrids. Sensory-guided Prep-LC fractionation analysis selected four compounds as bitter that were further identified by MS and NMR as carpinontriol B, 2-(3-hydroxy-2-oxoindolin-3-yl)acetic acid 3-O-6'-galactopyranosyl-2″-(2″oxoindolin-3″yl) acetate, giffonin-2-O-[(α-d-glucopyranosyl)-6'-O-(3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acid) and Afzelin, termed compounds 1-4, respectively. The concentrations of compounds 1, 2, 3, and 4 were determined across 88 American hybrid hazelnut genotypes and reported to be present at levels above their bitter threshold values in 94, 75, 25, and 0% of the samples, respectively. Moreover, the concentrations of compounds 1 and 3 were significantly higher for nuts dehusked prior to drying during post-harvest handling, which is expected to result in a higher perceived bitter intensity.

Comparative proteomics of common allergenic tree pollens of birch, alder, and hazel

BACKGROUND

In addition to known allergens, other proteins in pollen can aid the development of an immune response in allergic individuals. The contribution of the "unknown" protein allergens is apparent in phylogenetically related species where, despite of high homology of the lead allergens, the degree of allergenic potential can vary greatly. The aim of this study was to identify other potentially allergenic proteins in pollen of three common and highly related allergenic tree species: birch (Betula pendula), hazel (Corylus avellana) and alder (Alnus glutinosa).

METHODS

For that purpose, we carried out a comprehensive, comparative proteomic screening of the pollen from the three species. In order to maximize protein recovery and coverage, different protein extraction and isolation strategies during sample preparation were employed.

RESULTS

As a result, we report 2500-3000 identified proteins per each of the pollen species. Identified proteins were further used for a number of annotation steps, providing insight into differential distribution of peptidases, peptidase inhibitors and other potential allergenic proteins across the three species. Moreover, we carried out functional enrichment analyses that, interestingly, corroborated high species similarity in spite of their relatively distinct protein profiles.

CONCLUSION

We provide to our knowledge first insight into proteomes of two very important allergenic pollen types, hazel and alder, where not even transcriptomics data are available, and compared them to birch. Datasets from this study can be readily used as protein databases and as such serve as basis for further functional studies.

Progression of Kernel Mold on Hazelnut

Hazelnut kernel mold, caused by a number of fungal species, has been a chronic problem in Pacific Northwest hazelnut production areas for many years. Two highly susceptible breeding selections and two commercial cultivars were used to investigate kernel mold development over time and possible correlations with rainfall. Nuts were allowed to naturally fall onto orchard soil, regularly collected, cracked open, and evaluated for kernel mold. Disease progress for each selection or cultivar was evaluated each year with both linear and exponential models. The general progression of kernel mold was similar for the two breeding selections and cultivars Ennis and Lewis, where kernel mold increased slowly during the nut dropping period but more rapidly after normal harvest. An exponential model described disease progress better than a linear model for 8 of the 10 significant disease progress curves examined. Although some years had significantly higher estimated rates of disease increase, this parameter was inversely related to the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). The incidence of kernel mold did not significantly increase over time for 8 of the 18 disease progress curves examined, including 6 of 8 curves for commercial cultivars. The relationship between initial kernel mold incidence and AUDPC was described well with a simple linear model indicating that initial disease incidence appeared to be a good predictor of AUDPC. The longer nuts remained on the ground, especially after harvest, the higher the incidence of kernel mold. Kernel mold incidence was not significantly correlated with rainfall totals for any period of time from flowering to harvest. Multiple harvests ending shortly after all nuts have fallen should result in lower incidence of kernel mold for growers.

Chemical Composition of the Hazelnut Kernel (Corylus avellana L.) and Its Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Activities

The chemical composition of hazelnut kernels (Corylus avellana L.) and their COX-2 inhibitory, antimicrobial, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical-scavenging activities were investigated. Six previously undescribed indoleacetic acid glycosides, hazelnutins A-F (1-6), and five known compounds (7-11) were isolated from the hazelnut kernels. The structures of compounds 1-6 were successfully identified by high-resolution-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry and NMR data, and their absolute configurations were established by electron-capture detector spectroscopy analyses in corporation with quantum chemical calculations. Furthermore, the absolute configurations of compounds 7 and 8 were unambiguously confirmed for the first time. Compounds 8-11 were discovered in hazelnut kernels for the first time. Compounds 1-5 inhibited COX-2 expression with inhibition rates ranging from 36.10 to 64.08%. Compounds 3, 4, and 8 could inhibit the proliferation of Candida albicans. Compound 11 exhibited potent antioxidant activity against ABTS and DPPH with IC₅₀ values of 11.22 and 13.21 μmol/L, respectively. Compounds 8 and 10 exhibited moderate antioxidant activity against ABTS.

Persistence of Tuber melanosporum in truffle orchards in North Carolina, USA

A survey was conducted to determine the persistence of mycorrhization by Tuber melanosporum in truffle orchards established with European and American species of oak and common hazel trees in North Carolina. The trees had reportedly been inoculated and colonized by T. melanosporum prior to planting. Root samples were collected from 95 trees among seven orchards in 2015 and roots were analyzed by morphology and quantitative PCR. Samples that tested negative for T. melanosporum or where ectomycorrhizal morphology was not observed were analyzed by sequencing to identify the mycorrhizal fungal symbiont present. The presence of T. melanosporum was detected in all seven orchards. In six orchards, T. melanosporum was detected on all trees, but in only two of fifteen trees in one orchard. Other species of Tuber including T. brennemanii, T. canaliculatum, and T. lyonii, species of Scleroderma, and members of the Pezizales were also detected by sequence analysis. Sporocarps of T. aestivum and T. brumale were found in 2017 and 2018 in separate orchards in North Carolina after the survey was conducted. Overall, results indicate that T. melanosporum has persisted in truffle orchards sampled in North Carolina. Indigenous and contaminating fungal species, including Tuber species, were also detected and present a challenge to the truffle industry in North Carolina.

Effect of Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn and Bioaccessibilities in the Hazelnuts Growing in Sakarya, Turkey using In-Vitro Gastrointestinal Extraction Method

Total concentrations of heavy metals such as Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn in different hazelnut samples obtained by different regions of Sakarya city, Turkey were identified for the determination of heavy metal in the first section of this study. In the second section of our study, metal concentrations that can pass to the body by stomach and intestine in case of consuming hazelnuts as in vitro with gastrointestinal methods. It is performed by using enzymes and hydrochloric acid with model intestine and stomach system. In vitro gastrointestinal extraction method aims to identify how much the chemicals obtained by the sample matrices as vegetables, fruits, and soil, which are obtained within daily diet and examines the bioefficacy and bioaccessibility ingesting, used for evaluation of the chemical risk for humans were released. Total metal concentrations in the hazelnuts and metal concentrations passing to the stomach and intestines via in vitro gastrointestinal extraction method were identified with ICP-OES. As the result, heavy metal amounts of hazelnut samples are below the limits identified by Turkish Food Codex (TFC) and World Health Organization (WHO) and in harmony with the literature results so there is no objection in terms of health.

Anaerobic digestion of hazelnut (Corylus colurna) husks after alkaline pretreatment and determination of new important points in Logistic model curves

In this study, anaerobic digestion (AD) of hazelnut (Corylus colurna) husks (HH) was investigated by NaOH pretreatment at 1-6% w/w concentrations. The highest methane yield was 278.45 ± 7.85 mL/g volatile solid (VS), and this was obtained in a 4% NaOH pretreated reactor. In this reactor, the methane yield increased by 162.2% compared to that in the control. The concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) varied during the digestion process according to the different NaOH pretreatment results. The highest lignosellulosic solubilizations were obtained in a 6% NaOH pretreated reactor. Furthermore, in the second part of kinetic studies, it was defined critical points for cumulative methane yield (CMY) in the Logistic model (LM). These points were the absolute acceleration point (PAA), maximum acceleration point (PAM), inflection point (PI), maximum deceleration point (PDM), and asymptotic deceleration point (PDA). Using these points on the CMY curves, the AD process of HH was mathematically interpreted and explained.