Cannabidiol abrogates cue-induced anxiety associated with normalization of mitochondria-specific transcripts and linoleic acid in the nucleus accumbens shell.

Anxiety disorders are one of the top contributors to psychiatric burden worldwide. Recent years have seen a dramatic rise in the potential anxiolytic properties ascribed to cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating constituent of the Cannabis Sativa plant. This has led to several clinical trials underway to examine the therapeutic potential of CBD for anxiety disorders.

Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis.

In this review, we provide an updated assessment of available evidence on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of CBD and explore the impact of different factors on PK outcomes. This systematic review and meta-regression analysis was preregistered (PROSPERO: CRD42021269857). We systematically searched Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, and Web of Science Core Collection up to November 19, 2022.

Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol: A systematic review and meta-regression analysis.

Background: In this review, we provide an updated assessment of available evidence on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of cannabidiol (CBD) and explore the impact of different factors on PK outcomes.

Materials And Methods: This systematic review and meta-regression analysis was pre-registered (PROSPERO: CRD42021269857). We systematically searched Medline, Embase, PsychInfo, and Web of Science Core Collection up to November 19, 2022.

Assessing the Role of Corticothalamic and Thalamo-Accumbens Projections in the Augmentation of Heroin Seeking in Chronically Food-Restricted Rats.

Drug addiction is a chronic disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, and involves repetitive cycles of compulsive drug use, abstinence, and relapse. In both human and animal models of addiction, chronic food restriction increases rates of relapse. Our laboratory has reported a robust increase in drug seeking following a period of withdrawal in chronically food-restricted rats compared with sated controls.

Does 'activating' nuts affect nutrient bioavailability?

Claims in the lay literature suggest soaking nuts enhances mineral bioavailability. Research on legumes and grains indicate soaking reduces phytate levels, however, there is no evidence to support or refute these claims for nuts. We assessed the effects of different soaking regimes on phytate and mineral concentrations of whole and chopped almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, and walnuts.

A role for leptin and ghrelin in the augmentation of heroin seeking induced by chronic food restriction.

Rational: Caloric restriction increases the risk of relapse in abstinent drug users. Hormones involved in the regulation of energy balance and food intake, such as leptin and ghrelin, are implicated in drug-related behaviors.

Objectives: We investigated the role of leptin and ghrelin in the augmentation of heroin seeking induced by chronic food restriction.

The role of the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus in the augmentation of heroin seeking induced by chronic food restriction.

Drug addiction is a chronic disorder that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and involves cycling between periods of compulsive drug use, abstinence, and relapse. In both human addicts and animal models of addiction, chronic food restriction has been shown to increase rates of relapse. Previously, our laboratory has demonstrated a robust increase in drug seeking following a period of withdrawal in chronically food-restricted rats compared with sated rats.

Associations between Nut Consumption and Health Vary between Omnivores, Vegetarians, and Vegans.

Regular nut consumption is associated with reduced risk factors for chronic disease; however, most population-based studies lack consideration of effect modification by dietary pattern. The UK Women's Cohort Study (UKWCS) provides an ideal opportunity to examine relationships between nut consumption and chronic disease risk factors in a large sample with diverse dietary patterns. Nut and nutrient intake from 34,831 women was estimated using a food frequency questionnaire among self-identified omnivores, vegetarians and vegans.

Long-term irritable bowel syndrome symptom control with reintroduction of selected FODMAPs.

Aim: To investigate the long-term effect of dietary education on a low fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide and polyol (FODMAP) diet on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms and quality of life (QoL).

Methods: Participants with IBS (Rome III) were randomized to two groups. Group I commenced a low FODMAP diet at baseline.

Perceptions and Knowledge of Nuts amongst Health Professionals in New Zealand.

Despite their nutritional value, population-level nut consumption remains low. Studies suggest that individuals would eat more nuts on their doctor's advice, making health professionals potentially important for promoting nut consumption. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the perceptions and knowledge of nuts and the predictors of nut promotion among health professionals in New Zealand.

Coconut oil consumption and cardiovascular risk factors in humans.

Coconut oil is being heavily promoted as a healthy oil, with benefits that include support of heart health. To assess the merits of this claim, the literature on the effect of coconut consumption on cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes in humans was reviewed. Twenty-one research papers were identified for inclusion in the review: 8 clinical trials and 13 observational studies.

Energy compensation and nutrient displacement following regular consumption of hazelnuts and other energy-dense snack foods in non-obese individuals.

Purpose: Regular nut consumption reduces cardiovascular disease risk, partly from improvements to dietary quality. Examining how individuals make dietary changes when consuming nuts may reveal key behavioural eating patterns beneficial for the development of dietary interventions. We examined the effects of nuts in comparison with other energy-dense snacks on energy compensation, nutrient displacement, and food group patterns.

Do dry roasting, lightly salting nuts affect their cardioprotective properties and acceptability?

Purpose: Previous studies have reported improvements in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors with the consumption of raw nuts. However, around one-third of nuts consumed are roasted and salted. Thus, it is important to determine whether roasting and salting nuts affect the health benefits observed with raw nuts.

Association of Nut Consumption with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in the 2008/2009 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey.

Nut consumption has been associated with improvements in risk factors for chronic disease in populations within North America, Europe and Iran. This relationship has not been investigated in New Zealand (NZ). The associations between nut consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors among New Zealanders were examined.

Nut-enriched bread is an effective and acceptable vehicle to improve regular nut consumption.

Purpose: Consuming 30 g of nuts/day is recommended to reduce chronic disease. However, nut consumption appears far from ideal among several populations. A potential strategy to increase consumption is to add nuts to a staple, for example, bread.

Effects of regular consumption of different forms of almonds and hazelnuts on acceptance and blood lipids.

Purpose: Regular nut consumption is inversely associated with cardiovascular disease risk. No study has compared the effects of regular consumption of different types and forms of nuts on acceptance, which is a crucial determinant of long-term compliance to consume nuts regularly.

Methods: This study examined the effects of different types and forms of raw, unpeeled nuts on acceptance and the effects of nut consumption on blood lipids through a randomised crossover study with six dietary phases: 30 g/day of ground, sliced, or whole almonds or hazelnuts for 5 days each (n = 74).

Patterns and predictors of nut consumption: results from the 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey.

Regular nut consumption is associated with reduced CVD risk. Insight into nut consumption patterns provides important information to help design strategies to encourage intake. The present study aimed to describe nut consumption in terms of the percentage of consumers, mean grams eaten among the population and nut consumers, and to identify the predictors of nut consumption.

Appetite Response among Those Susceptible or Resistant to Obesity.

An alternative approach in determining cause, treatment, and prevention of obesity is to study those who appear resistant to the obesogenic environment. We examined appetite responses in 33 obesity resistant individuals (ORI) versus 28 obesity susceptible individuals (OSI). Fingerprick blood samples to measure ghrelin, total peptide YY (PYY), leptin, glucose, and insulin along with appetite ratings were collected at baseline and 15, 30, 60, 120, and 180 min following consumption of a standardized meal.

The dose of hazelnuts influences acceptance and diet quality but not inflammatory markers and body composition in overweight and obese individuals.

Regular nut consumption may improve markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. The quantity of nuts required to achieve these health benefits without compromising body weight and acceptance is unknown. This study compared the effects of incorporating hazelnuts at 2 different doses with a diet without nuts on inflammatory markers, cell adhesion molecules, and body composition in 107 overweight and obese individuals.

Markers of cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes are improved by the daily consumption of almonds or sunflower kernels: a feeding study.

Dietary guidelines for the treatment of type 2 diabetes advocate the regular consumption of nuts and seeds. Key lipid abnormalities associated with diabetes include raised LDL-C, VLDL-C, and TAG concentrations and decreased concentrations of HDL-C. The fatty acid profiles of nuts and seeds differ and may potentially influence lipid outcomes in people with diabetes differently.

Dietary information for colorectal cancer survivors: an unmet need.

Aim: Observational studies have highlighted the association between diet and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) recurrence. We aimed to identify the dietary patterns of CRC patients in our region, the level of dietary advice currently received and its impact on behaviour.

Methods: A survey was taken of an opportunistic sample of CRC patients at Dunedin and Invercargill Hospitals, New Zealand.

Long-term consumption of high energy-dense snack foods on sensory-specific satiety and intake.

Background: The sensory attributes of foods may have an important influence on intake because of sensory-specific satiety (SSS). Foods with high SSS may aid in body weight maintenance as a result of termination of consumption before metabolic satiety. No studies have investigated whether long-term exposure to a food might change SSS or how this affects food intake.

Nuts improve diet quality compared to other energy-dense snacks while maintaining body weight.

Previous studies have reported that regular nut consumption reduces cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and does not promote weight gain despite the fact that nuts are energy-dense. However, no studies have investigated the body composition of those regularly consuming nuts compared to similar intakes of other snacks of equal energy density. This parallel study (n = 118) examined the effects of providing daily portions (~1100 kJ/d) of hazelnuts, chocolate, or potato crisps compared to a control group receiving no snacks for twelve weeks.

Determining optimal approaches for weight maintenance: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Weight regain often occurs after weight loss in overweight individuals. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of 2 support programs and 2 diets of different macronutrient compositions intended to facilitate long-term weight maintenance.

Methods: Using a 2 x 2 factorial design, we randomly assigned 200 women who had lost 5% or more of their initial body weight to an intensive support program (implemented by nutrition and activity specialists) or to an inexpensive nurse-led program (involving "weigh-ins" and encouragement) that included advice about high-carbohydrate diets or relatively high-monounsaturated-fat diets.

Brazil nuts: an effective way to improve selenium status.

Background: Brazil nuts provide a rich natural source of selenium, yet no studies have investigated the bioavailability of selenium in humans.

Objective: We investigated the efficacy of Brazil nuts in increasing selenium status in comparison with selenomethionine.

Design: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 59 New Zealand adults.