Subsequent Storage Research Articles

Этнографические экспедиции вузов в контексте изучения народной музыкальной культуры

The purpose of the scientific article is to consider the process of conducting musical and ethnographic expeditions to collect folklore material in a higher educational institution and the problems faced by the organizers. The analysis was carried out using the example of expeditionary activities of the Department of Folk Music of the National Research N. P. Ogarev Mordovia State University for the period 2014–2023, as well as expeditions of individual cultural universities located in Russia. The problems of financing expeditions, using special equipment for sound recording, digitizing the collected material and its subsequent storage are touched upon. The potential of field research of folk culture for educational and scientific activities is shown, as well as their contribution to the preservation of original folk traditions. The novelty of this article is determined by the perspective of the analysis: the work focuses on several problems that are not discussed in scientific articles. Conclusions are drawn about the need to increase funding for expeditions, including strengthening state support for events aimed at preserving the disappearing folk musical tradition.

The importance of social oocyte cryopreservation in supporting local municipalities: A prospective study.

With the trend toward late marriages and late childbearing, cryopreservation of oocytes for fertility preservation is attracting attention as a method to counteract the declining birthrate. To examine the impact of social oocyte cryopreservation on local communities by assessing the significance of government assistance for cryofreezing and capturing the participants' subsequent feelings regarding this assistance. Descriptive study. A prospective study was conducted on city-dwelling women <35 years old attending monthly seminars on oocyte retrieval/cryopreservation to whom the study concept was explained. Egg collection and storage management costs were free for 3 years after the project completed, and subsequent actual storage costs were borne by the individuals. After oocyte retrieval, we conducted a questionnaire on oocyte cryopreservation and administrative assistance. Of the 62 seminar participants, 2 became pregnant naturally without oocyte retrieval. Oocytes were retrieved in 34 women (average age: 32.8 years, number of oocytes obtained: 8.3), among whom 4 subsequently became pregnant and gave birth through natural pregnancy or artificial insemination, and 1 became pregnant and gave birth using frozen oocytes. In a follow-up questionnaire given to these 34 subjects, all responded that they were glad to have oocyte cryopreservation, but 23 subjects (67.6%) answered that they could not perform cryopreservation without financial assistance. Twenty-five participants (73.5%) wanted to try to conceive without using frozen oocytes as a post-cryopreservation plan. As a countermeasure against the declining birthrate, oocyte cryopreservation and associated workshops that can provide the information and education needed to conduct this task in a "planned" manner may be useful in providing women with additional reproductive options. Financial assistance will also be required to offer this service to the women who need it.

Трансформация признаков документа в электронной среде

The article deals with one of the main theoretical problems of document science related to the definition of document features. This problem is also of applied importance, since when formulating the definition of the concept of «document», it usually reflects its properties and features. In the context of the revision of the national terminological standard GOST R 7.0.8 – 2013. «Record keeping and archival business. Terms and definitions» it is advisable to turn once again to the question of the features of the document for their correct reflection in the concept of the term «document». The urgency of the problem is also due to the fact that these signs should be universal for both paper and electronic documents. In document science, the material carrier of the document and its form are traditionally considered as features of the document. As for the material carrier of the document, its use as a feature of the document was due to the need for physical isolation of the recorded information for the purpose of subsequent processing, transmission and storage. The material carrier acted primarily as an object that allows you to select a document from among others, and ensures its integrity. With the advent of electronic documents, this condition has ceased to be observed. Electronic media, which is generally understood as a technical device. Moreover, the features of recording information on this type of media allow you to transmit information without transferring the media, so the electronic media is fundamentally different. In this regard, it is not advisable to use it to identify a specific document as an object in an electronic environment. In this connection, the feature of the document "material carrier" in the electronic environment ceases to be essential, one of the main external features of the document. At the same time, its second external feature is preserved – a form that ensures the integrity of the document within the framework of its use in the interaction of subjects of public relations. However, it also undergoes some transformation, since in the electronic environment it ceases to reflect information about the management process, some of the document details are contained as information in the information system. These changes related to the features of the document in the electronic environment force us to turn to the search for new features, as well as to revise from a scientific point of view the definition of the concept of «document», which would reflect the common essential characteristics of the traditional document and the document in the electronic environment, primarily related to the social functions that the document performs in society.

Prospects for the use of prolonged stress protection in the spring wheat cultivation

An algorithm of prolonged stress protection of seeds and plants of two zoned spring wheat varieties has been developed and justified, including the selection for sowing purposes of batches of seeds with the highest adaptive resistance potential to the effects of an inhibitory phytohormone-ethylene, their subsequent post-harvest storage in containers filled with calibrated and purified seed grain as much as possible, isolating it from air exchange with atmospheric oxygen before sowing, which provides hypoxia conditions, as a result of which the development of oxidative stress and the synthesis of oxygen-dependent ethylene by microtraumatic grains is blocked. Seeds before sowing and plants at the IV-V stages of organogenesis are treated with multifunctional stress-protective growth regulators. The interaction of a set of methods for selecting stress-resistant seeds, their anti-stress storage, stress protection of plants in the most vulnerable to damaging effects phases of growth and development - seed germination, and when potential productivity is determined - differentiation and formation of rudimentary reproductive organs of the ear, allowed to stabilize, environmentally safe production process and increase grain yield by 11.1-12.6%, with with minimal energy and material costs.

A transporter's doom or destiny: SLC6A1 in health and disease, novel molecular targets and emerging therapeutic prospects.

As the first member of the solute carrier 6 (SLC6) protein family, the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter 1 (GAT1, SLC6A1), plays a pivotal role in the uptake of GABA from the synaptic cleft into neurons and astrocytes. This process facilitates the subsequent storage of GABA in presynaptic vesicles. The human SLC6A1 gene is highly susceptible to missense mutations, leading to severe clinical outcomes, such as epilepsy, in the afflicted patients. The molecular mechanisms of SLC6A1-associated disorders are discerned to some degree; many SLC6A1 mutations are now known to impair protein folding, and consequently fail to reach the plasma membrane. Inherently, once inside the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), GAT1 abides by a complex cascade of events that enable efficient intracellular trafficking. This involves association with specialized molecular chaperones responsible for steering the protein folding process, oligomerization, sorting through the Golgi apparatus, and ultimately delivery to the cell surface. The entire process is subject to stringent quality control mechanisms at multiple checkpoints. While the majority of the existing loss-of-function SLC6A1 variants interfere with folding and membrane targeting, certain mutants retain abundant surface expression. In either scenario, suppressed GAT1 activity disrupts GABAergic neurotransmission, preceding the disease manifestation in individuals harboring these mutations. The nervous system is enthralling and calls for systematic, groundbreaking research efforts to dissect the precise molecular factors associated with the onset of complex neurological disorders, and uncover additional non-canonical therapeutic targets. Recent research has given hope for some of the misfolded SLC6A1 variants, which can be salvaged by small molecules, i.e., chemical and pharmacological chaperones, acting on multiple upstream targets in the secretory pathway. We here highlight the significance of pharmacochaperoning as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of SLC6A1-related disorders.

Key factors for the survival of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum IDCC 3501 in manufacturing and storage.

Functional microbiome development has steadily increased; with this, the viability of microbial strains must be maintained not only after the manufacturing process but also at the time of consumption. Survival is threatened by various unavoidable factors during freeze-drying and shelf storage. Here, the aim was to optimize the manufacturing process of the functional strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum IDCC 3501 after freeze-drying and storage. Explosive growth was achieved using a medium composition with two nitrogen sources and a mineral, and growth was drastically improved by neutralizing the medium pH during the culture of L. plantarum IDCC 3501. Culture optimization involved a smaller cell size, leading to less intracellular free water. Moreover, when maltodextrin (MD) powder was directly added to the harvested cells, some intracellular free water was extracted from the bacterial cells, resulting in a dramatic increase in the viability of L. plantarum IDCC 3501 after freeze-drying and subsequent storage. Furthermore, MD enhanced survival in a dose-dependent manner. Bacterial survival was correlated with lysozyme tolerance; therefore, the positive result might have been caused by the osmotic dehydration of intracellular free water, which would potentially damage the bacterial cells via ice crystallization and/or a phase transition during freeze-drying. These critical factors of L. plantarum IDCC 3501 processing provide perspectives on survival issues for manufacturing microbiome strains. KEY POINTS: • Culture conditions for probiotic bacteria were optimized for high growth yield. • Osmotic dehydration improved bacterial survival after manufacturing and shelf storage. • Reduction in intracellular free water content is crucial for intact survival.

The Simultaneous Use of 1-Methylcyclopropene and Methyl Jasmonate Vapor as an Innovative Strategy for Reducing Chilling Injury and Maintaining Pomegranate Fruit Quality at Suboptimal Temperatures.

Spain is one of the main contributors to global pomegranate production. Pomegranate presents a challenge for preservation at suboptimal temperatures. Preserving this fruit for an extended period is challenging due to its susceptibility to chilling injury (CI). For this reason, we have examined different postharvest treatments to extend the pomegranate shelf life and their potential impact on reducing CI. For this reason, two postharvest treatments have been applied: 1-Methylcyclopropene (1000 nL L-1 1-MCP) and methyl jasmonate vapors (0.01 mM MeJA), a natural elicitor found in many plant organs that induces a wide range of physiological processes, including the activation of defense mechanisms against stress. Following the application of these treatments and subsequent fruit storage at 2 °C for 90 days, maintenance of firmness and membrane integrity was observed. Additionally, a positive synergic effect was observed in these quality traits when combining both substances (1-MCP + MeJA), especially with regard to delaying weight loss, the external color evolution, and total polyphenol accumulation. On the other hand, MeJA treatment alone or in combination with 1-MCP also increased the anthocyanin content in arils, thereby enhancing the fruit quality. In general, the best results were observed when these two different technologies were applied as a combined treatment, especially in terms of maintaining quality traits such as fruit firmness and total acidity and reducing weight loss and CI. This is the first time that these two substances have been tested together in any fruit species, and their simultaneous application in the same container represents an innovative approach that could be an interesting tool for commercial purposes.

Microwave-Assisted Freeze-Drying: Impact of Microwave Radiation on the Quality of High-Concentration Antibody Formulations.

Microwave-assisted freeze-drying (MFD) offers significant time savings compared to conventional freeze-drying (CFD). While a few studies have investigated the stability of biopharmaceuticals with low protein concentrations after MFD and storage, the impact of MFD on high-concentration monoclonal antibody (mAb) formulations remains unclear. In this study, we systematically examined the effect of protein concentration in MFD and assessed protein stability following MFD, CFD, and subsequent storage using seven protein formulations with various stabilizers and concentrations. We demonstrated that microwaves directly interact with the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), leading to decreased physical stability, specifically aggregation, in high-concentration antibody formulations. Furthermore, typically used sugar:protein ratios from CFD were insufficient for stabilizing mAbs when applying microwaves. We identified the intermediate drying phase as the most critical for particle formation, and cooling the samples provided some protection for the mAb. Our findings suggest that MFD technology may not be universally applicable to formulations well tested in CFD and could be particularly beneficial for formulations with low API concentrations requiring substantial amounts of glass-forming excipients, such as vaccines and RNA-based products.

Specifics of creating clinical abstract of biospecimens

One technology that helps overcome the problem of low research reproducibility is biobanking, which involves maintaining strict quality standards at all stages. In addition to data on the biosample (detailed documentation on sampling, transportation, preparation and subsequent storage), one of the key points is the availability of information about the donor (patient). The aim of this article was to analyze creating clinical abstract of biospecimens, combining data from various biobanks and assessing the possibilities of electronic medical records and other modern technologies for this. The search for publications was carried out in the PUBMED, eLIBRARY.RU, RSCI databases. One approach to creating a clinical description is the targeted collection of information by a specially trained employee. Primary information is most often taken from the individual records of the study participant, which are developed and approved when planning work. An alternative method is the use of electronic medical records and other documents that collect information during the assessment and treatment of patients. There are also mixed types of clinical data collection, a prime example of which is the UK Biobank. Completeness, structure, and standardization are essential characteristics of clinical description associated with biospecimens. Various standards are currently being developed to unify clinical description, making biobanks and collections more available to external researchers and organizations, which is necessary for collaboration and more efficient use of stored biospecimens. Harmonization of clinical description methodology between different biobanks open up broad boundaries for large- scale research within personalized and translational medicine.

Study of the Physiochemical and Sensory Properties of Therapeutic Low-Cholesterol Yoghurt Fortified with Zinc Nanoparticles

The objective of this research is to develop a yoghurt enriched with B-cyclodextrin-based nano-coated, uncoated, and low-cholesterol additives. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of fortification on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of yoghurt. This will be achieved by fortifying raw milk with varying concentrations of nano-zinc., which are 15, 7.5, 3.75 mg / 100 mL The treatments T4, T3, and T2 are denoted as such,, along with the treatment. of yogurt fortified with zinc nanoparticles, which is not coated, represents the treatment T1 and the control treatment, denoted as C, involved the production of yoghurt using milk as the primary ingredient. that was not fortified with zinc nanoparticles. Chemical, physical and rheological tests were conducted in addition to sensory the evaluation will be conducted promptly following the completion of manufacturing and subsequent storage at a controlled temperature range of (1 ± 5) degrees Celsius for a duration of 21 days. The findings indicated that there were no statistically significant disparities in the levels of fat, protein and ash. As for the values of moisture and carbohydrates there were notable disparities observed between the control treatment and the remaining treatments. The total acidity and pH values exhibited minimal variation across all yoghurt treatments. Yogurt treatments fortified with nano-encapsulated zinc were characterized by lower values in ADV and pV. The addition of zinc to yoghurt resulted in enhancements in rheological properties, specifically in terms of spontaneous whey perfusion and viscosity. The experimental group achieved higher scores and demonstrated superior performance in all sensory characteristics when compared to the control treatment, denoted as treatment C.

The effect of different concentrations of N-acetyl cysteine on liquefaction, quality and fertility of chilled semen in dromedary camel

The objectives of the current study were to evaluate the effects of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) on semen liquefaction and sperm quality during short-term preservation in dromedary camel. In experiment 1, 9 ejaculates from 3 bulls were diluted in the base extender with different concentrations of NAC (0, 6, 12, and 24 mM). The viscosity reduction was investigated at 5, 15, 30, and 120 min and 24 h post-dilution. In the second experiment, 15 ejaculates from 5 dromedary bulls were diluted with an extender containing 0, 6, and 12 mM of NAC, and viability, motility, and kinematics, as well as functional and DNA integrity of spermatozoa, were evaluated at 2, 12, 24, and 48 h of chilled storage at 5 °C. Experiment 3 evaluated the effect of adding NAC in the semen extender by carrying out 60 inseminations with 26- and 48-hour chilled semen. The pregnancy rates were compared between NAC and the control extender. Adding NAC to the extender resulted in a significant drop in viscosity compared to the raw and extended samples at all evaluation time points with a dose-dependent effect (P 0.05). At the same time, concentrations greater than 6 mM lowered viability, motility, and functionality of sperm from 12 h post-dilution (P < 0.05). Chilled sperm in the EXT+NAC 6 mM showed a marked improvement in DNA integrity status from 2 h post dilution onwards, with better motility and functional integrity at 48 h compared to the control (P < 0.05). Pregnancy rates with 26 h of chilled semen were similar between NAC-treated sperm and the control (33.33% vs. 38.09%, respectively; P > 0.05), corroborating the safety of NAC regarding its effect on sperm fertilizing capacity. In conclusion, adding NAC to the semen extender at concentrations of 6 mM assists with the liquefaction of dromedary semen without compromising sperm quality during subsequent storage in chilled status.

Impact of refrigerated storage on (bio)chemical conversions of health-related compounds in pretreated, pasteurized Brussels sprouts and leek

Vegetable processing often consists of multiple processing steps. Research mostly focused on the impact of individual processing steps on individual health-related compounds. However, there is a need for more holistic approaches to understand the overall impact of the processing chain on the health potential of vegetables. Therefore, this work studied the impact of pretreatment (relatively intact versus pureed vegetable systems), pasteurization and subsequent refrigerated storage (kinetic evaluation) on multiple health-related compounds (vitamin C, vitamin K1, carotenoids, glucosinolates and S-alk(en)yl-L-cysteine sulfoxides (ACSOs)) in Brussels sprouts and leek. It could be shown that differences introduced by different types of pretreatment were not nullified during pasteurization and refrigerated storage. Clearly, enzymatic conversions controlled during pretreatment resulted in different health-related compound profiles still observable after pasteurization. Moreover, about −42% and −100% relative concentration differences of ACSOs and dehydroascorbic acid, respectively, were detected immediately after pasteurization, while glucosinolates concentrations decreased by about 47% during refrigerated storage. All other compounds were stable during pasteurization and refrigerated storage.

Discussion to: Myocardial edema, inflammation, and injury in human heart donated after circulatory death are sensitive to warm ischemia and subsequent cold storage

Discussion to: Myocardial edema, inflammation, and injury in human heart donated after circulatory death are sensitive to warm ischemia and subsequent cold storage

Effects of Pre-Harvest Spraying with Salicylic Acid (SA) and Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP) on Storage Quality and Pathogenic Fungal Species in ‘Manaohong’ Cherries

Chinese cherries, with their delightful blend of sourness and sweetness, are highly favored for their taste and nutritional benefits. However, they mature in conditions of high temperatures and rainfall, making them vulnerable to fungal infections which compromise their post-harvest quality. Our research aimed to study the effects of pre-harvest spraying with salicylic acid (SA) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on the pathogenic fungi in Manaohong cherries and their subsequent storage quality. We discovered that using SA and SNP at varying fruit development stages preserved fruit hardness, texture, appearance, and respiratory rate during storage, although it did not significantly alter the fruit’s dimensions. Furthermore, this pre-harvest treatment preserved levels of titratable acids, total phenols, and other antioxidants in the cherries, bolstered the activities of certain antioxidant enzymes (SOD, APX), and inhibited the activity of PPO and POD enzymes.Notably, the SA treatment alone demonstrated superior storage performance compared to combined treatments. Our research also identified Alternaria alternata and Colletotrichum godetiae as the primary pathogens in Manaohong cherries. In in vitro experiments, neither SA nor SNP inhibited these fungi’s growth. Consequently, we evaluated 12 pesticides and determined that 5% hexaconazole and 50% benomyl were most effective against these pathogens. Thus, to enhance the shelf life of Manaohong cherries and ensure their post-harvest quality, we recommend a pre-harvest spray of a SA, and combined with 5% hexaconazole and 50% benomyl. This approach not only promises enhanced cherry longevity but also lays a foundational strategy for the flourishing Manaohong Cherry industry.

Storage stability of biocrude oil fractional distillates derived from the hydrothermal liquefaction of food waste

Biocrude oil produced via hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is a promising precursor for transportation fuels and biochemicals. Present studies have highlighted the inherent instability of the biocrude oil, which poses significant challenges for its subsequent storage, upgrading and transportation. On the other hand, biocrude oil distillates showed the potential to serve as a transportation fuel blendstock. To this end, this study aimed to investigate the influence of the distillation temperature (199–238 °C and 238–274 °C), storage atmosphere (air and nitrogen), temperature (25 °C and 55 °C), and time (0–16 weeks) on the physical, chemical, and boiling point distribution properties of the distillates. Results demonstrated that changes in the stored distillates due to different distillation temperature were drastically higher than that between different storage atmospheres and temperatures. Comparing with the raw distillate, the distribution of compounds with a molecular weight < 300 Da in low-temperature (199–238 °C) distillates (LD) and medium-temperature (238–274 °C) distillates (MD) was improved with the increasing storage time. In addition, storage led to a decrease in O:C ratio (21.6 % and 86.5 %), and an increase in the HHV (3.6 % and 12.3 %) in the LD and MD, respectively. Furthermore, only slight deviations were observed in the density (5.2 % and 7.4 %) and viscosity (5.2 % and 0.8 %) for LD and MD, respectively. In particular, the MD group exhibited comparable characteristics to transportation fuels with decreased acidity (1.8–2.8 mg KOH/g) and increased HHV (46.2–46.8 MJ/kg) after long-term storage. At last, the mechanism of superior distillates stability was discussed. This study indicated that distillation not only presents a potential approach for producing transportation fuel blendstock but also improves the stability of HTL biocrude oil.

Effects of ohmic heating with different voltages on the quality and microbial diversity of cow milk during thermal treatment and subsequent cold storage

Ohmic heating (OH), an innovative heating technology, presents potential applications in the pasteurization of liquid foods. Therefore, the study was conducted to evaluate the effect of OH at various voltage gradients (10 V/cm, 12.5 V/cm, and 15 V/cm) and water bath (WB) on microbial inactivation, physicochemical and sensory properties and microbial flora of pasteurized milk. Results indicated that OH with higher voltage could effectively inactivate microorganisms in milk, requiring less heating time and energy. Moreover, OH treatment at higher voltages could decelerate lipid oxidation and better maintain the sensory quality and essential amino acids content of milk. Additionally, all treatments significantly altered the microbial community, and during storage, the microbial community in milk treated with 10 V/cm and 12.5 V/cm OH remained relatively stable. OH treatments with voltage gradients exceeding 12.5 V/cm could effectively inactive microorganisms and maintain the quality attributes of milk.

Application of Thermo-Malaxation Followed by Three-Phase Centrifugation to Enable the Biorefinery of Alperujo, the Main By-Product of Olive Oil.

The pomace olive oil sector needs to improve its use of the main olive oil by-product, called alperujo, which is currently used mainly for combustion after extraction of pomace oil, with all the problems this process entails due to the high degree of humidity, organic load and phytotoxic substances. In this work, a solution at an industrial level that uses thermo-malaxation at a temperature close to 65 °C for one or two hours followed by centrifugation in three phases is proposed. In this way, over 40% of the pomace oil that is rich in minor compounds, a solid with a lower degree of humidity (55%), and a liquid aqueous fraction that is rich in bioactive compounds such as phenolics and sugars are obtained. This aqueous fraction can be treated through subsequent storage stages to increase its content of the main phenolic, hydroxytyrosol, to up to 1.77 g/L, decreasing its percentage of insoluble solids by up to 1.9%, making it possible to obtain extracts that are rich in hydroxytyrosol using systems that are commonly in place at the industrial level. The aqueous fraction, without phenolics, could be used for energy production. A solid with a slightly higher fat content than the initial alperujo remains, thus the rest of the oil content can be extracted from it using solvent, making it, once defatted, suitable for application in subsequent bioprocesses.

Bioprotection Potential of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRH01 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP01 against Spoilage-Associated Penicillium Strains in Yoghurt

Penicillium spp. are considered a major spoilage fungus in dairy products. Due to the growing concerns over food safety issues and the demand for “clean label” food products from consumers, the use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as a bioprotective tool to control fungal spoilage of dairy products appears to be a promising alternative. Here, the antifungal activities of ten LAB cultures against five dairy-spoilage-associated Penicillium strains were studied in a model system, and the most potent bioprotective cultures were further tested in yoghurt. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) LRH01 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) LP01 exhibited potent antifungal efficacy at low concentrations. The inhibitory effects of cell-containing fermentates (C-fermentates), cell-free fermentates (CF-fermentates), and volatiles produced by the two cultures were tested in a yoghurt serum medium. The C-fermentates showed antifungal effects, while the removal of cells from C-fermentates led to decreased antifungal activities. Volatiles alone displayed some antifungal efficiency, but less than the fermentates. In a yoghurt matrix, the specific effect of manganese depletion by the bioprotective cultures on mold growth was investigated. Here, the LAB cultures could completely suppress the growth of molds, while addition of manganese partially or fully restored the mold growth, demonstrating that manganese depletion played a key role in the antifungal activity of the tested LAB cultures in the yoghurt matrix. Both L. plantarum LP01 and L. rhamnosus LRH01 showed efficient antifungal activities in the yoghurt serum, while L. rhamnosus LRH01 exhibited the most potent inhibitory effects on Penicillium strains when added during the processing of the yoghurt with subsequent storage at 7 °C for 22 days. Our findings suggested that L. rhamnosus LRH01 could be a promising bioprotective culture for yoghurt biopreservation.

Comparative Evaluation of Egg Quality in Response to Temperature Variability: From Farm to Table Exposure Scenarios.

This study aimed to develop appropriate temperature management practices and provide scientific evidence to support the development of sell-by-date guidance for eggs. Washed and unwashed eggs were subjected to storage under six different scenarios, and both types of eggs were stored at temperatures up to 35°C to evaluate the sell-by-date. Despite temperature fluctuations or continuous storage at 30°C for 5 days, subsequent storage at 10°C resulted in significantly higher Haugh unit and yolk index on day 15. These results indicate that refrigerating eggs from retail sales until consumption is effective for egg quality management, despite the exposure of up to 35°C during distribution. In terms of sell-by-date evaluation, washed eggs retained class B quality for an additional 37 days beyond the recommended sell-by-date at 15°C, which is above the regulated storage temperature. However, unwashed eggs maintained class B quality for approximately 20 days at 30°C-35°C, emphasizing the need for sell-by-date guidelines for unwashed eggs. This study is the first to provide appropriate egg-handling practices based on the actual distribution environment in Korea.

Quantification of the environmental impact arising from the utilization of whole and defatted Okara in fermentative and dehydration processes

Okara is the insoluble pulp that remains after the grinding and filtration of soybeans during the production of soymilk and tofu. As it retains a noteworthy quantity of nutrients, there has been an increasing emphasis in the utilization of this residue for the development of sustainable processes. This study focused on assessing the environmental impact of employing okara as a medium for fermenting and dehydrating probiotic bacteria at laboratory scale. The evaluation was carried out using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, considering the entire process lifecycle. Whole okara and defatted okara were used as culture media for Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CIDCA 83114, followed by dehydration (either freeze-drying or spray-drying) and subsequent storage. For the purpose of comparison, both scenarios (whole and defatted okara) were evaluated using 1 kg of dehydrated final product for storage, as functional unit. Based on experimental results, the conservation of the received okara and the dehydration-storage (e.g., freezing and freeze-drying) phases were identified as the most significant environmental hotspots responsible for the most substantial impacts of the processes. The use of LCA facilitated the measurement of the environmental effects linked to the reutilization of okara as an agro-industrial residue, thus providing quantitative support when engineering its sustainable valorization.