Eco-Friendly Edible Packaging Systems Based on Live-Lactobacillus kefiri MM5 for the Control of Listeria monocytogenes in Fresh Vegetables

To meet consumer requirements for high quality food free of chemical additives, according to the principles of sustainability and respect for the environment, new “green” packaging solutions have been explored. The antibacterial activity of edible bioactive films and coatings, based on biomolecules from processing by-products and biomasses, added with the bacteriocin producer Lactobacillus kefiri MM5, has been determined in vegetables against L. monocytogenes NCTC 10888 (i) “in vitro” by a modified agar diffusion assay and (ii) “on food” during storage of artificially contaminated raw vegetable samples, after application of active films and coatings. Both polysaccharides-based and proteins-based films and coatings showed excellent antilisterial activity, especially at 10 and 20 days. Protein-based films displayed a strong activity against L. monocytogenes in carrots and zucchini samples (p < 0.0001). After 10 days, both polysaccharide-based and protein-based films demonstrated more enhanced activity than coatings towards the pathogen. These edible active packagings containing live probiotics can be used both to preserve the safety of fresh vegetables and to deliver a beneficial probiotic bacterial strain. The edible ingredients used for the formulation of both films and coatings are easily available, at low cost and environmental impact

Essential Oils and Bacteriocin-Based Active Edible Coating: An Innovative, Natural and Sustainable Approach for the Control of Listeria monocytogenes in Seafoods

The anti-Listeria monocytogenes activity of four essential oils (EOs) (Salvia officinalis, Citrus limon, Mentha piperita and Thymus vulgaris) and bacteriocin bacLP17, added alone or in mixture in active edible coatings, was determined in artificially contaminated shrimps. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the EOs were determined against the NCTC 10888 strain of L. monocytogenes by using the broth microdilution method. The checkerboard method was carried out in tryptic soy broth (TSB), using microdilution to obtain the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FIC-Index) for six associations of EOs, chosen based on the best MIC results. All the EOs confirmed their anti-Listeria activity, both “in vitro” and inside the coatings. The coating matrix was suitable for use in the food field, allowing a gradual release of the EOs in packaged food. When the EOs were used in association (EO/EO) they were demonstrated to act synergistically, leading to a significant reduction in the amount (10–20 times) of EOs needing to be used, and consequently a decrease in the strong smell on the food. This effect was also confirmed when the compounds were incorporated into the coatings. The inclusion of the EOs within the coating not only ensured the anti-Listeria activity by increasing the shelf-life of food products, but also further mitigated the strong smell of the EOs, improving the organoleptic impact on the food and its sensory properties. Keywords: Listeria monocytogenes; shrimp; essential oils; bacteriocin; edible coating

Educational robotics laboratories for active learning. The case study of Florence schools joining the Le Chiavi della Città project

This contribution deals with the peculiarities, characteristics and perspectives of the introduction of the educational robotics in the teaching of the first cycle, through the study that involved 59 Florence classes joining the Robot@school laboratories in Le Chiavi della Città project. The research focuses on some priority factors: (i) effectiveness and appreciation of the offer; (ii) impact on teachers’ professionalism and learning of the students; (iii) analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the system; (iv) possible improvement actions. The quantitative-qualitative research has provided a set of investigative tools: semi-structured interviews to the trainers involved, structured interviews to the teachers who participated to the laboratories, and detection grids for classroom observations conducted by researchers. I laboratori di robotica educativa per una didattica attiva. Il caso delle scuole di Firenze aderenti all’offerta formativa di Le Chiavi della CittàIl contributo approfondisce la riflessione sulle peculiarità, caratteristiche e prospettive dell’introduzione della RE nella didattica della scuola dell’infanzia e del primo ciclo, attraverso uno studio che ha coinvolto 59 classi (infanzia, primaria, secondaria di primo grado) che hanno partecipato ai laboratori didattici Robot@school inseriti nelle proposte formative del progetto Le Chiavi della Città del Comune di Firenze. Il focus della ricerca si è concentrato su alcuni fattori prioritari: (i) efficacia e gradimento dell’offerta; (ii) ricadute sulla professionalità dei docenti e sugli apprendimenti degli alunni; (iii) analisi dei punti di forza e criticità del sistema; (iv) possibili azioni di miglioramento. La ricerca di tipo quanti-qualitativa si è dotata di un set di strumenti d’indagine che hanno scandito i passi dei diversi momenti di lavoro, dalle interviste semi-strutturate ai formatori coinvolti alla costruzione di interviste strutturate per i docenti delle classi che hanno partecipato al laboratorio, e griglie di rilevazione per le osservazioni in classe condotte dai ricercatori

Estimativa rápida participativa como ferramenta de diagnóstico na Estratégia Saúde da Família

A estimativa rápida constitui-se ferramenta apropriada ao planejamento estratégico situacional para equipes de Saúde da Família, possibilitando a análise da situação de saúde do território, considerando a perspectiva dos diferentes atores sociais envolvidos na construção da realidade local. O presente estudo apresenta dados coletados no município de Pinhalzinho, oeste de Santa Catarina, por meio do Sistema de Informações da Atenção Básica (SIAB), oficinas com crianças e adolescentes de escolas locais, grupos de gestantes, idosos, hipertensos e diabéticos, bem como entrevistas com 11 lideranças e observação em campo, buscando identificar problemas e potencialidades que influenciam a saúde. Agentes comunitárias participaram do processo por meio de oito oficinas, que resultaram na construção de mapas físicos contemplando situações de interesse para o diagnóstico de saúde. Os resultados foram organizados a partir das seguintes dimensões: a) composição e capacidade de agir da população; b) fatores que influenciam as condições de vida e de saúde da comunidade; c) existência, cobertura, acesso e aceitabilidade de serviços de saúde, ambientais e sociais; e d) políticas públicas favoráveis e controle social na saúde. A estimativa rápida promove maior participação da comunidade no planejamento, mas também a intersetorialidade, gerando maior diálogo entre envolvidos e favorecendo a definição de ações e estratégias de promoção da saúde

Colorectal Cancer Stage at Diagnosis Before vs During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy

IMPORTANCE Delays in screening programs and the reluctance of patients to seek medical attention because of the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 could be associated with the risk of more advanced colorectal cancers at diagnosis. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was associated with more advanced oncologic stage and change in clinical presentation for patients with colorectal cancer. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This retrospective, multicenter cohort study included all 17 938 adult patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer from March 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021 (pandemic period), and from January 1, 2018, to February 29, 2020 (prepandemic period), in 81 participating centers in Italy, including tertiary centers and community hospitals. Follow-up was 30 days from surgery. EXPOSURES Any type of surgical procedure for colorectal cancer, including explorative surgery, palliative procedures, and atypical or segmental resections. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was advanced stage of colorectal cancer at diagnosis. Secondary outcomes were distant metastasis, T4 stage, aggressive biology (defined as cancer with at least 1 of the following characteristics: signet ring cells, mucinous tumor, budding, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, and lymphangitis), stenotic lesion, emergency surgery, and palliative surgery. The independent association between the pandemic period and the outcomes was assessed using multivariate random-effects logistic regression, with hospital as the cluster variable. RESULTS A total of 17 938 patients (10 007 men [55.8%]; mean [SD] age, 70.6 [12.2] years) underwent surgery for colorectal cancer: 7796 (43.5%) during the pandemic period and 10 142 (56.5%) during the prepandemic period. Logistic regression indicated that the pandemic period was significantly associated with an increased rate of advanced-stage colorectal cancer (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; 95%CI, 1.01-1.13; P = .03), aggressive biology (OR, 1.32; 95%CI, 1.15-1.53; P < .001), and stenotic lesions (OR, 1.15; 95%CI, 1.01-1.31; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This cohort study suggests a significant association between the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the risk of a more advanced oncologic stage at diagnosis among patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer and might indicate a potential reduction of survival for these patients

Global disparities in surgeons’ workloads, academic engagement and rest periods: the on-calL shIft fOr geNEral SurgeonS (LIONESS) study

: The workload of general surgeons is multifaceted, encompassing not only surgical procedures but also a myriad of other responsibilities. From April to May 2023, we conducted a CHERRIES-compliant internet-based survey analyzing clinical practice, academic engagement, and post-on-call rest. The questionnaire featured six sections with 35 questions. Statistical analysis used Chi-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression (SPSS® v. 28). The survey received a total of 1.046 responses (65.4%). Over 78.0% of responders came from Europe, 65.1% came from a general surgery unit; 92.8% of European and 87.5% of North American respondents were involved in research, compared to 71.7% in Africa. Europe led in publishing research studies (6.6 ± 8.6 yearly). Teaching involvement was high in North America (100%) and Africa (91.7%). Surgeons reported an average of 6.7 ± 4.9 on-call shifts per month, with European and North American surgeons experiencing 6.5 ± 4.9 and 7.8 ± 4.1 on-calls monthly, respectively. African surgeons had the highest on-call frequency (8.7 ± 6.1). Post-on-call, only 35.1% of respondents received a day off. Europeans were most likely (40%) to have a day off, while African surgeons were least likely (6.7%). On the adjusted multivariable analysis HDI (Human Development Index) (aOR 1.993) hospital capacity > 400 beds (aOR 2.423), working in a specialty surgery unit (aOR 2.087), and making the on-call in-house (aOR 5.446), significantly predicted the likelihood of having a day off after an on-call shift. Our study revealed critical insights into the disparities in workload, access to research, and professional opportunities for surgeons across different continents, underscored by the HDI