INHIBICIÓN DEL CRECIMIENTO DE Salmonella spp y Staphylococcus aureus POR EFECTO DEL ACEITE ESENCIAL DE ORÉGANO EN UNA PELÍCULA BIODEGRADABLE ACTIVA DE ÁCIDO POLILÁCTICO: INHIBITION OF Salmonella spp y Staphylococcus aureus GROWTH BY Origanum vulgare ESSENTIAL OIL IN A POLYLACTIC ACID BIODEGRADABLE FILM

  Con la finalidad de reducir el número de personas afectadas por enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos,se elaboraron películas biodegradables activas con propiedades antibacterianas a partir de ácido poliláctico, polietilenglicol, y aceite esencial de orégano (Origanum vulgare) al 1% (p/p) y 2 % (p/p). Las películas biodegradables activas fueron elaboradas mediante el método de evaporación del solvente. Se evaluó la acción antibacteriana de las películas biodegradables activas mediante un ensayo de inhibición a la adhesión microbiana contra Salmonella spp. y Staphylococcus aureus. Se pudo establecer que los porcentajes de aceite esencial aplicados tienen poco efecto inhibitorio sobre Staphylococcus aureus, mientras que para Salmonella spp. hay un efecto directo sobre la inhibición, cuando la concentración de aceite esencial es del 2% (p/p). Para una concentración del 1% (p/p), el efecto inhibidor observado fue pobre. Los resultados indican que las bacterias Gram-negativas Salmonella spp son más susceptibles al daño en la pared celular provocado por el aceite esencial de orégano, debido al menor espesor de la misma. En contraste, el mayor grosor de la pared celular que presentan las bacterias Gram-positivas Staphylococcus aureus exige, en principio, de un tiempo mayor para poder producir la lisis celular. Las películas biodegradables activas con aceite esencial de orégano pueden emplearse para la conservación de los alimentos como una tecnología de barrera en conjunto con otros mecanismos de control microbiano y así minimizar tratamientos térmicos severos o reducir la utilización de aditivos alimentarios, que en concentraciones inadecuadas pueden producir cierta toxicidad.   Palabras clave: películas biodegradables activas, contaminación de alimentos, inhibición bacteriana.   Abstract In order to reduce the number of people affected by foodborne illnesses, active biodegradable films with antibacterial properties were made with polylactic acid, polyethylene glycol, and essential oil of oregano (Origanum vulgare) at 1% (w/w) and 2% (w/w). The active biodegradable films were made using solvent evaporation method. The active biodegradable films antibacterial action was evaluated by microbial adhesion inhibition test against Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus. It was established that the percentages of essential oil used have little inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus, while for Salmonella spp. there is a direct effect on inhibition, when the essential oil concentration is 2% (w/w). For a concentration of 1% (w/w), the observed inhibitory effect was poor. The results indicate that Gram-negative bacterias Salmonella spp are more susceptible to cellular wall damage caused by oregano essential oil, due to its lower thickness. In contrast, the greater thickness of the cell wall that Staphylococcus aureus, Gram-positive bacteria has, requires, in principle, a longer time to produce cell lysis. Biodegradable active films with oregano essential oil can be used for food preservation as a barrier technology in conjunction with other microbial control mechanisms, thus minimizing severe heat treatments or reducing the use of food additives that, in inadequate concentrations can produce some toxicity.   Keywords: active biodegradable films, food pathogens, bacterial inhibition

Efficacy of zinc lactate and Lactobacillus bulgaricus on nutrition and health of broiler chickens

This investigation examined the effects of zinc lactate and Lactobacillus bulgaricus supplementation on the gastrointestinal microbiota of broiler chickens, analysing zootechnical, allometric, microbiological parameters and small intestine morphology. A total of 300 broiler chickens with an average initial weight of 47 g were distributed in four treatments in a completely randomised design. Treatments consisted of different zinc lactate and probiotic amounts added to the base diet. Chickens receiving the basal diet with organic zinc and L. bulgaricus showed a healthy response, remaining free of infectious agents for the 42-day study period. Treatment T1, with 30 mg of zinc lactate and 10 mg of probiotics per kg, showed improvements in weight gain, feed conversion, allometry, and intestinal health, as well as a healthy presence of gastrointestinal microbiota. Thus, the incorporation of zinc lactate (organic Zn) and probiotics based on L. bulgaricus into the basal diet of broiler chickens is an effective strategy to improve sanitary conditions and organic production of these species. Highlights: From: Efficacy of zinc lactate and Lactobacillus bulgaricus on nutrition and health of broiler chickens. Innovative Supplementation Strategy: This study presents an innovative approach by combining zinc lactate and Lactobacillus bulgaricus in broiler chickens' diet, showcasing a novel method to enhance poultry health and organic production. Comprehensive Analysis of Gut Microbiota: The research provides a detailed analysis of the gastrointestinal microbiota, demonstrating how zinc lactate and Lactobacillus bulgaricus supplementation positively alters the gut environment in broiler chickens. Significant Improvements in Zootechnical Parameters: The study highlights notable improvements in zootechnical parameters, including weight gain and feed conversion ratios, underlining the efficacy of the supplementation strategy. Enhanced Intestinal Morphology: Examination of the small intestine morphology revealed significant health benefits, attributing these improvements to the synergistic effect of organic zinc and probiotic supplementation. Pathogen-Free Development over 42 Days: A key finding is the maintenance of a healthy, pathogen-free state in chickens throughout the 42-day study period, emphasizing the potential of this supplementation in promoting disease resistance in poultry farming.This investigation examined the effects of zinc lactate and Lactobacillus bulgaricus supplementation on the gastrointestinal microbiota of broiler chickens, analysing zootechnical, allometric, microbiological parameters and small intestine morphology. A total of 300 broiler chickens with an average initial weight of 47 g were distributed in four treatments in a completely randomised design. Treatments consisted of different zinc lactate and probiotic amounts added to the base diet. Chickens receiving the basal diet with organic zinc and L. bulgaricus showed a healthy response, remaining free of infectious agents for the 42-day study period. Treatment T1, with 30 mg of zinc lactate and 10 mg of probiotics per kg, showed improvements in weight gain, feed conversion, allometry, and intestinal health, as well as a healthy presence of gastrointestinal microbiota. Thus, the incorporation of zinc lactate (organic Zn) and probiotics based on L. bulgaricus into the basal diet of broiler chickens is an effective strategy to improve sanitary conditions and organic production of these species. Highlights: From: Efficacy of zinc lactate and Lactobacillus bulgaricus on nutrition and health of broiler chickens. Innovative Supplementation Strategy: This study presents an innovative approach by combining zinc lactate and Lactobacillus bulgaricus in broiler chickens' diet, showcasing a novel method to enhance poultry health and organic production. Comprehensive Analysis of Gut Microbiota: The research provides a detailed analysis of the gastrointestinal microbiota, demonstrating how zinc lactate and Lactobacillus bulgaricus supplementation positively alters the gut environment in broiler chickens. Significant Improvements in Zootechnical Parameters: The study highlights notable improvements in zootechnical parameters, including weight gain and feed conversion ratios, underlining the efficacy of the supplementation strategy. Enhanced Intestinal Morphology: Examination of the small intestine morphology revealed significant health benefits, attributing these improvements to the synergistic effect of organic zinc and probiotic supplementation. Pathogen-Free Development over 42 Days: A key finding is the maintenance of a healthy, pathogen-free state in chickens throughout the 42-day study period, emphasizing the potential of this supplementation in promoting disease resistance in poultry farming

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries