Infections in confined environments can spread by direct contact, contaminated surfaces, and airborne transmission. This is critical in prison facilities, where cleaning and sanitary conditions are inadequate. An alternative is the development of antimicrobial surfaces. A new antimicrobial coating was developed by incorporating copper microparticles into a standard commercial paint, aiming to reduce the concentration of bacteria on surfaces by granting antimicrobial properties to surfaces. The copper additive comprised Cu₂Cl(OH)₃ deposited on polyhedral zeolite. The efficacy of this coating was evaluated in detention cells in a police station, which are temporary prisons and inherently dirty environments. The experiment compared a cell painted with the copper additive coating and a control cell with the standard paint. Viable coliforms were measured on different surfaces and in the air for five months under normal usage. Bacterial load was reduced by ca. 68% by the copper-amended paint on cement surfaces. Surprisingly, airborne viable coliforms were reduced by ca. 87% in the detention cell treated with the copper coating. This research highlights the potential of antimicrobial coatings in controlling the spread of infections through contact with contaminated surfaces and emphasizes the significant reduction in airborne bacterial load. It is especially relevant for controlling infections where sanitization is limited but can be extended to other built environments, such as healthcare facilities.

Food waste is a global issue affecting society from environmental, nutritional, and social perspectives. In collaboration with the National Board of Preschools, fruit and vegetable waste generated during the preparation of lunch was quantified in four preschools in the Metropolitan area of Santiago in Chile. This study was conducted in four preschools, two in the Western area of Santiago and two in the Eastern area, of which two hold environmental quality certifications. Over a five-day period, the weight of raw materials and waste from vegetables (peels) and fruit (pomace) were measured. Percentages of vegetable and fruit post-cleaning losses and waste were evaluated. Vegetable loss exceeded 20% in 31% of the preschools, primarily from carrots and potatoes. Fruit losses were higher, with pears accounting for the most significant waste, recorded in 75% of the study centers. No differences in vegetable loss was found between centers, while variations were observed for fruit. Preschools with environmental quality certifications wasted less onions (p = 0.016) but more pears (p = 0.036). There is higher fruit loss than vegetable loss, with onions and tomatoes being the least wasted. Possessing an environmental quality certification does not guarantee a significant reduction in overall losses. Handling and storage conditions may play a key role in minimizing losses. Further studies are needed to provide evidence that can guide improvements in Chile's National Board of Preschools services, aiming for a more sustainable lunch preparation processes.

Niveles de razonamiento frente a problemas binomiales / Levels of reasoning faced with binomial problems

Introduction: dietary habits acquired during childhood mark a very important milestone in the prevention or development of chronic non-communicable diseases. The food education that preschool and school-age students receive are determining factors in the development of healthy lifestyles. However, the growing supply of unhealthy foods that are available to school students puts this condition at risk and contributes to the development of school overweight and obesity. The objective of the study is to determine if there is an association between the nutritional status of students and the supply of unhealthy foods near schools. Method: descriptive cross-sectional study developed during the year 2023. A georeferencing of the sales premises of different types of food was carried out in the surroundings of 4 schools in the commune of Pedro Aguirre Cerda, Santiago, Chile. The educational establishments are part of a private initiative that seeks to promote healthy living and eating habits. The nutritional status of pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade students was evaluated and the association between nutritional status and the availability of unhealthy foods was determined. Results: most of the students evaluated maintain a good nutritional status. There is no association between the offer of unhealthy foods and an increase in the rate of overweight and obesity (determined by BMI) in schools. Conclusions: despite the availability of unhealthy foods in the educational establishment environment, low rates of overweight and obesity are observed.