Niche modelling of the Chilean recluse spider Loxosceles laeta and araneophagic spitting spider Scytodes globula and risk for loxoscelism in Chile.

In Chile, all necrotic arachnidism is attributed to the Chilean recluse spider Loxosceles laeta (Nicolet) (Araneae: Sicariidae). It is predated by the spitting spider Scytodes globula (Nicolet) (Araneae: Scytodidae). The biology of each of these species is not well known and it is important to clarify their distributions. The aims of this study are to elucidate the variables involved in the niches of both species based on environmental and human footprint variables, and to construct geographic maps that will be useful in estimating potential distributions and in defining a map of estimated risk for loxoscelism in Chile. Loxosceles laeta was found to be associated with high temperatures and low rates of precipitation, whereas although S. globula was also associated with high temperatures, its distribution was associated with a higher level of precipitation. The main variable associated with the distribution of L. laeta was the human footprint (48.6%), which suggests that this is a highly invasive species. Similarly to other species, the distribution of L. laeta reaches its southern limit at the Los Lagos region in Chile, which coincides with high levels of precipitation and low temperatures. The potential distribution of L. laeta in Chile corresponds to the distribution of cases of loxoscelism.

Persistent natural acidification drives major distribution shifts in marine benthic ecosystems.

Ocean acidification is receiving increasing attention because of its potential to affect marine ecosystems. Rare CO2 vents offer a unique opportunity to investigate the response of benthic ecosystems to acidification. However, the benthic habitats investigated so far are mainly found at very shallow water (less than or equal to 5 m depth) and therefore are not representative of the broad range of continental shelf habitats. Here, we show that a decrease from pH 8.1 to 7.9 observed in a CO2 vent system at 40 m depth leads to a dramatic shift in highly diverse and structurally complex habitats. Forests of the kelp Laminaria rodriguezii usually found at larger depths (greater than 65 m) replace the otherwise dominant habitats (i.e. coralligenous outcrops and rhodolith beds), which are mainly characterized by calcifying organisms. Only the aragonite-calcifying algae are able to survive in acidified waters, while high-magnesium-calcite organisms are almost completely absent. Although a long-term survey of the venting area would be necessary to fully understand the effects of the variability of pH and other carbonate parameters over the structure and functioning of the investigated mesophotic habitats, our results suggest that in addition of significant changes at species level, moderate ocean acidification may entail major shifts in the distribution and dominance of key benthic ecosystems at regional scale, which could have broad ecological and socio-economic implications.

Energetics, scaling and sexual size dimorphism of spiders.

The extreme sexual size dimorphism in spiders has motivated studies for many years. In many species the male can be very small relative to the female. There are several hypotheses trying to explain this fact, most of them emphasizing the role of energy in determining spider size. The aim of this paper is to review the role of energy in sexual size dimorphism of spiders, even for those spiders that do not necessarily live in high foliage, using physical and allometric principles. Here we propose that the cost of transport or equivalently energy expenditure and the speed are traits under selection pressure in male spiders, favoring those of smaller size to reduce travel costs. The morphology of the spiders responds to these selective forces depending upon the lifestyle of the spiders. Climbing and bridging spiders must overcome the force of gravity. If bridging allows faster dispersal, small males would have a selective advantage by enjoying more mating opportunities. In wandering spiders with low population density and as a consequence few male-male interactions, high speed and low energy expenditure or cost of transport should be favored by natural selection. Pendulum mechanics show the advantages of long legs in spiders and their relationship with high speed, even in climbing and bridging spiders. Thus small size, compensated by long legs should be the expected morphology for a fast and mobile male spider.

[Incidence of urinary tract infections after cardiac surgery: comparative study accordind to catheterization device]. / Incidencia de la infección urinaria en pacientes postoperados de cirugía cardiaca: estudio comparativo según el dispositivo de sondaje.

INTRODUCTION: Urinary tract infections (UTI) associated with urethral catheterization are the second cause of nosocomial infections in Intensive care units. We confirm a UTI when we get a result of 100,000 CFU/ml with at least one microorganism in a urine culture. MAIN OBJECTIVE: Compare and determine the incidence of UTI in cardiac surgery postpoperative patients according to the catheterization device. METHODS: A prospective, randomized analytical observational study of patients in the immediate cardiac surgery postoperative period. One group was probed with catheter Foley and one was inserted the catheter BIPFoley-Bactiguard® (CBF). The CBF is coated with noble metals (silver, gold and palladium) and biocompatible antimicrobial properties, covering the entire surface of the device and prevents the formation of biofilm, microbial adherence and colonization. RESULTS: 116 cases, 59.5% (69 cases) were negative for UTI and 40.5% (47 cases) were positive. Out of the positive UTI results, 25% were carriers of catheter Foley and 15.5% of CBF. Most common etiologic microorganisms: Escherichia coli 29.8% Klebsiella pneumonia 29.8%, Klebsiella oxytoca 9%. CONCLUSION: With the data we have observed that patients catheterized BIPfoley-Bactiguard® are infected to a lesser extent than Foley carriers.

As and S speciation in a submarine sulfide mine tailings deposit and its environmental significance: The study case of Portmán Bay (SE Spain).

The dumping of an estimated amount of 57 million tons of hazardous sulfide mine waste from 1957 to 1990 into Portmán's Bay (SE Spain) caused one of the most severe cases of persistent anthropogenic impact in Europe's costal and marine environments. The resulting mine tailings deposit completely infilled Portmán's Bay and extended seawards on the continental shelf, bearing high levels of metals and As. The present work, where Synchrotron XAS, XRF core scanner and other data are combined, reveals the simultaneous presence of arsenopyrite (FeAsS), scorodite (FeAsO4·2H2O), orpiment (As2S3) and realgar (AsS) in the submarine extension of the mine tailings deposit. In addition to arsenopyrite weathering and scorodite formation, the, the presence of realgar and orpiment is discussed, considering both potential sourcing from the exploited ores and in situ precipitation from a combination of inorganic and biologically mediated geochemical processes. Whereas the formation of scorodite relates to the oxidation of arsenopyrite, we hypothesize that the presence of orpiment and realgar is associated to scorodite dissolution and subsequent precipitation of these two minerals within the mine tailings deposit under moderately reducing conditions. The occurrence of organic debris and reduced organic sulfur compounds evidences the activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and provides a plausible explanation to the reactions leading to the formation of authigenic realgar and orpiment. The precipitation of these two minerals in the mine tailings, according to our hypothesis, has important consequences for As mobility since this process would reduce the release of As into the surrounding environment. Our work provides for the first time valuable hints on As speciation in a massive submarine sulfide mine tailings deposit, which is highly relevant for similar situations worldwide.

Adjustments of the oxygen diffusing capacity to energetic demands during the development of the quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

One of the hypotheses that attempt to explain physiological limitations of energy budgets is the symmorphosis hypothesis, which proposes that if matching structures to functional needs were combined with the strict economy of energy and materials, the result would be an optimal organ design for the specific function it serves. Evidence in favor of symmorphosis in adults is as abundant as evidence against it, but the plasticity of some morphological traits may be dependent on the ontogenetic stage at which acclimation acts. Thus, here we studied the adjustment of structure and function in lungs at different stages of development in the quail Coturnix coturnix japonica under two thermal regimes. Our main results show that i) resting metabolic rate, maximum thermogenic oxygen consumption and oxygen diffusion capacity did not exhibit developmental plasticity for two thermal environments; and ii) oxygen diffusion capacity fully adjusted to resting metabolic rate and maximum oxygen consumption during development. C. coturnix has a low safety factor close to 1 which is consistent with the symmorphosis hypothesis.

Calibrating high resolution XRF core scanner data to obtain absolute metal concentrations in highly polluted marine deposits after two case studies off Portmán Bay and Barcelona, Spain.

X-ray fluorescence core scanners (XRF-CS) allow rapid, non-destructive, continuous and high-resolution analyses of the elemental composition of sediment cores, providing large sets of semi-quantitative data. These data can be converted to quantitative data through the linear regression approach using a relatively small number of discrete samples analyzed by techniques providing absolute concentrations. However, a precise characterization of the errors associated with the linear function is required to evaluate the quality of the calibrated element concentrations. Here we present a calibration of high-resolution XRF-CS for six metals (Ti, Mn, Fe, Zn, Pb and As) measured in heavily contaminated marine deposits so that absolute concentrations are obtained. In order to determine the best linear function for conversion of XRF data, we have tested three regression methods: the ordinary least-squares (OLS), which does not consider the standard error in any variable (x and y), the weighted ordinary least-squares (WOLS), which considers the weighted standard error of the vertical variable (y), and the weighted least-squares (WLS), which incorporates the standard error in both x and y variables. We demonstrate that the calibration method presented in this study significantly increases the correlation coefficient, higher than r2 = 0.94, and reduces both the data deviation and the errors of the linear function for the three regression methods. Nonetheless, the WLS appears as the best regression method to minimize errors in the calibrated element concentrations. Our results open the door to use calibrated XRF-CS data to evaluate marine sediment pollution according to the levels of the strictest sediment quality guidelines (SQG) with errors lower than 0.4%-2% for Fe, 1%-7% for Zn, 3-14% for Pb and 5%-16% for Mn. They highlight the robustness of the calibration procedure here presented for accurate and precise quantification of element concentrations from XRF-CS semi-quantitative data.

Comparative population dynamics of the bug Mepraia spinolai, a sylvatic vector of Chagas' disease, in different hosts.

The aim of this work was to determine the impact of specific hosts on a population of Mepraia spinolai (Porter) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae), a sylvatic vector of Chagas' disease in Chile. We assessed whether a recently introduced host could be an important epidemiological factor in maintaining Chagas' disease in Chile. The study stressed the variations in survival, individual weight and fecundity in the insect population when the vector was raised with a species-specific food supply. The study compared the European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus, introduced in Chile

Novel GPCR paradigms at the µ-opioid receptor.

UNLABELLED: Opioids, such as morphine, are the most clinically useful class of analgesic drugs for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. However, the use of opioids is greatly limited by the development of severe adverse side effects. Consequently, drug discovery efforts have been directed towards improving the therapeutic profile of opioid-based treatments. Opioid receptors are members of the family of GPCRs. As such, the recent GPCR paradigms of biased agonism and allosterism may provide novel avenues for more effective analgesics. Biased agonism (or functional selectivity) has been described for all the opioid receptor family members. Furthermore, the first allosteric modulators of opioid receptors have very recently been described. However, identification and quantification of biased agonism in a manner that is informative to medicinal chemists and drug discovery programmes still remains a challenge. In this review, we examine the progress, to date, towards identification and quantification of biased agonism and allosterism at the µ-opioid receptor in the context of its implications for the discovery of better and safer analgesics. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Opioids: New Pathways to Functional Selectivity. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-2.

A MSFD complementary approach for the assessment of pressures, knowledge and data gaps in Southern European Seas: The PERSEUS experience.

PERSEUS project aims to identify the most relevant pressures exerted on the ecosystems of the Southern European Seas (SES), highlighting knowledge and data gaps that endanger the achievement of SES Good Environmental Status (GES) as mandated by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). A complementary approach has been adopted, by a meta-analysis of existing literature on pressure/impact/knowledge gaps summarized in tables related to the MSFD descriptors, discriminating open waters from coastal areas. A comparative assessment of the Initial Assessments (IAs) for five SES countries has been also independently performed. The comparison between meta-analysis results and IAs shows similarities for coastal areas only. Major knowledge gaps have been detected for the biodiversity, marine food web, marine litter and underwater noise descriptors. The meta-analysis also allowed the identification of additional research themes targeting research topics that are requested to the achievement of GES.

Interactions among adenosine deaminase, adenosine A(1) receptors and dopamine D(1) receptors in stably cotransfected fibroblast cells and neurons.

The role of adenosine deaminase in the interactions between adenosine A(1) and dopamine D(1) receptors was studied in a mouse fibroblast cell line stably cotransfected with human D(1) receptor and A(1) receptor cDNAs (A(1)D(1) cells). Confocal laser microscopy analysis showed a high degree of adenosine deaminase immunoreactivity on the membrane of the A(1)D(1) cells but not of the D(1) cells (only cotransfected with human D(1) receptor cDNAs). In double immunolabelling experiments in A(1)D(1) cells and cortical neurons a marked overlap in the distribution of the A(1) receptor and adenosine deaminase immunoreactivities and of the D(1) receptor and adenosine deaminase immunoreactivities was found. Quantitative analysis of A(1)D(1) cells showed that adenosine deaminase immunoreactivity to a large extent colocalizes with A(1) and D(1) receptor immunoreactivity, respectively. The A(1) receptor agonist caused in A(1)D(1) cells and in cortical neurons coaggregation of A(1) receptors and adenosine deaminase, and of D(1) receptors and adenosine deaminase. The A(1) receptor agonist-induced aggregation was blocked by R-deoxycoformycin, an irreversible adenosine deaminase inhibitor. The competitive binding experiments with the D(1) receptor antagonist [(3)H]SCH-23390 showed that the D(1) receptors had a better fit for two binding sites for dopamine, and treatment with the A(1) receptor agonist produced a disappearance of the high-affinity site for dopamine at the D(1) receptor. R-Deoxycoformycin treatment, which has previously been shown to block the interaction between adenosine deaminase and A(1) receptors, and which is crucial for the high-affinity state of the A(1) receptor, also blocked the A(1) receptor agonist-induced loss of high-affinity D(1) receptor binding. The conclusion of the present studies is that the high-affinity state of the A(1) receptor is essential for the A(1) receptor-mediated antagonistic modulation of D(1) receptors and for the A(1) receptor-induced coaggregates of A(1) and adenosine deaminase, and of D(1) and adenosine deaminase. Thus, the confocal experiments indicate that both A(1) and D(1) receptors form agonist-regulated clusters with adenosine deaminase, where the presence of a structurally intact adenosine deaminase bound to A(1) receptors is important for the A(1)-D(1) receptor-receptor interaction at the level of the D(1) receptor recognition.

Population parameters of Triatoma spinolai (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) under different environmental conditions and densities.

Population parameters of Triatoma spinolai Porter were studied using specimens collected in the north and central region of Chile. Two cohorts of 17 and 44 first instars were maintained at a constant temperature of 28 degrees C and 70% RH. Two similar cohorts of bugs were exposed to 16-24 degrees C and 55-75% RH and maintained under a photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D) h for 16 mo. The preimaginal period ranged between 285 and 372 d under constant conditions. The lower-density cohort required 9.5 mo to reach the adult stage compared with 12.4 mo for the high-density cohort. Bugs placed under variable temperature and relative humidity conditions did not survive long. Cohorts with higher densities had similar mortality rates with greater mortality occurring in cohorts that had lower numbers of bugs. Cohorts under constant temperature and relative humidity reproduced and basic reproduction rates (Ro, intrinsic growth rate [r], and generation time [G]) were estimated. Cohorts with higher numbers of bugs had higher Ro and r, whereas values of G were similar for both groups. Apparently, 25 degrees C was a critical temperature threshold for T. spinolai and there appeared to be a minimal population density that allowed reproduction.

Preliminary studies on temperature selection and activity cycles of Triatoma infestans and T. spinolai (Heteroptera:Reduviidae), Chilean vectors of Chagas' disease.

Preferred temperature and activity patterns of Triatoma infestans Klug and Triatoma spinolai Porter were studied, both are vectors of Chagas' disease in Chile. In the laboratory, 24 T. spinolai and 18 T. infestans were exposed to a temperature gradient between 50 and 15 degrees C and a photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D) h. Temperature and hourly position of bugs in an experimental chamber were recorded for 24 h. Both species showed a cycle of preferred temperature, and both selected higher temperatures beginning at 1600 hours, although T. infestans maintains this preference over a longer period. For both species, activity patterns were synchronized with the light-dark cycle, although these activity rhythms were significantly different. T. spinolai had higher activity during the photophase, and T. infestans showed a lower activity in the photophase and a higher one during the scotophase. The similar pattern of preferred temperatures may facilitate the selection of similar environments in the event of colonization of houses by T. spinolai. Diurnal activity of this species might be a disadvantage (in terms of more exposure to defensive responses of the vertebrate hosts) but may allow T. spinolai to share the same habitat with T. infestans without competitive interference.

Blood host sources of Mepraia spinolai (Heteroptera: Reduviidae), wild vector of chagas disease in Chile.

There are two vectors of the Chagas' disease in Chile: Triatoma infestans Klug the domestic vector and Mepraia spinolai Porter the sylvatic vector. The alimentary profile of M. spinolai has been poorly studied. In this work we study the participation of humans, goats, dogs, cats, rodents, rabbits, birds (hens) and reptiles in the diet of M. spinolai by analyzing the intestinal content through immunoradiometric assay. To put our results in a general context, we also compared the diet with that described for T. infestans. In decreasing order, we detected blood of rabbits, dogs, goats, rodents, humans, and birds (hens). There were 12.3% of insects infected with T. cruzi, but this fact was not significant for diet variance. In warm weather there was a larger diversity of alimentary sources than in a cold one. The niche breadth increased from 0.029 in cold weather to 0.464 in warm weather. The niche overlap of T. infestans and M. spinolai was 0.23.

Self-reported injuries among seafarers. Questionnaire validity and results from an international study.

International surveys of occupational injuries among seafarers have so far been missing. It was the aim to test the method of self-report of injuries and length of time at risk during the latest duty period and second to study the injury incidence rate among seafarers by use of the method. A pilot study was conducted (n = 1068) in Finland, Denmark, the Philippines, Croatia and Spain using self-completed questionnaires with questions about the person, the ship, the duration of latest duty period and injuries. The duration of the self-reporting duty period was in the Danish part compared with information from the crew register of the Maritime Authority. For seafarers from merchant ships in the Danish sub-study there was acceptable correspondence between the information from the seafarers and the Maritime Authority, but not when referring to ferries and non-specified types of ship. Unadjusted and adjusted injury incidence rates-ratios (IRRs) based on number of injuries per number of work hours were calculated. Adjusted IRRs for ordinary seamen/officers: IRR = 2.43 (95% CI: 1.25-4.72); for age < 35/35+ years: IRR = 1.97 (1.02-3.81); length of tour: 117 days or longer compared with < 117 days: IRR = 0.46 (95% CI: 0.22-0.95); 57-70 working hours per week compared with < 57 h: IRR = 1.26 (0.48-3.29), 71+h compared with < 57 h: IRR = 2.12 (0.84-5.36). Non-significant IRRs >1.00 were found for ships under 10,000 GT compared with larger ships and for own flagged ships compared with ships under flag of convenience. In conclusion, more than 70 h of work per week was related to a higher rate of injuries for seafarers on merchant ships, but the result was not statistically significant. Self-report of the duration of the latest tour of duty is useful for seafarers from merchant ships with short-term employments, but not for ferries and other, non-specified types of ship with other or permanent employment.

Long-term cryopreservation of human donor corneas.

The purpose of the present study was to develop an optimal freezing method for cryopreservation of human donor corneas for transplantation. Three groups of ten human donor corneas each were cryopreserved using cooling rates of 0.5 degree C/ min, 1 degree C/min and 9 degrees C/min. The freezing medium contained 10% fetal calf serum and 7% dimethylsulphoxide. Ten additional human donor corneas were used as controls. Endothelial cell survival after complete thawing was assessed by calculating the mean endothelial cell density and percentage of non-viable endothelial cells from vital staining and scanning electron micrographs. Significant differences in endothelial cell survival between all groups were detected by analysis of variance (p < 0.001), but paired contrast found no real differences between corneas frozen at 0.5 degree C/min or 1 degree C/min. Nevertheless, 60% of the corneas cryopreserved at 1 degree C/min but only 10% of those cryopreserved at 0.5 degree C/min fulfilled both requirements to be considered suitable for transplantation (endothelial cell density > 2000 cells/mm2 and less than 10% dead cells). None of the corneas frozen at 9 degrees C/min fulfilled these requirements. Mean endothelial cell density of corneas frozen at 1 degree C/min was 2084 cells/mm2 (range 2020 to 2630 cells/mm2). Except for isolated corneas frozen at 0.5 degree C/min, only corneas cryopreserved at a cooling rate of 1 degree C/min achieved satisfactory endothelial cell survival for their use in transplantation. However the significant interindividual variability among corneas frozen at 1 degree C/min (ANOVA: p < 0.001) prevents prediction of the condition of the cornea after the complete cryopreservation process. Until this high variability can be drastically reduced, systematic corneal cryopreservation in eye banking remains unattainable.

Severe short-bowel syndrome in children. Clinical experience.

INTRODUCTION: Innovative surgical and pharmacological therapeutic measures in short-bowel syndrome (SBS) are constantly changing the prognosis of this devastating condition. The aim of this paper is to present our most recent experience in the treatment of this disease, with particular emphasis on the impact of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) and the use of growth hormone (GH). METHODS: A group of 8 patients with severe SBS have been studied for the past 4 years. Intestinal length of less than 25% normal at the time of bowel resection was the criterion for inclusion in this study. RESULTS: Mean age at the time of diagnosis was 2 years (ranging from 1 day to 9 years). The etiology of the SBS was Hirschsprung's disease (n = 3), midgut volvulus (n = 2), gastroschisis (n = 1), omphalocele with ileal atresia and necrotizing enterocolitis (n = 1) and Crohn's disease (n = 1). Length of the residual bowel was 8 and 50 cm with ileocecal valve (ICV) preservation and 23, 27, 30, 50, 70, 100 cm without ICV. Sixty percent of the patients survived. Two patients died due to fulminant gram-negative sepsis and one due to cardiac malformation. Two patients are still on parenteral nutrition (PN) providing 30 and 60% of total calories. Human GH (0.3 U/kg/day) was used in two patients over a period of 28 days. In these patients, an increased tolerance to enteral feeding was observed. HPN was provided in 5 cases, allowing regular school attendance in 3 patients. In 3 cases, discontinuation of the PN was achieved at 24, 25 and 35 months respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Human GH can improve tolerance of enteral feeding. HPN has a beneficial effect on child behaviour. Intestinal transplantation must be considered when no other surgical or medical measures are available.

Morphological and morphometric aspects of primate cornea: a comparative study with human cornea.

Morphological and morphometric features of the cornea of 13 species of primates have been studied in order to determine possible morphological differences between them. The existence of relationships between different morphometric corneal variables was also examined to establish which variables best defined and characterized the cornea. The present aim is to determine which primate cornea resembles that of the human being most with a view to possible future clinical and experimental studies. The results obtained revealed that all the cornea under study presented similar morphological features. The relationship between total corneal thickness and corneal epithelial thickness was determined as well as the relationship between epithelial thickness, the number of epithelial layers and the number of epithelial cells. However, the morphological pattern of Bowman's membrane and corneal endothelium differed in the species studied. Finally, the study indicates that the chimpanzee and the gorilla are the species with a corneal morphometry which is closest to that of the human cornea.

Optimization of a method for the cryopreservation of rabbit corneas: attempted application to human corneas.

The purpose of the present study was to set up and test a cryopreservation method for long-term storage of human corneas. Therefore the freezing solution was optimized in 264 rabbit corneas by testing the type of cryoprotectant, its concentration, addition and dilution pattern and exposure temperature. Then rabbit corneas were frozen in the optimum solution at different cooling rates and thawed in a water bath at different temperatures. Eight human corneas were cryopreserved with the method showing optimum results in rabbit corneas and four additional corneas were used as controls. Endothelial viability was assessed after each step by vital staining and scanning electron microscopy. Best results after exposure of rabbit corneas to the freezing solution were achieved when using a 10% cryoprotectant concentration, with direct addition/dilution and exposure at room temperature (3512 +/-300 viable cells mm(2) when using dimethylsulfoxide; 3403 +/- 245 viable cells mm(2) when using 1,2-propanediol). Cryopreserved rabbit corneas had the highest endothelial cell survival when frozen at 1 degrees C/min and thawed at 37 degrees C (2003 +/- 372 viable cells/mm(2) when using dimethylsulfoxide and 1357 +/- 667 viable cells/mm(2) when using 1,2-propanediol). Cryopreserved human corneas had 753 +/- 542 viable cells/mm(2) when using dimethylsulfoxide and 56 +/- 56 viable cells/mm(2) when using 1,2-propanediol. We can conclude that the method developed is easy to handle and shows optimum results in rabbit corneas, with an endothelial cell survival that is consistent with transplant acceptability criteria. The results obtained in human corneas are below prediction and are still unsatisfactory for successful use in eye banking.

[Prevalence of nosocomial urinary infection. Alternatives to bladder catheterization]. / Prevalencia de infección urinaria nosocomial. Medidas alternativas al cateterismo vesical.

BACKGROUND: The detection of a high percentage of nosocomial urinary infection (NUI) associated with vesical catheterization (VC) and the frequent use of VC in patients with urinary incontinence, led us to implant a prevention programme which included the introduction of absorbent diapers as a alternative to vesical catheterization in incontinent patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After actualization and introduction of VC preventive measures and the introduction of absorbent diapers, regular determinations were made of the prevalence of NUI with analysis of the variations using the chi 2 test for trends. The prevalence of urinary incontinence and the efficacy of the diapers were also measured. RESULTS: The prevalence of NUI associated with VC showed a significant decrease, from 27.5% to 3% (p = 0.004). Between 6% and 11% of the patients admitted to the medical service had urinary incontinence. After introduction of the diapers as part of health care assistance programme, the use of VC in patients with urinary incontinence is rare. CONCLUSIONS: 1) The prevention programme allowed a significant reduction in the prevalence of NUI associated with VC. 2) The use of absorbent diapers to care for patients with urinary incontinence probably contributed to reducing the prevalence of NUI. It was well accepted by the nursing staff and iatrogeny associated with their use was scarce.