Impact of a multidimensional infection control strategy on catheter-associated urinary tract infection rates in the adult intensive care units of 15 developing countries: findings of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC).

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the impact of a multidimensional infection control strategy for the reduction of the incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) in patients hospitalized in adult intensive care units (AICUs) of hospitals which are members of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC), from 40 cities of 15 developing countries: Argentina, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, India, Lebanon, Macedonia, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Peru, Philippines, and Turkey. METHODS: We conducted a prospective before-after surveillance study of CAUTI rates on 56,429 patients hospitalized in 57 AICUs, during 360,667 bed-days. The study was divided into the baseline period (Phase 1) and the intervention period (Phase 2). In Phase 1, active surveillance was performed. In Phase 2, we implemented a multidimensional infection control approach that included: (1) a bundle of preventive measures, (2) education, (3) outcome surveillance, (4) process surveillance, (5) feedback of CAUTI rates, and (6) feedback of performance. The rates of CAUTI obtained in Phase 1 were compared with the rates obtained in Phase 2, after interventions were implemented. RESULTS: We recorded 253,122 urinary catheter (UC)-days: 30,390 in Phase 1 and 222,732 in Phase 2. In Phase 1, before the intervention, the CAUTI rate was 7.86 per 1,000 UC-days, and in Phase 2, after intervention, the rate of CAUTI decreased to 4.95 per 1,000 UC-days [relative risk (RR) 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55-0.72)], showing a 37% rate reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the implementation of a multidimensional infection control strategy is associated with a significant reduction in the CAUTI rate in AICUs from developing countries.

[Functional results in the orthopedic treatment of acute ruptures of the Achilles tendon]. / Resultados funcionales en el tratamiento ortopédico de las roturas agudas del tendón de Aquiles.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to assess the clinical and functional results of patients with acute middle third of Achilles tendon rupture treated conservatively by orthopedic boot and early weight-bearing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective observational study with 19 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture treated by conservative treatment. Demographic variables, ATRS score, function using heel-rise test, calf circumference and Achilles tendon resting angle were analyzed. The clinical and functional registration was performed at six weeks, three, six and 12 months of injury. A statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: At one year follow-up, the 94% of patients were capable of standing single heel rise, the mean of twin atrophy was 1.03 cm ± 0.51 compared to uninjured side and the difference of Achilles tendon resting angle was 5.63 degrees ± 4.17 compared to contralateral limb. The 83.24% of patients returned to play and the mean of ATRS score was 87.41 points ± 17.78. Two partial re-rupture (11%) were occurred at three months of follow-up, which continued with orthopedic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, functional orthopedic treatment using orthopedic boot and early weight-bearing presents good clinical and functional outcomes, considering it a valid treatment for acute Achilles tendon ruptures.

OBJETIVO: Analizar los resultados clínicos y funcionales de los pacientes con rotura aguda del cuerpo del tendón de Aquiles tratados de forma conservadora mediante bota ortopédica y carga precoz. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional prospectivo con 19 pacientes con rotura aguda de tendón de Aquiles tratados de forma ortopédica. Se analizaron las variables demográficas, la escala ATRS (Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score), la función mediante el test de puntillas, masa muscular gemelar y el equino en reposo residual. Los registros clínicos y funcionales se realizaron a las seis semanas, tres, seis y 12 meses. Se realizó un análisis estadístico mediante Stata 14. RESULTADOS: A los 12 meses, 94% de los pacientes realizaban puntillas monopodales, la media de la atrofia gemelar fue de 1.03 cm ± 0.51 respecto a extremidad contralateral y la diferencia de equino residual respecto el lado sano era de 5.63 grados ± 4.17, 83.24% de los pacientes realizaban su práctica deportiva habitual previa a la rotura. La media de ATRS de la muestra era de 87.41 puntos ± 17.78. Se registraron dos rerroturas parciales (11%) a los tres meses de seguimiento que continuaron con tratamiento ortopédico. CONCLUSIONES: El tratamiento ortopédico funcional mediante bota ortopédica y carga precoz presenta buenos resultados clínicos y funcionales, considerándolo un tratamiento válido para las roturas agudas del tendón de Aquiles.

Reversible, high-voltage square-wave pulse generator for triggering spark gaps.

A design is presented for a reversible, square-pulse generator that employs coaxial cables for charge storage and pulse formation and a thyratron as the switch. The generator has a nominal output voltage of 5-30 kV and a pulse duration determined by the cable's physical length. Two variations are presented: (1) a single-stage one consisting of cable that is charged via its shield on one end and discharged with a thyratron on the opposite end and (2) a two-stage one having an inverting circuit that uses a coaxial cable to reverse the polarity of the pulse. The generator operates with "flying shields," i.e., high-voltage pulses also propagate on the outside of the cables; this calls for a dedicated insulation that avoids breakdown between sections of the cable's shield. The rise time obtained is mostly dictated by the switching time of the thyratron; with the one we used in the tests, rise times in the range of 30-40 ns were obtained. We present the results obtained in the implementation of the generators as well as its application to fire a large Marx generator.