Molecular characterization and descriptive analysis of carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative rod infections in Bogota, Colombia.

In this study, the genetic differences and clinical impact of the carbapenemase-encoding genes among the community and healthcare-acquired infections were assessed. This retrospective, multicenter cohort study was conducted in Colombia and included patients infected with carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative rods between 2017 and 2021. Carbapenem resistance was identified by Vitek, and carbapenemase-encoding genes were identified by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to classify the alleles and sequence types (STs). Descriptive statistics were used to determine the association of any pathogen or gene with clinical outcomes. A total of 248 patients were included, of which only 0.8% (2/248) had community-acquired infections. Regarding the identified bacteria, the most prevalent pathogens were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. In the WGS analysis, 228 isolates passed all the quality criteria and were analyzed. The principal carbapenemase-encoding gene was blaKPC, specifically blaKPC-2 [38.6% (88/228)] and blaKPC-3 [36.4% (83/228)]. These were frequently detected in co-concurrence with blaVIM-2 and blaNDM-1 in healthcare-acquired infections. Notably, the only identified allele among community-acquired infections was blaKPC-3 [50.0% (1/2)]. In reference to the STs, 78 were identified, of which Pseudomonas aeruginosa ST111 was mainly related to blaKPC-3. Klebsiella pneumoniae ST512, ST258, ST14, and ST1082 were exclusively associated with blaKPC-3. Finally, no particular carbapenemase-encoding gene was associated with worse clinical outcomes. The most identified genes in carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative rods were blaKPC-2 and blaKPC-3, both related to gene co-occurrence and diverse STs in the healthcare environment. Patients had several systemic complications and poor clinical outcomes that were not associated with a particular gene.IMPORTANCEAntimicrobial resistance is a pandemic and a worldwide public health problem, especially carbapenem resistance in low- and middle-income countries. Limited data regarding the molecular characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients infected with these bacteria are available. Thus, our study described the carbapenemase-encoding genes among community- and healthcare-acquired infections. Notably, the co-occurrence of carbapenemase-encoding genes was frequently identified. We also found 78 distinct sequence types, of which two were novel Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which could represent challenges in treating these infections. Our study shows that in low and middle-income countries, such as Colombia, the burden of carbapenem resistance in Gram-negative rods is a concern for public health, and regardless of the allele, these infections are associated with poor clinical outcomes. Thus, studies assessing local epidemiology, prevention strategies (including trials), and underpinning genetic mechanisms are urgently needed, especially in low and middle-income countries.

Validez y fiabilidad del inventario polidiagnóstico para trastornos psicóticos OPCRIT 4.0 adaptado al español.

OBJETIVO: Adaptar y validar al español el Inventario de Criterios Operativos Diagnósticos (OPCRIT 4.0) para tras-tornos psicóticos. Se trata de una herramienta que permite diagnosticar a un paciente mediante las principales clasifica-ciones diagnósticas. Material y métodos. Se realizó la traducción y retrotraducción del inventario original en inglés al español y se comprobó la validez de criterio, la validez concurrente y la fiabilidad interevaluador del mismo, a partir de una muestra de 106 historias clínicas de usuarios adultos de un centro de salud mental comunitario. RESULTADOS: Los datos obtenidos demostraron la validez y fiabilidad de la adaptación del OPCRIT 4.0 en la evaluación de la muestra de historias clínicas. CONCLUSIONES: La adaptación y validación al español del instrumento OPCRIT 4.0 permite disponer de un sistema rápido, fiable y útil para obtener el diagnóstico del trastorno psicótico en un paciente a través de diferentes sistemas de clasificación.

Toxoplasma gondii Seropositivity Interacts with Catechol-O-methyltransferase Val105/158Met Variation Increasing the Risk of Schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous and severe psychotic disorder. Epidemiological findings have suggested that the exposure to infectious agents such as Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is associated with an increased risk for schizophrenia. On the other hand, there is evidence involving the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val105/158Met polymorphism in the aetiology of schizophrenia since it alters the dopamine metabolism. A case−control study of 141 patients and 142 controls was conducted to analyse the polymorphism, the prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG, and their interaction on the risk for schizophrenia. IgG were detected by ELISA, and genotyping was performed with TaqMan Real-Time PCR. Although no association was found between any COMT genotype and schizophrenia, we found a significant association between T. gondii seropositivity and the disorder (χ2 = 11.71; p-value < 0.001). Furthermore, the risk for schizophrenia conferred by T. gondii was modified by the COMT genotype, with those who had been exposed to the infection showing a different risk compared to that of nonexposed ones depending on the COMT genotype (χ2 for the interaction = 7.28, p-value = 0.007). This study provides evidence that the COMT genotype modifies the risk for schizophrenia conferred by T. gondii infection, with it being higher in those individuals with the Met/Met phenotype, intermediate in heterozygous, and lower in those with the Val/Val phenotype.

Comparative Evaluation of Phenotypic Synergy Tests versus RESIST-4 O.K.N.V. and NG Test Carba 5 Lateral Flow Immunoassays for the Detection and Differentiation of Carbapenemases in Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The spread of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) has dramatically impacted morbidity and mortality. COVID-19 pandemic has favored the selection of these microorganisms because of the excessive and prolonged use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and the outbreaks related to patient transfer between hospitals and inadequate personal protective equipment. Therefore, early CPE detection is considered essential for their control. We aimed to compare conventional phenotypic synergy tests and two lateral flow immunoassays for detecting carbapenemases in Enterobacterales and P. aeruginosa. We analyzed 100 carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli isolates, 80 Enterobacterales, and 20 P. aeruginosa (86 isolates producing KPC, NDM, OXA-48, IMP, and VIM carbapenemases and 14 non-carbapenemase-producing isolates). We performed a modified Hodge test, boronic acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) synergy tests, and two lateral flow immunoassays: RESIST-4 O.K.N.V. (Coris Bioconcept) and NG Test Carba 5 (NG Biotech). In total, 76 KPC, seven VIM, one NDM, one OXA-48, and one isolate coproducing KPC + NDM enzymes were included. The concordance of different methods estimated by the Kappa index was 0.432 (standard error: 0.117), thus showing a high variability with the synergy tests with boronic acid and EDTA and reporting 16 false negatives that were detected by the two immunochromatographic methods. Co-production was only detected using immunoassays. Conventional phenotypic synergy tests with boronic acid and EDTA for detecting carbapenemases are suboptimal, and their routine use should be reconsidered. These tests depend on the degree of enzyme expression and the distance between disks. Lateral flow immunoassay tests are a rapid and cost-effective tool to detect and differentiate carbapenemases, improving clinical outcomes through targeted therapy and promoting infection prevention measures. IMPORTANCE Infections due to multidrug-resistant pathogens are a growing problem worldwide. The production of carbapenemases in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacterales cause a high impact on the mortality of infected patients. Therefore, it is of great importance to have methods that allow the early detection of these multi-resistant microorganisms, achieving the confirmation of the type of carbapenemase present, with high sensitivity and specificity, with the aim of improving epidemiological control, dissemination, the clinical course to through targeted antibiotic therapy and promoting infection control in hospitals.

Rapid Detection of Carbapenemase and Extended-Spectrum ß-Lactamase Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria Directly from Positive Blood Cultures Using a Novel Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Early and adequate antibiotic treatment is the cornerstone of improving clinical outcomes in patients with bloodstream infections (BSI). Delays in appropriate antimicrobial therapy have catastrophic consequences for patients with BSI. Microbiological characterization of multi-drug resistant pathogens (MDRP) allows clinicians to provide appropriate treatments. Current microbiologic techniques may take up to 96 h to identify causative pathogens and their resistant patterns. Therefore, there is an important need to develop rapid diagnostic strategies for MDRP. We tested a modified protocol to detect carbapenemase and extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) producing Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) from positive blood cultures. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study of consecutive patients with bacteremia. We developed a modified protocol using the HB&L® system to detect MDRP. The operational characteristics were analyzed for each test (HB&L-ESBL/AmpC® and HB&L-Carbapenemase® kits). The kappa coefficient, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), likelihood ratios (LR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and reduction in identification time of this novel method were calculated. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients with BSI were included in the study. A total of 161 positive blood cultures were analyzed. Escherichia coli (50%, 81/161) was the most frequently identified pathogen, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (15%, 24/161) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8%, 13/161). Thirty-three percent of isolations had usual resistance patterns. However, 34/161 (21%) of identified pathogens were producers of carbapenemases and 21/161 (13%) of extended-spectrum ß-lactamases. Concordance between our HB&L® modified protocol and the traditional method was 99% (159/161). Finally, identification times were significantly shorter using our HB&L®-modified protocol than traditional methods: median (IQR) 19 h (18, 22) vs. 61 h (60, 64), p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Here, we provide novel evidence that using our HB&L®-modified protocol is an effective strategy to reduce the time to detect MDRP producers of carbapenemases or extended-spectrum ß-lactamases, with an excellent concordance rate when compared to the gold standard. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to determine whether this method may improve clinical outcomes.

Mirror therapy for phantom limb pain in moderate intellectual disability. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a common problem after limb amputation. There is mounting evidence supporting the use of mirror therapy (MT) in the treatment of individuals with PLP. However, there is no research studying the effects of MT on PLP in individuals with intellectual developmental disorders (IDD). The aim of this study was to increase our understanding of MT when used with adults with IDD and PLP through a case study approach. METHODS: Here, we describe the use of MT with a 53-year-old female with moderate IDD and PLP, related to her left leg being amputated after ulcer complications. The study followed an A-B-A-B design (baseline-treatment-withdrawal of treatment-re-introduction of treatment), lasting 2 years, which included a long-term follow-up. RESULTS: The data showed that the PLP sensation decreased after the MT treatment, with a raw change of 3.92 points and a 48% decrease in mean pain intensity ratings from pre- to post-treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This is a unique case-report on the use of MT with an individual with IDD suffering from PLP. The findings show that MT helped to significantly reduce the intensity of the PLP in this patient. SIGNIFICANCE: This is a case-report that illustrates how mirror therapy can be applied to people with intellectual developmental disorders and phantom limb pain. The results showed that phantom limb pain decreased after the mirror therapy, with a raw change of 3,92 points and a percent change of 48%.

Colonización rectal por Enterobacterales productores de múltiples carbapenemasas: Reporte de un caso de coproducción / Rectal colonization by Enterobacterales producing multiple carbapenemases: a co-production case report

Resumen El constante aumento de Enterobacterales productores de carbapenemasas (CPE) se constituye en un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial, por el impacto generado en la mortalidad de los pacientes. El tracto gastrointestinal es el principal reservorio de este tipo de microorganismos, por lo cual, la colonización rectal se convierte en un importante factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de posteriores infecciones. Una de las estrategias de vigilancia epidemiológica activa, es la búsqueda de pacientes colonizados, a través de cultivos de tamización para detectar estos microrganismos multirresistentes. Reportamos el caso de un paciente, con historia de sepsis de origen pulmonar, colonizado por Klebsiella pneumoniae con coproducción de carbapenemasas NDM + KPC y Escherichia coli con carbapenemasa NDM. Este hallazgo es cada vez más frecuente, lo cual implica un reto en su detección y diagnóstico. Se describen características del paciente, procedimientos realizados y hallazgos microbiológicos.

Abstract The constant increase in carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) constitutes a public health problem worldwide, due to the impact generated on the mortality of patients. The gastrointestinal tract is the main reservoir for this microorganism, which is why, rectal colonization becomes an important risk factor for the development of subsequent infections. One of the active epidemiological surveillance strategies is the search for colonized patients through screening cultures, to detect these multi-resistant microorganisms. We report the case of a patient, with a history of sepsis of pulmonary origin, colonized by Klebsiella pneumoniae with co-production of NDM + KPC carbapenemases and NDM carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli. This finding is more and more frequent, which implies a challenge in its detection and diagnosis. Patient characteristics, procedures performed and microbiological findings are described.

Highlighting COVID-19: What the imaging exams show about the disease.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a global emergency, is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The gold standard for its diagnosis is the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, but considering the high number of infected people, the low availability of this diagnostic tool in some contexts, and the limitations of the test, other tools that aid in the identification of the disease are necessary. In this scenario, imaging exams such as chest X-ray (CXR) and computed tomography (CT) have played important roles. CXR is useful for assessing disease progression because it allows the detection of extensive consolidations, besides being a fast and cheap method. On the other hand, CT is more sensitive for detecting lung changes in the early stages of the disease and is also useful for assessing disease progression. Of note, ground-glass opacities are the main COVID-19-related CT findings. Positron emission tomography combined with CT can be used to evaluate chronic and substantial damage to the lungs and other organs; however, it is an expensive test. Lung ultrasound (LUS) has been shown to be a promising technique in that context as well, being useful in the screening and monitoring of patients, disease classification, and management related to mechanical ventilation. Moreover, LUS is an inexpensive alternative available at the bedside. Finally, magnetic resonance imaging, although not usually requested, allows the detection of pulmonary, cardiovascular, and neurological abnormalities associated with COVID-19. Furthermore, it is important to consider the challenges faced in the radiology field in the adoption of control measures to prevent infection and in the follow-up of post-COVID-19 patients.

Ecotoxicity of imidacloprid to soil invertebrates in two tropical soils with contrasting texture.

Imidacloprid is one of the most commercialized insecticides in agriculture in the world, with a broad spectrum of action. However, little is known about the effects of commercial formulations containing this active ingredient (a.i.) on non-target organisms in tropical soils. Our objective was to assess the toxicity based on the predicted environmental concentration (PEC) of imidacloprid, in the avoidance behaviour of earthworms and collembolans as well as in the reproduction of collembolans, in two representative soils of the Brazilian Cerrado with contrasting texture (clayey Oxisol and sandy Entisol). Ecotoxicity tests were carried out according to ISO protocols to assess the avoidance behaviour of earthworms (Eisenia andrei) and avoidance and reproduction of collembolans (Folsomia candida). In the earthworm's avoidance test, more than 80% of the individuals were found in the control, in all tested concentrations, indicating a possible habitat function loss in both soils. The avoidance behaviour of collembolans was observed in both soils, being more expressive (up to 75% of escape) in Oxisol. In Entisol, only the two highest concentrations were avoided (up to 63%). There was a negative effect on the reproduction of collembolans in both soils, with a higher EC50 value (0.255 mg kg-1) in Oxisol than in Entisol (0.177 mg kg-1), demonstrating higher toxicity in the sandy soil. These differences were attributed to the contrasting texture of the studied soils, probably due to lower retention of the a.i. in the sandy soil, causing an increased bioavailability. This study demonstrated that imidacloprid can be highly toxic to soil invertebrates, even in soil concentrations lower than those expected from recommended dose, causing an impact on the edaphic organisms and, consequently, compromising its functions in the soil ecosystem.

Evaluation of 2 Low-cost High-definition Video Systems for Venous Anastomosis.

Background. A literature review of the use of video systems for magnification has suggested that so far, this novel magnification system has only been used to perform arterial anastomoses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of 2 low-cost methods of video-assisted magnification in microvascular venous anastomosis in rats. Methods. Thirty rats were randomly divided into 3 matched groups according to the magnification system used: the microscope group, with venous anastomosis performed under a microscope; the camcorder system group, with the procedures performed under a high-definition Handycam HDR-XR160; and the Photographic camera group, for which procedures were performed with an EOS Rebel T3i photographic camera. In both video system groups, a magnification system was connected to a 42-in. television by an HDMI cable. We analyzed weight, venous caliber, total surgery and anastomosis time, patency immediately and 14 days postoperatively, number of stitches, and histological analyses. Results. There were no significant differences between the groups in weight, venous caliber, or number of stitches. Anastomosis under the video systems took longer. Patency rates were similar between the groups, except for the photographic system group that has a lower patency rate at 14 days. The histological analyses were similar in all groups. Conclusion. It is possible to perform a venous anastomosis in rats through video system magnification, with a satisfactory success rate comparable with that for procedures performed under microscopes; however, the kind of video system has a great influence on the final patency.

Sulfadiazine dissipation in acidic tropical soils.

Sulfadiazine (SDZ) residues have been detected in manured soils as well as their adjacent water resources, but its behavior is still poorly understood in acidic tropical soils. This research aimed to evaluate sorption, leaching, and biodegradation of 14C-SDZ in four acidic soils from Brazil, using OECD guidelines. Except for the sand soil (Kd = 2.6 L kg-1), SDZ sorption tended to be higher (Kd > 8.4 L kg-1) and more hysteretic (ΔH >> 1) in acidic soils. When freshly applied, SDZ leaching was low (< 0.11% of applied radioactivity (AR)) and could not always be predicted by Kd values; but leaching was restricted when SDZ was aged for 62 days. SDZ mineralization was low (< 3%) but its dissipation was fast (DT50 < 2.3 days and DT90 < 6.3 days) due to fast initial degradation (an unknown metabolite was immediately formed, likely 4-hydroxysulfadiazine) and mainly to fast formation of non-extractable residues (NER) (> 78% of AR up to 7 days). For certain acidic soils, the abrupt breakdown of the SDZ suggests that degradation should be initially chemical and then followed by enzymatically driven reactions. The fast formation of NERs was attributed mostly to chemical bounding to soil humic substances (Type II-NER), but SDZ sequestration cannot be ruled out (Type I-NER). NERs represent a long-term environmental reservoir of SDZ that may cause deleterious effects on non-target organisms as well as promote antibiotic resistance to soil microbes.

A phase 1, randomized double-blind, placebo controlled trial to evaluate safety and efficacy of epigallocatechin-3-gallate and cognitive training in adults with Fragile X syndrome.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Despite the wide spectrum of experimental compounds tested in clinical trials, there is still no proven pharmacological treatment available for Fragile-X syndrome (FXS), since several targeted clinical trials with high expectations of success have failed to demonstrate significant improvements. Here we tested epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) as a treatment option for ameliorating core cognitive and behavioral features in FXS. METHODS: We conducted preclinical studies in Fmr1 knockout mice (Fmr1-/y) using novel object-recognition memory paradigm upon acute EGCG (10 mg/kg) administration. Furthermore we conducted a double-blind placebo-controlled phase I clinical trial (TESXF; NCT01855971). Twenty-seven subjects with FXS (18-55 years) were administered of EGCG (5-7 mg/kg/day) combined with cognitive training (CT) during 3 months with 3 months of follow-up after treatment discontinuation. RESULTS: Preclinical studies showed an improvement in memory using the Novel Object Recognition paradigm. We found that FXS patients receiving EGCG + CT significantly improved cognition (visual episodic memory) and functional competence (ABAS II-Home Living skills) in everyday life compared to subjects receiving Placebo + CT. CONCLUSIONS: Phase 2 clinical trials in larger groups of subjects are necessary to establish the therapeutic potential of EGCG for the improvement of cognition and daily life competences in FXS.

Association of Borderline Intellectual Functioning and Adverse Childhood Experience with adult psychiatric morbidity. Findings from a British birth cohort.

BACKGROUND: To examine whether Borderline Intellectual Functioning (BIF) and Adverse Childhood Experiences independently predict adult psychiatric morbidity. METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of longitudinal data derived from the 1970 British Birth Cohort Study to examine whether BIF and Adverse Childhood Experiences independently predict adult mental distress as measured by the Malaise Inventory. Factor analysis was used to derive a proxy measure of IQ from cognitive testing at age 10 or 5. Variables that could be indicators of exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences were identified and grouped into health related and socio-economic related adversity. RESULTS: Children with BIF were significantly more likely than their peers to have been exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences (BIF mean 5.90, non-BIF mean 3.19; Mann-Whitney z = 31.74, p < 0.001). As adults, participants with BIF were significantly more likely to score above the cut-off on the Malaise Inventory. We found statistically significant relationships between the number of socio-economic Adverse Childhood Experiences and poorer adult psychiatric morbidity (r range 0.104-0.141, all p < 001). At all ages the indirect mediating effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences were significantly related to adult psychiatric morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between BIF and adult psychiatric morbidity appears to be partially mediated by exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences. Where possible, targeting Adverse Childhood Experiences through early detection, prevention and interventions may improve psychiatric morbidity in this population group.

Universal fluorescence module for intraoperative fluorescein angiography-a technical report.

BACKGROUND: Even in specialized centers, suboptimal aneurysm clipping can be as high as 12%. Intraoperative fluorescence angiography with indocyanine green and, more recently, fluorescein sodium have been shown to be a good method for intraoperative flow assessment. However, the cost with the apparatus it entails limits its widespread use. We have developed a low-cost universal fluorescence module (FM) designed to visualize fluorescein and perform intraoperative angiography. The purpose of this paper is to describe this device as well as to present our early experience with its use in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms. METHOD: A FM was designed and built using a cyan-blue narrow bandpass (460 to 490 nm) excitation filter and a yellow-orange longpass (blocking wavelengths under 520 nm) barrier filter mounted on a 3D-printed holding tray in a specific disposition to perfectly match the light source and the objective lens of the surgical microscope. It allowed switching from white light to fluorescence mode in a simple and sterile fashion. Its perfect attachment to the microscope was possible by reusing the lens fittings extracted from used original drape sets that would otherwise be discarded. Four patients underwent aneurysm clipping using the FM at two institutions from April to September 2018. RESULTS: A bright green fluorescence against a dark background was observed after intravenous bolus of fluorescein. Blood vessels became obviously distinct from non-contrast-filled structures such as clipped aneurysms and the brain. Vascular anatomy could be appreciated without any distortion, including perforating arteries. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative fluorescence angiography was successfully performed with the use of this universal FM after intravenous injection of fluorescein sodium. This simple and low-cost device may be useful in resource-limited centers, where other sorts of intraoperative angiography are not available.

Cavernous Sinus Hemangioma: Surgical Aspects.

Resection of lesions in the cavernous sinus remains a challenge to neurosurgeons due to its complex anatomy. This video (Video 1) presents the most relevant landmarks of the cavernous sinus region, helping to understand the surgical anatomy. A 55-year-old female presented with diplopia, partial ptosis, and facial dysesthesia in the left ophthalmic territory. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lesion in the left cavernous sinus. Microsurgical resection was performed through an approach that included a fronto-orbital craniotomy, an extradural clinoidectomy, and intradural resection of the lesion through the anteromedial triangle. This maneuver expands the optic-carotid and carotid-oculomotor space, therefore the operative corridor.1,2 Both the carotid and optic nerves are untethering and can be gently and safely mobilized. The result of the histopathologic study was hemangioma. Despite the complex anatomy and surgical challenges, it is possible to treat lesions in the cavernous sinus region without causing major deficits, mainly in the nonmeningioma tumors. This is why it is important to choose a safe route to the sinus, such as the anteromedial or Parkinson triangle.3.

The POMONA-ESP project methodology: Collecting data on health indicators for people with intellectual developmental disorders.

BACKGROUND: People with intellectual developmental disorders have significant health disparities and a lack of proper attention to their health needs. They have been underrepresented in scientific research, and very few studies have been carried out using a representative randomized sample. The aim of this study was to describe the methods used in the POMONA-ESP project to recruit a representative and randomized sample of participants with intellectual developmental disorders. METHODS: The POMONA-ESP project is an observational cross-sectional study. It aims to explore the health status of people with intellectual developmental disorders across Spain and the use they make of health services. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The results of the POMONA-ESP project may have a major impact on people with intellectual developmental disorders and society in general. It is the first study to obtain geographically representative epidemiological data from a large sample, information that is fundamental to improving care and healthcare planning for people with intellectual developmental disorders.

Health indicators in intellectual developmental disorders: The key findings of the POMONA-ESP project.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper was to summarize the main results of the POMONA-ESP project, the first study to explore health status in a large representative, randomized and stratified sample of people with intellectual developmental disorders in Spain. METHODS: The POMONA-ESP project collected information about the health of 953 individuals with intellectual developmental disorders. RESULTS: Diseases such as urinary incontinence, oral problems, epilepsy, constipation or obesity were highly prevalent among the participants; with gender-differentiated prevalences for certain conditions, and age and intellectual disability level as risk factors for disease. Overmedication was common in the sample, and drugs were often prescribed without any clinical indication or follow-up. The present authors also found a lack of important relevant information about the participant's health and a lack of adequate genetic counselling. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings may contribute to a better understanding of health status and needs of people with intellectual developmental disorders and suggest several courses of action to improve their health care.

Awake craniotomy for right inferior lobule glioma.

Awake craniotomy is a method usually used for brain tumors near or within language and/or sensorimotor areas. Preservation of these important neurological functions, however, may not be enough for a normal life. The authors present a case of a 45-year-old woman with an inferior parietal lobule low-grade glioma who underwent an awake craniotomy with sensorimotor and spatial cognition mapping. The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/HMA_pZYg3Ms .