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Objective:To analyze the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in workers of a hospital located in one of the most affected areas in Spain.Design, settings, and patients:Cross-sectional study performed between March and May 2020 over all workers of a secondary hospital in Madrid, Spain.Methods:We employed polymerase chain reaction (PCR, for symptomatic individuals) and serology (for both PCR-negative symptomatic workers and asymptomatic workers) as diagnostic tests for severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We analyzed the prevalence of the virus in healthcare workers (HCWs) and nonhealthcare workers (nHCWs). We also collected information about the use of personal protective equipment (PPEs) and possible contacts prior to infection.Results:In total, 2,963 workers were included: 1,092 were symptomatic, and of these, 539 were positive by PCR (49.4% of symptomatic workers). From the remaining symptomatic workers, 197 (35.6%) were positive by serology. Regarding asymptomatic workers, 345 were positive by serology (31.9% of infected workers). In total, 1,081 (36.5%) presented a positive diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2. Infection rates were different between HCWs (37.4%) and nHCWs (29.8%) (P = .006). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the use of PPE (protective: OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.44–0.72; P < .001) and previous contact with COVID-19 patients (risk factor: OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.28–2.24; P < .001) were independent factors that were associated with SAS-CoV-2 infection.Conclusions:Overall, >36% of our workers became infected with SARS-CoV-2, and the rate of asymptomatic infections accounted for almost 32% of all SARS-CoV-2 infections. We detected differences in the rates of infection between HCWs and nHCWs. The use of PPE and previous contact with COVID-19 patients were associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Mucosal immune response in the upper respiratory tract is crucial for initial control of viral replication, clearance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and progression of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We analyzed SARS-CoV-2 RNA load and expression of selected immune genes in the upper respiratory tract (nasopharynx) of 255 SARS-CoV-2–infected patients and evaluated their association with severe COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 replication in nasopharyngeal mucosa induces expression of several innate immune genes. High SARS-CoV-2 viral load and low CCL5 expression levels were associated with intensive care unit admission or death, although CCL5 was the best predictor of COVID-19 severity.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of two antigen rapid diagnostic tests (Ag‐RDTs) to diagnose severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. We evaluated Panbio and SD‐Biosensor Ag‐RDTs. We employed 186 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) negative samples to evaluate the specificity and 170 PCR positive samples to assess the sensitivity. We evaluated their sensitivity according to Cycle threshold (C t) values and days post onset of symptoms (d.p.o.). Tests were compared using the McNemar's test. Agreement was evaluated using the kappa score. Specificity was 100% for Panbio and 97.3% for SD‐Biosensor. Sensitivity for samples with C t ≤ 20 was 100% for both assays and for samples with C t = 20–25 was 93.0% (Panbio) and 95.3% (SD‐Biosensor) (p = 1.000). Sensitivity decreased for samples wit C t = 25–30 (Panbio: 41.3%, SD‐Biosensor: 52.2%, p = 0.125) and samples with C t ≥ 30 (Panbio: 5.0%, SD‐Biosensor: 17.5%, p = 0.063). Sensitivity within seven d.p.o. was 87.7% for Panbio and 90.4% for SD‐Biosensor and notably decreased after seven d.p.o. Agreement with PCR was excellent for high viral load samples (C t ≤ 25): Panbio, 98.9%, kappa = 0.974; SD‐Biosensor, 97.4%, kappa = 0.940. Agreement between Ag‐RDTs was excellent (94.9%, kappa = 0.882). Panbio and SD‐Biosensor Ag‐RDTs showed excellent agreement and diagnostic performance results for samples with high viral loads (C t ≤ 25) or samples within seven d.p.o., Highlights Panbio and SD‐Biosensor Ag‐RDTs are reliable to diagnose SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.They showed high specificity: 100% (Panbio) and 97.3% (SD‐Biosensor).Sensitivity for samples with Ct ≤ 20 was 100% and for samples with Ct ≤ 25 was over 93%.Their sensitivity was over 87% within 7 days after symptoms onset. Agreement between them was excellent (agreement = 94.9%, kappa = 0.882).

The use of cytostatic drugs such as Mitomycin C and 5-Fluorouracil is well-known in glaucoma filtering surgery, as well as the management of its complications. However, there is a lack of information regarding the preventive measures to be taken by the professional that handles these types of substances.Raise awareness among professionals of the risks associated with the use of cytostatic drugs without adequate prevention measures.Review of the available literature and legislation on preventive measures in the management of cytostatic drugs in the medical and ophthalmological field.The prevention and awareness of the risks of the qualified professionals that handle these substances is the most important measure to prevent the possible risks. Coordination is necessary with the Occupational Health teams of the Hospital, as well as the professionals and staff involved in the different phases of the process, from the preparation in Hospital Pharmacy to its elimination.

To report the current clinical applications and trends of scleral and amniotic membrane use in ophthalmology. Review of annual reports from the Catalan Transplant Organization (OCATT), on scleral patch and amniotic membrane eye indications in Catalonia region (Spain) over a 6-year period from 2013 to 2018. A total of 874 scleral and 1665 amniotic membranes patches were implanted, from January 2013 to December 2018. The most frequent indication over the 6-year period for scleral patch was glaucoma surgery (77.5%), eyelid reconstruction (5.2%) and corneal or scleral ulcer (5%). Regarding amniotic membrane, corneal ulcer (26.9%), conjunctival reconstruction (23.8%) and corneal epithelial defect (22.7%) were the most common indications. During the study period, an increasing trend was found on sclera patches for eyelid reconstruction (p = 0.0032) and amniotic membrane for inflammation management (p = 0.0198). Glaucoma surgery and corneal ulcers have represented the top indications for scleral patch and amniotic membrane use, over the period, respectively. A significant trend has also been found towards eyelid reconstruction using scleral patches and amniotic membrane for anterior segment inflammation management. This evolving scenario in tissue use for ocular surgery has to be taken into consideration, especially regarding eye banks facing current and futures changes in tissue preservation, storage and indications.