Structural and organizational determinants of the capacity for COVID-19 testing and diagnoses in children: Insights from the 2009 influenza and COVID-19 pandemics.

BACKGROUND: This study explored factors associated with testing and diagnoses for children with COVID-19 at the hospital level and investigated whether the capacity of testing and diagnoses during the 2009 influenza pandemic was associated with that during COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: In this observational study, we analyzed data obtained from the Japan Medical Data Center database, comprising 4906 medical facilities and 1.7 million infectious disease-related visits among children aged <20 years in 2020-2021. Multivariable generalized linear models were used to explore determinants of testing and diagnoses capacity for COVID-19 and investigate the association between the capacity during the 2009 influenza and COVID-19 pandemics. RESULTS: Public hospitals (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR], 1.52; 95%CI, 1.26-1.82) and university hospitals (aIRR, 1.44; 95%CI, 1.14-1.80) were more likely to perform testing for COVID-19 among children, compared to clinics. The highest testing rate was observed in the department of internal medicine (aIRR, 1.64; 95%CI, 1.32-2.04), followed by pediatrics (aIRR, 1.40; 95%CI, 1.10-1.78) and otolaryngology (aIRR, 1.21; 95%CI, 0.89-1.64). Cubic spline models demonstrated the dose-response relationships between testing rate for influenza in 2009 and testing rates for COVID-19. Compared to the medical facilities in the lowest quartile of testing rate for influenza in 2009, those in the highest quartile were more likely to perform testing for COVID-19 (aIRR, 1.62; 95%CI, 1.43-1.83). CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides insights into the capacity of testing and diagnoses for children, highlighting the dose-response relationship between the 2009 influenza and COVID-19 pandemics, which could be valuable in preparing healthcare systems for future pandemics.

Laboratory and clinical management capacity for invasive fungal infections: the Italian landscape.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the laboratory diagnosis and treatment of invasive fungal disease (IFD) in Italy to detect limitations and potential for improvement. METHODS: The survey was available online at www.clinicalsurveys.net/uc/IFI management capacity/, and collected variables such as (a) institution profile, (b) perceptions of IFD in the respective institution, (c) microscopy, (d) culture and fungal identification, (e) serology, (f) antigen detection, (g) molecular tests, (h) susceptibility testing and (i) therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). RESULTS: The laboratory capacity study received responses from 49 Italian centres, with an equitable geographical distribution of locations. The majority of respondents (n = 36, 73%) assessed the occurrence of IFD as moderate-high, with Aspergillus spp. being the pathogen of highest concern, followed by Candida spp. and Mucorales. Although 46 (94%) of the institutions had access to microscopy, less than half of them performed direct microscopy on clinical specimens always when IFD was suspected. Cultures were available in all assessed laboratories, while molecular testing and serology were available in 41 (83%), each. Antigen detection tests and antifungal drugs were also generally accessible (> 90%) among the participating institutions. Nevertheless, access to TDM was limited (n = 31, 63%), with a significant association established between therapeutic drug monitoring availability and higher gross domestic product per capita. CONCLUSIONS: Apart from TDM, Italy is adequately prepared for the diagnosis and treatment of IFD, with no significant disparities depending on gross domestic product. Future efforts may need to focus on enhancing the availability and application of direct microscopic methods, as well as TDM, to promote optimal treatment and better patient outcomes.

Unveiling the Hungarian landscape of laboratory and clinical management capacities for invasive fungal infections: navigating the frontlines against fungal menaces.

Background: Antifungal diagnostic capacity has been documented in various countries, there is a lack of comprehensive research on clinical mycology diagnostics and treatment in Hungary. Methods: We conducted an online survey encompassing questions that explored various aspects of the mycology diagnostic and antifungal therapy-related information. The survey aimed to gather details about institutional profiles, perceptions of invasive fungal infections (IFIs), and access to microscopy, culture, serology, antigen detection, molecular testing, and therapeutic drug monitoring. Results: As of May 2023, a total of 17 institutions responded to the questionnaire. Seven participants categorized the institutional incidence of IFI as 'very low', four as 'low', and six as 'mild'. The majority of centers identified Candida spp. (94%) and Aspergillus spp. (82%) as the most prevalent fungal pathogens. Nearly half of the laboratories (47%) reported using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry for identification. All institutions had access to microscopy and culture-based diagnostic approaches. A significant number of centers had access to antigen detection (71%) and various molecular assays (59%). Regarding antifungal agents, all reporting sites used at least one triazole, with voriconazole (77%) being the most common mold-active azole. Furthermore, 71% of the centers applied at least one formulation of amphotericin B, and 65% to one echinocandin. However, only 18% of the centers used 5-flucytosine. Conclusion: Resource availability for diagnosing and treating IFI in Hungary varies across hospitals based on location. Surveys help identify gaps and limitations in this area. To address these challenges, interregional cooperation within Hungary could be a facilitating strategy.

METHODS: We did an online survey with questions about how hospitals in Hungary handle fungal infections. We wanted to know about the hospitals' characteristics, how they see these infections, and what tools they use for diagnosis and treatment. RESULTS: As of May 2023, we got responses from 17 hospitals. Some said they hardly ever see these infections, while others said they see them a bit more. Most hospitals found Candida and Aspergillus as the most common fungal culprits. Many used a tool called MALDI-TOF MS for identification. All of them had ways to look at samples under a microscope and grow them in a dish. Many hospitals had tests to look for certain things in the blood (71%), and they also used different genetic tests (59%). When it came to medicines, they all had at least one kind of medicine called a triazole, with voriconazole being the most common one. They also had amphotericin B and echinocandins. But only a few had a medicine called 5-flucytosine. CONCLUSION: Hospitals in Hungary differ in how they handle fungal infections. Doing surveys like this can help find problems and limits. To fix these issues, hospitals in different parts of Hungary can work together.

Exploring how Hungary deals with serious fungal infections: facing fungal threats head-on Background: While various countries have looked into their ability to diagnose fungal infections, there hasn't been a comprehensive study on how Hungary deals with diagnosing and treating these infections.

Evaluation of factors leading to poor outcomes for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Mexico: a multi-institutional report of 2,116 patients.

Background and aims: Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survival rates in low- and middle-income countries are lower due to deficiencies in multilevel factors, including access to timely diagnosis, risk-stratified therapy, and comprehensive supportive care. This retrospective study aimed to analyze outcomes for pediatric ALL at 16 centers in Mexico. Methods: Patients <18 years of age with newly diagnosed B- and T-cell ALL treated between January 2011 and December 2019 were included. Clinical and biological characteristics and their association with outcomes were examined. Results: Overall, 2,116 patients with a median age of 6.3 years were included. B-cell immunophenotype was identified in 1,889 (89.3%) patients. The median white blood cells at diagnosis were 11.2.5 × 103/mm3. CNS-1 status was reported in 1,810 (85.5%), CNS-2 in 67 (3.2%), and CNS-3 in 61 (2.9%). A total of 1,488 patients (70.4%) were classified as high-risk at diagnosis. However, in 52.5% (991/1,889) of patients with B-cell ALL, the reported risk group did not match the calculated risk group allocation based on National Cancer Institute (NCI) criteria. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and PCR tests were performed for 407 (19.2%) and 736 (34.8%) patients, respectively. Minimal residual disease (MRD) during induction was performed in 1,158 patients (54.7%). The median follow-up was 3.7 years. During induction, 191 patients died (9.1%), and 45 patients (2.1%) experienced induction failure. A total of 365 deaths (17.3%) occurred, including 174 deaths after remission. Six percent (176) of patients abandoned treatment. The 5-year event-free survival (EFS) was 58.9% ± 1.7% for B-cell ALL and 47.4% ± 5.9% for T-cell ALL, while the 5-year overall survival (OS) was 67.5% ± 1.6% for B-cell ALL and 54.3% ± 0.6% for T-cell ALL. The 5-year cumulative incidence of central nervous system (CNS) relapse was 5.5% ± 0.6%. For the whole cohort, significantly higher outcomes were seen for patients aged 1-10 years, with DNA index >0.9, with hyperdiploid ALL, and without substantial treatment modifications. In multivariable analyses, age and Day 15 MRD continued to have a significant effect on EFS. Conclusion: Outcomes in this multi-institutional cohort describe poor outcomes, influenced by incomplete and inconsistent risk stratification, early toxic death, high on-treatment mortality, and high CNS relapse rate. Adopting comprehensive risk-stratification strategies, evidence-informed de-intensification for favorable-risk patients and optimized supportive care could improve outcomes.

The Argentinian landscape of mycological diagnostic capacity and treatment accessibility.

Immunosuppressed patients, transplant recipients, and those with acute or chronic respiratory disease are at increased risk for invasive fungal infections in Argentina. Although the national public system guarantees universal access to health care for all citizens, little is known about the quality of available diagnostic and treatment armamentaria for invasive fungal infections in the country. Between June and August 2022, infectious disease clinicians from each of the 23 provinces and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires were contacted to describe local access to fungal diagnostic tools and antifungal agents. The information collected included different aspects such as hospital characteristics, patients admitted and wards, access to diagnostic tools, estimated infection incidence, and treatment capacity. Thirty responses were collected from facilities throughout Argentina. Most institutions were governmental (77%). A mycology department was available in 83% of them. Histopathology was available in almost 93% of the sites, while automated methods and galactomannan tests were available in 57%, each; 53% of the sites had access to MALDI-TOF-MS through regional reference laboratories, and PCR was present in 20% of the sites. Susceptibility testing was available in 63% of the laboratories. Candida spp. (24%), Cryptococcus spp. (20%), Aspergillus spp. (18%), and Histoplasma spp. (16%) were described as the main pathogens. Fluconazole was the only antifungal agent available in all institutions. This was followed by amphotericin B deoxycholate (83%) and itraconazole (80%). If an antifungal agent was not available onsite, then 60% of the patients could receive adequate antifungal treatment within the first 48 h upon request. Although there are no significant differences in access to diagnostic and clinical management of invasive fungal infections among the Argentinean centres studied, national awareness-raising initiatives led by policymakers could help to improve their general availability.

Early diagnosis of retinal neurovascular injury in diabetic patients without retinopathy by quantitative analysis of OCT and OCTA.

AIMS: To quantitatively analyze and compare the differences in retinal neurovascular units (NVUs) between healthy individuals and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) techniques and to determine the value of this technique for the early diagnosis of retinal neurovascular damage in patients with diabetes mellitus without retinopathy (NDR). METHODS: This observational case‒control study was conducted from July 1, 2022, to November 30, 2022, at the outpatient ophthalmology clinic of the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. All subjects underwent baseline data entry and mean thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), the thickness of each retinal layer in the macula 3 × 3 mm, and vascular density (VD) examination. RESULTS: The study included 35 healthy individuals and 48 patients with DM. The retinal VD as well as partial pRNFL, macular nerve fiber layer (NFL), and macular ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness in DM patients exhibited significantly lower VD in the DM group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Age and disease duration of DM patients showed a negative trend with pRNFL thickness, macular NFL thickness, macular GCL thickness, and VD. However, a positive trend was observed between DM duration and partial inner nuclear layer (INL) thickness. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between macular NFL and GCL thickness and VD for the most part, while a negative correlation was shown between INL temporal thickness and DVC-VD. pRNFL-TI and GCL-superior thickness were screened as two variables in the analysis of the predictors of retinal damage in DM according to the presence or absence of DM. The AUCs were 0.765 and 0.673, respectively. By combining the two indicators for diagnosis, the model predicted prognosis with an AUC of 0.831. In the analysis of retinal damage indicators associated with the duration of DM, after regression logistic analysis according to the duration of DM within 5 years and more than 5 years, the model incorporated two indicators, DVC-VD and pRNFL-N thickness, and the AUCs were 0.764 and 0.852, respectively. Combining the two indicators for diagnosis, the AUC reached 0.925. CONCLUSIONS: Retinal NVU may have been compromised in patients with DM without retinopathy. Basic clinical information and rapid noninvasive OCT and OCTA techniques are useful for the quantitative assessment of retinal NVU prognosis in patients with DM without retinopathy.

The current state of laboratory mycology in Asia/Pacific: A survey from the European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) and International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM).

INTRODUCTION: Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in Asia/Pacific are a particular threat to patients with malignancies, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or undiagnosed/untreated human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Adequate and early access to diagnostic tools and antifungals is essential for IFI clinical management and patient survival. METHODS: Details on institution profile, self-perception on IFI, and access to microscopy, culture, serology, antigen detection, molecular testing, and therapeutic drug monitoring for IFI were collected in a survey. RESULTS: As of June 2022, 235 centres from 40 countries/territories in Asia/Pacific answered the questionnaire. More than half the centres were from six countries: India (25%), China (17%), Thailand (5%), Indonesia, Iran, and Japan (4% each). Candida spp. (93%) and Aspergillus spp. (75%) were considered the most relevant pathogens. Most institutions had access to microscopy (98%) or culture-based approaches (97%). Furthermore, 79% of centres had access to antigen detection, 66% to molecular assays, and 63% to antibody tests. Access to antifungals varied between countries/territories. At least one triazole was available in 93% of the reporting sites (voriconazole [89%] was the most common mould-active azole), whereas 80% had at least one amphotericin B formulation, and 72% had at least one echinocandin. CONCLUSION: According to the replies provided, the resources available for IFI diagnosis and management vary among Asia/Pacific countries/territories. Economical or geographical factors may play a key role in the incidence and clinical handling of this disease burden. Regional cooperation may be a good strategy to overcome shortcomings.

Optimización y adecuación de la capacidad diagnóstica para la realización de grandes volúmenes de RT-PCR de SARS-CoV-2 / Optimization and adaptation of the diagnostic capacity for the performance of large volumes of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR

Introducción: Este artículo describe la planificación efectuada para adecuar la capacidad diagnóstica de grandes volúmenes de RT-PCR de SARS-CoV-2. Métodos: El análisis y predicción del flujo de trabajo incluyó el número de RT-PCR desde el inicio de la pandemia, con 31.971 registros. La planificación de la capacidad y de las opciones diagnósticas se planteó en base a los posibles escenarios derivados de las predicciones efectuadas. Resultados: De acuerdo con las predicciones obtenidas, se optó por una solución automatizada basada en el empleo de robots OT-2 (Opentrons) para configurar un flujo de trabajo reproducible, que logró una capacidad de procesamiento de 5.640 muestras/día, con un tiempo de respuesta de cuatro horas. Conclusiones: El análisis y predicción del flujo de trabajo, unido al empleo de plataformas basadas en OT-2, proporciona una infraestructura robusta que permite atender con éxito las demandas de pruebas que exige esta pandemia.(AU)

Introduction: In the present manuscript we describe the planning carried out in our hospital to adapt our diagnostic capability to perform large numbers of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR. Methods: The analysis and prediction of workflow included the number of RT-PCR per week from the beginning of the pandemic, with a total of 31971 determinations. The planning phase was developed based on the different scenarios previously predicted. Results: According to the predictions obtained, an automated custom solution was chosen, based on the use of the OT-2 open-source liquid-handling robots (Opentrons), to design a reproducible workflow that achieved a production capacity of 5640 samples/day, with a time of response of four hours per procedure. Conclusions: The analysis and prediction of workflow, along with the use of the robotic platforms OT-2, provided a robust structure to deal with the high demand of determinations that this pandemic requires.(AU)

The National Laboratory Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Taiwan.

From April 23 to November 2021, a wave of COVID-19 infections caused by a new Alpha variant swept across Taiwan, resulting in 14,458 positive cases and 830 deaths among over 3.8 million people tested. To cope with the sudden increase in sample volume, as of December 14, 2021, a network of 249 laboratories with a total diagnostic capacity of 158,492 real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction tests per day was established in 22 administrative regions. As of April 2022, over 9.5 million specimens were tested. Fully automated high-throughput and point-of-care nucleic acid testing, and rapid antigen testing, were simultaneously implemented to expand the country's daily diagnostic capacity. Saliva testing and sample pooling were also introduced to increase screening efficiency in certain situations. Antibody testing and genomic sequencing were also adopted for more precise epidemic investigation. Other challenges encountered and overcome include a lack of resources and interfacing of laboratory information management systems for case reporting, limited specimen allocation and delivery, and limited staff for diagnostic processing.

Monkeypox diagnostic and treatment capacity at epidemic onset: A VACCELERATE online survey.

We approached European tertiary care institutions to provide details regarding their management of the current human monkeypox outbreak. 73 out of 105 sites stated to have capacities to manage the outbreak adequately amid the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. There are effective protective measures to prevent nosocomial infections in place at nearly all institutions. Diagnostic and treatment capacities on the other hand have potential to be improved.

Optimization and adaptation of the diagnostic capacity for the performance of large volumes of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR.

INTRODUCTION: In the present manuscript we describe the planning carried out in our hospital to adapt our diagnostic capability to perform large numbers of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR. METHODS: The analysis and prediction of workflow included the number of RT-PCR per week from the beginning of the pandemic, with a total of 31971 determinations. The planning phase was developed based on the different scenarios previously predicted. RESULTS: According to the predictions obtained, an automated custom solution was chosen, based on the use of the OT-2 open-source liquid-handling robots (Opentrons), to design a reproducible workflow that achieved a production capacity of 5640 samples/day, with a time of response of four hours per procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis and prediction of workflow, along with the use of the robotic platforms OT-2, provided a robust structure to deal with the high demand of determinations that this pandemic requires.

Performance of SPINK1 and SPINK1-based diagnostic model in detection of hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the SPINK1 or SPINK1-based model as a more reliable biomarker for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Serum samples and related laboratory parameters were collected from 540 subjects (119 healthy donors, 113 patients with chronic hepatitis B, 122 patients with liver cirrhosis, and 186 patients with HCC). SPINK1 was determined by ELISA assay. Differences in each variable were compared by one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test. ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve analysis was conducted to compare the diagnostic efficiency of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), SPINK1, and a SPINK1-based combine model constructed by binary Logistic regression. RESULTS: In detecting HCC using the other three groups as control, ROC curve analysis revealed that SPINK1 alone reached AUC of 0.899 (0.866-0.933), with the sensitivity of 0.812 of and specificity of 0.953. The combined model increased the AUC to 0.945 (0.926-0.964) with the sensitivity and specificity of 0.860 and 0.910, respectively. For AFP, significantly lower AUC (p < 0.0001) was shown, which was 0.695 (0.645-0.745) with the sensitivity and specificity of 0.634 and 0.718, respectively. In discriminating HCC from liver disease control, AUC of SPINK1 was 0.863(0.826-0.894), the sensitivity and specificity were 0.823 and 0.906, respectively. For combined model, the AUC, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.915 (0.884-0.940), 0.863, and 0.916, respectively. For detecting early-stage HCC, SPINK1 and combined model achieved the sensitivity of 0.788 and 0.818, respectively, much higher than AFP of 0.485 (p < 0.05); however, the difference between SPINK1 and combined model was not statistically significant (p = 1). CONCLUSION: We provided solid evidence for SPINK1 as a robust serological tool for HCC diagnosis.

Low and unequal use of outpatient health services in public primary health care facilities in southern Ethiopia: a facility-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Outpatient department visits per individual for each year are one of the core indicators of healthcare delivery to assess accessibility or quality of services. In addition, this study aimed to assess health service utilisation and disease patterns in southern Ethiopia, by including the health authorities' suggestions to improve the services. No study has assessed this in Ethiopia previously. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional design study was done in 65 primary health care units in Dale and Wonsho districts, in Sidama region, for all patients visiting health facilities from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018. We estimated the utilisation rate as visits per person per year, the odds ratio for health use and proportions of diseases' diagnoses. The results of our study were presented to local health authorities, and their suggestions for improvements were incorporated into the analysis. RESULT: A total of 81,129 patients visited the health facilities. The annual outpatient health service utilisation was 0.18 (95% CI: 0.18-0.19) new visits per person per year. The health service utilisation rate per year for the rural population was lower than the urban utilisation by 91% (OR = 0.09; 95% CI: 0.08-0.09). Children in the age group of 5-14 years had lower odds of health service utilisation by 78% (OR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.21-0.23), compared to children under 5 years of age. Females were four times (OR = 4.17; 95% CI: 4.09-4.25) more likely to utilise health services than males. Febrile illness constituted 17.9% (14,847 of 83,148) of the diagnoses in all age groups. Almost half of the febrile cases, 46.5% (3827 of 8233), were among children under 5 years of age. There were very few cases of non-communicable diseases diagnosed in the health facilities. The health authorities suggested improving diagnostic capacities at health centres, enhancing health professionals' skill and attitudes, and improving affordability and physical accessibility of the services. CONCLUSION: The health service utilisation rate was low in Sidama. The use of health services was lower among rural residents, men, children and elderly, and health post users. Improving the quality, affordability and accessibility of the health services, by involving responsible stakeholders could increase service usage.

Accuracy of the Radiographic Assessment of Lung Edema Score for the Diagnosis of ARDS.

Background: Bilateral opacities on chest radiographs are part of the Berlin Definition for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) but have poor interobserver reliability. The "Radiographic Assessment of Lung Edema" (RALE) score was recently proposed for evaluation of the extent and density of alveolar opacities on chest radiographs of ARDS patients. The current study determined the accuracy of the RALE score for the diagnosis and the prognosis of ARDS. Methods: Post-hoc analysis of a cohort of invasively ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) patients expected to need invasive ventilation for >24 h. The Berlin Definition was used as the gold standard. The RALE score was calculated for the first available chest radiograph after start of ventilation in the ICU. The primary endpoint was the diagnostic accuracy for ARDS of the RALE score. Secondary endpoints included the prognostic value of the RALE score for ICU and hospital mortality, and the association with ARDS severity, and the PaO2/FiO2. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed, and the optimal cutoff was used to determine sensitivity, specificity and the negative and positive predictive value of the RALE score for ARDS. Results: The study included 131 patients, of whom 30 had ARDS (11 mild, 15 moderate, and 4 severe ARDS). The first available chest radiograph was obtained median 0 [0 to 1] days after start of invasive ventilation in ICU. Compared to patients without ARDS, a higher RALE score was found in patients with ARDS (24 [interquartile range (IQR) 16-30] vs. 6 [IQR 3-11]; P < 0.001), with RALE scores of 20 [IQR 14-24], 26 [IQR 16-32], and 32 [IQR 19-36] for mild, moderate and severe ARDS, respectively, (P = 0.166). The area under the ROC for ARDS was excellent (0.91 [0.86-0.96]). The best cutoff for ARDS diagnosis was 10 with 100% sensitivity, 71% specificity, 51% positive predictive value and 100% negative predictive value. The RALE score was not associated with ICU or hospital mortality, and weakly correlated with the PaO2/FiO2. Conclusion: In this cohort of invasively ventilated ICU patients, the RALE score had excellent diagnostic accuracy for ARDS.

Corneal Endothelium: A Promising Quantitative Index for Graves Ophthalmopathy Activity Evaluation.

PURPOSE: To investigate the corneal endothelium damage in Graves ophthalmopathy (GO) and its role as a promising quantitative index to evaluate GO activity. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: This study included 128 eyes of 64 patients with GO. All subjects underwent ophthalmologic examinations, including proptosis, tear break-up time (BUT), corneal fluorescein staining, and Schirmer test. Corneal endothelium was measured by noncontact specular microscope and ocular biometric parameters were measured by IOLMaster 700. Each eye was assigned a specific clinical activity score (CAS), then grouped as active (CAS ≥3 points) or inactive (CAS <3 points). Ocular parameters between the 2 groups were compared using generalized estimating equations accounting for inter-eye correlation, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were also obtained. Main outcome measures were parameters of corneal endothelium. RESULTS: Among the included eyes, 81 eyes had inactive GO and 47 eyes had active GO. Corneal endothelial cell morphology was altered in active GO compared with inactive GO. The coefficient variation of cell area (CV) was significantly higher in active GO compared with inactive GO (37.0 [34.4-41.2]% vs 33.9 [30.9-36.8]%, P = .001), and positively correlated with CAS (r = 0.322, P < .001). Moreover, CV showed a diagnostic capacity to differentiate the active eyes from inactive eyes. The area under the ROC curve was 0.705. CONCLUSIONS: Active GO had morphologic changes in corneal endothelium compared with inactive GO. CV is a sensitive indicator to reflect corneal endothelial function, and has the potential to be adopted as a noninvasive, objective, and quantitative index for evaluating the activity status of GO patients.

Diagnostic Capacity for Invasive Fungal Infections in the Greek Paediatric Haematology-Oncology Units: Report from the Infection Working Group of the Hellenic Society of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology.

An audit based on a specific questionnaire was attempted, in order to investigate the mycology laboratory diagnostic capacity for invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) in Greek Paediatric Haematology-Oncology departments/units. The study provided the relevant information for the years 2019 and 2020 and included data from all units, concerning culture-based methods and direct microscopy, phenotypic and molecular identification, sensitivity testing, serology and molecular diagnosis, as well as therapeutic drug monitoring. The target was mostly to reveal the level of laboratory coverage for hospitalised paediatric patients, independently of the possibility of performing the tests in the host hospital, or otherwise to refer the specimens elsewhere. In total, the current study demonstrated that the most important facilities and services regarding the IFD diagnostics for paediatric haematology-oncology patients in Greece are available and relatively easily accessible, with a reasonable turnaround time. Acting as an initial registry for further improvements, the audit can serve as a valuable approach to the actual situation and future perspectives. A national clinical mycology network under the auspices of the relevant scientific societies will probably facilitate collaboration between all the departments (clinical and laboratory) involved in invasive fungal infections and provide an easier approach to any necessary test for any hospitalised patient.

Optimization and adaptation of the diagnostic capacity for the performance of large volumes of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR. / Optimización y adecuación de la capacidad diagnóstica para la realización de grandes volúmenes de RT-PCR de SARS-CoV-2.

INTRODUCTION: In the present manuscript we describe the planning carried out in our hospital to adapt our diagnostic capability to perform large numbers of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR. METHODS: The analysis and prediction of workflow included the number of RT-PCR per week from the beginning of the pandemic, with a total of 31971 determinations. The planning phase was developed based on the different scenarios previously predicted. RESULTS: According to the predictions obtained, an automated custom solution was chosen, based on the use of the OT-2 open-source liquid-handling robots (Opentrons), to design a reproducible workflow that achieved a production capacity of 5640 samples/day, with a time of response of four hours per procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis and prediction of workflow, along with the use of the robotic platforms OT-2, provided a robust structure to deal with the high demand of determinations that this pandemic requires.

[Epidemiological specificities of COVID-19 in Africa: Current or future public health concern?] / Spécificités épidémiologiques de la COVID-19 en Afrique : préoccupation de santé publique actuelle ou future ?

OBJECTIVES: Africa is the continent which is the least equipped to fight the COVID-19 epidemic. However, Africa, which represents 17 % of the world's population, is estimated to have only 5 % of global cases (source: WHO on 2020/08/04). In this work, the authors try to identify and understand the reasons for these epidemiological data. METHOD: Some follow-up indicators have been carried out, mainly through WHO reports. These data were compared with the literature and the field expertise of the association "Biologie sans frontières" in Africa. RESULTS: The following points mark the particularity of COVID-19 in Africa: (1) insufficient diagnostic capacity (linked to gross national product), (2) a younger population limiting the population at risk and the number of deaths, (3) a favourable climate (hot and humid) which is decreasing viral transmission, (4) some socio-cultural factors that can reduce cases reporting. CONCLUSION: Today, this health crisis is omnipresent while the number of deaths remains limited in Africa. Simultaneously, actions concerning African public health priorities (malaria, diarrhoea, AIDS…) are interrupted or slowed down.

Building the National SARS-CoV-2 Laboratory Diagnostic Capacity in Taiwan.

Through early and proactive laboratory testing of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes novel coronavirus 2019, Taiwan has demonstrated an efficient and rapid control response to contain the outbreak. Two days after the World Health Organization announced the complete viral genome sequence, the national laboratory of the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control developed a specific real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) test for SARS-CoV-2. The national laboratory network was further strengthened through the recruitment of medical centers and regional hospitals distributed throughout most geographical regions of the country. Ultimately, a network of 60 laboratories with a capacity of 7,342 real-time RT-PCR tests per day was established. Between January 14 and August 5, 2020, a total of 158,772 tests were conducted, corresponding to 120,487 cases. Test results were obtained within 24 hours, enabling an efficient and rapid control response.