The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) represents a global concern of public health caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Its clinical manifestations are characterized by a heterogeneous group of symptoms and pictures (ranging from asymptomatic to lethal courses). The prevalence of conjunctivitis in patients with COVID-19 is at present controversial. Although it has been reported that only 0.9% developed signs of conjunctivitis, other report indicates that up to 31.6% of hospitalized patients had conjunctivitis. Considering the widespread use of topical ophthalmic medications (e.g., eye drops) by the general population, for various reasons (e.g., artificial tears, anti-glaucoma medications, topical antibiotics, etc.), the existence of their side effects as antiviral action should be investigated in-depth because it could possibly explain the aforementioned controversial data and represent a potential antiviral treatment for SARS-CoV-2 replication/diffusion on the ocular surface. Here, we discuss and elucidate the antiviral side effect of many eye drops and ophthalmic ointments commonly used for others purposes, thus showing that these secondary effects (not to be confused with the ‘adverse effects’) might be of primary importance in a number of viral infections (e.g., those for which there is no validated treatment protocol), according to a drug repurposing approach. Some active ingredients or excipients described here have activity against other types of viruses, thus suggesting potential broad-spectrum applications.

In the last few decades, the ocular surface and the tear film have been noninvasively investigated in vivo, in a three-dimensional, high resolution, and real-time mode, by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Recently, OCT technology has made great strides in improving the acquisition speed and image resolution, thus increasing its impact in daily clinical practice and in the research setting. All these results have been achieved because of a transition from traditional time-domain (TD) to Fourier-domain (FD) technology. FD-OCT devices include a spectrometer in the receiver that analyzes the spectrum of reflected light on the retina or ocular surface and transforms it into information about the depth of the structures according to the Fourier principle. In this review, we summarize and provide the state-of-the-art in FD-OCT imaging of the ocular surface system, addressing specific aspects such as tear film dynamics and epithelial changes under physiologic and pathologic conditions. A theory on the dynamic nature of the tear film has been developed to explain the variations within the individual compartments. Moreover, an integrative model of tear film behavior during the inter-blink period and visual fixation is proposed.

The aim of this meta-analysis was to collect data from randomized trials in burn patients and to analyze them with a meta-analytic approach to give a clear message of potential advantages of nanocrystalline silver (NC) versus older silver formulations (SS). A review of all-English prospective randomized trials that compared NC versus silver sulfadiazine or silver nitrate was conducted. Primary outcome was the evaluation of differences in the infection rate of burns. Secondary outcomes were the eventual differences in the pain experienced during medications, the length of hospitalization (LOS) and costs. Five articles that met the inclusion criteria were selected (n = 285 patients). The NC group had a significant lower incidence of infections compared with the SS group (9.5% vs. 27.8%, odds ratio: 0.14 [95% CI: 0.06-0.35]; chi2 test, P < 0.001), with a 2.9-fold decrease of the risk. Not all studies investigated the pain during change of dressings, LOS and costs. However, when data were available, these showed lower costs (US $1533 per patient for the SS group and US $946 per patient for the NC group) and decreased pain values in the NC group (Hedges' G: -1.44 [95% CI: -1.86/-1.01]; P < 0.0001), while contrasting results were obtained for LOS. Nanocrystalline silver is a relatively new product with a significant stronger antimicrobial activity compared with older formulations. Its long lasting properties reduce dressing change frequency and are probably responsible for the decreased pain and the minor costs experienced.

Evaluation of angular and linear measurements, derived from both photographic and cephalometric material, allowed the authors to compare the two groups of patients and the modifications of the nasal region. These results are then compared with those available from current scientific literature so as to define the predictability of nasal shape modification. In conclusion, it is inadvisable to perform rhinoplasty at the time of orthognathic surgery to correct pre-existing defects, such as a dorsal hump, a nasal base that is too wide or too narrow, a nasal pyramid deviation, or other esthetic defects resulting from orthognathic surgery.

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BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare the effects of two types of fibrin glue in patients undergoing facelift surgery.MethodsA prospective, controlled “right-left side” study was carried out in 20 patients. The two fibrin sealants used were Quixil® and Tissucol®. The two sealants were used at the same time, ie, one on one side of the face and the other on the contralateral side. Comparisons were made with regard to rates of hematoma and seroma, degree of induration, edema, ecchymosis, pain levels, and patient satisfaction.ResultsThe results were almost equivalent. The only exception was a significant (40 mL) hematoma in a patient treated with Quixil. Bleeding was most likely due to a sudden rise in blood pressure during the immediate postoperative period. However, it must be emphasized that, while Tissucol actually seals the undermined area, thus virtually eliminating the dead space, Quixil acts differently, in that its effectiveness in preventing hematoma is linked mainly to its hemostatic effect.ConclusionThe two fibrin sealants used were nearly identical with regard to patient safety and quality of the result. Nevertheless, it is noted that, while Tissucol has both hemostatic and “gluing” effects, Quixil is mainly effective in securing hemostasis.

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