Tick-borne encephalitis —a substantial increase in cases in Western Europe
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a severe viral disease that predominantly affects the central nervous system. This debilitating condition is caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), and while historically rare in Western Europe, it has been endemic in forested regions of Asia and eastern Europe. There has been a substantial increase in cases observed this year in Western Europe. We therefore welcome the authoritative Commentary piece published in this issue of the Journal by Dr. Neyhazi and colleagues from Ghalib University, Afghanistan, on this worrying trend. They highlight that over a ×7-year period (2016â€...
Source: QJM - December 27, 2023 Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research

The rising tide of tick-borne encephalitis across European nations
(Source: QJM)
Source: QJM - October 4, 2023 Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research

A novel chemokine biomarker to distinguish active tuberculosis from latent tuberculosis: a cohort study
ConclusionTB-specific chemokines hold promise as ATB diagnostic biomarkers. Additional laboratory confirmation is needed to establish whether CCL8-based assays can differentiate between ATB and LTBI cases, especially for bacteriologically unconfirmed TB cases. (Source: QJM)
Source: QJM - September 22, 2023 Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research

The Emerging Cloud: a survey of vapers, their health and utilization of healthcare within the UK
ConclusionsUK vapers experience symptoms previously reported in EVALI cases for which they also seek healthcare. Users of cannabinoid-based products were more likely to report symptoms and accounted for a higher healthcare burden. UK vapers may also experience vaping-related illness that does not meet EVALI case criteria. (Source: QJM)
Source: QJM - September 21, 2023 Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research

How do we maximize organs available for transplantation —the role of normothermic machine perfusion (NMP)
We present a timely review of this fascinating topic by Dr Griffin and colleagues from Newcastle University. They outline some of the novel therapeutics currently being added to perfusion platforms during NMP experimentally in an attempt to improve organ function and post-transplant outcomes. (Source: QJM)
Source: QJM - September 12, 2023 Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research

Integrative analysis reveals the recurrent genetic etiologies in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
ConclusionsOur study provided valuable insights into the genetic and transcriptomic variations associated with IPF, revealing changes in gene expression that may contribute to disease development and progression. These findings highlight the importance of an integrative approach to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying IPF and may pave the way for identifying potential therapeutic targets. (Source: QJM)
Source: QJM - September 9, 2023 Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research

Lupus nephritis with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome as the first manifestation
Hubei Provincial Health2021KYLX69 (Source: QJM)
Source: QJM - September 7, 2023 Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research

The compound heterozygous mutations of CFAP65 cause multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella in infertile men
Beijing Municipal Natural Science Foundation10.13039/5011000048267232112 (Source: QJM)
Source: QJM - September 6, 2023 Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research

Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia presenting as sternoclavicular arthritis
Learning points for cliniciansShoulder pain may be referred from an inflamed sternoclavicular joint with paucity of physical findings in the early stages.Staphylococcus aureus bactraemia can present with ‘metastatic’ single joint infection, without fever.Blood cultures are mandatory in such cases, and leukocytosis and/or marked increase in acute-phase reactants suggest septic arthritis.Infective endocarditis must always be ruled out. (Source: QJM)
Source: QJM - September 5, 2023 Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research

COVID-19-related subclinical myocarditis resulting in mural left ventricular thrombus
Learning Points for CliniciansThe risk of thrombosis post-COVID-19 is not insignificant during the acute phase of illness, especially in those with greater severity of infection, and can persist for several months. CMR is valuable in identifying suspected cardiac involvement and its complications in such patients. LV thrombus is a rare but potentially serious complication that may occur even with asymptomatic or mild disease and may result in embolic sequelae. (Source: QJM)
Source: QJM - August 26, 2023 Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research

Plasma cell dactylitis: a case report
Learning points for cliniciansPlasma cell dactylitis is a rare disease which may clinically imitate bacterial infection, fungal infection and other infectious diseases. The histopathologic findings have diagnostic value. (Source: QJM)
Source: QJM - August 22, 2023 Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research

Mycosis fungoides
National Natural Science Foundation of China10.13039/50110000180981972955 (Source: QJM)
Source: QJM - July 27, 2023 Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research

Bedside electrical impedance tomography (EIT) for early assessment of lung function in liver transplantation
German Ministry for Education and Research13FH628IX6 (Source: QJM)
Source: QJM - July 18, 2023 Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research

Multiple system atrophy —cerebellar subtype
A 58-year-old gentleman presented with 2  years history of gradual onset unsteadiness with falls and slurring of speech. He has no ptosis, diplopia, choking, focal weakness or numbness. He denied any fever, diarrhoea, cognitive issue, visual hallucination, alcohol or illicit drug use. None of his family members have similar issue. On exa mination, he has scanning speech with bilateral dysmetria and ataxic gait, without any parkinsonism features. (Source: QJM)
Source: QJM - July 17, 2023 Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research

Ludwig ’s angina
A 77-year-old, male patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus presented with a 3-day history of progressive, painful, submandibular swelling. On presentation, his appearance was toxic, and his vital signs were temperature 38.3 °C (100.9°F), heart rate 122 beats per minute and blood pressure 77/50 mm Hg. A physical examination revealed a tender, erythematous swelling in the submandibular space (Figure  1A) and caries of the right mandibular molar. Laboratory tests demonstrated elevated inflammatory markers, elevated creatine kinase and acute kidney injury. Based on these findings, Ludwig ’s angina was clinically diagnose...
Source: QJM - July 17, 2023 Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research