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BACKGROUND: There has been a recent upsurge in the cases of Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with Coronavirus disease . We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the demographic profile, clinical characteristics, complications, management, and prognosis of this emerging novel entity. METHODS: Using a predefined search strategy incorporating MeSH terms and keywords, all known literature databases were searched up till 10th July 2020. The review was done in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD4202019757). RESULTS: Of the 862 identified publications, 18 studies comprising 833 patients were included for meta-analysis. The sociodemographic profile showed male predilection (p = 0.0085) with no significant racial predisposition. A higher incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms (603/715, 84.3%), myocarditis (191/309, 61.8%), left ventricular dysfunction (190/422, 45.0%), pericardial (135/436, 31.0%) and neurological symptoms (138/602, 22.9%) was reported. Serological evidence of SARS-CoV-2 had higher sensitivity compared to rtPCR (291/800, 36.4% vs 495/752, 65.8%; p < 0.001). Coronary artery anomaly (CAA) was reported in 117/681 in 9 publications (17.2%). A total of 13 (1.6%) fatalities were reported. CONCLUSION: Clinicians need to be vigilant in identifying the constellation of these symptoms in children with clinical or epidemiologic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Early diagnosis and treatment lead to a favorable outcome.

Background and Purpose Autoimmune encephalitis (AIE) following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an underexplored condition. This study aims to systematically review the clinico-investigational and pathophysiologic aspects of COVID-19 and its vaccines in association with AIE, and identify the factors predicting neurological severity and outcomes. Methods Relevant data sources were searched using appropriate search terms on January 15, 2022. Studies meeting the criteria for AIE having a temporal association with COVID-19 or its vaccines were included. Results Out of 1,894 citations, we included 61 articles comprising 88 cases: 71 of COVID-19-associated AIE, 3 of possible Bickerstaff encephalitis, and 14 of vaccine-associated AIE.There were 23 definite and 48 possible seronegative AIE cases. Anti-NMDAR (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor; n =12, 16.9%) was the most common definite AIE. Males were more commonly affected (sex ratio=1.63) in the AIE subgroup. The neurological symptoms included alteredmental state ( n =53, 74.6%), movement disorders ( n =28, 39.4%), seizures ( n =24, 33.8%), behavioural ( n =25, 35.2%), and speech disturbances ( n =17, 23.9%). The median latency to AIE diagnosis was 14 days (interquartile range=4–22 days). Female sex and ICU admission had higherrisks of sequelae, with odds ratio (OR) of 2.925 (95% confidence interval [CI]=1.005–8.516)and 3.515 (95% CI=1.160–10.650), respectively. Good immunotherapy response was seen in42/48 (87.5%) and 13/13 (100%) of COVID-19-associated and vaccine-associated AIE patients, respectively. Sequelae were reported in 22/60 (36.7%) COVID-19 associated and 10/13 (76.9%) vaccine-associated cases. Conclusions The study has revealed diagnostic, therapeutic, and pathophysiological aspects of AIE associated with COVID-19 and its vaccines, and its differences from postinfectious AIE. Systematic review registration PROSPERO registration number CRD42021299215

Mechanical properties of cells are shown to regulate cell behaviors leading to phenotypic changes that may aid in the development and progression of disease. In this study, we used atomic force microscopy (AFM) indentation with a spherical probe to characterize the elastic and viscoelastic properties of invasive (MDA-MB-231) and noninvasive (MCF-7) breast cancer cells treated with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). We also used confocal fluorescence imaging to investigate the sub-membrane cytoskeletal structure of the cells. Results showed significant alterations in moduli of both cell types after 24 h TGF-β treatment which had a context dependent response; moduli for MDA-MB-231 decreased whereas MCF-7 demonstrated stiffening response. Stress relaxation tests showed increased fluid-like nature of MDA-MB-231 following TGF-β treatment and lower fluidity for MCF-7 cells. We also observed significant alterations in the expression and orientation of actin stress fibers with TGF-β treatment which correlated with the changes in cell mechanics. Less invasive MCF-7 cells had a delayed overall increase in cell deformability after 48 h exposure to TGF-β; a similar trend was observed for MDA-MB cells. These changes may be important to facilitate migration, for instance, during metastasis of cancer cells through submicron sized spaces.