A shift in substrate requirement might cause speciation of the lichenized fungi, Varicellaria hemisphaerica and V. lactea (Pertusariales, Ascomycota).

Proper species recognition is required to correctly estimate species preferences and their vulnerability or for eco-evolutionary inference. Varicellaria hemisphaerica and Varicellaria lactea are almost completely morphologically homogeneous species with unclear identification features. To evaluate the importance of morphological, chemical, and ecological characteristics used in recognition of these species, we tested 670 specimens, of which 42 were analyzed phylogenetically using nucITS rDNA, SSU rDNA, and LSU rDNA markers.

Optical coherence tomography angiography as a potential tool in differential diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and rheumatic disorders with central nervous system involvement.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to analyse whether optical coherence tomography angiography (angio-OCT, OCTA) measurements can be a useful tool to differentiate central nervous system (CNS) involvement in rheumatic disorders (RD) from multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: A total of 85 patients- 41 with MS, 21 with RD with CNS involvement and 23 healthy controls were included in the study. All individuals underwent OCTA and the following parameters were measured in each eye separately: average foveal and parafoveal vessel density (VD), average foveal and parafoveal vessel length (VL) of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP), as well as area, perimeter, and circularity of the foveal avascular zone.

Predictive value of brain atrophy, serum biomarkers and information processing speed for early disease progression in multiple sclerosis.

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). A clinical presentation of the disease is highly differentiated even from the earliest stages of the disease. The application of stratifying tests in clinical practice would allow for improving clinical decision-making including a proper assessment of treatment benefit/risk balance.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers in Differential Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis and Systemic Inflammatory Diseases with Central Nervous System Involvement.

Background: Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is established on criteria according to clinical and radiological manifestation. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is an important part of differential diagnosis of MS and other inflammatory processes in the central nervous system (CNS).

Methods: In total, 242 CSF samples were collected from patients undergoing differential MS diagnosis because of the presence of T2-hyperintensive lesions on brain MRI.

Cognitive impairment in NMOSD-More questions than answers.

Introduction: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a type of central nervous system antibody-mediated disease which affects mainly optic nerves and spinal cord, but may also present with acute brainstem syndrome, acute diencephalic syndrome, and cerebral syndrome with typical brain lesions. One of the most disabling symptoms, diagnosed in 29%-67% of cases, is cognitive dysfunction, with such processes as memory, processing speed, executive function, attention, and verbal fluency being predominantly affected. However, description of cognition in NMOSD patients is still a relatively new area of research.

The Role of Optical Coherence Tomography in Differential Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Connective Tissue Diseases with CNS Involvement.

The purpose of this study was to examine whether application of optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements can provide a useful biomarker for distinguishing central nervous system (CNS) involvement in autoimmune connective tissue diseases (CTD) from multiple sclerosis (MS). An observational study included non-optic neuritis eyes of 121 individuals: 59 patients with MS, 30 patients with CNS involvement in CTD, and 32 healthy controls. OCT examination was performed in all subjects to measure retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness, ganglion cell layer-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness, and volume of the macula.

Cognitive Dysfunction in the Early Stages of Multiple Sclerosis-How Much and How Important?

Purpose Of Review: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that mainly affects young adults and that is one of the leading causes of disability in this age group, with cognitive impairment occurring early in the course of the disease. This article summarizes the current knowledge about cognitive dysfunction in the early phase of MS, including biomarkers, MRI correlates, and its value as a prognostic marker.

Recent Findings: New sets of neuropsychological tests have been established to screen for cognitive dysfunction more easily and accurately.