COVID-19 pneumonia and the masquerades

During the COVID-19 pandemic, chest CT is frequently used to help with the diagnosis. The classic CT patterns of COVID-19 pneumonia are well-published and recognised among radiologists. However, when there are pre-existing conditions particularly in the elderly population that could mask or result in similar patterns of disease, then the diagnosis is more difficult. This imaging essay highlights the commonly encountered situations including patients with heart failure, other possible infections particularly in the immunodeficient, and when there is trauma to the thorax. We illustrate imaging clues available to the radiologist to either make the diagnosis or at least reduce the differential diagnosi

Über eine Klasse polynomialer Scharen selbstadjungierter Operatoren im Hilbertraum

HEK293A cells expressing either mouse MOG (mMOG) or rat MOG (rMOG) C terminally tagged with EGFP. (DOCX 2792 kb

Neurological update: MOG antibody disease

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody disease (MOG-AD) is now recognised as a nosological entity with specific clinical and paraclinical features to aid early diagnosis. Although no age group is exempt, median age of onset is within the fourth decade of life, with optic neuritis being the most frequent presenting phenotype. Disease course can be either monophasic or relapsing, with subsequent relapses most commonly involving the optic nerve. Residual disability develops in 50–80% of patients, with transverse myelitis at onset being the most significant predictor of long-term outcome. Recent advances in MOG antibody testing offer improved sensitivity and specificity. To avoid misdiagnosis, MOG antibody testing should be undertaken in selected cases presenting clinical and paraclinical features that are felt to be in keeping with MOG-AD, using a validated cell-based assay. MRI characteristics can help in differentiating MOG-AD from other neuroinflammatory disorders, including multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica. Cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal bands are uncommon. Randomised control trials are limited, but observational open-label experience suggests a role for high-dose steroids and plasma exchange in the treatment of acute attacks, and for immunosuppressive therapies, such as steroids, oral immunosuppressants and rituximab as maintenance treatment

Reliability Analysis in Geotechnics with Finite Elements - Comparison of Probabilistic, Stochastic and Fuzzy Set Methods

The finite element method is widely used for solving various problems in geotechnical engineering practice. The input parameters required for the calculations are generally imprecise. The paper is devoted to a comparison of probabilistic, stochastic and fuzzy set method for reliability analysis with respect to its applicability for practical problems in geotechnical engineering