The role of conventional antibodies targeting the CD4 binding site and CD4-induced epitopes in the control of HIV-1 CRF01_AE viruses.

HIV-1 CRF01_AE viruses are highly prevalent in Southeast Asia. However, vulnerability sites in Env of CRF01_AE viruses have not been investigated sufficiently. We examined the sensitivity of CRF01_AE viruses from Japan and Vietnam, together with subtype B viruses from Japan, to neutralization and Fc-mediated signaling. Neutralization coverage of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs), 2G12 and b12, was significantly low against CRF01_AE viruses, compared with subtype B viruses. In contrast, the conventional antibody targeting the CD4 binding site (CD4bs), 49G2, showed better neutralization and Fc-mediated signaling activities against CRF01_AE viruses than subtype B viruses. Fc-mediated signaling activity of anti-CD4 induced (CD4i) antibody, 4E9C, was also detected against CRF01_AE viruses more than subtype B viruses. These results suggest that conventional antibodies against CD4bs and CD4i may play an important role in the control of CRF01_AE viruses.

Phylogeny of Chaetothyriaceae in northern Thailand including three new species.

In a recent study unusual taxa of epiphyllous ascomycota belonging to Chaetothyriaceae (Eurotiomycetes) were collected in northern Thailand. This family is poorly understood due to morphological confusion and lack of phylogenetic studies. This paper deals with three new species, Ceramothyrium thailandicum, Chaetothyrium brischofiacola and Phaeosaccardinula ficus, which are fully described and illustrated. A DNA sequence analyses of LSU and ITS rDNA genes shows that the new species cluster in the Chaetothyriaceae. This paper adds six sequences for Chaetothyriaceae to GenBank, providing much needed data for the family.

Two new Kirschsteiniothelia species with Dendryphiopsis anamorphs cluster in Kirschsteiniotheliaceae fam. nov.

Two new Kirschsteiniothelia species are proposed in this study; both were collected on decaying wood from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces in northern Thailand. The taxa were isolated and the morphological characters are described and illustrated. ITS, LSU and SSU combined sequence analysis showed taxa of Kirschsteiniothelia separating into three lineages: (i) K. elaterascus grouped within Morosphaeriaceae (Pleosporales); (ii) K. maritima clustered with Mytilinidion spp. as a sister group in the Mytilinidiaceae clade; and (iii) the two new Kirschsteiniothelia species, which produce Dendryphiopsis anamorphs in culture, clustered with K. aethiops (the generic type) and the anamorph D. atra. The new family Kirschsteiniotheliaceae is introduced to accommodate taxa grouping with K. aethiops. K. elaterascus is transferred to Morosphaeria (Morosphaeriaceae) and a new genus Halokirschteiniothelia is introduced to accommodate K. maritima (Mytilinidiaceae).

Measurement properties of all versions of the Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL) 2.0: a systematic review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to critically appraise and summarize the quality of the measurement properties of all versions of the Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL) version 2.0. INTRODUCTION: The Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale version 2.0 was developed as a comprehensive measure in assessing the quality of life of stroke survivors. The shortened version and cross-culturally translated versions are further developed in different countries. A systematic review will clarify the levels of reliability and validity of all versions. INCLUSION CRITERIA: The population of interest for this review will include adult stroke survivors of either sex diagnosed with a stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) who have no other comorbidities affecting their quality of life. The SS-QOL version 2.0 will be the specific instrument of interest, and the quality of life of stroke survivors will be the construct of interest in this review. The measures of reliability, validity, and responsiveness will be assessed as outcomes. Only the studies evaluating the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of all versions of the SS-QOL 2.0 will be included in the review. METHODS: A literature search will be conducted for published studies in MEDLINE and Embase, and unpublished data in Google Scholar and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. After a three-step search strategy, study selection will be done by two reviewers independently. Then, the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) methodology will be applied for assessment of methodological quality, data extraction, and synthesis. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42020211727.

Molecular diversity of myxomycetes associated with decaying wood and forest floor leaf litter.

Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) fingerprinting was used to assess the molecular diversity of myxomycetes from environmental samples (decaying wood and forest floor litter) collected at the Mushroom Research Centre in northern Thailand. Total genomic DNA was extracted directly from environmental samples on which myxomycetes were not apparent. Part of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rDNA) was amplified and DNA sequences analyzed. DGGE gels revealed up to 17 operational taxonomic units (OTU) from decaying wood and 10 OTU from forest floor litter samples, but only seven (wood) and six (litter) OTU could be re-amplified and/or sequenced. Based on results obtained with the BLAST analysis program, the species involved appeared to correspond most closely to Diderma saundersii, Didymium iridis, Stemonitis flavogenita and Hyperamoeba sp. strain W2i on decaying wood and to Diderma saundersii and Physarum didermoides on forest floor litter. Our results suggest that then PCR-DGGE can be used to obtain data on the presence of myxomycetes in their primary microhabitats without the need to observe the sporocarps of these organisms. As such the technique would seem to have considerable potential for contributing to a more complete understanding of myxomycete diversity and ecology in terrestrial ecosystems.