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Fungi encompass, in addition to classically well-studied lineages, an ever-expanding diversity of poorly known lineages including zoosporic chytrid-like parasites. Here, we formally describe Amoeboradix gromovi gen. et sp. nov. comprising a set of closely related strains of chytrid-like parasites of the yellow-green alga Tribonema gayanum unusually endowed with amoeboid zoospores. Morphological and ultrastructural features of A. gromovi observed by light and transmission electron microscopy recall previous descriptions of Rhizophydium anatropum. A. gromovi exhibits one of the longest kinetosomes known in eukaryotes, composed of microtubular singlets or doublets. To carry out molecular phylogenetic analysis and validate the identification of different life cycle stages, we amplified 18S rRNA genes from three A. gromovi strains infecting T. gayanum cultures, single sporangia and single zoospores. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of 18S+28S rRNA concatenated genes of the type strain revealed that A. gromovi is closely related to the recently described species Sanchytrium tribonematis, another parasite of Tribonema that had been tentatively classified within Monoblepharidomycetes. However, our phylogenetic analysis with an extended taxon sampling did not show any particular affinity of Amoeboradix and Sanchytrium with described fungal taxa. Therefore, Amoeboradix gromovi and Sanchytrium tribonematis likely represent a new divergent taxon that remains incertae sedis within Fungi.

With the proposed Canadian July 2018 legalization of marijuana through the Cannabis Act, a thorough critical analysis of the current trials on the efficacy of medicinal marijuana (MM) as a treatment option is necessary. This review is particularly important for primary care physicians whose patients may be interested in using MM as an alternative therapy. In response to increased interest in MM, Health Canada released a document in 2013 for general practitioners (GPs) as an educational tool on the efficacy of MM in treating some chronic and acute conditions. Although additional studies have filled in some of the gaps since the release of the Health Canada document, conflicting and inconclusive results continue to pose a challenge for physicians. This review aims to supplement the Health Canada document by providing physicians with a critical yet concise update on the recent advancements made regarding the efficacy of MM as a potential therapeutic option. An update to the literature of 2013 is important given the upcoming changes in legislation on the use of marijuana. Also, we briefly highlight the current recommendations provided by Canadian medical colleges on the parameters that need to be considered prior to authorizing MM use, routes of administration as well as a general overview of the endocannabinoid system as it pertains to cannabis. Lastly, we outline the appropriate medical conditions for which the authorization of MM may present as a practical alternative option in improving patient outcomes as well as individual considerations of which GPs should be mindful. The purpose of this paper is to offer physicians an educational tool that provides a necessary, evidence-based analysis of the therapeutic potential of MM and to ensure physicians are making decisions on the therapeutic use of MM in good faith.

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