CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / InformaÃÃes sobre aspectos fisiolÃgicos reprodutivos da raÃa Morada Nova, especialmente para os machos, ainda sÃo escassas e a falta destes conhecimentos torna-se um empecilho para aplicaÃÃo de melhores estratÃgias de manejo e biotÃcnicas reprodutivas. Baseado nisto, este estudo teve como objetivos descrever as caracterÃsticas biomÃtricas do aparelho reprodutivo em ovinos Morada Nova e os aspectos quanti-qualitativos da espermatogÃnese e correlacionÃ-los, bem como caracterizar os mapas eletroforÃticos das proteÃnas do plasma seminal destes animais. Foi realizada coleta de sÃmen, por meio de eletroejaculaÃÃo em 15 ovinos da raÃa Morada Nova, dos quais apenas 12 responderam. As amostras de sÃmen foram centrifugadas para separaÃÃo do plasma seminal, onde este foi utilizado na determinaÃÃo da concentraÃÃo protÃica total e do perfil protÃico atravÃs de eletroforese desnaturante em gel de poliacrilamida (SDS-PAGE). Os dados biomÃtricos foram obtidos a partir dos testÃculos, epidÃdimos e das glÃndulas sexuais acessÃrias do grupo de 15 animais que foram abatidos com idade mÃdia de 42 semanas e peso vivo mÃdio de 28 kg. Imediatamente antes do abate, foi tomada a medida de circunferÃncia escrotal (CE) de cada animal. Em seguida, os testÃculos, epidÃdimos e glÃndulas sexuais acessÃrias foram pesados e mensurados individualmente (direito e esquerdo). Amostras dos testÃculos foram fixadas em fluido de Bouin para avaliaÃÃo dos tÃbulos seminÃferos. O parÃnquima testicular foi avaliado quanto ao diÃmetro (DT), volume (VT) e comprimento dos tÃbulos seminÃferos, altura do epitÃlio germinativo (AE) e populaÃÃo de cÃlulas de Sertoli e germinativas. A proporÃÃo do parÃnquima testicular ocupado por tÃbulos seminÃferos foi o equivalente a 84,8  0,1%. O rendimento geral da espermatogÃnese foi de 59,8  3,73 cÃlulas. Cada cÃlula de Sertoli (CS) foi capaz de sustentar 7,7  0,51 espermÃtides arredondadas. Foram realizadas anÃlises de correlaÃÃo de Pearson (p < 0.05) entre as caracterÃsticas estudadas e as variÃveis foram descritas na forma de mÃdias e respectivos erros-padrÃo atravÃs do programa estatÃstico StatView, 5.0 (SAS, 2003). Nenhuma diferenÃa foi detectada entre os valores direito e esquerdo para nenhum dos parÃmetros testiculares, epididimÃrios ou das glÃndulas sexuais acessÃrias. CorrelaÃÃes significativas foram verificadas entre peso e as demais medidas testiculares: comprimento (CT), diÃmetro (DT) e volume do parÃnquima (VPar) e outras medidas do aparelho reprodutor como peso (PEp) e comprimento total (CEp) do epidÃdimo e comprimento do corpo do epidÃdimo (CCorpEp). O peso e diÃmetro testicular, mostraram-se indicadores da funÃÃo reprodutiva do carneiro estando correlacionado com todas as variÃveis histolÃgicas descritas. Com relaÃÃo à anÃlise eletroforÃtica bidimensional, um total de 103 spots foram identificados, estando 45 destes presentes em todos os gÃis, os spots presente indicam a presenÃa de proteÃnas importantes do plasma seminal. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, as medidas das gÃnadas apresentaram correlaÃÃes com as demais estruturas do trato reprodutivo e atividade espermatogÃnica, e os mapas eletroforÃticos do fluido seminal mostraram-se semelhantes aos de ovinos Santa InÃs adultos. / Information on the reproductive physiological aspects about Morada Nova breed, especially for males, are still few and the lack of knowledge about that becomes a hindrance to implementation best management strategies and reproductive biotechnologies, based on this, this study aimed to describe the biometric characteristics of the reproductive tract in Morada Nova sheep as well as quantitative and qualitative aspects of spermato genesis and correlate them, and to characterize the electrophoretic maps of the seminal plasma of these animals. Semen was collected by electroejaculation in 15 male sheep of the Morada Nova breed, of which only 12 responded. The samples were centrifuged, for separation of seminal plasma , where it was used to determine of total protein concentration and protein profile by denaturing electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel (SDS - PAGE). Biometric data were obtained from the testicles, epididymis and accessory s ex glands of the group of 15 animals that were slaughtered with an average age of 42 weeks and average weight of 28 kg. Immediately before slaughter, was taken to measure scrotal circumference (SC) of each animal . Then , the testicles, epididymis and access ory sex glands were weighed and measured individually (left and right). Testicles samples were fixed in Bouin's fluid for evaluation of seminiferous tubules. The testicular parenchyma was evaluated for diameter (TD), volume (VT) and length of seminiferous tubules, germinal epithelium height (EA) and a population of Sertoli cells and germinal cells. The proportion of testicular parenchyma occupied by seminiferous tubules was equivalent to 84.8  0.1%. The overall yield of spermatogenesis was 59.8  3.73 cell s. Each Sertoli cell (SC) was able to sustain 7.7  0.51 round spermatids. Were realized analyses using Pearson correlation (p <0.05) between the studied characteristics and the variables were described as means and their respective standard errors using t he statistical program Statview, 5.0 (SAS, 2003). No difference was detected between the left and right values for any of the testicular parameters, epididymal and accessory sex glands. Significant correlations were found between weight and other measures testicle: length (TL), diameter (TD) and volume of parenchyma (VPAR) and other measures of reproductive tract as weight (PEP) and total length of the epididymis (TLE) and of body of the epididymis (LBEp). The testicular weight and diameter, were indicators of the reproductive function of the ram was correlated with all histologic described. For electrophoresis analysis, a total of 103 spots were identified, 45 these being present in all gels, and these spots presents in gel indicate the presence of importan t proteins in the seminal plasma. According to the results, measures of gonads showed correlations with the other structures of the reproductive tract and spermatogenic activity, and electrophoretic maps of seminal fluid were similar to Santa InÃs sheep ad ults.

No description available.

Beinwell enthält neben erwünschten Substanzen wie Allantion und Rosmarinsäure auch toxische Pyrrolizidinalkaloide (PA), die die Anwendung limitieren. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es, die Expression des Gens für Homospermidinsynthase, ein zentrales Enzym der Biosynthese von PA, stark zu verringern. Dafür wurden künstliche microRNA verwendet. Dabei wurden Haarwurzelkulturen mit entsprechenden Transgenen erzeugt. Es wurden Daten zur mRNA-Menge, PA-Gehalt und Allantoingehalt sowie Wachstumsparameter erhoben und zueinander in Beziehung gesetzt.:1. Einleitung 1.1. Gattung Symphytum (Beinwell) 1.2. Pyrrolizidinalkaloide 1.3. Haarwurzeln als Modellsystem und Sekundärstoffproduzenten 1.3.1. Agrobacterium rhizogenes 1.3.2. Haarwurzelkulturen in der Biotechnologie 1.4. Zielstellung 2. Material und Methoden 2.1. Materialien 2.2. Erzeugung und Kultivierung der pflanzlichen Zell- und Organkulturen 2.3. Erzeugung der gentechnisch modifizierten Agrobacterium-Stämme 2.4. Qualitative und quantitative Untersuchungen an Nukleinsäuren 2.4.1. Nukleinsäurepräparation 2.4.2. Gelelektrophorese 2.4.3. Protokolle für die Polymerasekettenreaktion 2.5. Sekundärstoffanalytik 2.5.1. Allantoinbestimmung 2.5.2. Quantifizierung der Pyrrolizidinalkaloide 3. Ergebnisse 3.1. Erzeugung und Untersuchung der Haarwurzelkulturen 3.1.1. Herstellung der Kulturen 3.1.2. Wachstum und Biomasseakkumulation 3.2. Bestimmung der Expression von HSS und DHS mittels qPCR 3.2.1. Methodenetablierung 3.2.2. Expression von HSS und DHS in Haarwurzelkulturen 3.3. Analytik von Sekundärmetaboliten 3.3.1. Bestimmung des Allantoingehalts 3.3.2. Bestimmung des Pyrrolizidinalkaloidgehalts 3.4. Gibt es einen Zusammenhang zwischen HSS-Expression und Alkaloidgehalt? 4. Diskussion 4.1. Erzeugung und Wachstum von Symphytum-Haarwurzelkulturen mit und ohne zusätzliche Transgene 4.2. Produktion von Allantoin in Haarwurzelkulturen 4.3. Beeinflussen die miRNA-Konstrukte die Expression von HSS und DHS? 4.4. Beeinflußt die Regulation der HSS-Expression den PA-Gehalt? 4.5. Beurteilung der PA-Gehalte in Haarwurzelkulturen 4.6. Ausblick 5. Zusammenfassung 6. Verzeichnisse 7. Anhang

O Epstein-Barr Vírus (EBV) é um vírus da família Herpes (HHV-4), presente em grande parte da população mundial. É o agente etiológico da mononucleose infecciosa e da leucoplasia pilosa. A leucoplasia pilosa é uma doença epitelial benigna associada ao EBV, caracterizada pela reprodução replicativa do EBV nas células do epitélio oral, e é uma das mais freqüentes lesões oportunistas em pacientes HIV positivos, sendo menos freqüente apenas que a candidíase, com uma prevalência média entre 10 % e 30%. Por ser uma lesão oportunista bucal fortemente relacionada com a infecção pelo HIV e com a imunossupressão, seu diagnóstico é importante, pois pode sugerir o diagnóstico da infecção em pacientes de sorologia desconhecida para o HIV, e auxiliar no estadiamento da doença. Sua detecção e correto diagnóstico são de particular importância por essa condição estar relacionada à capacidade imune do paciente. Além disso, em pacientes já diagnosticados, ela é indicadora da progressão da doença e da eficácia da terapia antirretroviral. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a presença e a quantidade do EBV na saliva e no sangue de pacientes infectados pelo HIV atendidos no CAPE-FOUSP, verificar a presença clínica de leucoplasia pilosa, estabelecendo a possibilidade da existência de vínculo entre a carga viral do EBV, a manifestação clínica da lesão e a carga viral do HIV. Também se buscou estabelecer relação entre o tipo de terapia antirretroviral em uso e a presença de leucoplasia pilosa, bem como estabelecer relação entre a carga viral do EBV na saliva e no sangue. Foram analisadas 20 lesões de leucoplasia pilosa, num total de 94 pacientes avaliados. Foi encontrada uma correlação positiva entre a Carga Viral do EBV no sangue e na saliva (p=0,001). Quanto maior a carga viral no sangue, maior a carga viral na saliva. Foi encontrada associação entre a Carga Viral do EBV na saliva e a presença de Leucoplasia Pilosa (p=0,045). Indivíduos com Leucoplasia Pilosa apresentam maior Carga Viral de EBV na saliva do que indivíduos sem essa lesão. Foi encontrada uma correlação positiva entre a Carga Viral do HIV e a Carga Viral do EBV na saliva (p=0,006) porém não no sangue. Quanto maior a carga viral de HIV, maior a carga viral do EBV na saliva. Foi encontrada correlação positiva entre a Carga Viral do EBV no sangue e as contagens de CD4 mais baixa registrada e a mais atual (p=0,028 e p=0,030 respectivamente). Quanto maior Carga Viral do EBV no sangue, maior a contagem de CD4. Não foi encontrada associação entre o tipo de medicação antirretroviral em uso e presença de lesão de leucoplasia pilosa. / The Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a herpes virus family (HHV-4), is present in great part of the world population. It is the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis and oral hairy leukoplakia. Oral hairy leukoplakia is a benign epithelial disease associated with EBV, which is characterized by the replicative reproduction of EBV in oral epithelial cells, and is one of the most frequent opportunistic lesions in HIV positive patients, only less frequent than candidiasis, with an average prevalence between 10% and 30%. Being an opportunistic oral lesion strongly associated with HIV infection and immunosuppression, its diagnosis is important, because it may suggests the diagnosis of infection in patients of unknown HIV serology, and assist in the staging of the disease. Its detection and correct diagnosis are particularly important because this condition is related to the patient\'s immune capacity. Moreover, in patients already diagnosed, it is indicative of disease progression and effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence and quantity of EBV in saliva and blood of HIV-infected patients treated at the CAPE-FOUSP, verifying the presence of clinical OHL, establishing the possibility of the existence of a link between viral load and EBV, clinical manifestation of the lesion, and HIV viral load. It was also aimed to establish the relationship between the type of antiretroviral therapy in use and the presence of oral hairy leukoplakia, as well as establish the relationship between viral load of EBV in saliva and blood. We analyzed 20 lesions of oral hairy leukoplakia, a total of 94 patients. Found a positive correlation between viral load of EBV in blood and saliva (p = 0.001). The higher the viral load in blood, the higher the viral load in saliva. Association was found between viral load of EBV in saliva and the presence of oral hairy leukoplakia (p = 0.045).Individuals with oral hairy leukoplakia have a higher viral load of EBV in saliva than those without such injury. Found a positive correlation between viral load and HIV viral load of EBV in saliva (p = 0.006) but not in blood. The higher the viral load of HIV, the higher the viral load of EBV in saliva. A positive correlation was found between viral load of EBV in blood and CD4 counts the lowest recorded and most current (p = 0.028 and p = 0.030 respectively). The higher viral load of EBV in blood, increased CD4 count. No association was found between the type of antiretroviral medications in use and presence of oral hairy leukoplakia lesions.

O vírus Epstein-Barr (EBV) é um herpes vírus humano que estabelece infecção persistente e está associado com várias doenças, como mononucleose infecciosa, linfomas, carcinoma de nasofaringe e leucoplasia pilosa, afetando principalmente pacientes imunossuprimidos. Leucoplasia pilosa é uma lesão epitelial não maligna associada ao EBV que ocorre principalmente nas bordas laterais de língua. É comum em indivíduos infectados pelo HIV e em pacientes que recebem medicações imunossupressoras. Histopatologicamente, a leucoplasia pilosa é caracterizada por hiperparaqueratose, acantose, células semelhantes a coilócitos ou células balonizantes, e discreto ou nenhum infiltrado inflamatório. As características histopatológicas da lesão não são patognomônicas, sendo necessária a detecção do EBV para o diagnóstico final de acordo com vários autores. O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar a presença do EBV, por meio da técnica de hibridização in situ, em lesões diagnosticadas histológicamente como sugestivas de leucoplasia pilosa e comparar esses resultados com algumas características histopatológicas.Trinta e seis espécimes foram selecionados do Serviço de Patologia Cirúrgica da Disciplina de Patologia Bucal. Todos foram submetidos à reação de hibridização in situ, e 27 casos (75%) foram positivos, confirmando o diagnóstico anterior. Nenhuma das características histológicas analisadas puderam se correlacionar com a hibridização in situ. Pudemos concluir que a análise histopatológica ao H&E não pode substituir a hibridização in situ no diagnóstico final da leucoplasia pilosa / Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a human herpesvirus that estabilishes persistent infection and is associated with many diseases, including infectious mononucleosis syndrome, lymphomas, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and oral hairy leukoplakia, affecting principaly immunocompromised patients. Oral hairy leukoplakia is a non malignant, EBV-associated, epithelial disease that typically occurs on the lateral tongue borders. It is common in individuals with HIV infection and in patients receiving iatrogenic immunossupression. Histologically, hairy leukoplakia is characterized by shaggy hyperparakeratosis, acanthosis, “koilocyte"-like or ballon cells, and a paucity of inflamation. The histologically features of hairy leukoplakia are not patognomonic, and for the many authors definitive diagnosis requires demonstration of EBV. The aim of this study were to verify the presence of EBV, by in situ hibridization, in lesions diagnosed histologically suggestive of hairy leukoplakia and compare this results with histologically features. Thirty six biopsy specimens from lesions histologically suggestive of hairy leukoplakia were selected from the Department of Stomatology’s Oral Pathology Service archives. EBV in situ hibridization was performed on all 36 cases, and 27 cases (75%) were positive, confirmed the diagnose of oral hairy leukoplakia. Histopatologically features did not agree well with EBV in situ hibridization. We concluded that H&E histopathology should not be used as a substitute for in situ hibridization in the definitive diagnosis of hairy leukoplakia

O vírus Epstein-Barr (EBV) é um herpes vírus humano que estabelece infecção persistente e está associado com várias doenças, como mononucleose infecciosa, linfomas, carcinoma de nasofaringe e leucoplasia pilosa, afetando principalmente pacientes imunossuprimidos. Leucoplasia pilosa é uma lesão epitelial não maligna associada ao EBV que ocorre principalmente nas bordas laterais de língua. É comum em indivíduos infectados pelo HIV e em pacientes que recebem medicações imunossupressoras. Histopatologicamente, a leucoplasia pilosa é caracterizada por hiperparaqueratose, acantose, células semelhantes a coilócitos ou células balonizantes, e discreto ou nenhum infiltrado inflamatório. As características histopatológicas da lesão não são patognomônicas, sendo necessária a detecção do EBV para o diagnóstico final de acordo com vários autores. O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar a presença do EBV, por meio da técnica de hibridização in situ, em lesões diagnosticadas histológicamente como sugestivas de leucoplasia pilosa e comparar esses resultados com algumas características histopatológicas.Trinta e seis espécimes foram selecionados do Serviço de Patologia Cirúrgica da Disciplina de Patologia Bucal. Todos foram submetidos à reação de hibridização in situ, e 27 casos (75%) foram positivos, confirmando o diagnóstico anterior. Nenhuma das características histológicas analisadas puderam se correlacionar com a hibridização in situ. Pudemos concluir que a análise histopatológica ao H&E não pode substituir a hibridização in situ no diagnóstico final da leucoplasia pilosa / Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a human herpesvirus that estabilishes persistent infection and is associated with many diseases, including infectious mononucleosis syndrome, lymphomas, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and oral hairy leukoplakia, affecting principaly immunocompromised patients. Oral hairy leukoplakia is a non malignant, EBV-associated, epithelial disease that typically occurs on the lateral tongue borders. It is common in individuals with HIV infection and in patients receiving iatrogenic immunossupression. Histologically, hairy leukoplakia is characterized by shaggy hyperparakeratosis, acanthosis, “koilocyte”-like or ballon cells, and a paucity of inflamation. The histologically features of hairy leukoplakia are not patognomonic, and for the many authors definitive diagnosis requires demonstration of EBV. The aim of this study were to verify the presence of EBV, by in situ hibridization, in lesions diagnosed histologically suggestive of hairy leukoplakia and compare this results with histologically features. Thirty six biopsy specimens from lesions histologically suggestive of hairy leukoplakia were selected from the Department of Stomatology’s Oral Pathology Service archives. EBV in situ hibridization was performed on all 36 cases, and 27 cases (75%) were positive, confirmed the diagnose of oral hairy leukoplakia. Histopatologically features did not agree well with EBV in situ hibridization. We concluded that H&E histopathology should not be used as a substitute for in situ hibridization in the definitive diagnosis of hairy leukoplakia

O Epstein-Barr Vírus (EBV) é um vírus da família Herpes (HHV-4), presente em grande parte da população mundial. É o agente etiológico da mononucleose infecciosa e da leucoplasia pilosa. A leucoplasia pilosa é uma doença epitelial benigna associada ao EBV, caracterizada pela reprodução replicativa do EBV nas células do epitélio oral, e é uma das mais freqüentes lesões oportunistas em pacientes HIV positivos, sendo menos freqüente apenas que a candidíase, com uma prevalência média entre 10 % e 30%. Por ser uma lesão oportunista bucal fortemente relacionada com a infecção pelo HIV e com a imunossupressão, seu diagnóstico é importante, pois pode sugerir o diagnóstico da infecção em pacientes de sorologia desconhecida para o HIV, e auxiliar no estadiamento da doença. Sua detecção e correto diagnóstico são de particular importância por essa condição estar relacionada à capacidade imune do paciente. Além disso, em pacientes já diagnosticados, ela é indicadora da progressão da doença e da eficácia da terapia antirretroviral. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a presença e a quantidade do EBV na saliva e no sangue de pacientes infectados pelo HIV atendidos no CAPE-FOUSP, verificar a presença clínica de leucoplasia pilosa, estabelecendo a possibilidade da existência de vínculo entre a carga viral do EBV, a manifestação clínica da lesão e a carga viral do HIV. Também se buscou estabelecer relação entre o tipo de terapia antirretroviral em uso e a presença de leucoplasia pilosa, bem como estabelecer relação entre a carga viral do EBV na saliva e no sangue. Foram analisadas 20 lesões de leucoplasia pilosa, num total de 94 pacientes avaliados. Foi encontrada uma correlação positiva entre a Carga Viral do EBV no sangue e na saliva (p=0,001). Quanto maior a carga viral no sangue, maior a carga viral na saliva. Foi encontrada associação entre a Carga Viral do EBV na saliva e a presença de Leucoplasia Pilosa (p=0,045). Indivíduos com Leucoplasia Pilosa apresentam maior Carga Viral de EBV na saliva do que indivíduos sem essa lesão. Foi encontrada uma correlação positiva entre a Carga Viral do HIV e a Carga Viral do EBV na saliva (p=0,006) porém não no sangue. Quanto maior a carga viral de HIV, maior a carga viral do EBV na saliva. Foi encontrada correlação positiva entre a Carga Viral do EBV no sangue e as contagens de CD4 mais baixa registrada e a mais atual (p=0,028 e p=0,030 respectivamente). Quanto maior Carga Viral do EBV no sangue, maior a contagem de CD4. Não foi encontrada associação entre o tipo de medicação antirretroviral em uso e presença de lesão de leucoplasia pilosa. / The Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a herpes virus family (HHV-4), is present in great part of the world population. It is the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis and oral hairy leukoplakia. Oral hairy leukoplakia is a benign epithelial disease associated with EBV, which is characterized by the replicative reproduction of EBV in oral epithelial cells, and is one of the most frequent opportunistic lesions in HIV positive patients, only less frequent than candidiasis, with an average prevalence between 10% and 30%. Being an opportunistic oral lesion strongly associated with HIV infection and immunosuppression, its diagnosis is important, because it may suggests the diagnosis of infection in patients of unknown HIV serology, and assist in the staging of the disease. Its detection and correct diagnosis are particularly important because this condition is related to the patient\'s immune capacity. Moreover, in patients already diagnosed, it is indicative of disease progression and effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence and quantity of EBV in saliva and blood of HIV-infected patients treated at the CAPE-FOUSP, verifying the presence of clinical OHL, establishing the possibility of the existence of a link between viral load and EBV, clinical manifestation of the lesion, and HIV viral load. It was also aimed to establish the relationship between the type of antiretroviral therapy in use and the presence of oral hairy leukoplakia, as well as establish the relationship between viral load of EBV in saliva and blood. We analyzed 20 lesions of oral hairy leukoplakia, a total of 94 patients. Found a positive correlation between viral load of EBV in blood and saliva (p = 0.001). The higher the viral load in blood, the higher the viral load in saliva. Association was found between viral load of EBV in saliva and the presence of oral hairy leukoplakia (p = 0.045).Individuals with oral hairy leukoplakia have a higher viral load of EBV in saliva than those without such injury. Found a positive correlation between viral load and HIV viral load of EBV in saliva (p = 0.006) but not in blood. The higher the viral load of HIV, the higher the viral load of EBV in saliva. A positive correlation was found between viral load of EBV in blood and CD4 counts the lowest recorded and most current (p = 0.028 and p = 0.030 respectively). The higher viral load of EBV in blood, increased CD4 count. No association was found between the type of antiretroviral medications in use and presence of oral hairy leukoplakia lesions.

Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) and Iris Yellow Spot Virus (IYSV) constitute a pest complex of global concern for allium growers. Yield losses due to onion thrips alone can be heavy, and in tandem with IYSV, these losses can be complete. This study was one phase of a multi-phase research project intent on exploring the potential drivers of thrips and virus infestation in onion. Preliminary observations in participating growers’ fields in northern Utah pointed towards a potential link between weedy field borders and thrips/IYSV infestation in onion. Field work was carried out at the Kaysville experiment station examining the possible relationships between thrips and IYSV incidence in onion and the presence of adjacent weed populations. This research was conducted with the intent of guiding growers’ decisions regarding field border management, and to provide additional insights into onion thrips behavior. While implications for growers remain unclear, thrips preferences regarding host plant utilization were identified, as well as preliminary evidence of additional plant species capable of hosting IYSV.

<p>B cell lymphomas and leukemias are heterogeneous tumors with different cellular origins. Analysis of immunoglobulin (Ig) genes enables insight into the B cell progenitor, as Ig somatic hypermutation correlates with antigen-related B cell transit through the germinal center (GC). Also, restricted Ig variable heavy chain (V_H) gene repertoires in B cell malignancies could imply antigen selection during tumorigenesis. The length of telomeres has been shown to differ between GC B cells and pre/post-GC B cells, possibly representing an alternative angle to investigate B cell tumor origin. </p><p>Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), previously postulated to derive from a naïve, pre-GC B cell, was shown to have an Ig-mutated subset (18/110 MCLs, 16%), suggestive of divergent cellular origin and GC exposure. Another subset of MCL (16/110, 15%), characterized by V_H3-21/V_λ3-19 gene usage, alludes to a role for antigen(s) in pathogenesis, also possible for hairy cell leukemia (HCL) in which the V_H3-30 gene (6/32, 19%) was overused. HCL consisted mainly of Ig-mutated cases (27/32, 84%) with low level intraclonal heterogeneity, contrasting with the proposed post-GC origin, for both Ig-mutated and Ig-unmutated HCLs. For MCL and HCL, derivation from naïve or memory marginal zone B cells which may acquire mutations without GC transit are tempting speculations, but currently little is known about this alternative immunological pathway. Heavily mutated Ig genes without intraclonal heterogeneity were demonstrated in lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (13/14, 93%), confirming that the precursor cell was transformed after GC affinity maturation. Telomere length analysis within 304 B cell tumors revealed variable lengths; shortest in the Ig-unmutated subset of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, longest in the GC-like subtype of diffuse large B cell lymphoma, and homogeneous in MCL regardless of Ig mutation status. However, telomere length is complex with regard to GC-related origin.</p><p>In summary, this thesis has provided grounds for speculation that antigens play a role in MCL and HCL pathogenesis, although the potential antigens involved are currently unknown. It has also enabled a more informed postulation about the cellular origin of B cell tumors, which will ultimately enhance understanding of the biological background of the diseases. </p>

B cell lymphomas and leukemias are heterogeneous tumors with different cellular origins. Analysis of immunoglobulin (Ig) genes enables insight into the B cell progenitor, as Ig somatic hypermutation correlates with antigen-related B cell transit through the germinal center (GC). Also, restricted Ig variable heavy chain (VH) gene repertoires in B cell malignancies could imply antigen selection during tumorigenesis. The length of telomeres has been shown to differ between GC B cells and pre/post-GC B cells, possibly representing an alternative angle to investigate B cell tumor origin. Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), previously postulated to derive from a naïve, pre-GC B cell, was shown to have an Ig-mutated subset (18/110 MCLs, 16%), suggestive of divergent cellular origin and GC exposure. Another subset of MCL (16/110, 15%), characterized by VH3-21/Vλ3-19 gene usage, alludes to a role for antigen(s) in pathogenesis, also possible for hairy cell leukemia (HCL) in which the VH3-30 gene (6/32, 19%) was overused. HCL consisted mainly of Ig-mutated cases (27/32, 84%) with low level intraclonal heterogeneity, contrasting with the proposed post-GC origin, for both Ig-mutated and Ig-unmutated HCLs. For MCL and HCL, derivation from naïve or memory marginal zone B cells which may acquire mutations without GC transit are tempting speculations, but currently little is known about this alternative immunological pathway. Heavily mutated Ig genes without intraclonal heterogeneity were demonstrated in lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (13/14, 93%), confirming that the precursor cell was transformed after GC affinity maturation. Telomere length analysis within 304 B cell tumors revealed variable lengths; shortest in the Ig-unmutated subset of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, longest in the GC-like subtype of diffuse large B cell lymphoma, and homogeneous in MCL regardless of Ig mutation status. However, telomere length is complex with regard to GC-related origin. In summary, this thesis has provided grounds for speculation that antigens play a role in MCL and HCL pathogenesis, although the potential antigens involved are currently unknown. It has also enabled a more informed postulation about the cellular origin of B cell tumors, which will ultimately enhance understanding of the biological background of the diseases.