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Long chain fatty acids (LCFA) constitute a particular class of lipids whose developmental roles are coming under increasing scrutiny. These LCFAs not only have important cell specific functions but their dysregulation also forms the underlying cause of several lipid based disorders. Fatty acids are elongated in vivo by multi-enzymatic machinery in a stepwise manner. The first step of this process is carried out by a family of enzymes, conserved from yeast to humans, known as Elongases (Elos). It has been suggested that Elos work independently to elongate a fatty acid to a distinct length and perform distinct functions. Work in different species has implicated Elos in different biological roles such as barrier function, fertility, behavior and lipid homeostasis, but our understanding of the precise roles of these elongases in fatty acid elongation and how it relates to their physiological roles is not very well understood. To better understand the functions of Elos, I have characterized all Drosophila elongases for their developmental roles. In this thesis, I have shown that Drosophila elongases that are more conserved across species have more important functions (eg viability) as compared to the less conserved elongases. More specifically, I have discovered an elongases, sit still (sits), disruption of which in the nervous system results in striking locomotor and behavior defects, as well as decreased lifespan. I have also characterized another elongase, baldspot, which is important for imparting the epidermal barrier function in Drosophila, a conserved function of elongases across species. By elucidating the in vivo functions of these two Drosophila elongases, this work provides insight into the developmental roles of Elos and their links to diseases such as psoriasis, icthyosis, macular degeneration, Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

The Pteridaceae has been variously classified by different taxonomists. The leaf epidermal morphology of 48 species in 11 genera of Taiwan Pteridaceae was studied using SEM. There are six types of trichomes, two types of adult stomata and three types of epidermal morphology described. And the variability of some epidermal characters, such as the stomata flush or sunken, the long axes of epidermis cell lie parallel to the vein or not, the lines on cells or not, could distinct part of genera and subfamilies. Based on previously described characters, the epidermis pattem of Cheilanthes could be divided into four types, the cheilanthes type, the aleuritopteris type, the mildella type and the doryopteris type; and that of Adiantum could be divided into two types, branched type and nonbrached type. And the epidermis morphology of Coniogramme was very simility to that of Pteris. Besides, the epidermis characters showed that Cryptogramma, Onychium and Acrostichum are unique. And more study of the three genera is needed to understand the relationships among these genera.

A Thesis submitted to The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Medicine. / Stevens - Johnson syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome are rare, but serious conditions affecting skin and mucous membranes that are primarily treated with supportive care. Other more specific therapies have limited evidence to support the benefit of their use; one such treatment is intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). The use of IVIG in the treatment of these syndromes remain controversial due to mixed results demonstrated in the literature, and at present is not considered a component of the standard of care. This study seeks to provide additional data regarding the efficacy of IVIG treatment on mortality in a small cohort of patients presenting with these syndromes at a regional burn center over a 10-year period; data was retrospectively collected from patient medical records. On analysis of this data, IVIG use showed a potential, but not significant. improvement on mortality in comparison to the non-treatment group. Compared with the non-treatment group, odds ratios for death were 0.81 (95% CI 0.3-2.0) for IVIG. There is ultimately no new evidence that the benefit of IVIG in the treatment of Stevens - Johnson syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome is anything more than potential. Further investigation should include a rigorous analysis and comparison of different dosing regimens.

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