University of British Columbia

About: University of British Columbia is a education organization based out in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 89939 authors who have published 209679 publications receiving 9226862 citations. The organization is also known as: UBC & The University of British Columbia.

Substrate and Enzyme Characteristics that Limit Cellulose Hydrolysis

Abstract: The ability and, consequently, the limitations of various microbial enzyme systems to completely hydrolyze the structural polysaccharides of plant cell walls has been the focus of an enormous amount of research over the years. As more and more of these extracellular enzymatic systems are being identified and characterized, clear similarities and differences are being elucidated. Although much has been learned concerning the structures, kinetics, catalytic action, and interactions of enzymes and their substrates, no single mechanism of total lignocellulosic saccharification has been established. The heterogeneous nature of the supramolecular structures of naturally occurring lignocellulosic matrices make it difficult to fully understand the interactions that occur between enzyme complexes and these substrates. However, it is apparent that the efficacy of enzymatic complexes to hydrolyze these substrates is inextricably linked to the innate structural characteristics of the substrate and/or the modifications that occur as saccharification proceeds. This present review is not intended to conclusively answer what factors control polysaccharide biodegradation, but to serve as an overview illustrating some of the potential enzymatic and structural limitations that invariably influence the complete hydrolysis of lignocellulosic polysaccharides.

Heterogeneity in Telomere Length of Human Chromosomes

Abstract: Vertebrate chromosomes terminate in variable numbers of T2AG3 nucleotide repeats. In order to study telomere repeats at individual chromosomes, we developed novel, quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization procedures using labeled (C3TA2)3 peptide nucleic acid and digital imaging microscopy. Telomere fluorescence intensity values from metaphase chromosomes of cultured human hematopoietic cells decreased with the replication history of the cells, varied up to six-fold within a metaphase, and were similar between sister chromatid telomeres. Surprisingly, telomere fluorescence intensity values within normal adult bone marrow metaphases did not show a normal distribution, suggesting that a minimum number of repeats at each telomere is required and/or maintained during normal hematopoiesis.

Population Cycles in Small Mammals

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes the current information on population cycles in small rodents It first looks at the general questions about cycles, and then discusses the demographic machinery which drives the changes in numbers And finally, analyzes the current theories which explain population cycles in rodents Population cycles in voles and lemmings are accompanied by a series of changes A few of them include fluctuations occurring in a variety of genera and species from arctic to temperate areas, from Mediterranean to continental climates, from snowy areas to snow-free areas Populations living in a wide variety of plant communities in a small geographic area all fluctuate in the same way, often in phase Survival of adult males fluctuates independently of that of adult females, when viewed on a weekly time scale Males may suffer heavy losses in the decline for a few weeks when females are surviving very well, and vice versa

A novel classification system for spinal instability in neoplastic disease: an evidence-based approach and expert consensus from the Spine Oncology Study Group.

Abstract: Study design Systematic review and modified Delphi technique. Objective To use an evidence-based medicine process using the best available literature and expert opinion consensus to develop a comprehensive classification system to diagnose neoplastic spinal instability. Summary of background data Spinal instability is poorly defined in the literature and presently there is a lack of guidelines available to aid in defining the degree of spinal instability in the setting of neoplastic spinal disease. The concept of spinal instability remains important in the clinical decision-making process for patients with spine tumors. Methods We have integrated the evidence provided by systematic reviews through a modified Delphi technique to generate a consensus of best evidence and expert opinion to develop a classification system to define neoplastic spinal instability. Results A comprehensive classification system based on patient symptoms and radiographic criteria of the spine was developed to aid in predicting spine stability of neoplastic lesions. The classification system includes global spinal location of the tumor, type and presence of pain, bone lesion quality, spinal alignment, extent of vertebral body collapse, and posterolateral spinal element involvement. Qualitative scores were assigned based on relative importance of particular factors gleaned from the literature and refined by expert consensus. Conclusion The Spine Instability Neoplastic Score is a comprehensive classification system with content validity that can guide clinicians in identifying when patients with neoplastic disease of the spine may benefit from surgical consultation. It can also aid surgeons in assessing the key components of spinal instability due to neoplasia and may become a prognostic tool for surgical decision-making when put in context with other key elements such as neurologic symptoms, extent of disease, prognosis, patient health factors, oncologic subtype, and radiosensitivity of the tumor.

Introduction of Combined CHOP Plus Rituximab Therapy Dramatically Improved Outcome of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in British Columbia

Abstract: Purpose For more than two decades, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) has been the standard therapy for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The addition of rituximab to CHOP has been shown to improve outcome in elderly patients with DLBCL. We conducted a population-based analysis to assess the impact of this combination therapy on adult patients with DLBCL in the province of British Columbia (BC). Methods We compared outcomes during a 3-year period; 18 months before (prerituximab) and 18 months after (postrituximab) institution of a policy recommending the combination of CHOP and rituximab for all patients with newly diagnosed advanced-stage (stage III or IV or stage I or II with “B” symptoms or bulky [> 10 cm] disease) DLBCL. Results A total of 292 patients were evaluated; 140 in the prerituximab group (median follow-up, 42 months) and 152 in the postrituximab group (median follow-up, 24 months). Both progression-free survival (risk ratio, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.81; P =...