Methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is a chromatin-associated protein that remains enigmatic despite more than 30 years of research, primarily due to the ever-growing list of its molecular functions, and, consequently, its related pathologies. Loss of function MECP2 mutations cause the neurodevelopmental disorder Rett syndrome (RTT); in addition, dysregulation of MeCP2 expression and/or function are involved in numerous other pathologies, but the mechanisms of MeCP2 regulation are unclear. Advancing technologies and burgeoning mechanistic theories assist our understanding of the complexity of MeCP2 but may inadvertently cloud it if not rigorously tested.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Sepsis is the result of a dysregulated immune response to infection and is associated with acute organ dysfunction. The syndrome's complexity is contingent upon the underlying pathology and individual patient characteristics, including their immune response. The involvement of multiple organs and physiological functions adds complexity, with "organ cross-talk" emerging as a pivotal pathophysiological and clinical aspect.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: To generate consensus and provide expert clinical practice statements for the management of adult sepsis in resource-limited settings.
Methods: An international multidisciplinary Steering Committee with expertise in sepsis management and including a Delphi methodologist was convened by the Asia Pacific Sepsis Alliance (APSA). The committee selected an international panel of clinicians and researchers with expertise in sepsis management.
Objectives: The use of plasma uracil measurements to detect dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency is one of the methods for preventing toxicities associated with fluoropyrimidines, including 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). Unfortunately, this measurement is subject to variations, that may lead to unnecessary dosage reductions and therefore to a reduced efficacy of treatment. Recently, new factors such as hepatic and renal impairment have been proposed as also influencing uracil concentration.
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