Chromatin in the nuclear landscape.

Chromatin affects many, if not all aspects, of nuclear organization and function. For this reason, we have focused our attention on elucidating some of the basic mechanisms regulating the formation and maintenance of chromatin, specifically concerning Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) and PR-Set7. PRC2 is responsible for catalyzing trimethylation of lysine 27 of histone H3 and thus has a critical role in the formation of facultative heterochromatin. PR-Set7 is responsible for catalyzing monomethylation of lysine 20 of histone H4 and is required for proper cell cycle progression and DNA damage response. We have also expanded our work to establish novel techniques and approaches to determine how chromatin is spatially regulated within the nuclear landscape.

Dialysis in the elderly. New possibilities, new problems.

In the last 2 decades, there has been a phenomenal increase in the number of incident and prevalent elderly patients receiving renal replacement therapy (RRT) and this trend is likely to continue. This article reviews the changing demographics of the renal patient population and discusses the possible reasons for this. The profile of the older adult patient group is discussed, and specific demands and requirements of this patient group are explained. In particular, the authors concentrate on dialysis mode and vascular access; malnutrition; falls and fractures; cognitive impairment and depression and drugs and pain. It is clear that the ''old old'' can benefit significantly from dialysis despite an increasing burden of comorbidity and prognosis on dialysis is discussed. In order to properly inform patients about treatment options it is essential to provide information about prognosis. For some patients dialysis may not be the preferred option and for others withdrawal from dialysis may be appropriate. Nephrologists therefore also need to be familiar with end of life issues and palliative symptom control.