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Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disease caused by T-cell dysfunction. Recently, several studies have shown that a disturbed Th17/Treg balance contributes to the development of ITP. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA moleculesthat posttranscriptionally regulate gene expression. Emerging evidences have demonstrated that miRNAs play an important role in regulating the Th17/Treg balance. In the present study, we found that miR-641 was upregulated in ITP patients. In primary T cells, overexpression of miR-641 could cause downregulation of its target genes STIM1 and SATB1, thus inducing a Th17 (upregulated)/Treg (downregulated) imbalance. Inhibition of miR-641 by a miR-641 sponge in primary T cells of ITP patients or by antagomiR-641 in an ITP murine model could cause upregulation of STIM1 and SATB1, thus restoring Th17/Treg homeostasis. These results suggested that the miR-641-STIM/SATB1 axis plays an important role in regulating the Th17/Treg balance in ITP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Internal thoracic arteries (ITAs) are considered to be the standard conduits used for coronary revascularization. Recently minimally invasive procedures are performed to harvest ITAs. The aim of this retrospective cohort study is to observe the effect and safety of less invasive LIMA harvesting approaches in the learning curve compared to conventional harvesting.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 138 patients divided into three different groups based on the LIMA harvesting techniques: conventional sternotomy LIMA harvesting, CSLH (n: 64), minimally invasive direct LIMA harvesting, MIDLH (n: 42), and robotic-assisted LIMA harvesting, RALH (n: 32). The same 138 patients were also divided into sternotomy (n: 64), and non-sternotomy (n: 74) groups keeping both MIDLH and RALH in the non-sternotomy category. Parameters associated with LIMA's quality and some other perioperative parameters such as harvesting time, LIMA damage, perioperative myocardial infarction, ventilation time, 24 h drainage, ICU stay, hospital mortality, computed tomographic angiography (CTA) LIMA patency on discharge, and after one year were recorded.Results: The mean LIMA harvesting time was 36.9 ± 14.3, 74.4 ± 24.2, and 164.7 ± 51.9 min for CSLH, MIDLH, and RALH groups respectively (p < 0.001). One patient 1/32 (3.1%) in the RALH group had LIMA damage while the other two groups had none. One-month LIMA CTA patency was 56/57 (98.2%), 34/36 (94.4%), and 27/27 (100%) (p = 0.339), while 1 year CTA patency was 47/51 (92.1%), 30/33 (90.9%), and 24/25 (96%) for CSLH, MIDLH, and RALH groups respectively (p = 0.754). In the case of sternotomy vs non-sternotomy, the LIMA harvesting time was 36.9 ± 14.3 and 113.6 ± 59.3 min (p < 0.001). CTA patency on discharge was 56/57 (98.2%) and 61/63 (96.8%) (p = 0.619), while 1 year CTA patency was 47/51 (92.1%) and 54/58 (93.1%) (p = 0.850) for sternotomy vs non-sternotomy groups.Conclusion: Minimally invasive left internal mammary artery harvesting techniques during the learning curve are safe and have no negative impact on the quality of LIMA. Perioperative outcomes are comparable to conventional procedures except for prolonged harvesting time. RALH is the least invasive and most time-consuming procedure during the learning curve. These procedures are safe and can be performed for selected patients even during the learning curve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internal thoracic arteries (ITAs) are the gold standard conduits for coronary revascularization because of their long-term patency and anti-atherosclerotic properties. Harvesting and preparation of ITAs for revascularization is a technically demanding procedure with multiple challenges. Over the last few decades, various methods and techniques for ITAs harvesting have been introduced by different surgeons and applied in clinical practice with different results. Harvesting of ITAs in pedicled or skeletonized fashion, with electrocautery or harmonic scalpel, with open or intact pleura, with clipping the end or keeping it perfused; papaverine delivery with intraluminal injection, perivascular injection, injecting into endothoracic fascia, and papaverine topical spray are the different techniques introduced by the number of researchers. At the same time, access to the ITAs for harvesting has also been studied. Access and harvesting through median sternotomy, mini anterolateral thoracotomy, thoracoscopic, and robotic-assisted harvesting of ITAs are the different techniques used in clinical practice. However, the single standard method for harvesting and preparation of ITAs has yet to be determined. In this review article, we aimed to discuss and analyze all these techniques of harvesting and preparing ITAs with the help of literature to find the best way for ITAs harvesting and preparation for myocardial revascularization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objective: China has the largest population of patients with epilepsy worldwide, which imposes a heavy burden on the public and health care systems. Several epidemiological surveys on epilepsy have been performed in China. Although these surveys grossly describe the prevalence and gap in treatment of epilepsy, the status of epilepsy centers is unclear. The number of epilepsy centers has increased substantially in recent decades. Therefore, a nationwide investigation of the scale and distribution, personnel, equipment, and epilepsy care capacity of each epilepsy center is of great value. Methods: In 2017–2018, a multicenter cross‐sectional survey was performed by the Commission on Standardized Development of Epilepsy Centers, China Association Against Epilepsy in 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. The survey consisted of 74 questions divided into four sections: (1) overview, (2) personnel, (3) essential equipment and facilities, and (4) epilepsy care service capacity. The questions ranged from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: There were 358 epilepsy centers for the 1.38 billion national population in 2016. Three quarters were in the eastern and western regions, and >90% were in tertiary hospitals. There were 9688 doctors engaged in epilepsy care, and 4.8% of doctors and electrophysiological physicians/technicians passed the national test for electroencephalography technical accreditation. A total of 9667 patients underwent resective surgeries in 2016. There were 888 vagus nerve stimulation procedures and 275 deep brain stimulation procedures. Significance: This study is the first unique survey of epilepsy centers in China. Despite their rapid development, epilepsy centers cannot meet patients' needs at this stage. The results provide data‐based evidence for the formulation of policies related to epilepsy service planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]