Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of non-coding RNAs, which are more stable than linear RNAs for their closed circular structure by covalent bond. CircRNAs exist in a large variety of cells and regulate the expressions of target genes. Moreover, circRNAs are closely related to various diseases and have a potential value as biomarkers and prognostic markers clinically. In this article, the classification and biological functions of circRNA molecules (including being as microRNA sponges, regulating gene transcription, regulating RNA binding protein and the potential translation function) are summarized, and the latest research progress of circRNAs in rheumatoid arthritis is reviewed.
American College of Cardiology (ACC) issued the updated expert consensus decision pathway on the management of mitral regurgitation in April 2020. The whole process in caring patients with mitral valve regurgitation from patient evaluation to treatment choice was discussed in the consensus. The main change from the 2017 version is the confirmation of the effect of transcatheter mitral valve repair on secondary mitral regurgitation. It standardized the process in this field. In this paper, we aimed to introduce the focus update of this consensus.
Through analyzing the relevant regulations of organ transplantation in China, we identified the problems in the regulations of organ transplantation in China, including more strict limitation of the living organ donors resulting in a serious shortage of organ supply, difficulties in preventing the hidden organ trading, and opaque process of organ allocation resulting in unfair distribution. We also put forward the solutions to address above problems, including the improvement of organ transplantation regulations, establishment of the reimbursement mechanism for organ donation, rational mechanism of organ allocation and the brain death criteria, so as to promote more comprehensive sources of organ donation for the patients with end-stage organ failure.