Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in which excessive and abnormal neuronal discharges can be observed and is characterized by recurrent seizures. The epileptogenesis is usually involved in neuropathological processes such as ion channel dysfunction, neuronal injury, inflammatory response, synaptic plasticity, glial cell proliferation and mossin fibrosis, currently the pathogenesis of epilepsy is not yet completely understood. A growing body of studies have shown that epigenetic regulation, such as histone modifications, DNA methylation, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), and restrictive element-1 silencing transcription factor/neuron-restrictive silencing factor (REST/NRSF) are also involved in epilepsy. However, the functional roles of epigenetics in pathogenesis and treatment of epilepsy are still to be explored. Therefore, in this review, we will summarize latest advances concerning the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation in epilepsy, which provide novel insight into therapy and biomarkers for epilepsy.

Aims: We aim to find out the factors affecting the use of anticoagulants and the intensity of their choices, and to establish a basis for improving neurologists’ effective implementation of the guidelines. Methods: A cross-sectional study is conducted in Hubei province in central China. Each neurologist completes a standard-structured anonymous questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. The problems include the attitude and options about anticoagulant therapy. Results: A total of 611 neurologists from 38 hospitals respond to this survey. For the best treatment of atrial fibrillation, more than 80% of physicians choose anticoagulant therapy. For patients with atrial fibrillation and cerebral infarction, physicians think Warfarin is the preferred drug as high as 93.8%. Among the anticoagulant drugs ever used by clinicians, the use rate of Warfarin is 93.8%, but the use rate of direct oral anticoagulants is extremely low. The use of direct oral anticoagulants is related to the educational level and the geographical location of the hospital. Bleeding risk is the first reason influencing clinicians’ choice of Warfarin, accounts for 88.9%. 97.7% of the clinicians recommend patients with Warfarin regularly monitoring the INR, but the frequency of monitoring is inconsistent. Clinicians have a high willingness to learn about AF, but the proportion of hospitals carry out appropriate training is low. Conclusions: There are still some gaps with the guidelines on the choice of anticoagulant drugs. Neurologists have positive attitude towards anticoagulant therapy and a strong willingness to learn, but the corresponding training is lacking. Continuous professional training is necessary.