Astrocytes (ASTs) and oligodendroglial lineage cells (OLGs) are major macroglial cells in the central nervous system. ASTs communicate with each other through connexin (Cx) and Cx-based network structures, both of which allow for quick transport of nutrients and signals. Moreover, ASTs interact with OLGs through connexin (Cx)-mediated networks to modulate various physiological processes in the brain. In this article, following a brief description of the infrastructural basis of the glial networks and exocrine factors by which ASTs and OLGs may crosstalk, we focus on recapitulating how the interactions between these two types of glial cells modulate myelination, and how the AST-OLG interactions are involved in protecting the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and regulating synaptogenesis and neural activity. Recent studies further suggest that AST-OLG interactions are associated with myelin-related diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. A better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying AST-OLG interactions may inspire the development of novel therapeutic strategies for related brain diseases.
Humans ; Myelin Sheath ; Astrocytes ; Oligodendroglia ; Brain ; Brain Diseases

Background/Aims: Lyon consensus differentiates acid exposure time (AET) as physiological, borderline, and pathological. Mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) and post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave index (PSPWi) are believed to increase diagnostic yield of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and correlate with symptom outcome of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment. We aim to explore the clinical characteristics and the correlation of pH-impedance parameters with PPI response in Chinese patients with different AET levels. Methods: We retrospectively investigated 177 patients with typical reflux symptoms who received esophageal function tests. The demographics, GERD questionnaire scores, the proportion of esophagitis and PPI responders, and manometric and pH-impedance parameters were compared among patients with AET < 4%, 4-6%, and > 6%. In patients with AET ≥ 4%, manometric and pH-impedance parameters were compared between PPI responders and non-responders. Results: Among 177 patients, 69 (39.0%) had AET 4-6%, and 53 (29.9%) had AET > 6%. The demographics, esophagogastric junction type, and occurrence of ineffective esophageal motility were similar between patients with AET 4-6% and > 6%, but different from AET < 4%. MNBI and PSPWi were different among different AET levels, but similar between PPI responders and non-responders in patientswith AET ≥ 4%. Conclusions It is reasonable to set 4% as a threshold to define pathological AET in Chinese patients. MNBI and PSPWi could identify GERD patients, but may not correlate with PPI response of Chinese GERD patients.

Objective:To establish the normal values of water-perfused high resolution esophageal manometry (HREM)(GAP-36A) at resting period, water swallowing, semisolid swallowing and solid swallowing in Chinese population.Methods:From September 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020, 91 healthy volunteers receiving water-perfused HREM (GAP-36A) at resting period, water swallowing, semisolid swallowing and solid swallowing were selected from 9 hospitals (Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University; the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University; the Second Affiliated Hospital, Naval Medical University; the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University; the First Affiliated Hospital, University of Science and Technology of China; Aviation General Hospital of China Medical University; the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University and the First People′s Hospital of Yichang). Parameters included the position of the upper and lower edges of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the length of the LES and UES, the position of the pressure inversion point (PIP), the resting pressure of UES and LES and swallow-related parameters such as the distal contraction integral (DCI), 4 s integrated relaxation pressure (IRP), distal latency (DL) and UES residual pressure. One-way analysis of variance, post-hoc test and sum rank test were used for statistical analysis.Results:A total of 87 healthy volunteers were enrolled, including 40 males and 47 females, aged (38.5±14.2) years old (ranged from 19 to 65 years old). The position of the upper and lower edges of the LES was (42.7±2.8) and (45.6±2.8) cm, respectively, the length of the LES was (2.9±0.4) cm, and the position of PIP was (43.3±2.8) cm. The position of the upper and lower edges of the UES was (18.1±3.0) and (22.6±2.0) cm, respectively, and the length of the UES was (4.8±1.0) cm. The resting pressure of LES and UES was (17.4±10.7) and (84.1±61.1) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), respectively. The DCI value at solid swallowing was higher than those at water swallowing and semisolid swallowing ((2 512.4±1 448.0) mmHg·s·cm vs. (2 183.2±1 441.2) and (2 150.8±1 244.8) mmHg·s·cm), and the differences were statistically significant ( t=-4.30 and -3.74, both P<0.001). The values of 4 s IRP at semisolid swallowing and solid swallowing were lower than that at water swallowing ((4.6±4.1) and (4.9±3.9) mmHg vs. (5.4±3.9) mmHg), and the differences were statistically significant ( t=3.38 and 2.09, P=0.001 and 0.037). The DL at water swallowing was shorter than those at semisolid swallowing and solid swallowing ((8.5±1.8) s vs. (9.8±2.2) and (10.6±2.8) s), and the DL at semisolid swallowing was shorter than that at solid swallowing, and the differences were statistically significant ( t=-10.21, -13.91 and -4.68, all P<0.001). The UES residual pressure at water swallowing was higher than those at semisolid swallowing and solid swallowing (9.5 mmHg, 6.5 to 12.3 mmHg vs. 8.0 mmHg, 4.5 to 11.7 mmHg and 5.5 mmHg, 2.0 to 9.3 mmHg), and the UES residual pressure at semisolid swallowing was higher than that at solid swallowing, and the differences were statistically significant ( t=3.48, 10.30 and 6.35, all P<0.001). Conclusions:The normal values of water-perfused HREM (GAP-36A) in Chinese population at resting period, water swallowing, semisolid swallowing and solid swallowing can provide a reference basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment for patients receiving water-perfused HREM examination.

Background: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) strategies in COVID-19 patients differ from those in patients suffering from cardiogenic cardiac arrest. During CPR, both healthcare and non-healthcare workers who provide resuscitation are at risk of infection. The Working Group for Expert Consensus on Prevention and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Cardiac Arrest in COVID-19 has developed this Chinese Expert Consensus to guide clinical practice of CPR in COVID-19 patients. Main recommendations: 1) A medical team should be assigned to evaluate severe and critical COVID-19 for early monitoring of cardiac-arrest warning signs. 2) Psychological counseling and treatment are highly recommended, since sympathetic and vagal abnormalities induced by psychological stress from the COVID-19 pandemic can induce cardiac arrest. 3) Healthcare workers should wear personal protective equipment (PPE). 4) Mouth-to-mouth ventilation should be avoided on patients suspected of having or diagnosed with COVID-19. 5) Hands-only chest compression and mechanical chest compression are recommended. 6) Tracheal-intubation procedures should be optimized and tracheal-intubation strategies should be implemented early. 7) CPR should be provided for 20-30 min. 8) Various factors should be taken into consideration such as the interests of patients and family members, ethics, transmission risks, and laws and regulations governing infectious disease control. Changes in management: The following changes or modifications to CPR strategy in COVID-19 patients are proposed: 1) Healthcare workers should wear PPE. 2) Hands-only chest compression and mechanical chest compression can be implemented to reduce or avoid the spread of viruses by aerosols. 3) Both the benefits to patients and the risk of infection should be considered. 4) Hhealthcare workers should be fully aware of and trained in CPR strategies and procedures specifically for patients with COVID-19.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of gastrointestinal symptoms and liver function injury in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods:From January 23, 2020 to February 29, 2020, the medical records of 251 patients with COVID-19 admitted to the West Campus of the Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, were collected. The proportion of the patients with gastrointestinal symptoms including anorexia, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain were analyzed respectively. The patients were divided into common type (76 cases), severe type (65 cases) and critical type (110 cases). The incidence of liver function injury and the changes of liver function parameters such as total bilirubin (TBil), direct bilirubin (DBil), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), albumin and globulin of the patients with different clinical types and with or without gastrointestinal symptoms were analyzed. Mann-Whitney U test, Chi square test and Fisher′s exact test were used for statistical analysis. Results:The main gastrointestinal symptoms of patients with COVID-19 were anorexia (33.9%, 85/251), diarrhea (12.0%, 30/251), nausea and vomiting (7.6%, 19/251) and abdominal pain (1.2%, 3/251). 143 patients (57.0%) had liver function injury, the rate of liver function injury in critical type patients was 75.5% (83/110), which was higher than that of common type patients (40.8%, 31/76) and severe type patients (44.6%, 29/65), and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=22.765 and 16.865, both P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with liver function injury between common type and severe type patients ( P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of liver function injury between patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and those without gastrointestinal symptoms (57.8%(67/116) vs. 56.3%(76/135), P>0.05). The median values of TBil, DBil, ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, LDH and globulin level of critical type patients were 13.5 μmol/L, 4.9 μmol/L, 44.5 U/L, 50.0 U/L, 64.0 U/L, 41.0 U/L, 527.0 U/L and 33.6 g/L respectively. The proportions of critical type patients with TBil level >34.2 μmol/L, DBil level>13.6 μmol/L, ALT level>80 U/L and AST level>80 U/L were 7.3% (8/110), 7.3% (8/110), 17.3% (19/110) and 17.3% (19/110), respectively. These results were all higher than those of common type patients (9.5 μmol/L, 2.9 μmol/L, 28.5 U/L, 28.5 U/L, 54.0 U/L, 25.5 U/L, 225.5 U/L, 30.1 g/L, 0, 0, 6.6% (5/76) and 2.6% (2/76) ) and severe type patients (10.4 μmol/L, 3.4 μmol/L, 30.0 U/L, 31.0 U/L, 49.0 U/L, 25.0 U/L, 284.0 U/L, 30.7 g/L, 0, 0, 6.2% (4/65) and 1.5% (1/65)), and the differences were statistically significant ( Z=-4.264, -5.507, -4.000, -6.558, -3.112, -4.333, -4.858, -3.873, Fisher′s exact test, Fisher′s exact test, χ2=4.574, 9.620; Z=-3.060, -3.850, -3.923, -5.005, -9.495, -7.651, -3.853, -2.725, Fisher′s exact test, Fisher′s exact test, χ2=4.425, 10.169; all P<0.01). The median values of pre-albumin level, albumin level and the albumin to globulin ratio of critical type patients were 85.3 g/L, 28.2 g/L and 0.8, which were all lower than those of common type patients (157.3 g/L, 32.3 g/L and 1.1, respectively) and severe type patients (133.6 g/L, 31.6 g/L and 1.1, respectively), and the differences were statistically significant ( Z=-6.631, -3.647, -4.924, -4.503, -5.283 and -3.903, all P<0.01). The median albumin level of patients with diarrhea was lower than that of patients without diarrhea (28.2 g/L vs. 30.5 g/L), the proportion of diarrhea patients whose TBil level >20.0 to 34.2 μmol/L was higher than that of patients without diarrhea (70.0%, 21/30 vs. 10.9%, 24/221), and the differences were statistically significant ( Z=-2.182, χ2 =62.788; both P<0.05). Conclusions:Anorexia is the most common digestive symptom in COVID-19 patients, and the incidences of abdominal pain is low. The incidence of liver function injury of critical type patients is high. There is no significant correlation between gastrointestinal symptoms and liver function injury, and patients with diarrhea have lower albumin levels.

Objective To investigate the symptom,esophageal motility characteristics and the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)in patients with typeⅠ,Ⅱand Ⅲ gastroesophageal junction (EGJ)diagnosed by high resolution esophageal manometry(HREM).Methods From 6th January to 27th December in 2012,the clinical data of 171 patients with reflux symptoms and received HREM were retrospectively analyzed.According to the Chicago classification V.3.0,the patients were divided into EGJ type Ⅰ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ groups.The age,body mass index(BMI),GERD related symptoms,esophageal motility parameters and the incidence of GERD were compared among the three groups.Chi-square test, t test and analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis.Relationship between EGJ types and other variables were analyzed by Spearman rank correlation.Results In 171 patients,136 cases(79.5%)with type Ⅰ EGJ,22 cases(12.9%)with type Ⅱ EGJ and 13 cases(7.6%)with type Ⅲ EGJ.The age of patients with type Ⅱ EGJ was significantly older than that of patients with type Ⅰ EGJ((56.5 ± 2.3) years vs(48.6 ± 1.0)years,t=2.992,P=0.003),however the differences were not statisticant when compared with type Ⅲ EGJ patients((51.2 ± 3.8)years,P> 0.05).The BMI of patients with typeⅢ EGJ was higher than that of typeⅠand typeⅡEGJ patients((26.0 ± 1.3)kg/m2vs(21.9 ± 0.3)kg/m2and (23.5 ± 0.6)kg/m2),and the difference was statistically significant(t=4.082 and 2.108,both P<0.05). The resting pressure of lower esophageal sphincter(LES)of patients with type Ⅱ and Ⅲ EGJ were lower than that of typeⅠEGJ((10.6 ± 1.5)mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)and(3.4 ± 0.7)mmHg vs(17.1 ± 0.7)mmHg),and the resting pressure of LES of type Ⅲ EGJ was lower than that of type Ⅱ EGJ((3.4 ± 0.7)mmHg vs(10.6 ± 1.5)mmHg),and the differences were all statistically significant(t= -3.882,-6.411 and -2.769,all P< 0.01).The amplitude of contraction at 11 cm above LES and distal contractile integral(DCI)of patients with type Ⅲ EGJ were both lower than those of patients with typeⅠ EGJ((32.2 ± 5.4)mmHg vs(48.5 ± 2.5)mmHg,and(392.0 ± 94.1)mmHg·s·cm vs(805.1 ± 61.4)mmHg·s·cm),and the differences were statistically significant(t= -2.580 and -2.041,both P<0.05).The incidences of GERD in patients with type Ⅰ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ EGJ were 68.4%(93/136), 77.3%(17/22)and 10/13,respectively,and the difference was not statistically significant(χ2 =1.021, P=0.600).EGJ types were positively correlated with age and BMI(r= 0.214 and 0.290,both P<0.01).However,EGJ types were negatively correlated with the LES resting pressure,contraction amplitudes at 7 cm and 11 cm above the LES,and DCI(r= -0.474,-0.182,-0.333 and -0.191,all P<0.05).Conclusions Aging,overweight and obesity are risk factors of the LES and crural diaphragm separation.EGJ types are not predictable based on symptoms.The esophageal motility seems to decrease in patients with type Ⅱ and Ⅲ EGJ,the incidence of GERD in patients with type Ⅰ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ EGJ are all high.

Objective To explore the effect of food improvement on the retention time of nasogastric tube in stroke patients with dysphagia. Methods Sixty cases were assigned to the control group(30 cases) and the experimental group(30 cases) by random digits table method, the control group received routine nasogastric feeding, and the experimental group were given texture modified foods and thickened liquid to try to help them eating through the mouth. The feeding tube was pull out when the person in experimental group was capable of taking texture modified foods and thickened liquid without difficulty,while the tube was pull out when the person in control group was able to eat regular food and drink regular fluids. The retention time of nasogastric tube of two groups was compared. Results The retention time of nasogastric tube was(6.13±2.96)d in the experimental group and(18.93±7.58)d in the control group, there was significant difference (t =-8.162, P<0.01). Conclusions Food improvement can effectively shortenthe retention time of nasogastric tube in stroke patients with dysphagia.

Objective To investigate the application of plasma creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) ,N-ter-minal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)and myocardial nutrient-1(CT-1)in the diagnosis of neonatal asphyxia complicating myocardial injury .Methods Eighty cases of neonatal asphyxia in the hospital from Jan-uary to December 2016 were selected ,including 28 cases in the asphyxia non-myocardial injury group ,32 cases in the mild asphyxia myocardial injury group and 20 cases in the severe asphyxia myocardial injury group .Oth-er 80 healthy neonates were selected as the control group .The levels of plasma CK-MB ,NT-proBNP and CT-1 on 1 ,3 ,5 d after birth were measured by adopting the ELISA method .The relationship between plasma CK-MB ,NT-proBNP and CT-1 levels with prognosis in neonatal asphyxia was analyzed .Then the application value of plasma CK-MB ,NT-proBNP and CT-1 in the prognosis evaluation of neonatal asphyxia complicating myo-cardial injury was analyzed by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve .Results Plasma NT-proBNP ,CK-MB and CT-1 levels in the control group had no statistically significant difference among 1 ,2 ,3 d after birth (P>0 .05) ,but plasma CK-MB ,NT-proBNP and CT-1 levels on postnatal 3 d in the neonatal as-phyxia group reached the peak value ,plasma CK-MB ,NT-proBNP and CT-1 level on postnatal 1 ,3 d in the se-vere asphyxia myocardial injury group and mild asphyxia myocardial injury group were significantly higher than those in the non-myocardial injury group and control group ,and w hich in the non-myocardial injury group were higher than those in the control group ,the differences were statistically significant (P<0 .05) .Plasma NT-proBNP ,CK-MB and CT-1 levels on postnatal 5 d in the non-myocardial injury group and mild asphyxia myocardial injury group returned to normal levels ,w hile w hich in the severe asphyxia myocardial injury group were still higher than those in the other groups ,the differences were statistically significant (P<0 .05) .The levels of plasma CK-MB ,NT-proBNP and CT-1 in the death neonates with neonatal asphyxia were higher than those in the survival neonates ,and the difference was statistically significant (P<0 .05) .The sensitivity and specificity of combined detection of plasma CK-MB ,NT-proBNP and CT-1 for the prognosis diagnosis in neo-nates with asphyxia complicating myocardial injury were higher than that of single index .Conclusion The early determination of plasma CK-MB ,NT-proBNP and CT-1 levels will be helpful to effectively evaluate the myocardial injury severity and prognosis in asphyxia neonates and has an important clinical value .

Objective To summarize the clinical symptoms of patients with non-erosive reflux disease(NERD) and reflux esophagitis(RE),which is helpful to the differential diagnosis.Methods Outpatients who met the criteria of NERD or RE according to the Montreal definition in Gastroenterology Department Wuhan Union Hospital from 2010-2014 were enrolled in our study.Clinical data were comprehensively collected.Incidence of disease,severity,frequency of esophageal and extraesophageal symptoms,and the rates of overlapping with functional dyspepsia (FD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were all studied.Results Totally 446 subjects were recruited,including 225 patients with NERD and 221patients with RE.The occurrence rates of esophageal symptoms including heartburn [76.0％ (171/225) vs 52.0％ (115/221),P ＜ 0.01] and acid regurgitation [74.7％ (168/225) vs 54.3％ (120/221),P ＜0.05] in NERD group were significantly higher than those in RE patients,with more severe and frequent (P ＜ 0.05).Despite the rates of food regurgitation were similar,NERD patients behaved more severely and frequently (P ＜ 0.05).Extraesophageal symptoms including throat burning and foreign body sensation in NERD group [40.9％ (92/225) vs 27.6％ (61/221),42.2％ (95/225) vs 31.7％ (70/221),all P ＜0.05] were also higher than those in RE group,the degree of which was more severe too (P ＜ 0.05).RE patients claimed a higher proportion of chronic cough.The incidences of overlapping with IBS in two groups were similar.But there were more patients with FD in NERD group [72.0％ (162/225) vs 62.9％ (139/221),P ＜ 0.05] than in RE group.Conclusions The menifestations and degree of esophageal and extraesophageal symptoms in patients with NERD or RE are different,as well as comorbidities such as FD and IBS.These results suggest that NERD and RE are independent diseases.

Objective To compare the differences of lifestyle factors between patients with functional constipation (FC)and constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C).Methods From February 2011 to December 2014,255 patients with chronic constipation were enrolled.Among them,there were 170 FC patients and 85 IBS-C patients.At the same period,170 healthy volunteers without symptoms of digestive diseases within one year were recruited as control.The data of demographic information and lifestyle factors were collected.First,single variant analysis was performed for statistical analysis and then the statistically significant variants were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. Then the factors of FC and IBS-C patients were analyzed by decision tree model and the effects of factors under different categories were analyzed.Results The results of single variant analysis indicated that there was no difference in lifestyle factors between FC group and IBS-C group (all P >0.05).The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that no independent protective or risk factors were found in IBS-C group compared with FC group.According to decision tree model analysis,body mass index (BMI),water intake per day and constipation family history were finally enrolled.The incidence of FC was higher in patients with BMI < 23.56 kg/m2 (except 18.74 to < 19.83 kg/m2 )(79.75 %).The incidence of FC was higher in patients with BMI from 18.74 to <19.83 kg/m2 and water intake <1 L
(66.67%).The incidence of FC was highest in patients with BMI≥23.56 kg/m2 and family history of constipation (70.00%).The total prediction accuracy of this model was 64.6% (42/65 )and area under curve (AUC)value was 0.688.Conclusions FC and IBS-C are related with many lifestyle factors.Low BMI and less water intake per day are influence factors of FC,while higher BMI and family history of constipation are influence factors of IBS-C.