Bioactive compounds derived from herbal medicinal plants modulate various therapeutic targets and signaling pathways associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the world's primary cause of death. Ginkgo biloba, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine with notable cardiovascular actions, has been used as a cardio- and cerebrovascular therapeutic drug and nutraceutical in Asian countries for centuries. Preclinical studies have shown that ginkgolide B, a bioactive component in Ginkgo biloba, can ameliorate atherosclerosis in cultured vascular cells and disease models. Of clinical relevance, several clinical trials are ongoing or being completed to examine the efficacy and safety of ginkgolide B-related drug preparations in the prevention of cerebrovascular diseases, such as ischemia stroke. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the pharmacological activities, pharmacokinetic characteristics, and mechanisms of action of ginkgolide B in atherosclerosis prevention and therapy. We highlight new molecular targets of ginkgolide B, including nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases (NADPH oxidase), lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), platelet-activating factor (PAF), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and others. Finally, we provide an overview and discussion of the therapeutic potential of ginkgolide B and highlight the future perspective of developing ginkgolide B as an effective therapeutic agent for treating atherosclerosis.

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics and related socio-demographic factors of schizo-phrenia patients with different ages of onset.Methods:Totally 2 016 patients with schizophrenia aged 15 to 70 were selected according to the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fifth Edition.All of the patients were interviewed by psychiatrists using the Mini International Neuropsy-chiatric Interview to diagnose schizophrenia,Clinical-Rated Dimensions of Psychosis Symptom Severity(CRDPSS)and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS)to assess symptoms.The cut-off points were 18 and 25 years old for three age groups,i.e.early onset(EOS),youth onset(YOS)and adult onset(AOS).Statistical analy-ses were performed by analysis of variance Pearson correlation analysis,and multivariate linear regression.Results:The early-onset patients had the highest total PANSS score(73.8±28.0)and CRDPSS score(11.7±5.4).Fe-male gender,high education level,Han ethnicity,early onset age,and slower onset of illness were negatively corre-lated with the total and dimension score of PANSS scale and CRDPSS scale(standardized regression coefficient:0.04-0.47),and income level and smoking were negatively correlated with those score(standardized regression coefficient:-0.04--0.14).Conclusion:Early-onset schizophrenia patients have more severe symptoms,and fe-male,high education level,early-onset disease,and chronic onset are the risk factors of symptom severity in patients with schizophrenia.

Objective:To explore the association between environment exposure and hormone-sensitive cough in patients with chronic cough.Methods:Clinical data of 197 patients with chronic cough visited outpatient clinic of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from June 2016 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 130 cases of corticosteroid responsive cough (CRC, 66.0%) and 67 cases of non-corticosteroid responsive cough (NCRC, 34.0%). The association between living environment exposure and hormone sensitivity was examined with a binary logistic regression analysis.Results:Among 197 patients with chronic cough, there were 82 males (41.6%) and 115 females (58.4%). 75.1% (148/197) had a history of smoking, and 16.8% (33/197) had a history of allergies. 66.0% (130/197) lived in the city center, 18.3% (36/197) had a chemical factory around their place of residence, 11.2% (22/197) renovated their homes within the first six months of the disease, 15.7% (31/197) purchase new furniture, 54.3% (107/197) plant flowers and plants in their houses, 21.3% (42/197) keep pets in their houses, 79.2% (156/197) had lived in their houses for more than 2 years, 71.1% (140/197) had cockroaches in their houses, 16.2% (32/197) had mold in their houses, 83.3% (164/197) had a frequency of air conditioning cleaning exceeds 2 months per time.There were 130 patients (66.0%) with CRC and 67 patients (34.0%) with NCRC.Binary logistic regression analysis showed that living close to the main road ( OR=2.296, 95% CI: 1.350-3.904, P=0.002), living near chemical factories ( OR=3.322, 95% CI: 2.158-5.573, P<0.001), history of allergy ( OR=2.175, 95% CI: 1.165-4.058, P=0.015), purchasing new furniture within 6 months ( OR=2.828, 95% CI: 1.402-5.706, P=0.004), cotton and linen curtains ( OR=1.875, 95% CI: 1.038-3.388, P=0.037) were positively correlated with CRC; while down and wool pillowcases and quilts ( OR=0.142, 95% CI: 0.033-0.602, P=0.008; OR=0.207, 95% CI: 0.067-0.640, P=0.006) and low ventilation frequency ( OR=0.281, 95% CI: 0.131-0.603, P=0.001) were negatively correlated with CRC. Conclusion:Hormone-sensitive cough patients account the most of chronic cough cases, and there are differences in the living environment exposure between CRC and NCRC patients, which provides information for corresponding interventions to prevent and manage CRC.

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of hypothermic antegrade machine perfusion against canine ischemic brain injury.Methods:Thirteen beagle dogs were divided into the mild hypothermia with perfusion group ( n=6) and normothermia with perfusion group ( n=7) according to the random number table. The model of ischemic brain injury was established by neck transection. After 1 hour of ischemic circulatory arrest, the perfusion fluid based on autologous blood was continuously perfused through bilateral common carotid artery for 6 hours. The temperature of the perfusion fluid was set at 33 ℃ in the mild hypothermia with perfusion group and 37℃ in the normothermia with perfusion group, respectively. Blood oxygen saturation was recorded at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 hours after the beginning of perfusion to evaluate the perfusate oxygen level. The perfusate was collected, and the levels of Na +, K +, Ca 2+ and glucose as well as the pH value of the perfusate were detected in the two groups. At the end of perfusion, the parietal brain tissues of 1 dog from each group were collected to evaluate the water contents of brain tissues. Nissl staining was used to evaluate the morphological integrity of the pyramidal neurons in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. Neuronal nuclei antigen (NeuN) was used to evaluate the structural and morphological integrity of pyramidal neurons. Immunofluorescence glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ionic calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) were used to evaluate the integrity and activity of astrocytes and microglia fragments. Results:At 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 hours of perfusion, there was no significant difference in the blood oxygen saturation or Na + concentrations between the two groups (all P>0.05); the K + concentrations in the mild hypothermia with perfusion group were (4.57±0.12)mmol/L, (4.67±0.14)mmol/L, (4.27±0.12)mmol/L, (4.45±0.10)mmol/L, (6.60±0.15)mmol/L, (7.37±0.18)mmol/L and (9.03±0.16)mmol/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the normothermia with perfusion group [(4.84±0.10)mmol/L, (5.31±0.13)mmol/L, (5.44±0.24)mmol/L, (5.70±0.18)mmol/L, (7.79±0.18)mmol/L, (10.44±0.40)mmol/L, (10.40±0.41)mmol/L] (all P<0.01). At 0, 1, 2 and 3 hours of perfusion, the Ca 2+ concentrations in the mild hypothermia with perfusion group were (0.72±0.15)mmol/L, (1.55±0.16)mmol/L, (1.62±0.15)mmol/L and (1.88±0.15)mmol/L, respectively, being significantly higher than those in the normothermia with perfusion group [(0.41±0.13)mmol/L, (0.99±0.12)mmol/L, (1.29±0.13)mmol/L, (1.57±0.11)mmol/L] (all P<0.01), and no significant differences were found at other time points (all P>0.05). At 0, 1 and 2 hours of perfusion, the glucose concentrations in the mild hypothermia with perfusion group were (5.75±0.19)mmol/L, (5.17±0.15)mmol/L and (4.72±0.15)mmol/L, respectively, being significantly higher than those in the normothermia with perfusion group [(5.30±0.22)mmol/L, (4.89±0.20)mmol/L, (4.30±0.17)mmol/L] (all P<0.01), with no significant differences found at other time points (all P>0.05). At 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 hours of perfusion, the pH values of the mild hypothermia with perfusion group were 7.32±0.06, 7.25±0.02, 7.23±0.02, 7.24±0.02 and 7.24±0.02, respectively, being significantly higher than those in the normothermia with perfusion group (7.26±0.01, 7.21±0.01, 7.17±0.02, 7.15±0.02, 7.08±0.02) ( P<0.05 or 0.01), with no significant differences at other time points (all P>0.05). The water content of brain tissues in the mild hypothermia with perfusion group was (74.9±0.4)%, which was significantly lower than (79.9±0.9)% in the normothermia with perfusion group ( P<0.01). Nissl staining showed that the pyramidal neurons in prefrontal cortex and dentate gyrus had good integrity in the mild hypothermia with perfusion group. NeuN immunofluorescence staining showed that the morphology and structure of pyramidal neuron cells in the mild hypothermia with perfusion group were better with clearly visible axons than those in the normothermia with perfusion group, whereas the cytosol was full and swollen with scarce axons in the normothermia with perfusion group. GFAP and Iba1 immunofluorescence staining showed that more structurally intact glial cells, more abnormally active cells, thickener axons and better axon integrity in all directions were found in the mild hypothermia with perfusion group than those in the normothermia with perfusion group. Conclusion:Compared with normal temperature antegrade mechanical perfusion, the mild hypothermia antegrade mechanical perfusion can protect canine brain tissue and alleviate ischemic brain injury by maintaining stable energy and oxygen supply, balancing ion homeostasis and perfusion fluid pH value, reducing tissue edema, and maintaining low metabolism of pyramidal neurons, astrocytes and microglia.

【Objective】 To analyze the basic characteristics of whole blood donors from blood stations before and after the outbreak of COVID-19. 【Methods】 After excluding invalid data, data related to the basic characteristics of whole blood donors collected from 26 blood stations in China during 2018 to 2021 were statistically analyzed, including the trend of total whole blood donors, the number of repeated blood donors, the frequency of blood donation, the average age of donors and the recruitment of first-time blood donors. 【Results】 Affected by the epidemic, 8 out of 14 indicators were with large variations, accounting for 57%. The overall growth rate of total whole blood donors during the epidemic was higher than before the epidemic (P<0.05).The number of repeated blood donors has shown an increased trend, with a higher number during the epidemic than before (P<0.05). The frequency of blood donation was lower during the epidemic than before(P<0.05).Average ages of blood donors and female blood donors fluctuated widely during the epidemic, both higher than those before the epidemic(P<0.05).The donation rate of first-time blood donors <25 years old and ≥25 years old varied widely and irregularly during the epidemic (both P<0.05). The percentage of first-time blood donors fluctuated irregularly during the epidemic, with overall percentage lower than that before the epidemic(P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 Whole blood donors from 26 blood stations increased after the outbreak of COVID-19, and some indicators in certain areas showed significant fluctuations during the epidemic.

Purpose: Immunotherapy (IO) plus tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) has become the first-line treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma, despite the lack of prognostic biomarkers. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) affects the tumor microenvironment, which may influence the efficacy of TKI+IO. Materials and Methods: Two cohorts from our center (Zhongshan Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma [ZS-MRCC] cohort, Zhongshan High-risk Localized Renal Cell Carcinoma [ZS-HRRCC] cohort) and one cohort from a clinical trial (JAVELIN-101) were enrolled. The expression of CDK5 of each sample was determined by RNA sequencing. Immune infiltration and T cell function were evaluated by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Response and progression-free survival (PFS) were set as primary endpoints. Results: Patients of low CDK5 expression showed higher objective response rate (60.0% vs. 23.3%) and longer PFS in both cohorts (ZS-MRCC cohort, p=0.014; JAVELIN-101 cohort, p=0.040). CDK5 expression was enhanced in non-responders (p < 0.05). In the ZS-HRRCC cohort, CDK5 was associated with decreased tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells, which was proved by immunohistochemistry (p < 0.05) and flow cytometry (Spearman’s ρ=–0.49, p < 0.001). In the high CDK5 subgroup, CD8+ T cells revealed a dysfunction phenotype with decreased granzyme B, and more regulatory T cells were identified. A predictive score was further constructed by random forest, involving CDK5 and T cell exhaustion features. The RFscore was also validated in both cohorts. By utilizing the model, more patients might be distinguished from the overall cohort. Additionally, only in the low RFscore did TKI+IO outperform TKI monotherapy. Conclusion High-CDK5 expression was associated with immunosuppression and TKI+IO resistance. RFscore based on CDK5 may be utilized as a biomarker to determine the optimal treatment strategy.

Exercise therapy is an important part of the comprehensive treatment of peripheral vascular diseases, including walking, high-intensity intermittent exercise, resistance exercise and other forms. This article reviews the intensity (exercise load, severity of claudication during exercise, increase of exercise volume) and duration (duration of each exercise, exercise rest ratio, weekly exercise frequency, duration of treatment course) of exercise, and points out that medical and nursing staff should formulate personalized "exercise prescriptions" according to patients' tolerance, and provide personalized nursing guidance to patients, so that patients with peripheral vascular diseases can obtain great benefits in exercise therapy.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on function of lung ventilation in the patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy using electrical impedance tomography (EIT).Methods:Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients of both sexes, aged 18-64 yr, with body mass index of 18.5-24.9 kg/m 2, undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, were divided into 2 groups ( n=30 each) using a random number table method: control group (CON group) and TEAS group.EIT was carried out after entering the operating room.In group TEAS, bilateral Feishu (BL13) and Chize (LU5) acupoints were stimulated, while stimulation electrodes were only placed without electricity in group CON.The percentages of area in center of ventilation and tidal volume in the dependent areas were determined on admission to the operating room (T 1), at 5 min after tracheal intubation (T 2), at 5 min after CO 2 pneumoperitoneum (T 3), at 5 min after CO 2 was exhausted (T 4), and at 5 and 30 min after removal of the tracheal tube (T 5, 6). Radial artery blood samples were collected for blood gas analysis at T 1, T 3 and T 6, and the oxygenation index (OI) and alveolar-arterial oxygen difference (A-aDO 2) were calculated.Blood samples were taken from the peripheral vein at T 1, T 3 and T 6 for determination of the serum concentrations of Clara cell secretion protein (CC16), interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Results:Compared with the baseline at T 1, the percentages of area in center of ventilation and tidal volume in dependent areas at T 2-6 and OI and A-aDO 2 at T 6 were significantly decreased, and the serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6 and CC16 were increased at T 3 and T 6 in two groups ( P<0.05). Compared with group CON, the percentage of tidal volume in dependent areas at T 5, 6 and OI at T 6 were significantly increased, and A-aDO 2 and serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6 and CC16 were decreased at T 6 in group TEAS ( P<0.05). Conclusions:TEAS can improve the function of lung ventilation in the patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Objective:To explore the effect of multiple intelligences theory combined with the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation (ADDIE) model in surgical clinical practice teaching.Methods:A total of 100 residents trained in Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery of Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College from July 2019 to April 2020 were randomly divided into the control group ( n=50) and the observation group ( n=50). The control group used the ADDIE model, and the observation group adopted the multiple intelligences theory combined with the ADDIE model. The teaching assessment of the two groups was compared, and the core competence, critical thinking ability, self-evaluation, and teaching satisfaction of the two groups were evaluated. SPSS 22.0 was used for Chi-square test and t-test. Results:The scores of basic knowledges of gastrointestinal surgery, surgical clinical thinking and case analysis, routine skills and operations, and the total scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05). The scores of professional knowledge and skills, patient safety and rights, scientific research and academic ability, professional ethics, teamwork, personal and professional development ability in the observation group were higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05). While, there was no significant difference in the mastering of knowledge between the two groups ( P>0.05). The four dimensions of learning interest, self-learning ability, innovation ability, and clinical thinking establishment in the observation group were higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Multiple intelligences theory combined with ADDIE model in surgical clinical practice teaching can improve the teaching assessment results, significantly enhance the core competence, stimulate the learning interest, cultivate the self-learning ability and innovation ability of residents, and help them to establish clinical thinking ability.

Objective:To explore the risk factors of acute kidney injury(AKI) in patients after radical nephrectomy.Methods:We retrospectively collected clinical information of 920 patients with renal cell carcinoma who underwent radical nephrectomy at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from February 2013 to September 2017. There were 612 male and 308 female patients included in this study, with a median age of 60 (range from 20-75 years). 313 patients (34.0%) had hypertension, 132 patients (14.3%) had diabetes, and 111 patients (12.1%) had smoking history. 829 cases (90.1%) were in stage 1-2 for preoperative renal function staging, and 91 cases (9.9%) were in stage 3-5. Preoperative hemoglobin was lower than the lower limit of normal in 391 cases (42.5%), white blood cell count increased in 66 cases (7.2%), and platelet increased in 72 cases (7.8%). Albumin was lower than the lower limit of normal in 65 cases (7.1%), lactate dehydrogenase increased in 73 cases (7.9%). blood urea nitrogen increased in 48 cases (5.2%), uric acid increased in 123 cases (13.4%), and urinary protein was positive in 88 cases (9.7%). 496 cases (53.9%) underwent open surgery and 424 (46.1%) underwent laparoscopic surgery. The changes in serum creatinine were followed up within 48 hours after surgery. AKI was defined according to the KDIGO standard. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for postoperative stage 2-3 AKI in patients.Results:Stage 1-3 AKI occurred on 627, 42 and 10 patients during hospitalization, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that diabetes ( OR=2.34, P=0.01), positive urine protein ( OR=2.22, P=0.04), and elevated white blood cell count ( OR=2.54, P=0.02) were significantly associated with postoperative stage 2-3 AKI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes ( OR=2.51, P=0.01) and elevated white blood cell count ( OR=2.69, P=0.02) were independent risk factors for postoperative stage 2-3 AKI. Conclusion:Renal cell carcinoma patients with diabetes or preoperative elevated white blood cell count are more likely to develop stage 2-3 AKI after radical nephrectomy.