Ginkgolide B (GB) is one of the ginkgolides isolated from leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree. The aim of this study was to investigate whether GB has a protective effect on high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) of rats. HACE was induced by hypobaric hypoxia exposure for 24 hours in an animal decompression chamber with the chamber pressure of 267 mmHg to simulate an altitude of 8000 m. Before the exposure, three doses (3, 6, and 12 mg·kg(-1)) of GB were given intraperitoneally (ip) daily for 3 days. Effects of GB on brain water content (BWC), activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), concentration of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), expression of active caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) were measured. In GB pretreatment groups (6 and 12 mg·kg(-1), but not 3 mg·kg(-1)), BWC, the concentration of MDA, the expression of active caspase-3 and PARP were reduced significantly, while the activity of SOD and concentration of GSH were significantly increased. In conclusion, these results indicate that GB has a protective effect on cerebral edema caused by high altitude in rats. The protective effect of GB might be attributed to its antioxidant properties and suppression of the caspase-dependent apoptosis pathway.

Background: Nurse competence is a combination of knowledge, performance, skills, and attitudes that are required in fulfilling one's role as a nurse. So far, few comprehensive studies have explored the influencing factors of nurse competence. Method: The competence levels of 160 RNs in a Chinese hospital were evaluated using a questionnaire method, and the relationship between competence results and nursing characteristics was analyzed. Results: The competence of participating nurses was at a medium level. Among all the characteristics, education and staffing levels were two main factors influencing nurse competence. Conclusion: Quantity of nurses and quality of nursing service are two main issues facing the modern nursing system. The findings from this study provide useful information and suggestions on how to improve nurse competence to nurse industry personnel, including nurses, nursing employers, educators, and students. [ J Contin Educ Nurs . 2019;50(12):572–580.]