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Bupivacaine is frequently used for regional anesthesia and postoperative analgesia. However, an inadvertent intravenous injection can cause severe cardiotoxicity, manifesting as arrhythmia, hypotension, and even cardiac asystole. The mechanism of bupivacaine-mediated cardiotoxicity remains unclear. SK2 knockout mice (SK) and wild-type mice (WT) were divided into four groups, with 12 mice per group. We determined the difference in bupivacaine cardiotoxicity between SK2 knockout and WT mice by measuring the time to the first arrhythmia (Tarrhythmia) and the time to asystole (Tasystole). Secondary indicators of cardiotoxicity were the time from the beginning of bupivacaine infusion to 20% prolongation of the QT interval (TQT) and the time to 20% widening of the QRS complex (TQRS). Tarrhythmia and Tasystole were significantly longer in the SK-bupi group than in the WT-bupi group (both P < 0.05). TQT and TQRS were longer in the SK-bupi group than in the WT-bupi group (all P < 0.05). The time to 25%, 50%, and 75% reduction in HR in the SK-bupi group was significantly longer than in the WT-bupi group (all P < 0.05). Knocking out the SK2 channel can reduce bupivacaine-induced cardiotoxicity in the mouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apelin has been reported to regulate mitochondrial function in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, the role of apelin-13 in lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (LIRI) remains unclear. This study established an experimental rat model to evaluate the underlying mechanisms of apelin-13 on LIRI. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided to sham operation group (group SM), ischemia/reperfusion group (group IR), and apelin-13 treatment group (group APL). The effects of apelin-13 on LIRI were determined histologically using H&E staining, while the wet/dry weight ratio was used to assess lung edema caused by LIRI. Inflammatory cytokines were also detected in Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid by ELISA. The protein expression of UCP2 and the morphological changes of mitochondria were determined by western blotting and electromicroscopy, respectively. The results demonstrated the structural damage of lung tissues and lung edema in group IR. An increased level of inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α was observed in rats with LIRI using ELISA. After that, oxidative stress and morphological damage of mitochondria were also shown in group IR. Yet, the application of apelin-13 reversed all these deleterious effects in group APL. The protective effects of apelin-13 were indicated by decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and elevated UCP2 expression levels in rats. In conclusion, this study revealed that apelin-13 had protective effects against LIRI via attenuating lung edema, the production of inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Syphilis testing guidelines in China are usually based on symptomatic criteria, overlooking risk assessment and ultimately opportunities for disease detection and control. We used data from 10,695 sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic patients in Guangxi, China, to assess the efficacy of a potential screening tool inquiring about behavioural and health risk factors in identifying the STD patients who should not be triaged for syphilis testing under current guidelines, but on the contrary receive such testing. Validity testing of the screening tool was performed and receiver-operating characteristic curves were plotted to determine an optimal total risk score cut-off for testing. About 40.9% of patients with positive toluidine red unheated serum test and Treponema pallidum particle agglutination test did not show hallmark signs of syphilis. The screening tool was more sensitive in detecting infection in non-triaged male versus female patients (highest sensitivity = 90% vs. 55%) and the cut-off score to warrant testing was lower in non-triaged female patients than in non-triaged male patients (cut-off = 1 vs. 2). Most of the cases were missed among female STD patients. In spite of selective testing based on behavioural and health indicators that improve case detection, cases were still missed. Our study supports universal testing for syphilis in the STD population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ti–6Al–4V alloy was joined with TiB2–Ni cermet by using pulsed current heating and hot pressing. The properties were found to be better with the pulsed current process, because the current enhanced the growth of Ni–Ti phase at the junction between the two materials. Furthermore, the heat affected zone is localised in the pulsed current process relative to that in the hot pressed material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zhen Wang and Zhenqiang Fu contributed equally to this report.Moyamoya syndrome is a term applied to typical moyamoya vasculopathy with well-recognized associated conditions. Several systematic studies on the entities of moyamoya syndrome with autoimmune disease have been reported. We report a case of moyamoya syndrome with antiphospholipid antibodies and provide a review of relevant cases from the literature, describing the clinical characteristics and treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminium nitride (AlN) transparent ceramic was fabricated by a spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. Samples were processed at 1800°C, 25 MPa pressure, and 6 Pa vacuum without sintering additives, and at different heating rates and sintering durations ranging from 4 to 20 min. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigation indicated that the ceramics prepared by SPS had good transparency, because of its high purity, fine particle size, and uniform microstructure. Dislocations and pores in crystals were observed by TEM, which adversely affect the transmittance of AlN transparent ceramics. Experiments showed that the SPS technique is an effective method for the fabrication of transparent ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulse electric current sintering (PECS) of TiB2 powders has been investigated. The spark effect and current skin effect were observed during sintering, but the degree to which they affect samples is determined by heating rates. The production of 'spark' during PECS is favoured for higher heating rates, whereas the current skin effect is more evident at lower heating rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]