Quantification and Proteomic Characterization of ß-Hydroxybutyrylation Modification in the Hearts of AMPKα2 Knockout Mice.

AMP-activated protein kinase alpha 2 (AMPKα2) regulates energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and glucolipid metabolism myocardial cells. Ketone bodies produced by fatty acid ß-oxidation, especially ß-hydroxybutyrate, are fatty energy-supplying substances for the heart, brain, and other organs during fasting and long-term exercise. They also regulate metabolic signaling for multiple cellular functions. Lysine ß-hydroxybutyrylation (Kbhb) is a ß-hydroxybutyrate-mediated protein posttranslational modification. Histone Kbhb has been identified in yeast, mouse, and human cells. However, whether AMPK regulates protein Kbhb is yet unclear. Hence, the present study explored the changes in proteomics and Kbhb modification omics in the hearts of AMPKα2 knockout mice using a comprehensive quantitative proteomic analysis. Based on mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis, the number of 1181 Kbhb modified sites in 455 proteins were quantified between AMPKα2 knockout mice and wildtype mice; 244 Kbhb sites in 142 proteins decreased or increased after AMPKα2 knockout (fold change >1.5 or <1/1.5, p < 0.05). The regulation of Kbhb sites in 26 key enzymes of fatty acid degradation and tricarboxylic acid cycle was noted in AMPKα2 knockout mouse cardiomyocytes. These findings, for the first time, identified proteomic features and Kbhb modification of cardiomyocytes after AMPKα2 knockout, suggesting that AMPKα2 regulates energy metabolism by modifying protein Kbhb.

Successful Rescue of the Victim Exposed to a Super High Dose of Iridium-192 during the Nanjing Radiological Accident in 2014.

Here we report on the interventions taken to treat a patient exposed to high-dose radiation and provide a protocol for treating such patients in the future. The patient, Mr. Wang, was a 58-year-old male janitor who was accidentally exposed to a 192Ir source with an activity of 966.4 GBq or 26.1 Ci. The dose estimated to the lower right limb was 4,100 Gy, whereas the whole-body effective dose was 1.51 Gy. The diagnosis was made according to the results of the patient dose estimation and clinical manifestations. Systemic treatment included stimulating bone marrow hematopoietic cells, enhancing immunity, anti-infection and vitamin supplements. The treatment of radiation-induced skin lesions consisted of several debridements, two skin-flap transplantations and application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Skin-flap transplantations and MSCs play important roles in the recovery of skin wound. A combination of antibiotics and antimycotic was useful in reducing inflammation. The application of vacuum sealing drainage was effective in removing necrotic tissue and bacteria, ameliorating ischemia and hypoxia of wound tissue, providing a fresh wound bed for wound healing and improving skin or flap graft survival rates. The victim survived the accident without amputation, and function of his highly exposed right leg was partially recovered. These results demonstrate the importance of collaboration among members of a multidisciplinary team in the treatment of this patient.

[An epidemic outbreak of respiratory infection caused by Chlamydia pneumoniae in medical workers].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical manifestations and the chest imaging characteristics of an epidemic outbreak of respiratory infection caused by Chlamydia pneumoniae (CP). METHODS: A prospective study for CP infection in 15 patients from September 2003 was carried out. Sputum and throat swab specimen were obtained and CP DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Serum samples were obtained and immunoglobulin G and M (IgG and IgM) of antibodies to CP. pneumoniae were studied by microimmunofluorescence test. Chest X-ray and computed tomography were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: All patients presented fever, headache, sore throat, hoarseness, muscular ache, and dry cough. Acute cough was often associated with chest pain. The sputum blood was present in 3 patients (20%). Moist rales were heard in 4 patients. Chest imaging abnormalities were present in 67% (10 patients). The organism was demonstrated in 87% (13 patients) by PCR. The most common imaging abnormalities were unilateral and (or) bilateral multi-focal or solitary alveolar nodular opacities (9 patients). The patchy shadows were found in 2 patients, and pulmonary consolidation associated with the local pulmonary edema in 1 patient. Hilar or mediastinal lymphadenopathy and pleural effusion was not found. CONCLUSIONS: The colony occurrences and similar clinical and chest imaging manifestations are characteristics of an outbreak of respiratory infection caused by CP in medical workers. An outbreak of respiratory infection caused by CP should be differentiated from severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).