Autoreactive B cells recruited to lungs by silica exposure contribute to local autoantibody production in autoimmune-prone BXSB and B cell receptor transgenic mice.

Occupational exposure to inhaled crystalline silica dust (cSiO2) is linked to systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody vasculitis. Each disease has a characteristic autoantibody profile used in diagnosis and implicated in pathogenesis. A role for cSiO2 in modulating humoral autoimmunity is supported by findings in mice, where respirable cSiO2 induces ectopic lymphoid structures as well as inflammation in exposed lungs across genetically diverse backgrounds.

C3d Elicits Neutrophil Degranulation and Decreases Endothelial Cell Migration, with Implications for Patients with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency (AATD) is characterized by increased risk for emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), vasculitis, and wound-healing impairment. Neutrophils play a central role in the pathogenesis of AATD. Dysregulated complement activation in AATD results in increased plasma levels of C3d.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and Tobacco Smoking: Exploring Risk Factors and Smoking Cessation in a Registry Population.

The ZZ genotype of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is strongly associated with COPD, even in never-smokers. Moderate AATD genotypes (MZ and SZ) have been shown to increase the severity of COPD in smokers. In this comparative study, we examine the association between AATD, genotypes, and smoking cessation.

Community nursing services during the COVID-19 pandemic: the Singapore experience.

Community nurses in Singapore support vulnerable older persons with chronic health condition(s). In the situation of scaled-down community health and social services during the COVID-19 outbreak, the community nursing team adopted measures for pandemic preparedness. This report is to share the Singapore General Hospital community nursing experience, preparation and transforming efforts during the pandemic.