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Background: Wildfires are increasingly common with wildfire smoke affecting millions globally, yet its impact on immune responses is poorly understood., Objective: This real-world study, conducted on participants in the Pfizer BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine trial, studied the effects of wildfire smoke exposure on long-term vaccine immunity., Methods: We recruited 52 healthy, non-smoking individuals (ages 26-83) who were either vaccinated (Group 1, n=28) or placebo injected (Group 2, n=24) during heavy wildfire smoke conditions. Group 2 subjects received vaccination several months later, outside of wildfire season. Blood was taken before and 1 month after vaccine or placebo injections, and 6 months after vaccination. We analyzed intracellular cytokines, B and NK cell markers by flow cytometry, and serum immunoglobulin levels against common coronaviruses using multiplex assays., Results: A robust spike receptor-binding domain (S-RBD)-specific IgG response observed 1 month post booster, declined variably 6 months later. Wildfire smoke acutely increased IL-13 expression by CD56 bright NK cells at the time of vaccination, that negatively correlated with anti-S-RBD IgG (r=-0.41, p<0.05). Total IgG levels positively correlated with the air quality index (AQI) measured during vaccination (r=0.96, p<0.01). Similarly to age (but not sex, BMI or race/ethnicity), the two-week AQI averages during vaccination showed a significant negative correlation with anti-S-RBD IgG levels 6 months later (r=-0.41, p<0.05)., Conclusion: Wildfire smoke may lead to inappropriate immunoglobulin production and diminished vaccine immunity. We highlight a previously unrecognized pathway involving NK-cell derived IL-13 and non-specific B-cell activation and underscore the significance of environmental exposures in shaping immunity., (Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Wildfires are increasingly common with wildfire smoke affecting millions globally, yet its impact on immune responses is poorly understood. Natural Killer (NK) cells play a role in mediating air pollutant effects and regulating vaccine immunity., Objective: This real-world study, conducted on participants in the Pfizer BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine trial, studied the effects of wildfire smoke exposure on long-term vaccine effects., Methods: We collected blood samples from 52 healthy, non-smoking participants (ages 26-83) before and 1 month after placebo or vaccine injections during heavy wildfire smoke events in Sacramento. The study included 28 vaccinated (Group 1) and 24 placebo-injected (Group 2) individuals, the latter vaccinated several months later, outside wildfire season. Blood samples from both Group 1 and 2 were also investigated 6 months after the second dose of vaccine. We analyzed intracellular cytokines, B and NK cell markers by flow cytometry, and serum immunoglobulin levels against common coronaviruses using multiplex assays., Results: A robust S-RBD-specific IgG response observed 1 month post booster, declined variably 6 months later. Wildfire smoke acutely increased IL-13 expression by CD56bright NK cells. IL-13+CD56bright NK cells at the time of vaccination negatively correlated with anti-S-RBD IgG (r=-0.41, p<0.05) one month later. Total IgG levels on the other hand, positively correlated with the air quality index (AQI) measured during vaccination (r=0.96, p<0.01). Similarly to age (but not sex, BMI or race/ethnicity), the two-week AQI averages during vaccination showed a significant negative correlation with anti-S-RBD IgG levels 6 months later (r=-0.41, p<0.05)., Conclusion: Wildfire smoke may lead to inappropriate immunoglobulin production and diminished vaccine immunity. Our novel findings highlight a previously unrecognized pathway involving NK-cell derived IL-13 and non-specific B-cell activation and underscore the significance of environmental exposures in shaping immunity.

Rationale: Pulmonary innate immune cells play a central role in the initiation and perpetuation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), however the precise mechanisms that orchestrate the development and severity of COPD are poorly understood., Objectives: We hypothesized that the recently described family of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) play an important role in COPD., Methods: Subjects with COPD and healthy controls were clinically evaluated, and their sputum samples were assessed by flow cytometry. A mouse model of spontaneous COPD [genetically deficient in surfactant protein-D (SP-D -/- )] and ozone (O 3 ) exposure were used to examine the mechanism by which lack of functional SP-D may skew ILC2s to produce IL-17A in combination with IL-5 and IL-13, leading to a mixed inflammatory profile and more severe disease., Measurements and Main Results: COPD was characterized by poor spirometry, sputum inflammation, and the emergence of sputum GATA3 + ILCs (ILC2s), but not T-bet + ILCs (ILC1s) nor RORγt + ILCs (ILC3s). COPD subjects with elevated sputum ILC2s (the ILC2 high group) had worse spirometry and sputum neutrophilia and eosinophilia than healthy and ILC2 low subjects. This was associated with the presence of dual-positive IL-5 + IL-17A + and IL-13 + IL-17A + ILCs and nonfunctional SP-D in the sputum in ILC2 high subjects. SP-D -/- mice showed spontaneous airway neutrophilia. Lack of SP-D in the mouse lung licensed ILC2s to produce IL-17A, which was dose-dependently inhibited by recombinant SP-D. SP-D -/- mice showed enhanced susceptibility to O 3 -induced airway neutrophilia, which was associated with the emergence of inflammatory IL-13 + IL-17A + ILCs., Conclusions: We report that the presence of sputum ILC2s predicts the severity of COPD, and unravel a novel pathway of IL-17A plasticity in lung ILC2s, prevented by the immunomodulatory protein SP-D.

Autophagy, apoptosis, and the unfolded protein response (UPR) are fundamental biological processes essential for manifold cellular functions in health and disease. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and lethal pulmonary disorder associated with aging that has limited therapies, reflecting our incomplete understanding. We conducted an observational study linking molecular markers of cell stress response pathways (UPR: BiP, XBP1; apoptosis: cleaved caspase-3; autophagy: LC3β) in lung tissues from IPF patients and correlated the expression of these protein markers to each subject's lung function measures. We hypothesized that changes in lung tissue expression of apoptosis, autophagy, and UPR markers correlate with lung function deficits in IPF. The cell stress markers BiP, XBP1, LC3β puncta, and cleaved caspase-3 were found to be elevated in IPF lungs compared to non-IPF lungs, and, further, BiP and cleaved caspase-3 co-localized in IPF lungs. Considering lung function independently, we observed that increased XBP1, BiP, and cleaved caspase-3 were each associated with reduced lung function (FEV1, FVC, TLC, RV). However, increased lung tissue expression of LC3β puncta was significantly associated with increased diffusion capacity (DLCO), an indicator of alveolar-capillary membrane function. Similarly, the co-localization of UPR (XBP1, BiP) and autophagy (LC3β puncta) markers was positively correlated with increased lung function (FEV1, FVC, TLC, DLCO). However, the presence of LC3β puncta can indicate either autophagy flux inhibition or activation. While the nature of our observational cross-sectional study design does not allow conclusions regarding causal links between increased expression of these cell stress markers, lung fibrosis, and lung function decline, it does provide some insights that are hypothesis-generating and suggests that within the milieu of active UPR, changes in autophagy flux may play an important role in determining lung function. Further research is necessary to investigate the mechanisms linking UPR and autophagy in IPF and how an imbalance in these cell stress pathways can lead to progressive fibrosis and loss of lung function. We conclude by presenting five testable hypotheses that build on the research presented here. Such an understanding could eventually lead to the development of much-needed therapies for IPF.

Rationale: There is little doubt that aerosols play a major role in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The significance of the presence and infectivity of this virus on environmental surfaces, especially in a hospital setting, remains less clear., Objectives: We aimed to analyze surface swabs for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and infectivity, and to determine their suitability for sequence analysis., Methods: Samples were collected during two waves of COVID-19 at the University of California, Davis Medical Center, in COVID-19 patient serving and staff congregation areas. qRT-PCR positive samples were investigated in Vero cell cultures for cytopathic effects and phylogenetically assessed by whole genome sequencing., Measurements and Main Results: Improved cleaning and patient management practices between April and August 2020 were associated with a substantial reduction of SARS-CoV-2 qRT-PCR positivity (from 11% to 2%) in hospital surface samples. Even though we recovered near-complete genome sequences in some, none of the positive samples (11 of 224 total) caused cytopathic effects in cultured cells suggesting this nucleic acid was either not associated with intact virions, or they were present in insufficient numbers for infectivity. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 genomes of the positive samples were derived from hospitalized patients. Genomic sequences isolated from qRT-PCR negative samples indicate a superior sensitivity of viral detection by sequencing., Conclusions: This study confirms the low likelihood that SARS-CoV-2 contamination on hospital surfaces contains infectious virus, disputing the importance of fomites in COVID-19 transmission. Ours is the first report on recovering near-complete SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences directly from environmental surface swabs., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Importance: Data on the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are needed., Objective: To determine whether hydroxychloroquine is an efficacious treatment for adults hospitalized with COVID-19., Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a multicenter, blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trial conducted at 34 hospitals in the US. Adults hospitalized with respiratory symptoms from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection were enrolled between April 2 and June 19, 2020, with the last outcome assessment on July 17, 2020. The planned sample size was 510 patients, with interim analyses planned after every 102 patients were enrolled. The trial was stopped at the fourth interim analysis for futility with a sample size of 479 patients., Interventions: Patients were randomly assigned to hydroxychloroquine (400 mg twice daily for 2 doses, then 200 mg twice daily for 8 doses) (n = 242) or placebo (n = 237)., Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was clinical status 14 days after randomization as assessed with a 7-category ordinal scale ranging from 1 (death) to 7 (discharged from the hospital and able to perform normal activities). The primary outcome was analyzed with a multivariable proportional odds model, with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) greater than 1.0 indicating more favorable outcomes with hydroxychloroquine than placebo. The trial included 12 secondary outcomes, including 28-day mortality., Results: Among 479 patients who were randomized (median age, 57 years; 44.3% female; 37.2% Hispanic/Latinx; 23.4% Black; 20.1% in the intensive care unit; 46.8% receiving supplemental oxygen without positive pressure; 11.5% receiving noninvasive ventilation or nasal high-flow oxygen; and 6.7% receiving invasive mechanical ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), 433 (90.4%) completed the primary outcome assessment at 14 days and the remainder had clinical status imputed. The median duration of symptoms prior to randomization was 5 days (interquartile range [IQR], 3 to 7 days). Clinical status on the ordinal outcome scale at 14 days did not significantly differ between the hydroxychloroquine and placebo groups (median [IQR] score, 6 [4-7] vs 6 [4-7]; aOR, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.73 to 1.42]). None of the 12 secondary outcomes were significantly different between groups. At 28 days after randomization, 25 of 241 patients (10.4%) in the hydroxychloroquine group and 25 of 236 (10.6%) in the placebo group had died (absolute difference, -0.2% [95% CI, -5.7% to 5.3%]; aOR, 1.07 [95% CI, 0.54 to 2.09])., Conclusions and Relevance: Among adults hospitalized with respiratory illness from COVID-19, treatment with hydroxychloroquine, compared with placebo, did not significantly improve clinical status at day 14. These findings do not support the use of hydroxychloroquine for treatment of COVID-19 among hospitalized adults., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04332991.

Background: Interstitial lung abnormality (ILA) is found in 5-10% of the general population and is associated with increased mortality risk. Risk factors for ILA, including advanced age and smoking history also increase the risk for aortic stenosis (AS). Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become an increasingly utilized intervention for patients with severe AS, and requires a high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest to assess aortic valve dimensions., Objectives: To determine the prevalence and clinical significance of ILA on HRCT performed in patients referred for TAVR., Methods: Consecutive pre-TAVR HRCTs performed over a 5-year period were reviewed. ILA was defined as bilateral, nondependent reticular opacities. All-cause mortality among TAVR recipients was compared between ILA cases and non-ILA controls matched 2:1 by age and gender using Cox proportional hazards regression and the Kaplan Meier estimator., Results: Of 623 HRCTs screened, ILA was detected in 92 (14.7%), including 62 patients that underwent TAVR. Among ILA cases, 17 (27.4%) had a typical or probable usual interstitial pneumonia pattern, suggesting a diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Survival was worse in ILA cases compared to non-ILA controls (p = 0.008) and ILA was an independent predictor of mortality after multivariable adjustment (HR 3.29, 95% CI 1.34-8.08; p = 0.009)., Conclusions: ILA is a common finding among patients with severe AS and is associated with increased mortality in those undergoing TAVR. Further research is needed to elucidate the biology underpinning this observation and determine whether ILA evaluation and risk stratification modulates this mortality risk., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

We examined the effect of dietary supplementation with L-arginine on breath condensate VEGF, exhaled nitric oxide (NO), plasma erythropoietin, symptoms of acute mountain sickness, and respiratory related sensations at 4,342 m through the course of 24 h in seven healthy male subjects. Serum L-arginine levels increased in treated subjects at time 0, 8, and 24 h compared with placebo, indicating the effectiveness of our treatment. L-arginine had no significant effect on overall Lake Louise scores compared with placebo. However, there was a significant increase in headache within the L-arginine treatment group at 12 h compared with time 0, a change not seen in the placebo condition between these two time points. There was a trend (p = 0.087) toward greater exhaled NO and significant increases in breath condensate VEGF with L-arginine treatment, but no L-arginine effect on serum EPO. These results suggest that L-arginine supplementation increases HIF-1 stabilization in the lung, possibly through a NO-dependent pathway. In total, our observations indicate that L-arginine supplementation is not beneficial in the prophylactic treatment of AMS.

Background/purpose: Mono-L-aspartyl chlorin e6 (NPe6) is a photosensitizer that exhibits chemical purity, absorption at 664 nm wavelength and may be useful in photodynamic therapy (PDT)., Methods: This open label phase I clinical trial at the University of California, Davis Medical Center examined the pharmacokinetic properties of Npe6 and clinical response to PDT with this photosensitizer. A single intravenous dose of Npe6 was administered to 14 cancer patients with superficial malignancies (basal cell carcinoma = 22 lesions, squamous cell cancer = 13 lesions, papillary carcinoma = 14 lesions). Patients received one of five ascending doses (0.5 mg/kg (n = 4), 1.0 mg/kg (n = 3), 1.65 mg/kg (n = 3), 2.5 mg/kg (n = 3), or 3.5 mg/kg (n = 1)) 4-8 h prior to light activation. The total light dose (range 25-200 J/cm2) depended on the tumor shape and size. Light was delivered using an argon-pumped tunable dye laser. Serum NPe6 concentrations were measured over a 28-day period. The toxicity and cutaneous clinical efficacy of NPe6 were observed., Results: Four weeks post-PDT, 20 of 22 basal cell carcinoma tumors (91%) showed a complete response. Eighteen of 27 other malignant cutaneous tumors showed a complete (n = 15/27, 56%) or partial (n = 3/27, 11%) response. Fewer non-responders were seen at an Npe6 dose level of 1.65 mg/kg or higher. Only 2 of 14 patients experienced an adverse event that was definitely related to NPe6 administration. Photosensitivity resolved within 1 week of NPe6 dosing in 12 of 14 patients. Analysis of serum levels of 11 individual patients indicated that a two-compartment model with a residual phase best fits the data. The mean alpha, beta, and terminal half-lives were 8.63+/-2.92, 105.90+/-37.59 and 168.11+/-53.40 h (+/-1 SD), respectively. The observed mean volume of distribution was 5.94+/-2.55 l, and the mean clearance was 0.0394+/-0.0132 l/h. These values were independent of the dose administered., Conclusion: The photosensitizer, NPe6, was well tolerated with minimal phototoxic side effects, and demonstrated preliminary efficacy against cutaneous malignancies.