Associations of circulating matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases with clinically relevant outcomes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Data from the IPF-PRO Registry.

Introduction: We assessed the prognostic utility of circulating levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in the IPF-PRO Registry.

Methods: MMP and TIMP concentrations were quantified by ELISA in plasma from 300 patients. A Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to assess associations between select MMPs and TIMPs and death and disease progression (absolute decline in forced vital capacity ≥10% predicted, death, or lung transplant).

Ochre-based compound adhesives at the Mousterian type-site document complex cognition and high investment.

Ancient adhesives used in multicomponent tools may be among our best material evidences of cultural evolution and cognitive processes in early humans. African is known to have made compound adhesives from naturally sticky substances and ochre, a technical behavior proposed to mark the advent of elaborate cognitive processes in our species. Foragers of the European Middle Paleolithic also used glues, but evidence of ochre-based compound adhesives is unknown.

Circulating metabolic profile in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: data from the IPF-PRO Registry.

Background: The circulating metabolome, reflecting underlying cellular processes and disease biology, has not been fully characterized in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We evaluated whether circulating levels of metabolites correlate with the presence of IPF, with the severity of IPF, or with the risk of clinically relevant outcomes among patients with IPF.

Methods: We analyzed enrollment plasma samples from 300 patients with IPF in the IPF-PRO Registry and 100 individuals without known lung disease using a set of targeted metabolomics and clinical analyte modules.

Preoperative sleep apnea screening protocol reduces medical emergency team activation in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Study Objectives: The association of in-hospital medical emergency team activation (META) among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is unclear. This study evaluates the performance of the DOISNORE50 sleep questionnaire as an OSA screener for patients with AF and determines the prevalence of META among perioperative patients with underlying AF who have a diagnosis or are at risk for OSA.

Methods: A prospective perioperative cohort of 2,926 patients with the diagnosis of AF was assessed for DOISNORE50 questionnaire screening.