Abstract: The methods and assays described herein relate to the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of subjects with emphysema, COPD, and/or cigarette-induced lung damage. In some embodiments, the methods and assays relate to subjects with a decreased level of NLRX1 expression. In some embodiments, the methods and assays relate to the administration of an agonist of NLRX1 and/or an inhibitor of MAVS.

Abstract: A medical suture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a body unit, a suture body, a plurality of protrusions formed on the suture body, and an anchoring cone detachably coupled to the suture body. The medical suture may have an excellent fixing force in a tissue after insertion into the body, thus to effectively perform suturing and lifting the tissue, as well as reduce a risk of infection, and a suture kit including the suture.

Abstract: The methods and assays described herein relate to the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of subjects with emphysema, COPD, and/or cigarette-induced lung damage. In some embodiments, the methods and assays relate to subjects with a decreased level of NLRX1 expression. In some embodiments, the methods and assays relate to the administration of an agonist of NLRX1 and/or an inhibitor of MAVS.

Abstract: The methods and assays described herein relate to the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of subjects with emphysema, COPD, and/or cigarette-induced lung damage. In some embodiments, the methods and assays relate to subjects with a decreased level of NLRX1 expression. In some embodiments, the methods and assays relate to the administration of an agonist of NLRX1 and/or an inhibitor of MAVS.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses compositions and methods directed to preventing, inhibiting, or treating inflammation, alveolar remodeling, or cell death in lung which results from elevation of IL-18, IFN-?, or PKR where the methods of the present invention comprise administering an IL-18 inhibitor, an IL-18R? inhibitor, and IFN? inhibitor, a PKR inhibitor, and any combination thereof to an individual experiencing inflammation, alveolar remodeling, or cell death in lung. The present invention further encompasses a method of alleviating exacerbations of COPD frequently caused by viral infection by administering inflammation, alveolar remodeling, or cell death in lung to a patient with COPD at risk of developing a viral infection or who has acquired a viral infection.