American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Sep 2015
B-cell Activating Factor: An Orchestrator of Lymphoid Follicles in Severe COPD.
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have increased pulmonary lymphoid follicle (LF) counts. B cell-activating factor of tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF) regulates B cells in health, but its role in COPD pathogenesis is unclear. ⋯ Our data support the hypothesis that B-cell BAFF expression creates a self-perpetuating loop contributing to COPD progression by promoting pulmonary B-cell survival and LF expansion.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Sep 2015
Respiratory Electrodialysis: a Novel, Highly Efficient, Extracorporeal CO2 Removal Technique.
We developed an innovative, minimally invasive, highly efficient extracorporeal CO2 removal (ECCO2R) technique called respiratory electrodialysis (R-ED). ⋯ In this first in vivo application, we proved electrodialysis feasible and effective in increasing membrane lung CO2 extraction. R-ED was more effective than conventional ECCO2R technology in controlling ventilation. Further studies are warranted to assess the safety profile of R-ED, especially regarding kidney function.