Upsala journal of medical sciences
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Weight loss and depletion of fat-free mass are common problems in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and are related to muscular weakness and exercise intolerance. Physical training of COPD patients has good effect on exercise tolerance and quality of life. The aim of this study was to examine factors that affect change in fat-free mass after physical training, in patients with COPD. ⋯ Difficulties in increasing the fat-free mass in COPD patients by physical training seem to be associated with dyspnoea in daily life and impaired lung function (FEV1).
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Interaction between blood and bio-surfaces is important in many medical fields. With the aim of studying blood-mediated reactions to cellular transplants, we developed a whole-blood model for incubation of small volumes for up to 48 h. ⋯ A novel whole-blood model for studies of blood-mediated responses to a cellular transplant is presented allowing extended observations for up to 48 h and highlights the importance of stringent evaluations and adjustment of physiological conditions.
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The disease progression of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) varies significantly, and the prognostic markers that identify those patients who will develop liver failure have been scarcely studied from a Chinese cohort. Aims. We aimed to determine the predictive factors of liver failure in patients with PBC. ⋯ ANA, Tch, and TBA are predictors of liver failure in PBC.
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It has been proposed that the histamine 1-receptor (H1-receptor) not only promotes allergic reactions, but also modulates innate immunity and autoimmune reactions. In line with this, we have recently reported that the H1-receptor antagonist cetirizine partially counteracts cytokine-induced beta-cell signaling and destruction. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether cetirizine affects diabetes in NOD mice, a model for human type 1 diabetes, and glucose intolerance in high-fat diet C57BL/6 mice, a model for human glucose intolerance. ⋯ Our results suggest a protective effect of cetirizine against high-fat diet-induced beta-cell dysfunction, but not against autoimmune beta-cell destruction.
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The purpose of this study was to analyse whether the parallel life situation between stroke patients and their informal caregivers (dyads) shown in cross-sectional studies prevails also in a longitudinal perspective. ⋯ There was an association within the dyads regarding anxiety score, NHP score, and activity score. CB score was generally high.