Background/Aim. Chronic renal disease is one of the growing problems all over the world. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important indicator for those with a chronic disease, such as ...chronic renal disease, because it may serve as predictor of mortality and hospitalization. The aim of this study was to assess HRQoL in patients on chronic maintenance hemodialysis (HD), and compare it with patients suffering from hypertension (HTA), and normal controls of the same age and gender (C). Methods. The study enrolled 224 males and females older than 18 years: 67 in the HD group, 78 in the HTA group, and 79 in the C group. HRQoL was assessed in all groups using 15-D questionnaire. Results. Significantly higher level of education was recorded in the HD group compared to other two groups. In the HD group there were significantly less employed persons (9%) and significantly more retired (67.2%). All groups were similar regarding an average monthly income and marital status. We found significantly lower total HRQoL score in patients in the HD group, compared to normal controls (0.78 ? 0.16 vs. 0.89 ? 0.10 in the HTA and 0.95 ? 0.06 in the C group) as well as specific scores in almost all investigated domains, except in speech, eating and mental functions. Patients in the HD and HTA groups had similar self-reported quality of life in additional 3 domains: hearing, elimination and distress, while the HD group reported significantly lower scores in remaining 9 domains: mobility, vision, breathing, sleeping, usual activities, discomfort and symptoms, depression, vitality and sexual activity. Patients in the HTA group had significantly lower scores than normal controls in 8 domains (hearing, sleeping, elimination, usual activities, discomfort and symptoms, depression, distress and vitality) as well as in total quality of life, while in remaining 4 domains there was no significant difference (mobility, vision, breathing, sexual activity). Conclusion. Both investigated chronic diseases lead to impairment of HRQoL, which is substantially stronger in hemodialysis than in hypertension. Considering the relationship between depression and HRQoL measures, it may be useful to treat depression of HD patients in order to improve their quality of life.
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Hypothermia in surgical patients can be the consequence of long duration of surgical intervention, general anaesthesia and low temperature in operating room. Postoperative hypothermia contributes to ...a number of postoperative complications such as arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, hypertension, bleeding, wound infection, coagulopathy, and prolonged effect of muscle relaxants. External heating procedures are used to prevent this condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of external warming system in alleviation of cold stress and hypothermia in patients who underwent major surgical procedures.
The study was conducted in the Military Medical Academy in Belgrade. A total of 30 patients of both genders underwent abdominal surgical procedures, randomly divided into two equal groups: the one was externally warmed using warm air mattress (W), while in the control group (C) surgical procedure was performed in regular conditions, without additional warming. Oesophageal temperature (Te) was used as indicator of changes in core temperature, during surgery and awakening postoperative period, and temperature of control sites on the right hand (Th) and the right foot (Tf) reflected the changes in skin temperatures during surgery. Te and skin temperatures were monitored during the intraoperative period, with continuous measurement of Te during the following 90 minutes of the postoperative period. Heart rates and blood pressures were monitored continuously during the intraoperative and awakening period.
In the W group, the average Te, Tf and Th did not change significantly during the intraoperative as well as the postoperative period. In the controls, the average Te significantly decreased during the intraoperative period (from 35.61 ± 0.35 °C at 0 minute to 33.86 ± 0.51°C at 120th minute). Compared to the W group, Te in the C group was significantly lower in all the observed periods. Average values of Tf and Th significantly decreased in the C group (from 30.83 ± 1.85 at 20th minute to 29.0 ± 1.39°C at 120th minute, and from 32.75 ± 0.96 to 31.05 ± 1.09°C, respectively).
The obtained results confirm that the external warming using warm air mattress was able to attenuate hypothermia, i.e. substantial decrease in core temperature, compared with the similar exposure to cold stress in the control group.
The college student population is prone to irregular food intake and the excessive intake of carbohydrates and snacks. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships among anthropometric ...characteristics, dietary habits and nutritional knowledge in female students attending a healthcare college.
Our investigation enrolled 100 college students at the High Health School of Professional Studies in Belgrade, 19-30 years old, who underwent anthropometric measurements and an investigation by questionnaire of their nutritional knowledge as well as recorded a 7-day food diary. The results were interpreted in relation to their location of nutritional intake.
The majority of students showed good nutritional knowledge. Of the total population, 83% were of normal weight, 11% were overweight, and 5% were underweight. The average Body Mass Index values, as well as body fat percentage, were similar regardless of the type of eating location, but all overweight and obese students were recorded in the groups that ate in the student dining facility and that prepared food and ate by themselves. Students who ate with their families ate significantly fewer fats and proteins but significantly more carbohydrates compared to students in the other two groups. Higher fat intake and snack consumption are significantly related to an increased percentage of body fat. Fruit intake is inversely related to body fat percentage.
Despite the relatively low prevalence of overweight, obesity, and underweight in the investigated population, the given results indicate that students may benefit from health promotion activities, increased knowledge and improved eating habits. This is especially important considering that they are future health professionals.
In the 21st century, the use of renewable resources has been propagated by the specter of climate change and its associated impact. Renewable energy technologies have been deployed at a high rate and ...show a significant potential to become a major player in the electricity supply in next decade. PV systems have experienced a significant growth in their rate of deployment as an alternative to conventional power sources. This study presents the modeling and simulation of a 25 kWp solar power plant in Čačak, Serbia. The power plant is situated on the roof of the Science and Technology Park Čačak. The model was developed using System Advisor Model (SAM) software. SAM was used to analyze the technical performances of based on local weather conditions and all the system components of installed photovoltaic system. The model was validated by comparing its predictions with the actual plant data. The proposed predictive model can be used to characterize power plant performance as well as analyze and evaluate the system's efficiency.
Heat stress is a significant problem in the military services. This study investigated the effects of exertional heat stress on cognitive performance.
Forty unacclimated male soldiers performed ...exertional heat stress tests in cool (20 °C) and hot environments (40 °C). Cognitive performance was assessed using a computerized battery before and immediately after tests. Physical strain in cool conditions induced mild but significant deficits in accuracy in complex tests. The number of correct answers in the Matching to Sample Visual Search was reduced (92,18% correct answers before vs. 88,64 after; p<0,05) and also in the spatial part of the Pattern and Spatial Recognition Memory Test (85,25 vs. 8,75%; p<0,05). These decreases were more pronounced in hot conditions (92,38 vs. 84,31% in before and 84,21 vs. 73,42% in the latter test; ps<0,01 and <0,001, respectively). Exertional heat stress also impaired more simple cognitive functions. A significant decrease in accuracy (95,74 vs. 93,89%) and an increase in reaction time (300,32 vs. 315,00 ms) was observed in the Reaction Time test.
Strenuous physical activity in a hot environment induces mild cognitive deficits, especially in more complex tasks.
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