Background and Objectives: Hemodialysis patients face significant physical and psychological challenges, including diminished quality of life and reduced social support. This study aimed to assess the levels of social support and quality of life in hemodialysis patients and identify the sociodemographic and dialysis-related factors influencing these outcomes. Materials and Methods: This study included 115 hemodialysis patients and 107 healthy controls. Social support was measured using the Modified Social Support Survey (MSSS) and its abbreviated version (MSSS-5). Quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Demographic variables (age, sex, education, marital status) and dialysis-related factors (session duration, Kt/V, vascular access type, and urea reduction ratio) were analyzed to determine their effects on social support and quality of life. Results: Hemodialysis patients reported significantly lower scores in the Physical Health and Psychological Health domains of the WHOQOL-BREF compared to healthy controls. Males on hemodialysis scored lower than the controls in the Physical Health, Psychological Health, and Environment domains of the WHOQOL-BREF and the Affectionate Support and Positive Social Interaction subscales of MSSS. Conversely, hemodialysis females reported higher scores for Tangible Support, Emotional/Informational Support, and Affectionate Support. Longer dialysis sessions negatively impacted the Social Relationships domain. Married hemodialysis patients had higher Emotional/Informational Support and Affectionate Support scores. Conclusions: Hemodialysis patients experience diminished physical and psychological quality of life, particularly males. Social support, especially emotional and informational support, is crucial for hemodialysis patients, with marital status playing a key role. Addressing these psychosocial factors may improve outcomes for hemodialysis patients.

Human serum albumin (HSA) is the main plasma protein responsible for a distribution of drugs in the human circulatory system. The binding to HSA is one of the factors that determines both the pharmacological actions and the side effects of drugs. The derivative of heme, protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), is a hydrophobic photosensitizer widely used in photodynamic diagnosis and therapy of various malignant disorders. Using absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, it has been demonstrated that PpIX forms complexes with HSA. Its binding sites in the tertiary structure of HSA were found in the subdomains IB and IIA. PpIX binds to HSA in one class of binding sites with the association constant of 1.68 × 10⁵ M⁻¹ and 2.30 × 10⁵ M⁻¹ for an excitation at wavelength λ_ex = 280 nm and 295 nm, respectively. The binding interactions between HSA and PpIX have been studied by means of molecular docking simulation using the CLC Drug Discovery Workbench (CLC DDWB) computer program. PpIX creates a strong ‘sandwich-type’ complex between its highly conjugated porphine system and aromatic side chains of tryptophan and tyrosine. In summary, fluorescent studies on binding interactions between HSA and PpIX have been confirmed by the results of computer simulation.

This study investigates fatigue and quality of life in hemodialysis patients, examining the influence of demographic and clinical factors on these outcomes. A cohort of 115 hemodialysis patients and 112 healthy controls completed the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), the shorter MFIS-5, and the WHOQOL-BREF quality of life assessment. The findings indicate that hemodialysis patients experience significantly higher levels of fatigue, which correspond with lower quality of life, particularly in the physical and psychological domains, compared to healthy controls. Male patients reported significantly higher levels of fatigue and lower quality of life scores, whereas younger patients demonstrated relatively better outcomes. Extended dialysis sessions exceeding four hours were associated with poorer social well-being, and educational attainment was positively linked with physical and environmental quality of life domains. However, marital status did not show a significant effect. The study validates the consistency between MFIS and MFIS-5 scores, recommending MFIS-5 for time-sensitive clinical use without compromising accuracy. These results underscore the need for individualized, multi-dimensional approaches to fatigue management in hemodialysis patients, emphasizing interventions that address physical, psychological, and social well-being to enhance overall quality of life. The findings highlight specific factors that may guide tailored support strategies to improve patient outcomes in this population.

Background: Dialysis patients face multidimensional challenges that affect their quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the association between dialysis duration and various physical, cognitive, and psychosocial parameters, including fatigue, pain, sexual satisfaction, bowel control, vision, cognitive deficits, mental health, social support, quality of life, and life satisfaction, while incorporating sociodemographic data for greater context. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using validated instruments such as the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), Pain Effect Scale (PES), Sexual Satisfaction Scale (SSS), Bowel Control Scale (BWCS), Impact of Visual Impairment Scale (IVIS), Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ), Mental Health Inventory (MHI), Modified Social Support Survey (MSSS), WHOQOL-BREF, and Cantril Ladder. Associations between dialysis duration and these parameters were analyzed. Correlations between current and future life satisfaction were also examined. Results: Dialysis duration significantly affected sexual satisfaction, with scores worsening over time (p = 0.029). Cognitive deficits in planning and organization exhibited a near-significant trend (p = 0.072). Patients with low current life satisfaction anticipated significant future declines (p = 0.001). However, no significant associations were observed between dialysis duration and fatigue, pain, bowel control, vision, mental health, social support, overall quality of life, or life satisfaction. Conclusions: Prolonged dialysis negatively influences sexual satisfaction and may impact specific cognitive domains. The relationship between current and expected life satisfaction highlights the importance of addressing psychological health in this population. While other parameters remained unaffected, individualized care strategies focusing on sexual, cognitive, and psychological support could improve outcomes. Future research should focus on exploring these relationships further and developing targeted interventions to address vulnerable areas, such as sexual, cognitive, and psychological health.

Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is an acquired condition defined as a thinning, widening and protruding of the linea alba following an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. The aim of this review is to provide insight in the pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnostic methods and treatment modalities of DRA. DRA occurs in both women and in men, however, it is extraordinarily common and even expected condition affecting over half of women during pregnancy and one third 12 months after childbirth. There is no consensus of risk factors for DRA. Proposed risk factors include multiparity, maternal age and high age, caesarean section, macrosomia, multiple pregnancy, ethnicity, heavy lifting, body mass index (BMI) and diabetes. To diagnose the presence of DRA and its severity the interrecti distance (IRD) is measured. Palpation, caliper, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) are applied to measure IRD and exclude concurrent hernias. DRA is mostly treated conservatively by physiotherapists. However, physiotherapy is unlikely to prevent or completely treat DRA. Over four fifth of patients are unsatisfied with the results of training programmes and opted for surgical intervention. Thereby the main purpose of physical training is to restore function, not to reduce the DRA. Physiotherapy may be an alternative for those who cannot undergo surgery. In case if severe cosmetic and functional impairment patients are referred for surgery. Patients with severe symptoms benefit more from surgery. Surgery is challenging since guidelines almost do not exist. Plication and mesh reinforcement are recommended by most authors, however whether it should be open or laparoscopic remains debatable.