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Based on experimental data, it is widely believed that any extended climbing rope fall may cause life-threatening injuries when using a sit harness alone. This is mainly due to the danger of thoraco-lumbar spinal and visceral abdominal injuries secondary to hyperextension trauma, as well as the risk of a »head down« position during suspension. The aim of this retrospective study

It is well documented that exposure to a hypoxic environment affects visual and auditory perception and attenuates cognitive function in humans. Since the perception of thermal stim­uli is indispensable for appropriate behavioral protection against cold in both low and high altitudes, the present study examined if and how hypoxia affects the perception of cold stim­uli in humans. The perception of

Altitude acclimatization and altitude exercise are physiologically demanding for the body. During exercise at high altitudes, energy and fluid needs are almost difficult to satisfy with normal food intake. An inappropriate thirst and appetite response can contribute to rapid dehydration, glycogen depletion and weight loss unless adequate amounts of food and fluid are ingested. Dehydration may intensify the symptoms of

In the article the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) – a new systematic approach to the collection of patient data that allows appropriate evaluation of chronic diseases, geron- tologic syndromes and functional impairment, is presented. According to CGA, first subjective and objective database is collected, then integrated into an assessment (particular attention is focused on the nine main problem issues), and

Negative feedback is one of the most difficult topics in physiology, possibly because descrip­tive thinking is useless. Instead, to analyse single constituents quantitatively or semiquantitatively, causal thinking is mandatory. By using analogue simulation, the author tries to show the basic properties of negative feedback. The characteristics of an ideal negative feedback – operat­ing without any appreciable delay – are shown.

Hemodialysis is the most widely used method of renal replacement therapy in end-stage renal disease. It requires a reliable permanent vascular access and arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the most commonly used method. Among other complications, it may cause hand (palm and fingers) ischemia (incidence 1–10%) as a result of altered hemodynamic circumstances in the area. Hand ischemia is manifested by

Background: Endometriosis involves an appearance of endometriotic tissue with all of its his­tological and functional properties outside the uterine cavity. The frequency of endometriosis in women of reproductive age without symptoms and signs of disease remains unknown. This disease is probably the most frequent cause of infertility and impaired fertility.

Objective: The objective of our study was to estimate the