Burnout Levels in Nurses and Associated Factors during the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Cross-Sectional Study.

Previous studies have shown that sudden changes in the nature of nursing work and their work environment related to the COVID-19 pandemic have affected the professional experience of nurses, and consequently led to an increase in professional burnout in this professional group. Thus, the aim of the study was to measure occupational burnout among nurses working during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. A cross-sectional study was conducted with pediatric and surgery female nurses (N = 110, mean age 51 ± 6.92) from the Provincial Specialist Hospital in Wloclawek, Poland. The participants completed the Link Burnout Questionnaire (LBQ) and the Socio-Demographic Questionnaire (SDQ). The data were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation and Mann-Whitney U test. The study showed that high burnout affected 6.4% of nurses. The level of professional burnout for the subscales of psychophysical exhaustion, relationship deterioration, professional inefficacy and disappointment was 28.2%, 26.4%, 11.8% and 13%, respectively (mean score: 19.85 ± 6.51, 18.03 ± 5.15, 13.74 ± 4.07 and 17.61 ± 5.85, respectively). The results show that surgical nurses were statistically more likely to experience professional burnout. In sum, burnout among nurses has become a serious problem, especially considering the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why it is so important to continue research in this area. Hospital management needs to take urgent action to address the systemic and professional issues that contribute to the suboptimal mental health of nurses.

Prehospital Stroke Care, Paramedic Training Needs, and Hospital-Directed Feedback in Lithuania.

Background: Emergency medical services (EMS) are the first health care contact for the majority of stroke patients. However, there is a lack of data on the current paramedics' hospital-directed feedback and training needs across different health care settings. We aimed to evaluate paramedics' prehospital stroke care knowledge, training needs, and current status of feedback on suspected stroke patients. Methods: We surveyed paramedics from the Vilnius region from September to November 2019 and compared the answers between the city and the district agencies. The questionnaire content included questions on paramedics' demographic characteristics, prehospital stroke care self-assessment, knowledge on stroke mimics, stroke training needs, and the importance of hospital-directed feedback on suspected stroke patients. Results: A total number of 161 paramedics (or 49.4% of all paramedics from our stroke care network) were surveyed, with more district paramedics rating their prehospital stroke care knowledge as inadequate (44.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 32.8−57.6) vs. 28.1% (95% CI 20.1−27.8), p = 0.028). In addition, more district paramedics indicated a need for additional stroke training (83.1% (95% CI 71.5−90.5) vs. 69.8% (60.0−78.1), p = 0.043). However, respondents reported being the most confident while dealing with stroke (71.3%, 95% CI 63.8−77.7) compared to other time-critical conditions (p < 0.001). Vertigo (60.8%, 95% CI 53.0−68.0), brain tumors (56.3%, 95% CI 48.5−63.8), and seizures (54.4%, 95% CI 46.7−62.0) were indicated as the most common stroke mimics. Only 6.2% (95% CI 3.4−11.1) of respondents received formal feedback on the outcome of suspected stroke patients brought to the emergency department. Conclusions: A high proportion of paramedics self-perceive having inadequate stroke knowledge and an urgent need for further stroke training. The EMS staff indicate receiving insufficient feedback on suspected stroke patients, even though its usefulness is perceived as paramount.

Thermal Energy Analysis of Projectiles during Ricochetting Using a Thermal Camera.

This paper presents the results of a study of the hazards of ground ignition and/or explosion when various small-calibre projectiles struck various solid materials placed on a test stand in environments at risk of ignition (fire) or explosion (ricochets and projectile penetration of obstacles). For projectile ricochetting tests, the following were used: an armour plate, concrete, sidewalk and granite slabs, etc., and various small-calibre projectiles: 7.62 × 51 mm SWISS PAP, 7.62 × 51T, 7.62 × 51 mm M80, 7.62 × 54R B-32, 7.62 × 54R LPS and .308 Win. Norma Ecostrike. Projectiles impacts were recorded with a high-speed camera (50,400 fps) and thermal cameras (660 fps) and (2615 fps). The ignition capability of solid flammable materials during projectile ricochetting was studied, and the temperatures and surface areas of isotherms were measured as a function of time. From the spherical distribution of thermal energy radiation in space, their volumes, masses of air occupying the studied area, masses of projectile disintegrating into fragments (after impact), thermal energies during projectile ricochetting, histograms of area temperatures and temperatures were calculated. This energy was compared with the minimum ignition energy of the selected gases and liquid vapours, and the ignition temperature were determined. The probabilities of some of the selected gases and liquid vapours which can ignite or cause an explosion were determined. The thermal energies of the 7.62 × 54R B-32 (3400-9500 J) and 7.62 × 51T (2000-3700 J) projectiles ricochetting on the Armox 600 plate was sufficient to ignite (explode) propane-butane gas. The thermal energy of 7.62 × 54R B-32 projectiles ricochets on the non-metallic components (800-1200 J) was several times lower than that of projectiles ricochets on an Armox 600 plate (3400-9500 J). This is due to the transfer of much of the kinetic energy to the crushing of these elements.

A Combination of Aspirin and Clopidogrel Predict More Favorable Dynamics of Platelet Reactivity versus Clopidogrel Alone in the Acute Phase of Minor Stroke.

BACKGROUND: The combined use of clopidogrel and aspirin is recommended for the short-term (21 days) therapy of minor stroke or transient ischemic attack. Previous studies have demonstrated its efficacy and superiority over treatment with a single antiplatelet agent. However, there is insufficient support for the advantages of such therapy based on platelet function testing. We aimed to compare the effect of the concomitant use of clopidogrel and aspirin versus clopidogrel alone on the dynamics of platelet reactivity over time to determine the appropriate antiplatelet treatment strategy for minor strokes. METHODS: We enrolled 74 ischemic stroke subjects, including 38 minor strokes. Platelet reactivity was assessed by impedance aggregometry (Multiplate Analyzer) 48 and 96 h after a first 75 mg dose of clopidogrel, using the acetylsalicylic acid platelet inhibition (ASPI) test and the adenosine diphosphate (ADP) test. Dual antiplatelet therapy was strictly reserved only to minor strokes, as the other strokes received clopidogrel alone in the secondary prevention. The dynamics of platelet reactivity refer to the difference between two assessments, and a decrease in values over time was considered favorable. RESULTS: The incidence of clopidogrel non-responsiveness was 64.8%, and this was similar in the group of minor strokes and the group of more disabling strokes. We indicated diabetes mellitus as an independent predictor of high on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity (Odds ratio OR 5.69 95% Confidence Interval CI 1.13-41.26, p = 0.0386). Among minor strokes treated with dual antiplatelet therapy, in relation to clopidogrel, we reported a trend toward more favorable dynamics of platelet reactivity over time compared to the group using clopidogrel alone (p = 0.0652 vs. p = 0.3384, respectively). We identified five predictors (sex, female; small-vessel disease; no diabetes; no hyperlipidemia; and no alcohol abuse) related to a significant decrease in platelet reactivity over time with respect to clopidogrel. No significant dynamics of platelet reactivity when using aspirin were found. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings, based on the favorable dynamics of platelet reactivity over time in relation to clopidogrel, confirm the usefulness of dual antiplatelet therapy in minor strokes and support the continuation of the secondary prevention with clopidogrel alone rather than aspirin, particularly among identified beneficiaries of such a strategy.

Changes in Prehospital Stroke Care and Stroke Mimic Patterns during the COVID-19 Lockdown.

The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on prehospital stroke care is largely unknown. We aimed to compare stroke care patterns before and during a state-wide lockdown. Thus, we analysed prospective data of stroke alerts referred to our stroke centre between 1 December 2019 and 16 June 2020, and compared them between two periods-15 weeks before and 13 weeks during the state-wide lockdown declared in Lithuania on 16 March 2020. Among 719 referrals for suspected stroke, there was a decrease in stroke alerts (rate ratio 0.61, 95% CI (0.52-0.71)), stroke admissions (0.63, 95% CI (0.52-0.76)), and decrease in prehospital stroke triage quality (positive predictive value 72.1% vs. 79.9%, p = 0.042) during the lockdown. The onset-to-door time was longer (153.0 vs. 120.5 min, p = 0.049) and seizures and intracranial tumours were more common among stroke mimics (16.9% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.012 and 9.6% vs. 3.0%, p = 0.037, respectively). We conclude that there was a decline in prehospital stroke triage quality during the lockdown despite low COVID-19 incidence in the country. Moreover, we observed an increase in hospital arrival delays and severe conditions presenting as stroke mimics. Our findings suggest that improved strategies are required to maintain optimal neurological care during public health emergencies.

Multifactorial Background for a Low Biological Response to Antiplatelet Agents Used in Stroke Prevention.

Effective platelet inhibition is the main goal of the antiplatelet therapy recommended as a standard treatment in the secondary prevention of non-embolic ischemic stroke. Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and clopidogrel are commonly used for this purpose worldwide. A low biological response to antiplatelet agents is a phenomenon that significantly reduces the therapeutic and protective properties of the therapy. The mechanisms leading to high on-treatment platelet reactivity are still unclear and remain multifactorial. The aim of the current review is to establish the background of resistance to antiplatelet agents commonly used in the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke and to explain the possible mechanisms. The most important factors influencing the incidence of a low biological response were demonstrated. The similarities and the differences in resistance to both drugs are emphasized, which may facilitate the selection of the appropriate antiplatelet agent in relation to specific clinical conditions and comorbidities. Despite the lack of indications for the routine assessment of platelet reactivity in stroke subjects, this should be performed in selected patients from the high-risk group. Increasing the detectability of low antiaggregant responders, in light of its negative impact on the prognosis and clinical outcomes, can contribute to a more individualized approach and modification of the antiplatelet therapy to maximize the therapeutic effect in the secondary prevention of stroke.

Assessment of the relationship between platelet reactivity, vascular risk factors and gender in cerebral ischaemia patients.

AIM: Excessive activation and platelet aggregation play important roles in the aetiopathogenesis of cerebral ischaemia. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between platelet reactivity, gender and vascular risk factors in cerebral ischaemia patients. CLINICAL RATIONALE FOR THE STUDY: The research is useful because we found high risk groups of inefficient aspirin treatment in cerebral ischaemia patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 101 patients, including 69 patients with ischaemic stroke and 32 patients with transient ischaemic attack. The assessment of platelet reactivity was made within 24 hours of the disease onset using two aggregometric methods: impedance and optical. RESULTS: Resistance to acetylsalicylic acid among people with cerebral ischaemia was estimated at 30.69% using impedance aggregometry and 9.2% using optical aggregometry. There were no differences in platelet reactivity or ASA resistance between the groups of patients with stroke and TIA in either method. In the whole group of patients (p = 0.04), and in the group of patients with stroke (p = 0.0143), higher reactivity of platelets was observed by impedance aggregometry in men than in women. In the whole group of patients (p = 0.0229), and in the subgroup with stroke (p = 0.0123), it was shown that aspirin resistance is significantly more common in the subgroup of men than in women. In patients suffering from nicotine addiction, significantly higher platelet reactivity was found in the whole group of patients (p = 0.004), as well as in the subgroup of patients with stroke (p = 0.0135). CONCLUSIONS: There are no differences between platelet reactivity and the incidence of aspirin resistance in patients with stroke and TIA. Male gender and smoking are associated with greater reactivity of platelets and more frequent occurrence of acetylsalicylic acid resistance in patients with cerebral ischaemia. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Dual antiplatelet therapy or clopidogrel treatment should be considered in smoking males with cerebral ischaemia due to the high risk of aspirin inefficiency.