The role of PCSK9 in heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases-mechanisms of action beyond its effect on LDL cholesterol.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9) is a protein that regulates low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol metabolism by binding to the hepatic LDL receptor (LDLR), ultimately leading to its lysosomal degradation and an increase in LDL cholesterol (LDLc) levels. Treatment strategies have been developed based on blocking PCSK9 with specific antibodies (alirocumab, evolocumab) and on blocking its production with small regulatory RNA (siRNA) (inclisiran). Clinical trials evaluating these drugs have confirmed their high efficacy in reducing serum LDLc levels and improving the prognosis in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Most studies have focused on the action of PCSK9 on LDLRs and the subsequent increase in LDLc concentrations. Increasing evidence suggests that the adverse cardiovascular effects of PCSK9, particularly its atherosclerotic effects on the vascular wall, may also result from mechanisms independent of its effects on lipid metabolism. PCSK9 induces the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines contributing to inflammation within the vascular wall and promotes apoptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis of cardiomyocytes and is thus involved in the development and progression of heart failure. The elimination of PCSK9 may, therefore, not only be a treatment for hypercholesterolaemia but also for atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. The mechanisms of action of PCSK9 in the cardiovascular system are not yet fully understood. This article reviews the current understanding of the mechanisms of PCSK9 action in the cardiovascular system and its contribution to cardiovascular diseases. Knowledge of these mechanisms may contribute to the wider use of PCSK9 inhibitors in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Analysis of Emergency Medical Response Team Performance during the International Winter Championships in Emergency Medicine.

Background and Objectives: Conducting advanced life support (ALS) according to the guidelines of the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) requires medical personnel to implement the appropriate emergency actions. In particular, these actions include chest compressions, airway management, artificial ventilation, defibrillation and the administering of medicines. An appropriate training system enables members of medical response teams (MRT) to acquire the essential knowledge and skills necessary to correctly conduct cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). One way to improve the quality of interventions by MRT personnel is participation in emergency medicine championships. Materials and Methods: The research analysed assessment cards for tasks carried out during the International Winter Championships in Emergency Medicine in the years 2013-2020. The assessed tasks were prepared and led by European Resuscitation Council instructors of advanced life support. During ten-minute scenarios of simulated sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in adults, the judges assessed the compliance of procedures with current ERC guidelines. This research analysed the performance of 309 teams from Poland made up of paramedics from medical response units from all over the country. Results: In most cases, the study showed significant differences in the percentage of correctly performed procedures between years. Most often, the highest percentage of correctly performed procedures was recorded in 2019 and 2020. The lowest percentage of correctly performed procedures was most often recorded in 2013. In subsequent years, the percentage of use of tracheal intubation decreased (from 54.76% to 31.25%) in favour of an increase in the use of supraglottic airway device SAD (from 35.71% to 59.38%). Conclusions: The research has shown that in subsequent years of the Championships, the quality of the majority of assessed procedures carried out by members of MRT gradually improved. The research authors also observed that in subsequent years, the percentage of intubations decreased in favour of SAD.

FT Raman spectroscopy in the evaluation of biomarkers of normal and pathological placenta tissue.

The basic precondition of proper intrauterine growth is appropriate supply of nutrients transported through placenta. Placenta capacity in the scope of transportation is dependent on transport systems and the structure of the basement membrane and syncytiotrophoblast microvillous membrane. The present pilot study demonstrates preliminary results of the analysis of placenta structure in the course of selected pathologies by FT Raman spectroscopy analysis. The observed changes of the molecular structure in the so-called average spectra, independent of methodical processing, may be an indicator of the efficiency of transportation controlled by syncytiotrophoblast. In particular, an increase in the intensity of dispersion and transfer within the frequency of 3425-3300 cm-1 demonstrate the dynamics of the interaction in the scope of hydrogen bonds in healthy tissues. Changes in the molecular structure within the frequency of 950-750 cm-1 and conformational changes within disulphide bonds differentiate the healthy tissue from the pathological one. Changes in the molecular structure observed in the FTR spectra are a spectroscopic image of placenta functions in the course of various pathologies. They also document a complex goal of our research that is finding spectroscopic biomarkers of regular and pathological placental tissue.

Comparison of standard and over-the-head method of chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation - a simulation study.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining highly effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be particularly difficult when artificial ventilation using a bag-valve-mask device, combined with chest compression have to be carried out by one person. The aim of the study is to compare the quality of CPR conducted by one paramedic using chest compression from the patient's side with compression conducted from the 'over-the-head' position. METHODS: The subject of the study were two methods of CPR - 'standard' (STD) and 'over-the-head' (OTH). The STD method consisted of cycles of 30 chest compressions from the patient's side, and two attempts at artificial ventilation after moving round to behind the patient's head. In the OTH method, both compressions and ventilations were conducted from behind the patient's head. RESULTS: Both CPR methods were conducted by 38 paramedics working in medical response teams. Statistical analysis was conducted on the data collected, giving the following results: the average time of the interruptions between compression cycles (STD 9.184 s, OTH 7.316 s, p < 0.001); the depth of compression 50-60 mm (STD 50.65%, OTH 60.22%, p < 0.001); the rate of compression 100-120/min. (STD 46.39%, OTH 53.78%, p < 0.001); complete chest wall recoil (STD 84.54%, OTH 91.46%, p < 0.001); correct hand position (STD 99.32%, OTH method 99.66%, p < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was demonstrated in the results to the benefit of the OTH method in the above parameters. The remaining parameters showed no significant differences in comparison to reference values. CONCLUSIONS: The higher quality of CPR in the simulated research using the OTH method by a single person justifies the use of this method in a wider range of emergency interventions.

Effectiveness of Adult Chest Compressions during Resuscitation Performed by Children Aged 10-14 Years under Simulated Conditions.

Introduction: Numerous educational programs recommend implementing the teaching principles of BLS from an early age. The aim of this study was to evaluate selected parameters of the quality of resuscitation performed by children aged 10-14 years during simulated circulatory arrest in an adult. Materials and Methods: The project involved four stages, culminating in students performing thoracic compressions on an adult simulator for 2 min. A digital analysis of the quality, depth, relaxation and rate of compressions allowed us to formulate results and conclusions. The authors' proprietary questionnaire form allowed for the correlation of criteria such as age, gender, body mass and past experience in first aid training of the participant. Results: A total of 149 girls and 130 boys were studied. The mean age was 12 years (SD ± 1.41). A directly proportional increase in body mass with participant age was observed (p < 0.000). Children as young as 10 years old achieved only 24.13% quality, while those at the age of 14 demonstrated a more than doubled value (67.61%). The minimum depth of chest compressions recommended for an adult (5-6 cm) was not reached in any age group. Girls from all grades achieved a mean quality of 44.69% (SD ± 32.57), while boys achieved a score of 60.23% (SD ± 31.74). On the other hand, in the case of evaluating thoracic relaxation, a significantly better result was achieved by girls compared to boys (66.14% vs. 56.78%; rho-Spearman test for p = 0.011). Conclusions: Age, sex and body mass play important roles in the quality of resuscitation provided by children. None of the age groups studied achieved the minimum mean depth during adult thoracic compressions under simulated conditions. It is recommended to modify school-based BLS classes to better match the exercises to students' predispositions.

Job satisfaction and social identification among paramedics in southern Poland.

Introduction: Job satisfaction, based on professional and non-professional factors and individual characteristics of employees, is an important element influencing both the quality of care provided and employee turnover. Material and method: The study included 137 paramedics employed in field teams and hospital emergency departments. The Job Satisfaction Scale (SSP), the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ), the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), and the Three Dimensional Strength of Group Identification Scale (TSIG) were used to collect the data. Results: The average job satisfaction score measured with SSP in the studied group of paramedics was 24.50 and the average job satisfaction score measured with MSQ was 74.16. The average value of the group identification in the study sample was 61.15. Of the three subscales, the highest scores were obtained in the affect toward the group subscale -22.44, and the lowest in the cognitive centrality subscale -18.78. The analysis showed that job satisfaction positively correlated with social identification (r = 0.43) and the ingroup ties (r = 0.43), cognitive centrality (r = 0.34) and ingroup affect (r = 0.37). Conclusions: The studied group of paramedics showed moderate job satisfaction (measured with SSP) and work engagement, with a simultaneous high level of job satisfaction (measured with MSQ) and social identification with the professional group. Social identification of studied paramedics varied depending on gender. Women showed higher levels of cognitive centrality, which might mean that they might have had greater need to categorize themselves as paramedics.

What Mistakes Can Be Made When Performing the Electrical Cardioversion Procedure?-Analysis of Emergency Medical Team Performance during the Championships in Emergency Medicine.

BACKGROUND: Medical personnel carrying out electrical cardioversion (EC) procedures must remember to have the R-wave sync mode switched on, use the correct energy and maintain personal safety. The defibrillators used by medical response teams most often switch out of cardioversion mode once a shock is delivered. Therefore, this mode must be switched on again before subsequent shocks are delivered. The main aim of the study was to assess the ability of emergency medical teams participating in emergency medicine championships to perform EC. METHODS: The research was a retrospective observational study and was based on an analysis of the evaluation sheets from two tasks simulating the management of a patient with unstable tachycardia conducted during the International Winter Emergency Medicine Championships. Three-person teams consisting of paramedics and representing the Polish emergency services were included in the study. The team representing the championship organiser and the few foreign teams participating in the competition were excluded from the study. RESULTS: The decision to conduct EC was taken by 36 teams (83.72%) in 2015 and 27 teams (87.10%) in 2019. In both editions of the championships, during consecutive shocks, the percentage of actions performed correctly decreased significantly-switching on synchronisation mode in 2015 (94.4%, 83.33%, 72.22%) and in 2019 (100%, 88.89%, 81.48%); correct energies in 2015 (91.67%, 80.56%, 77.78%) and in 2019 (92.59%, 85.19%, 81.48%); shocks in a safe manner in 2015 (94.44%, 94.44%, 91.67%) and in 2019 (100%, 96.30%, 96.30%). CONCLUSIONS: Teams participating in the assessed tasks in a significant majority of cases correctly qualified the patient for EC, and correctly carried out the actions required for this procedure. It is of particular note that with every subsequent shock, the percentage of shocks carried out without the sync mode increased significantly.

Methods of Using a Manual Defibrillator during Simultaneous Cardiac Arrest in Two Patients-Analysis of the Actions of Emergency Medical Response Teams during the Championships in Emergency Medicine.

Background/Objectives: Conducting advanced resuscitation requires medical personnel to carry out appropriately coordinated actions. Certain difficulties arise when it becomes necessary to conduct cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on two patients at the same time. The aim of this paper was to assess the actions of teams participating in emergency medicine championships in tasks related to simultaneous cardiac arrests in two patients. Methods: The study was conducted on the basis of an analysis of assessment cards for tasks carried out during the 'International Winter Championships in Emergency Medicine'. Three-person medical response teams (MRTs), with the support of two people, had the task of conducting advanced resuscitation on an adult and child simultaneously. The tasks were prepared and developed by European Resuscitation Council (ERC) instructors. Results: The study showed that teams used four methods of checking heart rhythm and performing defibrillation during CPR-using paddles only, using paddles and self-adhesive electrodes, using paddles and a three-lead ECG and using two pairs of self-adhesive electrodes. Teams performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation using paddles and a three-lead ECG performed significantly more actions incorrectly than other teams-in part due to the fact that they incorrectly interpreted which patient's heart rhythm was displayed on the defibrillator screen. The effectiveness of the remaining methods was similar for most of the actions. The CPR method using two pairs of electrodes enabled personal safety to be maintained to the significantly highest percentage during defibrillation. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that the need to conduct CPR on two patients at the same time, irrespective of the method used, caused MRT members considerable difficulties in correctly conducting some of the actions. The method of assessing heart rhythm using paddles and a three-lead ECG should not be used. The study showed that the optimal method of CPR in use appears to be the method using two pairs of adhesive electrodes-it provided, among other things, the significantly highest percentage of safely conducted defibrillation.

Assessment of the Severity of COVID-19 on the Basis of Examination and Laboratory Diagnostics in Relation to Computed Tomography Imagery of Patients Hospitalised Due to COVID-19-Single-Centre Study.

From the moment the SARS-CoV-2 virus was identified in December 2019, the COVID-19 disease spread around the world, causing an increase in hospitalisations and deaths. From the beginning of the pandemic, scientists tried to determine the major cause that led to patient deaths. In this paper, the background to creating a research model was diagnostic problems related to early assessment of the degree of damage to the lungs in patients with COVID-19. The study group comprised patients hospitalised in one of the temporary COVID hospitals. Patients admitted to the hospital had confirmed infection with SARS-CoV-2. At the moment of admittance, arterial blood was taken and the relevant parameters noted. The results of physical examinations, the use of oxygen therapy and later test results were compared with the condition of the patients in later computed tomography images and descriptions. The point of reference for determining the severity of the patient's condition in the computer imagery was set for a mild condition as consisting of a percentage of total lung parenchyma surface area affected no greater than 30%, an average condition of between 30% and 70%, and a severe condition as greater than 70% of the lung parenchyma surface area affected. Patients in a mild clinical condition most frequently had mild lung damage on the CT image, similarly to patients in an average clinical condition. Patients in a serious clinical condition most often had average levels of damage on the CT image. On the basis of the collected data, it can be said that at the moment of admittance, BNP, PE and HCO3- levels, selected due to the form of lung damage, on computed tomography differed from one another in a statistically significant manner (p < 0.05). Patients can qualify for an appropriate group according to the severity of COVID-19 on the basis of a physical examination and applied oxygen therapy. Patients can qualify for an appropriate group according to the severity of COVID-19 on the basis of BNP, HCO3 and BE parameters obtained from arterial blood.

CPR Quality Officer role to improve CPR quality: A multi-centred international simulation randomised control trial.

Background: An out-of-hospital cardiac arrest requires early recognition, prompt and quality clinical interventions, and coordination between different clinicians to improve outcomes. Clinical team leaders and clinical teams have high levels of cognitive burden. We aimed to investigate the effect of a dedicated Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Quality Officer role on team performance. Methods: This multi-centre randomised control trial used simulation in universities from the UK, Poland, and Norway. Student Paramedics participated in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest scenarios before randomisation to either traditional roles or assigning one member as the CPR Quality Officer. The quality of CPR was measured using QCPR® and Advanced Life Support (ALS) elements were evaluated. Results: In total, 36 teams (108 individuals) participated. CPR quality from the first attempt (72.45%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 64.94 to 79.97) significantly increased after addition of the CPR Quality role (81.14%, 95% CI 74.20 to 88.07, p = 0.045). Improvement was not seen in the control group. The time to first defibrillation had no significant difference in the intervention group between the first attempt (53.77, 95% CI 36.57-70.98) and the second attempt (48.68, 95% CI 31.31-66.05, p = 0.84). The time to manage an obstructive airway in the intervention group showed significant difference (p = 0.006) in the first attempt (168.95, 95% CI 110.54-227.37) compared with the second attempt (136.95, 95% CI 87.03-186.88, p = 0.1). Conclusion: A dedicated CPR Quality Officer in simulated scenarios improved the quality of CPR compressions without a negative impact on time to first defibrillation, managing the airway, or adherence to local ALS protocols.

Essential Amino Acids in the Diet of Children and Adolescents.

The increasing requirement for energy and nutrients as a child grows older may result in nutritional deficiencies. The research was to assess the intake level of essential amino acids in the daily diet of children and adolescents living in rural areas. The research was conducted using a questionnaire that analysed food products consumed every day. The questionnaires were completed with the help of the researcher over a period of 7 d. Anthropometric measurements were carried out on every research participant. The participants' financial situation was calculated using a 5-degree scale, where 5 meant very good and 1 very bad. Insufficient body mass was recorded in the study group in 11.1% of boys and 14.7% of girls. Excessive body mass occurred more often among the girls (31%) than the boys (27.9%). Among boys aged 7-15 y old, protein provided 12.8% of the calorie requirement, while for the girls the figure was 13.6%. Among pupils aged 16-18 y old, the figures were 14.06% for boys and 14.33% for girls. Analysis of the results showed that irrespective of age or gender, no insufficient intake of amino acids was recorded among the study participants. In the study group of children and adolescents from rural areas, every third study participant suffered from excess body weight. Due to the fact that the intake of essential amino acids exceeded recommended RDA, it is vital that educational programmes are implemented on how to maintain a correctly balanced diet.

Placental expression of Fatty Acid Desaturases 1, 2 and 3 in selected pregnancy pathologies.

Intrauterine development is a key period in human life. The foetal progress largely depends on the function of the placenta, whose responsibility is transportation and biosynthesis of fatty acids. Desaturation enzymes play a key role in placental fatty acid metabolism. Expression of genes coding for desaturases may be associated with pregnancy abnormalities. The objective of this study was to determine the transcriptional activity of the placental genes Fatty Acid Desaturases 1, 2 and 3 (FADS 1, 2 and 3) in women who gave birth to the infants appropriate for gestational age, large for gestational age, small for gestational age, with intrauterine growth restriction and born preterm. 34 pregnant women aged 21-37 years old participated in the study. The placental samples were taken from a site located 2-3 cm away from the umbilical cord attachment. The collected tissue sections were stored in RNAlater according to the manufacturer's protocol, until required for molecular analysis. The expression profiles of FADS1, FADS2 and FADS3 were determined with RT-qPCR. There was no difference in FADS1 and FADS2 expression between the groups. However, the differences in the expression of the FADS3 were found. Analysis of the FADS1, FADS2 and FADS3 transcription showed significant differences between most of the examined groups. Our findings suggest that the transcriptional activity of FADS genes changes with the severity of intrauterine disorders and is associated with foetal lipid disorders linked to a greater accumulation of fat in the foetal tissues.

Factors which impact the length of hospitalisation and death rate of COVID-19 patients based on initial triage using capillary blood gas tests: a single centre study.

An important element in the effective treatment of patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the pandemic is an effective early triage to determine patient allocation and in-patient therapy. This paper assesses the prognostic value of capillary blood gas tests in predicting extended hospitalisation and death due to COVID-19. This retrospective statistical research is based on a group of 200 patients, hospitalised from 15 October 2020 to 08 March 2021. The study utilised the treatment documentation of these patients hospitalised due to COVID-19 at the Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery Centre in Bystra (Southern Poland) during this period. The hospital has 50 beds with access to oxygen for COVID-19 patients and a five-bed intensive care unit. On the basis of the obtained results, conclusions were drawn that the need for early oxygen therapy with an oxygen mask and low pH values in capillary blood are significant risk factors for prolonging hospitalisation due to COVID-19. Age, the need for early oxygen mask therapy and low oxygen saturation are important risk factors for death from COVID-19. Capillary blood gas analysis is a simple and effective method of early in-patient segregation of COVID-19 patients.

YouTube as a source of information on carbon monoxide poisoning: a content-quality analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The variety of clinical presentation on the topic of carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication ranges from slight headache to coma or death. YouTube allows patients to search not only for entertainment but also medical advice. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the content and quality of YouTube videos concerning CO poisoning as a source of knowledge for non-medical audience. MATERIAL AND METHODS: On the December 8, 2020 a YouTube search was conducted for the following phrases: "carbon monoxide poisoning," "carbon monoxide symptoms," "CO poisoning," "carbon monoxide asphyxiation," "carbon monoxide intoxication" using the "incognito mode" and without attachment to Google Account. The search results were set as: "default" in the YouTube browser. The first 50 results were taken into consideration. Two raters, a specialist in emergency medicine and a specialist in clinical toxicology rated videos with Quality Criteria for Consumer Health Information (DISCERN), Global Quality Score (GQS) and Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). "VidIQ Vision for YouTube" plug-in was used. RESULTS: Ninety-five videos were included. The interclass coefficient for DISCERN, GQS and JAMA scores were: 0.8, 0.74 and 0.62 reaching good and moderate reliability. The mean DISCERN/GQS/JAMA was 28.1 (SD 7.9), 2.5 (SD 0.8) and 1.1 (SD 0.7) respectively. Higher DISCERN/GQS/JAMA had videos providing information on: exposure time, treatment options, hyperbaric chamber indications as well as physician speaker (p < 0.05). Video Power Index was higher when the video contained animations and presented patients own history of CO exposure but not influenced the DISCERN/ GQS/JAMA scores. Videos providing misleading information had a higher like ratio. CONCLUSIONS: The overall video quality was poor indicating inappropriate educational and informative value for patients who search information about carbon monoxide poisoning. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(3):285-95.

Open craniocerebral trauma in a patient at work: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Craniocerebral injuries belong to the category of bodily injuries which are characterised by high mortality and a high percentage of permanent effects in the form of disability. The likelihood of this injury exists in the workplace too. Performing works at a height or using high-pressure or mechanical machinery exposes employees to a higher risk of a craniocerebral injury. CASE REPORT: This case study deals with the topic of open craniocerebral trauma suffered by a 20-year-old man who was wearing no head protection at his place of work. It details the management of this trauma at the site of the accident, during transfer to the hospital and during hospitalisation. CONCLUSION: Fast transport, effective diagnostics and implementation of surgical treatment contributed to a good final result.

SGLT-2 Inhibitors in Cancer Treatment-Mechanisms of Action and Emerging New Perspectives.

A new group of antidiabetic drugs, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2 inhibitors), have recently been shown to have anticancer effects and their expression has been confirmed in many cancer cell lines. Given the metabolic reprogramming of these cells in a glucose-based model, the ability of SGLT-2 inhibitors to block the glucose uptake by cancer cells appears to be an attractive therapeutic approach. In addition to tumour cells, SGLT-2s are only found in the proximal tubules in the kidneys. Furthermore, as numerous clinical trials have shown, the use of SGLT-2 inhibitors is well-tolerated and safe in patients with diabetes and/or heart failure. In vitro cell culture studies and preclinical in vivo studies have confirmed that SGLT-2 inhibitors exhibit antiproliferative effects on certain types of cancer. However, the mechanisms of this action remain unclear. Even in those tumour cell types in which SGLT-2 is present, there is sometimes an SGLT-2-independent mechanism of anticancer action of this group of drugs. This article presents the current state of knowledge of the potential mechanisms of the anticancer action of SGLT-2 inhibitors and their possible future application in clinical oncology.

Amount of Fibre in the Diet with Regard to Excessive Weight and Obesity among Children and Adolescents in Rural Communities.

One component of a correctly balanced diet is dietary fibre. Fibre acts protectively-it improves the functioning of the intestines, regulates the rhythm of bowel movements, inhibits the absorption of sugar and also lowers the level of cholesterol. The aim of the research was to determine the intake of fibre in relation to the occurrence of excessive weight and obesity among children and adolescents living in rural areas. The research was conducted using an authored questionnaire. The study questionnaire was completed by the study participants and their parents over 7 d. The anthropometric measurements were carried out on pupils in their underwear in conditions of privacy. Based on the results obtained, the BMI index was calculated for each pupil and then ranked according to WHO reference values. Among the pupils in the study group, the intake of fibre was at a very low level. The lowest amount of fibre in the diet was found among those with excessive weight and with obesity. Over 39% pupils never consumed wholegrain bread. Fruit and vegetables were consumed most seldom by pupils with excessive body weight. Knowledge about the lifestyles of children and adolescents is of crucial importance in taking multidirectional preventative actions to make changes to such lifestyles.

Predictors of stress among emergency medical personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced emergency services to implement new standards of practice around the world. The dynamic and unpredictable nature of many clinical situations has placed emergency service personnel in direct danger of contracting the disease. This work uses a validated survey developed for the study to assess the predictors of stress that paramedics, nurses and doctors experience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group included 955 medical staff, and the level of significance adopted for statistical analysis was p = 0.05. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to analyze the qualitative variables divided into groups. The selection of tests was carried out based on the distribution of variables, verified using the Shapiro-Wilk test. In order to determine the predictors that caused the feelings of stress, it was necessary to use the linear regression model. RESULTS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, stress among emergency medical personnel has increased considerably due to new factors that did not previously exist. The predictors of stress in the professional environment include the fear of contracting COVID-19, a decrease in the level of safety while conducting emergency medical procedures, and the marginalization of treatment for patients not suffering from COVID-19. Additional socio-demographic factors that increase stress among emergency medical personnel are being female and working in the nursing profession. Appropriate training, the supply of personal protective equipment and opinions on the preparedness of the system to deal with the outbreak of the pandemic did not affect the level of stress among health service personnel. CONCLUSIONS: The factors that can be considered to act as predictors of occupational stress include the fear of contracting COVID-19, a decrease in the level of safety and security while conducting emergency medical procedures, and the marginalization of patients not suffering from COVID-19. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(2):139-49.

Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressure - Comparison of the Two Filling Methods - Simulated Test.

INTRODUCTION: Tracheal intubation is the optimal method for opening up airways. Performed correctly, it prevents stomach contents from entering the respiratory tract and allows asynchronous cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to be conducted during sudden cardiac arrest. An important element of correct intubation is proper inflation of the endotracheal tube cuff. Research has shown that when medical personnel use the palpation technique, the cuff is usually inflated incorrectly. This can result in numerous health complications for the patient. METHODS: This research was conducted in 2020 on a group of paramedics participating in the 15th International Winter Championship of Medical Rescuers in Bielsko-Biala (Poland). The aim of the research was to assess two methods of inflating the endotracheal tube cuff. Method A involved inflating the cuff using a syringe and assessing the pressure in the control cuff using the palpation technique. Method B involved inflating the cuff using a manometer. During the inflation, both the cuff inflation pressure and the time required to complete the procedure were recorded. Analysis was also conducted on whether completion of certified Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) training had any influence on the effectiveness of the inflation procedure. RESULTS: The research showed that paramedics using Method B significantly more often inflated the endotracheal tube cuff to the correct pressure than those using Method A. However, when Method B was used, the procedure took longer to conduct. The study also showed that completion of certified ALS or ACLS training did not have a significant influence on proper inflation of the cuff. Those who had completed certified training courses took significantly longer to inflate the endotracheal tube cuff when using Method A. CONCLUSIONS: Inflation of the endotracheal tube cuff by use of a syringe, followed by the palpation technique for assessing the inflation of the cuff balloon, is ineffective. Paramedic teams should be equipped with manometers to be used for inflating the endotracheal tube cuff.

Differences in Perceived Occupational Stress by Demographic Characteristics, of European Emergency Medical Services Personnel during the COVID-19 Virus Pandemic-An International Study.

OBJECTIVES: The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought commercial, social, and economic consequences in every country that has experienced substantial SARS-CoV-2 infection rates. The complete change in the environment that took place due to the outbreak of the pandemic can lead to stressful situations, especially among healthcare personnel. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic between the 27 March 2020 and the 20 April 2020. The research included 1984 employees of emergency medical systems in seven European countries. An internet-based questionnaire format was adopted for the study (ΩMc-Donald > 0.7). RESULTS: The highest level of stress was experienced by personnel in the United Kingdom M = 4.03, and the lowest by Norwegian employees M = 2.89. High levels of stress were also experienced by nurses from Spain and Poland. Women actively working in the healthcare system during the pandemic experienced higher stress levels than men. CONCLUSIONS: Women working in European emergency medical systems are more vulnerable to work-related stress, while carrying out emergency medical procedures during the pandemic. Differences in the level of stress experienced while carrying out duties in pre-hospital conditions were only found among Spanish emergency medical system personnel.