Estimation of Aortic Stiffness with Bramwell-Hill Equation: A Comparative Analysis with Carotid-Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity.

Aortic stiffness is an important clinical parameter for predicting cardiovascular events. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) has been proposed for performing this evaluation non-invasively; however, it requires dedicated equipment and experienced operators. We explored the possibility of measuring aortic stiffness using ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta coupled with the Bramwell-Hill equation. Healthy subjects were investigated; measurements of cf-PWV were taken by arterial tonometry and aortic systo-diastolic pressure difference was estimated using a validated model. Pulsatility of an abdominal tract of aorta was assessed by automated processing of ultrasound scans. Through a Bland-Altmann analysis, we found large biases when estimating each parameter by applying the Bramwell-Hill equation to the measured values of the other two paramters (bias, ± 1.96 SD; PWV, about 2.1 ± 2.5 m/s; pulsatility, 12 ± 14%; pressure jump, 47 ± 55 mmHg). These results indicate that the two measures are not interchangeable, and that a large part of the bias is attributable to blood pressure estimation. Further studies are needed to identify the possible sources of bias between cf-PWV and aortic pulsatility.

Stress and Maladaptive Coping of Italians Health Care Professionals during the First Wave of the Pandemic.

Stress during the pandemic has had an impact on the mental health of healthcare professionals (HCPs). However, little is known about coping and "maladaptive" coping behaviours of this population. This study investigates "maladaptive" coping behaviours and their correlation with stress, anxiety and insomnia of Italian HCPs during the pandemic. It reports on a cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational study based on a survey of 1955 Italian HCPs. Overall participants reported increases in cigarette smoking, time spent online and video playing. Overall reported alcohol consumption decreased but increased in those reporting drinking more than once a week. Those reporting starting smoking during the pandemic were found to have higher SAS and PSS scores. Those reporting being online for 3 or more hours were found to have higher ISS scores. Doctors who reported playing video games were found to have higher PSS, ISS and SAS scores whilst nurses who reported playing video games were found to have higher ISS scores. Doctors who reported playing for longer than one hour had higher PSS scores. Online behaviours may be a coping behaviour of HCPs affected by the pandemic. However, this is an underexplored area for the wellbeing of HCPs. These deficits need to be addressed going forward.