Well-being at work, productivity, and coping with stress during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study aims to analyze the mechanisms through which the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic impacts on well-being at work and on productivity. The secondary objective is to identify stress management strategies for the work environment during the pandemic. This is an integrative review. Phase 1 consisted of searches of open access electronic databases (MEDLINE, SciELO, Bireme, and LILACS) for papers published in 2020 addressing mental health, work, and pandemics. Phase 2 consisted of selecting literature recommended by specialists in occupational psychiatry and positive psychology. These materials were read and critically analyzed. Forty references were included in the literature review. The articles reviewed were classified into the following categories: articles concerning work relationships in Brazil; articles describing the impact of pandemics on mental health and work; articles focusing on the work of health professionals during pandemics; articles about well-being at work; and papers proposing strategies to improve well-being and productivity and to promote mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic can have a significant impact on workers’ mental health and productivity. Most professionals face a need to adapt to changes, which can decrease their feeling of well-being. Consequently, strategies to promote well-being and mental health in the work environment should be a priority. Work routines were modified after the COVID-19 pandemic set in and assessing these changes is essential to maintain workers’ mental health. By so doing, it is possible to promote general well-being and post-traumatic recovery and reduce stress levels

Fatores associados à exposição ao HIV em usuários de álcool

Introduction: The HIV prevalence is higher in Porto Alegre compared to other capitals in Brazil. Alcohol abuse affects critical judgment, being associated with risky behaviors that can lead to HIV infection. Aim: To analyze factors associated with exposure to HIV in alcohol users, comparing those with risky sexual practices and those who use prevention methods. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 126 male alcohol users (HIV negative), divided into 2 groups: Sexually Exposed (n=42) and Less Sexually Exposed (n=84), considering condom use and number of sexual partners. Results: Most subjects in the Sexually Exposed group were single, without a job, with a history of homelessness and a relationship with a sexual worker, and were more concerned about HIV infection (p<0.05). Discussion: The development and monitoring of specific preventive interventions is suggested, considering the characteristics of alcohol abuse and its role in HIV transmission.Introdução: A prevalência de HIV é maior em Porto Alegre comparada ao restante do país. O abuso de álcool afeta o juízo crítico, sendo associado a comportamentos de risco que podem levar à contaminação pelo HIV. Objetivo: Analisar fatores associados à exposição ao HIV em alcoolistas com práticas sexuais de risco comparando com aqueles que se previnem. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 126 homens alcoolistas (HIV negativo), divididos em 2 grupos: Exposto Sexual (n=42) e Pouco Exposto Sexual (n=84), considerando uso de preservativo e número de parceiros sexuais. Resultados: A maioria dos sujeitos do grupo Exposto Sexual era solteiro, sem ocupação laboral, com histórico de moradia de rua e de relação com profissional do sexo,  apresentavam maior preocupação com infecção por HIV (p<0,05). Conclusão: Sugere-se o desenvolvimento e monitoramento de intervenções preventivas específicas, considerando as características do abuso de álcool e seu papel na transmissão do HIV

Associations of moderate to vigorous physical activity and sedentary behavior with depressive and anxiety symptoms in self-isolating people during the COVID-19 pandemic:A cross-sectional survey in Brazil

This is a cross-sectional study evaluating the associations of self-reported moderate to vigorous physical activity, and sedentary behavior with depressive, anxiety, and co-occurring depressive and anxiety symptoms (D&A) in self-isolating Brazilians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were collected using the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories (BDI and BAI). Among the 937 participants (females=72.3%), those performing ≥30 min/day of moderate to vigorous or ≥15 min/day of vigorous physical activity had lower odds of prevalent depressive, anxiety, and co-occurring D&A symptoms. Those spending ≥10 h/day sedentary were more likely to have depressive symptoms.status: publishe

High levels of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor are associated with treatment adherence with among crack cocaine users

Due to the complexity of crack -cocaine addiction treatment, the identification of biological markers that could help determining the impact or outcome of drug use has become a major subject of study. Therefore, we aim to evaluate the association of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) levels in crack -cocaine users with treatment adherence and with drug addiction severity. A sample of 47 male inpatient crack- cocaine users were recruited in a treatment unit, and blood samples were collected at admission and discharge in order to measure BDNF and TBARS serum levels. Subjects were split into 2 groups: treatment non-completers (n = 23) and treatment completers (n = 24). The completer group had a tendency of higher levels of BDNF than non-completers at admission (16.85 \ub1 3.24 vs. 14.65 \ub1 5.45, p = 0.10), and significant higher levels at discharge (18.10 \ub1 4.88 vs. 13.91 \ub1 4.77, p = 0.001). A negative correlation between BDNF levels at admission and years of crack use was observed. We did not find significant changes in TBARS levels during inpatient treatment, although the completer group tended to decrease these levels while non-completers tend to increase it. These findings suggest an association between higher levels of BDNF and better clinical outcomes in crack- cocaine users after detoxification. We believe that the variation in BDNF and TBARS found here add evidence to literature data that propose that such biomarkers could be used to better understand the physiopathology of crack- cocaine addiction

Modafinil Effects on Behavior and Oxidative Damage Parameters in Brain of Wistar Rats

The effects of modafinil (MD) on behavioral and oxidative damage to protein and lipid in the brain of rats were evaluated. Wistar rats were given a single administration by gavage of water or MD (75, 150, or 300 mg/kg). Behavioral parameters were evaluated in open-field apparatus 1, 2, and 3 h after drug administration. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyl formation were measured in the brain. MD increased locomotor activity at the highest dose 1 and 3 h after administration. MD administration at the dose of 300 mg/kg increased visits to the center of open-field 1 h after administration; however, 3 h after administration, all administered doses of MD increased visits to the open-field center. MD 300 mg/kg increased lipid damage in the amygdala, hippocampus, and striatum. Besides, MD increased protein damage in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus; however, this effect varies depending on the dose administered. In contrast, the administration of MD 75 and 300 mg/kg decreased the protein damage in the striatum. This study demonstrated that the MD administration induces behavioral changes, which was depending on the dose used. In addition, the effects of MD on oxidative damage parameters seemed to be in specific brain region and doses

Fatores associados à exposição ao HIV em usuários de álcool

Introduction: The HIV prevalence is higher in Porto Alegre compared to other capitals in Brazil. Alcohol abuse affects critical judgment, being associated with risky behaviors that can lead to HIV infection. Aim: To analyze factors associated with exposure to HIV in alcohol users, comparing those with risky sexual practices and those who use prevention methods. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 126 male alcohol users (HIV negative), divided into 2 groups: Sexually Exposed (n=42) and Less Sexually Exposed (n=84), considering condom use and number of sexual partners. Results: Most subjects in the Sexually Exposed group were single, without a job, with a history of homelessness and a relationship with a sexual worker, and were more concerned about HIV infection (p<0.05). Discussion: The development and monitoring of specific preventive interventions is suggested, considering the characteristics of alcohol abuse and its role in HIV transmission.Introdução: A prevalência de HIV é maior em Porto Alegre comparada ao restante do país. O abuso de álcool afeta o juízo crítico, sendo associado a comportamentos de risco que podem levar à contaminação pelo HIV. Objetivo: Analisar fatores associados à exposição ao HIV em alcoolistas com práticas sexuais de risco comparando com aqueles que se previnem. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 126 homens alcoolistas (HIV negativo), divididos em 2 grupos: Exposto Sexual (n=42) e Pouco Exposto Sexual (n=84), considerando uso de preservativo e número de parceiros sexuais. Resultados: A maioria dos sujeitos do grupo Exposto Sexual era solteiro, sem ocupação laboral, com histórico de moradia de rua e de relação com profissional do sexo,  apresentavam maior preocupação com infecção por HIV (p<0,05). Conclusão: Sugere-se o desenvolvimento e monitoramento de intervenções preventivas específicas, considerando as características do abuso de álcool e seu papel na transmissão do HIV