Prevalence of burnout syndrome among Work-From-Home IT professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic

Activation of Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-kB) Signaling Pathway Through Exercise-Induced Simulated Dopamine Against Colon Cancer Cell Lines

Introduction Dopamine is an important neuroregulatory hormone and is secreted during exercise. Its role in physiological regulation is not fully uncovered. Recent studies showed that it suppresses inflammation. Colon cancer is one of the most predominant cancers in the population and is influenced by prolonged inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effect of dopamine using the colon cancer model was analyzed in KB cells. Methods KB cells were cultured using Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium and Inhibitory Concentration- 50 (IC50) was determined by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. BCl-2, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa- B (​​​​​NF-kB), and interleukin (IL)-6 were assessed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)(at 50 and 100 µg/ ml < IC50). Schrödinger was used for docking analysis using nuclear factor Kappa B (NF-kB) (Protein Data Bank: 5T8O) and dopamine (CID 681). Results Results were represented as mean ± standard deviation and statistically evaluated. Dopamine showed severe growth inhibition in KB cells (IC50- 225±3.1µg/ ml). It downregulated the expression of BCl-2, NF-k, and IL-6, but increased TNF-α expression. Dopamine bonded with NF-kB by two hydrogen bonds with aspartic acid​​-53and alanine-54, respectively). Conclusion The present study revealed that dopamine has a significant anti-cancer potential by blocking NF-kB pathways in KB cells.

Validity and reliability of the Pandemic Fatigue Scale (PFS) in the Turkish population

BACKGROUND

The measures developed to fight the COVID-19 pandemic caused fear, stress and anxiety in people over time. It was reported that pandemic fatigue, associated with the gradual loss of motivation to follow the implemented protective measures, emerged in societies.

OBJECTIVE

This cross-sectional-methodological study aimed to validate the Turkish version of the Pandemic Fatigue Scale, developed by Lilleholt et al. (2020).

METHODS

A web-based questionnaire was conducted to examine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the PFS. 1149 participants from all regions in Turkey participated. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were performed.

RESULTS

As a result of the KMO and Bartlett's Test of Sphericity, the scale was suitable for the factor analysis. According to EFA, the scale has two sub-factors. The first sub-factor explained 48.7%, and the second sub-factor explained 16.7% of the total variance. Factor loadings of items varied between 0.67 0.89. CFA shows that acceptable fit values were obtained for the RMSEA, GFI, AGFI, CFI, NFI and IFI fit indices.

CONCLUSIONS

The results support that PFS is a valid and reliable screening tool that can be used to measure the phenomenon of pandemic fatigue.

Burnout Syndrome among Otorhinolaryngologists during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background and Objectives: To determine the prevalence of burnout syndrome among otorhinolaryngologists in Lithuania and investigate associations with sociodemographic and professional factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: Burnout was measured using the validated Lithuanian version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Demographic characteristics and professional characteristics were collected utilizing an anonymous questionnaire. Results: Eighty otorhinolaryngologists (ORL group) and 30 information technology professionals (the control group) were enrolled in this study. A high level of professional burnout in at least one of the subscales was observed in 82.5% of the ORL group subjects. Depersonalization and burnout syndrome were more frequently detected with increasing age in the ORL group (r = 0.2, p < 0.04). Greater satisfaction with salary and working environment resulted in a lower burnout incidence (r = 0.31, p = 0.001). Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of burnout syndrome has been high among Lithuanian otorhinolaryngologists. Demographic and professional characteristics are significantly related to burnout syndrome among Lithuanian otorhinolaryngologists.