International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health最新文献

Background: Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) is an effective biomarker to evaluate the effects of cationic metals on mtDNA integrity and function. In this study, we explored the relationships between individual and combined urinary metal concentrations and mtDNAcn among workers.

Methods: Blood mtDNAcn and urinary metal concentrations were quantified in a cohort of 328 participants. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were applied to explore potential non-linear association, while generalized linear models (GLMs) were utilized to assess the associations between urinary metal levels and blood mtDNAcn. We further explored the combined effects of multiple metals on mtDNAcn through quantile g-computation (GQC) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR).

Results: The dose-response relationship between nickel (Ni) and mtDNAcn exhibited an inverted U-shaped pattern. Notably, GLMs revealed significant reductions in mtDNAcn associated with Ni and silver (Ag) in the second quartile. An overall inverse association between urinary metal mixture and mtDNAcn was observed in the BKMR model when urine dilutions were SG-adjusted. Cre-adjusted lead (Pb) was identified as the primary contributor to decreased mtDNAcn, while SG-adjusted lithium (Li) was indicated as the most substantial contribution to mtDNAcn.

Conclusions: Urinary metal concentrations were associated with decreased mtDNAcn following SG adjustment. Future research should investigate these associations in a larger population with improved calibration techniques.

Purpose: World Trade Center (WTC) rescue/recovery workers were exposed to materials hazardous to health. Previous studies found lower than expected mortality among WTC rescue/recovery workers when compared to general populations, possibly due to healthy worker effects, better healthcare access and/or incomparability of the groups. We compared mortality rates in WTC-exposed law enforcement officers (LEOs) with rates in LEOs employed by the Buffalo, NY, Police Department. We also compared both cohorts to the general population.

Methods: Follow-up began at the later of one year after enrollment date or 1/1/2005 and ended at the earlier of death date or 12/31/2018. Analyses were restricted to ages 40-79 years (N = 11,476 WTC LEOs, N = 1668 non-WTC LEOs). We estimated standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) in each cohort using stratum-specific US mortality rates. Relative rates (RRs) and 95% CIs were estimated for the WTC vs. the Buffalo cohort using Poisson regression models adjusted for sex, race, age-group, and calendar-period.

Results: 185 deaths were observed in the WTC cohort and 186 in the Buffalo cohort. All-cause and cause-specific SMRs were significantly lower in the WTC cohort. Similarly, the adjusted all-cause mortality RR for the WTC vs. Buffalo cohorts was 0.30 (95% CI = 0.23-0.40). The cause-specific mortality RRs were all significantly < 1.

Conclusion: We found lower overall and cause-specific mortality rates in WTC LEOs compared with both the general population and Buffalo LEOs. These results suggest that factors other than healthy worker effects, such as access to healthcare via the WTC Health Program, contribute to lower mortality rates in WTC rescue/recovery workers.

Background: The unique characteristics of air pollution in high-altitude regions may significantly influence the transmission and incidence of influenza. However, current research on this phenomenon is limited, and further investigation is urgently needed.

Methods: This study collected influenza outpatient data from Qinghai Province between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021. We employed a time-stratified case-crossover design combined with conditional Poisson regression models to quantitatively analyze the relationship between air pollutants (PM_2.5, SO₂, NO₂) and influenza incidence and explored the moderating role of temperature in this relationship. Additionally, stratified analyses were conducted to identify potential vulnerable populations.

Results: The study results indicated that exposure to PM_2.5, SO₂, and NO₂ was positively associated with the risk of influenza incidence. For every 10 µg/m³ increase in the concentration of PM_2.5, SO₂, and NO₂, the percentage change in relative risk (RR) of influenza incidence was 0.35% (95% CI: 0.02%, 0.68%), 2.24% (95% CI: 1.42%, 3.06%), and 1.91% (95% CI: 1.16%, 2.67%), respectively. Under low-temperature conditions, the impact of pollutants other than O₃ on influenza incidence was particularly pronounced. Children, the elderly, and individuals living at altitudes of 3000-3500 m were more sensitive to these pollutants.

Conclusion: This study revealed a close link between air pollution and influenza in high-altitude regions, with greater health risks under low-temperature conditions. The findings underscore the necessity of strengthening air quality monitoring and raising public awareness of environmental health.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify distinct patterns of pesticide poisoning in Brazil through the cluster analysis of epidemiological data from 2011 to 2019.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of 49,233 confirmed pesticide poisoning cases was conducted using multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical clustering. Data from the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System were analyzed by region, demographics, and exposure types.

Results: Three distinct clusters were identified. Cluster 1 was characterized by severe cases, predominantly involving suicide attempts (~90%), required treatment (99.1%) and fatality rates (93.2% of all cases). Exposures were mostly domestic and occurred via ingestion, with a strong prevalence in the Northeast. Cluster 2 consisted mainly of pediatric cases, marked by accidental and acute domestic exposures, and showed minimal representation in the Southeast and South regions. Cluster 3 had a male predominance (80.1%) and was strongly associated with occupational and chronic exposures, involving cutaneous and respiratory routes, and was most prevalent in the Central-West.

Conclusion: The study reveals significant regional and demographic disparities in pesticide poisoning across Brazil. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted public health interventions and stricter pesticide regulations to address regional vulnerabilities and mitigate pesticide-related harm.

Purpose: Little is known about the relationship between conflict at work and incident chronic low back pain (CLBP). Thus, this retrospective cohort study analyzed the association between conflict at work and the five-year incidence of CLBP in adults living in Germany.

Methods: This study included individuals aged 18-65 years reporting conflict at work for the first time in one of 1,293 general practices in Germany between 2005 and 2022 (index date). Patients not reporting conflict at work were matched (5:1) to those reporting conflict at work using a propensity score based on multiple demographic and clinical variables. In people not reporting conflict at work, the index date was a randomly selected consultation in 2005-2022. CLBP corresponded to two diagnoses of LBP at least three months apart. The relationship between conflict at work and incident CLBP was studied using Cox regression models.

Results: There were 16,925 patients reporting (mean [SD] age 39.5 [13.0] years; 63% women) and 84,625 patients not reporting conflict at work (mean [SD] age 39.6 [12.9] years; 64% women). Conflict at work was not associated with incident CLBP in the overall population (HR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.99-1.14). However, there was a positive and significant association for CLBP without sciatica, individuals aged 18-30 years, and those with no history of low back pain before the index date.

Conclusion: Conflict at work may be a predisposing factor for CLBP without sciatica, highlighting the need to prevent conflict in the workplace. Further research is warranted to corroborate these results in other countries.

Purpose: This study examines the link between high occupational noise exposure and atrial fibrillation (AF), given the limited existing evidence.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among participants from a large heavy industry enterprise in China. High noise exposure was defined as an equivalent A-weighted sound level (LAeq, 8 h) of ≥ 80 dB(A) during an 8 h workday. Statistical analyses included univariate analysis to assess relationships between high noise exposure, cardiovascular risk factors, and AF. Mediation analysis identified potential mediators between high noise exposure and AF. Propensity score matching (PSM) and multivariable analysis were used to evaluate the independent association between high noise exposure and AF.

Results: A total of 4530 participants were included, with 1526 experiencing high noise exposure, and 167 diagnosed with AF. Adjusted mediation analysis revealed that sleep disorders, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and dietary quality were the primary mediators for AF among those exposed to high noise, accounting for 12.4%, 9.6%, 8.9%, and 6.7% of the effect, respectively. PSM analysis showed a significantly higher proportion of AF in individuals with high noise exposure compared to those with low exposure (5.4% vs. 3.0%, P = 0.003). Multivariable analysis indicated that the risk of AF was doubled in individuals with high noise exposure (OR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.38-2.88, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: High occupational noise exposure increases the risk of AF in the working population, acting both as an independent risk factor and through mediation effects. Sleep disorders, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and dietary quality are the main mediators. These findings highlight the importance of integrating noise control with cardiovascular health management in workplace safety policies to prevent AF among industrial workers.

Trial registration number: ChiCTR2300077951, registered on November 24, 2023, in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry.

Purpose: The rising prevalence of ASD has prompted extensive research into potential environmental risk factors, with air pollution particularly emerging as a major concern. A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of air pollutants and time of exposure (particularly, PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂, and O₃) and the risk of ASD was therefore performed.

Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines and PROSPERO registration (Ref: CRD42023464592), a thorough literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The analysis included 27 studies encompassing 369,460 participants, 47,973 of whom were diagnosed with ASD.

Results: Preconception exposure to air pollutants showed a protective trend for PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and O₃ with a 10%, 5%, and 19% reduced risk of ASD, whereas NO₂ had a 28% higher likelihood of ASD. During gestation, PM_2.5 exposure increased ASD risk by 15%, with 13% and 9%, 25% and 7%, and 25% and 10% increases in ASD risk with PM_2.5 and NO₂ for the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively. In the first year of life, 20%, 8%, 33%, and 14% increases in risk were found for PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂, and O₃, respectively, while such risk estimates increased to 179%, 60%, 12%, and 179% for the second year of life.

Conclusions: In this meta-analysis, the relationships between air pollutants and ASD risk revealed significant associations, particularly for PM_2.5 and NO₂. Exposure during preconception exhibited a protective trend, while postnatal exposure, particularly during the second year of life uncovered substantially higher ASD risk.

Background: In an effort to combat burnout, a study investigates Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training for nurses. The goal is to reduce stress and improve job satisfaction, ultimately enhancing patient care. These findings may inspire the development of mindfulness-based support systems for healthcare professionals to promote overall well-being in the workplace.

Materials and methods: A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial with 60 emergency medical center nurses was conducted to assess the effectiveness of an eight-session MBSR program in reducing stress and burnout. The randomization process, utilizing sealed envelopes, ensured unbiased allocation to intervention or control groups. The training program included group sessions focused on meditation, yoga, and discussions, with participants receiving educational materials and CDs for home practice. Collected data included demographics, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Occupational Stress Questionnaire results. Statistical analysis, utilizing SPSS version 21, featured Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney U, and Wilcoxon tests to evaluate outcomes.

Results: Following MBSR Training, the intervention group displayed statistically significant differences in all occupational stress subscales compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Post-intervention, the intervention group also exhibited significant differences in burnout subscale scores (P < 0.001) compared to the control group.

Conclusion: MBSR can boost resilience and job satisfaction, enhancing patient care. Healthcare organizations should integrate MBSR programs for nursing staff well-being and combat stress and burnout. Research should probe long-term impacts and effective delivery methods for sustained stress relief in nursing.

Trial registration: This study has registered in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials by the number of IRCT20131112015390N5 on Jun 2022.

Purpose: We estimated the static and dynamic effects of promotion to managerial positions on mental health and satisfaction using the recent estimation method; we addressed the gap in extant research by considering the heterogeneity in treatment timing to reconfirm evidence regarding the causal effects of promotion.

Methods: We used a modified estimation method of two-way fixed effects recommended by (Callaway and Sant'Anna, J Econom 225:200-230, 2021). To check for robustness, we compared the analyses using propensity sample matching, an alternative treatment timing heterogeneity-robust analysis, and a normal two-way fixed effects event study. We used four years of complete panel data on a sample of 1454 Japanese males (5816 overall).

Results: The results indicated that becoming a manager worsened mental health with a two-year lag. We tested the effects of promotion to managerial positions on variables shown in previous studies to have negative effects on mental health (e.g., increased working hours) and positive effects (e.g., increased job role clarity) as outcomes to explore the mechanisms. Some of both variables indicate statistical significance. These results were robust.

Conclusion: The promotion to managerial positions deteriorated mental health with a two-year lag. Promotion to managerial positions exhibited both positive and negative effects. The findings have potential implications for firms' human resources allocation.

Purpose: Prolonged sitting time (ST) has been suggested as a risk factor for CVD. Particularly, occupational ST (OST) is determined by occupation-specific activities and can impact the health status of workers. However, there is limited information on the impact of OST across different occupations among Japanese workers. This study aimed to examine how OST and occupation associate to CVD risks.

Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, a total of 1874 workers were included in this study. ST was assessed using the Worker's Living Activity-time Questionnaire during working and non-working days. CVD risks were evaluated using a combination of questionnaires and medical checkup records. We conducted multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analyses to assess the associations between occupations (clerical support, professionals, service, and sales) and OST (categorized as long, middle, or short) with CVD risks. All analyses were adjusted for sex, age, smoking status, alcohol consumption, exercise habits, and either OST or occupation, depending on the primary exposure.

Results: The results indicated that workers in services and sales had significantly lower odds ratios (ORs) for hypertension (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.40-0.69) and CVD risk (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.47-0.78) compared to clerical support, while professionals showed higher ORs for dyslipidemia (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.16-1.91). When analyzed by OST categories, the short OST group showed reduced risks for obesity (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.59-1.00) compared to the long OST group.

Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need to consider both occupation and OST when assessing health risks, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions for specific occupational groups.