As technology increasingly shapes workplaces, evidence associated psychosocial effects remains limited. This study explored demographic correlates of digital and automated work, and examined associations between digital and automated work and psychosocial outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted within the Gutenberg Health Study (Mainz/Mainz-Bingen, Germany; 2019–2022). Digital and automated work were assessed using the GAP (Gesunde Arbeit in Pionierbranchen) module. Digital work refers to the use of digital information, digital communication tools and digital networking in work processes, whereas automated work refers to the support of work from machines and robots. Psychosocial outcomes were examined using the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ). Unadjusted ordinal logistic regression models estimated odds ratios and 95
Pesticides pose significant risks to human health through both environmental and occupational exposure. In agricultural contexts, occupational exposure is particularly prevalent and has been linked to the activation of inflammatory pathways and dysregulation of the immune response. Nevertheless, the acute and chronic impacts of pesticide exposure on biomarkers of innate immunity remain poorly characterized. In this context, the soluble forms of TREM-1 and TREM-2 have emerged as sensitive indicators of inflammation and/or been associated with neurodegenerative disorders, respectively, however, they have not yet been explored as occupational biomarkers of pesticide exposure. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of age, duration of exposure, and type of pesticide on circulating levels of sTREM-1 and sTREM-2 in a cross-sectional cohort of 168 rural workers from the state of Goiás, Brazil, stratified according to type of exposure and age (≤ 50 and ≥ 51 years). Serum levels of sTREM-1 and sTREM-2 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Sociodemographic and exposure-related variables were evaluated using parametric and nonparametric statistical tests, depending on the data distribution. Older individuals had significantly higher levels of sTREM-1 and sTREM-2, regardless of the type of pesticide they were exposed to. Age was correlated with increased biomarker concentrations, while the number of pesticides seemed not to influence these molecules. Longer exposure to pesticides was positively associated with higher levels of both biomarkers. Lifestyle factors (smoking and alcohol consumption) and history of previous pesticide poisoning modulated these effects in specific subgroups. These findings indicate that aging plays a central role in modulating sTREM-1 and sTREM-2 levels in pesticide-exposed populations, potentially modifying the immune effects associated with different types and combinations of compounds. In this context, TREM-related markers emerge as promising indicators of chronic immune activation in environmental and occupational settings. Purpose: Pesticide exposure has been associated with inflammation and immune dysregulation, but its effects on biomarkers of innate immunity remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to investigate the associations of age, exposure duration, and pesticide type with circulating soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 and 2 (sTREM-1 and sTREM-2) in agricultural workers. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 168 rural workers from Goiás, Brazil, stratified by pesticide exposure type and age (≤50 and ≥51 years). Serum sTREM-1 and sTREM-2 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Sociodemographic and exposure-related variables were analyzed using parametric or nonparametric statistical tests, as appropriate. Results: Older participants exhibited significantly higher sTREM-1 and sTREM-2 levels, regardless of pesticide exposure type. Age was positively associated with both biomarkers, whereas the number of pesticides used showed no apparent influence. Longer exposure duration was associated with increased levels of both biomarkers. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and previous pesticide poisoning also modulated these associations in specific subgroups. Conclusion: Age appears to be an important factor associated with circulating sTREM-1 and sTREM-2 levels among pesticide-exposed rural workers. These findings suggest that cumulative exposure and individual characteristics may contribute to immune alterations in this population. TREM-related markers warrant further investigation as potential indicators of chronic immune activation in occupational settings.
The association between psychosocial working conditions and depressive symptoms is well established. Going beyond the association, the present study aimed to identify optimal cut-off values for psychosocial working conditions using depressive symptoms as criterion. Data from the cohort study named Study on Mental Health at Work (S-MGA) were analysed using a representative sample of employees subject to social insurance at baseline and follow-up (2011/2012, n = 4,511; 2017, n = 2,637). Psychosocial working conditions were measured at baseline using eight scales from the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ), all ranging from 0 to 4, while depressive symptoms were measured at follow-up using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9; dichotomised). Cut-off values were determined by selecting the optimal combination of the corresponding sensitivity and 1 - specificity for each possible cut-off value. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves illustrate the discriminatory power of the COPSOQ scales for classifying participants as cases with or without depressive symptoms. The analyses revealed that the optimal cut-off values for the selected COPSOQ scales ranged from 1.38 to 3.50. Area under the curve (AUC) values ranged from 0.51 (95
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between workplace noise exposure and sleep outcomes among high noise exposed small-scale industrial metal workers and a low noise exposed control group in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A cross-sectional design was employed, where 66 metal workers from small-scale metal industries in informal sectors (high noise exposed) and 22 cleaners from university teaching hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (low noise exposed) were included. Noise levels were assed using personal noise dosimeters (Brüel and Kjær type 4448), while sleep parameters were measured using ActiWatch devices. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. The average 8-h noise exposure level (LAeq,8 h) among the high noise exposed workers was 97.9 ± 5.5 dBA, compared to 76.6 ± 3.3 dBA among the low noise exposed workers. Sleep efficiency averaged 80.4 ± 7.7
Long-term occupational exposure to cement dust is associated with respiratory disease, yet early subclinical impairment may not be detected using conventional spirometry. This study aimed to investigate small airway dysfunction (SAD) as an early marker of respiratory effects and its association with exercise capacity in asymptomatic cement workers. We studied 500 non-smoking, non-asthmatic, non-atopic cement industry workers aged 35 years or older, with at least 10 years of occupational exposure to cement dust. Participants underwent spirometry, static lung volume measurements, impulse oscillometry (IOS) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Workers with evidence of SAD were compared to those with normal small airway function. Small airway dysfunction was identified in a subset of workers despite preserved spirometry. The SAD group exhibited a 19.4
