In aging populations, the increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome and the resulting elevated risk of developing non-communicable diseases is a major challenge for worldwide health care. The elderly population-based Hamburg City Health Study (HCHS) allows investigating the association in the relevant age group 45–74 years. For 3513 of 10,000 participants, self-reported information on dietary patterns (DASH, MEDAS), chronotype, lifestyle, and data on metabolic syndrome parameters was available. Overall, having a “low” DASH score was a statistically significant risk factor (OR 1.23; 95% CI 1.01–1.48). Only for “late” chronotype, a slightly elevated OR (1.06) was found, but no statistically significant effect on the outcome of metabolic syndrome. Still, considering chronotype vastly improved the model. However, a trend of an increasing predicted probability from early to late chronotype was found for participants with low adherence to the DASH diet. Future research should focus on options for prevention in persons with late chronotype, so they can be supported better in adherence to, e.g., DASH diet to lower their risk.

The usage of smart glasses in goods logistics and order picking has mainly been studied through cross-sectional experimental studies. Our longitudinal field study investigated the effects of smart glasses on the eyesight of 43 employees at two German companies. We combined ophthalmological examinations and questionnaire surveys at two points in time, six months apart. The vision of the employees was examined before and after each work shift. Mixed effects logistic regression was conducted to determine the associations between smart glasses use and effects on visual acuity. In the baseline examination, differences in eyesight before and after shifts were small and not statistically significant. However, some individuals experienced deteriorations, especially in visual acuity at near distances (n = 7 for the right eye, n = 6 for the left). Participants over 40 years of age had 16.1 times higher odds of deterioration compared to those under 40 years (95% CI: 2.7–95.9, p = 0.002). The most commonly reported eye strains were eye fatigue (n = 32), rubbing (n = 25), and burning (n = 24). If smart glasses are to be implemented in logistics companies, it is recommended to offer employees eye tests with an industrial physician in advance.

Healthcare workers bear a high risk of infection during epidemics and pandemics such as the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Various new vaccines have been approved. We investigated the influence of the time elapsed since vaccination, as well as of vaccination schema, on health workers’ spike antibody levels following their second vaccination. Blood samples were obtained from employees working at a German hospital between August 2021 and December 2021 on average half a year (range 130–280 days) after their second vaccination. Levels of SARS-CoV-2-IgG antibodies (spike and nucleocapsid protein) were qualitatively detected via chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIAs). A previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 was an exclusion criterion. In total, 545 persons were included in this cross-sectional study. Most participants (97.8%) showed elevated anti-spike concentrations. Anti-spike levels differed significantly among vaccination schemas. Repeated vector vaccinations resulted in lower protective antibody levels. Higher age levels, immunosuppression and a longer time period since the second vaccination resulted in lower anti-spike levels. Women’s antibody levels were higher, but not significantly. Since anti-spike levels drop after vaccination, further boosters are required to increase immunoreactivity. If two vector vaccines have been administered, it is possible that an mRNA booster might increase the anti-spike level.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) are major public health concerns, with occupational exposure to vapors, gases, dusts, and fumes (VGDF) often overlooked as risk factors. This study investigates discrepancies between self-reported and Job-Exposure Matrix (JEM)-assessed exposures in chronic airway obstruction (AO), highlighting the importance of robust assessment methods. Data from the Hamburg City Health Study (2016–2020) were analyzed, contrasting self-reported VGDF exposure with Airborne Chemical Exposure (ACE) JEM assessments. COPD definition followed GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) and GLI (The Global Lung Function Initiative) criteria for an AO. Inter-rater reliability was calculated using Cohen’s Kappa. Logistic regression models analyzed VGDF-AO associations, adjusting for confounders. Among 4,811 participants assessed with GOLD criteria, 3,545 met GLI criteria; inter-rater reliability between self-reported and JEM-based exposure was modest (Kappa = 0.29). Awareness of exposure varied between skill levels. Self-reported VGDF exposure was associated with GLI-defined AO (OR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.11–1.96), but not with GOLD-defined AO. JEM assessments did not show an association for either criterion. Discrepancies exist between self-reported and JEM-assessed VGDF exposures, as well as between GOLD and GLI criteria. Enhanced assessment strategies are needed to accurately assess occupational health risks related to COPD.

OBJECTIVES: Occupational asthma (OA) often interferes with workers’ ability to maintain employment. We synthesized the prevalence of adverse occupational outcome (AOO)—unemployment, chronic sick leave, disability, and early retirement—caused by OA. METHODS: Following PRISMA methodological recommendations and PROSPERO registration (CRD42024528750), we searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between January 1980 and September 2024 that reported quantitative employment outcomes in adults with OA. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Prevalence Studies. Pooled prevalences were calculated using random-effects generalized linear mixed models on the logit scale with Hartung–Knapp 95% confidence and prediction intervals (CI and PI). RESULTS: A total of 25 studies comprising 3393 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of AOO was 35.9% (95% CI 28.6–43.9; I ² =86.0%; 95% PI 10.2–73.4). Prevalence of AOO varied by: (i) data sources (registry/compensation: 50.1% versus clinic: 32.0%; P=0.015); (ii) study size (>80 participants: 43.4% versus ≤80: 27.9%; P=0.033); (iii) baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV ₁ ) (≤85% predicted: 38.2% versus >85% predicted: 13.8%; P=0.008); and (iv) exposure duration before symptom onset (>7.1 years: 35.7% versus ≤7.1 years: 15.7%; P=0.015). Heterogeneity across studies was substantial and several subgroups included fewer than five studies. CONCLUSIONS: More than one-third of workers with OA experience an AOO. The findings highlight the need for harmonized outcome definitions and for interventions integrating early referral, exposure control, and structured return-to-work programs to avoid AOO.