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Heart rate variability (HRV) is a simple, non-invasive, real-time analyzable, and highly reproducible measurement that captures incidences for assessing a person’s health and physical condition. Public security jobs are characterized by major exposure to risk factors known to influence the cardiovascular response to stimuli, e.g., night shifts, highly physically demanding activity, and acute stress activity. This study aimed to evaluate the HRV parameters in a population of 112 male personnel of the special forces and public order of the Carabinieri, aged 25–59, when engaged in several duty tasks, such as paratroopers, night shift police station officers, night shift patrol, dynamic precision shooting evaluative team, dynamic precision shooting non-evaluative team, and office clerks (used as control group). During the specific task of each participant, the HRV parameters were collected with wearable devices and processed. The HRV parameters in the time and frequency domains collected were average heart rate, standard deviation of all normal RR intervals, root mean square of successive differences in adjacent normal-to-normal (NN) intervals, very-low-frequency power, low-frequency power, high-frequency power, stress index, parasympathetic nervous system activity index, and sympathetic nervous system activity index. Parametric tests for independent series to compare the HRV parameters by subgroups within the study subjects were used. A multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between the HRV parameters and some personal and organizational factors. The comparison between different subgroups showed that activities with a high demand for concentration and precision, as is the case with paratroopers and dynamic precision shooters, differ significantly from activities that can be defined as routine, such as office work. Other activities, such as patrolling or remote management from operations centers, although including critical elements, did not deviate significantly from the control group. The study of HRV parameters is therefore a useful tool for occupational physicians, both for addressing work suitability assessments and for better targeting health promotion campaigns, to be considered as being aimed at monitoring the subject’s physiological parameters, and not at the diagnosis of any pathological condition, which should always be carried out by the medical specialist.
Giuseppe Gancitano; Antonio Baldassarre; Luigi Lecca; Nicola Mucci; Marco Petranelli; Mario Nicolia; Antonio Brancazio; Andrea Tessarolo; Giulio Arcangeli. HRV in Active-Duty Special Forces and Public Order Military Personnel. Sustainability 2021, 13, 3867 .
AMA StyleGiuseppe Gancitano, Antonio Baldassarre, Luigi Lecca, Nicola Mucci, Marco Petranelli, Mario Nicolia, Antonio Brancazio, Andrea Tessarolo, Giulio Arcangeli. HRV in Active-Duty Special Forces and Public Order Military Personnel. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (7):3867.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiuseppe Gancitano; Antonio Baldassarre; Luigi Lecca; Nicola Mucci; Marco Petranelli; Mario Nicolia; Antonio Brancazio; Andrea Tessarolo; Giulio Arcangeli. 2021. "HRV in Active-Duty Special Forces and Public Order Military Personnel." Sustainability 13, no. 7: 3867.
Airport activity causes the emission of particulate matter and noise, two environmental contaminants and potential health hazards, particularly for the personnel operating nearby taxiways. We explored the association between exposure to fine/ultrafine particles (UFPs) and noise with heart rate variability (HRV), an early indicator of cardiovascular autonomic response, among a sample of airport ground staff. Between May and June 2018, thirty-four male operators (mean age = 43 years and SD = 6.7) underwent personal monitoring of exposure to nanoparticles and noise, and HRV during their work activity. We conducted univariate and multivariate analysis to test the effect of UFP and noise exposure HRV. Total Lung Deposition Surface Area (LDSA) was significantly associated with a decrease in HRV Total Power and Triangular index (β = −0.038 p = 0.016 and β = −7.8 × 10−5, p = 0.042, respectively). Noise peak level showed an opposite effect, which was significant for Total Power (β = 153.03, p = 0.027), and for Triangular index (β = 0.362, p = 0.035). Further investigation is warranted to clarify the effect of the concurrent exposure to UFPs and noise on early changes of cardiac autonomic regulation.
Luigi Lecca; Gabriele Marcias; Michele Uras; Federico Meloni; Nicola Mucci; Francesca Larese Filon; Giorgio Massacci; Giorgio Buonanno; Pierluigi Cocco; Marcello Campagna. Response of the Cardiac Autonomic Control to Exposure to Nanoparticles and Noise: A Cross-Sectional Study of Airport Ground Staff. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 2507 .
AMA StyleLuigi Lecca, Gabriele Marcias, Michele Uras, Federico Meloni, Nicola Mucci, Francesca Larese Filon, Giorgio Massacci, Giorgio Buonanno, Pierluigi Cocco, Marcello Campagna. Response of the Cardiac Autonomic Control to Exposure to Nanoparticles and Noise: A Cross-Sectional Study of Airport Ground Staff. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (5):2507.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLuigi Lecca; Gabriele Marcias; Michele Uras; Federico Meloni; Nicola Mucci; Francesca Larese Filon; Giorgio Massacci; Giorgio Buonanno; Pierluigi Cocco; Marcello Campagna. 2021. "Response of the Cardiac Autonomic Control to Exposure to Nanoparticles and Noise: A Cross-Sectional Study of Airport Ground Staff." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 5: 2507.
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has deeply altered social and working environments in several ways. Social distancing policies, mandatory lockdowns, isolation periods, and anxiety of getting sick, along with the suspension of productive activity, loss of income, and fear of the future, jointly influence the mental health of citizens and workers. Workplace aspects can play a crucial role on moderating or worsening mental health of people facing this pandemic scenario. The purpose of this literature review is to deepen the psychological aspects linked to workplace factors, following the epidemic rise of COVID-19, in order to address upcoming psychological critical issues in the workplaces. We performed a literature search using Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus, selecting papers focusing on workers’ psychological problems that can be related to the workplace during the pandemic. Thirty-five articles were included. Mental issues related to the health emergency, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sleep disorders are more likely to affect healthcare workers, especially those on the frontline, migrant workers, and workers in contact with the public. Job insecurity, long periods of isolation, and uncertainty of the future worsen the psychological condition, especially in younger people and in those with a higher educational background. Multiple organizational and work-related interventions can mitigate this scenario, such as the improvement of workplace infrastructures, the adoption of correct and shared anti-contagion measures, including regular personal protective equipment (PPE) supply, and the implementation of resilience training programs. This review sets the basis for a better understanding of the psychological conditions of workers during the pandemic, integrating individual and social perspectives, and providing insight into possible individual, social, and occupational approaches to this “psychological pandemic”.
Gabriele Giorgi; Luigi Isaia Lecca; Federico Alessio; Georgia Libera Finstad; Giorgia Bondanini; Lucrezia Ginevra Lulli; Giulio Arcangeli; Nicola Mucci. COVID-19-Related Mental Health Effects in the Workplace: A Narrative Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 7857 .
AMA StyleGabriele Giorgi, Luigi Isaia Lecca, Federico Alessio, Georgia Libera Finstad, Giorgia Bondanini, Lucrezia Ginevra Lulli, Giulio Arcangeli, Nicola Mucci. COVID-19-Related Mental Health Effects in the Workplace: A Narrative Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (21):7857.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGabriele Giorgi; Luigi Isaia Lecca; Federico Alessio; Georgia Libera Finstad; Giorgia Bondanini; Lucrezia Ginevra Lulli; Giulio Arcangeli; Nicola Mucci. 2020. "COVID-19-Related Mental Health Effects in the Workplace: A Narrative Review." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 21: 7857.
Clinical-instrumental investigations, such as electrocardiography (ECG), represent a corollary of a procedures that, nowadays, is called upon as part of the principles of precision medicine. However when carrying out the professional routine examinations, most tend to ignore how a “simple” instrument can offer indispensable support in clinical practice, even in occupational medicine. The advent of the digital age, made of silicon and printed circuit boards, has allowed the miniaturization of the electronic components of these electro-medical devices. Finally, the adoption of patient wearables in medicine has been rapidly expanding worldwide for a number of years. This has been driven mainly by consumers’ demand to monitor their own health. With the ongoing research and development of new features capable of assessing and transmitting real-time biometric data, the impact of wearables on cardiovascular management has become inevitable. Despite the potential offered by this technology, as evident from the scientific literature, the application of these devices in the field of health and safety in the workplace is still limited. This may also be due to the lack of targeted scientific research. While offering great potential, it is very important to consider and evaluate ethical aspects related to the use of these smart devices, such as the management of the collected data relating to the physiological parameters and the location of the worker. This technology is to be considered as being aimed at monitoring the subject’s physiological parameters, and not at the diagnosis of any pathological condition, which should always be on charge of the medical specialist We conducted a review of the evolution of the role that electrophysiology plays as part of occupational health and safety management and on its possible future use, thanks to ongoing technological innovation.
Antonio Baldassarre; Nicola Mucci; Martina Padovan; Alessia Pellitteri; Silvia Viscera; Luigi Isaia Lecca; Raymond P. Galea; Giulio Arcangeli. The Role of Electrocardiography in Occupational Medicine, from Einthoven’s Invention to the Digital Era of Wearable Devices. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 4975 .
AMA StyleAntonio Baldassarre, Nicola Mucci, Martina Padovan, Alessia Pellitteri, Silvia Viscera, Luigi Isaia Lecca, Raymond P. Galea, Giulio Arcangeli. The Role of Electrocardiography in Occupational Medicine, from Einthoven’s Invention to the Digital Era of Wearable Devices. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (14):4975.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonio Baldassarre; Nicola Mucci; Martina Padovan; Alessia Pellitteri; Silvia Viscera; Luigi Isaia Lecca; Raymond P. Galea; Giulio Arcangeli. 2020. "The Role of Electrocardiography in Occupational Medicine, from Einthoven’s Invention to the Digital Era of Wearable Devices." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 14: 4975.
Allergic disorders in the agriculture sector are very common among farm workers, causing many injuries and occupational diseases every year. Agricultural employees are exposed to multiple conditions and various allergenic substances, which could be related to onset of anaphylactic reactions. This systematic review highlights the main clinical manifestation, the allergens that are mostly involved and the main activities that are usually involved. This research includes articles published on the major databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus), using a combination of keywords. The online search yielded 489 references; after selection, by the authors, 36 articles (nine reviews and 27 original articles) were analyzed. From this analysis, the main clinical problems that were diagnosed in this category were respiratory (ranging from rhinitis to asthma) and dermatological (eczema, dermatitis, hives) in nature, with a wide symptomatology (from a simple local reaction to anaphylaxis). The main activities associated with these allergic conditions are harvesting or cultivation of fruit and cereals, beekeepers and people working in greenhouses. Finally, in addition to the allergens already known, new ones have emerged, including triticale, wine, spider and biological dust. For these reasons, in the agricultural sector, research needs to be amplified, considering new sectors, new technologies and new products, and ensuring a system of prevention to reduce this risk.
Giulio Arcangeli; Veronica Traversini; Emanuela Tomasini; Antonio Baldassarre; Luigi Isaia Lecca; Raymond P. Galea; Nicola Mucci. Allergic Anaphylactic Risk in Farming Activities: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 4921 .
AMA StyleGiulio Arcangeli, Veronica Traversini, Emanuela Tomasini, Antonio Baldassarre, Luigi Isaia Lecca, Raymond P. Galea, Nicola Mucci. Allergic Anaphylactic Risk in Farming Activities: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (14):4921.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiulio Arcangeli; Veronica Traversini; Emanuela Tomasini; Antonio Baldassarre; Luigi Isaia Lecca; Raymond P. Galea; Nicola Mucci. 2020. "Allergic Anaphylactic Risk in Farming Activities: A Systematic Review." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 14: 4921.
The new context of the Psychology of Sustainability and Sustainable Development has reached the attention of the scientific community in recent years, due to its comprehensive approach aimed at enhancing the sustainability of interpersonal and intrapersonal talent, as well as of groups and communities. In this scenario, research on employee cross-cultural adjustment (CCA) is considered a key theme in human resource management. It is known that psychological support in the host country may alleviate distress and facilitate the integration of the expatriate workers. However, there is a lack of research investigating expatriate adjustment as an antecedent of the perceived organizational support. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship among cross-cultural adjustment (CCA), perception of organizational support (POS), work-related stress (WRS), and innovation, considering these factors as a part of a unique innovative framework. A cross sectional study was performed using a sample of 234 expatriate workers of a multinational organization. Data were collected through a monitoring survey for the assessment of work-related stress risk factors of their expatriate staff. The results showed a positive correlation between CCA, POS, and innovation. On the other hand, a negative correlational effect of CCA and WRS, CCA and POS on WRS, and POS and WRS was found. Finally, POS was found to be a significant antecedent of CCA. These findings have implications for both international human resource management researchers and practitioners.
Gabriele Giorgi; Luigi Isaia Lecca; Antonio Ariza-Montes; Chiara Di Massimo; Marcello Campagna; Georgia Libera Finstad; Giulio Arcangeli; Nicola Mucci. The Dark and the Light Side of the Expatriate’s Cross-Cultural Adjustment: A Novel Framework Including Perceived Organizational Support, Work Related Stress and Innovation. Sustainability 2020, 12, 2969 .
AMA StyleGabriele Giorgi, Luigi Isaia Lecca, Antonio Ariza-Montes, Chiara Di Massimo, Marcello Campagna, Georgia Libera Finstad, Giulio Arcangeli, Nicola Mucci. The Dark and the Light Side of the Expatriate’s Cross-Cultural Adjustment: A Novel Framework Including Perceived Organizational Support, Work Related Stress and Innovation. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (7):2969.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGabriele Giorgi; Luigi Isaia Lecca; Antonio Ariza-Montes; Chiara Di Massimo; Marcello Campagna; Georgia Libera Finstad; Giulio Arcangeli; Nicola Mucci. 2020. "The Dark and the Light Side of the Expatriate’s Cross-Cultural Adjustment: A Novel Framework Including Perceived Organizational Support, Work Related Stress and Innovation." Sustainability 12, no. 7: 2969.
A sensor is a device used to gather information registered by some biological, physical or chemical change, and then convert the information into a measurable signal. The first biosensor prototype was conceived more than a century ago, in 1906, but a properly defined biosensor was only developed later in 1956. Some of them have reached the commercial stage and are routinely used in environmental and agricultural applications, and especially, in clinical laboratory and industrial analysis, mostly because it is an economical, simple and efficient instrument for the in situ detection of the bioavailability of a broad range of environmental pollutants. We propose a narrative review, that found 32 papers and aims to discuss the possible uses of biosensors, focusing on their use in the area of occupational safety and health (OSH).
Antonio Baldassarre; Nicola Mucci; Luigi Isaia Lecca; Emanuela Tomasini; Maria Julia Parcias-Do-Rosario; Carolina Tauil Pereira; Giulio Arcangeli; Paulo Antonio Barros Oliveira. Biosensors in Occupational Safety and Health Management: A Narrative Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 2461 .
AMA StyleAntonio Baldassarre, Nicola Mucci, Luigi Isaia Lecca, Emanuela Tomasini, Maria Julia Parcias-Do-Rosario, Carolina Tauil Pereira, Giulio Arcangeli, Paulo Antonio Barros Oliveira. Biosensors in Occupational Safety and Health Management: A Narrative Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (7):2461.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonio Baldassarre; Nicola Mucci; Luigi Isaia Lecca; Emanuela Tomasini; Maria Julia Parcias-Do-Rosario; Carolina Tauil Pereira; Giulio Arcangeli; Paulo Antonio Barros Oliveira. 2020. "Biosensors in Occupational Safety and Health Management: A Narrative Review." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 7: 2461.
Cognitive impairment has often been reported in scientific literature as a concern derived from chronic exposure to work-related stress. Organizational factors can contribute to the onset of this concern especially in a susceptible population such as elderly workers. The aim of our study was to review the last five years of scientific literature, focusing on experimental and epidemiological studies, possible mechanisms implicated in the onset of cognitive decline due to work-related stress, and the recent organizational strategies to prevent detrimental effects of stress on cognitive processes. A literature search was performed in scientific platforms Medline and Web of Science, by means of specific string search terms, restricting the search to the years of publication 2014-2019. Thirty-three articles were identified and qualitatively evaluated, reporting narratively the main point of interest. At this stage, six articles were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Only a few articles considered the population of the elderly workers, often with a short follow-up period. Strategies to manage stress with organizational procedures are scarce. Mechanisms implicated in the development of cognitive impairment due to stress are not fully explained and seem to include a chronical decrease in the inhibitory process of neurological pathways. Further research that focused on strategies to manage stress in elderly workers, with the aim of preventing cognitive impairment processes, is warranted.
Gabriele Giorgi; Luigi I. Lecca; Jose M. Leon-Perez; Silvia Pignata; Gabriela Topa; Nicola Mucci. Emerging Issues in Occupational Disease: Mental Health in the Aging Working Population and Cognitive Impairment-A Narrative Review. BioMed Research International 2020, 2020, 1742123 -6.
AMA StyleGabriele Giorgi, Luigi I. Lecca, Jose M. Leon-Perez, Silvia Pignata, Gabriela Topa, Nicola Mucci. Emerging Issues in Occupational Disease: Mental Health in the Aging Working Population and Cognitive Impairment-A Narrative Review. BioMed Research International. 2020; 2020 ():1742123-6.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGabriele Giorgi; Luigi I. Lecca; Jose M. Leon-Perez; Silvia Pignata; Gabriela Topa; Nicola Mucci. 2020. "Emerging Issues in Occupational Disease: Mental Health in the Aging Working Population and Cognitive Impairment-A Narrative Review." BioMed Research International 2020, no. : 1742123-6.
We appreciate the interest raised by our paper on the association between conditions linked to work-related stress and the prolongation of the QT interval on the electrocardiogram [...].
Luigi Isaia Lecca; Igor Portoghese; Nicola Mucci; Maura Galletta; Federico Meloni; Ilaria Pilia; Gabriele Marcias; Daniele Fabbri; Jacopo Fostinelli; Roberto G. Lucchini; Pierluigi Cocco; Marcello Campagna. Reply to Comment on Lecca, L.I.; Portoghese, I.; Mucci, N.; Galletta, M.; Meloni, F.; Pilia, I.; Marcias, G.; Fabbri, D.; Fostinelli, J.; Lucchini, R.G.; Cocco, P.; Campagna, M. Association between Work-Related Stress and QT Prolongation in Male Workers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 510 .
AMA StyleLuigi Isaia Lecca, Igor Portoghese, Nicola Mucci, Maura Galletta, Federico Meloni, Ilaria Pilia, Gabriele Marcias, Daniele Fabbri, Jacopo Fostinelli, Roberto G. Lucchini, Pierluigi Cocco, Marcello Campagna. Reply to Comment on Lecca, L.I.; Portoghese, I.; Mucci, N.; Galletta, M.; Meloni, F.; Pilia, I.; Marcias, G.; Fabbri, D.; Fostinelli, J.; Lucchini, R.G.; Cocco, P.; Campagna, M. Association between Work-Related Stress and QT Prolongation in Male Workers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (2):510.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLuigi Isaia Lecca; Igor Portoghese; Nicola Mucci; Maura Galletta; Federico Meloni; Ilaria Pilia; Gabriele Marcias; Daniele Fabbri; Jacopo Fostinelli; Roberto G. Lucchini; Pierluigi Cocco; Marcello Campagna. 2020. "Reply to Comment on Lecca, L.I.; Portoghese, I.; Mucci, N.; Galletta, M.; Meloni, F.; Pilia, I.; Marcias, G.; Fabbri, D.; Fostinelli, J.; Lucchini, R.G.; Cocco, P.; Campagna, M. Association between Work-Related Stress and QT Prolongation in Male Workers." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 2: 510.
Background: In spite of the reduced exposure level, and its ban in numerous countries, compensation claims for asbestos-related diseases are far from decreasing. Methods: We used retrospective exposure assessment techniques to explore respiratory function and a computerized tomography (CT) scan in relation to past asbestos exposure in 115 male workers retired from an acrylic and polyester fiber plant. Based, on detailed information on exposure circumstances, we reconstructed a cumulative exposure estimate for each patient. Results: Time-weighted average exposure in our study population was 0.24 fibers/ml (95% confidence inteval (CI) 0.19–0.29), and the average cumulative exposure was 4.51 fibers/mL-years (95% CI 3.95–5.07). Exposure was elevated among maintenance workers, compared to other jobs (p = 0.00001). Respiratory function parameters did not vary in relation to the exposure estimates, nor to CT scan results. Risk of interstitial fibrosis showed a significant upward trend (Wald test for trend = 2.62, p = 0.009) with cumulative exposure to asbestos; risk associated with 5.26 fibers/mL-years or more, was 8-fold (95% CI 1.18–54.5). Conclusions: Our results suggest that a CT scan can detect pleuro-parenchymal lung alterations at asbestos exposure levels lower than previously thought, in absence of respiratory impairment. Further studies are required to validate our techniques of retrospective assessment of asbestos exposure.
Giannina Satta; Tiziana Serra; Federico Meloni; Achille Lazzarato; Alessandra Argiolas; Elisa Bosu; Antonella Coratza; Nicola Frau; Michele Lai; Luigi Isaia Lecca; Nicola Mascia; Ilaria Pilia; Veronica Piras; Giovanni Sferlazzo; Marcello Campagna; Pierluigi Cocco. Pulmonary Function and CT Scan Imaging at Low-Level Occupational Exposureto Asbestos. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2019, 17, 50 .
AMA StyleGiannina Satta, Tiziana Serra, Federico Meloni, Achille Lazzarato, Alessandra Argiolas, Elisa Bosu, Antonella Coratza, Nicola Frau, Michele Lai, Luigi Isaia Lecca, Nicola Mascia, Ilaria Pilia, Veronica Piras, Giovanni Sferlazzo, Marcello Campagna, Pierluigi Cocco. Pulmonary Function and CT Scan Imaging at Low-Level Occupational Exposureto Asbestos. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019; 17 (1):50.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiannina Satta; Tiziana Serra; Federico Meloni; Achille Lazzarato; Alessandra Argiolas; Elisa Bosu; Antonella Coratza; Nicola Frau; Michele Lai; Luigi Isaia Lecca; Nicola Mascia; Ilaria Pilia; Veronica Piras; Giovanni Sferlazzo; Marcello Campagna; Pierluigi Cocco. 2019. "Pulmonary Function and CT Scan Imaging at Low-Level Occupational Exposureto Asbestos." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 1: 50.
The assessment of early effect of shift work-related circadian rhythms desynchronization and work-related stress in health care workers has gained a primary role among the duties of the occupational physician. Aim of our study was to assess the cardiac autonomic modulation through quantification of sinus rhythm variability, as an index of the adaptability to shift work of the cardiovascular system in healthcare shift workers. We measured Heart Rate Variability (HRV) by short-term (60 minutes) Holter Electrocardiography (ECG) during the regular duties in the respective department of 42 healthcare workers (31 nurses and 11 physicians) of an Italian Hospital (12 male and 30 females, aged 24-58 years), working on 3 shifts with a forward fast rotation with rest at the end of the night shift (7 am - 2 pm; 2 pm - 10 pm; 10 pm - 7 am) or in a fixed daytime shift (8 am - 2 pm). Measurements were all performed between 9 am and 12 am for fixed day workers and between 9 am and 12 pm or between 10 pm and 1 am for shift workers. The following HRV parameters were compared between the subgroups of shift workers and daytime workers: mean heart rate (HR), standard deviation of all normal RR (NN) intervals (SDNN), standard deviation of the averages of NN intervals in all 5-minute segments of a recording (SDaNN) and the triangular index (the integral of the density distribution divided by the maximum of the density distribution). We used parametric tests for independent series to compare HRV parameters by subgroups within the study subjects. We also tested correlation between the variables of interest and the association between HRV and shift work modality, along with other covariates, by means of a multiple linear regression analysis. We found significantly lower values of SDaNN in shift workers compared with workers engaged solely on day shifts (50.80 ms vs 66.71 ms; p=0,014). The mean heart rate did not show any significant difference between day workers and shift workers (85.78 bmp vs 85.53 bpm respectively). Multivariate analysis showed a significant association between SDNN and female gender and age, while no significant associations were found between HRV and shift work. The autonomic control of the heart rhythm could be disrupted by desynchronization of the biological rhythm secondary to the organization of shift work and night work. Shift work is an important factor of social and biological distress, influencing the adaptability of the cardiovascular system to stimuli and demands of work organization.
Luigi Isaia Lecca; Davide Setzu; Alberto Del Rio; Marcello Campagna; Pierluigi Cocco; Michele Meloni. Indexes of cardiac autonomic profile detected with short term Holter ECG in health care shift workers: a cross sectional study. La Medicina del lavoro 2019, 110, 437 -445.
AMA StyleLuigi Isaia Lecca, Davide Setzu, Alberto Del Rio, Marcello Campagna, Pierluigi Cocco, Michele Meloni. Indexes of cardiac autonomic profile detected with short term Holter ECG in health care shift workers: a cross sectional study. La Medicina del lavoro. 2019; 110 (6):437-445.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLuigi Isaia Lecca; Davide Setzu; Alberto Del Rio; Marcello Campagna; Pierluigi Cocco; Michele Meloni. 2019. "Indexes of cardiac autonomic profile detected with short term Holter ECG in health care shift workers: a cross sectional study." La Medicina del lavoro 110, no. 6: 437-445.
: Background: Work-related stress is a potential cardiovascular risk factor, but the underlying mechanism is not fully explained. The autonomic nervous system control of cardiac function might play a specific role; therefore, monitoring the QT interval in the electrocardiogram can highlight an autonomic imbalance induced by occupational stressors. The aim of our study was to explore the QT interval parameters as early indicators of imbalance of the autonomic cardiac function in relation to work-related stress. Methods: During 2015–2016 annual workplace health surveillance, we measured work-related stress in 484 workers of a logistic support company using the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) tool. We assessed the frequency-corrected QT (QTc) interval and the QT index (QTi) on the electrocardiogram of each participant, and collected demographic and clinical data. We compared the QTc values by the four Karasek’s categories (active/passive jobs, low/high strain job), and by job support (present/lacking), and conducted multivariate analysis to adjust for possible confounders. Results: The results of the multivariate regression analysis showed that QTc was prolonged among workers operating at a specific site where stress level was found to be elevated. Regular physical activity showed a beneficial effect against QTc prolongation. We did not observe an effect on QTc length by the cross-combined Karasek’s categories of job control, job demand, and job support. Conclusions: Our study suggests subclinical effects of conditions associated with work-related stress on the autonomic regulation of cardiac function. Further research is warranted to elucidate the combined effect of work organization and lifestyle factors on autonomic cardiac function.
Luigi Isaia Lecca; Igor Portoghese; Nicola Mucci; Maura Galletta; Federico Meloni; Ilaria Pilia; Gabriele Marcias; Daniele Fabbri; Jacopo Fostinelli; Roberto G. Lucchini; Pierluigi Cocco; Marcello Campagna. Association between Work-Related Stress and QT Prolongation in Male Workers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2019, 16, 4781 .
AMA StyleLuigi Isaia Lecca, Igor Portoghese, Nicola Mucci, Maura Galletta, Federico Meloni, Ilaria Pilia, Gabriele Marcias, Daniele Fabbri, Jacopo Fostinelli, Roberto G. Lucchini, Pierluigi Cocco, Marcello Campagna. Association between Work-Related Stress and QT Prolongation in Male Workers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019; 16 (23):4781.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLuigi Isaia Lecca; Igor Portoghese; Nicola Mucci; Maura Galletta; Federico Meloni; Ilaria Pilia; Gabriele Marcias; Daniele Fabbri; Jacopo Fostinelli; Roberto G. Lucchini; Pierluigi Cocco; Marcello Campagna. 2019. "Association between Work-Related Stress and QT Prolongation in Male Workers." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 23: 4781.
Objectives: Arsenic is a toxic metal ubiquitous in the environment and in daily life items. Long-term arsenic exposure is associated with severe adverse health effects involving various target organs. It would be useful to investigate the existence of metabolic alterations associated with lifestyle and/or with the environment. For this purpose, we studied the correlation between urinary arsenic levels and urinary proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR) metabolomics profiles in a non-occupationally nor environmentally arsenic exposed general population. Methods: Urine samples were collected from 86 healthy subjects. Total and non-alimentary urinary arsenic (U-naAs) levels, namely the sum of arsenite, arsenate, monomethylarsonate and dimethylarsinate, were measured and 1H NMR analysis was performed. Orthogonal Projection to Latent Structures was applied to explore the correlation between the metabolomics profiles and U-naAs levels. Results: Despite the extremely low U-naAs levels (mean value = 6.13 ± 3.17 µg/g creatinine) of our studied population a urinary metabolomics profile related to arsenic was identified. Conclusion: The identified profile could represent a fingerprint of early arsenic biological effect and could be used in further studies as an indicator of susceptibility, also in subjects exposed to a low arsenic dose, with implications in occupational health, toxicology, and public health.
Emanuela Locci; Luigi Isaia Lecca; Roberto Piras; Antonio Noto; Ilaria Pilia; Ernesto D’Aloja; Marcello Campagna. Urinary 1H NMR metabolomics profile of Italian citizens exposed to background levels of arsenic: a (pre)cautionary tale. Biomarkers 2019, 24, 727 -734.
AMA StyleEmanuela Locci, Luigi Isaia Lecca, Roberto Piras, Antonio Noto, Ilaria Pilia, Ernesto D’Aloja, Marcello Campagna. Urinary 1H NMR metabolomics profile of Italian citizens exposed to background levels of arsenic: a (pre)cautionary tale. Biomarkers. 2019; 24 (8):727-734.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEmanuela Locci; Luigi Isaia Lecca; Roberto Piras; Antonio Noto; Ilaria Pilia; Ernesto D’Aloja; Marcello Campagna. 2019. "Urinary 1H NMR metabolomics profile of Italian citizens exposed to background levels of arsenic: a (pre)cautionary tale." Biomarkers 24, no. 8: 727-734.
Violence in the workplace and its health consequences still represent one of the main obstacles to obtaining decent working conditions. In particular, blue-collar workers run a greater risk of experiencing episodes of violence, also because of a lack of autonomy and fewer social interactions. According to the work environment hypothesis, factors such as high workload, lack of social support and lack of job control represent the antecedents of workplace bullying. Following the job demand-control-support model (JDCS), violence can be the symptom of a high-strain environment. Moreover, it is still unclear if workplace bullying can mediate the effects of work-related stress on workers’ health outcomes. The aim of the present study is to analyse the relationship between the components of the JDCS and the health of the workers considering workplace bullying as a mediating variable. By a cross sectional study design, we tested the following theoretical hypotheses: first, JDCS components (conceptualized as stress) are supposed to significantly predict the level of workers’ health. Second, workplace bullying is supposed to mediate the relationship between the JDCS components and the level of health. The sample consists of 400 blue-collars from three different Italian companies. Work-related stress, health outcomes and workplace bullying were measured by specific self-administered questionnaires and the relationships between the variables of interest were tested through a structural equation model (SEM) analysis. The results showed that while the direct relationship between the components of the JDCS and the level of psychological health is weaker (standardized path coefficients SPC = 0.21), the partial mediation hypothesis shows that workplace bullying mediate the relationship between JDCS components and health outcomes (χ2/df ratio = 2.70; path from stress to workplace bullying SPC = 0.78; path from workplace bullying to general health SPC = 0.51; p = 0.01). The JDCS components (workload, lack of control, lack of support) are useful predictors for workplace bullying. On the other hand, bullying plays a mediating role between the stress experienced and the health consequences. The present study adds new insights into the relationship between violence seen as a form of social behavioural strain and the psychological health of workers. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed. Future research on blue-collars could use longitudinal designs in order to analyse the relationship between social environment, job design and strain reactions.
Georgia Libera Finstad; Antonio Ariza-Montes; Gabriele Giorgi; Luigi Isaia Lecca; Giulio Arcangeli; Nicola Mucci. The JDCS Model and Blue-Collar Bullying: Decent Working Conditions for a Healthy Environment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2019, 16, 3411 .
AMA StyleGeorgia Libera Finstad, Antonio Ariza-Montes, Gabriele Giorgi, Luigi Isaia Lecca, Giulio Arcangeli, Nicola Mucci. The JDCS Model and Blue-Collar Bullying: Decent Working Conditions for a Healthy Environment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019; 16 (18):3411.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGeorgia Libera Finstad; Antonio Ariza-Montes; Gabriele Giorgi; Luigi Isaia Lecca; Giulio Arcangeli; Nicola Mucci. 2019. "The JDCS Model and Blue-Collar Bullying: Decent Working Conditions for a Healthy Environment." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 18: 3411.
The occupational exposure to airborne fine and ultrafine particles (UFPs) and noise in aircraft personnel employed in airport taxiway was investigated. Stationary samplings and multiple personal sampling sites and job tasks were considered. Size distribution, particle number concentrations, lung dose surface area were measured by personal particle counters and by means of an electric low pressure impactor (ELPI+TM). Morphological and chemical characterization of UFPs were performed by transmission and scanning electron microscopy, the latter together with energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy based spatially resolved compositional mapping. A-weighted noise exposure level A-weighted noise exposure level normalized to an 8 h working day and Peak Sound C-weighted Pressure Level was calculated for single worker and for homogeneous exposure groups. Our study provides evidence on the impact of aviation-related emissions on occupational exposure to ultrafine particles and noise exposure of workers operating in an airport taxiway. Main exposure peaks are related to pre-flight operations of engine aircrafts. Although exposure to ultrafine particles and noise appears to not be critical if compared with other occupational scenarios, the coincidence in time of high peaks of exposure to ultrafine particles and noise suggest that further investigations are warranted in order to assess possible subclinical and clinical adverse health effects in exposed workers, especially for cardiovascular apparatus.
Gabriele Marcias; Maria Francesca Casula; Michele Uras; Andrea Falqui; Edoardo Miozzi; Elisa Sogne; Sergio Pili; Ilaria Pilia; Daniele Fabbri; Federico Meloni; Marco Pau; Andrea Maurizio Sanna; Jacopo Fostinelli; Giorgio Massacci; Ernesto D’Aloja; Francesca Larese Filon; Marcello Campagna; Luigi Isaia Lecca. Occupational Fine/Ultrafine Particles and Noise Exposure in Aircraft Personnel Operating in Airport Taxiway. Environments 2019, 6, 35 .
AMA StyleGabriele Marcias, Maria Francesca Casula, Michele Uras, Andrea Falqui, Edoardo Miozzi, Elisa Sogne, Sergio Pili, Ilaria Pilia, Daniele Fabbri, Federico Meloni, Marco Pau, Andrea Maurizio Sanna, Jacopo Fostinelli, Giorgio Massacci, Ernesto D’Aloja, Francesca Larese Filon, Marcello Campagna, Luigi Isaia Lecca. Occupational Fine/Ultrafine Particles and Noise Exposure in Aircraft Personnel Operating in Airport Taxiway. Environments. 2019; 6 (3):35.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGabriele Marcias; Maria Francesca Casula; Michele Uras; Andrea Falqui; Edoardo Miozzi; Elisa Sogne; Sergio Pili; Ilaria Pilia; Daniele Fabbri; Federico Meloni; Marco Pau; Andrea Maurizio Sanna; Jacopo Fostinelli; Giorgio Massacci; Ernesto D’Aloja; Francesca Larese Filon; Marcello Campagna; Luigi Isaia Lecca. 2019. "Occupational Fine/Ultrafine Particles and Noise Exposure in Aircraft Personnel Operating in Airport Taxiway." Environments 6, no. 3: 35.
Several studies have shown an increased mortality rate for different types of tumors, respiratory disease and cardiovascular morbidity associated with foundry work. Airborne particles were investigated in a steelmaking foundry using an electric low-pressure impactor (ELPI+™), a Philips Aerasense Nanotracer and traditional sampling equipment. Determination of metallic elements in the collected particles was carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The median of ultrafine particle (UFP) concentration was between 4.91 × 103 and 2.33 × 105 part/cm3 (max. 9.48 × 106 part/cm3). Background levels ranged from 1.97 × 104 to 3.83 × 104 part/cm3. Alveolar and deposited tracheobronchial surface area doses ranged from 1.3 × 102 to 8.7 × 103 mm2, and 2.6 × 101 to 1.3 × 103 mm2, respectively. Resulting inhalable and respirable fraction and metallic elements were below limit values set by Italian legislation. A variable concentration of metallic elements was detected in the different fractions of UFPs in relation to the sampling site, the emission source and the size range. This data could be useful in order to increase the knowledge about occupational exposure to fine and ultrafine particles and to design studies aimed to investigate early biological effects associated with the exposure to particulate matter in the foundry industries.
Gabriele Marcias; Jacopo Fostinelli; Andrea Maurizio Sanna; Michele Uras; Simona Catalani; Sergio Pili; Daniele Fabbri; Ilaria Pilia; Federico Meloni; Luigi Isaia Lecca; Egidio Madeo; Giorgio Massacci; Luca Stabile; Ernesto D’Aloja; Giorgio Buonanno; Giuseppe De Palma; Marcello Campagna. Occupational Exposure to Fine Particles and Ultrafine Particles in a Steelmaking Foundry. Metals 2019, 9, 163 .
AMA StyleGabriele Marcias, Jacopo Fostinelli, Andrea Maurizio Sanna, Michele Uras, Simona Catalani, Sergio Pili, Daniele Fabbri, Ilaria Pilia, Federico Meloni, Luigi Isaia Lecca, Egidio Madeo, Giorgio Massacci, Luca Stabile, Ernesto D’Aloja, Giorgio Buonanno, Giuseppe De Palma, Marcello Campagna. Occupational Exposure to Fine Particles and Ultrafine Particles in a Steelmaking Foundry. Metals. 2019; 9 (2):163.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGabriele Marcias; Jacopo Fostinelli; Andrea Maurizio Sanna; Michele Uras; Simona Catalani; Sergio Pili; Daniele Fabbri; Ilaria Pilia; Federico Meloni; Luigi Isaia Lecca; Egidio Madeo; Giorgio Massacci; Luca Stabile; Ernesto D’Aloja; Giorgio Buonanno; Giuseppe De Palma; Marcello Campagna. 2019. "Occupational Exposure to Fine Particles and Ultrafine Particles in a Steelmaking Foundry." Metals 9, no. 2: 163.
Work-related stress is a known occupational hazard, with a putative role on the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Although several investigations have explored the association in various workplace scenarios, none have focused on the airport flight logistic support personnel, a transportation business of crucial importance, potentially exposed to job stress and consequently to an increase in CVD risk. We explored the relationship between work-related stress and cardiovascular risk in 568 healthy workers of a flight logistic support company using the Health and Safety Executive questionnaire, the Framingham Heart Study General Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Prediction Score, and the WHO general well-being index (WHO-5). We used univariate and multivariate statistical methods to take account of possible confounders. Our results show that a low job support significantly increases the CVD risk score and decreases the WHO well-being index with reference to subjects reporting high support on the job. In addition, the well-being index of workers with high strain jobs appears lower in respect to workers employed in low strain job. The multivariate analysis confirms a protective effect of job support, and shows a detrimental influence on CVD risk by physical inactivity, regular intake of alcohol, and a low educational level. In addition, job control, job support, low strain, and high demand coupled with high control (active job) showed a beneficial effect on psychological well-being. Our results suggest that a combination of general risk factors and organizational factors contributes to increase CVD risk and well-being, representing a crucial target for intervention strategies to promote health in the workplace.
Luigi Isaia Lecca; Marcello Campagna; Igor Portoghese; Maura Galletta; Nicola Mucci; Michele Meloni; Pierluigi Cocco. Work Related Stress, Well-Being and Cardiovascular Risk among Flight Logistic Workers: An Observational Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2018, 15, 1952 .
AMA StyleLuigi Isaia Lecca, Marcello Campagna, Igor Portoghese, Maura Galletta, Nicola Mucci, Michele Meloni, Pierluigi Cocco. Work Related Stress, Well-Being and Cardiovascular Risk among Flight Logistic Workers: An Observational Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2018; 15 (9):1952.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLuigi Isaia Lecca; Marcello Campagna; Igor Portoghese; Maura Galletta; Nicola Mucci; Michele Meloni; Pierluigi Cocco. 2018. "Work Related Stress, Well-Being and Cardiovascular Risk among Flight Logistic Workers: An Observational Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15, no. 9: 1952.
Background: The characteristics of aerosol, in particular particle size and chemical composition, can have an impact on human health. Particle size distribution and chemical composition is a necessary parameter in occupational exposure assessment conducted in order to understand possible health effects. The aim of this study was to characterize workplace airborne particulate matter in a metallurgical setting by synergistically using two different approaches; Methodology: Analysis of inhalable fraction concentrations through traditional sampling equipment and ultrafine particles (UFP) concentrations and size distribution was conducted by an Electric Low-Pressure Impactor (ELPI+™). The determination of metallic elements (ME) in particles was carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; Results: Inhalable fraction and ME concentrations were below the limits set by Italian legislation and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH, 2017). The median of UFP was between 4.00 × 104 and 2.92 × 105 particles/cm3. ME concentrations determined in the particles collected by ELPI show differences in size range distribution; Conclusions: The adopted synergistic approach enabled a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the particles in steelmaking factories. The results could lead to a better knowledge of occupational exposure characterization, in turn affording a better understanding of occupational health issues due to metal fumes exposure.
Gabriele Marcias; Jacopo Fostinelli; Simona Catalani; Michele Uras; Andrea Maurizio Sanna; Giuseppe Avataneo; Giuseppe De Palma; Daniele Fabbri; Matteo Paganelli; Luigi Isaia Lecca; Giorgio Buonanno; Marcello Campagna. Composition of Metallic Elements and Size Distribution of Fine and Ultrafine Particles in a Steelmaking Factory. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2018, 15, 1192 .
AMA StyleGabriele Marcias, Jacopo Fostinelli, Simona Catalani, Michele Uras, Andrea Maurizio Sanna, Giuseppe Avataneo, Giuseppe De Palma, Daniele Fabbri, Matteo Paganelli, Luigi Isaia Lecca, Giorgio Buonanno, Marcello Campagna. Composition of Metallic Elements and Size Distribution of Fine and Ultrafine Particles in a Steelmaking Factory. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2018; 15 (6):1192.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGabriele Marcias; Jacopo Fostinelli; Simona Catalani; Michele Uras; Andrea Maurizio Sanna; Giuseppe Avataneo; Giuseppe De Palma; Daniele Fabbri; Matteo Paganelli; Luigi Isaia Lecca; Giorgio Buonanno; Marcello Campagna. 2018. "Composition of Metallic Elements and Size Distribution of Fine and Ultrafine Particles in a Steelmaking Factory." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15, no. 6: 1192.