SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in an asymptomatic cancer cohort - results and consequences for clinical routine.

Background: Starting in December 2019, the current pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) confronts the world with an unprecedented challenge. With no vaccine or drug being currently available to control the pandemic spread, prevention and PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) testing becomes a crucial pillar of medical systems. Aim of the present study was to report on the first results of the measures taken in a large German Department of Radiation Oncology, including PCR testing of asymptomatic cancer patients.

Impact of shift work on the diurnal cortisol rhythm: a one-year longitudinal study in junior physicians.

Background: Cumulative epidemiological evidence suggests that shift work exerts harmful effects on human health. However, the physiological mechanisms are not well understood. This study aimed to examine the impact of shift work on the dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, i.

Working conditions and effort-reward imbalance of German physicians in Sweden respective Germany: a comparative study.

Objective: Work stress among physicians is a growing concern in various countries and has led to migration. We compared the working conditions and the work stress between a migrated population of German physicians in Sweden and a population of physicians based in Germany. Additionally, specific risk factors for work stress were examined country wise.

Changes in psychosocial work environment and depressive symptoms: a prospective study in junior physicians.

Background: We examined the impact of changes in the psychosocial work environment on depressive symptoms in a sample of junior physicians, a high risk group for stress and mental disorders.

Methods: This is a three-wave prospective study in 417 junior physicians during their residency in German hospitals. The psychosocial work environment was measured by the Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) Questionnaire at Waves 1 and 2, and the depressive symptoms were assessed with the State-Trait Depression Scales at all three waves.

Depressive symptoms in junior doctors: a follow-up study on work-related determinants.

Purpose: The study investigates the long-term effects of accumulated working conditions on depressive symptoms in junior doctors. Drawing on the Job Demand-Control-Support model, this study aims to identify personal and job-related determinants for self-reported depression in junior doctors-a professional group that is vulnerable to depression.

Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study with measures of work characteristics and depressive symptoms over three time-points among hospital doctors during postgraduate specialty training in Germany.

Cognitive demands and the relationship between age and workload in apron control.

Introduction: Apron controllers (ACs) determine the taxiways for aircraft entering the apron area until they reach their parking positions and vice versa. The aims of this study were to identify age-sensitive job requirements of apron control (Study 1), and to investigate the relationship between age of ACs and their workload (Study 2).

Methods: Study 1: There were 14 experienced ACs who assessed the job requirements of apron control with the Fleishman-Job Analyses Survey.

The relation of cognitive load and pupillary unrest.

Objective: This study examines the relationship between pupillary unrest (PU) and cognitive load.

Background: PU represents a measure of reduced central nervous tonic arousal (sleepiness). A loss of tonic arousal can be associated with difficulties in maintaining the required level of performance.

Comparison of cardiocirculatory and thermal strain of male firefighters during fire suppression to exercise stress test and aerobic exercise testing.

Firefighters face a highly increased risk of sudden cardiac death during fire suppression. Medical examinations and physical performance tests are used to screen endangered firefighters. The aim of this study was to determine cardiocirculatory and thermal strain during fire suppression in firefighters and compare it with the strain during medical and performance evaluations.

Exhaled nitric oxide: independent effects of atopy, smoking, respiratory tract infection, gender and height.

Measurement of exhaled nitric oxide is widely used in respiratory research and clinical practice, especially in patients with asthma. However, interpretation is often difficult, due to common interfering factors, and little is known about interactions between factors. We assessed the influences and interactions of factors such as smoking, respiratory tract infections and respiratory allergy concerning exhaled nitric oxide values, with the aim to derive a scheme for adjustment.

Effects of working permanent night shifts and two shifts on cognitive and psychomotor performance.

Objectives: The study aimed to clarify whether cognitive and psychomotor performance, which are important for occupational and traffic safety, are impaired by working permanent night shifts (NSs) compared with early-late two shifts (TSs) and whether age and chronobiological type influences the relationship between shift and performance.

Methods: The study included 44 male automobile workers, 20 working TSs and 24 working NSs. Chronobiological type was determined by questionnaire (D-MEQ).