BACKGROUND: Meaningful occupations are those perceived as important by an individual. Research on meaningful occupations relies on subjective data and requires qualitative inquiries. Therefore, assessing the meaning of occupations using objective methods is challenging. As orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) activation is part of the reward system network involved in motivation, it could aid in assessing the meaning of occupations.
OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effect of meaningful occupations on motivation by measuring OFC activation using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).
METHODS: Eight young and healthy participants were enrolled in this study. The occupation was set as \"cooking,\" and its importance was confirmed using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). NIRS was performed using an OEG-16 (Spectareteh Inc.). The target task involved watching a cooking video, while the control task consisted of looking at a \"+\" sign on a blank sheet of paper. OFC activation was measured based on changes in oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) concentration using a block design. Participants with COPM scores of eight or more were classified into the \"meaningful occupation performance\" group, while those with scores of seven or lower were classified into the \"meaningful occupation non-performance\" group. Changes in oxy-Hb concentrations between the two groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test.
RESULTS: Four participants were assigned to the meaningful occupation group (frequency of implementation: various times per week for all participants), and four participants were assigned to the meaningful occupation non-performance group (frequency of implementation: various times per week for one participant, various times per month for one participant, and various times per year for two participants). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the changes in the oxy-Hb concentration in the left and bilateral OFC.
CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that it is important to focus on meaningful occupations that individuals consider important in order to activate the reward system and increase motivation.

Transitioning to adulthood is a complex and challenging process for youth with complex communication needs (CCN) and/or who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). This scoping review examined and consolidated available evidence documenting transition barriers and facilitators. Eight databases were searched systematically using complex communications needs/augmentative and alternative communication, transition programs, and adulthood as key terms. Participants aged 14-35 years and interventions focused on transition to occupations, including education, employment, leisure pursuits, or socializing/relationships. The search yielded 3459 records, which were screened by three independent raters. Twenty-three articles met the inclusion criteria. Studies focused primarily on employment (n =18), postsecondary education (n = 10), and socializing/relationships (n = 13). Programs experience and outcomes varied. Enabling factors included organizations, transition-focused programs, and social networks. Barriers included low expectations, lack of programs/supports, and limited literacy skills. Future studies must include richer descriptions of programs/services and participants, while more work is required to explore long-term outcomes.
A scoping review of existing research documenting the transition to adulthood for individuals with complex communication needsThis scoping review examined and consolidated available evidence on the transition to adulthood occupations for youth with complex communication needs and those who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Factors enabling successful transition included organizational support, transition-focused programs, and social support networks. Barriers included low expectations, lack of supportive programs, and limited literacy skills. This review highlights the need for future studies to focus on programs and services supporting occupational participation and exploring long-term outcomes.

The carcinogenicity of benzene was reevaluated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2017, with the Working Group reaffirming positive yet inconclusive associations with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). To extend our previous observation of a significant exposure-response for cumulative occupational benzene exposure and NHL risk among Chinese women in a population-based cohort in Shanghai, we extended follow-up of this cohort and pooled the data with a similarly designed population-based cohort of men in Shanghai. Cumulative exposure estimates were derived for 134,449 participants in the pooled analysis by combining ordinal job-exposure matrix intensity ratings with quantitative benzene measurements from an inspection database of Shanghai factories. Associations between benzene exposure metrics and NHL (n = 363 cases including multiple myeloma [MM]) were assessed using Cox proportional hazard models. Ever occupational exposure to benzene in the pooled population was associated with NHL risk (HR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.2-2.0), and exposure-response relationships were observed for increasing duration (ptrend = .003) and cumulative exposure (ptrend = .003). Associations with ever exposure, duration, and cumulative exposure were similar for NHL with and without MM in the case definition, including lifetime cumulative exposures in the highest quartile (HR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1-2.4 with MM included; HR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.1-2.7 with MM excluded). An elevated risk of the chronic lymphocytic leukemia subtype was suggested in the pooled analyses (HR for ever vs. never exposure = 2.3, 95% CI = 0.9-5.6). These observations provide additional support for a plausible association between occupational benzene exposure and risk of NHL.

BACKGROUND: Information on worker occupation and industry is critical to understanding the occupational risks of heat-related illness (HRI), yet few syndromic surveillance systems capture these key data elements. This study evaluates the work data reported through Washington syndromic surveillance for its utility in characterizing HRI ED visits by industry and occupation.
METHODS: Standard industry and occupation codes were assigned to employer name and occupation descriptions reported in Washington ED visit records maintained within the state\'s syndromic surveillance system, for visits involving HRI in 2020-2022. HRI ED visits involving workplace heat exposure were identified based on discharge diagnoses or on keywords in the triage note or chief complaint fields. HRI ED visits were summarized by patient characteristics, and visit rates were calculated by industry and occupation.
RESULTS: Employer name or occupation descriptions were reported in 21.5% of HRI ED records among patients age 16 and older, and in 41.2% of records with mention of heat exposure at work. Twice as many records were classified for industry as for occupation. Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting and transportation and warehousing had the highest rates of HRI ED visits. Specific industries with the highest rates included support activities for agriculture and forestry, the postal service, and fruit and vegetable preserving and specialty food manufacturing.
CONCLUSIONS: Syndromic surveillance data are a valuable source of occupational health surveillance information when work characteristics are reported, enhancing our understanding of the occupational risks of injuries and illnesses.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent and burdensome condition worldwide, characterized by inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. Ideally, instead of treating CRS, we would identify ways to prevent the development of this chronic condition. Occupational exposures may be an excellent target for prevention. Occupational exposures have been shown to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of multiple lower airway diseases, such as asthma, silicosis, asbestosis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. However, evidence for the association between occupational exposures and the development of upper airway disease, like CRS, is less well-defined. This manuscript examines the association between occupational exposures and CRS. A scoping review of the literature following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines identified 19 relevant studies. The populations examined and the methods and criteria used for defining CRS diagnosis and occupational variables significantly varied between the studies. Diagnosis of CRS was most often determined by self-reported symptoms or medical record review. Occupational variables ranged from employment status to occupation type to specific exogenous compounds encountered. Overall, substantial evidence demonstrates a general association between occupational exposures and CRS diagnosis; however, limitations in study methodologies, including variations in CRS diagnostic criteria, occupational exposures, assessment methods, and populations, hinder drawing more specific conclusions. Moving forward, rigorous research methodologies and standardized criteria are essential to draw conclusions supported by multiple studies. Critical components of future studies should include large, diverse populations, use of consensus CRS diagnostic criteria, and inclusion of many specific and quantitatively defined exposures. Ultimately, such efforts can help inform preventative measures and interventions for CRS, thus mitigating the burden of CRS on individuals and populations worldwide.

Although the impact of occupation on cognitive skills has been extensively studied, there is limited research examining if genetically predicted cognitive score may influence occupation. We examined the association between Cognitive Polygenic Index (PGI) and occupation, including the role of brain measures. Participants were recruited for the Reference Ability Neural Network and the Cognitive Reserve studies. Occupational complexity ratings for Data, People, or Things came from the Dictionary of Occupational Titles. A previously-created Cognitive PGI and linear regression models were used for the analyses. Age, sex, education, and the first 20 genetic Principal Components (PCs) of the sample were covariates. Total cortical thickness and total gray matter volume were further covariates. We included 168 white-ethnicity participants, 20-80 years old. After initial adjustment, higher Cognitive PGI was associated with higher Data complexity (B=-0.526, SE = 0.227, Beta= -0.526 p = 0.022, R2 = 0.259) (lower score implies higher complexity). Associations for People or Things were not significant. After adding brain measures, association for Data remained significant (B=-0.496, SE: 0.245, Beta= -0.422, p = 0.045, R2 = 0.254). Similarly, for a further, fully-adjusted analysis including all the three occupational complexity measures (B=-0.568, SE = 0.237, Beta= -0.483, p = 0.018, R2 = 0.327). Cognitive genes were associated with occupational complexity over and above brain morphometry. Working with Data occupational complexity probably acquires higher cognitive status, which can be significantly genetically predetermined.

BACKGROUND: Family socioeconomic indicators (education, occupation, and household income) are key determinants influencing children\'s physical activity (PA). This study aims to systematically review the current research about the association between family socioeconomic indicators and PA among primary school-aged children and to quantify the distribution of reported associations by childs\' and parents\' sex and according to analysis and assessment methods.
METHODS: A systematic literature research in multiple scientific databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SPORTDiscus and ERIC) was performed for literature published between 1st January 2010 and 31st March 2022. Only studies reporting statistical associations between an SES indicator of at least one parent (education, occupation, income, or an SES index) and different types and intensities of PA in primary school-aged children (6 to 12 years) were included in the analysis. The distributions of the reported associations were evaluated across and differentiated by sub-group analysis of assessment methods (objectively measured vs. self-reported PA) and analysis methods (univariate vs. multivariate models).
RESULTS: Overall, 93 studies reported in 77 publications were included in this review. Most of the studies were conducted in Europe and used self-reports (questionnaires) to assess PA. Most studies used only a single SES indicator (commonly maternal education), and only two studies calculated an SES index. The majority of the studies focused on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), total physical activity (TPA), and organized physical activity (OPA). Results showed predominantly positive associations between SES indicators and OPA. In contrast, results regarding different intensities of daily PA (TPA, LPA, MPA, MVPA, VPA, LTPA) were heterogeneous, with overwhelmingly no associations.
CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the results expand the knowledge about the association between family socioeconomic indicators and children\'s PA and disprove the hypothesis of a clear positive association. However, large multicenter studies are lacking using a real SES index as a predictor and analyzing gender-specific multivariate models.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association between lifetime occupational history and risk of buccal mucosa cancer (BMC).
METHODS: We utilized a multi-centric, hospital-based case-control study across five centres of Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, India. Cases included men aged 20-75-years with histological confirmed primary cancer of the buccal mucosa. Visitor controls were frequency matched to cases for age (10 years interval) and current residential zone. Study participants were interviewed face-to-face. Logistic regression was performed to estimate odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI).
RESULTS: Among ever employed males, we identified 1969 BMC cases and 2145 controls. We observed an increased risk of BMC in \'Craft and Related Trades Workers\' (OR 1.37; 95 % CI 1.13-1.65), \'Plant and Machine Operators and Assemblers\' (OR: 1.26; 95 % CI 1.01-1.56), and \'Elementary Occupations\' (OR:1.33; 95 % CI 1.12-1.58). More specifically, the increased risk was observed for \'Metal, Machinery and Related Trades Workers\', \'Handicraft and Printing Workers\', \'Drivers and Mobile Plant Operators\', and \'Laborers in Mining, Construction, Manufacturing and Transport\'.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that certain occupations may be at a higher risk of BMC. Some fraction of BMC can be prevented by reducing exposure to hazardous agents used in these occupations. Further research is needed to identify which exposures are responsible for the increased risk. Moreover, tobacco control and early detection activities can be focused towards these occupations as tobacco consumption is also high in them, which may also be the reason for increased risk observed in these groups.

UNASSIGNED: An educational mismatch is defined as the situation where the education qualifications of an employee do not match the qualifications required for the job they do. A mismatch can be vertical where the level of the employee\'s qualification is not the one required by the job. This study contributes to the literature on work-related social determinants of health, by carrying out the first assessment of the relationship between educational mismatch and health in Italy.
UNASSIGNED: Data come from PLUS, a national survey of labor supply. The risk of suffering from bad or very bad health associated with educational mismatch is investigated through a logistic regression model accounting for the socioeconomic context and occupation.
UNASSIGNED: Our findings show women are at greater risk of suffering from bad or very bad health than men, especially if under-educated.
UNASSIGNED: Our results show the need to address more research on work-related social determinants of health, which can represent a barrier to achieving health equity.

OBJECTIVE: Adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYACS) are patients diagnosed with cancer between 15 and 39 years of age. AYACS are often derailed from planned educational and occupational endeavors due to disruption from cancer treatment and its consequences. The study objective was to examine how a personal cancer diagnosis impacted AYACS\' experiences related to these endeavors.
METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted as part of a larger study assessing psychosocial challenges among a younger AYACS subset aged 15-25 years old at the time of cancer diagnosis. Interviews were coded based on responses and were used to develop themes related to educational and occupational endeavors.
RESULTS: Data were collected from 35 participants. Five themes emerged: (1) Pauses in educational attainment had a detrimental effect on educational goals for some participants, but further solidified and sculpted educational plans for others; (2) Although participants experienced challenges accomplishing educational goals, supportive school environments helped surmount these challenges; (3) Participants reflected on rethinking career aspirations, though some desired to pursue the same occupation planned before cancer diagnosis; (4) Participants experienced challenges, including physical and cognitive limitations, upon returning to work; and (5) Participants valued autonomy and normalcy through work and appreciated supportive and flexible work environments.
CONCLUSIONS: AYACS prioritize professional achievement, yet encounter challenges in achieving professional goals. Our findings create a foundation for developing and testing prospective interventions to promote continuance of school and work during cancer treatment when feasible, and proactive reintegration strategies for those who paused professional goals due to cancer treatment.