Cause Of Absence Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Blood Clot, Plasma Rich in Growth Factors and Platelet-Rich Fibrin Resistance to Bacteria-Induced Fibrinolysis.

Alveolar osteitis (AO) is a common, painful postoperative complication after tooth extraction. Fibrinolytic activity in the extraction socket is one etiological factor. Platelet concentrates are used to prevent and treat AO. The aim of this study was to find out whether the positive effect of platelet concentrates can be related to resistance to bacteria-induced fibrinolysis. Blood from 45 human volunteers was used to prepare four media: blood clot medium as control group; PRF and PRGF first fraction (PRGF I) and PRGF second fraction (PRGF II) as study groups. Additionally, collected blood was used for blood plasma preparation on which evaluation of initial value of d-dimer concentration was performed. A solution of five different microbes (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumonia, Bacillus cereus, and Candida albicans) was adjusted to 0.5 McFarland (1 × 108 CFU/mL) and then diluted to 0.25 McFarland (0.5 × 108 CFU/mL). The d-dimer concentration was evaluated after one and three hours of bacteria exposure. The resistance to fibrinolysis was not statistically distinguished among any media groups at any time. S. pneumoniae was statistically active in PRF after three hours. C. albicans was statistically active in PRGF II after one hour and in PRF between the first and third hour and after three hours. S. aureus and B. cereus were statistically active in PRGF II after three hours. S. pyogenes was statistically active after one hour, between the first and third hour, and after the third hour in all groups. S. pyogenes was the most active bacterium. Different blood formulations were not distinguishable based on resistance to bacteria-induced fibrinolysis. Low fibrinolytic properties of the found major microbes suggests that bacteria-induced fibrinolysis is one of the leading causes of absence of a clot in a post-extraction socket to be clinically insignificant. The initial absence of a clot or its mechanical elimination during formation or the healing period are major causes of dry socket.

Task allocation for improved ergonomics in Human-Robot Collaborative Assembly

Abstract Human-robot collaboration, whereby the human and the robot join their forces to achieve a task, opens new application opportunities in manufacturing. Robots can perform precise and repetitive operations while humans can execute tasks that require dexterity and problem-solving abilities. Moreover, collaborative robots can take over heavy-duty tasks. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a serious health concern and the primary cause of absenteeism at work. While the role of the human is still essential in flexible production environment, the robot can help decreasing the workload of workers. This paper describes a novel framework for task allocation of human-robot assembly applications based on capabilities and ergonomics considerations. Capable agents are determined on the basis of agent characteristics and task requirements. Ergonomics is integrated by measuring the human body posture and the related workload. The developed framework was validated on a gearbox assembly use case using the collaborative robot Baxter.

‘I have no love for such people, because they leave us to suffer’: a qualitative study of health workers’ responses and institutional adaptations to absenteeism in rural Uganda

BackgroundAchieving positive treatment outcomes and patient safety are critical goals of the healthcare system. However, this is greatly undermined by near universal health workforce absenteeism, especially in public health facilities...

Device-Measured Desk-Based Occupational Sitting Patterns and Stress (Hair Cortisol and Perceived Stress).

Background: Stress and poor mental health are significant issues in the workplace and are a major cause of absenteeism and reduced productivity. Understanding what might contribute towards employee stress is important for managing mental health in this setting. Physical activity has been shown to be beneficial to stress but less research has addressed the potential negative impact of sedentary behaviour such as sitting. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the relationship between device-measured occupational desk-based sitting patterns and stress (hair cortisol levels (HCL), as a marker of chronic stress and self-reported perceived stress (PS)). Methods: Employees were recruited from four workplaces located in Central Scotland with large numbers of desk-based occupations. Seventy-seven participants provided desk-based sitting pattern data (desk-based sitting time/day and desk-based sit-to-stand transitions/day), a hair sample and self-reported perceived stress. HCL were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and PS using the Cohen Self-Perceived Stress Scale. Linear regression models were used to test associations between desk-based sitting time/day, desk-based sit-to-stand transitions/day, HCL and PS. Results: There were no associations between any of the desk-based sitting measures and either HCL or PS. Conclusions: Desk-based sitting patterns in the workplace may not be related to stress when using HCL as a biomarker of chronic stress or PS. The relationship between sitting patterns and stress therefore requires further investigation.

Pain characteristics and its influence in the labor activities in northeastern Brazilian farmers

Introduction: Agricultural work is considered a dangerous activity with physical and mental stress. Pain is one of the most common disabilities among agricultural workers. Objective: To determine the incidence, intensity, characteristic of pain and its impact on labor activities in farmers. Methods: Transversal study, pain evaluations consist of: 1) presence / intensity; 2) characteristic of painful experience; 3) episode of pain in the last 30 days and 4) interference of pain at work. Validated and specific pain scales were used, and descriptive statistics were applied. Results: 157 rural farmers were recruited, 128 farmers, 40.4 (11.4) years, participated in the study, 25% of the farmers reported pain at the time of evaluation with mean of 5.5 (0.47) intensity. The predominant pain characteristic was the evaluative type (34%), followed by affective (30%), 83 (65%) of farmers reported pain in the last four weeks, and 60% of these farmers reported pain interference in work activity. Conclusion: Pain, according to farmers in this study, is the main cause of absence and poor performance at work. To accurately assess the intensity of work-related pain, instruments may need to be applied over a continuous period of time, preferably during work day.Key-words: worker health, pain, pain assessment.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and School Absenteeism.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic diseases which negatively affect the schooling of children. The aim is to analyze school absenteeism and its causes in children followed for IBD. A prospective multicenter study of IBD patients aged from 5 to 18 years old, from September 2016 to June 2017. Data on absenteeism and its causes were collected via a monthly questionnaire completed by patients or their family by mail. The results were compared with existing data supplied by the school authorities (497 students without IBD divided by class). A total of 106 patients (62 boys), median age of 14 (5-18), were included. The global response rate was 83.1%. The patients with IBD were absent an average of 4.8% ± 5.5% of school days during the school year, against 3.2% ± 1.6% for non IBD group (P = 0.034). Digestive disorders accounted for 34% of the causes of absenteeism. Approximately 27% of the absences were due to scheduled events (hospitalizations, endoscopy, or consultations). By excluding the absences for scheduled care, the rate of school absenteeism of patients with IBD is significantly lower than that of non-IBD group. Children with IBD are more frequently absent from school than non-IBD group. The main cause of school absenteeism appears to be associated with the disease itself. The share of scheduled absenteeism is quite large. The organization and scheduling of the patients' care path must be a priority to maximally limit the negative impact of their disease on the patients' schooling.

Reasons for the absence of students in the last week of study and before and after each holidays in Abha Governorate.

The purpose of this research is to identify the causes of absence and find the appropriate solutions to them and to know the reasons for the problem of the absence of students before and after the holidays and tests and to identify the justifications in Abha governorate. The statistical method was used by building a questionnaire applied to a sample of 550 students, The study found that the most important reasons for repeated absence are due to the reasons for the family and the reasons for the teacher, and that these reasons for absence centered on the factors related to the school environment and family as well as factors related to the same student and student also social factors.

Principais Causas de Absenteísmo nas Organizações Policiais Militares Atendidas na FSR-APM em 2013 e 2014

O absenteísmo significa pessoa que falta ao trabalho e essas situações agravam ainda mais o problema da falta de efetivo na Brigada Militar(BM), consequentemente, diminui a qualidade do serviço essencial de segurança pública prestado à sociedade é reduzida.Objetivo:Descrever as principais causas de absenteísmo e de atestado de origem (AO) categorizados por Classificação Internacional de Doenças(CID 10) nas Organização Policial Militar(OPM) atendidas na Formação Sanitária Regimental (FSR) Academia de Polícia Militar(APM) nos anos de 2013 e 2014. Metodologia: Pesquisa quantitativa exploratória retrospectiva com coleta de dados nas planilhas relativas aos atendimentos médicos dos da BM. Resultados: Foram encontradas dentre as quatro principais causas de absenteísmo em 2013 e 2014:traumatimos, gravidez e puerpério, doenças do sistema osteomuscular e doenças mentais, e apenas ocorre alternância na ordem de frequência entre um ano e outro. O 4º Regimento Polícia Montada (RPMon),APM e Batalhão de Operações Especiais (BOE) foram as unidades que mais geraram (AO) de forma absoluta. A maioria das atividades em serviço que geraram (AO) não foram oriundas da atividade de Policiamento Ostensivo. Conclusão:Após análise dos resultados, podemos dizer que existem medidas preventivas a serem implementadas visando a diminuição do absenteísmo na BM.

Comparison between K-means and Self-Organizing Maps algorithms used for diagnosis spinal column patients

Abstract Back pain is a problem that affects at least 90% of the human population during their lifetimes, and it is one of the main causes of absence from work. Despite the large number of medical cases, there is insufficient research in this field, due in part to the necessity of administering multiple medical exams to patients with vertebral problems for accurate diagnosis. In addition, the cause of back pain may be benign, and heal without treatment. In this study, two artificial intelligence algorithms were employed to classify patients with spinal problems. The algorithms used were K-means and Self Organizing Maps (SOM). With these techniques, two models were obtained that provided a generalization error of less than 10%. The models were compared based on metrics that enable the measurement of classifier performance, including the sensitivity, specificity, precision, and negative predictive value (NPV), as well as Cohen's Kappa index to evaluate concordance. It was found that the model trained with SOM outperformed the model trained with K-means, with improved detection of patients having vertebral problems. Additionally, it was found that the SOM and K-means models yielded similar precision as compared with models obtained with different algorithms reported elsewhere. The values yielded were in agreement with those of expert orthopedic physicians.

Clinical characteristics and epidemiology of chronic urticaria: a nationwide, multicentre study on 1091 patients.

IntroductionUrticaria is one of the most common skin diseases. Depending on the length of symptoms, acute (lasting less than 6 weeks) and chronic urticaria (CU) (> 6 weeks) are distinguished. According to the current European guidelines, CU is divided into inducible urticaria (IU) and chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU).AimTo assess the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of CU in Poland.Material and methodsThis was a nationwide, multicentre, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study performed under the auspices of the Polish Dermatological Society. A total of 102 physicians (dermatologists and allergists) recruited 1091 patients suffering from CU.ResultsAmong 1091 adults with CU, IU was found in 35.1% (n = 383) of patients and CSU was responsible for 61.1% (n = 667) of CU cases. The remaining patients (n = 41, 3.8%) suffered from both, IU and CSU. Persons with CSU were twice more likely to report family history of urticaria than those with IU (12.1% vs. 6.0%, p = 0.001). Generalized eruptions of wheals predominated in CSU (generalized wheals: 57.9%, localized wheals: 42.1%), whereas wheals localized in particular body areas were found more commonly in IU (generalized wheals: 45.2%, localized wheals: 54.8%, p < 0.001). The CU was the cause of absenteeism in almost every fifth patient suffering from this disease.ConclusionsThe CSU is about twice as frequent cause of CU as compared to IU. The treatment of CU is a major challenge for physicians of various specialties and the treatment choice is closely associated with the specialist knowledge of current treatment guidelines.

Long-term results of corporoplasty in Peyronie’s disease

The study objective is to analyze our experience of corporoplasty for Peyronie’s disease with a focus on the patients’ satisfaction with longterm results, as well as summation of literature data on this problem. Materials and methods . In this article we describe the long-term outcomes of various types of corporoplasty in 342patients treated for Peyronie’s disease. Results. It was established that a specific proportion of patients who underwent corporoplasty have no regular sexual activity after long-term follow-up (n = 50; 14.6 %). The common causes for absence of sexual activity in our sample included consequences of prostate cancer treatment (n = 17; 34 %), severe erectile dysfunction of other etiology (n = 11; 22 %) and lack of sexual partner (n = 22; 44 %). Сonclusion. Surgical treatment of Peyronie’s disease demonstrates high efficacy and safety in most cases. Despite concerns of possible impairment of erectile function, substitutive corporoplasty is characterized by a high level of patient satisfaction with the results of the surgery.

Cognitive Processing Styles and Mindfulness on Pain Intensity Prediction in People with Primary Headache.

BackgroundPrimary headaches are the most common cause of absence from work and school and one of the most common reasons for referring to the neurologists.ObjectivesThe present study was designed to investigate the relationship of cognitive processing style and mindfulness with pain intensity and the ultimate aim was to provide the role of pain-related cognitive processes and mindfulness in the prediction of headache intensity.MethodsThe study was conducted descriptively by using the correlation method. The statistical population of this study was composed of 85 patients (56 females and 29 males) with one type of primary headache, which were selected through purposive sampling after the diagnosis of a headache by a neurologist at Imam Hossein Hospital in Tehran province. To measure the variables of the study, the numeric pain rating scale (NRS) and the pain-related cognitive processes questionnaire (PCPQ) were used. All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages). Bivariate correlation matrix and hierarchical stepwise linear regression statistics were used.ResultsThe results showed that there was a significant and negative association between pain intensity (NRS) and mindfulness (P < 0.01) and all pain-related cognitive processes, except pain focus (P < 0.01). The results of stepwise linear regression indicated that mindfulness only explains 39% of total score changes in pain intensity (P < 0.05 and ΔF (1 and 83) = 53.63, ΔR = 0.385). Adding cognitive processing styles to the model led to an 18% increase of the explained variance (R2 change = 0.179). In total, the present research model justifies 54% of the severity of headache variance (P < 0.01, ΔR = 0.54).ConclusionsThe results suggest that pain-related cognitive processes and mindfulness are effective on pain intensity prediction. In other words, this result can explain the role of mindfulness and adaptive cognitive processing in primary headache pain management.

Introspecting the Causes of Absenteeism of Pre-Service Teachers

Educators have recognized the importance of school attendance to learners’ academic growth and development. School attendance is often linked to positive school performance and considered as predictor of academic success. This notion makes it imperative to examine the potential causes of absenteeism to prevent students to be at risk of habitual truancy. Hence, this survey type of research determined the causes of absenteeism of teacher education students along attitude, school, and home-related factors. Twenty-three teacher education students who were purposively chosen as respondents based on their attendance record perceived attitude-related and home-related factors as highly contributory to their absenteeism. They had considered their current program not as their field of interest nor their first choice in selecting academic programs, and were also easily affected by their parents’ quarrel. Moreover, they considered school-related factors as contributory to absenteeism as the classrooms’ ventilation appeared not conducive to learning for the respondents. An intervention program strengthening the monitoring of students’ attendance is highly recommended in this study.

Dervan rim sign new, simple radiological sign for unique Indian medial femoral condylar osteoarthritis

Introduction: OA knee is most common form of arthritis in Asian population. The medial compartment of knee is most commonly involved. Most X-ray studies have been from the Western Caucasian patients with different genetic pool, habitus and lifestyle. The accepted norm for surgical intervention like unicondylar knee replacement or High Tibial Osteotomy is bone on bone Arthritis which has simultaneous affection of both medial Tibial & Femoral compartments. We however noted a different radiological pattern also causing severe pain on medial side of knee, without bone on bone arthritis. This was labeled DERVAN RIM SIGN.Materials and Method: This pilot Study describes a new radiological sign based on standard Anteroposterior Xray of knee joint, taken in standing weight bearing position with toes and patella pointing forwards in 15 degrees of flexion.The findings of this sign and correlation to selective medial condylar femoral cartilage loss in 25 patients are confirmed with1 MRI of knee joint 17 patients2 Arthroscopy of knee joint 3 patients3 Open Arthrotomy during Unicondylar knee Arthroplasty 5 patientsResults: 100 percent correlation is seen in all 25 cases between the Dervan RIM sign & Eburnation and loss of Medial femoral cartilage in the three modalities of visual confirmation viz MRI, Arthroscopy or Visual examination in open surgery. Mild involvement of the Tibial condyle was noted in all cases and this was the cause of absence of bone on bone Arthritis.

Te?cnicas Percutâneas para o Tratamento da Dor Raquidiana: Região Lombo-Sagrada

A dor lombar crónica é muito prevalente, sendo uma das principais causas de absentismo e consumo de medicamentos a nível mundial.As técnicas percutâneas para controlo da dor dirigida à região lombo-sagrada orientadas por fluoroscopia são seguras e eficazes em doentes selecionados após avaliação clínica dirigida.Este artigo faz uma revisão da abordagem a realizar ao doente com dor centrada à região lombo-sagrada e quais as técnicas mais utilizadas no seu tratamento.

An overview of the management of back pain

Back pain affects people across any socio-economic category and is a leading cause of absenteeism and decreased productivity in the workplace. This symptomatic condition is caused by multiple factors, making it difficult to manage. With a small proportion of people experiencing back pain due to pathological reasons, in the larger majority, back pain is due to a mechanical cause. Taking a complete history that includes identifying risk factors such as depression, poor posture, lack of exercise, older age and a physically demanding job is crucial to the effective management of the condition. Behavioural, psychological and social factors of the patient should form the backbone for treatment of back pain. Non-pharmacological management such as exercise, spinal manipulation and acupuncture should be the first-line treatment; however, if this provides poor results then pharmacological measures such as the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen or muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine should be considered.

Observational Methods for Assessing Ergonomic Risks for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. A Scoping Review

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDS) are one of the most common causes of absence from work. Exposures in the work environment can cause or aggravate the impact of these musculoskeletal disorders and the identification of ergonomic exposures are essential in risk assessment. It is important to assess all three key indicators of these exposures (intensity, frequency and duration) for being able to estimate the risk level for the development of WRMSDS. Aim: This paper aims to give an overview of some of the observational methods that can be used for assessment of ergonomic risks in the workplace. Methods: This study was conducted as a scoping review of the medical and ergonomic literature and official governmental web pages in Sweden, U.S.A. and the Netherlands. Results: In total, 19 different observational methods were identified. We summarize our findings based on the body parts that were studied and what key indicators were assessed: 1) intensity of the workload (posture and force production), 2) frequency of the workload (e.g. repetitive movements), and 3) the duration of the workload (e.g. static work). In an appendix, we included a brief presentation of these methods together with the worksheet (if available) and the source reference of the observational method. Conclusion: For ergonomists that perform risk assessments, there is a large number of observational assessment tools available and it is important to understand that different methods can be used simultaneously to be able to estimate the objective risk levels for WRMSDS.

Lower limb muscle injuries: The good, the bad and the ugly

Injuries to the lower limb muscles are a common cause of absence from training and competition in athletes. The different muscular groups of the thigh and leg are involved in various activities with kicking and sprinting being responsible for the largest number of injuries. The muscle acts on bone through the tendon and the fascia. The failure of one or more of these structures results in various degrees of loss of function of the muscle(s) involved. Usually, the point of weakness is the interface between different structures with different elastic properties (myofascial, myotendinous, avulsion). Diagnostic imaging is best performed by MRI that provides valuable information about the severity of the injury and its anatomical extent. In this article, we will review the MRI features of muscle injuries which can be used to guide return to play. We will emphasize the clinical implications of the MRI findings by dividing the muscle injuries into three categories “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” to help the clinician in the planning of the most appropriate rehabilitation strategy.

ABSENTEÍSMO EM CONSULTAS ESPECIALIZADAS REFERENCIADAS POR UNIDADE BÁSICA SAÚDE DA FAMÍLIA: ESTUDO DE CASO

RESUMOO estudo teve por objetivo identificar causas do absenteísmo em consultas referenciadas para especialidades médicas. Realizado estudo de caso tendo como sujeitos os usuários assistidos pela Estratégia Saúde da Família de um município no sul do Brasil, que no ano de 2013 não compareceram a consultas agendadas. Foram fontes de evidências a documentação de referenciamento emitidas pela Unidade Básica de Saúde e pela Central de Marcação de Consultas e as entrevistas realizadas com os usuários. Os dados encontrados foram categorizados e analisados utilizando-se a técnica da análise textual discursiva, onde as categorias delineadas foram: Tempo de espera para consulta; Aviso da data e horário da consulta; Motivo do não comparecimento. Concluiu-se que os documentos a serem encaminhados para a Central de Marcação exigem atenção criteriosa. O acompanhamento dos Agentes Comunitários de Saúde aos usuários antes e pós-consulta é uma ação para diminuir o absenteísmo. A solução exige conscientização dos usuários. Descritores: Acesso aos Serviços de Saúde; Absenteísmo; Regulação e Fiscalização em Saúde; Estratégia Saúde da Família.

A regulação da atenção à saúde bucal e o absenteísmo: cenários e possibilidades

O absenteísmo do usuário é um ato praticado ao não comparecer às consultas e aos procedimentos agendados. O objetivo do estudo é discutir o contexto causal que gera o absenteísmo em consultas e suas possibilidades de enfrentamento, de modo a colaborar com estudos empíricos sobre o tema. Trata-se de um estudo de revisão integrativa da literatura, feito através da busca do assunto “Absenteísmo” nas bases de dados LILACS, SCIELO e periódicos CAPES, sem corte temporal, em julho de 2017. Os resultados foram: 11 estudos sobre o assunto de 763 encontrados na busca. Identificou-se um total de 26 causas potenciais para o absenteísmo e 4 possibilidades de enfrentamento. Conclui-se que é necessário ampliar o debate, para que esta problemática seja tratada como possibilidade de estruturação do processo de trabalho das equipes, dos serviços e da regulação, por ser um quadro diversificado e complexo no que diz respeito às causas do absenteísmo.