Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM
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Ann Agric Environ Med · Jun 2011
Meteorological parameters and severity of acute pulmonary embolism episodes.
Frequency of acute pulmonary embolism episodes has been previously shown to correlate significantly with meteorological factors in the period preceding their occurrence. The purpose of the study was to analyze the relation of meteorological factors and the severity of acute pulmonary embolism, expressed by the CT-based pulmonary obstruction score. A retrospective analysis of medical data of 182 consecutive patients with acute pulmonary embolism diagnosed with CT pulmonary angiography was performed. ⋯ Episodes of more severe pulmonary embolism were preceded by periods of lower atmospheric pressure (1,016.35 hPA for group H, vs. 1,016.35 hPa for group L, p = 0.022). No significant relations between other meteorological factors and severity of PE were observed. The reported finding shows the need of further research on the nature of meteorological factors influence on the course of pulmonary embolism, which should be analyzed not ony regarding the frequency, but also severity of PE episodes.
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Ann Agric Environ Med · Jan 2011
Differences in deformity and bracing-related stress between rural and urban area patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treated with a Cheneau brace.
The aim of the study was to compare the difference in stress levels between adolescent female groups of patients from urban and rural areas who were treated conservatively with an idiopathic scoliosis. The study comprised 2 groups of patients, 34 from an urban and 30 from a rural area, with a minimum application of a Cheneau brace for 12 hours a day, for a minimum of 1 month. Two study groups completed the Polish version of both Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire-Deformity and Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire-Brace. ⋯ In the rural group of patients, a correlation between the apical translation and stress related to deformity was observed. No significant differences were stated in stress levels and coping mechanisms between patients from rural and urban areas, treated conservatively due to idiopathic scoliosis. A difference was observed, however, regarding the correlation connected with the apical translation and stress level.
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Ann Agric Environ Med · Jan 2011
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dentists - a questionnaire survey.
Dentists at work are susceptible to the development of health disorders. Bad working habits, repetitive tasks and uncomfortable posture contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), stress and loss of production. The paper deals with the assessment of health status among dentists in Poland regarding the symptoms of musculoskeletal pain. ⋯ Moreover, significance relationships were found between MSDs and both standing work position and non-use of rest breaks. It was concluded that limited ergonomics in the work environment of dentists results in MSDs, and its prevalence is very high. The symptoms of MSDs increased with the number of years of practice.
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Ann Agric Environ Med · Dec 2010
Predictors of sick leave owing to neck or low back pain: a 12-year longitudinal cohort study in a rural male population.
Back pain is a common cause of sick leave. We analyzed how individual, work-related and lifestyle factors predicted sick leave owing to neck or low back pain over a 12-year period. In this prospective cohort study, 1,405 rural middle-aged farmers and non-farmers were surveyed in 1990-1991 (participation rate 76%) and followed up 12 years later (participation rate 68%). ⋯ Self-employment was associated with a lower risk of sick leave while sedentary leisure time, snuff use and a specific neck or back diagnosis was associated with a higher risk. Age, education, physical workload, marital status, sense of coherence, smoking, and alcohol consumption were not independently associated with sick leave. The low risk of sick leave among the self-employed is notable from a societal and public health perspective.
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Ann Agric Environ Med · Jan 2008
High prevalence of immunoglobulin E (IgE) sensitization among sisal (Agave sisalana) processing workers in Tanzania.
Allergic sensitization among workers exposed to sisal is scarcely documented. We examined whether sisal processing is associated with IgE sensitization and its relationship to the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among Tanzanian processors. ⋯ Sisal processing is associated with increased risk of IgE sensitization, but its clinical implication is not obvious.