Mechanisms for reducing low back pain: a mediation analysis of a multifaceted intervention in workers in elderly care

Purpose A multifaceted workplace intervention consisting of participatory ergonomics, physical training, and cognitive–behavioural training (CBT) has shown effectiveness for reducing low back pain (LBP). However, the mechanisms of action underlying these intervention components are not well understood. Methods This was a mediation analysis of a cluster-randomised controlled trial of a multifaceted intervention in 420 workers in elderly care. Mediation analysis was carried out via structural equation modelling. Potential mediators investigated were: fear-avoidance beliefs, perceived muscle strength, use of assistive devices at work and perceived physical exertion at work. LBP outcomes assessed were: days with LBP, LBP intensity and days with bothersome LBP. Results There were no significant indirect effects of the intervention on LBP outcomes. There were significant effects of the intervention on both fear-avoidance measures [β = − 0.63, 95% CI (1.23, 0.03); β = − 1.03, 95% CI (− 1.70, − 0.34)] and the use of assistive devices [β = − 0.55, 95% CI (− 1.04, − 0.05)], but not on perceived muscle strength [β = − 0.18, 95% CI (− 0.50, 0.13)] or physical exertion [β = − 0.05, 95% CI (− 0.40, 0.31)]. The only potential mediator with a significant effect on LBP outcomes was physical exertion, which had a significant effect on LBP intensity [β = 0.14, 95% CI (0.04, 0.23)]. Conclusions A multifaceted intervention consisting of participatory ergonomics, physical training, and CBT was able to decrease fear-avoidance beliefs and increase use of assistive devices in the workplace. However, these changes did not explain the effect of any of the intervention components on days with LBP, LBP intensity and days with bothersome LBP

The SPIRAL radioactive ion beam facility

This document describes the scientific goals as well as the technical choices of the SPIRAL project (Système de Production d'Ions Radioactifs et d'Accélération en Ligne)

Synthesis of novel mesoporous selenium-doped biochar with high-performance sodium diclofenac and reactive orange 16 dye removals

Abstract In this study, for the first time, a selenium-doped mesoporous biochar was prepared and efficiently employed for sodium diclofenac and reactive orange 16 dye adsorption. The characterization results indicated that selenium doping had a remarkable impact on Biochar-Se morphological and physicochemical structures. The efficacy of developed biochar samples on reactive orange 16 (RO-16) and diclofenac (DCF) removals was fully investigated. For both molecules (DCF and RO-16), Liu’s equilibrium model offered the best fitness with maximum adsorption capacity values of 355 mg g−1 for DCF and 538 mg g−1 for RO-16 for Biochar-Se. Multiple mechanisms including pore filling, π-π interaction, and hydrogen bonding between the Biochar-Se and DCF/RO-16 molecules were involved in the adsorption process. Se-nanoparticles formed metal–oxygen bonds, which boosted the adsorption of DCF and RO-16 molecules. The current work offered a feasible approach for the development of Se-doped biochar adsorbent that is incredibly effective in treating wastewater

Work Outcomes in Patients Who Stay at Work Despite Musculoskeletal Pain

Purpose: To assess self-reported work impacts and associations between psychosocial risk factors and work impairment amongst workers seeking care for musculoskeletal pain while continuing to work. Methods: Patients were recruited from Musculoskeletal Assessment Clinics at 5 hospitals across Ireland. Participants completed questionnaires including assessments of work impairment (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire), work ability (single item from the Work Ability Index) and work performance (Work Role Functioning Questionnaire; WRFQ). Logistic and hierarchical regressions were conducted to analyse the relation between psychosocial variables and work outcomes. Results: 155 participants (53.5% female; mean age = 46.50 years) who were working at the time of assessment completed the questionnaires. Absenteeism was low, yet 62.6% were classified as functioning poorly according to the WRFQ; 52.3% reported having poor work ability. Logistic regression analyses indicated that higher work role functioning was associated with higher pain self-efficacy (OR 1.51); better work ability was associated with older age (OR 1.063) and lower functional restriction (OR 0.93); greater absenteeism was associated with lower pain self-efficacy (OR 0.65) and poorer work expectancy (OR 1.18). Multiple regression analysis indicated that greater presenteeism was associated with higher pain intensity (β = 0.259) and lower pain self-efficacy (β = − 0.385). Conclusions: While individuals continue to work with musculoskeletal pain, their work performance can be adversely affected. Interventions that target mutable factors, such as pain self-efficacy, may help reduce the likelihood of work impairment

The SPIRAL radioactive ion beam facility

This document describes the scientific goals as well as the technical choices of the SPIRAL project (Système de Production d'Ions Radioactifs et d'Accélération en Ligne)