Estimating the Impact of Workplace Bullying: Humanistic and Economic Burden among Workers with Chronic Medical Conditions.

BACKGROUND: Although the prevalence of work-limiting diseases is increasing, the interplay between occupational exposures and chronic medical conditions remains largely uncharacterized. Research has shown the detrimental effects of workplace bullying but very little is known about the humanistic and productivity cost in victims with chronic illnesses. We sought to assess work productivity losses and health disutility associated with bullying among subjects with chronic medical conditions. METHODS: Participants (N = 1717) with chronic diseases answered a self-administered survey including sociodemographic and clinical data, workplace bullying experience, the SF-12 questionnaire, and the Work Productivity Activity Impairment questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of significant impairment was higher among victims of workplace bullying as compared to nonvictims (SF-12 PCS: 55.5% versus 67.9%, p < 0.01; SF-12 MCS: 59.4% versus 74.3%, p < 0.01). The adjusted marginal overall productivity cost of workplace bullying ranged from 13.9% to 17.4%, corresponding to Italian Purchase Power Parity (PPP) 2010 US$ 4182-5236 yearly. Association estimates were independent and not moderated by concurrent medical conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that the burden on workers' quality of life and productivity associated with workplace bullying is substantial. This study provides key data to inform policy-making and prioritize occupational health interventions.

Cuspal movement and microleakage around reinforced glass ionomer cements.

The effect of restoration of mesio-occluso-distal cavities in molar teeth with reinforced glass ionomer cements on cuspal flexure in vitro is reported. Measurements of cuspal flexure using linear variable displacement transducers were carried out for 90 min after the placement of two types of reinforced glass ionomer cement. The measurements demonstrated that no movement occurred except in cases where the materials were allowed to dehydrate. Under these circumstances the opposing cusps moved toward one another. This movement was observed to be directly related to time. Microleakage was very much less than that observed for composite materials evaluated under the same test conditions.

Microleakage studies comparing a one-visit indirect composite inlay system and a direct composite restorative technique.

Problems related to leakage have been observed with direct-filled composite restorations. The development of indirect system of fabrication followed by cementation should theoretically reduce this phenomenon. The present study compares the leakage around directly placed composites with composite inlays prepared by a surgery-based system. The results indicate that the amount of leakage is reduced with the inlay system, but that it is not eliminated.

Fissure sealants as a means of prolonging longevity of amalgam restorations--an in-vitro feasibility study.

The presence of an interface gap around the periphery of old amalgam restorations in extracted teeth was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy. Two fissure sealant resins (Concise White Sealant and Delton Fissure Sealant) were placed over amalgam margins in vitro and were found to occlude this gap. SEM studies permitted assessment of the integrity of the resin in the interface defect and degree of sealant penetration toward the enamel/dentine junction. Microleakage studies using dye immersion techniques confirmed the efficacy of sealants in limiting dye penetration. This study indicates that margins of amalgams may be sealed in vivo by this method, delaying the need for replacement of the old amalgam and potentially providing protection for the tooth from secondary marginal caries.