Affected Body Part Research Articles

Somatotopy of cervical dystonia in motor-cerebellar networks: Evidence from resting state fMRI

IntroductionCervical dystonia is the most frequent form of isolated focal dystonia. It is often associated with a dysfunction in brain networks, mostly affecting the basal ganglia, the cerebellum, and the somatosensory cortex. However, it is unclear if such a dysfunction is somato-specific to the brain areas containing the representation of the affected body part, and may thereby account for the focal expression of cervical dystonia.In this study, we investigated resting state functional connectivity in the areas within the motor cortex and the cerebellum containing affected and non-affected body representations in cervical dystonia patients. MethodsEighteen patients affected by cervical dystonia and 21 healthy controls had resting state fMRI. The functional connectivity between the motor cortex and the cerebellum, as well as their corresponding measures of gray matter volume and cortical thickness, were compared between groups. We performed seed-based analyses, selecting the different body representation areas in the precentral gyrus as seed regions, and all cerebellar areas as target regions. ResultsCompared to controls, patients exhibited increased functional connectivity between the bilateral trunk representation area of the motor cortex and the cerebellar vermis 6 and 7b, respectively. These functional abnormalities did not correlate with structural changes or symptom severity. ConclusionsOur findings indicate that the abnormal function of the motor network is somato-specific to the areas encompassing the neck representation. Functional abnormalities in discrete relevant areas of the motor network could thus contribute to the focal expression of CD.

Applications of thermal imaging with infrared thermography in Orthopaedics

BackgroundPathological conditions with ongoing inflammatory processes result in specific heat signatures at the affected body parts; infrared thermography (IRT) detects these changes and can be utilied in screening such conditions. The modern devices are advanced and their non contact, convenient and precise readings can aid in multiple medical sub fields. Orthopaedics as a broad entity has witnessed utilisation of this technology for different indications and the present scoping review was done to assess these established indications and further scope of its utility. Methodology: A Medline search was done on April 26, 2021 with specific keywords for studies of any design in English language discussing the usage of thermography in Orthopaedics. Animal studies, conference abstracts, systematic reviews, e-posters, case reports, book chapters, and studies describing the use of thermography in non-Orthopaedic patients were excluded. ResultsTotal number of hits were 1380. 43 studies including case series and case control studies were included in the review. The subfields or indications described were pain/arthritis, Charcot's foot/neuropathic ulcers, infections associated with diabetic feet and arthroplasties, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, carpal tunnel syndrome, sports medicine, paediatric orthopaedics, spine, ergonomics and compartment syndrome. ConclusionIRT has been described to be effective in orthopaedic conditions with specific heat signatures and this can assess the trend of the ongoing inflammatory process as well as response to a particular treatment. Additionally, it can specifically determine the exact loci of the pathology for targeted interventions.

Road traffic injury in Lebanon: A prospective study to assess injury characteristics and risk factors.

BackgroundRoad traffic injury (RTI) is a significant yet poorly characterized cause of morbidity and mortality in the Middle East. This hospital‐based‐study examined RTI in Lebanon and provided an understanding of their characteristics.MethodsWe collected prospective RTI data from three participating hospitals over 3 months using a designed tool based on Canadian CHIRPP and WHO tools. We performed logistic regression analysis to examine the relationship between contributing risk factors (age, sex) and injury types as well as the association of safety measures used (seatbelts or helmets) and body parts injured.ResultsA total of 153 patients were collected. Male preponderance with 72%, with mean age 32.6 (SD = 14.9) years. RTI was highest among passengers aged 15 to 29 (48%). Motorcyclists comprised the greatest injury proportion (38%), followed by vehicle‐occupants (35%), and pedestrians (25%) (P = .04). Hip injuries represented the most affected body part (48.7%), followed by head/neck (38.2%). Only 31% (n = 47) of victims applied safety measures (seatbelts or helmets). Six drivers (7%) reported cell phone use at collision. The use of safety measures was associated with a substantial reduction in head/neck injuries (P = .03), spine injuries (P = .049), and lower risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI) (P = .02).ConclusionsRTI is a major health problem in Lebanon. Safety measures, though poorly adhered to, were associated with less severe injuries, and should be further promoted via awareness campaigns and enforcement. Trauma registries are needed to assess the RTI burden and inform safety interventions and quality‐of‐care improvement programs.

Screen Time Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Adolescents: A Cross Sectional Survey in Twin Cities

Background: The objectives were to evaluate the frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms related to screen time and to determine the mostly affected body parts with musculoskeletal symptoms Methods: A Cross-sectional survey was conducted on 150 students from February to May 2018 selected via convenience sampling technique. Data was collected from students of twin cities having screen time more than 3 hour’s using validated questionnaires including The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) to assess musculoskeletal symptoms and self-structured questionnaire for screen time and demographics. Data was analyzed using SPSS v.21. Results: Mean age of the population was 15±2.7 years. Mean screen time score was computed as 6.45 hours with 10 hours highest screen time observed of 6 participants. Mean musculoskeletal involvement was computed as 85.3 % (n=128) in last 12 months of which 28.9% (n=66) had neck pain, 21.9% (n=50) had lower back pain whereas 14.9%, 11.4% had shoulder and upper back involvement. In last 7 days 25.7%, participants had pain in neck area and 18.3% in lower back. 83.5% participants didn’t visited physicians for their respective condition. significant relation of screen time was observed with the musculoskeletal symptoms. Conclusion: Screen time severely influence musculoskeletal symptoms especially neck and lower back muscle, presence of high number of musculoskeletal symptoms among adolescent is alarming and shows the need of adequate measures to address these problems

Mucormycosis (Black fungus): An alarming sign for COVID-19 patients

Mucormycosis (also known as zygomycosis) is a dangerous but uncommon fungal infection caused by a fungus known as mucormycetes. Mucormycosis can be caused by a variety of fungi. Mucormycetes are fungi that belong to the Mucorales scientific order. Molds can be found all over the place. Mucormycosis is a fungal infection that primarily affects persons who have health issues or who use medications that reduce the body's capacity to resist infections and illness. After inhaling fungal spores from the air, it most usually affects the sinuses or lungs. The majority of people are unaffected by these fungus. Breathing in mucormycete spores, on the other hand, can induce an infection in the lungs or sinuses, which can spread to other regions of the body in patients with compromised immune systems. It can also happen as a result of a cut, a burn, or another sort of skin injury. The fatality rate varied based on the patient's underlying condition, the type of fungus, and the affected body part (for example, the mortality rate was 46 percent among people with sinus infections, 76 percent for pulmonary infections, and 96 percent for disseminated mucormycosis). Antifungal medicines such as amphotericin-B, isavuconazole, posaconazole, and various combinations are used to inhibit the growth. Mucormycosis was studied for its spread, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and consequences.

Most Frequently Affected Body parts in Road Traffic Accidents Reporting to the Accident and Emergency Department of the Largest Tertiary Care hospital of Karachi in 2019

Introduction Injuries sustained during Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) amounts to a serious public health crisis. The aim of the study was to determine the body parts most likely affected in an RTA in patients brought to Accident and Emergency (A&E) department of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), the largest tertiary care hospital of Karachi. Method A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in January-March 2019 among 371 respondents aged 15-65 years. Study participants were recruited through non-probability convenience sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic variables and type, severity and nature of injury. Chi Square test was used to determine the significant difference between using safety precautions with body parts affected. All analysis was performed on SPSS version 20. Results Out of 371 study participants, 64.4% (n=239) were between 15-35 years with 91.9% (n=338) males. In 77.1% (n=286) cases, emergency medical services responded in less than one hour and first aid was provided by doctor to 95.7% (n=355) at hospital. In 82.5% (n=306) cases, private vehicles were involved, with 46.1% (n=171) motorcycles. In 79.8% (n=296) cases, bone injury was prevalent, with 57.1% (n=212) leg injuries, which was the most frequently affected body part. Majority, 56.2% of the study participants who did not wear seat belts had chest area affected (p=0.006). Conclusion It is concluded that males of 15-35 years who were motorcyclists were more prone to RTAs with lower limbs more frequently being affected. Safety precautions like wearing seatbelts provide protection against RTAs.

Evaluation of computer workstations ergonomics and its relationship with reported musculoskeletal and visual symptoms among university employees in Jordan.

Computer workstations are considered a potential workplace hazard. This study sought to evaluate computer workstation ergonomics in a university office environment, and to determine its relationship with musculoskeletal (MS) and visual symptoms reported by employees. This was a cross-sectional observational study. A total of 231 university employees were recruited using a stratified random sampling technique. By means of direct observation, computer workstations were evaluated using the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Ergonomic Computer Workstation Evaluation Checklist. In addition, the participants reported MS and visual symptoms during the past week and 12 months by completing questionnaires. Several ergonomic deficiencies in computer workstations were identified. Seating, working area, and keyboard and input devices had the most documented deficits. A significant proportion of employees reported various MS symptoms during the past 12 months. The most affected body parts were the shoulders (37%), the lower back (34%), and the neck (29%). The most prevalent visual symptom was tired eyes (68%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that MS symptoms, such as ache, pain and discomfort, were significantly associated with the total scores on the OSHA components. Deficits in monitor ergonomics and its placement, particularly the presence of glare reflected on the screen, were also associated with reported visual symptoms. Independent variables, such as gender, age, employment duration, job type, daily computer work hours, and work pattern, reliably predicted the participants' reported experience of various MS and visual symptoms. Both MS and visual symptoms are associated with deficits in computer workstation ergonomics. Appropriate strategies, work practices, and preventive measures are needed to eliminate occupational hazards associated with computer workstations. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(2):141-56.

Novel insights into the pathogenesis of DYT1 dystonia from induced patient-derived neurons.

Novel insights into the pathogenesis of DYT1 dystonia from induced patient-derived neurons.

Socio-Demography, Working Conditions, and Musculoskeletal Ailments among Pineapple Farmers in Northeast India

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to examine the socio-demography, working conditions, and consequential musculoskeletal ailments of pineapple farmers in northeast India. A total of 152 pineapple farmers (92 males and 60 females) participated in the study. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured schedule and a standard Nordic questionnaire through personal interviews followed by direct observation. Chi-square (χ2) analysis and multiple logistic regression were conducted using SPSS software 16.0 to explore the association of various independent factors and their influences on the musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) scores. The study revealed that a majority (>85%) of the pineapple farmers in northeast India had low to medium annual income, with more than 95% of the farmers belonging to small and marginal categories. Moreover, MSS were highly prevalent among the farmers (79.61%), and the low-back (76.32%) was the most affected body part. The results of the Chi-square (χ2) analysis highlighted that age, education level, and farming experience were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the prevalence of overall MSS among the pineapple farmers. Among the factors, only age and gender significantly influenced the risk of complaints for the farmers’ neck (OR = 6.62, 95% CI: 1.29–34.02, p ≤ 0.05) and low back (OR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.00–6.47, p ≤ 0.05). This study’s findings demonstrated the need for the urgent exploration of sustainable and innovative interventions to reduce the occurrence of MSS and improve the working conditions of the pineapple farmers in northeast India.

Prevalence of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Factors Among Bank Staff in Jimma City, Southwest Ethiopia, 2019: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundWork-related musculoskeletal disorder is one of the most important public health problems throughout the world. However, there is a paucity of knowledge on work-related musculoskeletal disorders among bank staff in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among bank staff in Jimma city, Ethiopia.MethodsInstitution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 20 to August 20, 2019. A simple random sampling technique was used. Data were collected by pre-tested interviewer-administered standardized Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaires. Data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. A logistic regression analysis was done. A variable having a p-value <0.25 in a bivariate analysis was taken into multivariate analysis to avoid the potential effects of confounders. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were calculated at a 95% confidence interval to see the strength of association. A significant association was set at a p-value <0.05.ResultsData were collected from 335 study participants. The overall prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders during the last 12-months was 245 (73.1%). The most affected body parts were lower back 181 (54%), neck 152 (45.4%), upper back 143 (42.7%), and shoulder 127 (37.9%). Work experience [AOR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.05–4.43], alcohol consumption [AOR: 3.44, 95% CI: 1.29–9.18], awkward posture [AOR: 4.09, 95% CI: 2.20–7.61], working in the same position for two or more hours [AOR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.05–3.89] and job stress [AOR: 3.20, 95% CI: 1.67–6.15] were factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders.ConclusionThe prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was common among bank staff. Preventive strategies such as using ergonomic guidelines and giving awareness on the effect of bad posture, avoiding prolonged working in the same position were recommended. Using ergonomic guideline is helpful to create a suitable working environment that fit employee’s physical capability.

Self-Reported Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Factors among Restaurant Workers in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020.

Introduction Globally, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have resulted in occupational disability and injury. Of these, restaurant workers are among the high-risk professionals usually affected by WMSDs. In Ethiopia, evidence on the burden of musculoskeletal disorder and contributing factors among restaurant workers were very limited. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of self-reported WMSDs and contributing factors among restaurant workers in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia, 2020. Methods An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2020 to March 2020 among restaurant workers in Gondar city. A two-stage sampling technique was used to choose 633 study subjects. A structured Nordic questioner was used to collect the data. Data was entered into EpiData version 3.1 and exported to Stata version 14.0 for analysis. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were computed. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to measure the association between WMSDs and independent variables. In the multivariable analysis, a P value of <0.05 was used to declare a statistically significant association. To check the goodness of fit, the Hosmer and Lemeshow test was used. Results The prevalence of WMSDs among restaurant workers in the past 12 months was 81.5% [95% CI (78.18–84.44)]. Attending primary education [AOR: 2.14, 95% CI (1.17–3.90)], attending secondary education [AOR: 1.71 (1.02–2.86)], and job satisfaction [AOR: 1.90, 95%CI (1.13–3.19)] were significantly associated with WMSDs. Conclusion In this study, the prevalence of WMSDs among restaurant workers was high. The upper back, lower back, elbow, and wrist were the most affected body parts. Age above 30 years, educational status being primary and secondary, and being dissatisfied by their job were positively associated with a high prevalence of WMSDs.

Recreational Drone-Related Injuries in Children: A Review of National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) Data.

IntroductionDrones are unmanned aerial vehicles controlled by a person on the ground, used for recreational purposes. The purpose of the study is to describe characteristics and patterns of injuries reported in children from recreational drones.MethodsWe extracted data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System involving (NEISS) over a period of 10 years from 2010 to 2019 regarding injuries to children for ages zero up to 18 years. We included the subjects with drone-related injuries. All other toy-related injuries were excluded. We applied descriptive statistics to calculate proportions and confidence intervals for categorical variables and median for continuous variables.ResultsWe included a total of 26 subjects. In our sample, the number of male subjects (65%; n = 17) was higher than the number of females (35%; n = 9). Head and face were the commonly affected body parts (58%, n = 15). The most common diagnoses were lacerations (42%; n = 11) and contusions/abrasions (27%; n = 7). The majority of the subjects were treated and discharged from the emergency department (92%; n = 24). A significant number of injuries were caused by the direct impact of drones (65%; n = 17).ConclusionDrones have the potential to cause injuries. Precautions are warranted to decrease the incidence of these injuries in children.

Rodeo-Related Injuries Among Adolescents Treated at Emergency Departments.

Rodeo is an extreme sport involving powerful forces created by large animals. The objective of this study was to characterize rodeo-related injuries among adolescents treated at United States emergency departments (EDs). Cases were rodeo-related injuries among patients ages 13-19 years reported to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System during 2000-2019. The distribution of the national injury estimates was determined for selected variables. A total of 408 adolescent rodeo-related injuries were identified, resulting in a national estimate of 17,363 injuries. Bulls were involved in 58.4% of the injuries and horses in 28.8%. The patients were 84.7% male and 15.3% female. The most frequently reported mechanisms of injury were: fell or thrown from an animal (41.4%), stepped on by an animal (22.4%), other contact with an animal (7.4%), contact with infrastructure (6.6%), and kicked by an animal (5.9%). The most common diagnoses were contusion or abrasion (29.5%), fracture (22.8%), strain or sprain (15.0%), laceration (8.1%), and concussion (8.0%). The affected body part was 26.9% head and neck, 25.9% upper extremity, 24.6% lower extremity, and 21.6% trunk. Most of the injuries involved bulls. The majority of patients were male. Most of the injuries resulted from falling or being thrown by an animal or stepped on by an animal. The most frequently reported injuries were contusion or abrasion, fracture, strain or sprain, laceration, and concussion. The injuries most often affected the head and neck followed by the upper extremity and lower extremity.

Identification of Environmental and Experimental Factors Influencing Human Perception of DC and AC Electric Fields.

As part of the energy transition in Germany, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) lines producing DC electric fields (EF) are in planning. Since the human perception of DC EF was rarely investigated in the past, we aimed to identify environmental and experimental factors influencing the human perception of direct current (DC) EF, alternating current (AC) EF, and the co-exposure of DC EF and AC EF (hybrid EF) under whole-body exposure. Additionally, first estimates of DC EF and AC EF perception thresholdsas well as differences in human perception of DC EF and AC EF concerning the type of sensation experienced and the affected body part were evaluated. A highly sophisticated exposure lab was built to expose participants to various EF strengths and ask for their assessment concerning the presence of an EF. To estimate the individual perception thresholds of 11 participants, the signal detection theory as well as the single-interval-adjustment matrix procedure were applied. Relative humidity could be identified as an environmental factor influencing the perception of AC EF and DC EF in different ways. An appropriate ramp slope and an exposure duration for future studies could be elaborated. Additionally, perception thresholds were lower under hybrid EF exposure than under DC EF or AC EF exposure alone. Cutaneous sensations evoked under DC EF and AC EF exposure were individually different and attributed to various parts of the body. Several environmental and experimental factors influencing the human perception of EF could be identified and provide an essential basis for a large-scale study. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Left/right discrimination is not impaired in people with unilateral chronic Achilles tendinopathy

ObjectiveImpaired left/right discrimination of an affected body part has been observed in various chronic pain states. This study aimed to examine whether people with unilateral chronic Achilles tendinopathy also present with impaired left/right discrimination. DesignCross-sectional study. MethodsNineteen runners with persistent unilateral Achilles tendinopathy and 19 matched healthy volunteers performed a left/right discrimination task in a laboratory setting. Participants were shown pictures of feet, hands and Shepard-Metzler figures and were asked to decide as accurately and as fast as possible whether the body part belonged to the left or right side of the body, or whether the Shepard-Metzler figures were rotated or mirrored. Performance was evaluated in terms of accuracy and response time. Data were analysed with mixed-design ANOVAs. ResultsThe decline in left/right discrimination ability at group level, if present, between affected and unaffected side, or compared to healthy participants, was negligible for both accuracy (<1.5%) and response time (<50 ms). There was no significant effect of side (affected versus unaffected side) or group (people with Achilles tendinopathy versus healthy) for accuracy (p > 0.36) or response time (p > 0.69). ConclusionsPeople with Achilles tendinopathy recognised the affected side as accurately and as fast as the non-affected side and their performance was comparable to healthy participants. The absence of impaired left/right discrimination despite the chronicity of the condition may be attributable to the typical intermittent nature of Achilles tendinopathy pain and/or maintained sports activity.

Work related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Housewives: Ergonomic issues

In this paper, an extensive survey for research to analyse reasons of musculoskeletal complaints among housewives was conducted. The objectives of the research were to explore the musculoskeletal disorders which housewives face as an effect of their daily household activities, to identify the age and percentage of housewives affected and to identify the commonly involved reasons. These were achieved by collecting the data of 150 housewives (sample size) through a questionnaire designed by authors based Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire which was circulated among the housewives. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis which focused on bar charts, pie charts and tables. From the collected sample size about 88% of housewives suffered from musculoskeletal complaints. And the most commonly affected age groups were 31-40 and 41-50 years. The most affected body part was the Lower back (57%).

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and their association with ergonomic physical risk factors among women working in tea gardens of Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India

Introduction: Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) is common among tea-plucking folks and may be attributed to the long duration of work in same posture, the load they carry while plucking and transporting the leaves to the nearest depot, improper job rotations and the difficult hilly terrains.&#x0D; Objective: To determine the prevalence and pattern of musculoskeletal disorders among tea garden workers and to ascertain the risk factors for the same.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 210 female tea garden workers employed in tea gardens of Darjeeling district using 30 cluster sampling design. Data on musculoskeletal morbidities were collected using Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and ergonomic risk was assessed by Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) worksheet.&#x0D; Results: Proportion of musculoskeletal disorders in past 12 months was 92.4% and in past 7 days was 71.4%. Upper extremities were the most commonly affected body part. Higher altitude, age, BMI, more duration in present job, history of work related injuries and increased REBA risk assessment score were found to be significantly associated with musculoskeletal disorders.&#x0D; Conclusion: Musculoskeletal morbidities among female tea garden workers of Darjeeling were found to be considerably high. Ergonomic mechanised assistance in tea plucking can reduce this proportion of MSD and thus may go a long way in reducing sickness absenteeism and increasing productivity.&#x0D; Financial support and sponsorship - Nil.&#x0D; Conflicts of interest - There are no conflicts of interest.

A rare entity of non-filarial lymphedema

Patient is a 77 year old female who presented to the outpatient dermatology clinic due to progressive massive leg swelling. Physical exam demonstrated bilateral lower extremity chronic lymphedema with stasis dermatitis changes with the left more significant than the right. The patient was diagnosed with elephantiasis nostras verrucosa (ENV) and was treated with leg elevation and arranged for follow-up with a chronic lymphedema clinic. ENV is a rare complication of non-filarial chronic lymphedema. Its pathogenesis is characterized by long-standing lymphatic obstruction, which may occur due to a variety of obstructive diseases. This can lead to accumulation of proteinaceous fluid in the dermis and subcutaneous tissues causing further lymphatic obstruction and edema followed by hyperkeratosis, fibrosis, and formation of papillated, verrucous papules. Differential diagnoses to consider include venous stasis dermatitis, cellulitis, lipodermatosclerosis, pretibial myxedema, and lymphatic filariasis. Mainstays of treatment of ENV include elevation of the affected body part, compressive hosiery, and antibiotic prophylaxis for superimposed infection [1].

Study of morbidity and mortality in HIV positive surgical patients in Western Rajasthan

Background: HIV infection affects the differential diagnosis of surgical disease nutritional status and life expectancy. Some have suggested that HIV infection may also influence post-operative wound healing and complication rates. Others have stated that HIV infection should have only minor influence on decision-making for many surgical conditions and therefore standard surgical approaches are appropriate. Methods: All HIV positive patients admitted in general surgical wards were divided into two groups- 1. Conservative, 2. Operative. Operative patients were placed into 4 subgroups according to CDC surgical wound classification-Clean, clean-contaminated, contaminated and dirty-infected. Patients were followed up in post-operative ward till discharge or mortality. At the time of discharge outcome were rated as-Good, fair and poor.Results: Patients between age 31-30 and 41-50 years were commonly and equally affected (60.6%). Farmer males were predominantly involved in all age groups except of age group &gt;50 years. 28 (84.85%) patients were on ART therapy. Most common affected body part is abdomen (60.60%). In 22 (66.67%) cases operative procedure done; among them 14 (63.63%) were emergency and 8 (36.37%) were elective. Fistulectomy (25%) was commonest in elective surgeries and open appendicectomy (35.71%) was commonest in emergency surgeries. In 4 cases systemic complications occurred and one case had local complication. 30 patients were discharged in satisfactory condition and 3 patients expired.Conclusions: No significant correlation between survival outcomes (mortality and morbidity) with hospital stay (p=0.444), between type of operation (emergency or elective) and mortality (p=0.502) and demographic and clinical variables (age, gender, hospital stay, effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) duration) to survival outcome of HIV patients.

Epidemiology of occupational injuries among insured workers in Saudi Arabia between 2004 and 2016.

This is a retrospective analysis of annual reports on occupational injuries issued by the national social insurance agency of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for the years 2004 through 2016. For each criterion we calculated an index based on the equation NY/Nref x100, where NY is the number of occupational injuries by a specific criterion in a specific year Y, and Nref is the number of injuries in the corresponding criterion in the reference year, i.e. 2004. We also calculated the number of injuries to number of workers ratio (Ni/Nw) for different occupations and economic sectors to get a clearer idea of the injury trends per worker. In terms of occupational injury rates (with respect to 2004), we observed increases in construction, financing & real estate (economic sectors), among engineers and technicians (occupations), in infections and secondary contusions (injury type), for upper and lower limbs (affected body parts), over falls and “other” causes. Most injuries occurred on Fridays, which is a weekend day in Saudi Arabia. We also observed increased recovery without disability (injury status). However, if we look at the number of occupational injuries per worker, we can see a decreasing trend over time for all occupations and economic sectors, most likely thanks to improved labour law and safety at work practices for insured workers. Our findings are similar to reports from other Persian Gulf countries and reflect current labour health and safety issues in the area.