Saudi Med J
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To determine the survival outcomes and to describe the epidemiological characteristics of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) in western Saudi Arabia. ⋯ Colorectal cancer patients presented to the hospital late in the disease course. This may call for lowering the screening age, increasing awareness programs, and establishing a national screening program.
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To investigate the relationship between the timing of energy intake and obesity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2018 and December 2018. A total of 450 Saudi female students from the University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia were recruited. ⋯ Additionally, there was no significant difference between the obese and normal weight groups in the total energy intake per day or the total percentage of energy from fat, carbohydrate, and protein per day. However, the total energy intake for each meal and the percentage of energy from fat, carbohydrate, and protein per meal were significantly different between the groups. Conclusion: The greater intake of energy at dinner was positively associated with obesity, while greater energy intake at breakfast were negatively associated with overweight and obesity.
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To assess social media and search engines used to find health information in Saudi patients and their companions and to describe their perceptions, attitudes, and practices. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 374 patients and their companions at a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The data were collected between January and March 2018 using a self-administrated questionnaire adopted from the literature and developed in Arabic. The questionnaire was validated and modified by the researchers to fulfill the purpose of this study. ⋯ The reliability of health information on social media was met for 51% of participants, and 81.4% claimed that the health information obtained was knowledgeable. However, only 29% share their personal health experience with the public on social media. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the majority of the participants used social media platforms to find information related to their health conditions, while approximately one third received direct medical consultations online. Public awareness to use reputable sources for health information is needed.
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To evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among a group of Saudi children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in Armed Forces Hospital and Riyadh Care Hospital in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: The study was carried out in Riyadh Armed Forces Hospital and Riyadh Care Hospital in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from January to June 2017. This study included a total of 100 Saudi (50 males and 50 females) participants with T1DM, aged 2-12 years old. ⋯ Serum 25(OH) vitamin D was significantly inversely associated with body mass index as well as HbA1c. Conclusion: There is a concern that growing children with low vitamin D may be at higher risk for T1DM. It is necessary to further examine the mechanisms underlying vitamin D deficiency in T1DM children.
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To evaluate the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on promoting neural repair after facial nerve compression in rats and the mechanism by which this occurs. Methods: Adult Wistar rats (n=100) were divided into 3 groups: healthy controls, surgery-only, and surgery+PRP groups. The rats underwent nerve crush injury to establish a facial palsy model. The blood from the rats was used to prepare the PRP for application to the injury site. ⋯ Hematoxylin and eosin staining, toluidine blue staining, and electron microscopy showed significant recovery of Schwann cells and axons in the PRP group. Polymerase chain reaction results showed that PRP releases growth factors, which include nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Immunohistochemistry also demonstrated higher levels of S-100 protein expression in the PRP group compared to the other groups. Conclusions: Platelet-rich plasma releases nutrient factors in the brainstem, and the use of PRP can promote injury recovery.