Background To investigate the relationship of fast food consumption with cognitive and metabolic function of adults (18–25 years old) in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Method This cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medicine at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The conventionally recruited subjects underwent an evaluation that included demographic data, quality of life (wellness, stress, sleepiness, and physical activity), mini-mental status examination, and the frequency of fast food consumption. To investigate metabolic function, blood was drawn to evaluate serum HDL, LDL, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Cognitive function was assessed by the Cambridge neuropsychological test automated battery. The participants were divided into 2 groups based on fast food consumption: those who consumed fast food 3 times per week or less (Group 1) and those who consumed fast food more than 3 times per week (Group 2). Results The mean diastolic blood pressure in Group 1 and Group 2 was 72 mmHg and 77 mmHg, respectively, a significant difference (p = 0.04). There was no significant difference for cognitive function and quality of life between the two groups. There was significant correlation of HDL with AST correct mean latency and the AST correct mean latency congruent (p = 0.02, p = 0.01, respectively) and TC with diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.003). Conclusions We concluded that fast food consumption has an effect on blood pressure but has no direct effect on cognition or quality of life.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to assess the reliability of seven panoramic radiographic markers in predicting the absence of corticalization between the mandibular canal and the third molar which carries the risk of inferior alveolar nerve injury during extraction on cone beam computed tomography images. Materials and methods:The study samples consisted of 270 impacted third molars from 136 patients who showed a close relationship between the mandibular canal and third molars on panoramic radiographs and were referred for the examination with CBCT to assess the relationship between the tooth and the mandibular canal. Panoramic images were evaluated for the seven radiographic markers. CBCT images were used to assess the continuity of the mandibular canal cortical bone. The association of the panoramic and CBCT findings was examined using a Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test.Results: Panoramic radiographic markers were statistically associated with CBCT findings (P<0.01). In cases of darkening roots, interruption of white line as an isolated finding or in association with each other.Conclusion: Panoramic radiography is an effective and efficient method for the assessment of impacted mandibular third molars. Interruption of white line and darkened roots on panoramic radiographs, as both isolated findings and in association with each other are effective in determining the relationship between the tooth roots and the mandibular canal requiring evaluation with cone beam computed tomography.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the influence of pre-preparation technique (finger smearing and saliva ejection) of alginate impressions on the quality and accuracy of dental casts.Materials and methodsTwenty mandibular impressions from 20 patients (10 males, 10 females) with an age range of 20–40 years were recorded using stock trays. A standard impression and pre-preparation technique for alginate were employed. This included removal of saliva with saliva ejector, smearing of alginate on occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth and smoothing of the material in the tray (Group-1: Test) and no drying and smearing or smoothing of the material prior to impression (Group-2: Control). Standardized disinfection, storage, pouring and removal from die stone techniques were used for all samples. Surface defects (nodules/blebs) on the occlusal surface of casts as examined with digital microscope, were classified according to their sizes and surface area into; Type-A (<500); Type-B (>500 <100); Type-C (>1000) in micrometers (μm). Data was tabulated and analyzed by SPSS using Anova and Tukey’s test.ResultsDefects were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in samples in Group-2 (1225.51 ± 823.44 μm) as compared to Group-1 (783.68 ± 501.41 μm). All types of defects (Types A, B and C) were significantly higher in samples from Group-2 as compared to Group-1.ConclusionsUse of pre-preparation technique of finger smearing and saliva ejector prior to alginate impressions resulted in significant reduction of surface nodules/blebs and enhanced the quality and accuracy of fabricated casts. Therefore, the use of saliva ejector, finger smearing on the occlusal surface of teeth and smoothening of alginate impression, immediately prior to intra-oral placement is clinically recommended.

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Purpose:There is no national policy for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in Saudi Arabia (SA) despite the increasingly early onset of CRC in high-income countries. This study aims to assess the participation and impact of a CRC screening program in central area of Saudi Arabia. Methods:The guaiac fecal occult blood test (g-FOBT) was used as a first-line, non-invasive screening test to select patients for colonoscopy. The g-FOBT (+) Saudis, aged 45–76 years old (yo), were provided colonoscopies regardless of their risk of developing CRC or the presence of symptoms. Results: The first-round participation rate was 73% (35640/48897). The average age was 53 yo (range 45-75), 49% were female (17464/35640), 76% were asymptomatic, 13% underwent sigmoidoscopy, and 77% were well-prepared. The g-FOBT (+) rate was 6.3% (n = 2245), and 76% (n = 1701) of these underwent lower GI endoscopy. The prevalence of CRC was 4.8% (81/1701), advanced adenoma 9.5% (162/1701), adenoma 15.9% (270/1701), non-adenoma polyps 7.9% (135/1701), and no polyps or tumors 25.4% (432/1701). Other findings were internal hemorrhoids 32% (60/1701), colitis 24% (45/189), diverticulosis 7.9% (135/1701), and diverticulitis 2.6% (27/1053). Among young people volunteers CRC incidence was high, 1/3 of those with CRC with female predominance, above age 50 volunteers with CRC were more likely male, had older age, and among all CRC was at the left site colon (p < 0.005) during endoscopy. Conclusions: Low numbers of advanced adenomas and cancers were detected in the first round of CRC screening, however early onset CRC is rising. Screening participation was low, and public education is necessary along with expanded colonoscopy resources.