Karina Fatakhova, Faisal Inayat, Hassam Ali, Pratik Patel, Attiq Ur Rehman, Arslan Afzal, Muhammad Sarfraz, Shiza Sarfraz, Gul Nawaz, Ahtshamullah Chaudhry, Rubaid Dhillon, Arthur Dilibe, Benjamin Glazebnik, Lindsey Jones, Emily Glazer
{"title":"Gender disparities and woman-specific trends in Barrett's esophagus in the United States: An 11-year nationwide population-based study.","authors":"Karina Fatakhova, Faisal Inayat, Hassam Ali, Pratik Patel, Attiq Ur Rehman, Arslan Afzal, Muhammad Sarfraz, Shiza Sarfraz, Gul Nawaz, Ahtshamullah Chaudhry, Rubaid Dhillon, Arthur Dilibe, Benjamin Glazebnik, Lindsey Jones, Emily Glazer","doi":"10.5662/wjm.v15.i1.97512","DOIUrl":"10.5662/wjm.v15.i1.97512","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a known premalignant precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). The prevalence rates continue to rise in the United States, but many patients who are at risk of EAC are not screened. Current practice guidelines include male gender as a predisposing factor for BE and EAC. The population-based clinical evidence regarding female gender remains limited.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To study comparative trends of gender disparities in patients with BE in the United States.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A nationwide retrospective study was conducted using the 2009-2019 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Patients with a primary or secondary diagnosis code of BE were identified. The major outcome of interest was determining the gender disparities in patients with BE. Trend analysis for respective outcomes for females was also reported to ascertain any time-based shifts.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We identified 1204190 patients with BE for the study period. Among the included patients, 717439 (59.6%) were men and 486751 (40.4%) were women. The mean age was higher in women than in men (67.1 ± 0.4 <i>vs</i> 66.6 ± 0.3 years, <i>P</i> < 0.001). The rate of BE per 100000 total NIS hospitalizations for males increased from 144.6 in 2009 to 213.4 in 2019 (<i>P</i> < 0.001). The rate for females increased from 96.8 in 2009 to 148.7 in 2019 (<i>P</i> < 0.001). There was a higher frequency of obesity among women compared to men (17.4% <i>vs</i> 12.6%, <i>P</i> < 0.001). Obesity prevalence among females increased from 12.3% in 2009 to 21.9% in 2019 (<i>P</i> < 0.001). A lower prevalence of smoking was noted in women than in men (20.8% <i>vs</i> 35.7%, <i>P</i> < 0.001). However, trend analysis showed an increasing prevalence of smoking among women, from 12.9% in 2009 to 30.7% in 2019 (<i>P</i> < 0.001). Additionally, there was a lower prevalence of alcohol abuse, <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> (<i>H. pylori</i>), and diabetes mellitus among females than males (<i>P</i> < 0.001). Trend analysis showed an increasing prevalence of alcohol use disorder and a decreasing prevalence of <i>H. pylori</i> and diabetes mellitus among women (<i>P</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The prevalence of BE among women has steadily increased from 2009 to 2019. The existing knowledge concerning BE development has historically focused on men, but our findings show that the risk in women is not insignificant.</p>","PeriodicalId":94271,"journal":{"name":"World journal of methodology","volume":"15 1","pages":"97512"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11525896/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143672171","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Harnessing artificial intelligence for identifying conflicts of interest in research.","authors":"Abdulqadir J Nashwan","doi":"10.5662/wjm.v15.i1.98376","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5662/wjm.v15.i1.98376","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This editorial explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in identifying conflicts of interest (COIs) within academic and scientific research. By harnessing advanced data analysis, pattern recognition, and natural language processing techniques, AI offers innovative solutions for enhancing transparency and integrity in research. This editorial discusses how AI can automatically detect COIs, integrate data from various sources, and streamline reporting processes, thereby maintaining the credibility of scientific findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":94271,"journal":{"name":"World journal of methodology","volume":"15 1","pages":"98376"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11525887/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143672085","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of external and internal cues on core muscle activation during the Sahrmann five-level core stability test.","authors":"Skyla Stifter, Jessie McCaffrey, Tyler Nichols, Ayse Ozcan Edeer, Justine Ward","doi":"10.5662/wjm.v15.i1.92943","DOIUrl":"10.5662/wjm.v15.i1.92943","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pain in the back or pelvis or fear of back pain may affect the timing or co-contraction of the core muscles. In both static and dynamic movements, the Sahrmann core stability test provides an assessment of core muscle activation and a person's ability to stabilize the lumbopelvic complex. Preparatory cues and images can be used to increase the activation of these muscles. To attain optimal movement patterns, it will be necessary to determine what cueing will give the most effective results for core stability.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To investigate the effects of external and internal cues on core muscle activation during the Sahrmann five-level core stability test.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Total 68 participants (21.83 ± 3.47 years) were randomly allocated to an external (<i>n</i> = 35) or internal cue group (<i>n</i> = 33). Participants performed the Sahrmann five-level core stability test without a cue as baseline and the five-level stability exercises with an internal or external cue. External cue group received a pressure biofeedback unit (PBU), and the internal cue group received an audio cue. A Delsys Trigno<sup>TM</sup> surface electromyography unit was used for muscle activation from the rectus abdominis, external oblique, and transverse abdominis/internal oblique muscles.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Linear mixed effects model analysis showed that cueing had a significant effect on core muscle activation (<i>P</i> = 0.001); however, there was no significant difference between cue types (internal or external) (<i>P</i> = 0.130).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Both external and internal cueing have significant effects on core muscle activation during the Sahrmann five-level core stability test and the PBU does not create higher muscle activation than internal cueing.</p>","PeriodicalId":94271,"journal":{"name":"World journal of methodology","volume":"15 1","pages":"92943"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11525895/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143672164","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sachin Chauhan, Radha Chauhan, Prashant Bhasin, Bhavna G Sharaf
{"title":"Present status and future directions: Apexification.","authors":"Sachin Chauhan, Radha Chauhan, Prashant Bhasin, Bhavna G Sharaf","doi":"10.5662/wjm.v15.i1.96923","DOIUrl":"10.5662/wjm.v15.i1.96923","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The success rate of apexification is primarily determined by multiple factors, including the material used, the size of the open apex compared to the length of the root, and the technique used in each case. The main objective of this review was to provide an update on the present management of open apex to identify factors and circumstances that may influence the success of apexification using different materials and techniques. Future research on apexification should focus on how to treat open apices with wide periapical lesions without surgery. Previously, the predictability of these parameters with non-surgical procedures was uncertain, but now, with the use of a dental operating microscope, it has become more predictable. Another reason could be that extra visits are no longer required due to major advances in the armamentarium and materials used for apexification.</p>","PeriodicalId":94271,"journal":{"name":"World journal of methodology","volume":"15 1","pages":"96923"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11525894/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143672191","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nadeesha R Samarasinghe, Taniya S Nagpal, Michele L Barbeau, Charys M Martin
{"title":"Getting physical with medical education: Exercise based virtual anatomy review classes for medical students.","authors":"Nadeesha R Samarasinghe, Taniya S Nagpal, Michele L Barbeau, Charys M Martin","doi":"10.5662/wjm.v15.i1.95985","DOIUrl":"10.5662/wjm.v15.i1.95985","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The benefits of regular physical activity are well known. Yet, few studies have examined the effectiveness of integrating physical activity (PA) into curricula within a post-secondary setting. To investigate the incorporation of PA into medical curriculum, we developed a series of optional exercise-based review sessions designed to reinforce musculoskeletal (MSK) anatomy course material. These synchronous sessions were co-taught by a group fitness instructor and an anatomy instructor. The fitness instructor would lead students through both strength and yoga style exercises, while the anatomy instructor asked questions about relevant anatomical structures related to course material previously covered. After the sessions, participants were asked to evaluate the classes on their self-reported exam preparedness in improving MSK anatomy knowledge, PA levels, and mental wellbeing. Thirty participants completed surveys; a majority agreed that the classes increased understanding of MSK concepts (90.0%) and activity levels (97.7%). Many (70.0%) felt that the classes helped reduce stress. The majority of respondents (90.0%) agreed that the classes contributed to increased feelings of social connectedness. Overall, medical students saw benefit in PA based interventions to supplement MSK course concepts. Along with increasing activity levels and promoting health behaviours, integrating PA into medical curriculum may improve comprehension of learning material, alleviate stress and foster social connectivity among medical students.</p>","PeriodicalId":94271,"journal":{"name":"World journal of methodology","volume":"15 1","pages":"95985"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11525886/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143672084","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Reevaluating health metrics: Unraveling the limitations of disability-adjusted life years as an indicator in disease burden assessment.","authors":"Ariel Beresniak, Dominique Bremond-Gignac, Danielle Dupont, Gerard Duru","doi":"10.5662/wjm.v15.i1.95796","DOIUrl":"10.5662/wjm.v15.i1.95796","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In 1993, the World Bank released a global report on the efficacy of health promotion, introducing the disability-adjusted life years (DALY) as a novel indicator. The DALY, a composite metric incorporating temporal and qualitative data, is grounded in preferences regarding disability status. This review delineates the algorithm used to calculate the value of the proposed DALY synthetic indicator and elucidates key methodological challenges associated with its application. In contrast to the quality-adjusted life years approach, derived from multi-attribute utility theory, the DALY stands as an independent synthetic indicator that adopts the assumptions of the Time Trade Off utility technique to define Disability Weights. Claiming to rely on no mathematical or economic theory, DALY users appear to have exempted themselves from verifying whether this indicator meets the classical properties required of all indicators, notably content validity, reliability, specificity, and sensitivity. The DALY concept emerged primarily to facilitate comparisons of the health impacts of various diseases globally within the framework of the Global Burden of Disease initiative, leading to numerous publications in international literature. Despite widespread adoption, the DALY synthetic indicator has prompted significant methodological concerns since its inception, manifesting in inconsistent and non-reproducible results. Given the substantial diffusion of the DALY indicator and its critical role in health impact assessments, a reassessment is warranted. This reconsideration is imperative for enhancing the robustness and reliability of public health decision-making processes.</p>","PeriodicalId":94271,"journal":{"name":"World journal of methodology","volume":"15 1","pages":"95796"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11525889/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143672193","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Beyond statistical significance: Embracing minimal clinically important difference for better patient care.","authors":"Naveen Jeyaraman, Madhan Jeyaraman, Swaminathan Ramasubramanian, Sangeetha Balaji, Sathish Muthu","doi":"10.5662/wjm.v15.i1.97814","DOIUrl":"10.5662/wjm.v15.i1.97814","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) represents a pivotal metric in bridging the gap between statistical significance and clinical relevance, addressing the direct impact of medical interventions from the patient's perspective. This comprehensive review analyzes the evolution, applications, and challenges of MCID across medical specialties, emphasizing its necessity in ensuring that clinical outcomes not only demonstrate statistical significance but also offer genuine clinical utility that aligns with patient expectations and needs. We discuss the evolution of MCID since its inception in the 1980s, its current applications across various medical specialties, and the methodologies used in its calculation, highlighting both anchor-based and distribution-based approaches. Furthermore, the paper delves into the challenges associated with the application of MCID, such as methodological variability and the interpretation difficulties that arise in clinical settings. Recommendations for the future include standardizing MCID calculation methods, enhancing patient involvement in setting MCID thresholds, and extending research to incorporate diverse global perspectives. These steps are critical to refining the role of MCID in patient-centered healthcare, addressing existing gaps in methodology and interpretation, and ensuring that medical interventions lead to significant, patient-perceived improvements.</p>","PeriodicalId":94271,"journal":{"name":"World journal of methodology","volume":"15 1","pages":"97814"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11525893/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143672162","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Serdar Kabatas, Erdinç Civelek, Eyüp Can Savrunlu, Umut Karaaslan, Özlem Yıldız, Erdal Karaöz
{"title":"Advances in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder: Wharton jelly mesenchymal stem cell transplantation.","authors":"Serdar Kabatas, Erdinç Civelek, Eyüp Can Savrunlu, Umut Karaaslan, Özlem Yıldız, Erdal Karaöz","doi":"10.5662/wjm.v15.i1.95857","DOIUrl":"10.5662/wjm.v15.i1.95857","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with multifaceted origins. In recent studies, neuroinflammation and immune dysregulation have come to the forefront in its pathogenesis. There are studies suggesting that stem cell therapy may be effective in the treatment of ASD.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evolve the landscape of ASD treatment, focusing on the potential benefits and safety of stem cell transplantation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A detailed case report is presented, displaying the positive outcomes observed in a child who underwent intrathecal and intravenous Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) transplantation combined with neurorehabilitation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study demonstrates a significant improvement in the child's functional outcomes (Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Denver 2 Developmental Screening Test), especially in language and gross motor skills. No serious side effects were encountered during the 2-year follow-up.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings support the safety and effectiveness of WJ-MSC transplantation in managing ASD.</p>","PeriodicalId":94271,"journal":{"name":"World journal of methodology","volume":"15 1","pages":"95857"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11525897/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143672161","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of gamification applications on success of dentistry students.","authors":"Hatice Ahsen Deniz, Elif Polat Balkan, Burak İncebeyaz, Kıvanç Kamburoğlu","doi":"10.5662/wjm.v15.i1.97374","DOIUrl":"10.5662/wjm.v15.i1.97374","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Gamification, the use of game materials in education, has been used in several scientific fields, and studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in student comprehension.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate whether the success of 4<sup>th</sup>- and 5<sup>th</sup>-grade dentistry students increases when using the gamification applications Kahoot! and Mentimeter.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An experimental design was used to measure the effect of gamification applications on students who were taught using the traditional method. For this purpose, Mentimeter and Kahoot! applications were used in this experimental study. Three groups of 4<sup>th</sup>- and 5<sup>th</sup>-grade students were formed: Mentimeter, Kahoot!, and control groups. The effect of gamification applications on achievement was evaluated by administering a post-test to these groups after the instructional process. One-way analysis of variance and <i>t</i>-tests were used for statistical analyses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 35.5% of the students were in the Mentimeter group, 29.8% in the Kahoot! group, and 34.6% in the control group. Of the total number of students, 54.8% were female and 45.2% were male, while 52.2% were 5<sup>th</sup>-grade students and 47.8% were 4<sup>th</sup>-grade students. The overall grade point average was found to be 66.65 (range, 24-100). There was a statistically significant difference in average success scores between students of different groups (<i>P</i> = 0.003 < 0.05) and grades (<i>P</i> = 0.036 < 0.05). The average success score was the highest in the Mentimeter group (71.64) and the lowest in the Kahoot! group (62.15). In the control group, this score was 65.41. The average success score was higher for students in the 5<sup>th</sup>-grade (68.16) and for female students (68.84).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Gamification has a great potential in the education of dentomaxillofacial radiology students. Mentimeter outperformed both the Kahoot! and the traditional method in terms of average student success rates.</p>","PeriodicalId":94271,"journal":{"name":"World journal of methodology","volume":"15 1","pages":"97374"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11525888/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143672167","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Navigating the ethical terrain: Off-label and experimental treatments in medical case reports.","authors":"Madhan Jeyaraman, Naveen Jeyaraman, Swaminathan Ramasubramanian, Sangeetha Balaji","doi":"10.5662/wjm.v15.i1.94833","DOIUrl":"10.5662/wjm.v15.i1.94833","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This article explores the ethical considerations surrounding the reporting of off-label and experimental treatments in medical case reports, with a focus on fields such as oncology, psychiatry, and pediatrics. It emphasizes the balance between innovation and evidence-based medicine, highlighting the critical role of case reports in disseminating clinical experiences and advancing medical knowledge. The discussion delves into the ethical framework guiding case reporting, including principles of patient autonomy, informed consent, non-maleficence, beneficence, justice, and transparency. Challenges such as negative outcome reporting, commercial interests, and the balance between innovation and caution are examined. Recommendations for ethical vigilance, the development of comprehensive guidelines, and the role of regulatory bodies are proposed to ensure patient safety and uphold scientific integrity. The article concludes by underscoring the importance of a collaborative effort among clinicians, researchers, ethicists, and regulatory bodies to foster the responsible advancement of medical science while adhering to the highest ethical standards.</p>","PeriodicalId":94271,"journal":{"name":"World journal of methodology","volume":"15 1","pages":"94833"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11525891/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143672088","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}