World journal of methodology最新文献

{"title":"Diagnostic dilemmas in hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach: Navigating clinical and pathological loopholes.","authors":"Zain Tariq, Affan Faisal, Abdul Basit, Abdullah Iftikhar, Abdul M Basil","doi":"10.5662/wjm.v16.i1.110272","DOIUrl":"10.5662/wjm.v16.i1.110272","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach (HAS) is a rare and highly aggressive gastric cancer subtype characterized by hepatic morphological features and often elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. Despite its distinct biology HAS frequently eludes early diagnosis due to nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms, radiological mimicry of hepatocellular carcinoma, and variable expression of diagnostic biomarkers. Imaging modalities like CT and magnetic resonance imaging offer limited specificity, often misinterpreting hepatic metastases as primary liver tumors. While elevated AFP is a supportive clue, it lacks sensitivity and specificity, particularly in AFP-negative HAS. Histologically, HAS poses challenges with subtle or focal hepatoid differentiation, especially in limited biopsy samples. Immunohistochemical variability, especially inconsistent staining of markers like SALL4, Glypican-3, and HepPar-1, further complicates accurate classification. Misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate management and a worse prognosis. The lack of standardized diagnostic criteria globally exacerbates variability in reporting and treatment decisions. This review outlined the multidimensional diagnostic hurdles in HAS and underscored the necessity of an integrated, multidisciplinary approach. Enhanced tissue sampling, combined immunohistochemical panels, and emerging molecular tools may collectively improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical outcomes for this aggressive gastric malignancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":94271,"journal":{"name":"World journal of methodology","volume":"16 1","pages":"110272"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12968757/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147438784","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":"Methodological insights into fecal microbiota transplantation: Dissecting key approaches for success.","authors":"Sandeep K Mundhra, Rakesh Kochhar","doi":"10.5662/wjm.v16.i1.108875","DOIUrl":"10.5662/wjm.v16.i1.108875","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as a revolutionary treatment strategy for restoring gut microbiota in recurrent <i>Clostridioides difficile</i> infection and has also been explored across a broader range of dysbiosis-related diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease where it has demonstrated promising results and potential therapeutic benefits. The success of FMT largely depends on the careful implementation of best practices, which include selecting appropriate donors, preparing the stool properly, and choosing the right delivery methods. This mini-review explores the evolution of FMT methodologies, including donor screening protocols, advances in stool preparation, and innovations in administration routes. We also discuss emerging approaches, such as synthetic microbiota and microbiome engineering, alongside the challenges and future directions for standardizing FMT. These methodological advancements aim to enhance safety, efficacy, and accessibility of FMT, establishing it as a key player in microbiome-based therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":94271,"journal":{"name":"World journal of methodology","volume":"16 1","pages":"108875"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12968761/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147438580","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":"Sirolimus <i>vs</i> paclitaxel-coated balloons in in-stent coronary restenosis: A meta-analysis.","authors":"Debvarsha Mandal, Thomas Viji Pulickal, Dhritika Ahlawat, Wasiullah Haqbeen, Izma Kashif, Haroon Alamy, Pramoda Prattipati, Padmavathi Jaladi, Paula Kabiaru, Anjali Avula, Sandeep Kshetri, Irum Raza, Samir Shamieh, Rejina Chhetri","doi":"10.5662/wjm.v16.i1.111566","DOIUrl":"10.5662/wjm.v16.i1.111566","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In-stent restenosis (ISR) is a persistent challenge after percutaneous coronary intervention, with drug-coated balloons such as sirolimus-coated balloons (SCBs) and paclitaxel-coated balloons (PCBs) being key treatment options. However, data comparing their efficacy and safety are limited.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of SCBs <i>vs</i> PCBs in patients with coronary ISR.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and ScienceDirect was conducted from inception to May 2025, following Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing SCBs and PCBs in adults with coronary ISR, reporting outcomes like target lesion revascularization (TLR), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), stent thrombosis, all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality, and myocardial infarction. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed with the <i>I</i> ² statistic, and study quality was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A <i>P</i> value < 0.05 was considered significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four studies (three randomized controlled trials and one observational study) were analyzed. No significant differences were found between SCBs and PCBs for TLR (RR 1.22, 95%CI: 0.72-2.06, <i>P</i> = 0.75, <i>I</i> ² = 0%), MACE (RR 1.15, 95%CI: 0.70-1.90, <i>P</i> = 0.80, <i>I</i> ² = 0%), stent thrombosis (RR 1.01, 95%CI: 0.57-1.78, <i>P</i> = 0.61, <i>I</i> ² = 0%), all-cause mortality (RR 0.67, 95%CI: 0.11-4.06, <i>P</i> = 0.69, <i>I</i> ² = 0%), cardiac mortality (RR 1.28, 95%CI: 0.16-10.28, <i>P</i> = 0.77, <i>I</i> ² = 0%), or myocardial infarction (RR 0.99, 95%CI: 0.10-9.44, <i>P</i> = 0.35, <i>I</i> ² = 0%). Studies had low to moderate risk of bias, with consistent treatment effects.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>SCBs and PCBs show similar efficacy and safety for coronary ISR, allowing flexible use based on availability and patient needs. Future studies should explore long-term outcomes and high-risk groups to optimize ISR management.</p>","PeriodicalId":94271,"journal":{"name":"World journal of methodology","volume":"16 1","pages":"111566"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12968773/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147438694","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":"Update on hypoxic-ischemic brain injury: Prognosis and management.","authors":"Ajaya Kumar Ayyappan Unnithan","doi":"10.5662/wjm.v16.i1.110342","DOIUrl":"10.5662/wjm.v16.i1.110342","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI) can occur after cardiac arrest, asphyxiation, carbon monoxide poisoning, and diffuse brain injury. While it is a major cause of mortality and morbidity, there is no consensus on its management. Therefore, I performed a literature review to analyze HIBI pathophysiology, clinical progression, imaging, treatment, and prognosis with a goal to deepen our understanding of best treatment and prognostication options. A search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar, EMBASE, and Crossref. The pathophysiology of HIBI consists of the primary insult due to cessation of cerebral oxygen delivery and a secondary hit due to reperfusion injury. The poor clinical prognostic factors are: Absent or extensor motor response, bilaterally absent pupillary light reflex, bilaterally absent corneal reflex, and early status myoclonus. Electroencephalogram can aid in prognostication, while magnetic resonance imaging may reveal restricted diffusion. Treatment guidelines for HIBI have been debated, particularly regarding hyperoxia <i>vs</i> normoxia, hypocapnia <i>vs</i> normocapnia, high-normal mean arterial pressure (MAP) <i>vs</i> low-normal MAP, and hypothermia <i>vs</i> normothermia. Core treatment principles include maintaining normoxia and normocapnia through ventilation, targeting a MAP of 65 mmHg, preventing fever, managing seizures, and providing neurorehabilitation.</p>","PeriodicalId":94271,"journal":{"name":"World journal of methodology","volume":"16 1","pages":"110342"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12968760/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147438692","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":"Temporal trends and disparities in substance use and diabetes mellitus-related mortality in the United States (1999-2022).","authors":"Sardar Muhammad Imran Khan, Muhammad Waqas, Muneeb Khawar, Arshia Batool, Aqsa Komel, Muhammad Aizaz Ashraf, Muneeb Saifullah, Ikra Rana","doi":"10.5662/wjm.v16.i1.110159","DOIUrl":"10.5662/wjm.v16.i1.110159","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Substance use (SU) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are major public health concerns and leading causes of mortality in the United States. However, trends examining their combined impact remain limited. This study analyzed mortality trends related to SU and DM from 1999-2022, focusing on demographic disparities, geographic patterns, and substance-specific contributions using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To examine trends in DM-related mortality involving SU in the United States from 1999-2022, focusing on demographic and geographic disparities and to identify high-risk groups to guide equitable public health interventions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Mortality data were obtained from death certificate records. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 1000000 and annual percentage changes (APCs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Temporal trends were assessed using the Joinpoint Regression Program.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From the years 1999-2022 127659 adult deaths were disclosed with SU and DM as the primary cause. The overall AAMR rose with an APC of 4.4% (95%CI: 3.6-5.0) from 1999-2016, accelerating to 11.8 (95%CI: 10.2-14.5) from 2016-2022. Gender disparities showed males having higher AAMRs throughout the study period as compared with females. Among racial groups there was a significantly higher AAMR consistently for American Indian/Alaska Natives compared with other races. Geographic analysis showed the highest AAMR in the western states (32/1000000) and pronounced rural increases (APC: 17.6%, 95%CI: 13.2-20.5) after 2018. Alcohol use was the leading contributor (71861 deaths), followed by cocaine and stimulant use.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study revealed alarming increases in mortality linked to SU and DM, with widening demographic and geographic disparities. Targeted strategies addressing SU and DM within vulnerable populations are urgently needed to reduce preventable deaths and health inequities.</p>","PeriodicalId":94271,"journal":{"name":"World journal of methodology","volume":"16 1","pages":"110159"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12968768/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147438727","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":"Advancing chronic low back pain management: Insights from amitriptyline and duloxetine comparison.","authors":"Shree Rath","doi":"10.5662/wjm.v16.i1.113191","DOIUrl":"10.5662/wjm.v16.i1.113191","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, yet optimal pharmacological management remains debated. This letter to the editor appraises the observational study by Sardar <i>et al</i>, which compared amitriptyline and duloxetine in a tertiary rehabilitation setting. The study, involving 254 patients, demonstrated that amitriptyline provided rapid early pain relief, while duloxetine offered more sustained pain reduction at 12 weeks with fewer anticholinergic and sedative side effects. These findings are consistent with existing evidence supporting duloxetine's efficacy and tolerability in chronic pain management. Although the absence of a placebo group limits causal inference, the study underscores the importance of individualized treatment strategies. We recommend further randomized controlled trials to validate these findings and strengthen evidence-based guidelines for CLBP management.</p>","PeriodicalId":94271,"journal":{"name":"World journal of methodology","volume":"16 1","pages":"113191"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12968762/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147438771","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":"Tele-scoliosis-screening and treat protocol: A hybrid in-person and online approach for scoliosis treatment in remote patients.","authors":"Nikos Karavidas, Dionysios Tzatzaliaris","doi":"10.5662/wjm.v16.i1.107307","DOIUrl":"10.5662/wjm.v16.i1.107307","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Adherence to treatment protocol is important prognostic factor for successful result in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treatment with bracing and/or physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercises. However, patients living away from specialized centers, have travelling and financial obstacles to receive proper care. Our clinic developed a specific protocol for online evaluation and treatment sessions.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the effectiveness of a hybrid in-person and online treatment protocol for scoliosis treatment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Retrospective matched case-control study. Our online evaluation required patient digital radiographs and eight standardized clinical photos, in standing and forward bending positions. An intensive in-person program was prescribed, to allow adequate teaching of physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercises or brace manufacturing when needed. Then, the patients followed a home-program of exercises, having regular online supervised sessions. They were asked to re-visit our clinic every 3-6 months. Our online intervention group (OIG) (combined in-person and online treatment) was consisted of 118 patients (103 females-15 males, mean Cobb angle 29.4°, Risser 0.8, age 12.6 years). Our inclusion criteria were Cobb angle 10°-40°, Risser 0-2, less 1-year post-menarche for girls, and permanent residence outside of our region. We used a retrospective matched-control group (MCG) with similar characteristics that received only in-person treatment (106 patients, 92 females-14 males, mean Cobb angle 27.1°, Risser 1.1, age 12.9 years). In the last 3 years totally 3092 online sessions were done for the OIG. Compliance was self-reported in both groups. Independent sample <i>t</i>-test were used for statistical analysis. Mean follow-up was 29.7 months.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compliance with exercises was significantly better (<i>P</i> = 0.006) in OIG (78.3% > 3 days/week) compared to MCG (52.8% > 3 days/week). In OIG 35% improved, 54% remained stable, and 11% progressed, while in MCG 23.6% improved, 56.6% stable, and 19.8% progressed (<i>P</i> = 0.04). The loss to follow-up was also significantly lower (<i>P</i> = 0.03) in the OIG (6 subjects, 5.1%) compared to MCG (10 subjects, 10.9%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our tele-scoliosis-screening and treat protocol significantly improved compliance, monitoring, and final treatment result in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients at high risk of progression. Online supervision can keep patient's motivation, allowing proper follow-up and can be used for patients with transportation barriers.</p>","PeriodicalId":94271,"journal":{"name":"World journal of methodology","volume":"16 1","pages":"107307"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12968779/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147438697","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":"Exploring effectiveness of Metronidazole, Bismuth, and Rifaximin in treating small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review.","authors":"Qaim Shah, Jonathan Soldera","doi":"10.5662/wjm.v16.i1.107169","DOIUrl":"10.5662/wjm.v16.i1.107169","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common gastrointestinal disorders that significantly impact patients' quality of life and pose a financial burden on healthcare systems. SIBO is characterized by an abnormal increase in small intestinal bacteria, leading to symptoms such as malabsorption, diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder marked by recurrent abdominal pain with changes in bowel habits, and is subclassified into diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D), constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C), and mixed-type IBS. Notably, SIBO and IBS-particularly IBS-D-often present with overlapping symptoms. Antibiotics such as Metronidazole, Bismuth, and Rifaximin are commonly used to treat both conditions; however, their comparative efficacy and safety remain unclear.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Aim: &lt;/strong&gt;To analyze and compare the role of Metronidazole, Bismuth, Rifaximin for improvement of SIBO and IBS.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;A systematic review was performed on the databases PubMed and Cochrane Library, spanning from 2000 to 2023. Studies eligible for inclusion were observational studies or randomized controlled trials (RCTs) performed on human subjects that examined the use of Metronidazole, Bismuth, or Rifaximin in the management of SIBO and IBS. Two independent reviewers performed data extraction, and resolved discrepancies by consensus. The data extracted consisted study characteristics, patient demographics, intervention details, and outcome measured. Key references were verified and prioritized using Reference Citation Analysis to ensure contemporary relevance and citation impact.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;A total of 55 studies, including RCTs and observational studies, met inclusion criteria and were analyzed. These studies assessed the efficacy and safety of Metronidazole, Bismuth, and Rifaximin in patients with SIBO and IBS. Rifaximin demonstrated the most consistent efficacy across both conditions, particularly in IBS-D and mild to moderate SIBO, with a low incidence of adverse events (16.7%). Metronidazole showed moderate efficacy, with some benefit in IBS-C and mild SIBO, but was associated with a higher rate of gastrointestinal side effects (16.6%). Bismuth offered symptom relief in IBS, especially for bloating and diarrhea, though its effectiveness was generally lower than the other agents. Subgroup analyses suggested differential efficacy by IBS subtype and SIBO severity, supporting the potential role of clinical phenotype in guiding antibiotic selection.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;Significant clinical efficacy was shown by the drug Rifaximin among IBS-D patients at reducing symptoms, with minimal undesirable adverse effects and a favorable safety profile. Metronidazole was effective in treating SIBO but was generally associated with a higher prevalence of gastrointestinal side effects than the other drugs. H","PeriodicalId":94271,"journal":{"name":"World journal of methodology","volume":"16 1","pages":"107169"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12968753/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147438788","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":"Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in differentiating benign and malignant sinonasal masses: A prospective study and literature review.","authors":"Manish Saini, Smita Manchanda, Ashu S Bhalla, Devasenathipathy Kandasamy, Aanchal Kakkar, Alok Thakar","doi":"10.5662/wjm.v16.i1.107426","DOIUrl":"10.5662/wjm.v16.i1.107426","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The sinonasal area poses diagnostic challenges due to a range of benign and malignant tumors presenting with vague symptoms. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has limited specificity in differentiation.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To study the role of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), intravoxel incoherent motion imaging (IVIM), diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), and conventional diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for distinguishing between benign and malignant sinonasal masses.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary center in which 30 patients with sinonasal masses (18 malignant lesions and 12 benign lesions) underwent routine MRI, conventional DWI and IVIM, and DCE-MRI. Various imaging parameters were measured and compared between two groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Malignant lesions exhibited significantly lower apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), true diffusion coefficient (Dt), and apparent diffusion coefficient (Dapp) values (<i>P</i> = 0.000, <i>P</i> = 0.015, and <i>P</i> = 0.030, respectively) and higher apparent kurtosis coefficient (Kapp) values (<i>P</i> = 0.001) than benign lesions. There were no significant differences in the pseudodiffusion coefficient, perfusion fraction, or perfusion parameters. Among all of the significant parameters, the ADC had the highest area under the curve (0.898). An ADC cutoff value of 1.57 × 10^-3 mm²/second had a sensitivity of 88.89% and specificity of 83.33% to predict a malignant lesion. Our conventional DWI findings are in accordance with the published literature.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights the utility of conventional DWI, DKI, and IVIM as noninvasive methods for distinguishing between benign and malignant sinonasal lesions; however, there is no added advantage of DKI and IVIM over conventional DWI. Similarly, the perfusion parameters also did not show an additive role in distinguishing between benign and malignant sinonasal lesions.</p>","PeriodicalId":94271,"journal":{"name":"World journal of methodology","volume":"16 1","pages":"107426"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12968767/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147438704","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":"High red cell distribution width as a prognostic indicator in heart failure.","authors":"Sidhartha Gautam Senapati, Azra Kothawala, Vibhor Ahluwalia, Rupak Desai","doi":"10.5662/wjm.v16.i1.108611","DOIUrl":"10.5662/wjm.v16.i1.108611","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Red cell distribution width (RDW) measures the red blood cell size variation. Elevated RDW has been associated with various adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular diseases.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To analyze current evidence on the prognostic significance of high RDW in patients with heart failure (HF).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar, up to May 2024. Studies were included if they investigated the relationship between RDW levels and outcomes in HF patients. Compared to those in the lowest quartile. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Compared to those in the lowest quartile. Heterogeneity was assessed using the <i>I</i> ² statistic, we assessed the impact of individual studies on the overall estimate using a leave-one-out sensitivity analysis and publication bias was evaluated through a contour-enhanced funnel plot and Luis Furuya-Kanamori (LFK) index.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seven studies, including a total of 11460 HF patients, were analyzed. The participants' mean age varied between 60 years and 80 years, with 6562 (57.26%) in the lower quartile. Patients in the highest quartile of RDW (> 15.21%) had a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality, with an odds ratio of 1.84 (95%CI: 1.31-2.57, <i>P</i> < 0.001), compared to those in the lowest quartile (RDW: 14.1%-15.20%). There was significant variability in the included studies' results (<i>I</i> ² = 93%, <i>P</i> < 0.01), as well as potential publication bias suggested by the high LFK index (8.47). Sensitivity analysis reinforced the robustness of these findings, showing that the results were not unduly influenced by any single study.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This meta-analysis confirms that high RDW is a robust predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with HF, highlighting its potential utility as a simple, cost-effective biomarker for risk stratification. Future research should focus on elucidating the mechanisms underlying this association and exploring the potential benefits of RDW-guided therapeutic strategies in HF management.</p>","PeriodicalId":94271,"journal":{"name":"World journal of methodology","volume":"16 1","pages":"108611"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12968752/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147437558","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}