Structural and temporal dynamics analysis on drug-eluting stents: History, research hotspots and emerging trends

Multidimensional excavation of the current status and trends of mechanobiology in cardiovascular homeostasis and remodeling within 20 years

Mechanobiology is essential for cardiovascular structure and function and regulates the normal physiological and pathological processes of the cardiovascular system. Cells in the cardiovascular system are extremely sensitive to their mechanical environment, and once mechanical stimulation is abnormal, the homeostasis mechanism is damaged or lost, leading to the occurrence of pathological remodeling diseases. In the past 20 years, many articles concerning the mechanobiology of cardiovascular homeostasis and remodeling have been published. To better understand the current development status, research hotspots and future development trends in the field, this paper uses CiteSpace software for bibliometric analysis, quantifies and visualizes the articles published in this field in the past 20 years, and reviews the research hotspots and emerging trends. The regulatory effects of mechanical stimulation on the biological behavior of endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and the extracellular matrix, as well as the mechanical-related remodeling mechanism in heart failure, have always been research hotspots in this field. This paper reviews the research advances of these research hotspots in detail. This paper also introduces the research status of emerging hotspots, such as those related to cardiac fibrosis, homeostasis, mechanosensitive transcription factors and mechanosensitive ion channels. We hope to provide a systematic framework and new ideas for follow-up research on mechanobiology in the field of cardiovascular homeostasis and remodeling and promote the discovery of more therapeutic targets and novel markers of mechanobiology in the cardiovascular system.

Research Advance of Causal Inference in Clinical Medicine: A Bibliometrics Analysis via Citespace

Objective

Causal inference in clinical medicine provides scientific evidence for precision medicine and individualized treatment by revealing the true associations between interventions and health outcomes. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to identify current research trends, primary themes, and future directions for the application of causal inference in clinical medicine.

Methods

We conducted a literature search in the Web of Science database using causal inference and medical terminology as subject keywords, covering the period from January 1986 to December 2024. After screening, we obtained 4,316 documents for analysis. Utilizing CiteSpace to generate network diagrams, we analyzed data related to the number of publications, citation analysis, collaboration relationships, keyword co-occurrence, and highlighted terms to illustrate the knowledge map and collaboration network in this field.

Results

Publications on medical causal inference shows a fluctuating growth trend over time. The United States was the top contributors to this field. Harvard University is the leading research institution. George David Smith is the most prolific author, Robbins JM is the most cited scholar. The major research hotspots concentrated in fields such as epidemiology, coronary heart disease and health. Notably, marginal structural models, counterfactual forecasting, and Mendelian randomization have consistently been key methodologies in research. The burstness of keywords reveals that big data, DNA methylation, and robust estimation are emerging research directions.

Conclusion

In clinical research, counterfactual forecasting provides prospective guidance for optimizing clinical strategies; Mendelian randomization helps uncover potential therapeutic targets; and marginal structural models enhance the accuracy of causal effect estimation in clinical studies. The future integration of various data sources to improve causal inference methods is anticipated to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of trials, ultimately elucidating the complex mechanisms of diseases and drug effects. The literature retrieve strategy and the metrics of the tools adopted may have a certain impact on the results of this study.

Graphene Oxide Research: Current Developments and Future Directions

Graphene oxide (GO), a pivotal derivative of graphene, has revolutionized nanotechnology with its tunable physicochemical properties and interdisciplinary applications in energy storage, environmental remediation, and biomedicine. Despite its exponential research growth, existing reviews remain fragmented, lacking holistic insights into evolving synthesis-application linkages, global collaboration patterns, and emerging convergence trends. This study bridges these gaps through a scientometric analysis of 14,124 peer-reviewed articles (2022-2025) from the Web of Science Core Collection, utilizing CiteSpace for co-occurrence network mapping, burst detection, and cluster analysis. Key findings reveal (1) a thematic shift from traditional synthesis optimization (e.g., Hummers' method) toward driven material design and sustainable applications like GO membranes for water purification; (2) China's dominance in publication output (38.5%) contrasts with the U.S. and Europe's leadership in global collaborations; (3) interdisciplinary journals such as Chemical Engineering Journal (centrality: 0.25) and emerging clusters like "circular economy" signal transformative priorities; and (4) critical gaps in scalability, ecological safety, and cost-effective production hinder industrial translation. This work provides a roadmap for aligning research with sustainability goals, fostering global partnerships, and accelerating innovations in scalable nanotechnology.

Recent advances in surface functionalization of cardiovascular stents

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading global threat to human health. The clinical application of vascular stents improved the survival rates and quality of life for patients with cardiovascular diseases. However, despite the benefits stents bring to patients, there are still notable complications such as thrombosis and in-stent restenosis (ISR). Surface modification techniques represent an effective strategy to enhance the clinical efficacy of vascular stents and reduce complications. This paper reviews the development strategies of vascular stents based on surface functional coating technologies aimed at addressing the limitations in clinical application, including the inhibition of intimal hyperplasia, promotion of re-endothelialization. These strategies have improved endothelial repair and inhibited vascular remodeling, thereby promoting vascular healing post-stent implantation. However, the pathological microenvironment of target vessels and the lipid plaques are key pathological factors in the development of atherosclerosis (AS) and impaired vascular repair after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Therefore, restoring normal physiological environment and removing the plaques are also treatment focuses after PCI for promoting vascular repair. Unfortunately, research in this area is limited. This paper reviews the advancements in vascular stents based on surface engineering technologies over the past decade, providing guidance for the development of stents.

Research hotspots and future trends in sepsis-associated acute kidney injury: a bibliometric and visualization analysis

Objectives

Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) commonly occurs in critically ill patients and is closely associated with adverse outcomes. A comprehensive analysis of the current research landscape in SA-AKI can help uncover trends and key issues in this field. This study aims to provide a scientific basis for research directions and critical issues through bibliometric analysis.

Methods

We searched all articles on SA-AKI indexed in the SCI-Expanded of WoSCC up to May 7, 2024, and conducted bibliometric and visual analyses using bibliometric software CiteSpace and VOSviewer.

Results

Over the past 20 years, there has been a steady increase in literature related to renal repair following AKI. China and the United States contribute over 60% of the publications, driving research in this field. The University of Pittsburgh is the most active academic institution, producing the highest number of publications. J. A. Kellum is both the most prolific and the most cited author in this area. "Shock" and "American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology" are the most popular journals, publishing the highest number of articles. Recent high-frequency keywords in this field include "septic AKI," "mitochondrial dysfunction," "inflammasome," "ferroptosis," and "macrophage." The terms "mitochondrial dysfunction," "inflammasome," "ferroptosis," and "macrophage" represent current research hotspots and potential targets in this area.

Conclusion

This is the first comprehensive bibliometric study to summarize the trends and advancements in SA-AKI research in recent years. These findings identify current research frontiers and hot topics, providing valuable insights for scholars studying SA-AKI.

Device-related patient outcomes for coronary stents: A MAUDE database analysis

The growing prevalence of coronary artery diseases in the US corresponds to the increasing use of minimally invasive techniques that require coronary stents. Although extensive research is available on the perioperative outcomes of the 3 stent options - bare-metal stents (BMS), drug-eluting stents (DES), and bioresorbable drug-eluting stents (BVS), a knowledge gap exists in the longitudinal monitoring of patient outcomes due to device-related causes. Therefore, our study examines the device-related patient outcome and the relative performance for BMS, DES, and BVS. Data on 3 device outcomes (deaths, injuries, and malfunction) for each stent type was obtained from the January 2011 to February 2020 Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database. Statistical visualizations and analysis were used to identify trends and significant differences between groups. Of a total of 68,618 adverse event reports, DES, BMS, and BVS each accounted for 88.5 %, 10.2 %, and 1.25 % of the cases, respectively. Device malfunctions were the most reported event (47.2 %), followed by injuries (44.1 %) and deaths (8.66 %). Over time, BMS malfunction rates showed a steady decrease (R = -0.87), while DES malfunction rates increased significantly (R = 0.79). An inversely proportional relationship between DES injuries and malfunctions was observed. The increase in DES malfunctions was 4 times greater than the decrease in BMS malfunctions. Approximately 7 % of reported adverse events were classified as misreported, with most involving DES. These results suggest 2 plausible interpretations: 1) reporting categorization for devices shifted from injuries to malfunction, and 2) stents choice is transitioning from BMS to DES. Our findings also highlight the need to improve reporting accuracy for MAUDE database data.

Biofunctional coatings and drug-coated stents for restenosis therapy

Palliative therapy utilizing interventional stents, such as vascular stents, biliary stents, esophageal stents, and other stents, has been a prevalent clinical strategy for treating duct narrowing and partial blockage. However, stent restenosis after implantation usually significantly compromises therapeutic efficacy and patient safety. Clinically, vascular stent restenosis is primarily attributed to endothelial hyperplasia and coagulation, while the risk of biliary stent occlusion is heightened by bacterial adhesion and bile sludge accumulation. Similarly, granulation tissue hyperplasia leads to tracheal stent restenosis. To address these issues, surface modifications of stents are extensively adopted as effective strategies to reduce the probability of restenosis and extend their functional lifespan. Applying coatings is one of the technical routes involving a complex selection of materials, drug loading capacities, release rates, and other factors. This paper provides an extensive overview of state of the art drug-coated stents, addressing both challenges and future prospects in this domain. We aim to contribute positively to the ongoing development and potential clinical applications of drug-coated stents in interventional therapy.

3D-Printed Stents Loaded with Panax notoginseng Saponin for Promoting Re-endothelialization and Reducing Local Inflammation in the Carotid Artery of Rabbits

Endovascular treatment (EVT) using stents has become the primary option for severe cerebrovascular stenosis. However, considerable challenges remain to be addressed, such as in-stent restenosis (ISR) and late thrombosis. Many modified stents have been developed to inhibit the hyperproliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and protect vascular endothelial cells (VECs), thereby reducing such complications. Some modified stents, such as those infused with rapamycin, have improved in preventing acute thrombosis. However, ISR and late thrombosis, which are long-term complications, remain unavoidable. Panax notoginseng saponin (PNS), a traditional Chinese medicine consisting of various compounds, is beneficial in promoting the proliferation and migration of VECs and inhibiting the proliferation of SMCs. Herein, a 3D-printed polycaprolactone (PCL) stent loaded with PNS (PNS-PCL stent) was developed based on a previous study. In vitro studies confirmed that PNS promotes the migration and proliferation of VECs, which were damaged, by increasing the expression levels of microRNA-126, p-AKT, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase. In vivo, the PNS-PCL stents maintained the patency of the carotid artery in rabbits for up to three months, outperforming the PCL stents. The PNS-PCL stents may present a new solution for the EVT of cerebrovascular atherosclerotic stenosis in the future.

Bibliometric analysis of research on osteoarthritis and extracellular vesicles: Trends and frontiers

Extensive research has made significant progress in exploring the potential application of extracellular vesicles (EV) in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). However, there is current a lack of study on bibliometrics. In this study, we completed a novel bibliometric analysis of EV research in OA over the past two decades. Specifically, we identified a total of 354 relevant publications obtained between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2022. We also provided a description of the distribution information regarding the countries or regions of publication, institutions involved, journals, authors, citations, and keywords. The primary research focuses encompassed the role of extracellular vesicles in the diagnosis of OA, delivery of active ingredients, treatment strategies, and cartilage repair. These findings highlight the latest research frontiers and emerging areas, providing valuable insights for further investigations on the application of extracellular vesicles in the context of osteoarthritis.

Imidazole functionalized photo-crosslinked aliphatic polycarbonate drug-eluting coatings on zinc alloys for osteogenesis, angiogenesis, and bacteriostasis in bone regeneration

Zinc (Zn) alloys have demonstrated significant potential in healing critical-sized bone defects. However, the clinical application of Zn alloys implants is still hindered by challenges including excessive release of zinc ions (Zn2+), particularly in the early stage of implantation, and absence of bio-functions related to complex bone repair processes. Herein, a biodegradable aliphatic polycarbonate drug-eluting coating was fabricated on zinc-lithium (Zn-Li) alloys to inhibit Zn2+ release and enhance the osteogenesis, angiogenesis, and bacteriostasis of Zn alloys. Specifically, the photo-curable aliphatic polycarbonates were co-assembled with simvastatin and deposited onto Zn alloys to produce a drug-loaded coating, which was crosslinked by subsequent UV light irradiation. During the 60 days long-term immersion test, the coating showed distinguished stable drug release and Zn2+ release inhibition properties. Benefiting from the regulated release of Zn2+ and simvastatin, the coating facilitated the adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells, as well as the migration and tube formation of EA.hy926 cells. Astonishingly, the coating also showed remarkable antibacterial properties against both S. aureus and E. coli. The in vivo rabbit critical-size femur bone defects model demonstrated that the drug-eluting coating could efficiently promote new bone formation and the expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD31) and osteocalcin (OCN). The enhancement of osteogenesis, angiogenesis, and bacteriostasis is achieved by precisely controlling of the released Zn2+ at an appropriate level, as well as the stable release profile of simvastatin. This tailored aliphatic polycarbonate drug-eluting coating provides significant potential for clinical applications of Zn alloys implants.

Immunoregulation of Glia after spinal cord injury: a bibliometric analysis

Objective

Immunoregulation is a complex and critical process in the pathological process of spinal cord injury (SCI), which is regulated by various factors and plays an important role in the functional repair of SCI. This study aimed to explore the research hotspots and trends of glial cell immunoregulation after SCI from a bibliometric perspective.

Methods

Data on publications related to glial cell immunoregulation after SCI, published from 2004 to 2023, were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection. Countries, institutions, authors, journals, and keywords in the topic were quantitatively analyzed using the R package "bibliometrix", VOSviewer, Citespace, and the Bibliometrics Online Analysis Platform.

Results

A total of 613 papers were included, with an average annual growth rate of 9.39%. The papers came from 36 countries, with the United States having the highest output, initiating collaborations with 27 countries. Nantong University was the most influential institution. We identified 3,177 authors, of whom Schwartz, m, of the Weizmann Institute of Science, was ranked first regarding both field-specific H-index (18) and average number of citations per document (151.44). Glia ranked first among journals with 2,574 total citations. The keywords "microglia," "activation," "macrophages," "astrocytes," and "neuroinflammation" represented recent hot topics and are expected to remain a focus of future research.

Conclusion

These findings strongly suggest that the immunomodulatory effects of microglia, astrocytes, and glial cell interactions may be critical in promoting nerve regeneration and repair after SCI. Research on the immunoregulation of glial cells after SCI is emerging, and there should be greater cooperation and communication between countries and institutions to promote the development of this field and benefit more SCI patients.

Structural and temporal dynamics analysis of zinc-based biomaterials: History, research hotspots and emerging trends

Objectives

To examine the 16-year developmental history, research hotspots, and emerging trends of zinc-based biodegradable metallic materials from the perspective of structural and temporal dynamics.

Methods

The literature on zinc-based biodegradable metallic materials in WoSCC was searched. Historical characteristics, the evolution of active topics and development trends in the field of zinc-based biodegradable metallic materials were analyzed using the bibliometric tools CiteSpace and HistCite.

Results

Over the past 16 years, the field of zinc-based biodegradable metal materials has remained in a hotspot stage, with extensive scientific collaboration. In addition, there are 45 subject categories and 51 keywords in different research periods, and 80 papers experience citation bursts. Keyword clustering anchored 3 emerging research subfields, namely, #1 plastic deformation #4 additive manufacturing #5 surface modification. The keyword alluvial map shows that the longest-lasting research concepts in the field are mechanical property, microstructure, corrosion behavior, etc., and emerging keywords are additive manufacturing, surface modification, dynamic recrystallization, etc. The most recent research on reference clustering has six subfields. Namely, #0 microstructure, #2 sem, #3 additive manufacturing, #4 laser powder bed fusion, #5 implant, and #7 Zn-1Mg.

Conclusion

The results of the bibliometric study provide the current status and trends of research on zinc-based biodegradable metallic materials, which can help researchers identify hot spots and explore new research directions in the field.

Bibliometric analysis of PTEN in neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration

Phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) was initially recognized as a significant regulator of cancer suppression and could impede cancer cell survival, proliferation, and energy metabolism. PTEN is highly expressed in neurons and performs crucial functions in neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and neuronal survival. Disruption of PTEN activity may also result in abnormal neuronal function and is associated with various neurological disorders, including stroke, seizures, and autism. Although several studies have shown that PTEN is involved in the development and degenerative processes of the nervous system, there is still a lack of in-depth studies that summarize and analyse patterns of cooperation between authors, institutions, countries, and journals, as well as research hotspots and trends in this important field. To identify and further visualize the cooperation and comprehend the development and trends of PTEN in the nervous system, especially in neural development and neurological diseases, we used a bibliometric analysis to identify relevant publications on this topic. We first found that the number of publications displayed a growing trend with time, but this was not stable. Universities, institutions, and authors from the United States are leading in this area of research. In addition, many cutting-edge research results have been discovered, such as key regulatory molecules and cellular mechanisms of PTEN in the nervous system, which may provide novel intervention targets and precise therapeutic strategies for related pathological injuries and diseases. Finally, the literature published within the last 5 years is discussed to identify future research trends regarding PTEN in the nervous system. Taken together, our findings, analysed using bibliometrics, may reflect research hotspots and trends, providing a reference for studying PTEN in the nervous system, especially in neural development and neurological diseases. These findings can assist new researchers in developing their research interests and gaining basic information. Moreover, our findings also may provide precise clinical guidelines and strategies for treating nervous system injuries and diseases caused by PTEN dysfunction.

Analysis of bioprinting strategies for skin diseases and injuries through structural and temporal dynamics: historical perspectives, research hotspots, and emerging trends

This study endeavors to investigate the progression, research focal points, and budding trends in the realm of skin bioprinting over the past decade from a structural and temporal dynamics standpoint. Scholarly articles on skin bioprinting were obtained from WoSCC. A series of bibliometric tools comprising R software, CiteSpace, HistCite, and an alluvial generator were employed to discern historical characteristics, evolution of active topics, and upcoming tendencies in the area of skin bioprinting. Over the past decade, there has been a consistent rise in research interest in skin bioprinting, accompanied by an extensive array of meaningful scientific collaborations. Concurrently, diverse dynamic topics have emerged during various periods, as substantiated by an aggregate of 22 disciplines, 74 keywords, and 187 references demonstrating citation bursts. Four burgeoning research subfields were discerned through keyword clustering-namely, #3 'in situbioprinting', #6 'vascular', #7 'xanthan gum', and #8 'collagen hydrogels'. The keyword alluvial map reveals that Module 1, including 'transplantation' etc, has primarily dominated the research module over the previous decade, maintaining enduring relevance despite annual shifts in keyword focus. Additionally, we mapped out the top six key modules from 2023 being 'silk fibroin nanofiber', 'system', 'ionic liquid', 'mechanism', and 'foot ulcer'. Three recent research subdivisions were identified via timeline visualization of references, particularly Clusters #0 'wound healing', #4 'situ mineralization', and #5 '3D bioprinter'. Insights derived from bibliometric analyses illustrate present conditions and trends in skin bioprinting research, potentially aiding researchers in pinpointing central themes and pioneering novel investigative approaches in this field.

The intellectual base and global trends in contrast-induced acute kidney injury: a bibliometric analysis

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) has become the third leading cause of hospital-acquired kidney injury. A comprehensive analysis of the current state of research in the field of CI-AKI will help to reveal trends and hot topics in the field. To date, there are no published bibliometric analyses related to CI-AKI studies. Here, we analyze the relevant literature since the emergence of the concept and provide valuable insights. The literature was collected from the Web of Science Core Collection. The data were analyzed visually using CiteSpace and VOSviewer software. We collected a total of 4775 papers, with the United States and Guangdong Acad Med Sci as the major publishing powers in terms of country/region and institution. J AM COLL CARDIOL was the journal with the most published and cocited articles. Cluster analysis showed that clinical trials are the current research hotspot. The areas of risk assessment, prevention strategies, risk factors, and vascular lesions have been popular in recent years. Research on the mechanism of injury in CI-AKI will be the focus of future research, which will be crucial to reduce the clinical incidence of CI-AKI. In summary, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the development process in the field of CI-AKI and discusses future research directions based on the analysis of objective data from many studies on CI-AKI.

The application of infrared thermography technology in flap: A perspective from bibliometric and visual analysis

The application of infrared thermography technology (IRT) in flap has become a major focus of research, as it provides a non-invasive, real-time, and quantitative approach for monitoring flap perfusion. In this regard, we conducted a comprehensive visualization and scientometric analysis to systematically summarize and discuss the current state of research in this field. We systematically reviewed publications on the application of IRT in flap procedures from 1999 to 2022, using the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Through scientometric analysis, we examined annual trends, affiliations, countries, journals, authors, and their relationships, providing insights into current hotspots and future developments in this area. We analysed 522 English studies and found a steady increase in annual publications. The United States and Germany had the highest publication rates, with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Shanghai Jiaotong University being leading institutions. Notably, Lee BT and Alex Keller emerged as influential authors in this field. Compared to existing techniques, infrared-based technology offers significant advantages for non-invasive monitoring of flap perfusion, including simplicity of operation and objective results. Future trends should focus on interdisciplinary collaborations to develop new infrared devices and achieve intelligent image processing, enabling broader application in various clinical scenarios. This bibliometric study summarizes the progress and landscape of research on 'the Application of infrared thermography technology in flap' over the past two decades, providing valuable insights and serving as a reliable reference to drive further advancements and spark researchers' interest in this field.

A bibliometric analysis on discovering anti-quorum sensing agents against clinically relevant pathogens: current status, development, and future directions

Background

Quorum sensing is bacteria's ability to communicate and regulate their behavior based on population density. Anti-quorum sensing agents (anti-QSA) is promising strategy to treat resistant infections, as well as reduce selective pressure that leads to antibiotic resistance of clinically relevant pathogens. This study analyzes the output, hotspots, and trends of research in the field of anti-QSA against clinically relevant pathogens.

Methods

The literature on anti-QSA from the Web of Science Core Collection database was retrieved and analyzed. Tools such as CiteSpace and Alluvial Generator were used to visualize and interpret the data.

Results

From 1998 to 2023, the number of publications related to anti-QAS research increased rapidly, with a total of 1,743 articles and reviews published in 558 journals. The United States was the largest contributor and the most influential country, with an H-index of 88, higher than other countries. Williams was the most productive author, and Hoiby N was the most cited author. Frontiers in Microbiology was the most prolific and the most cited journal. Burst detection indicated that the main frontier disciplines shifted from MICROBIOLOGY, CLINICAL, MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, and other biomedicine-related fields to FOOD, MATERIALS, NATURAL PRODUCTS, and MULTIDISCIPLINARY. In the whole research history, the strongest burst keyword was cystic-fibrosis patients, and the strongest burst reference was Lee and Zhang (2015). In the latest period (burst until 2023), the strongest burst keyword was silver nanoparticle, and the strongest burst reference was Whiteley et al. (2017). The co-citation network revealed that the most important interest and research direction was anti-biofilm/anti-virulence drug development, and timeline analysis suggested that this direction is also the most active. The key concepts alluvial flow visualization revealed seven terms with the longest time span and lasting until now, namely Escherichia coli, virulence, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, virulence factor, bacterial biofilm, gene expression, quorum sensing. Comprehensive analysis shows that nanomaterials, marine natural products, and artificial intelligence (AI) may become hotspots in the future.

Conclusion

This bibliometric study reveals the current status and trends of anti-QSA research and may assist researchers in identifying hot topics and exploring new research directions.

Global trends in research related to functional dyspepsia and anxiety or depression over the past two decades: a bibliometric analysis

Background and purpose

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a prevalent global disorder of the upper digestive tract characterized by functional impairment. It often coexists with anxiety/depression, significantly impairing occupational productivity and overall quality of life. This study aimed to identify emerging patterns and prominent themes within FD and anxiety/depression research through bibliometric analysis to help explore new innovative avenues for investigating this type of FD.

Methods

A comprehensive review of literature encompassing FD and anxiety/depression was conducted using the Science Citation Index Extension of the Web of Science Core Collection from 2003 to 2023. Information extracted comprised "Full Record and Cited References." Bibliometric analysis of relevant publications, including country, institution, author, journal, citations, and keywords, was conducted using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix package in R and Excel.

Results

Studies related to FD and anxiety/depression have demonstrated an ascending trajectory since 2003. Our bibliometric analysis identified 338 studies published by 2023. NEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY AND MOTILITY emerged as the most prolific journal, while GASTROENTEROLOGY retained pre-eminence within the top 10 published journals. China emerged as the most prolific country, with two institutions within the top 10 in terms of volume of publications. The Mayo Clinic stood as the foremost institution in terms of publication volume, with the Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine exhibiting robust collaborative engagement. Eminent author influence was attributed to Talley NJ of Newcastle University, Australia. Clusters of extensively cited papers and prevalent keywords delineate the status and trend of FD and anxiety/depression research. This encompasses FD, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and functional gastrointestinal disorders. Furthermore, the timeline view map or trend-term analysis suggested that duodenal low-grade inflammation ("duodenal eosinophilia" and "mast cells") might be a new concern associated with FD and anxiety/depression.

Conclusion

Employing bibliometric analysis, this study revealed prevalent focal areas and new trends within FD and anxiety/depression research. These insights serve as valuable guidance for scholars seeking to delve into new research avenues.

Knowledge mapping of COVID-19 and autoimmune diseases: a visual and bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND

Many studies have shown an association between COVID-19 and autoimmune diseases (ADs). Studies on COVID-19 and ADs have also increased significantly, but there is no bibliometric analysis to summarize the association between COVID-19 and ADs. The purpose of this study was to perform a bibliometric and visual analysis of published studies related to COVID-19 and ADs.

METHODS

Based on the Web of Science Core Collection SCI-Expanded database, we utilize Excel 2019 and visualization analysis tools Co-Occurrence13.2 (COOC13.2), VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and HistCite for analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 1736 related kinds of papers were included, and the number of papers presented an overall increasing trend. The country/region with the most publications is the USA, the institution is the Harvard Medical School, the author is Yehuda Shoenfeld from Israel, and the journal is Frontiers in Immunology. Research hotspots include immune responses (such as cytokines storm), multisystem ADs (such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis), treatment modalities (such as hydroxychloroquine, rituximab), vaccination and autoimmune mechanisms (such as autoantibodies, molecular mimicry). The future research direction may be the mechanisms and treatment ideas of the association between ADs and COVID-19 (such as NF-κB, hyperinflammation, antiphospholipid antibodies, neutrophil extracellular traps, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor), other cross-diseases of COVID-19 and ADs (such as inflammatory bowel disease, chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, acute respiratory distress syndrome).

CONCLUSION

The growth rate of publications regarding ADs and COVID-19 has risen sharply. Our research results can help researchers grasp the current status of ADs and COVID-19 research and find new research directions in the future.

Emerging frontiers in drug delivery with special focus on novel techniques for targeted therapies

The management and treatment of disease are achieved via the use of pharmacologically active substances or drugs. Drugs do not, however, have an intrinsic ability to be effective; rather, how well they work depends on how they are administered or supplied. Treatment of a variety of biological illnesses, such as autoimmune disorders, cancer, and bacterial infections, requires effective drug delivery. Drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, duration of therapeutic impact, pharmacokinetics, excretion, and toxicity can all be impacted by drug administration. Improved chemistry and materials are required for the delivery of therapeutic concentration of novel treatments to the specified targets within the body, as well as for the necessary duration of time. This requirement is accompanied by the development of new therapeutics. Formulating a medication as a DDS is a promising strategy for directly addressing numerous typical barriers to adherence, such as frequent dosage, such as frequent dosage, side effects, and a delayed beginning of the action. In the current review, we give a compendium of drug delivery and controlled release and subsequently highlight some of the newest developments in the realm, with a particular emphasis on cutting-edge methods for targeted therapy. In each instance, we outline the obstacles to efficient drug administration as well as the chemical and material developments that are allowing the sector to overcome these obstacles and have a positive clinical impact.

Toxicity and Mechanisms of Engineered Nanoparticles in Animals with Established Allergic Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that is highly sensitive to environmental pollutants, including engineered nanoparticles (NPs). Exposure to NPs has become a growing concern for human health, especially for susceptible populations. Toxicological studies have demonstrated strong associations between ubiquitous NPs and allergic asthma. In this review, we analyze articles that focus on adverse health effects induced by NPs in animal models of allergic asthma to highlight their critical role in asthma. We also integrate potential mechanisms that could stimulate and aggravate asthma by NPs. The toxic effects of NPs are influenced by their physicochemical properties, exposure dose, duration, route, as well as the exposure order between NPs and allergens. The toxic mechanisms involve oxidative stress, various inflammasomes, antigen presenting cells, immune cells, and signaling pathways. We suggest that future research should concentrate on establishing standardized models, exploring mechanistic insights at the molecular level, assessing the combined effects of binary exposures, and determining safe exposure levels of NPs. This work provides concrete evidence of the hazards posed by NPs in animals with compromised respiratory health and supports the modifying role of NPs exposure in allergic asthma.

Atherosclerotic-Derived Endothelial Cell Response Conducted by Titanium Oxide Nanotubes

Atherosclerosis lesions are described as the formation of an occlusive wall-vessel plaque that can exacerbate infarctions, strokes, and even death. Furthermore, atherosclerosis damages the endothelium integrity, avoiding proper regeneration after stent implantation. Therefore, we investigate the beneficial effects of TiO₂ nanotubes (NTs) in promoting the initial response of detrimental human atherosclerotic-derived endothelial cells (AThEC). We synthesized and characterized NTs on Ti6Al4V by anodization. We isolated AThEC and tested the adhesion long-lasting proliferation activity, and the modulation of focal adhesions conducted on the materials. Moreover, ultrastructural cell-surface contact at the nanoscale and membrane roughness were evaluated to explain the results. Our findings depicted improved filopodia and focal adhesions stimulated by the NTs. Similarly, the NTs harbored long-lasting proliferative metabolism after 5 days, explained by overcoming cell-contact interactions at the nanoscale. Furthermore, the senescent activity detected in the AThEC could be mitigated by the modified membrane roughness and cellular stretch orchestrated by the NTs. Importantly, the NTs stimulate the initial endothelial anchorage and metabolic recovery required to regenerate the endothelial monolayer. Despite the dysfunctional status of the AThEC, our study brings new evidence for the potential application of nano-configured biomaterials for innovation in stent technologies.