Bibliometric analysis of research on immunogenic cell death in cancer

Role of liposomes in chemoimmunotherapy of breast cancer

In the dynamic arena of cancer therapeutics, chemoimmunotherapy has shown tremendous promise, especially for aggressive forms of breast cancer like triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This review delves into the significant role of liposomes in enhancing the effectiveness of chemoimmunotherapy by leveraging breast cancer-specific mechanisms such as the induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD), reprogramming the tumour microenvironment (TME), and enabling sequential drug release. We examine innovative dual-targeting liposomes that capitalise on tumour heterogeneity, as well as pH-sensitive formulations that offer improved control over drug delivery. Unlike prior analyses, this review directly links advancements in preclinical research-such as PAMAM dendrimer-based nanoplatforms and RGD-decorated liposomes-to clinical trial results, highlighting their potential to revolutionise TNBC treatment strategies. Additionally, we address ongoing challenges related to scalability, toxicity, and regulatory compliance, and propose future directions for personalised, immune-focused nanomedicine. This work not only synthesises the latest research but also offers a framework for translating liposomal chemoimmunotherapy from laboratory research to clinical practice.

Trends of mapping knowledge structure and themes of cancer sonodynamic therapy: a text-mining study

Background

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is a non-invasive cancer treatment technique stemming from photodynamic therapy (PDT) and has garnered escalated interest among researchers in recent years. Numerous aspects of cancer SDT remain contentious, and the global research trajectory within this domain remains insufficiently explored. This study seeks to delineate the comprehensive knowledge framework, developmental trends, and pivotal research focal points concerning cancer SDT.

Methods

The study retrieved documents on cancer SDT from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database spanning from 1 January 2000 to 7 December 2023. Bibliometric visualization was carried out through the utilization of CiteSpace 6.2 R6, VOSviewer 1.6.20, and an online analytical platform. Several bibliometric techniques including co-authorship, co-citation, co-occurrence, cluster, as well as burst analysis were used.

Results

A total of 672 publications including 603 articles and 69 reviews were included. The annual publication count exhibited a steady increase over time, notably experiencing a surge, particularly in recent years. In terms of contributors, China has maintained its prominent position with the highest outputs and the most financial support. Chinese Academy of Sciences contributed the most articles. Materials Science was the most investigated research areas. Breast cancer emerged as the most extensively studied tumor, succeeded by sarcoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, melanoma, pancreatic cancer, glioma. According to co-cited references, "harnessing nanomaterial", "sonodynamic precision tumor therapy" and "metal-organic framework" denote the current and emerging research focuses within the field. In tandem with the results from keywords co-occurrence and burst, we identified the following research topics including mechanism of induced cell death (ferroptosis, immunogenic cell death), nano-related research (nanoplatform, nanozymes, nanomaterials, nanosheets, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), nanocomposites, nanoparticles, nanosonosensitizers, liposomes, nanocarriers), combination therapies (chemodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, photothermal therapy), and tumor microenvironment (hypoxia, singlet oxygen, oxidative stress), that may remain the research hotspots and receive sustained attention in the near future.

Conclusions

For the first time, this bibliometric analysis not only presents a comprehensive portrayal of the knowledge framework, but also delineates shifts in research focal points related to cancer SDT within the last two decades. This systematic summarization offers a comprehensive and lucid comprehension of cancer SDT, providing valuable insights for further investigations in this domain.

Emerging trends and research hotspots in the relationship between mast cells and atopic dermatitis based on the literature from 2001 to 2024: A bibliometric and visualized analysis

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory and highly pruritic skin condition characterized by the infiltration of immune cells, notably eosinophils and mast cells. Mast cells (MCs) critically participate in the complex pathogenesis of AD through multiple pathways and have recently garnered growing attention in research. Despite the abundance of related studies published over the years, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis on this topic remains lacking.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to perform an up-to-date bibliometric analysis of the literature focusing on the relationship between MCs and AD. This analysis would provide valuable insights through a thorough bibliometric review, enabling a clearer understanding of the current research landscape, pinpointing key studies, and detecting emerging trends within this field.

METHODS

We searched the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database on 15 July 2024. The data retrieval strategy was structured as follows: #1: TS = ("mast cells") OR TS = ("mast cell") OR TS = ("mastocyte"); #2: TS = ("atopic dermatitis") OR TS = ("atopic eczema") Final data: (#1 AND #2). A total of 2272 items published between 2001 and 2024 were included. Several scientometric visualization tools, including VOSviewer, R-bibliometrix, CiteSpace and an online analytical platform, were utilized to conduct text mining and to visualize the bibliometric data, facilitating a comprehensive analysis of research trends and patterns.

RESULTS

Out of the initial 2272 articles retrieved, 2168 were selected for analysis after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria based on publication type. The findings indicate a steady and substantial exponential growth in the annual number of publications focused on the relationship between over the years. The South Korea (547/2168), USA (465/2168) and Japan (436/2168) were the major contributors within this field, collectively constituting more than half of the total publications. To clarify the underlying mechanisms and role of MCs in the pathogenesis of AD and to make MCs prime targets for therapeutic intervention have garnered the most attention in this field. According to references analysis, the research emphasis has shifted to developing MC-related therapeutics and intervention and regulating the immune system of AD patients through modulating the activity of various immune cells. On the basis of keywords analysis, we outlined the following research frontiers and hotpots in the future: the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis; imbalance in the different types of T helper (Th) cells during immune response; skin barrier and barrier dysfunction; improving quality of life; sensory neurons; biological agents and small-molecule drugs. Furthermore, IL-13, IL-4, NFKB1, BCGF-1 and CD4 ranked as the top five genes that have received the most investigative attention in the intersection of MCs and AD.

CONCLUSION

In a word, this analysis would greatly benefit from a thorough bibliometric review to gain a deeper understanding of the current research landscape, identify pivotal studies and pinpoint emerging trends in the field of MCs and AD. Meanwhile, our findings offered researchers a holistic perspective of ongoing developments, serving as a valuable resource for guiding future research and informing decision-making for both researchers and policymakers in this area.

Bibliometric Analysis of the Top-100 Cited Articles on Postoperative Delirium

Objective

Postoperative delirium (POD), a common complication affecting short- and long-term prognosis in elderly patients, leads to a heavy burden on social economy and health care. The main purpose of this study is to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the 100 most frequently cited articles on POD.

Methods

"Postoperative delirium" and its synonyms were searched in the Web of Science (WoS) core database. The top-100 cited articles were automatically selected by sorting the records in descending order. Key information such as author, journal, article type, publication year, citations, since 2013 usage count, institution, country, and keywords were extracted and analyzed. VOSviewer software was applied to do the visualization analyses of institution co-operation, author interaction, author co-citation, and keywords co-occurrence. The CiteSpace software was used to analyze keywords burst.

Results

Most articles were published by authors and institutions in the United States of America (USA). Inouye was the most influential author of this field. The journals that recorded these articles had a high impact factor (IF), with a highest IF of 168.9 and an average IF of 18.04. Cohort studies were the main document type in this field (42 publications), followed by randomized controlled trial (RCT) and systematic reviews or meta-analysis (18 and 14, respectively). The 10 keywords with the highest appearance were "delirium", "risk-factors", "surgery", "confusion assessment method", "elderly patients", "hip fracture", "intensive care unit", "cardiac surgery", "general anesthesia", and "risk". Moreover, "double blind" and "cardiac surgery" were the most recent booming keywords.

Conclusion

We indicated the current research status and tendency of POD by analyzing the 100 most influential articles on POD. The USA is the leader in this field. Prospective study is the preference for authors to cite. Cardiac surgery remains the primary research carrier and the hotspots in the near future may be double-blind studies.

Mapping knowledge landscapes and emerging trends of Marburg virus: A text-mining study

Background

Marburg virus (MARV), a close relative of Ebola virus, could induce hemorrhagic fevers in humans with high mortality rate. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to this highly lethal virus due to sporadic outbreaks observed in various African nations. This bibliometric analysis endeavors to elucidate the trends, dynamics, and focal points of knowledge that have delineated the landscape of research concerning MARV.

Methods

Relevant literature on MARV from 1968 to 2023 was extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Following this, the data underwent bibliometric analysis and visualization procedures utilizing online analysis platform, CiteSpace 6.2R6, and VOSviewer 1.6.20. Three different types of bibliometric indicators including quantitative indicator, qualitative indicators, and structural indicators were used to gauge a researcher's productivity, assess the quality of their work, and analyze publication relationships, respectively.

Results

MARV is mainly prevalent in Africa. And approximately 643 confirmed cases have been described in the literature to date, and mortality observed was 81.2 % in overall patients. A total of 1014 papers comprising 869 articles and 145 reviews were included. The annual publications showed an increasing growth pattern from 1968 to 2023 (R2 = 0.8838). The United States stands at the forefront of this discipline, having dedicated substantial financial and human resources to scientific inquiry. However, co-authorship analysis showed the international research collaboration needs to be further strengthened. Based on reference and keywords analysis, contemporary MARV research encompasses pivotal areas: primarily, prioritizing the creation of prophylactic vaccines to impede viral spread, and secondarily, exploring targeted antiviral strategies, including small-molecule antivirals or MARV-specific monoclonal antibodies. Additionally, a comprehensive grasp of viral transmission, transcription, and replication mechanisms remains a central focus in ongoing investigations. And future MARV studies are expected to focus on evaluating clinical trial safety and efficacy, developing inhibitors to contain viral spread, exploring vaccine immunogenicity, virus-host association studies, and elucidating the role of neutralizing antibodies in MARV treatment.

Conclusion

The present study offered comprehensive insights into the contemporary status and trajectories of MARV over the past decades. This enables researchers to discern novel collaborative prospects, institutional partnerships, emerging topics, and research forefronts within this domain.

Visualization of the relationship between macrophage and wound healing from the perspective of bibliometric analysis

Macrophages play a crucial role in aiding all phases of the wound-healing process and has garnered increasing attention recently. Although a substantial body of related studies has been published, there remains a lack of comprehensive bibliometric analysis. In this study, we collected 4296 papers from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Three tools including CiteSpace, VOSviewer and one online analytical platform were employed to conduct bibliometric analysis and data visualization. Our results revealed that the annual number of publications related to macrophage and wound healing has increased exponentially with the year. The United States and China stand as the primary driving forces within this field, collectively constituting 58.2% of the total publication output. The application of biomaterials was one of the most concerned research areas in this field. According to references analysis, the current research focus has shifted to diabetic wound healing and regulating macrophage polarization. Based on the keywords analysis, we identified the following research frontiers in the future: exosomes and other extracellular vesicles; bio-derived materials and drug delivery methods such as nanoparticles, scaffolds and hydrogels; immunomodulation and macrophage polarization in the M2-state; chronic wounds, particularly those associated with diabetes; antimicrobial peptides; and antioxidant. Additionally, TNF, IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β1 and VEGF ranked as the five genes that have garnered the most research attention in the intersection of macrophage and wound healing. All in all, our findings offered researchers a holistic view of the ongoing progress in the field of macrophages and wound healing, serving as a valuable reference for scholars and policymakers in this domain.

Temozolomide-based sonodynamic therapy induces immunogenic cell death in glioma

BACKGROUND

In our previous study, we found for the first time that temozolomide (TMZ), the first-line chemotherapeutic agent for glioblastoma (GBM), can generate a large amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under ultrasound irradiation. Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) using TMZ as the sonosensitizer produced more potent antitumor effects than TMZ alone. Here, we further evaluate the effects of TMZ-based SDT on subcellular structures and investigate the immunogenic cell death (ICD)-inducing capability of TMZ-based SDT.

METHODS

The sonotoxic effects of TMZ were explored in LN229 and GL261 glioma cells. The morphology of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The nuclear DNA damage was represented by γ-H2AX staining. Bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) were employed to assess ICD-inducing capability of TMZ-based SDT. A cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic (c(RGDyC))-modified nanoliposome drug delivery platform was used to improve the tumor targeting of SDT.

RESULTS

TMZ-based SDT had a greater inhibitory effect on glioma cells than TMZ alone. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that TMZ-based SDT caused endoplasmic reticulum dilation and mitochondrial swelling. In addition, endoplasmic reticulum stress response (ERSR), nuclear DNA damage and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening were promoted in TMZ-based SDT group. Most importantly, we found that TMZ-based SDT could promote the "danger signals" produced by glioma cells and induce the maturation and activation of BMDCs, which was associated with the mitochondrial DNA released into the cytoplasm in glioma cells. In vivo experiments showed that TMZ-based SDT could remodel glioma immune microenvironment and provoke durable and powerful anti-tumor immune responses. What's more, the engineered nanoliposome vector of TMZ conferred SDT tumor targeting, providing an option for safer clinical application of TMZ in combination with SDT in the future.

CONCLUSIONS

TMZ-based SDT was capable of triggering ICD in glioma. The discovery of TMZ as a sonosensitizer have shown great promise in the treatment of GBM.

Bibliometric analysis and visualized study of research on autophagy in ischemic stroke

Aims: To summarize and clarify the current research status and indicate possible future directions in the field of autophagy in ischemic stroke, we performed a comprehensive and multidimensional bibliometric analysis of the literature in this field published from 2011 to 2022. Methods: We retrieved articles on the field of autophagy in ischemic stroke published between 2011 and 2022 from Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC). VOSviewer (version 1.6.19) and CiteSpace (version 6.2.R2 Basic) were used to identify the leading topics as well as generate visual maps of Countries/regions, organizations, authors, journals, and keyword networks in the related field. Results: A total of 568 publications were contained in this research. The journal with the most publications were Front Pharmacol, Mol Neurobiol, and Neuroscience. China was the most productive country with respect to co-authorship, with the Capital Med Univ being the organization with the most. co-authorships. In terms of authorship analysis, eight of the top 10 most contributive authors were from China. The co-occurring author keywords can be divided into three main clusters, including "protective effect of autophagy in ischemic stroke," "autophagy-targeted therapy for ischemic stroke," and "mitochondrial function in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury". Conclusion: This bibliometric analysis helps us reveal the current research hotspots in the research field of autophagy in ischemic stroke and guide future research directions. Subsequent trends in this special field are likely to identify and develop novel autophagy-targeted therapy strategies to effectively prevent and treat ischemic stroke.

Mapping knowledge landscapes and emerging trends of sonodynamic therapy: A bibliometric and visualized study

Background: Ultrasound-triggered sonodynamic therapy (SDT), as a non-invasive approach, has attracted considerable attention in a wide variety of malignant tumors and other diseases. Over the past 2 decades, the number of scientific publications on SDT has increased rapidly. However, there is still a lack of one comprehensive report that summarizes the global research trends and knowledge landscapes in the field of SDT in detail. Thus, we performed a bibliometric analysis on SDT from 2000 to 2021 to track the current hotspots and highlight future directions. Methods: We collected publications on SDT research from the Web of Science Core Collection database. The annual number of publications and citations, major contributors, popular journals, international collaborations, co-cited references and co-occurrence keywords were analyzed and visualized with CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and R-bibliometrix. Results: A total of 701 publications were included. The annual publication output increased from 5 in 2000 to 175 in 2021, and the average growth rate was 18.4%. China was the most productive country with 463 documents (66.05%), and Harbin Medical University was the most prolific institution (N = 73). Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology published the most papers related to SDT. Materials Science, and Chemistry were the research areas receiving the most interest. All the keywords were divided into four different clusters including studies on mechanisms, studies on drug delivery and nanoparticles, studies on cancer therapy, as well as studies on ultrasound and sonosensitizers. In addition to nanomaterials-related studies including nanoparticles, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, nanosheets, liposomes, microbubble and TiO₂ nanoparticle, the following research directions such as immunogenic cell death, metal-organic framework, photothermal therapy, hypoxia, tumor microenvironment, chemodynamic therapy, combination therapy, tumor resistance, intensity focused ultrasound, drug delivery, and Staphylococcus aureus also deserve further attention and may continue to explode in the future. Conclusion: SDT has a bright future in the field of cancer treatment, and nanomaterials have increasingly influenced the SDT field with the development of nano-technology. Overall, this comprehensive bibliometric study was the first attempt to analyze the field of SDT, which could provide valuable references for later researchers to better understand the global research trends, hotspots and frontiers in this domain.

Bibliometric and visualization analysis of kidney repair associated with acute kidney injury from 2002 to 2022

Background: Renal repair is closely related to the prognosis of acute kidney injury (AKI) and has attracted increasing attention in the research field. However, there is a lack of a comprehensive bibliometric analysis in this research area. This study aims at exploring the current status and hotspots of renal repair research in AKI from the perspective of bibliometrics. Methods: Studies published between 2002 and 2022 related to kidney repair after AKI were collected from Web of Science core collection (WoSCC) database. Bibliometric measurement and knowledge graph analysis to predict the latest research trends in the field were performed using bibliometrics software CiteSpace and VOSviewer. Results: The number of documents related to kidney repair after AKI has steadily increased over 20 years. The United States and China contribute more than 60% of documents and are the main drivers of research in this field. Harvard University is the most active academic institution that contributes the most documents. Humphreys BD and Bonventre JV are the most prolific authors and co-cited authors in the field. The American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology and Journal of the American Society of Nephrology are the most popular journals in the field with the greatest number of documents. "exosome", "macrophage polarization", "fibroblast", and" aki-ckd transition" are high-frequency keywords in this field in recent years. Extracellular vesicles (including exosomes), macrophage polarization, cell cycle arrest, hippo pathway, and sox9 are current research hotspots and potential targets in this field. Conclusion: This is the first comprehensive bibliometric study on the knowledge structure and development trend of AKI-related renal repair research in recent years. The results of the study comprehensively summarize and identify research frontiers in AKI-related renal repair.