Evolution Trend of Brain Science Research: An Integrated Bibliometric and Mapping Approach.

BackgroundInvestigating gut microbiota during pregnancy is vital for understanding maternal–infant health, pregnancy-related disease mechanisms, and offspring development. While research in this field has grown rapidly, systematic analyses of global trends, collaborative networks, and thematic evolution remain limited. This bibliometric study maps the developmental landscape of “gut microbiota during pregnancy,” identifying research priorities and future directions.MethodsA bibliometric analysis of pregnancy and gut microbiota studies (1991–2025) was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus databases. Publications were analyzed using bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace to evaluate publication trends, research contributions, collaboration networks, keyword co-occurrence patterns, and thematic evolution.ResultsThe analysis encompassed 5,432 (Web of Science Core Collection) and 5,542 (Scopus) publications, with an annual growth rate exceeding 15%. Research output has grown exponentially since 2014. The China and United States were the most productive countries, with the United States demonstrating the highest total citations and a central role in global collaborative networks. Key influential institutions included the University of Turku, University College Cork, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Leading authors were Collado, Maria Carmen; Tain, You-Lin; and Cryan, John F. The research was highly interdisciplinary, spanning microbiology, nutrition, immunology, and medicine. Core journals disseminating knowledge were Nutrients, Frontiers in Microbiology, and Gut Microbes. High-impact and co-cited references established the knowledge foundation, focusing on maternal microbiome remodeling, delivery mode’s impact, and the gut-brain axis. Keyword analysis revealed a thematic evolution from initial descriptive studies of microbial composition to recent investigations into mechanisms linking microbiota to gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and neurodevelopmental outcomes via the gut-brain axis.ConclusionThis study presents an integrative bibliometric analysis of global research on gut microbiota during pregnancy, delineating its rapid evolution and current intellectual structure. The field has matured from descriptive ecology to mechanistic and translational research, with strong international collaboration and interdisciplinary integration. The identified research fronts, including the interplay between microbial dysbiosis and specific pregnancy complications, as well as the influence of the maternal gut microbiome on offspring neurodevelopment, represent promising avenues for future investigation.

Aim: This study aims to analyze the evolution of co-author networks in Single-Balloon Enteroscope (SBE) research from 2000 to 2023, using data from the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection. The objective is to provide a structural overview of researcher collaborations in this specialized field, highlighting key contributors and the impact of international cooperation. Method: I conducted a co-author network analysis on 149 SBE-related articles indexed in the WoS Core Collection between 2000 and 2023. Using Python (Version 3.10.5) within the PyCharm development environment (Software Version 2022.1.3), I assessed macro-level indicators including network density, clustering coefficient, number of components, and average distance. Micro-level indicators such as degree centrality, closeness centrality, and betweenness centrality were also evaluated to understand the roles of individual researchers in the network.Result: The analysis revealed that the co-author networks in SBE research have evolved over the studied period, with varying degrees of connectivity and collaboration. From 2000 to 2009, the network showed moderate clustering but high fragmentation, with a few key researchers like Nista, Enrico C., and Spada, Cristiano playing central roles. In the 2010-2019 period, network density decreased, indicating expansion in the author pool but less frequent co-authorships. However, the clustering coefficient remained high, suggesting localized collaboration. Central figures such as Itoi, Takao emerged as influential in bridging network gaps. In the most recent period (2020-2023), network density moderately increased, reflecting improved collaboration. Key contributors included Tanisaka, Yuki, and Ryozawa, Shomei, who enhanced connectivity within the network. Despite these advancements, the network remained fragmented with isolated components throughout all periods. Conclusion: The co-author networks in SBE research have shown an overall increase in collaboration over the past two decades, with key contributors playing pivotal roles in connecting disparate groups. However, the persistent fragmentation suggests a need for more integrated efforts to enhance international collaboration. Understanding these network dynamics can inform future strategies for fostering global cooperation and advancing SBE research.

BackgroundNeuropathic pain represents a significant public health concern due to its complex pathophysiology and the disability it can cause. Despite advancements in understanding its underlying mechanisms and potential treatments, challenges persist in achieving effective management. This bibliometric analysis aims to offer a comprehensive overview of research trends, key contributors, and existing gaps in the literature on neuropathic pain, providing valuable insights to guide future studies and enhance clinical approaches.MethodsA bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. Key metrics, including publication trends, citation patterns, co-authorship networks, and keyword co-occurrence, were evaluated. Statistical analyses included average annual percentage change (APC) assessments and trend forecasting with an Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model.ResultsA total of 9,974 studies published between 2005 and 2024 were included. Publications peaked between 2021 and 2022 but showed a slight decline thereafter, with forecasts predicting a steady increase from 2025 to 2030. Most papers were published in high-impact Q1 journals, reflecting the quality of research. Co-authorship analysis revealed central hubs of collaboration in the USA and China, with limited integration of smaller countries into the global research network. Keyword analysis identified multiple thematic clusters, including "chronic pain," "molecular mechanisms," and "clinical management." Specific gaps were noted in understanding personalized therapeutic approaches, and non-pharmacological interventions.ConclusionsThis analysis underscores the critical need for continued research to address gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and management of neuropathic pain. Strengthening international collaborations and fostering multidisciplinary efforts will be pivotal in advancing this field.

ObjectiveTo assess the global research landscape of the top three most common periocular malignant tumors from 2000 to 2024: Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), and Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma (SGC). The study evaluates publication trends, leading authors and institutions, geographic distribution, and the impact of studies using citation and Altmetric Attention Score (AAS) metrics.MethodsA total of 558 relevant articles were identified from the Web of Science Core Collection after excluding irrelevant study areas. Keyword co-occurrence, co-authorship networks, and citation patterns were analyzed using VOSviewer. Correlation analyses were conducted between AAS, citation counts, and publication characteristics.ResultsBCC was the most frequently studied periocular tumor, with a publication peak in 2020 followed by a decline. SCC publications have gradually increased, particularly after 2020, while SGC remains underrepresented. The most active researchers include Dinesh Selva, Bita Esmaeli, and Seema Sen. Ophthalmology was the leading discipline across all tumor types, with dermatology contributing to BCC and pathology to SGC research. The USA led in publication output for SCC and BCC, while India was dominant in SGC studies. A negative correlation was found between AAS and time since publication, whereas AAS positively correlated with journal-related parameters.ConclusionThe relatively low volume of SGC-related publications may reflect its rarity and diagnostic complexity. This trend, along with the varying patterns of academic and altmetric impact across tumor types, suggests that future collaborative research and improved communication strategies could be beneficial in enhancing both scientific visibility and clinical understanding.

Exploring the prospects of hydrogel in enhancing cartilage repair: Bibliometric and visual analysis (2005-2024).

This study aims to use bibliometric methods to analyze highly cited nursing education articles on digital health, particularly those 100 top cited publications between 2020 and 2024, from the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection. A retrospective bibliometric analysis was conducted. A bibliometric analysis of the most-cited digital health articles on nursing education in English with the highest citations. Data were sourced from the WOS Core Collection. Analysis was conducted using Excel and SPSS, while VOSviewer was used to visualize keyword trends. The analysis included examining journal distribution, author patterns, research types, methodologies, and keyword trends. The 100 most-cited articles were published between 1993 and 2024 by 91 different first authors from 22 countries. The United States contributed approximately 33% of the articles. Citation counts ranged from 198 to 1. Nurse Education Today was the most frequently cited journal. Review articles had higher average citations (50.96) compared to original articles (24.08). The focus of research has shifted from virtual reality (VR) to artificial intelligence (AI), with ChatGPT emerging as a new trend. Digital health is becoming a significant focus in nursing education research. While VR has been a dominant topic, AI is now emerging as a key research area. The findings provide insights into citation patterns and research trends, supporting future impactful studies in this field.

Background:Rectal prolapse is a serious disease characterized by the protrusion of rectal tissue through the anal orifice, predominantly affecting elderly women and significantly impairing quality of life. Surgical intervention remains the definitive treatment, yet debates persist regarding optimal techniques, recurrence rates, and functional outcomes. Despite advancements in minimally invasive approaches, a systematic synthesis of global research trends, collaborative networks, and thematic evolution in this field remains unexplored.Objectives:This study aimed to conduct the first bibliometric analysis of surgical treatments for rectal prolapse, mapping global research trends, collaborative networks, and thematic evolution. Key objectives included identifying leading contributors (countries, institutions, and authors), analyzing shifts in surgical techniques, and highlighting gaps in international collaboration and technological integration to guide future research priorities.Methods:A bibliometric analysis was performed using 999 English-language publications from the Web of Science Core Collection (2000–2024). Data were analyzed for annual publication trends, geographic and institutional productivity, citation impact, and co-authorship networks. Keyword clustering and burst detection identified emerging themes and technological shifts, while centrality metrics assessed the influence of countries and institutions.Results:(1) Publication trends: Annual output grew from 24 (2000) to 61 (2024), stabilizing post-2010, suggesting technological maturation. (2) Geographic contributions: The United States dominated with 236 articles (5296 citations) and high centrality. China and Japan produced moderately but exhibited limited global collaboration. (3) Institutional networks: Cleveland Clinic institutions led collaborative networks, while authors like Lindsey and Cunningham drove high-impact research. (4) Thematic clusters: Five themes emerged: surgical strategies (e.g., “ventral mesh rectopexy”), pelvic floor dysfunction, risk mitigation, complication management, and symptom associations. A shift toward minimally invasive techniques was evident. (5) Research gaps: Disparities in international collaboration, institutional influence, and integration of emerging technologies (AI/virtual reality) were identified. Priorities include establishing standardized registries, fostering inclusive consortia, and addressing ethical concerns for novel surgical materials.Conclusion:This study underscores 3 pivotal imperatives for advancing rectal prolapse surgery research: global registries, inclusive consortia, and tech adoption to enhance outcomes.

Hemorrhoidal disease imposes a significant global healthcare burden. However, comprehensive analyses mapping its research landscape and technological evolution are lacking. This study employed advanced bibliometric techniques to characterize the knowledge structure, collaborative networks, research hotspots, and emerging trends in hemorrhoid therapy over the past two decades. A total of 2764 relevant publications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Multi-tool bibliometric analysis and scientific visualization were conducted using VOSviewer (v1.6.19), CiteSpace (v6.2.R4), and Bibliometrix (v4.1.3). Analyses included publication trends, country/institutional contributions, author/institutional collaboration networks, journal co-citation analysis, keyword co-occurrence/clustering, thematic evolution, and burst detection. Annual publications showed a steady increase, signifying growing research interest. China and the United States were the dominant contributors. International collaboration networks displayed regional clustering. Core research domains identified through keyword co-occurrence and clustering included Rubber Band Ligation (RBL), hemorrhoidectomy (Milligan-Morgan, Ferguson, stapled), laser therapy, pain management, postoperative complications, and quality of life. Burst detection and thematic evolution mapping highlighted emerging frontiers such as minimally invasive techniques (Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation [DG-HAL], laser hemorrhoidoplasty), day surgery/ambulatory management, evidence-based guidelines, and long-term outcomes/comparative effectiveness. This first multi-tool bibliometric analysis comprehensively delineates the global research architecture and dynamic evolution of hemorrhoid therapy. It confirms the established role of conventional surgical techniques while identifying a clear shift towards minimally invasive procedures and outpatient management. Key knowledge gaps persist in long-term efficacy comparisons and standardized guideline development. These findings provide researchers, clinicians, and policymakers with an evidence-based roadmap to guide future investigations, resource allocation, and clinical practice optimization in hemorrhoidal disease management.

BackgroundArtificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in healthcare, with nursing management being a key area of application. As AI technologies such as machine learning and decision support systems are increasingly integrated into clinical workflows, understanding the research landscape of AI in nursing management becomes essential.MethodsA total of 151 English-language publications from the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus (data from 1990 to August 2025) were analyzed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix. Analyses included co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrence, citation patterns, and trend visualizations.ResultsSince 2017, the number of relevant publications has surged, with China leading in output and the United States leading in collaborative centrality. Key institutions include Columbia University and Capital Medical University. Collaboration among authors remains limited, though several researchers exert significant influence. Five major research clusters have been identified, covering decision support, nursing leadership, informatics, behavioral aspects, and disease-specific applications. Emerging hotspots include “nursing management,” “algorithms,” and “deep learning.”ConclusionIn the field of nursing management, AI is transitioning from conceptual to practical application, demonstrating significant potential for enhancing decision-making and improving patient care. However, the field remains fragmented, with limited collaboration among authors and institutions. This study highlights AI’s potential to transform nursing management while emphasizing the need for closer interdisciplinary and international cooperation. Future research should focus on addressing ethical concerns such as data privacy and transparency, and developing AI tools that integrate more effectively into nursing practice. While this study offers valuable insights, there are limitations, including the exclusion of non-English literature and reliance on bibliometric analysis, which may not fully reflect AI’s real-world clinical applications. Looking ahead, fostering collaboration, improving ethical governance, and optimizing AI tools will be key to advancing AI in nursing management.

BackgroundTo explore the research trends for uveal melanoma with bibliometric methods using Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) and PubMed (PM).MethodsTo find UM-related studies, “uveal melanoma” was used as search term in the WoSCC and PM for the period time from 2000 to 2020. Bibliographic coupling analysis was used to investigate the journals with the highest number of UM-related publications. VOSviewer (VV) was used for mapping the knowledge domain and visualizing the co-occurrence of terms, authors, organizations, countries, co-citation literature, and keywords. The knowledge map based on WoSCC and PM was compared.ResultsIn the WoSCC 3,748 articles were found, while in PM the search resulted in 3,403 articles. The number of original articles has steadily grown in general in the past two decades. The top ten authors were contributing to 23% (n = 856) of all publications, while the top 10 institutions published 41% (n = 1524) of all articles. The top 3 journals with the highest number of publications for UM-related research included Investigative ophthalmology & visual science, Ophthalmology, and British Journal of Ophthalmology. Co-occurrence analysis based on author keywords showed 6 clusters. The most frequent keywords included are metastasis, prognosis, and brachytherapy. The latest research hotspots focused on BAP1, immunotherapy and GNAQ.ConclusionsGenetics and immunology are the latest research frontiers in uveal melanoma. There is a clear need for interdisciplinary, molecular and clinical research approaches to improve the fatal prognosis of uveal melanoma patients.

STIMULATION WITH MINIMUM POWER

BackgroundIn patients with nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC), radiation-induced temporal lobe injury (TLI) is the most dreaded late-stage complication following radiation therapy (RT). We currently lack a definitive algorithmic administration for this entity. In the meantime, the pathogenesis of TLI and the mechanism-based interventions to prevent or treat this adverse effect remain unknown. To better answer the aforementioned questions, it is necessary to comprehend the intellectual foundations and prospective trends of this field through bibliometric analysis.MethodsArticles were gathered from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database between 2000 and 2022. CiteSpace was utilized to create a country/institutional co-authorship network, perform dual-map analysis, and find keywords with citation bursts. VOSviewer was used to build networks based on author co-authorship, journal citation, co-citation analysis of authors, references, and journals, and keyword co-occurrence.ResultsA total of 140 articles and reviews were included in the final analysis. The number of publications has steadily increased with some fluctuations over the years. The country and institution contributing most to this field are the China and Sun Yat-Sen University. Han Fei was the most prolific author, while Lee Awm was the most frequently cited. The analysis of co-occurrence revealed three clusters, including: “radiation-induced injury or necrosis in NPC,” “clinical studies on chemotherapy/radiotherapy complications and survival in recurrent NPC,” and “IMRT/chemotherapy outcomes and toxicities in head and neck cancer”). Most recent keyword bursts were “volume,” “temporal lobe injury,” “toxicities,” “model,” “survival,” “intensity modulated radiotherapy,” “induced brain injury,” “head and neck cancer,” and “temporal lobe.”ConclusionThis study provides some insights of the major areas of interest in the field of radiation-induced TLI in patients with NPC by bibliometric analyses. This study assists scholars in locating collaborators and significant literature in this field, provides guidance for publishing journals, and identifies research hotspots. This analysis acknowledges significant contributions to the discipline and encourages the scientific community to conduct additional research.

Background Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) (previously known as primary immunodeficiency) are genetically defined immune disorders that have seen accelerated growth in both research and clinical attention. The genomic era and evolving classification frameworks have transformed the field, making it necessary to map its development, key contributors, and thematic shifts. Objective To conduct a bibliometric analysis of global IEI research from 1995 to 2025, identifying emerging trends, influential authors, key institutions, and gaps in regional representation. Methods A literature search was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) and PubMed databases, limited to English-language publications between 1995 and 2025. Search terms included combinations of genetic- and immune-related keywords such as “monogenic disorder,” “gene mutation,” “SCID,” “PID,” and “inborn errors of immunity.” After applying defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 840 original research articles were selected from an initial 1,236. Bibliometric mapping and visualization were performed using Bibliometrix via Shiny in R Studio and VOSviewer to analyze co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic evolution. Results IEI-related publications have increased steadily, with an annual growth rate of 4.5% and a notable surge between 2020 and 2023. The United States, Iran, France, and Germany emerged as leading contributors, with high-impact institutions such as the NIH, Harvard University, and Université Paris Cité playing prominent roles. Among Islamic and Arabic countries, Iran and Turkey demonstrated increasing publication activity, though overall citation impact remained relatively low. Kuwait stood out with a higher average citation rate (23.8), indicating strong influence despite a smaller volume of output. An overlay visualization of international co-authorship networks confirmed the dominance of the United States and Western Europe as central hubs. However, countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Morocco, and Iran showed a rise in research participation and collaboration since 2018, reflecting growing engagement from several Islamic and Arabic nations, particularly through partnerships with European institutions. Thematic mapping revealed newborn screening and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as central, well-developed motor themes, reflecting their critical and evolving role in the field. Foundational but less developed topics included common variable immunodeficiency, whole-exome sequencing, and genetic diagnostics, indicating their broad relevance yet ongoing maturation. Notably, post-2018 research trends demonstrated a pronounced shift toward precision diagnostics, highlighted by the growing prominence of next-generation sequencing and other genomic technologies. Conclusion Over the past three decades, IEI research has undergone a transformative shift from phenotype-based classification to genomics-driven approaches, mirrored by the increasing integration of precision diagnostics and translational priorities such as newborn screening and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, now identified as active and well-developed motor themes. Thematic mapping confirmed the centrality of these evolving domains while also highlighting common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) and whole-exome sequencing as foundational but less developed areas, underscoring ongoing gaps in their clinical translation and research density. Despite substantial progress, disparities in research output and visibility persist across regions. While institutions in established research hubs continue to lead global collaborations, a notable rise in contributions from Arabic and Islamic countries signals a meaningful shift. These emerging efforts are particularly valuable for uncovering underrepresented IEI subtypes linked to consanguinity and region-specific genetic profiles, addressing critical gaps in both global datasets and regional clinical relevance. Sustaining this momentum demands targeted investment in diagnostic infrastructure, inclusive research policies, and equitable collaboration frameworks. Broadening participation from underrepresented regions is not only a matter of global equity but a necessary step toward capturing the full spectrum of IEI diversity.

Proteomics plays an essential role in uncovering the molecular mechanisms of obesity. This study aimed to map global research trends, identify major contributors, and examine evolving themes in this field over the past two decades. A bibliometric analysis was performed using the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) from 1999 to February 2025. Only English-language original articles and reviews were included. CiteSpace and VOSviewer were used to analyze publication volume, collaboration networks, core journals, citation patterns, and keyword co-occurrence. A total of 1688 publications were analyzed. Research output increased steadily and peaked in 2022. The United States led in publication count and citations, followed by China and Germany. Keyword analysis revealed a clear thematic shift: early studies focused on adipose biology and hormonal regulation, while more recent work highlights topics such as gut microbiota, lipid metabolism, type 2 diabetes, and PCOS. These shifts reflect an increased focus on systemic mechanisms and a stronger link to clinical needs such as diagnosis and personalized treatment. Proteomics research in obesity has grown in both scale and complexity, with expanding global collaboration and evolving scientific priorities. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the field's development and offers direction for future translational and interdisciplinary efforts.

Although the application of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology in rehabilitation has been extensively studied, a systematic and comprehensive bibliometric analysis of this area remains lacking. Thus, this study aims to analyze the research progress of BCI technology in rehabilitation through bibliometric methods. The study retrieved relevant publications on BCI technology in rehabilitation from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) between January 1, 2004, and June 30, 2024. The search was conducted using thematic queries, and the document types included "original articles" and "review articles." Bibliometric analysis and knowledge mapping were performed using the Bibliometrix package in R software and CiteSpace software. During the study period, a total of 1,431 publications on BCI technology in rehabilitation were published by 4,932 authors from 1,281 institutions across 79 countries in 386 academic journals. The volume of research literature in this field has shown a steady upward trend. The United States of America (USA) and China are the primary contributors, with Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen being the most active research institution. The journal Frontiers in Neuroscience published the most articles, while the Journal of Neural Engineering was the most cited. Niels Birbaumer not only authored the most articles but also received the highest number of citations. The main research areas include neurology, sports medicine, and ophthalmology. The diverse applications of BCI technology in stroke and spinal cord injury rehabilitation, as well as the evaluation of BCI performance, are current research hotspots. Moreover, deep learning has demonstrated significant potential in BCI technology rehabilitation applications. This bibliometric study provides an overview of the research landscape and developmental trends of BCI technology in rehabilitation, offering valuable reference points for researchers in formulating future research strategies.