Basic Science Articles Research Articles

The 100 Most-Cited Papers in Traumatic Injury of the Spine.

Traumatic injury to the spine can be a complex diagnostic and therapeutic entity often with devastating consequences. Outside of the isolated vertebral column injury costs; annual costs associated with spinal cord injury (SCI) are estimated to exceed $9.7 billion. To identify the 100 most-cited articles on spine trauma. The Thomson Reuters Web of Science citation indexing service was queried. The articles were sorted by times cited in descending order. Two independent reviewers reviewed the article titles and abstracts to identify the top 100 most-cited articles. The top 100 articles were found to be cited between 108 (articles #99-100) and 1595 times (article #1). The most-cited basic science article was cited 340 times (#12 on the top 100 list). The oldest article on the top 100 list was from 1953 and most recent from 2012. The number of patients, when applicable, in a study ranged from 9 (article #34) to 34,069 (article #5). Top 100 articles were published in 41 different journals with a wide range of specialities and fields most commonly multidisciplinary. Basic science research encompassed 34 of the 100 articles on the list. We present the 100 most-cited articles in spinal trauma with emphases on important contributions from both basic science and clinical research across a wide range of authors, specialties, patient populations, and countries. Recognizing some of the most important contributions in the field of spinal trauma may provide insight and guide future work.

The 100 most influential skin cancer publications: a citation analysis

As skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., many publications focus on cutaneous malignancies. The objective was to identify and analyze the 100 most-cited articles pertaining to skin cancers to provide clarity on past, and insight for future research. Using a two-stage search of Thomson Reuters Web of Science database, the 100 most-cited skin cancer articles between 1945 and 2018 were identified and analyzed. The articles were cited an average total of 558.49 times (range: 259 to 3429). There were relatively few significant publications until 1988. Linear correlation revealed that journal impact factor was not correlated with average number of citations per year per article (R2=0.06). Molecular pathogenesis and UV exposure were the most common topics. The topics that received the highest average citations per year per article were prevention (50.44 citations per year), diagnosis (47.32 citations per year), and management (41.37 citations per year). Basic science articles accounted for the most publications, followed by narrative literature reviews. These results may indicate that future publications with similar characteristics are more likely to be cited and thus, more influential.

The 100 most-cited articles about diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: a bibliometric analysis

Although the dismal clinical prognosis of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) has not changed, there has been significant progress in the academic literature made in the biological understanding of this brainstem tumor. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate citation and other bibliometric characteristics of the 100 most-cited DIPG articles in the current literature in order to better understand the current state of our academic efforts in this area. Elsevier's Scopus database was searched for the 100 most-cited articles that focussed on DIPG. Articles were dichotomized as either primarily basic science (BSc) or clinical (CL) articles. Various bibliometric parameters were summarized and comparison between BSc and CL articles was performed using Pearson's chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests. Of the 100 most-cited articles, 36 (36%) were BSc and 64 (64%) were CL articles. Overall median values were as follows: citation count, 52 (range, 27-261); citation rate per year, 8.6 (range, 1.7-104); number of authors, 9 (range, 1-63); and publication year, 2011 (range, 1997-2017). Articles were published in a total of 43 different journals and predominately originated in the USA (n = 67, 67%). When compared with CL articles, BSc articles reported significantly greater citation count (P = 0.03), citations rate per year (P < 0.01), number of authors (P < 0.01), and more recent years of publication (P< 0.01). The 100 most-cited articles about DIPG were characterized in this analysis. Although smaller in overall proportion, BSc articles demonstrated significantly increased bibliometric parameters, supporting the recent dominance of BSc in this field, primarily involving histone biology of the H3K27M mutation. Moving forward, it will be of great interest to see how the findings of these high-impact BSc articles will translate into future high-impact CL articles.

The relationship between citations, downloads and alternative metrics in rheumatology publications: a bibliometric study

Scientific journals and authors are frequently judged on 'impact'. Commonly used traditional metrics are the Impact Factor and H-index. However, both take several years to formulate and have many limitations. Recently, Altmetric-a metric that measures impact in a non-traditional way-has gained popularity. This project aims to describe the relationships between subject matter, citations, downloads and Altmetric within rheumatology. Data from publications in Rheumatology were used. Articles published from 2010 to 2015 were reviewed. Data were analysed using Stata 14.2 (StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA). Correlation between citations, downloads and Altmetric were quantified using linear regression, comparing across disease topics. Relationship between downloads and months since publications were described using negative binomial regression, clustering on individual articles. A total of 1460 Basic Science and Clinical Science articles were identified, with the number of citations, downloads and Altmetric scores. There were no correlations between disease topic and downloads (R2 = 0.016, P = 0.03), citations (R2 = 0.011, P = 0.29) or Altmetric (R2 = 0.025, P = 0.02). A statistically significant positive association was seen between the number of citations and downloads (R2 = 0.29, P < 0.001). No correlations were seen between Altmetric and downloads (R2 = 0.028, P < 0.001) or citations (R2 = 0.004, P = 0.445). Disease area did not correlate with any of the metrics compared. Correlations were apparent with clear links between downloads and citations. Altmetric identified different articles as high impact compared with citation or download metrics. In conclusion: tweeting about your research does not appear to influence citations.

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) Inhibitors and Ototoxicity: A Systematic Review.

This study explores the current literature regarding associations between phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors and ototoxicity and provides a detailed summary and discussion of the findings. A comprehensive electronic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library for studies published from database inception through March 21, 2018. Basic science articles, epidemiological studies, randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case reports, reviews, meta-analyses, press releases, and newsletters were included. The PRISMA search strategy was used to select papers. Search terms are included in the appendix (http://links.lww.com/MAO/A733). Twenty-two articles met the inclusion criteria. Among case reports, there were a total of nine patients, all male, with an average age of 57.4 years (37-79 years, SD = 13.87 years). Of the cases of hearing loss, 25% (2/8 cases) were bilateral and 75% (6/8) were unilateral; 22% (2/9) were associated with tinnitus; and 33% (3/9) had accompanying vestibular symptoms (including vertigo and dizziness). Among multipatient studies, all prospective studies failed to find a significant association between ototoxicity and PDE-5 inhibitor use. Results of the retrospective studies were also heterogeneous. Many key molecules in the PDE-5 inhibition pathway have been demonstrated to exist in the cochlea. However, mirroring the clinical studies, the basic science mechanisms have suggested both ototoxic and otoprotective effects. Currently, the literature is inconclusive regarding the interaction between PDE-5 inhibitor use and ototoxicity. Future study such as a double-blinded placebo controlled randomized trial with audiometric assessment would provide more sound evidence. Similarly, a unified molecular model is necessary.

Modern Dual-Mobility Cups in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundThe purpose of this systematic review is to analyze the outcomes of dual-mobility (DM) cups in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). Specifically, we evaluated the following: (1) all-cause and aseptic survivorship rates; (2) dislocation rates; (3) complications; and (4) clinical outcomes reported using validated health status measures. MethodsA comprehensive literature search included studies that reported the following: (1) re-revision rates, (2) complications, and (3) clinical outcomes following DM use in revision THA. The following exclusion criteria were used: (1) studies that did not stratify their analysis between primary and revision THA, (2) studies that utilized off-label techniques, (3) review articles, (4) case studies, (5) basic science articles, (6) non–English language reports, and (6) reports on patients who underwent surgery before 2010, in order to reflect modern DM implants use and technology. A total of 9 studies were included in our final analysis. ResultsAseptic and all-cause survivorship rates were 97.7% and 94.5%. Prevalence of dislocation was 2.2%, and 0.3% for intraprosthetic dislocation. Meta-analysis comparing DM to fixed-bearing prostheses demonstrated a significantly lower odds of dislocation in the DM cohort (odds ratio 0.24, P = .002). Complications occurred in 7.4% of revision THAs with DM cups, while infection rates totaled to 3.3% of cases. Studies comparing outcomes using Harris Hip Scores did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in improved postoperative scores (P > .05). ConclusionDM cups have demonstrated excellent survivorship, low dislocation, and overall complication rates. Therefore, it can be considered a safe and effective option, particularly in the high-risk patients who undergo revision THA.

In This Issue…

A wide variety of clinical and basic science articles comprise this issue of the Canadian Journal of Diabetes. Some of the topics covered in this issue are included below. Cimo and Dewa present a qualitative study aimed at exploring the perspectives of adults with type 2 diabetes and mental illness. The authors studied the challenges to engaging in self-care behaviours and accessing diabetes education services (pages 372–81). They highlight the importance of addressing these issues in this population, given the increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes among individuals with mental health illnesses and poorer self-care practices and, ultimately, the poorer outcomes observed in this population. The authors conducted focus groups with individuals who self-identified as having type 2 diabetes and major depressive disorders. Transcripts were analyzed and major themes identified. Participants identified a wide range of barriers to care, including physiological, physical and social challenges. The authors suggest that addressing these issues will be necessary to close the gaps in care that currently exist in this population. Combined aerobic and anaerobic exercise improved the oxidative capacity of skeletal muscle and improved insulin sensitivity in a rodent model of type 1 diabetes, according to the authors of this study (pages 404–11). The improvement in the oxidative capacity of muscle in the combined aerobic and anaerobic group was greater than that of the aerobic-only group. This result led the authors to suggest that combined exercise training may result in a synergistic effect on the oxidative capacity of muscle. Contrary to their original hypothesis, combined aerobic and anaerobic exercise did not reduce lipid accumulation in the skeletal muscle; this was seen in the aerobic-only exercise group. The authors hypothesize that although lipid stores were not decreased, the composition of the lipid stores may differ in the combined aerobic and anaerobic exercise group. They suggest that the fat stores in the aerobic- and anaerobic-exercised rodents are potentially composed of energy-rich neutral triacylglycerol molecules in comparison to the insulin-desensitizing diacylglycerol molecules seen in unexercised animals. Thus, the animals undergoing combined aerobic and anaerobic exercise would have access to energy stores without the effect of insulin resistance. The authors suggest that combined exercise may promote positive metabolic adaptation with increased capacity to both store and oxidize lipids, compared with aerobic activity alone. This is an intriguing hypothesis that is yet to be confirmed among those living with type 1 diabetes. Increased awareness of the criteria and contraindications for islet-cell transplantation is needed for people living with type 1 diabetes and health-care providers, according to Ling et al (pages 419–25). In this article, the authors describe the referral patterns and initial eligibility assessment for the largest clinical islet-cell transplant program in Canada. The authors undertook a retrospective chart review (2009 to 2012) to identify the most common factors resulting in an applicant's being deemed eligible or ineligible for islet-cell transplantation. Overall, only 19% of applicants were deemed acceptable for listing for transplant. The majority of applicants were self-referrals, and among the indications for no transplant, severe hypoglycemia and glucose lability were the most common causes of ineligibility. In addition, the use of a suboptimal insulin regimen was the most common exclusion criterion identified. The majority of applicants were from Alberta. Only a small number of applications came from the 2 most populous provinces (Ontario and Quebec), despite neither of these provinces having a transplant program at the time. In addition to increasing awareness of eligibility for islet-cell transplantation, the authors suggest that their findings can be used as benchmarks for future studies and ongoing program evaluation. Conflicts of interest: None.

JAK-STAT signaling pathway inhibition: a role for treatment of discoid lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis.

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and dermatomyositis (DM) are inflammatory autoimmune diseases that manifest primarily in the skin but can be linked to systemic complications. Although there is an in-depth understanding of the clinical presentation of these two diseases, much less is known regarding the pathophysiology. This has limited the effective treatment options for patients. An understanding of the pathogenesis of each disease in greater detail will lead to newer targeted medications with less morbidity. This review article endeavors to substantiate the use of new treatments which target the JAK-STAT pathway while elaborating on the immunopathology as well. PubMed was searched for relevant review articles, case reports, case series reports, randomized clinical trials (RCTs), basic science articles. Appropriate key terms and MeSH terms were utilized in the search. Clinicaltrials.gov was used to find relevant and current clinical trials being conducted in DLE and DM patients. A review of the literature supports the proposal that though there are likely many components and pathways involved in the destruction of keratinocytes, the Th1 cell immune response and specifically the JAK-STAT signaling pathway is common to both DLE and DM. Although further study is needed to determine the efficacy and benefits of JAK inhibitors over conventional therapy, these medications should be considered in refractory cases.

The Cellular Response of Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars to Botulinum Toxin A: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

Keloids and hypertrophic scars are conditions of pathologic scarring characterized by fibroblast hyperproliferation and excess collagen deposition. These conditions significantly impact patients by causing psychosocial, functional, and aesthetic distress. Current treatment modalities have limitations. Clinical evidence indicates that botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) may prevent and treat keloids and hypertrophic scars. To examine investigated cellular pathways involved in BoNT-A therapeutic modulation of keloids and hypertrophic scars. The authors searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for basic science articles related to botulinum toxin therapy, scarring, fibroblasts, keloids, and hypertrophic scars. Eleven basic science articles involving keloids and hypertrophic scars were reviewed. BoNT-A may reduce skin fibrosis by decreasing fibroblast proliferation, modulating the activity of transforming growth factor-β, and reducing transcription and expression of profibrotic cytokines in keloid-derived and hypertrophic scar-derived dermal fibroblasts. BoNT-A may modulate collagen deposition, but there is a paucity of evidence regarding specific mechanisms of action. Overall, BoNT-A has the potential to prevent or treat pathologic scars in patients with a known personal or family history of keloids and hypertrophic scars, which may improve patient psychosocial distress and reduce clinic visits and health care costs. Variability in keloid and hypertrophic scar response to BoNT-A may be due to interexperiment differences in dosing, tissue donors, and assay sensitivity.

Potential Sex Bias Exists in Orthopaedic Basic Science and Translational Research.

Potential sex bias has been shown in general surgery basic science and translational research, with unequal representation of male and female specimens. Because basic science research forms the foundation for clinical studies on which patient care is based, it is important that this research equally consider both sexes. The purpose of this study was to determine if potential sex bias exists in the basic science and translational orthopaedic literature. A systematic review was conducted of all articles published in 2014 in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, The Bone & Joint Journal, and the Journal of Orthopaedic Research (JOR). All original research articles utilizing animals, cells, or cadavers were included. The data abstracted included study type, sex of specimen studied, and presence of sex-based reporting of data. A second review was performed of all basic science articles published in JOR in 1994, 2004, and 2014 to compare sex bias trends across 3 decades. Distributions of variables were compared using the Fisher exact test, with significance defined as p < 0.05. Of 1,693 articles reviewed, 250 (15%) were included: 122 animal-based studies (49%), 71 cell-based studies (28%), and 57 human cadaver-based studies (23%). Overall, authors in 88 studies (35%) did not report the sex of animals, cells, or cadavers used. Of 162 studies in which the authors did report sex, 69 (43%) utilized male only, 40 (25%) utilized female only, and 53 (33%) utilized both sexes. Of those studies that used both sexes, authors in only 7 studies (13%) reported sex-based results. A subanalysis of JOR articles across 3 decades revealed a significant increase in studies specifying sex (p = 0.01) from 2004 to 2014. Potential sex bias exists in orthopaedic surgery basic science and translational research, with an overrepresentation of male specimens. Inequality in sex representation must be addressed as basic science and translational research creates the foundation for subsequent clinical research, which ultimately informs clinical care.

The Most Cited Original Articles on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in the Past 20 Years.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries continue to be a major focus in sports medicine research. With so many changes to our understanding of ACL anatomy and with rapid advances in reconstruction techniques and rehabilitation protocols within the past 20 years, it is important to identify the landmark research that has laid the foundation for current ACL treatments. Using the Web of Science citation index, a search was carried out for the 30 most cited articles on ACL injury published in the last 20 years. The generated list was sorted from highest to lowest citation number. Clinical studies were subcategorized as therapeutic, prognostic, diagnostic, or economic/decision analysis and assigned a level of evidence. Basic science articles were designated anatomic, animal, biomechanical, or clinical. The number of citations per year (citation density) was calculated. The search yielded 6,345 articles. The total number of citations among the top 30 ranged from 188 to 611. Citation density ranged from 10.1 to 66.2. Nineteen articles were clinical, 8 were basic science, and 3 were video analyses. Clinical articles were most commonly therapeutic (18 of 19; 95%). Basic science articles were most commonly biomechanical (7 of 8; 88%). The most common level of evidence was Level II (10 of 19; 53%). More than half of the articles in the top 30 (16 of 30; 53%) were published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine. Many of these articles have played a large role in shaping current clinical practice regarding ACL injuries. We hope that by compiling this list we can draw attention to the continued need for studies of the highest level of evidence.

What about Treatment of Metastatic Bladder Cancer

Background: Bladder cancer is the most common malignancy of urinary tract with high rate of morbidity and mortality. Platinum-based chemotherapy remains the first line treatment of advanced disease. Despite several studies, the place of targeted therapies is not yet defined, whereas immunotherapy is currently the standard of care in second-line treatment.Materials and methods: A comprehensive search of MEDLINE/Pubmed and Embase was conducted to identify conference abstracts, basic science, original and review articles in English.Conclusion: This review of the literature will discuss the molecular mechanisms involved in tumor progression, the current management of metastatic bladder cancer and future potential treatment modalities.

Adult Reconstruction Studies Presented at AAOS and AAHKS 2011-2015 Annual Meetings. Is There a Difference in Future Publication?

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to compare adult reconstruction abstracts presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) annual meetings. MethodsA total of 1355 podium and 1731 poster presentations from the adult reconstruction sections of the AAOS and AAHKS meetings from 2011 to 2015 were reviewed for publication in peer-reviewed literature. Authors who were added or removed from the original abstract and the final manuscript were recorded. The corresponding journals were assigned the most recent impact factor. The publication rates for each annual meeting, the mean changes in authorship and journal's impact factors were compared. ResultsThere were 2129 abstracts presented at AAOS and 957 abstracts presented at AAHKS. The overall publication rate was different between AAOS and AAHKS (56% vs 60%, P = .030). Compared with AAOS, there were more AAHKS abstracts published in 2011 (57% vs 77%, P = .0008) and 2012 (57% vs 76%, P = .0001); however, there were no significant differences in 2013, 2014, or 2015. The mean overall change in authors was lower for AAOS compared with AAHKS abstracts (0.78 vs 1.06, P < .0001). The mean journal's impact factors for AAOS and AAHKS publications were also similar (2.86 vs 2.85, P = .874). ConclusionAAOS and AAHKS abstracts presented in the adult reconstruction subspecialty had a similar overall rate of publication, change in authorship, and impact factor. It would be beneficial if further studies subdivided these into basic and clinical science and review articles.

The Omental Free Flap-A Review of Usage and Physiology.

The omental flap has a rich history of use over the last century, and specifically as a free flap in the last four decades. It has a wide variety of applications in reconstructive surgery and has shown itself to be a reliable donor tissue. We seek to review the properties that make the omental free flap a valuable tool in reconstruction, as well as its many surgical applications in all anatomic regions of the body. We conducted a narrative review of the literature on Medline and Google Scholar. We reviewed basic science articles discussing the intrinsic properties of omental tissue, along with clinical papers describing its applications. The omental free flap is anatomically suitable for harvest and wound coverage and has molecular properties that promote healing and improve function at recipient sites. It has demonstrated utility in a wide variety of reconstructive procedures spanning the head and neck, extremities, and viscera and for several purposes, including wound coverage, lymphedema treatment, and vascularization. It is also occasionally employed in the thoracic cavity and chest wall, though more often as a pedicled flap. More novel uses include its use for cerebrospinal fluid leaks. The omental free flap is a valuable option for reconstructive efforts in nearly all anatomic regions. This is a result of its inherent anatomy and vascularity, and its angiogenic, immunogenic, and lymphatic properties.

Fear of fat and restrained eating: negative body talk between female friends as a moderator.

This study examined whether engagement in negative body talk would moderate the association between fear of fat and restrained eating among female friend dyads. Female friends (Npairs=130) were recruited from a Midwestern university in the United States. The dyadic data were examined with an Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM). Results showed that women's fear of fat was significantly related to their own restrained eating behaviors. In contrast, women's fear of fat was not significantly related to their friends' restrained eating behaviors. Negative body talk was significantly related to restrained eating, as reported by both friends. The interaction between negative body talk and women's own fear of fat was found to be significant. Although women with less fear of fat showed less restrained eating, engaging in more negative body talk with a friend increased their engagement in restrained eating. Women with more fear of fat engaged in more restrained eating, regardless of their engagement in negative body talk. Given the detrimental role of body talk between fear of fat and restrained eating, interventions may target reducing body talk among young women. Basic science, Animal study, Cadaver study, and Experimental study articles.

A Call for Standardization in Platelet-Rich Plasma Preparation Protocols and Composition Reporting: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Orthopaedic Literature.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a blood-derived preparation whose use has grown exponentially in orthopaedic practice. However, there remains an unclear understanding of the biological properties and effects of PRP on musculoskeletal healing. Heterogeneous processing methods, unstandardized nomenclature, and ambiguous classifications make comparison among studies challenging. A comprehensive assessment of orthopaedic clinical PRP trials is key to unraveling the biological complexity of PRP, while improving standardized communication. Toward this goal, we performed a systematic review of the PRP preparation protocols and PRP composition utilized in clinical trials for the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. A systematic review of the literature was performed from 2006 to 2016. Inclusion criteria were human clinical trials, English-language literature, and manuscripts that reported on the use of PRP in musculoskeletal/orthopaedic conditions. Basic-science articles, editorials, surveys, special topics, letters to the editor, personal correspondence, and nonorthopaedic applications (including cosmetic use or dental application studies) were excluded. A total of 105 studies (in 104 articles) met the inclusion criteria for analysis. Of these studies, only 11 (10%) provided comprehensive reporting that included a clear description of the preparation protocol that could be used by subsequent investigators to repeat the method. Only 17 studies (16%) provided quantitative metrics on the composition of the final PRP product. Reporting of PRP preparation protocols in clinical studies is highly inconsistent, and the majority of studies did not provide sufficient information to allow the protocol to be reproduced. Furthermore, the current reporting of PRP preparation and composition does not enable comparison of the PRP products being delivered to patients. A detailed, precise, and stepwise description of the PRP preparation protocol is required to allow comparison among studies and provide reproducibility.

Outcomes of internal hemipelvectomy for pelvic tumors: a developing country’s prospective: erratum

IJS Oncology is a peer-reviewed, international, open access journal seeking to publish in the broad field of oncology, including surgical, medical and radiation oncology. The Journal aims to publish basic science, educational, clinical and translational research articles. We aim to provide rapid submission to decision times whilst maintaining a high quality peer-review process.The science and practice of oncology is a rapidly developing field. It has become increasingly interdisciplinary through the recognition of the efficacy of combination treatments and multidisciplinary teams. New areas like oncoplastics have been born over the last two decades and risen sharply in both research output and what they mean for approaches to solving complex problems with patients. Similarly advances continue to be made in surgical, medical and radiation oncology. Some cancer therapies are also shifting from a tissue-specific focus to an oncogenetic pathway specific one. Developments in these new paradigms have a long way to go and it is a critical time for the field. Both patient volume and research in this field are increasing rapidly as are diagnostic and prognostic tests, targeted treatments and new practice patterns.

Sulfonylureas (not metformin) improve survival of patients with diabetes and resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma: erratum.

IJS Oncology is a peer-reviewed, international, open access journal seeking to publish in the broad field of oncology, including surgical, medical and radiation oncology. The Journal aims to publish basic science, educational, clinical and translational research articles. We aim to provide rapid submission to decision times whilst maintaining a high quality peer-review process.The science and practice of oncology is a rapidly developing field. It has become increasingly interdisciplinary through the recognition of the efficacy of combination treatments and multidisciplinary teams. New areas like oncoplastics have been born over the last two decades and risen sharply in both research output and what they mean for approaches to solving complex problems with patients. Similarly advances continue to be made in surgical, medical and radiation oncology. Some cancer therapies are also shifting from a tissue-specific focus to an oncogenetic pathway specific one. Developments in these new paradigms have a long way to go and it is a critical time for the field. Both patient volume and research in this field are increasing rapidly as are diagnostic and prognostic tests, targeted treatments and new practice patterns.

The rising prevalence of obesity: part A: impact on public health: erratum.

IJS Oncology is a peer-reviewed, international, open access journal seeking to publish in the broad field of oncology, including surgical, medical and radiation oncology. The Journal aims to publish basic science, educational, clinical and translational research articles. We aim to provide rapid submission to decision times whilst maintaining a high quality peer-review process.The science and practice of oncology is a rapidly developing field. It has become increasingly interdisciplinary through the recognition of the efficacy of combination treatments and multidisciplinary teams. New areas like oncoplastics have been born over the last two decades and risen sharply in both research output and what they mean for approaches to solving complex problems with patients. Similarly advances continue to be made in surgical, medical and radiation oncology. Some cancer therapies are also shifting from a tissue-specific focus to an oncogenetic pathway specific one. Developments in these new paradigms have a long way to go and it is a critical time for the field. Both patient volume and research in this field are increasing rapidly as are diagnostic and prognostic tests, targeted treatments and new practice patterns.

Top-cited academic articles in acupuncture and moxibustion research

To identify the 100 top-cited articles published in journals dedicated to acupuncture & moxibustion research and analyze their characteristics so as to explore its academic state. All the articles were collected from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI, January 1, 1943 to December 25, 2016), Web of Science (January 1, 1950 to December 25, 2016), WANFANG Database (January 1, 1998 to December 25, 2016). The top-cited articles were selected and analyzed with regard to publication year, number of citations, journals, authors, country or region, institution, title, type and subject. One hundred and two articles were included, 43 Chinese articles and 59 English articles, cited between 146 and 505 times, and the average number of citation was 222. Of the 10 articles cited in the top 10, China and the United States had 4 articles respectively. These articles appeared in 44 journals, 24 articles in Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion, followed by 8 articles in Pain. All the articles belonged to 9 countries and regions, 47 articles from mainland China and 21 articles from the United State. Of the 14 institutes whose article number ranked at top 10, Tianjing University of TCM had 8 articles. The first authors published most papers were professor HAN Jisheng and Cherkin DC, each of whom had 4 articles. All the articles were categorized into basic science article (n=27), clinical research (n=33) and literature study (n=42). The main topics were pain diseases and brain impairment. This analysis of high cited articles reveals academic trends and directions of acupuncture and moxibustion. Acupuncture and moxibustion are more and more recognized by mainstream medicine in the world, but the academic dominance of China has been increasingly challenged by the United States, Germany and so on.