Collaborative Research Network Research Articles

Baseline characteristics and outcomes of patients admitted to intensive cardiovascular care unit

Abstract Background Intensive Cardiovascular Care Unit (ICCU) is a crucial element of care for critically ill patients suffering from cardiovascular disease. Therefore, we aimed to provide data on the characteristics and outcomes of patients admitted to ICCU. Methods Data was obtained from One Intensive Cardiovascular Care Unit (One ICCU) Registry, a collaborative multicentre research network of ICCU. A total of 10 centres participated in this registry, eight centres were ICCU level III and the remaining were ICCU level II. Each participating centre collected data of patients admitted to ICCU from August 2021 until August 2023. Data recorded were demographics, past medical history, diagnosis, treatment, complications, outcome, and 30-day follow up. Only first ICCU admission data from each patient was analysed to prevent outcome-related bias from readmission data. Results 12,950 patients were included in the analysis of which 9308 (71.9%) were male and the median age was 59 (51-66) years. Most common diagnosis on admission was acute coronary syndromes (69.8%) followed by acute heart failure (34.6%) and arrhythmias (25.8%). Cardiovascular complication most frequently during ICCU stay was cardiogenic shock (18.9%) while for non-cardiovascular complication was acute kidney injury (17.4%). Cardiac arrest (61.2%), respiratory failure (43%), and sepsis (38%) were among the highest case fatality rates for ICCU complications. Overall mortality was found to be approximately 11.4%, 14.3%, and 15.2% for intra ICCU, in-hospital and 30-day mortality, respectively. Non-cardiovascular variables which were independently associated with 30-day mortality were pre-existing asthma (OR 2.12, CI 1.315 – 3.411, p=0.002) and chronic kidney disease (OR 1.67, CI 1.308 – 2.139, p<0.001), initial diagnosis of respiratory failure (OR 4.01, CI 3.373 – 4.773, p<0.001), haemorrhagic stroke(OR 3.46, CI 1.396 – 8.574, p=0.007), ischaemic stroke (OR 3.12, CI 2.248 – 4.345, p<0.001), sepsis (OR 2.00, CI 1.715 – 2.334, p<0.001), urinary tract infection (OR 1.60, CI 1.228 – 2.226, p=0.001) and pneumonia (OR 1.29, CI 1.120 – 1.482, p<0.001), as well as complications during ICCU stay which consisted of haemorrhagic stroke (OR 3.91, CI 1.062 – 14.414, p=0.040), respiratory failure (OR 2.91, CI 2.081 – 4.070, p<0.001), sepsis (OR 2.17, CI 1.686 – 2.790, p<0.001), ischaemic stroke (OR 1.84, CI 1.074 – 3.139, p=0.026), and urinary tract infection (OR 1.39, CI 1.039 – 1.851, p=0.026). Conclusion Patients admitted to our ICCU were relatively younger and the cause for ICCU admission was still predominated by acute coronary syndrome. Despite that, non-cardiovascular condition also warrants clinicians attention due to its significant role as predictors of mortality. Non-cardiac complications that arise during ICCU care also emphasize the importance of collaboration with specialists in other disciplines to improve patient’s outcomes.Diagnosis (A) and Case Fatality (B)Mortality Predictors at 30 days

Ten-year outcomes in patients with hypertension and primary hyperaldosteronism undergoing surgical adrenalectomy versus medical therapy: data from the multinational collaborative network TriNetX

Abstract Background Surgical adrenalectomy for resection of adenomas has been the standard approach for treating patients with secondary hypertension due to primary hyperaldosteronism. However, few studies explored long-term outcomes in patients treated with adrenalectomy when compared to patients treated with conservative management. Purpose To compare ten-year mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with primary hyperaldosteronism treated with surgical adrenalectomy versus patients with primary hyperaldosteronism treated with medical therapy alone. Methods This retrospective cohort study used real-world data from healthcare organizations participating in the global health research collaborative network TriNetX. We performed propensity score matching for demographic and clinical characteristics and calculated hazard ratios, comparing 2.397 patients in each group. The outcomes were all-cause death, heart failure, and the composite endpoint ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and aorta aneurysm or dissection (major adverse vascular events) during the 10-year follow-up. Results Patients undergoing surgical adrenalectomy had a lower incidence of all-cause death (3.0%) when compared with patients in medical therapy (5.0%) ( hazard ratio 0.60, 95% CI 0.45-0.81). Patients in the surgical group had a 4.6% incidence of heart failure and the medical therapy had an 8.6% incidence of heart failure (hazard ratio 0.54, 95% CI 0.42-0.69). The incidence of major adverse vascular events was lower in the surgical group (10.9%) compared to the medical therapy group (14. 1%) ( hazard ratio 0.76, 95% CI 0.65-0.90). Conclusion In patients with hypertension and primary hyperaldosteronism, surgical adrenalectomy was associated with lower 10-year mortality, heart failure, and major adverse vascular events compared to medical therapy alone.

SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with amyloidosis and heart failure: a worldwide retrospective cohort study

Abstract Background Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce the combined risk of death and hospitalization in patients with heart failure with reduced or preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. However, evidence of their impact on patients with heart failure due to amyloidosis is lacking. Purpose To evaluate the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on mortality and hospitalization in patients with amyloidosis and heart failure. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we used real-world data from 108 healthcare organizations worldwide from the global health research collaborative network TriNetX. We identified 24,619 patients with amyloidosis and heart failure without exposure to SGLT2 inhibitors (control group) and 2,988 patients with amyloidosis and heart failure under treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLTi group). We performed propensity score matching for demographic and clinical characteristics and Kaplan–Meier plots, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazard models were calculated. The outcomes were 12-month all-cause death and 12-month hospitalization. Results After propensity score matching, 2,237 patients were analyzed in each group. During the 12-month follow-up, 198 (8.8%) patients died in the SGLT2i group, and 431 (19.2%) patients died in the control group (hazard ratio 0.51, 95% CI 0.43-0.61). In the SGLT2i group, 974 (44.5%) patients were hospitalized, and in the control group, 1508 (53.5%) patients were hospitalized (hazard ratio 0,79, 95% CI 0.72-0.86). The Kaplan-Meier curves are shown in Figure 1. Conclusions In conclusion, in this retrospective cohort study with a large number of patients with amyloidosis and heart failure, SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with a lower 12-month all-cause mortality and hospitalization. Further evidence from randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with cardiac amyloidosis.Figure 1.Kaplan-Meier curves

A New Approach to Measuring Institutional and Researcher Contributions to the SDGs: Combining Data from Elsevier SciVal and VOSviewer

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established by the United Nations in 2015, are a comprehensive global framework that addresses social, economic, and environmental challenges through sustainable development. This study examines the role of universities, specifically focusing on the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Universitas Muhammadiyah Magelang (UNIMMA), in contributing to the SDGs. The study utilized data from Elsevier’s SciVal to analyze the department’s contribution to the SDGs through scientific publications in the Scopus database. A total of 97 out of 156 articles published by nine researchers from the department were found to contribute to various SDGs, with a significant focus on Goals 7 (affordable and clean energy), 17 (partnerships for the goals), 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), and 12 (responsible consumption and production). The study highlights the department’s collaborative efforts and alignment with global sustainability goals. In addition, VOSviewer was used to map the research collaboration network within the department, revealing strong contributions to energy efficiency, sustainable technologies, and climate action. However, the department's research shows limited contribution to social SDGs such as poverty alleviation and gender equality. By mapping the university’s contributions to the SDGs, this study helps faculty members identify opportunities for targeted research collaborations, address gaps in SDG contributions, and enhance partnerships with researchers from other institutions, thus broadening the university’s impact on global sustainable development goals.

A Systematic Literature Review of Insurance Claims Risk Measurement Using the Hidden Markov Model

In the rapidly evolving field of insurance, accurate risk measurement is crucial for effective claims management and financial stability. Therefore, this research presented a systematic literature review (SLR) on insurance claims risk measurement using the Hidden Markov Model (HMM). Bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer 1.6.20 and ResearchRabbit software to map research trends and collaboration networks in this topic. This review explored the implementation of the HMM in predicting the frequency and severity of insurance claims, with a focus on the statistical distribution methods used. In addition, the research emphasized the influence of the number of hidden states in the HMM on claims behavior, both in terms of frequency and magnitude, and provided interpretations of these hidden dynamics. Data sources for this review comprised three databases, namely, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Dimensions, and additional papers from a website. The article selection process followed updated PRISMA 2020 guidelines, resulting in twelve key papers relevant to the topic. The results offered insights into the application of the HMM for forecasting the frequency and severity of insurance claims and opened avenues for further investigation on distribution models and hidden state modeling.

Association of holidays and the day of the week with suicide risk: multicounty, two stage, time series study

ObjectivesTo assess the short term temporal variations in suicide risk related to the day of the week and national holidays in multiple countries.DesignMulticountry, two stage, time series design.SettingData from 740...

A bibliometric analysis of 100 years of research on Himalayan cedar: research trends, gaps, and future implications

Himalayan Cedar (Cedrus deodara), a member of the family Pinaceae is well-known for its ecological, economic, and cultural significance. It is native to the Western Himalayan region and listed as Least Concern in the IUCN list of threatened species. In the present study, a bibliometric analysis of more than a hundred years of research on C. deodara is carried out. Total 616 documents published from 1916 to 2024 were retrieved from the Scopus database and analyzed using biblioshiny and VoS viewer. A comprehensive overview of publication trends, country-wise publications, bibliographic coupling, citation analysis, keyword analysis, and collaborative research networks are presented. The research findings revealed that publications have increased significantly in recent decades and primarily multidisciplinary. Forest ecology, pharmacology, phytochemistry, climate change, environmental science, and taxonomy were among the major thrust areas. However, recent studies are mostly focused on carbon stock, biomass, dendrochronology, and climate change. Out of the 362 publication sources, Bradford’s law identified six journals as core sources for publication. Lotka’ law revealed that only 8% of authors have published more than two documents on C. deodara. The present study provides a comprehensive evaluation and visualization of C. deodara based bibliometric research carried out during the past 100 years. Further, the study provides collective information and a research framework for scholars, the general public, and decision-makers by identifying research gaps and future research areas.

Land Degradation in Southern Africa: Restoration Strategies, Grazing Management, and Livelihoods

Land degradation in communal rangelands poses significant challenges to environmental sustainability, agricultural productivity, and livelihoods in southern Africa. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of research trends, key contributors, thematic evolution, and collaborative networks in the field of land degradation in communal rangelands from 1997 to 2024. Utilizing data obtained from the Scopus database, we examined 66 publications to identify patterns in publication output, leading journals, influential articles, and prominent authors and institutions. The analysis demonstrates an overall increase in research output, with a notable surge in publications during the past decade, indicating a growing academic and policy interest in this field. Major themes identified include sustainable land management, restoration strategies, and the impacts of grazing management on ecosystem health. Networks showcasing co-authorship and keyword co-occurrence reveal robust collaborative connections among researchers and a concentrated focus on specific dominant themes. Consequently, these findings propose opportunities for expanding interdisciplinary research and exploring underrepresented areas. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the research landscape, offering insights to steer future studies and inform policy interventions aimed at mitigating land degradation and bolstering the resilience of communal rangelands in southern Africa.

Dietary Supplementation for Retinitis Pigmentosa: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology

To review the evidence on the effectiveness of dietary supplementation for retinitis pigmentosa (RP). A literature search of the PubMed database was last conducted in January 2024 to identify published English-language original research on dietary supplementation for RP. Eligible compounds included products ingested orally containing nutrients intended to supplement the diet. Studies meeting eligibility criteria were assigned a level of evidence rating by the panel methodologist. The search identified 283 citations, 15 of which met the assessment criteria. Two studies were rated level I, 11 studies were rated level II, and 2 studies were rated level III. All were single-center studies and were published between 1993 and 2022. The products evaluated included vitamin A, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), lutein, vitamin E, goji berry (Lycium barbarum fruit) extract, and chlorogenic acid. Primary outcome measures were most commonly based on electroretinography (n= 7) or perimetry (n= 2) testing. Numerous studies highlighted data suggestive of possible efficacy for vitamin A, DHA, and lutein, yet these findings typically derived from secondary outcomes, evaluations of participant subsets, post hoc analyses, problematic interpretations of the data, or a combination thereof. Additionally, it was often unclear if the study findings represented clinically meaningful outcomes. No prominent safety concerns were reported in any study. No high-quality evidence was found to support the effectiveness of any form of dietary supplementation for RP. The findings underscore the challenges of studying this rare and slowly progressive retinal disease. Future studies should leverage the enhanced recruitment abilities from collaborative research networks to refine eligibility criteria while using novel, clinically meaningful endpoints. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

The Multi-Country Multi-City Collaborative Research Network: An international research consortium investigating environment, climate, and health.

Research on the health risks of environmental factors and climate change requires epidemiological evidence on associated health risks at a global scale. Multi-center studies offer an excellent framework for this purpose, but they present various methodological and logistical problems. This contribution illustrates the experience of the Multi-Country Multi-City Collaborative Research Network, an international collaboration working on a global research program on the associations between environmental stressors, climate, and health in a multi-center setting. The article illustrates the collaborative scheme based on mutual contribution and data and method sharing, describes the collection of a huge multi-location database, summarizes published research findings and future plans, and discusses advantages and limitations. The Multi-Country Multi-City represents an example of a collaborative research framework that has greatly contributed to advance knowledge on the health impacts of climate change and other environmental factors and can be replicated to address other research questions across various research fields.

CiteSpace에 기반한 중국 대운하 문화상품 디자인 특성 및 트렌드 분석 연구

This study will analyze the current state and trends in the field of the China Grand Canal cultural product design. By screening relevant literature from the CNKI database between 2014 and 2024, the study employs CiteSpace software to conduct bibliometric analysis and construct knowledge maps. The aim of this research is to uncover the key issues and emerging trends in the field of Grand Canal cultural product design, and to explore possible directions for its future development. Through co-occurrence analysis of keywords, analysis of author collaboration, and distribution of institutions, the study delves into the research dynamics and collaboration networks in this field. The findings suggest that although research on Grand Canal cultural product design has gradually increased since 2014, it remains largely exploratory, with relatively dispersed collaboration among researchers. Future development is likely to focus on interdisciplinary integration and the combination of regional cultural creativity to promote sustained progress in this field.

SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE AND THE ROLE OF CYBER-PHYSICAL SYSTEMS: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Cyber-Physical Systems are next-generation digital systems that focus on the intricate connections and integration between the physical and digital worlds. These systems have highly integrated physical, communication, control, and computing components. The study's purpose is to carry out a bibliometric analysis to explore the research trends, collaboration network, and thematic evaluation of papers on cyber-physical systems. The most prolific countries, authors, sources, highest citations received by authors, and co-occurrences in this research domain were identified. The bibliometric analysis method was employed to empirically analyze the research on CPS in architecture published between 2007 and 2022 in the Web of Science database. All retrieved records were initially filtered by excluding 364 non–non-peer-reviewed publications and another type of languages except English. After that, we excluded 8 records based on the criteria and scope, and again excluded records for duplicates 12 records. Finally, 1336 records met the eligibility criteria. The VOS viewer and biblioshiny software was used to construct the scientific maps. A total of 1336 publications were analyzed. The study results show that the highly cited papers have been published in 297 journals by 4520 authors from 1483 organizations in 83 countries. The most prolific journal was IEEE Access, with 104 publications, 3823 citations, and an h-index of 24. The number of documents progressively increased from 2010 to 2021. Further, 2009 has no publications, and the largest number of articles was published in 2021 (n=272). Furthermore, China led the way with the most publications, active organizations, prolific authors, and international collaborations. This is the first study to look at the global trends in research on CPS in architecture and provides valuable guidelines and motivations for further research. Future studies may also examine the main hazards connected with using cyber-physical systems to manage operations across various industries and sectors.

Vascular Placental Pathology and Cardiac Structure in Stillborn Fetuses.

Adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and preeclampsia, are associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes for offspring. Examination of the placenta is important for understanding how the prenatal period shapes long-term cardiovascular health. We sought to investigate the association between placental vascular malperfusion and fetal cardiac structure. Data obtained from the Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network included stillbirths with placental pathology and autopsy. Stillbirths were classified in two ways: based on severity of placental maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM) and based on cause of death (MVM, fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM), or acute infection/controls). Organ weight and heart measures were standardized by gestational age (GA) and compared across groups. We included 329 stillbirths in the analysis by MVM severity and 76 in the analysis by cause of death (COD). While z-scores for most organ weights/heart measures were smaller when COD was attributed to MVM as compared with FVM or controls, heart weight and brain weight z-score did not differ by COD (p>0.05). In analyses accounting for body size, the difference between heart and body weight z-score was -0.05 (SD: 0.53) among those with MVM as a COD and -0.20 (SD: 0.95) among those with severe MVM. Right and left ventricle thicknesses and tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral, and aortic valve circumferences were consistently as expected or larger than expected for GA and body weight. In analysis investigating severity of MVM, those with the most severe MVM had heart measures that were as expected or larger than expected for body weight while those with only mild to moderate MVM had heart measures that were generally small relative to body weight. When assessed as COD or based on severity, MVM was associated with heart measures that were as expected or larger than expected for GA and body weight, indicating that possible heart sparing.

Prevalent Metformin Use in Adults With Diabetes and the Incidence of Long COVID: An EHR-Based Cohort Study From the RECOVER Program.

Studies show metformin use before and during SARS-CoV-2 infection reduces severe COVID-19 and postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) in adults. Our objective was to describe the incidence of PASC and possible associations with prevalent metformin use in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This is a retrospective cohort analysis using the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) and Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network (PCORnet) electronic health record (EHR) databases with an active comparator design that examined metformin-exposed individuals versus nonmetformin-exposed individuals who were taking other diabetes medications. T2DM was defined by HbA1c ≥6.5 or T2DM EHR diagnosis code. The outcome was death or PASC within 6 months, defined by EHR code or computable phenotype. In the N3C, the hazard ratio (HR) for death or PASC with a U09.9 diagnosis code (PASC-U09.0) was 0.79 (95% CI 0.71-0.88; P < 0.001), and for death or N3C computable phenotype PASC (PASC-N3C) was 0.85 (95% CI 0.78-0.92; P < 0.001). In PCORnet, the HR for death or PASC-U09.9 was 0.87 (95% CI 0.66-1.14; P = 0.08), and for death or PCORnet computable phenotype PASC (PASC-PCORnet) was 1.04 (95% CI 0.97-1.11; P = 0.58). Incident PASC by diagnosis code was 1.6% metformin vs. 2.0% comparator in the N3C, and 2.1% metformin vs. 2.5% comparator in PCORnet. By computable phenotype, incidence was 4.8% metformin and 5.2% comparator in the N3C and 24.7% metformin vs. 26.1% comparator in PCORnet. Prevalent metformin use is associated with a slightly lower incidence of death or PASC after SARS-CoV-2 infection. PASC incidence by computable phenotype is higher than by EHR code, especially in PCORnet. These data are consistent with other observational analyses showing prevalent metformin is associated with favorable outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults with T2DM.

Research Trends and Hot Spots in Telemedicine for the Elderly: A Scientometric Analysis.

As the elderly population rapidly grows, age-related health issues are increasing. Telemedicine helps older adults adapt by providing efficient and accessible health management and medical services. This study employs bibliometric analysis to examine research focus areas, emerging trends, and collaboration networks in telemedicine for older adults over the past three decades. The Web of Science Core Collection served as the primary data source for the publications on telemedicine and the elderly since the database's inception through June 2024. Using CiteSpace.6.2.R4 software, keyword and collaboration network visualizations were generated, including clusters, co-authors, and co-citations. This study analyzed 586 papers from 252 countries or regions, which were published across 246 journals and written by 2750 authors. The analysis revealed three primary research directions encompassing 42 clusters: (1) health literacy and technology adaptation; (2) telemedicine technology and health management; and (3) social interaction and economic impact. Research hotspots include elderly fitness, mobile health, technology acceptance, telemedicine, elderly care, and health literacy. Despite the potential benefit of telemedicine, challenges persist in areas such as technology acceptance, usability, effectiveness, service quality, and privacy concerns. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current research on telemedicine for the elderly and highlights emerging trends in the field.

The development of resilience research in critical infrastructure systems: A bibliometric perspective.

Critical infrastructure systems (CISs) are the cornerstone of modern cities. Substantial economic losses and social impacts are caused once natural disasters or man-made disruptions attack the CISs. As a "resilient city" has become an essential theme of communities' sustainable development, research on resilience and its practice in industries boost the CISs' capacity to respond and adapt to changing environments. From the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection, this study screened 1,247 scientific articles related to resilience in CISs and conducted a bibliometric analysis to investigate the evolution and future potential in this field. Topic visualized networks were constructed for CIS resilience using CiteSpace, a dedicated tool for visualizing and analyzing trends and patterns in scientific literature. The results demonstrate collaborative research networks among countries, institutions, main scholar/group networks, and leading journals publishing CIS resilience work. This study also explained how the research interest evolved over the last 20 years and found the current frontiers pointing to "power systems resilience" and "supply chain resilience." The reasons were discussed subsequently from the perspectives of the influence that natural hazards (based on the EM-DAT data) and government policies have upon CISs' resilience work.

Exploring molecular mechanisms of exercise on metabolic syndrome: a bibliometric and visualization study using CiteSpace.

To investigate the molecular mechanisms through which exercise influences metabolic syndrome (MS) and identify key research trends and collaborative networks using bibliometric and visualization techniques. We conducted a systematic literature search using the Web of Science Core Collection for articles published from 2014 to 2023. Using CiteSpace, we performed a bibliometric analysis of 562 eligible papers, generating visual knowledge maps to identify prevailing patterns, popular subjects, and emerging trends in the literature. The study reveals that exercise mitigates MS by reversing high-fat diet-induced abdominal obesity, reducing lipid accumulation and inflammation, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and improving cardiovascular function. Key molecular pathways include PPAR-γ/CPT-1/MCAD signaling, AMPK activation, and nitric oxide production. The USA leads in research output, with significant contributions from American institutions. Collaboration among researchers is limited, highlighting the need for more extensive and high-quality research initiatives. Regular, moderate-to-high-intensity exercise is crucial for managing MS. Exercise activates beneficial molecular pathways, improving metabolic health and cardiovascular function. Future research should focus on expanding collaborations and exploring novel molecular targets to enhance the therapeutic potential of exercise in metabolic syndrome management.

Collaborative research networks in Higher Education An integrative review

This study investigates the determining factors for the success of collaborative research networks in higher education, focusing on the formation, development, and operation of these networks. Despite the growing recognition of the importance of collaborative networks, there is a lack of studies that comprehensively identify the critical factors for their success. Utilizing an integrative literature review, the research was conducted in the ERIC, Web of Science (WOS), and Scopus databases. The main research question is: what factors influence the success of collaborative research networks in higher education? The findings indicate that the effectiveness of these networks is influenced by structural, functional, and evaluative factors. The integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) is essential for effective collaboration, allowing geographically dispersed teams to work together efficiently. The study concludes that public policies that value collaborative networks are necessary to promote an environment conducive to integration and scientific collaboration. This study contributes to the understanding of the elements that influence the success of collaborative research networks, highlighting the importance of integration, diversity, funding, and knowledge sharing, with significant implications for the formulation of policies and practices in higher education.

Advances in Shear Stress Stimulation of Stem Cells: A Review of the Last Three Decades.

Stem cells are widely used in scientific research because of their ability to self-renew and differentiate into a variety of specialized cell types needed for body functions. However, the self-renewal and differentiation of stem cells are regulated by various stimuli, with mechanical stimulation being particularly notable due to its ability to mimic the physical environment in the body. This study systematically collected 2638 research papers published between 1994 and 2024, employing tools such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and GraphPad Prism to uncover research hotspots, publication trends, and collaboration networks. The results indicate a yearly increase in global research on the shear stress stimulation of stem cells, with significant contributions from the United States and China in terms of research investment and output. Future research directions include a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying mechanical stimulation's effects on stem cell differentiation, the development of new materials and scaffold designs to better replicate the natural cellular environment, and advancements in regenerative medicine. Despite considerable progress, challenges remain in translating basic research findings into clinical applications.

PSInet: a new global water potential network.

Given the pressing challenges posed by climate change, it is crucial to develop a deeper understanding of the impacts of escalating drought and heat stress on terrestrial ecosystems and the vital services they offer. Soil and plant water potential play a pivotal role in governing the dynamics of water within ecosystems and exert direct control over plant function and mortality risk during periods of ecological stress. However, existing observations of water potential suffer from significant limitations, including their sporadic and discontinuous nature, inconsistent representation of relevant spatio-temporal scales and numerous methodological challenges. These limitations hinder the comprehensive and synthetic research needed to enhance our conceptual understanding and predictive models of plant function and survival under limited moisture availability. In this article, we present PSInet (PSI-for the Greek letter Ψ used to denote water potential), a novel collaborative network of researchers and data, designed to bridge the current critical information gap in water potential data. The primary objectives of PSInet are as follows. (i) Establishing the first openly accessible global database for time series of plant and soil water potential measurements, while providing important linkages with other relevant observation networks. (ii) Fostering an inclusive and diverse collaborative environment for all scientists studying water potential in various stages of their careers. (iii) Standardizing methodologies, processing and interpretation of water potential data through the engagement of a global community of scientists, facilitated by the dissemination of standardized protocols, best practices and early career training opportunities. (iv) Facilitating the use of the PSInet database for synthesizing knowledge and addressing prominent gaps in our understanding of plants' physiological responses to various environmental stressors. The PSInet initiative is integral to meeting the fundamental research challenge of discerning which plant species will thrive and which will be vulnerable in a world undergoing rapid warming and increasing aridification.