Research Hub Research Articles

Envisioning doctoral education as research hubs in Latin America (2011–2021): waves of evolution

ABSTRACT This study analyses 70 scholarly articles on doctoral education in Latin America from 2011 to 2021, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) model. The research identifies key trends, themes, and defining characteristics within the literature. We propose a three-wave evolution model for doctoral education in Latin America based on the findings. The results show the consolidation of doctoral education in several countries, the ‘second wave’, with themes such as quality assurance policy, program development, learning, curriculum, and advising. The study also highlights the emergence of research hubs as a ‘third wave’, in which doctoral programs attract individuals from different backgrounds and locations who mobilise knowledge and ideas within and across regions. Our three-wave model of evolution for doctoral education offers a way to articulate research and policy around doctoral education in Latin America, a critical step towards significant research hubs and pertinent programs.

Views from Multinational Pharmaceutical Companies on Allocation of Clinical Trials in Saudi Arabia—Qualitative Study

Clinical trials conducted by pharmaceutical companies are essential for bridging local research efforts with broader populations, facilitating the transfer of valuable insights and solutions. This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators affecting clinical trials in Saudi Arabia from the perspective of key personnel within the pharmaceutical industry and Contract Research Organizations (CROs). We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with nine participants, which provided a holistic understanding of the intricate dynamics shaping the landscape of clinical trials in the country. The analysis revealed three prominent themes: operational challenges, complexities in navigating approval hurdles, and the unique value proposition for conducting clinical trials in Saudi Arabia. The participants expressed pride in the local infrastructure but acknowledged existing flaws, particularly in regulatory processes that contribute to delays in trial initiation. They emphasized the importance of conducting clinical trials in areas such as diabetes, crowd management during pilgrimages, and rare diseases, which are prevalent in the region. Despite the limited number of clinical trials registered (354 from 2009 to 2020, with only 1% being phase 1 studies), Saudi Arabia’s total pharmaceutical market exceeds SAR 13 billion, positioning it as the largest market in the region. Stakeholders recognized the country’s potential as a research hub, particularly within the Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) region. However, to attract more trials and enhance the medical research landscape, it is crucial to address the identified barriers, streamline processes, and improve stakeholder alignment. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to overcome these challenges and leverage Saudi Arabia’s investments in healthcare infrastructure since its transformation program launched in 2010. By enhancing the regulatory environment and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, Saudi Arabia can solidify its role as a key player in international clinical research.

EXPLOITING LIMITATIONS: EXAMINING THE CONCEPT OF “BRICOLAGE” IN MANAGEMENT STUDIES THROUGH A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Bricolage, a novel concept derived from anthropology, has a significant impact on contemporary management practices by promoting the use of available resources to deal with challenges and exploit resources. Previous research has highlighted the importance of bricolage in encouraging innovative thinking and adaptability in organizations, particularly in developing nations where resources are scarce. Although the notion is very adaptable, researchers could encounter the difficulty of combing through the diverse range of publications to find essential academic sources and articles on management. Therefore, a bibliometric analysis is necessary to thoroughly review and assess current trends in the management literature on bricolage. This study examines the existing literature on bricolage in management studies to identify research trends and potential gaps. The study's sample consisted of 209 publications published between 2003 and March 2024 in the Web of Science database. VOSviewer was used to analyze and display the associations among journals, authors, countries, and keywords. According to the results, bricolage is an important tool for businesses to overcome limitations within the entrepreneurial domain. The findings indicate that the United States, England, and China are significant research hubs in the research network. Also, keyword analysis revealed that a growing body of research is bridging the gap between entrepreneurship and other fields, such as technology, innovation, policy, and society, according to the relationships discovered. This study provides a comprehensive overview of bricolage research in management studies and practical suggestions for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to enhance the application of bricolage in various organizational and management contexts.

Impact of family engagement on client participation in coordinated specialty care for first episodes of psychosis

BackgroundCoordinated specialty care (CSC) programs for first episodes of psychosis are increasingly offered in the United States. A component of CSC programs is active family engagement in treatment, though research on the impact of this engagement is limited. This study examined the characteristics of families engaged compared to families not engaged in treatment, and the impact of family engagement on client participation and medication adherence over the first 6 months of treatment.MethodsUsing data from the Early Psychosis Intervention Network (EPINET) research hub in Minnesota (EPI-MINN), we compared two groups of individuals: clients who had a family member(s) engaged in their treatment vs. clients who did not. Family engagement was defined as any treatment services provided to a family member(s) by CSC clinical staff. The groups were compared on intake demographic variables, duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), hospitalizations, symptom severity, and functioning. A comparison of the total number of treatment visits during the first 6 months of treatment was tested using both nonparametric (Mann Whitney U) and parametric (ANCOVA) tests. Group comparisons on self ratings of “intent to attend visits,” “intent to complete the program,” and medication adherence were tested with ANCOVA and Chi-Square.ResultsFamily-engaged clients were younger, with less years of education, and more often White; clients without family engagement were more often Black. Family engagement was positively associated with increased total number of visits for all interventions with the exceptions of client peer support and case management visits. Family engagement increased clients’ self-reported intent to attend visits, though not intention to complete the program, which was moderately to markedly high in both groups. No differences were noted with medication adherence, with high rates of adherence across the entire study sample.ConclusionsOverall, results of the study support the benefits of family engagement in CSC on client participation, though future research is needed to understand why Black families are less engaged and what treatment adaptations are needed to reduce these racial differences. The results also support the value of CSC programs for medication adherence, a critical factor in symptom reduction and mental health recovery.

Exploring the Lived Experiences of Members of a Faculty Research Hub Design Team in a College of Education at an HSI

ABSTRACT Researchers used a transcendental phenomenological approach to explore the experiences of faculty members in a Faculty Research Hub design team at a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Through data analysis, several themes emerged: (1) Support and leadership, (2) Commitment to improvement, (3) Individual motivation, (4) Structure and collaborative nature of the team, (5) Small team size with diverse expertise, and (6) Faculty learning and development. These themes align with the input, process, or outcome stages of Binkhorst et al.’s (2015) integrative descriptive framework for Teacher Design Teams (TDTs). The study suggests that Hispanic-Serving Institutions aspiring to become R1 institutions should consider implementing and evaluating Faculty Design Teams (FDTs) to enhance faculty research productivity and doctoral student success.

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Higher Education: A Critical Examination of Governance and Policy

The contemporary university has evolved into a multifaceted institution, serving not only as a hub for research, professional training, and knowledge dissemination, but also as a pivotal component of economic machinery and societal advancement, especially within the context of globalization and intense competition. These institutions are now expected to significantly contribute to the socio-economic development of their surroundings, striving for excellence and competing within an increasingly interconnected global framework. To meet these heightened expectations, universities have undergone profound transformations over recent decades. This period of change is particularly notable within the Spanish context, mirroring the broader societal shifts since the onset of the democratic transition in 1975 through to the present day in 2024. This era has necessitated substantial reforms in university governance, equipping these institutions with the requisite tools to navigate and address emerging challenges effectively. A pivotal moment in this transformative journey was the enactment of the University Reform Law of 1983. Grounded in constitutional principles, this law marked a significant milestone in updating and revitalizing university education in Spain. After this, the Organic Law on Universities of 2001 further aligned the Spanish university framework with the broader European educational landscape, reinforcing the integration and competitiveness of Spanish institutions on a continental scale. However, to comprehensively grasp the magnitude and implications of these changes, it is essential to extend our analysis beyond the immediate past and explore the historical trajectory of Spanish universities over previous centuries. By examining this extensive historical context, we can better understand the foundational elements that have shaped the current state of higher education. This article aims to meticulously analyze the evolution of the Spanish university system, delineating the chronological progress, identifying persistent challenges, and engaging in a critical discourse on potential solutions. Through this examination, the article seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of the interplay between historical legacies and contemporary reforms, offering insights that are essential for shaping the future trajectory of higher education in Spain.

The Pivotal Function of SLC16A1 and SLC16A1-AS1 in Cancer Progress: Molecular Pathogenesis and Prognosis.

More than 300 membranes make up the SLC family of transporters, utilizing an ion gradient or electrochemical potential difference to move their substrates across biological membranes. The SLC16 gene family contains fourteen members. Proton-linked transportation of monocarboxylates can be promoted by the transporters MCT1, which the SLC16A1 gene family encodes. Glycolysis is constitutively up-regulated in cancer cells, and the amount of lactate produced as a result is correlated with prognosis. Further speaking, SLC16A1 plays an essential role in controlling the growth and spread of tumors, according to mounting evidence. Additionally, LncRNAs are the collective term for all genes that produce RNA transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides but do not convert into proteins. It has steadily developed into a hub for research, offering an innovative approach to tumor study as technology related to molecular biology advances. The growing study has uncovered SLC16A1-AS1, an RNA that acts as an antisense to SLC16A1, which is erroneously expressed in various types of cancers. Therefore, we compiled the most recent information on the physiological functions and underlying processes of SLC16A1 and the LncRNA SLC16A1-AS1 during tumor development to explore their impact on cancer treatment and prognosis. We compiled the most recent information on the physiological functions and underlying processes of SLC16A1 and the LncRNA SLC16A1-AS1 during tumor development to explore their impact on cancer treatment and prognosis. Relevant studies were retrieved and collected through the PubMed system. After determining SLC16A1 and SLC16A1-AS1 as the research object, we found a close relationship between SLC16A1 and tumorigenesis as well as the influencing factors through the analysis of the research articles. SLC16A1 regulates lactate chemotaxis while uncovering SLC16A1- AS1 as an antisense RNA acting through multiple pathways; they affect the metabolism of tumor cells and have an impact on the prognosis of patients with various cancers.

Abstract A011: PVT1 risk variant rs127920247 for colorectal cancer is shared by African American and Hispanic colorectal cancer patients

Abstract Background: Colorectal cancer, one of the most lethal and prevalent cancers across the world, is in large part due to genetic mutations. The plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) gene has an established association with many cancers, including colorectal cancer. There is increasingly abundant data on the mechanisms of action of PVT1 leading to the initiation and progression of these cancers. Identifying PVT1 variants linked to cancer may lead to uncovering their utility as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. The All of Us Research hub contains a diverse set of data from hundreds of thousands of participants. Stratifying and comparing risk variants across racial and ethnic demographics may provide insight into disparities underlying disparate incidence of colorectal cancer amongst minoritized and medically underserved communities. The All of Us database provides a novel opportunity to study PVT1 variation in a large cohort of patients from racial backgrounds with demonstrated greater incidence, prevalence, and worse outcomes from colorectal cancer. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients in the All of Us Research hub. The cohort studied comprised 930 patients ranging in age from 18 to 70 years with colorectal cancer, and no additional cancer diagnosis noted. Racial and ethnic backgrounds were selected if there were at least 100 patients of identified background with colorectal cancer. These consisted of patients of: African American, non-Hispanic white, and Hispanic backgrounds. We extracted data from short-read whole genome sequencing. A filtered matrix was built comparing the genetic sequence of our cohort of cancer patients to the reference genome GRCh38. We then stratified the different variants by allelic frequency across the sample cohort to report the variants with the greatest frequencies. All analyses were conducted using Python on Jupyter Notebook in the All of Us Research platform. Results: The top 5 PVT1 variants with the greatest frequency in patients of the three chosen racial and ethnic backgrounds were identified and compared to find commonalities. Rs127920247 was a PVT1 risk variant shared by African American and Hispanic patients as the 2nd highest risk variant for both. The most frequent risk variants for each group is as follows: Rs128085054 for African Americans, Rs128139524 for Non-Hispanic White Americans, and Rs127870242 for Hispanic Americans. Conclusion: PVT1 risk variants in colorectal cancer can be uncovered from data in the All of Us Research hub. Thus, genetic risk variants for cancers can be uncovered from analysis of data available in the All of Us Research hub. Identification of specific PVT1 variants similarly prevalent in colorectal cancer amongst distinct racial and ethnic communities is a significant first step towards developing them as potential diagnostic or prognostic tools. Citation Format: Sujay Singh, Olorunseun Ogunwobi. PVT1 risk variant rs127920247 for colorectal cancer is shared by African American and Hispanic colorectal cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A011.

Assessment of Clinical Metadata on the Accuracy of Retinal Fundus Image Labels in Diabetic Retinopathy in Uganda: Case-Crossover Study Using the Multimodal Database of Retinal Images in Africa.

Labeling color fundus photos (CFP) is an important step in the development of artificial intelligence screening algorithms for the detection of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Most studies use the International Classification of Diabetic Retinopathy (ICDR) to assign labels to CFP, plus the presence or absence of macular edema (ME). Images can be grouped as referrable or nonreferrable according to these classifications. There is little guidance in the literature about how to collect and use metadata as a part of the CFP labeling process. This study aimed to improve the quality of the Multimodal Database of Retinal Images in Africa (MoDRIA) by determining whether the availability of metadata during the image labeling process influences the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of image labels. MoDRIA was developed as one of the inaugural research projects of the Mbarara University Data Science Research Hub, part of the Data Science for Health Discovery and Innovation in Africa (DS-I Africa) initiative. This is a crossover assessment with 2 groups and 2 phases. Each group had 10 randomly assigned labelers who provided an ICDR score and the presence or absence of ME for each of the 50 CFP in a test image with and without metadata including blood pressure, visual acuity, glucose, and medical history. Specificity and sensitivity of referable retinopathy were based on ICDR scores, and ME was calculated using a 2-sided t test. Comparison of sensitivity and specificity for ICDR scores and ME with and without metadata for each participant was calculated using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Statistical significance was set at P<.05. The sensitivity for identifying referrable DR with metadata was 92.8% (95% CI 87.6-98.0) compared with 93.3% (95% CI 87.6-98.9) without metadata, and the specificity was 84.9% (95% CI 75.1-94.6) with metadata compared with 88.2% (95% CI 79.5-96.8) without metadata. The sensitivity for identifying the presence of ME was 64.3% (95% CI 57.6-71.0) with metadata, compared with 63.1% (95% CI 53.4-73.0) without metadata, and the specificity was 86.5% (95% CI 81.4-91.5) with metadata compared with 87.7% (95% CI 83.9-91.5) without metadata. The sensitivity and specificity of the ICDR score and the presence or absence of ME were calculated for each labeler with and without metadata. No findings were statistically significant. The sensitivity and specificity scores for the detection of referrable DR were slightly better without metadata, but the difference was not statistically significant. We cannot make definitive conclusions about the impact of metadata on the sensitivity and specificity of image labels in our study. Given the importance of metadata in clinical situations, we believe that metadata may benefit labeling quality. A more rigorous study to determine the sensitivity and specificity of CFP labels with and without metadata is recommended.

Charting sustainable urban development through a systematic review of SDG11 research

The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 underscores the imperative of creating inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities by 2030. Here we employ bibliometric techniques to assess the evolving landscape of SDG11 research. Using a comprehensive dataset of over 21,000 scholarly publications, we investigate publication trends, thematic focus areas, authorship patterns, keyword co-occurrences and citation networks related to SDG11 research. The results reveal a consistent increase in research output, reflecting the growing global interest in urban sustainability studies. We identify influential authors, organizations and countries shaping the research landscape, highlighting existing global collaborative networks and emerging research hubs. Core thematic areas emphasize critical topics and interdisciplinary connections. Citation networks underscore the impacts of disseminating research outputs, including seminal works. This study offers insights for policymakers, academics and practitioners to align their collective efforts toward sustainable, inclusive and climate-resilient urban development. Moreover, it advances SDG11 by noting opportunities for further research, knowledge dissemination and international collaboration.

User guide for Social Determinants of Health Survey data in the All of Us Research Program.

Integration of social determinants of health into health outcomes research will allow researchers to study health inequities. The All of Us Research Program has the potential to be a rich source of social determinants of health data. However, user-friendly recommendations for scoring and interpreting the All of Us Social Determinants of Health Survey are needed to return value to communities through advancing researcher competencies in use of the All of Us Research Hub Researcher Workbench. We created a user guide aimed at providing researchers with an overview of the Social Determinants of Health Survey, recommendations for scoring and interpreting participant responses, and readily executable R and Python functions. This user guide targets registered users of the All of Us Research Hub Researcher Workbench, a cloud-based platform that supports analysis of All of Us data, who are currently conducting or planning to conduct analyses using the Social Determinants of Health Survey. We introduce 14 constructs evaluated as part of the Social Determinants of Health Survey and summarize construct operationalization. We offer 30 literature-informed recommendations for scoring participant responses and interpreting scores, with multiple options available for 8 of the constructs. Then, we walk through example R and Python functions for relabeling responses and scoring constructs that can be directly implemented in Jupyter Notebook or RStudio within the Researcher Workbench. Full source code is available in supplemental files and GitHub. Finally, we discuss psychometric considerations related to the Social Determinants of Health Survey for researchers.

Coastal and Marine Management – Navigating islands of data

The disciplines of Coastal Management and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) are predominantly focussed on creating a regulatory and legislative framework within which national and regional planning policies, climate mitigation measures and environmental monitoring requirements can be effectively implemented. These evidence-based processes necessitate the discoverability, accessibility and integration of appropriate ‘trusted’ coastal and marine data together with contiguous terrestrial datasets. This presents significant challenges at national and local levels. While authoritative open data is often available, the data for any management requirement is often dispersed across a wide range of national online portals, statistical and research hubs, ‘scientific’ platforms and occasionally, private companies. This is exemplified in Ireland, where MSP is in its infancy, and consequently, the breadth of MSP foundational thematic marine data requirements required to comply with this Directive has yet to be fully realised by end-users/stakeholders and data providers. This study examines the nexus between mandatory data requirements of the European Community’s Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the European Community (INSPIRE) Directive11INSPIRE Directive (2007/2/EC) is a legal EU initiative to establish an INfrastructure for SPatial InfoRmation in Europe and to make geographical information more accessible and interoperable for the management of the environment and other wide range of purposes towards supporting sustainable development (EC, 2021) (2007/2/EC), (EC, 2007) and the evidence-base needs of its Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) Directive (2014/89/EU). An extensive inventory of coastal and MSP thematic data features is identified and categorised (into sectoral/thematic clusters) and appropriate and authoritative online sources (where available) are scoped out. Through an in-depth interrogation of national and EU sectoral platforms or portals, (much of whose data was originally captured for a diverse range of applications and management processes), and in view of INSPIRE’s well-established (legally-binding) data specifications, standards and guidance, a methodology is presented to accelerate coastal and marine data discovery, and to collate or ‘group’ these authoritative data sources under broad but succinct MSP thematic headings. The resulting coastal and marine data catalogue is the first step in the creation of an easy data reference and retrieval tool for Irish coastal and marine practitioners, and presents a model for other nations.

Aircraft Electrification: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Thematic and Bibliometric Analysis

Electrifying aircraft, a crucial advancement in the aviation industry, aims to cut pollutive emissions and boost energy efficiency. Traditional aircraft depend on fossil fuels, which contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution. Despite progress in electric propulsion and energy storage technologies, challenges such as low energy density and integration issues persist. This paper provides a comprehensive thematic and bibliometric analysis to map the research landscape in aircraft electrification, identifying key research themes, influential contributors, and emerging trends. This study applies natural language processing to unstructured bibliographic data and cross-sectional statistical methods to analyze publications, citations, and keyword distributions across various categories related to aircraft electrification. The findings reveal significant growth in research output, particularly in energy management and multidisciplinary design analysis. Collaborative networks highlight key international partnerships, with the United States and China being key research hubs, while citation metrics highlight the impact of leading researchers and institutions in these countries. This study provides valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, guiding future research directions and collaborations.

Bibliometric analysis of AI and Fintech: Mapping the intersection of artificial intelligence and financial technologies

This paper presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis aimed at mapping the convergent landscapes of artificial intelligence (AI) and financial technology (Fintech), fields poised for significant disruptive potential in global financial services. Given the rapid integration of AI within financial operations, this research investigates the publication trends, key contributing nations, and prevalent themes within this intersection, crucial for understanding the trajectory of Fintech innovations and their alignment with AI advancements. Employing a robust methodology utilizing VOSviewer and the Scopus database, the analysis distilled insights from 298 selected papers, focusing on co-authorship, bibliographic coupling, and keyword occurrences to highlight the global influential works and primary research hubs. Key findings reveal that AI and Fintech are not only predominant themes but are also the nucleus of emerging scholarly discussions, with the United States, China, and India leading in contributions. These nations, alongside others like France and the United Kingdom, form critical nodes in our analysis, indicating a robust interconnection of global research efforts. This study introduces the novel application of advanced bibliometric techniques to dissect dense academic outputs, offering a granular view of how AI influences financial technologies. The implications of this research are manifold; it provides a strategic blueprint for academics, industry practitioners, and policymakers to understand the focal areas of AI in Fintech, suggesting an amplified focus on collaborative innovations and policy-making that aligns with technological advancements. Future research should expand the analysis to include diverse databases and explore the integration of AI across various financial sectors, emphasizing the socioeconomic impacts, ethical considerations, and regulatory challenges posed by AI-driven financial services. This extended focus will enhance our understanding of AI’s role in shaping the future of Finance, ensuring comprehensive coverage of this dynamically evolving field.

A case study into the safety management systems for the effects of potential space weather risks, for operators of very high altitude ‘near space’ flights from Mojave Air & Space Port, California, and the associated regulatory challenges

Mojave Air & Space Port is located in Mojave, California, United States. It is at an elevation of 2,801 feet (854 m), is nearly 3000 acres in size and has three runways. It is licensed by the FAA for horizontal launches of reusable spacecraft and is already a major hub for aerospace research and space enterprises, which includes potential space flights and very high altitude subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic flights.During potential very high-altitude ‘near space’ space flights, the effects of cosmic radiation exposure, especially during sudden changes in space weather, such as ground level enhancement (GLE) or solar particle events (SPEs), could have significant health implications for crew and passengers. This case study examines the intricate landscape of radiation risks, regulatory challenges, licensing complexities, and approaches to risk management for very high-altitude ‘near space’ space flights from Mojave Air and Space Port carrying one or more paying "space flight participant" (being an individual, who is not crew, carried aboard a launch vehicle or re-entry vehicle).The study explores the specific challenges of risk assessment of very high-altitude flights, looking in detail at the risk posed by the space weather radiation environment in flight planning and execution, for both Space Port and flight operator. The study covers the ‘end to end’ licensing process and the regulatory considerations of space weather required for both Space Port and flight operator. Further, we look at the integration of Safety Management Systems (SMS), namely, we explore how SMS frameworks proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks throughout the ‘near space’ space flight process. Further, the study presents a template for addressing the regulatory framework for flights, risk assessment, pre-flight briefings, and the flight licensing procedure.This case study offers valuable insights for Space Port and flight operators, regulators, and policymakers, contributing to the development of comprehensive safety strategies, which are crucial for safe very high-altitude ‘near space’ space exploration.Plain Language Summary: A case study of how the potential space weather risks can be successfully managed for very high altitude ‘near space’ subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic flights from Mojave Air and Space Port, California, USA carrying one or more space flight participant(s).

The evolution of plant phenomics: global insights, trends, and collaborations (2000-2021).

Phenomics, an interdisciplinary field that investigates the relationships between genomics and environmental factors, has significantly advanced plant breeding by offering comprehensive insights into plant traits from molecular to physiological levels. This study examines the global evolution, geographic distribution, collaborative efforts, and primary research hubs in plant phenomics from 2000 to 2021, using data derived from patents and scientific publications. The study utilized data from the EspaceNet and Lens databases for patents, and Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus for scientific publications. The final datasets included 651 relevant patents and 7173 peer-reviewed articles. Data were geocoded to assign country-level geographical coordinates and underwent multiple processing and cleaning steps using Python, Excel, R, and ArcGIS. Social network analysis (SNA) was conducted to assess collaboration patterns using Pajek and UCINET. Research activities in plant phenomics have increased significantly, with China emerging as a major player, filing nearly 70% of patents from 2010 to 2021. The U.S. and EU remain significant contributors, accounting for over half of the research output. The study identified around 50 global research hubs, mainly in the U.S. (36%), Western Europe (34%), and China (16%). Collaboration networks have become more complex and interdisciplinary, reflecting a strategic approach to solving research challenges. The findings underscore the importance of global collaboration and technological advancement in plant phenomics. China's rise in patent filings highlights its growing influence, while the ongoing contributions from the U.S. and EU demonstrate their continued leadership. The development of complex collaborative networks emphasizes the scientific community's adaptive strategies to address multifaceted research issues. These insights are crucial for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders aiming to innovate in agricultural practices and improve crop varieties.

Research Hotspots and Trends of Interventions for Sarcopenic Obesity: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Sarcopenic obesity, characterized by both obesity and sarcopenia, significantly impacts health and independence of affected individuals. There is an urgent need to explore effective strategies for addressing or preventing sarcopenic obesity. An initial critical step is to promptly assess the impact of academic research in this field, considering factors such as geographical regions, authors, journals, and institutions. It is also essential to analyze current trends and identify potential areas that may inspire future researchers to conduct further studies, ultimately improving public health outcomes for individuals with sarcopenic obesity. To achieve this, bibliometric research was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection database to identify English language articles and reviews focusing on sarcopenic obesity interventions published between January 1, 2004, and June 15, 2024, followed by a literature review. A total of 929 English-language articles were collected, consisting of 645 research articles and 284 reviews. Research output in the field has shown significant growth since 2017, reaching a peak of 139 papers in 2022. The United States leads in publication output with 234 papers and a total of 13,971 citations, highlighting substantial international collaboration. Both the United States and Europe are recognized as key academic hubs for sarcopenic obesity intervention research, characterized by robust academic interactions. Moreover, there has been a notable increase in publication volume from China, South Korea, and Japan. Noteworthy authors in this field include Boirie Y from Université Clermont Auvergne in France, Prado CM from the University of Alberta in Canada, Cruz-Jentoft AJ from Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal in Spain, and Prado CM from the University of Alberta, known for their high citation count. The University of Alberta leads in the number of publications, while the University of Verona in Italy leads in citation frequency. Journals with higher publication volumes in sarcopenic obesity intervention include Nutrients, Clinical Nutrition, and Journal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle. Among the top 20 keywords, the most relevant interventions for sarcopenic obesity are exercise, nutrition, resistance training, physical activity, and muscle strength.The primary evidence currently available suggests that resistance training is the most effective method for enhancing muscle strength in sarcopenic obesity patients. Additionally, combining protein supplementation with resistance exercise has shown encouraging results in reducing fat mass in these individuals. To progress in this field, it is crucial to foster collaboration among countries, regions, and academic institutions, promoting multidisciplinary partnerships.

Fungal conservation through a private initiative: the Mushroom Research Centre (MRC) in Thailand

The conservation of fungi is an integral part of ecosystem conservation. The Mushroom Research Centre’s strategic approach to fungal conservation offers valuable insights. Located in northern Thailand, this institution has emerged as a research and training hub for mycologists across Asia, providing them with practical knowledge and skills. Its influence has not been limited to the region, making it a compelling case study for the potential impact of private conservation initiatives.

Collapse of Cancer Care Under the Current Conflict in Sudan.

Sudan has been under an armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia since April 15, 2023. The conflict has turned the country into the largest internal displacement humanitarian crisis with 9.05 million internally displaced persons including 2.2 million children younger than 5 years and caused 1.47 million Sudanese to flee the country as refugees. The conflict has had a major destructive impact on the health system, which has incurred targeting with air raids, ground invasion, vandalization, looting of assets and supplies, and killing of doctors, nurses, and other health personnel. Khartoum Oncology Hospital, Sudan's main cancer hub for treatment, diagnostics, and research has become nonfunctional as a result of the conflict. The National Cancer Institute in Wad Medani, the second largest hub, faced a similar fate as the conflict spread to Al-Gezira State. Patients with cancer have been displaced multiple times in Sudan with grave consequences on the continuity of care, worsening of their disease outcomes and palpable negative impacts on children. The oncology workforce in Sudan have themselves been displaced yet are working hard to provide services and care for patients under impossible circumstances. Sudan's doctors in diaspora have rallied to provide support but they face multiple obstacles. As the conflict continues to spread, we call upon the WHO, the United Nations Children's Fund, St Jude Hospital, and all relevant partners to implement an immediate evacuation operation with urgent air lifts of the affected children to continue their cancer care in neighboring countries as was done in Ukraine and Gaza.

Trauma-Informed Care for Children: A Scoping Review

Background: Trauma-informed care involves providing services to traumatized patients with an understanding of and sensitivity to their experiences. This scoping review examines the literature concerning trauma-informed care for children.Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search across domestic (RISS, NDSL, KISS, and DBpia) and international (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) databases. The search terms were “trauma,” “PTSD,” “trauma-informed,” “trauma-focused,” “trauma-sensitive,” “newborn,” “neonate,” “premature infant,” “infant,” “child,” “adolescent,” “teen,” “juvenile,” “adolescence,” “pediatric,” and “nursing”. The final selection comprised 18 documents that were analyzed for general characteristics (publication year, study country, academic sector, research design, and data collection method), population demographics, variables, and measurement tools.Results: Literature on this topic considerably increased since 2017, with the United States being the predominant research hub (50.0%) and nursing representing the primary academic sector (55.6%). The research designs were mainly quantitative (33.3%) and mixed-method studies (33.3%). Quantitative studies predominantly utilized surveys, while qualitative research employed observations, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. Most of the participants were nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals. As a result of analyzing the main variables measured in the literature through WordCloud, variables such as “stress,” “care,” and “knowledge” had the highest frequency. Three studies incorporated or adapted tools to assess trauma-informed care.Conclusions: The findings of this review serve as foundational data for proposing future research trajectories in trauma-informed care and for enhancing awareness and strategic planning in clinical practice.