Research progress and challenges in stem cell therapy for diabetic foot: Bibliometric analysis and perspectives

BACKGROUND

Stem cell therapy has shown great potential for treating diabetic foot (DF).

AIM

To conduct a bibliometric analysis of studies on the use of stem cell therapy for DF over the past two decades, with the aim of depicting the current global research landscape, identifying the most influential research hotspots, and providing insights for future research directions.

METHODS

We searched the Web of Science Core Collection database for all relevant studies on the use of stem cell therapy in DF. Bibliometric analysis was carried out using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and R (4.3.1) to identify the most notable studies.

RESULTS

A search was conducted to identify publications related to the use of stem cells for DF treatment. A total of 542 articles published from 2000 to 2023 were identified. The United States had published the most papers on this subject. In this field, Iran's Shahid Beheshti University Medical Sciences demonstrated the highest productivity. Furthermore, Dr. Bayat from the same university has been an outstanding researcher in this field. Stem Cell Research & Therapy is the journal with the highest number of publications in this field. The main keywords were "diabetic foot ulcers," "wound healing," and "angiogenesis."

CONCLUSION

This study systematically illustrated the advances in the use of stem cell therapy to treat DF over the past 23 years. Current research findings suggested that the hotspots in this field include stem cell dressings, exosomes, wound healing, and adipose-derived stem cells. Future research should also focus on the clinical translation of stem cell therapies for DF.

[The morphology and resilience change of upper airway in patients with OSAHS: A MSCT study]

Objective:To analyse the morphology and resilience of upper airway in patients with OSAHS using 128-slice MSCT. Method:CT imaging of the upper airway in 49 patients with OSAHS was acquired in two respiratory status (quiet respiration and Müller maneuver). The two-dimensional measurements of retropalatal and retroglossal regions, airway volume, and airway resilience were measured in patients with severe OSAHS and non-severe OSAHS. And the results were compared between those two groups. Result:① The following measurements during Müller maneuver were smaller than those during quiet respiration: the smallest cross section area of retropalatal and retroglossal region, the anteroposterior diameters(AP) and lateral diameters(L) of retropalatal region, L of retroglossal region, volume and average volume of upper airway and retropalatal area（P<0.01）.②The pharyngeal wall resilience of retropalata region was larger than those of retroglossal region in patients with severe OSAHS. The total resilience of retropalatal was larger than that of retroglossal region in patients with non-severe OSAHS. The pharyngeal wall resilience between severe and non-severe OSAHS had no significant difference. ③ L of retropalatal and retroglossal region, and average area of retropalatal region, were smaller in patients with severe OSAHS than those with non-severe OSAHS during Müller maneuver（P<0.05）.④ The cross-section of upper airway tend to be horizontal oval in retropalatal regions, and vertical oval in retroglossal regions. Conclusion:128-slice MSCT scan can achieve both positioning and quantitative analysis of the morphology and resilience changes of the upper airway in patients with OSAHS.

Management of descending necrotizing mediastinitis

BACKGROUND

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is uncommon, and may be lethal if not treated adequately and promptly. Delayed diagnosis of the disease is sometimes encountered in clinical practice.

METHODS

Eight consecutive patients with acute DNM were identified between 1991 and 1995, including five men and three women. The mean age was 45.8 years (range, 22-71 years). The infectious sources consisted of six esophageal perforations, one cervical cutting injury and one tonsillitis. The clinical presentations were evaluated. Diagnostic procedures including chest radiograph, sonogram and computerized tomography scans of the chest and neck were examined. Diagnosis and treatment, including culture results from drained fluids and debrided tissues, and antibiotic and supportive therapies were reviewed.

RESULTS

Six patients who underwent aggressive surgical treatment recovered well. Two patients who received supportive treatment died of sepsis alone. The cultured bacteria included: Klebsiella oxytoca, Staphylococcus aureus, Trichosporum and other mixed oral cavity flora.

CONCLUSIONS

Early diagnosis and adequate antibiotic and support therapies are essential to achieve good patient outcomes in acute descending mediastinitis. Adequate drainage and debridement, appropriate antibiotic therapy, and sufficient nutritional and respiratory support are the main treatment elements.