Research on Soil Moisture Estimation of Multiple-Track-GNSS Dual-Frequency Combination Observations Considering the Detection and Correction of Phase Outliers.

Soil moisture (SM), as one of the crucial environmental factors, has traditionally been estimated using global navigation satellite system interferometric reflectometry (GNSS-IR) microwave remote sensing technology. This approach relies on the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) reflection component, and its accuracy hinges on the successful separation of the reflection component from the direct component. In contrast, the presence of carrier phase and pseudorange multipath errors enables soil moisture retrieval without the requirement for separating the direct component of the signal. To acquire high-quality combined multipath errors and diversify GNSS-IR data sources, this study establishes the dual-frequency pseudorange combination (DFPC) and dual-frequency carrier phase combination (L4) that exclude geometrical factors, ionospheric delay, and tropospheric delay. Simultaneously, we propose two methods for estimating soil moisture: the DFPC method and the L4 method. Initially, the equal-weight least squares method is employed to calculate the initial delay phase. Subsequently, anomalous delay phases are detected and corrected through a combination of the minimum covariance determinant robust estimation (MCD) and the moving average filter (MAF). Finally, we utilize the multivariate linear regression (MLR) and extreme learning machine (ELM) to construct multi-satellite linear regression models (MSLRs) and multi-satellite nonlinear regression models (MSNRs) for soil moisture prediction, and compare the accuracy of each model. To validate the feasibility of these methods, data from site P031 of the Plate Boundary Observatory (PBO) H2O project are utilized. Experimental results demonstrate that combining MCD and MAF can effectively detect and correct outliers, yielding single-satellite delay phase sequences with a high quality. This improvement contributes to varying degrees of enhanced correlation between the single-satellite delay phase and soil moisture. When fusing the corrected delay phases from multiple satellite orbits using the DFPC method for soil moisture estimation, the correlations between the true soil moisture values and the predicted values obtained through MLR and ELM reach 0.81 and 0.88, respectively, while the correlations of the L4 method can reach 0.84 and 0.90, respectively. These findings indicate a substantial achievement in high-precision soil moisture estimation within a small satellite-elevation angle range.

Sea-Level Estimation from GNSS-IR under Loose Constraints Based on Local Mean Decomposition.

The global navigation satellite system-interferometric reflectometry (GNSS-IR) technique has emerged as an effective coastal sea-level monitoring solution. However, the accuracy and stability of GNSS-IR sea-level estimation based on quadratic fitting are limited by the retrieval range of reflector height (RH range) and satellite-elevation range, reducing the flexibility of this technology. This study introduces a new GNSS-IR sea-level estimation model that combines local mean decomposition (LMD) and Lomb-Scargle periodogram (LSP). LMD can decompose the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) arc into a series of signal components with different frequencies. The signal components containing information from the sea surface are selected to construct the oscillation term, and its frequency is extracted by LSP. To this end, observational data from SC02 sites in the United States are used to evaluate the accuracy level of the model. Then, the performance of LMD and the influence of noise on retrieval results are analyzed from two aspects: RH ranges and satellite-elevation ranges. Finally, the sea-level variation for one consecutive year is estimated to verify the stability of the model in long-term monitoring. The results show that the oscillation term obtained by LMD has a lower noise level than other signal separation methods, effectively improving the accuracy of retrieval results and avoiding abnormal values. Moreover, it still performs well under loose constraints (a wide RH range and a high-elevation range). In one consecutive year of retrieval results, the new model based on LMD has a significant improvement effect over quadratic fitting, and the root mean square error and mean absolute error of retrieval results obtained in each month on average are improved by 8.34% and 8.87%, respectively.

Genetic analysis combined with 3D-printing assistant surgery in diagnosis and treatment for an X-linked hypophosphatemia patient.

BACKGROUND: Hypophosphatemia is mainly characterized by hypophosphatemia and a low level of 1alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D2 (1,25-(OH)2 D2) and/or 1alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2 D3) in the blood. Previous studies have demonstrated that variants in PHEX and FGF23 are primarily responsible for this disease. Although patients with variants of these two genes share almost the same symptoms, they exhibit the different hereditary pattern, X-link dominant and autosome dominant, respectively. Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a method which can accurately reconstruct physical objects, and its applications in orthopedics can contribute to realizing a more accurate surgical performance and a better outcome. METHODS: An X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) family was recruited, with four patients across three generations. We screened candidate genes and filtered a duplication variant in PHEX. Variant analysis and co-segregation confirmation were then performed. Before the operation of our patient, a digital model of our patient's leg had been rebuilt upon the CT scan data, and a polylactic acid (PLA) model had been 3D-printed. RESULTS: A novel duplication PHEX variant c.574dupG (p.A192GfsX20) was identified in a family with XLH. Its pathogenicity was confirmed by the co-segregation assay and online bioinformatics database. The preoperative plan was made with the help of the PLA model. Then, arch osteotomy and transverse osteotomy were performed under the guidance of the previous simulation. The appearance of the surgical-intervened leg was satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified a novel PHEX variant and showed that 3D printing tech is a very promising approach for corrective osteotomies.

The progress in quantitative evaluation of callus during distraction osteogenesis.

The manual monitoring of callus with digital radiography (X-ray) is the primary bone healing evaluation, assessing the number of bridged callus formations. However, this method is subjective and nonquantitative. Recently, several quantitative monitoring methods, which could assess the recovery of the structure and biomechanical properties of the callus at different stages and the process of bone healing, have been extensively investigated. These methods could reflect the bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), stiffness, callus and bone metabolism at the site of bone lengthening. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the latest techniques for evaluating bone healing during distraction osteogenesis (DO): 1) digital radiography; 2) dual-energy X-ray scanning; 3) ultrasound; 4) quantitative computed tomography; 5) biomechanical evaluation; and 6) biochemical markers. This evidence will provide novel and significant information for evaluating bone healing during DO in the future.

A comparative study of bone union and nonunion during distraction osteogenesis.

BACKGROUND: The clinical characteristics of bone nonunion during distraction osteogenesis (DO) were rarely discussed. This study was employed to specify the difference between bone union and nonunion during DO. METHODS: The patients with bone lengthening were recruited in our study. The bone union cases indicated the ones that remove the external fixator successfully, whereas the bone nonunion represented the bridging callus did not appear even after 9 months (an absence of bridging callus for at least three out of four cortices on plain radiographs) that needs autogenous bone transplantation. The differences in the pixel value ratio (PVR) growth of regenerated callus, lengthening index (LI), healing index (HI), external fixation index (EFI) and blood biochemical indexes between bone union and nonunion were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 8 bone nonunion and 27 bone union subjects were included in this study. The PVR growth in bone nonunion was significantly lower than that in bone union (0.19 ± 0.06 vs. 0.32 ± 0.16, P = 0.048). Interestingly, the HI and EFI in bone nonunion was significantly higher than that in bone union (62.0 ± 31.4 vs. 37.0 ± 27.4, P = 0.036; 75.0 ± 30.9 vs. 49.9 ± 16.1, P = 0.006). However, no significant difference with regard to LI was identified (0.76 ± 0.52 vs. 0.77 ± 0.32, P = 0.976). Moreover, the circulating level of urea and lymphocyte count in bone union was significantly lower than that in bone nonunion (4.31 ± 1.05 vs. 5.17 ± 1.06, P = 0.049; 2.08 ± 0.67 vs. 2.73 ± 0.54, P = 0.018). On the contrary, the circulating level of magnesium in bone union was significantly higher than that in bone nonunion (0.87 ± 0.07 vs. 0.80 ± 0.07, P = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Compared to the bone union, the PVR growth was significantly lower, whereas the HI and EFI was significantly higher in the bone nonunion. Moreover, the circulating level of urea, magnesium and lymphocyte count was also different between these two. Therefore, the PVR, HI and EFI seems to be reliable and sensitive indicators to reflect the bone nonunion during DO, which might be considered in bone lengthening. Further prospective studies are still needed to elaborate the concerned issues.

Short-term clinical effect of 3D printing techniques on the correction of complex malformations.

BACKGROUND: To explore the clinical effects of 3D printing techniques on the correction of complex malformation. METHOD: A computed tomography (CT) scan was used to collect data on malformations of patients and the orthopedic plan was made by virtual manipulation of the reality before surgery. The results of the virtual orthopedics were compared with the expected results. A guide plate for osteotomy was also utilized when necessary. The actual operation was carried out according to the plan. RESULTS: The average age of the 11 patients was 19.09 years (19.09 ± 6.93 years) and the average follow-up was 16 months (16 ± 15.11 months). The symptoms were obviously improved. The preoperative World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) score, modified Barthel index and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score in patients were 70.45 ± 15.75, 96.55 ± 3.78 and 121.36 ± 4.15, respectively and correspondingly 53 ± 12.75, 98.82 ± 1.66 and 123.82 ± 4.60 after surgery, respectively. There were significant differences before and after surgery (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of 3D printing technology can provide intuitive and accurate help for the correction of complex limb malformations and greatly facilitates the communication between doctors and patients. The FIM score is suitable for the evaluation of the curative effect before and after the treatment of patients with complex malformations.

Sweet cherry softening accompanied with moisture migration and loss during low-temperature storage.

BACKGROUND: Hardness is one of the important qualities influencing consumer appeal and marketing of fresh sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.). Moisture loss is one of the main causative factors of cherry softening. In this work, moisture loss and softening process of sweet cherry during postharvest storage at 0 and 4 °C were studied. In addition, low-field 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) was used to analyze water distribution and migration in sweet cherry during storage at 4 °C. RESULTS: Moisture content correlated significantly (p < 0.01) with both skin and flesh hardness of cherry fruit at the two storage temperatures. According to the transverse relaxation curve, relaxation time, as T21 (0.01-10 ms), T22 (10-150 ms), and T23 (150-1000 ms) were ascribed to cell wall protons, cytoplasmic water, and vacuolar water respectively. Contents of cytoplasmic (p < 0.05) and vacuolar water (p < 0.01) changed significantly with storage time. Magnetic resonance imaging results illustrated that water distributes uniformly in fresh tissue. With prolonged storage time, free water content increased gradually, and then internal damage occurred. CONCLUSION: Sweet cherry softening closely correlated with moisture loss during low-temperature storage. LF-NMR is a useful technique to investigate moisture migration of fruits and vegetables. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Use of Flow-Through Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flaps in Reconstruction of Complex Extremity Defects.

BACKGROUND: The flow-through flap has been widely utilized for reconstruction of complex defects of the extremities as it can be used for arterial reconstruction and soft-tissue coverage simultaneously. This study describes our clinical experience with the application of the flow-through anterolateral thigh perforator (ALTP) flap for reconstruction of complex defects of the extremities. METHODS: From January 2008 to June 2011, we retrospectively analyzed 16 patients with complex defects in the limbs. In two patients the defects occurred after undergoing wide excision of chronic ulcer, while 14 defects were due to trauma. All patients in this series underwent reconstruction with the flow-through ALTP flap. Applications of flow-through performed include preserving the recipient artery flow, rebuilding the major artery gap, bridging the artery and concomitant vein simultaneously, and combining the ALTP with another free flap. RESULTS: Flow-through ALTP flaps were used to preserve recipient flow (n = 5), rebuild the vessel gap (n = 2), bridge the artery and concomitant vein simultaneously (n = 2), and in combination with another free flap (n = 7). Follow-up ranged from 3 to 36 months (mean, 12 months). All flaps were successful; only two combination flaps required reexploration because of vessel crisis, and two patients suffered minor degrees of wound-edge necrosis. The donor sites healed well in all cases, without any complications. CONCLUSION: Our experience showed that the flow-through ALTP flap is reliable and suitable for reconstruction of complex defects of the extremities, as well as for various other clinical purposes.

Ruthenium-Catalyzed Sequential Hydrosilylation/Dehydrogenation and C-H Silylation: Synthesis of Six-Membered Indole Silacycles and Pyrrole Silyl Ether Cycles.

Selective dehydrogenative C-H silylation is one of the most powerful tools to synthesize silacycles. Herein, we developed Ru-catalyzed sequential hydrosilylation/C-H silylation of allyl-indoles and dehydrogenative O-H/C-H silylation of pyrrole phenols. Both six-membered indole silacycles and pyrrole silyl ether cycles were successfully synthesized with good functional group tolerance. Furthermore, the RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)3 catalyst exhibited high reaction compatibility in hydrosilylation of alkene, dehydrogenative O-H silylation, and C-H silylation.

Free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects in extremities of children.

The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap has been a valuable tool in breast reconstruction, but seldom in extremity reconstruction. The aim of this report is to present our experience on the use of the DIEP flap for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects in the extremities of pediatric patients. From January 2007 to February 2011, 22 consecutive free DIEP flap transfers were performed for reconstruction of complex soft-tissue defects in the extremities of children with a mean age of 5.7 years old (ranging 2-10 years old). The flap design included transverse, oblique, and irregular DIEP flaps, containing one to three perforators in the flap. The flap size ranged from 7 × 4 cm to 18 × 17 cm. Primary donor-site closure was accomplished in all of patients. The postoperative course was uneventfully in most of cases. The venous congestion was observed in two cases. One case of venous congestion was caused by flap inset with tension. The other case with venous thrombosis ended with partial loss of the flap after salvage procedure. There was one total flap loss due to the arterial thrombosis. The flap survival rate was 95.5%. The mean follow-up was 12 months (ranging 6-36 months). All reconstructed extremities had satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes except two cases undergoing the secondary debulking procedures. The donor sites healed well in all cases without complications. Our experience showed that the free DIEP flap could be an alternative for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects in the extremities of children.

Bibliometric and visual analysis of trends in tenosynovitis research from 1999 to 2021.

BACKGROUND: Tenosynovitis is an acute or chronic inflammatory reaction of the tendon/tendon sheath. The purpose of this study is to summarize the current status, hotspots, and development trends in tenosynovitis related research. METHODS: Data on tenosynovitis from 1999 to 2021 were identified from the Web of Science core collection (WoSCC) database and analyzed using bibliometric software. CiteSpace was utilized to identify the top 25 references with the strongest citation bursts, the top 25 keywords with the strongest citation bursts, the dual-map overlay of journals, and a timeline of keywords. VOSviewer was utilized to conduct co-citation, academic collaboration, and keyword analysis. Microsoft Excel was used to draw relevant charts. RESULTS: A total of 4,740 publications were collected in this study. The United States ranked first in terms of the H-index, total citations, and total number of publications. The University of California System, University of London, and UDICE-French Research Universities were the major contributing institutions to tenosynovitis research. The Journal of Hand Surgery-American Volume, Skeletal Radiology, and American Journal of Sports Medicine were the main publishing channels for tenosynovitis-related articles. Moreover, Maffulli, N., Van der Helm-van Mil, Annette H.M., Ostergaard, M. were major contributing authors to tenosynovitis research. Finally, research on nonsurgical treatment for tenosynovitis appears to be a future hot spot. CONCLUSION: Overall, the number of publications on tenosynovitis grew over the 1999-2021 period. Our study summarized the research status and global trends of tenosynovitis from multiple angles (i.e., countries, institutions, authors, publications). These considerations are helpful to better understand the research hotspots and development trends in the field.

Knowledge Mapping of Global Status and Trends for Thromboangiitis Obliterans: A Bibliometrics and Visual Analysis.

Objective: Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) is a segmental nonatherosclerotic inflammatory vascular disease characterized by recurrent progressive inflammatory reactions and thrombosis in the small and medium-sized arteries and veins of the extremities. However, there are few bibliometric studies on TAO. Therefore, this study was employed to generalize the research status, hotspots and development trends of TAO-related research. Methods: The data from 1999 to 2022 were collected from the Web of Science core collection database, and analyzed through bibliometrics software. VOSviewer was utilized to carry out academic collaboration between different countries/regions, institutions, and authors, visualization map of co-cited authors, journals, reference, and co-occurring keywords. CiteSpace was used to analyze the dual-map of journals, keyword bursts, and timeline of keywords. Bar and pie charts in this study were statistically analyzed and graphed through Microsoft Excel 2021. Scimago Graphica was applied to map the academic collaboration between different countries/regions. Results: A total of 553 literatures were involved in this study. Japan at the leading global position not only in the number of publications, but also total citations, average citations and H-index. Institution with the major contribution to TAO research is Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, and Nagoya University. Annals of Vascular Surgery, Angiology, Journal of Vascular Surgery are the main publication channel for articles related to TAO. Fazeli, B., Iwai, T., and Kihara, Y. are major contributors in this field. The studies on TAO keywords could be grouped into four clusters: Etiology, Mechanism, Cell therapy and Clinical therapy. Conclusion: Although the number of TAO publications has fluctuated over the past 20 years, it has generally shown a steady upward trend. Etiology and treatment research on TAO and some keywords such as trail, therapy, outcome, management, stem cells, angioplasty, and activation will become a hot spot in the future.

A modified pixel value ratio based on contralateral normal bone: a novel reliable indicator for distraction osteogenesis.

BACKGROUND: The traditional pixel value ratio (tPVR) is subject to disuse osteopenia of the adjacent bone in distraction osteogenesis (DO). Therefore, a modified PVR (mPVR) based on the contralateral normal bone was developed and validated to address this issue. METHODS: A total of 79 bone lengthening subjects were recruited in this retrospective study. The difference between the mPVR and tPVR of early callus was identified in the first three months after osteotomy. Moreover, we further investigated the relationship between mPVR and healing index (HI), lengthening index (LI) and external fixator index (EFI). Finally, the potential influencing factors for mPVR of the early callus were analyzed. RESULTS: The mPVR was significantly lower than the tPVR in the first three months after osteotomy, and the difference gradually increased. Interestingly, the mPVR of the early callus in the first two months was negatively correlated with the HI, LI and EFI. Moreover, the age, lengthening site, total bilirubin and mean hemoglobin content were associated with the mPVR of early callus during DO. CONCLUSION: The mPVR based on contralateral normal bone is a novel reliable indicator for DO, which may be helpful for the clinical management of DO. However, the findings of this study need to be confirmed further by larger prospective research.

The early posterior cortex pixel value ratio: a novel reliable indicator for distraction osteogenesis.

Aims: We aimed to explore the associations of the early PVR in four cortices with Healing Index (HI), Lengthening Index (LI), and External Fixator Index (EFI) in the bone union and non-union groups. Methods: A total of 52 patients, including 39 bone union and 13 bone non-union subjects, were recruited in this study. The general characteristics and PVR in four cortices in each group were explored. Afterward, the early PVR in four cortices, including medial, lateral, anterior, and posterior sides, were compared. Finally, the associations of the early PVR in four cortices with HI, LI, and EFI were also investigated. Results: The general characteristics of these patients were consistent, except for HI (31.54 ± 12.24 vs. 45.08 ± 27.10, P = 0.018) and EFI (57.63 ± 18.15 vs. 71.29 ± 24.60, P = 0.046). The growth of regenerated callus was asymmetrical in the bone union group (the posterior PVR seems to grow faster), whereas no statistical difference was obtained in the bone non-union group. Furthermore, the posterior PVR in the bone union group was significantly higher than that in the bone non-union group (the first month: 0.96 ± 0.17 vs. 0.86 ± 0.06, p = 0.047; the second month: 0.98 ± 0.14 vs. 0.89 ± 0.09, p = 0.041; the third month: 1.00 ± 0.12 vs. 0.92 ± 0.09, p = 0.039). Most importantly, the posterior PVR was inversely associated with HI, LI, and EFI (the first month: r = -0.343, p = 0.041; r = -0.346, p = 0.042; r = -0.352, p = 0.041; the second month: r = -0.459, p = 0.004; r = -0.277, p = 0.101; r = -0.511, p = 0.002; the third month: r = -0.479, p = 0.003; r = -0.398, p = 0.018; r = -0.551, p = 0.001) in the bone union group, respectively. However, this finding was lost in the bone non-union group. Conclusion: The early posterior cortex PVR seems to grow faster than the medial, lateral, and anterior sides in the bone union group, which represents an asymmetrical development pattern. Moreover, the posterior cortex PVR was negatively associated with HI, LI, and EFI, respectively. The posterior cortex PVR may be a novel and reliable detection index in the process of DO.

Global trends in poliomyelitis research over the past 20 years: A bibliometric analysis.

Poliomyelitis is an acute infectious disease caused by poliovirus. This bibliometric analysis aims to examine the status of poliomyelitis research in the past 20 years. Information regarding polio research was obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection database. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Excel were used to perform visual and bibliometric analysis with respect to countries/regions, institutions, authors, journals and keywords. A total of 5,335 publications on poliomyelitis were published from 2002 to 2021. The USA was the county with the majority of publications. Additionally, the most productive institution was the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sutter, RW produced the most papers and had the most co-citations. Vaccine was the journal with the most polio-related publications and citations. The most common keywords were mainly about polio immunology research ("polio," "immunization," "children," "eradication" and "vaccine"). Our study is helpful for identifying research hotspots and providing direction for future research on poliomyelitis.

Global trends and current status of amputation: Bibliometrics and visual analysis of publications from 1999 to 2021.

OBJECTIVE: To generalize the research status, hotspots, and development trends of amputation-related research. METHODS: The data from 1999 to 2021 were collected from the Web of Science core collection database, and analyzed through bibliometrics software (CiteSpace and VOSviewer) for the dual-map overlay of journals, top 25 references with the strongest citation bursts, top 25 keywords with the strongest citation bursts, and timeline of keywords. RESULTS: A total of 8,588 literature studies were involved in this study. The United States ranks the first in terms of H-index, total number of publications, and total citations. US Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, and University of Washington are the major contributors to amputation. Prosthetics and Orthotics International, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development are the main publication channels for articles related to amputation. Geertzen JHB, Czerniecki J, and Dijkstra PU are major contributors to amputation. In addition, research on limb salvage treatment and surgical methods for amputation will become a hotspot in the future. CONCLUSION: The total number of publications for amputation has generally increased from 1999 to 2021. Our study is beneficial for scientists to specify the research hotspot and development direction of amputation.

A worldwide bibliometric analysis of acromegaly in the past two decades: 1999-2022.

Objectives: To conduct a bibliometric analysis to quantify and identify the current status and trends of acromegaly research in the past two decades. Materials and methods: Articles related to acromegaly that were published from 1999 to 2022 were retrieved through the Web of Science core collection (WoSCC) database. Then, they were imported into VOSviewer and CiteSpace to conduct a visualization analysis of authors, countries, institutions, citation numbers, cocitations, keywords, and references. Results: A total of 3,909 articles were identified in the study. Among them, the United States made the largest contribution to the field. Moreover, Colao A. was the most prolific author, and the University of Naples Federico II was the institution with the most publications. In addition, the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism was the core journal in the field. High-frequency keywords mainly included "acromegaly," "GH (Growth Hormone)," "IGH-I (Insulin-Like Growth Factor I)," "pituitary adenomas," and "octreotide." Conclusion: Studies related to acromegaly have shown stable stepwise growth over the past two decades. Interestingly, the research focus after 2016 gradually shifted from the etiology, mechanism, medications for treatment, and complications to improving prognosis and quality of life of patients with acromegaly. The current findings may provide guidance for further research in the field of acromegaly.

Global trends and current status in pheochromocytoma: a bibliometric analysis of publications in the last 20 years.

Objective: Pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamine-producing neuroendocrine tumour originating from the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla or extra-adrenal paraganglia. However, there are few bibliometric studies on Pheochromocytoma. Therefore, this study was employed to summarize the global trends and current status in pheochromocytoma by bibliometric analysis. Materials and methods: The Web of Science (WOS) core collection database was searched for publications relating to pheochromocytoma from 2001 to 2021. Bibliometric analysis was used to examine the data, and Microsoft Excel was utilized to create bar graphs. In addition, VOSviewer was used to carry out co-authorship analysis, co-citation analysis and co-occurrence analysis. CiteSpace was used to analyze the keywords citation bursts. Results: A total of 8,653 publications published in 1,806 journals by 38,590 authors in 6,117 organizations from 100 countries/regions were included in our study. Among them, USA was the leading countries in terms of total publications and sum of time cited, whereas Eunice Kennedy Shriver Natl Inst Child Hlth & Hum was the leading institutions. The main publications for pheochromocytoma-related articles were Journal of clinical endocrinology &metabolism. Pacak karel and Eisenhofer Graeme were the main contributing authors. The studies on pheochromocytoma could be grouped into five clusters: Treatment, Mechanism, Etiology, Radiology and Hormones study. Moreover, the radiology study, etiology study and some specific keywords such germlines mutation, mesenchymal stem-cells, autophagy, neuroinflammation, neurotoxicity, and hemodynamic instability, may become the hot spots of future. Conclusion: Although the number of articles on pheochromocytoma has fluctuated slightly over the past 20 years, there has been an overall upward trend. In general, precision medicine research on pheochromocytoma, especially metastatic pheochromocytoma, in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and etiology will be a hot research topic in the future. This study helps to understand the research perspectives, hot spots and trends of pheochromocytoma and provide new insight and a basis for future pheochromocytoma research quickly.

Associations of Dietary Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene Intake With Depression. A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

Objective: To clarify the associations of dietary vitamin A and beta-carotene intake with depression based on a meta-analysis of observational studies. Methods: An extensive literature search on February 2022 (PubMed, Web of Science and Embase) was employed to identify observational studies on the associations of dietary vitamin A and beta-carotene intake with depression. The pooled relative risk (RR) of depression for the highest vs. lowest dietary vitamin A and beta-carotene intake category, and the standard mean difference (SMD) of dietary vitamin A and beta-carotene intake for depression vs. control subjects, were calculated. Results: A total of 25 observational studies (100,955 participants), which included 24 cross-sectional/case-control and 1 prospective cohort study, were included in this study. The overall multi-variable adjusted RR demonstrated that dietary vitamin A intake was inversely associated with depression (RR = 0.83, 95%CI: 0.70-1.00; P = 0.05). In addition, the combined SMD showed that the dietary vitamin A intake in depression was also lower than that in control subjects (SMD = -0.13, 95%CI: -0.18 to -0.07; P < 0.001). On the other hand, the overall multi-variable adjusted RR indicated that dietary beta-carotene intake was negatively associated with depression (RR = 0.63, 95%CI: 0.55-0.72; P < 0.001). The combined SMD showed that the dietary beta-carotene intake in depression was also lower than that in control subjects (SMD = -0.34, 95%CI: -0.48 to -0.20; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Our results suggest that both dietary vitamin A and beta-carotene intake is inversely associated with depression. However, due to the limited evidence, further prospective cohort studies are still needed.

Overview of Physical and Pharmacological Therapy in Enhancing Bone Regeneration Formation During Distraction Osteogenesis.

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a kind of bone regeneration technology. The principle is to incise the cortical bone and apply continuous and stable distraction force to the fractured end of the cortical bone, thereby promoting the proliferation of osteoblastic cells in the tension microenvironment and stimulating new bone formation. However, the long consolidation course of DO presumably lead to several complications such as infection, fracture, scar formation, delayed union and malunion. Therefore, it is of clinical significance to reduce the long treatment duration. The current treatment strategy to promote osteogenesis in DO includes gene, growth factor, stem-cell, physical and pharmacological therapies. Among these methods, pharmacological and physical therapies are considered as safe, economical, convenience and effective. Recently, several physical and pharmacological therapies have been demonstrated with a decent ability to enhance bone regeneration during DO. In this review, we have comprehensively summarized the latest evidence for physical (Photonic, Waves, Gas, Mechanical, Electrical and Electromagnetic stimulation) and pharmacological (Bisphosphonates, Hormone, Metal compounds, Biologics, Chinese medicine, etc) therapies in DO. These evidences will bring novel and significant information for the bone healing during DO in the future.