The current bibliometric study is designed to analyse the bibliometric studies in healthcare specific to South Asian countries. Bibliometric and thematic analysis was performed on 85 screened documents and author keywords respectively from Scopus. The current study covered the timespan from 2013 to 2023. Results are classified into three broad themes i.e., bibliometric, healthcare, and technological mapping. These three themes are grouped with the relevant sub-themes. Findings reveal the publication output trend, prominent authors, subject areas, journals, and affiliated institutions. Important and conspicuous words (author keywords) are visualized in bibliometric maps showing the noticeable themes for future research directions such as machine learning, blockchain, deep learning, and scientometrics in the area of healthcare. This study guides the researchers who are involved in conducting bibliometric studies specifically in healthcare. It serves as a compilation of published bibliometric studies through which different uncovered and underexplored aspects of healthcare research have emerged.

Objective To investigate the correlation between serum Visfatin, CXC chemokine 12 (CXCL12) and silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) levels and carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes mellitus ,T2DM). Methods Four hundred and ninety-five patients with T2DM in the hospital from July 2021 to June 2023 were selected as the observation group, and 50 healthy volunteers were included in the control group. The levels of serum Visfatin, CXCL12 and Sirt1 were detected, and the above levels were compared between groups. The patients in the observation group were divided into simple T2DM group and T2DM with CAS group by means of the results of carotid ultrasound examination, and the clinical data were compared. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the factors affecting the occurrence of CAS in T2DM patients. Spearman correlation analysis of serum Visfatin, CXCL12 and Sirt1 levels and severity of CAS was analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis. Results Compared with the control group, the levels of serum Visfatin and CXCL12 in the observation group were higher (t=14.524, t=11.536, all P<0.05) while the level of Sirt1 was lower (t=21.912, P<0.05). There were statistical differences in age, body mass index (BMI), FBG, HbAlc, FINS, TG, LDL-C, Visfatin, CXCL12 and Sirt1 between T2DM with CAS group and simple T2DM group (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis suggested that age (OR=2.155), FBG (OR=2.563), HbAlc (OR=2.472), FINS (OR=0.438), TG (OR=2.492), LDL-C (OR=2.445), Visfatin (OR=2.404), CXCL12 (OR=2.214) and Sirt1 (OR=0.398) were the influencing factors of CAS in patients with T2DM (P<0.05). The levels of serum Visfatin and CXCL12 were positively correlated with the severity of CAS (r=0.574, r=0.530, P<0.05), and the level of Sirt1 was negatively correlated with the severity of CAS (r=-0.621, P<0.05). Conclusion Serum Visfatin, CXCL12 and Sirt1 in T2DM patients are related to the occurrence and severity of CAS. Visfatin, CXCL12 and Sirt1 may be involved in the occurrence and development of CAS in T2DM patients.

Background: Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a widely utilized technique for assessing thyroid nodules; however, its inherent non-diagnostic rate poses diagnostic challenges. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic efficacy of FNA, core needle biopsy (CNB), and their combined application in the assessment of thyroid nodules. Methods: A total of 56 nodules from 50 patients was analyzed using both FNA and simultaneous CNB. The ultrasound characteristics were categorized according to the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems classification system. The study compared the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of FNA, CNB, and the combination of the two techniques. Results: The concordance between FNA and CNB was notably high, with a kappa coefficient of 0.837. The sensitivity for detecting thyroid malignancy was found to be 25.0% for FNA, 66.7% for CNB, and 83.3% for the combined FNA/CNB approach, with corresponding specificities of 84.6%, 97.4%, and 97.4%. The accuracy of the FNA/CNB combination was the highest at 94.1%. Conclusions The findings of this study indicate that both CNB and the FNA/CNB combination offer greater diagnostic accuracy for thyroid malignancy compared to FNA alone, with no significant complications reported. Integrating CNB with FNA findings may enhance management strategies and treatment outcomes for patients with thyroid nodules.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the role of time preferences in compliance with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) preventive behaviors in an adult population of Iran. Methods: A web-based questionnaire was utilized to conduct a cross-sectional survey of 672 Iranian adults. The parameters of time preferences were estimated using a quasi-hyperbolic discounting model, and the relationship between COVID-19 preventive behaviors and time preferences was examined using a probit regression model. Results: A significant association was observed between the preventive behaviors of COVID-19 and the levels of patience and present-biased preferences among the study participants. Individuals who exhibited low levels of patience were found to be 12.8 percentage points less inclined to follow preventive behaviors compared to those with high levels of patience. The likelihood of having good preventive behaviors of COVID-19 was found to decrease by 14.3 percentage points among individuals with a present bias as opposed to those with a bias toward future. Conclusions Patience and present-biased preferences are important determinants of adopting preventive behaviors against COVID-19. These behavioral characteristics should be considered in the design of control and prevention programs. Considering people’s discounting behavior and time (in)consistency in their preferences in the design of COVID-19 policy interventions can provide valuable insights for developing tailored public health policy interventions.

Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) is a rare subtype of hemolytic anemia characterized by elevated hemolytic markers and red blood cell destruction. Though uncommon, MAHA can occur as a complication of acute pancreatitis because of the associated inflammatory response. Patients with MAHA secondary to pancreatitis show favorable outcomes when treated with plasma exchange.This paper presents the case of a patient diagnosed with acute pancreatitis-induced hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia, who was managed successfully with plasma exchange, steroids, and rituximab. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion in patients with acute pancreatitis who present with anemia, thrombocytopenia, and schistocytes on peripheral smears, even in the absence of end-organ injuries and with normal ADAMTS13 activity. The early initiation of plasmapheresis can be lifesaving. The timely introduction of rituximab in cases where plasma exchange and steroids are insufficient, despite the ADAMTS13 activity status, may lead to better outcomes.

Testosterone extends its impact beyond sexual function, playing a crucial role in shaping overall male health, including aspects such as muscle mass, bone density, mood regulation, and energy levels. Lipoic acid, a cofactor for specific enzymes, particularly dehydrogenases involved in cellular energy production, has been studied for its impact on testosterone. This comprehensive review systematically scoured PubMed and Scopus databases using the keywords “lipoic acid” and “testosterone.” It encompassed all relevant English papers published from November 1971 to the present, including full texts and abstracts, along with research elucidating the biochemical mechanisms linking lipoic acid to testosterone. In summary, lipoic acid consistently restores testosterone levels, offering promise as an intervention in testicular health, especially in cases of testicular toxicity caused by various harmful agents. Its mechanisms encompass nitric oxide enhancement, fortification of testicular antioxidants, elevation of luteinizing hormone, enhancement of steroidogenesis, and the maintenance of energy production. These mechanisms underscore the therapeutic potential of lipoic acid for testicular health.

Background: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results in autoreactive T cells chronically destroying pancreatic islets. This often results in irreplaceable loss of insulin-producing beta cells. To reverse course, a combinatorial strategy of employing glucose-responsive insulin restoration coupled with inhibiting autoreactive immune responses is required. Methods: Non-obese diabetic mice received a single intraperitoneal implantation of a novel biomaterial co-seeded with insulin-producing islets and T regulatory cells (Tregs). Controls included biomaterial seeded solely with islets, or biomaterial only groups. Mice were interrogated for changes in inflammation and diabetes progression via blood glucose monitoring, multiplex serum cytokine profiling, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry assessments. Results: Islet and Tregs co-seeded biomaterial recipients had increased longevity, insulin secretion, and normoglycemia through 180 days post-implantation compared to controls. Serum profile revealed reduced TNFα, IFNγ, IL-1β and increased IL-10, insulin, C-Peptide, PP and PPY in recipients receiving co-seeded biomaterial. Evaluation of the resected co-seeded biomaterial revealed reduced infiltrating autoreactive CD8 + and CD4 + T cells concomitant with sustained presence of Foxp3 + Tregs; further analysis revealed that the few infiltrated resident effector CD4+ or CD8+ T cells were anergic, as measured by low levels of IFNγ and Granzyme-B upon stimulation when compared to controls. Interestingly, studies also revealed increased Tregs in the pancreas. However, there was no restoration of the pancreas beta cell compartment, suggesting normoglycemia and production of insulin levels were largely supported by the implanted co-seeded biomaterial. Conclusion These studies show the efficacy of a combinatorial approach seeding Tregs with pancreatic islets in a novel self-assembling organoid for reversing T1D.

The radial artery is currently the main vascular access site for cardiac catheterization. Radial artery occlusion (RAO), although a relatively silent complication, raises concerns because of its potential impact on future procedures. This pilot randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy and safety of two anticoagulation regimens—subcutaneous enoxaparin and oral rivaroxaban—in resolving symptomatic ultrasound-confirmed RAO in 40 patients (median age 55 years [interquartile range, 48-64], including 26 female patients [70.3%]) who underwent diagnostic cardiac catheterization without requiring dual antiplatelet therapy. Thirty-seven patients completed the 28-day ultrasound-based follow-up, demonstrating comparable complete or partial resolution rates between rivaroxaban (16 of 20 patients [80.0%]) and enoxaparin (14 of 17 patients [82.3%]), with an odds ratio of 0.85 (95% confidence interval: 0.16 to 4.50). No major bleeding events occurred during the 28-day follow-up period. While rivaroxaban shows potential in resolving RAO, larger studies are necessary to validate these findings and evaluate the long-term outcomes.

Testosterone extends its impact beyond sexual function, playing a crucial role in shaping overall male health, including aspects such as muscle mass, bone density, mood regulation, and energy levels. Lipoic acid, a cofactor for specific enzymes, particularly dehydrogenases involved in cellular energy production, has been studied for its impact on testosterone. This comprehensive review systematically scoured PubMed and Scopus databases using the keywords “lipoic acid” and “testosterone.” It encompassed all relevant English papers published from November 1971 to the present, including full texts and abstracts, along with research elucidating the biochemical mechanisms linking lipoic acid to testosterone. In summary, lipoic acid consistently restores testosterone levels, offering promise as an intervention in testicular health, especially in cases of testicular toxicity caused by various harmful agents. Its mechanisms encompass nitric oxide enhancement, fortification of testicular antioxidants, elevation of luteinizing hormone, enhancement of steroidogenesis, and the maintenance of energy production. These mechanisms underscore the therapeutic potential of lipoic acid for testicular health.

Background: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results in autoreactive T cells chronically destroying pancreatic islets. This often results in irreplaceable loss of insulin-producing beta cells. To reverse course, a combinatorial strategy of employing glucose-responsive insulin restoration coupled with inhibiting autoreactive immune responses is required. Methods: Non-obese diabetic mice received a single intraperitoneal implantation of a novel biomaterial co-seeded with insulin-producing islets and T regulatory cells (Tregs). Controls included biomaterial seeded solely with islets, or biomaterial only groups. Mice were interrogated for changes in inflammation and diabetes progression via blood glucose monitoring, multiplex serum cytokine profiling, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry assessments. Results: Islet and Tregs co-seeded biomaterial recipients had increased longevity, insulin secretion, and normoglycemia through 180 days post-implantation compared to controls. Serum profile revealed reduced TNFα, IFNγ, IL-1β and increased IL-10, insulin, C-Peptide, PP and PPY in recipients receiving co-seeded biomaterial. Evaluation of the resected co-seeded biomaterial revealed reduced infiltrating autoreactive CD8 + and CD4 + T cells concomitant with sustained presence of Foxp3 + Tregs; further analysis revealed that the few infiltrated resident effector CD4+ or CD8+ T cells were anergic, as measured by low levels of IFNγ and Granzyme-B upon stimulation when compared to controls. Interestingly, studies also revealed increased Tregs in the pancreas. However, there was no restoration of the pancreas beta cell compartment, suggesting normoglycemia and production of insulin levels were largely supported by the implanted co-seeded biomaterial. Conclusion These studies show the efficacy of a combinatorial approach seeding Tregs with pancreatic islets in a novel self-assembling organoid for reversing T1D.