Analysis and prediction of research hotspots and trends in heart failure research

J Transl Int Med. 2024 Jul 27;12(3):263-273. doi: 10.2478/jtim-2023-0117. eCollection 2024 Jun.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Comprehensive data analyses in heart failure research can provide academics with information and help policymakers formulate relevant policies. We collected data from reports published between 1945 and 2021 to identify research topics, trends, and cross-domains in the heart failure disease literature.

Methods: Text fragments were extracted and clustered from the titles and abstracts in 270617 publications using artificial intelligence techniques. Two algorithms were used to corroborate the results and ensure that they were reliable. Experts named themes and document clusters based on the results of these semiautomated methods. Using consistent methods, we identified and flagged 107 heart failure topics and 16 large document clusters (divided into two groups by time). The annual vocabularies of research hotspots were calculated to draw attention to niche research fields.

Results: Clinical research is an expanding field, followed by basic research and population research. The most frequently raised issues were intensive care treatment for heart failure, applications of artificial intelligence technologies, cardiac assist devices, stem cells, genetics, and regional distribution and use of heart failure-related health care. Risk scoring and classification, care for patients, readmission, health economics of treatment and care, and cell regeneration and signaling pathways were among the fastest-growing themes. Drugs, signaling pathways, and biomarkers were all crucial issues for clinical and basic research in the entire population. Studies on intelligent medicine and telemedicine, interventional therapy for valvular disease, and novel coronavirus have emerged recently.

Conclusion: Clinical and population research is increasingly focusing on the customization of intelligent treatments, improving the quality of patients' life, and developing novel treatments. Basic research is increasingly focusing on regenerative medicine, translational medicine, and signaling pathways. Additionally, each research field exhibits mutual fusion characteristics. Medical demands, new technologies, and social support are all potential drivers for these changes.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; basic; clinical; heart failure; population.

Grants and funding

This evaluation study was supported by the following aspects: The Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (2019PT350005); National Natural Science Foundation of China(81970444); Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Project (Z201100005420030); National high level talents special support plan (2020-RSW02); CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (2021-I2M-1-065); Sanming Project of Medicine in Shenzhen (SZSM202011013).