Bibliometric and visual analysis on the association between the gut microbiota and ulcerative colitis

Abstract:

[Background] A disturbance in the gut microbiota is an important influencing factor in the development of ulcerative colitis, and is a focal point for many researchers. [Objective] This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the frontiers, as well as developmental research trends in the association between the gut microbiota and ulcerative colitis over the past 20 years. The data from this study will provide guidance for future research. [Methods] Relevant publications between 2000 and 2020 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) search engine, and analyzed using VOSviewer 1.6.17, CiteSpace 5.8.R1, as well an online bibliometric analysis platform. [Results] An extensive online search yielded a total of 3146 publications. Our analysis revealed a positive trend in the annual number of publications, and the frequency of citations. The United States was the country that excelled terms of publication output, H index and international collaboration. The most influential research institution was Harvard University, and the most influential author was Xavier RJ. Journal co-citation analysis demonstrated that Gastroenterology, a highly-rated specialized journal in the field of gastrointestinal tract, had the highest number of publications, and was the journal most likely to contain relevant publications. Research hotspots included the keywords “expression,” “probiotics,” and “ Escherichia coli ”. Keyword burst detection analysis found “dysbiosis,” “microbiome,” and “fecal microbiota transplantation” were the most current research frontiers. [Conclusion] The current status, and developmental trends in the field of gut microbiota and ulcerative colitis yielded insightful results. The results from this study will aid researchers in selecting suitable journals and collaborators. It also provides an overall picture of the research that has been done, and an in-depth analysis of hotspots in this field.

Key words:gut microbiota;ulcerative colitis;bibliometrics;visual analysis;CiteSpace;VOSviewer;fecal microbiota transplantation