Citation analysis for measuring the value of scientific publications: quality assessment tool or comedy of errors?

The basic concepts of citation analysis and journal impact factors are discussed in the light of quality assessment of scientific publications, individual scientists and research units. The major controversies concerning this topic are addressed: technical limitations, database selectivity, time and discipline-related biases, language and publication type biases, multiple authorship merits and citing motivations. Both positive and negative aspects are put into perspective.

Which health journals are most useful?

Records are kept in a database of the sources cited in publications currently being received at the library of the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp in the subject areas of health services and endemic diseases in developing countries. The frequency of citations shows which journals are most useful on these two subjects. Although such an analysis necessarily reflects the needs of the institution carrying it out, it helps to form a more complete idea of what is available.

Loa loa: immunological responses during experimental infections in mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx).

Six intact, adult mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) were infected with human-derived, diurnal Loa loa infective larvae. Microfilaremia, hematological, and immunological parameters were followed for 2-4 years. A major aim was to investigate the relationship between specific humoral immunity to microfilariae and microfilaremia and also to assess whether infection led to generalized immune dysfunction.