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Xie S, Mi C. Promotion and caution in research article abstracts: The use of positive, negative and hedge words across disciplines and rankings. LEARNED PUBLISHING 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/leap.1515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shaoliang Xie
- Foreign Language and Literature Institute, Xi'an International Studies University Xi'an China
| | - Chenggang Mi
- Foreign Language and Literature Institute, Xi'an International Studies University Xi'an China
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Valderrama Zurián JC, Bueno Cañigral FJ, Castelló Cogollos L, Aleixandre-Benavent R. The most 100 cited papers in addiction research on cannabis, heroin, cocaine and psychostimulants. A bibliometric cross-sectional analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 221:108616. [PMID: 33636599 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The number of citations a peer-reviewed article receives is often used as a measure of its importance and scientific impact. This paper identifies, describes and categorizes the highly cited papers in addiction research on cannabis, heroin, cocaine and psychostimulants. Highly cited papers were identified in the Web of Science Core Collection database. Several bibliometric indicators were calculated. Social network analysis was applied to draw groups of authors and institutions with the greatest number of collaborations and co-words. The number of citations for the top 100 cited articles ranged from 649 to 4,672. The articles were published in 40 journals. The subject category Substance Abuse included 10 papers. The United States was the most productive country (79 papers), followed by the United Kingdom (9). The main funding institutions were the National Institutes of Health in the United States. The network of collaboration between authors distributes the 352 researchers into 53 groups. The three most cited works address the neural basis of drug craving as an incentive-sensitization theory of addiction, the clinical and research uses of the Addiction Severity Index, and the neurocircuitry of addiction. Scientific literature on addictions is widely dispersed both in multidisciplinary and specific journals of neurology, psychiatry and addictions, with relatively few publications providing most of the citations. An ongoing challenge for this field is the concentration of highly cited papers coming from a select number of countries, with the United States being the research hub of the world, with the highest volume of publications and total citations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Valderrama Zurián
- Research Unit of Social and Health Information, UISYS Group, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Department of History of Science and Documentation, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Jesús Bueno Cañigral
- Servicio de Drogodependencias (PMD/UPCCA-València), Concejalía de Sanidad y Consumo, Ajuntament de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lourdes Castelló Cogollos
- Research Unit of Social and Health Information, UISYS Group, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rafael Aleixandre-Benavent
- Research Unit of Social and Health Information, UISYS Group, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Ingenio (CSIC-Universitat Politècnica de València), Valencia, Spain.
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Dal-Ré R, Bouter LM, Moher D, Marušić A. Mandatory disclosure of financial interests of journals and editors. BMJ 2020; 370:m2872. [PMID: 32967915 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.m2872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Dal-Ré
- Epidemiology Unit, Health Research Institute-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lex M Bouter
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, and Department of Philosophy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - David Moher
- Centre of Journalology, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ana Marušić
- Department of Research in Biomedicine and Health, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
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Selective Citation Practices in Imaging Research: Are Diagnostic Accuracy Studies With Positive Titles and Conclusions Cited More Often? AJR Am J Roentgenol 2019; 213:397-403. [DOI: 10.2214/ajr.18.20977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Frank RA, Sharifabadi AD, Salameh JP, McGrath TA, Kraaijpoel N, Dang W, Li N, Gauthier ID, Wu MZ, Bossuyt PM, Levine D, McInnes MDF. Citation bias in imaging research: are studies with higher diagnostic accuracy estimates cited more often? Eur Radiol 2018; 29:1657-1664. [DOI: 10.1007/s00330-018-5801-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Urlings MJE, Duyx B, Swaen GMH, Bouter LM, Zeegers MPA. Citation bias in the literature on dietary trans fatty acids and serum cholesterol. J Clin Epidemiol 2018; 106:88-97. [PMID: 30342971 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Balanced citations are a necessary condition for a sound development of scientific knowledge, whereas selective citations may bias scientific consensus. In this study, we assess which determinants influenced the likelihood of being cited in the literature on trans fatty acids and cholesterol. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING We conducted a citation network analysis of the literature concerning trans fats and low density cholesterol and high density cholesterol. Each publication was scored on various potential determinants of citation, such as study outcome, study design, sample size, journal impact factor, and funding source. We applied random effect logistic regression to identify determinants of citation. RESULTS A network of 108 publications was identified, containing 5,041 potential citation paths and 669 utilized citation paths. Reporting statistically significant results was found to be a strong predictor of citation, together with sample size, journal impact factor, and the authority of the authors. CONCLUSION Within the literature on trans fat intake and cholesterol, selective citations are based on several grounds. Especially the effect of reporting significant results on citation requires special attention because disproportionate attention is paid to publications suggesting a harmful effect of trans fat on cholesterol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam J E Urlings
- CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Bram Duyx
- CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard M H Swaen
- CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lex M Bouter
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, The Netherlands; Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Humanities, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maurice P A Zeegers
- CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Duyx B, Urlings MJ, Swaen GM, Bouter LM, Zeegers MP. Scientific citations favor positive results: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Epidemiol 2017; 88:92-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2017.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2016] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Hanel PHP, Haase J. Predictors of Citation Rate in Psychology: Inconclusive Influence of Effect and Sample Size. Front Psychol 2017; 8:1160. [PMID: 28744246 PMCID: PMC5504277 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present article, we investigate predictors of how often a scientific article is cited. Specifically, we focus on the influence of two often neglected predictors of citation rate: effect size and sample size, using samples from two psychological topical areas. Both can be considered as indicators of the importance of an article and post hoc (or observed) statistical power, and should, especially in applied fields, predict citation rates. In Study 1, effect size did not have an influence on citation rates across a topical area, both with and without controlling for numerous variables that have been previously linked to citation rates. In contrast, sample size predicted citation rates, but only while controlling for other variables. In Study 2, sample and partly effect sizes predicted citation rates, indicating that the relations vary even between scientific topical areas. Statistically significant results had more citations in Study 2 but not in Study 1. The results indicate that the importance (or power) of scientific findings may not be as strongly related to citation rate as is generally assumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul H P Hanel
- School of Psychology, Cardiff UniversityCardiff, United Kingdom.,Department of Psychology, University of BathClaverton Down, United Kingdom
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Chua SK, Qureshi AM, Krishnan V, Pai DR, Kamal LB, Gunasegaran S, Afzal MZ, Ambawatta L, Gan JY, Kew PY, Winn T, Sood S. The impact factor of an open access journal does not contribute to an article's citations. F1000Res 2017. [PMID: 28649365 PMCID: PMC5464220 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.10892.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Citations of papers are positively influenced by the journal’s impact factor (IF). For non-open access (non-OA) journals, this influence may be due to the fact that high-IF journals are more often purchased by libraries, and are therefore more often available to researchers, than low-IF journals. This positive influence has not, however, been shown specifically for papers published in open access (OA) journals, which are universally accessible, and do not need library purchase. It is therefore important to ascertain if the IF influences citations in OA journals too. Methods 203 randomized controlled trials (102 OA and 101 non-OA) published in January 2011 were included in the study. Five-year citations for papers published in OA journals were compared to those for non-OA journals. Source papers were derived from PubMed. Citations were retrieved from Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. The Thompson-Reuter’s IF was used. Results OA journals were found to have significantly more citations overall compared to non-OA journals (median 15.5 vs 12, p=0.039). The IF did not correlate with citations for OA journals (Spearman’s rho =0.187, p=0.60). The increase in the citations with increasing IF was minimal for OA journals (beta coefficient = 3.346, 95% CI -0.464, 7.156, p=0.084). In contrast, the IF did show moderate correlation with citations for articles published in non-OA journals (Spearman’s rho=0.514, p<0.001). The increase in the number of citations was also significant (beta coefficient = 4.347, 95% CI 2.42, 6.274, p<0.001). Conclusion It is better to publish in an OA journal for more citations. It may not be worth paying high publishing fees for higher IF journals, because there is minimal gain in terms of increased number of citations. On the other hand, if one wishes to publish in a non-OA journal, it is better to choose one with a high IF.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Chua
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad M Qureshi
- Department of Public Health, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Vijay Krishnan
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Dinker R Pai
- Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, JurongHealth, Jurong East, Singapore
| | - Laila B Kamal
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sharmilla Gunasegaran
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - M Z Afzal
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lahiru Ambawatta
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - J Y Gan
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - P Y Kew
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Than Winn
- Department of Community Medicine, MAHSA University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Suneet Sood
- Department of Surgery, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
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Munafò MR, Nosek BA, Bishop DVM, Button KS, Chambers CD, Percie du Sert N, Simonsohn U, Wagenmakers EJ, Ware JJ, Ioannidis JPA. A manifesto for reproducible science. Nat Hum Behav 2017; 1:0021. [PMID: 33954258 PMCID: PMC7610724 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-016-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1157] [Impact Index Per Article: 165.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Improving the reliability and efficiency of scientific research will increase the credibility of the published scientific literature and accelerate discovery. Here we argue for the adoption of measures to optimize key elements of the scientific process: methods, reporting and dissemination, reproducibility, evaluation and incentives. There is some evidence from both simulations and empirical studies supporting the likely effectiveness of these measures, but their broad adoption by researchers, institutions, funders and journals will require iterative evaluation and improvement. We discuss the goals of these measures, and how they can be implemented, in the hope that this will facilitate action toward improving the transparency, reproducibility and efficiency of scientific research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus R. Munafò
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN UK
- UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, School of Experimental Psychology, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Road, Bristol, BS8 1TU UK
| | - Brian A. Nosek
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 22904 Virginia USA
- Center for Open Science, Charlottesville, 22903 Virginia USA
| | - Dorothy V. M. Bishop
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, 9 South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3UD UK
| | | | - Christopher D. Chambers
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ UK
| | - Nathalie Percie du Sert
- National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), London, NW1 2BE UK
| | - Uri Simonsohn
- The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 19104 Pennsylvania USA
| | - Eric-Jan Wagenmakers
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, 1018 WT Netherlands
| | | | - John P. A. Ioannidis
- Meta-Research Innovation Center at Stanford (METRICS), Stanford University, Stanford, 94304 California USA
- Department of Medicine and Department of Health Research and Policy, Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, 94305 California USA
- Department of Statistics, Stanford University School of Humanities and Sciences, Stanford, 94305 California USA
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de Vries YA, Roest AM, Franzen M, Munafò MR, Bastiaansen JA. Citation bias and selective focus on positive findings in the literature on the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR), life stress and depression. Psychol Med 2016; 46:2971-2979. [PMID: 27515846 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291716000805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caspi et al.'s 2003 report that 5-HTTLPR genotype moderates the influence of life stress on depression has been highly influential but remains contentious. We examined whether the evidence base for the 5-HTTLPR-stress interaction has been distorted by citation bias and a selective focus on positive findings. METHOD A total of 73 primary studies were coded for study outcomes and focus on positive findings in the abstract. Citation rates were compared between studies with positive and negative results, both within this network of primary studies and in Web of Science. In addition, the impact of focus on citation rates was examined. RESULTS In all, 24 (33%) studies were coded as positive, but these received 48% of within-network and 68% of Web of Science citations. The 38 (52%) negative studies received 42 and 23% of citations, respectively, while the 11 (15%) unclear studies received 10 and 9%. Of the negative studies, the 16 studies without a positive focus (42%) received 47% of within-network citations and 32% of Web of Science citations, while the 13 (34%) studies with a positive focus received 39 and 51%, respectively, and the nine (24%) studies with a partially positive focus received 14 and 17%. CONCLUSIONS Negative studies received fewer citations than positive studies. Furthermore, over half of the negative studies had a (partially) positive focus, and Web of Science citation rates were higher for these studies. Thus, discussion of the 5-HTTLPR-stress interaction is more positive than warranted. This study exemplifies how evidence-base-distorting mechanisms undermine the authenticity of research findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y A de Vries
- Department of Psychiatry,Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation,University of Groningen,University Medical Center Groningen,Groningen,The Netherlands
| | - A M Roest
- Department of Psychiatry,Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation,University of Groningen,University Medical Center Groningen,Groningen,The Netherlands
| | - M Franzen
- Department of Psychology,University of Groningen,Groningen,The Netherlands
| | - M R Munafò
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) at the University of Bristol,Bristol,UK
| | - J A Bastiaansen
- Department of Psychiatry,Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation,University of Groningen,University Medical Center Groningen,Groningen,The Netherlands
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Tanner-Smith EE, Polanin JR. Brief alcohol intervention trials conducted by higher prestige authors and published in higher impact factor journals are cited more frequently. J Clin Epidemiol 2016; 75:119-25. [PMID: 26854420 PMCID: PMC4916023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2016.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the relationships between study quality, author prestige, journal impact factors, and citation rates of trials and to examine whether journal impact factors mediated the relationships between study quality and author prestige on citation rates. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING We used bibliometric data from 128 controlled trials included in a recent meta-analysis on brief alcohol interventions for adolescents and young adults. We obtained the number of citations from ISI Web of Knowledge and Google Scholar; journal impact factors were obtained from ISI Web of Knowledge. Linear regression models were used to examine the direct and indirect effects of interest. RESULTS The results indicated that studies were published in journals with higher impact factors when first authors had higher h-indices and studies were funded, but this was largely because those studies were of higher quality. Studies were cited more frequently when first authors had higher h-indices and studies were funded, even after adjusting for study quality proxies. The observed associations between study quality and author prestige on citation rates were also partly mediated through journal impact factors. CONCLUSION We conclude that studies conducted by more established authors and reported in more prestigious journal outlets are more likely to be cited by other scholars, even after controlling for various proxies of study quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E. Tanner-Smith
- Vanderbilt University, Peabody Research Institute, Department of Human and Organizational Development, Box 0181 GPC, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37203-5721
| | - Joshua R. Polanin
- Development Services Group, Inc., 7315 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 800 East, Bethesda, MD 20814
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Shanahan DR. Auto-correlation of journal impact factor for consensus research reporting statements: a cohort study. PeerJ 2016; 4:e1887. [PMID: 27069817 PMCID: PMC4824875 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. The Journal Citation Reports journal impact factors (JIFs) are widely used to rank and evaluate journals, standing as a proxy for the relative importance of a journal within its field. However, numerous criticisms have been made of use of a JIF to evaluate importance. This problem is exacerbated when the use of JIFs is extended to evaluate not only the journals, but the papers therein. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate the relationship between the number of citations and journal IF for identical articles published simultaneously in multiple journals. Methods. Eligible articles were consensus research reporting statements listed on the EQUATOR Network website that were published simultaneously in three or more journals. The correlation between the citation count for each article and the median journal JIF over the published period, and between the citation count and number of article accesses was calculated for each reporting statement. Results. Nine research reporting statements were included in this analysis, representing 85 articles published across 58 journals in biomedicine. The number of citations was strongly correlated to the JIF for six of the nine reporting guidelines, with moderate correlation shown for the remaining three guidelines (median r = 0.66, 95% CI [0.45–0.90]). There was also a strong positive correlation between the number of citations and the number of article accesses (median r = 0.71, 95% CI [0.5–0.8]), although the number of data points for this analysis were limited. When adjusted for the individual reporting guidelines, each logarithm unit of JIF predicted a median increase of 0.8 logarithm units of citation counts (95% CI [−0.4–5.2]), and each logarithm unit of article accesses predicted a median increase of 0.1 logarithm units of citation counts (95% CI [−0.9–1.4]). This model explained 26% of the variance in citations (median adjusted r2 = 0.26, range 0.18–1.0). Conclusion. The impact factor of the journal in which a reporting statement was published was shown to influence the number of citations that statement will gather over time. Similarly, the number of article accesses also influenced the number of citations, although to a lesser extent than the impact factor. This demonstrates that citation counts are not purely a reflection of scientific merit and the impact factor is, in fact, auto-correlated.
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Trinquart L, Johns DM, Galea S. Why do we think we know what we know? A metaknowledge analysis of the salt controversy. Int J Epidemiol 2016; 45:251-60. [PMID: 26888870 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyv184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although several public health organizations have recommended population-wide reduction in salt intake, the evidence on the population benefits remains unclear. We conducted a metaknowledge analysis of the literature on salt intake and health outcomes. METHODS We identified reports--primary studies, systematic reviews, guidelines and comments, letters or reviews--addressing the effect of sodium intake on cerebro-cardiovascular disease or mortality. We classified reports as supportive or contradictory of the hypothesis that salt reduction leads to population benefits, and constructed a network of citations connecting these reports. We tested for citation bias using an exponential random graph model. We also assessed the inclusion of primary studies in systematic reviews on the topic. RESULTS We identified 269 reports (25% primary studies, 5% systematic reviews, 4% guidelines and 66% comments, letters, or reviews) from between 1978 and 2014. Of these, 54% were supportive of the hypothesis, 33% were contradictory and 13% were inconclusive. Reports were 1.51 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38 to 1.65] times more likely to cite reports that drew a similar conclusion, than to cite reports drawing a different conclusion. In all, 48 primary studies were selected for inclusion across 10 systematic reviews. If any given primary study was selected by a review, the probability that a further review would also have selected it was 27.0% (95% CI 20.3% to 33.7%). CONCLUSIONS We documented a strong polarization of scientific reports on the link between sodium intake and health outcomes, and a pattern of uncertainty in systematic reviews about what should count as evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Merritt Johns
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sandro Galea
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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15
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Online accesses to medical research articles on publication predicted citations up to 15 years later. J Clin Epidemiol 2015; 68:1440-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2015.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Revised: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Clark AM, Choby A, Ainsworth K, Thompson DR. Addressing conflict of interest in non-pharmacological research. Int J Clin Pract 2015; 69:270-2. [PMID: 25727801 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.12569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A M Clark
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Citations alone were enough to predict favorable conclusions in reviews of neuraminidase inhibitors. J Clin Epidemiol 2014; 68:87-93. [PMID: 25450452 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2014.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the use of supervised machine learning to identify biases in evidence selection and determine if citation information can predict favorable conclusions in reviews about neuraminidase inhibitors. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING Reviews of neuraminidase inhibitors published during January 2005 to May 2013 were identified by searching PubMed. In a blinded evaluation, the reviews were classified as favorable if investigators agreed that they supported the use of neuraminidase inhibitors for prophylaxis or treatment of influenza. Reference lists were used to identify all unique citations to primary articles. Three classification methods were tested for their ability to predict favorable conclusions using only citation information. RESULTS Citations to 4,574 articles were identified in 152 reviews of neuraminidase inhibitors, and 93 (61%) of these reviews were graded as favorable. Primary articles describing drug resistance were among the citations that were underrepresented in favorable reviews. The most accurate classifier predicted favorable conclusions with 96.2% accuracy, using citations to only 24 of 4,574 articles. CONCLUSION Favorable conclusions in reviews about neuraminidase inhibitors can be predicted using only information about the articles they cite. The approach highlights how evidence exclusion shapes conclusions in reviews and provides a method to evaluate citation practices in a corpus of reviews.
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Perino AC, Hoang DD, Holmes TH, Santangeli P, Heidenreich PA, Perez MV, Wang PJ, Turakhia MP. Association between success rate and citation count of studies of radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: possible evidence of citation bias. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2014; 7:687-92. [PMID: 25205786 DOI: 10.1161/circoutcomes.114.000912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The preferential citation of studies with the highest success rates could exaggerate perceived effectiveness, particularly for treatments with widely varying published success rates such as radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. METHODS AND RESULTS We systematically identified observational studies and clinical trials of radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation between 1990 and 2012. Generalized Poisson regression was used to estimate association between study success rate and total citation count, adjusting for sample size, journal impact factor, time since publication, study design, and whether first or last author was a consensus-defined pre-eminent expert. We identified 174 articles meeting our inclusion criteria (36 289 subjects). After adjustment only for time since publication, a 10-point increase above the mean in pooled reported success rates was associated with a 17.8% increase in citation count at 5 years postpublication (95% confidence interval, 7.1-28.4%; P<0.001). After additional adjustment for impact factor, sample size, randomized trial design, and pre-eminent expert authorship, the association remained significant (18.6% increase in citation count; 95% confidence interval, 7.6-29.6%; P<0.0001). In this full model, time since publication, impact factor, and pre-eminent expert authorship were significant covariates, whereas randomized control trial design and study sample size were not. CONCLUSIONS Among studies of radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation, high success rate was independently associated with citation count, which may indicate citation bias. To readers of the literature, radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation could be perceived to be more effective than the data supports. These findings may have implications for a wide variety of novel cardiovascular therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C Perino
- From the Department of Medicine (A.C.P.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, (D.D.H., P.A.H., M.P.T.), Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA; and Department of Medicine (A.C.P.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, (P.S., P.A.H., M.V.P., P.J.W., M.P.T.), and Department of Sleep Sciences and Medicine (T.H.H), Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Donald D Hoang
- From the Department of Medicine (A.C.P.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, (D.D.H., P.A.H., M.P.T.), Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA; and Department of Medicine (A.C.P.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, (P.S., P.A.H., M.V.P., P.J.W., M.P.T.), and Department of Sleep Sciences and Medicine (T.H.H), Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Tyson H Holmes
- From the Department of Medicine (A.C.P.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, (D.D.H., P.A.H., M.P.T.), Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA; and Department of Medicine (A.C.P.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, (P.S., P.A.H., M.V.P., P.J.W., M.P.T.), and Department of Sleep Sciences and Medicine (T.H.H), Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Pasquale Santangeli
- From the Department of Medicine (A.C.P.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, (D.D.H., P.A.H., M.P.T.), Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA; and Department of Medicine (A.C.P.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, (P.S., P.A.H., M.V.P., P.J.W., M.P.T.), and Department of Sleep Sciences and Medicine (T.H.H), Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Paul A Heidenreich
- From the Department of Medicine (A.C.P.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, (D.D.H., P.A.H., M.P.T.), Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA; and Department of Medicine (A.C.P.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, (P.S., P.A.H., M.V.P., P.J.W., M.P.T.), and Department of Sleep Sciences and Medicine (T.H.H), Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Marco V Perez
- From the Department of Medicine (A.C.P.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, (D.D.H., P.A.H., M.P.T.), Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA; and Department of Medicine (A.C.P.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, (P.S., P.A.H., M.V.P., P.J.W., M.P.T.), and Department of Sleep Sciences and Medicine (T.H.H), Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Paul J Wang
- From the Department of Medicine (A.C.P.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, (D.D.H., P.A.H., M.P.T.), Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA; and Department of Medicine (A.C.P.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, (P.S., P.A.H., M.V.P., P.J.W., M.P.T.), and Department of Sleep Sciences and Medicine (T.H.H), Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Mintu P Turakhia
- From the Department of Medicine (A.C.P.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, (D.D.H., P.A.H., M.P.T.), Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA; and Department of Medicine (A.C.P.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, (P.S., P.A.H., M.V.P., P.J.W., M.P.T.), and Department of Sleep Sciences and Medicine (T.H.H), Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA.
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Tanner-Smith EE, Polanin JR. A retrospective analysis of dissemination biases in the brief alcohol intervention literature. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2014; 29:49-62. [PMID: 25134044 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This study examined dissemination and reporting biases in the brief alcohol intervention literature. We used retrospective data from 179 controlled trials included in a meta-analysis on brief alcohol interventions for adolescents and young adults. We examined whether the magnitude and direction of effect sizes were associated with publication type, identification source, language, funding, time lag between intervention and publication, number of reports, journal impact factor, and subsequent citations. Results indicated that effect sizes were larger for studies that had been funded (b = 0.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.04, 0.23]), had a shorter time lag between intervention and publication (b = -0.03, 95% CI [-0.05, -.001]), and were cited more frequently (b = 0.01, 95% CI [+0.00, 0.01]). Studies that were cited more frequently by other authors also had greater odds of reporting positive effects (odds ratio = 1.10, 95% CI [1.02, 1.18]). Results indicated that time lag bias has increased recently: Larger and positive effect sizes were published more quickly in recent years. We found no evidence, however, that the magnitude or direction of effects was associated with location source, language, or journal impact factor. We conclude that dissemination biases may indeed occur in the social and behavioral science literature, as has been consistently documented in the medical literature. As such, primary researchers, journal reviewers, editors, systematic reviewers, and meta-analysts must be cognizant of the causes and consequences of these biases, and commit to engage in ethical research practices that attempt to minimize them. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Tanner-Smith
- Department of Human and Organizational Development, Peabody Research Institute, Vanderbilt University
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Quality of reporting of randomized controlled trials published in Intensive Care Medicine from 2001 to 2010. Intensive Care Med 2013; 39:1386-95. [PMID: 23743522 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-013-2947-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2012] [Accepted: 04/21/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the methodological quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in Intensive Care Medicine from 2001 to 2010, and to compare it with a previous review of RCTs published from 1975 to 2000. METHODS We assessed the quality of reporting of randomization, blinding and participant flow, both individually and combined within the Jadad scale, and compared them with findings from our previous review. For RCTs published from 2001 to 2010, we also evaluated the frequency of distorted finding presentation (spin) and inflated predicted treatment effect (delta inflation). RESULTS In the 221 RCTs from 2001 to 2010, the sample size was significantly larger than in the older series, and there was a higher proportion of studies with negative findings. Reporting of the rationale for sample size estimation and allocation concealment increased significantly, but reporting of other important individual methodological components did not change substantially compared with the previous period and remained low. Among RCTs from 2001 to 2010, a spin strategy was used in 69 of 111 RCTs with statistically negative results, while delta inflation was present in 7 of 11 RCTs evaluating survival as a primary outcome. Papers with higher Jadad scores were cited more often than the others. CONCLUSIONS Quality of reporting of RCTs published in Intensive Care Medicine has only partly improved over time, and spin and delta bias are of frequent occurrence. There is a need for stronger adherence to CONSORT recommendations, with special emphasis on accurate description of randomization and blindness, and correct reporting of statistically non-significant results.
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Jannot AS, Agoritsas T, Gayet-Ageron A, Perneger TV. Citation bias favoring statistically significant studies was present in medical research. J Clin Epidemiol 2013; 66:296-301. [PMID: 23347853 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2012.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2012] [Revised: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 09/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Statistically significant studies may be cited more than negative studies on the same topic. We aimed to assess here whether such citation bias is present across the medical literature. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING We conducted a cohort study of the association between statistical significance and citations. We selected all therapeutic intervention studies included in meta-analyses published between January and March 2010 in the Cochrane database, and retrieved citation counts of all individual studies using ISI Web of Knowledge. The association between the statistical significance of each study and the number of citations it received between 2008 and 2010 was assessed in mixed Poisson models. RESULTS We identified 89 research questions addressed in 458 eligible articles. Significant studies were cited twice as often as nonsignificant studies (multiplicative effect of significance: 2.14, 95% confidence interval: 1.38-3.33). This association was partly because of the higher impact factor of journals where significant studies are published (adjusted multiplicative effect of significance: 1.14, 95% confidence interval: 0.87-1.51). CONCLUSION A citation bias favoring significant results occurs in medical research. As a consequence, treatments may seem more effective to the readers of medical literature than they really are.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sophie Jannot
- CRC & Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Health and Community Medicine, University of Geneva and University Hospitals of Geneva, Rue Gabrielle Perret-Gentil 6, 1211 GENEVE 14, Switzerland.
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Falagas ME, Zarkali A, Karageorgopoulos DE, Bardakas V, Mavros MN. The impact of article length on the number of future citations: a bibliometric analysis of general medicine journals. PLoS One 2013; 8:e49476. [PMID: 23405060 PMCID: PMC3566179 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 10/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The number of citations received is considered an index of study quality and impact. We aimed to examine the factors associated with the number of citations of published articles, focusing on the article length. Methods Original human studies published in the first trimester of 2006 in 5 major General Medicine journals were analyzed with regard to the number of authors and of author-affiliated institutions, title and abstract word count, article length (number of print pages), number of bibliographic references, study design, and 2006 journal impact factor (JIF). A multiple linear regression model was employed to identify the variables independently associated with the number of article citations received through January 2012. Results On univariate analysis the JIF, number of authors, article length, study design (interventional/observational and prospective/retrospective), title and abstract word count, number of author-affiliated institutions, and number of references were all associated with the number of citations received. On multivariate analysis with the logarithm of citations as the dependent variable, only article length [regression coefficient: 14.64 (95% confidence intervals: (5.76–23.50)] and JIF [3.37 (1.80–4.948)] independently predicted the number of citations. The variance of citations explained by these parameters was 51.2%. Conclusion In a sample of articles published in major General Medicine journals, in addition to journal impact factors, article length and number of authors independently predicted the number of citations. This may reflect a higher complexity level and quality of longer and multi-authored studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Falagas
- Alfa Institute of Biomedical Sciences (AIBS), Marousi, Athens, Greece.
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Siontis KCM, Evangelou E, Ioannidis JPA. Magnitude of effects in clinical trials published in high-impact general medical journals. Int J Epidemiol 2011; 40:1280-91. [PMID: 22039194 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyr095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prestigious journals select for publication studies that are considered most important and informative. We aimed to examine whether high-impact general (HIG) medical journals systematically demonstrate more favourable results for experimental interventions compared with the rest of the literature. METHODS We scrutinized systematic reviews of the Cochrane Database (Issue 4, 2009) and meta-analyses published in four general journals (2008-09). Eligible articles included ≥1 binary outcome meta-analysis(es) pertaining to effectiveness with ≥1 clinical trial(s) published in NEJM, JAMA or Lancet. Effect sizes in trials from NEJM, JAMA or Lancet were compared with those from other trials in the same meta-analyses by deriving summary relative odds ratios (sRORs). Additional analyses examined separately early- and late-published trials in HIG journals and journal-specific effects. RESULTS A total of 79 meta-analyses including 1043 clinical trials were analysed. Trials in HIG journals had similar effects to trials in other journals, when there was large-scale evidence, but showed more favourable results for experimental interventions when they were small. When HIG trials had less than 40 events, the sROR was 1.64 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.23-2.18). The difference was most prominent when small early trials published in HIG journals were compared with subsequent trials [sROR 2.68 (95% CI: 1.33-5.38)]. Late-published HIG trials showed no consistent inflation of effects. The patterns did not differ beyond chance between NEJM, JAMA or Lancet. CONCLUSIONS Small trials published in the most prestigious journals show more favourable effects for experimental interventions, and this is most prominent for early-published trials in such journals. No effect inflation is seen for large trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos C M Siontis
- Clinical Trials and Evidence-Based Medicine Unit, Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Ioannina School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
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Savard LA, Thompson DR, Clark AM. A meta-review of evidence on heart failure disease management programs: the challenges of describing and synthesizing evidence on complex interventions. Trials 2011; 12:194. [PMID: 21846340 PMCID: PMC3174117 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6215-12-194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite favourable results from past meta-analyses, some recent large trials have not found heart failure (HF) disease management programs to be beneficial. To explore reasons for this, we evaluated evidence from existing meta-analyses. METHODS Systematic review incorporating meta-review was used. We selected meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials published after 1995 in English that examined the effects of HF disease management programs on key outcomes. Databases searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), DARE, NHS EED, NHS HTA, Ageline, AMED, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL; cited references, experts and existing reviews were also searched. RESULTS 15 meta-analyses were identified containing a mean of 18.5 randomized trials of HF interventions +/- 10.1 (range: 6 to 36). Overall quality of the meta-analyses was very mixed (Mean AMSTAR Score = 6.4 +/- 1.9; range 2-9). Reporting inadequacies were widespread around populations, intervention components, settings and characteristics, comparison, and comparator groups. Heterogeneity (statistical, clinical, and methodological) was not taken into account sufficiently when drawing conclusions from pooled analyses. CONCLUSIONS Meta-analyses of heart failure disease management programs have promising findings but often fail to report key characteristics of populations, interventions, and comparisons. Existing reviews are of mixed quality and do not adequately take account of program complexity and heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori A Savard
- University of Alberta, 3rdFloor, Clinical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - David R Thompson
- Department of Health Sciences and Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 6TP, UK
| | - Alexander M Clark
- University of Alberta, 3rdFloor, Clinical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada
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Abstract
Promoting smoking cessation is among the key medical interventions aimed at reducing worldwide morbidity and mortality in this century. Both behavioural counselling and pharmacotherapy have been shown to significantly increase long-term abstinence rates, and combining the two treatment modalities is recommended. This article provides an update on pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation in the general population. Current first-line agents used to support quit attempts are nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion and varenicline. Research suggests that abstinence rates can be increased by combining different forms of NRT or simultaneously administering NRT and non-nicotine medications. New treatments targeting the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor as well as other pathophysiological pathways involved in nicotine addiction are being developed, with nicotine vaccines now being tested in phase III clinical trials. Among the numerous research topics currently addressed, pharmacogenetics and tailoring therapy to specific groups of smokers look most promising. However, substantial progress is unlikely to be made unless social gradients impeding effective treatment of all smokers are overcome. In addition, public smoking bans and reimbursement of medication costs are crucial in reducing the future burden of disease caused by smoking on a global level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Raupach
- Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, University Hospital Gttingen, Gttingen, Germany.
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Fanelli D. Do pressures to publish increase scientists' bias? An empirical support from US States Data. PLoS One 2010; 5:e10271. [PMID: 20422014 PMCID: PMC2858206 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 292] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2009] [Accepted: 03/24/2010] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The growing competition and “publish or perish” culture in academia might conflict with the objectivity and integrity of research, because it forces scientists to produce “publishable” results at all costs. Papers are less likely to be published and to be cited if they report “negative” results (results that fail to support the tested hypothesis). Therefore, if publication pressures increase scientific bias, the frequency of “positive” results in the literature should be higher in the more competitive and “productive” academic environments. This study verified this hypothesis by measuring the frequency of positive results in a large random sample of papers with a corresponding author based in the US. Across all disciplines, papers were more likely to support a tested hypothesis if their corresponding authors were working in states that, according to NSF data, produced more academic papers per capita. The size of this effect increased when controlling for state's per capita R&D expenditure and for study characteristics that previous research showed to correlate with the frequency of positive results, including discipline and methodology. Although the confounding effect of institutions' prestige could not be excluded (researchers in the more productive universities could be the most clever and successful in their experiments), these results support the hypothesis that competitive academic environments increase not only scientists' productivity but also their bias. The same phenomenon might be observed in other countries where academic competition and pressures to publish are high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Fanelli
- INNOGEN and Institute for the Study of Science, Technology and Innovation, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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Citation analysis of identical consensus statements revealed journal-related bias. J Clin Epidemiol 2010; 63:660-4. [PMID: 20097531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2009.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2009] [Revised: 09/17/2009] [Accepted: 09/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine whether the prestige of a journal, measured by its impact factor, influences the numbers of citations obtained by published articles, independently of their scientific merit. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING In this cohort study, citation counts were retrieved for articles describing consensus statements that were published in multiple journals and were correlated with the impact factors of the source journals. RESULTS Four consensus statements were published in multiple copies: QUOROM (QUality Of Reporting Of Meta-analyses) was published in three journals, CONSORT (CONsolidated Standards Of Reporting Trials) in eight journals, STARD (STAndards for Reporting of Diagnostic accuracy) in 14 journals, and STROBE (STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology) in eight journals. For each consensus statement, the impact factor of the source journal and the number of citations were highly correlated (Spearman correlation coefficients: QUOROM, 1.00; CONSORT, 0.88; STARD, 0.65; and STROBE, 0.81-all P<0.02). When adjusted for time since publication, each logarithm unit of impact factor predicted an increase of 1.0 logarithm unit of citations (95% confidence interval: 0.7-1.3, P<0.001), and the variance explained was 66% (adjusted r(2)=0.66). CONCLUSIONS The prominence of the journal where an article is published, measured by its impact factor, influences the number of citations that the article will gather over time. Citation counts are not purely a reflection of scientific merit.
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Favaloro EJ. The Journal Impact Factor: don't expect its demise any time soon. Clin Chem Lab Med 2009; 47:1319-24. [DOI: 10.1515/cclm.2009.328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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