Title: Scandinavian Journal of Social Welfare

Title: Scandinavian Journal of Statistics

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? Beirlant, J. and Einmahl, J.H.J. (2010), Asymptotics for the Hirsch Index. Scandinavian Journal of Statistics, 37 (3), 355-364.

Full Text: 2010\Sca J Sta37, 355.pdf

Abstract: The last decade methods for quantifying the research output of individual researchers have become quite popular in academic policy making. The h-index (or Hirsch index) constitutes an interesting combined bibliometric volume/impact indicator that has attracted a lot of attention recently. It is now a common indicator, available for instance on the Web of Science. In this article, we establish the asymptotic normality of the empirical h-index. The rate of convergence is non-standard: root h/(1 + nf(h)), where f is the density of the citation distribution and n is the number of publications of a researcher. In case that the citations follow a Pareto-type respectively a Weibull-type distribution as defined in extreme value theory, our general result specializes well to results that are useful for practical purposes such as the construction of confidence intervals and pairwise comparisons for the h-index. A simulation study for the Pareto-type case shows that the asymptotic theory works well for moderate sample sizes already.

Keywords: Asymptotic Normality, Bibliometric, Citation Counts, Extreme Value Theory, h Index, h-Index, Hirsch Index, Research, Research Output, Tail Empirical Process, Weibull Tail-Coefficient

Title: Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health

ISO Abbreviated Title: Scand. J. Work Environ. Health

JCR Abbreviated Title: Scand J Work Env Hea

ISSN: 0355-3140

Issues/Year: 6

Journal Country/Territory: Finland

Language: English

Publisher: Scand J Work Env Health

Publisher Address: Topeliuksenkatu 41A, SF-00250 Helsinki, Finland

Subject Categories:

Public, Environmental & Occupational Health: Impact Factor 1.756, 25/85

Wen, C.P. and Tsai, S.P. (1984), A review of methodological issues of the standardized mortality ratio in occupational epidemiology. Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 10 (2), 124.

Full Text: S\Sca J Wor EnvHea10, 124.pdf

? Harada, N. (1987), Esthesiometry, nail compression and other function tests used in Japan for evaluating the hand-arm vibration syndrome. Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 13 (4), 330-333.

Full Text: 1987\Sca J Wor EnvHea13, 330.pdf

Abstract: Various function tests are performed on the upper extremities of patients in Japan as part of a systematic method for diagnosing the hand-arm vibration syndrome. Although the observations are not confined to the hands and arms, but include the whole body, the evaluation of the syndrome is essentially based on the severity of Raynaud’s phenomenon and the findings of the function tests. With the function tests, including a cold provocation test with 10°C water, the efficiency of discrimination between workers with vibration-induced white finger and reference workers was investigated. The results indicated that the function tests were of diagnostic significance for the hand-arm vibration syndrome. The influences of ageing, atmospheric temperature in the test room, seasonal variation in temperature, and reproducibility were investigated to clarify some points. The equipment and techniques have been basically standardized. However, for comparing and analyzing the results of the function tests performed in different research institutes, further investigation of the standardization of the test and evaluation methods is necessary.

? Matsumoto, T. (1987), Tests employed in Japan for the investigation of peripheral circulatory disturbances due to hand-arm vibration exposure. Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 13 (4), 356-357.

Full Text: 1987\Sca J Wor EnvHea13, 356.pdf

Abstract: Tests for the investigation of peripheral circulatory function are thought, in Japan, to be of primary importance for the proper diagnosis of the hand-arm vibration syndrome. The complaints presented in connection with Raynaud’s phenomenon (finger skin blanching, numbness, cold sensation, and pain in the hands) should be thoroughly assessed. In evaluating the results of skin temperature measurements and the nail compression test before and after cold provocation by immersion of the hands in cold water, seasonal and diurnal variation, as well as differences in room temperature, temperature of the cooling water, duration of cooling time, etc, must be taken into account.

? Rylander, R., Bonevik, H. and Rubenowitz, E. (1991), Magnesium and calcium in drinking-water and cardiovascular mortality. Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 17 (2), 91-94.

Full Text: 1991\Sca J Wor EnvHea17, 91.pdf

Abstract: Data on the hardness of drinking water were collected from 27 municipalities in Sweden where the drinking water quality had remained unchanged for more than 20 years. Analyses were made of the levels of lead, cadmium, calcium, and magnesium. These water-quality data were compared with the age-adjusted mortality rate from ischemic heart and cerebrovascular disease for the period 1969-1978. Lead and cadmium were not present in detectable amounts except in one water sample. A statistically significant inverse relationship was present between hardness and mortality from cardiovascular disease for both sexes. Mortality caused by ischemic heart disease was inversely related to the magnesium content, particularly for the men (P < 0.01). The rather small set of data supports results from previous studies suggesting that a high magnesium level in drinking water reduces the risk for death from ischemic heart disease, especially among men, although the possible importance of confounding factors needs further evaluation.

Keywords: Cerebrovascular Disease, Ischemic Heart Disease, Magnesium, Water Hardness, Schemic-Heart-Disease, Hardness, Deficiency, Death

? Kurozawa, Y., Nasu, Y. and Nose, T. (1991), Diagnostic value of finger systolic blood pressure in the assessment of vasospastic reactions in the finger skin of vibration-exposed subjects after finger and body cooling. Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 17 (3), 184-189.

Full Text: 1991\Sca J Wor EnvHea17, 184.pdf

Abstract: To assess the severity of vibration-induced white finger (VWF), finger systolic blood pressure (FSBP) after finger cooling and after combined finger and body cooling was measured by strain-guage plethysmography for 100 vibration-exposed men and 22 healthy men. The exposed men were classified as being without VWF (EW), with mild VWF (EM), and with severe VWF (ES) according to records of blanching attacks. FSBP was significantly reduced only in the ES group after finger cooling and in the ES and EM groups after both body and finger cooling. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for VWF was 81.7 and 90.3%, respectively. Skin temperature measurements before and after immersion in cold water (5°C, for 10 min) could not be used for the estimation of VWF severity.

? Jäppinen, P. and Pukkala, E. (1991), Cancer incidence among pulp and paper workers exposed to organic chlorinated compounds formed during chlorine pulp bleaching. Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 17 (5), 356-359.

Full Text: 1991\Sca J Wor EnvHea17, 356.pdf

Abstract: The risk of cancer of 152 male workers exposed to organic chlorine compounds formed during chlorine pulp bleaching was assessed in a retrospective cohort study. The men had worked continuously for at least one year in selected job categories between 1 January 1945 and 31 December 1961. The cohort was followed for death and cancer incidence until 31 December 1987 with the use of the data of the National Population Register and the Finnish Cancer Registry. There were 12 observed cancers against 8.1 expected [standardized incidence ratio (SIR) 1.5, 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) 0.8-2.6]. Among the stock preparation workers (N = 53), a significantly elevated risk of lung cancer was found (6 observed, 1.0 expected, SIR 6.3, 95 % CI 2.3-14) that was especially prominent after a latency (time since first employment) of at least 15 years and in the age group of 35 to 59 years. Although all of the cases involved smokers, a part of the increased incidence may be associated with the workplace exposure to organic chlorinated compounds.

Keywords: Lung-Cancer, New-Hampshire, Mortality, Occupation, Health, Ratio, Cohort Study, Dioxin, Lung Cancer

Burdorf, A. (1992), Exposure assessment of risk-factors for disorders of the back in occupational epidemiology. Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 18 (1), 1-9.

Full Text: S\Sca J Wor EnvHea18, 1.pdf

Abstract: This review describes methods for assessing exposure to postural load of the back in occupational epidemiologic studies. Eighty-one original articles were selected that presented information on the prevalence of back disorders in occupational groups. In 47 (58%) of these studies no data on exposure to risk factors were given. In the remaining 34 studies (42%) exposure assessment was performed by questionnaire (33%), observation (9%), and direct measurement (5%). Measures of exposure were predominantly presented at the nominal and ordinal levels. It is argued that in most epidemiologic studies on disorders of the back in occupational groups the quality of exposure data is poor. Quantitative measurement methods need to be developed for application in occupational epidemiology.

Keywords: Measurement, Postural Load, Questionnaire, Reliability, Review, Whole-Body Vibration, Concrete Reinforcement Workers, Patient Transfer Activities, Lumbar Intervertebral-Disk, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Tractor Drivers, House Painters, Individual Occupations, Professional Drivers, Working-Conditions

Axelson, O. (1994), Some recent developments in occupational epidemiology. Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 20, 9-18.

Full Text: S\Sca J Wor EnvHea20, 9.pdf

Abstract: Occupational epidemiology has grown rapidly since the late 1970s. Case-referent studies have become popular, but more recent development relates to analyses of cohort data. Length of follow-up and employment status can now be adjusted for in such analyses. Attention should also be given to ‘time windows’ of relevant exposure, not only in cancer studies. In cross-sectional studies of common diseases, the prevalence rate ratio should be used rather than the currently popular but unintelligible odds ratio as obtained by logistic regression. Exposure assessment should involve measures that would best reveal an existing risk and dose-response relationships. New achievements in molecular biology are currently influencing the development in occupational epidemiology. Not only DNA (or protein) adducts as markers of exposure or early effect, but also the possibilities to use data on metabolic polymorphism to identify genetically susceptible individuals attract interest. Activated oncogenes and inactivated tumor suppressor genes are useful for subspecifying various cancer types so as to obtain more sensitive studies.

Keywords: Cohort, Confounding, Cross-Sectional, Ethics, Exposure, Molecular Biology, Mutation, Oncogene, Review, Time Window, Acute Myeloid-Leukemia, Job-Exposure Matrices, Time-Related Factors, Electromagnetic-Fields, Lung-Cancer, Molecular Epidemiology, Parkinsons-Disease, Bladder-Cancer, P53 Gene, Cohort

Kauppinen, T.P. (1994), Assessment of exposure in occupational epidemiology. Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 20, 19-29.

Full Text: S\Sca J Wor EnvHea20, 19.pdf

Abstract: Recent progress in assessing exposure in occupational epidemiology studies is reviewed. Traditional methods based on surrogate and qualitative measures of exposure are no longer sufficient for searching for new risks, quantifying risks, and learning about their mechanisms. More sophisticated methods and exposure indices are needed that are aimed at estimating the exposure-response relation. Prospective studies, case-referent studies within cohorts, and community-based case-referent studies applying interviews of the subjects or confirming exposures from work-places are designs favoring exposure assessment. Exposure modeling is expected to improve the quality of estimates in industry-based studies. Job-exposure matrices have proved useful, especially in analyses of large studies, provided that they are applied so that misclassification does not significantly bias the results. Misclassification of exposure should be regularly assessed and controlled in epidemiologic studies. Good documentation of the information used and studies on methodological validity and reliability are needed to develop exposure assessment.

Keywords: Dose-Response, Exposure Index, Exposure-Response, Job-Exposure Matrix, Misclassification, Model, Retrospective, Review, Historical Exposure, Air Contaminants, Chemical-Agents, Past Exposure, Relative Risk, Misclassification, Job, Cancer, Matrices, Bias

? Smit, H.A., van Rijssen, A., Vandenbroucke, J.P. and Coenraads, P.J. (1994), Susceptibility to and incidence of hand dermatitis in a cohort of apprentice hairdressers and nurses. Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 20 (2), 113-121.

Full Text: 1994\Sca J Wor Env Hea20, 113.pdf

Abstract: OBJECTIVES--The role of atopic constitution, contact sensitization, transepidermal water loss, and dry skin in the development of hand dermatitis was investigated in a prospective study of 74 apprentice hairdressers and 111 apprentice nurses.

METHODS--Base-line measurements included a questionnaire on personal characteristics and anamnestic information, examination of hand skin, measurements of transepidermal water loss, patch tests, and prick tests. The condition of the hands, previous exposure, and transepidermal water loss were followed at intervals of four to six weeks. Cox proportional hazard models were used in the statistical analysis.

RESULTS--The average incidence rate of hand dermatitis was 32.8 cases per 100 person-years for the hairdressers and 14.5 cases per 100 person-years for the nurses. The rate ratio of having a dry versus normal skin type was 7.3 for the hairdressers [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.2-24.3] and 1.7 for the nurses (95% CI 0.5-6.4). Apprentice nurses with a history of (atopic) mucosal symptoms had a 3.4-fold increased incidence rate of hand dermatitis (95% CI 1.05-11.2). The rate ratio of mucosal atopy for the apprentice hairdressers was 2.2 (95% CI 0.7-6.7). Graphic display of the results suggested an increased risk of hand dermatitis among the apprentice hairdressers with transepidermal water loss on the hand greater than 15 g.m-2.h, but the relative risk of increased transepidermal water loss was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION--The most important endogenous risk factors for hand dermatitis among the apprentice hairdressers and nurses were the presence of dry skin and a history of mucosal atopy. No relationship between increased transepidermal water loss and the risk of hand dermatitis was observed.

? Rahman, M., Wingren, G. and Axelson, O. (1996), Diabetes mellitus among Swedish art glass workers: An effect of arsenic exposure? Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 22 (2), 146-149.

Full Text: 1996\Sca J Wor Env Hea22, 146.pdf

Abstract: Objectives The purpose of this study was to search for evidence of an association between occupational arsenic exposure and diabetes mellitus, as implied by the relation of this disease to arsenic in drinking water in a recent study from Taiwan.

Methods A case-referent analysis on death records of 5498 individuals in the art glass producing part of southeastern Sweden was performed. Out of all the enrolled subjects, 888 were glass workers. According to occupational title, glassblowers, foundry workers, and unspecified workers were regarded as potentially exposed to arsenic. Persons with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus either as an underlying or contributing cause of death were considered cases. Referents were decedents without any indication of cancer, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes.

Results A slightly elevated risk [Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio (MH-OR) 1.2, 95% confidence interval(95% CI) 0.82-1.8] was found for diabetes mellitus among the glassworks employers, especially in combination with cardiovascular disease (MH-OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.81-2.3). For the glassblowers, other foundry workers and unspecified glassworkers probably exposed to arsenic, the M-H odds ratio was 1.4 (95% CI 0.92-2.2). Unspecified glass workers, who probably included persons with high exposure, carried the higher risk (MH-OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-2.8).

Conclusions The observations from this study provide limited support for the possibility that occupational arsenic exposure could play a role in the development of diabetes mellitus. Many other metallic compounds are also used in art glass production, however, and there is a possibility of confounding.

Keywords: Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Case-Control, Case-Referent, Epidemiologic, Metal Exposure, Occupational, Mortality, Industry

Burdorf, A. and Sorock, G. (1997), Positive and negative evidence of risk factors for back disorders. Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 23 (4), 243-256.

Full Text: S\Sca J Wor EnvHea23, 243.pdf

Abstract: The scientific literature on work-related back disorders was reviewed to identify consistent risk factors and to determine the strength of the association between the two. Thirty-five publications were selected with quantitative information. Lifting or carrying loads, whole-body vibration, and frequent bending and twisting proved to be the physical load risk factors consistently associated with work-related back disorders. Job dissatisfaction and low job decision latitude proved to be important, but the evidence was not consistent across different studies and study designs. The epidemiologic studies illustrated the importance of several confounders, especially age, smoking habits, and education. In this review, gender, height, weight, exercise, and marital status were consistently not associated with back disorders in occupational populations.

Keywords: Epidemiology, Lifting, Postural Load, Review, Vibration, Whole-Body Vibration, Lumbar Intervertebral-Disk, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Work-Environment, Postural Load, Occupational Epidemiology, Psychosocial Factors, Nursing Personnel, Pain, Drivers

? Greenland, S. (1999), Multilevel modeling and model averaging. Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 25 (S4), 43-48.

Full Text: 1999\Sca J Wor Env Hea25, 43.pdf

Abstract: Multilevel modeling, also known as hierarchical regression, generalizes ordinary regression modeling to allow explicit and flexible compromises between simple and complex models. This article provides an elementary introduction to multilevel modeling as a model-averaging technique. Model averaging provides an alternative to model selection, and it emphasizes the role of prior information in finding good models.

Keywords: Mean Squared Error, Empirical-Bayes, Epidemiologic Analyses, Hierarchical Regression, Multiple Exposures, Dose-Response, Inference, Statistics, Likelihood, Cancer, Bayesian Statistics, Empirical-Bayes Estimation, Hierarchical Regression, Random-Coefficient Regression, Ridge Regression, Risk Assessment, Stein Estimation

Kristensen, T.S. (1999), Challenges for research and prevention in relation to work and cardiovascular diseases. Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 25 (6), 550-557.

Full Text: S\Sca J Wor EnvHea25, 550.pdf

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to discuss future challenges for research and prevention in the field of work environment and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). First, research on CVD and work during the last half of the 20th century is discussed. Second, the theories dominating the last 20 years are presented. Third, cardiovascular and occupational epidemiology are compared, and it is stressed that occupational epidemiology should avoid the individualistic bias of mainstream cardiovascular epidemiology. Finally, future challenges are discussed, and improvements are recommended concerning the use of intermediate end points, intervention research, theories about chemical and physical risk factors, the use of a unifying model for society, stress, and health, and the application of integrated prevention. It is concluded that research on CVD and work can play an important part in the development of integrated prevention strategies for the next century.

Keywords: Epidemiologic Methods, Ischemic Heart Disease, Psychosocial Factors, Review, Stress, Coronary Heart-Disease, Job Strain, Risk-Factors, Carotid Atherosclerosis, Myocardial-Infarction, Epidemiologic Literature, Decision Latitude, Workplace Demands, Swedish Men, Environment

Vermeulen, R., Stewart, P. and Kromhout, H. (2002), Dermal exposure assessment in occupational epidemiologic research. Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 28 (6), 371-385.

Full Text: S\Sca J Wor EnvHea28, 371.pdf

Abstract: Recognition of the importance of skin exposure in industrial settings has steadily increased over the last few decades. Unfortunately, the growing attention to dermal exposure in industrial hygiene has often not been reflected in the field of occupational epidemiology. An extensive literature survey was conducted to identify dermal exposure assessment methods that have been applied in epidemiologic studies. Subsequently, methodologies are postulated that could be applied to epidemiologic research. Attention is given to intensity, frequency, and duration of exposure, the exposed surface area, and personal, temporal and spatial variability in dermal exposure and uptake. It is anticipated that, in the near future, dermal exposure assessment in epidemiologic research will be based generally on expert judgment and to some degree on process-specific exposure models. Field studies collecting quantitative dermal exposure data and statistical modeling to identify exposure determinants will, however, be imperative if progress is to be made in the field of dermal exposure assessment for epidemiologic purposes.

Keywords: Epidemiology, Exposure Assessment, Exposure Variability, Dermal Uptake, Review, Skin Exposure, Rubber-Manufacturing-Industry, Polycyclic Aromatic-Hydrocarbons, Polychlorinated-Biphenyls Pcbs, Percutaneous-Absorption, Hand Dermatitis, Inhalation Exposure, Pesticide Exposure, Urinary-Excretion, Measurement Error, Organic-Compounds

? Navarro, A. and Martin, M. (2004), Scientific production and international collaboration in occupational health, 1992-2001. Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 30 (3), 223-233.

Full Text: 2004\Sca J Wor Env Hea30, 223.pdf

Abstract: Objectives The objectives of the present study were twofold, to describe international scientific production in occupational health and to examine international collaboration in this discipline.

Methods A bibliometric study was carried out, using Science Citation Index, in order to evaluate the articles published during the period 1992-2001 in eight representative occupational health journals. Scientific production, collaborative profiles for each country, and the significant relationships established between countries are reported.

Results One or more institutions in the United States had contributed to over 40% of the articles examined. The United States was followed by the United Kingdom (9.15%) and then Sweden (8.65%). When population size effects were eliminated, the Scandinavian countries proved to be the leading producers. After correction for gross domestic product, there was an increase in the ranking of apparently scientifically modest countries. The Scandinavian countries remained high. In terms of international collaboration in general, there was an inverse relationship between the production of a country and the proportion of articles co-authored with institutions in other countries. Finally, the significant relationships between countries permitted the identification of up to six large collaboration nuclei.

Conclusions The high absolute and relative Scandinavian production is suggestive of the great importance of occupational health in these countries. Access to publication by more modest countries, scientifically speaking, is observed to occur through collaboration with the high-production countries. In this sense, it would seem necessary to study the basis underlying these relationships. Finally, the characterization of the collaborative nuclei does not differ greatly from what was expected.

? Gehanno, J.F., Takahashi, K., Darmoni, S. and Weber, J. (2007), Citation classics in occupational medicine journals. Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 33 (4), 245-251.

Full Text: 2007\Sca J Wor Env Hea33, 245.pdf

Abstract: Objectives The number of citations an article receives after its publication not only reflects its impact on the scientific community, but also the impact of the institutions or countries in the field studied. In 1987, Garfield introduced the concept of “citation classics” for the best-cited articles. An analysis of top-cited articles coming from journals in the field of occupational medicine (eg, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health) has not yet been reported. The purpose of this study was to assess whether or not such citation classics exist in this field and to analyze their characteristics. Methods The most frequently cited articles published in the five major journals in occupational medicine were identified using the database of Science Citation Index Expanded. The data were obtained by searching one year and one journal at a time. All of the articles cited more than 100 times were collected and analyzed. Results Among the 15 553 articles published by the five journals since 1949, only 85 articles had been cited more than 100 times. The oldest had been published in 1950 and the latest in 1997. The United Kingdom contributed 28% of the citation classics and the United States or Sweden produced 19%. The most cited article had been cited 979 times. The main topics of articles were metabolism, occupational neoplasms, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusions Since the 1980s, Scandinavia and the United States have taken the leadership in the publication of citation classic papers. Nevertheless, according to the level of citations, the influence of literature published in occupational medicine journals remains limited.

Keywords: Analysis, Archives, Bibliometrics, Citation, Citation Classics, Citation Index, Citations, Countries, Database, Environment, Field, Health, Impact, Journal, Journals, Leadership, Literature, Medicine, Most-Cited Articles, Neoplasms, Numerical Data, Occupational Health, Papers, Periodical, Publication, Science, Science Citation Index, Statistics, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States

Keywords: Bibliometrics, Journals

? Burdorf, A. and Viikari-Juntura, E. (2007), Bibliometric analysis of the Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health - results from the past 10 years. Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 33 (4), 318-319.

Full Text: 2007\Sca J Wor Env Hea33, 318.pdf

Keywords: Analysis, Bibliometric, Bibliometric Analysis, Environment

? Kolstad, H.A. (2008), Nightshift work and risk of breast cancer and other cancers - A critical review of the epiderniologic evidence. Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 34 (1), 5-22.

Full Text: 2008\Sca J Wor Env Hea34, 5.pdf

Abstract: Objectives This systematic review concerns the role of nightshift work in the risk of breast cancer or other cancers. Methods Studies that specifically included information on nightshift or shift work and reported cancer occurrence were focused upon. A systematic search of Medline and the Science Citation Index was conducted until May 2007. The quality of each paper was discussed with respect to design, exposure and outcome information, bias, confounding, and exposure-response assessment. Results Thirteen relevant reports were found, and eight reported the relative risk for breast cancer, three for prostate cancer, three for colon cancer, and four for all cancers. Most of the studies had crude information about nightshift work, four register-linked studies had no individual exposure information but relied on exposure probabilities assessed on a group level, and no studies analyzed cancer risk according to the cumulative number of night shifts (however, most of the studies did so according to the number of years of nightshift work). Confounding did not seem to be of major concern. The presentation of the results was not always complete, and it would have been appreciated if the reasons for leaving some findings out had been reported. There were indications of a long-term effect of nightshift work (more than 20-30 years), but the number of positive studies was small. In addition, they were all conducted among nurses, and the risk estimates were only moderately increased. This situation makes the results sensitive to bias, chance, and confounding. Conclusions There is limited evidence for a causal association between nightshift work and breast cancer, while there is insufficient evidence for prostate cancer, colon cancer, and overall cancer.

Keywords: Assessment, Association, Bias, Breast Cancer, Cabin Attendants, Cancer, Chronobiology Disorder, Circadian Disruption, Circadian Rhythm, Citation, Collaborative Reanalysis, Commercial Airline Pilots, Confounding, Cumulative, Design, Endocrine Systems, Estimates, Evidence, Exposure, Female Flight Attendants, Indications, Information, Long Term, Long-Term, Melatonin Levels, Nurses, Occupational Exposure, Occupational Health, Outcome, Presentation, Prostate Cancer, Prostate-Cancer, Quality, Quality of, Relative Risk, Review, Risk, Role, Science, Science Citation Index, Shift Work, Shift-Work, Small, Systematic Review, Urinary 6-Sulfatoxymelatonin Levels, Work

? Rollin, L., Darmoni, S., Caillard, J.F. and Gehanno, J.F. (2009), Fate of abstracts presented at an International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH) congress - followed by publication in peer-reviewed journals? Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 35 (6), 461-465.

Full Text: 2009\Sca J Wor Env Hea35, 461.pdf

Abstract: Objectives Presentations at international meetings offer an excellent way to disseminate current research findings. One measure of the quality of research is jus subsequent publication. Our study aimed to determine the publication rate of abstracts presented at a congress of the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH), and to identify predictive factors of publication and differences between presented abstracts and subsequently published papers Methods We identified a random sample of 318 abstracts presented at the 2000 ICOH meeting from the book of abstracts. Using Medline and Embase, we assessed their publication rate in the period ranging from 1998 to 2006 and investigated the factors associated with the publication rate. Results Of 318 abstracts originating from 51 countries, 105 articles [33%, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 27-38)] were subsequently published in 67 journals indexed in Medline or Embase. Mean time to publication was 17 months (95% CI 13-21). Multivariate analysis revealed that abstracts with quantitative data and written by authors originating from developed Countries were significantly more published From the time of abstract presentation to publication in a peer-reviewed journal, both the study sample size and the first author frequently changed (25% and 29%, respectively), but the overall conclusions remained stable, except in one case Conclusions Most of the abstracts presented at the 2000 ICOH congress were not subsequently published as full research reports. If this is the case for most abstracts submitted to conferences, this may limit the ability of a reader to judge the validity, reliability, and generalizability of the research presented. Caution is advised when referencing or generalizing from abstracts that have not been subsequently published in full.

Keywords: Bibliometrics, International, Medicine, Meetings, Peer Review, Scientific Meeting

? Rollin, L., Darmoni, S., Gaillard, J.F. and Gehanno, J.F. (2010), Searching for high-quality articles about intervention studies in occupational health - what is really missed when using only the Medline database? Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 36 (6), 484-487.

Full Text: 2010\Sca J Wor Env Hea36, 484.pdf

Abstract: Objective Most occupational health physicians access electronic databases to obtain reliable medical information. Although it has been demonstrated that the use of Medline alone does not ensure comprehensiveness, many experts rely solely on this database. Our study aimed to discover to what extent the physician who limits his/her search to Medline misses studies of high quality. Methods We constructed a “gold standard” database of high-quality intervention studies gathering all the references included in the systematic reviews of the Cochrane Library and indexed under the topic “occupational health field”. We then searched all these references, one by one, in Medline. Results Overall, 88.8% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 86.1-91.5] of the high quality studies included in our gold standard database were indexed in Medline. References included in reviews on psychiatric or psychological topics were significantly less often indexed in Medline [81.7% (95% CI 75.9-88.5)] than references included in reviews on other topics [92.2% (95% CI 89.5-95.0)] (P=0.001). Conclusion The recall ratio of Medline for high-quality intervention studies is close to 90%. For occupational health practitioners who aim to find reliable answers to their daily practice questions, searching Medline only is more cost-effective than previously thought.

Keywords: Bibliographic Databases, Bibliometrics, Databases, Embase, Gold, Information, References, Trials