Trends in genetic literature with the use of flow cytometry

Abstract

In this study, we used scientometric techniques to analyze the use of FCM in the field of genetics. We evaluated the overall growth and trends within genetic research that has utilized FCM, focusing on the organisms studied and the types of research conducted. To analyze the importance of FCM in genetic studies, bibliographical production from 1991 to 2007 was used as a quantitative indicator. The survey of the published literature was conducted using the Thompson ISI database with the keywords ‘‘flow* cytometr* and genetic* or genotype*.’’ The use of the asterisk in this search indicates that any ending of the word may be accepted, assuring inclusion of that term in the singular and plural forms. The search terms were used in their compound form because the terms ‘‘flow cytometry’’ and ‘‘genetic or genotype,’’ when separate, may include works not related to the two interconnected issues. Lastly, we restricted the search period from 1991 to 2007, because the Thomson ISI provide complete abstract only from 1991, moreover, we analyzed paper until 2007 because our search was made in 2008.