Scientific fraud in 20 falsified anesthesia papers

摘要: Data from natural sources show counter-intuitive distribution patterns for the leading digits to left of decimal point and digit 1 is observed more frequently than all other numbers. This pattern, which was first described by Newcomb later confirmed Benford, used in financial tax auditing detect fraud. Deviations pattern indicate possible falsifications. Anesthesiology journals are affected not only ghostwriting plagiarism but also counterfeiting. In present study 20 publications anesthesiology known be falsified an author were investigated irregularities with respect Benford’s law using χ2-test Z-test. retracted average first-digit frequency 243.1 (standard deviation SD ±118.2, range: 30–592) second-digit 132.3 (SD ±72.2, 15–383) found. The second differed significantly (p< 0.01) expected Benford. Only absolute frequencies 3, 4 5 did differ values. analysis each paper 17 out studies value 18 varied digit. one vary values decimal. For comparison, a meta-analysis complex mathematical procedures chosen as control. showed consistent Benford distribution. Thus, method seems sensitive detecting Additional statements specificity cannot yet made this requires further data that definitely falsified. Future exploring conformity might help prevent being published.