The Indexer: The International Journal of Indexing

The Poehlman case: understanding and indexing ethical problems in scientific journals

The Indexer: The International Journal of Indexing (2011), 29, (4), 179–184.

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3828/indexer.2011.47
Language
English
Pages
6

Abstract

Ethical problems in scientific publishing lead to complex issues for indexers. It is important for indexers of both scientific journals and literature databases to understand ethical problems and the ‘cascade’ of publications that can result. Common problems involve authorship issues, duplicate publication (also called ‘self-plagiarism’ or ‘redundant publication’), plagiarism and scientific misconduct. These can lead to corrections (in minor cases), expressions of concern (while an investigation is under way) and eventually retraction (‘unpublishing’ the article). An example is provided of an article containing falsified and fabricated data, published in Annals of Internal Medicine in 1995. The discovery of data fabrication led to several linked publications, including a retraction, a letter from the author, an editor’s note, an editorial and letters to the editor. The MEDLINE indexing of these publications is provided, showing how they were linked to each other. In such complex cases involving many publications over several years, finding all associated publications and making a diagram can help in indexing all items comprehensively, making clear their interrelationship.

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Interlandi, J. (2006) ‘An unwelcome discovery.’ New York Times Magazine, 22 October. Available at: www.nytimes.com/2006/10/22/magazine/22sciencefraud.html (accessed 22 September 2011). Google Scholar

Office of Research Integrity (2005) ‘Press release – Dr. Eric T. Poehlman.’ Office of Research Integrity, US Department of Health and Human Services. Available at: http://ori.hhs.gov/misconduct/cases/press_release_poehlman.shtml (accessed 22 September 2011). Google Scholar

Poehlman, E. T. (2005) ‘Notice of retraction: final resolution’ (letter). Annals of Internal Medicine 142(9), 798. ‘Notice of retraction: final resolution’. Annals of Internal Medicine 142 798 Google Scholar

Poehlman, E. T., Toth, M. J. and Gardner, A.W. (1995) ‘Changes in energy balance and body composition at menopause: a controlled longitudinal study.’ Annals of Internal Medicine 123(9), 163–5. Changes in energy balance and body composition at menopause: a controlled longitudinal study Annals of Internal Medicine 123 163 5 Google Scholar

Sox, H. C. (2003) ‘Notice of retraction.’ Annals of Internal Medicine 139(8), 702. Notice of retraction Annals of Internal Medicine 139 702 Google Scholar

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Wager, E. and Williams, P. (2011) ‘Why and how do journals retract articles? An analysis of Medline retractions 1988–2008.’ Journal of Medical Ethics. Published online ahead of print doi:10.1136/jme.2010.040964. Why and how do journals retract articles? An analysis of Medline retractions 1988–2008 Journal of Medical Ethics Google Scholar

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Details

Author details

Brown, Carolyn