Research Ethics

The Caucasian Medical Journal is committed to upholding the highest standards of research ethics, scientific integrity, and responsible publishing. This Research Ethics policy outlines the expectations for authors, editors, and reviewers regarding research involving human participants, animals, clinical trials, and sensitive data.

Human Research Ethics

Authors must ensure that all research involving human participants complies with internationally recognized ethical standards, including the latest revision of the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki. Manuscripts must clearly state that appropriate ethical approval was obtained from a recognized institutional review board (IRB) or ethics committee before the commencement of the study. The name of the approving body, approval number, and date must be indicated in the Methods section.

Informed consent must be obtained from all participants prior to their inclusion in the study. Consent must cover both participation and, where applicable, the publication of identifiable information such as photographs or case details. For studies involving minors (individuals under the age of 18), consent must be obtained from both parents or legal guardians. Particular attention must be given to vulnerable groups, ensuring that their participation is fully voluntary and ethically justified.

The confidentiality and privacy of participants must be protected at all stages. Manuscripts must not include identifiable information unless explicitly justified and accompanied by documented consent.

Animal Research Ethics

Research involving animals must be conducted according to rigorous ethical standards, ensuring animal welfare and compliance with the principles of the 3Rs: Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement. Authors must:

• Confirm that experiments were approved by an appropriate institutional animal care and use committee.
• Provide details of the ethical approval in the manuscript.
• Adhere to relevant national and international guidelines, such as the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and Directive 2010/63/EU.
• Report study design, statistical analysis, experimental procedures, animal housing, and husbandry in accordance with the ARRIVE reporting guidelines.

Authors should describe the measures taken to minimize pain, suffering, and distress in animals.

Clinical Trials Registration

The Caucasian Medical Journal requires that all clinical trials be registered prospectively in publicly accessible databases such as ClinicalTrials.gov or the EU Clinical Trials Register. Authors must provide the trial registration number in the manuscript, preferably in the Abstract section. Retrospective registration must be justified clearly. Manuscripts reporting clinical trials must also adhere to the CONSORT reporting guidelines.

Bias-Free Language

Authors must use inclusive and bias-free language when describing study populations. Descriptors relating to gender, age, ethnicity, race, disability, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status must be used respectfully and appropriately. Authors are encouraged to refer to the SAGER guidelines for comprehensive and responsible reporting of sex and gender considerations.

When direct quotations from participants include sensitive or derogatory language, authors must clearly indicate that such language reflects participant reporting and not the authors' voice.

Handling of Ethical Misconduct

Suspected ethical misconduct, including but not limited to plagiarism, data fabrication or falsification, unethical research practices, or failure to obtain necessary approvals, will be thoroughly investigated following the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Outcomes of such investigations may include manuscript rejection, retraction of published articles, notification of relevant institutions, and public correction notices.

Editors and Reviewers Responsibilities

Editors and reviewers share responsibility for ensuring that published research meets the journal's ethical standards. They are expected to critically assess ethical compliance in submitted manuscripts and may request further documentation or clarification from authors when necessary.

Commitment to Ethical Standards

The Caucasian Medical Journal remains firmly committed to fostering a research environment based on transparency, integrity, and respect for human and animal rights. Authors, reviewers, and editors are required to adhere strictly to these ethical standards to maintain the credibility and excellence of the scientific record.

For further inquiries regarding research ethics, authors are encouraged to contact the editorial office at editor@caucasianmedj.com.