An Update on the Standardized Reporting of Information on Human Cadaver and Body Donor Utilization in Prominent Clinical Journals in Different Fields between 2020 and 2024

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Bibliographic Details
Title: An Update on the Standardized Reporting of Information on Human Cadaver and Body Donor Utilization in Prominent Clinical Journals in Different Fields between 2020 and 2024
Language: English
Authors: Latif Saglam, Ali Ozan Oztarhan, Mehmet Guven Gunver (ORCID 0000-0002-4628-8391), Ozcan Gayretli (ORCID 0000-0001-7958-3170), Aysin Kale, Osman Coskun
Source: Anatomical Sciences Education. 2026 19(1):100-108.
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 9
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Information Analyses
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Human Body, Anatomy, Laboratory Procedures, Donors, Ethics, Periodicals, Journal Articles, Medical Research, Informed Consent, Accountability
DOI: 10.1002/ase.70139
ISSN: 1935-9772
1935-9780
Abstract: Standardized reporting around the use of human cadavers or body donors, including the documentation of ethical considerations, has been a subject of recent debate. In this context, this study aimed to investigate changes over time in the reporting of ethical parameters in leading clinical journals representing various disciplines. All articles involving human cadavers and body donors studies published in Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research, Journal of Neurosurgery, and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery between January 2020 and December 2024 were analyzed. Each article was assessed according to the ethical parameters for human cadavers and body donors, as reported and suggested by prior research. The extent to which the articles provided information on biological characteristics, preservation method(s), source, and ethical/legal permissions was recorded. From the assessed articles, 41.5% of the publications included information on age and sex. The vast majority reported the tissue preservation method (78.5%), while the source of the specimens was omitted in 57% of the articles. Information on informed consent of donors appeared in 24% of the articles, with ethical approval mentioned in 32%. Only 10.5% of the articles acknowledged the cadavers or body donors and their families with gratitude. The results indicate a lack of consistent reporting of ethical parameters. The findings suggest that current publications do not adequately meet previously recommended parameters for reporting research utilizing deceased persons, highlighting the need for clearer journal policies and consistent enforcement to ensure transparency, scientific rigor, and respect for donors.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1493330
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Standardized reporting around the use of human cadavers or body donors, including the documentation of ethical considerations, has been a subject of recent debate. In this context, this study aimed to investigate changes over time in the reporting of ethical parameters in leading clinical journals representing various disciplines. All articles involving human cadavers and body donors studies published in Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research, Journal of Neurosurgery, and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery between January 2020 and December 2024 were analyzed. Each article was assessed according to the ethical parameters for human cadavers and body donors, as reported and suggested by prior research. The extent to which the articles provided information on biological characteristics, preservation method(s), source, and ethical/legal permissions was recorded. From the assessed articles, 41.5% of the publications included information on age and sex. The vast majority reported the tissue preservation method (78.5%), while the source of the specimens was omitted in 57% of the articles. Information on informed consent of donors appeared in 24% of the articles, with ethical approval mentioned in 32%. Only 10.5% of the articles acknowledged the cadavers or body donors and their families with gratitude. The results indicate a lack of consistent reporting of ethical parameters. The findings suggest that current publications do not adequately meet previously recommended parameters for reporting research utilizing deceased persons, highlighting the need for clearer journal policies and consistent enforcement to ensure transparency, scientific rigor, and respect for donors.
ISSN:1935-9772
1935-9780
DOI:10.1002/ase.70139