Guidelines for the Utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools in TUOMS Press Journals

Policy on using AI tools at TUOMS PRESS for authors, editors, and reviewers

The use of AI tools in research and publishing has become inevitable. Accordingly, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (TUOMS PRESS), as an academic publisher, in alignment with the emergence of this technology, has since 2023 established and articulated policies regarding the use of AI tools and the requirements for transparency and disclosure in scholarly articles.   

TUOMS PRESS follows the guidelines of COPE and ICMJE regarding AI. The corresponding author must disclose the use of generative AI tools such as large language models (LLMs) in scientific writing at the time of manuscript submission, in accordance with the following policies:

• Authors may use AI to edit language, correct grammar, and enhance manuscript readability.
• Each author is responsible for the content of their work, including any sections developed or revised using AI tools.
• AI tools should not be used to generate content that replaces original scientific thinking or the interpretation of research findings.
• AI tools should not be listed as authors or co-authors because they cannot be responsible for the accuracy, integrity, or originality of the work, which is required for authorship. 
• Authors are prohibited from using AI-assisted tools to generate primary research figures (microscopy images, histology images, western blots, gels, radiology scans, patient images, etc.). For example, AI tools may produce inaccurate figures, incorrect text labels, and structural distortions in visual data like arteries, veins, etc.
• AI-assisted tools cannot be utilized to create primary research figures such as microscopy, radiology scans, western blots, histology, etc due to the risk of structural distortion and factual inaccuracy.

• Authors are strictly prohibited from using AI tools to generate graphical abstracts. A graphical abstract is intended to present the principal findings and key message of a study in an accurate visual format.
• The use of AI to create or alter figures, images, or visual data is not allowed unless it is as part of the research methods (e.g. AI-assisted imaging techniques used to generate or interpret research data, or predictive modeling of clinical outcomes based on patient data). In such cases, authors must clearly describe how AI was used and ensure the scientific validity and methodological integrity of the resulting visuals.
• At the end of the manuscript, authors must include a statement under the section entitled "Declaration of AI-Assisted Tools in the Writing Process." This statement should include:

• the name and version of the AI tool(s) used;
• the specific purpose for which the tool(s) were used; and
• confirmation that all AI-generated content was carefully reviewed, verified, and edited by the authors, who take full responsibility for the final manuscript.

Example: "The authors used Llama 3.3 for language editing and paraphrasing of the Discussion section. All AI-generated text was carefully reviewed for accuracy, and the authors take full responsibility for the final content of the manuscript."

• Undisclosed AI usage may be considered as a violation of publication ethics and can result in manuscript rejection or post-publication retraction.
• AI-generated material must not be cited or referenced as a primary source.

• Reviewers and editors must not use AI tools during peer review, as uploading a manuscript violates authors’ confidentiality and proprietary rights. 
• Editors and reviewers should be aware that AI-generated content may appear convincing while being inaccurate, incomplete, misleading, or biased.

3. Editorial Evaluation
4. Given that TUOMS PRESS journals use both Turnitin and iThenticate (AI-detection and similarity-checking software), the editorial office of each journal reserves the right to conduct manual editorial assessments and reference verification to ensure the accuracy, validity, and integrity of submitted content. These editorial checks serve as an editorial filter and do not absolve authors of responsibility for unauthorized AI use, fabricated data, or any other form of research misconduct.
5. Any manuscript or published article suspected of containing unauthorized AI-generated content, fabricated or falsified data, or AI-generated references that have not been verified by the authors will be subject to further investigation and may be rejected (if under review) or retracted (if already published) in accordance with COPE guidelines.

All manuscripts using AI tools should follow the GAMER guideline (https://ebm.bmj.com/content/early/2025/05/13/bmjebm-2025-113825) for proper reporting and ethical integrity.