Regulations of the Editorial Department on the Utilization of Generative Artificial Intelligence Technology in the Process of Paper Writing and Review
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) pertains to models and associated technologies possessing the capability to generate content, including text, pictures, audio, video, data, code, and patterns. GenAI is exerting an influence on and bringing about changes in academic research and paper writing. In order to uphold scientific research integrity, prevent academic malpractice, and guarantee the authenticity, accuracy, and transparency of the research process and outcomes, the editorial department hereby formulates the following regulations regarding the utilization of GenAI in the writing and review of medical science and technology papers.
1. Conditional Use of GenAI by Authors in Paper Writing
This regulation offers a prudent recommendation regarding the application of GenAI in paper writing, and its usage should be strictly confined within the agreed - upon boundaries.
(1) GenAI can be employed for heuristic exploration purposes, including literature retrieval, topic - selection inspiration, and keyword recommendation necessary in the research process. Nevertheless, authors are required to verify the information furnished by GenAI, confirm the authenticity and reliability of the references it utilizes, and must never directly adopt the references generated by GenAI without verification.
(2) GenAI can be utilized for statistical analysis during the research process. The data to be analyzed must be genuine data generated or collected by the authors in scientific research endeavors. Authors bear the responsibility for the selected modeling and testing methods, and they should also validate the statistical analysis results of GenAI through alternative means to guarantee the reliability and accuracy of the statistical outcomes.
(3) GenAI can be applied for language refinement and translation between different languages of papers to enhance the readability of papers. Authors can refer to, but not directly replicate, the writing style provided by GenAI, and should ensure that the paper exhibits the writing characteristics of the individual or co - signed authors.
(4) GenAI can be used to suggest appropriate types of statistical charts and assist in charting. However, it is prohibited from creating, altering, or manipulating original research data, research processes, and results, encompassing but not limited to data charts, pathological charts, electrophoresis charts, imaging charts, photo charts, gene analysis maps, experimental result tracings, forest plots, surgical audio - visual materials, etc.
(5) GenAI can be utilized in various aspects, including the standardized checking of reference formats, the automated sorting of references corresponding to the main text, and the automatic generation of citations. Nevertheless, content identified by other authors as AI - generated should not be cited as original literature. In cases where citation is truly unavoidable, an explanation must be provided.
2. Situations where the use of GenAI is prohibited in paper writing by authors
(1) Authors are not allowed to list any GenAI, its products, or teams as the author or co - author of the submitted paper. Since generative artificial intelligence technology cannot take responsibility for all the content of the manuscript, it does not meet the basic requirements for signature eligibility.
(2) GenAI cannot be used to write an entire paper or important parts of a paper (such as research methods, results, and the interpretation and analysis of the results). All content that falls within the scope of scientific contributions or intellectual labor should be completed by the authors. If the main content of a paper is completed using GenAI, the editorial department will handle it as an act of academic misconduct.
3. Author Responsibilities and GenAI Information Disclosure
Authors are required to assume full responsibility for all the content of the paper, including the parts assisted by GenAI. In the event that authors utilize GenAI in their research and paper - writing, they ought to publicly, transparently, and comprehensively describe the usage of GenAI (including the name and version of the GenAI tool, the time of use, and the usage process. If necessary, mark the content generated with GenAI assistance regarding facts and viewpoints) after the main text and before the references or within the methodology section of the main text. They should also state the review status of GenAI (e.g., the authors have reviewed and edited the content generated by GenAI and assume full responsibility for the authenticity and accuracy of the content in this paper). It is advisable that authors submit and archive the parts (texts, charts, programs, etc.) completed with GenAI assistance as supplementary materials to assist reviewers and editors in assessing the originality of the paper.
4. Requirements for the Utilization of GenAI in the Paper Review Process
The paper review process entails responsibilities and obligations that can solely be assumed and fulfilled by human beings. To mitigate potential risks associated with copyright infringement, privacy violations, and breaches of security and confidentiality obligations, it is strictly prohibited to upload manuscripts and supplementary materials to publicly accessible GenAI platforms during the paper review process and employ them as tools for providing review comments and revising papers. When a reviewer suspects that the author has utilized GenAI in contravention of the requirements stipulated in this regulation, they are required to report the matter to the editorial department and articulate the reasons in the review comments. Editors are also prohibited from using GenAI for the preliminary review of papers and the standardization of manuscripts.
5. Investigation and Punishment of Violations of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Usage Regulations in Paper Writing and Review
To prevent the improper utilization of GenAI, the editorial department will employ a variety of technological measures for pre - prevention and control. If the editorial department ascertains that an author has contravened the GenAI usage regulations during paper writing, the paper will be directly rejected or retracted. In instances of severe violations, the author will be added to the list of academic dishonesty and will be barred from submitting papers to “The Journal of Practical Medicine” for a period of two years. If the author also serves as a reviewer of the journal, they will likewise be prohibited from participating in the review work.
If a reviewer violates the aforementioned regulations during paper review, leading to consequences such as information leakage or infringement, they will be disqualified from participating in the review work and may be required to assume corresponding responsibilities as necessary.
With the advancement of GenAI, the regulations concerning the use of GenAI in paper writing and review will also be continuously updated.
These regulations shall take effect as of the date of publication.
Editorial Department of The Journal of Practical Medicine
November 27, 2025