Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools
The Macedonian Journal of Anaesthesia recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are increasingly used in scientific writing, data processing, and image generation. While such tools may assist authors in certain aspects of manuscript preparation, their use must be transparent, responsible, and limited.
Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, integrity, originality, and scientific validity of the content submitted to the Journal, regardless of whether AI tools were used.
Acceptable Uses of AI Tools
Artificial intelligence tools may be used only for limited technical assistance during manuscript preparation. Acceptable uses include:
• language editing and grammar correction
• improving readability and clarity of the text
• formatting or structuring text
• translation assistance
• technical support in preparing figures or graphical elements.
AI tools may also be used for image processing or graphical illustration, provided that the scientific content is not altered or misrepresented.
In all cases, the authors must carefully review, verify, and take full responsibility for the final content.
Unacceptable Uses of AI Tools
AI tools must not be used to:
• generate or fabricate research data
• create false or non-existent references
• produce scientific conclusions without proper verification
• manipulate or falsify images or figures
• replace the intellectual contribution of the authors
• generate entire manuscripts without critical author oversight.
Any use of AI tools that results in fabricated information, misleading content, or scientific misconduct will be treated as a violation of publication ethics.
Authorship and Responsibility
Artificial intelligence tools cannot be listed as authors.
Authorship implies responsibility for the integrity of the work, the accuracy of the data, and the validity of the conclusions. Since AI systems cannot take responsibility for scientific content, they do not meet the authorship criteria defined by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE).
All authors listed on the manuscript must meet the established authorship criteria and must approve the final version of the manuscript before submission.
Disclosure of AI Use
Authors must disclose any use of artificial intelligence tools in the preparation of the manuscript.
The disclosure should specify:
• the name of the AI tool used
• the purpose for which the tool was used
• confirmation that the authors reviewed and verified all generated content.
Example disclosure:
The authors used [name of AI tool] to assist with language editing and grammar correction during the preparation of this manuscript. All content was reviewed, verified, and approved by the authors.
If no AI tools were used, authors may include the following statement:
The authors declare that no artificial intelligence tools were used in the preparation of this manuscript.
AI Use in Figures and Images
If artificial intelligence tools are used to generate or modify figures, illustrations, or graphical elements, this must be clearly disclosed in the manuscript.
AI-generated images must not misrepresent clinical data, research results, or patient information. Images representing clinical findings must be based on actual data and authentic medical imaging.
Any manipulation of images that alters or distorts scientific meaning is strictly prohibited.
Editorial and Ethical Considerations
The Journal follows international editorial standards and ethical principles regarding the responsible use of AI in scientific publishing, including guidance from:
• the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE)
• the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)
• the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME).
Editors and reviewers may use AI tools for limited purposes such as language editing or technical assistance, but confidential manuscript content must not be shared with external systems in a way that compromises author confidentiality.
Responsibility of Authors
Regardless of whether AI tools were used, authors remain fully responsible for:
• the accuracy of the data
• the originality of the manuscript
• the validity of references
• the integrity of figures and images
• compliance with ethical and scientific standards.
Failure to disclose the use of AI tools or misuse of AI technologies may lead to rejection of the manuscript, retraction of the published article, or further editorial action according to the Journal’s ethical policies.