Authors

• Generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT or Claude) cannot be listed as authors, because they cannot take responsibility for the work.
• Authors who use AI tools for writing, translation, coding or data analysis must disclose this use in the "Use of generative AI tools" section of the title page, stating the tool and its purpose. Where AI was used for data analysis or coding, this use must also be described in the Methods section of the manuscript, without any information that could identify the authors. Basic spelling and grammar checks do not need to be declared.
• Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality and integrity of all content, including any content produced with the help of AI.
• AI-generated images and figures are not permitted, unless the use of AI is itself the subject of the research and is described in the Methods.

Reviewers and editors

• Manuscripts are confidential. Reviewers and editors must not upload manuscripts, or any part of them, to generative AI tools.
• Reviewers must not use AI tools to write their review reports. The scientific assessment must be their own.

This policy is based on the ICMJE Recommendations, the WAME recommendations on chatbots and generative AI and COPE guidance. It will be updated as practices and guidance in scholarly publishing evolve. See also our Publication Ethics policy.