The references in articles published in biomedical journals

Bibliographic citations or "references" are an important component of all s cientific manuscripts. The authors are responsible of their accuracy and th ey should follow the format and style requested by the journal where they a re submitting their paper. Revista Medica de Chile adheres to the "Uniform Requirements" established by the Vancouver Group of Medical Editors. Equall y important is a correct choice of references, including those original art icles strictly connected to the content of the manuscript. The number of ci tations usually vary according to the specific character of the study: rese arch article or irrelevant citations, or the omission of important articles , etc. Common mistakes are due to an excessive number of repetitive of irre levant citations, or the omission of important articles sometimes not found in bibliographic indexes, or an erroneous claims of priority in reporting an observation. Finally, in developing countries the authors should include previous reports appeared in their own local journals, therefore improving their opportunities of achieving international visibility.