Brazilian scientific journals in surgery. III: Analysis of the instructions for authors based on Vancouver uniform requirements.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the instructions for authors of Brazilian scientific journals in the surgery field, in order to describe the present situation, as well to make recommendations for editors and authors.


METHODS
Instruction for authors of 20 journals were analyzed and classified following Vancouver requirements. Instructions were taken from SciELO, from the journals homepage, or from the last printed issue available in BIREMEs collection. Results were descriptively analyzed, considering the frequency of each variable.


RESULTS
75% of the journals recommended ICMJE Uniform Requirements, although not always the newest version was indicated; 90% of the journals mentioned ethical research principles, 80% the peer-review process and 70% the conflict of interests and the author rights transfer agreement. Foreign languages frequently accepted were English (80%) and Spanish (30%). All journals publish original papers, followed by reviews (90%), case reports (80%), letters to the editor (70%), and clinical updates or continuing education (55%). The nomenclature for the sections varied among journals.


CONCLUSIONS
Even though publishing freedom and independence of each publisher must be respected, there are internationally accepted criteria that must be observed. The current trends, towards the prioritization of open access electronic journals, will lead to important changes in the process of publishing scientific journals.
Pellizzon
Rosely de Fátima
Rde F
Montero
Edna Frasson de Souza
EF
Población
Dinah Aguiar
DA
Monteiro
Rosangela
R
Castro
Regina Célia Figueiredo
RC
D001319:Authorship; D001938:Brazil; D035081:Editorial Policies; D013502:General Surgery; D010506:Periodicals as Topic / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data