In rare occasions the investigators mention references in the result section of their manuscript. Is that acceptable, if so how many citations are regarded as normal or acceptable?
I think that if citations are clearly justified and necessary, any critical reader will understand their importance, regardless of the section where they are used. This would depend on the specific nature of the research and the paper reporting it.
I agree with David. If situation demands citations of works can be used in the result section too. Normally we not give citation of works in the Abstract of the papers.