[Burocracy against science].
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Biomedical Research↗
Biomedical subjects
Jaime C Branco
Publications and source records attributed to Jaime C Branco.
[Cultural adaptation and validation of the "Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire"--Portuguese version].
The aim of this study was to translate the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) into Portuguese (Portugal) and to evaluate its reliability and validity by use with Portuguese--speaking patients with Fibromyalgia. After translating the FIQ into Portuguese we administered it to 68 patients with Fibromyalgia together with an informed consent, a Portuguese version of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and a formulary with the socio-demographic characteristics and duration of the complaints. The content validity was assessed with a panel of experts, with high consensus. In the concurrent validity, we obtained significant correlations between the FIQ first item and the HAQ [r = 0,531 (p = 0,001)]. Cronbach's alpha was 0,814, indicating an acceptable level of internal consistency. In conclusion, the Portuguese version of the FIQ is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring health status and physical functioning in Portuguese patients with Fibromyalgia. This instrument is available for use in the clinical practice.
Adult↗
[Synovial fluid crystal identification by electron microscopy].
BACKGROUND: In clinical practice crystal identification in synovial fluid is made by polarized light microscopy and with some specific stainings. Nevertheless, sometimes we are unable to identify crystals by these means, either because they are too small or because they are widespread on the fluid. AIMS: To compare the identification of crystals in synovial fluid from patients with non-infectious monoarthritis but no history of local trauma or articular disease, using polarized light and electronic microscopy. METHODS: We analized synovial fluid samples from patients with non-infectious monoarthritis and no history of local trauma or articular disease. First we used a polarized light microscope and alizarin red staining. Later we used conventional transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy, in order to identify and characterize crystals. RESULTS: Fourty-five samples from 23 synovial fluids were analyzed. Under polarized light microscopy we identified crystals on 11 samples: 3 with calcium pyrophosphate crystals, 6 with calcium basic phosphate crystals and 2 with sodium monourate crystals. On the remaining 12 samples we were unable to identify crystals. Samples were then analyzed by conventional transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy confirming the presence of the previously identified crystals. On the remainig 12 samples we were able to identify calcium basic phosphate crystals. DISCUSSION: Microcrystals seem to be an universal finding in synovial fluid of patients with osteoarthritis. The prevention of their deposition in joints might contribute to stop joint damage in this disease.
Arthritis↗