The physician claims and hospitalization files are used to define diabetes mellitus and hypertension following validated algorithms [ 11, 12], with other comorbid conditions based on a validated coding algorithm for Charlson comorbidites using ICD-9-CM and ICD-10 codes [ 23].
Exome sequencing was performed in the UCLA Clinical Genomics Center [ http://pathology.ucla.edu/genomics] following validated protocols.
A three lot validation study was performed [ 20] in which the following was validated: cell separation procedure, freezing media, dispensing effect on function, freezing procedure, and shipping on dry ice.
Testing for the BRAF V600E mutation was performed following clinically validated protocols.
Accordingly, there is an urgent need to improve therapeutic strategies toward following internationally validated evidence-based guidelines.
Retinal vascular caliber and the other vascular aspects will be assessed using a computer program following previously validated protocols [ 87, 88].
Scales were formed for the following already validated scales: job satisfaction, self-efficacy, work pressure, emotional workload, decision-making authority, emotional exhaustion and engagement.
The following previously validated morpholinos, targeted against the initiation codon of pdx1 and hb9, respectively, were obtained from Gene Tools (Philomath, OR, USA): pdx1MO: 5'-GATAGTAATGCTCTTCCCGATTCAT-3' [ 18, 19]; hb9MO: 5'-TTTTTAGATTTCTCCATCTGGCCCA-3' [ 20].
To avoid bias in measurements, trained interviewers assessed depressive symptoms using the following questionnaires validated in Brazil: the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D) [ 21, 22], the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) [ 23, 24], and the Montgomery-Äsberg Scale (MADRS) [ 25].
The other two instruments the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and the Life Stress Questionnaire were translated and validated following the model of cultural validation proposed by Van Ommeren et al. [ 29], which triangulates information from translators and key informants with the findings from focus groups with homologous participants.
