Publications by authors named "Rafael B Santos"

Study Objective: To assess the effect of preoperative bilateral ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum nerve block (QLB) on quality of recovery after minimally invasive hysterectomy, in an enhanced recovery after surgery setting.

Design: Randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial (Canadian Task Force level I).

Setting: University-affiliated tertiary medical center.

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It has remained unclear how aging of endothelial cells (EC) contributes to pathophysiology of individual organs. Cell senescence results in part from inactivation of telomerase (TERT). Here, we analyzed mice with Tert knockout specifically in EC.

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  • The study investigates the physical and psychological effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on transgender individuals in Portugal, focusing on their life impacts and satisfaction levels.
  • It involved 114 transgender participants aged 18-62 who have been on hormonal therapy for at least one year, using questionnaires with a Likert scale to assess various outcomes, including perceived changes and side effects.
  • Key findings show that notable physical changes like amenorrhea in masculinizing treatments and decreased sperm production in feminizing treatments were perceived positively, while a significant percentage reported side effects, impacting their overall satisfaction with GAHT.
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  • The authors of the article "Nucleocapsid (N) gene mutations of SARS-CoV-2 can affect real-time RT-PCR diagnostic and impact false-negative results" are requesting to add two individuals, Olivia Teixeira and Maria Cristina Nonato, as co-authors.
  • This request suggests that both individuals contributed to the research and findings presented in the article.
  • The inclusion of these authors may highlight their roles in addressing the implications of genetic mutations in SARS-CoV-2 and improving diagnostic accuracy.
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Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths, and the most common primary liver malignancy to present in the clinic. With the exception of liver transplant, treatment options for advanced HCC are limited, but improved tumor stratification could open the door to new treatment options. Previously, we demonstrated that the circadian regulator Aryl Hydrocarbon-Like Receptor Like 1 (ARNTL, or Bmal1) and the liver-enriched nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α) are robustly co-expressed in healthy liver but incompatible in the context of HCC.

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The current COVID-19 pandemic demands massive testing by Real-time RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction), which is considered the gold standard diagnostic test for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, the virus continues to evolve with mutations that lead to phenotypic alterations as higher transmissibility, pathogenicity or vaccine evasion. Another big issue are mutations in the annealing sites of primers and probes of RT-PCR diagnostic kits leading to false-negative results.

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Hyperplastic expansion of white adipose tissue (WAT) relies in part on the proliferation of adipocyte precursor cells residing in the stromal vascular cell fraction (SVF) of WAT. This study reveals a circadian clock- and feeding-induced diurnal pattern of cell proliferation in the SVF of visceral and subcutaneous WAT in vivo, with higher proliferation of visceral adipocyte progenitor cells subsequent to feeding in lean mice. Fasting or loss of rhythmic feeding eliminates this diurnal proliferation, while high fat feeding or genetic disruption of the molecular circadian clock modifies the temporal expression of proliferation genes and impinges on diurnal SVF proliferation in eWAT.

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Introduction: The international Haemophilia Experiences, Results and Opportunities (HERO) study assessed the psychosocial aspects of life for people with haemophilia (PWH) and their caregivers in several countries. Brazil was not included in this initiative.

Aim And Methods: An observational, multicentre, cross-sectional study was performed involving PWH (moderate-to-severe haemophilia) and their caregivers, from November 2014 to July 2015.

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The use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has become broader because of their recognized effectiveness in the treatment of autoimmune, neoplastic, and inflammatory diseases. Consequently, hypersensitivity reactions (HSR) secondary to mAbs are being reported more often, and each mAb-related HSR presents specific features. This article discusses the main biological agents and associated HSR, the clinical presentation of such reactions, and the role of tryptase and skin testing in the diagnosis.

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Article Synopsis
  • The text discusses various research studies focusing on health topics, including health literacy in adolescents and the impact of walking programs on individuals with schizophrenia.
  • It also covers innovative medical practices, safety culture in patient care, and the psychological effects experienced by emergency crews after disasters.
  • Additionally, it highlights issues such as musculoskeletal disorders in midwives, negative childhood experiences affecting adolescent mental health, and studies on vaccination timing and assessments in elderly care.
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