Bioinformatics and molecular biology tools for diagnosis, prevention, treatment and prognosis of COVID-19.

Since December 2019, a new form of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) has emerged worldwide, caused by SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This disease was called COVID-19 and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Symptoms can vary from a common cold to severe pneumonia, hypoxemia, respiratory distress, and death.

Impact of Chemotherapy Treatment on the Functionality and Quality of Life of Cancer Patients.

Background And Purpose: Cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases in the general population, and is one of the main causes of changes in the population's illness profile. In this study, we assessed changes in the functional status and quality of life of patients in the first months of chemotherapy treatment.

Method: A prospective cohort study was carried out, collecting data from cancer patients seen at an outpatient clinic in the Midwest of Santa Catarina who had breast, lung, colon and rectum, prostate and head and neck cancer.

Can Aluminum Affect Social Behavior and Cortisol Plasma Profile in the Neotropical Freshwater Teleost (Teleostei: Characidae)?

Aluminum (Al) can cause endocrine disruption in aquatic animals, but assessments of animal social behavior in neotropical teleost fish species with importance for Brazilian aquaculture have still not been addressed so far, which can further complete this ecotoxicological knowledge. In order to evaluate the social behavior and plasma cortisol concentration of fish exposed to Al, we performed a 1 h acute exposure with couples in three different experimental groups: control in neutral pH (CTL/n group), acid pH (pH/ac group), and aluminum in acid pH (Al/ac group; 2.0 mg L).

Prevalence and factors associated with vitamin D deficiency in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus: Baseline data from a clinical trial in Rio de Janeiro.

Objectives: The therapeutic potential of vitamin D has been studied regarding adjuvant interventions. Some studies have evaluated the factors associated with vitamin D deficiency (VDD) in healthy populations, but they are scarce in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of and factors associated with VDD in children and adolescents with T1DM.

Risk assessment of pesticide residues ingestion in food offered by institutional restaurant menus.

The chronic ingestion of pesticide residues through food appears to be a global public health issue, especially in Brazil. This study evaluates 120 menus across six Brazilian institutional restaurants, estimating the allowance of active pesticide ingredients, residue characterization, and chronic exposure risk through food. Data analysis reveals 263 authorized active ingredients, predominantly insecticides (43%), fungicides (40%), and herbicides (14%) for use in 40 foods.