Evaluation of self-collected nasal, urine, and saliva samples for molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 using an EUA approved RT-PCR assay and a laboratory developed LAMP SARS-CoV-2 test.

As the SARS-CoV-2 virus spread throughout the world, millions of positive cases of COVID-19 were registered and, even though there are millions of people already vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, a large part of the global population remains vulnerable to contracting the virus. Massive nasopharyngeal sample collection in Puerto Rico at the beginning of the pandemic was limited by the scarcity of trained personnel and testing sites. To increase SARS-CoV-2 molecular testing availability, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of self-collected nasal, saliva, and urine samples using the TaqPath reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) COVID-19 kit to detect SARS-CoV-2.

Precision health diagnostic and surveillance network uses S gene target failure (SGTF) combined with sequencing technologies to track emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Introduction: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic revealed a worldwide lack of effective molecular surveillance networks at local, state, and national levels, which are essential to identify, monitor, and limit viral community spread. SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) such as Alpha and Omicron, which show increased transmissibility and immune evasion, rapidly became dominant VOCs worldwide. Our objective was to develop an evidenced-based genomic surveillance algorithm, combining reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and sequencing technologies to quickly identify highly contagious VOCs, before cases accumulate exponentially.

Low urinary selenium levels are associated with iodine deficiency in Brazilian schoolchildren and adolescents.

Background: Selenium (Se) and iodine (Io) are important micronutrients for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, as they are crucial for the synthesis and activation of the thyroid hormones (TH) triiodothyronine (T) and thyroxine (T).

Objective: To evaluate the Se and Io nutritional status among schoolchildren.

Methodology: Cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study conducted in 982 schoolchildren aged 6-14 years from public schools in the state of Bahia, Brazil.

Association of Salt Iodization and Urine Iodine Concentration in Schoolchildren from Public Schools in Northeast of Brazil.

Iodine deficiency (ID) is recognized as a leading risk factor for child development. Universal salt iodization (USI) is an effective and well-established intervention strategy for the prevention of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). To evaluate the levels of iodine in household salt samples and the urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in schoolchildren aged 6 to 14 years in public schools in Bahia, Brazil.

Iodine Nutritional Status in Schoolchildren from Public Schools in Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study Exposes Association with Socioeconomic Factors and Food Insecurity.

Introduction: National programs of salt iodization were implemented in Brazil to combat iodine deficiency (ID) in children of school age. Currently, there are limited data in Brazil on those still vulnerable to this deficiency and the state of nutritional iodine status in the northeast region of Brazil, where children are vulnerable to malnutrition.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the iodine nutritional status, household food insecurity, socioeconomic and demographic characteristics among schoolchildren from the public school system living in state the state of Bahia, Brazil.