Influenza A and B viruses represent significant global health threats, contributing substantially to morbidity and mortality rates. However, a comprehensive understanding of the molecular epidemiology of these viruses in Brazil, a continental-size country and a crucial hub for the entry, circulation, and dissemination of influenza viruses within South America, still needs to be improved. This study addresses this gap by consolidating data and samples across all Brazilian macroregions, as part of the Center for Viral Surveillance and Serological Assessment project, together with an extensive number of other Brazilian sequences provided by a public database during the epidemic seasons spanning 2021-23.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Rapid diagnostic tools are crucial for timely intervention, especially in high-risk groups such as truck drivers. In Brazil, the Mission® test uniquely offers test strips for simultaneous measurement of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHeat stress is caused by exposure of animals to high temperatures and humidity, outside their thermal comfort zone. This can have negative outcomes, including adversely affecting general well-being and reducing productive and reproductive performance. In males, heat stress can disrupt testicular thermoregulation, with deleterious effects on spermatogenesis and consequently, decreases in sperm quality and fertility potential.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCyanobacterial harmful algal blooms can pose risks to ecosystems and human health worldwide due to their capacity to produce natural toxins. The potential dangers associated with numerous metabolites produced by cyanobacteria remain unknown. Only select classes of cyanopeptides have been extensively studied with the aim of yielding substantial evidence regarding their toxicity, resulting in their inclusion in risk management and water quality regulations.
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