Effects of Different Exercise Interventions on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, as Measured by Peak Oxygen Consumption in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.

BACKGROUND: Exercise is an important component of rehabilitation care for people with coronary heart disease (CHD). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to critically analyze and summarize the existing evidence from published systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that have evaluated the effects of different types of exercise interventions on cardiorespiratory fitness, as measured by peak oxygen consumption in people with CHD. METHODS: Electronic databases (Cochrane Library, Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, and PEDro) were searched for SRs of exercise interventions of people with CHD. Two reviewers assessed the quality of SRs using the AMSTAR-2 tool and evaluated the strength of evidence quality with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system for relevant outcome measures. Mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: Thirty-one SRs (with 125 RCTs) met the study criteria, including 33,608 patients. Compared with usual care, continuous aerobic exercise produced an improvement in peak oxygen consumption, MD of 3.8 mL kg-1 min-1 (95% CI: 3.204.4, I2 = 67%); high-intensity interval training, MD 6.1 mL kg-1 min-1 (95% CI: 0.4-11.8, I2 = 97%); resistance training, MD of 2.1 mL kg-1 min-1 (95% CI: 0.98-3.2, I2 = 60%); combined aerobic and resistance training, MD of 3.0 mL kg-1 min-1 (95% CI: 2.5-3.4, I2 = 0%); and water-based exercise, MD of 4.4 mL kg-1 min-1 (95% CI, 2.1-6.7; I2 = 2%). CONCLUSION: Exercise interventions improve peak oxygen consumption in people with CHD. However, there was moderate to very-low certainty for the evidence found.

Determinants of cardiorespiratory fitness measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing in COVID-19 survivors: a systematic review with meta-analysis and meta­regression.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and its possible determinants in post-COVID-19 survivors has not been systematically assessed. OBJECTIVES: To identify and summarize studies comparing cardiorespiratory fitness measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing in COVID-19 survivors versus non-COVID-19 controls, as well as to determine the influence of potential moderating factors. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and SciELO since their inceptions until June 2022. Mean differences (MD), standard mean differences (SMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were used to evaluate potential moderating factors. RESULTS: 48 studies (3372 participants, mean age 42 years, and with a mean testing time of 4 months post-COVID-19) were included, comprising a total of 1823 COVID-19 survivors and 1549 non-COVID-19 controls. After data pooling, VO2 peak (SMD=1.0 95% CI: 0.5, 1.5; 17 studies; N = 1273) was impaired in COVID-19 survivors. In 15 studies that reported VO2 peak values in mL/min/kg, non-COVID-19 controls had higher peak VO2 values than COVID-19 survivors (MD=6.2, 95% CI: 3.5, 8.8; N = 905; I2=84%). In addition, VO2 peak was associated with age, time post-COVID-19, disease severity, presence of dyspnea, and reduced exercise capacity. CONCLUSION: This systematic review provides evidence that cardiorespiratory fitness may be impaired in COVID-19 survivors, especially for those with severe disease, presence of dyspnea, and reduced exercise capacity. Furthermore, the degree of reduction of VO2 peak is inversely associated with age and time post-COVID.

Ozone Therapy in the Integrated Treatment of Female Dogs with Mammary Cancer: Oxidative Profile and Quality of Life.

Considering the high frequency of malignant breast tumors, there is a growing search for new therapeutic strategies that control neoplastic growth and dissemination, combined with fewer adverse reactions. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of ozone therapy in female dogs with mammary cancer undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Twenty-five canines diagnosed with malignant mammary neoplasia were divided into two groups: one treated with carboplatin alone (n = 11) and the other with carboplatin associated with ozone therapy (n = 14). Clinical and laboratory evaluations, mastectomy, analysis of the oxidative profile based on total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and serum concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), survival rate, and quality of life were performed. Animals in the ozone therapy group had higher concentrations of red blood cells and platelets, significantly improving the survival rate and quality of life. Furthermore, adverse reactions were less intense and frequent in this group, which was associated with an increase in TAC and a reduction in MDA. These results indicate that the combination of carboplatin and ozone therapy represents a promising complementary treatment for female dogs with mammary cancer, as it was associated with fewer adverse reactions and a better oxidative profile.

Effects of exercise interventions on functioning and health-related quality of life following hospital discharge for recovery from critical illness: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyze the published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of exercise interventions on functioning and health-related quality of life following hospital discharge for recovery from critical illness. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. DATA SOURCES: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PEDro data base, and SciELO (from the earliest date available to January 2023) for RCTs that evaluated the effects of physical rehabilitation interventions following hospital discharge for recovery from critical illness. REVIEW METHODS: Study quality was evaluated using the PEDro Scale. Mean differences (MDs), standard MDs (SMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: Fourteen studies met the study criteria, including 1259 patients. Exercise interventions improved aerobic capacity SMD 0.2 (95% CI: 0.03-0.3, I2 = 0% N = 880, nine studies, high-quality evidence), and physical component score of health-related quality of life MD 3.3 (95% CI: 1.0-5.6, I2 = 57%, six studies N = 669, moderate-quality evidence). In addition, a significant reduction in depression was observed MD -1.4 (95% CI: -2.7 to -0.1, I2 = 0% N = 148, three studies, moderate-quality evidence). No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Exercise intervention was associated with improvement of aerobic capacity, depression, and physical component score of health-related quality of life after hospital discharge for survivors of critical illness.

Atropine does not prevent hypoxemia and bradycardia in tracheal intubation in the pediatric emergency department: observational study / O uso da atropina não previne hipoxemia e bradicardia na intubação traqueal no departamento de emergência pediátrica: estudo observacional

ABSTRACT Objective: The benefit of atropine in pediatric tracheal intubation is not well established. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of atropine on the incidence of hypoxemia and bradycardia during tracheal intubations in the pediatric emergency department. Methods: This is a single-center observational study in a tertiary pediatric emergency department. Data were collected on all tracheal intubations in patients from 31 days to incomplete 20 years old, performed between January 2016 and September 2020. Procedures were divided into two groups according to the use or not of atropine as a premedication during intubation. Records with missing data, patients with cardiorespiratory arrest, cyanotic congenital heart diseases, and those with chronic lung diseases with baseline hypoxemia were excluded. The primary outcome was hypoxemia (peripheral oxygen saturation ≤88%), while the secondary outcomes were bradycardia (decrease in heart rate >20% between the maximum and minimum values) and critical bradycardia (heart rate <60 bpm) during intubation procedure. Results: A total of 151 tracheal intubations were identified during the study period, of which 126 were eligible. Of those, 77% had complex, chronic underlying diseases. Atropine was administered to 43 (34.1%) patients and was associated with greater odds of hypoxemia in univariable analysis (OR: 2.62; 95%CI 1.15-6.16; p=0.027) but not in multivariable analysis (OR: 2.07; 95%CI 0.42-10.32; p=0.37). Critical bradycardia occurred in only three patients, being two in the atropine group (p=0.26). Bradycardia was analyzed in only 42 procedures. Atropine use was associated with higher odds of bradycardia in multivariable analysis (OR: 11.00; 95%CI 1.3-92.8; p=0.028). Conclusions: Atropine as a premedication in tracheal intubation did not prevent the occurrence of hypoxemia or bradycardia during intubation procedures in pediatric emergency.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da atropina na incidência de hipoxemia e bradicardia durante a intubação orotraqueal no departamento de emergência pediátrica. Métodos: Estudo observacional, realizado em departamento de emergência pediátrica terciário em que foram analisados os registros de intubações orotraqueais de pacientes com 31 dias a 20 anos incompletos, entre janeiro de 2016 e setembro de 2020. Os procedimentos foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com o uso ou não da atropina como pré-medicação durante a intubação. Foram excluídos os procedimentos com falhas no preenchimento dos dados, pacientes com parada cardiorrespiratória, cardiopatias congênitas cianóticas, e aqueles com pneumopatias crônicas com hipoxemia basal. O desfecho primário foi hipoxemia (saturação periférica de oxigênio ≤88%), enquanto os desfechos secundários foram bradicardia (queda >20% entre a frequência cardíaca máxima e mínima) e bradicardia crítica (frequência cardíaca <60 bpm) durante o procedimento de intubação Resultados: Foram identificados 151 procedimentos de intubação orotraqueal, sendo 126 elegíveis para o estudo. Desses, 77% tinham doenças subjacentes complexas e crônicas. A atropina foi administrada em 43 (34,1%) pacientes e foi associada a maiores chances de hipoxemia na análise univariada (OR: 2,62; IC95% 1,15-6,16; p=0,027), porém, não na análise multivariada (OR: 2,073; IC95% 0,416-10,32; p=0,373). A bradicardia crítica ocorreu em apenas três pacientes, sendo dois no grupo atropina (p=0,268). A bradicardia foi analisada em apenas 42 procedimentos. O uso de atropina foi associado a maior probabilidade de bradicardia (OR: 11,00; IC95% 1,3-92,8; p=0,028) na análise multivariável. Conclusões: Atropina como pré-medicação na intubação orotraqueal não evitou a ocorrência de hipoxemia ou bradicardia durante os procedimentos de intubação na emergência pediátrica.

The Occurrence of Cattle Tick Fever in a Region of the Atlantic Forest on the Border with the Caatinga in Brazil.

The Atlantic Forest biome is considered an area in which tick fever is endemic, while the Caatinga biome is considered an area in which tick fever is non-endemic. A survey on cattle tick fever was carried out in 448 cattle farms located in an area of the Atlantic Forest biome which borders the Caatinga biome. A retrospective study of five years, conducted from January 2018 to October 2022, allowed for the identification of the occurrence of tick fever in 44 out of the 448 herds visited. In 70.5% (31/44) of the herds involved, the disease was caused by Anaplasma marginale; in 6.8% (3/44), the disease was caused by Babesia spp.; and in 22.7% (10/44), the disease was caused by a coinfection of Babesia spp. and A. marginale. The disease mainly occurred from August to November (23/44). Bos taurus or B. taurus crossbreed animals were most affected (29/44) in an area in which 94% of the cattle were Bos indicus and 6% were B. taurus and B. taurus crossbreeds. In 24 herds (with adults affected in 17 and calves in 7), the implicated animals had recently been moved to the Atlantic Forest. In the other 20 herds (calves with heavy tick infestations were affected in 17 and adults in 3), tick fever occurred in non-moved cattle. Even though it is an endemic zone, tick fever is common and mainly affects B. taurus cattle, including adults moved from areas with enzootic instability and calves under nine months old with high tick loads.

Atropine does not prevent hypoxemia and bradycardia in tracheal intubation in the pediatric emergency department: observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The benefit of atropine in pediatric tracheal intubation is not well established. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of atropine on the incidence of hypoxemia and bradycardia during tracheal intubations in the pediatric emergency department. METHODS: This is a single-center observational study in a tertiary pediatric emergency department. Data were collected on all tracheal intubations in patients from 31 days to incomplete 20 years old, performed between January 2016 and September 2020. Procedures were divided into two groups according to the use or not of atropine as a premedication during intubation. Records with missing data, patients with cardiorespiratory arrest, cyanotic congenital heart diseases, and those with chronic lung diseases with baseline hypoxemia were excluded. The primary outcome was hypoxemia (peripheral oxygen saturation ≤88%), while the secondary outcomes were bradycardia (decrease in heart rate >20% between the maximum and minimum values) and critical bradycardia (heart rate <60 bpm) during intubation procedure. RESULTS: A total of 151 tracheal intubations were identified during the study period, of which 126 were eligible. Of those, 77% had complex, chronic underlying diseases. Atropine was administered to 43 (34.1%) patients and was associated with greater odds of hypoxemia in univariable analysis (OR: 2.62; 95%CI 1.15-6.16; p=0.027) but not in multivariable analysis (OR: 2.07; 95%CI 0.42-10.32; p=0.37). Critical bradycardia occurred in only three patients, being two in the atropine group (p=0.26). Bradycardia was analyzed in only 42 procedures. Atropine use was associated with higher odds of bradycardia in multivariable analysis (OR: 11.00; 95%CI 1.3-92.8; p=0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Atropine as a premedication in tracheal intubation did not prevent the occurrence of hypoxemia or bradycardia during intubation procedures in pediatric emergency.

Molecular Detection and Characterization of Mycoplasma spp. in Marine Mammals, Brazil.

Mycoplasma spp. are wall-less bacteria able to infect mammals and are classified as hemotropic (hemoplasma) and nonhemotropic. In aquatic mammals, hemoplasma have been reported in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and river dolphins (Inia spp.). We investigated Mycoplasma spp. in blood samples of West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus), pinnipeds (5 species), and marine cetaceans (18 species) that stranded or were undergoing rehabilitation in Brazil during 2002-2022. We detected Mycoplasma in blood of 18/130 (14.8%) cetaceans and 3/18 (16.6%) pinnipeds. All tested manatees were PCR-negative for Mycoplasma. Our findings indicate that >2 different hemoplasma species are circulating in cetaceans. The sequences from pinnipeds were similar to previously described sequences. We also detected a nonhemotropic Mycoplasma in 2 Franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) that might be associated with microscopic lesions. Because certain hemoplasmas can cause disease and death in immunosuppressed mammals, the bacteria could have conservation implications for already endangered aquatic mammals.

Brominated flame retardants and natural organobrominated compounds in a vulnerable delphinid species along the Brazilian coast.

Guiana dolphins, Sotalia guianensis, are vulnerable to extinction along their distribution on the Brazilian coast and assessing chemical pollution is of utmost importance for their conservation. For this study, 51 carcasses of Guiana dolphins were sampled across the Brazilian coast to investigate legacy and emerging brominated flame retardants (BFRs) as well as the naturally-produced MeO-BDEs. PBDEs and MeO-BDEs were detected in all samples analyzed, whereas emerging BFRs were detected in 16 % of the samples, all in Rio de Janeiro state. PBDE concentrations varied between 2.24 and 799 ng.g-1 lipid weight (lw), emerging BFRs between 0.12 and 1.51 ng.g-1 lw and MeO-BDEs between 3.82 and 10,247 ng.g-1 lw. Concentrations of legacy and emerging BFRs and natural compounds varied considerably according to the sampling site and reflected both the local anthropogenic impact of the region and the diversity/mass of biosynthesizers. The PBDE concentrations are lower than what was found for delphinids in the Northern Hemisphere around the same sampling period and most sampling sites presented mean concentrations lower than the limits for endocrine disruption known to date for marine mammals of 460 ng.g-1 lw, except for sampled from Santa Catarina state, in Southern Brazil. Conversely, MeO-BDE concentrations are higher than those of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly close to the Abrolhos Bans and Royal Charlotte formation, that are hotspots for biodiversity. Despite the elevated concentrations reported for this group, there is not much information regarding the effects of such elevated concentrations for these marine mammals. The distinct patterns observed along the Brazilian coast show that organobrominated compounds can be used to identify the ecological segregation of delphinids and that conservation actions should be planned considering the local threats.

Exploring microplastic contamination in Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis): Insights into plastic pollution in the southwestern tropical Atlantic.

Marine mammals are considered sentinel species and may act as indicators of ocean health. Plastic residues are widely distributed in the oceans and are recognised as hazardous contaminants, and once ingested can cause several adverse effects on wildlife. This study aimed to identify and characterise plastic ingestion in the Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) from the Southwestern Tropical Atlantic by evaluating the stomach contents of stranded individuals through KOH digestion and identification of subsample of particles by LDIR Chemical Imaging System. Most of the individuals were contaminated, and the most common polymers identified were PU, PET and EVA. Microplastics were more prevalent than larger plastic particles (meso- and macroplastics). Smaller particles were detected during the rainy seasons. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between the stomach content mass and the number of microplastics, suggesting contamination through trophic transfer.

Water-Based Exercises on Peak Oxygen Consumption, Exercise Time, and Muscle Strength in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Background: There is a growing use of water-based exercises in cardiac rehabilitation programs. However, there is little data concerning the effects of water-based exercise on the exercise capacity of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Objective: To perform a systematic review to investigate the effects of water-based exercise on peak oxygen consumption, exercise time, and muscle strength in patients with CAD. Methods: Five databases were searched to find randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of water-based exercise for coronary artery disease patients. Mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. Results: Eight studies were included. Water-based exercise resulted in an improvement in peak VO2 of 3.4 mL/kg/min (95% CI, 2.3 to 4.5; I2 = 0%; 5 studies, N = 167), exercise time of 0.6 (95% CI, 0.1 to 1.1; I2 = 0%; 3 studies, N = 69), and total body strength of 32.2 kg (95% CI, 23.9 to 40.7; I2 = 3%; 3 studies, N = 69) when compared to no exercising controls. Water-based exercise resulted in an improvement in peak VO2 of 3.1 mL/kg/min (95% CI, 1.4 to 4.7; I2 = 13%; 2 studies, N = 74), when compared to the plus land exercise group. No significant difference in peak VO2 was found for participants in the water-based exercise plus land exercise group compared with the land exercise group. Conclusions: Water-based exercise may improve exercise capacity and should be considered as an alternative method in the rehabilitation of patients with CAD.

Human Exposure to Non-Ionizing Radiation from Indoor Distributed Antenna System: Shopping Mall Measurement Analysis.

It is crucial to monitor the levels of Non-Ionizing Radiation (NIR) to which the general population may be exposed and compare them to the limits defined in the current standards, in view of the rapid rise of communication services and the prospects of a connected society. A high number of people visits shopping malls and since these locations usually have several indoor antennas close to the public, it is therefore a kind of place that must be evaluated. Thus, this work presents measurements of the electric field in a shopping mall located in Natal, Brazil. We proposed a set of six measurement points, following two criteria: places with great the flow of people and the presence of one or more Distributed Antenna System (DAS), co-sited or not with WiFi access points. Results are presented and discussed in terms of the distance to DAS (conditions: near and far) and flow density of people in the mall (scenarios: low and high number of people). The highest peaks of electric field measured were 1.96 and 3.26 V/m, respectively corresponding to 5% and 8% of the limits defined by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the Brazilian National Telecommunication Agency (ANATEL).

Comment on: "exercise training and cardiac autonomic function following coronary artery bypass grafting: a systematic review and meta-analysis".

BACKGROUND: Low cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with poor prognosis in individuals with coronary artery disease and after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Thus, we comment about a meta-analysis that adds important information about the effect of exercise training on cardiac autonomic function in individuals following coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. MAIN BODY: The study by Kushwaha et al. showed positive effects for heart rate variability and heart rate recovery in subjects after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery in response to acute physical training. These data are relevant, since heart rate variability is an independent predictor of for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality for individuals with cardiovascular disorders. Additionally, attenuated heart rate recovery is associated with increased risk for the same outcomes. Moreover, we summarize the quantitative data from studies that compared the effect of physical training in comparison with control group in cardiorespiratory fitness in adults following coronary artery bypass grafting. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that improvements in peak oxygen consumption result in an additional benefit in adults following coronary artery bypass grafting. Considered that, the increased cardiorespiratory fitness is an independent predictor of longer survival in coronary artery disease.

Virulence factors of Gram-negative bacteria from free-ranging Amazon river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis).

Freshwater cetaceans play a significant role as sentinel animals, providing important data on animal species and aquatic ecosystem health. They also may serve as potential reservoirs of emerging pathogens and host virulence genes in their microbiota. In this study, we evaluated virulence factors produced by Gram-negative bacteria recovered from individuals belonging to two populations of free-ranging Amazon river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis). A total of 132 isolates recovered from the oral cavity, blowhole, genital opening and rectum of 21 river dolphins, 13 from Negro River and 8 from Tapajós River, Brazil, were evaluated for the production of virulence factors, such as biofilms and exoproducts (proteases, hemolysins and siderophores), in planktonic and biofilm forms. In planktonic form, 81.1% (107/132) of the tested bacteria of free-ranging Amazon river dolphins were able to produce virulence factors, with 44/132 (33.4%), 65/132 (49,2%) and 54/132 (40,9%) positive for protease, hemolysin and siderophore production, respectively. Overall, 57/132 (43.2%) of the isolates produced biofilms and, under this form of growth, 66/132 (50%), 88/132 (66.7%) and 80/132 (60.6%) of the isolates were positive for protease, hemolysin and siderophore production. In general, the isolates showed a higher release of exoproducts in biofilm than in planktonic form (P < 0.001). The present findings show that Amazon river dolphins harbor potentially pathogenic bacteria in their microbiota, highlighting the importance of monitoring the micro-organisms from wild animals, as they may emerge as pathogens for humans and other animals.

Periradicular repair after single- and two-visit root canal treatments using ultrasonic irrigant activation and calcium hydroxide dressing of teeth with apical periodontitis: study protocol for randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: In certain clinical situations, root canal treatment in teeth with apical periodontitis is performed in multiple visits, with the use of intracanal dressing between visits, aiming to reduce microorganisms and their by-products of the root canal system prior to filling. However, in recent years, discussions have been growing about the real need for the use of intracanal dressing in these cases. The use of ultrasonic activation of the auxiliary chemical substance has increased the potential for decontamination promoted during the chemomechanical preparation of the root canal. Thus, this study is designed to explore whether the use of intracanal dressing between visits during endodontic treatment favors periradicular repair in teeth with apical periodontitis. METHODS: This is a randomized, prospective, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial designed to evaluate 3 distinct clinical approaches used during endodontic therapy: group 1-root canal treatment in a single visit (RCT-SV); group 2-root canal treatment in two visits with intracanal dressing (RCT-TVWD); and group 3-root canal treatment in two visits without intracanal dressing (RCT-TVWOD). A total of 150 adult patients aged 18 to 60, with at least one tooth diagnosed with asymptomatic apical periodontitis and periradicular lesion (confirmed with a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)), will be randomized and will undergo one of the types of clinical approaches during endodontic therapy. Patients' postoperative pain levels will also be recorded in periods of 24, 48, and 72 h and 7 days. Subsequently, clinical findings and long-term follow-up evaluations, with periradicular repair, will be performed at 6 and 12 months by intraoral periapical radiograph (IOPAR) and CBCT at the 24-month follow-up. DISCUSSION: This study will evaluate the periradicular repair of mandibular molar teeth with apical periodontitis, providing information about the efficacy, benefits, and safety of performing the endodontic treatment in a single and two visits, with and without the use of calcium hydroxide dressing. All endodontic therapy procedures will be performed under a dental operating microscope and using ultrasonic activation of auxiliary chemical substances. These results may contribute to changes in the clinical approaches adopted during endodontic therapy of teeth with apical periodontitis and reveal the potential of complementary approaches that aim to enhance the decontamination of the root canal system during the preparation stage. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05256667. Registered on 24 February 2022.

Short-Finned Pilot Whale Strandings Associated with Pilot Whale Morbillivirus, Brazil.

Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) causes illness and death in cetaceans worldwide; the CeMV strains circulating in the Southern Hemisphere are poorly known. We detected a pilot whale CeMV strain in 3 short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) stranded in Brazil during July-October 2020. Our results confirm this virus circulates in this species.

Herpesvirus and adenovirus surveillance in threatened wild West Indian (Trichechus manatus) and Amazonian manatees (Trichechus inunguis), Brazil.

THE FAMILY TRICHECHIDAE (ORDER SIRENIA) COMPRISES THREE SPECIES: African (Trichechus senegalenses), West Indian (T. manatus), WIM)], and the Amazonian manatees (T. inunguis, AMM). Whereas WIM inhabits both riverine and coastal systems in the western Atlantic, AMM is the only exclusively freshwater sirenian, endemic to the Amazon River Basin. The study of infectious agents is essential to species conservation, especially considering that both species are classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List and as Endangered by the Brazilian Red List. The current knowledge about viral agents in sirenians is scarce. Herpesviruses and adenovirus are DNA viruses able to infect and cause disease in a wide range of hosts. Herein, we used panPCR protocols to survey herpesvirus and adenovirus in blood samples of wild WIM (n = 23) and AMM (n = 26) under human care in Brazil. Herpesvirus DNA was detected in one juvenile female WIM (1/23; 4.3%; 95% CI -4.7 - 13.3) from Ceará state and in four AMM (two juvenile females, a juvenile male, and an adult female; 4/26; 15.4%; 95% CI 0.5 - 30.3) from Amazonas state. The two different gammaherpesvirus DNA polymerase sequence types identified (one per species, a sequence type in a WIM and another one in three AMM) were highly similar (99% nucleotide identity) to Trichechid herpesvirus 1, reported in West Indian manatees of Florida (USA), and 100% identical when translated into amino acids. A herpesviral glycoprotein B sequence was identified in two AMM. None of the samples was positive to adenovirus. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first herpesvirus detection in manatees from South America, expanding the herpesvirus geographical range, and the first in WIM and AMM worldwide. Our findings suggest (i) that West Indian and Amazonian manatees are possibly the natural hosts of the detected herpesvirus, and (ii) coevolution of that gammaherpesvirus with Trichechus. Future studies are necessary to characterize the obtained virus and elucidate potential pathological effects (if any) in these species.

Hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in Aquatic Mammals, Amazon Basin, Brazil.

Hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. (hemoplasmas) are uncultivable bacteria that infect mammals, including humans. We detected a potentially novel hemoplasma species in blood samples from wild river dolphins in the Amazon River Basin, Brazil. Further investigation could determine pathogenicity and zoonotic potential of the detected hemoplasma.