When the Whole World Tips: The Buddhist Teaching of Equanimity for Parents

Parents witnessing suffering in their children activate the shared pain circuitry of empathy which may lead to “empathetic distress” (Singer & Klimecki, 2014, p. 875) precipitating hopelessness and despair. These common emotions in parents dealing with children’s illness or injury are the greatest predictors of depression (Abramson, Seligman, & Teasdale, 1978; Gilbert, 1992; Wilner & Goldstein, 2001). The author offers the Buddhist teachings of equanimity as an antidote to parental helplessness and despair. Equanimity engages compassion which activates the neural network of affiliation, love, reward, and positive affect (Anālayo, 2015; Desbordes et al., 2015; Feldman, 2017; Hanh, 1998; Klimecki, Leiberg, Lamm, & Singer, 2012; Kilmecki, Leiber, Ricard, & Singer, 2013; Olendzki, 2010; Rothberg, 2010; Salzberg, 1995; Singer & Klimenki, 2014). The components of equanimity include compassion, wisdom, and unfailing love (Anālayo, 2015; Desbordes et al., 2015; Feldman, 2017; Hanh, 1998; Olendzki, 2010; Rothberg, 2010; Salzberg, 1995). The addition of compassion, the intention to actively relieve suffering, helps maintain emotional sovereignty and protects from the common occurrence of burnout due to despair and hopelessness (Desbordes et al., 2015; Feldman, 2017; Hanh, 1998; Klimecki, Leiberg, Lamm, & Singer, 2012; Kilmecki, Leiber, Ricard, & Singer, 2013; Olendzki, 2010; Romm, 2007; Singer & Klimenki, 2014). This ancient Buddhist practice supports the restoration of intention and desire to effect change and offers a radically different approach to caring for both child and parent

Social Inequalities In The Prevalence Of Self-reported Chronic Non-communicable Diseases In Brazil: National Health Survey 2013

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Considering the high socioeconomic inequalities in Brazil related to occurrence of morbidity and premature mortality, the objective of this study was to analyze inequalities in self-reported prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) and in the physical limitations caused by these diseases, among the Brazilian adult population, according to sociodemographic variables. Methods: This was a population-based cross-sectional study that analyzed information on 60,202 individuals who formed a representative sample of Brazilian adults interviewed for the National Health Survey 2013. Disparities by schooling levels and possession of private health insurance were assessed by calculating the prevalence (P) and prevalence ratio (PR) of each of the 13 NCDs and any associated limitations, while controlling for other socioeconomic and demographic variables. Results: 45 % of the Brazilian adult population reported having at least one NCD. The prevalence ratio was greater among women (1.24 CI 1.21-1.28), individuals over 55 years of age, individuals with low schooling levels (illiterate and incomplete elementary education) (1.08 CI 1.02-1.14) and people living in the Southeast (1.10 CI 1.04-1.16), South (1.26 CI 1.19-1.34) and Central-West (1.11 CI 1.05-1.18) regions of the country. Diseases such as diabetes (1.42 CI 1.13-1.47), hypertension (1.17 CI 1.06-1.28), stroke (2.52 CI 1.74-3.66), arthritis (1.4 CI 1.11-1.77), spinal problems (1.39 CI.1.25-1.56), and chronic renal failure (1.65 CI 1.10.2.46), were more prevalent among adults with low education. For most NCDs, greater reports of limitations were associated with lower schooling levels and lack of private health insurance. Conclusion: Populations with lower schooling levels and lack of private health insurance present higher prevalence of various NCD and greater degrees of limitation due to these diseases. Results reveal the extent of social inequalities that persist with regard to occurrence and the impact of NCDs in Brazil.15Ministry of Health of Brazil - funded the National Health Research of the National Scientific and Technological Development Council (CNPq) [307865/2014-2]Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq

Social Inequalities In Health Behaviors Among Brazilian Adults: National Health Survey, 2013

Considering the high socioeconomic inequalities prevailing in Brazil and lifestyle as a strong determinant of morbidity and premature mortality, our purpose was to evaluate the degree of socioeconomic disparities in the prevalence of health behaviors among Brazilian adult population using data from the 2013 Brazilian National Health Survey. Method: Based on a sample of 49,025 individuals aged 20 to 59 years, we estimated the prevalence of several health behaviors and a score of unhealthy behaviors according to gender, education, race/color and possession of private health insurance. The prevalence ratios adjusted by age and gender were estimated by means of multiple Poisson regression and the analyses took into account the sampling design. Results: Significant social inequalities were identified in the Brazilian adults. Higher prevalence of current smoking, leisure-time physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyle, whole milk consumption and low ingestion of greens, vegetables, and fruits were observed among the less educated, in the non-white population, and among those without private health insurance. Higher prevalence of heavy episodic drinking was found in the non-white population, but no difference in the consumption of fatty meat was found according to skin color. Score of unhealthy behavior higher than 6 was more frequent in lower educational strata (PR = 3.74) in the non-white population (PR = 1.39) and among those without private health insurance (PR = 1.78). Compared to women, men had higher prevalence rates of smoking, hazardous alcohol consumption, and fatty meat consumption and lower consumption of greens, vegetables and fruits. Conclusion: The results of the study emphasize the importance of monitoring social inequalities in health as part of national health policies and the urgent need to prioritize actions to promote healthy behaviors, especially among the most socially vulnerable segments of society.15Ministry of Health of BrazilCAP

Identification of bacteria in the tracheal swabs of farmed ostriches and their effect on the viability of influenza A virus

Avian influenza surveillance is a requirement for commercial trade in ostrich products, but influenza A viruses (IAVs) have proven difficult to isolate from ostrich tracheal swabs that test positive using molecular methods. We hypothesized that microbes unique to the ostrich trachea propagate in the transport medium after sampling and affect viral viability. We cultured tracheal swabs from 50 ostriches on 4 farms in South Africa, and recovered and identified 13 bacterial, 1 yeast, and 2 fungal species. Dietzia sp. had not been identified previously in the oropharyngeal tract of a bird, to our knowledge. The bacteria were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, and most aerobic species, except for Streptococcus sp. and Pseudomonas sp., were sensitive to enrofloxacin; all were susceptible to sulfonamide. Virus inhibition experiments determined that ostrich-source Streptococcus sp., Pantoea sp., and Citrobacter freundii produced extracellular metabolites that caused a substantial reduction in the IAV titers of 99.9%. Streptomyces, Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus, Arthrobacter gandavensis, Pseudomonas putida, and Acinetobacter spp. similarly reduced the viability of IAV from 77.6% to 24.1%. Dietzia appeared to have no effect, but Rothia dentocariosa, Rhodotorula spp., and Clostridium spp. slightly increased the viability of IAV by 25.9, 34.9, and 58.5%, respectively.The South African Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation’s South African Research Chair Initiative, the Department of Trade and Technology–funded “Healthy Flocks-Quality Leather” grant, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and the Belgian Directorate-General for Development Cooperation Framework Agreement.https://journals.sagepub.com/home/vdihj2022Production Animal StudiesVeterinary Tropical Disease

Social inequalities in the prevalence of self-reported chronic non-communicable diseases in Brazil: national health survey 2013

Considering the high socioeconomic inequalities in Brazil related to occurrence of morbidity and premature mortality, the objective of this study was to analyze inequalities in self-reported prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) and in the physical limitations caused by these diseases, among the Brazilian adult population, according to sociodemographic variables. This was a population-based cross-sectional study that analyzed information on 60,202 individuals who formed a representative sample of Brazilian adults interviewed for the National Health Survey 2013. Disparities by schooling levels and possession of private health insurance were assessed by calculating the prevalence (P) and prevalence ratio (PR) of each of the 13 NCDs and any associated limitations, while controlling for other socioeconomic and demographic variables. 45 % of the Brazilian adult population reported having at least one NCD. The prevalence ratio was greater among women (1.24 CI 1.21-1.28), individuals over 55 years of age, individuals with low schooling levels (illiterate and incomplete elementary education) (1.08 CI 1.02-1.14) and people living in the Southeast (1.10 CI 1.04-1.16), South (1.26 CI 1.19-1.34) and Central-West (1.11 CI 1.05-1.18) regions of the country. Diseases such as diabetes (1.42 CI 1.13-1.47), hypertension (1.17 CI 1.06-1.28), stroke (2.52 CI 1.74-3.66), arthritis (1.4 CI 1.11-1.77), spinal problems (1.39 CI .1.25-1.56), and chronic renal failure (1.65 CI 1.10.2.46), were more prevalent among adults with low education. For most NCDs, greater reports of limitations were associated with lower schooling levels and lack of private health insurance. Populations with lower schooling levels and lack of private health insurance present higher prevalence of various NCD and greater degrees of limitation due to these diseases. Results reveal the extent of social inequalities that persist with regard to occurrence and the impact of NCDs in Brazil.15153CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQ307865/2014-

Ethnic differences in blood lipids and dietary intake between UK children of black African, black Caribbean, South Asian, and white European origin: the Child Heart and Health Study in England (CHASE).

BACKGROUND: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) rates are lower in UK black Africans and black Caribbeans and higher in South Asians when compared with white Europeans. Ethnic differences in lipid concentrations may play a part in these differences. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to investigate blood lipid and dietary patterns in UK children from different ethnic groups. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study in 2026 UK children (including 285 black Africans, 188 black Caribbeans, 534 South Asians, and 512 white Europeans) attending primary schools in London, Birmingham, and Leicester. We measured fasting blood lipid concentrations and collected 24-h dietary recalls. RESULTS: In comparison with white Europeans, black African children had lower total cholesterol (-0.14 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.25, -0.04 mmol/L), LDL-cholesterol (-0.10 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.20, -0.01 mmol/L), and triglyceride concentrations (proportional difference: -0.11 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.16, -0.06 mmol/L); HDL-cholesterol concentrations were similar. Lower saturated fat intakes (-1.4%; 95% CI: -1.9%, -0.9%) explained the differences between total and LDL cholesterol. Black Caribbean children had total, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations similar to those for white Europeans, with slightly lower saturated fat intakes. South Asian children had total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations similar to those for white Europeans, lower HDL-cholesterol concentrations (-0.7 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.11, -0.03 mmol/L), and elevated triglyceride concentrations (proportional difference: 0.14 mmol/L; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.20 mmol/L); higher polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat intakes did not explain these lipid differences. CONCLUSIONS: Only black African children had a blood lipid profile and associated dietary pattern likely to protect against future IHD. The loss of historically lower LDL-cholesterol concentrations among UK black Caribbeans and South Asians may have important adverse consequences for future IHD risk in these groups

Characterization of individuals at high risk of developing melanoma in Latin America: bases for genetic counseling in melanoma

PURPOSE: CDKN2A is the main high-risk melanoma-susceptibility gene, but it has been poorly assessed in Latin America. We sought to analyze CDKN2A and MC1R in patients from Latin America with familial and sporadic multiple primary melanoma (SMP) and compare the data with those for patients from Spain to establish bases for melanoma genetic counseling in Latin America. METHODS: CDKN2A and MC1R were sequenced in 186 Latin American patients from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay, and in 904 Spanish patients. Clinical and phenotypic data were obtained. RESULTS: Overall, 24 and 14% of melanoma-prone families in Latin America and Spain, respectively, had mutations in CDKN2A. Latin American families had CDKN2A mutations more frequently (P = 0.014) than Spanish ones. Of patients with SMP, 10% of those from Latin America and 8.5% of those from Spain had mutations in CDKN2A (P = 0.623). The most recurrent CDKN2A mutations were c.-34G>T and p.G101W. Latin American patients had fairer hair (P = 0.016) and skin (P < 0.001) and a higher prevalence of MC1R variants (P = 0.003) compared with Spanish patients. CONCLUSION: The inclusion criteria for genetic counseling of melanoma in Latin America may be the same criteria used in Spain, as suggested in areas with low to medium incidence, SMP with at least two melanomas, or families with at least two cases among first- or second-degree relatives.Genet Med 18 7, 727-736

Tendência de fumantes na população Brasileira segundo a Pesquisa Nacional de Amostra de Domicílios 2008 e a Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2013

RESUMO: Objetivo: Comparar a prevalência de fumantes atuais de tabaco na população brasileira e nas unidades federativas, em adultos (≥ 18 anos), considerando dois inquéritos populacionais realizados em 2008 e 2013. Métodos: São comparadas as prevalências de fumantes atuais de tabaco no Brasil e nas unidades federativas analisando dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Amostra de Domicílios, de 2008, e da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, de 2013. Foram calculados a variação percentual no período e o valor de p. Resultados: A prevalência de fumantes atual de tabaco reduziu -19% no período, saindo de 18,2% (2008) para 14,7% (2013). O declínio ocorreu em todas as regiões, área urbana e rural e na maioria dos estados. A redução foi de -17,5% para os homens e -20,7% para as mulheres, reduziu em todas as faixas de idade, sendo a maior redução entre 25 e 39 anos; também reduziu para todas as categorias de raça/cor, sendo as prevalências mais altas entre pretos e pardos. Declinou também em todas as faixas de escolaridade, sendo maior a redução nas faixas de menor escolaridade. Em 2013, as prevalências para população com menor escolaridade foram de 19,7% e de 8,7% para quem tem nível superior completo. Conclusão: Ocorreu uma redução média de cerca de 19% no consumo do tabaco no Brasil e nos estados brasileiros, em ambos o sexos, todas faixas de idade e raça/cor. O consumo do tabaco no país é um dos mais baixos do mundo e declinou de forma significativa, o que pode ser atribuído a políticas de controle, regulação e prevenção

Prevalência da hipertensão arterial segundo diferentes critérios diagnósticos, Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde

RESUMO: Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência populacional de hipertensão arterial em adultos, segundo diferentes critérios diagnósticos. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, que analisa informações da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde de 2013, que consistiu em entrevistas, medidas físicas e laboratoriais da população brasileira (n = 60.202). A prevalência de hipertensão arterial foi definida segundo três critérios diagnósticos: hipertensão autorreferida; medida por instrumento (pressão arterial ≥ 140/90 mmHg); medida e/ou em uso de medicamentos anti-hipertensivos. Foram estimadas as prevalências de hipertensão arterial segundo os três critérios diagnósticos e seus respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%). Resultados: As prevalências de hipertensão arterial encontradas foram: 21,4% (IC95% 20,8 - 22,0) utilizando-se o critério autorreferido, 22,8% (IC95% 22,1 - 23,4) para hipertensão arterial medida e 32,3% (IC95% 31,7 - 33,0) para hipertensão arterial medida e/ou relato de uso de medicação. As mulheres apresentaram prevalências de hipertensão mais elevadas no critério autorreferido (24,2%; IC95% 23,4 - 24,9). Entre os homens, a prevalência foi maior no critério hipertensão arterial medida (25,8%; IC95% 24,8 - 26,7). Utilizando os três critérios, a hipertensão arterial aumentou com a idade, foi mais frequente na região urbana e maior nas regiões sudeste e sul, em relação à média do país e às demais regiões. Conclusão: Estes resultados são importantes para apoiar políticas que visem atingir a meta da Organização Mundial de Saúde de redução da hipertensão em 25% na próxima década