Mindfulness Training for Primary Care for Portuguese-Speaking Immigrants: A Pilot Study.

Background: Portuguese-speaking immigrants are a growing underserved population in the Unites States who experience high levels of psychological distress and increased vulnerability to mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Current evidence shows that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are effective to promote physical and mental health among educated English speakers; nonetheless, the lack of diversity in the mindfulness literature is a considerable limitation. To our knowledge, the feasibility and acceptability of MBIs among Portuguese-speaking immigrants have not yet been investigated. Methods: This single-arm pilot study (N = 30) explored the feasibility, acceptability, and cultural aspects of Mindfulness Training for Primary Care (MTPC)-Portuguese among Portuguese-speaking immigrants in the Boston area. MTPC is an 8-week, primary care-adapted, referral-based, insurance-reimbursable, trauma-informed MBI that is fully integrated into a healthcare system. The study also examined intervention preliminary effectiveness on mental health outcomes (depression and anxiety symptoms) and self-regulation (emotional regulation, mindfulness, self-compassion, interoceptive awareness), and initiation of health behavior was explored. Results: Primary care providers referred 129 patients from 2018 to 2020. Main DSM-5 primary diagnoses were depression (76.3%) and anxiety disorders (6.7%). Participants (N = 30) attended a mean of 6.1 (SD 1.92) sessions and reported a mean of 213.7 (SD = 124.3) min of practice per week. All survey finishers would recommend the program to a friend, found the program helpful, and rated the overall program as "very good" or "excellent," and 93% would participate again, with satisfaction mean scores between 4.6 and 5 (Likert scale 0-5). Participants and group leaders provided feedback to refine MTPC-Portuguese culturally responsiveness regarding materials language, settings, time, food, and community building. Patients exhibited reductions in depression (d = 0.67; p < 0.001) and anxiety (d = 0.48; p = 0.011) symptoms, as well as enhanced emotional regulation (d = 0.45; p = 0.009), and among survey finishers, 50% initiated health behavior change through action plan initiation. Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that MTPC-Portuguese is feasible, acceptable, and culturally appropriate among Portuguese-speaking patients in the Boston area. Furthermore, the intervention might potentially decrease depression and anxiety symptoms, facilitate health behavior change, and improve emotional regulation. MTPC-Portuguese investigation with larger samples in controlled studies is warranted to support its dissemination and implementation in the healthcare system. Clinical Trial Registration: Identifier: NCT04268355.

Mindfulness Training Improves Quality of Life and Reduces Depression and Anxiety Symptoms Among Police Officers: Results From the POLICE Study-A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Police officers' high-stress levels and its deleterious consequences are raising awareness to an epidemic of mental health problems and quality of life (QoL) impairment. There is a growing evidence that mindfulness-based interventions are efficacious to promote mental health and well-being among high-stress occupations. Methods: The POLICE study is a multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) with three assessment points (baseline, post-intervention, and 6-month follow-up) where police officers were randomized to mindfulness-based health promotion (MBHP) (n = 88) or a waiting list (n = 82). This article focuses on QoL, depression and anxiety symptoms, and religiosity outcomes. Mechanisms of change and MBHP feasibility were evaluated. Results: Significant group × time interaction was found for QoL, depression and anxiety symptoms, and non-organizational religiosity. Between-group analysis showed that MBHP group exhibited greater improvements in QoL, and depression and anxiety symptoms at both post-intervention (QoL d = 0.69 to 1.01; depression d = 0.97; anxiety d = 0.73) and 6-month follow-up (QoL d = 0.41 to 0.74; depression d = 0.60; anxiety d = 0.51), in addition to increasing non-organizational religiosity at post-intervention (d = 0.31). Changes on self-compassion mediated the relationship between group and pre-to-post changes for all QoL domains and facets. Group effect on QoL overall health facet at post-intervention was moderated by mindfulness trait and spirituality changes. Conclusion: MBHP is feasible and efficacious to improve QoL, and depression and anxiety symptoms among Brazilian officers. Results were maintained after 6 months. MBHP increased non-organizational religiosity, although the effect was not sustained 6 months later. To our knowledge, this is the first mindfulness-based intervention RCT to empirically demonstrate these effects among police officers. Self-compassion, mindfulness trait, and spirituality mechanisms of change are examined. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov. identifier: NCT03114605.

Mindfulness and Behavior Change.

Initiating and maintaining behavior change is key to the prevention and treatment of most preventable chronic medical and psychiatric illnesses. The cultivation of mindfulness, involving acceptance and nonjudgment of present-moment experience, often results in transformative health behavior change. Neural systems involved in motivation and learning have an important role to play. A theoretical model of mindfulness that integrates these mechanisms with the cognitive, emotional, and self-related processes commonly described, while applying an integrated model to health behavior change, is needed. This integrative review (1) defines mindfulness and describes the mindfulness-based intervention movement, (2) synthesizes the neuroscience of mindfulness and integrates motivation and learning mechanisms within a mindful self-regulation model for understanding the complex effects of mindfulness on behavior change, and (3) synthesizes current clinical research evaluating the effects of mindfulness-based interventions targeting health behaviors relevant to psychiatric care. The review provides insight into the limitations of current research and proposes potential mechanisms to be tested in future research and targeted in clinical practice to enhance the impact of mindfulness on behavior change.

Study protocol of a multicenter randomized controlled trial of mindfulness training to reduce burnout and promote quality of life in police officers: the POLICE study.

BACKGROUND: Police officers experience a high degree of chronic stress. Policing ranks among the highest professions in terms of disease and accident rates. Mental health is particularly impacted, evidenced by elevated rates of burnout, anxiety and depression, and poorer quality of life than the general public. Mindfulness training has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, burnout and promote quality of life in a variety of settings, although its efficacy in this context has yet to be systematically evaluated. Therefore, this trial will investigate the efficacy of a mindfulness-based intervention versus a waitlist control in improving quality of life and reducing negative mental health symptoms in police officers. METHODS: This multicenter randomized controlled trial has three assessment points: baseline, post-intervention, and six-month follow-up. Active police officers (n = 160) will be randomized to Mindfulness-Based Health Promotion (MBHP) or waitlist control group at two Brazilian major cities: Porto Alegre and São Paulo. The primary outcomes are burnout symptoms and quality of life. Consistent with the MBHP conceptual model, assessed secondary outcomes include perceived stress, anxiety and depression symptoms, and the potential mechanisms of resilience, mindfulness, decentering, self-compassion, spirituality, and religiosity. DISCUSSION: Findings from this study will inform and guide future research, practice, and policy regarding police offer health and quality of life in Brazil and globally. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03114605 . Retrospectively registered on March 21, 2017.

Rhipicephalus sanguineus (ACARI: IXODIDAE) BITING A HUMAN BEING IN PORTO ALEGRE CITY, RIO GRANDE DO SUL, BRAZIL.

We report the finding of a female brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae) on the scalp of a male patient inPorto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Human parasitism by this tick is rare and has seldomly been reported in the literature, despite its recognized importance since it can act as a vector of Rickettsia rickettsii, the agent of spotted fever.

Morbimortalidade em octogenários submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica / Morbimortality in octogenarian patients submitted to coronary artery bypass graft surgery

FUNDAMENTO: O progressivo aumento da longevidade da população tem levado cada vez mais pacientes octogenários a necessitarem de cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (CRM), sendo necessário conhecer os riscos e benefícios desse procedimento nessa faixa etária. OBJETIVO: Descrever a morbimortalidade hospitalar de pacientes com idade igual ou superior a 80 anos submetidos à CRM e identificar variáveis que se constituem em seus preditores. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 140 casos consecutivos entre janeiro de 2002 e dezembro de 2007. Os pacientes possuíam em média 82,5 ± 2,2 anos (80-89), e 55,7 por cento eram do sexo masculino. Na amostra, 72,9 por cento tinham hipertensão arterial, 26,4 por cento diabete, 65,7 por cento lesão grave em três ou mais vasos e 28,6 por cento em tronco da coronária esquerda. Cirurgia associada esteve presente em 35,7 por cento dos pacientes, sendo a valvar aórtica em 26,4 por cento e a mitral em 5,6 por cento. RESULTADOS: A mortalidade foi de 14,3 por cento (CRM isolada 10,0 por cento x 22,0 por cento associada; p = 0,091) e a morbidade de 37,9 por cento (CRM isolada 34,4 por cento x 44,0 por cento associada; p = 0,35). Complicações mais frequentes: baixo débito cardíaco (27,9 por cento), disfunção renal (10,0 por cento) e suporte ventilatório prolongado (9,6 por cento). Na análise bivariada, os maiores preditores de mortalidade foram sepse (RR 10,2 IC 95 por cento: 6,10-17,7), CRM prévia (RR 8,06 IC 95 por cento: 5,16-12,6), baixo débito cardíaco pós-operatório (RR 7,77 IC 95 por cento: 3,03-19,9) e disfunção renal pós-operatória (RR 7,36 IC 95 por cento: 3,71-14,6). Quanto à morbidade, foram preditores tempo de circulação extracorpórea >120 min. (RR: 2,34 IC 95 por cento: 1,62-3,38) e de isquemia > 90 min. (RR: 2,29 IC 95 por cento: 1,56-3,37). CONCLUSÃO: A CRM em octogenários está relacionada a uma morbimortalidade maior do que nos pacientes mais jovens, o que, entretanto, não impede a intervenção se houver indicação...

BACKGROUND: Given the progressive increase in longevity and the need of an increasingly elderly population to undergo myocardial revascularization surgery (MRS), it becomes necessary to know its risks and benefits. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the in-hospital morbimortality of patients aged 80 and older submitted to MRS and identify its predictor variables. METHODS: A total of 140 consecutive cases were studied between January 2002 and December 2007. The patients' mean age was 82.5 ± 2.2 years (range: 80-89) and 55.7 percent were males. In the sample,72.9 percent had arterial hypertension, 26.4 percent had diabetes, 65.7 percent presented severe lesion in three or more vessels and 28.6 percent presented a severe lesion in the left coronary trunk. An associated surgery was present in 35.7 percent of the cases, with aortic valve in 26.4 percent and mitral valve in 5.6 percent. RESULTS: The mortality rate was 14.3 percent (isolated MRS 10.0 percent vs 22.0 percent with associated procedure; p = 0.091) and the morbidity was 37.9 percent (isolated MRS 34.4 percent vs 44.0 percent with associated procedure; p = 0.35). The most frequent complications were low cardiac output (27.9 percent), renal dysfunction (10.0 percent) and prolonged ventilatory support (9.6 percent). At the bivariate analysis, the most important mortality predictors were sepsis (RR 10.2; 95 percentCI: 6.10-17.7), previous MRS (RR 8.06; 95 percentCI: 5.16-12.6), postoperative low cardiac output (RR 7.77; 95 percentCI: 3.03-19.9) and postoperative renal dysfunction (RR 7.36; 95 percentCI: 3.71-14.6). The morbidity predictors were extracorporeal circulation time > 120 min. (RR: 2.34; 95 percentCI: 1.62-3.38) and time of ischemia > 90 min. (RR: 2.29 95 percentCI: 1.56-3.37). CONCLUSION: The MRS in octogenarians is associated with a higher morbimortality when compared to younger patients, which, however, does not prevent the procedure if the indication is justified by clinical condition.

Morbimortality in octogenarian patients submitted to coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

BACKGROUND: Given the progressive increase in longevity and the need of an increasingly elderly population to undergo myocardial revascularization surgery (MRS), it becomes necessary to know its risks and benefits. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the in-hospital morbimortality of patients aged 80 and older submitted to MRS and identify its predictor variables. METHODS: A total of 140 consecutive cases were studied between January 2002 and December 2007. The patients' mean age was 82.5 +/- 2.2 years (range: 80-89) and 55.7% were males. In the sample,72.9% had arterial hypertension, 26.4% had diabetes, 65.7% presented severe lesion in three or more vessels and 28.6% presented a severe lesion in the left coronary trunk. An associated surgery was present in 35.7% of the cases, with aortic valve in 26.4% and mitral valve in 5.6%. RESULTS: The mortality rate was 14.3% (isolated MRS 10.0% vs 22.0% with associated procedure; p = 0.091) and the morbidity was 37.9% (isolated MRS 34.4% vs 44.0% with associated procedure; p = 0.35). The most frequent complications were low cardiac output (27.9%), renal dysfunction (10.0%) and prolonged ventilatory support (9.6%). At the bivariate analysis, the most important mortality predictors were sepsis (RR 10.2; 95%CI: 6.10-17.7), previous MRS (RR 8.06; 95%CI: 5.16-12.6), postoperative low cardiac output (RR 7.77; 95%CI: 3.03-19.9) and postoperative renal dysfunction (RR 7.36; 95%CI: 3.71-14.6). The morbidity predictors were extracorporeal circulation time > 120 min. (RR: 2.34; 95%CI: 1.62-3.38) and time of ischemia > 90 min. (RR: 2.29 95%CI: 1.56-3.37). CONCLUSION: The MRS in octogenarians is associated with a higher morbimortality when compared to younger patients, which, however, does not prevent the procedure if the indication is justified by clinical condition.

Morbimortalidade em pacientes acima de 75 anos submetidos à cirurgia por estenose valvar aórtica / Morbidity and mortality in patients aged over 75 years undergoing surgery for aortic valve replacement

FUNDAMENTO: A maior longevidade observada atualmente ocasionou aumento do número de idosos que necessitam de intervenções cirúrgicas. A estenose aórtica é uma condição frequente nessa faixa etária. OBJETIVO: Avaliar morbidade e mortalidade hospitalar em pessoas de 75 anos ou mais, que tenham sido submetidas à cirurgia de valvuloplastia, ou de troca valvar por estenose aórtica isolada ou associada a outras lesões. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 230 casos consecutivos entre jan/2002-dez/2007. Os pacientes tinham 79,5 ± 3,7 anos (75 - 94), sendo que 53,9 por cento eram homens. Na amostra, 68,7 por cento tinham hipertensão arterial, 17,9 por cento tinham fibrilação atrial, 15,9 por cento apresentaram obesidade e 14,4 por cento cirurgia cardíaca prévia. Na cirurgia, 87,4 por cento foram submetidos à colocação de prótese aórtica e 12,6 por cento à valvuloplastia aórtica. RESULTADOS: A mortalidade foi de 13,9 por cento (sendo 9,4 por cento de estenose aórtica isolada x 20,9 por cento com procedimento associado; p = 0,023) e a morbidade foi de 30,0 por cento (sendo 25,2 por cento de estenose aórtica isolada x 37,4 por cento com procedimento associado; p = 0,068). As complicações mais frequentes foram: baixo débito cardíaco (20,2 por cento), disfunção renal (9,7 por cento) e suporte ventilatório prolongado (7,9 por cento). Na análise bivariada, os maiores preditores de mortalidade foram: baixo débito cardíaco (RR 10,1, IC95 por cento: 5,02-20,3), uso do balão intra-aórtico (RR 6,6, IC95 por cento: 3,83-11,4), sepse (RR 6,77, IC95 por cento: 1,66-9,48) e disfunção renal pós-operatória (RR 6,21, IC95 por cento: 3,47-11,1). Quanto à morbidade, foram preditores: disfunção renal pré-operatória (RR 2,22, IC95 por cento: 1,25-3,95), fibrilação atrial (RR 1,74, IC95 por cento: 1,16-2,61) e doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) (RR 1,93, IC95 por cento: 1,25-2,97). CONCLUSÃO: A cirurgia valvar aórtica em idosos está relacionada à morbimortalidade um pouco ...

BACKGROUND: The greater longevity observed today has caused an increase in the number of elderly who need surgery. Aortic stenosis is a common condition in this age group. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate morbidity and mortality in people aged 75 years or older who have undergone valvuloplasty or valve replacement surgery for aortic stenosis alone or associated with other injuries. METHODS: We studied 230 consecutive cases between Jan/2002-Dec/2007. Patients were 79.5 ± 3.7 years (75 - 94), and 53.9 percent were men. In the sample, 68.7 percent had hypertension, 17.9 percent had atrial fibrillation, 15.9 percent were obese, and 14.4 percent had undergone previous heart surgery. At surgery, 87.4 percent underwent aortic stent placement, and 12.6 percent underwent aortic valvuloplasty. RESULTS: The mortality rate was 13.9 percent (9.4 percent with isolated aortic stenosis versus 20.9 percent with an associated procedure, p = 0.023) and the morbidity rate was 30.0 percent (25.2 percent with aortic stenosis alone versus 37.4 percent with an associated procedure, p = 0.068). The most common complications were: low cardiac output (20.2 percent), renal dysfunction (9.7 percent), and prolonged ventilatory support (7.9 percent). In the bivariate analysis, the main predictors of mortality were low cardiac output (RR 10.1, 95 percent CI: 5.02-20.3), use of intra-aortic balloon (RR 6.6, 95 percent CI: 3.83-11.4), sepsis (RR 6.77, 95 percent: 1.66-9.48) and renal dysfunction after surgery (RR 6.21, 95 percent: 3.47-11.1). As for morbidity, the predictors were: pre-operative renal dysfunction (RR 2.22, 95 percent: 1.25-3.95), atrial fibrillation (RR 1.74, 95 percent: 1.16-2.61), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (RR 1.93, 95 percent: 1.25-2.97). CONCLUSION: Aortic valve surgery in the elderly is related to a slightly higher mortality rate than in younger patients, and its main risk factors were associated procedures, renal failure, atrial fibrillation, ...

[Morbidity and mortality in patients aged over 75 years undergoing surgery for aortic valve replacement].

BACKGROUND: The greater longevity observed today has caused an increase in the number of elderly who need surgery. Aortic stenosis is a common condition in this age group. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate morbidity and mortality in people aged 75 years or older who have undergone valvuloplasty or valve replacement surgery for aortic stenosis alone or associated with other injuries. METHODS: We studied 230 consecutive cases between Jan/2002-Dec/2007. Patients were 79.5 +/- 3.7 years (75 - 94), and 53.9% were men. In the sample, 68.7% had hypertension, 17.9% had atrial fibrillation, 15.9% were obese, and 14.4% had undergone previous heart surgery. At surgery, 87.4% underwent aortic stent placement, and 12.6% underwent aortic valvuloplasty. RESULTS: The mortality rate was 13.9% (9.4% with isolated aortic stenosis versus 20.9% with an associated procedure, p = 0.023) and the morbidity rate was 30.0% (25.2% with aortic stenosis alone versus 37.4% with an associated procedure, p = 0.068). The most common complications were: low cardiac output (20.2%), renal dysfunction (9.7%), and prolonged ventilatory support (7.9%). In the bivariate analysis, the main predictors of mortality were low cardiac output (RR 10.1, 95% CI: 5.02-20.3), use of intra-aortic balloon (RR 6.6, 95% CI: 3.83-11.4), sepsis (RR 6.77, 95%: 1.66-9.48) and renal dysfunction after surgery (RR 6.21, 95%: 3.47-11.1). As for morbidity, the predictors were: pre-operative renal dysfunction (RR 2.22, 95%: 1.25-3.95), atrial fibrillation (RR 1.74, 95%: 1.16-2.61), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (RR 1.93, 95%: 1.25-2.97). CONCLUSION: Aortic valve surgery in the elderly is related to a slightly higher mortality rate than in younger patients, and its main risk factors were associated procedures, renal failure, atrial fibrillation, COPD, and sepsis.