scholarly journals Healing Anthropocene Syndrome: Planetary Health Requires Remediation of the Toxic Post-Truth Environment

Challenges ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Alan C. Logan ◽  
Susan H. Berman ◽  
Brian M. Berman ◽  
Susan L. Prescott
Keyword(s):  
Resource Depletion ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
World Health ◽  
Value Systems ◽  
Power Dynamics ◽  
Planetary Health ◽  
Alternative Facts ◽  
Rapid Dissemination ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Historical Antecedents

The term “Anthropocene Syndrome” describes the wicked interrelated challenges of our time. These include, but are not limited to, unacceptable poverty (of both income and opportunity), grotesque biodiversity losses, climate change, environmental degradation, resource depletion, the global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), health inequalities, social injustices, the spread of ultra-processed foods, consumerism and incivility in tandem with a diminished emphasis on the greater potential of humankind, efforts toward unity, or the value of fulfilment and flourishing of all humankind. Planetary health is a concept that recognizes the interdependent vitality of all natural and anthropogenic ecosystems—social, political and otherwise; it blurs the artificial lines between health at scales of person, place and planet. Promoting planetary health requires addressing the underlying pathology of “Anthropocene Syndrome” and the deeper value systems and power dynamics that promote its various signs and symptoms. Here, we focus on misinformation as a toxin that maintains the syndromic status quo—rapid dissemination of falsehoods and dark conspiracies on social media, fake news, alternative facts and medical misinformation described by the World Health Organization as an “infodemic”. In the context of planetary health, we explore the historical antecedents of this “infodemic” and underscore an urgent need to remediate the misinformation mess. It is our contention that education (especially in early life) emphasizing mindfulness and understanding of the mechanisms by which propaganda is spread (and unhealthy products are marketed) is essential. We expand the discourse on positive social contagion and argue that empowerment through education can help lead to an information transformation with the aim of flourishing along every link in the person, place and planet continuum.

scholarly journals Clinical Features and Mortality Associated with Severe Malaria in Adults in Southern Mauritania

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Boushab Mohamed Boushab ◽  
Mohamed Salem Ould Ahmedou Salem ◽  
Ali Ould Mohamed Salem Boukhary ◽  
Philippe Parola ◽  
Leonardo Basco
Keyword(s):  
Renal Failure ◽  
Respiratory Distress ◽  
Severe Malaria ◽  
Falciparum Malaria ◽  
Clinical Features ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria ◽  
Severe Anaemia ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Organization

Severe malaria in adults is not well-studied in Sahelian Africa. Clinical features and mortality associated with severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria in adult patients hospitalized in Kiffa, southern Mauritania, were analysed. Patients over 15 years old admitted for severe malaria between August 2016 and December 2019 were included in the present retrospective study. The World Health Organization (WHO) criteria were used to define severe malaria. The presenting clinical characteristics and outcome were compared. Of 4266 patients hospitalized during the study period, 573 (13.4%) had a positive rapid diagnostic test for malaria, and 99 (17.3%; mean age, 37.5 years; range 15–79 years; sex-ratio M/F, 2.1) satisfied the criteria for severe malaria. On admission, the following signs and symptoms were observed in more than one-fourth of the patients: fever (98%), impairment of consciousness (81.8%), multiple convulsions (70.7%), cardiovascular collapse (61.6%), respiratory distress (43.4%), severe anaemia ≤ 80 g/L (36.4%), haemoglobinuria (27.3%), and renal failure (25.3%). Patients were treated with parenteral quinine or artemether. Fourteen (14.1%) patients died. Multiple convulsions, respiratory distress, severe anaemia, haemoglobinuria, acute renal failure, jaundice, and abnormal bleeding occurred more frequently (p < 0.05) in deceased patients. Mortality due to severe falciparum malaria is high among adults in southern Mauritania. An adoption of the WHO-recommended first-line treatment for severe malaria, such as parenteral artesunate, is required to lower the mortality rate associated with severe malaria.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic: A Global Disaster

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-8
Author(s):  
Solomon Arigwe Joseph ◽  
Abuhuraira Ado Musa ◽  
Faisal Muhammad ◽  
Tijjani Muhammad Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
World Health Organization ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Viral Disease ◽  
Hubei Province ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
World Health ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization

People began to become ill in late December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, and the illness was revealed to be a kind of pneumonia with unusual signs and symptoms. It was eventually discovered as a novel coronavirus, a virus that causes widespread sickness in animals and birds. World Health Organization (WHO) named this new viral disease coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in January 2020.

scholarly journals Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors: Could They Be Beneficial for the Treatment of COVID-19?

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (15) ◽  
pp. 5338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Giorgi ◽  
Silvia Cardarelli ◽  
Federica Ragusa ◽  
Michele Saliola ◽  
Stefano Biagioni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
World Health ◽  
Pde Inhibitors ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Hydrolyzing Enzymes ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Restrictive Measures

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection to be a pandemic disease. SARS-CoV2 was first identified in China and, despite the restrictive measures adopted, the epidemic has spread globally, becoming a pandemic in a very short time. Though there is growing knowledge of the SARS-CoV2 infection and its clinical manifestations, an effective cure to limit its acute symptoms and its severe complications has not yet been found. Given the worldwide health and economic emergency issues accompanying this pandemic, there is an absolute urgency to identify effective treatments and reduce the post infection outcomes. In this context, phosphodiesterases (PDEs), evolutionarily conserved cyclic nucleotide (cAMP/cGMP) hydrolyzing enzymes, could emerge as new potential targets. Given their extended distribution and modulating role in nearly all organs and cellular environments, a large number of drugs (PDE inhibitors) have been developed to control the specific functions of each PDE family. These PDE inhibitors have already been used in the treatment of pathologies that show clinical signs and symptoms completely or partially overlapping with post-COVID-19 conditions (e.g., thrombosis, inflammation, fibrosis), while new PDE-selective or pan-selective inhibitors are currently under study. This review discusses the state of the art of the different pathologies currently treated with phosphodiesterase inhibitors, highlighting the numerous similarities with the disorders linked to SARS-CoV2 infection, to support the hypothesis that PDE inhibitors, alone or in combination with other drugs, could be beneficial for the treatment of COVID-19.

scholarly journals The Canmore Declaration: Statement of Principles for Planetary Health

Challenges ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Prescott ◽  
Alan Logan ◽  
Glenn Albrecht ◽  
Dianne Campbell ◽  
Julian Crane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Historical Background ◽  
World Health ◽  
Personal Health ◽  
Planetary Health ◽  
Health And Place ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Anthropogenic Ecosystems

The term planetary health—denoting the interdependence between human health and place at all scales—emerged from the environmental and preventive health movements of the 1970–80s; in 1980, Friends of the Earth expanded the World Health Organization definition of health, stating: “health is a state of complete physical, mental, social and ecological well-being and not merely the absence of disease—personal health involvesplanetary health”. Planetary health is not a new discipline; it is an extension of a concept understood by our ancestors, and remains the vocation of multiple disciplines. Planetary health, inseparably bonded to human health, is formally defined by the inVIVO Planetary Health network as the interdependent vitality of all natural and anthropogenic ecosystems (social, political and otherwise). Here, we provide the historical background and philosophies that have guided the network, and summarize the major themes that emerged at the 7th inVIVO meeting in Canmore, Alberta, Canada. We also provide the Canmore Declaration, a Statement of Principles for Planetary Health. This consensus statement, framed by representative participants, expands upon the 1986 Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion and affirms the urgent need to consider the health of people, places and the planet as indistinguishable.

scholarly journals Fatal Rattlesnake Envenomation in Northernmost Brazilian Amazon: A Case Report and Literature Overview

Reports ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jilvando M. Medeiros ◽  
Isadora S. Oliveira ◽  
Isabela G. Ferreira ◽  
Gabriel Melo Alexandre-Silva ◽  
Felipe A. Cerni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Fatal Case ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Hemodynamic Instability ◽  
World Health ◽  
Amazon Forest ◽  
Patient Death ◽  
Macroscopic Hematuria ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Crotalus Durissus

Snakebite envenomations are classified as Category A Neglected Tropical Diseases by the World Health Organization. In Brazil, 405 snake species are distributed among 11 families, with the genera Bothrops and Crotalus being the most studied and main responsible for severe and lethal envenomations. In the country, Crotalus genus (i.e., rattlesnakes) is represented by Crotalus durissus species, showing seven different subspecies distributed along the country, including Crotalus durissus ruruima, which inhabits Roraima, the Brazilian nothermost state from Amazon forest. Here, we report a fatal case of a severe envenomation following a rattlesnake bite. The patient presented classic crotalic neurological signs and symptoms such as ptosis, drooling of saliva, sluggishness, macroscopic hematuria, and oliguria, which evolved to acute kidney failure (AKF) and hemodynamic instability. Although the patient was treated with the specific antivenom therapy, the severe envenomation resulted in three cardiac arrests and death of the victim in less than 38 h. This study discusses the causes of the patient death, the features of rattlesnake venom-induced AKF, and shows evidences that the Brazilian crotalic antivenom should be improved to treat rattlesnake envenomations caused by C. d. ruruima venom in Roraima state.

scholarly journals Quarantine for Zika Virus? Where is the Science?

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 704-706 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristi L. Koenig
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Ebola Virus ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Rapid Test ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
World Health ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Spread Of Infection

AbstractIn January 2016, the World Health Organization warned that Zika virus is “spreading explosively” in the Americas and that up to 4 million infections could be present worldwide within a year. Soon thereafter, some politicians and authors publicly advocated for quarantine of travelers returning from regions where mosquitoes carrying Zika virus are prevalent. The public health tool of quarantine can be used to prevent the spread of infection by restricting the movement of persons who have been exposed to a deadly disease that can be transmitted from person to person before symptom onset. With 80% of Zika virus infections being asymptomatic, no rapid test being available to detect the virus, and primary transmission being via the bites of certain mosquitoes, application of quarantine in this setting is not scientifically sound or practically feasible. Rather, public health interventions should focus on preventing bites from infected mosquitoes, counseling pregnant women on the risks of fetal microcephaly and other birth defects, and identifying patients with signs and symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome. As was seen in the Ebola virus disease outbreak of 2014, non-evidence-based factors can influence policy decisions. Public health experts must ensure that policy makers are informed that quarantine is not a scientifically sound approach for the control of Zika virus. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;0:1–3)

scholarly journals Prevalence and characteristics of postpartum thyroid dysfunction in Tehran

2001 ◽  
pp. 397-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
HB Shahbazian ◽  
F Sarvghadi ◽  
F Azizi
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organization ◽  
Previous History ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Iodine Intake ◽  
World Health ◽  
Control Group ◽  
World Health Organization Classification ◽  
Serum T3 ◽  
Health Organization

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of postpartum thyroiditis (PPT), one of the autoimmune disorders of the thyroid which usually occurs in women in the first year after parturition. PPT presents with periods of transient thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism, in many cases resulting in permanent hypothyroidism. DESIGN: The study involved 1040 mothers who had contacted five health centers in Tehran for vaccination of their children. METHODS: Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis, and the presence of goiter (using the World Health Organization classification), were sought. Serum T3, T4, TSH, anti-TPO and anti-Tg antibodies were measured at 3, 4.5, 6 and 9 months after parturition. In those with hypothyroidism or thyrotoxicosis and a matched group of normal women, thyroid sonography was performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of thyroiditis was 11.4%. Hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis occurred in 68 and 42 mothers respectively. Nine had thyrotoxicosis followed by hypothyroidism. There was one case of Graves' disease. Out of 68 hypothyroid patients, 33 women underwent treatment with levothyroxine (because of the severity of symptoms) for 12 months. Six women showed increased TSH at 6 weeks after discontinuation of thyroxine. Stage II goiter (World Health Organization classification) were observed in 21.8% of patients and in 6.7% of pospartum euthyroid women (P<0.001). Positive anti-TPO was found in 61.5% of patients and in 19% of the control group; positive anti-Tg was found in 58% of patients and in 6% of the control group (P<0.001). Sonographic changes were observed in 96% of the patients and in 7% of the control group (P<0.001). There was no significant correlation between the occurrence of thyroiditis and parity, the age of the mother, a previous history of thyroid disease in the patient or family, breast-feeding, or the gender of the child. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show a high prevalence of PPT in Tehranian women. This may be due to the length and frequency of follow-up and/or the transition from low to adequate iodine intake. The major difference with respect to other studies is the low frequency of the biphasic form of PPT.

scholarly journals Refractory Multi-Inflammatory Syndrome in a Two Weeks Old Neonate with COVID-19 Treated Successfully with Intravenous Immunoglobulin, Steroids and Anakinra

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Magboul S
Keyword(s):  
Intravenous Immunoglobulin ◽  
Clinical Course ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Interleukin 1 ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
World Health ◽  
Case Presentation ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Inflammatory Syndrome ◽  
Pulse Steroid

Background: World Health Organization (WHO) and other Health officials alert clinicians about a rare but severe inflammatory condition seen in children and linked to Corona Virus Disease 2019(COVID-19). The WHO is describing the condition as a multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and is recommending clinicians to report those cases to get a better understanding of the disease and clinicians can learn more. Case Presentation: We are reporting the clinical course of the youngest case of COVID-19 related MIS-c; a two-week-old term neonate with COVID-19 infection and features suggestive of MIS-C, managed with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), pulse steroid, and interleukin-1 inhibitor (Anakinra). By reviewing the literature, our baby is the first neonatal case who has been diagnosed with MIS-C. Conclusion: COVID-19 infections in pediatrics are likely to present with a mild course; however, some may develop a hyperinflammatory syndrome. Pediatricians should be aware of such presentation, the clinical course, the management modalities,and inform parents and caregivers about common signs and symptoms. Anakinra may consider as effective second agent in (IVIG and steroid-refractory pediatric cases).

scholarly journals COVID-19-ASSOCIATED IMMUNE THROMBOCYTOPENIA

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-70
Author(s):  
Mara-Andrada Plesu ◽  
◽  
Gabriel Cristian Bejan ◽  
Ioana Veronica Grajdeanu ◽  
Anca Angela Simionescu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tract Infection ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Immune Thrombocytopenia ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
World Health ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The World ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Hematological Changes

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious respiratory tract infection caused by the betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, more than 166 million patients have been tested positive worldwide with more than 3.4 million related death recorded. COVID-19 has a wide range of signs and symptoms. Hematological changes such as lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, and coagulation disturbances are not unusual in patients with COVID-19. However, the mechanisms causing these changes are partially comprehended. Immune thrombocytopenia was identified to be among the hematologic autoimmune diseases seen in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. This review summarizes the evidence on COVID-19-associated immune thrombocytopenia and the underlying mechanisms involved in its development.

scholarly journals Anosmia and Ageusia as Initial or Unique Symptoms after SARS-COV-2 Virus Infection

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Calixto Machado ◽  
Joel Victor Gutierrez
Keyword(s):  
Case Reports ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
World Health ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Prodromal Phase ◽  
The Common ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Post Infectious

SARS-CoV-2 (CoV-2) is a coronavirus which is causing the actual COVID-19 pandemic. The disease caused by 2019 new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was named coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) by the World Health Organization in February 2020. Primary non-specific reported symptoms of 2019-nCoV infection at the prodromal phase are malaise, fever, and dry cough. The most commonly reported signs and symptoms are fever (98%), cough (76%), dyspnea (55%), and myalgia or fatigue (44%). Nonetheless, recent reports suggest an association between COVID-19 and altered olfactory and taste functions, although smell seems to be more affected than taste. These associations of smell and taste dysfunctions and CoV-2 are consistent with case reports describing a patient with SARS with long term anosmia after recovery from respiratory distress, with the observation that olfactory function is commonly altered after infection with endemic coronaviruses, and with data demonstrating that intentional experimental infection of humans with CoV-299 raises the thresholds at which odors can be detected. Post-viral anosmia and is one of the leading causes of loss of sense of smell in adults, accounting for up to 40% cases of anosmia. Viruses that give rise to the common cold are well known to cause post-infectious loss, and over 200 different viruses are known to cause upper respiratory tract infections. I reviewed the possible mechanisms of smell and taste loss in COVID-19. I concluded that since the existence of such a relationship is likely, it is highly recommended that those patients who experience complications such as smell and/or taste loss, even as unique symptoms, should be considered as potential SARS-CoV-2 virus carriers.

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