6635 - Thursday trees

Trees by me, Bilbo, Kathy, Cloudia, and (?).

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6634 - Ehlers–Danlos syndrome

And we continue with disease week...

In 2017, 13 subtypes of EDS were classified using specific diagnostic criteria. According to the Ehlers–Danlos Society, the syndromes can also be grouped by the symptoms determined by specific gene mutations. Group A disorders are those that affect primary collagen structure and processing. Group B disorders affect collagen folding and crosslinking. Group C includes disorders of the structure and function of the myomatrix. Group D disorders are those that affect glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis. Group E disorders are characterized by defects in the complement pathway. Group F are disorders of intracellular processes, and Group G is considered to be unresolved forms of EDS.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ehlers-Danlos_syndrome 

Don't bother with too much reading. Just scroll down and look at the pictures.

6633 - Adenovirus Sweeps Globe

Continuing on with my disease theme...

'Unkillable' Adenovirus Sweeps Globe: Expert Warns Of Fever Danger Signs

An 'unkillable' adenovirus is surging across the world, defying everyday cleaners and leaving health experts on high alert for severe fever spikes that signal trouble. This hardy virus mimics flu or COVID-19 symptoms but spreads faster because it is resistant to soap and disinfectants, prompting warnings from specialists like Eric Sachinwalla at Jefferson Health. In Philadelphia, locals report lingering illnesses, underscoring the virus's persistent grip despite no major spikes in cases.

Adenovirus infects people year-round, unlike seasonal flu viruses. It belongs to a family with more than 50 serotypes that cause illness in humans, each potentially triggering varied effects. Infections often build gradually over days, and many remain asymptomatic.

https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/unkillable-adenovirus-sweeps-globe-expert-warns-fever-danger-signs-1765594 

6632 - Toxoplasma gondii and cats

These are a few snippets from the Wikipedia article. It's a long read but contains a lot of good information, especially if you have a cat.

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Toxoplasma gondii is a species of parasitic alveolate that causes toxoplasmosis. Found worldwide, T. gondii is capable of infecting virtually all warm-blooded animals, but members of the cat family (Felidae) are the only known definitive hosts in which the parasite may undergo sexual reproduction.

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In humans infection is generally asymptomatic, but particularly in infants and those with weakened immunity, T. gondii may lead to a serious case of toxoplasmosis.

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The life cycle of T. gondii may be broadly summarized into two components: a sexual component that occurs only within cats (felids, wild or domestic), and an asexual component that can occur within virtually all warm-blooded animals, including humans, cats, and birds.

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Tissue cysts can be maintained in host tissue for the lifetime of the animal.

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In warm-blooded animals, such as brown rats, sheep, and dogs, T. gondii has also been shown to be sexually transmitted. Although T. gondii can infect, be transmitted by, and asexually reproduce within humans and virtually all other warm-blooded animals, the parasite can sexually reproduce only within the intestines of members of the cat family (felids). Felids are therefore the definitive hosts of T. gondii; all other hosts (such as human or other mammals) are intermediate hosts.

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No approved human vaccine exists against Toxoplasma gondii. Research on human vaccines is ongoing.

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Looking at humans, studies using the Cattell's 16 Personality Factor questionnaire found that infected men scored lower on Factor G (superego strength/rule consciousness) and higher on Factor L (vigilance) while the opposite pattern was observed for infected women. Such men were more likely to disregard rules and were more expedient, suspicious, and jealous. On the other hand, women were more warm-hearted, outgoing, conscientious, and moralistic.

Published research has also indicated that T. gondii infection could potentially promote changes in a person's political beliefs and values. Those who are infected with the parasite tend to exhibit a higher degree of "us versus them" thinking.

For the whole article*** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxoplasma_gondii 

6631 - Long joke Sunday

Four bikers were riding down a street when they saw a sign that reads: “Old Time Bar - all drinks 10 cents.“

They looked at each other in disbelief, thinking it’s too good to be true, but decided to go in.

The old bartender called out in a voice that boom across the room, “Come on in and let me pour one for you. What will it be, gentleman?”

Each of the bikers ordered a martini. In no time, the bartender served up four ice cold martinis shaken, not stirred, and said, that will be 10 cents each please.”

The bikers stared at the bartender for a moment then at each other. They couldn’t believe their luck. They paid the 40 cents, finished their martinis, and ordered another round.

Again, four excellent martinis were served, and the bartender repeated, “That’s 40 cents, please.”

They paid the 40 cents, but their curiosity got the better of them. Each of them now enjoyed two martinis and has spent less than a dollar.

Finally, one of the bikers asked, “How can you afford to serve martinis this good for just 10 cents each?”

The bartender chuckled, “I always wanted to own a bar. Last year, I won $25 million in the lottery and decided to buy this place. Every drink, wine, liquor, beer, it’s all the same price.”

“Wow, that’s quite a story“ one of the bikers said.

As they sipped their martinis, they couldn’t help but notice seven old people sitting at the end of the bar without drinks in front of them. They hadn’t ordered anything the entire time.

One of the bikers gestured toward them, and asked the bartender, “What’s with them?”

The bartender smirked. “Oh, they're all waiting for happy hour, when drinks are half price.”