GP diagnosed neck lumps in cat caregiver as worms from her cat. He was wrong.

Francesca Knee-Wright, from Brighton, had only given birth to her second child three months before she noticed a 'very small' lump on her neck. She had it checked out and was told to watch and wait. More lumps developed and her GP told her that they were caused by parasitic worms (endoparasites - probably roundworms) that she had acquired from her two Spanish rescue cats.

Francesca Knee-Wright. Image: Kennedy News and Media

She queried this and a second opinion diagnosed something entirely different and far more serious: Hodgkin's lymphoma which is a relatively aggressive form of blood cancer that can quickly spread through the body.

She is on chemotherapy and shaved her hair to stop the difficult emotional effect of watching her hair fall out.

Having read the story I did some research on the roundworm and whether it could cause lumps as described. They can.  Here is the lowdown:

Can roundworms in cats be transmitted to humans?

Yes, roundworms in cats can be transmitted to humans, specifically through a process called zoonotic transmission. This type of transmission usually happens if a person accidentally ingests roundworm eggs, which are shed in the feces of infected cats. These eggs can survive in soil, sand, and other outdoor environments for long periods, making it relatively easy for humans to come into contact with them, especially in areas frequented by cats.

In humans, roundworm larvae can migrate through body tissues in a condition known as toxocariasis, which can affect the liver, lungs, eyes, and other organs. Children are particularly vulnerable because they are more likely to come into contact with contaminated soil or sand and might not practice proper hand hygiene.

To prevent transmission, some key measures include:

• Regular deworming of pets, as advised by a veterinarian
• Practicing good hygiene, especially washing hands thoroughly after handling cats, cleaning litter boxes, or coming into contact with soil or sand
• Covering sandboxes to prevent animals from using them as litter boxes
• Avoiding bare-hand contact with soil or areas where cats might defecate.

If you have any concerns about toxocariasis or the possibility of exposure, consult a healthcare provider for advice on testing and treatment.

And these worms inhabit the gut of the human. Correct?

Actually, no—roundworms in humans generally don’t mature in the gut as they do in cats. Instead, when humans accidentally ingest roundworm eggs, the eggs hatch in the intestines, but the larvae don’t settle there. Instead, they migrate through various body tissues in a process called larval migrans.

There are two primary types:

1. Visceral Larva Migrans (VLM): The larvae travel to organs like the liver, lungs, and sometimes the brain. This can cause symptoms like fever, fatigue, coughing, or abdominal pain, depending on which organs are affected.

2. Ocular Larva Migrans (OLM): Sometimes, larvae reach the eyes, which can lead to eye inflammation, vision problems, and even vision loss if untreated.

Since roundworms don't complete their life cycle in humans, they can’t develop into adults in the gut. Instead, they become trapped in body tissues, where they eventually die but may cause inflammation and other symptoms.

And the larvae mature to adult worms in these locations?

No, in humans, roundworm larvae do not mature into adult worms. Instead, they remain in the immature larval stage throughout their lifecycle in human tissues. After hatching in the intestines, the larvae migrate to various organs and tissues but lack the necessary environment to mature fully as they would in a cat or other definitive host.

In these human tissues, the larvae often cause localized inflammation as they move through, but they eventually die off without maturing into adult worms. This can still result in significant symptoms, especially if they reach sensitive areas like the eyes or organs, but full-grown adult worms are not seen in human cases of roundworm infection.

Can they cause lumps in the neck?

Yes, roundworm larvae migrating through human tissues can, in some cases, cause lumps or swollen areas, although this is less common. When the larvae travel through or lodge in tissues, they can trigger an immune response, leading to localized inflammation or granulomas (small nodules formed by immune cells around the larvae).

In the neck, this could potentially result in lumps if the larvae pass through lymph nodes or surrounding tissues, but it’s more typical for them to affect organs like the liver, lungs, or eyes. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck can also react as part of a systemic immune response to the infection, although this symptom can be caused by a wide range of other conditions.

If there’s a persistent lump or swelling in the neck, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis, as they may recommend tests to rule out or confirm conditions like toxocariasis.

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P.S. please forgive the occasional typo. These articles are written at breakneck speed using Dragon Dictate. I have to prepare them in around 20 mins. Also, sources for news articles are carefully selected but the news is often not independently verified. And, I rely on scientific studies but they are not 100% reliable. Finally, (!) I often express an OPINION on the news. Please share yours in a comment.

Crisis looms for 100 feral cats occupying Denver apartment complex

This feral cat colony at Cedar Run Apartments, Denver has been established for a long time and they appear to be accepted by the the majority of residents. Things appear to be stable with no need for change but the administrators of the complex have decided to get rid of them by:

• Stopping residents feeding them at feeding stations. They intend to remove the stations.
• Relocation the colony
• Bricking up access points under the buildings where the cats have made dens.

Some residents (and non-residents?) are very concerned. Relocation of feral cat colonies don't work well or at all as colonies have their home range with which they are intimately familiar.

Removing the feeding stations and bricking up the basement area will lead to potential starvation and exposure to the elements. All harmful actions when there is a much better alternative namely TNR.

I would expect the animal advocates to lobby the administrators to take a more humane view and instigate TNR. I would hope that they also consult with the residents to gauge their mood on the matter.

This story is very typical of many apartment complexes not only in the US but in other countries. The landlords of these apartment blocks perceive feral cats as very negative to the ambience of the place and want rid of them. They feel that they spread disease. But these fears are often ill-founded.

It may also be very possible that the presence of the cats deters rats and other pests. They should factor that into their decision making process.

Get some volunteers to help. There are many TNR volunteers in the US who'd be willing to start a TNR program. Done properly and the colony population will stabilise and decline in the medium-to-long-term. 

The cats will be 'managed' which will please management and the animal advocates and those sensitive to the sentience of the cats will be satisfied too.

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P.S. please forgive the occasional typo. These articles are written at breakneck speed using Dragon Dictate. I have to prepare them in around 20 mins. Also, sources for news articles are carefully selected but the news is often not independently verified. And, I rely on scientific studies but they are not 100% reliable. Finally, (!) I often express an OPINION on the news. Please share yours in a comment.

The moment when a feral cat trusts you is magical

"I don't think non-cat people understand what it means to gain the trust of a feral cat, it's not easy & when it happens it's so incredibly beautiful" - commenter on the video below which is on TikTok

I have heard this a lot over the years and have experienced it myself when socialising my former feral cat who I adopted as a foster carer. He was about 7 weeks old and terrified of me. He hid for a week under the sideboard! Cooked prawns got him out and he loves them to this day.

@jobiquin #catsoftiktok #CapCut #feralcat #cuteanimals ♬ original sound - Jobi

But the point is that you can tell when a feral cats becomes socialised and can be described as 'domesticated'. The fear drops from their eyes and body language. They actually crave human companionship but are inherently (and rightly) fearful. It can take months to break down that fear. But often it happens much faster.

"Watch the feral cat I took in (with her 4 babies) finally let me love her," says a caption shared along with the viral video.

It is an interesting thought: 'finally let me love her'. It is the moment when a cat does indeed allow themselves be loved by a caring human. The trust. The fear falls away.

Her feral cat finally lets herself be loved by this nice lady, Quin. He partner rescued the cat who'd been around their home for a while with her kittens.

Gentleness in interactions and respect for their feral background is essential, plus excellent food (the video maker uses a very palatable treat paste) and also importantly play.

Playing with a semi-domesticated cat teaches them that you can be trusted. The play toy - usually a feather on a stick - is a kind of 'bridging tool' between you and the cat. 

But as you are welding it, in their mind the cat is playing with a sibling which breaks down barriers very fast. It is how I socialised my cat who by the way retains some of his wild character to this day, 10 years later.

I don't think socialised feral cats ever completely lose their feral character. It lurks deep inside them and sometimes (perhaps) emerges at certain times.

"She had to be brave surviving out there in the wild. She is actually a very sweet cat. You can tell she wants to be loved. She didn't give any fuss when I put her little cat collar on her. I feel like she knew it was hers and it meant she was ours," Quin (the rescuer) said. She lives in Texas, US.

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P.S. please forgive the occasional typo. These articles are written at breakneck speed using Dragon Dictate. I have to prepare them in around 20 mins. Also, sources for news articles are carefully selected but the news is often not independently verified. And, I rely on scientific studies but they are not 100% reliable. Finally, (!) I often express an OPINION on the news. Please share yours in a comment.

Taliban exclude women from workforce but need financial support from the West

The recent news is that the Taliban have added one more restriction to the lives of women in Afghanistan to the already long list which is crushing to women and girls. The Taliban have banned women from hearing other women’s voices in its latest attempt to impose a hard-line version of Islamic law. It is an impossible situation for women and girls and totally unacceptable by Western standards and I expect by the standards of any other Muslim country.

In applying these bizarre, misogynistic restrictions they have excluded women from the workforce which must severely harm the country's economy. And yet the Taliban are dependent on ongoing and substantial Western financial aid to keep the country afloat. Bizarre.

Here is some more detail on this is absurd state of affairs.

The Taliban’s restrictions on Afghan women and girls are extensive and have intensified since they took over Afghanistan in August 2021. These restrictions primarily stem from an ultra-conservative interpretation of Islamic law and are enforced in ways that drastically curtail women’s rights and freedoms in daily life. Here are some of the main restrictions the Taliban has imposed:

1. Education Ban

• Secondary and University Education: Since their return to power, the Taliban banned girls from attending high school, and in 2023 they extended this ban to universities, effectively cutting off formal education for women and girls beyond sixth grade.
• Vocational Training and Tutoring Centers: Private tutoring centers that educate women and girls have also been shut down, and alternative education initiatives have faced restrictions.
• International Scholarships and Travel for Education: Afghan women are also prevented from traveling abroad to pursue higher education or accessing international scholarships.

2. Employment and Economic Restrictions

• Government and NGO Employment Ban: Afghan women have been barred from working in government offices and NGOs, with few exceptions, which has significantly affected their economic independence.
• Employment Outside the Home: Women’s opportunities to work outside the home are extremely limited, particularly in professional fields. This has led to a sharp decline in women’s participation in the Afghan workforce.
• Family Dependency: These bans have forced many women to depend solely on male family members for financial support, which can be especially difficult in cases where women are widows or the sole providers in their households.

3. Public and Social Life Restrictions

• Dress Code and Hijab Requirements: Women are required to wear a full-body covering, typically a burqa, in public, with limited exceptions.
• Restrictions on Movement: Women are generally not allowed to travel alone; a male guardian, known as a mahram, must accompany them for any travel beyond a short distance.
• Ban on Accessing Public Parks and Gyms: In 2022, the Taliban banned women from parks, gyms, and other recreational facilities, further restricting social interaction and access to public spaces.
• Limitations on Personal Expression: Women are restricted from speaking loudly in public or raising their voices. The recent ban on women hearing other women’s voices also suggests restrictions on social interaction, media, and music.

4. Media and Cultural Restrictions

• Representation in Media: Women have been banned from appearing in TV dramas and other media productions. Female newscasters and reporters are no longer allowed to present or cover news on television.
• Music and Singing: In addition to limiting women’s roles in media, the Taliban has enforced bans on music and singing in public spaces, including music performed or enjoyed by women.

5. Legal Rights and Protections

• Marriage and Family Law: Women are often pressured into arranged marriages, including underage marriages, which are legally and culturally enforced under Taliban governance.
• Protection from Violence: The Taliban has dismantled or severely limited institutions, such as family courts and shelters, that previously supported women experiencing domestic violence or abuse, leaving women vulnerable to violence without recourse to justice.
• Limited Access to Justice: Under the Taliban, Afghan women face significant barriers to accessing the legal system, particularly in cases involving disputes over marriage, divorce, custody, and inheritance, where decisions often favor male family members.

These restrictions represent a drastic rollback of the rights women had gained over the past two decades and have led to international condemnation. The lack of access to education, employment, public spaces, and even basic forms of social interaction has made Afghanistan one of the most challenging places in the world for women to live, with lasting impacts on Afghan society as a whole.

The claim that the U.S. or Western countries send $40 million in cash weekly directly to the Taliban is not accurate. However, there are nuances around international aid and financial assistance flowing into Afghanistan, primarily aimed at supporting humanitarian efforts in a country facing severe economic and humanitarian crises.

Here’s a breakdown of how this aid process works and where the funds go:

1. Humanitarian Aid Flow to Afghanistan

• Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the international community has continued to provide humanitarian aid, as the country faces severe poverty, food shortages, and healthcare crises.
• Much of this aid is managed through international organizations like the United Nations, the World Food Programme, and other humanitarian agencies, rather than being given directly to the Taliban.
• The U.S., as well as other countries and international organizations, contributes to this aid, which helps prevent economic collapse, hunger, and disease but is specifically allocated for humanitarian needs rather than government functions.

2. Afghan Central Bank and Limited Cash Infusions

• After the Taliban took over, Afghanistan’s central bank assets (mostly held overseas, particularly in the U.S.) were frozen to prevent the Taliban from accessing them.
• A small portion of these funds has since been unfrozen and distributed as cash shipments to Afghanistan, often around $40 million a week, but these funds do not go to the Taliban. They are carefully monitored and distributed by the United Nations and related organizations to support critical services and humanitarian needs, like food and healthcare.
• The aim of these cash infusions is to stabilize the economy and help prevent total collapse, which would further devastate the Afghan people, while avoiding direct support to the Taliban’s governance.

3. Restricted Taliban Access

• The Taliban have limited direct access to these funds, which are meant strictly for humanitarian purposes and are distributed through NGOs and international bodies. The U.S. has also set up mechanisms to ensure the Taliban cannot use these assets for governance or military purposes.
• The funds are tracked to ensure they are not used in ways that would violate international sanctions or end up under Taliban control.

4. Controversies and Concerns

• Despite these controls, there are concerns about the Taliban’s indirect benefit from international assistance, especially since they are effectively the governing authority. The Taliban could potentially exert influence over NGOs or other agencies distributing aid, though international organizations take measures to prevent this.
• Some argue that humanitarian aid inadvertently stabilizes Taliban rule by easing public discontent. However, the international community maintains that this aid is essential to protect Afghan civilians from severe deprivation.

In summary, while approximately $40 million is sent to Afghanistan in weekly cash shipments, these funds are strictly for humanitarian purposes and are not intended for Taliban use. They are managed by international organizations to ensure they support only humanitarian objectives, with strict oversight to prevent misuse.

Excluding women from the workforce is indeed economically detrimental, especially for a country like Afghanistan that is already on the brink of financial collapse. Preventing half of the population from participating in wealth-creating activities has significant economic and social repercussions that can accelerate the country’s economic decline. Here’s why this policy can be seen as particularly damaging in Afghanistan’s context:

1. Loss of Labor and Skills

• Afghanistan’s economy is heavily dependent on its workforce, and women have historically played vital roles in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and business.
• By barring women from the workplace, Afghanistan loses a substantial portion of its skilled labor, which can’t be easily replaced. Fields like healthcare and education, which were already under-resourced, are now struggling even more, resulting in a serious loss of service quality.
• Women in technical roles, such as engineers, economists, and administrators, also provided critical skills that were contributing to the country’s infrastructure and services.

2. Reduced Household Incomes and Rising Poverty

• Afghanistan has one of the highest poverty rates in the world, and women in the workforce provided essential income to support their families, especially in single-parent or widow-led households.
• Without female earnings, many families are unable to meet basic needs, pushing more Afghan households into poverty. This, in turn, can lead to a downward spiral of increased economic dependency, higher rates of malnutrition, and even forced child labor.

3. Impact on the GDP and Economy

• Women’s economic participation significantly boosts GDP in any country. According to the World Bank, female labor participation can directly impact national productivity and income. In Afghanistan, estimates suggest that female workers contributed notably to sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
• By excluding women from the workforce, Afghanistan has shrunk its economy, reducing its ability to generate tax revenue, attract foreign investment, and grow sustainably.

4. Isolation from International Aid and Investment

• The Taliban’s restrictions on women’s rights have led to international sanctions and limited Afghanistan’s access to the global economy. Countries and organizations that provided aid, funding, and investment are now reluctant to engage due to the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls.
• Foreign governments and agencies are more hesitant to invest in a country where half of the workforce is effectively banned from working, which further restricts Afghanistan’s economic recovery.

5. Long-Term Human Capital Damage

• Afghanistan’s young generation of women is growing up without access to education or meaningful employment opportunities, creating a “lost generation” with limited skills and job readiness.
• Over time, this depletes the country’s human capital and limits its prospects for future economic development, as education and skilled employment are foundational to an economy’s growth and innovation potential.

6. Negative Social and Health Impacts

• Social impacts from poverty, malnutrition, and lack of education compound when women are barred from contributing economically. These stressors affect family well-being, increase health risks, and create a cycle of poverty that’s hard to break.
• Additionally, Afghanistan faces a shortage of female healthcare professionals due to the employment ban, which particularly affects women’s healthcare, including maternal and reproductive services. This can lead to worsened public health outcomes and a higher mortality rate among women and children.

7. Missed Opportunities for Economic Diversification

• The Afghan economy has long been dependent on foreign aid and agriculture, but diversifying into areas like services, textiles, and small business entrepreneurship offered pathways to greater economic resilience. Women played significant roles in these sectors, especially in rural and community-based economies.
• By shutting women out, the Taliban further restricts the country’s economic diversification, leaving Afghanistan more vulnerable to economic shocks and less self-sufficient.

In Summary

By excluding women from the workforce, the Taliban is not only limiting Afghanistan’s immediate economic capacity but also stunting its long-term growth potential. The economic costs of sidelining women are high and can accelerate the country’s economic isolation and decline. Allowing women to work, on the other hand, would be an obvious step toward alleviating poverty, improving family welfare, and stabilizing the Afghan economy in the long run.

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P.S. please forgive the occasional typo. These articles are written at breakneck speed using Dragon Dictate. I have to prepare them in around 20 mins. Also, sources for news articles are carefully selected but the news is often not independently verified. And, I rely on scientific studies but they are not 100% reliable. Finally, (!) I often express an OPINION on the news. Please share yours in a comment.

If Trump is so ill-suited to being the next president, why is he so close to being the next president?

This post was written by AI - ChatGPT on my instructions. AI is able to research far more widely than me and provide detailed answers to questions beyond the ability of a single individual with time restrictions! This is why millions of websites are dying as I type this.

I have some real concerns about what another Trump presidency means for women in this country — and I wanted to share some of my thoughts. If this resonates with you, send this video to every single person you know and remind them what’s at stake in this election. pic.twitter.com/7bCX31bP8b

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) October 28, 2024

The phenomenon of Donald Trump remaining a viable candidate for the U.S. presidency despite widespread controversy and negative perceptions boils down to several key factors. These include polarization, his political branding, distrust in institutions, media dynamics, and cultural shifts in American politics. Here’s how these elements contribute to his continued popularity:

1. Political Polarization and Identity Politics

• Strong Base Support: Trump’s supporters are intensely loyal, often identifying with his views on issues like immigration, economic nationalism, and skepticism toward the establishment. For many, his appeal transcends typical political qualifications because they feel he represents their values or frustrations with the system.
• Divisive but Compelling Persona: American politics has grown more polarized, with many people feeling a strong emotional pull to align against or with Trump. This polarization deepens allegiance to Trump among his base, while his detractors solidify his status as a “fighter” against what they perceive as political or cultural elites.

2. Disillusionment with Establishment Politics

• Distrust of Government Institutions: Many Americans have lost faith in traditional institutions, feeling that these entities no longer serve the public fairly. Trump has capitalized on this distrust, positioning himself as a figure outside the “corrupt” establishment, even though he’s held the highest office.
• Disruption as a Selling Point: For a segment of voters, his abrasive style and unconventional approach are not disqualifying but are precisely why they support him. His willingness to break norms is seen as a rejection of a political system they believe no longer represents them.

3. Strong Political Brand and Media Savvy

• Mastering the Media: Trump’s understanding of the media landscape enables him to stay highly visible. His statements often generate sensational coverage, keeping him in the public eye. This media omnipresence, even if negative, serves as free advertising and fuels both his notoriety and his influence.
• Message Control: His brand — as a “successful businessman” and “strong leader” — appeals to many who believe in the American Dream or who admire his persona as a political outsider. This image persists despite controversies, as he continuously emphasizes achievements he associates with his first term.

4. The Conservative Media Ecosystem

• Conservative news sources often portray Trump positively, countering mainstream media’s more critical stance. Fox News, talk radio, and newer platforms like Newsmax and social media influencers amplify messages that resonate with Trump’s base. This helps him retain a core following that is less affected by mainstream narratives.

5. Strategic Republican Support

• Unifying the GOP: Despite internal GOP tensions, Trump has maintained significant support within the Republican Party. Many Republican leaders see his popularity as essential for their own electoral success, even if they privately disagree with him. The base Trump commands is large enough that alienating him could mean losing power altogether.

6. Populist Appeal and Economic Grievances

• Populism and Economic Frustration: Economic uncertainty, wage stagnation, and rising costs have fueled populist sentiments. Trump’s messaging taps into these concerns by focusing on “forgotten Americans” and framing his policies as directly benefiting them. This appeal resonates especially in regions affected by deindustrialization and job loss.

7. Opponent Challenges and Electoral System Dynamics

• Voter Reluctance on Opponents: Some voters dislike Trump but feel alienated by the Democratic Party or specific candidates, including Joe Biden. This dissatisfaction can lead to votes for Trump, even if they come reluctantly.
• Electoral College Structure: The U.S. Electoral College means that victory hinges on winning key swing states rather than the popular vote. Trump’s strategy focuses on flipping a few battleground states rather than courting a national majority, making his path to victory feasible even with limited popularity nationwide.

8. Legal Troubles and Perception of Persecution

• “Persecution” Narrative: Trump’s legal battles, which might weaken another candidate, reinforce his base’s perception that he is being unfairly targeted by political enemies. For supporters, these investigations confirm their belief that he is standing up against a system rigged against them.

9. Shifting Cultural Norms Around Leadership

• Trump’s tenure has arguably altered the qualities people look for in leaders. For many Americans, traditional notions of statesmanship, diplomacy, or even “presidential” behavior have taken a backseat to directness and perceived authenticity. Trump embodies a shift away from traditional decorum toward a more combative style that appeals to those seeking assertiveness in their leaders.

The Result: Narrow, Yet Feasible Pathway

Given these factors, Trump’s path to re-election is narrower than it was in 2016 but remains plausible. His ability to turn even controversies to his advantage, combined with political polarization, a fiercely loyal base, and a divided opposition, means he’s retained a strong position within the Republican Party and American politics more broadly. In a tightly contested electoral environment, that base of support, combined with swing states and anti-establishment sentiment, may be enough to keep him competitive.

BREAKING: In a stunning announcement, Donald Trump admits he’ll implement Project 2025’s plan to gut the civil service and create a more politically driven government. It’s one of the ways Trump plans to abuse his power. Retweet so all Americans see this.pic.twitter.com/MR5CTqrW2G

— Kamala’s Wins (@harris_wins) October 27, 2024

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P.S. please forgive the occasional typo. These articles are written at breakneck speed using Dragon Dictate. I have to prepare them in around 20 mins. Also, sources for news articles are carefully selected but the news is often not independently verified. And, I rely on scientific studies but they are not 100% reliable. Finally, (!) I often express an OPINION on the news. Please share yours in a comment.