Bovine Digital Dermatitis and Morgellons: A Comparative Study

While I admit the comparison between cattle and humans seems a bit of a stretch, the data from the following comparative research study provides for similarities that cannot be denied. And while perhaps the concept of  "cow vs. man" seems a bit odd, both species, after all, are land dwelling mammals relying on many of the same environmental factors for survival.

As with  a vast majority of the total studies done on Morgellons, Lyme Disease is a key clue to the disorder.

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Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2011; 4: 167–177.

Published online 2011 November 14. doi:  10.2147/CCID.S26183

PMCID: PMC3257881

Filament formation associated with spirochetal infection: a comparative approach to Morgellons disease

Marianne J Middelveen and Raphael B Stricker

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Abstract

Bovine digital dermatitis is an emerging infectious disease that causes lameness, decreased milk production, and weight loss in livestock. Proliferative stages of bovine digital dermatitis demonstrate keratin filament formation in skin above the hooves in affected animals. The multifactorial etiology of digital dermatitis is not well understood, but spirochetes and other coinfecting microorganisms have been implicated in the pathogenesis of this veterinary illness. Morgellons disease is an emerging human dermopathy characterized by the presence of filamentous fibers of undetermined composition, both in lesions and subdermally. While the etiology of Morgellons disease is unknown, there is serological and clinical evidence linking this phenomenon to Lyme borreliosis and coinfecting tick-borne agents. Although the microscopy of Morgellons filaments has been described in the medical literature, the structure and pathogenesis of these fibers is poorly understood. In contrast, most microscopy of digital dermatitis has focused on associated pathogens and histology rather than the morphology of late-stage filamentous fibers. Clinical, laboratory, and microscopic characteristics of these two diseases are compared.

Keywords: Digital dermatitis, Morgellons disease, Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, spirochetes

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Introduction

First described in 1974, bovine digital dermatitis (BDD), also known as papillomatous digital dermatitis, is an emerging infectious disease that causes lameness, decreased milk production, and weight loss in cattle.1,2 Since 1993, BDD has spread rapidly throughout the US, Europe, and Australia, becoming a significant cause of morbidity in dairy operations.3–5 The disease causes dermatitis and papillomatous lesions of the skin bordering the coronary band in the hooves of livestock, primarily cattle (Figure 1).3–5

Figure 1

Bovine digital dermatitis. Note painful ulcerating lesion above the interdigital cleft of the hoof with multiple grayish fibers (top) and closer view of fibers (bottom). Photographs courtesy of GEA Farm Technologies, reprinted with permission.

Histologically, the lesions resemble those of yaws, which suggests spirochetal involvement,5,6 and cattle with BDD are reported to be serologically reactive to Borrelia burgdoferi antigens.7,8 Consistent detection of spirochetes in the lower dermal layers adds further weight to the etiological involvement of these bacterial agents.9–16 Proliferative or late-stage lesions demonstrate hyperkeratosis and proliferation of keratin filaments4 as well as elongated keratinocytes.17 The proliferation of keratin filaments that may reach several centimeters in length has led to the disease receiving descriptive common names, such as “hairy heel warts” (Figure 1).18

Morgellons disease is an emerging human dermatological disorder that parallels BDD in many aspects (Tables 1 and ​and2).2). In addition to a spirochetal association, Morgellons disease is characterized by dermatological lesions associated with filament formation (Figure 2). Symptoms such as fatigue, neurological disorders, and joint pain suggest systemic involvement as well as dermopathy.19–22 Peripheral neuropathy, delayed capillary refill, abnormal Romberg’s sign, decreased body temperature, tachycardia, elevated proinflammatory markers, and elevated insulin levels are reported to be objective clinical evidence of the disease.23

Figure 2

Morgellons disease. Note painful ulcerating lesions on hand (top) and subcutaneous white and blue fibers (bottom, 60× magnification). Photographs courtesy of the Charles E Holman Foundation, reprinted with permission.

Table 1

Clinical features of digital dermatitis versus Morgellons disease

Table 2

Laboratory features of digital dermatitis versus Morgellons disease

Are Electromagnetic Disturbances from Cell Phones & Towers Responsible for Bee Dieoff, and Human Carcinomas?

In 2006, mass numbers of honey bees began disappearing from their hives.  Beekeepers and scientists perplexed by the vanishing act, began researching the potential for electromagnetic disturbances of the bees built-in GPS as the potential source.  As it turns out, not only does the ever increasing amount of microwaves bombarding our world from innumerable cell towers, WiFi, cordless home phones, and more is not merely driving the bees away, but has also been linked to an increased likelihood of human beings developing numerous kinds of cancer.  In particular, brain tumors.

Read your cellphone paperwork carefully.  In the small print you'll find that the recommended usage per each individual company will state that safe operation of the cellular phone requires upwards of an inch of space be kept between your ear and the phone itself.

While recent years, the advent of text messaging has taken the phone from our ear to the palm of our hand.  Those who still rely on their cellular phones for person-to-person voicing are placing themselves in the path of potential destruction and death.

Don't believe me?  Do the research!  Nearly 80-98% of bees worldwide have disappeared.  Thousands of bird species - that also rely on built-in GPS, are disappearing at alarming rates.  Brain cancer rates are skyrocketing.

Oh, and if you didn't know, the disappearance of bees is not merely an oddity, it is a tragedy that will ultimately effect the world's population as more than 70% of our food crops rely on the pollination process performed by bees.  So, no bees, no pollination, no food. And, without food, none will survive.


The following was extracted from earthcalm.  But there is a myriad of evidence to be found on everything from A to Z that is affected by the disruption of the natural balance of earth's electromagnetic fields.  While you're delving, look into the effects of electromagnetic disturbances on the production of Melatonin in the brain, and what the health related consequences are to man.

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Are Cell Phones Killing the Bees?

Posted by: Vidya, Editor, earthcalm
I have never much liked bees. Probably because I’ve been stung by them in the past, and it’s always hurt like hell.
So when I began hearing about the decline of bee populations in the world, I found it kind of an interesting phenomenon to contemplate, along with all the other strange changes that seem to be happening in our natural world. But not something to really be concerned about.
Until someone pointed out the obvious to me: that bees are totally essential to the growing of food on this planet—that at least 75% of what we eat is dependent on bee pollination. That got my attention.

Decline of Bee Populations

I began researching it and found that in the last decade, the honey bee population world-wide has taken a huge dive—billions of bees have died for unknown reasons. And what’s known as colony collapse disorder (CCD) has been happening at an unprecedented rate.
Unusually high rates of CCD were first noted in the US about ten years ago. Then reports from Europe began coming in. Soon it was from many different countries, with India now reporting with more and more urgency about its high occurrence, especially in certain Indian states.

Possible Theories

Scientists have pondered the different possible reasons for the decline of the bee populations: pests and predators, diseases, climate change, pesticides. Most concur that the current pests and predators of bees have been around for centuries; nothing new there. And diseases—same thing.
Climate change may have something to do with it, but they’re not clear exactly what. And pesticides—well, good news to some—the use of these has actually decreased in the last few years, presumably due to the rise of organic farming in many countries.

Bees and Cell Phones

So where does this leave us? For an increasing number of scientists researching the decline of bee populations, it’s led to the possible link with the dramatic explosion of cell phone usage that has also happened in the last decade. And the thousands of cell towers that have been erected not only in our cities, but in outlying farmland and forests, as well.
The bees and cell phone theory caught on quickly, once posed. Partly because it was noted that the steepest declines in bee population had been reported in the US and Europe, where cell phone use has been greater than other parts of the world. And partly because, during this last decade, an overwhelming amount of research has surfaced pointing to the link between cell phone radiation and diseases such as cancer.

Morgellons Statistics: Your Age and Immune System May Make You Susceptible

WOW!  These numbers, from a 2006-2008 statistical analysis are shocking.  What's even more terrifying is that the numbers themselves have increased exponentially since the time of the survey, and, add to that, those individuals who either have failed to report their symptoms due to fear of being labeled, as well as the number of cases which have yet to be counted due to poor reporting systems in some of the smaller nations affected.

Morgellons is reaching pandemic proportions, and yet the Centers for Disease Control continue to turn their back on the problem, basically denying the existence of a problem altogether.  Guess they are safe in their glass houses, so to hell with everyone else.  Well, when the disease comes knocking on their front doors, you can be sure they'll start paying attention.

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	MORGELLONS STATISTIC  (2006 - 2008)
Former M-R-O statistic (2007) Morgellons infections related to adrenal dysfunction, disbalanced steroids (testosterone/estrogen), reduced immune system and to a higher adrenalin/cortisol stress hormone level which is also reducing the natural defence of the skin.      Higher infection rates between birth and puperty, and before menopause and later. Exceptions are concerned with a temporary compromised immune system and hormonal disorders, probably caused from a newer or longer ongoing Borrelia Burgdorferi infection (Lyme disease).
Actual recognized Morgellons cases were from: USA, Canada, Panama, Guatemala, Mexico, Uruguay, Venezuela, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Dominican Republik, Costa Rica, Cuba, Australia, New-Zealand, South Africa, Russia, Ukraine, Japan, China, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, Ethiopia, Libanon, Saudi-Arabia, Irak, Poland, Jugoslavia, Hungary, Chech Republik, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Malta, Austria, Greece, Switzerland, Sweden, Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Estonia, Finland, Lichtenstein, Belgium, Germany. It is difficult for individual doctors or institutions to come to conclusions about the potential significant infestation statistics for scabies or unknown parasites as Morgellons. Perhaps only national pharmacy associations in each country could consider infestations patterns on the basis of particular medicines sold in those countries. As at 2006 and now at 2008, it is still not possible to talk of an epidemic/pandemic disease in relation to Morgellons if only from doctors are surveyed. This is because as individual practitioners, they may only come across a few cases in any one year or perhaps none at all. Regarding the Morgellons cases in the USA, there are officialy 20.000 sufferers registered at the CDC. Since Americans don`t like to be ever registered somewhere, the dark number is possibly 10 or 100 time higher. Possibly 1000 - 10.000 sufferers in each U.S. state are infested with the Morgellons strain. It could be hypothesized that there are approximatly 1 million individuals with various well know/rare and unknown parasitic skin diseases in each western countries worldwide. It is probable that the real number can never be known, since there will always be a proportion of people who self medicate or still trust their physicians and their wrong conclusions about what is causing these skin symptoms.

For Those Who Can't Defend Themselves: The Children

This is an incredible cause, and I encourage ALL to become involved.  While I love Facebook as much as the next person, when I hear about something of this nature, it pains me, and makes think twice about whether or not to post to FB ever again.

For the children, let's fight this one for them.

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The Dangerous Truth Facebook Refuses To See

January 23 · Posted to Force Facebook To BLOCK All Chi… by Raymond Bechard · Invite Friends ·

Repost

• If you or someone you know may be a victim of sexual or any abuse, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)'s website at www.cybertipline.com, or call 1-800-843-5678. Your report will be forwarded to a law enforcement agency for investigation and action. For more informatin about this topic, go to MENAPAT.org

Proof this is happening:

• Investigative Report - KIDS HARMED ON FACEBOOK PAGES
• Investigative Report - CAN FACEBOOK'S CHILD-EXPLOITATION EXPLOSION BE STOPPED?
• Screenshots - WARNING: do not view if you do not want to see
  disturbing images. Illegal content has been blocked out.
• Personal Story – Dawn Hawkins, Executive Director of MIM
• News Article – Groundswell grows against abusive Facebook pages

Over two years ago, Men Against Prostitution and Trafficking(MENAPAT) began to uncover the massive amount of illicit image of children on Facebook. In just one day MENAPAT discovered over 1,400 abusive images of young people on the Social Network through closed "groups," fake profiles, "special events," "interests," and "likes" created by predators who then trade and share extremely illicit images of abused children.


If change is going  to happen, it's up to us. Our opinion is that Facebook cannot be trusted with the safety of our children.

In the past year MENAPAT has worked successfully to pass legislation, advised State and Federal Lawmakers, and fought corporate ignorance all to protect young victims from the tragedy of sexual abuse.

Even though it has taken almost two years to reach 1.36 million members of this Cause, the monumental task of taking on Facebook is only one of our projects. Right now, you can discover what more is being done and how you can help. To go even further, MENAPAT needs your generous support.

ALL FUNDS RAISED ARE USED TO:

• Improve and strengthening State and Federal Legislation
• Educate State and Federal lawmakers
  
• Mobilize the global public to demand justice
• Challenge all those who are complicit in the crimes of prostitution and human trafficking around the world.

HOW TO DONATE:

Simply visit MENAPAT and follow the "Donate button." It's very easy and very important.
Thank you,

Men Against Prostitution And Trafficking
Men Against Prostitution and Human Trafficking (MENAPAT) is an Independent Expenditure-Only Political Action Committee (PAC) registered with the United States Federal Election Commission. Donations to MENAPAT are not tax-deductible and are
reported according to all FEC regulations.

The Imprint We Leave Speaks Volumes

I spent my life, growing up under the laws of the Church, the laws of the Nation, and, the laws of my parents.  Now, almost 43, I have seen the light.  Live in the moments.  Breathe in what you are surrounded by.  Don't let the moments go.  Cause, believe me, you'll be wishing you hadn't.  Run to the tavern for that shot of courage, get that tatoo... LIVE.

I Chose the High Road, the One Less Traveled

 All my life, I have battled the unseen demons.  Fought to remain a decent human being.  The final answer to the million dollar question?  I will not go gently into that goodnight.  I will fight for what I believe.  I will stand up for those who cannot raise up.  I will defend those who have lost their fight.  I will pray to the Lord for all.  I will win.  OR, I will die.

Robert Frost (1874–1963).  Mountain Interval.  1920.

1. The Road Not Taken

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth;         5 Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same,         10 And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.         15 I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.         20

CONTENTS · BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

NASA Finds Proof of Water on Mars

Truly exciting information.  While having studied astronomy, I was aware of many facets of Mars that make it the next closest desirable planet for life to have existed, or, to exist in the future for that matter should our planet's environment begin to fail.  But, until now, it was unknown whether water had been, or could potentially be, present on the planet's surface - or perhaps even hidden deep below its crust.  This new evidence, as seen in the incredible photograph below, gives new hope to space exploration and future colonization theory.

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Layers with Carbonate Content Inside McLaughlin Crater on Mars
This view of layered rocks on the floor of McLaughlin Crater shows sedimentary rocks that contain spectroscopic evidence for minerals formed through interaction with water. The High Resolution Imaging…
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