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Histoplasma capsulatum - Histo - South Africa 2006 Histoplasma spores are prevalent in the atmosphere all the time. Our immune systems tolerance is derived by the local level of exposure. Within certain caves, typically low energy systems receding/dropping water table being the key to increased prevalence, the closer to the equator the more the prevalence becomes. Along with all other tropical diseases. Histoplasma capsulatum is an intelligent Dimorphic Fungus. This does not mean it can make tea. The intellect comes in the form of a transformation from a fungus into a yeast, as the spore settles and defuses through the alveoli membranes of the lung, into the blood stream. "Calcareous lesions" as reported radiologically historically, have been disproved by direct biopsy. The prevalence of reactive lymph nodes within the lungs specifically in the mediastinum is what we see as a "storm" on the x-ray image. As with the evolution of the development of your imm...
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Statement on Illicit Speleothem Trading

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Statement on Illicit Speleothem Trading January 2005. Prepared by Prof. Elery Hamilton-Smith, AM, Chair, IUCN / WCPA Task Force on Caves and Karst With the assistance of members of the task force and concerned officers of the International Union of Speleology. Introduction During the last twelve months, there has been a great increase in the number and size of speleothems being offered for sale in various countries. This is a matter of considerable concern to all of us who are about the conservation and protection of the world’s caves. If these specimens are openly sold, it not only draws attention to them as a potentially marketable commodity, but also serves to make vandalism appear legitimate to many people. This trade has taken various forms over a considerable period of time: · Harvesting of small specimens as souvenirs, often associated with cave tourism, but also those shops or dealers who service mineral collectors. This is a world-wide issue. · The harvesting ...
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