| Lawsuit Filed Alleges Dental Hygienists Performed Doctor’s Procedures
OCOEE, Fla. -- An employee at an Orange County dentist's office is making serious allegations about patient treatment in a lawsuit. Maria Martinez is an employee at West Orange Dental in Ocoee. She claims the dentist, Dr. David Stokes, knowingly allowed dental hygienists to do work that only doctors are supposed to do. The work listed in the lawsuit includes drillings, root canals, and tooth extractions. A former employee at the same office, who didn't want to be identified, said they feared losing their jobs if they didn't perform the procedures. "I did them because I was told to do them, because as an employee in order to keep my job, I have to do what I'm told," said the dental assistant. The employee who filed suit claims she was demoted after complaining about the practice.
Placenta uses a cloaking device similar to that used by parasites
The placenta uses a cloaking device similar to that used by parasites to avoid detection by the mother's immune system. MRC funded scientists looking to develop a diagnostic test for pre-eclampsia, a major and potentially fatal cause of fetal and maternal illness, made the amazing discovery which could have far reaching implications. The team, based at the University of Reading, believe their findings will revolutionise our understanding of the placenta and research into recurrent miscarriages and pre-eclampsia. It is also hoped this method of avoiding immune rejection could be mimicked and used in other areas such as arthritis or even stem cell therapy. At the turn of 21 st century Professor Lowry and his team discovered that the small protein neurokinin B (NKB), which is secreted by the placenta, is raised significantly in mothers when pre-eclampsia develops.
Other news: Johnson County emergency manager retiring
Olathe resident Mike Selves, director of the county's Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, will retire Friday after a public-service career spanning two decades and three levels of government. A public reception will be from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. today in Suite 300 in the lower level of the County Administration Building, 111 S. Cherry St., Olathe. Remarks will be made at 4 p.m. Nick Crossley, the assistant director, will step in as interim director. Crossley joined the department in 1999 and is expected to be a top-tier contender for his boss' old job. THE AREA | Students receive poster honors Two students from the Kansas City area are winners in the Missouri Recycles Day Poster Contest. Sherelle Jackson, a second-grader at Meadow Lane Elementary School in Lee's Summit took second place, and Tierney Powell, a 10th-grade student at Notre Dame de Sion High School in Kansas City received an honorable mention.
Inhaler misuse detrimental to health
A recent study has shown that close to one-third of people suffering from asthma or chronic obstructive disease are using dry powder inhalers incorrectly.
This is putting these patients at risk of potentially developing dangerous complications from their disease.
Inhalers are used to deliver medication to the lungs to reduce the airway inflammation and airway muscle constriction caused by asthma. The study, conducted at the University of Heidelberg, involved 224 patients of varied age and severity of disease. Of this group, researchers reported that 32 percent blew into their inhaler instead of taking in a fast, deep breath, this is considered a serious technical error.
The study involved four dry inhaler products, of those used researchers found rates of error ranging from nine percent to 53 percent depending on the product.
Geva Offers Broadway Discount
Many local people with plans for Broadway impacted by the strikes in New York City have an alternative. Geva Theatre is offering a discount to those who had already bought their tickets. Geva is offering $10 off adult tickets and $5 off children's tickets for the annual production of “A Christmas Carol." You just have to show them your tickets, receipts or e-mail confirmations. It's Geva's way of encouraging traditional entertainment during a strike that's affected thousands. It's also a way for Geva to support many it considers extended family. "These are the same actors who are performing in those Broadway shows who come here and perform at Geva. There is a brethren of people and we know a lot of artists who are affected in NYC right now," said Mark Cuddy, Geva Theatre artistic director.
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