This is a scary little article about a newly identified gene which gives almost untreatable resistance to bacteria. So far just three cases in the US, but the “healthcare tourism” trend, which sees the largest number of patients traveling to India for affordable surgical procedures, could fuel a very rapid expansion.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Tidbits in the Murder of Mark Stover (the Anacortes “Dog-Whisperer”)
Despite the hopes of many of the victim’s friends and family, the court appearance by suspect Oakes did not produce any new information about where Stover’s remains might be located.
I noted a couple of interesting items in court proceedings in the case.
1) The ex-wife of the victim, and her father, have been ordered to undergo depositions in the case. The judge has made remarks suggesting that they may be unwilling to answer some questions under their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. There have been rumors locally that the ex-wife’s father ( Seattle entrepreneur) may have hired the suspect – Michiel Oakes – in some way that relates to the crime. No idea whether that means Oakes was hired to murder Stover, or to intimidate, deliver a message, etc.
2) Police found a .22 bullet lodged in a bullet-proof vest among Oakes possessions. It is unclear whether the vest belongs to Oakes, and how it relates, if at all, to the defense strategy his attorney’s are suggesting will be used at trial: self-defense.
Interesting tidbits, anyway, and with the trial scheduled for just over a month from now, we may learn more soon.
PSA Aims to Hasten Spondylitis Arthritis Diagnosis
The Spondylitis Association of America will produce and sponsor PSA announcements aimed at solving one of the most important issues related to Ankylosing Spondylitis – the long period of time that usually elapses between onset and diagnosis. A recent study indicated that on average between 7-10 years can elapse between onset and diagnosis.
In my own case, I believe that I began experiencing symptoms in early 2000, and despite seeing excellent doctors, I was not diagnosed with SA until 2009. The biggest issue created by the passage of time prior to diagnosis is that the patient receives no treatment, thereby experiencing damage and pain that can often be treated. And since SA is a systemic autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks its’ own cells – particularly in joints, tendons and ligaments.
The PSA will offer a link to an online assessment that can help to identify which people may have the disease, and to do so earlier. The online assessment, which you may use to self-screen, and to take to your doctor to discuss, can be found here: http://www.backpaintest.org/.
The press release from the SAA can be found here:
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Sunshine on Discovery Bay
As always, the photos we use are either my own, or in the public domain. Please let me know if there are any errors and I'll correct them immediately.
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