On the Ground in Afghanistan

The book includes 15 vignettes about different units from the U.S. Marines, U.S. Army, and U.S. Army Special Forces; the British army and marines; the Dutch army and marines; and the Canadian army. The case studies cover 10 provinces in the south and east of Afghanistan. They describe the diverse conditions the units faced in these provinces, how they responded to these conditions, what worked and what did not, and the successes involved in these operations

Provincial Reconstruction Teams: How Do We Know They Work?

Over the past 6 years, provincial reconstruction teams (PRTs) have played a growing role in the U.S. counterinsurgency effort in Afghanistan. PRTs are one of several organizations working on reconstruction there, along with civilian development agencies, including the U.S. Agency for International Development, numerous nongovernmental organizations, and the Afghan government’s National Solidarity Program. Perhaps unsurprisingly, something of a debate has emerged over whether PRTs are needed. The authors argue that civilian reconstruction agencies cannot do the same job as the PRTs. While these agencies remain essential for long-term economic and political development, the PRTs conduct reconstruction in ways that help create stability in the short term. Absent the PRTs, the “build” in clear-hold-build efforts deemed essential to effective counterinsurgency would fall flat. Based on over 2 months of field research in 2007 and 2 months in 2008 by a CNA team with 4 different PRTs—Khost, Kunar, Ghazni, and Nuristan—plus interviews with the leadership of 10 others, the authors recommend that the United States give the PRTs the lead role in reconstruction activities that accompany any surge of military forces into Afghanistan.https://press.armywarcollege.edu/monographs/1355/thumbnail.jp

Periodontal disease in a patient receiving Bevacizumab: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the action of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) thereby acting as an angiogenesis inhibitor. As a result, supply of oxygen and nutrients to tissues is impaired and tumour cell growth is reduced. Reported side effects due to bevacizumab are hypertension and increased risk of bleeding. Bowel perforation has also been reported. Periodontal disease in patients on bevacizumab therapy has not been reported before.</p> <p>Case Presentation</p> <p>We report a case of a forty-three year old woman who developed periodontitis whilst receiving bevacizumab for lung cancer. The periodontal disease remained stable on discontinuation of the drug.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Further investigations are needed to determine the mechanism for bevacizumab-induced periodontal disease.</p

Exploring differences in Protestant -Catholic marriages: A collective case study analysis

Much of the literature concerning interfaith marriages has been problem-focused. Historically, research has found that couples in interfaith marriages are more likely to divorce, have decreased levels of marital satisfaction, and often result in one spouse converting to the other\u27s religious faith. Recently, research on interfaith marriages, specifically Protestant-Catholic marriages, has begun to appear again after a 30-year hiatus. Even with the new studies, however, the focus has remained on the problems identified in interfaith marriages. No research has focused on the strengths interfaith marriages may possess. This study sought to approach interfaith marriages as a viable marital relationship. It is through a qualitative, collective case study approach that we can begin to understand the complexities of Protestant-Catholic marriages, the issues associated with them, and ways to help partners with different Christian faiths. Four couples were interviewed using semi-structured questions. Family members and clergy were interviewed to provide a broader perspective. Additional sources of verification were employed. Themes were identified through the interview material and other data sources. A with-in case analysis was conducted for each couple. All data collected was then analyzed for common themes, presenting a cross-case analysis. Through these levels of analysis, issues were identified and assertions were drawn from the data. Six key interpretations were developed from the analysis. Interfaith couples: (1) Have strengths, and a shared set of values and sense of spiritual well-being can deepen their bonds; (2) Are committed to their faith, often having the experience of deepening their faith as they learn about their own and their spouse\u27s beliefs; (3) Are committed to their marriages; (4) Are influenced by their families, as are other couples; (5) Can benefit from premarital guidance to assist them in resolving their differences; and (6) Are likely to renegotiate resolution of faith differences at various life stages. This study is significant, not only for its contribution to family strengths literature, but also because it proposes that Protestant-Catholic marriages can be rewarding and happy marriages

False-negative direct immunofluorescence testing in vancomycin-induced linear IgA bullous dermatosis: a diagnostic pitfall

Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LAD) is an acquired immunobullous dermatosis that relies on direct immunofluorescence (DIF) testing showing linear deposition of immunoglobulin IgA along the basement membrane of the epidermis for diagnosis. We present a case that highlights the utility of repeating the DIF testing when initial immunofluorescence findings do not support the clinical findings of drug-induced LAD or contradict the histopathologic findings in routinely stained sections