From their limited use in China during World War II, for example, to their often clandestine use in Vietnam ferrying supplies before the war escalated in 1964 and 1965 when their role became more prominent-and public-private military contractors (PMCs) have played made essential contributions to the success and failures of the military and United States. Today, with an emphasis on force restructuring mandated by the Pentagon, the role of PMCs, and their impact on policy-making decisions is at an all time peak. This work analyzes that impact, focusing specifically on PMCs in Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. Isenberg dissects their responsibilities, the friction that exists between contractors and military commanders, problems of protocol and accountability, as well as the problems of regulation and control that PMC companies create for domestic politics.

Isenberg organizes his work thematically, addressing all facets of PMCs in the current conflict from identifying who the most influential companies are and how they got to that point, to the issues that the government, military, and contractors themselves face when they take the field. He also analyzes the problem of command, control, and accountability. It is no secret that PMCs have been the source of consternation and grief to American military commanders in the field. As they work to establish more routine protocols in the field, however, questions are also being raised about the role of the contractors here at home. The domestic political arena is perhaps the most crucial battleground on which the contractors must have success. After all, they make their corporate living off of taxpayer dollars, and as such, calls for regulation have resonated throughout Washington, D.C., growing louder as the profile of PMCs increases during the current conflict.

This Rapid Review is a concise, evidence-based guide to the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatological and musculoskeletal disorders. Covering the basic principles of joint examination and key clinical skills, the book describes more than 100 clinical cases especially chosen to illustrate both commonly occurring and more unusual conditions. Each case presentation replicates a real-life situation in the busy world of a typical clinic and is illustrated with superb quality colour clinical photographs. Following the case presentation, a series of questions are posed to simulate the diagnosis process along with answers to the questions and a final diagnosis. Tables with lab values supplement the photos and text. Following the case presentations, the book discusses the top ten rheumatological disease categories including rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathies, lupus, vascultis and other miscellaneous conditions. The book will become an essential 'go to' text for all trainee rheumatologists and general medical practitioners, including specialist nurses, manual therapists and related health professionals. Key Features: Presents clinicians with a series of both common and challenging case presentations that depict the investigation and management of patients with rheumatological and musculoskeletal conditions Covers basic principles as well as the necessary clinical skills Includes more than 100 case presentations with numerous colour illustrations of the highest quality Features a concise format ideal for rapid revision and exam preparation

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (often abbreviated to SLE or lupus) is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body, causing the immune system to attack the body's cells and tissue, and resulting in inflammation and tissue damage. This new addition to the Oxford Rheumatology Library series provides a practical approach to the assessment and management of patients with this complex, multisystem autoimmune disease to improve the diagnosis and treatment of the disease and its complications. It provides comprehensive but easy to assimilate reading for consultant rheumatologists, dermatologists, nephrologists, obstetricians and other specialists and their trainees, interested GPs, specialist nurses, and clinical trial teams both in hospitals and contract research organizations.

Lupus is a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks itself, culminating in disease which can affect multiple organs, including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, kidneys, and central nervous system. Lupus currently affects about 30,000 patients in the UK, 500,000 in the United States and tens of thousands throughout Europe. Whilst there have been great advances in research into the genetic background of lupus and new interventions such as stem-cell transplants, there is still a surprising lack of information available for patients, carers and their families. Written by the former President of the British Society for Rheumatology and the current co-director of the Lupus Center of Excellence in Pittsburgh, USA, this new edition of Lupus: The Facts reflects major developments in our understanding of the causes of lupus.

Born roughly between 1964 and 1980, Generation X has received much less critical attention than the two generations that precede and follow it: the Baby Boomers and Millennials. This essay collection examines representations of Generation X in contemporary popular culture, including in television, movies, music, and internet sources. Drawing on generational theory, cultural studies theory, race theory, and feminist theory, the essays in this volume consider the past identities of Generation X, relationships with members of younger generations, modern appropriation of Generation X aesthetics, interactions of Generation X members with family, and the existential values of Generation X.

Significant progress has been acquired in the treatment of rheumatic conditions with the introduction of biologic therapies, which has enabled better control of disease activity and improved patients long-term outcome. Apart from several biologic treatments already licensed for use in autoimmune rheumatic conditions, numerous other agents are currently under investigation. This rapid expansion of the therapeutic armamentarium requires a critical analysis of individual biologic options and their clinical indications, in order to facilitate the optimal use of these new therapies. The authors felt that a comprehensive book revisiting all the evidence available regarding the efficacy, cost-effectiveness and health implications of the use of biologics in rheumatology was needed in order to integrate the clinical, ethical and socio-economic aspects related to their use. This book is aimed at specialist doctors, trainees, nurses and health professionals working in the field of rheumatology. It critically appraises the level of evidence behind the use of biologic agents in diverse autoimmune diseases, comprising separate chapters which focus on rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, myositis, systemic sclerosis, Sjogrens syndrome, seronegative spondyloarthropathies, psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis, small, medium and large vessel vasculitis, osteoporosis, and interstitial lung disease associated with rheumatic conditions. In addition, the book explores aspects related to the use of biologic agents, such as ethical considerations of consenting patients to take part in clinical trials with biologics, and adolescent and adult rheumatology nurse perspectives related to patients benefits of biologic therapies. Particular interest is given to the use of biologics during pregnancy and assessment of their infectious risks. A separate chapter explores the off-target benefits associated with the use of anti-TNF therapies. Several chapters include data about cost-effectiveness, and national and international guidelines for the use of biologic agents in different rheumatic conditions.