Alasdair MacIntyre on the division of goods and "the corrupting power of institutions".

This paper examines the distinction between "internal goods" and "external goods" and its significance for the political thought of Alasdair MacIntyre, focusing especially on its relevance for our understanding of MacIntyre's views regarding the relationship which exists between "practices" and social "institutions. " The paper explores the origins of this distinction in the writings of Plato and Aristotle, both of whom (like MacIntyre) associate the notion of external goods with such things as wealth, status and power. Plato argues that these things are not really "goods" at all, but rather "bads," or things which ought to be avoided. Aristotle, on the other hand, takes issue with that view, arguing that the pursuit of such things is acceptable, morally speaking, provided it is in moderation and not to excess. The paper argues that what MacIntyre says about external goods and "the corrupting power of institutions" in After Virtue is ambivalent. For this reason, his views are open to different possible interpretations. Most commentators have read and understood him as a follower of Aristotle. There is however a strain of Platonism at times in the critical remarks which he makes about social institutions and those who manage them.

Examining trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in court-mandated intimate partner violence perpetrators.

There is a dearth of empirical literature characterizing the various forms of trauma experienced by men court mandated to intervention for intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. We investigated the potentially traumatic events (PTEs) experienced by men (N = 217) court mandated to enroll in a 41-week group IPV perpetrator program, as well as the relationships between PTEs, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and IPV. Findings indicated that 94% of participants reported experiencing at least 1 PTE in their lifetime, and participants experienced an average of over 6 out of 14 types of PTEs. A significant association was found between the number of PTEs experienced and frequency of self-reported perpetration of physical and psychological IPV. PTSD symptoms were also related to both forms of IPV perpetration and mediated the relationship between experiencing PTEs and psychological IPV perpetration. Our findings have implications for understanding how trauma and PTSD symptoms may increase risk for IPV and for developing trauma-informed interventions for this population.

A mild outbreak of gastroenteritis in long-term care facility residents due to Clostridium perfringens, Australia 2009.

INTRODUCTION: Clostridium perfringens food poisoning is a commonly cited cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks among elderly long-term care facility (LTCF) residents, yet little is known about the natural history of disease in this vulnerable group. In July 2009, an investigation into diarrheal illness among LTCF residents was commenced. METHODS: An environmental health investigation and retrospective cohort study were undertaken to confirm the outbreak, to identify a source and mode of transmission, and to implement public health measures to prevent further cases. Menu listings and food safety program details were obtained and food-handling practices were observed. Clinical notes of all residents were reviewed. A possible case was defined as any resident developing one or more acute loose stool episodes between the evenings of 23 July and 27 July. RESULTS: Fifty-two residents (41%) had been ill with diarrhea, and eight residents had fecal samples positive for C. perfringens enterotoxin. LTCF staff failed to perform routine temperature checks on hot foods before the outbreak. A sweet-and-sour pork lunch served on 23 July was implicated in causing residents' illness, but no residual food remained for microbiological testing. Independent associations with illness were demonstrated among residents living in two wings of the facility that received a standard level of service, whereas an inverse association with illness was shown among residents living in an "extra service" wing. Male residents were also more likely to become ill. Illness was mild with case patients reporting a median of two loose stools (range 1-12). CONCLUSIONS: C. perfringens is an important cause of both foodborne and nonfoodborne gastroenteritis outbreaks in LTCF, but may be missed due to the often mild nature of illness. This investigation highlights the potential burden of C. perfringens disease among vulnerable LTCF populations. To prevent C. perfringens outbreaks, facilities must adhere to food safety plans and ensure high standards of infection control practice.