Quality control for next-generation liquefaction case histories

The Next-Generation Liquefaction (NGL) database is an open-source, global database of liquefaction and non-ground failure case-histories. The database is part of a multi-year research effort with the main goal of developing improved procedures to evaluate liquefaction susceptibility, triggering, and consequences. In NGL, a case-history is defined as the intersection of three components: (1) a site, (2) an earthquake event, and (3) post-earthquake observations. The NGL database hosts case-histories used to develop existing liquefaction models, as well as new data derived from recent earthquakes such as the 2010-2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence, the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake, and the 2012 Emilia earthquake. The database also hosts lateral spread case-histories, and a substantial number of liquefaction sites characterized by the presence of co-located recording stations. All of the data present in the NGL database are reviewed by the NGL Database Working Group. The NGL formal vetting process is described for an example case-history

Success of an International Learning Health Care System in Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: The American Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation Clinical Case Forum

The ASBMT Clinical Case Forum (CCF) was launched in 2014 as an online secure tool to enhance interaction and communication among hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) professionals worldwide through the discussion of challenging clinical care issues. After 14 months, we reviewed clinical and demographical data on cases posted in the CCF from 1/29/2014 to 3/18/2015. A total of 137 cases were posted during the study period. Ninety-two cases (67%) were allogeneic HCT, 29 (21%) autologous HCT and in 16 (12%) the type of transplant (auto vs. allo) was still under consideration. The diseases most frequently discussed included non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL; n = 30, 22%), acute myeloid leukemia (AML; n = 23, 17%) and multiple myeloma (MM; n = 20, 15%). When compared with the US transplant activity reported by the US Department of Health and Human Services, NHL and acute lymphoblastic leukemia cases were overrepresented in the CCF while myeloma was underrepresented (P < 0.001). A total of 259 topics were addressed in the CCF with a median of two topics/case (range 1-6). Particularly common topics included whether transplant was indicated (n = 57, 41%), conditioning regimen choice (n = 44, 32%), and post-HCT complications after day 100 (n = 43, 31%). The ASBMT CCF is a successful tool for collaborative discussion of complex cases in the HCT community worldwide and may allow identification of areas of controversy or unmet need from clinical, educational and research perspectives

Female Genital Mutilation: perceptions of healthcare professionals and the perspective of the migrant families

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a traditional practice which is harmful to health and is profoundly rooted in many Sub-Saharan African countries. It is estimated that between 100 and 140 million women around the world have been victims of some form of FGM and that each year 3 million girls are at risk of being submitted to these practices. As a consequence of the migratory phenomena, the problems associated with FGM have extended to the Western countries receiving the immigrants. The practice of FGM has repercussions on the physical, psychic, sexual and reproductive health of women, severely deteriorating their current and future quality of life. Primary healthcare professionals are in a privileged position to detect and prevent these situations of risk which will be increasingly more present in Spain.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>The objective of the study is to describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the primary healthcare professionals, working in 25 health care centres in Barcelona and Girona regions, regarding FGM, as well as to investigate the perception of this subject among the migrant communities from countries with strong roots in these practices. A transversal descriptive study will be performed with a questionnaire to primary healthcare professionals and migrant healthcare users.</p> <p>Using a questionnaire specifically designed for this study, we will evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and skills of the healthcare professionals to approach this problem. In a sub-study, performed with a similar methodology but with the participation of cultural mediators, the perceptions of the migrant families in relation to their position and expectancies in view of the result of preventive interventions will be determined.</p> <p>Variables related to the socio-demographic aspects, knowledge of FGM (types, cultural origin, geographic distribution and ethnicity), evaluation of attitudes and beliefs towards FGM and previous contact or experience with cases or risk situations will be obtained.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Knowledge of these harmful practices and a preventive approach from a transcultural perspective may represent a positive intervention model for integrative care of immigrants, respecting their values and culture while also being effective in eliminating the physical and psychic consequences of FGM.</p

The Global Burden of Snakebite: A Literature Analysis and Modelling Based on Regional Estimates of Envenoming and Deaths

Janaka de Silva and colleagues estimate that globally at least 421,000 envenomings and 20,000 deaths occur each year due to snakebite

Lasers and ancillary treatments for scar management Part 2: Keloid, hypertrophic, pigmented and acne scars

The formation of a wide range of excessive scars following various skin injuries is a natural consequence of healing. Scars resulting from surgery or trauma affect approximately 100 million people per annum in the developed world and can have profound physical, aesthetic, psychological and social consequences. Thus, scar treatment is a priority for patient and physician alike. Laser treatment plays an important role in scar management with additional support from ancillary modalities. Subsequent to part 1: Burns scars, part 2 focuses on our strategies and literature review of treatment of keloid, hypertrophic, pigmented and acne scars where lasers are used in conjunction with other measures, and illustrated with case studies