New global communication process in thermodynamics: impact on quality of published experimental data.

Thermodynamic data are a key resource in the search for new relationships between properties of chemical systems that constitutes the basis of the scientific discovery process. In addition, thermodynamic information is critical for development and improvement of all chemical process technologies. Historically, peer-reviewed journals are the major source of this information obtained by experimental measurement or prediction. Technological advances in measurement science have propelled enormous growth in the scale of published thermodynamic data (almost doubling every 10 years). This expansion has created new challenges in data validation at all stages of the data delivery process. Despite the peer-review process, problems in data validation have led, in many instances, to publication of data that are grossly erroneous and, at times, inconsistent with the fundamental laws of nature. This article describes a new global data communication process in thermodynamics and its impact in addressing these challenges as well as in streamlining the delivery of the thermodynamic data from "data producers" to "data users". We believe that the prolific growth of scientific data in numerous and diverse fields outside thermodynamics, together with the demonstrated effectiveness and versatility of the process described in this article, will foster development of such processes in other scientific fields.

Prophylactic knee braces for football: do they work?

Knee injuries in athletics are a major problem facing the sports medicine community. There is no compelling evidence to suggest that the likelihood of sustaining a knee injury is increasing; however, more knee injuries are being identified and treated due to improved diagnostic techniques. Successful prevention of knee injuries with prophylactic braces has not paralleled the substantial advances in diagnosis and treatment of these knee problems. This article summarizes the current data available and makes recommendations for subsequent prophylactic knee brace use.

Miniarthrotomy versus arthroscopic-assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with autogenous patellar tendon graft.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether two groups of patients showed any early (6 months postoperative) clinical differences when treated by arthroscopic-assisted or miniarthrotomy anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Fifty-two consecutive arthroscopic-assisted ACL reconstructions (Group I) were matched with 52 miniarthrotomy ACL reconstructions (Group II). An autogenous midthird patellar tendon was used in all reconstruction procedures. Group I patients were operated on by one surgeon (A.C.R.) and all Group II patients by another (K.D.S.). Both groups were similar with regard to age, sex, injury, chronicity, and previous knee surgical procedures. All patients were treated according to the same postoperative rehabilitative protocol (emphasizing early motion, immediate full passive extension, early functional activity) and evaluated on follow-up by the same personnel and protocol. Data collection included injury and surgery dates; total surgery and tourniquet times; length of hospital stay; drain output; inpatient pain medications used; follow-up range of motion at 1.5, 2.5, and 6 weeks postoperative; KT-1000 arthrometer measurements at 10, 16, and 26 weeks; and isokinetic measurements at 10 and 16 weeks postoperative. Results indicated that follow-up range of motion and KT-1000 measurements showed no statistical difference between groups. Isokinetic average scores for quadriceps strength at 180 degrees/s showed no differences at 10 and 16 weeks. The study suggested that ACL reconstruction with midthird patellar tendon performed by skilled surgeons using either open or arthroscopic-assisted techniques combined with an aggressive postoperative rehabilitation protocol will yield similar acceptable early clinical results.

Meniscal tears: diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment.

Arthroscopic surgery for treatment of pathologic meniscal lesions has become the most commonly performed orthopaedic procedure in the United States. This article reviews the diagnosis, evaluation, and subsequent treatment of meniscal tears in the knee.

Timing of fracture fixation: a review.

The timing of fracture stabilization has received little attention in the current orthopaedic literature. The existing data on fracture fixation will be reviewed specifically with regard to early versus delayed stabilization. Timing relative to the multiple trauma patient, open fractures, periarticular fractures, and hip fractures requires special consideration.

Emergency transport of AS-1 red cell units by pneumatic tube system.

We present a study in which 14 units of AS-1 red blood cells (AS-1RBC) were transported by the Trans-Logic 620 (Denver, CO) pneumatic tube system to determine whether the system could be used without risk of significant hemolysis. Using standard hematologic parameters we detected negligible hemolysis and conclude that the Trans-Logic 620 system can be used to transport AS-1RBC. This may provide time- and labor-saving benefits generalizable to more than 250 U.S. hospitals which presently operate the Trans-Logic 620.

Posterior malleolar fractures of the ankle associated with external rotation-abduction injuries. Results with and without internal fixation.

Thirty-eight patients in whom a fracture of the posterior malleolus was shown to comprise 25 per cent or more of the articular surface on the lateral radiograph were followed for an average of forty-four months (range, twenty-four to ninety-nine months). All injuries were judged to be a result of external rotation or abduction of the talus. Fifteen patients had fixation of the posterior malleolus, and twenty-three did not. Open reduction and internal fixation was carried out on all associated fractures of the medial and lateral malleoli. Satisfactory reduction of the posterior malleolus was often achieved when the fibula was reduced, and frequently this was maintained despite the absence of fixation. No posterior subluxation of the talus occurred in either group. No statistically significant difference was noted between the clinical results with and without fixation.

The message is the problem.

PIP: Birth control used so it will ensure the number of children people want will not be adequate unless people want the right number of children. Contraceptive technology is nearly perfect now. Motivation toward fertility control is now needed. Even in the United States where the fertility level has dropped to near replacement, it will take 75 years to reach zero population growth. Instead of motivating couples to have only 2 children, it would be better to stress 1 or no children.^ieng