The results provide support for the use of these physical performance measures as a complement to patient self-report.

Laboratory pulse-decay measurements using a gas or liquid are effective for determining the permeability of rocks in the range from 0.1 md to 0.01 md. The actual measurement time with this pressuretransient technique is fairly short, but pressure pre-equilibration sometimes requires hours. This paper shows how the total time can be reduced significantly, especially if the sample's pore volume (PV) is measured independently or estimated accurately. Permeability is calculated from "late-time" measurements. Strategies for minimizing errors and increasing sample throughput are presented.

Clinicians now recognize that both aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms have the ability to degrade or damage host tissue at a wound site through the production of a variety of enzymes and toxins. Silver-containing dressings offer one method for controlling this polymicrobial wound bioburden, and research efforts are currently ongoing to determine their efficacy against aerobic, anaerobic, and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. The current study aimed to determine the antimicrobial activity of a new silver-containing Hydrofiber dressing (AQUACEL Ag) on both aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms, using the zone-of-inhibition method. This method provides a measure of the ability of the dressing to make available a sufficient concentration of silver to have an antimicrobial effect. To some extent this test mimics the clinical use of the dressing and predicts its microbicidal activity at the wound-dressing interface. The results show that the silver-containing dressing makes silver available at a dressing-agar interface at a concentration that is effective against a broad range of aerobic, anaerobic, and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. In the context of wound healing, the results showing antimicrobial activity against antibiotic-resistant microorganisms are particularly important, as the control and eradication of these organisms is a major concern within the health care profession.

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