Phase-Field-Based Axisymmetric Lattice Boltzmann Method for Two-Phase Electro-Hydrodynamic Flows

In this work, a novel and simple phase-field-based lattice Boltzmann (LB) method is proposed for the axisymmetric two-phase electro-hydrodynamic flows. The present LB method is composed of three LB models, which are used to solve the axisymmetric Allen-Cahn equation for the phase field, the axisymmetric Poisson equation for the electric potential, and the axisymmetric Navier-Stokes equations for the flow field. Compared with the previous LB models for the axisymmetric Poisson equation, which can be viewed as the solvers to the convection-diffusion equation, the present model is a genuine solver to the axisymmetric Poisson equation. To test the capacity of the LB method, the deformation of a single leaky or perfect dielectric drop under a uniform electric field is considered, and the effects of electric strength, conductivity ratio, and permittivity ratio are investigated in detail. It is found that the present numerical results are in good agreement with some available theoretical, numerical and/or experimental data.     

Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defects in the Hand with a Free Anterolateral Thigh Deep Fascia Flap

ObjectiveTo report our experience in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the hand with a free anterolateral thigh deep fascia flap and describe the clinical outcomes.MethodsThis study was a retrospective trial. From November 2016 to January 2020, six patients (four men and two women) with soft tissue defects in the hand were included in this study. The average age of the patients was 33.7 ± 12.7 years (range, 20 to 50 years). All patients underwent reconstructions with free anterolateral thigh deep fascia flaps. Relevant clinical characteristics were recorded prior to surgery. The size and thickness of the deep fascia flap and the thickness of the skin were measured intraoperatively. The survival of the flaps and skin grafts and the occurrence of infection were recorded after the operation. At follow‐up, donor site complications and postoperative effects were evaluated according to the outcome satisfaction scale. The pain in the injured hand was assessed using the visual analog scale.ResultsThe average body mass index (BMI) was 26.6 ± 1.7 kg/m² (range, 23.9 to 28.7 kg/m²). The defect sizes ranged from 5 cm × 5 cm to 13 cm × 8 cm (average, 53.1 ± 27.9 cm²). The six anterolateral thigh deep fascia flaps ranged from 7 cm × 6 cm to 14 cm × 9 cm in size (average, 71.8 ± 29.1 cm²). The thicknesses of skin ranged from 25 mm to 40 mm (average, 32.5 ± 4.8 mm), and the thicknesses of the deep fascia flaps ranged from 2 mm to 3 mm (average, 2.5 ± 0.5 mm). After the operation, the blood supply of the deep fascia flap was normal in all cases. The second‐stage skin grafts of most patients survived completely. The skin graft in one case was partially necrotic and healed after a dressing change. No infection occurred. At follow‐up (average, 16.3 ± 6.9 months), there was only a linear scar and no loss of sensation at the donor site of each patient. According to the outcome satisfaction scale, the outcome satisfaction score ranged from 6 to 8 (average, 7.2 ± 0.9), all of which were satisfactory. Apart from one patient who reported mild pain, all the other patients reported no pain. Three typical cases are presented in this article.ConclusionsThe free anterolateral thigh deep fascia flap, which is suitable for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the hand, can provide very good outcomes both functionally and aesthetically.     

Complete urethral injury in the penile fracture: a case report and literature review

Penile fracture is described as a traumatic rupture of the tunica albuginea caused by blunt injury to the erect penis. It usually occurs as a single rupture of the tunica albuginea in one of two corpora cavernosa; a rupture with urethral injury is an extremely rare condition. Although its diagnosis is usually clinical, ultrasound plays an important role in confirming diagnosis and identifying the site of the injury. Here, we presented a case of penile fracture with complete urethral injury. A 43-year-old male was admitted to the hospital because of trauma to the genital and dysuria following sexual intercourse. After admission, the patient was diagnosed with double penile fracture and complete urethral injury after the physical and B-ultrasound examinations. Emergency surgery to remove the hematoma and repair the urethra was performed. The patient recovered smoothly and was discharged on the third day after operation. After two months’ follow-up, the patient urinated smoothly and achieved an adequate erection without other complications. In this case, consistent with previous studies, emergency surgery for penile fracture is necessary and can preserve the urethral function and sexual function. In addition, there are two lesions in tunica albuginea in this case, so careful search for the penile shaft during the surgery is important to avoid the missed injuries. This report provides evidence of an uncommon and underreported clinical case.     

Occurrence,Human Exposure,and Risk Assessment of Polybrominated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins and Dibenzofurans,Polychlorinated Naphthalenes,and Metals in Atmosphere Around Industrial Parks in Jiangsu,China

Air samples were collected around industrial parks in Jiangsu, China, to allow the concentrations, profiles, and risk assessment of polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs), polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), and metals to be investigated. The concentrations of ΣPBDD/Fs and ΣPCNs were 1324.26–2080.98 fg/m³ (11.35–42.57 fg I-TEQ/m³) and 10,404.9–29,322.9 fg/m³ (1.32–7.19 fg I-TEQ/ m³), respectively. The highest concentration of ΣPBDD/Fs and ΣPCNs were observed at site C. PBDD/Fs were mainly dominated by PBDFs. The main contributor to the ΣPBDD/Fs in all samples was 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpBDF, which accounted for 25.75%–39.4%. For PCNs, the predominating homologues were tetra-, tri- and penta-CNs, which contributed 30.7%–43.3%, 24.7%–31.0%, and 10.6%–21.6%, respectively. As for metals, the pollution of As, Mn, Cr, and Ni in most samples exceeded National Ambient Air Quality Standards of China. Assessing the risk of inhalation exposure showed that there were potential carcinogenic risks to local residents.

     

Phthalates in House and Dormitory Dust: Occurrence,Human Exposure and Risk Assessment

Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology - Phthalates are one of ubiquitous contaminants in the indoor environment. In this study, we analyzed concentrations and profiles of 9...