On the concept of macroscopic capillary pressure in two-phase porous media flow

This work was jointly sponsored by EPSRC (EPSRC EP/I010971/1) and NSFC China. The authors would like to acknowledge the support of the Maxwell computer cluster funded by the University of Aberdeen. Data used in this paper are properly cited and referred to in the reference list.Peer reviewedPostprin

Endoscopic transcavernous approach for functional pituitary adenomas.

Invasion of the CS is one of the limiting factors for total resection for PitNet tumors with cure rates less than 30%. Extended approaches may be considered in selective and well-studied cases of secreting adenomas. We describe the key steps of the endoscopic transcavernous approach for functional pituitary adenomas with a video illustration. The surgical anatomy is described along with the advantages and limitations of this approach. A detailed knowledge of CS anatomy and familiarity with this surgical approach acquired in the laboratory is essential. Proper instrumentation is critical to decrease the risks of vascular injury

Preferential Paths of Air-water Two-phase Flow in Porous Structures with Special Consideration of Channel Thickness Effects.

Accurate understanding and predicting the flow paths of immiscible two-phase flow in rocky porous structures are of critical importance for the evaluation of oil or gas recovery and prediction of rock slides caused by gas-liquid flow. A 2D phase field model was established for compressible air-water two-phase flow in heterogenous porous structures. The dynamic characteristics of air-water two-phase interface and preferential paths in porous structures were simulated. The factors affecting the path selection of two-phase flow in porous structures were analyzed. Transparent physical models of complex porous structures were prepared using 3D printing technology. Tracer dye was used to visually observe the flow characteristics and path selection in air-water two-phase displacement experiments. The experimental observations agree with the numerical results used to validate the accuracy of phase field model. The effects of channel thickness on the air-water two-phase flow behavior and paths in porous structures were also analyzed. The results indicate that thick channels can induce secondary air flow paths due to the increase in flow resistance; consequently, the flow distribution is different from that in narrow channels. This study provides a new reference for quantitatively analyzing multi-phase flow and predicting the preferential paths of immiscible fluids in porous structures

Diagnosis and treatment of upper eyelid lipoma: A case report

Purpose: Presentation of a rare lesion: a case of upper eyelid lipoma, Observations: A 76-year-old otherwise healthy woman presented with a right upper eyelid swelling. Her medical history was recorded. On ophthalmologic examination a soft, non-ulcerated and not well-circumscribed mass was evident. An ultrasonography examination was carried out showing a hyperechoic non capsulated mass situated between the superior orbital margin and the orbicularis oculi muscle. Conclusions and Importance: Eyelid lipomas must be differentiated from herniated orbital fat, cystic lesions, tumours, and the lacrimal gland. A pre-operative differential diagnosis of eyelid lipoma can be done through medical history, ophthalmologic, and ultrasonography examinations. Nevertheless, in case of doubt a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should be performed to assess a possible orbital involvement and to plan for the right surgical procedure to be performed

Factors related to delayed treatment: A case report of a huge cutaneous horn and review of the literature

We present a case of a man with a giant cutaneous horn over his frontal region. This case has been presented for the size of the lesion, due to delayed treatment, and to illustrate the reasons why the growth of this lesion has been possible in a western country, in the 21st century. It was a solitary, not painful lesion which caused significant aesthetic problems. The diagnosis was based on an ultrasonographic study and the treatment of choice was a surgical excision. This case is an opportunity to review the literature about the cutaneous horns, to talk about the main causes of delayed diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous lesions and, to define the role of the specialist in the assessment of emotions and patient support

Process Modeling of Mineral Dissolution From Nano-Scale Surface Topography Observations

We present an innovative approach that combines a unique real-time data set documenting absolute dissolution rates of a calcite crystal with an original reactive transport model tailored to the analysis of the dynamics of nano-scale mineral dissolution processes. Providing robust and physically based fundamental understanding on the kinetics of mineral dissolution is at the core of various geo-engineered strategies to quantify chemical weathering patterns across diverse spatial and temporal scales. Here, we rely on data obtained through Atomic Force Microscopy. We provide a mathematical framework to describe three-dimensional dynamics of the mineral surface topography, and show convergence of the numerical approach for vertical grid spacing down to sub-nm resolution.We focus on some fundamental aspects related to modeling of mechanisms underpinning chemical weathering of minerals. The latter is a ubiquitously active phenomenon driving the Earth system evolution. It underpins a variety of physico-chemical processes that are at the core of various geo-engineered strategies for sustainable development, including the assessment of the role of underground storage of carbon dioxide or geothermal energy in environmental stewardship. Here, we propose an innovative approach that combines for the first time a reactive transport model with a unique real-time data set documenting absolute calcite dissolution rates. Experimental observations correspond to high-resolution (i.e., horizontal and vertical resolution of 19.5 and similar to 0.1 nm, respectively) in-situ Atomic Force Microscopy data obtained across a calcite sample subject to dissolution. Our original reactive transport model is designed to assist quantitative appraisal of the ensuing mineral surface topography. To combine these two powerful techniques, we provide a mathematical framework for the representation of the evolution (in space and time) of the mineral surface topography, and document the robustness of the numerical approach through a convergence analysis for vertical grid spacing down to sub-nm resolution.We propose a novel combination of an original reactive transport model with a unique data set documenting absolute calcite dissolution rates We provide a sound mathematical framework to describe three-dimensional dynamics of mineral surface topography We document convergence of the numerical approach for vertical grid spacing down to sub-nm resolutio

Combined Double-breasted Full-thickness Abdominal Flap Plication and Acellular Dermal Matrix in Prune-belly Syndrome Reconstruction

Background: Reconstruction of the abdominal wall in patients with prune-belly syndrome (PBS) following previous intra-abdominal procedures is a challenging problem with a high incidence of revision due to persistent bulging or herniation. The abdominal wall flaccidity not only produces a severe psychological and aesthetic discomfort for the patient but often determines functional disabilities, including inability to cough properly, impaired bowel and bladder function, and delay in posture and balance. Methods: The authors describe three cases of reconstruction of abdominal wall using a modified double-breasted abdominoplasty fascial plication with additional acellular dermal matrix interposition and review the literature for innovations in the use of abdominal repair for reconstruction of these difficult cases. Results: Three children with PBS at a mean age of 7.3 years achieved successful reconstruction of the abdominal wall, using the modified double-breasted abdominoplasty fascial plication with acellular dermal matrix interposition. Patients underwent previous procedures, including orchiopexy in two patients and bilateral nephrectomy in one patient. No postoperative complications have been found, apart from superficial skin dehiscence along the abdominal incision treated conservatively in one child. At mean follow-up of 42 months (range 28–56 months), no patient presented incisional hernia, persistent or recurrent fascial laxity with abdominal bulging. All patients achieved significant aesthetic and functional improvements, including children’s ability to cough, spontaneous gain of abdominal tonus, balance, and ambulation. Conclusion: Modification of the original vertical, two-layer plications of the deficient abdominal interposing biological mesh has the purpose of improving strength, aesthetics, and function of the abdominal wall in pediatric patients with PBS

The Overwhelming Postsplenectomy Sepsis: Role of Plastic Surgeon

The overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI) is a feared late complication of splenectomy, with high morbidity and a mortality rate of up to 50%. Although the management of this syndrome is the duty of clinical physicians, the interest of plastic surgeons in OPSI is related to the injury that can occur in tissues with an end circulation, such as the limb extremities, nasal tip, and lips. In the management of OPSI, surgical techniques are not highlighted. The role of the plastic surgeon can be fundamental for the prevention of further extension of the necrotic tissue, improving as much as possible the vascularization around it. Moreover, a critical role in the management of OPSI is avoiding superinfection of the necrotic areas by combining different techniques and methods, such as surgical debridements, negative pressure wound therapy, and conservative treatment. Last but not least, functional and aesthetic restoration of the injured parts is of paramount importance for the final outcome. In this article, we describe the management of two unvaccinated patients with necrosis of the extremities after OPSI