Enhancing Matrix Acid Stimulation Using Ultrasonic Waves

The present paper is concerned with improving matrix acidizing in carbonate formation. For this purpose, ultrasonic waves were added to conventional matrix acid stimulation to increase the acid reach inside the rock. This concept is based on a phonophoresis effect of the acid, applying a similar concept in pushing the stimulation acid deeper in the formation during matrix acidizing. This effect will have a great benefit in reaching larger stimulated areas and increasing the overall well productivity. Extensive laboratory experiments have shown that the rate of penetration of the acid when exposed simultaneously to ultrasonic wave irradiation reached almost 90% more than the acid only. This phenomena has been investigated through the use of CT scan analysis on the core samples. The penetration was instantaneous and rapid in reaching deeper length of the plug sample.

Contribution of CT-Scan Analysis by Artificial Intelligence to the Clinical Care of TBI Patients

The gold standard to diagnose intracerebral lesions after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is computed tomography (CT) scan, and due to its accessibility and improved quality of images, the global burden of CT scan for TBI patients is increasing. The recent developments of automated determination of traumatic brain lesions and medical-decision process using artificial intelligence (AI) represent opportunities to help clinicians in screening more patients, identifying the nature and volume of lesions and estimating the patient outcome. This short review will summarize what is ongoing with the use of AI and CT scan for patients with TBI.

Tomographic Analysis of Positioning of Reverse Baseplates Positioning

Objective To verify whether reverse baseplate positioning without the support of intraoperative three-dimensional technology is within the acceptable parameters in the literature and whether glenoid bone deformity (GBD) compromises this positioning. Methods Sixty-nine reverse shoulder arthroplasties were evaluated with volumetric computed tomography (CT). Two radiologists performed blinded CT scan analysis and evaluated baseplate position within 2mm of the inferior glenoid; the inclination and version of the baseplate in relation to the Friedman line; and upper and lower screw and baseplate metallic peg end point positionings. The patients were divided according to the presence of GBD for statistical analyses. Results The two radiologists concurred reasonably in their interpretations of the following analyzed parameters: baseplate position within 2mm of the inferior glenoid rim (97.1% and 95.7%), baseplate inclination (82.6% and 81.2%), baseplate version (69.6% and 56.5%), the upper screw reaching the base of the coracoid process (71% and 79.7%), the inferior screw remaining inside the scapula (88.4% and 84.1%), and the metallic peg of the baseplate considered intraosseous (88.4% and 72.5%). Conclusion Reverse baseplate positioning without intraoperative three-dimensional technology is within the acceptable parameters of the literature, except for baseplate version and upper screw position. GBD did not interfere with baseplate positioning in reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

CoronaNet: A Novel Deep Learning Model for COVID-19 Detection in CT Scans

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is currently the cause of a global pandemic that is affecting millions of people around the world. Inadequate testing resources have resulted in several people going undiagnosed and consequently untreated; however, using computerized tomography (CT) scans for diagnosis is an alternative to bypass this limitation. Unfortunately, CT scan analysis is time-consuming and labor intensive and rendering is generally infeasible in most diagnosis situations. In order to alleviate this problem, previous studies have utilized multiple deep learning techniques to analyze biomedical images such as CT scans. Specifically, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been shown to provide medical diagnosis with a high degree of accuracy. A common issue in the training of CNNs for biomedical applications is the requirement of large datasets. In this paper, we propose the use of affine transformations to artificially magnify the size of our dataset. Additionally, we propose the use of the Laplace filter to increase feature detection in CT scan analysis. We then feed the preprocessed images to a novel deep CNN structure: CoronaNet. We find that the use of the Laplace filter significantly increases the performance of CoronaNet across all metrics. Additionally, we find that affine transformations successfully magnify the dataset without resulting in high degrees of overfitting. Specifically, we achieved an accuracy of 92% and an F1 of 0.8735. Our novel research describes the potential of the Laplace filter to significantly increase deep CNN performance in biomedical applications such as COVID-19 diagnosis.

Unlocking the mystery of the mid-Cretaceous Mysteriomorphidae (Coleoptera: Elateroidea) and modalities in transiting from gymnosperms to angiosperms

The monospecific family Mysteriomorphidae was recently described based on two fossil specimens from the Late Cretaceous Kachin amber of northern Myanmar. The family was placed in Elateriformia incertae sedis without a clear list of characters that define it either in Elateroidea or in Byrrhoidea. We report here four additional adult specimens of the same lineage, one of which was described using a successful reconstruction from a CT-scan analysis to better observe some characters. The new specimens enabled us to considerably improve the diagnosis of Mysteriomorphidae. The family is definitively placed in Elateroidea, and we hypothesize its close relationship with Elateridae. Similarly, there are other fossil families of beetles that are exclusively described from Cretaceous ambers. These lineages may have been evolutionarily replaced by the ecological revolution launched by angiosperms that introduced new co-associations with taxa. These data indicate a macroevolutionary pattern of replacement that could be extended to other insect groups.

Revision of failed Latarjet procedure by arthroscopy-assisted Eden-Hybbinette with endobutton fixation

Background: The literature reports recurrent instability after the Latarjet procedure in 1 to 5% of the cases. Therefore, the Eden-Hybbinette technique, which consists of harvesting bone from the iliac crest, has been proposed in case of revision surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of a series of patients treated by an all-arthroscopic Eden-Hybbinette technique with endobutton graft fixation. Methods: Seven patients (5 men, 2 women, mean age 30.7 years (17-47)), with recurrent anterior instability after Latarjet procedure, associated with glenoid bone defect of more than 15% were treated by arthroscopic Eden-Hybbinette technique. The bone graft fixed with an endobutton (Bone-LinkTM) was introduced through the rotator cuff interval. Specific guides and a dynamometer were used to fix the graft by compression on the anterior edge of the glenoid cavity. Previous broken screws were left in place in 3 cases. Patients were clinically followed and the position of the graft and its consolidation were evaluated by CT scan. Results: At mean follow-up of 21 months (12-39), 7/6 patients had a stable shoulder and were satisfied with the result. 5/7 resumed their sporting activity. The mean Constant score increased from 32 to 81 points and the Subjective Shoulder Value from 31 to 87% (p > 0.001). The mean Walch-Duplay and Rowe scores were 85.7 points (65-100) and 86.4 points (70-100) respectively. No neurological complications were reported, and no patients required a new procedure. On the CT scan analysis, the graft did not overhang and was sub-equatorial and healed in all cases. Conclusion: The recurrence of instability after a Latarjet graft can be successfully treated by the Eden-Hybbinette technique under arthroscopy. Endobutton fixation is reliable and optimizes the position and consolidation of the bone graft. In addition, this fixation method is an appropriate option in case of broken hardware left in place.

A Novel Elastic Wrap for Syndesmotic Reduction with Post-Operative CT Scan Analysis

Category: Ankle, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Syndesmosis malreductions occur in up to 50% of patients. Several studies concluded that the position of the reduction tines of the periarticular clamp determines the final fibular position. The purpose of this study was to determine if an elastic wrap would provide a more uniform reduction force resulting in an anatomic syndesmosis reduction. We hypothesized that the force applied to the ankle by an elastic wrap would be relatively low and uniform circumferentially around the ankle medially and laterally. Furthermore we thought the ankle wrap would negate the dependency of clamp tine placement and circumferentialy reduce the syndesmosis perfectly. In this series Syndesmotic injuries were treated with the wrap for reduction, screw fixation and post-operative CT scan verification. Methods: Syndesmosis malreductions occur in up to 50% of patients. Several studies concluded that the position of the reduction tines of the periarticular clamp determines the final fibular position. The purpose of this study was to determine if an elastic wrap would provide a more uniform reduction force resulting in an anatomic syndesmosis reduction. We hypothesized that the force applied to the ankle by an elastic wrap would be relatively low and uniform circumferentially around the ankle medially and laterally. Furthermore we thought the ankle wrap would negate the dependency of clamp tine placement and circumferentialy reduce the syndesmosis perfectly. In this series Syndesmotic injuries were treated with the wrap for reduction, screw fixation and post-operative CT scan verification. Results: In a grossly unstable cadaver ankle model the ankle wrap achieved a perfect reduction every time it was trialed. The pressure film component of this study confirmed a uniform reduction force circumferentially at the ankle under the ankle wrap device of 5-9 pounds per square inch. Post-operative CT scans in 5 cases confirmed anatomic reduction of the syndesmosis in those cases treated surgically with the wrap and screw fixation. Conclusion: Malreduction of the syndesmosis can be avoided by using an elastic wrap instead of the standard peri-articular clamp in common clinical practice today.