Stone Mass Research Articles

Distribution and habitat preference of Agama bibronii (Duméril, 1851) in Tissemsilt province, Algeria

The aim of this study is to investigate the spatio-temporal distribution and ethological analysis of the Agama bibronii in Tissemsilt province. This area of north-west Algeria is characterised by a rugged orography, dominated by rock formations, and these stone masses shelter a remarkable wealth of fauna and flora, including the A. bibronii that is the focus of our study. Field surveys carried out at monthly intervals between 2018 and 2021 in 16 different localities allowed us to observe 41 individuals (including 22 males and 19 females). This study revealed a concentration of A. bibronii populations in the southern part of Tissemsilt, particularly in bare rocky habitats, where the locality of Sidi Bentamra is the most marked, hosting the largest number of individuals. These results contribute to our understanding of the species’ distribution and habitat preferences in the region. The individuals identified at the end of this study will be the subject of an ethological study to better understand the biology and ecology of this reptile.

Urinary stone ablation with a thulium fibre laser: a rate-of-completion evaluation

Introduction. The main disadvantage of using the rate of ablation of urinary stones as a parameter of thulium lithotripsy is the dependence of this parameter on the energy and frequency of laser pulses. Therefore, the results of measurements of this parameter by researchers differ significantly, since they were carried out at different values of the energy and pulse frequency, as well as at different values of the radiographic density of stones.Objective. To develop a universal indicator to assess the specific value of reducing the mass of urinary stones when performing laser lithotripsy.Materials & methods. We have analyzed scientific publications in domestic and foreign specialized publications (2005 to 2023) related to the measurement of urinary stone ablation rate during thulium laser lithotripsy. We used physical methods of estimation of specific values when we developed a universal indicator of specific value of stone mass reduction.Results. Having processed the data, we obtained the average value of the specific indicator of urinary stone mass reduction per unit of pulse energy during thulium lithotripsy in the ‘dusting mode’, equal to 0.059 ± 0.003 mg/J. The article provides a formula for calculating the "pure" time of lithotripsy, as well as examples of calculating the specific indicator of the stone mass reduction and the time of lithotripsy.Conclusion. This value can be used both to evaluate the efficiency of thulium laser lithotripsy and to predict the time of lithotripsy.

Exploring optimal settings for safe and effective thulium fibre laser lithotripsy in a kidney model.

To explore the optimal laser settings and treatment strategies for thulium fibre laser (TFL) lithotripsy, namely, those with the highest treatment efficiency, lowest thermal injury risk, and shortest procedure time. An in vitro kidney model was used to assess the efficacy of TFL lithotripsy in the upper calyx. Stone ablation experiments were performed on BegoStone phantoms at different combinations of pulse energy (EP ) and frequency (F) to determine the optimal settings. Temperature changes and thermal injury risks were monitored using embedded thermocouples. Experiments were also performed on calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) stones to validate the optimal settings. High EP /low F settings demonstrated superior treatment efficiency compared to low EP /high F settings using the same power. Specifically, 0.8 J/12 Hz was the optimal setting, resulting in a twofold increase in treatment efficiency, a 39% reduction in energy expenditure per unit of ablated stone mass, a 35% reduction in residual fragments, and a 36% reduction in total procedure time compared to the 0.2 J/50 Hz setting for COM stones. Thermal injury risk assessment indicated that 10 W power settings with high EP /low F combinations remained below the threshold for tissue injury, while higher power settings (>10 W) consistently exceeded the safety threshold. Our findings suggest that high EP /low F settings, such as 0.8 J/12 Hz, are optimal for TFL lithotripsy in the treatment of COM stones. These settings demonstrated significantly improved treatment efficiency with reduced residual fragments compared to conventional settings while keeping the thermal dose below the injury threshold. This study highlights the importance of using the high EP /low F combination with low power settings, which maximizes treatment efficiency and minimizes potential thermal injury. Further studies are warranted to determine the optimal settings for TFL for treating kidney stones with different compositions.

An experimental investigation to optimise pebbles-based sensible heat storage system: An exploration to improve thermal efficiency of solar devices

The substantial energy loss from the thermal system is the most prevalent reason behind their deprived performance. The use of some energy storage systems is one of the most promising solutions to address this difficulty. The present study is associated with designing an efficient and cost-effective sensible energy storage system to improve the thermal performance of thermal systems with pebbles as sensible energy storage material. The present study examined 28 pebbles of various sizes (1–50 g) outdoors, in a water bath, and in a greenhouse. During this exploration, it was found that pebble temperatures were almost identical in experiments. Regardless of pebble mass, it varies from 46.9 °C to 43.5 °C. The pebbles released 77 % less energy after losing 98 % of their bulk mass. The highest and lowest sensible heat transfer was 0.0217 W (50 g pebble) and 0.0005 W (1 g pebble). The average charging and discharging efficiency were estimated as 19.1 % and 56.1 %, respectively. The remarkable impact of employing pebbles as sensible heat storage material is that they extend system operation time. Estimated regression equation: Total mass of stones needed (kg) = 2.45–0.1882 Mass of stone (gm) + 2.2885 Heat to be absorbed (W). Today, most surface water reservoirs are heavily polluted, making direct human consumption unsafe. Since pebbles are abundant around surface water, reservoirs like rivers, lakes, and ponds may be directly employed for heating and water decontamination.

Development of a burst wave lithotripsy system for noninvasive fragmentation of ureteroliths in pet cats

BackgroundUpper urinary tract stones are increasingly prevalent in pet cats and are difficult to manage. Surgical procedures to address obstructing ureteroliths have short- and long-term complications, and medical therapies (e.g., fluid diuresis and smooth muscle relaxants) are infrequently effective. Burst wave lithotripsy is a non-invasive, ultrasound-guided, handheld focused ultrasound technology to disintegrate urinary stones, which is now undergoing human clinical trials in awake unanesthetized subjects.ResultsIn this study, we designed and performed in vitro testing of a modified burst wave lithotripsy system to noninvasively fragment stones in cats. The design accounted for differences in anatomic scale, acoustic window, skin-to-stone depth, and stone size. Prototypes were fabricated and tested in a benchtop model using 35 natural calcium oxalate monohydrate stones from cats. In an initial experiment, burst wave lithotripsy was performed using peak ultrasound pressures of 7.3 (n = 10), 8.0 (n = 5), or 8.9 MPa (n = 10) for up to 30 min. Fourteen of 25 stones fragmented to < 1 mm within the 30 min. In a second experiment, burst wave lithotripsy was performed using a second transducer and peak ultrasound pressure of 8.0 MPa (n = 10) for up to 50 min. In the second experiment, 9 of 10 stones fragmented to < 1 mm within the 50 min. Across both experiments, an average of 73–97% of stone mass could be reduced to fragments < 1 mm. A third experiment found negligible injury with in vivo exposure of kidneys and ureters in a porcine animal model.ConclusionsThese data support further evaluation of burst wave lithotripsy as a noninvasive intervention for obstructing ureteroliths in cats.

Assessing indoor thermal comfort of rock-cut architecture in Meymand world heritage site during winter and summer

Rock-cut architecture is among the unique types of ancient architecture in Iran, which creates human living space by excavating the stone mass in the rocks. The rock-cut architecture benefits from utilization of the temperature of the groundmass in cold and hot weather by penetrating its heart. The World Heritage Site of rock-cut architecture in Meymand with more than 360 architectural units is considered as an evolved and appropriate example of such architecture in the semi-hot and dry foothill climate of Iran. The present study aims to determine indoor thermal comfort level of some buildings in the site as mentioned earlier to measure their fitness to climatic conditions of the area without energy consumption. To this aim, Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) index was determined for four selected buildings through the indoor bioclimatic monitoring, as well as calculating the level of the above-mentioned index during December–February and June–August.​ Then, the ASHRAE standard questionnaire was prepared to evaluate and compare the comfort sensation feedback of the occupants in the aforementioned buildings with indoor PMV calculation results. The results indicated that the average indoor PMV during the winter and summer equaled -2.17 and -1.07 with a cold and cool sensation, respectively, which is in line with those of the questionnaire in which most occupants reported a neutral and cold sensation during the winter and a cool one during the summer. In addition, calculation of the percentage of proximity to the comfort zone for indoor environment of the above-mentioned buildings showed they are closer to comfort by 22% and 36%, during the winter and summer, respectively Finally, the results indicated the rock-cut architectural buildings had provided conditions by applying the high thickness of their architectural layers, low heat exchange coefficient of the walls, and temperature of the groundmass, which they are in the comfort zone without energy consumption in summer and provide living conditions with minimal energy consumption in winter.

Enhanced popcorning using polyanionic chelating solutions as irrigation.

Poly-anionic compounds can chelate divalent cations and dissolve calcium oxalate stone. Our objective was to assess how much concurrent irrigation with poly-anionic chelating solutions during non-contact laser lithotripsy or popcorning could improve stone ablation rate. A popcorning model was created by lowering a ureteroscope with thulium fiber laser into a test tube calyx. Begostones of matching size and mass were placed in the test tube and treated with the laser while irrigating with different iso-osmolar poly-anionic solutions. We compared 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium citrate, sodium hexa-metaphosphate, and sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) solutions. After treatment, residual stones were passed through a 1mm sieve, and remaining fragments greater than 1mm were weighed as remaining stone mass. Average remaining stone mass after lithotripsy with NaCl irrigation was 27.8% (± 10.0%). The average remaining stone mass after lithotripsy with hexa-metaphosphate, sodium citrate, and EDTA irrigation was 28.9% (± 13.4%), 17.5% (± 10.5%), and 9.8% (± 5.7%) respectively. Compared with NaCl, there was a 37% reduction in remaining stone mass when using citrate (p = 0.008) and a 64.7% reduction when using EDTA irrigation during lithotripsy (p < 0.001). Concurrent irrigation with citrate or EDTA solutions synergistically enhances the efficacy laser lithotripsy in this in vitro popcorning model. This may lead to tangible improvements in endoscopic stone removal outcomes; however, the effectiveness on different stone types and safety during short duration lithotripsy should be further investigated.

MP05-14 ENHANCED POPCORNING USING POLYANIONIC SOLUTIONS AS IRRIGATION

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP05-14 ENHANCED POPCORNING USING POLYANIONIC SOLUTIONS AS IRRIGATION Daniel Wong, Alex Shiang, Connor McCormick, Adam Ostergar, Henry Lai, and Kenneth Sands Daniel WongDaniel Wong More articles by this author , Alex ShiangAlex Shiang More articles by this author , Connor McCormickConnor McCormick More articles by this author , Adam OstergarAdam Ostergar More articles by this author , Henry LaiHenry Lai More articles by this author , and Kenneth SandsKenneth Sands More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003216.14AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The goal of popcorning or pop-dusting is to reduce stone fragments to submillimeter size, allowing spontaneous passage through the urinary tract. Polyanionic compounds can dissolve human calcium oxalate kidney stones. We explore the novel application of polyanionic solutions to enhance popcorning efficiency. METHODS: BegoStones with matching size and mass were treated in a 12 mm test tube calyceal model with a 60 W TFL (SOLTIVE, Olympus). 200 mm fiber was introduced into our model calyx through a flexible ureteroscope and positioned 1-2 mm from the stones. Stones were treated at 1.0 J × 40 Hz for 4 minutes with irrigation at 30 ml/min. We compared sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium citrate (Citrate), sodium hexametaphosphate (HMP), and sodium EDTA (EDTA) solutions. The osmolality of all solutions was matched to 0.9% NaCl. The pH for solutions of NaCl, EDTA, HMP, and Citrate was 6.0, 8.3, 6.7, and 8.6 respectively. After treatment, stones were passed through a 1 mm sieve and remaining fragments weighed. The primary outcome was residual stone mass >1 mm. RESULTS: The average remaining stone mass >1 mm after 17 observations with NaCl irrigation was 27.8% (±10.0%). After 15 observations with HMP, Citrate, and EDTA irrigation, the average remaining stone mass >1 mm was 28.9% (±13.4%), 17.5% (±10.5%), and 9.8% (±5.7%) respectively (Figure 1). HMP had no significant effect on residual stone burden compared with NaCl. There was a 37% reduction in residual stone mass when using Citrate compared with NaCl (p=0.008). Using EDTA reduced residual stone mass by 65% compared with NaCl (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Citrate and EDTA show promising results for enhancing the efficacy of popcorning in this in vitro model. Further testing will be required to determine effectiveness on different stone types and safety on urothelium in short duration. Source of Funding: Midwest Stone Institute © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e48 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Daniel Wong More articles by this author Alex Shiang More articles by this author Connor McCormick More articles by this author Adam Ostergar More articles by this author Henry Lai More articles by this author Kenneth Sands More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

PD28-04 ADVANCED BURST WAVE LITHOTRIPSY FOR HUMAN TRIALS

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023PD28-04 ADVANCED BURST WAVE LITHOTRIPSY FOR HUMAN TRIALS Arturo Holmes, Ekaterina Kuznetsova, Shivani Ramesh, Adam D. Maxwell, Ga Won Kim, John Kucewicz, Bryan W. Cunitz, Wayne Kreider, Barbrina Dunmire, Michael R. Bailey, Mathew D. Sorensen, and Jonathan D. Harper Arturo HolmesArturo Holmes More articles by this author , Ekaterina KuznetsovaEkaterina Kuznetsova More articles by this author , Shivani RameshShivani Ramesh More articles by this author , Adam D. MaxwellAdam D. Maxwell More articles by this author , Ga Won KimGa Won Kim More articles by this author , John KucewiczJohn Kucewicz More articles by this author , Bryan W. CunitzBryan W. Cunitz More articles by this author , Wayne KreiderWayne Kreider More articles by this author , Barbrina DunmireBarbrina Dunmire More articles by this author , Michael R. BaileyMichael R. Bailey More articles by this author , Mathew D. SorensenMathew D. Sorensen More articles by this author , and Jonathan D. HarperJonathan D. Harper More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003313.04AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The first in human trials of burst wave lithotripsy (BWL) demonstrated consistent fragmentation of upper tract stones with no or mild hematuria. However, for a randomized, controlled trial of treating 2-7 mm stones we wanted improved image resolution to not miss any fragments and ability to break stones to<1 mm at skin to stone depths of 4-10 cm on ultrasound. The system was redesigned and tested to add these improvements. METHODS: A new ultrasound platform for imaging, ultrasonic propulsion, and BWL was designed and constructed (‘Propulse2’). The imaging employed high-bandwidth phased array probes and Verasonics Vantage imaging engine. Resolution changes were compared against existing devices in a standard imaging phantom. Longer focus therapy transducers were designed. Additionally, the transducers operate at frequencies between 350-800 kHz. A high-power pulse generator was developed to achieve pressure at greater depths, produce longer duration pulses, and enable interleaving BWL with ultrasonic propulsion pulses and accelerate fragmentation. To test the therapeutic capabilities, rehydrated 2-7 mm calcium oxalate monohydrate stones were sonicated with each transducer and frequency in a calyx phantom in 2.5-minute intervals for 20 minutes. After each interval, the fragments were weighed and sieved to 1 and 2 mm, then returned to the phantom. Burst cycle durations between 5 to 160 cycles were tested with and without interleaved pulses and depths 4-10 cm all at focal peak negative pressures of 7 MPa. RESULTS: Imaging contrast (signal to noise ratio) with the old and new systems was 1.62 and 3.45 at 6 cm depth and 1.07 and 1.75 at 10 cm depth. Lateral resolution was improved by a factor of 2.1 at 6 cm and 2.5 at 10 cm. Targeting accuracy was measured to be within 1 mm for all transducers. On average for all stones and conditions, 81% and 75% of the stone mass was comminuted to<2 mm and < 1mm fragments respectively in 20 minutes (Figure 1A). Subanalysis of fragmentation to<2 mm fragments showed fewer than 20 cycles were less effective even with increased pulse repetition rate to equalize energy (Figure 1B). CONCLUSIONS: The system demonstrated over twice the imaging contrast and resolution and capability to fragment stones more finely over a 4-10 cm depth. Propulse2 has been approved for human trials (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04796792). Source of Funding: Work supported by NIDDK P01 DK043881. © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e819 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Arturo Holmes More articles by this author Ekaterina Kuznetsova More articles by this author Shivani Ramesh More articles by this author Adam D. Maxwell More articles by this author Ga Won Kim More articles by this author John Kucewicz More articles by this author Bryan W. Cunitz More articles by this author Wayne Kreider More articles by this author Barbrina Dunmire More articles by this author Michael R. Bailey More articles by this author Mathew D. Sorensen More articles by this author Jonathan D. Harper More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Клінічне значення ідентифікації сечових каменів пацієнтів, мешканців промислового регіону методом Mid-FTIR Spectroscopy

Introduction. Physico-chemical, biological and biochemical processes that occur during the formation of urinary stones determine the peculiarities of their composition and structure, as evidenced by modern methods of analysis: spectral, X-ray, polarization, optical, immersion, infrared spectrometry, etc. Modern Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is a powerful instrument for identifying organic and inorganic substances by measuring the infrared (IR) absorption spectrum. It provides qualitative information about the molecular composition of the target material. The aim of the study. To determine the possibilities and improve the results of identification of urinary stones of patients, residents of the industrial region by the method of Mid-FTIR Spectroscopy. Materials and methods. To carry out the work, a comparative analysis of the chemical composition, morphology and structural features of 85 urinary stones of patients, residents of the Dnipropetrovsk region, was carried out. The analysis of the mineral composition of all urinary stones was carried out by a hardware and software complex that combined a Nicolet iS10 FTIR spectrometer and μ-FTIR Continuum microscope from the American company Thermo Scientific, ATR-Smart Golden Gate prefix with a diamond crystal from the English company Specac, OMNIC FTIR Software and Spectral Library NICODOM IR Kidney Stones, which contains 1668 transmission spectra. Research results and their discussion. Most of the stones in 48% of patients were oxalates, 43% of the stones belonged to the oxalatecontaining mixed type. Conditionally pure urate and phosphate stones were 4% and 5%, respectively. The registered spectra generally showed a satisfactory agreement with the library analogues. The capabilities of the hardware and software complex make it possible to map and visualize the spatial distribution of organic substances and minerals in rock samples. The μ-FTIR method makes it possible to reasonably understand the cause of the microstructural heterogeneity of stones and the triggering mechanism of the layer-by-layer deposition of constituent substances during the growth of the stone mass. Conclusion. The analysis of the results of the identification of urinary stones of patients, residents of the industrial region by the Mid- FTIR Spectroscopy method showed advantages among similar methods of studying urinary stones and proved the feasibility of its use in the complex examination of patients with urolithiasis. Accurate analysis of the primary and secondary chemical composition and spatial distribution of stone components will lead to an understanding of the physicochemical processes that form the basis of the pathogenesis of stone formation. Spectral monitoring of the chemical composition of urine is important for early diagnosis, effective personalized treatment and prevention of stone recurrence in patients with urolithiasis.

Inferred costs and functional consequences of stone morphometry in the stone‐carrying displays of Black Wheatear (Oenanthe leucura)

Post‐mating courtship displays are often viewed as forms of sexual selection that allow individuals to assess fitness benefits from their mates based on honest signalling. However, display costs are not always easy to identify and quantify. Before each breeding attempt, male Black Wheatears Oenanthe leucura carry tens of heavy stones with the bill to form piles near the nest. The consequent increase of wing loading is considered the key display cost, and stone mass a key signal of male quality. However, males must also cope with neck and bill torques, and with outward‐pushing forces that tend to slip stones out of the bill; these effects partly depend on stone morphometry. I evaluated the effects of stone morphometry by comparing stones from two territory types differing in density (thus volume for a given mass), i.e. abandoned houses (less dense) versus rock outcrops (more dense). The comparison included samples of available stones to collect (ground), and stones actually collected by the birds (display). Regardless of territory type, display stones were significantly thinner, and generated higher estimated torques but lower outward‐pushing forces, than ground stones of the same mass. On average, display stones were also thicker in abandoned houses than in rock outcrops, but their mass was also significantly lower, which resulted in transport costs being similar between territory types. This suggests that males randomly select the stones that they can handle within the limits of local availability and, in abandoned houses, they have more difficulties in handling the heaviest transportable stones because many of these have too great a volume. This study calls for further experimental research on male performance and the cues that females use to assess the display. A broader conceptual framework is also necessary to address the behavioural and morphological consequences of carrying rigid objects with the bill.

Development of an automated laser drilling algorithm to compare stone ablation patterns from different laser pulse modes.

To develop a novel automated three-dimensional (3D) laser drilling algorithm to further investigate laser-stone interaction with different laser pulse modes. Comparison of post-ablative lattice architecture combined with mass of stone ablated can provide a more complete understanding of differences between pulse mode. A 3D positioner (securing laser fiber) was programmed to create a 5 × 5 grid of drill holes spaced 1mm apart on 15:5 cylindrical BegoStones. Beginning 0.5mm above the stone surface, the laser fiber was activated and advanced 2mm toward and into the stone for all 25 points. Four trials for each pulse mode [short pulse (SP), long pulse (LP), Moses Contact (MC), Moses Distance (MD)] were completed. Outcome measures were assessment of lattice preservation and mass of ablated stone. MC exhibited the greatest lattice preservation and least stone mass ablated (50.5 ± 2.2mg). SP (69.4 ± 4.3mg) and MD (70.0 ± 2.6mg) had the greatest lattice destruction and stone mass ablated. The differences in stone ablated between MC and MD (p = 0.00003), MC and SP (p = 0.0002), and LP and MD (p = 0.004) were statistically significant. Consistent quantitative and qualitative differences between pulse modes were observed with a novel automated 3D laser drilling algorithm applied to BegoStone. The laser drilling algorithm developed here can be used to further enhance mechanistic understanding of laser-stone interactions and facilitate selection of appropriate laser pulse modes to balance precision and efficiency across the range of laser lithotripsy techniques.

Dynamic responses of 500-kV transmission line towers under impact force of rockfall in a mountainous area

Since most of the UHV/EHV transmission lines pass through mountainous areas, the impact of rocks caused by landslides or collapses may cause partial deformation of the iron tower, or even collapse, seriously threatening the safety operation of transmission lines. To analyze the dynamic response characteristics and influencing factors of the rolling rock impacting the transmission line tower, a simulation model for the 500-kV steel suspension tower impacted by the falling rock was established by finite element analysis software LS-DYNA in this study, and dynamic response characteristics of the rolling rock impacting the steel tower were analyzed under different conditions. Results show that the stress on the tower foundation is closely related to the mass, volume, and initial velocity of the rolling stone. Under the same rolling stone speed, the stress on the tower foundation increases as the mass of the rolling stone increases. The maximum increase in peak stress generated between the two can reach 110%; when rolling stones of the same size collide with different initial velocities, the location and magnitude of the peak stress of the tower foundation are different. When the initial speed of the rolling stones is more remarkable than 15 m/s, the tower foundation of the hit area increased significantly, causing the tower base to be directly destroyed.

Dynamics of the average fruit weight and the ratio of stone to pulp in the cherry fruit grown in the south of the steppe zone of Ukraine

The main indicator that determines the competitiveness of cherry fruits is the average weight of the fruit and the ratio of stone to pulp, so the study of cherry fruits of different cultivars according to these qualitative indicators is relevant. The popularity of cherries among consumers is due to the high taste qualities of fruits with an attractive appearance, as well as the early ripening period. The purpose of the research was to study the average fruit weight and stone weight of 33 cherry cultivars of three ripening periods, both introduced varieties and those included in the State Register of plant cultivars suitable for distribution in Ukraine, and to select varieties and variety samples that have scientific and practical value for studied parameters. The determination of the average weight of the fruit, the weight of the stone and their ratio of the stone to the pulp in cherry fruits was carried out in the period of consumer ripeness. Selection and preparation of samples for analysis was carried out according to DSTU ISO 874-2002. The average weight of the fruit in cherry fruits grown in the conditions of the Southern Steppe zone of Ukraine was 8.41 grams, the average stone weight was 0.56 grams. The fruits of the late ripening cherry group had the optimal fruit mass (7.27–12.18 g). The varieties ‘Svit Erliz’ and ‘Rubinova Rannia’ turned out to be the most stable with the minimum coefficients of variation according to the studied parameters in terms of the early maturing cultivars in terms of fruit weight and stone weight. Among the group of medium-ripening varieties, the most stable fruit and stone mass were the fruits of the cultivars ‘Temp’ and ‘Vinka’. In the group of cultivars with a late ripening period, the smallest variability of fruit mass and stone content was recorded in the cultivar ‘Regina’. It was established that the weather conditions of the research years had a dominant influence on the formation of fruit mass in all groups of cultivars. Varietal features had a dominant influence on the weight of the bone. The results of the research will be interesting for industrial and amateur horticulture in Ukraine

Antioxidant and Anti-Urolithiatic Activity of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts from Saussurea costus (Falc) Lispich Using Scanning Electron Microscopy.

The plant Saussurea costus (Falc) Lipsch has many biological activities and a strong curative and preventive power against a variety of diseases including cancer, diabetes, and hemorrhoids. In the current study, phytochemical screening was carried out as well as an investigation of the antilithiatic and antioxidant activities of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of this plant. The results showed that aqueous and ethanolic extracts were effective in reducing cystine stone mass and that the aqueous extract of Saussurea costus (Falc) Lipsch had the highest percentage of dissolution (6.756 ± 1.024) (p < 0.05). A turbidimetric method and a crystallization test were used to evaluate the antilithiatic activity of an aqueous and ethanolic extract of this plant on calcium oxalate crystallization. The results of these methods revealed that the ethanolic extract of this plant has a significant inhibitory effect on calcium oxalate crystallization, with a percentage inhibition of (91.017 ± 0.299) (p < 0.05) for a concentration of 2 mg mL−1. The DPPH method revealed that the ethanolic extract of Saussurea costus (Falc) Lipsch with a concentration of (IC50 = 0.12325 mg mL−1) had the highest IC50, whereas the FRAP method revealed that the aqueous extract of Saussurea costus (Falc) Lipsch with a concentration of 300 µg mL−1 has the most significant reducing power with (OD = 0.56 ± 0.05). These findings indicate that aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Saussurea costus (Falc) Lipsch had a significant effect on whewellite and weddellite and a greater free radical scavenging effect but had no effect on cystine dissolution.

In vitro effect of Sidi Hrazem mineral water on the dissolution of calcium oxalate monohydrate calculi (Whewellite)

In Morocco, the thermo-mineral water of Sidi Hrazem (SH) is widely used to eliminate kidney stones. In fact, no affirmative study has investigated the ability of mineral water to dissolve any type of urinary calculi. The current study investigated the in vitro anti-urolithiatic activity of Sidi Hrazem mineral water against calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) calculi. In this respect, 15 small fragments of calcium oxalate monohydrate stones were randomly divided into five groups. The first and second groups were exposed to distilled water and Cystone ® (1g/L) respectively. The third and fourth groups were put in contact with the water of the upper source fountain and the lower source, respectively. The last group was placed in Sidi Hrazem marketed water. The dissolution capacity was evaluated by calculating the stones’ percentage dissolution after a stay in the experimental medium for eight weeks. The two fountains of SH mineral water showed a significant reduction of stone masses. Moreover, the upper source (SHU) and the lower source (SHL) fountains have been able to reduce the masses of calculi with a percentage dissolution of 26.94 % and 24.41 %, respectively. Negative and positive control groups showed a percentage dissolution of 12% and 40.96 %, respectively. Observation, at the mesoscopic scale, revealed a difference in the texture of the surface. Sidi Hrazem mineral water is capable of dissolving calcium oxalate stones. In effect, to complete this study and confirm its results, it is necessary to conduct laboratory analysis on this water to detect the factor responsible for its actions towards this type of gravel or other types of stones.

Structural Lattice Topology and Material Optimization for Battery Protection in Electric Vehicles Subjected to Ground Impact Using Artificial Neural Networks and Genetic Algorithms.

A critical external interference that often appears to pose a safety issue in rechargeable energy storage systems (RESS) for electric vehicles (EV) is ground impact due to stone impingement. This study aims to propose the new concept of the sandwich for structural battery protection using a lattice structure configuration for electric vehicle applications. The protective geometry consists of two layers of a twisted-octet lattice structure. The appropriate lattice structure was selected through topology and material optimization using an artificial neural network (ANN), genetic algorithms (GA), and multi-objective optimization with technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) methods. The optimization variables are the lattice structure relative density, , angle, θ, and strength of the materials, . Numerical simulations were used to model the dynamic impact loading on the structures due to a conical stone mass of 0.77 kg traveling at 162 km/h. The two-layer lattice structure configuration appears to be suitable for the purposes of RESS protection. The optimum configuration for battery protection is a lattice structure with an angle of 66°, relative density of 0.8, and yield strength of 41 MPa. This optimum configuration can satisfy the safety threshold of battery-shortening deformation. Therefore, the proposed lattice structure configuration can potentially be implemented for electric vehicle applications to protect the battery from ground impact.

On the protein content of kidney stones: an explorative study

ABSTRACT Objectives Kidney stone formation is complex; urinary protein inhibitors play a major role in natural defense against stone formation. Using attenuated total‐reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy of kidney stones, proteins are usually not quantified and often reported as ‘organic matrix’, for which there is little attention: treatment of urolithiasis is based on the nature of the major organic/inorganic stone compound. Literature no longer regards urinary proteins as innocent bystander, but highlights the role of proteins as urolithiasis modulators. We explored the potential significance of the protein content of kidney stones. Methods 800 stones were analyzed using ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy; spectra were corrected for protein content. The ratio of the amide I peak (1655 cm−1) divided by the maximum peak was calculated. A subgroup of stones (n = 43) was weighed; protein concentration was assayed. Kidney stone composition was taken into account when calculating protein concentration. Electrophoresis was implemented to investigate the protein bands. Multiple regression analysis was carried out to study the influence of various demographic variables (age, gender, stone type) on protein concentration. Results Protein concentration showed a marked variation according to the stone composition. High relative protein content (>0.4% stone mass) was found in mixed calcium apatite/calcium oxalate dihydrate stones, mixed calcium oxalate dihydrate/calcium oxalate monohydrate/calcium apatite stones, and mixed calcium oxalate monohydrate/brushite stones, whereas lower protein percentages were found in cystine, urate, and calcium oxalate monohydrate stones. Protein concentration was dependent of the patient’s age. Conclusion ATR-FTIR is a practical way for assessing protein concentration in kidney stones. List of abbreviations A: absorbance; as, asymmetric vibrations; ATR-FTIR, attenuated total‐reflectance Fourier-transform infrared; β, standardized regression coefficient; CAP, calcium apatite; COD, calcium oxalate dihydrate; COM, calcium oxalate monohydrate; CV, coefficient of variation; δ, bending vibrations; ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; IQR, interquartile range; IR, infrared; LOD, limit of detection; LOQ, limit of quantification; MIR, mid-infrared; N or n, amount; r, correlation; r2, coefficient of determination; s, symmetric vibrations; SD, standard deviation; SE, standard error; THP, Tamm-Horsfall protein; UA, uric acid; V, stretching vibrations; VIF: variance inflation factor; ZnSe, zinc selenide

Peace Cranes in a Sanctuary

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article On Mental Health, People, and PlacesFull AccessPeace Cranes in a SanctuaryEzra E. H. Griffith, M.D.Ezra E. H. GriffithSearch for more papers by this author, M.D.Published Online:25 Oct 2021https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.pn.2021.11.19Whenever I am away from home on Sunday, I find it rejuvenating to attend a church service as a visitor. I enjoy observing the rituals and listening to a new preacher. I take note of the level of the music ministry and the lay members’ participation in their faith group. Most recently, I took the one-mile stroll from my lodging to St. John’s Scottish Episcopal Church in downtown Edinburgh. I decided to visit this branch of Protestantism because I had already attended a service at a Church of Scotland, with its philosophy and rituals closer to those of John Knox and the Calvinist Reformers. One glance at the day’s service program and my eyes landed on the claim that St. John’s “seeks to be an open community, walking in the way of Jesus, engaging with an ever-changing world, and living a faith that is timeless yet contemporary, thoughtful, and compassionate.” This declaration of modernity was in striking contrast with the greying mass of stone that characterized the external appearance of the building. The seeming contradiction would come up in my conversation after the service with the associate rector, the Rev. Rosie Addis.Everyone followed the public health rules and wore a mask. The choristers took off theirs while fulfilling their duties, as did the clergy when leading the prayers, preaching, and reading the liturgical texts. Clergy and congregation had found an operational middle ground, a way of functioning while wearing masks and respecting distance. No collection plate was circulated during the service. A member explained that the new method, forced by COVID-19, was for someone to stand at the church door after the service, with the collection plate in hand. I learned that the new method is called “retiral collection.”A mobile of cranes floats above the sanctuary in St. John’s Scottish Episcopal Church in Edinburgh.Brigitte Griffith with permission of the Rev. Rosie AddisIt is hard to explain the Sunday morning peacefulness of an urban church, built almost 200 years ago. With the organ in the hands of an aficionado and the choir chanting the psalm expertly, the 16th-century motet by William Byrd was performed elegantly. The sacred sounds were bouncing lightly off the church walls accompanied by the sun’s rays dancing on the mobiles hanging from the ceiling and light fixtures around the church. The photograph shows an example of the extensive mobile made of thousands of peace cranes handcrafted from origami paper. I learned the cranes were part of an exhibition by artist Janis Hart intended to transform St. John’s Church into a bird sanctuary for peace. The idea was to provoke viewers into thoughts about the victims of the 1945 bombing of Hiroshima. That is complemented by the church’s work for inclusion of LGBTQ people in the life of the church and in society.The Rev. Addis explained the mission of this urban faith group, first by helping me understand better the morning’s sermon. It was about EFM, which stands for “Education for Ministry” or “Exploring Faith Ministry.” She pointed out that this movement is not intended for the education of clergy. It is to help church members explore religious matters and facilitate their theological reflection about what God is asking them to do in service to others. Hence, the mission’s orientation toward peace, abolition of nuclear weapons, and fellowship with nondominant groups such as Blacks, other minorities, and the LGBTQ community. Rev. Addis has also determined her pathway toward serving a unique group. She is an expert in British Sign Language and directs a monthly service for what she calls the “Messy Church.” This meeting is for those suffering the indignities and problems related to hearing disabilities.Several elements in the service collectively framed an ambience of togetherness and concern for others. The play area to one side of the sanctuary welcomed children. The tables and chairs at the rear invited attendees to socialize and enjoy tea and cake at the conclusion of the service. These ideas about caring for others, or for one another, reinforced the aesthetic and moral impact of the multicolored paper cranes fluttering in the air currents above us. The reminder of what we should do for neighbors was powerful. ■Ezra E. H. Griffith, M.D., is professor emeritus of psychiatry and African American Studies at Yale University. ISSUES NewArchived

Diabase from Drača open pit mine in central Serbia - quality assessment for building stone purposes

Vast masses of basic rocks are present as tectonic blocks and slices along the Eastern deep fault of the Vardar zone of Serbia. They are predominantly comprised of gabbro, with smaller part made up of diabase, and occurrences of granite, aplite and pegmatite dykes. Basic rock masses are trending along the line Kragujevac (Ždraljica)-Velika Pčelica-Bogalinac ~8 km west of Rekovac. A significantly smaller diabase massif is present along the same tectonic line, further toward SE, at Prevešt village by Kalenicka River, approximately 13 km south of Rekovac. Drača open pit mine is situated in this diabase massif. Geologic explorative works have confirmed the reserves of 1 846 695 t of stone mass for building purposes. For over a decade, Draca mine has been producing various types of building stone, mainly graded stone aggregate with favourable physico-mechanical properties for road-construction works. Chemical analyses and petrographic study have shown typical composition and fabric for this type of rock. Main constituents are plagioclase and pyroxene, with opaque minerals as accessory and varying secondary minerals – chlorite, calcite, in some places epidote and limonite. Pyrite enrichment is visible in some areas of the massif. Chlorite, calcite, epidote and pyrite are the products of propylitic alteration. Although products of alteration are present throughout the rock mass with variable intensity, as is typical for the basic rocks of the former ocean floor sequences, petrologic properties are favourable for building stone purposes. Physico-mechanical properties of diabase have favourable values and varying scattering degrees. Dry state uniaxial compressive strength average values from seven analyses vary in the range 130-169 MPa. Resistance to abrasion average values vary in the range 9.04-17.07 cm3/50cm2. Apparent density varies within the span 2759-2926 g/cm3 and real density 2804-2951 g/cm3. Water absorption values 0.08-1.04 %. Resistance to weathering through testing of stability using Sodium-sulphate values vary from 0.00 to 0.15 % and through frost resistance from 0.00 to 0.04 %. Porosity values are almost constant at 0.8 %. In more altered parts of the rock mass, porosity reaches 1.6 %. Graded crushed aggregate has favourable values of Los Angeles coefficient 14.2 and 14.3 % for gradation B. Taking into consideration all performed tests and analyses, it is concluded that diabase from Drača mine can be used as a building stone for production of aggregate for use in concrete and for road-construction (asphalt paving mixtures for moderate, light and very light traffic load as a top wearing layer; for lower and upper bearing layers; for classic and modern road foundations); for production of crushed and hewn stone for building; crushed stone for railroad ballast. Also, it can be and is used as a raw material for production of stone wool for thermal insulation purposes.