Stone Deposits Research Articles

The Study of the Biologically Active Effect of the Rubia Tinctorum L. Plant on Rats with Experimental Kidney Stone Disease and Issues of Introduction

Since ancient times, madder dye (Rubia tinctorum L.) has been used in Uzbekistan to help alleviate stone deposits in organs. In the experiment we conducted, we aimed to demonstrate that this plant can prevent the occurrence of kidney stone disease in rats using an induced model of the disease. The kidney stone disease model in rats was created by administering ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride to the animals over a period of 10 days. The substances contained in the madder dye plant mitigated the effects of the substances used to induce the disease. According to the study results, simultaneous oral administration of the madder dye extract prevented the development of kidney stone disease in rats. The extract of Rubia tinctorum L. was found to be highly effective, showing a significant nephroprotective effect due to its specific and rich composition of terpenes and terpenoids.

A molecular journey on the pathogenesis of primary hyperoxaluria.

Primary hyperoxalurias (PHs) are rare disorders caused by the deficit of liver enzymes involved in glyoxylate metabolism. Their main hallmark is the increased excretion of oxalate leading to the deposition of calcium oxalate stones in the urinary tract. This review describes the molecular aspects of PHs and their relevance for the clinical management of patients. Recently, the study of PHs pathogenesis has received great attention. The development of novel in vitro and in vivo models has allowed to elucidate how inherited mutations lead to enzyme deficit, as well as to confirm the pathogenicity of newly-identified mutations. In addition, a better knowledge of the metabolic consequences in disorders of liver glyoxylate detoxification has been crucial to identify the key players in liver oxalate production, thus leading to the identification and validation of new drug targets. The research on PHs at basic, translational and clinical level has improved our knowledge on the critical factors that modulate disease severity and the response to the available treatments, leading to the development of new drugs, either in preclinical stage or, very recently, approved for patient treatment.

Permanent eustachian tube dysfunction in cabin crew member: Case report and narrative review

Herein we review the current literature on Eustachian Tubal dysfunction (ETD) in patient submitted to different and rapid pressure change. Our review shows that there no data about this kind of pathology in cabin crew member, there only few data for divers.

The use of mudbricks and earth in modern Umbrian architectures: a preliminary report

The paper concerns with the use of unbaked bricks and clay in late medieval and early modern architectures in Umbria. In this central Italian region, a few structures are featured by such building materials, especially in areas lacking in good stone deposits. The topic has been sporadically investigated by previous studies and awaits systematic approaches. In particular, it is necessary to clarify the chronology of these building technologies and, regarding unbaked bricks, their relationship with the local baked production. Many different types of evidence will be considered: written sources, historical cartography, stratigraphic data, chrono-typological and mensio-chronological serialisations. Therefore, such focus fully locates the research within the borders of architectural archaeology. The expected goal is specifying the socio-economic, technical and chronological context in which clay-based techniques were developed and used. The paper also aims to enhance the attention and supervision on this type of material culture by related public institutions.

The effect of mineral water on the course of experimental oxalate nephrolithiasis

Introduction. The number of patients with urolithiasis (UCD) is increasing annually both among the adult population and among children, and therefore it is necessary to develop an integrated approach to the prevention and treatment of this pathology. Most often, with urolithiasis, oxalate-calcium crystalluria is determined, to reduce the level of which, low-mineralized mineral waters with a minimum sodium content are recommended.Aim. To study the effect of mineral water “Serebryanyy klyuch” on the course of experimental calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis.Materials and methods. During the study on laboratory rats, oxalate nephrolithiasis was simulated for 3 weeks by providing a 1% solution of ethylene glycol as a drink, while the rats of the experimental group used mineral water “Serebryanyy klyuch” as a solvent. The results of urine biochemistry (calcium, creatinine, activity of lactate dehydrogenase and γ-glutamyl transferase) and morphological studies (determination of the amount and size of calcium deposits in the kidneys, assessment of the structural and functional state of the nephrothelium) were evaluated.Results. Calcium-oxalate deposits in the control group of rats were detected in 25% of cases, while large-sized stones were observed in the kidney tubules. In the experimental group, the presence of stone deposits was detected in 1 (11.1%) case, with a clear shift towards smaller deposits. Morphological signs indicating the development of dystrophic changes with the phenomena of nephrosclerosis were much less pronounced in the conditions of consumption of mineral water “Serebryanyy klyuch”.Conclusion. Thus, the use of mineral water “Serebryanyy klyuch” in the conditions of a three-week experimental oxalate nephrolithiasis was accompanied by characteristic signs of facilitating the course of the pathology and contributed to a decrease in the proportion of large calculi in the kidneys.

Первые данные по петрохимии и минералогии месторождения плитчатого камня Талатшинское-2 (Южный Урал)

The article provides a novel detailed petrographic, petrochemical and mineralogical description of the Talatshinskoye-2 slab stone deposit. Fergusonite was found in the rocks of the Uraltau anticlinorium for the first time. The correlation of the studied object with other deposits of slab stone was carried out. An increased content of alkalis was revealed, which is an atypical characteristic for shales of the eastern flank of the Uraltau anticlinorium. The contents of niobium and yttrium directly indicate that the protolith belongs to acidic alkaline formations. The first manifestations of rare-metal-rare-earth Y-Nb-Ta-mineralization were found in shales of the Uraltau anticlinorium. Based on a set of features, including petrochemical, geochemical, and mineralogical, it was concluded that subalkaline granitoids served as the protolith for the rocks of the deposit.

The role of addition of calcium alginate microcapsules on permanent deformation of AC–WC natural asphalt Buton stone in Indonesia

This paper discusses natural asphalt deposits of Buton stone (asbuton) in Indonesia are very abundant, but the characteristics of asbuton are not yet suitable for road applications. So that the use of asbuton as a binder needs to be added with additives that can react independently to overcome the permanent deformation such as the addition of calcium alginate microcapsules to the asphalt mixture. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of adding calcium alginate microcapsules to the permanent deformation of AC-WC with asbuton. The current problem is that road pavements are not able to heal themselves when cracks start to occur, so additional materials are needed that can stimulate self-healing to occur so that the cracks that have started to occur can be closed again even though it takes time so that the self-healing process can occur. The microcapsules are made with the main ingredients of water, sunflower oil, sodium alginate (C6H7O6Na) and calcium chloride solvent (CaCl2), which are encapsulated and embedded in the asphalt mixture as a material that can restore the structural function by a healing method self healing. The research method uses true experimentally. Specimen variations in the study were the addition of calcium alginate microcapsules of 0 %, 1 %, 1.5 %, 2 %. Wheel Tracking Testing was carried out with the AASHTO Standard: T 32-11 and CAL Testing with the Tex-245-F 2014 standard. The results showed that with the addition of calcium alginate microcapsules, there was no significant contribution; better than microcapsules, the mixture decreases in the number of passes so that the mixture is easy to change shape rutting. However, adding calcium alginate microcapsules can reduce the value of weight loss, causing the adhesion of the asphalt mixture to increase

Thermal-Mass and Microbiological Analysis of Forced Air Flow through the Stone Heat Accumulator Bed

Heat storage in systems integrated with renewable energy sources in facilities can reduce the consumption of fossil fuels, cut maintenance costs, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and other objects. One of the possible solutions is the use of a stone heat accumulator for short-term heat storage and the use of this deposit in the ventilation process of the facility. During short-term air flow through the porous material from which an accumulator bed is made, there is an exchange of heat and mass between the flowing air and the bed particles. In the long term, the use of an accumulator can lead to an increase in dust and the development of pathogenic microorganisms, endangering human life and health. Therefore, understanding the factors influencing the efficient use of a stone deposit is very important. The aim of this study is to calculate the changes in thermal-mass parameters in the air flowing out of the stone accumulator and to assess the effect of long-term stone accumulator use on the content of microorganisms and dust concentration in bioaerosol. The application of the heat storage system in the stone bed leads to the formation of strictly controlled microclimatic conditions, and the tested air does not constitute a threat to the people staying in the object. The concentration standards of PM10 and PM2.5 exceeded the limit values (PM2.5 = 20 μg∙m−3 and PM10 = 40 μg∙m−3), and, thus, the air in the studied greenhouse was classified as polluted. The analysis also showed that, for the analyzed conditions, a 20% increase in the initial temperature of the accumulator bed results in a nearly 20% increase in the outlet air temperature.

Increased abundance of bacteria of the family Muribaculaceae achieved by fecal microbiome transplantation correlates with the inhibition of kidney calcium oxalate stone deposition in experimental rats.

The incidence of nephrolithiasis is increasing rapidly worldwide. Calcium oxalate is the most common constituent, contributing to approximately 80% of all kidney stones. The gut microbiome, through its oxalate-degrading ability, may play a role in decreasing morbidity due to urinary calculus. Fecal microbiome transplantation (FMT) has been reported to be effective in restoring the gastrointestinal microbial community in different conditions. The transplantation of whole communities that have oxalate-degrading function may be a more effective strategy than the transplantation of isolated strains. FMT was carried out in male guinea pigs and male Sprague-Dawley laboratory rats (SDRs). Fresh feces were collected from guinea pigs housed in metabolic cages. SDRs were divided into four groups: two groups received standard rat chow (SC) (groups SC and SC + FMT), and two groups were fed a 5% potassium oxalate diet (OD) (groups OD + phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and OD + FMT). On day 14, groups OD + PBS, OD + FMT, and SC + FMT received either PBS or guinea pig feces by esophageal gavage. The composition of the microbiota of guinea pigs and SDRs was analyzed using a 16S rRNA gene sequencing approach. Biochemical analysis of urine samples from SDRs revealed the presence of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals, which were presumed to originate from kidney stones. Renal function was examined using real-time PCR analysis and immunohistochemical staining for renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme, and osteopontin (OPN) expression. FMT resulted in a gut microbiota that was a mixture of guinea pig and SDR bacteria. A microbial network involving Muribaculaceae, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium was activated by FMT in group OD + FMT. As a result, urinary oxalate, calcium, uric acid, creatinine and urea in urine samples were reduced significantly. Similarly, significant reduction of uric acid and blood urea nitrogen to creatinine ratio in serum samples was observed (p < 0.05). Microscopic observations revealed a high CaOx crystal score (4+) in the kidneys of rats in group OD + PBS, whereas a lower score (2+) was observed in the rats in group OD + FMT. Up-regulation of OPN and down-regulation of renin were also associated with FMT. A microbial network involving Muribaculaceae and other oxalate-degrading bacteria achieved by FMT was capable of reducing urinary oxalate excretion and CaOx crystal deposition in the kidney through increasing intestinal oxalate degradation. FMT may exert a renoprotective function in oxalate-related kidney stones.

Kidney cysts in patients with HOGA1 variants.

In an era of increased accessibility to genetic testing, nephrologists may be able to better understand pathophysiologic mechanisms by which their patients develop specific conditions. In this study, we describe clinical and genetic findings of two patients with kidney cysts, who were found to have variants in HOGA1, a mitochondrial 4-hydroxy-2-oxoglutarate aldolase enzyme associated with primary hyperoxaluria type3 and the development of oxalate-containing kidney stones. We describe possible mechanisms by which mutations in this enzyme could result in the kidney cyst formation seen in our two patients. We propose that patients with mutations in HOGA1 are predisposed to crystal or stone deposition, tubule dilation, and inflammasome activation, which can result in kidney cyst formation.

Application of UAV photogrammetry products for the exploration of dimension stone deposits: a case study of the Majestic Rose quarry, Kerman province, Iran

Application of UAV photogrammetry products for the exploration of dimension stone deposits: a case study of the Majestic Rose quarry, Kerman province, Iran

Medical mystery: Deposition of calcium oxalate and phosphate stones in soft tissues

Calcinosis cutis (CC) [1] is an unusual disorder characterized by calcium-phosphate deposition into cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues. There are five subtypes: dystrophic, metastatic, idiopathic, iatrogenic and calciphylaxis. Calciphylaxis or calcifying panniculitis is defined as small vessel calcification mainly affecting blood vessels of the dermis and subcutaneous fat. Despite the predominance of cases in patients with ESRD, calciphylaxis can also be found in patients with normal renal function and normal levels of calcium and phosphate. These cases are often referred to as nonuremic calciphylaxis (NUC), a heterogeneous category with several associations. Literature reveals an association with hyperparathyroidism (28%), malignancy (22%), alcoholic liver disease (17%) and connective tissue diseases (11%) while obesity, liver disease, high-serum calcium (Ca) × phosphorus (P) levels, combined therapies of calcium salts with vitamin D, warfarin and corticosteroids have been observed to increase the likelihood of this disease [2]. The lesions in both nonuremic and uremic calciphylaxis tend to be indistinguishable from each other, initially presenting as tender subcutaneous plaques that progress into nonhealing ulcers with overlying black eschar. Skin changes often begin with a livedo reticularis pattern that can progress to livedo racemes and ultimately retiform purpura. In our clinical case, we describe a patient with multiple risk factors for calciphylaxis, intense widespread calcification (vessels, tendons, joints) and cutaneous calcific stone of calcium and phosphate oxalate not elsewhere described before.

Развитие соледобычи в Астраханской губернии (на примере соляной горы Чапчачи) во второй половине XIX века

The article covers the history of the organization of salt business at the Chapchachinsky stone deposit of the Astrakhan province in the second half of the XIX century. It is shown that Mount Chapchachi is a unique deposit of rock salt of the Astrakhan province. Since the 60s XIX century enhanced development of the field begins. Initially, the government allowed everyone wishing to extract salt on the mountain in an open way, and later, wanting to establish the correct development in the field using the construction of the mine, handed over the field to the merchant I. A. Pervushin. The author concludes that since the end of the XIX century there has been a decline in the development of the Chapchachin industry. This field has existed so far there were benefits – a reduction in excise tax and per capita fees. After their cancellation, the closure of salt mining on Mount Chapchachi was natural.

Evaluation of Anti Urolithiatic Activity of Dolichos biflorus Seed Extract by Using Ethylene Glycol Induced Model

In the phytochemical screening, it was found that Dolichos Biflorus seed extract contained the presence of tannins steroids, protein, flavonoids, terpenoids, mucilage, saponin, and carbohydrate, but no alkaloids fixed oil. So, this plant has highly diuretic activity. Which can use for the treatment of urolithiasis.&#x0D; Objective: The Present study aims to investigate the anti-Urolithiatic activity of Dolichos Biflorus methanolic seed extract in a rat model.&#x0D; Methods: Dolichos Biflorus Seeds Extract were evaluated for anti-Urolithiatic activity. Urolithiasis has been induced in Wistar rats through Ethylene glycol (0.75%v/v, p.o). Upon completion of the experiment, animals in all groups have been sacrificed and biochemical parameters such as; calcium, creatinine, Phosphorus, Uric acid, Alkaline Phosphatase BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen), and histology of Kidney have been observed. Furthermore, Potassium, Oxalate levels, and Alanine Amino Transferases were measured.&#x0D; Results: The extract of Dolichos Biflorus was proven to be safe in the toxicity findings.&#x0D; It has been shown that in-vivo significant effect of plant extract was able to manage the urolithiatic markers such as calcium, creatinine, phosphorus, uric acid, alkaline phosphatase, BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen), and potassium. In the urolithiatic rats it has been observed that abundant crystal depositions, renal epithelial cells had more tubular dilatation and damage shown by large spaces in the tissue, renal stone deposition damages the renal tissue and detoriate the renal function. Urolithiatic markers such as calcium, creatinine, phosphorus, uric acid, alkaline phosphatase, BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen), and potassium were normal in animals receiving plant extract and prevent renal cell injury.&#x0D; Conclusion: All its findings and phytoconstituents existing inside the extract must stay the viable chemical materials involved in the prevention of Urolithiatic.

Medical mystery. Deposition of calcium oxalate and phosphate stones in soft tissues: A case of cutaneous stone calciphylaxis?

Calcinosis cutis (CC) [1] is an unusual disorder characterized by calcium-phosphate deposition into cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues

Building stone resources of Dnipropetrovsk region

The article deals with the analysis of building stone resources of Dnipropetrovsk region that are used and can be used in order to provide construction needs. Dnipropetrovsk region is one of the most economically developed Ukrainian regions due to mineral and raw material resources being located on its territory. A part of regional mineral raw extraction comes up to almost 50% of mineral deposit balance reserves and the provision exceeds three times the national rate. Crystalline Pre-Cambrian rocks of East European platform fundament as gneiss, granites, quartzites, migmatites, granodiorites, amphibolites and sedimentary apron rocks – malmrocks – are natural construction material in the region. 42 building stone deposits are located on the territory of the region among them 19 deposits are developed also refer to big and middle and 24 are not developed. The biggest amount of developed deposits is located in the Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Kamianske and Nikopol districts. Building stone extraction is equal to approximately 14% from national quantity. Deposit exploitation is performed by commercial structures and state corporation enterprises. The conclusions are made about the ways of expanding capacities of building stone extraction due to complex iron ore deposit development and the opportunity of building stone reserve increase in the region.

Protective effect of bee pollen in acute kidney injury, proteinuria, and crystalluria induced by ethylene glycol ingestion in rats

Oxidative stress plays a role in hyperoxaluria-induced kidney injury and crystallization. Bee pollen is a hive product with a high content of antioxidants. The antioxidant content and protective effect of bee pollen extract (BPE) against ethylene glycol (EG) induced crystalluria, and acute kidney injury (AKI) were investigated. The effect of BPE on the EG-induced liver injury and proteinuria was also examined. Ten groups of male Wister rats were treated daily with vehicle, cystone, BPE (100, 250, and 500 mg/kg b.wt.), and group 6–9 treated with EG, EG + BPE (100, 250, and 500 mg/kg b.wt.) and group 10 EG + cystone. The dose of EG was 0.75% v/v, and the dose of cystone was 500 mg/kg b.wt. On day 30, blood and urine samples were collected for analysis. Kidneys were removed for histopathological study. The antioxidant activity of BPE was assessed, and its total phenols and flavonoids were determined. EG significantly increased urine parameters (pH, volume, calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, and protein), blood urea, creatinine, and liver enzymes (P < 0.05). EG decreased creatinine clearance and urine magnesium and caused crystalluria. Treatment with BPE or cystone mitigates EG's effect; BPE was more potent than cystone (P < 0.05). BPE increases urine volume, sodium, and magnesium compared to the control and EG treated groups. BPE reduces proteinuria and prevents AKI, crystalluria, liver injury, and histopathological changes in the kidney tissue caused by EG. BPE might have a protective effect against EG-induced AKI, crystalluria, proteinuria, and stone deposition, most likely by its antioxidant content and activity.

Antiurolithiatic Potential of Three Sri Lankan Medicinal Plants by the Inhibition of Nucleation, Growth, and Aggregation of Calcium Oxalate Crystals In Vitro

Background Deposition and formation of stones in any part of the urinary system is called urolithiasis. CaOx is the predominant component of most stones, and the formation of these stones is a multistep process that includes supersaturation, nucleation, aggregation, growth, and retention. In ayurvedic medicine, medicinal plants are used for the management of kidney stones. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of aqueous, ethanol, and hexane extracts of Drymoglossum piloselloides leaves, Kalanchoe laciniata leaves, and Aegle marmelos flowers against CaOx urolithiasis in vitro. Methods The crystallization of CaOx monohydrate (COM) and dihydrate (COD) was induced in a synthetic urine system. The nucleation, growth, and aggregation of crystals were measured using spectrophotometric methods. The results were compared against the polyherbal drug, Cystone, under identical concentrations. Crystals generated in the urine were also observed under light microscopy. Statistical differences and percentage inhibitions were calculated using standard formulae and compared. A preliminary phytochemical screening was also performed to detect active phytoconstituents present in the three plants used in the study. Results The results obtained clearly demonstrated that Kalanchoe laciniata, Aegle marmelos, and Drymoglossum piloselloides have the capacity to inhibit the nucleation, growth, and aggregation of CaOx crystals. Microscopic examination of crystals revealed the presence of more COM than COD crystals but a dose-dependent reduction in crystals was observed in the presence of plant extracts. Hexane, ethanol, and aqueous extracts of all three plants had different capabilities to inhibit nucleation, growth, and aggregation of CaOx crystals but their activities were different at different concentrations. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of reducing sugars, proteins, flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenol compound in Kalanchoe laciniata and Drymoglossum piloselloides and reducing sugars, proteins, anthracene glycosides, and saponins in Aegle marmelos. Conclusions This study provided evidence that Kalanchoe laciniata, Aegle marmelos, and Drymoglossum piloselloides have the potential to be developed as inhibitors of nucleation, growth, and aggregation of CaOx crystals in the treatment of urolithiasis.

THE PALAEOENVIRONMENTS AND DEPOSITIONAL MODEL FOR THE NGRAYONG SANDSTONES AN OUTCROP STUDY IN EASTERN PART OF THE MADURA ISLAND AS A REFERENCE

This topic is the most eastern portion of the se- ries depositional model of the Ngrayong Sandstone, which well develops particularly in Madura Island. This study is also observing both vertical and horizontal sequences of the sedintentological aspects and its geological associations of the Ngrayong Sandstone outcrops. The eastern part is situated between 06° 58' 10" S- 113° 46' 16" E and 06 59' 47" S- 113° 56' 09" E, that covers the eastern studies area ie, Mandala --Belukares and Prenduan to the west and Banjar Barat – Gapura - Sema to the eastern margin (Fig- ure 1). These areas are also exemplifying the east- ern most of the Ngrayong Sandstone depositional setting. Like most of the previous Ngrayong Sandstone Studies of these series is to consign the sand- stone deposition aspects especially in the main land of Madura to obtain good affiliation within the basin configuration related to hydrocarbon exploration in this region. The worked was converged on the Ngrayong Sandstone exposures to investigate the depositional style of the sandstone in the eastern portion of the island. The data mostly obtained from direct measurement of even single section of the outcrop, paleocurrent analysis and sedimentary structure, collecting the rock samples for petrographic study to see the modal analysis, di- agenesis, and reservoir characteristic.

Kidney stone formation in a novel murine model of polycystic kidney disease.

Individuals with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease have a higher incidence of stone formation than the general population. However, there are no cystic animal models known to develop stones. Cystic mice compound heterozygous for hypomorphic Pkd1V and Pkd1RC alleles develop cystic kidneys within a few weeks of birth but live beyond 20 wk of age, allowing for the study of cystic comorbidities including stone formation. Cystic Pkd1V/RC mice were euthanized at 3, 13, or 26 wk of age, and their kidneys were analyzed by microcomputed tomography (µCT) for stone formation. Mice had occasional mineral aggregates that could be detected by µCT analysis at 3 wk of age. At 13 or 26 wk of age, numerous white masses were visible beneath the kidney surface. µCT analysis confirmed the masses to be large mineral stone deposits throughout the renal cortex, with mineral content increasing with age. Staining of histological sections with alizarin red and von Kossa suggested that the stone deposits were composed primarily of calcium and phosphate. Microdissection confirmed stones localized within cyst lumens. Analysis of individual stones by µCT and infrared spectroscopy confirmed apatite mineral composition. Urinalysis revealed elevated levels of phosphate and citrate at 3 wk of age and lower pH and elevated levels of calcium and citrate at 13 wk of age, suggesting altered phosphate and calcium homeostasis as a potential cause of mineralization and renal stone formation. This is the first animal model exhibiting overt kidney stone formation in the context of cystic kidney disease.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Compound heterozygous Pkd1V/RC mice were found to form calcium phosphate-containing stones within cysts of the renal cortex by 13 wk of age. This is the first polycystic kidney disease animal model exhibiting spontaneous stone formation. A growing body of evidence suggests a link between renal stone formation and cystic kidney disease. This mouse model may be useful for studying the interplay between stone and cyst formation and the functional role of polycystins in mineral homeostasis.