Stone Formations Research Articles

Sensitive electrochemical analysis of uricosuric drug sulfinpyrazone using a graphene-based sensor: A first voltammetric approach

The novel electrochemical sensor was employed for the investigation of the uricosuric drug sulfinpyrazone (SLF), which is administered orally to treat gout and prevent stone formations. SLF is toxic to the liver and increases the risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, which are life-threatening conditions. It is crucial to avoid aspirin, salicylates, and similar salicylic acid derivatives when taking uricosuric drugs, as salicylates can inhibit tubular uric acid secretion, especially at lower doses. Thus, determining SLF is highly significant. In the pursuit of intensive care and interactions involving SLF, an r-GO@CPE (reduced graphene oxide modified carbon paste electrode) was employed for the study of SLF. Various characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray diffraction spectrum (EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and electron impedance spectroscopy (EIS), were utilized to analyse the electrode modifier. The resulting r-GO@CPE has an enriched electroactive surface area, a high standard heterogeneous rate constant (ket), and a small charge resistance (Rct) as compared with the Carbon paste electrode, which authenticates its good catalytic activity. The analytical investigation of SLF was achieved through voltametric techniques such as cyclic & square wave voltammetry (CV & SWV). Optimal results were attained at a pH of 9.2, revealing an oxidation peak within the potential range of 0.2–1.2 V. SWV was employed for the quantitative estimation of SLF, yielding a limit of detection (LOD) and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 1.10 × 10−8 M and 3.6 × 10−8 M respectively. This novel approach was also applied to determine SLF concentrations in both biological, water & pharmaceutical samples.

Current Dietary and Medical Prevention of Renal Calcium Oxalate Stones.

Kidney stones refer to abnormal crystal formation that occurs in the kidney. Among a variety of components of kidney stones, calcium oxalate (CaOx) is the most common type. Despite many efforts to investigate the pathogenesis of CaOx stones, the pathogenesis remains an issue of debate. With high occurrence and recurrence, individuals with stone formation are prone to frequently consult a doctor and to be hospitalized, and the treatment of kidney stones poses a heavy burden on the patients. Concerns should be focused not only on treatment but also on prevention. Herein, we reviewed the studies on prevention methods of CaOx stones through diet, lifestyle, and medication extending until the current time frame. As hyperoxaluria is the most common metabolic disorder among CaOx stone formations, we also included several studies on the treatment and prevention of hyperoxaluria. Our objective was to outline the effective methods to prevent renal CaOx stone formation.

The Monumental Kurgans in Bronze Age in River Kura Basin

The article contains with the archaeological excavations of the Deller Jayir kurgans at 322.700 km of the SCPX (South Caucasus Pipeline Expansion Project) pipeline corridor. These kurgans are located in the territory of Deller Jayir village of Shamkir district of Azerbaijan Republic. About 10 kurgans were recorded in the kurgan field located on a relatively high hill on the right bank of the river, about 100-150 m away from the Jayir River, only 2 of them fell into the pipeline corridor, excavated and explored.
 The surface of the Deller Jayir kurgans consists of stone formations with a clearly visible circular shape and a relatively concave center. They are located close to each other at a distance of 5-6 m. Preliminary analysis of the structures and burial rites in the Deller Jayir kurgans and the forms of the few pottery fragments found in these kurgans show that these kurgans date the transition stage from Middle Bronze Age to the Late Bronze Age, to be precisely, to the 15th-14th centuries BC.

P-83 Primary thyroid lymphoma presented with hypercalcemia and rapidly growing neck mass

Abstract Introduction Primary thyroid lymphoma is an uncommon malignancy, accounting for 1% to 2% of extranodal lymphomas and 1% to 5% of thyroid malignancies. Large B-cell lymphoma is the most prevalent form of primary thyroid lymphoma. Here, we present a patient with hypercalcemia and a rapidly growing neck lesion who was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the thyroid gland. Clinical Case A 75-year-old patient presented to the emergency room with loss of appetite and decreased oral intake over the previous five days, as well as abdominal pain and inability to pass gas and feces. The nausea and vomiting symptoms began simultaneously with the abdominal discomfort. Inspection revealed a distinct, palpable, and erythematous mass in the patient's neck, which the patient reported developing within the previous three months. After noticing the growing mass and consulting her primary care physician, she was referred to an ENT specialist; a biopsy was conducted and the results were pending. Her preliminary laboratory results revealed hypercalcemia and renal failure with depressed parathyroid hormone levels. The following were the initial laboratory results: creatinine 2,14 mg/dL, Ca 13,5 mg/dL, Albumin: 4,2 g/dL, P 2,9 mg/dL, Mg:1 mg/dl, parathormone 11.6 ng/dL procalcitonin 0.04% ng/mL and hemoglobin 10.2% g/dl. Abdominal CT revealed a contracted gallbladder with stone formations in the lumen, but no other abnormalities. The patient was admitted to the internal medicine ward with an initial diagnosis of hypercalcemia and prerenal acute kidney failure as a result of decreased oral intake. The patient's hypercalcemia was determined to be PTH-independent, and malignancy was suspected due to a 4-month history of progressive neck lesion. The thyroid gland was 49×40×87mm in the right and 38×40×62mm in the left, and the isthmus was 50mm thick with lobulated outlines on contrast enhanced cervical MR. The signal intensity of parenchyma was heterogeneous. 18F-FDG PET/CT uncovered a bilateral, distinct increase in the size of the thyroid gland with protrusions to the hyoid bone in superior sequences. The solid mass was found to have diffusely increased FDG uptake and a hypermetabolic pattern, both of which are indicative of malignant characteristics. The lesions encompass the trachea and there are reports of invasion of the cricoid cartilage and thyroid cartilage. A second main malignant disease concern was raised when small intestine FDG uptake and wall thickening suggested malignancy. The patient was re-evaluated by the endocrinology clinic, and additional workup tests were ordered due to the suspicion of Riedel Struma, which was based on the control sedimentation rate of 93 mm/h and the firmness of the gland upon palpation. An open surgical biopsy was performed. The pathology report concluded that it is consistent with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma that is CD20-positive. The hematology department has scheduled chemotherapy treatment for the patient.

Pediatric age-related distribution of calcium oxalate monohydrate and calcium oxalate dihydrate in urinary tract stones: metabolic, gender and ethnic correlates.

Previous studies of pediatric urolithiasis have suggested possible associations between the relative proportions of calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) and calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) stones with age, gender, and ethnicity. This study aimed to investigate the composition and distribution of calcium oxalate stones according to these clinical factors and the metabolic correlates of the different subtypes in pediatric stone formers. We retrospectively reviewed the database of all first-time stone formers between 2014 and 2019. Infrared spectrometry was used to determine stone composition. Stones were categorized by their highest relative component and reported as a percentage of occurrences in the cohort as a whole and by patient gender, age (divided into three age groups: 1-5, 6-12, 13-18 years), and ethnicity. Clinical and metabolic correlates were analyzed. Of 2,479 consecutive stones submitted to our chemical stone lab, 220 first-time pediatric stone formers were identified. COD stones were the predominant subtype in the youngest group, and COM stones in the oldest group (OR 0.39, 95% CI:0.18-0.86, p=0.036). In the intermediate-age group (6-12 years), COM stones were more prevalent in Arab boys and COD stones in girls of either ethnicity. COD stones were associated with hypercalciuria (p< 0.0001), and COM stones with hyperoxaluria (p=0.0024). Hypercalciuria and hypocitraturia were the most prevalent abnormalities at ages 1-5 and 13-18, respectively. Analysis of calcium oxalate stone subtypes and their metabolic correlates in stone formers has significant clinical relevance, specifically in children. In the present study, COD stones and hypercalciuria were more common in younger children, and COM stones and hypocitraturia in adolescents. These findings suggest unique, complex interactions driving stone formations in children that may guide a more practical, limited, and cost-effective approach to metabolic evaluations, choice of treatment, and preventive measures, particularly in first-time calcium oxalate pediatric stone-formers.

An engineering-geological study of rock soils and the products of their fracture zones (Albazinskoe deposit, north Khabarovsk Krai)

Background. The results of an engineering-geological study of rock soils and the products of their fault zones are considered on the example of samples selected in the sides of the Albazinskoe gold-bearing deposit located in the north of the Khabarovsk Krai.Aim. To develop and implement a methodological approach, which includes laboratory determinations of the velocity of propagation of longitudinal seismic waves (“seismic speed”) using a “Pulsar-2.2” unit (methods of continuous and through sounding), as well as density, porosity and water absorption determinations along with obtaining information about the types of microstructure and microtexture, the mineral composition and mineral alteration features under the influence of metamorphism (using petrographical thin sections).Materials and methods. For the collected rock soil samples the relationship between seismic velocity and physical properties indicators was evaluated (R-type cluster analysis programme). The products of fractural zones were studied in a laboratory according to a specially-developed methodological approach: extended (black clay) and reduced (crushed stone formations with debris). The microelement composition of the clay and gravel of argillites was determined for the first time, and the level of their pollution by toxic microelements (Zc index) was evaluated.Results. On the basis of quantitative assessment of the relationship between indicators of rocky soils various properties identified using the cluster analysis program, an “anomalous” conclusion is obtained about the absence of the rock soil density effect on seismic properties, which can be explained by the textural and structural features, as well as by mineral composition and the consequences of metamorphism (cataclastic and blastogenetic features recorded on the microscale in thin sections).Conclusion. The proposed methodological approach can be recommended for further studies of seismic, strength and physical properties of rocky soils during seismological and engineering-seismological studies of various territories.

MODIFICATION OF CEMENT-CONCRETE MIXTURES WITH POLYMER ADDITIVES, STRUCTURED CARBON NANOTUBES

The use of complex modifiers for cement-concrete mixtures and concretes is becoming increasingly popular in modern materials science. The paper presents studies of the effect of a polymer additive structured with carbon nanomaterial on the physical and mechanical characteristics of cement-concrete mixtures. IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetry revealed that the use of carbon nanomaterial significantly changes the structure of cement-concrete mixtures. As a result of the fact that high-strength nanomaterial is the center of crystallization of cement stone formations, a denser reinforced microstructure is formed, which significantly increases the strength characteristics of cement-concrete mixtures. Inclusion in the composition of cement-concrete mixtures of polymer complex additives leads to higher and longer plasticization, which plays an important role in the production of monolithic products. It is established that in the presence of a complex modifier (polymer additive structured with carbon nanotubes) the crystal structure of calcium hydrosilicates is compacted, which causes high physical and mechanical characteristics of modified cement-concrete mixtures. It is experimentally shown that the additive acts as an accelerator of hardening and hardening of cement paste, as well as increases its strength characteristics. In general, for all cement-concrete mixtures in this study there is a water-reducing effect of the additive. Water consumption decreases by 5 wt. %, while the strength increases by 19%. Formulations of cement-concrete mixtures modified with polymer additives, structured carbon nanotubes, with high performance characteristics have been developed.

The correlation between promoter hypermethylation of VDR, CLDN, and CasR genes and recurrent stone formation

ObjectivesRecurrent Kidney stone formation is a main medical problem imposing a significant burden on both healthcare and the economy worldwide. Environmental and genetic factors have been linked to a bigger risk of kidney stone formation. We aim to assess the role of methylation on recurrent stone formation in three target genes.MethodsWe aimed to check the association between promoter hypermethylation vitamin D receptor (VDR), calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), and claudin 14 (CLDN14) genes in recurrent kidney stones. We enrolled 30 consecutive recurrent kidney stone formers (age 18–60 years) (cases) and 30 age and gender-matched controls.3. To identify promoter methylation, two target regions from each candidate gene were bisulfited after blood collection and DNA extraction. Methylation quantification was done through methylation-specific high resolution melting (MS-HRM).ResultsThe mean age of the patients and controls (mean ± SD) was 49.58 ± 14.23 years and BMI 36.12 ± 2.72. The methylation status in all six target regions was meaningfully different between the stone-former group and controls when methylation was considered in three clusters of unmethylated, methylated, and hypermethylated. A higher effect in VDR and CLDN was observed compare to CasR (p-value < 0.001, and < 0.005 versus p-value < 0.256).ConclusionsMethylation as an important epigenetic mechanism should be considered more in recurrent stone formations. Promoter hypermethylation of VRD and CLDN genes may have an essential role in recurrent kidney stones formations.

Large Multiple Sialoliths of Bilateral Submandibular Glands: A Case Report

Sialolithiasis is a most common disease of salivary glands most commonly occurs in submandibular gland system. Simultaneous sialolithiasis in more than one salivary gland and multiple stone formations have been reported in only 5% and 3% of cases, respectively. In this article, a rare case of bilateral presence of various stones in different sizes and shapes in the submandibular glands and its duct in a 68-year-old man has been investigated. Stones on left side were removed through an intraoral incision and on the right side; the entire salivary gland was removed with extraoral access.&#x0D; Conclusion: After precise diagnosis of sialolithiasis through various diagnostic modalities, treatment plan should be tailored based on existing condition and the decision was made to remove a salivary gland with extraoral access on one side and remove the stones by intraoral incision on the other side while preserving the salivary gland.

Neglected Retained Suprapubic Catheter with Varied Management Options: A Case Series

Supra-pubic catheterization of bladder is used as a short or long term alternative to per-urethtral catheterization. Some catheter materials are more resistant to encrustation than others. If kept indwelling for longer duration, sooner or later all catheters cause complications like urinary tract infection (UTI), trauma, peri-catheter leakage, non-deflation of balloon, encrustations and stone formations resulting into retained catheter. Stone formation over neglected indwelling catheter is not an unusual clinical scenario and its management depends on etiology of catheter retention and complication. This article discusses etiopathogenesis, clinical presentations, diagnosis and varied management options used for the neglected retained supra-pubic catheter in three cases

Influence of constructive solutions on the stiffness characteristics of the rammed monolithic reinforced concrete cone-shaped piles with side and bottom forms from crushed stones

Relevance. The article discusses the design solutions of a new pile structure, which is a monolithic reinforced concrete cone-shaped pile, enclosed in a crushed stone shell and resting on a spherical crushed stone broadening. In the course of a numerical study, carried out using the finite element method, the influence of the geometric parameters of the crushed stone formations of the pile foundation, such as the wall thickness of the crushed stone shell and the radius of the crushed stone broadening, on its bearing capacity was revealed. The aim of the study is to perform a comparative numerical analysis of the stressstrain state of a pile structure with different design solutions, operating as part of a soil massif. Materials and methods. Numerical static analysis of the structure of a monolithic reinforced concrete pile foundation operating in a soil massif was carried out using a spatial finite element model in the CAE-class software package. The article presents the results of a numerical analysis of the stress-strain state of a rammed monolithic reinforced concrete cone-shaped pile with different wall thicknesses of the crushed stone shell and different diameters of the lower spherical crushed stone broadening. The analysis showed that changes in the specified geometric parameters of the pile foundation have a significant impact on its bearing capacity under external forces. The rational choice of these parameters allows you to economically use the concrete mixture and reinforcing rods intended for the manufacture of monolithic reinforced concrete rammed piles, which, in turn, leads to a decrease in financial costs for the manufacture of the pile foundation and the entire building as a whole. The next research is supposed to carry out a comparative analysis of the numerical results with experimental data obtained in laboratory and field conditions.

Amelioration of Diabetes-Induced Nephropathy by Loranthus regularis: Implication of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Hyperlipidaemia

In traditional Yemeni medicine, various preparations of Loranthus regularis (L. regularis), such as powder, decoctions and infusions are commonly used to treat diabetes, kidney stone formations and inflammation. In the present study, we evaluated the antinephrotoxic effects of L. regularis extract in experimentally-induced diabetes in male Wistar rats. A single dose (60 mg/kg/day) of Streptozotocin (STZ) was used to induce type 1 diabetes. Animals were then treated for four weeks with L. regularis extract (150 or 300 mg/kg/day) by oral gavage. Renal and blood samples were subsequently harvested. Several biochemical indices, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were assessed. Additionally, histological alterations in the renal tissue were examined. Serum glucose levels were significantly (p &lt; 0.01) lowered while insulin levels were enhanced in L. regularis-treated diabetic animals. The increased renal markers in diabetic rats were decreased by L. regularis treatment. Serum elevated lipid profiles were markedly decreased by the plant extract. The serum and renal cytokines that were significantly increased (p &lt; 0.001) by STZ were diminished by L. regularis treatment. Finally, renal tissue antioxidant enzymatic activity was enhanced with L. regularis treatment. Taken together, the data here indicate that L. regularis possesses therapeutic ability to reduce the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN) by minimizing oxidative injury and inflammation.

New materialism in art – “new stones” in art@science discourse

This study is devoted to three artistic projects based on debris found on the shores of the seas and oceans: plastiglomerates discovered in Hawaii by Kelly Jazvac, recycled waste projects off the coast of river Thames by Inge Sluijs, and plastic waste from the coasts of Norway gathered by Þóra Pétursdóttir. The analyzed works are manifestations of the trend called “new materiality” in art. The artists’ goal is to encourage rethinking the status of objects of natural origin that surround us in the context of social relations, especially in the perspective of the nature/culture dichotomy. Cultural objects of natural origin are the result of human action. Stone and mineral formations are a special example in art practice. They can be studied due to their physical properties, but transformed due to contemporary climate change and pollution they turn into an object proving the cultural transformation of the environment. For this reason, stones found in coastal areas can no longer be considered as raw material for geologists, but as part of human life. The innovative and creative presentation of objects at exhibitions in the galleries and museums allows the wide audience to understand the relationship between human activities in the environment and its effects on material changes. By focusing on the physical dimension of the matter used, the artists emphasize the role of marine science and comment on socio-political agencies of things, as well as indicate the need for public engagement in activities for marine issues.

Revitalization and Adaptive Re-use in Cappadocia: A Taxonomy of Creative Design Solutions for Uchisar Boutique Hotels

The "architecture without architect" in Cappadocia has always been fairy due to its volcanic stone formations and transforming silhouettes. In 1973, French architect Jack Avizou highlighted the essence of cave houses as vernacular building types and their potentials for local tourism beyond conventional notions of architectural heritage. Upon completing the restoration of cave houses in Uçhisar and transforming them to boutique hotels, he was nominated for Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2010. On the other hand, Aga Khan Award winner Turkish architect Turgut Cansever had also been advising for Argos Hotel project in Uçhisar since 1996. He gave importance to the concept of "protection" and preserved vernacular identity and characteristics despite the demands of the tourism sector. This paper aims to explore Avizou and Cansever’s design solutions in Uçhisar’s local context. Building and spatial relations in interiors will be analyzed with cluster analysis and ranked according to levels of novelty. Hence, the achievement of creativity through transformation, combination and variation of original designs, will be displayed. Understanding Avizou’s and Cansever’s visions on revitalization and adaptive re-use are substantial since their creativity shall be a source of inspiration for future sustainable tourism and building practices in a local and global context.

Forgotten Double J Ureteral Stent for 10 years: A Case Report with Review of Literature

Background: Ureteral stents are a crucial part of urologic surgeries. Complications of Double J stenting (DJS) include migration, fragmentation, and encrustation. In addition, forgotten stents with encrustations and stone formations are difficult to remove. Case Presentation: We report the case of a stent “forgotten” for 10 years, which migrated downward into the proximal ureter, concomitant with multiple ureteral stones and bladder calculus. Whole encrustation of the stent was observed. The “forgotten” stent was positioned 10 years ago during right ureteral stone treatment in the Philippines. In the end, the patient underwent laser cystolithotripsy, stone elimination, ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy and stent removal. The final X-ray post-intervention revealed the absence of any stone fragment or residual DJS fragment. Conclusion: We report the longest period of forgotten DJS with maximum stone burden in the urinary system. To avoid this situation, patients should be educated regarding complications if the stent is not removed within a short period. Moreover, a computerized registry of stent placement can be used to alert the urologist when the stent ought to be removed.

Analysis of stones formed in the human gall bladder and kidney using advanced spectroscopic techniques.

Stone diseases (gallstones and kidney stones) are extremely painful and often cause death. The prime aim of biomedical research in this area has been determination of factors resulting in stone formation inside the gallbladder and urinary tract. Many theories have been put forward to explain the mechanism of stone formation and their growth; however, their complete cycle of pathogenesis is still under debate. Several factors are responsible for stone formation; however, much emphasis is placed on the determination of elemental and molecular composition of the stones. In the present review article, we describe different kinds of spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and highlight their use in the analysis of stone diseases. We have summarized work done on gallstones and kidney stones using these advanced techniques particularly over the last 10years. We have also briefly elaborated the basics of stone formations inside the human body and their complications for a better understanding of the subject.

Improvement of Wood-Cement Composition Properties with Microsilica Additive

The properties and microstructure of wood-cement compositions (WCC) with microsilica (MS) additive for the manufacture of small-pieces wall products are studied. The extreme dependences of mean density, thermal conductivity and compressive strength on the content of microsilica additive are established. The mechanism of microsilica effect on wood-cement compositions is offered. Two interrelated factors (chemical and physical) could be distinguished at that. The first factor includes mainly the interaction of silicon dioxide with lime having released during hydration of calcium silicates, i.e. pozzolatic process. The second factor lies in the compaction of wood-cement compositions and the cement stone structure by means of cement hydration products and silica particles. It is established that introducing 20% of microsilica in the composition results in the maximum increase in ultimate compression strength (3 times). It can be explained not only by forming calcium hydrosilicates, uniformly and densely covering the wood aggregate, but by compacting effect of spherical microsilica inclusions, filling the space between the new cement stone formations and wood aggregate.

ГЕОФИЗИЧЕСКИЕ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ ВНУТРЕННЕГО СТРОЕНИЯ ГЛЯЦИАЛЬНО-МЕРЗЛОТНЫХ КАМЕННЫХ ОБРАЗОВАНИЙ ЦЕНТРАЛЬНОГО АЛТАЯ

C помощью комплекса методов электротомографии и георадиолокационного зондирования установлена глубина залегания и оценена мощность каменно-ледяных ядер, а также прослежена взаимосвязь морфологии поверхности и внутреннего строения гляциально-мерзлотных каменных образований Центрального Алтая.

Study on a biodegradable antibacterial Fe-Mn-C-Cu alloy as urinary implant material

Biodegradable Fe based alloys have been investigated for fracture fixation and cardiovascular support to overcome complications of permanent implants. This study was focused on the development of a new Fe-Mn-C-Cu alloy with antibacterial and anti-encrustation properties as a urinary implant material. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloy were studied. The degradation behavior, antibacterial and anti-encrustation properties were evaluated by immersion test, antibacterial test and encrustation test, respectively. The results showed that Fe-Mn-C-Cu alloy was a non-magnetic, biodegradable, anti-bacterial and anti-encrustation alloy that could inhibit the biofilm and stone formations on its surface through the dual effects of degradation and Cu ions release. The study revealed the preliminary mechanisms of anti-infection and anti-encrustation for Fe-Mn-C-Cu alloy due to the continuous release of Cu2+ ions, which provides a new idea for application of biodegradable Fe-based material and the treatment of urinary tract infections and stones in the urinary system.

Sustainable Safety and Preservation Mechanisms for Cross River Monoliths

Monoliths are age-long stone formations that have represented and given clues to the reconstruction and interpretation of the extinct cultures. Their tourism motivation to localities is inestimable. Incidentally, these monumental edifices of human cultural history have faced the challenges of safety and preservation. For example, the Cross River Monoliths have continued to deteriorate and are being destroyed in the recent past due to the activities of man and nature along with other safety issues facing the monoliths, its owners and visitors. Some rescue mechanisms have been employed made in tincluding the assembling of these monoliths to a designated location in an open-air museum. This paper contends that more needs to be done in this regard. The study proposes Mix Method Approach (MMA), which is a conglomeration of interdependent practices, to enhance the safety and preservation of the Cross River monoliths for both posterity and tourism development in the area. The implication of the study is the introduction of further directions in monolith studies and preservations in Africa and beyond.