Types Of Stones Research Articles

#1430 Acid excretion is disturbed in calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate stone formers in the Swiss kidney stone cohort

Abstract Background and Aims Kidney stone is a highly prevalent disease worldwide that causes high morbidity and may increase the risk for chronic kidney disease. Urine pH influences the crystallization of some types of kidney stones, such as calcium phosphate and uric acid. This study aimed to identify whether other acid-base parameters are associated with stone formation in the Swiss kidney stone cohort. Method Urinary, serum, clinical, and anthropomorphic baseline data were obtained from the Swiss Kidney Stone Cohort, a prospective, longitudinal, and multi-centric observational study. We included 200 non-stone formers (NSF, determined by CT scan), and 265 calcium oxalate (CaOx) and 113 calcium phosphate (CaP) stone formers with complete data for urine pH (collected under oil). Titratable acids were calculated based on urine phosphate and creatinine levels and urine bicarbonate based on urine pH. Net acid excretion (NAE) was calculated and NAE capacity (NAEC), the NAE for a given urine pH, which reveals the ability of kidneys to excrete acids, was calculated from the residuals of the relation between urine pH and NAE. Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the potential contributions of various acid-base variables to the occurrence of CaOx or CaP kidney stones. Odds ratio (OR) are reported as “OR [95% confidence interval]” Results CaOx stone formers were slightly older than NSF individuals and CaP stone formers (NSF = 42.9 ± 13.6 y.o., CaOx = 47.3 ± 14.3 y.o., CaP = 43.3 ± 12.9 y.o.), slightly more overweight (NSF = 25.0 ± 4.15, CaOx = 27.1 ± 4.72, CaP = 25.9 ± 4.55), and had a higher prevalence of males (NSF = 56.0%, CaOx= 72.1%, CaP = 59.3%), but had similar baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (NSF = 97.1 ± 16.5, CaOx = 96.3 ± 18.3, CaP = 99.5 ± 18.0 ml/min/1.73 m2). Hypertension, type 2 diabetes, pyelonephritis, and nephrocalcinosis were more prevalent among people with either type of kidney stones in comparison with NSFs, while inflammatory bowel disease was more common among CaOx stone formers in comparison with NSF individuals. CaOx and CaP stone formers showed disturbed capacity of excreting acids in relation to NSF (NAEC NSF = 1.81 ± 8.21 µmol/min; CaOx = −1.35 ± 8.45, P < .001; CaP = −0.89 ± 7.66, P = .016) and lower 24 h urine excretion of ammonium (NSF = 19.8 ± 8.70 µmol/min; CaOx = 17.4 ± 8.54, P = .012; CaP = 16.5 ± 8.23, P = .005), but also of citrate, oxalate, and potassium (Table 1). In addition, CaOx exhibited a lower urine volume. In contrast, both CaOx and CaP excreted more calcium (NSF = 3.12 ± 1.85 µmol/min; CaOx = 3.82 ± 1.91 p <0.001; CaP = 4.63 ± 2.27, p <0.001). Urine pH was more acidic in CaOx (p < 0.001) in comparison with NSFs and CaP (P = .004), NSF = 6.05 ± 0.51; CaOx = 5.86 ± 0.53; CaP = 6.16 ± 0.62. The correlations between urine pH and both urine calcium and ammonium were disturbed in CaOx stone formers and shifted in CaP stone formers (Fig. 1). Logistic models including urine ammonium, pH, citrate, phosphate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, oxalate, protein, and volume showed that ammonium is negatively associated with both CaOx and CaP stone formation (unadjusted model OR 0.41[0.26-0.57], p< 0.001 for CaOx and OR 0.42[0.26–0.67], P < .001 for CaP) and urine calcium is positively associated with kidney stones (OR 2.37 [1.72-3.43], P < .001 for CaOx and OR 5.82 [3.6–10.1], P < .001 for CaP). Similar results were obtained after adjustment for age, sex, and BMI. Removing urine ammonium, pH, and phosphate from our logistic model and adding NAEC rendered comparable goodness of fit and model complexity. Holding all other independent variables constant, the odds of CaOx associated with NAEC were 0.45 [0.33–0.61], P < .001 and with calcium of 2.6 [1.91–3.64], P < .001. For CaP, NAEC was still associated with it, but urine magnesium showed a lower odds ratio value (0.44 [0.27–0.72], P = .001 vs 0.54 [0.36–0.80], P = .003). Urine citrate was only associated with CaOx stones. Conclusion Baseline urine ammonium and net acid excretion capacity are strongly associated with the occurrence of CaOx and CaP kidney stones. Reduced NAEC indicates that poor control of ammonium excretion is a hallmark of both types of kidney stones, although more strongly apparent in CaOx.

Safety of single-use flexible ureteroscopy for dusting of upper urinary tract calculi in children

BackgroundFlexible ureteroscopy offers numerous advantages, such as increased reach, superior stone-free rate, reduced risk of bleeding, minimal surgical trauma, and faster recovery time. There are few studies discussing the effectiveness of single-use flexible ureteroscopy in children, and none so far have addressed its safety. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a single-use flexible ureteroscope for treating upper urinary tract stones in children.MethodsThis study included children with single upper urinary tract stones measuring less than 2 cm who underwent single-use flexible ureteroscopy between October 2020 and January 2023. We assessed the following patient characteristics: age, gender, stone type, size, position, pre and postoperative stent placements, use of a ureteral access sheath, stone-free rate, operation duration, and the rate of complications. A patient was considered stone-free if there were no residual stone particles larger than 3 mm after surgery.ResultsFlexible ureteroscopy and holmium laser lithotripsy were undertaken for 44 participants, with an average age of 8.5 years (range: 2–16 years). The typical stone size was 14 mm (range: 6–20 mm). The average operation time was 74 min (range 35–110 min). Ureteral access sheaths were used in 81.8% (36 out of 44) of procedures. After a single FURS session, 86.36% (38 out of 44) of patients achieved stone-free status. Postoperative JJ stent application was noted in 86.4% (38 out of 44) of patients. Complications were categorized using the Calvien system, revealing that 25% (11 out of 44) of patients experienced mild hematuria, colic, and low-grade fever (Calvien I). No severe side effects like mucosal avulsion or ureteral perforation were reported.ConclusionIn the short-term, single-use flexible ureteroscopy is a safe and effective method for managing single renal and proximal ureteric stones, measuring 2 cm or less, in children.

PREVALENCE OF URINARY TRACT STONES IN PATIENTS WITH BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA (BPH) UNDERGOING TRANS URETHRAL RESECTION OF THE PROSTATE (TURP) OPERATION

Objective: This study aims to determine the prevalence of urinary tract stones in BPH patients undergoing TURP surgery. Material & Methods: This research is a descriptive study using secondary data with medical records of BPH patients who underwent TURP at Saiful Anwar General Hospital (RSSA) for the period of 2018 – 2022. Results: From the results of the 169 patient samples BPH undergoing TURP, there were 35 samples, who experienced urinary tract stones. The most frequent incidence of urinary tract stones in patients with BPH at the age of 60 – 70 years of 15 samples (42.90 %), with the highest prostate volume being >50 mL, there are 15 samples (42.90 %), and the location of the most urinary tract stone were in the lower urinary tract with the bladder stone type being 30 samples (85.7%). Conclusion: From the results, it can be concluded that the prevalence of urinary tract stones in BPH patients undergoing TURP surgery is 20.7%, which is an absolute indication for TURP. Keywords: Benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary tract stone, age, prostate volume.

Exploring the association between multiple factors and urolithiasis: A retrospective study and Mendelian randomization analysis.

To investigate the relationship between several factors and urinary stone as well as different stone compositions. To guide the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of urinary stone recurrence. We used bidirectional Mendelian randomization to analyze the causal relationship between hypertension and urinary stones, diabetes and urinary stones, and body mass index (BMI) and urinary stones. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients with urinary stones admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Chongqing, China, from July 2015 to October 2022. Patients were included when they were first diagnosed with urinary stones. The odds ratio of calculi on hypertension estimated by inverse variance weighted was 8.46 (95%CI: 4.00-17.90, P = 2.25 × 10-8). The stone composition analysis showed that there were 3101 (67.02%) mixed, 1322 (28.57%) calcium oxalate monohydrate, 148 (3.20%) anhydrous uric acid, 16 (0.35%) magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate, 11 (0.24%) dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, 10 (0.22%) carbonate apatite, 8 (0.17%) L-cystine, 4 ammonium uric acid (0.09%), and 7 other stone types (0.15%). Mendelian randomization studies have proven that urinary stones may be a potential risk factor for hypertension, while there is no causal relationship between diabetes and stones, BMI, and stones. Our retrospective study has shown that urinary stone components are closely associated with sex, age, hypertension, diabetes, and BMI. It is reasonable to suspect that treating a single stone component is ineffective in preventing recurrence. We also found that the peak incidence of urinary stones was at the most active stage of most people's working lives.

Acoustic and thermal properties of panels made of fruit stones waste with coconut fibre

Using natural porous and fibrous materials for acoustic and thermal conditioning in the construction sector is a solution to achieve a comfort level in buildings. The novelty of this research work lies in employing agricultural and agro-industry waste to solve noise and thermal insulation problems. This study was conducted to investigate a multilayered panel made of fruit stones and coconut fibre from agro-industry waste. Acoustic absorption, and acoustic and thermal transmission, tests were run on four different fruit stone types, olive, cherry, apricot and peach, plus a coconut fibre layer. Although they are not structural elements, bending tests were run to ensure panels’ structural integrity. Acoustic tests complied with the recommendations of Standards ISO 10534–2 and ASTM E 2611–09, based on the standing wave tube to obtain the acoustic absorption coefficient and sound transmission loss, respectively. Standard EN 12667 was considered for the thermal test to determine the thermal conductivity coefficient based on the hot plate method. The results show an average sound absorption coefficient above 0.5 and sound insulation over 25 dB within certain frequency ranges. The cherry panels had absorption values of around 0.7 and apricots had sound insulation values of up to 30 dB. Samples’ thermal transmittance coefficient values were between 3.0 and 3.4 (W/m2K), which indicate panels’ ability to provide thermal insulation. The cherry and olive panels obtained the lowest thermal conductivity (around 0.14 W/mK). The backing effect of the coconut fibre layer improves all the panels’ acoustic absorption and thermal properties.

Proof-of-concept for a novel nanotechnology-based treatment for urolithiasis

Proof-of-concept of photonic lithotripsy in an in vitro setting and its ability to fragment the most common stone types is demonstrated. Effectiveness of different classes of photonic nanoparticles in fragmenting human stones is assessed. De-identified human stones were collected after institutional approval. Stones of a size range between 2–4 mm were rehydrated in simulated urine for 24 h. Stones were then coated with a solution of nanoparticles prior to activation with either a 785 nm or 1320 nm near-infrared energy source. Photonic lithotripsy achieved greater than 70% success rate in fragmentating calcium oxalate monohydrate stones using carbon-based nanoparticles for both near-infrared wavelengths. For gold-based nanoparticles, there was a similar success rate with the 785 nm wavelength but a significant decrease when using the 1320 nm wavelength energy source. All stones fragmented with the energy source at a distance ≥ 20 mm from the stone’s surface. Limitations include the use of mixed-composition stones, a lack of complete stone immersion in liquid during treatment, and smaller stone size. Different classes of nanoparticles when excited with a near-infrared energy source can fragment common stone types in vitro. This technology has the potential to change the way we approach and treat patients with urolithiasis in a clinical setting.

The impact of crystal phase transition on the hardness and structure of kidney stones

Calcium oxalate kidney stones, the most prevalent type of kidney stones, undergo a multi-step process of crystal nucleation, growth, aggregation, and secondary transition. The secondary transition has been rather overlooked, and thus, the effects on the disease and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. Here, we show, by periodic micro-CT images of human kidney stones in an ex vivo incubation experiment, that the growth of porous aggregates of calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) crystals triggers the hardening of the kidney stones that causes difficulty in lithotripsy of kidney stone disease in the secondary transition. This hardening was caused by the internal nucleation and growth of precise calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals from isolated urine in which the calcium oxalate concentrations decreased by the growth of COD in closed grain boundaries of COD aggregate kidney stones. Reducing the calcium oxalate concentrations in urine is regarded as a typical approach for avoiding the recurrence. However, our results revealed that the decrease of the concentrations in closed microenvironments conversely promotes the transition of the COD aggregates into hard COM aggregates. We anticipate that the suppression of the secondary transition has the potential to manage the deterioration of kidney stone disease.

Herbo-Mineral Medicine, Lithom Exhibits Anti-Nephrolithiasis Activity in Rat Model of Hyperoxaluria by Attenuating Calcium Oxalate Crystal Formation and Oxidative Stress.

Calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) forms the most common type of kidney stones observed in clinics, elevated levels of urinary oxalate being the principal risk factor for such an etiology. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the anti-nephrolithiatic effect of herbo-mineral formulation, Lithom. The in vitro biochemical synthesis of COM crystals in the presence of Lithom was performed and observations were made by microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) based analysis for the detection of crystal size and morphology. The phytochemical composition of Lithom was evaluated by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC). The in vivo model of Ethylene glycol-induced hyperoxaluria in Sprague-Dawley rats was used for the evaluation of Lithom. The animals were randomly allocated to 5 different groups namely Normal control, Disease control (ethylene glycol (EG), 0.75%, 28 days), Allopurinol (50 mg/kg, q.d.), Lithom (43 mg/kg, b.i.d.), and Lithom (129 mg/kg, b.i.d.). Analysis of crystalluria, oxalate, and citrate levels, oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase, myeloperoxidase (MPO)), and histopathology by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Von Kossa staining was performed for evaluation of Lithom. The presence of Lithom during COM crystals synthesis significantly reduced the average crystal area, feret's diameter, and area-perimeter ratio, in a dose-dependent manner. SEM analysis revealed that COM crystals synthesized in the presence of 100 and 300 μg/mL of Lithom exhibited a veritable morphological transition from irregular polygons with sharp edges to smoothened smaller cuboid polygons. UHPLC analysis of Lithom revealed the presence of Trigonelline, Bergenin, Xanthosine, Adenosine, Bohoervinone B, Vanillic acid, and Ellagic acid as key phytoconstituents. In EG-induced SD rats, the Lithom-treated group showed a decrease in elevated urinary oxalate levels, oxidative stress, and renal inflammation. Von Kossa staining of kidney tissue also exhibited a marked reduction in crystal depositions in Lithom-treated groups. Taken together, Lithom could be a potential clinical-therapeutic alternative for management of nephrolithiasis.

A Comparative Study of Serum Lipid Profile and Common Bile Duct Dimensions in Pre and Post Cholecystectomy Patients

Introduction: Post cholecystectomy the common bile duct dilates in an effort to restore the storage function of gall bladder and helps in metabolism of lipids. There are many studies determining the association of abnormal lipid parameters with gall stones but there are not many studies comparing the diameter of CBD pre and post cholecystectomy and its clinical implication.
 Hence, under the light of above-mentioned data, we planned the present study to assess the effect of cholecystectomy on common bile duct diameter and lipid profile.
 Methodology: Patients with gall bladder stone eligible for cholecystectomy were included in the study. In this study pre and post operative cholecystectomy values of lipid profile and CBD diameter were compared. Patients were followed up till one year post operative to assess changes.
 Results: Out of total 55 cases included in the study 38.2% were male and 78.2% has mixed type of stone. Post operatively Serum cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL value improved significantly at the end of one year follow up (p<0.01). Pre operative mean CBD diameter was 4.38 mm which was increased to 5.6 mm at the end of one year post operatively (p<0.01)
 Conclusion: Cholecystectomy leads to significant impact on in lipid profile. Significant compensatory dilatation of common bile duct diameter occurs post cholecystectomy. This indicates a very positive impact of cholecystectomy on lipid profile.

233 Stone Types and Risk Factors in Patients with Urinary Diversions

233 Stone Types and Risk Factors in Patients with Urinary Diversions

Evaluation of Eco-Friendly Consolidating Treatments in Pugliese Tuff (Gravina Calcarenite) Used in Italian Heritage Buildings

This work evaluates the effectiveness of various consolidating treatments applied to Pugliese tuff (Gravina Calcarenite). This type of stone has been used in numerous historic buildings in the Puglia area (southeast of Italy), which presents durability problems due to high porosity, low cohesion between clasts, and low mechanical resistance. Eco-friendly treatments that generate CaCO3 have been selected, specifically bioconsolidant KBYO biological and lime water, which a priori are capable of consolidating without occluding the pores or reducing them excessively, thereby creating compounds similar to those contained in the stone and being respectful of the environment. Nano-sized treatments have also been tested, including nanosilica and nanolime, to compare results with eco-friendly treatments. The bioconsolidating treatment has been applied in two different ways, the usual way consisting of two applications a day for 7 days, as well as a double treatment that is applied in two batches of 7 days with a rest of 7 days between applications. Double treatment has shown a great improvement in consolidation compared to the usual 7-day application; this treatment has obtained the best results in both mechanical and petrophysical properties. This study not only demonstrates the effectiveness of the bioconsolidant but also expands eco-friendly conservation strategies to improve the preservation of historical structures built in calcarenite.

Understanding formation processes of calcareous nephrolithiasis in renal interstitium and tubule lumen.

Kidney stone, one of the oldest known diseases, has plagued humans for centuries, consistently imposing a heavy burden on patients and healthcare systems worldwide due to their high incidence and recurrence rates. Advancements in endoscopy, imaging, genetics, molecular biology and bioinformatics have led to a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the mechanism behind nephrolithiasis. Kidney stone formation is a complex, multi-step and long-term process involving the transformation of stone-forming salts from free ions into asymptomatic or symptomatic stones influenced by physical, chemical and biological factors. Among the various types of kidney stones observed in clinical practice, calcareous nephrolithiasis is currently the most common and exhibits the most intricate formation mechanism. Extensive research suggests that calcareous nephrolithiasis primarily originates from interstitial subepithelial calcified plaques and/or calcified blockages in the openings of collecting ducts. These calcified plaques and blockages eventually come into contact with urine in the renal pelvis, serving as a nidus for crystal formation and subsequent stone growth. Both pathways of stone formation share similar mechanisms, such as the drive of abnormal urine composition, involvement of oxidative stress and inflammation, and an imbalance of stone inhibitors and promoters. However, they also possess unique characteristics. Hence, this review aims to provide detailed description and present recent discoveries regarding the formation processes of calcareous nephrolithiasis from two distinct birthplaces: renal interstitium and tubule lumen.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy 500 Cases in High-Risk and Altered Renal Function Test: Our Experience at Tertiary Care Centre

Introduction The study aims to evaluate the results of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in high-risk patients and patients with altered renal function tests (RFT) and complications in the management of renal stones in our hospital. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 500 patients who underwent PCNL between September 2020 and September 2023. We have analyzed data regarding patient details, investigations, PCNL puncture site, operative duration, number of punctures, stone-free rates (SFRs), duration of hospital stay, and complications. Results Out of 500 patients, 384 (76.87%) were males and 116 (23.13%) were females, with a male-to-female ratio of 3.32:1. The average age was 40.8±10.4 (mean±SD) (range: 24 to 74-years). The average operative time was 127±37 min (mean±standard deviation (SD)). The radiation exposure was from 1 min 30 sec to 3 min, with a mean (±SD) of 30 sec. The mean duration of the hospital stay was 2.7±1.6 days. Complete stone clearance was 87%, whereas SFRs defined by no identifiable stone on a plain radiograph or ultrasound or residual fragments <5 mm were 90.93%. The complication rate was 2.2%. Conclusion The usual course of treatment for renal stones larger than 2 cm is PCNL. Significant factors influencing the stone-free rate include stone burden, stone type, PCNL puncture, number of punctures, and operative time. With the development of several lithotripsy procedures and the miniaturization of instruments, PCNL continues to be an excellent therapeutic option for patients with large renal stones, comorbidities, and changed RFT, with tolerable rates of complications.

Prevention of recurrence of urolithiasis

Urolithiasis is one of the most frequent urological diseases. Identifying the causes of stone formation forms the basis for successful prevention of recurrence. Metabolic diagnostics and measures for prevention of recurrence are based on the assignment of the patient to alow-risk or high-risk group. Analysis of the urinary calculi is an essential prerequisite for identifying patients at risk. The general recommendations on diet and lifestyle are considered to be the basis of treatment. Depending on the type of stone and the individual biochemical risk profile of apatient, these general measures should be supplemented by targeted medical nutrition therapy and pharmacological treatment. Mixed stones can pose achallenge for the treatment and prevention of recurrence. Apersonalized treatment decision that takes the various components of mixed stones into account could further improve the prevention of recurrence of urolithiasis.

Pathophysiology and Main Molecular Mechanisms of Urinary Stone Formation and Recurrence.

Kidney stone disease (KSD) is one of the most common urological diseases. The incidence of kidney stones has increased dramatically in the last few decades. Kidney stones are mineral deposits in the calyces or the pelvis, free or attached to the renal papillae. They contain crystals and organic components, and they are made when urine is supersaturated with minerals. Calcium-containing stones are the most common, with calcium oxalate as the main component of most stones. However, many of these form on a calcium phosphate matrix called Randall's plaque, which is found on the surface of the kidney papilla. The etiology is multifactorial, and the recurrence rate is as high as 50% within 5 years after the first stone onset. There is a great need for recurrence prevention that requires a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in stone formation to facilitate the development of more effective drugs. This review aims to understand the pathophysiology and the main molecular mechanisms known to date to prevent recurrences, which requires behavioral and nutritional interventions, as well as pharmacological treatments that are specific to the type of stone.

Sex-specific Stone-forming Phenotype in Mice During Hypercalciuria/Urine Alkalinization

Sex differences in kidney stone formation are well known. Females generally have slightly acidic blood and higher urine pH when compared with males, which makes them more vulnerable to calcium stone formation, yet the mechanism is still unclear. We aimed to examine the role of sex in stone formation during hypercalciuria and urine alkalinization through acetazolamide and calcium gluconate supplementation, respectively, for 4 weeks in wild-type (WT) and moderately hypercalciuric [TRPC3 knockout [KO](−/−)] male and female mice. Our goal was to develop calcium phosphate (CaP) and CaP+ calcium oxalate mixed stones in our animal model to understand the underlying sex-based mechanism of calcium nephrolithiasis. Our results from the analyses of mice urine, serum, and kidney tissues show that female mice (WT and KO) produce more urinary CaP crystals, higher [Ca2+], and pH in urine compared to their male counterparts. We identified a sex-based relationship of stone-forming phenotypes (types of stones) in our mice model following urine alkalization/calcium supplementation, and our findings suggest that female mice are more susceptible to CaP stones under those conditions. Calcification and fibrotic and inflammatory markers were elevated in treated female mice compared with their male counterparts, and more so in TRPC3 KO mice compared with their WT counterparts. Together these findings contribute to a mechanistic understanding of sex-influenced CaP and mixed stone formation that can be used as a basis for determining the factors in sex-related clinical studies.

Advancements in Uric Acid Stone Detection: Integrating Deep Learning with CT Imaging and Clinical Assessments in the Upper Urinary Tract

Introduction: Among upper urinary tract stones, a significant proportion comprises uric acid stones. The aim of this study was to use machine learning techniques to analyze CT scans and blood and urine test data, with the aim of establishing multiple predictive models that can accurately identify uric acid stones. Methods: We divided 276 patients with upper urinary tract stones into two groups: 48 with uric acid stones and 228 with other types, identified using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. To distinguish the stone types, we created three types of deep learning models and extensively compared their classification performance. Results: Among the three major types of models, considering accuracy, sensitivity, and recall, CLNC-LR, IMG-support vector machine (SVM), and FUS-SVM perform the best. The accuracy and F1 score for the three models were as follows: CLNC-LR (82.14%, 0.7813), IMG-SVM (89.29%, 0.89), and FUS-SVM (29.29%, 0.8818). The area under the curves for classes CLNC-LR, IMG-SVM, and FUS-SVM were 0.97, 0.96, and 0.99, respectively. Conclusion: This study shows the feasibility of utilizing deep learning to assess whether urinary tract stones are uric acid stones through CT scans, blood, and urine tests. It can serve as a supplementary tool for traditional stone composition analysis, offering decision support for urologists and enhancing the effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment.

Acoustic emission of kidney stones: a medical adaptation of statistical breakdown mechanisms

Kidney stones have a prevalence rate of > 10% in some countries. There has been a significant increase in surgery to treat kidney stones over the last 10 years, and it is crucial that such techniques are as effective as possible, while limiting complications. A selection of kidney stones with different chemical and structural properties were subjected to compression. Under compression, they emit acoustic signals called crackling noise. The variability of the crackling noise was surprisingly great comparing weddellite, cystine and uric acid stones. Two types of signals were found in all stones. At high energies of the emitted sound waves, we found avalanche behaviour, while all stones also showed signals of local, uncorrelated collapse. These two types of events are called ‘wild’ for avalanches and ‘mild’ for uncorrelated events. The key observation is that the crossover from mild to wild collapse events differs greatly between different stones. Weddellite showed brittle collapse, extremely low crossover energies (< 5 aJ) and wild avalanches over 6 orders of magnitude. In cystine and uric acid stones, the collapse was more complicated with a dominance of local “mild” breakings, although they all contained some stress-induced collective avalanches. Cystine stones had high crossover energies, typically ∼\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\sim$$\\end{document} 750 aJ, and a narrow window over which they showed wild avalanches. Uric acid stones gave moderate values of crossover energies, ∼\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\sim$$\\end{document} 200 aJ, and wild avalanche behaviour for ∼\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\sim$$\\end{document} 3 orders of magnitude. Further research extended to all stone types, and measurement of stone responses to different lithotripsy strategies, will assist in optimisation of settings of the laser and other lithotripsy devices to insight fragmentation by targeting the ‘wild’ avalanche regime.

Prevelance of Kidney Stones to the Human Populaton of District Buner and Nonpharmacologic Treatment of Kidney Stone

Background: Kidney stones are a common urological condition with significant geographical variation in prevalence and composition. The Buner district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, represents a diverse population with distinct environmental and dietary factors that may influence the epidemiology of nephrolithiasis. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and types of kidney stones in the Buner district, to analyze the demographic distribution of affected individuals, and to evaluate the nonpharmacologic treatment approaches used locally. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to September, encompassing 965 cases from various hospitals, laboratories, and localities in the Buner district. Data collection involved gender, age, and locality-specific questionnaires, clinical examinations, and diagnostic imaging, including X-rays, ultrasounds, and CT scans. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2016 and SPSS version 25. Results: The prevalence of kidney stones was found to be higher in males (60.62%, n=585) than females (39.37%, n=380), with the highest incidence reported in individuals aged 35 to 55 years (47.97%, n=463). Rural areas showed a greater prevalence than urban areas. The majority of stones were calcium-based (70%), with calcium oxalate being the most common (65%). Uric acid stones accounted for 17%, while struvite stones were observed in 10% of cases. Seasonal variation was noted, with the highest occurrence in January. Conclusion: Kidney stones in the Buner district are predominantly calcium oxalate and are more prevalent in males and rural residents. The age group of 35 to 55 years is most affected. Nonpharmacologic treatments, such as dietary adjustments and herbal remedies, are commonly recommended by local health practitioners. Further research into environmental and dietary influences is essential for developing targeted prevention strategies.

How much energy do we need to ablate 1 cubic millimeter of stone during Thulium Fiber Laser lithotripsy? An in vitro study.

Both Holmium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser and Thulium Fiber Laser (TFL) can effectively treat all urinary stone types. This in vitro study evaluated the ablation volume per pulse (AVP) and required energy needed to ablate 1mm3 (RE, J/mm3) of various stone types at different laser settings with TFL. 272-µm core-diameter laser fibers (Boston Scientific©) were connected to a 50Watts TFL generator (IPG®). An experimental setup immerged human stones of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM), uric acid (UA), and cystine (CYS) with a single pulse lasing emission (0.5/0.8/1J), in contact mode. Stones were dried out before three-dimensional scanning to measure AVP and deduce from the pulse energy (PE) and AVP the RE. A direct comparison with known Ho:YAG's AVP and RE was then carried out. AVP for COM stones was significantly greater than those for CYS stones and similar to UA stones (p = 0.02 and p = 0.06, respectively). If AVP increased with PE against COM and UA stones, AVP decreased against CYS stones. 1J PE resulted in a threefold lower RE compared with other PE for COM stones. On the contrary, RE for CYS increased with PE, whereas PE did not had influence on RE for UA. TFL was associated with greater AVP for COM, but lower for UA and CYS stones compared to Ho:YAG laser. This in vitro study firstly describes the ablation volume per pulse and required energy to treat a cubic millimeter of three frequent human stone types, and suggest TFL could not be suited for cystine. Therefore, stone composition could be considered when choosing the laser source for lithotripsy.