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Gallstones have remained an expensive and crippling social problem in public health. The pathophysiology of cholelithiasis is not well understood and involves several variables. Even though the risk factors for gallstones and other metabolic syndrome are considered to be similar, there is a long list of risk factors associated with lithogenecity, such as age, parity and obesity. In addition to all this, intricate relationships between the microecology of the gastrointestinal tract and lithogenesis have been highlighted in this context. The gut microbiome and metabolism of bile acids are deeply interwoven. The pathways that regulate the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids in the hepatocytes to promote digestion and to acts as an antimicrobial surfactant in the gastrointestinal tract are well understood. Nevertheless, the gut microecosystem further augments the biotransformation in the enteric region via three mechanisms: dehydroxylation, deconjugation and epimerization. By virtue of these mechanisms, the gut microbiota regulates the bile acid pool by biotransforming primary bile acids into secondary bile acids. The primary bile salt diversifies the gut microbiome and maintains microbial lineage, whereas secondary bile salt perpetuates it. Therefore, it is not wrong to suggest that changes in the microbiome-bile salt equilibrium may contribute to hepatic and gastrointestinal disorders like cholelithiasis, specifically gallbladder stones, choledocholithiasis, and asymptomatic gallstones. Thus, this review serves as a backbone in explaining the entangled connection of bile acid composition-gut microbiome-host’s health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Geology & Resources is the property of Geology & Resources Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Urolithiasis in children and adolescents is etiologically multifactorial, including low urinary volume or imbalance between urinary crystallization promoting and inhibiting factors. Hypocitraturia is a biochemical alteration related to urinary acid ph and diets high in protein or low in fruits and vegetables. Objectives: to determine urinary values of citrate and crystallization promoters (calcium, uric acid and phosphorus) in patients less than 18 years of age with urolithiasis. Methods: sixty-eight patients under 18 years of age with a diagnosis of urolithiasis were submitted to the following studies: urinalysis (isolated urine sample), calcium, phosphorus, uric acid and citrate (24-hour collection), venous gases, serum electrolytes and abdominal ultrasonogram. In hypocytraturic patients, citraturia was also determined after six months of treatment with potassium citrate. Patients were diSvided into two groups: group A, normocytraturic patients, and group B, hypocytraturic patients. Results:. Forty-three patients (63%) had a family history of urolithiasis. Urinary citrate values (mgs/24hrs): total group: X:280±108.8; group A: 488,503±112.4; group B: X:169.5±95.2. Hypocitraturia was observed in 44 patients (64.71%). Associated alterations (n/%): metabolic acidosis (23/33%), of which 20 patients (87%) had hypocitraturia; hyperuricosuria (16/23.52%); hypercalciuria 15/22.05%; hyperphosphaturia 9/13.23%; urinary acid ph (35/51%) and alkaline or neutral (33/49%); persistently urinary acid ph (18/41%). Mixed metabolic alterations were found in 28 patients (41.17%). Conclusions: hypocitraturia was found in more than half of the patients and was significantly associated with other lithogenic metabolic alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A large diversity of soils is found in the postglacial landscape small area. • In the area of the morainic parent material, the largest area is occupied by Luvisol. • Solimovic material is the basic material for the development of Phaeozems. • As a result of the construction of the drainage system new anthropogenic soil is formed. • The use of qualifiers (WRB 2022) is problematic for large-scale soil mapping. In conditions of complex glacial topography, large-scale soil mapping (1:10 000) according to the World reference base for soil resources (WRB) 2022 classification faces significant challenges. High diversity of reference soil groups (RSG) and qualifiers can be found in a small area, and this diversity is not related to the influence of a single but rather to a set of soil-forming factors. As a part of the study, the classification of soils on postglacial landscape was conducted using the WRB 2022 classification system. The analysis was focused on examining relationships between RSG and qualifiers, and also with type of geological deposits, location on the terrain, human activities (drainage of agricultural land, soil tillage and erosion). Survey showed that, in a relatively small area, soil cover consisted of WRB RSG such as Luvisols, Retisols, Regosols, Stagnosols, Gleysols Phaeozems, Planosols, Podzols, Histosols and Anthrosols, with the respective sets of qualifiers. Soils corresponding to the Anthrosol RSG were formed during the construction of a drainage system by burying the former soil with deeper material and later by translocation of colluvium by soil erosion. In the complex glacial topography, the distribution of RSG and their qualifiers is specific, which poses a number of challenges for soil mapping. The study confirmed the possibility of WRB classification for large-scale mapping of agricultural soils on postglacial landscape at the RSG level. The use of qualifiers for definition of mapping units in similar conditions of complex terrain and geological deposits (when mapping on a scale of 1:10 000) is possible only by increasing sampling density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The objective of this study was to offer information on some identification methods of the crystals that form the renal concretions, in the lithogenesis process, the constitution and the classification of urinary stones. The identification is based on optical microscopy technique which facilitates the observation of the surface of the stones, thus favoring the identification of crystalline structures, corroborating by infrared spectroscopy, the identification of lithogenic chemical species from functional groups contained in the matrix of concretions. The foregoing gives significant importance to the different identification methods that make it possible to elucidate the origin, constitution and classification of urinary stones. For this reason, in the present work the constitution of three (3) urinary stones (A, B y C), from urolithiasis patients of the urological consultation and dialysis unit of the University Hospital Antonio Patricio de Alcalá (Cumaná, Estado Sucre, Venezuela), was determined using optical microscopy (OM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Among the results obtained, it was found that the stones studied were made up of calcium oxalate, calcium phosphates (apatitic and struvitic) and salts derived from uric acid. These results are of great importance since knowledge of the composition of urinary stones allows correcting the therapeutic management of this public health problem. In addition, the combination of the reported techniques makes it possible to determine the majority components in each case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixty-one kidney stone samples were analysed for Al, As, Br, Ca, Co, Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Sc, Sr, V, and Zn by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis were used to interpret and classify the dataset and were able to identify calcium and non-calcium stones. There was clustering of the elements Ca, K, Mg, Na, Sr, and Zn. The data indicated significant relationships between Ca, Na, Sr, and Zn, although causation could not be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gallstone disease is a worldwide common disease. However, the knowledge concerning the gallbladder in the pathogenesis of cholesterol gallstone formation remains limited. In this study, using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to obtain the transcriptome of gallbladder cells, we showed cellular heterogeneity and transcriptomic dynamics in murine gallbladder cells during the process of lithogenesis. Our results indicated gallbladder walls were subjected to remodeling during the process of lithogenesis. The major molecular events that happened included proliferation of epithelial cells, infiltration of immune-cells, activation of angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix modulation. Furthermore, we observed partial reversal of gallbladder cell transcriptomes by ursodeoxycholic acid treatment. This work thus provides novel and integral knowledges on the cellular changes during lithogenesis, which is of great significance to the understanding of pathogenesis and treatment of cholesterol gallstone.

Urolithiasis is one of the leading places in the field of uropathology. The relevance of this topic is determined by the fact that every year the number of patients with urolithiasis is steadily increasing, both in the Russian Federation and in developed countries. According to most authors, that due to the increasing life expectancy, changes at the chemical composition of water, lifestyle and peculiarities of human nutrition, as well as global climate changes. Medico-economic and social significance of urolithiasis is that roughly 2 / 3 of patients who get sick are 30 to 60 years old. The disease is characterized by frequent relapses, high prevalence of complicated forms, in some cases leading to disability of the patient, which makes it difficult to treat. In spite of this, mortality from urolithiasis in the last few years has noticeably decreased, due to the active study of the etiopathogenesis of the disease, improvement of diagnostic methods, development and implementation of minimally invasive technologies in the treatment of urolithiasis. This literature review provides information on the prevalence of urolithiasis, the etiology and pathogenesis of stone formation in the urinary system, as well as main information of the most effective methods of diagnosis and treatment of urolithiasis at this time.

Research subject. The inner structure, composition, and genesis of the poorly studied formation of weathering crusts are studied with reference to peneplaned platform territories in Kazakhstan and Siberia during the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary epoch. This formation hosts many valuable minerals, such as bauxite, iron ores, refractory clays, etc., thereby attracting much research attention. Materials and methods. The results were obtained following a series of long-term studies and a review of available data recently obtained on the weathering crust formation in the territories of Kazakhstan and Siberia. The methods of lithological facies and formation analysis were used, along with the separate studies of the eluvial material – weathering crusts in erosion areas and intra-formation weathering horizons in accumulation areas. Results. The weathering crust formation in the study area is shown to comprise two kinds of rock mass: siliceous-kaolinite ones forming erosion-tectonic depressions and kaolinite-bauxite ones forming karst depressions. The inner structure, composition, and genesis of both rock mass units are studied in detail, with all their sedimentation stages being analyzed. The sedimentation process is traced from the preparation of the material in weathering crusts at erosion areas to the deposition of this material and its post-sedimentation transformations (mostly with the involvement of subaerial diagenesis) in depressions. Detailed information is presented on subaerial diagenesis, which deserves further studies. Conclusions. This publication is the frst to present detailed information on the inner structure, composition and genesis of the ancient formation of weathering crusts produced in hot humid climate on peneplaned land territories. It is confrmed that the processes underpinning this formation – starting with the preparation of the material and ending with its accumulation in depressions – were different from those typical of modern orogenic environments. This conclusion extends the current understanding of the forms and nature of ancient lithogenetic processes.

Urolithiasis represents the most common urological condition nowadays, with rising trend of incidence and prevalence rates, according to geographical, climatic, ethnic, dietary and genetic factors. Prophylactic management of urolithiasis in terms of high fluid intake is of great importance in prevention of all types of urolithiasis. Prolom water has been categorized as a sodium hydro carbonic alkaline hypothermal oligomineral water. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of bottled Prolom water intake on serum and urinary calcium and magnesium values, as well as on urineary pH and renal microlithiasis. A multicenter prospective trial included a total of 345 patients who daily consumed 2.5 to 3 liters had underwent of Prolom water intake, in amount of 2.5 to 3 liters/daily, for 14 days, in three follow -up in three periods. Average values of calcium in serum (mmol/L) at on day zero, 7th and 14th were: 2.24; 2.312 and 2.242, separatelyrespectively. Average values of calcium in urine (mmol/L) at on day zero, 7th and 14th were: 1.046; 1.582 and 1.564, separatelyrespectively. Average values of magnesium in serum (mmol/L) at on day zero, 7th and 14th were: 0.89; 0.82 and 0.81, separatelyrespectively. Average values of magnesium in urine (mmol/L) at on day zero, 7th and 14th were: 1.09; 1.51 and 1.61, separatelyrespectively. Mean urineary pH values were: 6.3 at on day zero; 5.9 at on day 7th; and 6.8 at on day 14th. Daily intake of 2.5-3 liters of bottled Prolom water has a favorable and antilithogenic effect on calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate urolithiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper the need for comprehensive study of karstified territories (including caves) in lithogenic aspect to identify among them objects of geological heritage of Russia and their entry in the online Help and search system www//geomem/ru is substantiated. The sizes, numbers and areal distribution of caves under karstified territories of Russian Federation and their representation in the mentioned system among the nine types of Unique Geological Objects (UGO) are shown. It is concluded that there is a significant number of highly informative lithogenic-type natural objects which unfortunately very little use in the status of UGO of Russia. For that reason they are not being used as tourist attractions or educational exhibits, and are not protected by environmental legislation.

Background: Autophagy is an inducible intracellular process that has been studied mostly in cancer and less in inflammatory diseases. To establish the relation between cholecystitis (calculous and acalculous) and autophagy, we studied the expressions of immunohistochemical markers Beclin-1, LC3A, and Ki-67 in gallbladder epithelium and their significance in the induction of autophagy. Methods: Adult human gallbladder tissues were obtained from 100 patients (45 male, 55 female) who underwent cholecystectomy. According to the findings, the patients were divided into two groups: group A (calculous gallbladder: 24 male, 46 female; mean age 52.6 ± 16.0 years) and group B (acalculous gallbladder: 21 male, nine female; mean age 65.3 ± 12.4 years). The expressions of immunohistochemical markers Beclin-1, LC3A, and Ki-67 in gallbladder epithelium were studied using immunohistochemistry techniques. Results: Beclin-1 expression was correlated with LC3A expression in group A with increased Beclin-1 expression promoting LC3A expression (p =0.0001). In group B, the LC3A expression did not follow Beclin-1 expression (p =0.09). The mean percentage of Beclin-1 expression in group A patients was 23.8% compared to group B patients, where the corresponding percentage was only 17.3%. Corresponding mean percent expressions of LC3A in groups A and B were 38.9% and 50.7%, respectively. The expression of Ki-67 was higher in group A patients compared to group B patients. The mean percentage of Ki-67 expression in group A patients was 3.75%, whereas, in group B patients, it was only 0.5% (statistically significantly different; p =0.0003). Conclusion: In the epithelium of calculous cholecystitis, overexpression of LC3A is related to Beclin-1 overexpression, which reinforces the view that Beclin-1 promotes autophagy in stone cholecystitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty eight stones were characterized for chemical composition and structure. The concentrations of trace elements were determined using INAA while EDXRF was used for determining the calcium contents of the stones. Twenty stones were found to be mainly composed of calcium, six were mixed type and the remaining two were of uric acid type. The concentrations of trace elements namely Zn, Sr, Fe and Cr were lower in uric acid stones as compared to calcium based stones. Diet analysis of 310 patients who were treated for renal stones showed a diet rich in calcium and oxalate and decreased water consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salivary gland stones, or sialoliths, are the most common cause of the obstruction of salivary glands. The mechanism behind the formation of sialoliths has been elusive. Symptomatic sialolithiasis has a prevalence of 0.45% in the general population, is characterized by recurrent painful periprandial swelling of the affected gland, and often results in sialadenitis with the need for surgical intervention. Here, we show by the use of immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, computed tomography (CT) scans and reconstructions, special dye techniques, bacterial genotyping, and enzyme activity analyses that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) initiate the formation and growth of sialoliths in humans. The deposition of neutrophil granulocyte extracellular DNA around small crystals results in the dense aggregation of the latter, and the subsequent mineralization creates alternating layers of dense mineral, which are predominantly calcium salt deposits and DNA. The further agglomeration and appositional growth of these structures promotes the development of macroscopic sialoliths that finally occlude the efferent ducts of the salivary glands, causing clinical symptoms and salivary gland dysfunction. These findings provide an entirely novel insight into the mechanism of sialolithogenesis, in which an immune system-mediated response essentially participates in the physicochemical process of concrement formation and growth.

The Mesozoic acid volcanic rocks of the Zha'ertai area, located in Inner Mongolia, were formed in the late Early Cretaceous and resulted in polymetallic deposits of gold, silver, and other precious metals with huge commercial value. The more developed acid volcanic rocks include subvolcanic and pyroclastic rocks and volcanic lava, with SiO2 of 73.18–83.82%, Na2O + K2O of 6.17–9.03%, and K2O/Na2O of 1.28–70.27%. These rocks are enriched in large‐ion lithophile elements and high‐field strength elements. They are also enriched in light rare earth elements (REEs), with light to heavy REE ratios of 2.91–14.30; light to heavy REE fractionation is significant, and there are obvious negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.02–0.25). The acid volcanic rocks have extremely low TiO2, MgO, P2O5, and TFe2O3 contents, exhibit significant enrichment in Th, U, and Pb, and are strongly depleted in Ba and Sr, showing the trace elements feature of A‐type rhyolite. The rocks have smaller (87Sr/86Sr)i, lower εNd (t), younger TDM2, lower (206Pb/204Pb)i,(207Pb/204Pb)i, and (208Pb/204Pb)i. The acid volcanic rocks differ considerably from the intermediate to basic volcanic rocks in geochemical composition, and there is a compositional hiatus present in the succession. This indicates that neither endmember of these Mesozoic bimodal volcanic rocks is cogenetic and that rhyolitic rocks might not be a product of basaltic magma crystallization differentiation. Instead, they may result from partial melting of crust‐derived rock, stemming from partial melting of rocks in the pre‐existing crust underplated by mantle‐derived magma. This suggests that the acid volcanic rocks were formed in a lithospheric extensional setting during the Early Cretaceous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Der Urologe A is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Stromatolites and other microbiolites formed in early epochs as a result of the life activity of primitive communities of microorganisms. It has become possible to prove that communities of higher organisms can form more powerful layers of sedimentary rocks. Back at the beginning of the 20th century, some geologists and soil scientists proposed a soil-related theory of the origin of loess and other sedimentary rocks, but this idea did not gain recognition. Functional ecology describes the metabolism of ecosystems with the utilization of waste in the form of sediments, which geologists jointly with ecologists can verify in model experiment. Then it will be possible to read freely the calendar of nature coded in stratigraphic columns of geological cross sections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an evolution of the experience in the application of lithological methods for palaeogeographic reconstructions of glacigenic processes in Central Poland as well as a proposal for a wider use of the lithofacies and lithogenetic analyses in connection with determining the energy level record in sedimentation environments. It was found that the lithotypes distinguished on the basis of energy level show connections both with specific sedimentation environment types and with genetic groups of relief forms. By applying the method of lithological record with determining the environment energy level, the authors assumed the distinction of four main lithotypes: 1) very high, 2) high, 3) medium, and 4) low energy. The authors analysed the positive and negative conclusions from the application of this typology in different outcrops, noticing a number of advantages for palaeogeographic inference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the research was to determine the effect of lithogenic and pedogenic processes on the formation of Luvisols from the area of Vistula glaciation on the base of profile distribution of iron oxides and total iron in relation to texture and physicochemical properties. The indices of weathering of the soil material in genetic horizons were calculated, and changes in the content and forms of iron oxides were evaluated. Materials and methods: The predominant type of soil in the study area is Luvisols under agricultural use, formed from silt formations on loam. The analyses were made applying the following methods: grain size composition using the sieve method and hydrometer method, the interpretation of the results was performed according to the World Reference Base for Soil Resources classification, the pH of soils was measured with the potentiometric method, C-organic with the Walkley-Black dichromate method, the content of the following iron forms was determined (total iron (Fe) after the mineralization of soils in the mixture of HF and HClO acids), free iron oxides were extracted using dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate method, and amorphous iron oxides after the ammonium oxalate extraction (using the Philips 9100PU apparatus). The clay mineralogy was estimated by X-ray diffraction analysis. Results and discussion: It was observed that total iron enrichment occurs in argic horizons accompanied by iron depletion in luvic horizons, while the profile distribution of iron is similar to the distribution of clay. The (Fe/Fe) ratio indicates a low degree of weathering; the highest values were observed in argic (Bt) horizons, which confirms the effect of the process of pedogenesis on the value of that index. In the soils investigated, crystalline iron oxides generally dominate over the amorphous forms. The mineralogical composition of clay fraction separated from the upper part of soils was different as compared to the underlying material. Conclusions: The results of the study showed that iron contents (together with the other indicators) and its forms can be used to distinguish soil layers of different origin. The depth distribution of Fe, Fe and Fe within soil profiles indicates that the soil material may be of different lithogenic origin in the studied pedons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé Pathologie fréquente et récidivante, la lithiase urinaire peut évoluer de longues années de façon infraclinique, ou nécessiter un traitement en urgence et engager le pronostic vital. La connaissance de la composition chimique des différents types de calculs conditionne la thérapeutique à adopter. Cette affection nécessite une surveillance régulière et indéfinie pour éviter les récidives. Summary Urolithiasis, a condition requiring monitoring. A frequent and recurrent condition, urolithiasis can be subclinical, evolving over a number of years, or life-threatening and requiring urgent treatment. Knowledge of the chemical composition of the different types of calculi determines the treatment to adopt. This condition requires regular and long-term monitoring to avoid recurrences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Sialolithiasis is a common disease caused by intraductal stones, formed by reduction in salivary flow, salivary stagnation, and metabolic events. We used computational fluid dynamics to investigate changes in salivary flow field around parotid stones of different shapes. Materials and Methods Three-dimensional configurations of the Stensen's duct were reconstructed from computed tomography sialographic images. Fluid dynamics modeling was used to analyze the salivary flow field around stones under unstimulated and stimulated conditions. Results The majority of sialoliths were oval-shaped (59/98), followed by irregular (24/98) and round (15/98). Salivary velocity was significantly higher around streamlined stones, compared with round ( P = 0.013) and oval ( P = 0.025) types. Changes in salivary flow field around sialoliths were found to affect the pattern of mineral deposition in saliva. The area of low velocity around the round stone was double the size observed around the streamlined stone during the unstimulated state, whereas in the stimulated state, local vortexes were formed on the downstream side of round and oval stones. Conclusions Salivary flow field around sialoliths plays an important role in the progression of multicentric stones, and analysis of the salivary dynamics during sialolithiasis may provide deeper understandings of the condition and aid in developing successful treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oriental cholangiohepatitis, or recurrent pyogenic cholangitis is only noted in certain parts of the world, especially South East Asia. Due to increasing immigration the disease is now being seen in western countries also. Treating physicians may face difficulty in managing such cases due to lack of exposure. Furthermore management of such cases is not standardized because of lack of a universally accepted classification system. Here we review the disease and share our long experience with management of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies of postsedimentation and deep rock transformations (the diagenetic, catagenetic, and anchimetamorphic stages) by the author and other Russian lithologists are revised by evaluating the different types of zoning of authigenic mineral formation within terrigenous complexes of different ages in definite structural-tectonic units of continents and their margins. It was emphasized that an intrarock aqueous fluid phase played a dual role in authigenic mineral formation: (1) it served as a medium for internal redistribution of sedimentogenic components or (2) as a carrier of external material. Indicator features of its own newly formed ( A) and allogenic ( A) authigenic minerals are given. It was shown that the background subsidence lithogenesis (SL) of the sedimentary sequence provides the formation of A varieties in the sequence, whereas the prevalence of A marks the superimposed or secondary alterations (SAs) of sedimentary rock. A combination of SL and SA features is demonstrated for different structures: syneclises and anteclises of cratons, rifts, fore troughs, orogens, and others. The SL and SA formation is determined by definite numerous exogenic and endogenic factors, which are often obliterated but integrated by geodynamic settings and geological evolution of sedimentary complexes. According to this conclusion, a new typification scheme of post-sedimentation transformations was proposed on the paleogeodynamic basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the concept of plate tectonics is predominant in the Earth sciences. However, there are also other, less popular ideas concerning the geodynamics of the Earth's crust/lithosphere. The highly accurate modern geodetic measurements such as GPS, SLR, and VLBI provide a new framework for assessing different standpoints. The results of global-scale geodetic measurements are in close agreement with the global plate tectonic reconstructions. However, the same measurements of regional networks in the Mediterranean part of the Alpine-Indonesian Mobile Belt yield results that disagree with the plate's tectonic reconstructions for this region. These measurements show that the belt's width in many areas of Eurasian and African lithospheric plates' convergence is not decreasing at present, as follows from the plate reconstructions, but increasing. At the same time, the segments of the belt under consideration are in a state of stress characterized by near-horizontal compression oriented across the strike of the belt. This contradiction can only be explained if it is assumed that the formation of the tectonic structure of the mobile belt is related to the active growth of the volume of the bedded rocks of the belt, i.e., of the plate's convergence zone. This growth is apparently due to the additional mineral material gained by the ascending mantle fluid flows. This implies that local, autonomous dynamic processes are required in addition to the lithospheric plate's interactions to account for the tectonic deformations observed in the mobile belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper summarizes the results of previous and recent studies of minerals in Lower Mesozoic terrigenous rocks of the Koltogor-Urengoy trough and adjacent structures of the northern margin of the West Siberian Plate. The study reveals stages and paragenetic sequences of detrital and authigenic mineral formation with implications for the stages of the geodynamic evolution of the basin: syn-rift, transitional to syneclise, syneclise, and tectonic inversion. The microscopic observations of the textural and structural relationships between detrital and authigenic minerals were used to explain the mechanisms of mineral formation and sources of material, as well as the means of their interformational, intraformational, and basin-wide redistribution under the influence of different thermodynamic and hydrodynamic factors as a function of the geodynamic setting. The problems considered here may be applicable in hydrocarbon-reservoir studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Type - Prevalence (retrospective cohort) Level of Evidence 2b OBJECTIVE To examine incidence of and risk factors for the development of nephrolithiasis in patients treated with radical nephrectomy (RN) or partial nephrectomy (nephron-sparing surgery, NSS). PATIENTS AND METHODS The study comprised a single-centre review of 749 patients treated with RN or NSS from August 1987 to June 2006. Demographics, medical and stone history, metabolic variables and postoperative stone events were recorded. Data were analysed within subgroups based on treatment (RN vs NSS). Multivariate analysis was used to identify risk factors for postoperative stone formation. RESULTS In all, 499 patients had RN and 250 had NSS (mean age 57.9 years; mean follow-up 6.3 years). There were no significant differences in their demographic factors, but tumours were significantly larger in RN ( P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in preoperative urinary pH < 6.0 or stone history. Significantly fewer patients after NSS than RN formed calculi (NSS 1.6% vs RN 8.4%, P < 0.001), developed hypobicarbonataemia (NSS 7.2% vs RN 12.8%, P= 0.020), and a urinary pH of <6.0 (NSS 11.2% vs RN 19.4%, P= 0.004). Multivariate analysis showed that RN (odds ratio 18.18), postoperative urinary pH < 6 (15.63), previous stone disease (13.7), age <60 years (7.33, all P < 0.001), body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 (3.26, P= 0.033), male gender (2.67, P= 0.039), and hypobicarbonataemia (2.46, P= 0.034) were significantly associated with the development of postoperative calculi. CONCLUSIONS Patients undergoing RN have a significantly higher incidence of postoperative nephrolithiasis than a well-matched cohort undergoing NSS. In addition to RN, male sex, urinary pH < 6.0, hypobicarbonataemia, history of stone disease, obesity, and age <60 years were significantly associated with postoperative stone formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aims: Receptor-mediated endocytosis is a critical cellular mechanism for the uptake of lipoprotein cholesterol in the liver. Because Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1) protein is a key component for the intracellular distribution of cholesterol originating from lipoprotein endocytosis, it may play an important role in controlling biliary cholesterol secretion and gallstone formation induced by a lithogenic diet. Methods: We studied biliary cholesterol secretion, gallbladder lipid composition and gallstone formation in NPC1-deficient mice fed a low-fat lithogenic diet (1.5% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid) compared with control animals under the same diet. Results: The lipid secretion response to the lithogenic diet was impaired in NPC1 (−/−) mice, leading to a decreased cholesterol output and an increased hepatic cholesterol concentration compared with the lithogenic diet-fed wild-type mice. A decreased cholesterol saturation index was found in the gallbladder bile of NPC1 (+/−) and (−/−) mice after lithogenic diet feeding. Consequently, mice with a partial or a total deficiency of NPC1 had a drastically lower frequency of gallbladder cholesterol crystals and a reduced prevalence of gallstones. Conclusion: Hepatic NPC1 expression is an important factor for regulating the biliary secretion of diet-derived cholesterol as well as for diet-induced cholesterol gallstone formation in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating reveals that the Baimashan Pluton is composed mainly of late Indosinian (204.5±2.8 Ma-209.2±3.8 Ma) biotite granodiorites/monzonitic granites (LIGs) and early Yanshanian (176.7±1.7 Ma) two-micas monzonitic granites (EYGs), and the coeval (203.2±4.5 Ma-205.1±3.9 Ma) mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) are generally found in the former. In addition, the ages of cores within zircons from LIGs and MMEs ranging from 221.4±4.0 Ma to 226.5±4.1Ma provide evidence of multistage magma intrusion during Indosinian in the study area. Measured 3010±20.6 Ma of inherited zircon age suggests that there may be recycling Archaean curstal material in existence in this area. LIGs and EYGs share some similar geochemical features: subalkaline and peraluminous granites, enrichment of Th, U, K, Ta, Zr, Hf and LREE but depletion of Ba, Nb, P, Ti and Eu, low ɛ Nd( t) values but high (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios, and old T 2DM (ca. 1.9–2.0 Ga). The behaviors of incompatible elements and REE are mainly dominated by fractional crystallization of plagioclase, K-feldspar, ilmenite and apatite, but that of Sr isotope mainly controlled by EC-AFC. They are crust-sourced and derived from partial melting of paleo-Proterozoic metagreywackes and related to biotite dehydration melting. LIGs are formed in post-collisional tectonic setting as crustal local extension and thinning during late Indosinian. But EYGs may be evolved products of congeneric granitic magma with LIGs formed in late Indoinian, which were emplaced again when crust underwent extensive thinning and extension in post-orogenic tectonic setting during Yanshanian in SC after undergoing EC-AFC. MMEs should be cognate enclaves and derived from liquid immiscibility of host magma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanobacteria have been isolated from kidney stones and it has been suggested that they may act as a nucleus for the initiation of the renal stones. In the present study, we examine their role in biocrystallization and their in vivo effects on kidney pathology. Calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) assay was carried out in the presence of nanobacteria to study biocrystallization. Wistar rats were given an intravenous injection of nanobacteria and the kidneys were examined for pathological changes. The COM assay showed accelerated biocrystallization of 14C-oxalate in the presence of nanobacteria, indicating them to be efficient candidates for biomineralization. Histopathological studies revealed bacteria induced renal tubular calcifications and various manifestations of infection. Our studies confirm that nanobacteria may be involved in the pathogenesis of renal tubular calcification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma phospholipid arachidonic acid content and calcium metabolism in idiopathic calcium nephrolithiasis. Background. Reports of an increase in plasma and erythrocyte phospholipid arachidonic acid content and in urinary prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) excretion in patients with idiopathic calcium nephrolithiasis suggested their crucial role in the pathogenesis of hypercalciuria, a well-known risk factor for lithogenesis. Methods. To confirm this hypothesis, 15 healthy subjects and 20 nephrolithiasis patients were evaluated for plasma phospholipid polyunsaturated fatty acid content and PGE2 concentration, serum parathyroid hormone, 25 hydroxyvitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase levels, as well as urinary excretion of calcium, biochemical markers of bone resorption (hydroxyproline and crossLaps), and intestinal calcium absorption. Furthermore, the effect of a 30-day fish-oil diet supplementation on the previously mentioned parameters was investigated in the patients. Results. At baseline, patients compared with controls showed higher levels of plasma phospholipid arachidonic acid content (P = 0.002), PGE2 (P = 0.0004), serum 25-vitamin D3 (P = 0.001), and 1,25-vitamin D3 (P = 0.001), urinary excretion of calcium (P = 0.001), hydroxyproline (P = 0.007), and crossLaps (P = 0.019), as well as intestinal calcium absorption (P = 0.03 at 60 min). Fish oil supplementation induced a reduction in the plasma phospholipid arachidonic acid level (P < 0.0001), and except for serum concentrations of 25-vitamin D3, normalized baseline blood and urinary parameters, including intestinal calcium absorption. A close correlation between plasma PGE2 and serum 1,25-vitamin D3 (P = 0.004) and between phospholipid arachidonic acid and intestinal calcium absorption (P = 0.0002) and calciuria (P = 0.007) was observed, as well as between... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies on pancreatic calculi (PC) from alcoholic pancreatitis and our recent studies on calculi from tropical pancreatitis have shown them to consist mainly of CaCO with minute quantities of Mg. However, no attempt was made to look for other elements in PC. This is because of the difficulty in obtaining adequate samples of PC, coupled with the technical limitations in analyzing multi-elements from small samples. In this study, our aim was to analyze the major, minor and trace elements of PC from different parts of the world. DC plasma emission spectroscopy, a modern method that permits determination of multiple elements from small samples, was used in elemental analysis. We identified 17 elements in addition to calcium. Selenium was looked for but was absent. It was interesting that the elemental composition of PC in four patients from different geographical areas with divergent etiological factors remained the same. Absence of Se is of interest, as Se deficiency is associated with pancreatic fibrosis in experimental animals and it is often noted in chronic alcoholics and the malnourished. This preliminary study emphasizes the need for analysis of the elemental composition of pancreatic juice in normals and in conditions predisposing to chronic pancreatitis, to understand lithogenesis and possibly also the etiology of, at least, some types of pancreatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gallbladder seems to play an important role in lithogenesis. Moreover, the morphology and the implantation of the cystic duct may also influence this process. Our purpose was to evaluate if the length and the implantation of the cystic duct may affect the formation of gallstones. Between April 1992 and March 1994, 270 patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography were included in the study, and the radiological length of the cystic duct was carefully recorded. Patients were divided into two groups: I, absence of lithiasis: 113 patients (65 men, 48 women); and II, gallbladder lithiasis or lithiasis in the common bile duct with or without gallbladder lithiasis: 157 patients (73 men, 84 women). A statistically significant difference was observed among the two groups regarding the insertion of the cystic duct: implantation on the left side of the common bile duct represented a risk factor of lithiasis. The length of the cystic duct was not directly implicated. Hypokinesis of the gallbladder is currently recognized as being a major factor in the initial steps of lithogenesis, but the implantation of the cystic duct can play an important role by increasing cystic duct resistance and causing a reduced washout effect of the gallbladder contents, including cholesterol crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gallstone disease is a worldwide common disease. However, the knowledge concerning the gallbladder in the pathogenesis of cholesterol gallstone formation remains limited. In this study, using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to obtain the transcriptome of gallbladder cells, we showed cellular heterogeneity and transcriptomic dynamics in murine gallbladder cells during the process of lithogenesis. Our results indicated gallbladder walls were subjected to remodeling during the process of lithogenesis. The major molecular events that happened included proliferation of epithelial cells, infiltration of immune-cells, activation of angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix modulation. Furthermore, we observed partial reversal of gallbladder cell transcriptomes by ursodeoxycholic acid treatment. This work thus provides novel and integral knowledges on the cellular changes during lithogenesis, which is of great significance to the understanding of pathogenesis and treatment of cholesterol gallstone., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Liang, Shao, Liu, Lu, Gu and Jiang.)

Salivary gland stones, or sialoliths, are the most common cause of the obstruction of salivary glands. The mechanism behind the formation of sialoliths has been elusive. Symptomatic sialolithiasis has a prevalence of 0.45% in the general population, is characterized by recurrent painful periprandial swelling of the affected gland, and often results in sialadenitis with the need for surgical intervention. Here, we show by the use of immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, computed tomography (CT) scans and reconstructions, special dye techniques, bacterial genotyping, and enzyme activity analyses that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) initiate the formation and growth of sialoliths in humans. The deposition of neutrophil granulocyte extracellular DNA around small crystals results in the dense aggregation of the latter, and the subsequent mineralization creates alternating layers of dense mineral, which are predominantly calcium salt deposits and DNA. The further agglomeration and appositional growth of these structures promotes the development of macroscopic sialoliths that finally occlude the efferent ducts of the salivary glands, causing clinical symptoms and salivary gland dysfunction. These findings provide an entirely novel insight into the mechanism of sialolithogenesis, in which an immune system-mediated response essentially participates in the physicochemical process of concrement formation and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uropathogenic bacteria are widely distributed in the environment and urinary tract infection is implicated in kidney stone disease. Here, we report on a urease negative bacterium Kalamiella piersonii (strain YU22) isolated from the urine of a struvite stone (MgNH4PO4·6H2O) patient. The closest species, K. piersonii IIIF1SW-P2T was reported from International Space Station samples. However, there are no earlier reports on its human association. Using whole genome and experimental analysis, its involvement in urinary tract colonization and struvite crystallization was explored. The strain YU22 showed many virulence factors that are needed for host cell invasion and colonization including cell adhesion factors, swimming and swarming motilities, biofilm and siderophore among others. In vitro infection studies in HEK-293T cells demonstrated the host cell attachment and killing. It was able to utilize amino acids as sole carbon source and showed growth in synthetic and healthy urine establishing metabolic adaptation to urinary tract. Increased pH and availability of ammonium ions from amino acid breakdown promoted struvite crystallization. The results from this study support the involvement of urease negative uropathogen in the struvite lithogenesis. Further studies on other isolates of K. peirsonii are warranted to assess its health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]