Quantitative phase analysis and microstructural characterization of urinary tract calculi with X-ray diffraction Rietveld analysis on a Caribbean island

In the twin-island state of Trinidad and Tobago, urinary stone analysis is not routinely performed. This study investigates, via powder X-ray diffraction, 52 urinary tract calculi collected from hospitals in Trinidad. Of these, 46 stones were analysed with Rietveld refinement for quantitative analysis and materials characterization. Refined unit-cell, microstructural and weight fraction parameters were obtained, with the last being used for stone classification. The results revealed seven distinct mineralogical phases of varying frequency: calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM, 58%), calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD, 23%), carbonated apatite (APA, 48%), brushite (BRU, 6%), struvite (STR, 42%), uric acid (UA, 23%) and ammonium acid urate (AAU, 19%). The average refined crystallite sizes were 1352 ± 90 Å (COM), 1921 ± 285 Å (COD), 83 ± 5 Å (APA), 1172 ± 9 Å (BRU), 1843 ± 138 Å (STR), 981 ± 87 Å (UA) and 292 ± 83 Å (AAU). Subsequently, 36.5% of stones were categorized as phosphates, 34.6% as oxalates, 13.5% as uric acid/urates and 15.4% as mixed compositions. The study findings highlight the importance of stone analysis as a necessary step towards disease management of local patients, and endorse the application of Rietveld refinement as a natural extension to diffraction-based kidney stone investigations.

Effect of varying phosphate content on the structure and properties of sol-gel derived SiO2-CaO-P2O5 bio-glass

In this work, biocompatible glass (bioglass) particles were prepared by low temperature, acid catalysed sol-gel method. The effect of varying phosphate (P2O5) content (10, 15 and 20 mol %) in the sol-gel derived glass composition were studied. The sol-gel derived bioglass particles were compacted into cylindrical pellets via hydraulic press machine and sintered at 600°C for 3 hours. The bioglass particulates were analysed by x-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and nitrogen gas adsorption. Meanwhile, the sintered bioglass pellets were analysed by FTIR, XRD and FESEM-EDX. Furthermore, in vitro bioactivity analysis was performed by immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 14 days. Bioglass particulates with high glassy phase, high surface area and high porosities were obtained for all compositions. Increasing of phosphate content to 20 mol% particularly reduced the porous characteristics of the bioglass particulates. Furthermore, leads to higher bridging oxygen (BO) atoms, higher amorphous silicate networks, lower glass crystallinity and higher number of phosphate crystallites within the amorphous glassy matrix. Increased to 20 mol% of phosphate also reduced the ability of the bioglass surface to induce carbonated apatite formation when immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution.

Coupled effect of particle size of the source materials and calcination temperature on the direct synthesis of hydroxyapatite

We report the effect of controlled particle size (obtained by using 80, 100, 120, 140 and 200 mesh) of the source materials on the synthesis of a well-known biomaterial, hydroxyapatite (Hap). In addition to this, we have also mapped the consequence of applied temperature (700°C, 800°C and 900°C) on the crystallographic properties and phase composition of the obtained Hap. Nevertheless, although with Hap, in each case, β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) was registered as the secondary phase the ANOVA test revealed that the results of the crystallographic parameters are significantly different for the applied sintering temperature 700°C and 800°C ( p < 0.05), while the data obtained for calcination temperature 800°C are not significantly different from that acquired at 900°C ( p > 0.05). Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer data ensured that, irrespective of mesh size and calcination temperature, the synthesized Hap samples were of carbonated apatite with B-type substitution. Interestingly, for all cases, the % of carbonate content was below the maximum limit (8%) of the CO 3 2 − ion present in bone tissue hydroxyapatite.

Pro-inflammatory effects of human apatite crystals extracted from patients suffering from calcific tendinopathy

Background Calcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff is due to carbonated apatite deposits in the shoulder tendons. During the evolution of the disease, an acute inflammatory episode may occur leading to the disappearance of the calcification. Although hydroxyapatite crystal-induced inflammation has been previously studied with synthetic crystals, no data are available with calcifications extracted from patients suffering from calcific tendinopathy. The objective of the study was to explore the inflammatory properties of human calcifications and the pathways involved. Methods Human calcifications and synthetic hydroxyapatite were used in vitro to stimulate human monocytes and macrophages, the human myeloid cell line THP-1, and human tenocytes. The release of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 by cells was quantified by ELISA. The gene expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was evaluated by quantitative PCR. NF-kB activation and NLRP3 involvement were assessed in THP-1 cells using a NF-kB inhibitor and a caspase-1 inhibitor. The inflammatory properties were then assessed in vivo using a mouse air pouch model. Results Human calcifications were able to induce a significant release of IL-1β when incubated with monocytes, macrophages, and THP-1 only if they were first primed with LPS (monocytes and macrophages) or PMA (THP-1). Stimulation of THP-1 by human calcifications led to similar levels of IL-1β when compared to synthetic hydroxyapatite although these levels were significantly inferior in monocytes and macrophages. The patient’s crystals enhanced mRNA expression of pro-IL-1β, as well as IL-18, NF-kB, and TGFβ when IL-6 and TNFα expression were not. IL-1β production was reduced by the inhibition of caspase-1 indicating the role of NLRP3 inflammasome. In vivo, injection of human calcifications or synthetic hydroxyapatite in the air pouch led to a significant increase in membrane thickness although significant overexpression of IL-1β was only observed for synthetic hydroxyapatite. Conclusions As synthetic hydroxyapatite, human calcifications were able to induce an inflammatory response resulting in the production of IL-1β after NF-kB activation and through NLRP3 inflammasome. In some experiments, IL-1β induction was lower with human calcifications compared to synthetic apatite. Differences in size, shape, and protein content may explain this observation.

Beyond dissolution: Xerostomia rinses affect composition and structure of biomimetic dental mineral in vitro

Xerostomia, known as dry mouth, is caused by decreased salivary flow. Treatment with lubricating oral rinses provides temporary relief of dry mouth discomfort; however, it remains unclear how their composition affects mineralized dental tissues. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the effects of common components in xerostomia oral rinses on biomimetic apatite with varying carbonate contents. Carbonated apatite was synthesized and exposed to one of the following solutions for 72 hours at varying pHs: water-based, phosphorus-containing (PBS), mucin-like containing (MLC), or fluoride-containing (FC) solutions. Post-exposure results indicated that apatite mass decreased irrespective of pH and solution composition, while solution buffering was pH dependent. Raman and X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the addition of phosphorus, mucin-like molecules, and fluoride in solution decreases mineral carbonate levels and changed the lattice spacing and crystallinity of bioapatite, indicative of dissolution/recrystallization processes. The mineral recrystallized into a less-carbonated apatite in the PBS and MLC solutions, and into fluorapatite in FC. Tap water did not affect the apatite lattice structure suggesting formation of a labile carbonate surface layer on apatite. These results reveal that solution composition can have varied and complex effects on dental mineral beyond dissolution, which can have long term consequences on mineral solubility and mechanics. Therefore, clinicians should consider these factors when advising treatments for xerostomia patients.

In vivo histomorphologically evaluate of the initial bone healing in geopolymer-carbonated apatite nanocomposites as a potential dental implant material

Introduction: Dental implants have become more common treatment for replacing missing teeth. Titanium and zirconia have been widely applied as dental implant material because of their excellent biocompatibility and biomechanics properties. However, they are lack of biologically active surface that encourages osseointegration and their mechanical properties significant different from enamel and dentin value. Carbonate apatite Ca10(PO4)x(CO3)y(OH)z comprises a chemical composition closer to bone and enamel. Calcium phosphate are widely used as biomaterials, their osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties have shown beneficial effect on bone osteogenesis. Geopolymers are ceramic-like inorganic polymers, they have excellent mechanical properties, bioactivity, biocompatibility, suitable for hard tissue prostheses, and environmentally friendly. The aim of the study was to evaluate the initial bone healing in geopolymer-carbonated apatite (CHA) nanocomposites. Methods: Geopolymer-CHA nanocomposites samples were prepared in cylinder of 3 mm diameter and 6 mm thickness and placed in the tibia of eight healthy male breeding New Zealand white rabbits weighing 3.0 to 3.5 kg and 6 month aged. Experimental subjects were randomly assigned to 2 groups for evaluating initial bone healing capability around samples to 14 and 28 days histomorphologically. Wilcoxon test was performed and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant, Minitab software version 13 was used. Result:Granulation tissue, woven, and lamellar bone were analyzed. Day 14 revealed a reactive bone formation, which was characterized by granulation tissue, fibroblasts were in an organized extracellular collagen matrix, osteoblast that directly laid out woven bone contained of immature osteoids, and immature osteocytes were observed. The formation of dense fibrocollagen connective tissue that would be the cartilage, osteoblasts, osteoids, and osteocytes showed more mature while woven bone became denser at day 28.Conclusion: Geopolymer-CHA nanocomposites was a potential dental implant material from mechanical and biological properties point of view.Keywords: Histomorphologically, initial bone response, geopolimer-carbonated apatite nanocomposites, dental implant material

Ca isotope fractionation upon synthesis of carbonated apatite

&lt;p&gt;Carbonated hydroxy-apatite (CHAP) was experimentally synthesized in batch-type set-ups by mixing of calcium (Ca)- and phosphate-bearing aqueous solutions and the transformation of calcite powder in aqueous solution between 11&amp;#176; and 65&amp;#176;C (Gussone et al., 2020). Compositional changes of the experimental solution and solid phase products were followed by elemental analysis, Raman spectroscopy, scanning-electron microscopy, and powder XRD. In the mixing experiments, crystallization of CHAP took place following the precipitation of metastable brushite as precursor that was then transformed into CHAP. In the transformation experiments using synthetic calcite as a precursor phase it was found that the reaction at pH values between 7.5 and 7.9 occurs via the direct replacement of calcium carbonate by CHAP.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Calcium isotope fractionation led to an enrichment of the light isotope in the solid CHAP compared to the aqueous solution by about -0.5 to -1.1 &amp;#8240;, independent from the experimental approach, and the magnitude was essentially independent of temperature. The metastable brushite formed prior to transformation to CHAP showed a reduced fractionation compared to the CHAP. The observed Ca isotope fractionation into the CHAP lattice resembles that of natural phosphorites and lies within the range of the view existing theoretical and experimental studies.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Reference: Gussone N., B&amp;#246;ttcher M.E., Conrad A.C., Fiebig J., Pelz M., Grathoff G., Schmidt B.C. (2020) Calcium isotope fractionation upon experimental apatite formation. Chem. Geol., 551, 119737&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The study was supported by German Science Foundation (DFG) to M.E.B and J.F. within the EXCALIBOR project (BO1548/8 and FI 948/7), and to N.G. (GU1035/10), and by Leibniz IOW.&lt;/p&gt;

Pro-inflammatory effects of human apatite crystals extracted from patients suffering from calcific tendinopathy.

Background: Calcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff is due to carbonated apatite deposits in the shoulder tendons. During the evolution of the disease, an acute inflammatory episode may occur leading to the disappearance of the calcification. Although hydroxyapatite crystals-induced inflammation has been previously studied with synthetic crystals, no data are available with calcifications extracted from patients suffering from calcific tendinopathy. The objective of the study was to explore the inflammatory properties of human calcifications and the pathways involved. Methods: Human calcifications and synthetic hydroxyapatite were used in vitro to stimulate human monocytes and macrophages, the human myeloid cell line THP-1 and human tenocytes. The release of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 by cells was quantified by ELISA. Gene expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was evaluated by quantitative PCR. NF-kB activation and NLRP3 involvement was assessed in THP-1 cells using a NF-kB inhibitor and a Caspase 1 inhibitor. The inflammatory properties were then assessed in vivo using a mouse air pouch model. Results: Human calcifications were able to induce a significant release of IL-1β when incubated with monocytes, macrophages and THP-1 only if they were first primed with LPS (monocytes and macrophages) or PMA (THP-1). Stimulation of THP-1 by human calcifications led to similar levels of IL- 1β when compared to synthetic hydroxyapatite although these levels were significantly inferior in monocytes and macrophages. Patient’s crystals enhanced mRNA expression of pro-IL-1β, as well as IL-18, NF-kB and TGFβ when IL-6 and TNFα expression were not. IL-1β production was reduced by the inhibition of Caspase 1 indicating the role of NLRP3 inflammasome. In vivo, injection of human calcifications or synthetic hydroxyapatite in air pouch led to significant increase in membrane thickness although significant overexpression of IL-1β was only observed for synthetic hydroxyapatite. Conclusions: As synthetic hydroxyapatite, human calcifications were able to induce an inflammatory response resulting in the production of IL-1β after NF-kB activation and through NLRP3 inflammasome. In some experiments, IL-1β induction was lower with human calcifications compared to synthetic apatite. Differences in size, shape and protein content may explain this observation.

Encrusted Uropathy: A Comprehensive Overview—To the Bottom of the Crust

Encrusted uropathy is a rare subacute to chronic inflammatory disorder caused by infection with urease-producing bacteria, mainly Corynebacterium urealyticum. The disorder is characterized by urothelial deposition of struvite and carbonated apatite, resulting in encrustations and ulceronecrotic inflammation of the urothelium and surrounding tissues. Most commonly, encrusted uropathy is encountered in patients with predisposing conditions. The disease remains underdiagnosed. High urinary pH and negative conventional urine cultures should raise suspicion of the diagnosis. Prognosis is dependent on timely diagnosis and treatment installment, which consists of urological removal of encrustations in combination with urinary acidification and long-term antibiotic therapy.