Infrared Analysis of Urinary Stones,Using a Single Reflection Accessory and a KBr Pellet Transmission*

This work is a comparative study of two FTIR techniques applied to urinary stones analysis: single reflection diamond attenuated total reflection (ATR) and KBr pellet transmission (KPT). We show that the two methods allow the identification of all stone components. The ATR technique is more useful and rapid to identify the species without sample pretreatment. Nevertheless, KPT is more appropriate for components determination in urinary stones.

These techniques were applied to the study of a series of 313 calculi. The stone constituents were first identified by ATR, and in a second step, the proportion of each species present in the stone was determined by KPT in whole‐stone mixture.

The results obtained showed the presence of 11 different components classified as follows with the frequency of detection in the stones studied: calcium oxalate monohydrate (whewellite), 78.9%; carbapatite, 33.9%; calcium oxalate dihydrate (weddellite), 24%; uric acid anhydrous, 19.2%; ammonium hydrogen urate, 7%; struvite, 4.8%; cystine, 1%; ammonium sodium urate and other phosphates (amorphous carbonated calcium phosphate, brushite, whitlockite), each in less than 1%.     

Quantitative and multicomponent analysis of prevalent urinary calculi using Raman spectroscopy

This study established a quantitative micro‐Raman spectroscopic (MRS) method for measuring multicomponents (binary and ternary compositions) of prevalent urine calculi extracted from the ureter after the ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) procedure. The analysis used calibration curves of known mixtures of synthetically prepared calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM), hydroxyapatite (HAP), calcium oxalate dehydrate (COD), dicalcium phosphate dehydrate (DCPD), and uric acid. A variety of samples of binary and ternary mixtures including COM/HAP, COM/COD, COD/HAP, COM/uric acid, COD/uric acid, HAP/uric acid, HAP/DCPD, and COM/COD/HAP were prepared in various concentration ratios for use as the basis of the quantitative analysis. Intensities of the characteristic bands at 961 cm⁻¹ (I_HAP), 986 cm⁻¹ (I_DCPD), 1402 cm⁻¹ (I_UricAcid), 1462 cm⁻¹ (I_COM), and 1477 cm⁻¹ (I_COD) were used for the calculation. We derived a set of quantitative analysis equations for the ternary composition COD/COM/HAP group by combining two binary equations from the groups COM/COD and the HAP/COM. This study quantitatively measured 18 urine samples extracted from the 18 patients' ureters after the URSL procedure. Fifteen samples were binary mixtures, whereas three samples were ternary mixtures. This research successfully applied the quantitative MRS‐based analysis technique from bench to bedside. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

尿液中的纳米晶体组分及其对草酸钙结石形成的影响

采用高分辨率透射电子显微镜、选区电子衍射、能谱分析和X射线衍射对草酸钙(CaOx)结石患者尿液中纳米晶体的组分进行了准确分析。这些技术检测到一水草酸钙(COM)、尿酸(UA)和磷酸钙(CaP)的存在,能谱分析检测到大量C,O,Ca和少量N和P等元素,表明尿纳米晶体的主要组分是COM,并含有少量的尿酸和磷酸盐。电子显微镜观察到CaOx结石患者尿纳米晶体的粒径主要分布在几十纳米,其结果与Scherer公式计算相符。采用不同孔径的微孔滤膜(0.45,1.2和3 μm)将尿液过滤后,得到的尿微晶衍射峰的数量随着滤膜孔径的增加而增加,表明尿微晶的种类增加。CaOx尿石的形成过程涉及尿液晶体的成核、生长、团聚和与细胞的粘附等过程。尿液中大量纳米COM晶体的存在是草酸钙结石形成的重要原因。纳米UA,CaP晶体能够作为晶巢促进草酸钙结石的形成。     

EDXRF,FTIR, and XRD characterization of low calcium oxalate urinary stones collected from arid area

Low calcium oxalate urinary stones from the kidney, bladder, and ureter have been collected from the arid area (Taif, Saudi Arabia). After careful washing and drying of the collected stones, the samples were converted into a contamination-free homogenous fine powder with a particles' size smaller than 50 μm. The processed urinary stone powders were studied using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), laboratory setup and synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). The activated function groups, quantitative phase analysis, and the semi-quantitative elemental analysis of the present urinary stones were identified. Seventeen elements were measured in most of the urinary stone samples. The significant elements are Ca, P, S, Cl, Zn, K, Fe, and Cu, whereas other elements were found alternatively in a few number of urinary stone samples. It was recognized that Ca exists with low concentration, which indicates the presence of different calcium phases even with low percentages. In 33% of the urinary stones, the phosphorus (P) was not measured, but there were high concentrations of sulfur (S) and low concentrations of Ca up to 2.15 ± 0.05%. The ATR-FTIR results indicate that the most compounds of the present urinary stones were urea and cystine combined with low ratios of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate compounds. The quantitative phase analysis of the XRD of selected samples proves the presence of the cystine, urea, and calcium oxalate phases with different weight percent.     

海带多糖对草酸钙结晶过程中晶相的影响

采用X射线衍射(XRD)、红外光谱(FTIR)、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)和原子吸收光谱(AAS)等方法研究了从海带中提取的硫酸多糖(SPS)对尿结石主要成分草酸钙结晶的影响。SPS可以稳定热力学亚稳定的二水草酸钙(COD)晶体。随着SPS浓度从0增加到0.60 mg·mL-1,COD晶体的质量百分比从0增加到100％;亚稳溶液中草酸钙的相对过饱和度从1.0增加到19.6。SPS可以稳定COD晶体在溶液中的存在并增加可溶性Ca2+离子的浓度,这有利于防止草酸钙结石形成。结果表明,SPS是一种潜在的防止草酸钙尿结石形成的药物。     

服药前后草酸钙结石患者尿微晶的性质变化

采用X射线衍射(XRD)、傅里叶变换红外光谱(FTIR)、纳米粒度仪和透射电子显微镜(TEM)研究了6例草酸钙结石患者在服药前后尿微晶性质的变化.结果表明,服药后尿pH值由服药前的5.87±0.51增加至6.23±0.74;服药前的主要成分为尿酸、一水草酸钙(COM)和磷酸氢盐,服药后尿微晶种类和数量均比服药前减少;服药前,尿微晶的平均粒径为(579±326) nm,服药后减小至(404±338) nm;服药前尿微晶的Zeta电位为(-4.28±2.55) mV,服药后为(-7.29±4.16) mV,Zeta电位变负有利于防止尿微晶沉积;服药前尿微品棱角尖锐,有明显的团聚现象,而服药后尿微晶形貌圆钝,团聚较少.采用现代仪器分析研究服药前后草酸钙结石患者尿液微晶的性质变化,对临床上预防和治疗尿结石具有重要的临床意义.     

混合型尿路结石的XPS和XRD联合分析

为了深入了解广东省珠江三角洲尿路结石的组份,为临床的相关研究和预防提供参考,采用X-射线光电子能谱(XPS)和X-射线衍射法(XRD)对6例典型的混合型尿路结石成份和物相进行了分析。结果表明,所检尿石成份合一水草酸钙、二水草酸钙、羟基磷灰石,其中2例含有少量磷酸铵镁。随着尿石中磷酸盐的增加,一水草酸钙(COM)的含量减少,二水草酸钙(COD)含量增加,表明磷酸盐的沉积抑制了高能量的COD向低能量的COM转化。采用XPS和XRD联合分析,可以较为准确地检测尿路结石的组份和物相。     

不同类型尿石的XRD,FTIR和热释光谱分析

采用热释光谱仪(TLD)、X射线衍射仪(XRD)和红外光谱仪(FTIR)研究了四类不同类型肾结石的化学组分,它们分别是:草酸钙、尿酸、磷酸钙和磷酸铵镁结石.实验结果表明,在所研究的305例尿石中,草酸钙为主要组分的占63%,尿酸22%,磷酸钙8%,磷酸铵镁5%,其他组分2%.四类肾结石的热释光谱存在显著差异,可为临床上诊断肾结石的类型提供启示.     

Spectroscopic investigations on kidney stones using Fourier transform infrared and X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry

Kidney stone is the most painful and prevalent urological disorder of the urinary system throughout the world. Thus, analysis of kidney stones is an integral part in the evaluation of patents having stone disease. Spectroscopic investigations of stones provide an idea about the pathogenesis of stones for its better cure and treatment. Hence, the present work targets multispectroscopic investigations on kidney stones using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and wave dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (WD‐XRF) spectroscopy which are the most useful analytical methods for the purpose of bio‐medical diagnostics. In the present study, FTIR spectral method is used to investigate the chemical composition and classification of kidney stones. The multicomponents of kidney stones such as calcium oxalate, hydroxyl apatite, phosphates, carbonates, and struvite were investigated and studied. Qualitative and quantitative determination of major and trace elements present in the kidney stones was performed employing WD‐XRF spectroscopy. The wide range of elements determined in the kidney stones were calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorous (P), sodium (Na), potassium (K), chlorine (Cl), sulfur (S), silicon (Si), iodine (I), titanium (Ti), iron (Fe), ruthenium (Ru), zinc (Zn), aluminum (Al), strontium (Sr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and bromine (Br). For the first time, ruthenium was detected in kidney stone samples employing WD‐XRF in very low concentration. Our results revealed that the presence and relative concentrations of trace elements in different kinds of stones are different and depend on the stone types. From the experiments carried out on kidney stones for trace elemental detection, it was found that WD‐XRF is a robust analytical tool that can be useful for the diagnosis of urological disorders. We have also compared our findings with the results reported using XRF technique. The results obtained in the present paper show interesting prospects for FTIR and WD‐XRF spectrometry in nephrolithiasis. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

红外光谱法在草酸钙结石研究中的应用

泌尿系结石是一种世界范围的常见病。草酸钙是泌尿系结石中最常见的组分 ,尿石中的草酸钙主要是以一水草酸钙 (COM)、二水草酸钙 (COD)的形式存在。区分草酸钙结石中的COM和COD及其比例 ,对于准确诊断结石的成因和提出正确的预防其复发的方法非常重要。红外光谱法是研究泌尿系结石的一种较理想的常用方法 ,具有快速、简便、鉴定成分准确、使用样品少、可以回收等优点。文中重点综述了傅里叶变换红外光谱 (FTIR)在泌尿系结石研究中对COM和COD的定性和定量分析方法 ,并介绍了零交叉点一次导数光谱法、FTIR与四极质谱仪、FTIR与傅里叶变换拉曼光谱仪 (FTRS)联合分析尿石的方法。     

Identification of Urinary Stone Components by X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

Abstract

X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has been used for the first time to study the composition of calcium oxalate (CaOxa) stones and uric acid stones. This technique allows for the identification and location of various inorganic and organic species at the same time. In CaOxa stones, there were less than 10% of phosphates. Sectional analyses of these stones indicated that the content of phosphorus in the stone center is higher than that in stone crust. In uric acid stones, CaOxa was rarely found. XPS is able to detect differences in chemical functionality. In uric acid stones, the binding energy (E _b) for nitrogen atoms were about 399.5 ± 0.2 eV, which are largely characteristic of organic nitrogens N (?3). In comparison, the E _b values of N (+5) in inorganic compounds are about 401 eV.     

草酸钙结石患者尿液中纳米级和微米级晶体研究

尿液中存在的微晶与尿石症的形成密切相关。采用X射线粉末衍射(XRD)、傅里叶变换红外光谱(FTIR)、纳米粒度仪、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)和透射电子显微镜(TEM)研究了20位草酸钙结石患者尿液中纳米级和微米级晶体的组分、形貌和Zeta电位,并与结石组分进行了比较。结果表明,草酸钙结石中常常含有少量共生的尿酸、磷酸钙和磷酸铵镁;而草酸钙结石患者的尿微晶组分主要为尿酸、磷酸盐和草酸钙等,晶体棱角尖锐,尺寸不一,从几十纳米到几十微米不等,并且有明显的团聚现象。20位草酸钙结石患者的尿纳米晶体的Zeta电位平均值为-5.92 mV,明显高于20位健康对照者尿纳米晶体的Zeta电位(平均值-12.9 mV);相比之下,结石患者尿液pH值(平均值为6.03)则与健康对照者(平均值5.92)没有明显差异。利用现代仪器分析方法分析尿液微晶与尿石组分的关系,可为临床上对症下药,制定预防与治疗措施提供重要的依据。     

The effect of oral administration of calcium and magnesium on intestinal oxalate absorption in humans

Calcium oxalate (CaOx) urolithiasis is the most common urinary stone disease (70-75 % of all stones consist of CaOx in countries with western diet). Oxalate is the most lithogenic substance in CaOx crystallisation in urine. Oxalate is either synthesized within the body or absorbed from food. As oxalate is not metabolized in the human body, it appears unchanged in urine. Conventional analysis methods cannot distinguish between endogenous and exogenous oxalate. Our [13C2]oxalate absorption test enabled measurement of intestinal oxalate absorption and quantification of the influence of Ca- and Mg-supplementation on it. The effects of the oral administration of these supplements were compared in order to obtain valid data for recommendations for CaOx urolithiasis patients. A 10 mmol supplement of both ions decreased the oxalate absorption significantly, calcium being more than twice as effective.     

Experience with the [13C2]oxalate absorption test

Hyperoxaluria is the most important risk factor for a formation of calcium oxalate-urinary stones. Usually, the bulk of oxalate will be formed in the human body, but in many patients the oxalate from food plays the decisive role. Conventionally, in urine the endogenous oxalate can not be distinguished from food derived oxalate. We have developed a standardized oxalate-absorption test, applying a physiological dose (50 mg disodium salt of [13C2]oxalic acid) of labelled oxalate. The assay has been published. Now we report on the first extensive applications of this test in 86 volunteers and 135 patients from different groups with calcium oxalate stones or an increased risk of the formation of such stones. In one-third of the patients with calcium oxalate-urinary stones an oxalate hyperabsorption was diagnosed. For these patients, a dietetic stone prophylaxis and/or therapy is indicated.     

Experience with the [13C2]Oxalate Absorption Test

Abstract

Hyperoxaluria is the most important risk factor for a formation of calcium oxalate-urinary stones. Usually, the bulk of oxalate will be formed in the human body, but in many patients the oxalate from food plays the decisive role. Conventionally, in urine the endogenous oxalate can not be distinguished from food derived oxalate. We have developed a standardized oxalate-absorption test, applying a physiological dose (50 mg disodium salt of [¹³C₂]oxalic acid) of labelled oxalate. The assay has been published. Now we report on the first extensive applications of this test in 86 volunteers and 135 patients from different groups with calcium oxalate stones or an increased risk of the formation of such stones. In one-third of the patients with calcium oxalate-urinary stones an oxalate hyperabsorption was diagnosed. For these patients, a dietetic stone prophylaxis and/or therapy is indicated.     

磷酸铵镁结石患者尿微晶组分分析及其与结石形成的关系

采用X射线衍射(XRD)、傅里叶变换红外光谱(FTIR)、纳米粒度仪、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)和透射电子显微镜(TEM)研究了磷酸铵镁结石患者尿液中微晶的组分、形貌、粒径和Zeta电位,并对其结石进行了组分分析.结果表明,结石类型、尿微晶组分和尿液pH三者之间存在密切的联系:磷酸铵镁结石病人的尿液pH值较高,通常在6....     

Spectroscopic study of inhibition of calcium oxalate calculi growth by Larrea tridentata

Urolithiasis, the category of diseases associated with the formation of kidney stones, has many causes. However, only a few have been documented as aggravating calculi depositions and aggregations. This amply justifies continued work in developing effective and efficient inhibition and treatment techniques. The recent resurgence in reviews on plant antiurolithiatic activity has given credence to the application of modern spectroscopic analysis, and has led us to this study. Results obtained from Raman and infrared (IR) absorption analysis of inhibited calculi growth resulting from laboratory synthesis of calcium oxalate crystals accompanied by the natural infusion of Larrea tridentata are reported. A visible decrease in calcium oxalate crystal growth with increasing amounts of L. tridentata herbal infusion was observed in photomicrographs, as well as a color change from white‐transparent for pure crystals to light orange‐brown for crystals with inhibitor. Both Raman and IR absorption spectra reveal a monohydrate structure for the crystals grown alone, which transform to a dihydrate morphology with the addition of the L. tridentata inhibitor. Furthermore, the resulting data support the possibilities of the influences, in this complex process, of the nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and its derivative compounds from L. tridentata and the bonding of the magnesium of the inhibitor with the oxalate ion on the surface of the calculi crystals. This assumption corroborates well with the micrographs obtained under higher magnification, which show that the separated small crystallites consist of a darker brownish core, which we attribute to the dominance of growth inhibition by NDGA, surrounded by light transparent thin shells, which possibly correspond to passivation of the crystals by magnesium oxalate. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Infrared spectroscopy for the study of urinary calculi

The occurance of the urinary stones varies according to the geographical regions. The presence of stones in the urinary system causes pain and discomfort. These generate colics and hence are sometimes life threatening. In the present study, infrared measurements have been made on several stone samples. It has been found that calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, magnesiunm ammonium phosphate, calcium carbonate, uric acid, -cystine and xanthin are present, as expected. Also, silicon dioxide is found to be present in some of the stones but in small quantity, in addition to the above constituents. This constituent is responsible to exhibit piezoelectricity in the urinary calculi.     

二元羧酸的化学结构与其抑制草酸钙结晶能力研究

采用X射线衍射(XRD)、傅里叶红外光谱(FTIR)和扫描电镜(SEM)研究了相距3个C—C键长具有不同取代基的二元羧酸对草酸钙(CaOxa)晶体生长的影响。这些二元酸包括丁二酸、顺丁二烯酸、反丁二烯酸、苹果酸、天冬氨酸和酒石酸。它们均能抑制一水草酸钙(COM)晶体的聚集,减小COM比表面积,并诱导二水草酸钙(COD)生成,其能力随二元酸上取代的—OH或—NH₂基数量增加而增强。从二元羧酸化学结构讨论了其影响草酸钙结晶效果的分子机理,对COM生长具有最佳抑制效果的羧酸是含有HOOC—CH(R)—CH₂—COOH(ROH或NH₂)分子的化合物。实验结果可为临床上寻找新的防石药物提供参考。     

尿液pH变化与尿液中纳米微晶组分的关系

采用X射线衍射(XRD)和傅里叶变换红外光谱(FTIR)研究了尿液pH变化与尿液中纳米微晶组分的关系。不但尿pH差异大的不同人尿液中微晶组分存在差异,而且同一人的尿pH发生变化时,其尿微晶亦发生变化。尿pH值较低(如pH＜5.8)时,主要为尿酸、酸式磷酸盐和草酸钙等;尿pH值较高(如pH＞6.2)时,主要为尿酸盐、磷酸盐、磷酸铵镁和草酸钙等。联合运用XRD和FTIR两种方法,可以更好地检测尿液中晶体组分,有助于了解尿石症的成因。