Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
10:12
Synchrotron X-ray Microdiffraction and Fluorescence Imaging of Mineral and Rock Samples
Published on: June 19, 2018
Physical, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic studies of uroliths
Naveen Kumar1, Praveen Singh, Satish Kumar
1Division of Surgery, National Biotechnology Center, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar (U.P.) 243 122, India. naveen@ivri.up.nic.in
Indian Journal of Biochemistry & Biophysics
|December 1, 2006
Summary
Chemical analysis of animal urinary stones reveals distinct compositions. Buck calculi contain calcium oxalate monohydrate, while bullock calculi show magnesium ammonium phosphate, aiding in understanding and preventing urolithiasis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Biomineralization
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Urolithiasis diagnosis and management depend on identifying calculus chemical constituents.
- Urinary stone composition varies, influencing etiology, treatment, and prophylaxis strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform chemical compositional analyses of buck and bullock urinary calculi.
- To examine the ultra-structure of calculi using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
- To study the bio-mineralization process for preventive and therapeutic measures.
Main Methods:
- X-ray diffraction (XRD) for chemical composition analysis.
- Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) for elemental analysis.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for ultra-structural examination.
Main Results:
- Buck calculus (Sample I) primarily composed of calcium oxalate monohydrate with significant magnesium compounds.
- Bullock calculus (Sample II) comprised magnesium ammonium phosphate with calcium apatite and K+ ions.
- SEM revealed bipyramidal crystals in buck calculus and laminated, granular, porous structures in bullock calculus.
Conclusions:
- XRD and EDX conclusively determined the chemical compositions of the urinary calculi.
- The distinct compositions suggest different formation pathways and potential therapeutic targets.
- Understanding bio-mineralization aids in developing strategies for urinary stone disease prevention and treatment in animals and humans.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:10X-ray Diffraction of Biological Samples
X-ray diffraction or XRD is an analytical tool that utilizes X-rays to study ordered structures such as crystalline organic and inorganic samples, polycrystalline materials, proteins, carbohydrates, and drugs.
According to Bragg's law, when X-rays strike the sample positioned on a stage, the rays are scattered by the electron clouds around the sample atoms. The X-ray diffraction or scattering is caused by constructive interference of the X-ray waves that reflect off the internal crystal...
According to Bragg's law, when X-rays strike the sample positioned on a stage, the rays are scattered by the electron clouds around the sample atoms. The X-ray diffraction or scattering is caused by constructive interference of the X-ray waves that reflect off the internal crystal...
01:25Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management
Procedures for Kidney StonesMedical intervention is necessary when kidney stones or renal calculi are too large to pass spontaneously (typically greater than 5 millimeters) when stones are accompanied by symptomatic infection (such as fever or pyelonephritis), when they impair kidney function, or when they cause persistent symptoms like severe pain, nausea, or urinary retention. Additionally, patients with only one kidney or those who cannot be treated with medical management also require...
01:29Determination of Crystal Structures
In the late 1800s, the revelation that light extended beyond visible wavelengths led to the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Roentgen. Recognized as high-energy electromagnetic radiation with short wavelengths, X-rays prompted exploration into their interaction with crystals. Max von Laue proposed in 1912 that the periodic arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules in crystals would cause them to diffract X-rays, a hypothesis confirmed through experiments with copper sulfate and zinc sulfide...
01:22Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography
IntroductionIntravenous Urography (IVU) and Retrograde Pyelography (RP) are important diagnostic imaging techniques used to evaluate the urinary system. These methods help identify structural abnormalities, obstructions, and functional issues in the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Both procedures use iodine-based contrast media to enhance the visibility of urinary tract structures on X-ray images, though they differ in their methods and indications.1. Intravenous Urography (IVU)Intravenous...
01:30Urinary Tract Calculi III: Medical Management
The diagnosis of renal calculi involves several imaging techniques, including non-contrast CT scans and ultrasound. These methods help visualize kidney stones, assess their size and location, and detect possible obstructions. Additionally, Measuring urine pH is useful for diagnosing specific stone types, such as struvite (alkaline pH) and uric acid stones (acidic pH). Cystine stones are primarily linked to cystinuria, a genetic condition. A urinalysis helps detect blood in the urine (hematuria)...
02:18X-ray Crystallography
The size of the unit cell and the arrangement of atoms in a crystal may be determined from measurements of the diffraction of X-rays by the crystal, termed X-ray crystallography.
Diffraction
Diffraction is the change in the direction of travel experienced by an electromagnetic wave when it encounters a physical barrier whose dimensions are comparable to those of the wavelength of the light. X-rays are electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths about as long as the distance between neighboring...
Diffraction
Diffraction is the change in the direction of travel experienced by an electromagnetic wave when it encounters a physical barrier whose dimensions are comparable to those of the wavelength of the light. X-rays are electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths about as long as the distance between neighboring...