Geometric model of microscopic raphide crystals in plant cells

In the present study, we showed that the microscopic structures of some plant crystals have the geometric model and mathematical formulas. Plant crystals are the storage of many mineral acid salts in many plants, such as chloride, phosphate, carbonate, silicate anhydrides and sulfates, formed due to metabolism. The crystals formed take different shapes. The shaping of plant crystals is not a simple structure. They are created in specific shapes and sizes by this biomineralisation process. Seventy-five per cent of flowering plants make one or more kinds of crystals. One of these is called a raphide crystal. Our study determined that the microscopic structures of some raphide crystals show the elongated triangular bipyramid that is a mathematics definition. In geometry, the elongated triangular bipyramid is one of the Johnson solids (J14), convex polyhedra, whose faces are regular polygons. At the same time, it was determined that the crystals show a minimal surface feature. The feature takes an essential place in geometry. The minimal surface feature provides the advantages of resistance and minimal space occupation to the crystals

Creation of the calcium-phosphate bone cement composite containing calcium sulphate granules: the influence of the composition, size, porosity of granules on the phase composition, microstructure, mechanical and biological properties.

Composite cements based on the tricalcium phosphate (TCP) —calcium sulfate (CS) system were synthesized and investigated. The second component which were introduced into the cement paste (TCP) in the form of modified carbonate anion granules is the calcium sulfate. As a result, new composite cement materials based on the tricalcium phosphate —carbonate —substituted calcium sulfate (granules) system can find their application in regenerative medicine due to the possibility of pore space formation in vivo.

NEFROLITIASIS PADA ANAK USIA TIGA TAHUN DI RSUD DR. HI. ABDUL MOELOEK, LAMPUNG: SEBUAH LAPORAN KASUS

ABSTRACT Background: The incidence of nephrolithiasis in children increases over time. It has been reported an increase of 6 to 10% per year for the last twenty-five years. Research in developing country showed that urinary tract infection and metabolic disorders were the caused of nephrolithiasis. Illustration Case: Three years 10 months old boy had a complaint of pain in plank region followed by tea-like urine since two months ago. Physical examination showed that he appeared to be moderately ill and compos mentis. His physical examinations were normal except positive ballotement and positive costoverebral angle (CVA) pain in the right flank region. Laboratory finding showed positive eritrocyte in urinalysis. Ultrasonography and abdominal CT-scan consistent with nephrolithiasis. Management: Pyelolitotomy was performed under general anesthesia. Postoperatively, patient treated in a pediatric surgery room and observation was carried out. He was given D5NS 500 ml administered 20 drops per minute microdrip IV, paracetamol 3 x 225 mg IV, and cefotaxime injection 2 x 500 mg IV after a skin test first. Result and Follow Up: An irregular stone 1,5 cm x 1 cm in size consist of 45% ammonium urate, 31% sodium urate monohydrate, and 24% amorphous calcium phosphate carbonate was found. Discussion: Nephrolithiasis in children occurs due to several related conditions such as genetics, ethnicity, climate, and nutrition. Complications can be prevented by managing and controlling appropriate risk factors.

Effects of phosphate, carbonate, and silicate anions on CO2 emission in a typical oxisol from cerrado region

The effects of agricultural practices on greenhouse gases emissions (e.g. CO2) at the soil-atmosphere interface have been highlighted worldwide. The use of ground limestone has been considered as the main responsible for CO2 emission from soils. However, liming is need as conditioner of acidic soils and the CO2 emission can be compensated due to carbon sequestration by plants. This study simulated under laboratory conditions the effects of two common agricultural practices in Brazil (P-fertilization and liming) on soil CO2 emission. Columns made of PVC tubes containing 1 kg of a typical Dystrophic Red Latosol from Cerrado region were incubated with CaCO3 (simulating liming), CaSiO3 (simulating slag), and different doses of KH2PO4 (simulating P-fertilization). The soil columns were moistened to reach the field capacity (0.30 cm3 cm-3) and, during 36 days, CO2 emissions at the soil surface were measured using a portable Licor LI-8100 analyzer coupled to a dynamic chamber. The results showed that CO2 emission was influenced by phosphate, carbonate, and silicate anions. When using CaSiO3, accumulated CO2 emission (36-day period) was 20% lower if compared to the use of CaCO3. The same amount of phosphate and liming (Ca-carbonate or Ca-silicate) added to the soil provided the same amount of CO2 emission. At the same P dose, as Si increased the CO2 emission increased. The highest CO2 emission was observed when the soil was amended with the highest phosphate and silicate doses. Based on this experiment, we could oppose the claim that the use of limestone is a major villain for CO2 emission. Also, we have shown that other practices, such as fertilization using P + CaSiO3, contributed to a higher CO2 emission. Indeed, it is important to emphasize that the best practices of soil fertility management will undoubtedly contribute to the growth of crops and carbon sequestration.

Urolithiasis in a female miniature potbellied pig

A five-year-old female spayed Vietnamese potbellied pig was evaluated due to a chronic history of dysuria and pollakiuria as well as lack of faecal output for one week. Physical examination revealed vitals within normal parameters and to facilitate further workup evaluation, the patient was anaesthetized. Complete blood count and chemistry panel values were unremarkable. Ultrasonography of the bladder indicated the presence of uroliths, and this was confirmed with abdominal radiographs. A cystotomy was performed to remove the uroliths, and an enaema was administered to relieve the constipation. The patient recovered from anaesthesia uneventfully and was discharged after four days of hospitalisation. Analysis revealed that the stones were composed of calcium phosphate carbonate; husbandry and medical management changes were implemented to prevent reoccurrence. Urolithiasis is an uncommon finding in female pigs; this case report describes a comprehensive clinical workup and treatment of a female adult pig with urolithiasis.