Methods for determining whether certain compounds, in particular crystals, are present in a sample of a biological fluid that indicates an individual has a particular disease or condition, such as but not limited to gout, pseudogout or urinary tract stones. In some embodiments, the methods include the steps of digestion and filtration of a sample of synovial fluid in order to isolate, if present, monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU), calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD), or calcium phosphate crystals from the sample, wherein the filtrate is analyzed with a Raman device to ascertain the presence and type of the crystals. Devices for performing steps of the method are disclosed.

Methods for determining whether certain compounds, in particular crystals, are present in a sample of a biological fluid that indicates an individual has a particular disease or condition, such as but not limited to gout, pseudogout or urinary tract stones. In some embodiments, the methods include the steps of digestion and filtration of a sample of synovial fluid in order to isolate, if present, monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU), calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD), or calcium phosphate crystals from the sample, wherein the filtrate is analyzed with a Raman device to ascertain the presence and type of the crystals. Devices for performing steps of the method are disclosed.

A method of detecting urinary calculi in a subject. Detecting urinary calculi includes first exposing the urine sample to at least one labeled binding probe that is specific to calcium/magnesium-based urinary calculi and second detecting urinary calculi bound to the at least one labeled binding probe. Methods for measuring, monitoring and/or determining subtype of urinary stone composition in a subject are also provided.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a composition for inhibiting calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal growth comprising at least one isolated polypeptide comprising a plurality of amino acids that bind the surface of the calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal; and a plurality of amino acids spacers, wherein the amino acid spacers are arranged in varying sequences between the plurality of amino acids that bind the surface of the calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal. In some embodiments, the present disclosure related to a method of controlling calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal growth in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject therapeutically effective amount of the calcium oxalate monohydrate inhibiting polypeptide. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method of identifying calcium oxalate monohydrate inhibiting peptides. Such a method may comprise designing a peptide library of potential calcium oxalate inhibiting peptides; screening the peptide library for high efficacy inhibitor peptides for inhibition of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystallization; and conducting molecular characterization of the high efficacy inhibitor to determine specificity.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a composition for inhibiting calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal growth comprising at least one isolated polypeptide comprising a plurality of amino acids that bind the surface of the calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal; and a plurality of amino acids spacers, wherein the amino acid spacers are arranged in varying sequences between the plurality of amino acids that bind the surface of the calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal. In some embodiments, the present disclosure related to a method of controlling calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal growth in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject therapeutically effective amount of the calcium oxalate monohydrate inhibiting polypeptide. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method of identifying calcium oxalate monohydrate inhibiting peptides. Such a method may comprise designing a peptide library of potential calcium oxalate inhibiting peptides; screening the peptide library for high efficacy inhibitor peptides for inhibition of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystallization; and conducting molecular characterization of the high efficacy inhibitor to determine specificity.

Decision support technology is provided for use with patients prone to recurrent urolithiasis. A mechanism is provided to determine a forecast of urolithiasis for a patient over a future time interval. The forecast may be based on temporal patterns in urinalysis parameters of the patient. In one embodiment, the mechanism utilizes a time series Hlder exponent and recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) recurrence rate to generate a forecast of recurrent symptomatic urolithiasis for a future time, such as a multi-year time horizon. Based on the generated forecast, one or more intervening actions may be carried out automatically or may be recommended, including modifying a care program for the patient, automatically scheduling interventions or consultations with specialist caregivers, or generating notifications such as electronic messages or alerts.

Decision support technology is provided for use with patients prone to recurrent urolithiasis. A mechanism is provided to determine a forecast of urolithiasis for a patient over a future time interval. The forecast may be based on temporal patterns in urinalysis parameters of the patient. In one embodiment, the mechanism utilizes a time series Hlder exponent and recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) recurrence rate to generate a forecast of recurrent symptomatic urolithiasis for a future time, such as a multi-year time horizon. Based on the generated forecast, one or more intervening actions may be carried out automatically or may be recommended, including modifying a care program for the patient, automatically scheduling interventions or consultations with specialist caregivers, or generating notifications such as electronic messages or alerts.

Decision support technology is provided for use with patients prone to recurrent urolithiasis. A mechanism is provided to determine a forecast of urolithiasis for a patient over a future time interval. The forecast may be based on temporal patterns in urinalysis parameters of the patient. In one embodiment, the mechanism utilizes a time series Hlder exponent and recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) recurrence rate to generate a forecast of recurrent symptomatic urolithiasis for a future time, such as a multi-year time horizon. Based on the generated forecast, one or more intervening actions may be carried out automatically or may be recommended, including modifying a care program for the patient, automatically scheduling interventions or consultations with specialist caregivers, or generating notifications such as electronic messages or alerts.

Methods and kits for assessing the propensity of developing urolithiasis, kidney disease, or bladder disease in pets; and compositions to treat such conditions are described herein.