Elementos teóricos y metodológicos de una estrategia comunitaria para la prevención del consumo de sustancias psicoactivas (SPA) en jóvenes universitarios

Introducción: El consumo de sustancias psicoactivas (SPA) en el entorno universitario ha sido una problemática de salud pública que es necesario abordar para fortalecer el desarrollo integral de los estudiantes. Objetivo: Indagar sobre elementos teóricos y metodológicos que permitan prevenir, controlar y mitigar la problemática al interior de la Universidad. Materiales y métodos: El proceso de investigación se desarrolló bajo la lógica del paradigma cualitativo, con un diseño de tipo etnográfico; para la construcción de la estrategia metodológica se utilizaron técnicas de investigación-acción. Resultados: La estrategia se fundamentó en factores relacionados con los determinantes estructurales e intermedios de la salud que guiaron la construcción de actividades asociadas con la psicología comunitaria, promoción, comunicación y educación para la salud, así como acciones propuestas por las autoridades de salud en Colombia. Conclusión: El estudio permitió evidenciar que existen puntos de confluencia entre las diferentes perspectivas en donde se reconoció que aspectos como las normas y leyes, el entorno familiar, el vínculo social, la raza, grupo étnico y costumbres de la sociedad, son factores de los determinantes sociales de la salud que pueden influir para que un joven consuma sustancias psicoactivas dentro de la Universidad.

Introduction: The use of psychoactive substances in the university environment has been a public health problem that must be addressed to strengthen the integral development of students. Objective: The purpose of the study carried out was to inquire about theoretical and methodological elements that allow to prevent, control and mitigate the problem within the University. Materials and methods: The research process was developed under the logic of the qualitative paradigm, with an ethnographic design, in the construction of the methodological strategy, Action research techniques were used. Results: The strategy was based on factors related to the structural and intermediate determinants of health that were the guides in the construction of activities related to community psychology, promotion, communication and health education, as well as actions proposed by the Health authorities in Colombia. Conclusions: The study made it possible to show that there are points of confluence between the different perspectives where it was recognized that aspects such as norms and laws, family environment, social bond, race, ethnic group and customs of society, are factors of social determinants that can influence a young person to consume psychoactive substances within the University.

Introdução: O consumo de substâncias psicoativas (SPA) no ambiente universitário tem sido um problema de saúde pública que deve ser enfrentado para fortalecer o desenvolvimento integral dos estudantes. Objetivo: Indagar sobre elementos teóricos e metodológicos que permitam prevenir, controlar e mitigar o problema dentro da Universidade. Materiais e métodos: O processo de investigação desenvolveu-se sob a lógica do paradigma qualitativo, com desígnio etnográfico e na construção da estratégia metodológica foram utilizadas técnicas de investigação-ação. Resultados: A estratégia foi baseada em fatores relacionados com os determinantes estruturais e intermediários da saúde que orientaram a construção de atividades associadas à psicologia comunitária, promoção, comunicação e educação para a saúde, bem como ações propostas pelas autoridades de saúde na Colômbia. Conclusão: O estudo permitiu mostrar que existem pontos de confluência entre as diferentes perspectivas onde se reconheceu que aspetos como as normas e leis, o ambiente familiar, o vínculo social, a raça, a etnia e os costumes da sociedade, são fatores dos determinantes sociais de saúde que podem influenciar um jovem a consumir substâncias psicoativas dentro da Universidade.

The Apparent Increase in Diabetes Mellitus in Habitual Spa-Bathers Is due to the Cancer Survival Effect of Spa-Bathing: A Cross-Sectional Study in Beppu / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

  In 2018, we reported an epidemiological study on disease-preventive effects of habitual hot spa-bathing in the elderly in Beppu city, which has the highest number of hot spring sources in the world. In this analysis, women with diabetes mellitus were observed more often as hot spa-bathers than non-spa-bathers [odds ratio (OR): 1.238, confidence interval (CI): 1.011-1.517]. To see whether there is an apparent harmful effect of spa-bathing, complicated background diseases of women with diabetes mellitus were investigated in this study. We compared background diseases of women complicated with diabetes mellitus in spa-bathers and non-spa-bathers. Compared with non-spa-bathers, female spa-bathers with diabetes mellitus revealed a higher occurrence of cancer history (OR: 2.626, CI 1.517-4.545). The occurrence of diabetes mellitus in women with no cancer history was not significantly different between habitual spa-bathers and non-spa-bathers (OR:1.041, CI 0.837-1.293). The observed odds ratios suggest that spa-bathing associated cancer surviving promotion leads to an increasing number of diabetic women with a past history of cancer and contributes to more women with diabetes mellitus in spa-bathers rather than habitual spa-bathing promoting the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus.

Impact of Culture Temperature Changes on the Efficacy of Growth Inhibitory Manipulation of Cancer Cell Lines / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

  We have previously reported that high-temperature (42°C) culture inhibited the proliferation of human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs). We described how the proliferative capacity and telomere length (TL)-related parameters of HUVECs, one of somatic cells, change with culture temperature. It was speculated that a combination of cytostatic manipulations, such as anticancer treatments, and high-temperature conditions would more effectively suppress the growth of somatic cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that increasing the core body temperature (BT) as a pretreatment for cancer treatment enhances the effectiveness of cancer treatment. In the present study, various cells (HUVECs, Jurkat cells, and SLVL) were cultured under different temperature conditions (35°C, 37°C or 39°C) combined with anticancer manipulations (X-ray irradiation or addition of 1-β-D-Arabinofuranosylcytosine [Ara-C]), which resulted in changes in the proliferation rate and TL. The degree of cell proliferation inhibitory effect depended on the combination of cell type, anticancer procedure, and temperature condition. Therefore, the best therapeutic condition might be selected in advance by checking the proliferation rate of biopsied cancer cells being cultured under combinations of anticancer manipulations at altered temperature conditions.

Rapid detection technology of chemical component content in Lycii Fructus based on hyperspectral technology / 中国中药杂志

This Fructus,study including and aimed to construct a rapid and nondestructive detection flavonoid,model betaine,for and of the content vitamin of(Vit four four quality C).index components Lycium barbarum polysaccharide,of inL ycii rawma total and C Hyperspectral data quantitative of terials modelswere powder developed Lycii using Fructus partial were squares effects collected,regression raw based LSR),on the support content vector the above components,the forest least(P regression compared,(SVR),the and effects random three regression(RFR)were algorithms.also The Four spectral predictive commonly data of the materialsand powder were were applied and of spectral quantitative for models reduction.compared.used were pre-processing screened methods feature to successive pre-process projection the raw algorithm data(SPA),noise competitive Thepre-processed for bands using adaptive reweigh ted sampling howed(CARS),the and maximal effects relevance based and raw minimal materials redundancy and(MRMR)were algorithms Following to optimize multiplicative the models.scatter The correction Based resultss(MS that prediction SPA on feature the powder prediction similar.PLSR C)denoising sproposed and integrated for model,screening the the coefficient bands,determination the effect(R_C~2)of(MSC-SPA-PLSR)coefficient was optimal.of on(R_P~2)thi of of calibration flavonoid,and and of all determination greater prediction0.83,L.barbarum inconte nt prediction of polysaccharide,total mean betaine,of Vit C were than smallest In the compared study,root with mean other prediction content squareserror models of the calibration(RMSEC)residual and deviation root squares was error2.46,prediction2.58,(RMSEP)and were the,and prediction(RPD)2.50,developed3.58,achieve respectively.rapid this the the quality mod el(MSC-SPA-PLSR)fourcomponents based Fructus,on hyperspectral which technology was approach to rapid and effective detection detection of the of Lycii in Lycii provided a new to the and nondestructive of of Fructus.

Effectiveness and safety of secukinumab in ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis: a 52-week real-life study in an Italian cohort

Abstract Background Secukinumab has shown high efficacy in randomized controlled trials in both ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Here, we investigated its real-life effectiveness and tolerability in a cohort of AS and PsA patients. Methods We retrospectively analyzed medical records of outpatients with AS or PsA treated with secukinumab between December 2017 and December 2019. ASDAS-CRP and DAS28-CRP scores were used to measure axial and peripheral disease activity in AS and PsA, respectively. Data were collected at baseline and after 8, 24, and 52 weeks of treatment. Results Eighty-five adult patients with active disease (29 with AS and 56 with PsA; 23 males and 62 females) were treated. Overall, mean disease duration was 6.7 years and biologic-naïve patients were 85%. Significant reductions in ASDAS-CRP and DAS28-CRP were observed at all time-points. Body weight (in AS) and disease activity status at baseline (particularly in PsA) significantly affected disease activity changes. ASDAS-defined inactive disease and DAS28-defined remission were achieved in comparable proportions between AS and PsA patients, at both 24 weeks (45% and 46%) and 52 weeks (65.5% and 68%, respectively); male sex was found an independent predictor of positive response (OR 5.16, P = 0.027). After 52 weeks, achievement of at least low disease activity and drug retention were observed in 75% of patients. Secukinumab was well-tolerated and only mild injection-site reactions were recorded in 4 patients. Conclusion In a real-world setting, secukinumab confirmed great effectiveness and safety in both AS and PsA patients. The influence of gender on treatment response deserves further attention.

Surfactant Protein (SP) induces preterm birth by promoting oxidative stress via upregulating Storkhead-Box Protein 1

Abstract Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant mortality. The mechanisms that instigate preterm birth remain elusive and this makes it difficult to predict or prevent preterm birth. In this study, the authors found that SP-A induced pathological damage to the placenta and promoted preterm birth. Through mechanism, SP-A promoted the expression of STOX1 which further promoted the oxidative stress in the placenta by inhibiting the activities of a series of antioxidant enzymes including SOD, CAT and GSH-Px. SP-A also induced dysregulation of arginine metabolism by inhibiting NOS2 and ARG2. Overexpression of STOX1 aggravated SP-A induced oxidative stress, pathological damage, and preterm birth, whereas knockdown of STOX1 alleviated SP-A induced oxidative stress, pathological damage and preterm birth. The present study uncovers that SP-A induces preterm birth by promoting oxidative stress via upregulating STOX1, which provides new targets for the prediction and prevention of preterm birth.

Uso de tecnologías de información y comunicación en el screening de la depresión asociada al consumo de sustancias psicoactivas / Use of information and communication technologies in screening of depression associated with the use of psychoactive substances

Resumen Introducción. El consumo de sustancias psicoactivas (SPA) se consideran como una enfermedad crónica debido a que el inicio, curso, dirección, y resultado es impredecible en algunos casos y adicionalmente son trastornos multicausales como es el caso de la depresión; según datos reportados por el Centro de Adicciones de Barcelona "la incidencia de depresión en pacientes con abuso de sustancias oscila entre el 6% y 70% en los consumidores de SPA". Con este panorama se debe comprender que la intervención debe desarrollar la promoción de la salud y la prevención de la enfermedad, con la aparición de la biotecnología con el uso y aplicación de las tecnologías de la información y las comunicaciones (TIC) en las ciencias de salud y la vida para el diagnóstico, prevención, supervisión, tratamiento. Objetivo. Desarrollar un software que permita generar una alerta para la identificación temprana de la depresión asociada al consumo de sustancias psicoactivas en adultos, mediante el uso de una TICs previamente validada, durante el año 2019. Metodología. Investigación Tecnológica, utilizando la metodología "UWE" con enfoque al desarrollo de software para el dominio web. Resultados. En esta propuesta de investigación se avanzará en el desarrollo del prototipo del producto para la identificación temprana de la depresión con el fin de mejorar el proceso de toma de decisiones clínicas, en el momento mismo de la atención, con base en la información registrada en el software llamado MEASDEP (Medición de la depresión en consumidores de SPA).

Abstract Introduction. The consumption of psychoactive substances (SPA) is considered a chronic disease because the onset, course, direction, and result is unpredictable in some cases and additionally they are multi-causal disorders such as depression; according to data reported by the Barcelona Addiction Center "the incidence of depression in patients with substance abuse ranges between 6% and 70% in SPA users". With this outlook, it should be understood that the intervention should develop the promotion of health and the prevention of disease, with the appearance of biotechnology with the use and application of information and communication technologies (ICT) in science, health and life for diagnosis, prevention, supervision, treatment. Objective. To develop a software that allows generating an alert for the early identification of depression associated with the use of psychoactive substances in adults, through the use of a previously validated ICT, during 2019. Methodology. Technological Research, using the "UWE "With a focus on software development for the web domain. Results. In this research proposal, progress will be made in the development of the product prototype for the early identification of depression in order to improve the clinical decision-making process, at the moment of care, based on the registered information in the software called MEASDEP (Measurement of depression in SPA consumers).

Application of pulsed field gel electrophoresis for molecular characterization of vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates from hospitals

Aim: The present study was conducted to characterize VRSA isolates on the basis of pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and the presence of spa gene, recovered from different Doon Valley Hospitals.Methodology: Six VRSA isolates were analyzed using PFGE and spa typing. spa gene coded Protein A was used as a genetic marker for the characterization of Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Dendrogram were constructed on the basis of unweighted pair group method with arithmetic means (UPGMA method) for clusters analyses.Results: Dendrogram finally showed two major banding patterns at about 85% similarity designated as PFGE type A and PFGE type B exhibiting differences of 4-6 bands. The length of spa gene varied from 1200 to 1500 bp, showing variation in length. The most prevalent length was 1200bp.

Prevalencia y caracterización genotípica de cepas de Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina aisladas en un hospital regional mexicano / Prevalence and genotypic characterization of methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus isolated in a Mexican regional hospital

Resumen Introducción: Staphylococcus aureus es uno de los patógenos con mayor prevalencia en el mundo, asociado a una alta tasa de mortalidad y un rápido desarrollo de resistencia a los antimicrobianos. A pesar de su patogenicidad, su seguimiento epidemiológico en México es escaso. Objetivo: Analizar la epidemiología molecular local y determinar el origen clonal de cepas resistentes a meticilina (RM) aisladas de pacientes internados en el Hospital Central "Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto". Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio prospectivo de corte transversal, de julio a diciembre de 2016. La caracterización de las cepas se realizó mediante genotipificación Spa, la determinación por RPC punto final de la frecuencia de genes de virulencia específicos y su antibiograma. Resultados: A partir de estos datos, se obtuvo que la prevalencia de S. aureus RM fue de 25,7%, destacando la presencia del tipo Spa t895 en 76% de las cepas resistentes y un patrón similar de susceptibilidad a antimicrobianos. Conclusión: Los resultados de este estudio indican que la prevalencia regional de SARM no se ha modificado en los últimos 10 años y proporcionan información valiosa del origen clonal y los factores de virulencia de las cepas de S. aureus aisladas en la región.

Abstract Background: Staphylococcus aureus is one of most prevalent pathogens in the world associated with a high mortality rate and a rapid development of resistance to antibiotics. Despite its pathogenicity, epidemiological monitoring in Mexico is scarce. Aim: To analyze the local molecular epidemiology and determine the clonal origin of methicillin-resistant (MR) strains isolated from patients admitted to Hospital "Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto". Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study was carried out from July to December 2016. The characterization of the strains was carried out by Spa genotyping, frequency of specific virulence genes by PCR and antibiogram. Results: The prevalence of MRSA was 25.7%, highlighting the presence of the Spa type t895 in 76% of the resistant strains and a similar pattern of susceptibility to antibiotics. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the regional prevalence of MRSA has not changed in the last 10 years and provide valuable information on the clonal origin and the virulence factors of the strains of S. aureus isolated in the region.

Consumo de sustancias psicoactivas desde la perspectiva de la terapia familiar / Consumption of psychoactive substances from a family therapy perspective

El consumo de sustancias psicoactivas, al considerarse una problemática contemporánea que genera alto impacto en la salud pública asociado al costo de la atención, suscita interés sobre Pedroza Molina, D. Y., Taborda Mazo, D. P. y Varela Chacón, J. (2020). La presente revisión bibliográfica, realizada desde el enfoque cualitativo-hermenéutico, plantea el análisis de las conceptualizaciones sobre el consumo de SPA desarrolladas en el ámbito de la terapia familiar, la identificación de la incidencia de las relaciones familiares en el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas y, por último, la descripción de propuestas de intervención desde la terapia familiar para familias en las que hay miembros consumidores de SPA. Dentro de los hallazgos se encuentra evidencia de las conceptualizaciones, implicaciones de la familia y propuestas de intervención en la revisión realizada, a partir de lo cual es posible señalar que, si bien no hay un consenso frente a la denominación del consumo desde esta disciplina ­ya que se usan indistintamente lo términos consumidor, drogodependiente, toxicómano, adicto, drogadicto­, se halla que independientemente de la escuela o modelo teórico existe acuerdo al conceptualizar el consumo como síntoma que emerge para garantizar la homeostasis familiar en un sistema sufriente. De igual forma, la familia tiene una alta incidencia dentro de la etiología de la situación de consumo y el proceso que genera la mantención del mismo, por lo que es claro que su implicación debe ser alta en el tratamiento y la recuperación. Se concluye que desde la terapia familiar existen diversas propuestas de intervención para abordar el tema de la adicción a SPA, que han mostrado ser efectivas y que la familia al estar involucrada en la génesis, mantenimiento y recuperación de la adicción, debe ser un foco central de la intervención.

Consumption of psychoactive substances, being considered a contemporary problem, which generates a high impact on public health associated with the cost of care, arouses interest in Pedroza Molina, Taborda Mazo & Varela Chacón (2020). This bibliographic review, carried out from a qualitative-hermeneutical approach, proposes the analysis of the conceptualizations about the consumption of PAS (Psychoactive Substances) developed in the field of family therapy, the identification of the incidence of family relationships in the consumption of psychoactive substances and, finally, the description of intervention proposals from family therapy for families in which there are members who consume PAS. Among the findings, there is evidence of the conceptualizations, implications of the family and intervention proposals in the review carried out, from which, it is possible to point out that although there is no consensus regarding the denomination of consumption from this discipline, given that the terms consumer, drug addict, addict, drug addict are used interchangeably, it was found that regardless of the school or theoretical model, there is a consensus when conceptualizing consumption as a symptom that emerges to guarantee family homeostasis in a suffering system. Similarly, the family has a high incidence within the etiology of the consumption situation and the process that generates its development, so it is clear that their involvement must be significant during treatment and recovery. It is concluded that from a family therapy perspective there are various intervention proposals to address the issue of PAS addiction, which have been shown to be effective and that the family, being involved in the genesis, development and recovery of addiction, should be a central focus of the intervention.

Clonal clusters and virulence factors of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus: Evidence for community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus infiltration into hospital settings in Chennai, South India

Background and Objective: Staphylococcus aureus is one of the major pathogens of nosocomial infections as wells as community-acquired (CA) infections worldwide. So far, large-scale comprehensive molecular and epidemiological characterisation of S. aureus from very diverse settings has not been carried out in India. The objective of this study is to evaluate the molecular, epidemiological and virulence characteristics of S. aureus in both community and hospital settings in Chennai, southern India. Methods: S. aureus isolates were obtained from four different groups (a) healthy individuals from closed community settings, (b) inpatients from hospitals, (c) outpatients from hospitals, representing isolates of hospital–community interface and (d) HIV-infected patients to define isolates associated with the immunocompromised. Antibiotic susceptibility testing, multiplex polymerase chain reactions for detection of virulence and resistance determinants, molecular typing including Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) and agr typing, were carried out. Sequencing-based typing was done using spa and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) methods. Clonal complexes (CC) of hospital and CA methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) were identified and compared for virulence and resistance. Results and Conclusion: A total of 769 isolates of S. aureus isolates were studied. The prevalence of MRSA was found to be 7.17%, 81.67%, 58.33% and 22.85% for groups a, b, c and d, respectively. Of the four SCCmec types (I, III, IV and V) detected, SCCmec V was found to be predominant. Panton-Valentine leucocidin toxin genes were detected among MRSA isolates harbouring SCCmec IV and V. A total of 78 spa types were detected, t657 being the most prevalent. 13 MLST types belonging to 9 CC were detected. CC1 (ST-772, ST-1) and CC8 (ST238, ST368 and ST1208) were found to be predominant among MRSA. CA-MRSA isolates with SCCmec IV and V were isolated from all study groups including hospitalised patients and were found to be similar by molecular tools. This shows that CA MRSA has probably infiltrated into the hospital settings.

The Superficial Palmar Arch: A Morphological Study

Background: The functional importance of hand is revealed by its rich vascularity contributed by superficial anddeep palmar arches (SPA and DPA). The efficiency of collateral circulation in hand by SPA and DPA is essential incertain peripheral vascular diseases like Raynaud’s disease and in harvesting radial artery for coronary arterybypass graft (CABG). Knowledge of variations in the arterial supply of hand is important while performingmicrosurgical procedures like arterial repair, vascular graft and flap application.Objective: To study the morphology of the Superficial Palmar Arch and variation in its formation.Materials and methods: We have dissected 30 cadaveric hands at Department of Anatomy of Medical Collegeand Hospital, Kolkata.Result and conclusion: Out of 30 specimens, variations were observed in 14 specimens. Out of 14 specimens in 11specimens SPA was formed alone by Ulnar Artery, in two specimens SPA was incomplete formed by superficialpalmar branches of Ulnar and Radial Artery, in one specimen there was presence of Persistent Median Arterywith incomplete SPA. All the variations found were present unilaterally. In rest 16 specimens SPA was completeclassical radio-ulnar type.

Detection of some virulence factors genes in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from different clinical cases

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most important pathogenic type to humans, and the most common species responsible for a wide range of diseases such as furuncles, various abscesses, wounds abscesses resulting from surgical operations, dermatitis, soft tissue inflammation, arthritis, bones inflammation, bronchial pneumonia, inflammation of internal parts of the heart and injuries caused by toxins such as toxic shock syndorome and staphylococcus aureus syndrome and food poisoning. The current study aimed by finding the genes responsible for the virulence factors in S. aureus isolates by using the Single and Multiplex PCR mechanism (technology). A total of 60 specimens (urine, burn swabs, wound swaabs) from different clinical cases were collected from patients (in different age groups) who admitted to several health centers in Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital, Iraq, during a period extending from October 2016 to January 2017. Some virulence factors were investigated for 30 isolate only of MRSA using Single and Multiplex PCR for detection virulence factor genes which both coa gene encoding production of coagulase, clfA gene encoding for clumpting factor, spa gene encoding for protein A, fnbA gene encoding for fibronectin binding proteins, luks gene encoding prouction of Panton Valentine Leukocidin (PVL). Results 30 (100%) were possess coa, clfA, spa and fnbA genes, 13 (43.3%) were possess luks gene

Progress of screening methods in vitro for HIV-1 capsid protein inhibitors / 中国药理学通报

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection is highly dependent on its conical fullerene capsid, which is composed of approximately 1 500 capsid proteins. In recent years, capsid protein has been recognized as an ideal target for design and screening drugs for AIDS therapy. Screening methods are the key to develop HIV-1 capsid inhibitors. A variety of screening approaches for HIV-1 capsid protein inhibitor, which have been reported in the literature are reviewed in the article.

What Is Necessary to Enhance Long-Stay Demand in Spa Health Resort？ ～From Considerations Based on Field Work～ / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

  The Ministry of the Environment is promoting an Onsen Stay policy, is suggesting long stays at spa health resorts and is working on activation in a spa from 2017. What kind of program can be carried out to accept long stay guests at the spa which fills the capacity of the health resort? Programs targeted for Gero Spa, the Osaka hot spring village (Yuya Spa, Shimojima Spa and Nigorigo Spa), Yuwaku Spa, the Hakusan hot spring village (Tedori Spa, new Iwama Spa, Ichirino Spa and Chugu Spa) and Yunokuchi Spa were investigated in this survey.  The necessity of creating a space of relaxation suitable for a stay was shown to add new space value and experience value when the area resources including the ambient surroundings in a spa were utilized for long stays in a thesis of Shimomura, who studied the spatial form of the spa and the spatial structure, and in an Onsen Stay promotion plan of the Ministry of the Environment.  In the above-named 10 spas the extent to which space value and experience value was added was investigated by listening to the guests concerned and by a local inspection of whether such a program was carried out. Since the program’s implementation in Gero Spa, the Osaka hot spring village and Ichirino Spa, as a result, I found that the long-stay program was feasible. But I also found that there are almost no long-stay guests who utilized the program because needs weren’t taken into consideration in the utilization. In high plains areas in the mountains, I also found that eco-tourism is considered as a stay plan and that town walks utilizing cultural facilities in downtown, walks and day trips to the surrounding scenic and recreation spots are considered as a stay plan in the newly-formed spa towns.  I suggest that an investigation in spas where long-stay programs have been put into effect is the next necessary step in this research.

A Spa-resort Tour in Japan Relieves Mental and Physical Stress and Corrects Serum Cortisol Levels / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

  Objective: Beppu city is a world-famous resort. Spa bathing has been reported to yield psychophysiological relaxation. Beppu city office planned a health-promoting tour including spa-bathing activities in Beppu for the aging population, which is growing rapidly in Japan. This tour provided spa-bathing experiences, walks through urban districts where old townscapes remain, yoga, mountain hikes and shrine visits. We investigated whether such a short tour brought about a detectable medical effect toward health promotion for the elderly.  Methods: Twenty applicants (mean age: 67.7±3.5 years; male, n＝9 [mean age, 68.9±2.9 years]; female, n＝11 [mean age, 66.7±3.7 years]), joined the tour. These voluntary participants, who were over 60 years of age, participated in a five-day-tour in Oita prefecture. Health checks were conducted on the first and last days of the tour. This tour was conducted in areas containing a gulf, mountain areas, lakeside areas, forests and shrines. Participants visited these areas during the tour.  Outcome Measures: The following parameters of the participants were measured at the beginning and end of tour: stress score, blood pressure, salivary amylase level, serum C-reactive protein level, and serum cortisol level. The results were compared and analyzed by a paired t-test and a simple regression analysis.  Results: The mean values of the following parameters (pre-intervention and post-intervention) showed significant changes after the program: stress score (43.7±8.05 and 39.4±6.57; p-value＝0.005); systolic blood pressure (131±17.8 mmHg and 125±16.2 mmHg; p＝0.018); diastolic blood pressure (73±7.3 mmHg and 70±6.6 mmHg; p＝0.016); serum cortisol (7.7±3.16 µg/dL and 6.1±1.82 µg/dL; p＝0.027). Moreover, the participants’ cortisol levels tended to converge into a normal range.   Conclusion: Tourism in a spa resort can relieve mental and physical stress, reducing blood pressure and correcting the adrenocortical function.

What Is Necessary to Enhance Long-Stay Demand in Spa Health Resort？ ～From Considerations Based on Field Work～ / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

  The Ministry of the Environment is promoting an Onsen Stay policy, is suggesting long stays at spa health resorts and is working on activation in a spa from 2017. What kind of program can be carried out to accept long stay guests at the spa which fills the capacity of the health resort? Programs targeted for Gero Spa, the Osaka hot spring village (Yuya Spa, Shimojima Spa and Nigorigo Spa), Yuwaku Spa, the Hakusan hot spring village (Tedori Spa, new Iwama Spa, Ichirino Spa and Chugu Spa) and Yunokuchi Spa were investigated in this survey.  The necessity of creating a space of relaxation suitable for a stay was shown to add new space value and experience value when the area resources including the ambient surroundings in a spa were utilized for long stays in a thesis of Shimomura, who studied the spatial form of the spa and the spatial structure, and in an Onsen Stay promotion plan of the Ministry of the Environment.  In the above-named 10 spas the extent to which space value and experience value was added was investigated by listening to the guests concerned and by a local inspection of whether such a program was carried out. Since the program’s implementation in Gero Spa, the Osaka hot spring village and Ichirino Spa, as a result, I found that the long-stay program was feasible. But I also found that there are almost no long-stay guests who utilized the program because needs weren’t taken into consideration in the utilization. In high plains areas in the mountains, I also found that eco-tourism is considered as a stay plan and that town walks utilizing cultural facilities in downtown, walks and day trips to the surrounding scenic and recreation spots are considered as a stay plan in the newly-formed spa towns.  I suggest that an investigation in spas where long-stay programs have been put into effect is the next necessary step in this research.

A Spa-resort Tour in Japan Relieves Mental and Physical Stress and Corrects Serum Cortisol Levels / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

  Objective: Beppu city is a world-famous resort. Spa bathing has been reported to yield psychophysiological relaxation. Beppu city office planned a health-promoting tour including spa-bathing activities in Beppu for the aging population, which is growing rapidly in Japan. This tour provided spa-bathing experiences, walks through urban districts where old townscapes remain, yoga, mountain hikes and shrine visits. We investigated whether such a short tour brought about a detectable medical effect toward health promotion for the elderly.  Methods: Twenty applicants (mean age: 67.7±3.5 years; male, n＝9 [mean age, 68.9±2.9 years]; female, n＝11 [mean age, 66.7±3.7 years]), joined the tour. These voluntary participants, who were over 60 years of age, participated in a five-day-tour in Oita prefecture. Health checks were conducted on the first and last days of the tour. This tour was conducted in areas containing a gulf, mountain areas, lakeside areas, forests and shrines. Participants visited these areas during the tour.  Outcome Measures: The following parameters of the participants were measured at the beginning and end of tour: stress score, blood pressure, salivary amylase level, serum C-reactive protein level, and serum cortisol level. The results were compared and analyzed by a paired t-test and a simple regression analysis.  Results: The mean values of the following parameters (pre-intervention and post-intervention) showed significant changes after the program: stress score (43.7±8.05 and 39.4±6.57; p-value＝0.005); systolic blood pressure (131±17.8 mmHg and 125±16.2 mmHg; p＝0.018); diastolic blood pressure (73±7.3 mmHg and 70±6.6 mmHg; p＝0.016); serum cortisol (7.7±3.16 µg/dL and 6.1±1.82 µg/dL; p＝0.027). Moreover, the participants’ cortisol levels tended to converge into a normal range.   Conclusion: Tourism in a spa resort can relieve mental and physical stress, reducing blood pressure and correcting the adrenocortical function.

Preventive and Promotive Effects of Habitual Hot Spa Bathing on the Elderly in Japan / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

  Although body-warming with hot spa-bathing has been proposed to exert medical therapeutic effects on certain diseases, whether body-warming has preventive and promotive effects remains unknown. To clarify this issue, an epidemiological questionnaire study regarding personal hot spa-bathing habits and disease history was carried out in Japan, where individuals engage in daily warm water bathing. Questionnaires regarding hot spa-bathing habits and disease history were randomly sent to 20,000 residents aged ≥65 years living in Beppu, a city in Japan that has the highest concentration of hot spa sources in the world. The results showed that habitual hot spa-bathing exerts preventive or promotive effects on the occurrence of certain diseases, such as hypertension (preventive) and collagen disease (promotive) in women, and cardiovascular diseases (preventive) in men. These findings suggest that habitual body warming is an effective and economical method with beneficial preventive and promotive effects on various diseases.

SPA0355 prevents ovariectomy-induced bone loss in mice

Estrogen withdrawal in post-menopausal women leads to overactivation of osteoclasts, which contributes to the development of osteoporosis. Inflammatory cytokines are known as one of mechanisms of osteoclast activation after estrogen deficiency. SPA0355 is a thiourea derivative that has been investigated for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, its efficacy in bone resorption has not been previously investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of SPA0355 on the development of osteoporosis and to explore its mode of action. In vitro experiments showed that SPA0355 inhibited receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis in primary bone marrow-derived macrophages. This effect appears to be independent of estrogen receptor activation as ICI 180,782 failed to abrogate its effects on osteoclasts. Further signaling studies revealed that SPA0355 suppressed activation of the MAPKs, Akt, and NF-κB pathways. SPA0355 also increased osteoblastic differentiation, as evidenced by its effects on alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization nodule formation. Intraperitoneal administration of SPA0355 to ovariectomized mice prevented bone loss, as verified by three-dimensional images and bone morphometric parameters derived from µCT analysis. Noticeably, SPA0355 did not show hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity and also had little effect on hematological parameters. Taken together, the results indicate that SPA0355 may protect against bone loss in ovariectomized mice by stimulation of osteoblast differentiation and by inhibition of osteoclast resorption. Therefore, SPA0355 is a safe and potential candidate for management of postmenopausal osteoporosis.