A comparative study of the original articles about the springs in the explanatory literature on the Ma la ya'i mystery / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

Introduction@#There is a sutra named “Detail explanatory of Ma la ya'i mystery and the giver everything wanted” (Ma la ya'i dka' 'grel 'dod pa 'jo ba) written by Mi'i nyi ma mthong ba don ldan, a Tibetan, which is considered as one of the undisputed ancient articles of Indian and Tibetan Medicines and to which Mongolian medical researchers in Mongolia and in Inner Mongolia, China haven't paid attention yet, so it is still not included in the scope of medical research work until now. </br>The sutra has an advantage that the place where the spring comes out is written in detail. Therefore, we now should thoroughly analyze the source place and features of the springs in order to convey a clear orderly understanding to future scholars by summarizing the research aligning it with traditional medical theory, and schematically mapping. @*Goal@#To make clearer the scholars' views of the four mountains included in the book “Rsta b’ai rgyud” and its theoretical and other concepts, as well as to analyze and conclude the interrelationships and features of springs in Ma la ya'i mountain. @*Materials and Methods@#In this research, I have studied the theory of Four mountains included in the book “Rsta b’ai rgyud” using the analyzing methods for original and source documents and summarized by the method of analysis and synthesis, as well as chosen the literature named “Detail explanation of Ma la ya'i mystery and the giver everything wanted” by sampling method and shown making sketch for the interrelations and features of springs by Hermeneutic method. @*Results@#As descried by a person named Gyutog yontan mgonpo (Gyutog yontan mgonpo) in terms of Foreign, Domestic and Secret Medicine Palaces, and according to the relevant sutras and mantras that said about them, the springs have the ability to heal diseases with the participation of earth directions, flora and fauna around the mountain and other factors. The sketch was clearly shown for the springs. @*Conclusion@#I believe that the debates about the Medicine Palace are highly dependent on the chronology in which the researchers lived and their own traditional ways. Currently, the five explanatory manuscripts written through XII - XX centuries about Medicine Palaces and Springs in Ma la ya'i Mountain have been found, among which, specially, the section written about the springs in the sutra named “Detail explanatory of Ma la ya'i mystery and the giver everything wanted” is a big thick book that was made at the level of "Great Explanation" in terms of its content. Therefore, I consider that this literature has become a new cognitive valuables added to the modern research resource because the knowledge of springs was presented greatly in depth and detail in this paper work.

Screening and Characterization of Bacillus Strains Producing Highly Thermostable Amylase from Various Hot Springs of Algeria

HIGHLIGHTS Screening extremophile Bacillus strains from various Hot Springs Characterization Of Bacillus Strains Producing Highly Thermostable Amylase Genetic identification of the best strains

Abstract Currently thermostable Amylase represents a broad biotechnological interest and desired by a various industries. In this study, forty-six bacterial strains belonging to the genus Bacillus were isolated from various hot springs in the North West of Algeria based on their ability to degrade starch and produce amylase in Starch Agar medium. The majority of isolates showed a positive amylolytic activity. In order to select the most thermostables amylase the effect of temperature on enzymes was estimated, therefore the study of amylase thermostability was culminated by the selection of Four Strains having an interesting optimum of activity and range of stability, reaching 75 °C for the strains HBH1-2, HBH1-3, HBH3-1and 85 °C for the strain HC-2, This indicates that the Enzyme produced by retained strains have optimum activity at high temperature. The identity of the selected strains was established on the basis of the morphological, biochemical characteristics and phylogenetic position as determined by 16S Ribosomal DNA gene sequencing. The whole strains belonged to the genus Bacillus and their phylogeny were also reported in this study.

Dinâmica da água em áreas de recarga de nascentes em dois ambientes na Região Alto Rio Grande, Minas Gerais / Water dynamics in springs recharge areas in two environments in the alto Rio Grande Region, Minas Gerais

RESUMO Apesar da importância da água na Terra, pouco se conhece sobre sua dinâmica no solo e, consequentemente, poucas são as informações sobre sua preservação em quantidade e qualidade. Diante disso, objetivou-se, neste trabalho, gerar informações que dessem subsídio ao entendimento da dinâmica da água no solo em áreas de recarga de nascentes. Para tanto, realizou-se o monitoramento da vazão e da precipitação nas áreas de recarga de duas pertencentes, verificando a relação existente entre os atributos físico-hídricos do solo intimamente relacionados à recarga subterrânea, além das características pedológicas, do uso do solo, da cobertura vegetal e da declividade. Os resultados mostraram que a sinalização de que os Cambissolos apresentam maior capacidade de infiltração e, consequentemente, recarga, em relação aos Latossolos, não se confirmou neste trabalho. Mesmo havendo uma grande discrepância nas classes de relevo entre as áreas de recarga das nascentes, esse efeito não foi suficiente para reduzir o processo de recarga. As condições de uso do solo não foram substancialmente diferentes a ponto de influenciar o processo de infiltração. O grande diferencial entre as áreas de recarga das nascentes em relação à capacidade de gerar deflúvio base se explica pelos atributos físico-hídricos e pelo índice pluviométrico, que, neste caso, resultaram em uma associação mais efetiva na área da nascente L1. A elevada capacidade de retenção de água no Latossolo, reflexo da maior microporosidade associada a sua maior profundidade, é uma característica desfavorável para o processo de recarga quando comparado ao Cambissolo, que tem horizonte B incipiente e menores profundidades.

ABSTRACT Despite the importance of water on earth, little is known about its dynamics in the soil, and consequently, there is little information about its preservation in quantity and quality. Therefore, the objective of this research was to generate information to support the understanding of water dynamics in soil springs in recharge areas. Thus, we carried out monitoring flow and precipitation in the areas of two belonging clearance, verifying the relationship between the physical and water attributes of the soil closely related to groundwater recharge, in addition to soil characteristics, land use, cover vegetation and slope. The results showed that the signaling that Cambisoils have higher infiltration capacity and consequently clearance in relation to Latosols was not confirmed in this study. Even though there is a large discrepancy in relief classes between the recharge areas of springs, this effect was not sufficient to reduce the recharge process. Land use conditions were not substantially different as to influencing the infiltration process. The big difference between the recharge areas of the springs on the ability to generate runoff base is explained by physical-water attributes and rainfall, which in this case resulted in a more effective association in the area of ​​spring L1. The higher water retention capacity of the Oxisol, reflecting the higher microporosity associated with its greater depth, is an unfavorable feature for the recharge process, when compared to Inceptisol, which has an incipient B horizon and lower depths.

Lumbar facet joint degeneration contributes to degenerative lumbar scoliosis induced by asymmetric stress in rabbits / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the role of lumbar facet joint degeneration in the development of degenerative lumbar scoliosis caused by asymmetric stress.@*METHODS@#Thirty-six New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=12): Group A with aspiration of the nucleus pulposus to induce disc degeneration; Group B with removal of the left capsule from the facet joints at L3/4 to L5/6 to induce degeneration; and Group C with both treatments. Springs were deployed on the left adjacent facets at L3/4, L5/6 and L5/6 to stress the facet joints. Serial radiographs were taken at 3 and 6 months, and the facet joint tissues were sampled at 6 months for Safranin O-fast green staining to assess the severity of cartilage degeneration based on the Mankin score.@*RESULTS@#The Cobb angle differed significantly among the 3 groups (=24.865, =0.000). In all the groups, the Cobb angles at 6 months increased significantly as compared with that at 3 months ( <0.05). The Cobb angles were significantly greater in group C than in the other 2 groups at both 3 and 6 months ( <0.05) but showed no significant difference between Groups A and B (>0.05). The severity of facet joint degeneration also differed significantly among the 3 groups (= 22.009, =0.000), and was the most severe in group C ( <0.05); facet joint degeneration was more severe in group B than in group A ( <0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Facet joint degeneration is an important factor that contributes to the development of degenerative lumbar scoliosis. Disc degeneration and facet joints degeneration can lead to lumbar scoliosis, which in turn aggravates disc degeneration, facet joints degeneration and asymmetric stress, thus forming a vicious circle to further exacerbate lumbar scoliosis.

Microbial mat ecosystems: structure types, functional diversity, and biotechnological application

Microbial mats are horizontally stratified microbial communities, exhibiting a structure defined by physiochemical gradients, which models microbial diversity, physiological activities, and their dynamics as a whole system. These ecosystems are commonly associated with aquatic habitats, including hot springs, hypersaline ponds, and intertidal coastal zones and oligotrophic environments, all of them harbour phototrophic mats and other environments such as acidic hot springs or acid mine drainage harbour non-photosynthetic mats. This review analyses the complex structure, diversity, and interactions between the microorganisms that form the framework of different types of microbial mats located around the globe. Furthermore, the many tools that allow studying microbial mats in depth and their potential biotechnological applications are discussed.

Sliding rod and ni-ti open coil springs used in anterior teeth alignment in 2 case / 实用口腔医学杂志

In the treatment for anterior teeth alignment in 2 case with mild or intermediate anterior teeth crowding,stainless steel wire ben-ding slide rod with the diameter of 0.5 mm was placed on either side of crowding anterior teeth,Ni-Ti open coil springs were attached to the rod,the gap between the teeth was opened and maintained by the springs.The crowding anterior teeth and irregular midline were adjusted to the normal position.

Consideration of the Physical and Environmental Factors and the Accident Sites in Case of Patients with Bathing Accidents, Requiring Ambulance Service in Noboribetsu City / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

  Japan has been speculated to have more than 10,000 bathing accidents per year, and the number increases annually. In particular, the number of bathing accidents in the elderly is increasing.<BR>  I investigated the bathing accidents that occurred in Noboribetsu City between April of 2014 and March of 2015 with the full cooperation of the Noboribetsu ambulance service. There were 52 accidents in total; 25 occurred in women with an average age of 64.4±20.5 years, and 27 occurred in men with an average age of 70.7±18.2 years.<BR>  In 11 cases, patients were transported via ambulance because of cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA). Eight of these patients were men, and three were women; 10 of the 11 CPA patients were brought to the hospital during the winter.<BR>  Although I was unable to clearly determine whether alcohol consumption influenced the increase in the number and seriousness of bathing accidents, I do not recommend heavy alcohol consumption because of the additional risk of consciousness disturbance and drowning.<BR>  The number of bathing accidents at the patient’s own home in Noboribetsu City increased significantly (P<0.05) in the winter, and I found no correlation between the season of the year and the number of accidents in public baths in Noboribetsu City and the number of accidents in hotels and inns in Noboribetsu hot springs.

Consideration of the Physical and Environmental Factors and the Accident Sites in Case of Patients with Bathing Accidents, Requiring Ambulance Service in Noboribetsu City / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

  Japan has been speculated to have more than 10,000 bathing accidents per year, and the number increases annually. In particular, the number of bathing accidents in the elderly is increasing.   I investigated the bathing accidents that occurred in Noboribetsu City between April of 2014 and March of 2015 with the full cooperation of the Noboribetsu ambulance service. There were 52 accidents in total; 25 occurred in women with an average age of 64.4±20.5 years, and 27 occurred in men with an average age of 70.7±18.2 years.   In 11 cases, patients were transported via ambulance because of cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA). Eight of these patients were men, and three were women; 10 of the 11 CPA patients were brought to the hospital during the winter.   Although I was unable to clearly determine whether alcohol consumption influenced the increase in the number and seriousness of bathing accidents, I do not recommend heavy alcohol consumption because of the additional risk of consciousness disturbance and drowning.   The number of bathing accidents at the patient’s own home in Noboribetsu City increased significantly (P<0.05) in the winter, and I found no correlation between the season of the year and the number of accidents in public baths in Noboribetsu City and the number of accidents in hotels and inns in Noboribetsu hot springs.

Vegetation coverage in hydrographic basins in the central region of the State of São Paulo, Brazil / Cobertura vegetal nas bacias hidrográficas na região central do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil

AbstractVegetation coverage can be inappropriately used, especially in the absence of proper planning, and can result in a reduction of the occupied area. Demographic and economic alterations are factors that contribute to the degradation of vegetation coverage in landscape units. In addition, because vegetation is essential for protection of recharge areas in aquifers, the fragmentation of habitats in hydrographic basins causes changes in climate temperature, soil erosion, eutrophication, and siltation of watercourses. This study analyzed the vegetation coverage from the municipality of São Carlos, State of São Paulo (SP) to assess the environmental quality of water resources in the hydrographic basins and sub-basins, in the Guarani Aquifer System. The vegetation coverage was analyzed in three scales: municipality, Hydric Resource Management Units (UGRHIs), and hydrographic sub-basins based on map overlapping from the LAPA/UFSCar Digital Cartographic Collection and visual interpretation of LANDSAT 5, TM sensor, Path 220, row 075 on satellite images. The municipality of São Carlos has vegetation coverage of 31,776.4 hectares, in which 57% is classified as preserved vegetation typology, and 58% is over the Guarani aquifer recharge area. The vegetation coverage with savannas, riparian forests, and mesophyll forests represented 28% of the total studied area and is located over 28.3% of the Guarani aquifer recharge area extension. The Permanent preservation areas (PPAs) represent 21.6% of the total vegetation coverage with 51% of it being vegetated. The municipality has a total of 686 springs (Topographic maps of IBGE, escale 1:50,000) distributed on an average of 60 springs per km2; 40% of these are protected by vegetation.

ResumoAlterações demográficas e econômicas são fatores que contribuem para a degradação da cobertura vegetal em unidades de paisagem. Além disso, a vegetação é essencial para a proteção de áreas de recarga de aquíferos. A fragmentação do habitat provoca mudanças climáticas locais, a erosão dos solos, a eutrofização e assoreamento dos cursos de água. Assim, o conhecimento sobre a hidrologia , flora e fauna de corpos d'água são essenciais para as estratégias conservacionistas. Este estudo analisou a cobertura vegetal do município de São Carlos, Estado de São Paulo (SP) para avaliar a qualidade ambiental dos recursos hídricos nas bacias hidrográficas e sub-bacias hidrográficas do Sistema Aquífero Guarani. A cobertura vegetal foi analisada em três escalas - municipal, Unidades de Gerenciamento de Recursos Hídricos (UGRHIs) e sub-bacias hidrográficas - com base no mapa de sobreposição da Coleção Cartográfica Digital LAPA/UFSCar e na interpretação visual de imagens LANDSAT 5 TM sensor, caminho 220, linha 075 no satélite imagens. O município de São Carlos tem cobertura de vegetação em 31.776,4 hectares, dos quais 57% são classificados como tipologia de vegetação preservada e 58% está sobre a área de afloramento do Aquífero Guarani. A cobertura vegetal, constituída por cerrados, florestas ciliares e florestas mesófilas representou 28% do total da área estudada e cobre 28,3% da extensão da área de recarga do Aquífero Guarani. As áreas de preservação permanentes (APPs) representam 21,6% da cobertura total de vegetação, com 51% de área vegetada. O município tem um total de 686 nascentes (Cartas topográficas do IBGE, escala 1:50.000) distribuídas em uma média de 60 molas por km2, 40% deles estão protegidos por vegetação.

Thermophilic bacteria in Moroccan hot springs, salt marshes and desert soils

The diversity of thermophilic bacteria was investigated in four hot springs, three salt marshes and 12 desert sites in Morocco. Two hundred and forty (240) thermophilic bacteria were recovered, identified and characterized. All isolates were Gram positive, rod-shaped, spore forming and halotolerant. Based on BOXA1R-PCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the recovered isolates were dominated by the genus Bacillus (97.5%) represented by B. licheniformis (119), B. aerius (44), B. sonorensis (33), B. subtilis (subsp. spizizenii (2) and subsp. inaquosurum (6)), B. amyloliquefaciens (subsp. amyloliquefaciens (4) and subsp. plantarum (4)), B. tequilensis (3), B. pumilus (3) and Bacillus sp. (19). Only six isolates (2.5%) belonged to the genus Aeribacillus represented by A. pallidus (4) and Aeribacillus sp. (2). In this study, B. aerius and B. tequilensis are described for the first time as thermophilic bacteria. Moreover, 71.25%, 50.41% and 5.41% of total strains exhibited high amylolytic, proteolytic or cellulolytic activity respectively.

Expression of miRNAs in peripheral blood plasma of the residents surrounding hot springs with radon / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To investigate the expressions of miR-16,miR-106b,miR-449a,miR-34a and let-7g in peripheral blood plasma of the residents surrounding hot springs with radon in Hebei province.Methods A total of 41 randomly selected residents surrounding hot springs with radon were considered as the radon group,and 46 residents with same living habit but without contact with hot springs were considered as control.The miRNAs in the peripheral blood plasma of these two groups were detected with qRT-PCR.Results The levels of miR-16,miR-106b,miR-449a and let-7g in the radon group were significantly higher than those in control group (Z=-2.278,-3.835,-2.719,-2.721,P＜0.05).Alterations of these miRNAs were associated with radon exposure (t =2.154,3.711,2.319,2.015,P ＜ 0.05) but had no relationship with age,sex,smoking and drinking factors.No significant difference was observed in the plasma levels of miR-34a between the two groups.Conclusions miR-16,miR-106b,miR-449a and let-7g could be applied as potential biomarkers for radon exposure.

Isolation, partial purification and characterization of thermophilic uricase from Pseudomonas otitidis strain SN4

Aims: The present study aimed at isolating new source of uricase producers from Malaysian hot springs together with partial purification and characterization of thermophilic uricase from novel strain. Methodology and results: A bacteria strain, designated as SN4, was found to have the ability to degrade uric acid. 16S rRNA analysis identified SN4 as Pseudomonas otitidis. Uricase was then extracted from SN4 and purification was performed via ammonium sulphate precipitation. The effects of temperature, pH and metal ions on partially purified uricase were evaluated. Results showed that 70% ammonium sulphate concentration gave the highest uricase activity at 4.18 U/mL compared to other concentrations. The molecular weight of the partially purified uricase was 33 kilodalton (kDa). The optimum temperature for uricase was 45 °C and its activity was highest at pH 8.0. Calcium ions and copper ions enhanced uricase activity while cobalt ions reduced uricase activity. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Isolation and investigation of uricase producers from new sources such as thermophiles would increase availability and thermal stability of the uricase that could be used for significant purposes such as in biochemical and clinical applications.

Antimicrobial Activity against Some Saprophytic and Pathogenic Microorganisms of Bacillus species Strains Isolated from Natural Spring Waters in Bulgaria.

It is well known that many members of genus Bacillus possess an antimicrobial activity against a variety of microorganisms. In this study we present a primary screening for antimicrobial activity against some saprophytic and pathogenic microorganisms of nineteen strains identified as Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus subtilis, isolated from eight natural thermal springs in two districts - Haskovo and Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. The inhibitory activities of the Bacillus sp. strains were determined by agar-well diffusion method. Test microorganisms were preliminarily included into the agar medium, whereas the Bacillus sp. strains were added to the wells. After 48 hours of incubation, the antimicrobial effects were determined by measuring the diameter of zones of inhibition around the wells. Most of Bacillus sp. strains showed high antimicrobial activitiy against the molds Penicillium sp., Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus awamori, Fusarium moliniforme and Rhizopus sp. Inhibitory activity against the mold Mucor sp. and bacterium Enterococcus faecalis ranged between low and moderate. Two of the strains (Bacillus cereus 52/GI1 and Bacillus thuringiensis 56/H3) possessed moderate antimicrobial activity against bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa and yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae. One strain (Bacillus subtilis 47/YA1) had high activity against the mold Mucormucedo; one strain (Bacillus cereus 36/GI6) showed moderate activity against yeasts Candida utilis, while bacterium Escherichia coli was not inhibited at all.

Exposure Dose Due to Radon in Air Around a Radioactive Spring / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

<b>Objectives:</b> Radon (²²²Rn) is a noble gas and a component of water in many hot spring spas. The Hot Springs Law and the Guideline of Analytical Methods of Mineral Springs (revised edition) of Japan classify springs containing 74 Bq/kg or more of radon as “hot springs” and those with radon levels exceeding 111 Bq/kg as “medical springs”, also called “radioactive springs”. Komono Town, one of the foremost spa and health resort destinations in Mie Prefecture, is the site of many radioactive springs. For the purpose of regional vitalization of this area through radioactive springs, it is necessary to confirm the safety and effectiveness of their use. To evaluate the exposure dose due to radioactive spring usage, it is important to measure radon concentration in air, especially in high-humidity air such as in bathing rooms.<BR><b>Methods:</b> The concentration of radon in air was analyzed using an activated charcoal detector (PICO-RAD; AccuStar Labs) with a desiccant (Drierite; 8-mesh anhydrous calcium sulfate; W.A. Hammond Drierite Company, Ltd.) and a liquid scintillation counter (LSC LB-5; Hitachi Aloka Medical, Ltd.). A DPO (2,5-diphenyloxazole) + POPOP (1,4-bis- (5-phenyl-2-oxazolyl)-benzene) toluene solution (Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was used as a liquid scintillator. Activated charcoal detectors were set up in and around the radioactive spring facilities. <BR><b>Results and Discussion:</b> In a radioactive spring facility, radon concentration in air in the bathing room and changing room were relatively high at about 50 Bq/m³. In the corridor on all floors and at the entrance, these values were approximately 10-30 Bq/m³, indicating that radon in hot spring water diffuses into the air and spreads within the facility. Outdoors, radon concentration was 12.5 Bq/m³ at a campsite near the discharge point of the radioactive spring.<BR>  Exposure dose is calculated under the assumption of a two-day stay, during which the visitor will use the bath for several hours. The results obtained show that the exposure dose at the hot spring facility is lower than the exposure dose from daily environmental radiation or medical devices. These conclusions are considered sufficient to confirm the safety of the hot spring facility.

16-6 Assesment of isotonic thermal chlorosodic waters of the Middle Benue Trough, Nigeria for use in drinking cure / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

Introduction: Two springs namely Bitrus (flowing borehole) and Ruwan Zafi, both in Awe - North Central Nigeria were sampled and analysed for elements of pharmacodynamic significance. Methods: The electrometric method was used to determine electrical conductivity, pH value, iodide and fluoride content. The spectrophotometric method was used for the determination of ammonium, iron, magnesium, nitrate, nitrite, silicate, bromate, and sulphate content. Furthermore, the flame photometric method was used for the determination of sodium, and potassium content. Finally, the complexometric titration was used to determine calcium, and magnesium, the argentometric titration to determine chloride, while the acidimetric titration was used in the determination of hydrocarbonate. Result: Their rich mineral endowment is easily traced to their ancient marine source in the Cretaceous. These waters interact with host-beds of shale, silt, sandstone, which are sometimes calcareous on their way up under natural artesian conditions. With average temperature of 40 degree Centigrade, they make for invaluable balnear resources. Both springs have mineralization greater than 1000 mg/l and as such qualify as mineral/medicinal waters. Conclusion: Due to their Isotonic nature and moderate mineralization, they are suitable for use in drinking cure as their chemistry compares favourably with that of a well-known spring water in Poland used for the same purpose-Inowroclaw(mineralization 0.29%).

Exposure Dose Due to Radon in Air Around a Radioactive Spring / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

Objectives: Radon (222Rn) is a noble gas and a component of water in many hot spring spas. The Hot Springs Law and the Guideline of Analytical Methods of Mineral Springs (revised edition) of Japan classify springs containing 74 Bq/kg or more of radon as “hot springs” and those with radon levels exceeding 111 Bq/kg as “medical springs”, also called “radioactive springs”. Komono Town, one of the foremost spa and health resort destinations in Mie Prefecture, is the site of many radioactive springs. For the purpose of regional vitalization of this area through radioactive springs, it is necessary to confirm the safety and effectiveness of their use. To evaluate the exposure dose due to radioactive spring usage, it is important to measure radon concentration in air, especially in high-humidity air such as in bathing rooms. Methods: The concentration of radon in air was analyzed using an activated charcoal detector (PICO-RAD; AccuStar Labs) with a desiccant (Drierite; 8-mesh anhydrous calcium sulfate; W.A. Hammond Drierite Company, Ltd.) and a liquid scintillation counter (LSC LB-5; Hitachi Aloka Medical, Ltd.). A DPO (2,5-diphenyloxazole) + POPOP (1,4-bis- (5-phenyl-2-oxazolyl)-benzene) toluene solution (Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was used as a liquid scintillator. Activated charcoal detectors were set up in and around the radioactive spring facilities. Results and Discussion: In a radioactive spring facility, radon concentration in air in the bathing room and changing room were relatively high at about 50 Bq/m3. In the corridor on all floors and at the entrance, these values were approximately 10-30 Bq/m3, indicating that radon in hot spring water diffuses into the air and spreads within the facility. Outdoors, radon concentration was 12.5 Bq/m3 at a campsite near the discharge point of the radioactive spring.   Exposure dose is calculated under the assumption of a two-day stay, during which the visitor will use the bath for several hours. The results obtained show that the exposure dose at the hot spring facility is lower than the exposure dose from daily environmental radiation or medical devices. These conclusions are considered sufficient to confirm the safety of the hot spring facility.

Expressions of lung cancer related genes and miRNA in peripheral blood of the residents surrounding hot springs with extremely high radon / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To investigate the expressions of lung cancer related genes and miRNA in peripheral blood of the residents surrounding the extremely high radon hot springs in Ruoergai County,Sichuan Province. Methods Peripheral blood samples were collected from the local residents.Expressions of lung cancer related genes (p53,k-ras) and miRNA (let-7a,miR-34a/b) were detected by real-time PCR and the protein expressions of p53 and k-ras were detected by Western blot.Results The expressions of p53 and k-ras mRNA of the residents in high radon area were 0.97 and 1.33 times of the control respectively (t =0.13,-1.12,P ＞0.05),and the p53 and k-ras protein levels were 0.70 and 1.23 times of the control respectively (t =0.72,0.46,P ＞ 0.05).The let-7a of the residents in high radon area was lower (t =1.63,P ＞ 0.05 ) while the miR-34a and miR-34b were significantly higher than those of the controls (t =- 3.20,- 3.32,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Based on the expressions of p53 and k-ras gene and miRNA,it can be concluded that the residents surrounding the high radon hot springs received radiation damage.

Spa therapy in dermatology.

Spa therapy constitutes the use of mineral springs and thermal mud to soothe and heal various ailments. Like the mineral springs, seas and oceans are also important centers for spa therapy of which the most important is Dead Sea (DS). DS has been famous for thousands of years for its miraculous curative and cosmetic properties. Intensive research is going on using DS minerals in a wide range of dermatological conditions especially psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo and other eczemas and several papers have been published in various international and pharmacological journals.

Expected Balneological Effects of Hot Springs in Tokyo 23 Wards / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

 Hot sprigs elements and balneological effects of Tokyo 23 wards, which is not recognized as hot spring region were considered. The density of the hot spring’s source in this region is high compared to other parts of the country. Moreover, a useful element and temperature for the balneological treatment was confirmed by the hot springs with deep digging in a lot of places.<br> The hot springs in Tokyo can be classified into the NaCl strong salt hot springs, NaHCO<SUB>3</SUB>, and the sodium metasilicates. The strong Na-Cl (salt) springs are recognized in hot springs found by deep digging, and exists everywhere in Tokyo. The hot springs of the NaHCO<SUB>3</SUB> are localized in Ohta ward by moderate depth digging. The hot springs including with the rich sodium metasilicates in Ohta ward by shallow digging.<br>If the hot springs in Tokyo are to be used the balneologically, the following effects are expected.<br> Thermal and warm keeping effects can be expected from the strong Na-Cl (salt) springs. Cleanness and smoothing effects of the skin can be expected of NaHCO<SUB>3</SUB>. Hyperkeratosis of the skin can be expected from rich sodium metasilicates.

Use of Hot Springs by Ambulatory Orthopaedic Patients / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

 The effects of hot springs have been described in many studies. However, few studies have reported the use of hot springs by patients. This study aimed to elucidate the use of hot springs by ambulatory orthopaedic patients. We prepared paper questionnaires on the use of hot springs by patients; these questionnaires were administered to ambulatory orthopaedic patients in our general hospital. The questions were as follows: (Q1) Is (Are) there any hot spring(s) near your residence? (Q2) Do you think hot springs are effective for improving your health? (Q3) Have you ever visited a hot spring in the past 1 year? If yes, what was the reason for visiting the hot spring? (Q4) If you did not visit any hot spring, what was the reason for not going? When you are unable to visit hot springs, do you use any alternative methods? (Q5) Do you want hot springs near your residence? The results were as follows: (Q1) Yes, 33 (61%); No, 20 (37%); and No answer, 1 (2%) (Q2) Yes, 15 (28%); Yes (a little), 29 (54%); Neutral, 7 (13%); and No, 3 (6%) (Q3) 1-2 times per year, 18 (33%); 3-4 times per year, 6 (11%); More than 5 times per year, 13 (24%); and No, 17 (31%) (Q4) Bear, 13 (24 %); Alternative, 23 (43%); Use spa, 8 (15%); and Others, 10 (19%) (Q5) Yes, 30 (56%); Yes (a little), 14 (26%); Neutral, 7 (13%); No, 1 (2%); and No answer, 2 (4%). The results of this study suggest that ambulatory orthopaedic patients have a good opinion about the effects of hot springs. Further, these patients visited hot springs. Orthopaedic surgeons must be well informed about the therapeutic use of hot springs.