The first cultivated representatives of the actinobacterial lineage OPB41 isolated from subsurface environments constitute a novel order Anaerosomatales

The continental subsurface harbors microbial populations highly enriched in uncultured taxa. OPB41 is an uncultured order-level phylogenetic lineage within the actinobacterial class Coriobacteriia. OPB41 bacteria have a wide geographical distribution, but the physiology and metabolic traits of this cosmopolitan group remain elusive. From two contrasting subsurface environments, a terrestrial mud volcano and a deep subsurface aquifer, located in the central part of Eurasia, within the Caucasus petroleum region, we have isolated two pure cultures of anaerobic actinobacteria belonging to OPB41. The cells of both strains are small non-motile rods forming numerous pili-like appendages. Strain M08DHB^T is mesophilic, while strain Es71-Z0120^T is a true thermophile having a broad temperature range for growth (25-77°C). Strain M08DHB^T anaerobically reduces sulfur compounds and utilizes an aromatic compound 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid. Strain Es71-Z0120^T is an obligate dissimilatory Fe(III) reducer that is unable to utilize aromatic compounds. Both isolates grow lithotrophically and consume molecular hydrogen or formate using either thiosulfate, elemental sulfur, or Fe(III) as an electron acceptor. Genomes of the strains encode the putative reductive glycine pathway for autotrophic CO₂ fixation, Ni-Fe hydrogenases, putative thiosulfate/polysulfide reductases, and multiheme c-type cytochromes presumably involved in dissimilatory Fe(III) reduction. We propose to assign the isolated strains to the novel taxa of the species-order levels and describe strain M08DHB^T as Anaerosoma tenue gen. nov., sp. nov., and strain Es71-Z0120^T as Parvivirga hydrogeniphila gen. nov., sp. nov., being members of Anaerosomatales ord. nov. This work expands the knowledge of the diversity, metabolic functions, and ecological role of the phylum Actinomycetota.

Benefits of crenotherapy in digestive tract pathology (Review)

Balneotherapy, a branch of physical and rehabilitation medicine using the natural factors of balneal resorts for therapeutical purposes to modulate the symptoms of numerous diseases, represents a non-pharmaceutical therapeutic alternative, easily accepted by patients and used both preventively and curatively. Crenotherapy, a branch of balneotherapy, is the method in which mineral waters are used as a therapeutic internal cure by ingestion. This procedure is performed in spa resorts (where these natural resources exist), and the ingestion of mineral water takes place at the source (spring), in the quantities recommended by the medical rehabilitation physician, according to specific regimens for the condition to be treated. Depending on their physical and chemical composition, the therapeutic mineral waters fall into several categories, having clear indications for certain pathologies. Hypotonic, isotonic, or slightly hypertonic mineral waters are recommended in diseases of the digestive tract and hepatobiliary conditions. Over time, studies have been conducted to determine the effect of these types of treatments, highlighting the complex influence of crenotherapy on the gastrointestinal tract, with favorable results, therefore the use of mineral water intake in various pathologies being recommended. The current review focuses on the existing literature data and refers to the main progress made in understanding the benefit, indications, and crenotherapy procedures in the management of gastrointestinal disorders.

A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of mud-bath therapy on knee osteoarthritis

Objective

Osteoarthritis (OA) results from loss of cartilage in-tegrity in association with changes to the structure of the entire joint. Treatment of OA is based on different pharmaceutical and no phar-maceutical approaches and the latter include the use of spa-therapy. The biological effects of mud-bath therapy are mainly secondary to heat stimulation and to physic-chemical properties of mineral waters and mud-packs. Mud-bath therapy likely exerts its effects modulating several cytokines and other molecules involved in inflammation and cartilage degradation. Our aim was to perform an updated meta-analysis of the effectiveness of the mud-bath therapy on knee osteoarthritis and briefly to discuss the mechanisms of action of this treatment.

Materials and Methods

A MEDLINE on PubMed for articles on knee OA and spa therapy published from 1995 through up to April 2019 was performed. Then, we checked the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to find additional references included up to April 2019. Articles were included if in accordance with the eligibility cri-teria. Sample size and effect sizes were processed with the MedCalc software package.

Results

Twenty one studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in meta-analysis. We examined WOMAC Index and VAS pain. We found significant improvements in function scores and painful symptoms after mud-bath therapy in patients with knee joint osteoarthritis.

Conclusions

Spa therapy is a non-drug treatment modalities, non invasive, complication-free, and cost-effective alternative modality for the conservative treatment of knee osteoarthritis. It cannot substitute for conventional therapy but can integrated or alternated to it. Treatment with mud-bath therapy may relieve pain, stiffness and improve functio-nal status in patients with knee OA.

[Evaluation of the influence of different physical and chemical composition mineral waters on the state of carbohydrate metabolism in experimental metabolic syndrome]

Purpose of the study. To carry out a comparative analysis of the intake effect of mineral waters (MW) of various physicochemical compositions, including those ones enriched in selenium, on the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MS) in the experiment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The experiment was carried out on 68 male white rats aged 3 months, which were divided into 5 groups. Control groups: CG1 - 10 animals without exposure; CG2 - 14 animals with MS, received only drinking water. Experimental groups: EG1 - 14 rats with MS, received MW1 of chloride-sulfate sodium composition (Ivanovo region); EG2 - 15 animals, received MW2 of chloride-hydrocarbonate-sodium composition (Essentuki No. 4); EG3 - 15 animals, received MW2 enriched with selenium. MS was modeled by double injection of streptozotocin, intraperitoneally, 30 μg/kg, after 60 days of finding the animals on a hypercaloric diet.

RESULTS

According to the oral glucose tolerance test (GTT) in animals with MS, two variants of the glycemic response were identified, according to which two subgroups (SG) were identified in each group. In the 1^st SG CG2 and EG1-3, a moderate increase in glucose at the 60^th minute of GTT was revealed, which was 1.2 times higher than the glucose level at the 60^th minute in CG1. In SG 2, an increase in glucose was noted at the 60^th minute by 2.5-5.0 times, by the 120^th minute of GTG the glucose level was higher than in CG1. In animals CG2, there was no decrease in glucose by the 120^th minute, in contrast to EG1-3. The activity of blood α-amylase increased by 2 times was determined in animals CG2 compared to CG1, and in groups EG1 and EG2 the level of its activity approached the level of CG1.

CONCLUSION

In animals with MS, a decrease in the sensitivity of β-cells to the stimulating effect of glucose and the involvement of the exocrine pancreas in the pathological process was determined. Under the influence of therapeutic course drinking MW of different physicochemical composition in animals with MS in the experiment, the sensitivity of tissues to the stimulating hyperglycemic signal was restored to varying degrees and the increased activity of blood α-amylase decreased.

[Kolyma health resort «Talaya» (to its 80th birthday)]

The article is devoted to the history of the creation and establishment of the Far Eastern resort «Talaya», located in the Far North of Russia, in the Magadan Region among the hills of the Kolyma Range, in the valley of the Talaya River. A historical essay is presented from 1868 to the present days, including periods of the resort's development at various stages of Russia's formation (pre-revolutionary, post-revolutionary periods, the era of developed socialism, present times). The contribution of resort doctors, geologists, employees of research institutes to the study of the mechanism of action and clinical effectiveness of the use of Tal mineral water is described. The balneological characteristic of nitrogen-siliceous thermal water, the main therapeutic factor of the Talaya resort, is given. Currently, the Talaya sanatorium is providing the treatment of patients with diseases of the skin, musculoskeletal system, gynecological, neurological diseases, diseases of the digestive system, metabolism, upper respiratory tract, cardiovascular system, occupational diseases using balneotherapy, mud therapy and others methods of non-drug therapy. Hundreds of thousands of northerners were healed by the Kolyma health resort, which gained fame as the «Northern Pearl». Today, during the reorganization of health care, the Talaya sanatorium is going through a difficult but interesting period in improving the possibilities of healing the inhabitants of the northern regions of Russia.

Combination of Korean Red Ginseng Extract and Hydrogen-Rich Water Improves Spermatogenesis and Sperm Motility in Male Mice

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of hydrogen-rich Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) water (HRGW) mixture on the spermatogenesis and sperm motility of mice of different ages.

METHODS

Eighty young (3 month-old) and aged (12 month-old) male mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n =10 per group) including control group, hydrogen-rich water (HRW) group (10 mL/kg daily), KRG group (50 mg/kg daily) and HRGW group (10 mL/kg and 50 mg/kg daily) by an oral zoned needle for 4 weeks. Sperm count and motility were measured using sperm suspension released from cauda epididymis. Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in serum have also been estimated. Tubular changes were examined through histological hematoxylin and eosin staining. Expression of antioxidation (PPx3, PPx4, GSTm5 and GPx4), spermatogenesis (inhibin-a, neptin-2 and CREM), antiaging (SIRT1 and SIRT2), and angiogenesis [visfatin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] related genes were examined through real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

HRW and KRG treatment stimulated spermatogenesis followed by increasing sperm production and sperm motility (P <0.05). These effects were strengthened synergistically by a HRGW mixture (P <0.05 or P <0.01). HRGW greatly increased the expressions of antioxidation, antiaging, spermatogenesis related genes and VEGF especially in aged mice (P <0.05). Serum testosterone and FSH levels also increased, while serum ROS level decreased (all P <0.05).

CONCLUSION

HRGW increases sperm production and motility by enhancing antioxidation and stimulating spermatogenesis and sex hormone production, particularly in aged mice.

[The gastroprotective action of acidic mineral water from the Azhyg-Sug source on the stress-induced injuries to the stomach of white rats]

BACKGROUND

The relevance of this study is determined by the need for the scientifically sound substantiation of the possibility for the use of acidic mineral waters in the treatment of digestive diseases taking into consideration their widespread application in ethnomedicine, in particular in the Republic of Tuva.

AIM

The objective of the present study was to elucidate the gastroprotective action of acidic mineral water from the Azhyg-Sug source (Republic of Tyva) on the experimental animals as exemplified by the model of ulcerogenesis under the conditions of immobilization stress.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The experimental studies were carried out with the use of 32 white rats of the Wistar line. Ulcerogenesis was initiated by means of immobilization stress. We evaluated the pathomorphological characteristics of the gastric mucosa and the number of destructions based on the Pauls index. The state of the lipid peroxidation system and antioxidative protection were determined from the content of malon dialdehyde and reduced glutathione, extracellular catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in erythrocytes.

RESULTS

The study has demonstrated that the mineral water from the Azhyg-Sug source slows down the development of the inflammatory and destructive necrotic processes in the mucosa of the stomach of albino rats. The depth of erosion in the animals receiving mineral water was 2.3 and 3.4 times lower than in the control animals (p≤0.05). The antioxidant effect of mineral water was confirmed by the 14-20% decrease of the MDA concentration as well as by the increase of the catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities by 21-25% and 20-30% respectively in comparison with the control animals.

CONCLUSION

The Azhyg-Sug mineral water has the strong gastroprotective influence on the experimental animals having the induced neurogenic ulcer. One of the mechanisms underlying the gastroprotective action of the investigated mineral water arises from its ability to inhibit the processes of lipid peroxidation with the simultaneous enhancement of the activity of the antioxidant system of the organism.

HPLC-DAD Determination of Iodide in Mineral Waters on Phosphatidylcholine Column

Iodine is an essential nutrient necessary for the production of thyroid hormones. A valuable source of iodide, which is the bio-available iodine form could be mineral waters offered by different spas. In this work, the method capable of direct determination of iodide in mineral water samples based on IAM liquid chromatography on the phosphatidylcholine column (IAM.PC.DD2 Regis HPLC) with DAD detection without sample pretreatment or any pre-concentration steps is presented. The calibration graph for iodide was linear in the range of 0.5–10.0 mg L⁻¹ with a correlation coefficient of 0.9996. The limit of detection was 22.84 ng mL⁻¹. The relative recoveries were in the interval of 98.5–100.2% and the repeatability, expressed as a relative standard deviation (RSD) was less than 5%. The RSA (Response Surface Analysis) investigated the effect of the sample concentration and the injection volume. The iodide concentrations in the mineral water samples ranged from 0.58 to 2.88 mg L⁻¹. The accuracy of the method was assessed through independent analysis by ICP-MS. Iodide levels measured by these two procedures did not significantly differ. The effects of interfering ions like HCO₃⁻, Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, F⁻, and Br⁻ were also tested. The analysis has shown insignificant differences in the values of the iodide peak area and its height measured in multicomponent mixtures with an error smaller than 5%.

The therapeutic activity of sulphate-bicarbonate-calcium-magnesiac mineral water in the functional disorders of the biliary tract

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Functional disorders of the biliary tract involve gallbladder and sphincter of Oddi and cause pain and/or digestive troubles. In this context, in addition to pharmacological treatments, an important role is played by the use of sodium-sulphate and sulphate-bicarbonate mineral waters that, because of their composition into ions macro and trace elements, can stimulate the release or modulate the activity of some neurohumoral regulators of the digestive process. We want to do a study on the effects of hydropinotherapy with a sulphate-bicarbonate-calcium-magnesium mineral water in patients suffering from pain and other symptoms caused by biliary dyskinesias, biliary sand (without gallstones), or following a cholecystectomy (post-cholecystectomy syndromes).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We enrolled 43 patients suffering from those affections; all the patients did two cycles in one year of hydropinotherapy with Acqua Santa at Italy's Chianciano Spa; 20 of these patients did a third cycle of hydropinotherapy in the second year of the study. At the end of the second and of the third cycle we compared the frequency of eleven main symptoms in both groups and we also performed an longitudinal-observational study on the frequency of those symptoms before the beginning of the first cycle of the therapy and at the end of the second and of the third cycle. Statistical analyses were based on the use of Pearson's χ2 test.

RESULTS

The frequency of the symptoms observed at the end of second and third cicle of hydropinotherapy was significantly lower than that considered before starting therapy. The differences were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our research regarding the hydropinotherapy by sulphate-bicarbonate-calcium-magnesium mineral water show a significant improvement of symptoms in patients suffering from disturbances of biliary tract.

MINERAL WATERS ACROSS THE CHANNEL: MATTER THEORY AND NATURAL HISTORY FROM SAMUEL DUCLOS'S MINERALLOGENESIS TO MARTIN LISTER'S CHYMICAL MAGNETISM, CA. 1666-86

Our essay analyses a little-known book, Observations sur les eaux minerales des plusieurs provinces de France (1675), which is a study of French mineral waters, commissioned by and conducted at the French Royal Academy of Science (est. 1666). Its author, Samuel Cottereau Duclos (1598-1685), was a senior founding figure of the Academy, its chief chymist and one of its most influential members. We examine Observations with a focus on the changing attitudes towards chymical knowledge and practice in the French Academy and the Royal Society of London in the period 1666-84. Chymistry was a fundamental analytical tool for seventeenth-century natural historians, and, as the work of Lawrence Principe and William Newman has shown, it is central to understanding the 'long' Scientific Revolution. Much study has also been done on the developing norms of openness in the dissemination and presentation of scientific, and particularly chymical knowledge in the late seventeenth century, norms that were at odds with traditions of secrecy among individual chymists. Between these two standards a tension arose, evidenced by early modern 'vociferous criticisms' of chymical obscurity, with different strategies developed by individual philosophers for negotiating the emergent boundaries between secrecy and openness. Less well studied, however, are the strategies by which not just individuals but also scientific institutions negotiated these boundaries, particularly in the formative years of their public and political reputation in the late seventeenth century. Michael Hunter's recent and welcome study of the 'decline of magic' at the Royal Society has to some extent remedied these omissions. Hunter argues that the Society--as a corporate body--disregarded and avoided studies of magical and alchemical subjects in the late seventeenth century. Our examination problematizes these distinctions and presents a more complex picture.