Therapeutic Mud Research Articles

The role of changes in the structure of water and water-based systems in the mechanism of combined action of the magnetic field and natural therapeutic factors

The application of the dielectrometric technology in the combination with the resonance method and thermometry has been shown to provide an insight into a variety of factors including the influence of the magnetic field of the permanent magnets on the structure of water and water-containing systems. It was found that the magnetization of both distilled water and «Karachinskaya» mineral water increase their structuredness. Magnetization changes the biological properties of therapeutic peloids by virtue of a change in the structure of water and, accordingly, the structuring of the water fraction of therapeutic muds. The analysis of the results of experimental and theoretical studies gives evidence that variations in the structure of water and water-based systems play an important role in enhancing the effectiveness of the combined treatment with the use of the magnetic field and the natural therapeutic factors. The positive and adaptogenic effects of such treatment appears to be due to such changes in the structure of water and water-containing systems which facilitate communication between the processes in the resonant mode but maintain stability of the cellular structures by limiting the mobility of water dipoles under the influence of non-resonant frequencies.

Results of the numerical modelling of intra-annual variability of characteristics of the hydrological regime of the Kuyalnik Liman lagoon

In order to solve the problems of diagnosis and forecast of spatial-temporal variability of hydrological characteristics of the Kuyalnik Liman (water level, salinity and temperature) which cause chemical and biological processes occurring therein, and, therefore, affect the properties of brine and therapeutic mud, a non-stationary 3D numerical hydrothermodynamic model Delft3D-FLOW was applied.
 The model can be applied for research of the features and forecasting of spatial-temporal variability of hydrological characteristics of the Kuyalnik Liman under the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors forming its hydrological regime. Such opportunity is also indicated by the results of adaptation of the model to the Kuyalnik Liman conditions and its validation that are specified in this work.
 The important role of accounting of small streams flowing into the liman and accurate setting of intensity of storm rainfall during modelling is also shown. It is found that at the time of storm winds with longitudinal directions in relation to the liman’s water surface, the difference of watermarks in its northern and southern parts may reach 0.35-0.4 m.

Mineral Waters and Therapeutic Muds from Homorod Baths (Braşov). Characteristics and Exploitation

Mineral Waters and Therapeutic Muds from Homorod Baths (Braşov). Characteristics and Exploitation

Stabilized Silver Nanoparticles and Nanoclusters Agn in Humic-Based Bioactive Nanocomposites

Silver-containing nanocomposites synthesized from the compounds of a humic series have been studied using modern physical–chemical methods (EPR, TEM, IR and XRD, etc.). It is shown that the humic substances with different functional groups and isolated from different sources have also different ability of stabilizing the silver nanoparticles. Long-term stable nanoparticles and silver clusters have been found. A multiplet, observed in the EPR spectra of silver-containing nanocomposites, which are obtained from humic substances isolated from therapeutic muds and shales, is assigned to the formed Agn nanoclusters. Formation of the silver molecular clusters depends on the kind of humic substances and depth of their decomposition.

THERAPEUTIC MUD OCCURRENCES IN GREECE: MINERALOGICAL AND GEOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THE SAGIADA MUD (THESPROTIA PREFECTURE)

The current study presents the preliminary results of the mineralogical and geochemical characterization of the Sagiada mud (Prefecture of Thesprotia), which is considered as one of the most representative therapeutic mud occurrences in Greece. This work is part of a bigger project, conducted by IGME (Athens, Greece), for the characterization of the Greek therapeutic mud deposits. The mineralogical composition was determined using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), optical microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The main mineral phases of the Sagiada mud are quartz, feldspars, clay minerals such as illite, kaolinite, chlorite and vermiculite, and calcite accompanied by minor phases such as halite and pyrite. Traces of muscovite and gypsum were also identified. Geochemical analyses were performed using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the determination of major and trace element content, respectively. Compared to Spanish peloids and European floodplain sediments, the Sagiada mud reveals an analogue chemical composition.

The nephroprotective potential of peloid therapy used for the rehabilitation of the patients presenting with chronic pyelonephritis

This review article presents the data on the mechanism of action of peloid therapy from the perspective of its defibrosing effect, the structure and functions of the extracellular matrix under the normal and pathological conditions. In addition, role of this treatment modality in the progression of tubulointerstitial fibrosis which determines the severity and prognosis of chronic pyelonephritis is considered. The researchers are currently carry out the extensive studies aimed at the search of the methods for the primary and secondary prevention of chronic pyelonephritis. A wide range of pharmacotherapeutic modalities are currently used for this purpose. Moreover the development of long-acting anti-relapse medications is currently underway along with the further improvement of high-tech reconstructive surgical methods for the intervention on the organs of the urinary system. At the same time, the nephroprotective potential of the natural physical factors, such as therapeutic muds, e.g. peloids, remains poorly explored even though their well apparent thermophysical properties, unique organic and mineral composition, and saturation with biologically active compounds are well known long ago. The systemic response to peloid therapy manifests itself as the changes in the metabolism of the intercellular matrix and collagen of the connective tissue associated with the alterations in the process of fibrogenesis and the development of tubulointerstitial disorders. The direct and indirect influence of peloids on the connective tissue is possible. The indirect effects are attributable to the peloid impact on the antioxidant status, immunity, hormonal regulation, and metabolic processes. These findings suggest the necessity of the relevant experimental and clinical studies for the evaluation of the influence of peloid therapy on the structure and metabolism of the connective tissue in the kidneys including dynamics of the markers of inflammation, proliferation and fibrogenesis, and the hormonal status of the patients suffering from chronic pyelonephritis based on the application of the modern technologies in accordance with the requirements of evidence-based medicine.

Геопросторові особливості санаторно-курортного комплексу України

The main features of geospatial features of a resort complex of Ukraine were given.Ukraine has the great potential of the deployment of sanatorium and resort facilities, as well as within the territory there are contrast and rich natural systems of coastlines of the Black and Azov seas and mountain ranges of the Crimea and the Carpathians. Also there are numerous deposits of natural healing waters and therapeutic muds in Ukraine. They significantly improve balneological potential of the country. Throughout the territory of the country there were 1,928 registered establishments of sanatorium sector in 2014, the majority of them (1,419 or 64%) had the seasonal nature for carrying out their activities. The greatest weight in the structure of specialized resort institutions hasbases for rest, then sanatoriums and resort and treatment centers. During the 2014 season more than 1.6 million visitors who gave preference to health improvement bases of rest and sanatoriums werein the health and medical facilities.Ukrainian sanatorium and resort facilities are not in high demand among foreign tourists yet. During the 2014 calendar year only 24 399 clients (i.e. only 1,5% of the total number of tourists) were not citizens of Ukraine. The biggest share among the foreigners, who were rehabilitated in Ukraine, belongs to the citizens of Moldova, Russia, Belarus and Azerbaijan. However during 2014 nopatientforeigner recoveredin balneological hospitals.On the territory of modern Ukraine there are about 40 resorts, most of which are located in two regions of Ukraine - in the Azov-Black Sea coast and in the Ukrainian Carpathians. There is a tendency that privately owned facilities are established mostly in the coastal resort area of the Black and Azov Seas and also in Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kherson and Zaporizhia regions. Many children's sanatoriums located on the Podillia, and Polissia between the Dnieper and Southern Bug.Despite the steady increase in the number of tourists in recent years, the current state of a resort complex of Ukraine can be estimated as insufficiently stable.Material and technical base of sanatorium and resort facilities, range and quality of services are worse than the world level, which reduces the competitiveness of a resort complex of Ukraine.Keywords: sanatorium and health complex, rehabilitation, recreational activity, sanatoriums, bases for rest,balneological resort.

Influence of natural factors Saki lake combined with “Berlition® 600” (Thioctic acidi) on immunoregulatory processes taking into account morphological changes of skin in patients with plaque psoriasis

Objective. To study the effect of peloids Saki Lake and brine, combined with the drug “Berlition® 600” on immunoregulatory processes based on morphological and functional changes of the skin in patients with plaque psoriasis. Materials and methods. The study involved 90 patients with plaque psoriasis mild to moderate severity. The study group included - 45 patients receiving therapeutic mud treatments, and the brine baths in conjunction with the “Berlition® 600” in the control group - 45 patients treated with mud baths and RPMA. All patients using flow cytometry laser defined subpopulations of T-lymphocytes. The concentration of Ig A, M and G in the blood was determined by mikroturbidimetricheskim with monospecific antisera; proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1a, IL-2, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunohistochemistry Skin biopsy were studied with the definition of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ T-lymphocytes. Results and discussion. Patients in both treatment groups revealed an imbalance of T and B-cell immunity to the reduction in the number of helper-inductor (CD4+) and cytotoxic (CD8+) subpopulations of T-L in peripheral blood and increase in CD3+, with a predominance of CD8+ in psoriatic infiltrate amid overproduction of cytokines. Procedures for medical mud and the brine baths in combination with the drug “Berlition® 600” has a marked immunomodulatory effect due normalitsatsiey of T-cell immunity and reduction of the balance of cytokine profile, “clinical cure” and “significant improvement” reached 45 (100%) patients, the index regression PASI- 96,7 ± 1,3% DLQI-86 ± 2,1%. Conclusions. Peloids, balneotherapy in Lake Saki in combination with the drug “Berlition® 600” has a high clinical efficacy due to immunomodulatory, antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects and can be recommended as a differentiated, immunomodulatory therapy in patients with plaque psoriasis mild to moderate severity.

The importance of prolactin for the evaluation of the effectiveness of the spa and health resort-based treatment of gynecological diseases

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of peloid therapy on the dynamics of clinical and hormonal characteristics of the women presenting with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and accompanying chronic inflammation of the small pelvis organs depending on the initial prolactin (PRL) level. A total of 186 women with this pathology underwent the examination under conditions of a spa and health resort facility for the elucidation of their clinical symptoms and parameters of hormonal regulation. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 was comprised of 128 women suffering from BV and having the normal PRL level. Group 2 consisted of 58 women with bacterial vaginosis in combination with hyperprolactinemia (HP). We undertook the dynamic assessment of the clinical and laboratory findings before and after peloid therapy given to the patients of both groups. It was shown that the application of the silt-sulfide therapeutic muds for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis in the women with the normal prolactin level facilitates the formation of positive clinical dynamics, modulates secretion of pituitary hormones, and stimulates the functional activity of both the adrenal glands and the ovaries. Peloid therapy of the women presenting with BV and HP caused the further aggravation of hormonal disbalance as a result of enhancement of the initial PRL level and discoordination of the hypophyseal-ovarian component of the hormonal regulation system; taken together, these effects thereby impaired the effectiveness of the treatment. The results of the study indicate that the level of prolactin can be used as a marker of the effectiveness of the spa and health resort-component of the combined treatment of gynecological diseases. It is concluded that the prescription of such treatment including peloid therapy to the women suffering from these pathologies must take into consideration the initial parameters of hormonal regulation and the presence of hyperprolactinemia.

The prospects for the further development of the Belokurikha spa and health resort territory in the Altai Krai (region)

We undertook a balneological survey of the Belokurikha spa and health resort territory with the purpose of distinguishing and identifying the potential health-improvement areas most promising for the extension and optimization of the therapeutic, tourist and recreational activities. The assessment was focused on the characteristic of the landscape and climatic conditions of the territory, the possibilities for the development of the existing resources of mineral waters and therapeutic muds as well as for the discovery of the potential new ones. The recommendations are proposed to promote the development of different forms of tourism with special reference to its medical and health-improvement aspects. It is suggested that the territory of the «Belokurikha» resort», «Belokurikha-2» and «Belokurikha-3» health-improvement areas should be integrated into a single spa-and-health resort district of federal importance.

Structural organization of humic substances of therapeutic mud, coal and shale during alkaline hydrolysis

Structural organization of humic substances of therapeutic mud, coal and shale during alkaline hydrolysis

Physicochemical and in vitro cation release relevance of therapeutic muds “maturation”

Therapeutic muds are used in the treatment of illnesses of the locomotor apparatus, including osteoarthritis and rheumatologic diseases. The mechanisms of action of this therapy are a matter of discussion, mainly for the different traditions of pelotherapy centers. Heat plays a fundamental role in the beneficial effects of thermal mud therapy together with the possible transfer across the skin barrier of chemical elements presented in the mud. Preparation procedures of therapeutic muds have been orally transmitted since ancient times, being accepted that muds require a “maturation” process to achieve the desired therapeutic results. Pharmaceutical research of maturation is crucial to ascertain the possible changes induced by this operation in the properties of muds. In particular, it is necessary to verify the changes associated with physical and/or chemical therapeutic mechanisms that sustain the traditional use of maturation in the preparation of therapeutic muds. Two clay samples were used to prepare thermal muds with mineral medicinal water from the thermal spring of Graena (Cortes y Graena, Granada, Spain). Muds were matured for three months and characterized over time for those properties considered relevant in view of their topical administration (rheological properties and particle size distribution) and possible mechanisms of action (composition, pH, cation exchange capacity, thermal properties and amount of cations released). Maturation of the studied therapeutic muds did not induce alteration of clay minerals, even if a decrease in amplitude of particle size distribution, changes in pH and disappearance of thixotropic behavior were observed. Maturation increased the release of cations from therapeutic muds but did not improve their thermal properties. In the studied case, thermophysical activity did not require maturation. Conversely, maturation increased the amount of cations released from the muds, appearing as a beneficial process for possible chemical therapeutic effects associated with the ionic content of these systems. Maturation could therefore explain the differential chemical effects associated with the use of therapeutic muds compared to other thermotherapeutic agents.

X-ray spectrometry and X-ray microtomography techniques for soil and geological samples analysis

A particular subject of X-ray fluorescence analysis is its application in studies of the multielemental sample of composition in a wide range of concentrations, samples with different matrices, also inhomogeneous ones and those characterized with different grain size. Typical examples of these kinds of samples are soil or geological samples for which XRF elemental analysis may be difficult due to XRF disturbing effects. In this paper the WDXRF technique was applied in elemental analysis concerning different soil and geological samples (therapeutic mud, floral soil, brown soil, sandy soil, calcium aluminum cement). The sample morphology was analyzed using X-ray microtomography technique. The paper discusses the differences between the composition of samples, the influence of procedures with respect to the preparation of samples as regards their morphology and, finally, a quantitative analysis. The results of the studies were statistically tested (one-way ANOVA and correlation coefficients). For lead concentration determination in samples of sandy soil and cement-like matrix, the WDXRF spectrometer calibration was performed. The elemental analysis of the samples was complemented with knowledge of chemical composition obtained by X-ray powder diffraction.

The study of amino acid composition of sapropel by the capillary electrophoresis method

A diverse composition of sapropels allows to use them successfully in cosmetology. Sapropelic therapeutic muds exhibit the anti-inflammatory and desensitizing effect, protect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals, slow down the aging processes, give the skin freshness and elasticity, improve the cell regeneration by 10%, moisturize and increase elasticity and thickness of the keratoid layer of the epidermis. A wide range of indications for using sapropels demonstrates the importance of their application for prevention and treatment of diseases, and the relevance and prospects for their further studies to obtain new pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. When conducting research by the capillary electrophoresis method the “Kapel’ – 105/105 M” system with a positive polarity of a high voltage source (the internal diameter of the capillary is 50 μm, the full length of the capillary is 75 cm, the effective length is 65 cm) equipped with a special software for personal computers was applied. The amino acid composition of sapropel from Prybych deposits (Shatsky district, Volyn region) has been studied. The presence of a number of amino acids in sapropel with the total content of more than 2% has been found using capillary electrophoresis. Sapropel contains a vast amount of essential amino acids (histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine) and a number of nonessential ones (alanine, arginine, glycine, proline and serine). Alanine, glycine, leucine, and isoleucine prevail in the mixture analyzed.

THE RESULTS OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL STUDIES OF BENTONITE OF DASHUKOVSKІУ FIELD

Thus, the basic physical and chemical properties ( moisture content (57,19 %), unit weight (1,31), shear stress (821,59 Pa), stickiness (1839,81 Pa), debris particles with a diameter of more than 250 mkm (0,34 %), specific heat (2,75 kG/(kg · K)) bentonite deposits Dashukovskoho Cherkasy region meets the eligibility criteria of the Therapeutic muds (peloids). The chemical composition of the aqueous extract of clay deposits Dashukovskoho refers to magnesium sulphate-bicarbonate-calcium-sodium type or complex cation composition with mineralization of 0,26 g/dm3. pH of the extract of clay is 7,95 m. pH is characterized by slightly alkaline reaction. Positive values oxidation -reduction potential of the extract of clay (+ 465 mV) indicate the presence of oxidative processes. This is because the clay extraction in the preparation of the latter was in contact with oxygen. It should be noted that the calculation of the structural formulabentonite is great information because it allows to introduce the character of isomorphic substitutions in the structure, efficiently detect the composition of exchange cations, which makes it possible to predict the behavior of the sample during its processing technology.

Balamuthia mandrillaris therapeutic mud bath in Jamaica.

Balamuthia mandrillaris is an emerging cause of encephalitis in humans. The transmission dynamics are poorly understood due to the high fatality rate and the sporadic nature of cases. Seventy-two soil samples were collected from beaches and the banks of lagoons, rivers, ponds, mineral springs and streams from across Jamaica and assayed for the presence of B. mandrillaris. Seventy-nine sites were sampled and the mitochondrial 16S rDNA gene of B. mandrillaris was amplified and sequenced to confirm the presence of the amoeba. One isolate of B. mandrillaris was recovered from soil from mineral spring which hosts an informal therapeutic mud bath business. Although B. mandrillaris is less frequently isolated from soil than other free-living amoebae, rubbing mud containing the organism onto the skin increases the likelihood of exposure and infection. This first report on the isolation of B. mandrillaris in the Caribbean and its presence in soil where human contact is likely warrants further investigation using serological methods to elucidate exposure patterns.

Оздоровительный туризм как фактор развития территории на примере побережья залива Петра Великого, Японское море

The approach to the territorial organization of health tourism on the coast of the Gulf of Peter the Great is suggested. The urgency of the development of health tourism by designing modern recreational centers of a year-round activities in areas with high natural recreational potential is shown.The questions of the possibility of expanding of health tourism objects and their territorial planning on the coast of the Gulf of Peter the Great, taking into account natural recreational potential including a complex of such factors as the particular coastal climate from positions of climatotherapy and recreation, the availability of therapeutic mud and other natural factors allowing their use for health purposes, are considered.

Estimation of the antioxidant activity of humic substances from various natural sources of Mongolia

Humic substances are a set of polyaromatic and carbohydrate organic compounds. They are formed in soils and bottom sediments upon microbiological decomposition of plant and animal organisms. The functional composition of humic substances com� prises characteristic polar functional groups COOH, OH, CO, and NH2 , and long alkyl side chains of fatty acids [1, 2]. This polyfunctional character of humic macromolecules, apart from the highly conjugated structure of the polyaromatic moieties, gives rise to valuable biological properties of these macromole� cules, in particular, antioxidant activity. The elemental and functional composition, the structure, and prop� erties of humic substances vary depending on their source. This paper reports on the first results of a compar� ative study of the antioxidant activities of humic sub� stances isolated from various natural sources of Mon� golia. The humic substances isolated from the therapeu� tic mud of the Mongolian lake Gurvan Nuur, brown coal from the Baga Nuur deposit, and shales from the Shine Hudag deposit are black crystalline powders with the total ash content of 20–22 wt %. The degree of oxidation (O/C) varies from 0.65 to 0.86, the high� est value being typical of humic substances from the lake. The H/C ratio varies in the range from 0.067 to

Lipids from therapeutic mud bacteria Pseudomonas sp. and Arthrobacter sp.

The compositions and contents of fatty acids and prostaglandins from therapeutic mud bacteria Pseudomonas sp. and Arthrobacter sp. were established. It was shown that they synthesized from 10 to 14 fatty acids as methyl esters and only an insignificant part as free fatty acids. They produced the same type of prostaglandins, also as the methyl esters, namely, prostaglandin group E methyl ester.

The efficacy of the combined rehabilitative treatment of the patients presenting with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diseases of the hepatobiliary system

A total of 80 patients presenting with exogenous constitutional obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diseases of the hepatobiliary system (including chronic non-calculous cholecystitis and fatty hepatosis) were enrolled to participate in the present study. The basal treatment consisted of the adequate reducing diet, remedial gymnastics, massage, reflexo-acupuncture, the application of galvanic muds, and controlled intake of chofitol. It was supplemented with magnetic laser irradiation of selected abdominal regions, and electrical stimulation of femoral, dorsal, and abdominal muscles. It was shown that the combination of the above procedures and physical factors significantly improves the overall outcome of the treatment. The patients suffering intestinal dysbacteriosis were prescribed the intake of probiotic Nor Narine together with Jermuk mineral water; they were found to benefit from such treatment due to normalization of intestinal biocenosis and improvement of their general condition. The clinical and paraclinical data obtained in this study give evidence of the therapeutic efficacy of certain physical factors and especially their combination used for the medical rehabilitation of the patients presenting with constitutional obesity, metabolic syndrome, and digestive disorders. Moreover, the well-apparent positive results were documented from the combined treatment with magnetic laser radiation and therapeutic muds.