Introduction: Brenta’s silt-clay consist of silt with clay containing Italian Dolomites minerals extracted from the catchment area of Brenta river. Sediments were investigated by SEM, XRD, XRF and particle size granulometer. The presence of SiO2 (34.16%), CaO (17.12%), and Al2O3 (11.15%) as principal elements is comparable with the typical composition of Euganean Thermal Muds (ETM) of Euganean Thermal Area (ETA) which average level of SiO2, CaO, and Al2O3 are respectively 38.75%, 17.74%, and 7.70%1). Tensiometric investigation of Brenta’s silt-clay were performed hypothesizing its employ in mudtherapy. Objectives: Surface energy of natural ETM and its maturation process were monitored by TVS mud index, a tensiometric marker for the determination of the quality of a thermal mud2). The aim of this work was to determine the quality of Brenta’s silt-clay by tensiometric approach introducing it in the field of thermalism. Materials and Methods: Brenta’s silt-clayey (ie Brenta Ker) samples were collected from EGAP’s gravel pit, undergone at maturation process for 6 weeks employing thermal water, investigated using DSA10-Kruss tensiometer with diiodomethane, PFPE, glycerine as liquid tests.   Tensiometric characterizations were performed by measurement of contact angles (deg) of different liquid tests and their conversion in surface energy (mN/m) by Owens mathematical model 3). TVS mud index levels were determined trough the measurements of contact angles of PFPE 4) by Perfluoropolyether Contact Angle Measurement Method (PCAM) for maturation process (mN/m eq./weeks) and speed (m*Nm-1/h) evaluations. Results: The correlation degree between ETM XRF elements data (ppm) and those of Brenta’s silt-clay (ppm) was satisfactory (R2=0.82) confirming the common origin of two kind of matrices. Considering 6 weeks of maturation, surface energy profile of Brenta’s silt-clay, expressed as dispersed component (DC) and polar component (PC), showed respectively 17.84 mN/m and 32.04 mN/m with coefficients of variations (CV%) around 22.43% and 14.29%. TVS mud index levels monitored during maturation process showed a clear decrease in the time (t0=84.02.5 mN/m eq, t1=71.01.9 mN/m eq., t2=79.80.7 mN/m eq., t3=72.63.1 mN/m eq., t4=61.22.6 mN/m eq., t5=65.12.1 mN/m eq., t6=58.81.6 mN/m eq.) underlined by the decrease of maturation speed monitored for 60 days and expressed as DC per hour (t48=0.08 m*Nm-1/h, t120=0.03 m*Nm-1/h, t144=0.04 m*Nm-1/h, t384= 0.02 m*Nm-1/h, t1416=0.005 m*Nm-1/h). Conclusions: Tensiometric investigations by TVS modelling and maturation speed evaluations confirmed the suitability of Brenta’s silt-clay to be employed in thermal field opening new perspectives in mudtherapy.

No abstract available.
Paraplegia*

Introduction: To evaluate the influence of the skin aging critical level on the development of objective thermal protocols, an improved integrated tensiometric approach was developed named as Tensiometric Versus Skin (TVS) modeling.   TVS modeling: (i) exploits the structure-surface correlations which are characteristic of all systems; (ii) applies the principle of permutability of the tensiometric technique, according to which unknown solids can be characterized by their known surface characteristics, and vice versa; (iii) is carried out in a non-invasive way by a tensiometric contact angle method.   TVS modeling involves TVS skin test as an objective evaluation marker of the epidermal functional state, and TVS mud index as an evaluation marker of thermal matrices. Objectives: On the basis of these scientific evidences, the combined action of TVS mud index with TVS skin test was investigated to develop objective dose-response thermal protocols.   The first “OTP-TVS thermal protocol” was developed in the Euganean thermal area where fangotherapy is widely practiced. Materials and Methods: Native Euganean thermal mud was firstly characterized from the chemical and mineralogical point of view. After maturation in controlled conditions, TVS mud index was obtained by contact angle method using PFPE as reference standard liquid, and finally, by repeated TVS skin test before and after a dose of fango application, the fango effectiveness was performed. Results: The schematic OTP-TVS protocol pathway is shown in Figure 1.

Introduction: Mineralogical, granulometrical and chemical investigations of Brenta’s silt-clay confirmed its common origin with natural Euganean Thermal Muds (ETM)1) opening perspectives in the treatment of inflammatory pathologies as rheumatic diseases. Basing on these evidences, surface energy investigations of Brenta’s silt-clay and ETM by TVS modelling were considered within correlation studies between physic-chemical and tensiometric data. Objectives: Basing on Brenta’s silt-clay and ETM common origin, the aim of this work was to confirm the suitability of Brenta’s silt-clay in thermal field by comparative analyses of their matrices and on these basis hypothesize the potentialities of Brenta’s silt-clay in mudtherapy and cosmetic field. Materials and Methods: Brenta’s silt-clay (BrentaKerÒ) samples and ETM were collected respectively from EGAP’s gravel pit and Euganean thermal spa’s maturation plant, undergone at maturation process employing thermal water at different temperature, investigated using (a) DSA10-Kruss tensiometer (diiodomethane, PFPE, glycerine as liquid tests) for surface energy characterization, and (b) Perkin Elmer TOC Analyser for C (%) and H (%) detection. Tensiometric characterizations were performed by measurement of contact angles (deg) of different liquid tests converted successively in surface energy (mN/m) by Owens mathematical model 2). Contact angles of PFPE were performed by Perfluoropolyether Contact Angle Measurement Method (PCAM). Results: Correlation degree between dispersed surface energy component (DC) of Brenta’s silt-clay and contact angles of PFPE (deg) measured during 6 weeks of maturation resulted satisfactory (R2=0.90). Considering the typical maturation’s temperature measured from third week to sixth (40°Ct3, 41°Ct4, 42°Ct5, 43°Ct6), the correlation degree between them and values of DC (mN/m) of Brenta’s silt-clay (DCt3=18.9 mN/m, DCt4=20.3 mN/m, DCt5=19.9 mN/m, DCt6=20.6 mN/m) resulted maximal (R2=1). Brenta silt-clay and ETM DC levels (DCt3=21.2 mN/m, DCt4=20.4 mN/m, DCt5=20.9 mN/m, DCt6=20.7 mN/m) demonstrated optimally correlated (R2=0.97). TOC analyses performed on Brenta’s silt-clay and ETM after maturation showed an increase of C% respectively +1.4% and +4.3% and percentage loss of H of -37.8% and -10.7% with an increase of DC and PC of +17.8 mN/m and +21.0 mN/m confirming the great affinity between the two geomaterials. Regarding ETM it demonstrated also the capability to deliver DC (-44.8%) uptaking PC (+50%) during mudtherapy as result of the modification of selective permeability of skin. Conclusions: Chemical-mineralogical analyses, tensiometric investigations, and studies of correlations between Brenta’s silt-clay and ETM demonstrated a great affinity between them. Surface energy evaluations of ETM, its capability to deliver DC to skin uptaking PC during mudtherapy modifying skin’s selective permeability and favouring the permeation of therapeutic substances product during maturation process, suggest new perspectives for the employment of Brenta’s silt-clay in thermal field as anti-inflammatory agent for rheumatic diseases and in cosmetic sector.

Introduction: The link between the hydration state and the functional effects of formulations and natural systems is been demonstrated by several studies. Measurement of skin hydration has been used to assess barrier function integrity in vivo and stratum corneum (SC), hydration may increase after the topical application of natural or formulate systems. Thermal muds have great hydration properties thanking at its high water contain due to presence of clays minerals1). Our work was focused on the evaluation of skin’s hydration potentialities of Japanese Biofango®. Objectives: Mudtherapy increase the hydration state of skin and modify its selective permeability favouring the permeation of therapeutic substances product by maturation process. Our goal was the development of a tensiometric model for assessment and optimisation of Japanese Biofango mudtherapy protocol by the evaluation of skin hydration measuring water contact angles on skin surface2). Our work was performed at Sanraku-en spas centre (Tonami-Japan). Materials and Methods: Biofango was constituted by Kunigel, Kaolinite, and WakuraDiatomite contains montmorillonite. BFM mixture was prepared and collected from Sanraku-en maturation plant. Samples were stored at -25°C. Skin’s hydration state analysis were performed before and after treatment by contact angle method (CA) using DSA 2-Kruss Dynamic Tenskinmeter3) water as liquid test and accordingly to traditional Sanraku-en/Biofango protocol. Four subjects with differents age, sex and weights (KS, YS, MO, and KM) were considered as test. Sanraku-en mudtherapy protocol’s steps were (a) first blood pressure measurement, (b) water’s CA measurements on left and right arm before treatment, (c) thermal bath (8’), (d) water’s CA measurements, (e) BFM mudtherapy (20’), (f) water’s CA measurements on polish skin, (g) shower (3’), (h) water’s CA measurements, and (i) final blood pressure measurement. Results: CA of water on subject KS skin showed elevated levels before (CAt0>89.5 deg) and after (CAtf>89.5 deg) treatment. YS subject showed increases of skin hydration after treatment (CAt0>89.5 deg, CAtf=40.27 deg), MO showed more increase of skin hydration than YS (CAt0>89.5 deg, CAtf=20.12 deg), and KM (CAt0>89.5 deg, CAtf=41.30 deg) showed an hydration state similar to YS. Regarding YS subject, we optimized its mudtherapy by the inversion of bath (CAt0>89.5 deg, CAtf>89.5 deg) with mudtherapy phases. As results a major increase of hydration state respect normal protocol (CAt0>89.5 deg, CAtf =30.4 deg) reflecting on skin moisturize after bath phase also (CAt0>89.5 deg, CAtf=87.43 deg). Conclusions: Analyses of hydration state of skin by measurement of water’s contact angles consented to evaluate the capability of Biofango BFM to modify the selective permeability of stratum corneum. Thanking to the method developed was possible to optimise and personalize Sanraku-en protocol.

Introduction: Brenta’s silt-clay (BrentaKer®, EGAP, Italy) is a natural sediment containing minerals pertaining to Italian Dolomite Alps mountains, which is extracted from the catchment area of Brenta river. Particle-size distribution, mineralogical, chemical, tensiometric investigations with some observational findings open to new perspectives for its application in beauty & wellness field. On these basis, surface energy evaluations of tensiometric affinity with the skin by TVS modelling1) and in-vivo clinical studies of anti-cellulite properties of Brenta’s silt-clay were performed. Objectives: The aim of this work was to evaluate the properties of the Brenta’s silt-clay in anti-cellulite cosmetic treatments. These properties were hypothesized on the basis of its tensiometric affinity for the skin, as determined by the Bio-adhesive TVS index1). Materials and Methods: Surface energy studies were performed by contact angle method, using the DSA10-Kruss tensiometer (diiodomethane, FomblinHC/25®PFPE, glycerine as liquid tests). Bio-adhesive TVS index levels were originated from overlapping Brenta’s silt-clay and skin’s tensiometric prints. γ-rays irradiated Brenta’s silt-clay (Oroscare, EGAP, Italy) was inserted in a formulation composed by demineralised water, diazolidinyl urea, carboxymethyl cellulose, carbomer, glycerine, phenoxyethanol. Clinical efficacy of Brenta’s silt-clay was tested versus placebo in 10 females with cellulite on their thighs and/or gluteus (degree 1-3, Nurberger and Muller scale) for 8 weeks considering (a) skin hydration value (Corneometer CM825, C&K, Germany), (b) vertical deformation, elasticity, skin extensibility (Cutometer MPA580, C&K, Germany), (c) thigh circumference (measuring tape), (d) microcirculatory flow (Flowmeter Periflux PF4001, Perimed, UK, (e) length of dermo-hypodermic junction (Ultrasound Scanner Dermascan C®Ver.3, Cortex Technology, Germany), (f) skin smoothness (Skin replicas image analysis, Monaderm, France). Results: In three subjects the Bio-adhesive TVS index showed maximal affinity between Brenta’s silt-clay (DC=17.8±4 mN/m, PC=32.0±4.6 mN/m, SFE=49.8 mN/m) and untreated skin (DC=13.5±4.1, PC=19.67±13.4, SFE=33.2±16.2), indicating that the surface energy of Brenta’s silt-clay was higher than that of the skin and suggesting its capability to modify skin’s selective permeability. After 4 (T1) and 8 (T2) weeks, the subjects treated with Brenta’s silt-clay were compared with respect to placebo. Derma-hypodermal junction length significantly decreased (-10.7%, p<0.05) in T1, whereas an increase of skin microcirculatory flow (+26.0%, p<0.05) and a decrease of the derma-hypodermal junction length (-16.8%, p=0.052) and of skin maximum average roughness (-4.2%, p=0.057) were observed in T2. Conclusions: In subjects with cellulite blemish, the application of Brenta’s silt-clay is capable to increase skin blood micro-flow, improve dermo-hypodermal junction length and decrease skin maximum average roughness, suggesting its efficacy in anti-cellulite treatments. Bio-adhesive TVS index analysis suggests that this efficacy is probably related to its capability to modify skin’s selective permeability.

Introduction: TVS mud index1) is a tensiometric marker for quality and maturation process control of Italian Euganean Thermal Muds (ETM) which sensitivity defined on objective basis their quality and maturation degree. Objectives: The goal was to assess the maturation process of Biofango by TVS mud index (Sanraku-en spas centre, Japan and Osservatorio Termale Permanente-OTP, Italy), and its organic compounds by TOC analyses (University of Padova, Italy). Materials and Methods: Biofango was prepared using KomatsuClay, MotoyamaClay, WakuraDiatomite and KasaokaBentonite giving K02 (Bentonite 1.25, Kaolinite 1.5, Diatomite 0.25) and A01 (KasaokaBentonite 1.25, Kaolinite 0.5, Diatomite 0.25). Final Biofango BFM+0%Dolomite, MAT1+10%Dolomite, MAT2+18%Dolomite, and MAT3+35%Dolomite were analyzed by TOC (Perkin-Elmer-2400) and DSA10-Krüss employing (a) PFPE, Fomblin HC/OH-1000, diiodomethane, glycerine as liquid tests and (b) Owens-Wendt mathematical model for conversion of contact angles in surface energy parameters2). Results: The behaviour of C(%) in MAT1, MAT2, and MAT3 during maturation process (20°C) showed respectively (a) MAT1t0h=1.26%, MAT1t216h=0.91%, MAT1t360=1.08%, MAT1t576h=1.23%, MAT1t720h=0.98%, (b) MAT2t0h=2.36%, MAT2t216h=1.80%, MAT2t360=1.49%, MAT2t576h=1.86%, MAT2t720h=1.68%, (c) MAT3t0h=3.29%, MAT3t216h=2.71%, MAT3t360=2.57%, MAT3t576h=2.6%, MAT3t720h=2.7%. C% decrease demonstrating the influence of Dolomite in Biofango mixtures. Dispersed energy components (DC) of MAT1, MAT2, and MAT3 showed respectively (a) MAT1t0h=3.0mN/m, MAT1t216h=3.1mN/m, MAT1t360=2.9mN/m, MAT1t576h=3.8mN/m, MAT1t720h=2.5mN/m, (b) MAT2t0h=2.1mN/m, MAT2t216h=2.2mN/m, MAT2t360=3.1mN/m, MAT2t576h=3.7mN/m, MAT2t720h=2.6mN/m, (c)MAT3t0h=2.0mN/m, MAT3t216h=2.6mN/m, MAT3t360=2.6mN/m, MAT3t576h=2.9mN/m, MAT2t720h=3.0mN/m. On the other side TVS mud index showed respectively (a) MAT1t0h=68.7mN/m, MAT1t216h=70.26mN/m, MAT1t360=71.78mN/m, MAT1t576h=64.69mN/m, MAT1t720h=71.84mN/m, (b) MAT2t0h=74.06mN/m, MAT2t216h=71.69mN/m, MAT2t360= 70.36mN/m, MAT2t576h=65.83mN/m, MAT2t720h=71.23mN/m, (c) MAT3t0h=75.9mN/m, MAT3t216h=73.05mN/m, MAT3t360=73.34mN/m, MAT3t576h=68.52mN/m, MAT3t720h=68.66mN/m proportionally inverse with DC behaviour. MAT3 with highest content in Dolomite demonstrated great capability to uptake DC during maturation process with consequently decrease of TVS mud index levels accordingly with TOC result. Conclusions: Tensiometric investigations of Biofango underlined the links between chemical and surface energy data. The high sensitivity of TVS mud index consented to follow directly in a non invasive way the structural-surface changes in Biofango mixtures occurred during maturation process opening at new perspective for their control.

Introduction: Sanraku-en spa started to purpose the “Shogawa biofangotherapy” using hot spring water and different kind of clays of natural origin (called Biofango) matured for three weeks during which bacterial flora develop with production of constitutive elements having therapeutic properties [4]. In collaboration with Ascendant Co. Ltd was ideated and developed the production of the first japanese Biofango supported by Toho University, University of Science and Technology of Hokuriku, and University of Hishigawa opening at new perspective in mudtherapy for therapeutic use in Japan (Biofango project). Objectives: The goal was the assessing the surface energy of Biofango by TVS modelling and TVS mud index 1, 2). Tensiometric analyses of Biofango mixtures were performed at Sanraku-en spas centre (Tonami-Japan) and its quality control has been carried out in the Permanent Thermal Observatory (OTP) of University of Padova. Organic compounds analysis (TOC) were performed in the Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences of University of Padova (Italy). Materials and Methods: Biofango was prepared using KomatsuClay, MotoyamaClay, WakuraDiatomite and KasaokaBentonite. Pre-test mixtures were K01 (Bentonite 1.75, KomatsuClay 0.5, Diatomite 0.25) and M01 (Bentonite 1.75 MotoyamaClay 0.5 Diatomite 0.25). After were prepared K02 (Bentonite 1.25, Kaolinite 1.5, Diatomite 0.25) and A01 (KasaokaBentonite 1.25, Kaolinite 0.5, Diatomite 0.25) mixtures. Final Biofangos were BFM+0%Dolomite, MAT1+10%Dolomite, MAT2+18%Dolomite, and MAT3+35%Dolomite were analysed by XRF/XRD. TOC analyses were performed on a Perkin-Elmer-2400 analyser with Perkin-Elmer-AD-4 autobalance and tensiometric investigations were performed by DSA 10 (Krüss) tensiometer employing (a) PFPE, Fomblin HC/OH-1000, diiodomethane, glycerine as liquid tests and (b) Owens-Wendt3) mathematical model to convert contact angles in surface enery parameters. Results: XRD analyses of Biofango demonstrating presence of Kaolinite-Quartz-Feldspar in Komatsu Clay, Kaolinite-Quartz-Feldspar-Carbon in MotoyamaClay, Quartz-Montmorillonite-Feldspar-Grauconite in WakuraDiatomite, and Montmorillonite-Quartz-Feldspar-Christoballite in KasaokaBentonite while XRF showed presence of SiO2 (KomatsuClay 53.38%, MotoyamaClay 48.86%, WakuraDiatomite 78.20%, KasaokaBentonite 66.01%) and Al2O3 (KomatsuClay 53.38%, MotoyamaClay 48.86%, WakuraDiatomite 78.20%, KasaokaBentonite 66.01%) as principal elements. TOC analyses demonstrated an increase of C% with production of CO2 in relation to the amount of Dolomite in Biofango mixtures (MAT1=1.26%, MAT2=2.36%, MAT3=3.29%). Tensiometric investigations showed a correlation between C% and dispersed components (DC) measured on Biofango mixtures (MAT1=3.0 mN/m, MAT2=2.1 mN/m, MAT3=2.0 mN/m) and between C% and TVS mud index levels (MAT1=68.7 mN/m eq., MAT2=74.06 mN/m eq., MAT3=75.9 mN/m eq.). Conclusions: Tensiometric investigations of Biofango consented to determine the correlations between chemico-mineralogical data and surface energy parameters. Thanking to the high sensitivity of TVS mud index used as integrated tensiometric marker was possible to determine directly and in a non invasive way the quality of Biofango mixtures opening at new perspective in their monitoring and control before their employment in mudtherapy in Japanese spas after their maturation process.