Considering the danger of water inrush in mining very thick coal seam under water-rich roof in Majialiang Coal Mine,the universal discrete element(UDEC)software was used to simulate the overburden fracture evolution l...Considering the danger of water inrush in mining very thick coal seam under water-rich roof in Majialiang Coal Mine,the universal discrete element(UDEC)software was used to simulate the overburden fracture evolution laws when mining 4#coal seam.Besides,this study researched on the influence of face advancing length,speed and mining height on the height of the water flowing fractured zones(HWFFZ),and analyzed the correlation of face advancing length and change rules of aquifer water levels and goaf water inflow.Based on those mentioned above,this research proposed the following water-controlling technologies:draining the roof water before mining,draining goaf water,reasonable advancing speed and mining thickness.These water-controlling technologies were successfully used in the feld,thus ensured safely mining the very thick coal seam under water-rich roof.展开更多
Background: Following the intake of Fusarium mycotoxin-contaminated feed,small intestines may be exposed to high levels of toxic substances that can potentially damage intestinal functions in livestock.It is well know...Background: Following the intake of Fusarium mycotoxin-contaminated feed,small intestines may be exposed to high levels of toxic substances that can potentially damage intestinal functions in livestock.It is well known that Fusarium mycotoxins will lead a breakdown of the normally impeccable epithelial barrier,resulting in the development of a "leaky" gut.H2 administration with different methods has been proved definitely potentials to prevent serious intestinal diseases.The goal of this study is to investigate the roles of lactulose(LAC) and hydrogenrich water(HRW) in preventing intestinal dysfunction in piglets fed Fusarium mycotoxin-contaminated feed.Methods: A total of 24 female piglets were evenly assigned to 4 groups: negative control(NC) group,mycotoxincontaminated(MC) feed group,MC feed with LAC treatment(MC + LAC),and MC feed with HRW treatment(MC +HRW),respectively.Piglets in the NC group were fed uncontaminated control diet,while remaining piglets were fed Fusarium mycotoxin-contaminated diet.For the NC and MC groups,10 mL/kg body weight(BW) of hydrogen-free water(HFW) was orally administrated to piglets twice daily;while in the MC + LAC and MC + HRW groups,piglets were treated with the same dose of LAC solution(500 mg/kg BW) and HRW twice daily,respectively.On d 25,serum was collected and used for biochemical analysis.Intestinal tissues were sampled for morphological examination as well as relative genes and protein expression analysis.Results: Our data showed that Fusarium mycotoxins induced higher serum diamine oxidase(DAO) activities(P < 0.05),D-lactic acid levels(P < 0.01),and endotoxin status(P < 0.01),lower villus height(P < 0.01) and ratio of villus height to crypt depth(P < 0.05) in small intestine,greater apoptosis index and higher mRNA expression related to tight junctions(P < 0.05).In addition,the distribution and down-regulation of claudin-3(CLDN3) protein in the small intestinal was also observed.As expected,oral administrations of HRW and LAC were found to remarkably provide beneficial effects against Fusarium mycotoxin-induced apoptosis and intestinal leaking.Moreover,either HRW or LAC treatments were also revealed to prevent abnormal intestinal morphological changes,disintegrate tight junctions,and restore the expression and distribution of CLDN3 protein in the small intestinal mucosal layer in female piglets that were fed Fusarium mycotoxins contaminated diet.Conclusions: Our data suggest that orally administrations of HRW and LAC result in less Fusarium mycotoxininduced apoptosis and leak in the small intestine.Either HRW or LAC treatments could prevent the abnormal changes of intestinal morphology and molecular response of tight junctions as well as restore the distribution and expression of CLDN3 protein of small intestinal mucosa layer in female piglets that were fed Fusarium mycotoxins contaminated diet.展开更多
AIM To identify the effect of hydrogen-rich water(HRW) and electrolyzed-alkaline water(EAW) on high-fat-induced non-alcoholic fatty acid disease in mice.METHODS Mice were divided into four groups:(1) Regular diet(RD)/...AIM To identify the effect of hydrogen-rich water(HRW) and electrolyzed-alkaline water(EAW) on high-fat-induced non-alcoholic fatty acid disease in mice.METHODS Mice were divided into four groups:(1) Regular diet(RD)/regular water(RW);(2) high-fat diet(HFD)/RW;(3) RD/EAW; and(4) HFD/EAW. Weight and body composition were measured. After twelve weeks, animals were sacrificed, and livers were processed for histology and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. A similar experiment was performed using HRW to determine the influence and importance of molecular hydrogen(H2) in EAW. Finally, we compared the response of hepatocytes isolated from mice drinking HRW or RW to palmitate overload.RESULTS EAW had several properties important to the study:(1) pH = 11;(2) oxidation-reduction potential of-495 mV; and(3) H2 = 0.2 mg/L. However, in contrast to other studies, there were no differences between the groups drinking EAW or RW in either the RD or HFD groups. We hypothesized that the null result was due to low H2 concentrations. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of RW and low and high HRW concentrations(L-HRW = 0.3 mg H2/L and H-HRW = 0.8 mg H2/L, respectively) in mice fed an HFD. Compared to RW and L-HRW, H-HRW resulted in a lower increase in fat mass(46% vs 61%), an increase in lean body mass(42% vs 28%), and a decrease in hepatic lipid accumulation(P < 0.01). Lastly, exposure of hepatocytes isolated from mice drinking H-HRW to palmitate overload demonstrated a protective effect from H2 by reducing hepatocyte lipid accumulation in comparison to mice drinking regular water.CONCLUSION H2 is the therapeutic agent in electrolyzed-alkaline water and attenuates HFD-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice.展开更多
In exploring an autonomous independent water supply system, authors have realized the importance of the sustainable water supply utilizing regional features in isolated islands. This paper is further study from the pr...In exploring an autonomous independent water supply system, authors have realized the importance of the sustainable water supply utilizing regional features in isolated islands. This paper is further study from the previous one. This time we have narrowed down the mixing rate of mixed water. In this study, the mixed water less than 0.74% (blood concentration) has been prepared first, and then divided it into five kinds of the mixing rate of mixed water. And we have compared and examined the characteristics of the mixed water from the viewpoint of the relationship between salinity and pH, ORP and that of Dissolved Hydrogen, and examined the possibility of mixed water as a drinking water. As a result, we have obtained the new findings that suggest the possibility.展开更多
The mountain rocks in the Dushan Complex are Sr-rich granite with a much higher Sr level than those in other crustal lithospheres in eastern China. That presents a high potential for developing Sr-rich mineral water. ...The mountain rocks in the Dushan Complex are Sr-rich granite with a much higher Sr level than those in other crustal lithospheres in eastern China. That presents a high potential for developing Sr-rich mineral water. In this study, 6 groups of rock samples, together with 30 groups of water samples, were collected. Combining with the existing data, the Sr contents in three different types of underground water were obtained, which are the Quaternary pore water, the meshed bedrock fissure water in weathered zones and the tectonic bedrock fissure water. On the basis of preliminary understanding for the distribution characteristics of Sr-rich mineral water in the Dushan Mountain region, the causes for the Sr-rich mineral water were investigated. Our results showed that the Sr content of the rocks in the studied area ranges from 988 to 1 950 μg/g. In the horizontal direction, those in both the pore water and the meshed bedrock fissure water in weathered zones show high values in the west but low ones in the east, and high ones in the south but low ones in the north. Furthermore, both types of water meet the standard for Sr-rich mineral water in the western areas. In the vertical direction, the Sr content shows the lowest value in pore water(the average value is 0.707 mg/L), middle value in the meshed bedrock fissure water in weathered zones(the average value is 1.415 mg/L) and the highest value in the tectonic bedrock fissure water(the average value is 8.331 mg/L). It was thought that the widely-developed Sr-rich granite in this region provides physical sources for the formation of Sr-rich mineral water. The continuous dissolution of Sr during underground water runoff is the internal mechanism. In addition, the hydraulic interrelations may exist between the three vertical aquifers, leading a continuous accumulation of the Sr level during infiltration.展开更多
Coal working face is damaged more and more seriously by water below the coal face floor. Therefore, floor water detection is a must in the process of extraction. This article aims to introducing application and princi...Coal working face is damaged more and more seriously by water below the coal face floor. Therefore, floor water detection is a must in the process of extraction. This article aims to introducing application and principle of the two-gateways parallel 3-D electrical technology and the arrangement of the observation system. The authors use this method to detect the water under the floor of a mine in north of Anhui. The results show that the two-gateways parallel 3-D electrical technology can accurately locate the water-rich areas, providing the basis for drilling drainage and grouting construction.展开更多
Consuming a high-fructose diet induces metabolic syndrome (MS)-Iike features, including endothelial dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is an early manifestation of endothelial dysfunction and systemic vascular diseas...Consuming a high-fructose diet induces metabolic syndrome (MS)-Iike features, including endothelial dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is an early manifestation of endothelial dysfunction and systemic vascular disease. Because mineral deficiency intensifies the deleterious effects of fructose consumption and mineral ingestion is protective against MS, we aimed to characterize the effects of 8weeks of natural mineral-rich water consumption on the structural organization and expression of vascular growth factors and receptors on the corpus cavernosum (CC) in 10% fructose-fed Sprague-Dawley rats (FRUCT). Differences were not observed in the organization of the CC either on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or the components of the angiopoietins/Tie2 system. However, opposing expression patterns were observed for VEGF receptors (an increase and a decrease for VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, respectively) in FRUCT animals, with these patterns being strengthened by mineral-rich water ingestion. Mineral-rich water ingestion (FRUCTMIN) increased the proportion of smooth muscle cells compared with FRUCT rats and induced an upregulatory tendency of sirtuin I expression compared with the control and FRUCT groups. Western blot results were consistent with the dual immunofluorescence evaluation. Plasma oxidized low-density lipoprotein and plasma testosterone levels were similar among the experimental groups, although a tendency for an increase in the former was observed in the FRUCTMIN group. The mineral-rich water-treated rats presented changes similar to those observed in rats treated with MS-protective polyphenol-rich beverages or subjected to energy restriction, which led us to hypothesize that the effects of mineral-rich water consumption may be more vast than those directly observed in this study.展开更多
AIM To investigate the efficacy and safety of mineralwater with a high content of hydrogen carbonate inpatients with heartburn.METHODS: This open, single-center, single-armclinical pilot study enrolled 50 patients, 1...AIM To investigate the efficacy and safety of mineralwater with a high content of hydrogen carbonate inpatients with heartburn.METHODS: This open, single-center, single-armclinical pilot study enrolled 50 patients, 18-64 yearsold, who had been suffering from heartburn at leasttwice a week for at least 3 mo before entering thestudy. Pharmacological treatment of heartburn was notpermitted, and patients with severe organic diseaseswere excluded. After a run-in period of one week, theparticipants received 1.5 L of the test water for thefollowing 6 wk; 300 mL with meals t.i.d., the remainderto be drunk throughout the day. During the trial, therewere five visits at the study center (screening, baseline,two interim visits and the final visit). The efficacyendpoints included incidence and duration of heartburnepisodes per week by patient's self-assessment (heartburndiary) as well as changes in symptom severity asper symptom specific questionnaires [Reflux Disease Questionnaire (RDQ); Quality of Life in Reflux andDyspepsia (QOLRAD); Gastrointestinal Quality of LifeIndex] and overall health-related quality of life per SF-12(12-question short form) at each visit. At the end of thestudy, patients and investigators independently ratedthe overall efficacy of the test water on a 4-point Likertscale. Safety was assessed by evaluation of adverseevents (AEs), vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure)and laboratory parameters. Changes from initial to finalexaminations were assessed by the non-parametricWilcoxon test; categorical variables were comparedusing the χ 2 test, and for more than 5 categories, by theU-test.RESULTS: Twenty-eight participants were men, 22women. The mean age of the patients in the fullanalysis set/intention-to treat population (FAS/ITT) was40.6 years. Forty-two participants completed the studyaccording to the study protocol and formed the perprotocolset (PP population); 48 participants drank thewater at least once as requested and were analyzedas ITT population. The occurrence of heartburn wasstatistically significantly reduced at wk 6 in both the ITTand the PP populations. At wk 6, the mean number ofheartburn episodes/week decreased by 5.1 episodes(P 〈 0.001) and the mean duration of heartburnsymptoms by 19 min (ITT) (P = 0.002). The frequencyof heartburn symptoms was reduced in 89.6% of thepatients (P 〈 0.001), and the duration of symptoms in79.2% of patients (ITT) (P 〈 0.001). All dimensions ofthe RDQ (heartburn, regurgitation, gastro-esophagealreflux disease symptoms, dyspepsia) showed asignificant improvement at 6 wk. Likewise, diseasespecificquality of life improved significantly (QOLRAD,GIQLI). Overall, 89.4% of patients rated the efficacyof the test water as "good" or "very good", as did theinvestigators for 91.5% of the patients. There wereno serious AEs. After 6 wk, systolic and diastolic bloodpressure values decreased slightly but significantly [-3.5and -3.0 mmHg, respectively (P = 0.008 and P = 0,002)].Ninety-six percent of patients and investigators for thesame percentage of patients rated the tolerability of thewater as "good" or "very good".CONCLUSION: The data demonstrate effectiveness ofa hydrogen carbonate-rich mineral water in alleviatingheartburn frequency and severity, thereby improvingquality of life. The water has excellent tolerability.展开更多
基金provided by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of China(No.SZBF2011-6-B35)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China(No.2012LWB42)
文摘Considering the danger of water inrush in mining very thick coal seam under water-rich roof in Majialiang Coal Mine,the universal discrete element(UDEC)software was used to simulate the overburden fracture evolution laws when mining 4#coal seam.Besides,this study researched on the influence of face advancing length,speed and mining height on the height of the water flowing fractured zones(HWFFZ),and analyzed the correlation of face advancing length and change rules of aquifer water levels and goaf water inflow.Based on those mentioned above,this research proposed the following water-controlling technologies:draining the roof water before mining,draining goaf water,reasonable advancing speed and mining thickness.These water-controlling technologies were successfully used in the feld,thus ensured safely mining the very thick coal seam under water-rich roof.
基金supported by grants from the National Nature Science Foundation of China(31501986)Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities(KJQN201611 and KYDS201809)Earmarked Fund for Jiangsu Agricultural Industry Technology System(SXGC[2018]287)
文摘Background: Following the intake of Fusarium mycotoxin-contaminated feed,small intestines may be exposed to high levels of toxic substances that can potentially damage intestinal functions in livestock.It is well known that Fusarium mycotoxins will lead a breakdown of the normally impeccable epithelial barrier,resulting in the development of a "leaky" gut.H2 administration with different methods has been proved definitely potentials to prevent serious intestinal diseases.The goal of this study is to investigate the roles of lactulose(LAC) and hydrogenrich water(HRW) in preventing intestinal dysfunction in piglets fed Fusarium mycotoxin-contaminated feed.Methods: A total of 24 female piglets were evenly assigned to 4 groups: negative control(NC) group,mycotoxincontaminated(MC) feed group,MC feed with LAC treatment(MC + LAC),and MC feed with HRW treatment(MC +HRW),respectively.Piglets in the NC group were fed uncontaminated control diet,while remaining piglets were fed Fusarium mycotoxin-contaminated diet.For the NC and MC groups,10 mL/kg body weight(BW) of hydrogen-free water(HFW) was orally administrated to piglets twice daily;while in the MC + LAC and MC + HRW groups,piglets were treated with the same dose of LAC solution(500 mg/kg BW) and HRW twice daily,respectively.On d 25,serum was collected and used for biochemical analysis.Intestinal tissues were sampled for morphological examination as well as relative genes and protein expression analysis.Results: Our data showed that Fusarium mycotoxins induced higher serum diamine oxidase(DAO) activities(P < 0.05),D-lactic acid levels(P < 0.01),and endotoxin status(P < 0.01),lower villus height(P < 0.01) and ratio of villus height to crypt depth(P < 0.05) in small intestine,greater apoptosis index and higher mRNA expression related to tight junctions(P < 0.05).In addition,the distribution and down-regulation of claudin-3(CLDN3) protein in the small intestinal was also observed.As expected,oral administrations of HRW and LAC were found to remarkably provide beneficial effects against Fusarium mycotoxin-induced apoptosis and intestinal leaking.Moreover,either HRW or LAC treatments were also revealed to prevent abnormal intestinal morphological changes,disintegrate tight junctions,and restore the expression and distribution of CLDN3 protein in the small intestinal mucosal layer in female piglets that were fed Fusarium mycotoxins contaminated diet.Conclusions: Our data suggest that orally administrations of HRW and LAC result in less Fusarium mycotoxininduced apoptosis and leak in the small intestine.Either HRW or LAC treatments could prevent the abnormal changes of intestinal morphology and molecular response of tight junctions as well as restore the distribution and expression of CLDN3 protein of small intestinal mucosa layer in female piglets that were fed Fusarium mycotoxins contaminated diet.
基金Tel Hai College Research funding Grant,No.25-2-14-114
文摘AIM To identify the effect of hydrogen-rich water(HRW) and electrolyzed-alkaline water(EAW) on high-fat-induced non-alcoholic fatty acid disease in mice.METHODS Mice were divided into four groups:(1) Regular diet(RD)/regular water(RW);(2) high-fat diet(HFD)/RW;(3) RD/EAW; and(4) HFD/EAW. Weight and body composition were measured. After twelve weeks, animals were sacrificed, and livers were processed for histology and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. A similar experiment was performed using HRW to determine the influence and importance of molecular hydrogen(H2) in EAW. Finally, we compared the response of hepatocytes isolated from mice drinking HRW or RW to palmitate overload.RESULTS EAW had several properties important to the study:(1) pH = 11;(2) oxidation-reduction potential of-495 mV; and(3) H2 = 0.2 mg/L. However, in contrast to other studies, there were no differences between the groups drinking EAW or RW in either the RD or HFD groups. We hypothesized that the null result was due to low H2 concentrations. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of RW and low and high HRW concentrations(L-HRW = 0.3 mg H2/L and H-HRW = 0.8 mg H2/L, respectively) in mice fed an HFD. Compared to RW and L-HRW, H-HRW resulted in a lower increase in fat mass(46% vs 61%), an increase in lean body mass(42% vs 28%), and a decrease in hepatic lipid accumulation(P < 0.01). Lastly, exposure of hepatocytes isolated from mice drinking H-HRW to palmitate overload demonstrated a protective effect from H2 by reducing hepatocyte lipid accumulation in comparison to mice drinking regular water.CONCLUSION H2 is the therapeutic agent in electrolyzed-alkaline water and attenuates HFD-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice.
文摘In exploring an autonomous independent water supply system, authors have realized the importance of the sustainable water supply utilizing regional features in isolated islands. This paper is further study from the previous one. This time we have narrowed down the mixing rate of mixed water. In this study, the mixed water less than 0.74% (blood concentration) has been prepared first, and then divided it into five kinds of the mixing rate of mixed water. And we have compared and examined the characteristics of the mixed water from the viewpoint of the relationship between salinity and pH, ORP and that of Dissolved Hydrogen, and examined the possibility of mixed water as a drinking water. As a result, we have obtained the new findings that suggest the possibility.
基金financially supported by scientific research project of Hebei Geological and Mineral Resource Bureau(454-0601-YBN-VKK1)
文摘The mountain rocks in the Dushan Complex are Sr-rich granite with a much higher Sr level than those in other crustal lithospheres in eastern China. That presents a high potential for developing Sr-rich mineral water. In this study, 6 groups of rock samples, together with 30 groups of water samples, were collected. Combining with the existing data, the Sr contents in three different types of underground water were obtained, which are the Quaternary pore water, the meshed bedrock fissure water in weathered zones and the tectonic bedrock fissure water. On the basis of preliminary understanding for the distribution characteristics of Sr-rich mineral water in the Dushan Mountain region, the causes for the Sr-rich mineral water were investigated. Our results showed that the Sr content of the rocks in the studied area ranges from 988 to 1 950 μg/g. In the horizontal direction, those in both the pore water and the meshed bedrock fissure water in weathered zones show high values in the west but low ones in the east, and high ones in the south but low ones in the north. Furthermore, both types of water meet the standard for Sr-rich mineral water in the western areas. In the vertical direction, the Sr content shows the lowest value in pore water(the average value is 0.707 mg/L), middle value in the meshed bedrock fissure water in weathered zones(the average value is 1.415 mg/L) and the highest value in the tectonic bedrock fissure water(the average value is 8.331 mg/L). It was thought that the widely-developed Sr-rich granite in this region provides physical sources for the formation of Sr-rich mineral water. The continuous dissolution of Sr during underground water runoff is the internal mechanism. In addition, the hydraulic interrelations may exist between the three vertical aquifers, leading a continuous accumulation of the Sr level during infiltration.
文摘Coal working face is damaged more and more seriously by water below the coal face floor. Therefore, floor water detection is a must in the process of extraction. This article aims to introducing application and principle of the two-gateways parallel 3-D electrical technology and the arrangement of the observation system. The authors use this method to detect the water under the floor of a mine in north of Anhui. The results show that the two-gateways parallel 3-D electrical technology can accurately locate the water-rich areas, providing the basis for drilling drainage and grouting construction.
文摘Consuming a high-fructose diet induces metabolic syndrome (MS)-Iike features, including endothelial dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is an early manifestation of endothelial dysfunction and systemic vascular disease. Because mineral deficiency intensifies the deleterious effects of fructose consumption and mineral ingestion is protective against MS, we aimed to characterize the effects of 8weeks of natural mineral-rich water consumption on the structural organization and expression of vascular growth factors and receptors on the corpus cavernosum (CC) in 10% fructose-fed Sprague-Dawley rats (FRUCT). Differences were not observed in the organization of the CC either on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or the components of the angiopoietins/Tie2 system. However, opposing expression patterns were observed for VEGF receptors (an increase and a decrease for VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, respectively) in FRUCT animals, with these patterns being strengthened by mineral-rich water ingestion. Mineral-rich water ingestion (FRUCTMIN) increased the proportion of smooth muscle cells compared with FRUCT rats and induced an upregulatory tendency of sirtuin I expression compared with the control and FRUCT groups. Western blot results were consistent with the dual immunofluorescence evaluation. Plasma oxidized low-density lipoprotein and plasma testosterone levels were similar among the experimental groups, although a tendency for an increase in the former was observed in the FRUCTMIN group. The mineral-rich water-treated rats presented changes similar to those observed in rats treated with MS-protective polyphenol-rich beverages or subjected to energy restriction, which led us to hypothesize that the effects of mineral-rich water consumption may be more vast than those directly observed in this study.
基金Supported by Deutsche Heilbrunnen im Verband Deutscher Mineralbrunnen e.V.,Kennedyallee 28,53175 Bonn,Germany,www.vdm-bonn.de
文摘AIM To investigate the efficacy and safety of mineralwater with a high content of hydrogen carbonate inpatients with heartburn.METHODS: This open, single-center, single-armclinical pilot study enrolled 50 patients, 18-64 yearsold, who had been suffering from heartburn at leasttwice a week for at least 3 mo before entering thestudy. Pharmacological treatment of heartburn was notpermitted, and patients with severe organic diseaseswere excluded. After a run-in period of one week, theparticipants received 1.5 L of the test water for thefollowing 6 wk; 300 mL with meals t.i.d., the remainderto be drunk throughout the day. During the trial, therewere five visits at the study center (screening, baseline,two interim visits and the final visit). The efficacyendpoints included incidence and duration of heartburnepisodes per week by patient's self-assessment (heartburndiary) as well as changes in symptom severity asper symptom specific questionnaires [Reflux Disease Questionnaire (RDQ); Quality of Life in Reflux andDyspepsia (QOLRAD); Gastrointestinal Quality of LifeIndex] and overall health-related quality of life per SF-12(12-question short form) at each visit. At the end of thestudy, patients and investigators independently ratedthe overall efficacy of the test water on a 4-point Likertscale. Safety was assessed by evaluation of adverseevents (AEs), vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure)and laboratory parameters. Changes from initial to finalexaminations were assessed by the non-parametricWilcoxon test; categorical variables were comparedusing the χ 2 test, and for more than 5 categories, by theU-test.RESULTS: Twenty-eight participants were men, 22women. The mean age of the patients in the fullanalysis set/intention-to treat population (FAS/ITT) was40.6 years. Forty-two participants completed the studyaccording to the study protocol and formed the perprotocolset (PP population); 48 participants drank thewater at least once as requested and were analyzedas ITT population. The occurrence of heartburn wasstatistically significantly reduced at wk 6 in both the ITTand the PP populations. At wk 6, the mean number ofheartburn episodes/week decreased by 5.1 episodes(P 〈 0.001) and the mean duration of heartburnsymptoms by 19 min (ITT) (P = 0.002). The frequencyof heartburn symptoms was reduced in 89.6% of thepatients (P 〈 0.001), and the duration of symptoms in79.2% of patients (ITT) (P 〈 0.001). All dimensions ofthe RDQ (heartburn, regurgitation, gastro-esophagealreflux disease symptoms, dyspepsia) showed asignificant improvement at 6 wk. Likewise, diseasespecificquality of life improved significantly (QOLRAD,GIQLI). Overall, 89.4% of patients rated the efficacyof the test water as "good" or "very good", as did theinvestigators for 91.5% of the patients. There wereno serious AEs. After 6 wk, systolic and diastolic bloodpressure values decreased slightly but significantly [-3.5and -3.0 mmHg, respectively (P = 0.008 and P = 0,002)].Ninety-six percent of patients and investigators for thesame percentage of patients rated the tolerability of thewater as "good" or "very good".CONCLUSION: The data demonstrate effectiveness ofa hydrogen carbonate-rich mineral water in alleviatingheartburn frequency and severity, thereby improvingquality of life. The water has excellent tolerability.