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Aim Gastric mucosal changes associated with chronic gastritis are known to be precancerous lesions of gastric cancer. We aimed to identify individuals with a high risk of gastric cancer by detection of microRNAs (miRNA) in the blood as biomarkers. Methods Of 1206 individuals screened, 144 who were positive for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) by the serum antibody test and who underwent endoscopy were the subjects of this study. For the gross assessment of mucosal inflammation, we applied the Kimura–Takemoto classification, in which normal mucosa was defined as grade 0, and atrophy was categorized as grade 1 (C‐1 and C‐2), grade 2 (C‐3 and O‐1), and grade 3 (O‐2 and O‐3). Serum samples were divided into two phases and used for miRNA microarray profiling. We compared the expression of miRNAs in grade 3 mucosa and other grades. Expression in gastric cancer was confirmed with TCGA data. Results miR‐196b‐3p was significantly upregulated, and miR‐92a‐2‐5p was downregulated (P < .05 and q < 0.2). TCGA data showed a high expression of miR‐196b‐3p in gastric cancer cases (P < .001). Comparing grade 3 and the others, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve using the detected miRNAs was as high as about 0.7. Furthermore, the combination of miRNAs resulted in higher accuracy. In terms of the significance of the combinatory mRNAs, the combination of three miRNAs (miR‐196b‐3p, miR‐92a‐2‐5p, and miR‐6791‐3p) revealed high sensitivity and specificity, with the area under the curve exceeding 0.8. Conclusion The identified combinatory miRNAs may represent promising biomarkers of precancerous lesions in gastric cancer.

Hot springs have long been used for medical purposes throughout the world. However, their health effects are still largely unknown. Therefore, we aimed to examine the physical and mental effects of hot spring spa-bathing habits throughout Japan. We conducted a new online questionnaire survey throughout Japan that included questions on spa-bathing behavior, disease prevalence, subjective satisfaction, and lifestyle habits. To understand regional differences, we used previously reported questionnaire data as a comparison. Regarding mental effects, the results showed a significant positive correlation between spa-bathing habits and subjective satisfaction. Moreover, 2% of life satisfaction was explained by spa-bathing habits in the regression model. Regarding physical effects, we found a significant reduction in the odds ratio of hypertension among spa bathers in two populations: elderly people nationwide and elderly people in Beppu. In addition, among elderly individuals in Beppu, the odds ratios of depression and hyperlipidemia were significantly lower among spa bathers, suggesting that there may be differences in the effects of hot springs between regions. This study revealed that hot spring spa-bathing habits positively impacted both physical and mental health. Our findings suggest that spa bathing could improve health status, especially among elderly individuals, by preventing hypertension and improving mental health.