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In our previous study setting, climatotherapy programme consisted of six sessions – four in the mid-mountain area and two in a flat park. For all sessions, the subjects underwent climatotherapy in the morning under slightly cool conditions. During each session, the subjects' blood pressure, pulse rate, skin temperature, blood lactate, salivary cortisol and mood profile were recorded, and meteorological data were collected at the sites. We hypothesised that exercise habits, changes in mood profile and effective temperatures during the session, and physical exertion during the climatic terrain cure would affect salivary cortisol levels. Subjects were 30 (spring) and 29 (autumn). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine the determinants of the change in salivary cortisol levels. In the mountain setting, salivary cortisol was elevated, even though the sessions took place in the descending phase of the circadian salivary cortisol variation; however, the post-session cortisol increase was not significant. Increased post-session salivary cortisol was significantly associated with female gender, older age, higher BMI, lower body fat, less daily physical activity, increased blood lactate, increased 'Tension-Anxiety' and 'Depression-Dejection' moods, and decreased 'Anger-Hostility' mood. The increase in cortisol may have been due to older age, a predominance of females, and the increased blood lactate due to the mountainous terrain. In the flat park, the significant decrease in postsession salivary cortisol was related to the descending circadian phase of circadian cortisol variation and the low physical demands of the sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation, as a complex and multimodal treatment concept, makes significant use of methods that are assigned to conservative orthopedics, in particular the procedures of physical therapy. In contrast to physiotherapy and medical training therapy, physical therapy is a form of therapy provided with technology. The spectrum ranges from hydrotherapy, mechanotherapy and thermotherapy to balneotherapy, massage forms and electrotherapy. Climatotherapy, phototherapy and aerosol/inhalation therapy have less of an impact on the orthopaedic field. Although the forms of therapy are often referred to as passive, the effect is based on physical laws, physiological reactions and adaptation. In addition, these are predominantly forms of therapy, some of which have been in use for centuries, some for thousands of years, these efficient treatments with a good safety and tolerability profile gained by means of empiricism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Türkiye Jeoloji Bülteni is the property of TMMOB JEOLOJI MUHENDISLERI ODASI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The autonomic nervous system is a key link in the course of adaptation and adaptive reactions of an organism to various environmental factors. The aim of this study was to assess the heart rate variability (HRV) of primary school children during a course of speleoclimatotherapy. The HRV was evaluated in 175 practically healthy children aged 7–10 years. In the course of the study of the effect of speleoclimatotherapy on the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system was studied using the parameters of spectral analysis of HRV. HRV data were analyzed in the frequency domain: total power of the wave (TP), high frequency (HF) waves, low frequency (LF) waves, very low frequency (VLF), and vagosympathetic index LF/HF. After a course of speleoclimatotherapy the analysis of the results allowed us to establish statistically significant differences in the groups of boy and girls with vagotonic and normotonic type of regulation. After a course of speleoclimatotherapy reduction of the index of a vagosympathetic balance (LF/HF) to normal values was found in the groups of sympathotonic boys and sympathotonic girls, while in sympathotonic girls there was an increase in the value of the TP. It is possible to speak about the restoration of vegetative equilibrium and increase of adaptive capabilities of a child due to adaptation to the microclimate of speleo-chambers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical Climatotherapy in sanatorium conditions is a traditional method applied by Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine in the convalescent period, after infectious and non-infectious diseases. Rehabilitation is an essential part of long-term medical care after COVID-19 and is a very important element in the recovery process. A large number of patients in the recovery phase after SARS-CoV-2 infection have prolonged clinical symptoms that can persist for weeks and months after the acute phase of illness. In conjunction with the increasing number of patients who have survived coronavirus infection, the need for post-coronavirus care to recover and overcome residual clinical symptoms is also increasing. The long-lasting effects of COVID-19 can be manifested by respiratory system impairments, but also any other system in the body, including musculoskeletal symptoms, decreased physical capacity, reduced quality of life and psycho-emotional symptoms. In resort settings, natural physical factors are combined with preformed physical factors together with appropriate physical activity, nutritional and dietary regime. The main resort factors are: climate, mineral waters and healing mud. There is a growing need to develop an effective strategy and management of post-acute rehabilitation measures for postCOVID-19 patients to address a large contingent of those in need with a focus on older people with co-morbidities. Medical rehabilitation provides opportunities for a continuum of care that can be successfully delivered in a resort setting in the absence of contraindications. Aim: to investigate the potential benefits of the application of climato-resort treatment in patients in period of recovery with symptoms of Long COVID- 19 or post COVID-19 syndrome (PCS). Materials and Methods: a review of the available scientific literature was conducted, covering global databases (Pubmed, Google Scholar, Science Direct) using keywords that included the terms: post COVID-19 condition, SPA/Resort treatment, mountain climato-therapy, thalassotherapy, rehabilitation, functional recovery. Results: A review of the specialist literature found evidence for the therapeutic benefits of conducting rehabilitation in a resort setting. The application of natural and preformed physical factors resulted in overcoming residual symptoms on the broncho-pulmonary system, improving the functional capacity of the respiratory system and skeletal musculature, increasing the tolerance to exercises and physical activity, and influencing the psycho-emotional consequences of COVID-19. Conclusions: Resort and climato-therapy can be an important factor in the recovery process after COVID-19, for prevention and improvement of the body's resistance to the adverse effects of environmental factors, infectious agents, and the negative effects of modern lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The minimum clinically important difference (MCID) for the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) is debated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) quality-of-life (QoL) assessments. This study aimed to determine whether there is a difference in predictors of clinically significant improvement between the traditional (value of 4) and newly proposed MCID SGRQ (value of 7) after climatic rehabilitation treatment. Climatic rehabilitation treatment consists of two main parts: climatotherapy, which typically involves the controlled exposure of individuals to natural environmental elements, and climatic rehabilitation, which includes other therapeutic factors such as physical activities as well as educating the patient to change their lifestyle. Methods: This study included 90 consecutive patients diagnosed with COPD who underwent structured complex pulmonary rehabilitation in High Tatras, part of the Carpathian Mountains. The examination before and after treatment included spirometry, QoL assessment using the SGRQ, 6 min walk test (6-MWT), and the Borg, Beck and Zung scale. Results: Patients showed statistically significant improvement after the intervention in FEV1, FEV1/FVC, 6-MWT, (p < 0.001), anxiety scores, depression, and improvement in dyspnoea both before and after the 6-MWT (p < 0.001). For both MCID for SGRQ levels 4 and 7, we confirmed the same predictors of clinical improvement for bronchial obstruction grade (spirometry) and exercise capacity (6-MWT), for quality of life in activity score and total score. Conclusion. The results suggest that both the proposed MCID for SGRQ values could be sufficient to assess the clinical significance of the achieved change in health status when assessing the need for pulmonary rehabilitation comprising climatotherapy in patients with COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overweight and obesity is a multifactorial, multisystem disease declared a global epidemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) as early as in 1997. At least 30% of the working-age population in Russia is overweight. Only the use of physical activity as an integral (basic) part of obesity treatment and maintenance of the body weight achieved in the course of treatment can achieve durable and long-lasting treatment results as well as significant changes in the body structure (fat/non-fat body weight ratio). Terrainkur (therapeutic walking) is a method of spa treatment that combines climatotherapy and physical therapy. One of the problems in physical activity in obese people is the difficulty they experience in exercising due to the impaired walking pattern caused by imbalances in the muscle chains, including pelvic region, cervical region, which reduces endurance and commitment to physical activity. The study found that the exposure group (Terrainkur) showed lower values of "total fat", "metabolic age", "basic caloric value" compared to initial results and the control group; the exposure group (Terrainkur) showed a decrease in the deviation of the centre of body axis projection from the proper axis, the percentage of non-compliance with the proper fluctuations of the foot underextension. These changes contributed to the elimination of terrainkur restrictions and, as a result, improved the patient compliance during the terrainkur exercises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. A topical problem in pediatrics is bronchial asthma, which is characterized by a high prevalence, contributing to the formation of disability and a decrease in the quality of life in children. Possible triggers for exacerbation of the disease include external biotropic weather conditions. In this connection, it is necessary to study and develop new technologies for the correction and prevention of increased meteosensitivity in children with bronchial asthma.Purpose. To study the regularities of the influence of biotropic weather conditions on the course of asthma in children with increased meteosensitivity and to assess the effectiveness of the meteorological influence of climatotherapy.Materials and methods. An assessment was made of the bioclimatic potential of the territory of the Vulan sanatorium, taking into account the thermal regime, the biological effect of solar radiation, the degree of favorable weather conditions for carrying out climatotherapy. The degree of sensitivity to biotropic weather conditions and the features of manifestation of meteopathic reactions were studied in 119 children with asthma at the age of 5 to 15 years. The studies were carried out in a comparative aspect in two groups of children: children in the main group (95 children) in complex spa treatment received dosed climatotherapy procedures; children of the comparison group did not receive climatotherapy.Results. The meteorological dependence of varying severity was found in all children. Weather-related exacerbations in most children developed during the formation of the hypoxic effect of the atmosphere caused by hyperthermia and high humidity, conditions of "stuffiness" and "overheating", increased symptoms of the disease, decreased physical activity, deterioration of the psychoemotional state of children, confirmed by a significant (p

Background: Based on the increasing evidence of forest on health, a research project assessed the structural certification criteria of recreational and therapeutic forests in 15 Bavarian pilot sites. The main project objectives were (1) to develop a certification standard for recreational and therapeutic forests and (2) to establish a certification and designation process. Methods: Relevant criteria were identified by a literature review. The findings, in conjunction with landscape planning principles, were used to develop a catalog of certification criteria, which was then tested and amended in field testing in the pilot sites. Results: The criteria catalog for recreational and therapeutic forests was structured into four sections: general requirements, forest-specific requirements, safety and infrastructure, and preventive and/or therapeutic interventions. At 13 pilot sites, 13 recreational forests and 3 therapeutic forests were designated, 47 professionals were trained, the designation process and a certification body were established, and the results were published in a manual (BayKK KuH). Conclusions: This newly developed Bavarian certification standard for recreational and therapeutic forests represents an innovative synthesis of science and empirical on-site experience. It enables interested parties to develop a recreational or therapeutic forest on the basis of transparently published standards in order to use the health-promoting effects of the forest in prevention and therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of VAD: Veredes, Arquitectura y Divulgación is the property of Alberto Alonso Oro and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

INTRODUCTION. The review is devoted to the study of one of the modern complex methods of treatment and rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular diseases – terrain cure which includes elements of therapeutic physical training, climatotherapy and provides for dosed physical activity in the form of hiking in rough terrain, climbing in mountainous areas on specific, marked routes under the supervision of a doctor. It is a method of exercise therapy that improves endurance, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous system function, metabolism, as well as the muscles of the limbs and trunk. AIM. To highlight the mechanisms of the complex action of terrain cure, combining elements of climatotherapy and metered physical activity for the most optimal use in patients with pathology of the cardiovascular system, including those with excess body weight. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The analysis of publications in the electronic databases PubMed and the Russian Scientific Citation Index by keywords: terrain cure , metered physical activity, climatotherapy, rehabilitation, cardiovascular diseases. The date of the last search is August 9, 2022. CONCLUSION. The world and domestic scientific and practical experience of the use of terrain cure testifies to its high efficiency and an increase in the adaptive and compensatory potential of the patient's body, the safety of using this method in both preventive and therapeutic and rehabilitation programs, due to the main mechanisms of its rehabilitative action. Taking into account its wide availability, cost-effectiveness and additional therapeutic effects when in contact with the terrain, it seems advisable to expand the introduction of the terrain cure and use it for preventive purposes not only in sanatorium–resort conditions, but also in the urban environment – parks and other recreation areas of citizens.

Background: The minimum clinically important difference (MCID) for the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) is debated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) quality-of-life (QoL) assessments. This study aimed to determine whether there is a difference in predictors of clinically significant improvement between the traditional (value of 4) and newly proposed MCID SGRQ (value of 7) after climatic rehabilitation treatment. Climatic rehabilitation treatment consists of two main parts: climatotherapy, which typically involves the controlled exposure of individuals to natural environmental elements, and climatic rehabilitation, which includes other therapeutic factors such as physical activities as well as educating the patient to change their lifestyle. Methods: This study included 90 consecutive patients diagnosed with COPD who underwent structured complex pulmonary rehabilitation in High Tatras, part of the Carpathian Mountains. The examination before and after treatment included spirometry, QoL assessment using the SGRQ, 6 min walk test (6-MWT), and the Borg, Beck and Zung scale. Results: Patients showed statistically significant improvement after the intervention in FEV1, FEV1/FVC, 6-MWT, (p < 0.001), anxiety scores, depression, and improvement in dyspnoea both before and after the 6-MWT (p < 0.001). For both MCID for SGRQ levels 4 and 7, we confirmed the same predictors of clinical improvement for bronchial obstruction grade (spirometry) and exercise capacity (6-MWT), for quality of life in activity score and total score. Conclusion. The results suggest that both the proposed MCID for SGRQ values could be sufficient to assess the clinical significance of the achieved change in health status when assessing the need for pulmonary rehabilitation comprising climatotherapy in patients with COPD.

The problems of medical rehabilitation of children with bronchial asthma are relevant for the national health care due to the high prevalence of the disease in the child population and the possibility of disability. Currently, the role of weather factors in the development of meteopathic reactions in children suffering from bronchial asthma is increasing. Meteopathological reactions can be manifested by increased symptoms of the disease and ventilation disorders, as well as they reduce the effectiveness of rehabilitation measures. In this regard, research devoted to the development of methods for the prevention and correction of manifestations of weather dependence using natural and climatic factors is of particular interest. Aim. The study aimed to assess the bioclimatic potential of the resort of Gelendzhik city and to develop methods for the prevention of meteopathic reactions in children with bronchial asthma. Material and methods. The research was conducted on the basis of the SRC “Vulan” (Gelendzhik). Features of biotropic weather conditions influence and meteopathic reactions development were studied in 119 children with bronchial asthma aged 5 to 15 years. Microclimatic features of the Sanatorium “Vulan” territory were studied using an automated system of medical and meteorological weather forecasting. Methods of climate therapy included dosed sun and air baths, which were prescribed taking into account the severity of the disease and the degree of child’s adaptation to the climatic conditions of the sanatorium. Results and discussion. The study of the bioclimatic potential showed that the territory of the Sanatorium “Vulan” can be attributed to the resort area with a sparing effect of the climate on the child’s body and with favorable microclimatic conditions that allow to widely include all types of climatotherapy in treatment and rehabilitation programs. Against the background of the dosed climate therapy, the majority of children (82.1%) had decreased manifestations of increased weather sensitivity, improved respiratory function and increased indicators of the psychoemotional status of children with bronchial asthma. Conclusion. Improved and scientifically-based technologies for dosing of the climate-related procedures, which are included in the programs of sanatorium-resort treatment of children with bronchial asthma, can significantly reduce the frequency of weather-related reactions.

Background: Based on the increasing evidence of forest on health, a research project assessed the structural certification criteria of recreational and therapeutic forests in 15 Bavarian pilot sites. The main project objectives were (1) to develop a certification standard for recreational and therapeutic forests and (2) to establish a certification and designation process. Methods: Relevant criteria were identified by a literature review. The findings, in conjunction with landscape planning principles, were used to develop a catalog of certification criteria, which was then tested and amended in field testing in the pilot sites. Results: The criteria catalog for recreational and therapeutic forests was structured into four sections: general requirements, forest-specific requirements, safety and infrastructure, and preventive and/or therapeutic interventions. At 13 pilot sites, 13 recreational forests and 3 therapeutic forests were designated, 47 professionals were trained, the designation process and a certification body were established, and the results were published in a manual (BayKK KuH). Conclusions: This newly developed Bavarian certification standard for recreational and therapeutic forests represents an innovative synthesis of science and empirical on-site experience. It enables interested parties to develop a recreational or therapeutic forest on the basis of transparently published standards in order to use the health-promoting effects of the forest in prevention and therapy.

Background: Positive influence of the sun on psoriasis is a common assumption in dermatology. Other season‐related factors such as mental health may interfere. However, the role of seasonal effects on psoriasis needs to be clarified. This review aims to systematically analyze the literature on seasonal variation on psoriasis with emphasis on Northern and Central Europe representing temperate climate conditions. Materials and methods: Enrolled literature was identified through PubMed, EMBASE, and BIOSIS. An additional manual search of old reports before the introduction of efficient modern therapies, which can interfere with the spontaneous disease, was performed. Results: Thirteen studies were enrolled. About 50% of psoriasis patients were stable and showed no seasonal difference between seasons. Approximately 30% improved in summer, and 20% performed better in winter, some with marked summer worsening. European results matched international reports from different continents and hemispheres with climate extremes. The psychological effects could not be ruled out. Conclusion: About 50% of psoriasis patients experience a season‐independent disease, however, with a subset of patients who do better in summer. Others again do better in winter, with a few of these having marked worsening in warm periods. Individual season‐related activity records should be paid proper attention to when considering light therapy or climatotherapy as a treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of the use of speleoclimatotherapy in recreational activities in children of primary school age. In the course of the study, we analyzed indicators of heart rate variability in children depending on the initial vegetative status. In vagotonics and normotonics, there was an increase in the activity of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, and in sympatotonics, there was a decrease in HRV parameters within the age norm, characteristic of increased activity of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system. Such changes can occur when the adaptive reserves of the childs body increase. However, when using speleoclimatotherapy during recreational activities, it is necessary to take into account the initial level of vegetative activity of heart rate regulation in children.

The aim of this study was to compare long-term results of 4 weeks Dead Sea climatotherapy at the Deutsches Medizinisches Zentrum, Israel to those obtained by classical topical treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Seventy-two children from the Czech Republic were divided into three groups of 24 and treated during three periods (March 2014, October 2014 and March 2015) with gradually increasing sun exposure during 28 consecutive days. Forty-four children were treated with steroid creams at the Department of Dermatovenereology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital of Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic. The primary outcome was the change in the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index, recorded after 1 month of treatment (immediately after DSC) and 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months later in Prague. The mean SCORAD improvement was 87.5 ± 13.4% after 4 weeks at the Dead Sea and 86.1 ± 11.3% after 1 month of treatment with steroid creams in the Czech Republic. All 44 patients treated in Prague participated in this 18-month follow-up study, whereas only 47 patients (65.3%) after DSC treatment. Good clinical results were maintained in both groups and mean SCORAD values were stable and low, around 5.

The author offers observation on the association between physical and respiratory exercise and thalassotherapy. Topics discussed include positive effects of thalassotherapy on lung diseases, aspects of exercise provided in different pulmonary settings explored by rehabilitation research, and possible reason for the lack of research on the association between physical and respiratory exercise and thalassotherapy.

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An accelerated climatotherapy programme was evaluated for use with busy people in mid-mountain and flat lowland areas. A total of 43 urban residents participated in this climatotherapy programme. Participants' blood pressure, pulse rate, peripheral skin temperature and levels of salivary amylase, salivary cortisol and blood lactate were measured, and they completed the Profile of Mood Status questionnaire. In the mid-mountain area, which had a cooler environment and long uphill paths, participants' percentage of maximum pulse rate (70.01%) to estimated maximum heart rate was higher than that (59.67%) of participants in the flat lowland area, suggesting that the mid-mountain area was suitable for endurance training. At both sites, the decrease in peripheral skin temperature during the climatic terrain cure suggested that our programme was properly implemented with a cool body surface in accordance with our purpose. Negative moods improved quickly, suggesting that the forest environment and the fresh-air rest cure may have relaxed participants. In late spring and early autumn, the mood of approximately 25% of participants improved to an Iceberg profile, which is associated with positive mental states and athletic peak performance, after climatotherapy. On the other hand, the weather in early spring and late autumn was more likely to facilitate maintenance of a cool body surface during the climatic terrain cure. With the support of individualized feedback provided after the climatotherapy sessions, three participants developed regular exercise habits, serving as a good example of the effectiveness of our climatotherapy programme to elicit behavioural change., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

The aim of this study was to compare long-term results of 4 weeks Dead Sea climatotherapy at the Deutsches Medizinisches Zentrum, Israel to those obtained by classical topical treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Seventy-two children from the Czech Republic were divided into three groups of 24 and treated during three periods (March 2014, October 2014 and March 2015) with gradually increasing sun exposure during 28 consecutive days. Forty-four children were treated with steroid creams at the Department of Dermatovenereology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital of Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic. The primary outcome was the change in the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index, recorded after 1 month of treatment (immediately after DSC) and 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months later in Prague. The mean SCORAD improvement was 87.5 ± 13.4% after 4 weeks at the Dead Sea and 86.1 ± 11.3% after 1 month of treatment with steroid creams in the Czech Republic. All 44 patients treated in Prague participated in this 18-month follow-up study, whereas only 47 patients (65.3%) after DSC treatment. Good clinical results were maintained in both groups and mean SCORAD values were stable and low, around 5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dead Sea climatotherapy (DSC) is a treatment option for psoriasis in Denmark. However, the response to DSC has not been particularly well studied.Aim: We sought to determine effectiveness and response duration of DSC on psoriasis-related outcome parameters.Methods: Eighteen patients participated in a 4-week treatment program in Ein Gedi in Israel. Treatment, consisting of sun exposure and bathing, was individualized.Results: DSC was associated with a mean 13.0-point reduction (88%) in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and a mean reduction of 2.3 (76.7%) on the 5-point Investigator's Global Assessment Scale. Furthermore, patients' quality of life improved measured by the Dermatology Quality of Life Index and EuroQol 5D index values. The mean time from treatment end to reappearance of visible skin symptoms was 93.8 days (SD: 62.5, range: 31–219 days).Conclusions: Our results confirm that DSC has an immediate effect on skin manifestations and improves quality of life, but long-term disease control is not observed.

Forest therapy and shinrin-yoku are concepts that have been appearing more and more often in the literature on the prevention of stress and immune disorders for over a dozen years. In the context of research, it can be said that it plays an important role not only in the prevention of somatic civilization diseases, such as hypertension or diabetes, but also protects against development and helps in the treatment of mental disorders from the group of anxiety-depressive disorders. In the "Pub Med" database, the search terms "shinrin-yoku" were entered, 23 results and "forest bathing", 90 results, of which 18 were rejected after repetitive and unrelated searches. Only original papers were analysed (30). Forest therapy eliminates the effects of stress caused by numerous external factors generated by lifestyle in an urbanized environment and, for example, by overworking. It increases immunity, affecting, among others on the amount and activity of NK cells, it has a positive effect on metabolic parameters in ischemic heart disease and hypertension. It supports relaxation, attention and convalescence after stress. In Asian countries, it is an official branch of medicine, which is dedicated to profiled medical centers. In European countries we often meet conferences dedicated to forest therapies and specialized trainings. Forest therapy is a well-documented therapeutic method that can be used in the prevention, support of treatment and rehabilitation of stress disorders and civilization diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Dead Sea climatotherapy (DSC) is a therapeutic modality for a variety of chronic skin conditions, yet there has been scarce research on the relationship between the cutaneous microbiota and disease states in response to DSC. We characterized the skin bacterial and fungal microbiome of healthy volunteers who underwent DSC. Bacterial community diversity remained similar before and after treatment, while fungal diversity was significantly reduced as a result of the treatment. Individuals showed greater inter-individual than temporal bacterial community variance, yet the opposite was true for fungal community composition. We further identified Malassezia as the genus driving temporal mycobiome variations. The results indicate that the microbiome remains stable throughout DSC, while the mycobiome undergoes dramatic community changes. The results of this study will serve as an important baseline for future investigations of microbiome and mycobiome temporal phenomena in diseased states.

Objective: Conventional therapeutic methods for psoriasis include topical and systemic drugs, phototherapy, and biologic agents. Despite the fact that these treatment methods, and especially biologic agents, are met with a considerable reduction in disease activity, they can sometimes be costly and are nonetheless accompanied by high risks of adverse events, ranging from mild to debilitating. Therefore, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), especially mind-and-body interventions, such as acupuncture, psychotherapy, climatotherapy, and cupping may provide a cheaper and potentially beneficial outcome for these patients. Methods: We performed a systematic review of articles pertaining to acupuncture, cupping, psychotherapy and meditation, as well climatotherapy and balneotherapy in the management of psoriasis, by using the PubMED, Medline and Google Academic research databases and reference cross-checking. Results: 12 articles on acupuncture, 9 on dry or wet cupping, 27 concerning meditation, hypnosis or psychotherapy, and 34 regarding climate therapy or balneotherapy were found. Discussion and Conclusions: Currently, there is a lack of evidence in the English literature to support acupuncture as an effective alternative therapy for psoriasis, whereas cupping has been described in the majority of instances to result in Koebner phenomenon and clinical worsening. Stress management therapies such as psychotherapy, hypnosis, and meditation have shown promising results as complementary treatment methods. Climatotherapy and balneotherapy have already been proven as effective means of achieving clinical improvement in psoriasis. Further research is still needed to verify the usefulness of the lesser studied treatment methods.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease involving multiple organ systems and affecting approximately 3.2% of the world's population. In this section of the guidelines of care for psoriasis, we will focus the discussion on ultraviolet (UV) light-based therapies, which include narrowband and broadband UVB, UVA in conjunction with photosensitizing agents, targeted UVB treatments such as with an excimer laser, and several other modalities and variations of these core phototherapies, including newer applications of pulsed dye lasers, intense pulse light, and light-emitting electrodes. We will provide an in-depth, evidence-based discussion of efficacy and safety for each treatment modality and provide recommendations and guidance for the use of these therapies alone or in conjunction with other topical and/or systemic psoriasis treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hungarian Medical Journal / Orvosi Hetilap is the property of Akademiai Kiado and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Dead Sea climatotherapy (DSC) is a therapeutic modality for a variety of chronic skin conditions, yet there has been scarce research on the relationship between the cutaneous microbiota and disease states in response to DSC. We characterized the skin bacterial and fungal microbiome of healthy volunteers who underwent DSC. Bacterial community diversity remained similar before and after treatment, while fungal diversity was significantly reduced as a result of the treatment. Individuals showed greater inter-individual than temporal bacterial community variance, yet the opposite was true for fungal community composition. We further identified Malassezia as the genus driving temporal mycobiome variations. The results indicate that the microbiome remains stable throughout DSC, while the mycobiome undergoes dramatic community changes. The results of this study will serve as an important baseline for future investigations of microbiome and mycobiome temporal phenomena in diseased states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Medicina Naturista is the property of Sociedad Europea de Medicina Naturista Clasica (Seccion Espanola) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article outlined a polycentric development scenario through tourism within the balneary area of Bacău County and the rural-mountain area of Cluj County. Using research methods like analysis, comparison, cartographic, graphic techniques, the results concluded that within Bacău’s balneary area, Moineşti could specialise in climatotherapy, Târgu Ocna in saline microclimate, and Slănic Moldova in hydrotherapy; whereas within Cluj’s rural-mountain area, Muntele Băişorii should continue to rely on winter sports tourism, Beliş-Fântânele on water-based tourism, and Răchiţele on nature-based tourism. Thus, the participation of each centre to the general supply enabled the pursued tourist-functional cooperation, following the principles of polycentric development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with corticoid alternatives such as calcineurin inhibitors, sulfonated shale oils, ultraviolet light and climatotherapy which are discussed in detail.Topical calcineurin inhibitors can be understood as immunosuppressants which inhibit T-lymphocyte activation and prevent the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The inflammation inhibition of sulfonated shale oils is to be based on an inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase as well as 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and leukotriene B4. The rationale for the use o~ a UV light treatment is its anti-inflammatory effect on antigen-presenting Langerhans cells, infiltratingT cells, and proinflammatory cytokines. A climatherapy in the high mountain range above 1500 meters above sea level is - amorgotherthings - a freedom from house dust mites allergens. Other potent allergens (e.g., birch and grass pollen, mold spores) are significantly reduced in concentration as well as in the duration of their occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The specific microclimate of alpine waterfalls with high levels of ionized water aerosols has been suggested to trigger beneficial immunological and psychological effects. In the present three-armed randomized controlled clinical study, we focused on effects on (i) immunological reagibility, on (ii) physiological stress responses, and on (iii) stress-related psychological parameters. Methods: People with moderate to high stress levels (n = 65) spent an active sojourn with daily hiking tours in the National Park Hohe Tauern (Großkirchheim, Austria). Half of the group was exposed to water aerosol of an alpine waterfall for 1 h/day (first arm, n = 33), whereas the other half spent the same time at a distant site (second arm, n = 32). A third arm (control, n = 26) had no intervention (except vaccination) and stayed at home, maintaining their usual lifestyle. The effect of the interventions on the immune system was tested by oral vaccination with an approved cholera vaccine and measuring specific salivary IgA antibody titers. Lung function was determined by peak expiratory flow measurement. Electric skin conductance, heart rate, and adaption of respiration rate were assessed as physiological stress parameters. Psychological stress-related parameters were analyzed by questionnaires and scales. Results: Compared to the control group, both intervention groups showed improvement of the lung function and of most physiological stress test parameters. Analysis of the mucosal immune response revealed a waterfall-specific beneficial effect with elevated IgA titers in the waterfall group. In line with these results, exposure to waterfall revealed an additional benefit concerning psychological parameters such as subjective stress perception (measured via visual analog scale), the Global Severity Index (GSI), and the Positive Symptom Total (PST). Conclusions: Our study provides new data, which strongly support an “added value” of exposure to waterfall microclimate when combined with a therapeutic sojourn at high altitude including regular physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scaling up and replication of successful innovative integrated care models for chronic diseases is one of the targets of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA). MACVIA-LR (MAladies Chroniques pour un VIeillissement Actif en Languedoc-Roussillon) is a Reference Site of the EIP on AHA. The main objective of MACVIA-LR is to develop innovative solutions in order to (1) improve the care of patients affected by chronic diseases, (2) reduce avoidable hospitalization and (3) scale up the innovation to regions of Europe. The MACVIA-LR project also aims to assess all possible aspects of medicine-including non-pharmacologic approaches-in order to maintain health and prevent chronic diseases. These approaches include hydrotherapy and balneotherapy which can be of great importance if health promotion strategies are considered. Balneotherapy at Balaruc-les-Bains focusses on musculoskeletal diseases and chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. Each year, over 46,000 people attend an 18-day course related to a new falls prevention initiative combining balneotherapy and education. On arrival, each person receives a flyer providing information on the risk of fall and, depending on this risk, a course is proposed combining education and physical activity. A pilot study assesses the impact of the course 6 and 12 months later. This health promotion strategy for active and healthy ageing follows the FEMTEC (World Federation of Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy) concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the first half of the nineteenth century, the island of Madeira has become a center for Portuguese and foreigners tuberculosis patients who were seeking treatment in its mild and invigorating climate. This article wants to analyze the natural conditions and policies that allowed Madeira to become a climotherapy resort and explain the birth, development and management of the first Portuguese hospital for treatment of tuberculosis created in Funchal, between 1853 and 1858.