Chinese herbal medicine bath therapy for psoriasis vulgaris using topical calcipotriol as the comparator: A systematic review with meta-analysis and association rule analysis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Vitamin D analogues are the first-line topical agents for the long-term management of psoriasis. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) bath therapy is commonly employed for psoriasis. However, the effects and safety of CHM bath therapy for psoriasis vulgaris, using topical calcipotriol as the comparator, remain inconclusive. Furthermore, the combination of herbs, a distinctive feature of CHM, is essential for its therapeutic effects due to the individual and synergistic properties of the herbs involved. AIM OF THE STUDY: The review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of CHM bath therapy for psoriasis vulgaris, using calcipotriol as the comparator. Potential herbs and herb combinations of CHM bath therapy were also explored for further drug discovery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine databases were searched from inception until March 05, 2024. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating CHM bath therapy, using calcipotriol as the comparator, were included. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4, Stata 12.0 and SPSS Clementine 12.0 software. The evidence certainty for outcomes was assessed using the approach proposed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) Working Group. Moreover, association rule analysis on herbs identified in the systematic review was conducted to explore the potential herbs and herb combinations. RESULTS: A total of 17 RCTs involving 1,379 participants were included in this systematic review. The findings of this review revealed that: 1) CHM bath therapy produced comparable effects to calcipotriol in reducing Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index (PSSI), and itch visual analogue scale (VAS) at the end of the treatment phase; as well as exhibited a superior long-term effect than calcipotriol through decreasing relapse rates at the end of the follow-up phase; 2) CHM bath therapy showed an additional benefit when combined with calcipotriol in managing psoriasis vulgaris at the end of the treatment phase, in terms of PASI, PSSI, itch VAS, IL-17, IL-23, CD3+ and CD4+ T cells. The certainty of the evidence was rated as 'very low', 'low' or 'moderate' based on the GRADE assessment, considering some concerns or high risk of bias of included studies, substantial heterogeneity, and existing publication bias of some outcomes. Additionally, the proportions of participants reporting adverse events were similar in both groups. Association rule analysis of all included herbs identified 23 herb combinations including Prunus persica (L.) Batsch and Carthamus tinctorius L., as well as 11 frequently used herbs, such as Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad., Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz. And Sophora flavescens Ait. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of CHM bath therapy were comparable with those of topical calcipotriol but demonstrated a longer-lasting effect. Combining CHM bath therapy with calcipotriol also provided an additional benefit for adult psoriasis vulgaris. However, the certainty of the evidence was downgraded due to the methodological limitations of included studies. To confirm the findings of this review, future investigations should involve double-blinded, placebo-controlled RCTs. Importantly, it appears worthwhile to consider further research for drug development utilising the identified herbs or herb combinations.

Adding Chinese herbal medicine bath therapy to conventional therapies for psoriasis vulgaris: A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) bath is commonly used in China as an adjuvant therapy for managing psoriasis vulgaris. Previous systematic reviews showed that CHM bath therapy was effective and safe for psoriasis vulgaris, however, without exploration of the specifics of CHM bath therapy such as the optimal temperature, duration of each session, and the total treatment duration. PURPOSE: To evaluate the add-on effects of CHM bath therapy to conventional therapies for adult psoriasis vulgaris. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search in nine medical databases from inception to September 2022 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in Chinese or English. The included studies compared the combination of CHM bath therapy and conventional therapies to conventional therapies alone for adult psoriasis vulgaris. Methodological quality assessment of the included RCTs was performed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool 2 (RoB 2). Statistical analysis was carried out using RevMan 5.4, R 4.2.3 and Stata 12.0 software. The certainty of evidence of outcome measures was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Working Group (GRADE) system. RESULTS: A total of 23 RCTs involving 2,183 participants were included in this systematic review. Findings suggested that the combination of CHM bath therapy and conventional therapies was more effective in reducing Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and itch visual analogue scale, compared to using conventional therapies alone. These enhanced effects were notably observed when the CHM bath was set above 38 °C and had a duration of 20 and 30 min, as assessed by DLQI. Moreover, an eight-week treatment duration resulted in better effects for PASI compared to shorter durations. Additionally, the top ten frequently used herbs in the included studies were identified. Despite the findings, the certainty of evidence was rated as 'low' or 'moderate' based on the GRADE assessment, and significant heterogeneity was detected in subgroup and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION: The CHM bath therapy combined with conventional therapies is more effective and safer than conventional therapies alone for adult psoriasis vulgaris. The results suggest a potential correlation between treatment effects and factors such as extended treatment duration, increased bath temperature, and longer bath sessions. However, the certainty of evidence was downgraded due to methodological limitations of the included studies. To confirm the findings of this systematic review, a double-blinded, placebo-controlled RCT is needed in the future.

Cuidados de enfermagem no banho de aspersão em instituição de longa permanência: revisão integrativa / Nursing care in the spray bath in a long-term care institution: integrative review

Identificar os cuidados de enfermagem necessários para o banho de aspersão seguro para idosos no quotidiano de uma instituição de longa permanência. Método: Revisão Integrativa da literatura, recorte entre 2001 e 2022. Os dados dos estudos incluídos resultaram em uma síntese descritiva, fundamentada na Teoria das Necessidades Humanas Básicas. Resultados: Obteve-se 13 estudos sobre cuidados no banho com e sem auxílio, envolvendo o equilíbrio psicobiológico, psicossocial e psicoespiritual, remoção de barreiras ambientais, adaptação domiciliar, maneiras de abordagem, musicoterapia e cuidados com a integridade da pele, oportunizando segurança e qualidade nas ações prestadas. Conclusões: Os cuidados precisam estar integrados às necessidades humanas básicas, respeitando as peculiaridades do processo de envelhecimento e as fragilidades dos idosos mais vulneráveis. A qualificação dos profissionais de enfermagem/cuidadores formais visa a padronização da execução do procedimento e a redução de ocorrência de desvios de procedimento.(AU)

To identify the nursing care necessary for safe spray baths for elderly people in daily life in a long-term care institution. Method: Integrative literature review, cut between 2001 and 2022. Data from the included studies resulted in a descriptive synthesis, based on the Theory of Basic Human Needs. Results: 13 studies were obtained on bath care with and without assistance, involving psychobiological, psychosocial and psychospiritual balance, removal of environmental barriers, home adaptation, approaches, music therapy and care for the integrity of the skin, providing safety and quality in the actions provided. Conclusions: Care needs to be integrated with basic human needs, respecting the peculiarities of the aging process and the weaknesses of the most vulnerable elderly people. The qualification of nursing professionals/formal caregivers aims to standardize the execution of the procedure and reduce the occurrence of procedural deviations.(AU)

Identificar los cuidados de enfermería necesarios para baños de aspersión seguros para personas mayores en la vida diaria en una institución de cuidados a largo plazo. Método: Revisión integrativa de la literatura, cortada entre 2001 y 2022. Los datos de los estudios incluidos resultaron en una síntesis descriptiva, basada en la Teoría de las Necesidades Humanas Básicas. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 13 estudios sobre cuidados del baño con y sin asistencia, involucrando equilibrio psicobiológico, psicosocial y psicoespiritual, remoción de barreras ambientales, adaptación domiciliaria, abordajes, musicoterapia y cuidado de la integridad de la piel, brindando seguridad y calidad en las acciones. proporcionó. Conclusiones: Los cuidados deben integrarse con las necesidades humanas básicas, respetando las peculiaridades del proceso de envejecimiento y las debilidades de las personas mayores más vulnerables. La calificación de los profesionales de enfermería/cuidadores formales tiene como objetivo estandarizar la ejecución del procedimiento y reducir la ocurrencia de desviaciones procesales.(AU)

Effect and Safety of Herbal Medicine Foot Baths in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Multicenter Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect and safety of foot baths with Tangbi Waixi Decoction (TW) in treating patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). METHODS: It is a multicenter double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Participants with DPN were recruited between November 18, 2016 and May 30, 2018 from 8 hospitals in China. All patients received basic treatments for glycemic management. Patients received foot baths with TW herbal granules either 66.9 g (intervention group) or 6.69 g (control group) for 30 min once a day for 2 weeks and followed by a 2-week rest, as a therapeutic course. If the Toronto Clinical Scoring System total score (TCSS-TS) ⩾6 points, the patients received a total of 3 therapeutic courses (for 12 weeks) and were followed up for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was change in TCSS-TS score at 12 and 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes included changes in bilateral motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) and sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) of the median and common peroneal nerve. Safety was also assessed. RESULTS: Totally 632 patients were enrolled, and 317 and 315 were randomized to the intervention and control groups, respectively. After the 12-week intervention, patients in both groups showed significant declines in TCSSTS scores, and significant increases in MNCV and SNCV of the median and common peroneal nerves compared with pre-treatment (P<0.05). The reduction of TCSS-TS score at 12 weeks and the increase of SNCV of median nerve at 24 weeks in the control group were greater than those in the intervention group (P<0.05). The number of adverse events did not differ significantly between groups (P>0.05), and no serious adverse event was related with treatment. CONCLUSION: Treatment of TW foot baths was safe and significantly benefitted patients with DPN. A low dose of TW appeared to be more effective than a high dose. (Registry No. ChiCTR-IOR-16009331).

Establishing a safe anesthesia concentration window for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (Linnaeus 1758) by monitoring cardiac activity in eugenol immersion baths.

Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, is the most cultivated fish species in the world, due to its low cost, high growth rate, environmental adaptability, and resistance to disease and stress. Anesthetics for fish become necessary in management because they minimize mortality during transport and maintenance of ponds, one of the most used anesthetics is clove oil, which has eugenol as the major substance, representing 90-95 % of clove oil. The present study evaluates the effect of eugenol on cardiac activity in Oreochromis niloticus specimens and relates it to behavioral data to determine a concentration window for safe anesthesia. For the comportamental analysis, was used five treatments (50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 µL·L-1) were evaluated and for the eletrocardiographic test was used seven groups (Control, Vehicle, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 µL·L-1), n = 9/treatment, totaling 108 animals. Behavioral and electrocardiographic tests were performed on all treatments during induction and recovery. The results of the behavioral tests demonstrated the reversibility of the effects with recovery of the posture reflex, varying according to the concentration. The ECG results showed a slow recovery because, at concentrations above 100 µL·L-1, there was no full reversibility of the cardiac effects in the observed experiment time, which could cause greater changes in the tilapia hemodynamics, which led us to identify a window for safe anesthesia. Eugenol is an effective anesthetic in Nile tilapia juveniles when used in concentrations ranging from 50 to 100 µL·L-1, if there is a need for anesthetic deepening, doses above 100 µL·L-1, however, the animals must be monitored due to hemodynamic changes.

A study on neural changes induced by sauna bathing: Neural basis of the "totonou" state.

Saunas are becoming increasingly popular worldwide, being an activity that promotes relaxation and health. Intense feelings of happiness have been reported shortly after enjoying a hot sauna and cold water, what is known in Japan as the "totonou" state. However, no research has investigated what occurs in the brain during the "totonou" state. In the present study, participants underwent a sauna phase, consisting of three sets of alternating hot sauna, cold water, and rest. We elucidated changes in brain activity and mood in the "totonou" state by measuring and comparing brain activity and emotional scales before and after the sauna phase and during the rest phase in each set. We found significant increases in theta and alpha power during rest and after the sauna phase compared to before the sauna phase. Moreover, in an auditory oddball task, the p300 amplitude decreased significantly and MMN amplitude increased significantly after the sauna phase. The increase in MMN indicates higher activation of the pre-attentional auditory process, leading to a decrease in attention-related brain activity P300. Hence, the brain reaches in a more efficient state. Further, the response time in behavioral tasks decreased significantly. In addition, the participants' subjective responses to the questionnaire showed significant changes in physical relaxation and other indicators after being in the sauna. Finally, we developed an artificial intelligence classifier, obtaining an average accuracy of brain state classification of 88.34%. The results have potential for future application.

The Interplay between Systolic Blood Pressure, Sauna Bathing, and Cardiovascular Mortality in Middle-Aged and Older Finnish Men: A Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: Elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, whereas frequent sauna bathing reduces the risk. Whether frequent sauna bathing mitigates CVD mortality among adults with elevated SBP has not been previously investigated. DESIGN AND SETTING: We examined the interactions between SBP and frequency of sauna bathing (FSB) with the risk of CVD mortality in a cohort of Caucasian men. PARTICIPANTS: The Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Study cohort comprising of 2,575 men aged 42-61 years at baseline was employed for this prospective study analysis. MEASUREMENTS: Resting blood pressure was measured using a standardized protocol and sauna bathing habits were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. Systolic blood pressure was categorized as normal and high (<140 and ≥140 mmHg, respectively) and FSB as low and high (defined as ≤ 2 and 3-7 sessions/week, respectively). RESULTS: A total of 744 CVD deaths were recorded during a median follow-up of 27.8 yr. Comparing high vs normal SBP, the multivariable-adjusted HR (95% CI) for CVD mortality was 1.44 (1.23-1.68). Comparing low vs high FSB, the multivariable-adjusted HR (95% CI) for CVD mortality was 1.24 (1.03-1.51). The associations persisted following mutual adjustment for each exposure. Compared with men with normal SBP-high FSB, high SBP-low FSB was associated with an increased risk of CVD mortality 1.81 (1.39-2.36), with attenuated but persisting evidence of an association for men with high SBP and high FSB 1.52 (1.06-2.16). When SBP was categorized as normal and high (<130 and ≥130 mmHg, respectively), there was no evidence of an association for men with high SBP and high FSB 1.11 (0.77-1.61). CONCLUSION: There might be an interaction between SBP, sauna bathing and CVD mortality risk in middle-aged and older Caucasian males. Frequent sauna baths may offset the increased risk of CVD mortality in men with high-normal SBP but not elevated SBP.

Cardiovascular physiological effects of balneotherapy: focused on seasonal differences.

Hot water bathing has been demonstrated to be an effective way to improve people's cardiovascular health in many studies. This study focused on seasonal physiological changes to provide suggestions on bathing methods based on season for hot spring bathing. Volunteers were recruited to the program of hot spring bathing at 38-40 °C in New Taipei City. Cardiovascular function, blood oxygen, and ear temperature were observed. There were five assessments for each participant during the study process: baseline, bathing for 20 min and 2 cycles *20 (2*20) min, resting for 20 min and 2*20 min after bathing, respectively. Lower blood pressure (p < 0.001), pulse pressure (p < 0.001), left ventricular dP/dt Max (p < 0.001), and cardiac output (p < 0.05) were identified after bathing then rested for 2*20 min in four seasons, compared to baseline by paired T test. However, in multivariate linear regression model, potential risk for bathing in summer was assumed by higher heart rate (+28.4%, p < 0.001), cardiac output (+54.9%, p < 0.001) and left ventricular dP/dt Max (+27.6%, p < 0.05) during bathing at 2*20 min in summer. Potential risk for bathing in winter was postulated by blood pressure lowering (cSBP -10.0%; cDBP -22.1%, p < 0.001) during bathing at 2*20 min in winter. Hot spring bathing is shown to potentially improve cardiovascular function via reducing cardiac workload and vasodilation effects. Prolonged hot spring bathing in summer is not suggested due to significantly increased cardiac stress. In winter, prominent drop of blood pressure should be concerned. We demonstrated the study enrollment, the hot-spring contents and location, and physiological changes of general trends or seasonal variations, which may indicate potential benefits and risks during and after bathing. (Abbreviations: BP, blood pressure; PP, pulse pressure; LV, left ventricular; CO, cardiac output; HR, heart rate; cSBP, central systolic blood pressure; cDBP, central diastolic blood pressure).

Effects of sodium bicarbonate bath on the quality of sleep: An assessor-blinded, randomized, controlled, pilot clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Sleep is fundamental to a healthy life, and sleep disorders are an important health issue in healthcare. Whole-body warm water bathing is a non-pharmacological, safe (non-invasive), and widely used method for comforting. Here, we explored the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate bath (SBB) on sleep quality. METHODS: Healthy adults without sleep disturbances were randomly assigned to shower baths (SHB), tap-water baths (TWB, placebo tablets), or SBB. All participants took a bath (shower, tap-water, or SBB) once a day for 10 min, after dinner, for 7 days. Sleepscan-derived sleep parameters, including total sleep time (TST), symptom questionnaires, and salivary α-amylase concentration were evaluated as outcome measures. RESULTS: Forty participants were enrolled (14, 13, and 13 in SHB, TWB, and SBB groups, respectively) and 38 participants completed the trial (13, 12, and 13, respectively). The recruitment, adherence, and completion rates were 90.9% (40/44), 95.0% (38/40), and 95.0% (38/40), respectively. The SBB group showed a significant increase (12.35 [mean]±10.07 [standard deviation] min) in the mean TST at 1-week post-intervention (p = 0.0041) than the SHB (-1.81 ± 14.58 min; p = 0.0231) and TWB (4.54 ± 10.97 min; p = 0.0377) groups. The TST scores at 1-week post-intervention, sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, and sleep efficiency were significantly different between the groups. Sleep satisfaction by questionnaire was significantly improved with intervention in the SBB group than that in the SHB and TWB groups. Salivary α-amylase levels significantly improved in the SBB and TWB groups than in the SHB group, with the change being greater in the SBB group. CONCLUSIONS: SBB for 7 days had positive effects that improved sleep quality of adults. Further studies are needed to examine the efficacy and safety of SBB for prolonged usage in people diagnosed with insomnia, using objective sleep measurements, and to investigate potential sleep-enhancing mechanisms of action.

Digital educational technology content production and validity about Japanese bathtub (ofurô) in neonatal unit / Producción y validación de contenido de tecnología educativa digital sobre baño de hidromasaje en unidad neonatal / Produção e validação de conteúdo de tecnologia educacional digital sobre banho de ofurô em unidade neonatal

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the elaboration and content validity stages of a digital educational technology for nursing professionals about Japanese bathtub (ofurô) in newborns in neonatal care units. Method: A methodological study conducted between August 2019 and July 2021, in a public maternity hospital in Manaus, Amazonas, developed in two stages. In the first, the e-book images, text and editing were produced. In the second, material content validity was carried out, through the opinion of 15 expert judges, nurses and neonatal care experts. In data analysis, the percentage of agreement was applied with agreement score estimation. Items with 80% or more agreement were considered valid. Results: The e-book "Japanese bathtub: manual for nursing professionals" was produced, organized into nine sessions, which describe the technique execution. Content was considered valid by expert judges (general score 90%). Conclusion: The e-book was considered suitable for use in training nursing professionals, with potential for dissemination of knowledge regarding humanization of care for premature babies.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir las etapas de elaboración y validación de contenido de una tecnología educativa digital para profesionales de enfermería sobre el baño ofurô en recién nacidos en Unidades de Cuidados Neonatales. Método: Estudio metodológico realizado entre agosto de 2019 y julio de 2021, en una maternidad pública de Manaus, Amazonas, desarrollado en dos etapas. En la primera se produjeron las imágenes, el texto y la edición del e-book. En el segundo, se realizó la validación de contenido del material, a través de la expresión de 15 jueces expertos, enfermeros y experimentados en cuidados neonatales. En el análisis de datos se aplicó el porcentaje de concordancia con estimación del puntaje de concordancia. Se consideraron válidos los ítems con un 80% o más de acuerdo. Resultados: Se elaboró el libro electrónico "Banho de ofurô: manual para profissionais de enfermagem" (Baño de Ofurô: manual para profesionales de enfermería), organizado en nueve sesiones, que describen la ejecución de la técnica. El contenido fue considerado válido por los jueces expertos (puntuación general 90%). Conclusión: El e-book se consideró apto para ser utilizado en la formación de profesionales de enfermería, con potencial para la difusión de conocimientos sobre la humanización del cuidado del recién nacido prematuro.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever as etapas de elaboração e validação de conteúdo de uma tecnologia educacional digital para profissionais de enfermagem sobre o banho de ofurô em recém-nascidos em Unidades de Cuidado Neonatal. Método: Estudo metodológico conduzido entre agosto de 2019 e julho de 2021, em uma maternidade pública de Manaus, Amazonas, desenvolvido em duas etapas. Na primeira, foram produzidas as imagens, texto e editoração do e-book. Na segunda, foi conduzida a validação de conteúdo do material, pela manifestação de 15 juízes especialistas, enfermeiros e experientes no cuidado neonatal. Na análise dos dados, aplicou-se a porcentagem de concordância com estimação de escore de concordância. Foram considerados válidos os itens com 80% ou mais de concordância. Resultados: Foi produzido o e-book "Banho de ofurô: manual para profissionais de enfermagem", organizado em nove sessões, que descrevem a execução da técnica. O conteúdo foi considerado válido pelos juízes especialistas (escore geral 90%). Conclusão: O e-book foi considerado adequado para ser utilizado em treinamento de profissionais de enfermagem, com potencial para a difusão do conhecimento quanto à humanização da assistência ao recém-nascido prematuro.

Inflammation, sauna bathing, and all-cause mortality in middle-aged and older Finnish men: a cohort study.

Inflammation and sauna bathing are each related to the risk of all-cause mortality. The interplay between inflammation, sauna bathing and all-cause mortality is not well understood. We aimed to evaluate the separate and joint associations of inflammation (high sensitivity C-reactive protein, hsCRP) and frequency of sauna bathing (FSB) with all-cause mortality in a cohort of Caucasian men. We used the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Study cohort comprising 2575 men aged 42-61 years at baseline. Serum hsCRP was measured using an immunometric assay and sauna bathing habits were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. High sensitivity CRP was categorized as normal and high (≤ 3 and > 3 mg/L, respectively) and FSB as low and high (defined as ≤ 2 and 3-7 sessions/week respectively). A total of 1618 deaths occurred during a median follow-up of 27.8 years. Comparing high vs normal hsCRP levels, the multivariable-adjusted HR (95% CI) for all-cause mortality was 1.27 (1.13-1.44). Comparing high vs low FSB, the multivariable-adjusted HR (95% CI) for all-cause mortality was 0.86 (0.76-0.97). Compared with normal hsCRP-low FSB, high hsCRP-low FSB was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality 1.28 (1.12-1.47), with no evidence of an association for high hsCRP-high FSB and all-cause mortality risk 1.06 (0.81-1.40). Positive additive and multiplicative interactions were found between hsCRP and FSB in relation to mortality. In a general Finnish male population, both hsCRP and FSB are each independently associated with all-cause mortality. However, frequent sauna baths appear to offset the increased all-cause mortality risk related to high hsCRP levels.

The use of radon baths in the rehabilitation of patients with osteochondrosis.

OBJECTIVE: One of the most common methods of rehabilitation for this disease is balneotherapy. Radon therapy is one of the types of balneotherapy based on radon radiation (Rn) for therapeutic, prophylactic, and rehabilitation purposes. A significant number of authors report a positive effect of radon baths on the condition of patients with osteochondrosis. Some authors report the absence of a real therapeutic effect when using radon therapy. The work aimed at investigating the therapeutic efficacy of radon baths in patients suffering from osteochondrosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We examined 40 patients with osteochondrosis of various parts of the spine with radicular syndrome. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of 20 people with an equal number of men and women. The study group received a course of balneotherapy using radon water (general baths at a temperature of 34-36°C, duration 10-15 minutes, every other day, No. 10). The control group received balneotherapy using ordinary tap water in the same regimen to decrease placebo effects. RESULTS: Decreased pain and movement difficulties were observed only in the study group. These changes refer only to the spine but not to the joints of the extremities. CONCLUSIONS: Our studies have shown that using radon baths helps to reduce pain and increase the mobility of the spine in patients with osteochondrosis. These data substantiate the prospects for further research of this technique in the complex rehabilitation of osteochondrosis.

Frequent sauna bathing offsets the increased risk of death due to low socioeconomic status: A prospective cohort study of middle-aged and older men.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Low socioeconomic status (SES) and frequent sauna bathing are associated with increased and decreased risk of all-cause mortality, respectively. Whether there is an interplay among SES, sauna bathing and all-cause mortality risk is not known. We aimed to evaluate the separate and joint associations of SES and frequency of sauna bathing (FSB) with all-cause mortality risk in a prospective cohort study. METHODS: We employed the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Study cohort comprising of 2575 men aged 42-61 years at study entry. Self-reported SES and sauna bathing habits were assessed at baseline. Socioeconomic status was categorized as low and high (median cutoff) and FSB as low and high (defined as ≤2 and 3-7 sessions/week, respectively). RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 27.8 years, 1618 deaths occurred. Comparing low vs high SES, the multivariable-adjusted HR (95 % CI) for all-cause mortality was 1.31 (1.18-1.45). Comparing high vs low FSB, the multivariable-adjusted HR (95 % CI) for all-cause mortality was 0.86 (0.76-0.97). Compared with high SES-low FSB, low SES-low FSB was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality 1.35 (1.20-1.51), without significant evidence of an association for low SES-high FSB and all-cause mortality risk 1.07 (0.89-1.29). Positive additive and multiplicative interactions were found between SES and FSB. CONCLUSIONS: There exists an interplay among SES, sauna bathing and all-cause mortality risk in a general Finnish male population. Frequent sauna baths may offset the increased overall mortality risk due to low SES.

Repeated warm water baths decrease sympathetic activity in humans.

Acute whole body heat stress evokes sympathetic activation. However, the chronic effects of repeated moderate heat exposure (RMHE) on muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) in healthy individuals remain unclear. We performed RMHE with 4 wk (5 days/wk) of warm baths (∼40°C, for 30 min) in nine healthy older (59 ± 2 yr) volunteers. Hemodynamic variables and MSNA were examined before, 1 day after, and 1 wk following 4 wk of RMHE in a laboratory at ∼23°C. Cold pressor test (CPT) and handgrip (HG) exercise were performed during the tests. Under normothermic condition, the resting MSNA burst rate (prior, post, post 1-wk: 31.6 ± 2.0, 25.2 ± 2.0, and 27.7 ± 1.7 bursts/min; P < 0.001) and burst incidence (P < 0.001) significantly decreased after RMHE. Moreover, the resting heart rate significantly decreased after RMHE (62 ± 2, 60 ± 2, and 58 ± 2 beats/min, P = 0.031). The sensitivity of baroreflex control of MSNA and heart rate were not altered by RMHE, although the operating points were reset. The MSNA and hemodynamic responses (i.e., changes) to handgrip exercise or cold pressor test were not significantly altered. These data suggest that the RMHE evoked by warm baths decreases resting sympathetic activity and heart rate, which can be considered beneficial effects. The mechanism(s) should be examined in future studies.NEW & NOTEWORTHY To our knowledge, this is the first study to observe the effects of repeated warm baths on sympathetic nerve activity during rest and stress in healthy middle age and older individuals. The data suggest that the repeated warm baths decreased resting sympathetic activity and heart rate, which can be considered beneficial effects. This study also provides the first evidence that the repeated warm baths did not alter the baroreflex sensitivity and the sympathetic responses to stress.

Reconstruction Algorithm-Based Computed Tomography Image Feature for Evaluating the Effect of Internal Administration and Medicated Bath of Liangxue Xiaoyin Decoction on Psoriasis Vulgaris.

Skin computed tomography (CT) image based on improved marching cubes (MC) algorithm was explored to evaluate the therapeutic effect of internal administration of Liangxue Xiaoyin decoction combined with medicated bath in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris. 712 patients with psoriasis vulgaris blood heat syndrome in hospital were recruited as the research object, which were randomly divided into observation group (TCM oral therapy combined with medicinal bath) and control group (TCM oral therapy), each with 356 cases. Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), pruritus degree, and clinical treatment effect were compared. The results showed that the reconstruction time of median method was greatly shorter, and the algorithm efficiency was improved by 40.6290%. After treatment, the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score of the observation group was 5.61 ± 1.15, ΔPASI = (22.64 ± 2.15). ΔPASI% = 80.14%, which were greatly higher than the control group ((9.41 + 1.56) points, ΔPASI = (18.84 + 1.65) points, ΔPASI% = 66.69%) (P < 0.05). After treatment, the itching degree of the observation group was 3.03 ± 1.01 points, which was lower than that of the control group ((3.71 ± 1.06) points), and the itching degree of the observation group was greater than that of the control group, with substantial difference (P < 0.05). The total effective rate of observation group (88.76%) was higher than that of control group (71.07%) (P < 0.05). Therefore, skin CT image based on the improved MC algorithm can evaluate the therapeutic effect of internal administration of Liangxue Xiaoyin decoction combined with medicated bath in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris. The internal administration of Liangxue Xiaoyin decoction combined with medicated bath had a good effect on the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris and was of certain clinical application value.

The therapeutic effect of Värska mud and Värska mineral water baths on the overuse pain and muscle tension syndromes in the working age population.

The effects of bath therapy are complex and result from a unique interaction between the aquatic environment and the human body functions. The effect of bath therapy depends on both water temperature and chemical additives (mineral substances and humic substances). Värska Resort Centre, in south-eastern Estonia, uses for the balneotherapy the local curative mud and mineral water. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the effects of Värska's local mud bath and mineral water bath on moderate musculoskeletal pains in working-age people. The study involved 64 working-age subjects: within two weeks, 32 of them received five general mineral water baths, and another 32 received five general curative mud baths. Pain was assessed with the Nordic Musculosceletal Questionnaire, and muscle tension was measured with a myotonometer in m. erector spinae and m. trapezius. Measurements were performed three times: before the start of the study, immediately after the last procedure, and 2-3 weeks after the last procedure. Both the Värska curative mud bath and the Värska mineral water bath showed a positive effect on musculoskeletal pain and muscle tension. Both procedures can be recommended as drug-free interventions for mild to moderate musculoskeletal pain syndrome and muscle tensions, in both prevention and treatment.

Attenuated Risk of Pneumonia Due to Inflammation by Frequent Sauna Baths: A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY.

PURPOSE: Inflammatory pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of pneumonia. Frequent sauna sessions may reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections including pneumonia independent of inflammation. We aimed to evaluate the independent and joint associations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and frequency of sauna bathing (FSB) with risk of pneumonia in a prospective cohort study. METHODS: Serum hsCRP as an inflammatory marker was measured using an immunometric assay and FSB was assessed by self-reported sauna bathing habits at baseline in 2264 men aged 42-61 yr. Serum hsCRP was categorized as normal and high (≤3 and >3 mg/L, respectively) and FSB as low and high (defined as ≤1 and 2-7 sessions/wk, respectively). Multivariable-adjusted HRs (CIs) were calculated for incident pneumonia. RESULTS: A total of 528 cases of pneumonia occurred during a median follow-up of 26.6 yr. Comparing high versus normal hsCRP, the multivariable-adjusted risk for pneumonia was HR = 1.30 (95% CI, 1.04-1.62). The corresponding risk was HR = 0.79 (95% CI, 0.66-0.95) comparing high versus low FSB. Compared with men with normal hsCRP and low FSB, high hsCRP and low FSB was associated with an increased risk of pneumonia in multivariable analysis (HR = 1.67: 95% CI, 1.21-2.29), with no evidence of an association for high hsCRP and high FSB and pneumonia (HR = 0.94: 95% CI, 0.69-1.29). CONCLUSIONS: In a general middle-aged to older male Caucasian population, frequent sauna baths attenuated the increased risk of pneumonia due to inflammation.

[Climate-therapy at seaside resorts in modern medical and wellness practice]. / Klimatolechenie na primorskikh kurortakh v sovremennoi meditsinskoi i ozdorovitel'noi praktike.

A scientific review is devoted to the study of the coastal climate in the resort treatment role of patients with chronic diseases and its impact on the health and life quality of the population of the seacoasts. The sources were the Cochrane Library, PubMed MEDLINE, MedlinePlus, PedRO, Google Scholar, British Medical Journal, Elsevier, The Global Wellness Institute, eLIBRARY.ru. The review includes 40 publications including 22 domestic and 18 foreign ones on clinical and surrogate outcomes of climate-therapy at seaside resorts in the structure of spa treatment in patients with chronic diseases. The health problems among the population of the seacoasts are considered. The features of conducting evidence-based studies in assessing the effects of climate procedures are noted. The analysis of the therapeutic and health-improving effect results of the seaside climate and the associated forms of thalassotherapy - terrenkur, swimming, aqua gymnastics, sea bathing, heliotherapy, landscape therapy, and the use of maricultureis carried out. The article presents statistically reliable data on the favorable outcomes of treatment of chronic forms of musculoskeletal, skin, pulmonary and cardiac pathology under the influence of thalassotherapy methods. It was found that the effectiveness of climate-therapy in oncological practice, the treatment of pollinosis, the use of algae and other maricultures has been insufficiently proven: the possibility of percutaneous permeability to seawater and its components. The risk of developing negative meteorological reactions during climate-therapy was noted.