To treat or not to treat? Misbeliefs in spa water disinfection

Varga, Csaba

doi:10.1007/s00484-019-01722-0

Cited by 11 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…Another limitation of in vitro models in assessing the potential beneficial and/or toxic effects of thermal mineral waters or chemical or organic components is related to the purification and filtration procedures which could remove the natural spring water microbiome, recently considered to be responsible for some positive effects of BT in different diseases (Nicoletti et al 2019;Pedron et al 2019;Varga 2019).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A comprehensive analysis to understand the mechanism of action of balneotherapy: why, how, and where they can be used? Evidence from in vitro studies performed on human and animal samples

2020

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Balneotherapy (BT) is one of the most commonly used complementary therapies for many pathological conditions. Its beneficial effects are related to physical and chemical factors, but the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood. Recently, there has been an increased interest in the use of preclinical models to investigate the influence of BT on inflammation, immunity, and cartilage and bone metabolism. The objective of this comprehensive analysis was to summarize the current knowledge about the in vitro studies in BT and to revise the obtained results on the biological effects of mineral waters. Special attention has been paid to the main rheumatological and dermatological conditions, and to the regulation of the immune response. The objective of this review was to summarize the in vitro studies, on human and animal samples, investigating the biological effects of BT. In particular, we analyzed the properties of a thermal water, as a whole, of an inorganic molecule, such as hydrogen sulfide in different cell cultures (keratinocytes, synoviocytes, chondrocytes, and peripheral blood cells), or of the organic component. The results corroborated the scientific value of in vitro studies in demonstrating the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, chondroprotective, and immunosuppressive role of BT at the cellular level. However, the validity of the cell culture model is limited by several sources of bias, as the differences in experimental procedures, the high heterogeneity among the available researches, and the difficulties in considering all the chemical and physical factors of BT. We would like to stimulate the scientific community to standardize the experimental procedures and enhance in vitro research in the field of BT.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A comprehensive analysis to understand the mechanism of action of balneotherapy: why, how, and where they can be used? Evidence from in vitro studies performed on human and animal samples

2020

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“…These concepts are more linked to the medical side of the traditional spas where balneology, for example, uses [54] climate factors as part of a complex therapy [55]. Balneotherapy is generally found in Central and Eastern European countries, where the usage of thermal and mineral waters for healing is part of the cultural heritage and the medical tradition [56] and have been frequently used even as a complementary therapy [57] for various skin conditions [58]. Romania is known for having the highest potential in balneology and spa tourism in Europe, with around 30% of the European natural therapeutic resources located in different regions of the country [59] that consist of "climate; mineral and thermal waters; mud and gases" [60].…”

Section: Health Tourism-definition and Implicationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Past and Future Trends in Medical Spas: A Co-Word Analysis

et al. 2021

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The present paper consists of a co-word analysis of the previous research in the medical spa field published in the Web Science Core Collection database. The study’s main purpose is to identify the past trends in the medical spa field from the tourist and medical perspectives and to anticipate the future research focuses in the field. In this regard, the article is based on four objectives that create a descriptive picture of the research in the medical spa area, such as (i) studying the current state of the art, (ii) analysing the most visible articles in the field, (iii) highlighting the leading research interests in medical spa research and (iv) anticipating new possible research trends that link cost-effective medical spa activity to COVID-19 post-recovery treatments. A total of 627 articles, published between 1997 and 2021 (March), were analysed, and the data were interpreted using the VOS Viewer software. The study results indicate that high interest in medical spas started to become observable in 2015, when the funding bodies became interested in this field and began supporting publishing and research regarding medical spas. The main subjects investigated in previous studies were related to the specific issues of the industry and tourism activity. They also considered the medical approach of the spa and the use of natural resources in treating different diseases. Except for these main interests, since 2020, it has started to become evident that another approach in the published studies may lead to a new trend in research. The study results show that researchers have begun to investigate the possibility of using medical spa resorts to aid post-COVID-19 recovery, which is considered a cost-efficient option for completing traditional treatment. This new focus in research proves that the medical spa field can rebrand itself as playing a supportive role in national healthcare systems in countries with a long tradition in balneotherapy, and gives a new developing trajectory to the medical spa industry.

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“…Ensuring the proper surveillance and management of waters intended for recreational uses implies a substantial economic impact in the sectors of tourism, wellness, and sports events, and a positive cascade across the entire water protection chain, by diffusing awareness of the resource and respect of policies. A crucial and yet neglected aspect Water 2024, 16, 946 2 of 31 in recreational waters is linked to algae and cyanobacteria (also known as Cyanobacteriota or Cyanophyta), whose pathogenic species are potentially capable of metabolizing organic matter and producing thermophilic and thermotolerant toxins, often biologically active neurotoxins, posing severe health risks for humans, animals, and environments [3]. Among the several types of aquatic habitats, recreational waters and thermal mineral basins represent a favorable reservoir for phytoplankton growth.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Algae in Recreational Waters: An Overview within a One Health Perspective

Valeriani,

Carraturo,

Lofrano

et al. 2024

Water

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Recreational water activities are widely recognized to have a positive impact on our physical and mental well-being. However, recreational water sources and their management are also a risk factor for human health due to different agents, including the overgrowth of cyanobacteria and algae. The presence of cyanobacteria and algae in recreational waters represents a One Health threat because of their potential release and the overuse of biocides. These organisms have the potential to metabolize organic matter and produce thermophilic and thermotolerant toxins. Moreover, different species of algae are involved in biofilm formation processes, thus impacting water quality and safety and also posing risks to the environment and animal and human health. Different species of algae participate in biofilm formation and have an impact on managing water and equipment maintenance. By searching literature databases, e.g., PubMed, we reviewed the state of the art, providing basic definitions, taxonomy, and epidemiological or medical issues related to the recreational uses of water. Methods of treatments and monitoring were summarized, considering both traditional and innovative strategies. Public health and surveillance approaches focus on the detection of toxins, the formation of biofilms, and the understanding of the benthonic and planktonic components as part of the larger microbial biodiversity. The review process allowed us to acknowledge that this is the first comprehensive overview of algae in recreational waters carried out within a wider One Health outlook.

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To treat or not to treat? Misbeliefs in spa water disinfection

Cited by 11 publications

References 24 publications

A comprehensive analysis to understand the mechanism of action of balneotherapy: why, how, and where they can be used? Evidence from in vitro studies performed on human and animal samples

A comprehensive analysis to understand the mechanism of action of balneotherapy: why, how, and where they can be used? Evidence from in vitro studies performed on human and animal samples

Past and Future Trends in Medical Spas: A Co-Word Analysis

Algae in Recreational Waters: An Overview within a One Health Perspective

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