Neurobiological and psychological factors to depression.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a common condition with complex psychological and biological background. While its aetiology is still unclear, chronic stress stands amongst major risk factors to MDD pathogenesis. When researching on MDD, it is necessary to be familiar with the neurobiological effects of several prominent contributors to the chronic stress factor experienced across hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, neurotransmission, immune system reflexivity, and genetic alterations.

Mental Health Literacy and Education of Complementary Medicine Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Study.

An estimated 42% of Australians who consult complementary medicine (CM) practitioners have a mental health diagnosis. Preparedness of CM practitioners in managing such diagnoses is currently unknown. A cross-sectional survey of 257 CM practitioners who reported caring for people with a mental health diagnosis.

Is Electroacupuncture Contraindicated for Preventing and Treating Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy?

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side-effect of several drugs used to combat cancer. Thus, researchers have sought better treatments for and prevention of CIPN, such as electroacupuncture (EA). Some trials show EA worsens or prolongs CIPN pain and recommend against further studies on this.

Nutritional considerations in major depressive disorder: current evidence and functional testing for clinical practice.

Depression is a multifaceted condition with diverse underlying causes. Several contributing and inter-related factors such as genetic, nutritional, neurological, physiological, gut-brain-axis, metabolic and psychological stress factors play a role in the pathophysiology of depression. This review aims to highlight the role that nutritional factors play in the aetiology of depression.

Factors influencing University of Papua New Guinea medical imaging science students considering rural radiography careers.

Introduction: The aim of this research was to explore factors influencing students at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) Bachelor of Medical Imaging Science (BMIS) choice to pursue rural radiography careers.

Methods: A survey and focus groups of BMIS students at the UPNG were undertaken. The survey included questions related to sociodemographic variables including gender, age, education, rural background and previous employment; and Likert-type scale questions exploring motivation for rural practice, the promotion of radiography through rural practice and the influence of birthplace and incentives to practice.

Variations in folate prescriptions for patients with the MTHFR genetic polymorphisms: A case series study.

Background: Over 48.5 million couples are reported with infertility worldwide. Health policy recommends folic acid in women of childbearing age, particularly in preconception and pregnancy which results in women purchasing over-the-counter prenatal multivitamins containing folic acid through pharmacies and other retail outlets.

Characteristics of Marginalized Populations Seeking Acupuncture: Findings from an Observational Study of an Inner-City Community Health Service.

Marginalized populations experience health inequities and are often underserved within existing health systems. Australian marginalized populations and their use of complementary medicine, including acupuncture, lack investigation. We have collected information on the health-seeking behaviors of marginalized individuals who utilize an acupuncture service within a community-based integrative health setting.

Exploring Criteria for the Translation of Traditional Knowledge Within Contemporary Clinical Practice, Research, Policy, and Education: A Stakeholder Forum.

The 2018 Declaration of Astana identifies traditional knowledge (TK) as one of the drivers for strengthening primary health care systems through the use of technology (traditional medicines) and knowledge and capacity building (traditional practitioners). While TK underpins both traditional practice and the use of traditional medicines, facilitating the use of TK in contemporary health care systems has been difficult to achieve. The aim of this study was to identify key factors related to the translation of TK into contemporary settings to help establish tools to support the knowledge translation process.

Therapeutic Benefits of Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplementation in Diabetes Mellitus: A Narrative Review.

Elevated oxidative stress is a common denominator between pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and diabetes complications, prompting the use of antioxidant compounds in diabetes therapy. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), has been investigated for its role as a potent antioxidant in diabetes treatment and the results from clinical trials indicate improved glucose metabolism, reduced oxidative stress, improved endothelial dysfunction, a decline in platelet reactivity and moderate improvements to weight loss yet conflicting data regarding insulin metabolism. ALA inhibits nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB), chelates divalent transient metal ions and induces the expression of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK).

Transitioning to practice: a qualitative investigation of Australian graduate naturopath's experiences of being in practice.

Background: The transition from student to practitioner can be challenging, resulting in stress, burnout and attrition. While there has been ample research examining graduate medical and allied health practitioner experiences of transitioning to practice, there is a paucity of research exploring such experiences in newly qualified naturopathic medicine practitioners. In light of this knowledge gap, the objective of this study was to ascertain the experiences of practicing as a naturopath in Australia within the first 5 years post-graduation.

A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Cohort Trial Assessing the Prevalence of MTHFR Polymorphisms and the Influence of Diet on Platinum Resistance in Ovarian Cancer Patients.

Ovarian cancer has the lowest survival rate in gynaecologic malignancies with a 5-year survival rate of 43%. Platinum resistance is one of the main drivers of ovarian cancer mortality, of which aberrant methylation has been cited as a significant contributor. Understanding the essential role of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme (MTHFR) on DNA synthesis and repair, and how nutrient status can vastly affect its performance, led to the investigation of MTHFR status and dietary influence on platinum response in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients.

A review of mammographic image quality in Papua New Guinea.

Introduction: To report for the first time the image quality of mammograms performed in Papua New Guinea (PNG) using the Perfect, Good, Moderate, Inadequate (PGMI) image evaluation system (IES); and to benchmark the image quality against BreastScreen Australia (BSA) National Accreditation Standards (NAS).

Methods: A retrospective image quality analysis of the de-identified mammograms of 102 women imaged at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) was undertaken using the PGMI IES. Each craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) image was assigned a grade and the reasons for the grade recorded.

A cross-sectional study of traditional Chinese medicine practitioner's knowledge, treatment strategies and integration of practice of chronic pelvic pain in women.

Background: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women is persistent, intermittent cyclical and non-cyclical lower abdominal pain, lasting for more than 6 months. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a popular treatment option for women's health conditions, but little is known about how treatment for CPP is delivered by TCM practitioners. The aim of this survey was to explore practitioners understanding and treatment of women with CPP, and how they integrate their management and care into the health care system.

Essential oils for agitation in dementia [rELOAD]: A pragmatic, cluster-randomized, placebo-controlled, pilot feasibility trial.

Background: Clinical guidelines recommend non-pharmacological interventions as the first line of treatment for agitation in dementia. One intervention that shows some promise as a treatment for agitation is essential oils. The objective of this study was to provide preliminary evidence of the effectiveness and feasibility of using topically-administered, individualized essential oil preparations for the alleviation of agitation in persons with dementia.

A Phase 2 Randomised Clinical Trial Assessing the Tolerability of Two Different Ratios of Medicinal Cannabis in Patients With High Grade Gliomas.

Background: Cannabis for cancer is very topical and, given the use of illicit cannabis preparations used in this vulnerable population, research investigating standardised, quality-assured medicinal cannabis is critical to inform clinicians and assist patient safety.

Methods: A randomized trial involving adult patients diagnosed with a high-grade glioma, no history of substance abuse, liver or kidney damage or myocardial infarction were eligible for inclusion in a tolerability study on two different ratios of medicinal cannabis. Baseline screening of brain morphology, blood pathology, functional status, and cognition was conducted.

Knowledge Dissemination by the Naturopathic Profession: A Bibliometric Analysis of Naturopath-Authored, Peer-Reviewed Publications.

This study aims to describe the characteristics of published peer-reviewed journal articles authored by naturopathic practitioners (NPs) The study used bibliometric analysis of data extracted from journal articles. International Articles were included if they had at least one author with a naturopathic qualification and were published in a peer-reviewed, indexed journal. A snowballing method was used between June 2018 and July 2019 to identify relevant articles.

The Role of Alpha-lipoic Acid Supplementation in the Prevention of Diabetes Complications: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Trials.

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a substantial antioxidant in the prevention of diabetes and diabetes complications. It can regenerate other antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamin C, Coenzyme Q10 and glutathione and is often known as a universal antioxidant. Antioxidants play a role in diabetes treatment due to hyperglycemia-induced stimulation of the polyol pathway and formation of advanced glycation end products (AGE) and reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Safety and Efficacy of Medicinal Cannabis in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review.

Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a complex condition that is characterized by various pain syndromes and fatigue, among other symptoms experienced. Current medical treatment of FMS involves both pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches, but often with ineffective outcomes. Medicinal cannabis has the potential to be a therapeutic option for patients with FMS due to the positive research in chronic pain management.

Tackling health inequity: a commentary on the potential of acupuncture to improve health outcomes of marginalised populations.

Background: Health inequities or disparities challenge governments and public health systems, impacting health service delivery worldwide. Inherent disadvantage linked to the social determinants of health is intrinsic to the health outcomes among society's marginalised and most vulnerable members. It is acknowledged that marginalised individuals present with higher levels of chronic disease, multi-morbidities and adverse health behaviours than their non-disadvantaged peers.

Dry cupping for musculoskeletal pain and range of motion: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: This review evaluated the efficacy and safety of western dry cupping methods for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain and reduced range of motion.

Methods: A systematic literature search was performed until April 2018 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) pertaining to musculoskeletal pain or reduced range of motion, treated with dry cupping. Outcomes were pain, functional status, range of motion and adverse events.

Perceptions of person-centred care amongst individuals with chronic conditions who consult complementary medicine practitioners.

Objectives: Chronic conditions require continuous, multi-factorial care - such as person-centred care - to address patients' individual health needs and quality of life. Many patients with chronic conditions seek additional care outside mainstream medicine, often consulting complementary medicine (CM) practitioners. This study examines person-centred care experienced by patients with chronic conditions consulting CM practitioners.

A Quantitative Phytochemical Comparison of Olive Leaf Extracts on the Australian Market.

Olive leaf extract (OLE), prepared from the fresh or dried leaves of L., is generating interest as a cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk modifier. Positive effects for the leaf extract and its key phytochemical constituents have been reported on blood pressure, respiratory infections, inflammation, and insulin resistance.

The naturopathic profession in Australia: A secondary analysis of the Practitioner Research and Collaboration Initiative (PRACI).

Introduction: This study provides the most detailed empirical examination of the naturopathic profession and naturopathic practice in Australia.

Methods: Naturopaths from the Practitioner Research And Collaboration Initiative (PRACI) were invited to participate in an online workforce survey.

Results: The baseline survey was completed by 281 naturopaths and 155 (55.

Complementary medicine practitioner consultations amongst 1,314 individuals with chronic conditions: Characteristics of users, reasons for and predictors of use.

Background: The complexity of chronic conditions challenges health systems and patients. Patients with chronic conditions often consult complementary medicine (CM) practitioners. Optimal care of chronic conditions requires understanding of the characteristics and consultation behaviours of these patients.