Homoeopathy is a controversial form of medicine that is governed by the premise that highly diluted substances that can a defined set of symptoms in a healthy person can cure a similar set of symptoms in a non-healthy person. The use of highly diluted homoeopathic substances that may no longer be expected to contain any trace of the original substance is contrary to accepted pharmacological theory. In addition to serial dilution, homoeopathic “potentisation” of substances also includes violent agitation of the substance at each dilution step, a process known as “succussion”. The role of this process is not understood. The fact that the mechanism of action of homoeopathic substances is unknown adds to the controversial nature of this therapy.A review of the literature demonstrated that a more rigorous approach to the research of homoeopathy was needed in order to investigate whether homoeopathy could be investigated within a scientifically appropriate context. It was initially proposed that, through the successful replication of an existing trial, a series of clinical trials based on this replication could be conducted to test fundamental questions of homoeopathy. For pragmatic reasons, this initial approach was abandoned. A novel protocol that was subsequently designed to scientifically evaluate the effects of homoeopathy, in particular, the homoeopathic treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee and hip, was subsequently developed.A description of homoeopathy, its development, its placement within the scientific paradigm and its role in the treatment of various clinical conditions is reviewed in Chapter 1. From this literature review, hypotheses were generated to test the effect of the homoeopathic treatment of osteoarthritis. Chapter 2 describes the selection process and proposed replication of a prior clinical trial with a successful outcome upon which to base a further series of clinical trials to test fundamental questions in homoeopathy. The selected study was a randomised, double-blind clinical trial designed to compare the effects of a complex homoeopathic preparation with the effects of paracetamol in the treatment of osteoarthritic knee pain. The study was prematurely terminated when another study presented evidence that the analgesic effect of paracetamol was no better than placebo. The uncertainty that paracetamol was no better than placebo raised doubts as to the validity of any outcome had the trial proceeded. The proposal to develop a series of clinical trials replicating the protocol of this study was postponed as a consequence.Chapter 3 describes the subsequent formation of a ‘think tank’ consisting of epidemiologists, biostatisticians, clinical researchers in complementary medicine and homoeopaths and the subsequent development of a rigorous research protocol for the investigation of homoeopathy within the scientific paradigm. This homoeopathic research model and is described in detail.Chapter 4 describes a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with five arms designed to evaluate both the research model and the homoeopathic treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip and knee.Chapter 5 details the results of this clinical trial. No significant difference was demonstrated between individualised homoeopathic treatment, generic complex homoeopathic treatments or placebo. Furthermore, no positive effect on treatments was demonstrated by the inclusion of a full homoeopathic consultation.Chapter 6 provides a discussion of the clinical trial. Possible reasons for the discrepancy between the hypothesised outcomes and the results of the clinical trial are explored and directions for future research are suggested.

Dancing While Pregnant by Teagen Boyle is about a very important question any female athlete may find themselves asking. How can I continue my sport while pregnant? Pregnancy is very strenuous and takes a toll on the human body; however, it is very important to stay healthy and continue exercising. Dance is a safe, no-contact sport that is really on the terms of the dancer. Therefore, dance is most likely a fun, safe form of exercise for pregnant women. Diving into research and looking up articles one may find little to no research. That is because there is barely any research done on safe forms of exercise for pregnant women. Through deduction and reasoning and others research a conclusion was found. By assessing the few women who do embrace dance during their pregnancy it was found to have numerous benefits. While there are always restrictions, especially when carrying a baby, the benefits were plentiful while the cons were minute. The benefits of exercise during pregnancy has been research and many pros are shown. For example, mothers who exercise show less complications during labor and delivery, healthier mom and baby, and improved mood in mom. Not only are the physical aspects important but so are the emotional ones. Emotionally pregnancy is a rollercoaster and there is nothing anyone can do for it. Although, exercise and specifically dance has been shown to improve mood and improve mood especially in pregnant women. Overall, dancing as a safe form of exercise during pregnancy is recommended with a doctor's approval.

This research is a qualitative study that aimed to anthropologically explore the effects of consistent long-term yogic practice on the acceptance and practice of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among yoga practitioners at a South Florida yoga center. I wished to determine, through in-depth interviews, whether or not yogic practice affects acceptance of CAM. The main objective was to interview individuals from a single yoga center that have practiced yoga at least once per week for at least one year concerning their beliefs about CAM, yoga, and health. This project will begin to fill the gap in social science, in general, and specifically, the anthropological literature. Scholars of various backgrounds have discussed elements of yogic practice and philosophy that were integral to my understanding of the data. The health benefits of yoga as CAM, the associations between yoga and beliefs about health, and the association between yoga and Indian philosophy and medicine have each been explored. However, anthropological scholarship discussing the effects of consistent, long-term yogic practice on the acceptance of other CAM’s or Western biomedicine has not been examined.

<p><h1>ABSTRACT</h1> <h1>Individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) are prone to significant alterations in vascular structure and function. This study was designed to examine the effects of osteopathic treatment on mean leg (MLBF) blood flow and skin temperature in the lower extremities of individuals with chronic SCI compared to able-bodied (AB) individuals. Methods: Nine individuals (age 44 ± 17.5 years) with a chronic SCI (C6-T12; AIS A-B; 3.7 ± 4.6 years post-injury) and six AB individuals (38.3 ± 9.7 years) participated. The protocol consisted of 1 interview session and 3 osteopathic treatment sessions. Doppler ultrasound measured the diameter and mean blood velocity in the CFA before (Pre) and after (Post) each session. Skin temperatures were measured using skin thermistors at three different sites on the left leg. Change scores were calculated and measured as post-treatment minus pre-treatment. Results: A two-way ANOVA revealed an increase in flow of 16±2 ml/min within the SCI group and a decrease in flow of 25±2 ml/min in the AB group (p = 0.04). There was also a smaller reduction in skin temperature in individuals within the SCI versus AB (left thigh: SCI, -0.5±0.2° C; AB, -1.2±0.2°C, p(left foot: SCI, -0.1±0.4°C; AB, -1.8±0.4°C, pAll treatments resulted in small increases in MLBF in the SCI group versus small decreases in the able-bodied group and smaller skin temperature decreases in the SCI versus the decreases in the AB group, potentially indicating reduced skin temperature reactivity. These findings emphasize the potential for different physiological responses to interventions in individuals with SCI compared to AB individuals.</h1></p> / Master of Science in Kinesiology

The development and advancement of prostate cancer is supported by a plethora of genetic and proteomic abnormalities, including events of post-translational modifications. The protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) enzyme regulates epigenetic events of histone modifications and protein post-translational modifications within protein signaling pathways. PRMT5 functions by catalyzing the symmetric dimethylation of terminal arginine residues on target protein substrates. Under abnormal conditions of overexpression and upregulation, PRMT5 methyltransferase activity constitutively drives the growth and proliferation of dysregulated cells. Overexpression or upregulation of PRMT5 correlates with disease progression as observed among numerous cancer types, including breast, colorectal, leukemia, lung, melanoma and prostate cancers. We demonstrated previously that PRMT5 knockdowns attenuated both growth and proliferation of lung and prostatic tumors, in vitro and in vivo. Plants naturally produce chemical toxins as mechanisms of defense against microbial and other biological threats. Human exploitation, consumption and application of agents isolated from plants for therapeutic intervention dates back throughout the millennia. In this study, we extracted, purified and evaluated natural, small, chemical compounds from plant products that antagonize PRMT5 activity in prostate cancer cells. We found that crude and purified extracts of Dendrobium aurantiacum var. denneanum (D. denneanum) plants attenuated prostate tumor growth and proliferation by selective inhibition of PRMT5 methyltransferase activity. These findings establish the first set of natural PRMT5-specific inhibitors reported.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a psychopathology commonly characterized by general inattentiveness and/or a lack of impulse control resulting in hyperactive tendencies. ADHD is estimated to cost the United States roughly $266 billion every year. ADHD is currently treated via medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, or more recently, neurofeedback. Neurofeedback – and biofeedback in general – is the process of providing a patient with information about autonomic bodily functions so that they may control said autonomic function. In the case of ADHD, neurofeedback focuses on reinforcing the behaviors and sensations associated with attentiveness. Currently however, neurofeedback systems are large and require a patient to travel to a clinic. Furthermore, the current offering of portable neuro/biofeedback devices do not have the technological capabilities to provide effective neurofeedback therapy. Current wearable tech devices – such as the Apple Watch and Samsung Gear – possess the technological capabilities to measure important bodily functions, and provide appropriate biofeedback therapy while remaining discrete and most importantly, portable.

Purpose: Parental decisions to vaccinate their children may be impacted by the advice of health care providers practicing complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Available literature suggests an association between vaccine delay or refusal and CAM use, decreased vaccination status of naturopathic patients, and increased vaccine hesitancy among naturopathic students. Some naturopathic physicians state that their approach towards discussions about childhood vaccinations may support families in choosing partial vaccination over complete refusal, ultimately contributing to an overall increase in vaccinations. Methods: Using a modified Health Belief Model as a theoretical framework, this online survey of naturopathic physicians assessed childhood vaccine-related perceptions and practices. The survey instrument was developed through an iterative process using surveys from previous research, adapted by expert opinion and input from focus group participants. Results: Surveys were completed between October and November 2014 by 145 naturopathic physicians (response rate 28.7%) licensed and practicing in Vermont or Oregon State. The vast majority of respondents (93%) discuss childhood vaccines with their patients, and discussions may include numerous topics focused on assessing individualized risk factors and providing information to parents. Most (70%) assist parents in creating a customized vaccine schedule for their children, which may delay the start of vaccination until a later age, give select vaccines only, and/or spread out the vaccine schedule (as compared to the CDC-ACIP recommended schedule). Vaccine-specific safety concerns are highly prevalent (67%), vary by vaccine, and include concerns regarding vaccine schedule, necessity, risk for potential adverse effects, and safety of vaccine ingredients. The majority of respondents use a variety of approaches intended to reduce adverse effects of vaccination (91%) and to make childhood vaccination safer and more effective (93%). Finally, most respondents are in agreement with each other on key vaccination beliefs underscoring both concerns and the importance of childhood vaccinations. Conclusions: Results highlight an individualized approach towards childhood vaccinations by naturopathic physicians, often including a customized schedule and in-depth conversations with parents. The impact of this approach on parental vaccine choice and public health remains unknown. Results may promote further understanding of the various therapeutic recommendations and safety concerns regarding childhood vaccinations held by naturopathic physicians and can potentially foster more effective communication among all healthcare providers on this important public health issue.

BACKGROUND: Randomized controlled trials show acupuncture and acupressure support anesthesia management by decreasing anxiety, opioid requirements and treating post-operative nausea and vomiting. Acupuncture and acupressure have demonstrated clinical usefulness and received governmental support (NIH, PPACA, WHO, U.S. Military), but have not yet diffused into mainstream anesthesia practice. This study examined US anesthesia providers' perceptions of acupuncture and acupressure. METHODS: Ninety-six anesthesiology departments stratified by geographic region (Northeast, South, West, and Midwest) and institution type (university medical centers, community hospitals, children’s hospitals, and VA hospitals) were selected for participation in an anonymous, online survey. The target sample was 1,728 providers of which N = 292 (54% anesthesiologists, 44% CRNAs, 2% AAs) responded yielding an overall 17% response rate. RESULTS: Spearman’s correlation coefficient revealed a statistically significant correlation between acupuncture and geographic region, with the West having the highest predisposition toward acupuncture use (rs = 0.159, p = 0.007). Females are more likely to use acupuncture than men (rs = -.188, p = 0.002). Age yielded a moderate effect size with providers between the ages of 31-50 years old experiencing the best outcomes administering acupuncture (rs = 0.65, 95% CI = 2.79, 3.06). A strong effect size exists between acupuncture and country of pre-anesthesia training (rs = 1.00, 95% CI = 1.08, 1.16). Some providers have used acupuncture (27%) and acupressure (18%) with positive outcomes, however the majority of providers have not used these modalities, but would consider using them (54%, SD = 1.44 acupuncture; 60%, SD = 1.32 acupressure). Seventy-six percent of respondents would like acupuncture education and 74% would like acupressure education (SD = 0.43, SD = 0.44, respectively). Lack of scientific evidence (79%, SD = 0.73) and unavailability of credentialed providers (71%, SD = 0.92) were the primary barriers. CONCLUSIONS: While most U.S. anesthesia providers have not used these modalities, they still report a favorable perception of acupuncture/acupressure’s role as part of an anesthetic and the majority of providers express an interest in receiving education. This study adds to the body of acupuncture and acupressure research by providing insight into anesthesia providers’ perceptions of these alternative medicine modalities.

Interpersonal sensitivity is a foundational component of interpersonal relationships. It encompasses an individual's self-concept and self-identity, which are formed as the individual develops. An individual's self-concept develops from the norms and mores of his or her society. Soldiers in the U.S. Army have been trained to form a repurposed self to engage in combat and work in combat-focused jobs. The consequence of this training in many cases has been diminished interpersonal sensitivity that has been detrimental to their interpersonal relationships. The Soldier 360° course is a comprehensive treatment program that takes a holistic approach to providing soldiers with self-empowering tools designed to create healing and wellness from the inside out for the individual and for his or her relationships. Deidentified data obtained from Soldier 360° participant scores on the Symptoms Checklist-90-Revised and the Quality of Life Inventory were measured using repeated-measures analysis of variance to examine the effect, if any, of the Soldier 360° program on soldiers' interpersonal sensitivity and overall quality of life. Furthermore, changes based on marital status, parental status, and gender were examined. The findings of this quantitative analysis indicated that there is improvement in the interpersonal sensitivity of participants in the Soldier 360° program; however, no significant effect was found in the categorical examinations. This research contributes to positive social change by expanding knowledge researchers, practitioners, and soldiers themselves can use to help soldiers reclaim their lives, maintain successful relationships, and reduce incidence of suicide.

The field of equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) is growing in popularity as an alternative healing approach. However, there is a paucity of peer-reviewed research on the horses who serve as equal partners in EAAT. The purpose of this quantitative study was to discover the impact of equine-facilitated therapeutic activities on the temperament of horses, and to determine how to select a better human-to-horse therapeutic match when providing EAAT services. The theoretical framework for this research drew from Romanes' theory of animal intelligence, which predicts that temperament would change as a result of prolonged participation in specific work (EAAT in this case) that would cause the horse to reflect its associate's temperament. The study explored whether horses used in EAAT programs exhibit unique traits, whether the use of horses in an equine-human development program with clients diagnosed with health disorders affects the temperament of the horses over time, and whether a relationship exists between EAAT horses and positive therapeutic outcomes for clients. Sixty-four horse handlers in EAAT and 75 in control programs completed the Horse Personality Questionnaire (HPQ) designed to assess horse temperament. Temperament traits were then compared between EAAT and control horses, for horses participating at EAAT programs for different durations of time, and for horses that were more effective in treatment. Significant differences in temperament traits were present between horses in EAAT and control programs, as revealed by t-tests. The results identified traits of the most effective EAAT horses. This study contributes to social change by providing EAAT with a comprehensive horse temperament assessment that can inform efforts to unify and extend the field.