Articles – Prostate Cancer

1. Clinical edge: Prostate cancer diagnostics: Finally some clarity?
Brown, Matt
Medicus, Vol. 56, No. 5, Jun 2016: 40-41
Abstract: The clinical landscape for prostate cancer diagnostics is unrecognisable from even five years ago, due to controversies in screening, advances in imaging, and refinements in biopsy.

2. Across the spectrum of prostate cancer
Olver, Ian;   Marshall, Villis
Cancer Forum, Vol. 39, No. 3, Nov 2015: 159-161
Abstract: Early detection of prostate cancer has focused on the prostate specific antigen testing debate, however decision aids to help men weigh the pros and cons of testing, and then guidelines based on evidence about when to test and how to respond to the result, will provide better guidance. Adding other prostate specific antigen related tests has not yet alleviated uncertainty, but imaging with multi-parametric MRIs may be more helpful identifying cancers of high risk.

3. Advances in the imaging of the prostate in the setting of elevated PSA levels
Hicks, Rodney J;   Parameswaran, Bimal K;   Hofman, Michael S;   Murphy, Declan G;  Lawrentschuk, Nathan;   Williams, Scott G
Cancer Forum, Vol. 39, No. 3, Nov 2015: 169-172
Abstract: Mirroring exciting advances in the treatment of prostate cancer, advanced imaging techniques are providing improved detection and staging of this disease. Whereas treatment decisions were previously often made on the basis of probability, more sensitive and specific localisation of disease sites will allow choices that are better tailored to an individual patient's disease.

4. Evaluation of the implementation of the prostate cancer specialist nurse role
Sykes, Julie;   Yates, Patsy;   Langbecker, Danette
Cancer Forum, Vol. 39, No. 3, Nov 2015: 199-203
Abstract: A national prostate cancer specialist nursing pilot program, supported by Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, was launched in May 2012 with funding support from The Movember Foundation. The pilot program aimed to trial a best practice model for providing specialist nursing care to those affected by prostate cancer. Prostate cancer specialist nurses were allocated to 12 hospitals across all Australian states and territories to work in the context of multidisciplinary care.

5. Multiparametric MRI in the diagnosis of prostate cancer - a generational change
Thompson, Les C;   Pokorny, Morgan R
Australian Family Physician, Vol. 44, No. 8, Aug 2015: 597-602
Abstract: Whether a general practitioner (GP) should order prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for a patient is a question that has been unresolved for 25 years. The authors suggest that the imagebased diagnostic pathway, rather than the biopsy-driven diagnostic pathway, will answer this question. This article describes, in non-technical terms, the methodology of prostate imaging with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), and targeted biopsies of lesions within the prostate. The benefits and risks of the new technology are discussed.

6. Management of castration-resistant (advanced) prostate cancer (CRPC): Rationale, progress and future directions
Chopra, Sam;   Rashid, Prem
Australian Family Physician, Vol. 44, No. 5, May 2015: 302-305
Abstract: Prostate cancer is the most common solid organ cancer and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in Australian men.  The aim of our review is to provide general practitioners with up-to-date information about castration resistance and hormonal dependence in prostate cancer. We summarise the current ongoing and completed clinical trials targeting hormonal pathways in metastatic prostate cancer.

Articles – Medicinal Cannabis

7. Need to know vs good to know: Medicinal cannabinoids
McDowall, Josephine
AJP: The Australian Journal of Pharmacy, Vol. 97, No. 1151, Jun 2016: 84-87
Abstract: The campaign to enable wider access to medicinal cannabis for patients to aid treatment of a variety of medical conditions means pharmacists need to understand its application and use.

8. An introduction to cannabis and the endocannabinoid system
Sinclair, Justin
Australian Journal of Herbal Medicine, Vol. 28, No. 4, 2016: 107-125
Abstract: As Australia moves to regulate and enact the cultivation and manufacture of high quality medicinal Cannabis strains for assorted therapeutic applications, this raises important issues of safety, quality, efficacy and the clinical challenges that will be presented to authorised prescribers in understanding the complexity of the Cannabis genus and how it interacts pharmacologically with human physiology.

9. Law reform: Medicinal cannabis: A pipe dream?
Christodoulou, Nicholas
Alternative Law Journal, Vol. 40, No. 3, Sep 2015: 204-205
Abstract: In the latter part of 2014 the ACT government agreed to join a 'Commonwealth-backed' national medical cannabis trial. Opponents of reform are troubled by the potential public health implications associated with cannabis such as schizophrenia, addiction and the risk of carcinoma from smoke inhalation. States and territories within Australia must weigh up potential risks with potential benefits and decide whether medicinal cannabis reform is in the public interest.

10. Comprehensive review of medicinal marijuana, cannabinoids, and therapeutic implications in medicine and headache: What a long strange trip its been 
Baron, Eric P.
Headache: The Journal of Head & Face Pain, Jun 2015; 55(6): 885-916. 32p
Abstract: The use of cannabis, or marijuana, for medicinal purposes is deeply rooted though history, dating back to ancient times. It once held a prominent position in the history of medicine, recommended by many eminent physicians for numerous diseases, particularly headache and migraine. Through the decades, this plant has taken a fascinating journey from a legal and frequently prescribed status to illegal, driven by political and social factors rather than by science.

Articles – Nursing & Health Sciences, Mar 2015

11. How adolescent Japanese girls arrive at human papilloma virus vaccination: A semistructured interview study.
Wakimizu, Rie; Nishigaki, Kaori; Fujioka, Hiroshi; Maehara, Koji; Kuroki, Haruo; Saito, Tadashi; Uduki, Katsuya
Nursing & Health Sciences, Mar 2015; 17(1): 15-25. 11p
Abstract: We examined the human papilloma virus ( HPV) vaccination process in adolescent Japanese girls, including protective and obstructive factors to develop and practice enlightenment activities and educational interventions for promoting HPV vaccination to adolescent Japanese girls and their families

12. Psychological distress, depression, anxiety, stress, and exercise in Australian and New Zealand mothers: A cross-sectional survey.
Lovell, Geoff P.; Huntsman, Angela; Hedley-Ward, Jodie
Nursing & Health Sciences, Mar 2015; 17(1): 42-48. 7p
Abstract: Postnatal psychological well-being is a complex issue characterized by major changes in physical, social, and emotional health. In response to addressing limitations of previous research this study aimed to: (i) quantify psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress in a large sample of Australian and New Zealand mothers and to compare to Australian norm data.

13. Survey of trend and factors in perinatal maternal fatigue 
Cheng, Ching-Yu; Chou, Yu-Hua; Wang, Panchalli; Tsai, Jung-Mei; 
Liou, Shwu-Ru
Nursing & Health Sciences, Mar 2015; 17(1): 64-70. 7p
Abstract: Few studies have investigated maternal fatigue, particularly fatigue throughout the duration of pregnancy and the postpartum period. The purpose of this study was to explore changes related to maternal fatigue from pregnancy to postpartum and the factors influencing fatigue.

14. Relationship between nurse staffing levels and nurse outcomes in community hospitals, Thailand 
Nantsupawat, Apiradee; Nantsupawat, Raymoul; Kulnaviktikul, Wipada; McHugh, Matthew D.
Nursing & Health Sciences, Mar 2015; 17(1): 112-118. 7p
Abstract: There is little empirical research evaluating this relationship in Thailand. This study evaluated the influence of nurse staffing levels on outcomes among nurses. A cross-sectional survey design was conducted at 92 community hospitals using a stratified random sampling design across Thailand during May and July 2012.

Journal – Table of Contents

Journal of Infection Prevention, January 2017

15A. Editorial: the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic: Where are we now?
15B. Two vignettes of adolescent sexual disclosure: guidance for HIV clinical practice
15C. Do travel clinic visitors read information on sexual risk abroad in travel health brochures?
15D. Prospective multicentre study in intensive care units in five cities from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Impact of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) multidimensional approach on rates of central line-associated bloodstream infection
15E. Understanding disclosure behaviours in HIV-positive young people
15F. Journal Watch: Promoting health workers’ ownership of infection prevention and control using normalization process theory; Understanding risk perceptions and responses of the public and health care professionals towards Clostridium difficile; Social media as a tool for antimicrobial stewardship
15G. Infection Prevention Society Awards 2016

Conferences

16. 31st Annual Industrial & Employment Relations (IER) Summit
The latest legal developments to help you protect your organisation
Includes:
- Understanding changes to the Employment Relations Act
- Ensuring compliance with the Holidays Act
- Workplace bullying
- Safe handling of medical incapacity
- Good faith Collective Bargaining
Date: 14 - 15 Mar 2017
Venue: Crowne Plaza, Auckland
https://www.conferenz.co.nz/events/31st-annual-industrial-employment-relations-ier-summit

17. 2017 National Rural Health Conference
Healthy Rural Communities
Mauri Ora, Whānau Ora, Wai Ora
Date: March 30 – April 2, 2017
Venue: TSB Bank Arena-Shed 6, Wellington
http://www.nationalruralhealthconference.org.nz/nrhc17

18. 18th Annual Medical Law Conference
- Discuss how to manage the ethical and legal obligations when working in the healthcare sector, including privacy, capacity and consent
- Learn about the current legislative environment looking at recent changes and possible future regulatory updates
Date: 30 - 31 Aug 2017
Venue: Wellington
https://www.conferenz.co.nz/events/18th-annual-medical-law-conference

News - National

19. Timaru kindy positive about healthy eating
Stuff - February 7 2017
An Australian kindergarten is causing controversy on both sides of the Tasman for the way in which it criticised an item in a child's lunchbox. However, in South Canterbury it's more of a case of using a carrot than a stick when it comes to promoting healthy eating
http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/89147962/timaru-kindy-positive-about-healthy-eating

News – International

20. Three of my colleagues have killed themselves. Medicine's dark secret can't go on. 
A junior doctor in Sydney writes about the crushing pressure experienced by doctors in training.
The Age - February 10 2017
http://www.theage.com.au/comment/three-of-my-colleagues-have-killed-themselves-medicines-dark-secret-cant-be-allowed-to-go-on-20170209-gu9crd.html

21. Whole grains increase metabolism, may help promote weight loss
Whole grains have been shown to be superior in the diet when compared with refined grains, suggests new research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Whole grains increased calorie loss by decreasing the number of calories retained during digestion, while simultaneously speeding up metabolism.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315744.php