CCNM Research

This week's pick for read is an elegant review on important issues in translating research into clinical practice. Training, policy support, equitable access, public education and involvement and clinical expertise are keys for translational science. I bet can play a role!

Microbiome research in practice: priorities for clinical translation and impact Rapid advances in microbiome science have sparked clinical and commercial enthusiasm for interventions, yet translation into practice risks outpacing both mechanistic understanding and the infrastructure required for safe adoption.

Check out 3rd year student, Mariangela Bagnato’s summary of the article “Acupuncture as an alternative treatment for polycystic o***y syndrome: Effects on ovulation rate, pregnancy rate and endometrial receptivity.”

This randomized controlled trial examined whether adding acupuncture to letrozole treatment could improve ovulation and pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS)-related infertility. The findings from this study suggest that acupuncture may be an effective supportive therapy for improving ovulation, pregnancy rates, uterine blood flow, and endometrial receptivity in women with PCOS undergoing fertility treatment.

Read the full study: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103215

Pearls from the latest conferences, publications, and events!!

Event: Naturopathic Academy of Primary Care Physicians (NAPCP) practicum held virtually from March 15-16, 2026
Category: Oncology
Topic: High risk breast cancer screening and management
Speaker: Mel Hobart-Beaumari, ND

Key Takeaways:
-Apply risk assessment tools (Tyrer-Cuzick) to all patients, ideally by the age of 25.
-An individualized screening plan must be applied based on risk factors.
-High-risk patients should be screened with MRI, MRI/mammography, and possibly Ultrasound for dense breasts.
-Gender diverse patients still get screening based on risk and organs present.

Reference:
https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/guidelines-detail?category=2&id=1421

The Gut-Liver Axis - great new review outlines the individual heterogeneity in clinical responses to , in tackling metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Lots of potential for personalized approaches to treating MASLD via the ! https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12602-026-11050-6

The Gut-Liver Axis in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): Mechanisms, Microbiome Interactions and Therapeutic Targets - Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasingly recognized as a multifactorial condition in which the gut-liver axis plays a central pathogenic role. While a large body of literature has described associations between gut microbiota alterations and MASLD, a critical....

Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) research is the scientific study of methods to intentionally spread and integrate evidence-based interventions into real-world practice. It bridges the gap between scientific discovery and actual public health or clinical use, effectively answering the question of how to successfully translate what works in a lab to clinical care, schools, and communities.

Pearls from the latest conferences, publications, and events!!

Event: Naturopathic Academy of Primary Care Physicians (NAPCP) practicum held virtually from March 15-16, 2026
Category: Oncology
Topic: Skin Cancer- Melanoma Survivorship Care: Empowering Providers
Speaker: Barbara G. Regis, PA-C, M.S., FAAPA

Key takeaways:
-Summary of cancer history/treatment and treatment health risks.
-Primary cancer surveillance plan with subsequent cancer and late effects screening.
-Promote a healthy lifestyle to reduce cancer risks and maximize wellness.
-Screening for/management of health conditions.
-Definition of the roles of the involved providers.
-Resources to address medical/psychosocial needs.

Reference:
https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/guidelines-detail?category=3&id=1466

Pearls from the latest conferences, publications, and events!!

Event: Naturopathic Academy of Primary Care Physicians (NAPCP) practicum held virtually from March 15-16, 2026
Category: Women’s Health
Topic: Improving Fertility in PCOS Patients. Detailed Approaches for Primary Care Providers
Speaker: Dr. Kris Somol, ND

Key takeaways:
-The key fertility questions: Do you support the diagnosis of PCOS? How old is the patient? How many children do they want? Is there a semen analysis?
-Key diet and lifestyle changes include removing obstacles to health, optimizing a healthy diet without a focus on weight loss, and moderate intensity exercise 3 times a week.
-Key supplements to consider include: A prenatal multivitamin, Fertility Blend, 4000mg QD of Myo-inositol, and 500mg QD of NAC or Metformin.
-Start with ovulation stimulation using Letrozole at 2.5 mg days #3-8 (5 days) or at any time of patient is not cycling.
-The longer you work at lower force interventions, the more advanced the age and the more the PCOS develops. Set a timeline for progressing through treatments with your patient.

Reference:
Sawant, S., & Bhide, P. (2019). Fertility Treatment Options for Women With Polycystic O***y Syndrome. Clinical Medicine Insights: Reproductive Health. https://doi.org/10.1177/1179558119890867

Sonoran University of Health Sciences in Arizona is hosting its Research event on May 20 from 5:00-8:00 pm MST.

It’s a platform for highlighting the latest research in botanical medicine. Here is the link to register:

Research Night, Spring 2026: Botanical Research Innovation & Discovery Symposium | Events | Sonoran University Explore all the events at Sonoran University of Health Sciences. Everything from alumni reunions and campus tours to lectures and community outreach.

The Student Innovation Fund grant competition we will be accepting applications for the next 2 weeks, only until June 1st 2026!

Do you have an idea for a small research project that could be completed in 1 year? This could be a survey or a literature review. If you are starting clinic, these funds could be used for additional testing of outcome data collection in a unique case that could be published.

If you have any questions or want to brainstorm ideas, please reach out to Monique ([email protected]) or Kieran ([email protected]).