Non-motor correlates of wrist-worn wearable sensor use in Parkinson's disease: an exploratory analysis.

Wearable sensors are becoming increasingly more available in Parkinson's disease and are used to measure motor function. Whether non-motor symptoms (NMS) can also be measured with these wearable sensors remains unclear. We therefore performed a retrospective, exploratory, analysis of 108 patients with a diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease enroled in the Non-motor Longitudinal International Study (UKCRN No.

Encapsulation of macrophages enhances their retention and angiogenic potential.

Cell therapies to treat critical limb ischaemia have demonstrated only modest results in clinical trials, and this has been partly attributed to poor cell retention following their delivery directly into the ischaemic limb. The aim of this study was to determine whether alginate encapsulation of therapeutic pro-angio/arteriogenic macrophages enhances their retention and ultimately improves limb perfusion. A reproducible GMP-compliant method for generating 300 µm alginate capsules was developed to encapsulate pro-angio/arteriogenic macrophages.

Emotion dysregulation in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and borderline personality disorder.

There is ongoing debate on the overlap between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), particularly regarding emotion dysregulation (ED). In this paper, we present a narrative review of the available evidence on the association of these two disorders from several standpoints. First, we discuss the unique and shared diagnostic criteria for ADHD and BPD, focusing particularly on ED.

A systematic review of the heritability of specific psychopathic traits using Hare's two-factor model of psychopathy.

Background: There have been no systematic reviews that investigated the heritability of the two-factor model of psychopathy: interpersonal-affective and behavioral. Our review aimed, first, to examine the heritability of general psychopathic traits and, second, if genetic influences were suggested, to determine the heritability of various traits related to the interpersonal-affective and behavioral factors of psychopathy.

Method: A systematic literature search was conducted using articles from the PsycINFO, Embase, Global Health, Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases (January of 1980 to December of 2015) in order to identify eligible literature that reported on the heritability of psychopathy-related traits.

The trials and tribulations of vitamin D: time for the 'sunshine' vitamin to come in out of the cold - or just more broken promises?

We are presently faced with the competing notions of modern life being a 'state of vitamin D depletion', implying a widespread need to supplement with vitamin D, or, the opposite view, which is that the present evidence can only support at best selective targeted vitamin D intervention. This is important as there is evidence that over the last 40-50 years there were downwards global trends in serum 25(OH)D concentrations, while individual consumption of vitamin D as supplements rose. For this reason and many others, a large population-based interventional study, the VITAL trial, was designed to try to establish the health value of vitamin D supplementation.

Perceptions among women with gestational diabetes.

Women with gestational diabetes are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which could be prevented or delayed by lifestyle modification. Lifestyle interventions need to take into account the specific situation of women with gestational diabetes. We aimed to gain a deeper understanding of women's experiences of gestational diabetes, their diabetes risk perceptions, and their views on type 2 diabetes prevention, to inform future lifestyle interventions.

Stressors and resources of caregivers of patients with incurable progressive illness in sub-Saharan Africa.

Family caregivers are central to palliative care in sub-Saharan Africa. Yet although supporting caregivers requires a comprehensive understanding of caregiver burden, there has been little research into this topic in Africa. Using the Stress Process Model to investigate the burden experienced by caregivers in South Africa and Uganda, we interviewed 37 caregivers and analyzed the data thematically.

The development and piloting of the REnal specific Advanced Communication Training (REACT) programme to improve Advance Care Planning for renal patients.

Background: In recent years, the End-Stage Kidney Disease population has increased and is ever more frail, elderly and co-morbid. A care-focused approach needs to be incorporated alongside the disease focus, to identify those who are deteriorating and improve communication about preferences and future care. Yet many renal professionals feel unprepared for such discussions.

The role of mineralocorticoid receptor function in treatment-resistant depression.

Background: Treatment-resistant depression patients show both reduced glucocorticoid receptor function and a hyperactive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. However, few studies have examined the role of the mineralocorticoid receptor. This study aimed to evaluate the functional activity of the mineralocorticoid receptor system in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in well-defined treatment-resistant depression patients.

Priorities for treatment, care and information if faced with serious illness: a comparative population-based survey in seven European countries.

Background: Health-care costs are growing, with little population-based data about people's priorities for end-of-life care, to guide service development and aid discussions.

Aim: We examined variations in people's priorities for treatment, care and information across seven European countries.

Design: Telephone survey of a random sample of households; we asked respondents their priorities if 'faced with a serious illness, like cancer, with limited time to live' and used multivariable logistic regressions to identify associated factors.

How many people need palliative care? A study developing and comparing methods for population-based estimates.

Background: Understanding the need for palliative care is essential in planning services.

Aim: To refine existing methods of estimating population-based need for palliative care and to compare these methods to better inform their use.

Design: (1) Refinement of existing population-based methods, based on the views of an expert panel, and (2) application/comparison of existing and refined approaches in an example dataset.

Alcohol and substance use history among ADHD adults: the relationship with persistent and remitting symptoms, personality, employment, and history of service use.

Objective: To profile substance use, personality, service use, and employment in adults with ADHD.

Method: The sample consisted of 216 consecutive referrals to an adult ADHD service and classified with ADHD, partially or fully remitted ADHD, or no ADHD. Normal controls (n = 33) were recruited from a general practitioner's center.

Lipid profiles and risk of breast and ovarian cancer in the Swedish AMORIS study.

Background: Obesity is a risk factor for breast and ovarian cancer; the mechanisms of action are not completely understood. Perturbed lipid metabolism often accompanies obesity; we therefore ascertained the associations between lipid components and breast and ovarian cancer risk in a prospective cohort study.

Methods: A total of 234,494 women with baseline measurements of triglycerides and total cholesterol and glucose were selected from the AMORIS database.

A national epidemiological study of offending and its relationship with ADHD symptoms and associated risk factors.

Objective: The objective was to disentangle the relationship between offending, ADHD, and comorbid risk factors.

Method: A total of 11,388 students in further education completed a questionnaire, which measured nonviolent and violent delinquency, current ADHD symptoms, conduct disorder, substance use, association with delinquent peers, emotional lability, anger problems, violent attitudes, and low self-esteem.

Results: The nonviolent and violent delinquency measures correlated significantly with all the predictor measures, with small to large effect sizes.

The impact of persisting hyperactivity on social relationships: a community-based, controlled 20-year follow-up study.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine whether persisting hyperactivity into adulthood was associated with impaired family, friendship, and partner relationships or poor coping skills in everyday life.

Method: A 20-year community-based follow-up of 6- to 7-year-old boys showing pervasive hyperactivity (n = 40) and unaffected controls (n = 25) was conducted. At age 27 years, participants were assessed with detailed interview techniques as well as self-report ratings.