An emerging role for NAADP-mediated Ca2+ signaling in the pancreatic beta-cell

Several recent reports, including one in this journal, have reignited the debate about whether the calcium-mobilizing messenger, nicotinic adenine nucleotide diphosphate (NAADP) plays a central role in the regulation of calcium signaling in pancreatic beta-cells. 1-5 These studies have highlighted a role for NAADP-induced Ca2+ mobilization not only in mediating the effects of the incretin, GLP-1 and the autocrine proliferative effects of insulin, but also possibly a fundamental role in glucose-mediated insulin secretion in the pancreatic beta-cell.</p

VALIDATION OF INERTIAL MEASUREMENT UNITS FOR TRACKING 100M SPRINT DATA

Wearable micro sensor measurement devices are a promising development in sports technology. This paper presents preliminary data evaluating the accuracy of an inertial measurement unit during 100m sprints against a criterion measure from a tripod-mounted Laveg laser. The inertial measurement units were found to be a valid tool for the analysis of peak velocity (r = 0.92) and average split velocities for splits after the first 10m (r = 0.85 - 0.95). Validation data suggests some caution should be taken in interpretation of the first lorn split (r = 0.32). Whilst data from the two devices for this split were correlated, the inertial measurement unit showed an overestimation for this parameter in comparison to the athlete velocity as measured by the laser. Further in-depth analysis should investigate this period

User requirements for monitoring the evolution of stratospheric ozone at high vertical resolution (‘Operoz’: Operational ozone observations using limb geometry)

The purpose of the Operoz study has been threefold: (i) To establish the user requirements for an operational mission targeting ozone profiles at high vertical resolution, (ii) To identify the observational gaps with respect to these user requirements taking into account planned operational missions and observational ground networks, and (iii) To perform a reality check on the observational requirements based on proven concepts and present-day knowledge of potentially available measurement techniques and to identify options for a small to medium size satellite mission

The state of the Martian climate

60°N was +2.0°C, relative to the 1981–2010 average value (Fig. 5.1). This marks a new high for the record. The average annual surface air temperature (SAT) anomaly for 2016 for land stations north of starting in 1900, and is a significant increase over the previous highest value of +1.2°C, which was observed in 2007, 2011, and 2015. Average global annual temperatures also showed record values in 2015 and 2016. Currently, the Arctic is warming at more than twice the rate of lower latitudes

Exploring Vestibular Ocular Motor Screening in Adults With Persistent Complaints After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Objective: The purpose of this study was to (1) explore differences in vestibular ocular motor screening (VOMS) symptoms between healthy adults and adults with persistent symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), and (2) explore the relationships between VOMS symptoms and other measures (self-reported vestibular symptoms, clinical measures of balance and gait, and higher-level motor ability tasks). Setting: Research laboratory setting. Participants: Fifty-three persons with persistent symptoms (\u3e3 weeks) following mTBI and 57 healthy controls were recruited. Eligibility for participation included being 18 to 50 years of age and free of medical conditions that may affect balance, with the exception of recent mTBI for the mTBI group. Design: Cross-sectional. Main Measures: The primary outcomes were the VOMS symptom scores and near point of convergence (NPC) distance. Secondary outcomes included the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) total and subdomain scores, sway area, Functional Gait Analysis total score, gait speed, and modified Illinois Agility Task completion time, and Revised High-Level Mobility Assessment Tool total score. Results: The mTBI group reported more VOMS symptoms (z range, −7.28 to −7.89) and a further NPC (t = −4.16) than healthy controls (all Ps \u3c .001). DHI self-reported symptoms (total and all subdomain scores) were strongly associated with the VOMS symptom scores (rho range, 0.53-0.68; all Ps \u3c .001). No significant relationships existed between VOMS symptoms and other measures. Conclusion: Significant group differences support the relevance of the VOMS for mTBI in an age-diverse sample with persistent symptoms. Furthermore, strong association with DHI symptoms supports the ability of the VOMS to capture vestibular complaints in this population. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT0389229

A hybrid assessment of clinical mobility test items for evaluating individuals with mild traumatic brain injury

Background and Purpose: The Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) and High Level Mobility Assessment Tool (HiMAT) are clinical batteries used to assess people with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). However, neither assessment was specifically developed for people with mTBI; the FGA was developed to evaluate vestibular deficits, and the HiMAT was developed for individuals with more severe TBI. To maximize the sensitivity and reduce the time burden of these assessments, the purpose of this study was to determine the combination of FGA and HiMAT items that best discriminates persons with persistent symptoms from mTBI from healthy controls. Methods: Fifty-three symptomatic civilians with persistent symptoms from mTBI (21% male, age 31(9.5) years, 328 (267) days since concussion and 57 healthy adults (28% male, age 32(9.6) years) participated across three sites. The FGA and HiMAT were evaluated sequentially as part of a larger study. To determine the best combination of items, a lasso-based generalized linear model (glm) was fit to all data. Results: The area under the curve (AUC) for FGA and HiMAT total scores were 0.68 and 0.66, respectively. Lasso regression selected four items including FGA Gait with Horizontal Head Turns and with Pivot Turn, and HiMAT Fast Forward and Backward Walk, and yielded an AUC (95% CI) of 0.71 (0.61, 0.79) using standard scoring. Discussion and Conclusions: The results provide initial evidence supporting a reduced, hybrid assessment of mobility (HAM-4-mTBI) for monitoring individuals with mTBI. Future work should validate the HAM-4-mTBI and investigate its utility for tracking progression throughout rehabilitation