VISTATM: Visual Impairment Subtle Touch AidTM - a range detection and feedback system for sightless navigation.

We devised a low-tech, low-cost, robust, and minimally obtrusive navigational travelling aid to be paired with and bolster standard white cane use for people with visual impairments. The device combines ultrasonic range detection with proportional vibrational output. The navigational aid was devised using a sensing belt equipped with independent ultrasonic sensors for distance measurements. Sensors were mounted using adjustable mobile clips to allow for user variability. The sensing belt was connected to a stimulation belt affixed to the ribcage. The stimulation belt used vibrating motors with vibration proportional to the distance between the belt wearer and surrounding obstacles sensed by corresponding ultrasonic sensors. The device was validated through preliminary testing on blindfolded, but fully sighted, persons and one blind person (all authors) in navigating a novel environment without supplemental aid. Testing sessions varied from 45 to 90 min. In preliminary tests, the devised ultrasonic-sensor-belt and vibration-actuator-equipped belt combination was capable of informing users of surrounding obstacles in real-time while navigating a hallway with several turns.

NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor OLT1177 suppresses joint inflammation in murine models of acute arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in gout amplifies the inflammatory response and mediates further damage. In the current study, we assessed the therapeutic effect of OLT1177, an orally active NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor that is safe in humans, in murine acute arthritis models. METHODS: Zymosan or monosodium urate (MSU) crystals were injected intra-articularly (i.a.) into mouse knee joints to induce reactive or gouty arthritis. Joint swelling, articular cell infiltration, and synovial cytokines were evaluated 25 hours and 4 hours following zymosan or MSU challenge, respectively. OLT1177 was administrated intraperitoneally by oral gavage or in the food by an OLT1177-enriched diet. RESULTS: OLT1177 reduced zymosan-induced joint swelling (p < 0.001), cell influx (p < 0.01), and synovial levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) (p < 0.05), respectively, when compared with vehicle-treated mice. Plasma OLT1177 levels correlated (p < 0.001) dose-dependently with reduction in joint inflammation. Treatment of mice with OLT1177 limited MSU crystal articular inflammation (p > 0.0001), which was associated with decreased synovial IL-1ß, IL-6, myeloperoxidase, and CXCL1 levels (p < 0.01) compared with vehicle-treated mice. When administrated orally 1 hour after MSU challenge, OLT1177 reduced joint inflammation, processing of IL-1ß, and synovial phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase compared with the vehicle group. Mice were fed an OLT1177-enriched diet for 3 weeks and then challenged i.a. with MSU crystals. Joint swelling, synovial IL-1ß, and expression of Nlrp3 and Il1b were significantly reduced in synovial tissues in mice fed an OLT1177-enriched diet when compared with the standard diet group. CONCLUSIONS: Oral OLT1177 is highly effective in ameliorating reactive as well as gouty arthritis.