ABSTRACT
The leading cause of mortality from SARS-CoV-2 is an exaggerated host immune response, triggering cytokine storms, multiple organ failure and death. Current drug- and vaccine-based therapies are of limited efficacy against novel viral variants. Infrared therapy is a non-invasive and safe method that has proven effective against inflammatory conditions for over 100 years. However, its mechanism of action is poorly understood and has not received widespread acceptance. We herein investigate whether near-infrared (NIR) light exposure in human primary alveolar and macrophage cells could downregulate inflammatory cytokines triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and via what underlying mechanism. Our results showed a dramatic reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines within days of NIR light treatment, while anti-inflammatory cytokines were upregulated. Mechanistically, NIR light stimulated mitochondrial metabolism, induced transient bursts in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activated antioxidant gene transcription. These, in turn, downregulated ROS and inflammatory cytokines. A causal relationship was shown between the induction of cellular ROS by NIR light exposure and the downregulation of inflammatory cytokines triggered by SARS-CoV-2 S. If confirmed by clinical trials, this method would provide an immediate defense against novel SARS-CoV-2 variants and other inflammatory infectious diseases.
ABSTRACT
In the framework of the LTA project, focusing on leisure reading for children with visual impairment, we present a prototype of multisensory illustration that will be used as a model for future accessible tactile interactive books. This multisensory illustration is based on two approaches to illustrate the storytelling. The first approach consists in embodying the character's legs with the index and middle fingers in order for the user to imitate actions such as walking. The second approach is to offer interactions feedback according to the readers actions. The main goal of this multisensory illustration prototype is to test and evaluate a selection of interactions and their associated sensors. These interactions help visually impaired readers to identify the environment of the story. They also help to understand actions behind the verbs. Readers are engaged to produce actions such as touching and imitating with their fingers. These interactions are developed according to hypotheses based on the literature. This multisensory illustration prototype was tested with a panel of children. The results comfort the idea that these interactions are useful for them.
Subject(s)
Books , Vision, Low , Child , Humans , Communication , Records , WalkingABSTRACT
Writing disorders are frequent and impairing. However, social robots may help to improve children's motivation and to propose enjoyable and tailored activities. Here, we have used the Co-writer scenario in which a child is asked to teach a robot how to write via demonstration on a tablet, combined with a series of games we developed to train specifically pressure, tilt, speed, and letter liaison controls. This setup was proposed to a 10-year-old boy with a complex neurodevelopmental disorder combining phonological disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, and developmental coordination disorder with severe dysgraphia. Writing impairments were severe and limited his participation in classroom activities despite 2 years of specific support in school and professional speech and motor remediation. We implemented the setup during his occupational therapy for 20 consecutive weekly sessions. We found that his motivation was restored; avoidance behaviors disappeared both during sessions and at school; handwriting quality and posture improved dramatically. In conclusion, treating dysgraphia using child-robot interaction is feasible and improves writing. Larger clinical studies are required to confirm that children with dysgraphia could benefit from this setup.
ABSTRACT
Currently, websites are mainly composed of web widgets, dynamic elements and updatable sections - like autosuggest list, carousel, slideshow etc. In order to contribute with the development of accessible rich internet applications, this work aims to better understand the interaction of severely visually impaired users with these pages, gathering their main barriers and difficulties.
