Previous anti-inflammatory strategies against sepsis, a leading cause of death in hospitals, had limited efficacy in clinical trials, in part because they targeted single cytokines and the experimental models failed to mimic clinical settings1-3. Neuronal networks represent physiological mechanisms selected by evolution to control inflammation that can be exploited for the treatment of inflammatory and infectious disorders3. Here, we report that sciatic nerve activation with electroacupuncture controls systemic inflammation and rescues mice from polymicrobial peritonitis. Electroacupuncture at the sciatic nerve controls systemic inflammation by inducing a vagal activation of DOPA decarboxylase leading to the production of dopamine in the adrenal medulla. Experimental models with adrenolectomized animals mimic clinical adrenal insufficiency4, increase the susceptibility to sepsis, and prevent the anti-inflammatory potential of electroacupuncture. Dopamine inhibits cytokine production via dopaminergic type-1 receptors. Dopaminergic D1-agonists suppress systemic inflammation and rescue mice from polymicrobial peritonitis in animals with adrenal insufficiency. Our results suggest a novel anti-inflammatory mechanism mediated by the sciatic and the vagus nerves modulating the production of catecholamines in the adrenal glands. From a pharmacological perspective, selective dopaminergic agonists mimic the anti-inflammatory potential of electroacupuncture and can provide therapeutic advantages to control inflammation in infectious and inflammatory disorders.

Neuronal stimulation is an emerging field in modern medicine to control organ function and reestablish physiological homeostasis during illness. Transdermal nerve stimulation with electroacupuncture is currently endorsed by the WHO, the NIH, and is used by millions of people to control pain and inflammation. Recent advances in electroacupuncture might allow the activation of specific neuronal networks to prevent organ damage in inflammatory and infectious disorders. Experimental studies of nerve stimulation are also providing new information on the functional organization of the nervous system to control inflammation and its clinical implications in infectious and inflammatory disorders. These studies might allow the design of novel non-invasive techniques for nerve stimulation to help control immune and organ functions.

Electrical vagus nerve (VN) stimulation during sepsis attenuates tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, which depends on the integrity of the VN and catecholamine production. To characterize the effect of electroacupuncture at ST36 (EA-ST36) on serum TNF, IL-6, nitrite, and HMGB1 levels and survival rates, based on VN integrity and catecholamine production, a sepsis model was induced in rats using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The septic rats were subsequently treated with EA-ST36 (CLP+ST36), and serum samples were collected and analyzed for cytokines levels. The serum TNF, IL-6, nitrite, and HMGB1 levels in the CLP+ST36 group were significantly lower compared with the group without treatment, the survival rates were significantly higher (P < 0.05), and the acute organ injury induced by CLP was mitigated by EA-ST36; however, when subdiaphragmatic vagotomy was performed, the serum levels of TNF in the CLP+ST36 group did not show a significant difference compared with the group without electrostimulation, and, similarly, no significant difference in serum TNF levels was found under the pharmacological blockade of catecholamines. These results suggest that in rats with CLP sepsis models EA-ST36 reduces serum TNF levels through VN- and atecholamine-dependent mechanisms.

The cardiovascular system is a complex and well-organized system in which glycosylation plays a vital role. The heart and vascular wall cells are constituted by an array of specific receptors; most of them are N- glycosylated and mucin-type O-glycosylated. There are also intracellular signaling pathways regulated by different post-translational modifications, including O-GlcNAcylation, which promote adequate responses to extracellular stimuli and signaling transduction. Herein, we provide an overview of N-glycosylation and O-glycosylation, including O-GlcNAcylation, and their role at different levels such as reception of signal, signal transduction, and exogenous molecules or agonists, which stimulate the heart and vascular wall cells with effects in different conditions, like the physiological status, ischemia/reperfusion, exercise, or during low-grade inflammation in diabetes and aging. Furthermore, mutations of glycosyltransferases and receptors are associated with development of cardiovascular diseases. The knowledge on glycosylation and its effects could be considered biochemical markers and might be useful as a therapeutic tool to control cardiovascular diseases.

Background Serious games have been used as supportive therapy for traditional rehabilitation. However, most are designed without a systematic process to guide their development from the phases of requirement identification, planning, design, construction, and evaluation, which reflect the lack of adaptation of rehabilitation requirements and thus the patient’s needs. Objective The aim of this study was to propose a conceptual framework with standardized elements for the development of information systems by using a flexible and an adaptable process centered on the patient’s needs and focused on the creation of serious games for physical rehabilitation. Methods The conceptual framework is based on 3 fundamental concepts: (1) user-centered design, which is an iterative design process focused on users and their needs at each phase of the process, (2) generic structural activities of software engineering, which guides the independent development process regardless of the complexity or size of the problem, and (3) gamification elements, which allow the transformation of obstacles into positive and fun reinforcements, thereby encouraging patients in their rehabilitation process. Results We propose a conceptual framework to guide the development of serious games through a systematic process by using an iterative and incremental process applying the phases of context identification, user requirements, planning, design, construction of the interaction devices and video game, and evaluation. Conclusions This proposed framework will provide developers of serious games a systematic process with standardized elements for the development of flexible and adaptable software with a high level of patient commitment, which will effectively contribute to their rehabilitation process.

Vital signs not only reflect essential functions of the human body but also symptoms of a more serious problem within the anatomy; they are well used for physical monitoring, caloric expenditure, and performance before a possible symptom of a massive failure—a great variety of possibilities that together form a first line of basic diagnosis and follow-up on the health and general condition of a person. This review includes a brief theory about fiber optic sensors’ operation and summarizes many research works carried out with them in which their operation and effectiveness are promoted to register some vital sign(s) as a possibility for their use in the medical, health care, and life support fields. The review presents methods and techniques to improve sensitivity in monitoring vital signs, such as the use of doping agents or coatings for optical fiber (OF) that provide stability and resistance to the external factors from which they must be protected in in vivo situations. It has been observed that most of these sensors work with single-mode optical fibers (SMF) in a spectral range of 1550 nm, while only some work in the visible spectrum (Vis); the vast majority, operate through fiber Bragg gratings (FBG), long-period fiber gratings (LPFG), and interferometers. These sensors have brought great advances to the measurement of vital signs, especially with regard to respiratory rate; however, many express the possibility of monitoring other vital signs through mathematical calculations, algorithms, or auxiliary devices. Their advantages due to miniaturization, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and the absence of a power source makes them truly desirable for everyday use at all times.

Dental care to vulnerable population is a pending issue in health policies due to the lack of appropriate and specialized strategies. Children with sensory deficits represent a challenge to professionals in prevention of oral diseases fundamentally due to communication problems. Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted to compare the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) before and after a playful learning intervention in children with hearing impairment between 6 years and 11 years. Study design: Educational strategies were adopted for children with hearing impairment in Mexican Sign Language. The intervention consisted of three meetings explaining topics and activities of preventive content on health and oral hygiene for the children and their tutors. Simplified oral hygiene index was determinate before and after intervention. Results: The mean of OHI-S score was 12% good status before the intervention and 64% after the application of the educational strategy. Conclusion: Teachers and dentists can enhance oral health promotion actions to children with hearing impairment in elementary institution using playful learning interventions.

Objective The present study aimed to assess in vitro the antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity, and the expression of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) of Bexident post topical gel (BP). Materials and Methods The broth dilution test was performed to analyze the antimicrobial activity of BP against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus mutans. Minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) and minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were assessed. Cytotoxic activity was performed by the MTT (tetrazolium dye) method on human gingival fibroblast (HGF), human bone cells (HBC), and human pulp cells (HPC) (from primary cell culture) and HGF-1 from American Type Culture Collection. The expression of PGE2 produced by RAW 264.7 cells was determined by ELISA utilizing an Enzyme Immuno-Assay Kit. Statistical Analysis Shapiro–Wilks normality test and Mann–Whitney U test were performed for all data. Results The MBCs of BP for S. aureus, E. coli, and S. mutans were found at 25, 50, and 12.5%, respectively. The MICs for the same strains were found at 12.5, 25, and 3.125%. The CC50 of BP gel for HBC, HPC, and HGF, and HGF-1 were 12.5 ± 1.09, 0.37 ± 0.02, 0.35 ± 0.02, and 20.4 ± 0.02%, respectively. The levels of expression PGE2 produced by RAW 264.7 cells treated with IL-1β exhibit an inverse dose-dependent effect on the concentrations of BP gel used. Conclusion Our results indicate that the BP gel has a great antibacterial effect, adequate biocompatibility, showing a decrease in the expression of PGE2 on cells with previously induced inflammation. Due to the above, its use as a healing agent after oral surgery seems to be adequate.