Optech (Canada)

Background: Chronic pain affects ~20–30% of adults and is increasingly viewed as a disease entity (ICD-11). Low-grade systemic inflammation and central sensitization are key mechanisms; therefore, lifestyle measures such as an anti-inflammatory dietary pattern and regular physical activity may modulate pain-related pathways. Aim: To summarize evidence on anti-inflammatory diet and physical activity in chronic pain, focusing on clinical trials and systematic reviews. Methods: Narrative review of PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar (to November 2025) using terms related to chronic pain, anti-inflammatory/Mediterranean diet, Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), fibromyalgia, low back pain, osteoarthritis, and exercise therapy. Priority was given to randomized trials, cohort studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses in adults. Results: Higher-quality anti-inflammatory diets rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, plant proteins and omega-3 fatty acids are associated with lower inflammatory burden and modest improvements in pain and quality of life in non-cancer chronic pain (e.g., rheumatic pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain). Pro-inflammatory DII scores correlate with greater systemic inflammation and poorer health status. Meta-analyses also support benefits of aerobic and resistance training, motor-control exercise, walking and aquatic exercise for reducing pain and improving function and quality of life, particularly in chronic low back pain and fibromyalgia. Combined programs integrating diet, exercise and education appear especially promising. Conclusions: Anti-inflammatory diet and regular physical activity are complementary, important components of non-pharmacological chronic pain management, but more high-quality randomized trials are needed to test integrated, phenotype-informed lifestyle interventions and account for psychosocial factors.

Abstract Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative joint disease impairing mobility and quality of life, especially in the elderly. Conventional treatments often fail to address its multifactorial nature. This study explores invasive laser acupuncture integrated with electroacupuncture, delivering precise and minimally invasive multimodal stimulation. A randomized, sham-controlled, assessor-blinded, pilot sized clinical trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of laser acupuncture combined with electroacupuncture in 45 KOA patients. Participants will be assigned to one of three groups: (1) 650 nm laser with electroacupuncture, (2) 830 nm laser with electroacupuncture, or (3) sham laser with sham electroacupuncture. Treatments occur twice weekly for four weeks. Primary outcome: pain reduction (VAS). Secondary outcomes: functional improvement (KOOS), quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), and safety. Of 45 randomized patients, 43 completed the trial. At week 5, VAS at rest decreased from 62.5 ± 11.3 to 32.7 ± 15.6 in the 650-nm group, 59.7 ± 8.6 to 30.5 ± 23.0 in the 830-nm group, and 66.9 ± 10.3 to 41.9 ± 20.5 in the control group. VAS during activity decreased from 68.7 ± 8.7 to 32.8 ± 14.6, 67.8 ± 7.6 to 31.4 ± 22.0, and 69.3 ± 10.2 to 43.8 ± 20.6, respectively. KOOS improved to 84.7 ± 19.5 (650 nm) and 83.3 ± 25.5 (830 nm) but not in controls (91.1 ± 21.1). EQ-5D scores improved slightly but without significance. PGA rose to 6.7 ± 1.1 (650 nm), 7.1 ± 1.5 (830 nm), and 6.8 ± 1.0 (control). No serious adverse events occurred; mild bruising was the most common event. This pilot-sized trial proposes an innovative, patient-centered approach to KOA management, potentially reducing reliance on medications and invasive procedures. And is a cornerstone to larger clinical trials. Trial Registration: CRIS PRE20231022-003.

The initial invasion of tumors requires a transition from a solid, jammed state to a fluid‐like, flocking, unjammed state that enables collective migration. Here, we show that de novo gene transcription is essential for the emergence of flocking in epithelial tissues and identify connexins (Cx) as key mediators of this transition. Using quiescent HaCaT keratinocytes, tumorigenic A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells, primary bronchial epithelial explants, and vocal fold carcinoma (VFC) cells, we find that flocking induction depends on transcriptional programs activated downstream of epidermal growth factor (EGF). EGF stimulation upregulates Cx26 and Cx31 and enhances gap‐junctional intercellular communication (GJIC), which is necessary—though not sufficient—to generate the large‐scale cell‐volume fluctuations and density heterogeneity that accompany unjamming. Sustained signaling through extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and AKT serine/threonine kinase (AKT) downstream of the EGF receptor (EGFR) is required for connexin induction, linking mechanical state transitions to extracellular cues. Pharmacological inhibition and CRISPR‐Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats–CRISPR associated protein 9) knockout of connexins block unjamming and collective motility. VFC cells display constitutively elevated connexins and persistent flocking that is highly sensitive to connexin inhibition. Consistently, high Cx26 expression correlates with reduced survival across carcinomas. These findings reveal a transcriptionally controlled, connexin‐dependent mechanism that enables tissue fluidization and collective invasion.

Procesaleduca.com es una plataforma educativa con un enfoque innovador destinada a optimizar la enseñanza del Derecho Procesal, proporcionando diversas actividades y recursos diseñados para mejorar el aprendizaje tanto para estudiantes como para docentes. Esta plataforma contiene materiales didácticos especializados y herramientas que facilitan la comprensión de los contenidos previstos en las asignaturas procesales, promoviendo una formación académica desde una perspectiva dinámica y adaptada a las nuevas exigencias de la educación universitaria de la actualidad.

Critical care monitoring relies on intermittent laboratory biomarker measurements at 6 to 24 hour intervals, creating blind spots during which organ dysfunction progresses undetected. We present the Kunche Adaptive Estimator (KAE), the first reliability adaptive Kalman filtering framework enabling continuous multi-biomarker trajectory monitoring through autonomous adjustment of measurement noise covariance based on real-time sensor reliability metrics. The KAE employs three innovations: inverse reliability scaling R(t) = R0/r(t) for measurement noise adaptation, innovation based adaptive process noise Q(t) = Q0(1 + β·v(t)) for clinical regime change detection, and missing data handling via R = ∞ enabling prediction only updates without special case logic. Comprehensive validation across 12 critical biomarkers spanning cardiac (troponin, sST2), pulmonary (pO2, pCO2, pH), renal (NGAL, cystatin-C), hepatic (ammonia), immune (procalcitonin, IL-6), metabolic (lactate), and stress (copeptin) systems through 144,000 Monte Carlo simulations demonstrates exceptional performance. All biomarkers achieve greater than 90% correlation with ground truth, with 7 exceeding 99% correlation. Comparative analysis shows 30% RMSE reduction versus standard Kalman filtering, 24% versus Extended Kalman Filter, and 34% versus Particle Filter (p < 0.001). Detection latency averages 6 to 11 minutes for critical events versus 12 to 19 minutes for baseline methods, enabling 6 to 12 hour earlier clinical intervention.

This contribution presented a detailed thermodynamic analysis and numerical optimization of auto-thermal oxidative steam reforming (ATR/OSR) of a typical bio-oil under various operating conditions. The objective was to achieve an H 2 /CO ratio of 2.15 while maximizing the generation of syngas and avoiding carbon formation. A thermodynamic equilibrium model coupled with response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to assess the effect of various operating parameters, including temperature, steam-to-bio-oil molar ratio, and equivalence ratio (ER), on the product distribution and syngas quality. The optimal condition was identified under an ER of 0.3, a steam-to-bio-oil molar ratio of 1.01, and an operating temperature of 924 K, yielding carbon-free syngas with H 2 /CO = 2.15, and a total syngas yield of 1.33 mol/mol C . A comparison of the optimum points with prior works validates the consistency of the thermodynamic and experimental data and highlights the feasibility of the proposed concept. This work therefore demonstrates a practical, carbon-negative, and energy-neutral route to generate FTS-ready syngas directly from bio-oil under moderate conditions. • A thermodynamic equilibrium model of real bio-oil was developed for auto-thermal oxidative steam reforming (ATR/OSR). • Multi-objective optimization via RSM determined the optimum at ER = 0.30, S/C = 1.01, and T = 924 K. • Maximum syngas yield of 1.33 mol.mol C −1 and a syngas ratio of H 2 /CO = 2.15 was attained under optimum conditions. • The process operated under thermoneutral conditions (ΔH ≈ 0 kJ mol −1 ) with zero carbon formation. • The study proposes a sustainable route to generate FTS-ready syngas from bio-oil without extra units.

El presente artículo parte de la constatación de que la administración de justicia en el Ecuador, a pesar de ser un pilar esencial para garantizar los derechos y la vigencia del orden democrático, enfrenta graves limitaciones vinculadas a la corrupción, la injerencia política y la falta de mecanismos objetivos que aseguren la probidad e idoneidad de jueces y autoridades judiciales. Este problema ha generado una pérdida progresiva de confianza ciudadana en las instituciones judiciales. El objetivo de la investigación fue examinar el marco normativo ecuatoriano que regula la Función Judicial, identificar las principales debilidades en la aplicación de los principios de transparencia, imparcialidad e independencia, y contrastarlas con experiencias internacionales exitosas. Metodológicamente, se aplicó un enfoque cualitativo, de carácter descriptivo y comparativo, sustentado en la revisión documental de normas constitucionales, legales y reglamentarias, doctrina especializada y modelos extranjeros de administración de justicia. Los resultados muestran que, aunque el ordenamiento jurídico ecuatoriano consagra expresamente dichos principios, su aplicación práctica se encuentra debilitada por deficiencias estructurales en los procesos de selección, control y rendición de cuentas. La comparación con Finlandia y Suiza evidencia que la consolidación de una justicia ética y transparente requiere meritocracia en el acceso, formación continua, comités de ética y mecanismos eficaces de supervisión. Se concluye que fortalecer la institucionalidad judicial en Ecuador demanda transformar los procesos de selección y evaluación de los operadores de justicia, desarrollar indicadores objetivos de probidad y fomentar una cultura ética que permita recuperar la credibilidad del sistema. Abstract This article begins with the recognition that the administration of justice in Ecuador, although a cornerstone for guaranteeing rights and sustaining the democratic order, faces serious challenges related to corruption, political interference, and the absence of objective mechanisms to ensure the integrity and suitability of judges and judicial authorities. These shortcomings have progressively undermined public trust in judicial institutions. The aim of this research was to examine the Ecuadorian legal framework governing the Judicial Branch, identify the main weaknesses in the application of the principles of transparency, impartiality, and independence, and contrast them with successful international experiences. Methodologically, the study adopted a qualitative, descriptive, and comparative approach, based on a documentary review of constitutional, legal, and regulatory provisions, specialized doctrine, and foreign models of justice administration. The results show that, although the Ecuadorian legal system expressly enshrines these principles, their practical implementation is weakened by structural deficiencies in selection, oversight, and accountability processes. The comparison with Finland and Switzerland demonstrates that consolidating an ethical and transparent justice system requires meritocracy in access, continuous training, ethics committees, and effective supervisory mechanisms. It is concluded that strengthening judicial institutions in Ecuador demands reforming the processes of selection and evaluation of justice operators, developing objective integrity indicators, and fostering an ethical culture that can restore credibility in the system.