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Personalized education approach based on cognitive psychology for endoscopic diagnosis: A multicenter randomized trial
The learning curve for endoscopic diagnosis varies, and an optimal educational strategy is not available. Working memory (WM) refers to an individual’s ability to store and process information quickly and simultaneously. This study aimed to determine whether educational methods, optimized by individual WM, facilitate learning about endoscopic diagnoses. In the development phase, the standard WM profile for general endoscopists was determined by 79 endoscopists. In the validation phase, 60 trainees from four Japanese institutions were assessed for visuospatial or verbal WM dominance, based on the standard WM profile, and randomly assigned to receive matched (Matched-E group) or unmatched (Unmatched-E group) education. In the Matched-E group, the visuospatial and verbal WM-dominant trainees learned the endoscopic diagnosis of colorectal polyps by pattern recognition and through the description text of narrow-band imaging classification, respectively. In the Unmatched-E group, participants received education that was opposite to their dominant WM type. The diagnostic accuracy of the endoscopic diagnosis of colorectal polyps was compared between the groups after each educational session. Among the 60 trainees, 40 (21 in Matched-E and 19 in Unmatched-E) completed the validation test. The diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher in the Matched-E group than that in the Unmatched-E group (61.6% vs. 53.9%, P = 0.008). The diagnostic accuracy for non-neoplastic lesions was higher in the Matched-E group than that in the Unmatched-E group (68.0% vs. 48.4%, P = 0.002), whereas it did not differ for adenoma, intramucosal cancer, or invasive cancer. The personalized education based on the WM profile facilitated learning endoscopic diagnosis.
Optimization of skeleton structure discrimination standard for SMA-13 mixture based on high-temperature performance
The stone–on–stone contact-interlocked skeleton structure of stone mastic asphalt (SMA) mixtures is crucial for the effective design of the mixture. However, existing skeleton structure discrimination standard (VCAmix < VCADRC) for SMA mixture gradation design is proven to necessitate calibration. To address this, a method was developed to analyse the influence of structural parameters on the high-temperature performance of SMA-13 mixture. And a skeleton structure discrimination standard for the SMA mixture was proposed and subsequently verified through the high-temperature performance of the SMA-13 mixture. The results indicate that variations in testing methods, compaction efforts, and coarse aggregate breakage lead to discrepancies between the key parameters VCADRC and VCAmix when evaluating the skeleton structure discrimination standard for SMA mixtures. Therefore, a volume method was introduced to the VCAmix expression, calculating it using the volume of the cylindrical specimen compacted by the VTM method. Additionally, the VCAmix < 0.95VCADRC(n=25) is recommended as the skeleton structure discrimination standard for SMA mixture gradation design. Which exhibited more prominent high-temperature performance (8% higher shear strength and 15% greater dynamic stability) than the SMA mixtures designed using VCAmix < VCADRC(n=25) as the skeleton structure discrimination standard.
A non-destructive evaluation strategy for surface weathering degree of limestone cultural relics in Zhejiang, China
In order to fully assess the protection of Limestone cultural relics from all forms of deterioration in Zhejiang Province, this study explored the relationship between the strength, longitudinal wave velocity and water absorption of limestone surface through indoor and field tests, and obtained a set of scientific evaluation methods for evaluating the surface weathering degree of limestone cultural relics. The results show: the surface layer strength of limestone and water absorption, longitudinal wave velocity and water absorption have obvious laws, good fitting effect, all have strong negative correlation; the humidity environment has a greater effect on the water absorption of limestone surface layer, the lower the humidity of the test environment, the more obvious the pattern between the strength of limestone surface layer, longitudinal wave velocity and water absorption. The study of water absorption on rock surfaces concluded that water absorption is closely related to the degree of weathering, which plays an important role in the further conservation of limestone cultural relics.
Development and application of chlorine-free antifreeze and dust suppression agent for transportation pavement of surface coal mines in Alpine areas
Truck transportation pathways in surface coal mining operations are significant sources of dust emissions. Currently, water sprinkling and aqueous dust suppressants are commonly used on haul roads in surface coal mines. However, in the alpine regions of northern China, this practice poses serious safety risks due to road surface freezing. Addressing the conflict between effective dust suppression and the risk of icing on haul roads presents a significant practical challenge. To overcome this issue, a chlorine-free antifreeze dust suppressant was developed through a systematic process involving dust characterization, monomer screening, orthogonal formulation design, performance testing, and field validation. The investigation identified sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, glycerol, polyacrylamide complexed with ethylene glycol, potassium acetate, and potassium formate as the optimal monomer materials. The dust suppressant shows minimal corrosiveness, resistance to wind erosion and evaporation, and has a freezing point of – 35.3°C, representing a substantial improvement over traditional water and aqueous dust suppression methods. Field testing demonstrated that the formulated chlorine-free antifreeze dust suppressant extended effective dust suppression duration to 8 days. Moreover, the economic costs associated with its application were deemed low. These findings emphasized the efficacy and practical utility of the chlorine-free antifreeze dust suppressant for mitigating dust emissions along transportation routes within alpine open pit coal mines.
Stereodivergent Synthesis of Enantioenriched Organoboron Compounds with Carbon/Boron Dual Stereocenters via Rh(I)/Cu(I)-Catalyzed Enantioselective Desymmetrization of B–H Insertions
Association of CSF visinin-like protein 1 levels with cerebral glucose metabolism among older adults
Background CSF visinin-like protein 1 (VILIP-1) levels have exhibited potential utility as a marker of neuronal damage and are increased in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The levels of CSF VILIP-1 have been associated with memory decline and hippocampal atrophy, while no studies have investigated the association between CSF VILIP-1 levels and cerebral glucose metabolism among older adults. Methods Study participants had available baseline CSF VILIP-1 data and more than two assessments of 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ([18F] FDG-PET) brain imaging. Linear mixed-effects models were used to examine the association between baseline CSF VILIP-1 levels and longitudinal changes in FDG-PET over time. Models were performed separately for the cognitively unimpaired (CU) and cognitively impaired (CI) participants. Results Among CU older adults, higher CSF VILIP-1 levels were marginally associated with a faster reduction in cerebral glucose metabolism. In CI older adults, CSF VILIP-1 levels were significantly associated with a faster reduction in cerebral glucose metabolism. Conclusion These results provide novel insights into the relationship between neuronal injury and cerebral glucose metabolism, highlighting the potential of CSF VILIP-1 as a biomarker for monitoring and predicting the progression of neurodegenerative processes.
Correction: Potential blood biomarkers that can be used as prognosticators of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Canada’s 2025 AMR priority pathogens: Evidence-based ranking and public health implications
Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health threat that undermines the effectiveness of treatments and the sustainability of health systems. In 2015, Canada published its first AMR pathogen prioritization list, which laid the foundation for the Canadian Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (CARSS). Since then, evolving resistance patterns, newly emerging pathogens, and enhanced surveillance capacity have prompted a comprehensive update to identify the most pressing AMR threats in the Canadian context. Objective To undertake a systematic and reproducible prioritization process, leveraging nationally representative Canadian data, and to identify the most pressing AMR threats. This risk prioritization aims to inform surveillance strategies, which then lends itself to infection prevention and control measures, stewardship initiatives, and research and innovation directions. Methods A total of 155 pathogens identified as potential threats to Canadians were assessed to determine whether AMR posed a significant concern. Pathogens selected for further evaluation underwent a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) using Canadian data from 2017 to 2022. Nine prioritization criteria, including health equity introduced for the first time, were used to evaluate and rank pathogens based on their risk to public health. Weights were assigned to each criterion, informed by expert consensus, to reflect their relative importance. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to test the robustness of the rankings under different weighting scenarios, ensuring the reliability of the top-ranked AMR pathogens in Canada. Results Twenty-nine AMR pathogens were ascertained as significant risks to Canadians and categorized into four tiers based on incidence, treatability, transmission, and health equity. Tier 1 pathogens, including Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, Candida auris, Drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Drug-resistant Shigella spp., pose the highest risk due to limited treatment options, potentially higher morbidity and mortality, and disproportionate impacts on marginalized populations. The prioritization of N. gonorrhea and Drug-resistant Shigella spp. along with the inclusion of Mycoplasma genitalium in Tier 2 highlight growing concerns in sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These findings underscore the need for continued enhanced surveillance, targeted interventions, and a health equity lens in AMR prioritization. Conclusion This updated prioritization provides a robust, equity-informed framework to guide AMR surveillance and responses in Canada. It identifies high-impact pathogens and surveillance areas, offering a strategic tool to support public health action and research.