Science centres as sites for learning : the case of a Greek environmental centre

Given the lack of exploratory orientation of science education in most of the Mediterranean countries, Science Centres could enrich our efforts to teach the investigative nature of science more effectively. This study aims at presenting a grid for analyzing the pedagogical implications of the exhibits’ design in a science centre. The construction of the grid is based on the theoretical notions of classification, formality and framing. The representational modes employed in a science centre (e.g. written language, formatting and layout of written text, twoand three-dimensional representations, lighting, etc) contribute to the modulation of the levels of classification, formality and framing. In order to illustrate the potential of the grid, we used it to analyze some of the exhibits of the ‘Gaia’ Environmental Centre in Greece. The results demonstrated that science is presented as a specialized body of knowledge (strong classification), in this case, expressed in vernacular and realistic codes (low formality) and consisting of elements that can be discovered through active personal involvement (weak framing). These results show that the design of a science centres’ exhibits can potentially allow students to have access to the cognitive landscape of the specialized scientific knowledge by removing the barriers of the specialized expressive codes and by treating them as active explorers.peer-reviewe

Predictors of colorectal cancer screening awareness among people working in a hospital environment

Abstract Background Compliance rates for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening are much lower than those desired. Appropriate information on CRC risks and screening methods is supposed to stimulate motivation for screening. We aimed to identify parameters associated with the decision for CRC screening and colonoscopy in a population expected to have high awareness of disease prevention

Incidence of central retinal artery occlusion peaks in winter season

IntroductionStroke incidence exhibits seasonal trends, with the highest occurrences observed during winter. This study investigates the incidence of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), a stroke equivalent of the retina, and explores its monthly and seasonal variations, as well as potential associations with weather and ambient air pollutants.MethodsA retrospective search of medical records spanning 15 years (January 2008–December 2022) was conducted at the University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Germany, focusing on diagnosed cases of CRAO. Incidences were evaluated on a monthly and seasonal basis (winter, spring, summer, fall). Weather data (temperature, precipitation, atmospheric pressure) and concentrations of ambient air pollutants [fine particulate matter (PM2.5), coarse particulate matter (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3)], were analyzed for a potential association with CRAO incidence.ResultsOut of 432 patients diagnosed with CRAO between 2008 and 2022, significantly varying incidences were observed monthly (p = 0.025) and seasonally (p = 0.008). The highest rates were recorded in February and winter, with the lowest rates in June and summer. Concentrations of NO2, PM2.5 and lower ambient air temperature (average, minimum, maximum) showed significant correlations with CRAO incidence.DiscussionThis comprehensive 15-year analysis reveals a pronounced winter peak in CRAO incidence, with the lowest occurrences in summer. Potential associations between CRAO incidence and ambient air pollutants and temperature underscore the importance of considering seasonal trends and call for further investigations to elucidate contributing factors, potentially leading to targeted preventive strategies and public health interventions

Clinical epidemiology, treatment and prognostic factors of extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients

Limited data exist regarding prognostic factors and optimal antimicrobial treatment of infections caused by extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (XDR-AB). This retrospective cohort study included 93 adult patients who developed ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) due to XDR-AB in the ICU of the University Hospital of Heraklion, Greece, from October 2012 to April 2015. XDR-AB isolates were mainly susceptible to colistin (93.5%) and tigecycline (25.8%), whereas 6 (6.5%) were pandrug-resistant. Prior to infection, patients had long durations of mechanical ventilation and hospital stay and multiple exposures to antibiotics. Median Charlson co-morbidity and APACHE II scores were 2 and 17, respectively. Mortality at 28 days of infection onset was high (34.4%) despite high rates of in-vitro-active empirical (81.7%) and definitive (90.3%) treatment. Active colistin-based combination therapy (n = 55) and monotherapy (n = 29) groups had similar 28-day mortality (27.6% vs. 30.9%, respectively) and Kaplan–Meier survival estimates over time. In multivariable Cox regression, advanced age (aHR = 1.05 per year increase, 95% CI 1.02–1.09), rapidly fatal underlying disease (aHR = 2.64, 95% CI 0.98–9.17) and APACHE II score (aHR = 1.06 per unit increase, 95% CI 0.99–1.14) were identified as independent predictors of 28-day mortality, but no difference in mortality hazards between the active colistin-based combination therapy and monotherapy groups was produced (aHR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.35–2.38). These results support the use of colistin as a first-line agent against VAP in settings where XDR-AB is endemic, but oppose the introduction of colistin-based combination therapy as standard treatment

Treatment of choroidal neovascularization with anti-VEGF inhibitors. Long-term results and prognostic factors.

Die intravitreale Therapie mit VEGF-Inhibitoren hat zu fundamentalen Veränderungen der Behandlungsstrategien in der Augenheilkunde geführt. Es scheint, dass die VEGF-Inhibitoren langsam an die Stelle palliativer oder wirkungsärmerer Behandlungen der Vergangenheit treten. Ziel unserer Arbeit ist die Wirkung (Visusveränderung und Veränderung der zentralen Netzhauthöhe (CRT)) der beiden wichtigsten VEGF-Inhibitoren Bevacizumab und Ranibizumab bei choroidalen Neovaskularisationen (CNV) der Makula zu untersuchen sowie deren Wirkung miteinander zu vergleichen. Für die größte Gruppe der CNV bei der altersbedingten Makuladegeneration sollen außerdem prognostische Faktoren für einen Visusgewinn identifiziert werden. Zusätzlich wird die Wirkung von Bevacizumab bei choroidalen Neovaskularisationen (CNV) sekundär zu Angioid Streaks, Myopie oder idiopathischen Membranen untersucht. Bei den AMD-Gruppen konnten beide VEGF-Inhibitoren eine Stabilisierung der Sehschärfe nach 1 Jahr erreichen. Nach 2 Jahren kam es jedoch zu einer signifikanten Sehschärfeverschlechterung. In Bezug auf die CRT zeigte sich eine signifikante Abnahme des Makulaödems nach einem sowie nach zwei Jahren. Der Vergleich der beiden Medikamente miteinander ergab keinen signifikanten Unterschied. Als unabhängiger prognostischer Faktor für den Visusgewinn konnte bei beiden Medikamenten der Sehschärfegewinn nach den ersten 3 Monaten identifiziert werden, und zwar profitieren von der Therapie diejenigen Augen, die zu diesem Zeitpunkt einen positiven Effekt nachweisen konnten. Anders ausgedrückt werden die Augen, die nach 3 Monaten keine Verbesserung gezeigt haben als „non responder“ bezeichnet. Bei diesen Augen ist auch langfristig mit einer Sehverschlechterung zu rechnen. Bei allen weiteren Gruppen d.h CNV bei Angiod Streaks, Myopie und bei idiopathischen Membranen konnte durch die Behandlung mit Bevacizumab eine Stabilisierung nach 1 Jahr erreicht werden. Zusammenfassend ist die Therapie mit beiden VEGF-Inhibitoren (Bevacizumab und Ranibizumab) eine vergleichbare vielversprechende Therapieoption zur Behandlung der CNV bei o.g Erkrankungen. Weitere Studien sind notwendig, um alternative Therapieverfahren für diejenigen Augen, die auf die anti-VEGF–Inhibitoren nicht ansprechen, zu finden.The intravitreal therapy with VEGF-inhibitors has led to fundamental changes in treatment strategies in ophthalmology. It seems that the VEGF- inhibitors are slowly taking the place of effective palliative or poorer treatment of the past. The aim of our Study is to examine the effect (visual acuity (VA) change and change of the central retina thickness (CRT)) of the two major VEGF-inhibitors Bevacizumab and Ranibizumab for the choroidal neovascularization (CNV) of the Makula and compare the effect of each other. By the largest group of CNV in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are also prognostic factors for the VA-gain identified. In addition, the effect of bevacizumab in choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to angioid streaks, myopia or idiopathic membranes is examined. In the AMD-group achieved both VEGF-inhibitors a stabilization of VA after 1 year. After 2 years however, there was a significant deterioration in VA. The CRT showed a significant decrease after one and two years respectively. The comparison of the two drugs showed no significant difference with each other. As an independent prognostic factor for the total VA-gain could be identified for both drugs the VA-gain after the first 3 months. These eyes that benefit from the therapy on that date, are further going to demonstrate a long term positive effect. In other words, the eyes which have shown no improvement after 3 months are referred to as "non responders". In these eyes is being a further loss of VA expected. In the other groups of CNV (Angiod streaks, myopia and idiopathic membranes) led Bevacizumab to a stabilization of the VA after 1 year of treatment. In conclusion are both VEGF-inhibitors (Bevacizumab and Ranibizumab) a similar promising therapeutic option for the treatment of CNV in these diseases. Other alternative therapeutic options should also be identified for those eyes that do not respond to anti-VEGF-inhibitors