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The research that studies the improvement of elementary school students' science knowledge and the development of elementary students' abilities to use the scientific and engineering practices is restricted. The purpose of this research is to study the effects of an instructional intervention on the knowledge of the students of elementary school about electromagnets and their abilities to design science investigations. Instructional material about electromagnets was developed, based on an inquiry-based approach using the scientific and engineering practices, which was applied to 76 students of elementary school (12 years old). To evaluate the students' knowledge of electromagnets as well as their abilities to design science investigations, a questionnaire was developed which was completed by the students both before and after the instructional intervention. The data of the research were the answers of the students to the questionnaires. The data analysis showed that the students' knowledge about electromagnets as well as their abilities to design science investigations was improved, through the instructional intervention for electromagnets.

The present questionnaire-based study examines Greek teachers' views and attitudes towards drama-based activities in primary education classrooms when conducting Environmental Education programs. More specifically, 330 teachers provided information about (i) how the development of drama-based activities in the classroom facilitates the effective attainment of Environmental Education objectives, (ii) the expected cognitive and socio-affective benefits for the students, and (iii) their suggestions for improvements when they assess the students' professional performance during drama-based activities. The results of the study show that, when Environmental Education is based on drama activities, it has a significant impact on students. Teachers believe that it increases resourcefulness, generates deeper understanding, empathy, willingness to participate in social actions, sharing responsibility and commitment, as well as sensitivity. However, the research shows that teachers need to be well trained, sufficiently motivated, inspired, and supported if drama-based activities in Environmental Education are expected to have the above-mentioned impact.

Background: Around 5%–7% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women younger than 40, making it the leading cause of female cancer in the 25- to 39-year-old age group. Unfortunately, young age at diagnosis is linked to a more aggressive tumor biology and a worse clinical outcome. The identification of the mutational landscape of breast cancer in this age group could optimize the management. Methods: We performed NGS analysis in paraffin blocks and blood samples of 32 young patients with breast cancer [<40 years] and 90 older patients during the period 2019 through 2021. All patients were treated in a single institution at the Oncology Department of "Alexandra" Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, Greece. Results: Breast tumors were characterized more frequently by HER2 overexpression [25% vs 18.9%], higher ki67 levels [75% vs 61%] and lower differentiation [71.9% vs 60%] in the younger group. PIK3CA [6/20; 30%] and TP53 [6/20; 30%] were the most frequent pathogenic somatic mutations identified in young patients, while one case of BRCA2 somatic mutation [1/20; 5%] and one case of PTEN somatic mutation [1/20; 5%] were also identified. PIK3CA mutations [16/50; 32%] and TP53 mutations [20/50; 40%] were the most common somatic mutations identified in older patients, however other somatic mutations were also reported (ATM, AKT, CHEK2, NRAS, CDKN2A, PTEN, NF1, RB1, FGFR1, ERBB2). As for germline mutations, CHEK2 [3/25; 12%] was the most common pathogenic germline mutation in younger patients followed by BRCA1 [2/25; 8%]. Of note, CHEK2 germline mutations were identified less frequently in older patients [2/61; 3%] among others [BRCA1 (2/61; 3%), ATM (2/61; 3%), APC (1/61; 1,6%) and BRCA2 (1/61; 1,6%)]. Conclusion: We here report the mutational profile identified via NGS in patients with early-onset breast cancer compared to their older counterparts. Although the sample size is small and no statistically significant differences were detected, we highlight the need of genetic testing to most patients in this subgroup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Aortoenteric fistulas are a rare but often fatal cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. Operative repair has been historically associated with extremely high morbidity and mortality. From the literature and our own experience, the mean overall length of stay for patients who are successfully discharged from the hospital appears to be more than 15 days, and oral feeding is frequently delayed. Possibilities of nutritional intervention in vascular surgery patients are important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of parenteral nutrition in patients treated for aortoenteric fistulas. Methods: The records of all patients admitted to the Department of Vascular Surgery with AEFs during the last three years (2007-2009) were reviewed and analysed. Results: During the last three years, five patients were admitted to the Department of Vascular Surgery with AEFs. Their mean age was 55.8 years (range 49-67). Four patients were male and one was female. The mean body mass index was 28.6 kg/m2 (range 25 to 33.2). The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool score showed a high risk for malnutrition for all the patients. The mean hospital stay was 25.2 days. All five patients were supported with total PN (four central and one peripheral). There were no complications due to PN. Conclusion: Provision of PN support in patients with AEFs may be used without complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on the frequency and management of aortocaval fistulas (ACFs) in our department between 1998 and 2009. Overall frequency of ACFs among ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms was 5.5%. Patients presented with low back pain (92.8%), abdominal tenderness (78.6%), hemorrhagic shock (28.6%), congestive heart failure (21.4%), dyspnea (42.8%), and palpitations (57.1%). The most reliable clinical sign was the presence of palpable pulsating abdominal mass (92.8%). Other clinical findings included increased central venous pressure (21.4%), lower extremity edema (71.4%), hematuria (21.4%), and scrotal edema (14.3%). Diagnosis was established preoperatively in 85.7% and intraoperatively in 14.3% of cases. Surgery was successful in promptly improving clinical signs and symptoms. Mortality rate was 7.1%. After a mean follow-up of 18.5 months, all surviving patients remained free from complications. In conclusion, ACFs represent a life-threatening emergency for vascular surgeons but can be successfully managed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Pediatric oral pathology encompasses a wide clinical spectrum of local and systemic diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of oral soft tissue lesions in Greek children and adolescents up to 18 years old. Data available through a 32 year old period revealed that among the 1040 cases analyzed, benign lesions, mainly cysts, inflammatory lesions and reactive hyperplasias, were the most common causes for seeking dental advice during childhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]