Computer-assisted instruction versus inquiry-based learning: The importance of working memory capacity.

The Covid-19 pandemic has led millions of students worldwide to intensify their use of digital education. This massive change is not reflected by the scant scientific research on the effectiveness of methods relying on digital learning compared to other innovative and more popular methods involving face-to-face interactions. Here, we tested the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in Science and Technology compared to inquiry-based learning (IBL), another modern method which, however, requires students to interact with each other in the classroom. Our research also considered socio-cognitive factors-working memory (WM), socioeconomic status (SES), and academic self-concept (ASC)-known to predict academic performance but usually ignored in research on IBL and CAI. Five hundred and nine middle-school students, a fairly high sample size compared with relevant studies, received either IBL or CAI for a period varying from four to ten weeks prior to the Covid-19 events. After controlling for students' prior knowledge and socio-cognitive factors, multilevel modelling showed that CAI was more effective than IBL. Although CAI-related benefits were stable across students' SES and ASC, they were particularly pronounced for those with higher WM capacity. While indicating the need to adapt CAI for students with poorer WM, these findings further justify the use of CAI both in normal times (without excluding other methods) and during pandemic episodes.

A randomized, controlled study of the efficacy and safety of a new eyedrop formulation for moderate to severe dry eye syndrome.

PURPOSE: This study compared the efficacy and safety of hyaluronic acid (HA)-trehalose, a new eyedrop containing trehalose (a natural bioprotectant) and HA, to an established formulation containing only HA. METHODS: This was a phase III, randomized, active-controlled, investigator-masked, multicenter study in France and Tunisia. In all, 105 adult patients (≥18 years) with moderate to severe dry eye disease (DED) received either HA-trehalose (n = 52) or HA (n = 53) 3-6 times per day for 84 days. The primary efficacy variable was the Oxford grading score at day 35. A questionnaire on dry eye and symptoms, Schirmer test, tear break-up time, conjunctival hyperemia, and global performance were assessed as secondary efficacy criteria at baseline, day 35, and day 84. Safety assessments were standard. RESULTS: Noninferiority of HA-trehalose to HA for keratoconjunctivitis sicca assessed by Oxford grading score was demonstrated at day 35. For the secondary efficacy parameters, reductions in dry eye questionnaire classes of none or mild at day 84, dry eye symptoms of stinging, itching, and blurred vision at day 35, and investigator (days 35 and 84) and patient assessments (day 35) of global performance were significantly better for HA-trehalose. There were no clinically meaningful differences between groups for the other secondary criteria. Both treatments were well-tolerated, and there were fewer ocular symptoms upon instillation and fewer adverse events for HA-trehalose than for HA. CONCLUSIONS: Hyaluronic acid-trehalose is effective and safe, with better patient satisfaction, than existing HA-only eyedrops particularly from the first month of treatment, and offers a therapeutic advancement in the treatment of moderate to severe DED.

Effects of rat anti-VEGF antibody in a rat model of corneal graft rejection by topical and subconjunctival routes.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of a rat anti-VEGF antibody, administered either by topical or subconjunctival (SC) routes, on a rat model of corneal transplant rejection. METHODS: Twenty-four rats underwent corneal transplantation and were randomized into four treatment groups (n=6 in each group). G1 and G2 received six SC injections (0.02 ml 10 µg/ml) of denatured (G1) or active (G2) anti-VEGF from Day 0 to Day 21 every third day. G3 and G4 were instilled three times a day with denatured (G3) or active (G4) anti-VEGF drops (10 µg/ml) from Day 0 to Day 21. Corneal mean clinical scores (MCSs) of edema (E), transparency (T), and neovessels (nv) were recorded at Days 3, 9, 15, and 21. Quantification of neovessels was performed after lectin staining of vessels on flat mounted corneas. RESULTS: Twenty-one days after surgery, MCSs differed significantly between G1 and G2, but not between G3 and G4, and the rejection rate was significantly reduced in rats receiving active antibodies regardless of the route of administration (G2=50%, G4=66.65% versus G1 and G3=100%; p<0.05). The mean surfaces of neovessels were significantly reduced in groups treated with active anti-VEGF (G2, G4). However, anti-VEGF therapy did not completely suppress corneal neovessels. CONCLUSIONS: Specific rat anti-VEGF antibodies significantly reduced neovascularization and subsequent corneal graft rejection. The SC administration of the anti-VEGF antibody was more effective than topical instillation.