Traditional Examination Methods Research Articles

TRADITIONAL VERSUS OPEN-BOOK EXAMS IN REMOTE COURSE DELIVERY: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Assessment is an essential step in the teaching and learning process. Traditional examination methods (closed-book, time-constrained, invigilated, multiplechoice) prevail in higher education despite support foralternative approaches wherein students construct knowledge through active, authentic activities. A review ofthe scholarly literature focused on merits and limitations of traditional closed-book exams in-person and in anonline, remote course delivery context, as well as benefits, concerns, and considerations of transitioning to open-book exams at a time of upsurge in online learning. Within the dichotomy of traditional versus alterative exam strategies, the literature is inconclusive on shared matters, including student academic integrity, study habits, anxiety, performance, and long-term retention of information.

Application of a Modified Low-Field NMR Method on Methane Adsorption of Medium-Rank Coals

Methane adsorption capacity is an important parameter for coalbed methane (CBM) exploitation and development. Traditional examination methods are mostly time-consuming and could not detect the dynamic processes of adsorption. In this study, a modified low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method that compensates for these shortcomings was used to quantitatively examine the methane adsorption capacity of seven medium-rank coals. Based on the typical T 2 amplitudes obtained from low-field NMR measurement, the volume of adsorbed methane was calculated. The results indicate that the Langmuir volume of seven samples is in a range of 18.9–31.85 m3/t which increases as the coal rank increases. The pore size in range 1-10 nm is the main contributor for gas adsorption in these medium-rank coal samples. Comparing the adsorption isotherms of these coal samples from the modified low-field NMR method and volumetric method, the absolute deviations between these two methods are less than 1.03 m3/t while the relative deviations fall within 4.76%. The absolute deviations and relative deviations decrease as vitrinite reflectance ( R o ) increases from 1.08% to 1.80%. These results show that the modified low-field NMR method is credible to measure the methane adsorption capacity and the precision of this method may be influenced by coal rank.

A survey of student perception and feedback during the COVID-19 lockdown

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate students’ thought processes during this extended COVID-19 lockdown and to ascertain their views about online education, their main current apprehensions and worries, their stress levels, and their view of an eventual post-COVID-19 return to college. Methods: An online survey was conducted on 300 plus students of the PSG College of Pharmacy, India. The survey was split gender-wise and across senior-junior years. Results: Three out of the four groups showed an overall desire to return to college and resume normal operations with reasonable social distancing norms. All the student groups surveyed were extremely keen on resuming practical labs but showed mixed feelings towards resuming traditional examination methods. All the groups showed stress and uncertainty regarding the lockdown. Conclusion: A reasonable picture could be obtained from student feedback and thoughts pertaining to during and after the COVID-19 lockdown. These preliminary findings may help educators formulate appropriate policies to address students’ issues.

Evaluation of undergraduate medical students’ preference to human anatomy practical assessment methodology: a comparison between online and traditional methods

PurposeCOVID 19 pandemic has brought crucial changes in the field of medical education. Ad mist university examinations in India medical schools have switched to online assessment methods to avoid student gatherings. In this context, we conducted online anatomy practical evaluation and we have aimed at quantifying the students’ experience on virtual assessment.MethodsA total of 250 first year MBBS students appeared for online anatomy practical examinations. Immediately after the completion of exams electronic feedback about their experience, in questionnaire format was obtained after getting informed consent. Their feedback was analysed and quantified.ResultsCompleted feedback forms were submitted by 228 students. More than 50% of students favoured online anatomy spotter examinations. Only 32.8% of students were comfortable with soft parts discussion using images. For image based viva voce 61.4%, 80% & 82% of students responded that the features and orientation of osteology, radiology and embryology images, respectively, were good. For surface marking 55% of the participants preferred online verbal evaluation. Finally, more than 60% of the students preferred the conventional over online assessment methods.ConclusionsThe inclination of students’ preference for traditional anatomy examination methods mandates adequate training of both students and teachers for virtual examination. The superiority of conventional anatomy practical examination methods is unbiased but pandemic situations warrant adequate preparedness. In the future the anatomy teaching and evaluation methodology in Indian medical schools have to be drastically reviewed in equivalence with global digitalization.

Перспективы использования фото- и видеоизображений, зафиксированных на электронно-цифровых носителях, в раскрытии и расследовании преступлений

The article under consideration reveals the existing problems of using digital media containing photo and video information. It is concluded that the traditional methods of forensic portrait examination are not always applicable, since a significant part of the images are not suitable for research. Proposals have been developed to improve the use of photo and video images by creating specialized data banks: images of famous persons, images of unknown persons, their anthropometric and functional parameters. It is recommended to improve forensic techniques by studying the dynamic characteristics of a person, individual elements of his appearance. It is recommended to pay attention to the possibilities of anthropometric identification by the anatomical elements of the body, where the dimensions of individual parts of the body are taken as signs, and identification is carried out by their totality. It has been established that the dimensions can be set according to known objects in the frame and according to conventional units, where a separate element is taken as a parameter. It is recommended to actively use the existing experience in recreating the missing elements based on the technologies of subjective portraits. The need for analytical work in order to obtain additional forensic information displayed on the frames is indicated. The possibility of searching and identifying persons by their appearance on the Internet using specialized programs is indicated. It is recommended to pay attention to the digital component of the image, by which it is possible to determine the time and place of shooting, the camera model, the conditions in which the shooting was carried out, and obtaining other information. The conclusion is made about the possibility of conducting research of the situation in the framework of forensic-traceological examination.

The Effectiveness of Triple Fixed-Dose Combination Therapy in the Management of Uncontrolled Arterial Hypertension

The aim of our study was to identify patients with uncontrolled hypertension (UCH) who were resistant to previous antihypertensive therapy (AHT) and to assess the clinical efficacy of the fixed-dose triple combination (FDTC) therapy during 6 months. Methods and Results: The study included 156 patients with UCH. The mean age of patients was 57.81±10.8 years; the average duration of AH was 8.87±5.34 years. According to the questionnaire data, all patients received dual or triple free-combination AHT, but did not reach the target blood pressure (BP) level. After the screening stage, all patients were discontinued from previous therapy and assigned to the FDTC therapy. Patients initially taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (n=96/61.5%) were switched to single-pill triple combination (SPTC) of perindopril, indapamide and amlodipine (Per/Ind/Aml [5mg/1.25mg/5mg]). Patients initially taking angiotensin receptor blockers (n=60/38.5%) were switched to SPTC of telmisartan, hydrochlorothiazide and amlodipine (Tel/HCTZ/Aml [40mg/12.5mg/5mg]). The primary target level for SBP and DBP was <140mmHg and <90mmHg, respectively. With good tolerability of therapy, we aimed for the recommended target level of SBP/DBP (<130mmHg/<80 mmHg). All patients underwent the following examinations: assessment of traditional risk factors, physical examination, clinical and biochemical laboratory methods, 12-lead ECG, echocardiography, pulse contour analysis, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The results of our study showed that the FDTC therapy at the indicated initial doses in patients with UCT made it possible to achieve the primary target BP level in 73.7% of patients after 3 months of treatment. A further increase in SPTC doses made it possible to increase the number of patients (after 6 months of treatment)who achieved the primary goal to 92.3%, and the recommended goal in 82.4% of patients. After 6 months of treatment, against the background of selected doses of SPTC, 7.7% of patients were diagnosed with treatment-resistant hypertension. Conclusion: Markers of UCH are high SBP, DBP, and increased pulse wave velocity, which requires the maximum doses of a full-dose SPTC of antihypertensive drugs (Per/Ind/Aml or Tel/HCTZ/Aml), without wasting time on titration of drug doses.

Abstract IA44: ctDNA in indolent lymphoid cancers treated with targeted therapies

Abstract The use of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in diagnosing and monitoring treatment responses in hematologic malignancies has multiple advantages: (1) ctDNA is noninvasive, allowing for frequent, serial, real-time tracking of multiple tumor clones; (2) ctDNA is highly sensitive for clone-specific genomic aberrations, and may rival traditional minimal residual disease (MRD) methodologies in detecting low-volume disease; and (3) ctDNA “integrates” the tumor genome across multiple body compartments, allowing the detection of emerging resistant clones that would otherwise be missed by single-site biopsies. Since 2014, our group has evaluated the use of ctDNA in patients with hematologic cancers initially as an investigational tool, and more recently as an accredited (ISO15189) hybridization-based NGS panel that can perform sequence variant detection, genome-wide copy number calling, and structural variant detection from ctDNA. In this talk, we will discuss different clinical scenarios and the evolution of ctDNA at our center. Our initial proof-of-concept study was conducted in patients receiving BTK inhibitor (BTKi) and/or BCL2 inhibitor (BCL2i) therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Clinical challenges in this population include response assessment being confounded by BTKi redistribution lymphocytosis, differential compartmental responses to different classes of novel agents, and emergence of resistant clones in disparate disease sites. In our study of CLL, serial samples from 32 patients treated with either ibrutinib (BTKi, n=22) or venetoclax (BCL2i, n=10) were analyzed, including 3 patients who developed RS. Using a bespoke TS panel of 7 commonly mutated genes in CLL (SF3B1, NOTCH1, ATM, TP53, MYD88, KRAS, and BIRC3), somatic mutations comprising 0.1% to 90% of total ctDNA were detected in 25 of 32 (78%) patients. Serial monitoring of MAF was concordant with disease response as determined by CT scans and, importantly, ctDNA was able to “look beyond” the artificial rise in circulating tumor cells caused by BTKi, showing an early and consistent fall in MAF. ctDNA was sensitive to the detection of disease clones in occult body compartments—of 88 serial timepoints assessed by both ctDNA and MNL DNA after the initiation of novel therapy, mutations were found to be detectable only in ctDNA in 18 (20%) timepoints. In 30 timepoints where MRD testing was performed by both ctDNA and high-resolution flow cytometry, there was 100% concordance in results. In a second study, serial ctDNA analyses were performed in a cohort of 24 patients with MCL receiving combination ibrutinib and venetoclax therapy. Using TS and a panel of 42 genes known to be recurrently mutated in MCL, trackable ctDNA mutations were detected in 71% of patients, with baseline MAF ranging from 0.4-60%. Similar to our experience with CLL, dynamic changes in ctDNA closely mirrored tumor responses as determined using traditional staging methods of CT, PET, endoscopy, and bone marrow examination. In one patient, ctDNA started rising several weeks before relapse was evident by traditional MRD methods. A further patient had progression in an occult site (pleura), with acquisition of new CNAs on chromosome 6, including 6p loss. In this patient, these new CNAs were readily identified by LC-WGS of plasma. Finally, in a patient with primary refractory disease, an acquired loss of chromosome 9p was identified in plasma 8 weeks before disease progression was evident on imaging. We have since optimized and validated ctDNA testing for routine use into our diagnostic laboratory NGS workflow and we will discuss recent cases of BTK and BCL2 mutations being readily detectable in patients in early stages of novel agent resistance, facilitating early transition to next-line therapy. In aggressive lymphomas, we will demonstrate the value of ctDNA in detecting CD274(PD-L1)/PDCD1LG2 (PD-L2) copy number abnormalities and structural variants in patients with lymphomas in inaccessible tissue sites, guiding the rational use of checkpoint inhibitors. Other important structural variants that are able to be detected in ctDNA through this methodology are IGH-MYC and IGH-BCL2 translocations, thus allowing rapid categorization of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma as “double-hit” lymphoma. Taken together, these studies underscore the value of ctDNA as a noninvasive, highly sensitive tool for assessment of genomic landscape and tracking clonal dynamics across multiple body compartments in patients with hematologic malignancies. Citation Format: Constantine S. Tam, Piers Blombery. ctDNA in indolent lymphoid cancers treated with targeted therapies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Meeting: Advances in Malignant Lymphoma; 2020 Aug 17-19. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Blood Cancer Discov 2020;1(3_Suppl):Abstract nr IA44.

Redesigning the Paradigms of Clinical Practice for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in the Era of Lockdown for COVID-19: From Tradition to Telesemeiology.

The rise of the COVID-19 pandemic has posed new challenges for health care institutions. Restrictions imposed by local governments worldwide have compromised the mobility of patients and decreased the number of physicians in hospitals. Additional requirements in terms of medical staff security further limited the physical contact of doctors with their patients, thereby questioning the traditional methods of clinical examination. Our institution has developed an organization model to translate the essential clinical services into virtual consultation rooms using a telemedicine interface which is commonly available to patients. We provide examples of clinical activity for a maxillofacial surgery department based on teleconsultation. Our experience is summarized and an organization model is drafted in which outpatient consultation offices are translated into virtual room environments. Clinical examples are provided, demonstrating how each subspecialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery can benefit from virtual examinations. The concept of “telesemeiology” is introduced and a checklist is presented to guide clinicians to perform teleconsultations. This paper is intended to provide an organization model based on telemedicine for maxillofacial surgeons and aims to represent an aid for colleagues who are facing the pandemic in areas where lockdown limits the possibility of a physical examination.

Validity Prediction of Amplitude-Integrated EEG in Early Neuromotor Development Outcomes in High-Risk Neonates.

With the continuous advancement of medical technology, the survival rate of high-risk children is increasing year by year, but the developmental problems that have gradually become apparent in the later stages have a serious impact on the quality of life of children. Amplitude-integrated EEG is an EEG monitoring technology developed for clinical use in newborns in recent years. Therefore, to better detect neuromata development in high-risk children, this study explores the validity prediction of amplitude-integrated EEG in early neuromata development in high-risk children. For 100 high-risk children, amplitude-integrated EEG was used for monitoring, and the exercise scale and validity predictors in the Bailey Infant Development Scale were used to assess whether high-risk children had neurobehavioral abnormalities. The experimental results show that the application of amplitude-integrated EEG can make accurate and effective predictions of early neuromata development outcomes in high-risk children. Compared with traditional neurological examination methods, it has higher sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and consistency in predicting the early neuromata development outcomes of high-risk children. It is suitable for application and promotion in China and has a good application value.

Innovation and Construction of Examination Database of Pharmacology

Abstract: Background: Pharmacology is one of the cornerstones in medical curricula, besides, examination is an effective way to evaluate the teaching quality and student outcome. Objectives: This study was undertaken to demonstrate the examination innovation and construction of online exam questions bank of Pharmacology. Methods: The pharmacological exercises compiled previously were attached with standarded parameters and used as main source of online exam questions bank, the multifaceted parameters of questions were determined for easy to construct test paper. We next sought to apply this new established online exam database to the fourth semester students of nursing and the fifth semester students of clinical medicine. Results: We successfully established an online exam questions bank of 3000 questions containing single choice, multiple choice and true/false and covering all of knowledge points in syllabus. And then, we successfully formed the exam papers from online questions bank abide by the examination syllabus and applied to the fourth semester students of nursing and fifth semester students of clinical medicine. The exam scores were respectively higher than those of sixth semester students of nursing and the seventh semester students of clinical medicine who used traditional examination method last year. Conclusion: These findings indicated that the new established online exam questions bank may better promote the teaching quality and student outcome and lay the foundation for the further implementation of the online exam. Key words: Pharmacology, Exam questions bank database, Exam reform, Clinical medicine, Nursing.

Diagnostic capabilities of a dentist in detecting neoplasms of the oral mucosa

Differential diagnosis of inflammatory diseases, precancerous and early diagnosis of oral mucosal cancer remains relevant both in dentistry and Oncology. The detection rate of advanced forms of oral mucosal cancer is still high. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of oral mucosal diseases is often limited to visual examination, which is subjective in nature, data is difficult to document and subsequently analyze, which leads to both hypo- and hyperdiagnosis of precancerous and cancer. Materials and methods. The article presents the results of the analysis of outpatient records of 78 patients referred to the Samara regional clinical oncological dispensary in the period from 2014 to 2019 with various pathological formations of the oral mucosa. In the control group (41 patients) — the examination was limited to a survey, examination and palpation. In the main group (37 people) — autofluorescence stomatoscopy was added to the standard methods. Re- sults. It was found that complaints were made more often by patients with inflammatory diseases of the OSR. Tumor formations were more often localized on the tongue and had a predominantly exophytic form of growth. After histological examination, signs of inflammation were more often confirmed in the control group — 39 vs 13.5% in the main group, while signs of pre-cancer and cancer were more often detected in the main group —86.5 vs 61% in the control group (p=0.007). The color glow in the main group correlated with the histological examination data. Conclusions. The use of fluorescence stomatoscopy in addition to traditional methods of examination made it possible to reliably and cost-effectively make a differential diagnosis between inflammation, pre- cancerous and cancer, which is important for the appointment of an invasive biopsy procedure and early diagnosis of OSR cancer, or to limit conservative therapy with subsequent dynamic follow-up by a dentist in an outpatient setting. The analysis of the obtained data indicates the need to im- prove the examination algorithms with the inclusion of fluorescent diagnostic methods.

Тактические подходы к хирургической коррекции при послеоперационных осложнениях в аноректальной зоне у детей

Purpose. To improve the results of surgical correction of postoperative complications in children’s anorectal zone. Materials and methods. 58 patients with IB in the anorectal zone during primary and repeated correction of anorectal malformations (ARM), who underwent 137 reconstructive operations, were examined. The diagnostic algorithm consisted of traditional complex methods of clinical, radiological, laboratory examination, including ultrasound, MRI and endoscopic methods of examination. Results and concludians. The analysis of long-term results showed that unreliable primary diagnostics, lack of preoperative preparation, inadequate indications for the choice of surgery method led to the development of software for primary and repeated correction of ARM, which required a large number of repeated operations to treat. At the same time, the causes of the complication were studied, errors were analyzed, indications, terms, accesses, volume and efficiency of the primary operation were optimized, as well as failures leading to the necessity of repeated operations in children. Optimization of tactics, methods of surgical and rehabilitation treatment led to improvement of software results up to 85.6%. The study was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of all participating institutions. Informed consent of the parents of the children was obtained for the study.

Forensic veterinary evaluation of gunshot wounds to a dog’s head based on traditional examination methods and modern imaging techniques

At present, the most common method of analysis of gunshot wounds is necropsy, but modern imaging methods, such as X-ray (RTG) and computed tomography (CT), are gaining in popularity. We conducted an experiment involving shooting at test material from various distances (0 m, 1.5 m, 15 m) with bullets of various calibres in order to obtain characteristic gunshot wounds and compare the utility of the traditional autopsy method and modern imaging methods for forensic veterinary purposes. Then, a digital X-ray and computed tomography scan as well as a necropsy, were performed. The analysis of the results of the experiment with ammunition of different calibres showed that damage caused by a shot from a firearm is correlated with the calibre, initial velocity and kinetic energy of the projectile, as well as the distance from the barrel end to the object being shot. In the 12 cases analysed, 80% of the bullets fired from different distances had sufficient kinetic energy to exit the test material after passing through the tissue. A macroscopic necropsy supplemented by modern imaging methods is the most accurate means of forensic veterinary analysis of gunshot wounds in animals.

The Diagnostic Value of Traditional Nasal Examination Tools in an Endoscopic Era.

As the endoscope has become more common in the otolaryngologist's office, there is a need to reevaluate the value of traditional nasal examination methods. The objective of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of traditional nasal examination tools compared to those of the rigid endoscope. A prospective diagnostic study was conducted. Eligible patients with nasal symptoms were recruited and examined using 4 tools: (1) a nasal speculum, (2) an otoscope, (3) a posterior rhinoscopy mirror, and (4) a rigid nasal endoscope. The diagnostic value of each tool was evaluated. There were a total of 53 patients eligible for inclusion in the study. The mean age of all patients was 40.9 years. The most common nasal symptom was nasal obstruction (90.6%). With regard to the tools used in anterior rhinoscopy, the nasal speculum had a sensitivity of 54.69% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 41.75-67.18) and specificity of 88.10% (95% CI: 74.37-96.02); and the otoscope had a sensitivity of 57.81% (95% CI: 44.82-70.06) and specificity of 85.71% (95% CI: 71.46-94.57). After application of topical anesthesia and decongestant, the nasal speculum had a sensitivity of 67.19% (95% CI: 54.31-78.41) and specificity of 85.71% (95% CI: 71.46-94.57); and the otoscope had a sensitivity of 65.62% (95% CI: 52.70-77.05) and specificity of 83.33% (95% CI: 68.64-93.03). The posterior rhinoscopy mirror had a sensitivity of 12.50% (95% CI: 5.18-24.07) and specificity of 94.00% (95% CI: 83.45-98.75). All adverse events in this study were minor. The traditional nasal examination tools exhibited excellent specificity. However, the sensitivity was only average, meaning that they may not be suitable for screening. We do not recommend routine use of topical anesthesia and decongestants when applying these tools, as the application of these agents did not improve the clinical sensitivity or specificity. The posterior rhinoscopy mirror had a lowest sensitivity. We thus do not recommend using a posterior rhinoscopy mirror to rule out pathologies of the posterior nasal cavity.

The Application and Forensic Significance of Imaging Examination in Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation after Injury

X-ray and CT are commonly used in post-traumatic examination of bone joints, spine, etc, as a traditional imaging examination method. It is a correct and meaningful method and procedure to observe signs and measurement data by imaging examination, in the cases of traumatic lumbar injuries which need forensic identification. What is the first that spring to our mind is the simple, economical, and practical X-ray examinations, as well as the CT examinations that have unique advantages for bone changes in all traditional and conventional imaging techniques before the performing imaging studies. The changes of the morphological, is also reflected on the changes of MR signal intensity. The distance of the lumbar MR disc more than the median sagittal line, the degree of spinal stenosis etc, as a quantifiable data, can be used to improve the detection of this disease. On this basis, MR has become the first imaging examination method what we need to consider. MRI not only has characteristic imaging performance, but also has rich observation indicators and projects. It can be further used to identify the new injury or old wounds of lumbar disc herniation on the basis of image signs by quantitative and qualitative aspects. MR examination method is regarded as an important means of inspection in the forensic identification of this disease.

Acute ocular lesions after exposure to electromagnetic radiation of ultrahigh frequency (an experimental study)

To investigate the clinical and morphological manifestations of ocular lesions resulting from acute exposure to microwave radiation (MR). Twenty-four rabbits were included in the study and divided into four equal groups according to MR exposure time (15, 30, 45, 60 s). The right eyes of rabbits were exposed to MR of 3.97 GHz and energy density of 1.0 W/cm2. The sham control group consisted of six animals. The exposed (right) and the paired (left) eye were studied for clinical and morphological changes, content of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the anterior chamber and in the vitreous body after exposure to MR. Significant dose-dependent changes in the structure of the exposed eye were revealed. Formation of microwave cataract was noted at the MR exposure time of 15 seconds and more. Partial or complete de-epithelialization, stromal edema, endothelial damage and inflammatory infiltration in the cornea, effusion of protein and cellular reaction in the aqueous humor were detected after MR exposure of 30, 45 and 60 seconds. Cellular reaction in the vitreous body was observed after exposure time of 45 and 60 seconds. Exposure to MR for up to 1 minute did not lead to visible clinical or morphological (traditional methods of examination) damage of the retina and optic nerve within 24 hours. Significantly higher content of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α in the aqueous humor and vitreous body was revealed in animals exposed to MR for 45 and 60 seconds. Acute exposure of the organ of vision to electromagnetic microwave radiation can lead to adverse dose-dependent effects not only in the lens, but also in other structures of the eye.

ИМПУЛЬСНАЯ ОСЦИЛЛОМЕТРИЯ В ДИАГНОСТИКЕ ОБСТРУКТИВНЫХ ВЕНТИЛЯЦИОННЫХ НАРУШЕНИЙ У БОЛЬНЫХ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗОМ ЛЕГКИХ

Impulse oscillometry (IO) possesses certain advantages (being non-invasive and requiring no special breathing maneuvers) but fundamental differences from the well-known methods of external respiration function assessment make it difficult to introduce it into clinical practice. The objective: to evaluate specific changes in the parameters of IO in pulmonary tuberculosis patients and those with obstructive ventilation disorders. External respiration function was extensively assessed in pulmonary tuberculosis patients using IO, spirometry and body plethysmography. The classical interpretation algorithm was used and 2 groups were distinguished: 218 patients with obstructive disorders, and 90 patients without ventilation disorders. In patients with obstructive disorders, deviations of the total respiratory impedance, resistance at a frequency of 5 Hz, reactance area, and resonant frequency were the most significant. IO made it possible to identify additional disorders of mechanical properties in 11% of patients in the group without ventilation disorders according to the results of spirometry and body plethysmography. Correlation analysis in the group of patients with obstruction showed correlations of various strength between the changes in resistance and reactance with characteristics of airway obstruction assessed by traditional methods of ventilation capacity examination, and changes in static pulmonary volumes, which reflected obstructive reconstruction of the total lung capacity. OI can be used as a part of the assessment of ventilation disorders in pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

REHABILITATION POSSIBILITIES OF SOFT CONTACT CORRECTION IN POST-TRAUMATIC AND CONGENITAL PATHOLOGY OF CHILDREN

Objective. To analyze the results of the use of contact correction in the rehabilitation of children with post-traumatic and congenital abnormalities. Material and methods. 424 patients, aged between 3 months and 17 years, using soft contact lenses using traditional and special methods of examination. Results and discussion. It was established that in the overwhelming number of children who were assigned to wear, the post-traumatic pathology prevailed - 341 (79.1%) patients; congenital abnormality was 83 cases (20.9%). Contact lenses were made individually according to the developed technologies from a hydrogel material by turning using biocompatible paint, which allows combining several color zones of different diameters, while achieving optimal functional and cosmetic results. Proved a significant increase in visual acuity compared with spectacle correction and correction of transparent contact lenses in 86.4% of children. Thus, the use of soft contact lenses, performing corrective, diaphragmatic and cosmetic function is a method of preventing the development of amblyopia, strabismus, contributing to the full development of the visual analyzer in children.

Research on the Examination Method of Zoology Experimental Course

Zoology is an experimental subject. Zoology experiments are an indispensable part of zoology teaching, and it is an organic whole that complements classroom teaching. The good zoology experiment course is a necessary prerequisite for learning zoology, and the examination of the zoology experiment course is an effective means to test the teaching effect of the zoology experiment course. In the past, most of the examinations for the Zoology Experimental Course were carried out together with the final examination of the final theoretical course after the completion of all the experimental courses. There are obvious drawbacks to this kind of papertalk test method. First of all, it can t comprehensively and realistically assessstudents experimental skills and level; on the other hand, it makes students not pay attention to the experimental course, because it can pass the test only by memorizing the results of the experiment. The irrationality of this traditional examination method has greatly affected the teaching effect of zoology and limited the teaching reform and development of zoology.

Objective structured clinical examination versus traditional clinical examination among nursing students: A comparative approach

The complex nature of clinical competence in nursing consequently poses a challenge in identifying suitable assessment methods that are able to measure all its attributes as well as maintaining reliability, validity and objectivity. So the aim of this study was to compare nursing students’ opinions, feedback and clinical achievements grades in the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and the Traditional Clinical Examination (TCE) methods. A descriptive research design was used to conduct the study at college of nursing –Immam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IABU), kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A total of 96 undergraduate student nurses enrolled in the pediatric nursing course equally were divided randomly into TCE and OSCE group (n = 48) in each group. Two tools were used, first tool was a structured questionnaire form to collect data related student’s academic number, age, method of exam used, achievement grades in the exam and the overall suggestions to improve the method of exam used where the second tool was a self-administered questionnaire that modified from a Pierre et al. (2004) OSCE feedback questionnaire which included 23 items and categorized under four main dimensions with 3-point Likert scale ranged from agree, neutral and disagree to evaluate students’ opinions and feedback related to the quality, organization, scoring and physical set up of both methods. Results revealed that statistical significant differences were found with higher prevalence of agreement responses among students for OSCE methods related most of items listed in the four dimensions compared to those in TCE. Mean ± SD total score of students’ responses related to OSCE and TCE methods was 104.5 ± 15.6 and 95.3 ± 17.5 respectively where p value = .002. Majority of students 95.8% exposed to OSCE compared to 11.9% of them who exposed to the TCE achieved (A) excellent grades in the exam (score 90%-100%). Conclusion and recommendation, statistical significant differences were observed between students’ opinion and feedback with high prevalence of agreement responses related to OSCE compared to TCE methods. Clinical achievement grade was high among students whom evaluated by OSCE compared to those evaluated by TCE method. The study recommended that OSCE must be used as an integral part of the under graduate nursing students’ clinical assessment.