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On the basis of our results, STs can act as examiners in summative OSCEs to assess basic medical skills. The slightly better grades observed are of no practical concern. Students accepted assessment performed by STs.

BACKGROUND: Allergic disorders, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, eosinophilic esophagitis, and food allergy, are a major global health burden. The study and management of allergic disorders is complicated by the considerable heterogeneity in both the presentation and natural history of these disorders. Biorepositories serve as an excellent source of data and biospecimens for delineating subphenotypes of allergic disorders, but such resources are lacking. METHODS: In order to define subphenotypes of allergic disease accurately, we established an infrastructure to link and efficiently utilize clinical and epidemiologic data with biospecimens into a single biorepository called the Greater Cincinnati Pediatric Clinic Repository (GCPCR). Children with allergic disorders as well as healthy controls are followed longitudinally at hospital clinic, emergency department, and inpatient visits. Subjects' asthma, allergy, and skin symptoms; past medical, family, social, diet, and environmental histories; physical activity; medication adherence; perceived quality of life; and demographics are ascertained. DNA is collected from all participants, and other biospecimens such as blood, hair, and nasal epithelial cells are collected on a subset. RESULTS: To date, the GCPCR has 6,317 predominantly Caucasian and African American participants, and 93% have banked DNA. This large sample size supports adequately powered genetic, epidemiologic, environmental, and health disparities studies of childhood allergic diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The GCPCR is a unique biorepository that is continuously evaluated and refined to achieve and maintain rigorous clinical phenotype and biological data. Development of similar disease-specific repositories using common data elements is necessary to enable studies across multiple populations of comprehensively phenotyped patients.

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Reconstruction of full-thickness upper eyelid defects has to supply a movable lid with perfect corneal protection, good aesthetic quality, and acceptable sequelae at the donor site. The Cutler-Beard procedure, a full-thickness cutaneoconjunctival inferior eyelid advancement flap, is a reliable method for reconstruction of total or partial upper eyelid defects. Especially in older individuals, the skin of the donor site is loose and provides sufficient tissue to stretch. Color and texture of the donor matches the recipient site perfectly. Destabilization or ectropion of the donor site, the lower lid, and retraction or entropion of the recipient site, the upper lid, are the main complications. Therefore, a modification of the classic technique should be considered by implantation of an enforcing inlay in the reconstructed lid (eye bank sclera, fascia lata, ear cartilage), especially in reconstruction of extended defects of the upper lid.

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The technique of radio-radial monobloc-fixation with the small AO external fixator device has been applied to 17 consecutive Colles' fractures. The fracture types were mainly A3 and C2, according to the AO classification. We found this technique to be easy and quick in application and stable in fixation. Direct, precise and atraumatic reduction can be achieved by using the distal pins as joy-sticks. Furthermore, disimpaction of the fracture to regain length is possible without bone grafting. Normal carpal mobility and load transfer is preserved during fracture healing and the injured hand can be used in daily life with certain restrictions. To prevent pin-track infections, early mobilization of the wrist should be avoided. We recommend this technique in the treatment of comminuted AO-type A3 fractures of the distal radius and in certain type C2 cases.