Longitudinal evaluation of the Ophthalmology residents in Brazil: an observational prospective study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The longitudinal evaluation of students seems to be a better way to assess their knowledge compared with that of the traditional methods of evaluation, such as modular and final tests. Currently, progress testing is the most consolidated type of longitudinal testing method. However, despite being well consolidated as an assessment tool in medical education, the use of this type of test in residency programs is scarce. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate residents' knowledge growth regarding residency training and to describe the implementation of a longitudinal evaluation test in ophthalmological residency training across several medical schools in Brazil. Finally, the study aimed to check whether performance in the tests can be used as a predictor of the results of the specialist title test. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a prospective observational study. This study was conducted using an online platform. METHODS: Online tests were developed following the same pattern as the Brazilian Ophthalmology Council specialist tests. All the residents performed the test simultaneously. The tests were conducted once a year at the end of the school year. RESULTS: A progress test was conducted across 13 services with 259 residents. Our results demonstrated that resident scores improved over the years (P < 0.0001) and had a moderate correlation with the Brazilian Opthalmology Council specialist test (P = 0.0156). CONCLUSION: The progress test can be considered a valuable tool to assess knowledge, meaning their knowledge increased over residency training. In addition, it can be used as a predictor of the result in the specialist title test.

Longitudinal clinical evaluation of post systems: a literature review

In this survey, retrospective and prospective clinical studies dealing with cast-post-and core and fiber posts were reviewed regarding the rate of survival of restorations and the most prevalent failures. Electronic searches of the literature were performed in MEDLINE by crossing the key words: "Fiber post and clinical study", "Fiber post and clinical evaluation", "Cast post-and-core and clinical study", and "Root post and retrospective survival study". The cut-off dates were December 1990 through the end of December 2010. Review of literature showed that several interrelated biological, mechanical, and aesthetic factors are involved in the survival rate of restorative procedures in endodontically treated teeth, and post selection should fulfill and optimize these factors. Data based on long-term clinical studies are essential for the general practitioner when making clinical decisions. An adequate selection of teeth and post system must be made, and a minimal amount of existing tooth substance should be removed. A ferrule must be present for safe indication of the fiber posts. Fiber glass posts have demonstrated good survival in clinical studies, with similar performance to cast-post-and cores. Metallic posts have good clinical survival, but the associated failures are mostly irreversible, unlike what happens with the glass fiber posts.

O objetivo foi realizar revisão de estudos clínicos retrospectivos e prospectivos de pinos e núcleos metálicos e pinos de fibra em relação à taxa de sobrevivência e tipo de falhas prevalentes. A revisão de literatura foi realizada utilizando a base de dados MEDLINE com os seguintes termos para pesquisa: “Pino de fibra e estudo clínico”, “Pino de fibra e avaliação clínica”, “Pinos e núcleos metálicos e estudo clínico”, “Pinos intra-radiculares e estudo clínicos retrospectivos”. O período avaliado foi de Dezembro de 1990 até o final de Dezembro de 2010. Vários fatores biológicos, mecânicos e estéticos estão envolvidos na taxa de sobrevivência do procedimento restaurador de dentes tratados endodonticamente. A seleção do pino deve satisfazer e otimizar esses fatores. Dados com base em estudos clínicos de longo prazo são essenciais para o clínico geral na tomada de decisões. Adequada indicação na seleção do sistema de pino devem ser feitas. Adicionalmente, desgaste mínimo da estrutura dentária existente deve ser priorizado. A presença de férula deve estar presente para garantir e melhorar a previsibilidade de pinos de fibra. Pinos de fibra de vidro têm demonstrado boa sobrevivência em estudos clínicos, com desempenho semelhante aos pinos metálicos e núcleos moldados e fundidos. Retentores metálicos apresentam boa sobrevivência clínica, no entanto as falhas envolvidas são em sua maioria irreversíveis, ao contrário do que acontece com os pinos de fibra de vidro.

Comparison of longitudinal treatment effects with facemask and chincup therapy followed by fixed orthodontic treatment on Class III malocclusion / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the longitudinal treatment effects of facemask with rapid maxillary expansion (FM/RME) and chincup (CC) therapy followed by fixed orthodontic treatment (FOT) in Class III malocclusion (CIII) patients. METHODS: The samples consisted of twenty-one CIII patients who had similar skeletal and dental characteristics before FM/RME or CC therapy and good retention results (Class I molar/canine relationship and positive overbite/overjet) after FOT (Group 1, FM/RME, n = 11; Group 2, CC, n = 10). Lateral cephalograms were taken before (T0) and after FM/RME or CC therapy (T1), and after FOT and retention (T2). Skeletal and dental variables were measured. Mann-Whitney U-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: During T0-T1, FM/RME therapy induced forward movement of point A, and labioversion of the upper incisors. Both groups showed posterior repositioning of the mandible. FM/RME resulted in increase of the vertical dimension; however, CC caused an increase in articular angle and decrease in gonial angle. During T1-T2, both groups exhibited forward growth of point A. Group 1 showed forward growth and counterclockwise rotation of the mandible and increase of IMPA; however, Group 2, showed increase of ANS-Me/N-Me and decrease of overbite. CONCLUSIONS: The key factor for successful FM/RME and CC therapy and good retention results might be a harmonized forward growth of the maxilla that could keep pace with the growth and rotation of the mandible.