Medicine
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Absence of the penis, known as aphallia, is a very rare congenital anomaly. It is believed to be a result of either the absence of the genital tubercle or its failure to fully develop and is associated with the level of hormones and chromosomal rearrangements. The failure of the genital tubercle influences the development of the penis and partly depends upon testosterone secreted by Leydig cells of the testis. Chromosomal polymorphisms may affect the functions of protection and regulation, potentially leading to susceptibility to congenital diseases. Herein, an extremely rare case of a congenital absence of the penis is described. ⋯ In consideration of the rarity and devastating psychosocial consequences of this case, we accordingly call for active cooperation with doctors to minimize the negative impact of this malformation. Early assignment of gender avoids confusion and contradiction. Parental confidence solidifies the child's own confidence in his or her gender.
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Pseudoaneurysm, the most common complication of femoral artery catheterization, involves the formation of a space between the lumen and the surrounding fibrous tissue through the damaged arterial wall. In patients treated with antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents, the incidence of vascular complications increases with the increasing use of minimally invasive procedures. ⋯ Pseudoaneurysm is an important complication of femoral artery puncture. The use of a hemostatic device was not superior to manual compression, and the incidence of this complication was significantly higher in patients who received anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents. A pseudoaneurysm may cause a bad prognosis. Therefore, the early detection of pseudoaneurysm and immediate treatment after femoral arterial puncture are needed.
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The current perspective on early intervention revolves around consideration of the family as a cornerstone, its opinion being essential in providing a quality service. Early intervention centers require an evaluation of the services they perform. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the short version of the Inventory of Quality for Early Intervention Centers (IQEIC) and to obtain evidence of its validity and reliability. ⋯ Both the internal consistency (composite reliability ranging from 0.84 to 0.90) and the convergent (AVE values ranged from 0.12 to 0.50) and discriminant validity were adequate. Lastly, a multigroup analysis (n1 and n2) showed the invariance factorial through the difference in the CFI index. The IQEIC showed satisfactory reliability and validity in this study confirming the proposed model is a valid tool to assess the quality of the service provided in early intervention centers, therefore recommending its application for both research and management.
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To investigate the association between polymorphism in the gene encoding the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and susceptibility to endometriosis among women in southwest China. ⋯ Genotypes with a T nucleotide at rs11977660 may significantly increase risk of endometriosis in Chinese.
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Observational Study
Acylcarnitine profile in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: The value of butyrylcarnitine as a prognostic marker.
Optimal prognostic markers evaluating early neuroprotective interventions in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) are lacking. This study was designed to assess the prognostic value of acylcarnitines in neonatal HIE. An observational cohort study was conducted over 10 years in 67 HIE. ⋯ In the hypothermia group, C4 levels decreased in patients with favorable outcomes but remained high in those who progressed unfavorably. C4 appears to be a good prognostic marker in HIE, as blood levels correlated with NSE levels and abnormal MRI findings. Furthermore, hypothermia did not lead to decreased levels in patients with adverse outcomes.