Objective: Anogenital distance (AGD) is a sexually dimorphic marker of genital development and fetal androgen activity. Shortened AGD has been linked to impaired male fertility. The distinct phenotypic and reproductive characteristics associated with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) may influence AGD. This study aimed to investigate AGD measurements in men with KS and evaluate their clinical significance. Methods: A case-control study was conducted involving 87 male participants categorized into three groups: normospermic (n=51), KS (n=18), and idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia (iNOA; n=21). AGD was measured as the anoscrotal distance (AGDAS) using a digital caliper. Physical and hormonal evaluations, semen analyses, and karyotyping were performed. Group differences were analyzed using analysis of variance with post hoc testing, and Pearson correlations were calculated between AGD and clinical variables. Results: AGD measurements differed significantly between groups (F(2,87)=15.2, p<0.0005). AGD was longer in the normospermic group compared to the iNOA group (p<0.0005) and longer in the KS group than in the iNOA group (p=0.015). No significant difference was observed between normospermic and KS groups (p=0.153). Hormonal analyses showed lower testosterone and estradiol levels in KS patients compared to iNOA. Correlation analyses did not identify significant associations between AGD and clinical or hormonal parameters. Conclusion AGD in men with KS is comparable to normospermic individuals and longer than in iNOA patients. In clinical assessments, the presence of small testes in individuals with AGD measurements similar to normospermic men may raise suspicion for KS.

Objective: This study investigated the relationship of anthropometric and metabolic risk factors with seminal and sex steroidal hormone parameters in a screened population of healthy males. Methods: The participants were healthy young men without chronic or congenital diseases. The body composition parameters that we investigated were measured weight, height, and waist circumference (WC), as well as bioelectrical impedance analysis. Semen samples were analyzed for semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility and morphology, seminal pH, and liquefaction time. Biochemistry analysis, including glucose and lipid metabolism parameters, was conducted on fasting blood samples. Testicular volume was calculated separately for each testis using ultrasonography. Results: Body mass index exhibited an inverse association with total sperm count. WC showed negative correlations with numerous seminal parameters, including sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm morphology, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels. The basal metabolic rate was associated with seminal pH, liquefaction time, and sperm motility. WC, fat mass percentage, and triglyceride levels exhibited negative correlations with sex hormone binding globulin. The measures of glucose metabolism were associated with a greater number of seminal parameters than the measures of cholesterol metabolism. C-reactive protein levels were inversely associated with sperm concentration and total sperm count. Conclusion Anthropometric and metabolic risk factors were found to predict semen quality and alterations in sex steroidal hormone levels.

PURPOSE: To investigate the void parameters within the resin cements used for fiber post cementation by micro-CT (µCT) and regional push-out bonding strength. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one, single and round shaped roots were enlarged with a low-speed drill following by endodontic treatment. The roots were divided into three groups (n=7) and fiber posts were cemented with Maxcem Elite, Multilink N and Superbond C&B resin cements. Specimens were scanned using µCT scanner at resolution of 13.7 µm. The number, area, and volume of voids between dentin and post were evaluated. A method of analysis based on the post segmentation was used, and coronal, middle and apical thirds considered separately. After the µCT analysis, roots were embedded in epoxy resin and sectioned into 2 mm thick slices (63 sections in total). Push-out testing was performed with universal testing device at 0.5 mm/min cross-head speed. Data were analyzed with Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests (α=.05). RESULTS: Overall, significant differences between the resin cements and the post level were observed in the void number, area, and volume (P<.05). Super-Bond C&B showed the most void formation (44.86 ± 22.71). Multilink N showed the least void surface (3.51 ± 2.24 mm2) and volume (0.01 ± 0.01 mm3). Regional push-out bond strength of the cements was not different (P>.05). CONCLUSION: µCT proved to be a powerful non-destructive 3D analysis tool for visualizing the void parameters. Multilink N had the lowest void parameters. When efficiency of all cements was evaluated, direct relationship between the post region and push-out bonding strength was not observed.
Cementation* ; Dentin ; Resin Cements*