Gender Determination Research Articles

Addressing urinary incontinence by gender: a nationwide population-based study in Turkiye

BackgroundUrinary incontinence (UI), which usually occurs in women but affects both sexes, is a significant public health challenge. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the prevalence and determinants of UI in men and women, considering gender-specific factors.MethodsThe study performed a secondary analysis on data obtained from 13,383 individuals surveyed in the 2019 Turkish Health Survey, providing a representation of the Turkish population. The dataset included sociodemographic and health-related variables like UI, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, smoking, and chronic diseases—statistical analysis employed chi-square tests and gender-stratified logistic regression models to identify UI-associated factors.ResultsOur results showed that UI affected 8.8% of the population, with a striking gender disparity. Women had a notably higher prevalence at 11.2%, while men had a lower rate of 5.5%. Importantly, this gender gap narrowed with age. For example, in the 34–44 age group, the female/male ratio was 6.9, but it decreased to 1.4 in the 65–74 age group. Marital status and employment status played significant roles. Separated, divorced, or widowed individuals, particularly women, had the highest prevalence at 19.3%. Employment status influenced UI prevalence, with employed men having the lowest rate (2.1%), while retired women faced the highest rate (15.0%). Higher BMI, especially in obese individuals, significantly raised UI prevalence, reaching 7.9% for men and 15.8% for women. Physical inactivity, notably in women (17.0%), and prolonged sedentary hours (13.9%) were associated with higher UI rates. Former smokers, especially women (15.9%), had a notable impact on UI. Poor perceived health and chronic conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), hypertension, and diabetes were significantly associated with higher UI prevalence. Logistic regression analysis revealed that age, education, perceived health status, COPD, and diabetes were significant factors associated with UI in both sexes, while in women, BMI, physical activity, and smoking also played notable roles.ConclusionsThis extensive UI study has unveiled notable gender disparities and determinants. Notably, these disparities decrease with age, underlining UI’s changing nature over time. Modifiable factors impact women more, while non-modifiable factors are linked to men. The study underscores the importance of tailoring healthcare strategies to address UI based on gender.

Male-Specific Sequence in Populus simonii Provides Insights into Gender Determination of Poplar

The genus Populus is composed of dioecious woody plants and adult females produce large numbers of seed hairs that can affect public health and pose a potential fire risk. However, it is difficult to distinguish between males and females based on their morphology at the seedling stage. Therefore, developing a technology that identifies the gender of poplar seedlings is crucial for controlling seed hairs. In this study, we developed an approach for the early gender identification of Tacamahaca and Aigeiros species based on the male-specific sequence in Populus simonii. The gender of Tacamahaca and Aigeiros species can be accurately identified by PCR. The sequencing results showed that the male-specific sequence was conserved in P. simonii and its F1 progenies. Interestingly, there were three nucleobase differences between Tacamahaca and Aigeiros species. Sequence alignment showed that the male-specific sequence had not been assembled on the pseudochromosome. Subsequently, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to locate this specific sequence at the short arm end of chromosome 19 in male P. simonii. This study provides an efficient and convenient method for early gender determination of Tacamahaca and Aigeiros species and lays the groundwork for exploring key sex-determination genes.

Racial Differences in Inpatient Hospital Services Utilization and Expenditure between American Indian and Alaska Native and non‐Hispanic White Older Adults with Dementia

AbstractBackgroundWhile American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) and non‐Hispanic white (White) adults are at high risks for dementia, little is known about hospital utilization and expenditures among AI/ANs and Whites with dementia. The goal of this study is to examine characteristics associated with inpatient hospital services utilization and expenditures among AI/AN and White older adults with dementia, to understand what factors contribute to differences in utilization and expenditures between the two populations.MethodWe analyzed data on demographic characteristics, health coverage, chronic disease status, hospital utilization and expenditures from the CMS 2019 Medicare Master Beneficiary Summary File for all AI/AN (n = 16,324) and a 5% random sample of White (n = 139,335) adults aged ≥65 who had dementia in 2019. To examine associations between patient characteristics with utilization and expenditures, we employed Poisson and negative binomial models for utilization measures (1+ hospitalizations and number of inpatient hospital days) and a two‐part model (a gamma distribution with a log‐link function) for expenditures, while stratifying by race.ResultAI/AN adults were younger than White adults; a larger percentage were dually enrolled in Medicaid, had diabetes and ESRD, and lived in a rural county (p<0.01). Medicaid coverage is associated with higher inpatient hospital days and expenditures among AI/ANs (Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) = 1.079; Marginal Effect (ME) = $3,313, p<0.01) but is associated with lower days and expenditures among Whites (IRR = 0.874; ME = ‐$1,438, p<0.01). The association between living in a rural county with expenditures followed a pattern similar to that of Medicaid coverage. Unadjusted mean hospital days and expenditures were 4.84 and $27,559 (AI/ANs) and 3.86 and $23,009 (Whites), respectively. When data for AI/ANs and Whites were combined, the average marginal expenditure for AI/ANs, compared to Whites was $4,550 in unadjusted model, but reduced to $2,772 when we adjusted for age, gender, comorbidities, and social determinants of health.ConclusionUnderstanding and addressing characteristics associated with racial differences in hospital use and expenditures among dementia patients may be helpful for health care resource planning and efficient use. In‐depth research is required to understand the contrasting differences in the impact of Medicaid on expenditures between AI/AN and White adults with dementia.

Pregnant Women’s Knowledge and Expectations about Prenatal Ultrasound: A Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundUltrasound imaging has been shown to improve maternal health outcomes through timely diagnosis of pregnancy problems. Despite ultrasound being vital for women's management in pregnancy, studies have reported low awareness among African women ObjectiveTo evaluate the knowledge and expectations of pregnant women in Harare about prenatal ultrasound. MethodsA cross-sectional survey of 385 pregnant women was done at the ultrasound department of a private maternity hospital in Harare, Zimbabwe. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 27.0 and Windows Excel were used to analyse the data.Results The majority of women (85.4%) concurred that ultrasound scans are important during pregnancy, but most (79.3%) were not aware that congenital abnormalities can be detected through ultrasound. Despite low overall knowledge of congenital abnormalities, 80.2% of women were familiar with Down's syndrome, and this knowledge tended to increase with higher education levels, although not statistically significant (linear-by-linear association = 0.057). The primary expectation of ultrasound scans among pregnant women was to confirm the expected delivery date, and gender determination, with the least expectation being a diagnosis of congenital abnormalities.ConclusionKnowledge levels were lower in our setting relative to other similar studies, and hence this underscores the need for further public education.Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2023;6(3):346-354

Current Progress and Challenges of Using Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Dentistry-A Narrative Review.

The concept of machines learning and acting like humans is what is meant by the phrase "artificial intelligence" (AI). Several branches of dentistry are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The literature usually focuses on AI models. These AI models have been used to detect and diagnose a wide range of conditions, including, but not limited to, dental caries, vertical root fractures, apical lesions, diseases of the salivary glands, maxillary sinusitis, maxillofacial cysts, cervical lymph node metastasis, osteoporosis, cancerous lesions, alveolar bone loss, the need for orthodontic extractions or treatments, cephalometric analysis, age and gender determination, and more. The primary contemporary applications of AI in the dental field are in undergraduate teaching and research. Before these methods can be used in everyday dentistry, however, the underlying technology and user interfaces need to be refined.

Gender Determination Based on CBCT Maxillary Sinus Analysis: A Systematic Review

Gender determination is an essential element for human identification in forensic medicine, to which the maxillary sinuses may contribute as they remain intact even after severe damage to the skull and other structures. Aim: To evaluate scientific evidence published over the last decade to determine whether maxillary sinus dimensions and volume may constitute useful parameters for forensic identification and gender determination, based only on cone-beam computed tomography images (CBCT). Methods: This review adhered to the PRISMA statement’s criteria. Four databases were searched for articles published between January 2010 and April 2023. Results: Initially, 1719 records were identified. After screening, there were 2475 participants in the included studies. Of the fifteen articles selected, five reported data assessing only volumetric measurements of the maxillary sinus, seven reported data calculating only linear measurements and three reported data by combining findings of both linear and volumetric measurements of the maxillary sinus. Maxillary sinus volume was significantly higher in male participants. Maxillary sinus height was the best discriminating parameter for forensic identification with an overall accuracy ranging from 70% to 80%. Conclusions: Maxillary sinus measurements revealed anatomic variability between genders, and this approach can be applied as a complementary method for human identification.

An approach to rapidly identify the gender of the pigeon by using cross-priming amplification with immune-chromatographic strip

Most birds are monomorphic species and breeds, which makes it difficult to determine their gender by appearances, especially the pigeon is a farm animal with economic interest in meat production, ornamentals, sports, and experimental animals. Until now, the available methods for determining the gender of pigeons have mainly consisted of endoscopy, laparoscopy, karyotyping, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and other similar techniques. Nonetheless, these methods have notable limitations, such as high expenses, invasiveness, and time-consuming procedures, which hinder their practicality for efficiently determining the gender of pigeons. Therefore, an easy, accurate, sensitive, on-site, affordable, and applicable rapid identification of the gender of the pigeon is widely needed for the owner of the pigeon. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate the efficacy of Cross-priming amplification (CPA) combined with an immune-chromatographic strip (CPA-strip) for gender identification of the pigeon. The methodology was optimized through various experimental trials. Subsequently, ten samples collected from pigeons were subjected to analysis using the optimized CPA-strip assay, and the results indicated that all female samples were accurately detected. In contrast, the blood samples collected from chickens and ducks were negative when tested with the CPA-strip assay. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the successful establishment of an immune-chromatographic CPA-strip assay for the on-site gender determination of pigeons with high accuracy.

High sensitivity and specificity in fetal gender identification in the first trimester, using ultrasound and Noninvasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS) in twin pregnancies, a prospective study

IntroductionDetermination of the fetal gender in the first trimester is important in twin pregnancy cases of familial X-linked genetic syndromes and helps determine chorionicity. We assessed and compared the accuracy of first-trimester ultrasound scans, and cell-free fetal DNA (CfDNA) in determining fetal gender in the first trimester of twin pregnancies.MethodsWomen with twin pregnancies were recruited prospectively during the first trimester. Fetal gender was determined using both ultrasound scans and CfDNA screening. Both results were compared to the newborn gender after delivery.ResultsA total of 113 women with twin pregnancies were enrolled. There was 100% sensitivity and specificity in Y chromosome detection using CfDNA.Gender assignment using ultrasound in any first-trimester scans was 79.7%. Accuracy level increased from 54.2% in CRL 45-54 mm to 87.7% in CRL 55-67 mm and 91.5% in CRL 67-87 mm. Male fetuses had significantly higher chances of a gender assignment error compared to female fetuses, odds ratio = 23.574 (CI 7.346 - 75.656).ConclusionsCfDNA is highly sensitive and specific in determining the presence of the Y chromosome in twin pregnancies in the first trimester. Between CRL 55-87 mm, ultrasound scanning offers a highly accurate determination of fetal gender in twin pregnancies.

Maxillary sinus in gender determination: a morphometric analysis using cone beam computed tomography.

Gender determination of skeletal remains is an important forensic procedure in the identification process. Maxillary sinus remains intact even when the skull and other bones may be badly disfigured. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) can provide precise information about complex anatomical structures, as it is characterized by rapid volumetric image acquisition with high resolution. The present study aimed to assess the accuracy of maxillary sinus measurements using cone beam computed tomography in gender determination and to develop a formula using discriminate function analysis. Bilateral maxillary sinus images (left and right) were acquired for 200 patients (100 females and 100 males) and different parameters (width, length, height, area, perimeter, and volume) were measured and evaluated. Mean and standard deviation of both maxillary sinuses measurements were calculated and compared. The data was subjected to discriminative statistical analysis and analyzed using an unpaired t-test. The difference between all these variables was statistically significant between males and females. Based on discriminant analysis, the most pronounced variable in the differentiation of gender groups was maxillary sinus height. Gender assessment was established correctly with an accuracy of 75% for females and 64% for males with an overall accuracy of 69.5%. Adding other independent variables to the model did not result in an improvement in overall accuracy. Cone beam computed tomography measurement of maxillary sinus can be used as an aid in forensic anthropology for gender determination.

GENDER IDENTIFICATION FROM LEFT HAND-WRIST X-RAY IMAGES WITH A HYBRID DEEP LEARNING METHOD

In forensic investigations, characteristics such as gender, age, ethnic origin, and height are important in determining biological identity. In this study, we developed a deep learning-based decision support system for gender recognition from wrist radiographs using 13,935 images collected from individuals aged between 2 and 79 years. Differences in all regions of the images, such as carpal bones, radius, ulna bones, epiphysis, cortex, and medulla, were utilized. A hybrid model was proposed for gender determination from X-ray images, in which deep metrics were combined in appropriate layers of transfer learning methods. Although gender determination from X-ray images obtained from different countries has been reported in the literature, no such study has been conducted in Turkey. It was found that gender discrimination yielded different results for males and females. Gender identification was found to be more successful in females aged between 10 and 40 years than in males. However, for age ranges of 2-10 and 40-79 years, gender discrimination was found to be more successful in males. Finally, heat maps of the regions focused on by the proposed model were obtained from the images, and it was found that the areas of focus for gender discrimination were different between males and females.

Gender Determination Using Hand Parameters: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study in Iraq

Background: Hand parameters have been suggested to be useful indicators for gender identification. Objective: To detect gender from hand parameters in a sample of Iraqi individuals. Methods: Hand parameters (hand length, width, hand index, index and ring lengths, and index to ring ratio) of 100 participants were measured using traditional techniques. The data were tested statistically using appropriate statistical methods. Results: Females display a higher 2D/4D ratio compared to males. In contrast, males show a higher hand index compared to females. The study proposes a 2D/4D cutoff point of 0.9722, where a ratio < 0.9722 was regarded as male and a ratio ≥ 0.9722 was regarded as female. Alternatively, a hand index (HI) cutoff point was 40.2154, where an HI > 40.215 was regarded as male and an HI ≤ 40.215 was regarded as female. Consequently, the study verifies that hand parameters can be used for gender determination in medical legal examinations. Conclusion: Hand parameters may be valuable indicators of sexual dimorphism in medico-legal examination and may have a great implication in cases of natural disasters and wars when an isolated hand is subjected to examination.

Morphometric analysis of cavitas glenoidalis with multidedector CT

The glenoid cavity is a sliced egg-shaped joint surface located on the lateral margin of the scapula to form the shoulder joint. Recognition of variations in shape and dimensions of the glenoid cavity is important for a better comprehension of joint-associated diseases, especially in total shoulder arthroplasty procedures. The aim of this study was to perform morphometric measurements on the glenoid cavity. Glenoid cavities of 391 individuals (197 males [50.4%], 194 females [49.6%]) were reviewed by using Multi-detector Computed Tomography. The maximum length and maximum width of glenoid cavities, as well as the width, depth and circumference at the notch level were measured, and the index value was calculated. The glenoid cavity shapes were typed as pear, inverted comma and oval type. Furthermore, the metric values that provide the best differentiation between genders were identified through ROC analysis. The pear glenoid cavity type was detected in 53.2%, inverted comma type was detected in 28.4%, and oval type was detected in 18.4% of cases. In all of our morphometric measurements, male values were higher than female values, and there was significant difference between them. Results of ROC analysis revealed significant measurements for the maximum length and maximum width measurements of the glenoid for gender determination. Morphometric information of the glenoid cavity can be useful in order to increase clinical success in case of Bankart lesion, rotator cuff disease, and osteochondral defect. Recognition of different shapes and dimensions of the glenoid cavity is essential for the design of the glenoid component, especially for total shoulder arthroplasty procedure. We believe that the data obtained in our study would be useful for prosthesis designers and orthopaedic surgeons.

Gender determination from periocular images using deep learning based EfficientNet architecture

Abstract In this study, we obtain a sex prediction algorithm based on CNN in two ways - building a red Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model from scratch and via transfer learning. We built a model from scratch and compared it with fine-tuned EfficientNetB1. We use these models for gender determination using periocular images and compare the two models depending on the accuracy of the models. The CNN model proposed from scratch yields an accuracy of 94.46% while the fine-tuned EfficientNetB1 yields an accuracy of 97.94%. This paper is one of the first works in determining gender from periocular images in the visible spectrum using a CNN model built from the outset.

Sex Stereotypes of Adolescents in Traffic: The Role of Sex and Family Relationships

Studies have shown a number of differences between male and female drivers, such as male drivers committing more offenses and female drivers making more errors. Related to this persistent sex difference, relatively little research has been conducted to examine the presence of gender stereotypes and determinants in the context of driving. This study examined the perceptions of female and male drivers among adolescents in Türkiye and how sex differences and relationships with parents contributed to the endorsement of sex stereotypes. The study was conducted with 128 high school adolescents aged 15-20 years (M = 16.25, SD = 1.32) who completed a questionnaire package consisting of the Sex Stereotypes Associated with Driving (SSAD) and a demographic information form. In terms of sex stereotype endorsement indices, female adolescents reported female drivers as more polite and risk-averse, whereas male adolescents reported male drivers as more skilled. While a positive relationship with fathers reduced the endorsement of courtesy and risk-avoidance stereotypes, a better relationship with mothers resulted in a lower endorsement of the driving skills stereotype. The results provide evidence for the existence of sex stereotypes among adolescents and for the importance of family relationships in relation to sex stereotype endorsement. The findings can be used to design training and education that focuses on stereotypes at an early age.

An evaluation of DNA sample source and molecular markers to determine gender in the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus).

The short-beaked echidna is sexually monomorphic such that gender identification without veterinary intervention is challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the most optimal noninvasive genetic source by extracting echidna genomic DNA(gDNA) from fecal scats, plucked hair, and quills to perform genetic sex testing using a range of molecular markers. Sex determination of 14 captive short-beaked echidnas was determined by amplifying isolated DNA from noninvasive samples, targeting two Y chromosome (male-specific) genes (mediator complex subunit 26 Y-gametologue [CRSPY] and anti-Müllerian hormone Y-gametologue [AMHY]), in addition to four confirmed sex-specific RADseq markers. Results of noninvasive samples were compared with blood samples and clinical records. Receiver operating characteristiccurves were used to assess accuracy of sex determination of markers for each sample type. The gender of the echidnas was successfully identified on 75% of occasions using fecal samples, 90.6% occasions using hair, and 84.6% occasions with quills. Overall, the male-specific RADseq markers accurately identified the sex of echidnas with all sample types for 90% of animals; compared with 81.5% using CRSPY, and 82.0% using AMHY to identify sex. Collection of hair, quills, and feces provides a useful alternative to invasively collected samples, however, the accuracy of results depends on sample type and genetic marker selected. We found gender determination in the short-beaked echidna was most accurate using four male-specific RADseq markers on gDNA isolated from blood and hair. The noninvasive genetic sexing techniques documented here will inform and facilitate husbandry and genetic management of captive echidna populations.

15 years of Gaining Health strategy in Italy: what's new about behavioral risk factors?

Abstract In Europe chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for the majority of deaths, premature deaths and disabilities. Actions to fight against smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, sedentary behaviours and obesity are central for the prevention of NCDs. In Italy in 2007 the National Program Gaining Health (GH) was launched and the behavioral risk factor surveillance system (including PASSI and PASSI d’Argento) was promoted. This study has the aim to contribute to assess the impact of the strategies implemented with GH, analyzing over time data on behavioral risk factors in Italy since 2008. Data from PASSI 2008-2021 (468.000 interviews of 18-69 years old people) and PASSI d’Argento 2016-2021 (74.000 interviews of over 65 years old people). i) time series models on smoking, alcohol, sedentary behaviours and obesity data in adults, stratified by gender, age, residence and social determinants; ii) Regression models to evaluate the changes in associations over time between behavioral and social determinants. Smokers’ prevalence dropped from 30% to 24%, not equally in population groups. Excessive consumption of alcohol is stable since 2010 (∼16%); although, it is the result of opposite trends in the different components of the indicator (binge, between meals and usually high) and of improvements in some groups and worsening in others: it increases in the North but not in the Center-South, it is reduced in men but increased among women; it remains stable among young people aged 18-24 (∼27%). Sedentariness is increasing everywhere (31% in 2021), especially in the South (43%) and among the youngest. Obesity also increased in the South and in the North; today about one out of 10 is obese. Social inequalities continue and worse in affecting these phenomena. These data show no improvement in the last 15 years. Prevention Plan is an opportunity to change course. Surveillance is strategic, as long as it is used to guide policies and to monitor their effectiveness over time. Key messages • Data on behavioral risk factors show no improvement in Italy since 2008. • Surveillance is strategic to guide health policies and to monitor their effectiveness over time.

Conducting formative research during a pandemic threat to inform the development of an obesity prevention social and behaviour change communication strategy in Tonga.

The global epidemic of obesity is overtaking many parts of the world with the Pacific Islands at particular risk. Tonga population surveys identify significant increases in overweight and obesity with Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) offering opportunities for curbing the rise in non-communicable diseases. Formative research was conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic to assess stakeholder and program beneficiary needs and wants toward an obesity prevention SBCC strategy in Tonga. Semi-structured interviews with 17 key informants and 18 focus group discussions (N = 168) were conducted in Tongatapu. Data analysis was conducted on Nvivo 2020 qualitative software with desk research of secondary data supporting in-field findings. Potential barriers to behavioural compliance included social/cultural norms, poor attitudes; low motivation and capability; and vulnerabilities of gender and other social determinants. Opportunities included the Tongan collective mindset and the desire for greater social interaction and fun. Strong political will to affect change was apparent with the need to consider targeting to youth, social mobilisation of communities through empowering messaging, and an integrated range of activities. Co-design in the formative research process was able to be fostered via online communication processes to overcome the challenges of Covid-19 travel restrictions. The innovative approach provided a number of learnings including identification of national and regional priorities and improved efficiencies in SBCC planning, implementation and evaluation. SO WHAT?: Formative research adopting co-design approaches with stakeholders and program beneficiaries can provide optimal engagement and ownership in the SBCC strategy including insights into messaging approaches.

Sex Determination Using Frontal Sinus Diameters on Direct Radiography.

The shape and developmental stages of the frontal sinus (FS) differ in each individual, it can be used to determine sex and identity. This study aimed to assess the morphological structure of the FS diameters in sex determination using posterioanterior (AP) skull radiography. This data can be valuable for identifying and characterizing human features. The study included 350 patients (171 females, 179 males) aged between 20 and 55 years who underwent AP skull radiography. FSs were classified as symmetrical, asymmetrical, unilateral, or bilateral aplasic. The right and left FS height and width measurements were made based on the largest diameters. The mean age was 32.8±11.45 years for the whole sample. The mean age of the males was 31.23±11.9 (20-51) years and that of the females was 34.45±10.75 (20-55) years. When classified anatomically, 20 patients had bilateral aplasia (12 males,eight females), 19 patients had right aplasia (10 males, nine females), and 11 patients had left aplasia (seven males, four females). FS was symmetrical in 206 (72.1%) patients while right dominance was observed in 33 (9.43%) patients and left dominance in 61 (17.43%) patients. The FS height and width values on both sides ​​were statistically significantly higher in males than in females (p<0.001 for each parameter). The females were accurately classified at a rate of 71.2%and the males at 68.2%. Notably, our research has revealed that frontal sinus diameters are consistently larger in males than in females, and that direct radiography can be employed for gender determination with an accuracy rate of 69.7%. This information underscores the utility of morphometric evaluation of the frontal sinus diameters on direct radiography for gender and identity determination, potentially in conjunction with other parameters. In conclusion, our study has demonstrated the potential of the morphological structure of the frontal sinuses as a valuable tool for identifying and characterizing human individuals.

Early Recurrence of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Retrospective Analysis of the Role of Discectomy Volume and Other Influencing Factors

Objective:&#x0D; The aim of this study is to conduct a detailed examination of cases of "Early Recurrence" encountered following lumbar disc herniation, and to compare the data obtained with findings in the existing literature.&#x0D; Materials and Methods:&#x0D; This retrospective study was conducted by analyzing the data of 856 patients who were operated for recurrent lumbar hernia in our hospital between 2012 and 2022. By expanding the definition of "early relapse" in the literature, inclusion and exclusion criteria were determined, and as a result, 43 patients who met the criteria were included in the study&#x0D; Results:&#x0D; The severity of symptoms was assessed based on patients' Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores at baseline and during subsequent periods. Patients requiring reoperation within the first 12 months were divided into two main groups: those undergoing reoperation within the first 6 months and those undergoing reoperation between 6-12 months. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of age, gender, comorbidities, and other determinants. Notably, patients undergoing surgery within the first 3 months were observed to be of advanced age.&#x0D; Conclusion:&#x0D; When comparing the data obtained from analyzing patients with "early recurrent lumbar disc herniation" with findings shared in the literature, we found that similar variables were not significant in our series. An interesting observation is that both full endoscopic and microscopic methods have similar early recurrence rates. This is particularly noteworthy because full endoscopic discectomy usually involves sequestrectomy, and the volume of the disk removed is typically minimal. Hence, our study suggests that the volume of the disk removed during surgery may not be as influential in the development of early recurrence as previously thought. These findings provide an important foundation for future research.

Efficacy of Frontal Sinus as a Reliable Tool for Sex Differentiation - A Cross-Sectional Study.

Gender determination is pivotal in establishing a biological profile of human remains, where fragments of the skull persist with unidentifiable dental arch data. Owing to the resistance and stability against external factors such as trauma and fractures, radiological assessment of the frontal sinus can be a useful indicator for sexual dimorphism. Keeping this in mind, a study was designed to analyse the efficacy of morphometric assessment of the frontal sinus for gender determination in the North Indian population. A total of 300 (150 males and 150 females) lateral cephalograms of the age >20 years were retrieved. The frontal sinus index (ratio of maximum height to depth), area, and perimeter of the same were calculated using Adobe Photoshop software. The results obtained were further subjected to statistical analysis. The study yielded an accuracy rate of 75.3% for sex differentiation. The frontal sinus perimeter was a novel parameter which was utilised as a variable in the obtained discriminant equation for sex differentiation. Thus, this cost-effective technique might be useful as an adjunct to assess sexual dimorphism.