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In this study, large-area (6-cm diameter) Teflon polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) discs of different thicknesses (0.2-, 0.5- and 1 -mm) were negatively and positively charged by using the "modified single point-to-plane corona poling rotating system". The effects of some crucial parameters of the PTFE disc as well as the modified corona poling rotating system on the PTFE surface potential uniformity such as: (a) PTFE disc thickness, (b) PTFE disc polarity and (c) needle-to-PTFE disc distance were successfully reported. Accordingly, closer needle-to-PTFE disc distance, positive charging mode and thinner PTFE disc provided a better PTFE surface potential uniformity. However, the effects of PTFE charge polarity and needle distance on the electrostatic charge potential uniformity were much more remarkable in comparison with the effects of PTFE thickness. Additionally, the surface potential distribution profiles of charged PTFE discs were totally flat and independent of the PTFE thickness at 5- and 13- mm needle distances for the negative and positive charging modes, respectively. At the optimized charging conditions, large-area PTFE electret disc (0.5-mm-thick) with positive uniform surface charge potential especially at the edges up to ∼ 1.8 kV with stability up to 77 days studied was produced by applying a new multiple heat treatment protocol to the PTFE disc for radon dosimetry. As also observed in this study, the sensitivity of PTFE electret dosimeters to a defined radon gas concentration increases as the PTFE thickness increases. Meanwhile, 0.5-mm-thick PTFE electret disc produced was selected to be used as a high quality electret dosimeter with acceptable and superior parameters for different applications in particular medium-term radiation dosimetry in both low and high dose rate ionizing radiation fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most commonly occurring neurodegenerative disorders, with lifetime incidence between 1 and 2% among people older than 65 years. ED is one of the more disabling and poorly addressed aspects of PD. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of sildenafil citrate in Parkinson-emergent ED. Sexual function of participants was assessed using responses to the 15-question International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) diary questions 2 and 3, Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) questionnaire and a Global Efficacy Question 'Has the treatment you have been taking over the study period improved your erections?' This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, comprised a screening period of at least 1 month, a placebo-lead in period of 1 week and treatment period. Two hundred thirty-six patients entered the trial. These patients had mild-to-moderate PD (stages I-III Hoehn-Yahr) and were experiencing Parkinson-emergent neurogenic ED. They were randomized to receive 100 mg sildenafil on demand 1 h before sexual activity (group 1, n=118), or similar regimen of placebo (group 2, n=118). Patients were instructed to use at least 24 doses/attempts at home. At the end of the trial, differences between sildenafil and placebo groups were significant for the IIEF erectile function (EF) score (22.6±4.6 vs 14.8±4.2, P=0.01), for percent Global Efficacy Question 'Yes' responses (68.1±4.6 vs 12.2±3.2, P=0.001), for SEP2 'Yes' responses (68.1±4.2 vs 32.5±2.2, P=0.003), for SEP3 'Yes' responses (75.9±5.4 vs 33.5±4.4, P=0.004) and for mean EDITS score (69.8±4.2 vs 13.0±2.7, P=0.004). A normal EF domain score (26) at end point was achieved by 56.9 and 8.7% of the patients in the sildenafil and placebo groups, respectively (P=0.001). Sildenafil can be considered as an effective treatment in patients with Parkinson-emergent ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a retraction of the article "Safety and efficacy of sildenafil citrate in the treatment of Parkinson-emergent erectile dysfunction: a double-blind, Placebo controlled, randomized study," by M. R. Safarinejad to the "International Journal of Impotence Research."