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Acenaphthenequinone reacted with diazofluorene, diphenyldiazomethane, phenybenzoyldiazomethane, phenacyl chloride, o-nitrobenzyl chloride, and diazohydroindenedione to give new oxadiazole, ketoepoxide and dioxadiazepine derivatives. They reacted with triphenylphosphine and triethylphosphite to give new organophosphorus compounds containing a six-membered or four-membered phosphorane ring. The structures were elucidated using IR, UV, NMR, and mass spectra, and elemental analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aims to elucidate the possible effects of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors on sperm functions. PDEs hydrolyze cyclic nucleotides, and together with adenylyl and guanylyl cyclase, which catalyze the formation of cAMP and cGMP, regulate the levels of these second messengers in cells. cGMP-specific PDE5 is one of the PDEs that have been intensively studied because of its fundamental pharmacological relevance, as oral PDE5 inhibitors are used successfully in treating erectile dysfunction. In addition, they have shown diverse beneficial actions in different disease categories. Specific relevance of the cGMP system in reproductive functions has been recently proposed. Its use was shown to be devoid of effects on semen volume, concentration, sperm membrane integrity or sperm penetration assay. Most available studies demonstrated a significant increase in sperm motility and viability both in vivo and in vitro, which seems to be enhanced at low doses and reduced at high concentrations. Also, these molecules showed a role in capacitation and a debated one concerning acrosome reaction. However, due to the relative short period since the launching of oral PDE5 inhibitors, more investigations should be carried out in wider scales to assess their effect(s) on variant sperm function that could be beneficial as potential therapeutic approaches.International Journal of Impotence Research (2008) 20, 530–536; doi:10.1038/ijir.2008.29; published online 3 July 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining the centrally acting drug yohimbine with the peripheral conditioner sildenafil might be an approach to erectile dysfunction cases in which sildenafil alone failed. This work aimed to investigate the effect of yohimbine on sildenafil-induced facilitation of erectile process. Erectile responses to electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve in anesthetized male rats were recorded. Intracavernosal pressure/systemic arterial pressure (ICP/SAP) was calculated, 1 and 5 min after intravenous administration of sildenafil, yohimbine or a combination of both. Changes in sexual arousal and copulatory performance indices were compared before and after these injections using behavioral mating experiments. It was shown that systemic administration of sildenafil produced a significant increase in ICP/SAP than control at doses 10 μmol kg−1. Yohimbine alone failed to potentiate erectile responses but yohimbine (1 μmol kg−1) significantly potentiated the effect of sildenafil 1–10 μmol kg−1 and 1 mmol kg−1, 1 and 5 min after injection. Potentiation of ICP/SAP induced by their combination was greater than the sum of the effects of the corresponding doses of either drug at the same time interval. A nonsignificant additional decrease in SAP than sildenafil-induced was observed if administered with yohimbine. Addition of sildenafil to yohimbine significantly enhanced the effect of the latter on intromission frequency, intercopulatory interval and the number of ejaculations per session. It is concluded that yohimbine may enhance and prolong the effect of sildenafil on erectile process without additional hypotension. Sildenafil may enhance the central effects of yohimbine on erection; it amplifies the effect of yohimbine on male copulatory performance but not on sexual motivation. The potential beneficial effect of the combination was found to be more pronounced on the central component than on the peripheral component of the erectile process.International Journal of Impotence Research (2008) 20, 409–417; doi:10.1038/sj.ijir.3901630; published online 17 April 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modulation of the adrenergic activity and interfering with channels such as potassium channels may affect relaxation and contraction of the corpus cavernosum. Sildenafil is a selective phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, proven effective in treating erectile dysfunction.In this study, the effect of sildenafil citrate on α-receptors modulation and potassium channels was tested. The direct relaxant effect of sildenafil citrate was studied by measuring changes in isometric tension in isolated strips of rabbit corpus cavernosum and rat aortic ring precontracted with phenylephrine or KCl compared to that of diazoxide in the presence and absence of tetraethylammonium. The inhibitory effect of sildenafil on electrical field stimulation-induced contraction of rabbit corpus cavernosum and rat anococcygeus muscle was also studied compared to that of phentolamine. Muscle relaxant effect of sildenafil (1 × 10−9–1 × 10−6 M on phenylephrine-precontracted rabbit corpus cavernosum strips was not attenuated by NG-nitro-L-arginine (3 × 10−5 M). Cumulative addition of sildenafil (1 × 10−9–1 × 10−6 M) and phentolamine (1 × 10−9–1 × 10−6 M) to the organ bath dose-dependently inhibited electrical field stimulation-induced contraction of rabbit corpus cavernosum and rat anococcygeus muscle, with almost similar EC50 values. Sildenafil (1 × 10−7 M) also inhibited phenylephrine-induced contraction of rat aortic rings by 39.83±3.01%. In addition, tetraethylammonium (1 × 10−3 M) significantly attenuated the muscle relaxant effect of sildenafil (1 × 10−9–1 × 10−6 M) on phenylephrine-precontracted strips of rabbit corpus cavernosum.Sildenafil citrate is capable of producing cavernosal smooth muscle relaxation by an additional mechanism that may involve α-receptors and potassium channel opening.International Journal of Impotence Research (2007) 19, 551–557; doi:10.1038/sj.ijir.3901590; published online 2 August 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is aimed at evaluating the effect of repeated intracavernosal injection (ICI) self-injection on the peak systolic velocity (PSV) and the diameter of cavernosal arteries. Sixty erectile dysfunction (ED) patients who were positive responders for ICI therapy were studied. Pharmacopenile duplex ultrasonography (PPDU) was carried out before starting ICI and after 10 doses of home therapy in an open-label uncontrolled study. There was significant increase in the cavernosal artery diameter and their PSV before and after injection. Cavernosal arteries diameter before injection in both right and left sides was 0.64±0.13 and 0.63±0.12 mm at the start and became 0.81±0.22 and 0.79±0.22 mm respectively at the end with significant differences (P<0.001). Cavernosal arteries diameter after injection in both right and left sides was 1.10±0.18 and 1.09±0.19 mm at the start and became 1.34±0.39 and 1.27±0.33 mm respectively at the end with significant differences (P<0.001). PSV at the start was 33.77±13.26 and 32.33±8.09 cm/s on both right and left sides and became 44.4±1.19 and 46.1±5.86 cm/s respectively at the end with significant differences (P<0.001). It is concluded that repeated ICI improves arterial erectile response with associated increase in PSV and cavernosal artery diameters.International Journal of Impotence Research (2007) 19, 505–508; doi:10.1038/sj.ijir.3901563; published online 21 June 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work postulated that heme oxygenase (HO) is partly responsible for controlling phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor actions by modulating cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) cavernous tissue levels. Five hundred and four male Sprague–Dawley rats, divided into five groups, were investigated. Group 1 ( n = 72) included controls, group 2 ( n = 72) received sildenafil citrate (ViagraR) orally, group 3 ( n = 72) received vardenafil hydrochloride (LevitraR), group 4 ( n = 72) received tadalafil (CialisR). Group 5 ( n = 216), subdivided into three subgroups (A, B and C, 72 each), received the same dose of each drug with the HO inhibitor, Zn protoporphyrin. Eight rats from each group/subgroup were killed at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 18, 24 and 36 h when cGMP levels in the cavernous tissues were estimated. Cavernous tissue cGMP levels increased significantly in sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil-treated rats compared to the controls with significant decreases after HO inhibition. It is concluded that the effects of these PDE-5 inhibitors in rat cavernous tissue are partly mediated through HO activity via the cGMP signalling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explores the factors that played a part in the outcome of the 1953 coup that overthrew the regime of Iranian nationalist leader Mohammed Mossadeq. Involvement of the British and the U.S. intelligence agencies in the coup; Overview of the conflict over the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company; Analysis of U.S. motives in extending support for Iran.

Abstract: The studied area (Shoubra El-Khima, Bahteem and Mostorod) lies in the industrial area north of Greater Cairo. The area suffers from several environmental problems such as sewage and disposal of pollutants from the surrounding factories into the surface water pathways in the area. Water samples were collected seasonally from different waterways found in the area, domestic and or industrial liquid wastes from 12 discharge tubes of different factories (as a point source of pollution). Chemical characteristics of different water samples and its heavy metals content were determined using ion coupled plasma technique (ICP). Results indicate that industrial and domestic wastewater samples contain several toxic levels of tested heavy metals (Cd, Co, Pb and Ni) which have a serious impact on surface waterways in the area. Shebin El-Qanater collector drain samples exhibited the highest levels of Cd, Co, Pb and Ni compared to other tested water bodies. Mostorod collector drain samples showed the highest levels of Zn and Cu. Industrial effluent samples collected from Cairo Company for Fabric industry had the highest amounts of total Zn Cu, Cd, Co and Pb, while Delta steel company discharges the highest amounts of total Fe and Mn. Al-Ahleya Plastic Company discharges the highest amounts of total-Ni. Generally, it is necessary to impose the environmental laws and its regulation regarding the industrial wastewater treatments and disposals to minimize the risk of the adverse effects of these pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) have become standard treatments for patients with non-obstructive azoospermia. A diagnostic testicular biopsy for histopathological examination is not always predictive of TESE outcome. Moreover, it is not without potential complications. The aim of this study was to determine the value of various clinical and laboratory parameters, particularly identification of seminal spermatids using May-Grünwald-Giemsa (MGG) stain in predicting TESE results.Methods: A total of 100 patients with non-obstructive azoospermia was subjected to clinical examination, serum FSH measurement, identification of seminal spermatids and spermatocytes using MGG staining and TESE with multiple testicular sampling. Spermatozoa were retrieved from 49% of patients. Results of TESE were compared with previous parameters in addition to histopathology.Results: Testicular histopathology was, in general, an inaccurate parameter, and identification of testicular spermatids by histology predicted successful TESE in only 74% of cases. Testicular volume and serum FSH concentration also had poor predictive values. Round spermatids were identified in the ejaculate of 83.7% of TESE-positive cases, and in 22% of TESE-negative cases.Conclusions: The detection of round spermatids in semen by MGG staining provides the greatest predictive value for successful testicular sperm retrieval, and also has the advantages of simplicity, low cost and availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cohort study aimed to assess the effect of the mode of delivery on female sexual function (FSF) after childbirth. Out of 256 primiparous women, 200 subjects that completed the study were divided into two groups; women that delivered vaginally and women that had elective cesarean section (CS). They were subjected to a translated version of female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire evaluating desire, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, pain both antenatally and 12 weeks postpartum. The mean FSFI total score of the two investigated groups demonstrated nonsignificant difference 12 weeks after delivery compared with these scores antenatally. Women that delivered vaginally demonstrated significant decreases in the scores of desire, arousal and lubrication domains 12 weeks after delivery compared with these scores antenatally where other scores demonstrated nonsignificant differences. Women that delivered by CS demonstrated a significant difference in desire domain 12 weeks after delivery compared with these scores antenatally where other scores demonstrated nonsignificant differences. It is concluded that the mode of delivery has nonsignificant effect on the FSF 12 weeks after childbirth. Specifically, vaginal delivery is associated with significant decrease in the desire, arousal and lubrication domains where elective CS is associated with significant decrease in the desire domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study applies the improved stratigraphic modified Lorenz (ISML) technique to divide the Matulla Formation in Muzhil Oil Field in the Gulf of Suez into some hydraulic flow units (HFUs) and to check the flow efficiency contribution of each hydraulic flow unit (HFU) to the total bulk flow capacity of the reservoir in 3 wells (Muzhil-4, 7, and 8). The output of the ISML plot is applied in integration with the vertical plot of the porosity (∅), permeability (k), and effective pore radius (R35) against depth to measure the efficiency of each HFU contribution to the total flow capacity of the Matulla reservoir, and to delineate the main attributor to the flow capacity. It is indicated that the Matulla sandstone reservoirs can be subdivided into 7 HFUs to the NW of the field, while it is subdivided into four and five HFUs in the center and to the SE of the field; i.e., its heterogeneity increases to the NW at Muzhil-7 well. On the other side, the best reservoir quality is assigned to the southeast at Muzhil-4 well (av. ∅ = 20.8%, av. k = 596.6 md, and R35 = 12.1 μm). The efficiency of the obtained HFUs was estimated and described both mathematically and graphically. Also, the measured porosity and permeability values indicate relatively low reservoir properties to the NW of the field. The reservoir heterogeneity is also measured using the Dykstra-Parsons technique which indicates extremely high heterogeneity (0.89 ≤ V ≤ 0.98). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the analysis and measurements of ground vibrations induced bv bench blasting operations in limestone quarry at Assiut Cement Company (CEMEX), in Egypt. The object of this study is to predict peak particle velocity and to determine the safe distance for this site. For this purpose, blasts have been recorded using five seismographs to record ground vibrations events. Buildings and constructions close the quarry area have been given the first priority in these measurements, and the ground vibration components were measured for each event. After carrying out statistical analysis, the site-specific parameters were determined to predict the peak particle velocity. In this analysis, the prediction curves of maximum charge weight per delay versus distance for different damage criteria was drawn to be able to perform controlled blasting in order not to damage to the nearby structures, especially to the plant buildings and structures. The particle velocities and frequency values of all blast events were evaluated according to German DIN 4150 in order to determine the damage risks of the nearby structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Despite the fact that malleable penile implants are easier and faster to implant surgically, yet inflatable penile implants (IPPs) have usually shown to have higher patient satisfaction rate and lower rates of distal erosion. It was felt, but never shown that IPPs simulated better erections that filled out the penis better. Nevertheless, this had never been objectively proven in the literature to our knowledge. Objective: In this study, to achieve objective comparisons, we introduced the Penile Implant Intraoperative Measurements Planning (PIIMP) chart to find out whether IPPs were more likely to procure greater penile dimensions in comparison to malleable implants. Methods: 193 men undergoing penile prosthesis implantation were included in the study. 153 had malleable implants, while 40 had an IPP. Penile length and circumference were measured both in a stretched and unstretched state, both before and after a PGE1 intracorporal injection (ICI). Postoperative penile dimensions were re-taken after implantation and documented together with cylinders/rods dimensions. Results: In malleable implants, postoperative penile length ranged between pre and post ICI stretched length in 71.4% of times (n=110/153), fell below pre-ICI stretched length in 26.2% of cases (n=40/153) and reached beyond post-ICI stretched length in 1.96% of cases (n=3/153). In IPPs, postoperative penile length ranged between pre and post ICI stretched length in 60% of times (n= 24/40), fell below pre-ICI stretched length in 27.5% of cases (n=11/40) and reached beyond post-ICI stretched length in 12.5% of cases (n= 5/40). Using Fisher's exact test, it was found that postoperative penile length was 6.37 times more likely to rise above preoperative post-ICI stretched length in inflatable penile implants compared to malleable implant cases (12.5% vs 1.96%) (P value=0.0105) As for penile circumference, malleable implants showed a postoperative penile circumference ranging between pre and post-ICI relaxed girth in 69.9% of cases (n=10), reaching above post-ICI relaxed girth in 10.9% of cases (n=17), and falling below pre-ICI relaxed girth in 19.2% of cases (n=30). On the other hand, IPPs cases had a postoperative penile circumference ranging between pre and post ICI relaxed girth in 57.1% of cases (n=24), reaching above post-ICI relaxed girth in 27.2% of cases (n= 12), and falling below pre-ICI relaxed girth in only 9.1% (n= 4) of cases. (P <0.05) Thus IPPs were 2.5 times more likely to increase the girth of the penis (27.2% vs 10.9%) (P value <0.05) and 2.1 times less likely to cause a decrease in circumference in comparison to malleable implants (9.1% vs 19.2%) (P value <0.05) Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that IPPs were superior to malleable implants in attaining greater postoperative penile lengths and girths. We introduced the PIIMP chart as an objective standardized and easily reproducible instrument for intraoperative documentation of penile dimensions. Disclosure: No. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many times, a good distribution and implementation of equipment and machines along the quarry faces is considered a challenge to the mining engineer or the quarry operator. Quarry equipment includes drilling machines, air compressors, loading equipment including loaders and/or excavators, in addition to the transportation fleet of high-tonnage trucks. These equipment cost large investments in the production processes and need high skill to be efficiently distributed and operated. In this investigation, study of the optimum distribution of the available drilling machines of different specifications and capacities along the faces of the lime stone quarry of Assiut Cement Company has been carried out. A mathematical model has been used to find several alternatives and to choose the best alternative. Calculation of the minimum number of drilling machines that satisfy the annual production plan is an important step to decrease production costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Previous studies have documented improvement in erectile function after bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) in rats with the use of pioglitazone. Our group determined this improvement to be mediated by the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) pathway. Aim To eliminate the systemic effects of pioglitazone and evaluate the local delivery of IGF-1 by polymeric microspheres after BCNI in the rat. Methods Male Sprague–Dawley rats aged 10–12 weeks were assigned at random to 3 groups: sham operation with phosphate buffered saline (PBS)-loaded microspheres (sham group), crush injury with PBS-loaded microspheres (crush group), and crush injury with IGF-1–loaded microspheres (IGF-1 group). Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid microspheres were injected underneath the major pelvic ganglion (MPG). IGF-1 was released at approximately 30 ng/mL/day per MPG per rat. Outcomes Functional results were demonstrated by maximal intracavernosal pressure (ICP) normalized to mean arterial pressure (MAP). Protein-level analysis data of IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK)-1/2, and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) were obtained using Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry for both the cavernosal tissue and the MPG and cavernous nerve (CN). Results At 2 weeks after nerve injury, animals treated with IGF-1 demonstrated improved erectile functional recovery (ICP/MAP) at all voltages compared with BCNI (2.5V, P =.001; 5V, P <.001; 7.5V, P <.001). Western blot results revealed that up-regulation of the IGF-1R and ERK-1/2 in both the nervous and erectile tissue was associated with improved erectile function recovery. There were no significant between-group differences in nNOS protein levels in cavernosal tissue, but there was an up-regulation of nNOS in the MPG and CN. Immunohistochemistry confirmed these trends. Clinical Translation Local up-regulation of the IGF-1R in the neurovascular bed at the time of nerve injury may help men preserve erectile function after pelvic surgery, such as radical prostatectomy, eliminating the need for systemic therapy. Strengths & Limitations This study demonstrates that local drug delivery to the MPG and CN can affect the CN tissue downstream, but did not investigate the potential effects of up-regulation of the growth factor receptors on prostate cancer tissue. Conclusion Stimulating the IGF-1R at the level of the CN has the potential to mitigate erectile dysfunction in men after radical prostatectomy, but further research is needed to evaluate the safety of this growth factor in the setting of prostate cancer. Haney NM, Talwar S, Akula PK, et al. Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1–Loaded Polymeric Poly(Lactic-Co-Glycolic) Acid Microspheres Improved Erectile Function in a Rat Model of Bilateral Cavernous Nerve Injury. J Sex Med 2019;16:383–393. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Puberty is the transitional period between childhood and adulthood, a process encompassing morphological, physiological and behavioural development to attain full reproductive capability. This study aimed to assess serum relaxin‐3 hormone relationship with male delayed puberty. Sixty males were investigated as two equal groups: males with delayed puberty and healthy matched males as controls. They were subjected to history taking, clinical examination and estimation of serum FSH, LH, testosterone, relaxin‐3 hormonal levels. The results showed that the secondary sexual characters in the patients group were at Tanner stages 1–2 and in the healthy controls at Tanner stages 3–5. The mean BMI in the patients group was significantly increased, whereas the mean levels of the span, testicular volume, serum LH, FSH, testosterone as well as relaxin‐3 hormonal levels were significantly decreased compared with the healthy controls. Serum relaxin‐3 levels showed significant positive correlation with the age, testis volume, span, Tanner stages, serum testosterone, FSH, LH hormones. In addition, serum relaxin‐3 levels showed significant negative correlation with BMI. It is concluded that serum level of relaxin‐3 hormone is an important mediator in the pathophysiological process of normal puberty being significantly decreased in males with delayed puberty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]