Expression of proapoptotic receptors Fas/Fas-L on sperm cells and levels of their soluble forms in seminal fluid from patients with varicocele.

Varicocele is a condition in which the pampiniform venous plexus in the scrotum dilates abnormally during puberty, affecting testicular growth and semen parameters, and is thought to be a major cause of male infertility. The findings of researches on the presence of the Fas system in sperm are controversial. As the main triggers of apoptosis in the semen of patients with varicocele, in this study, we examined the expression of Fas/Fas-L on sperm cells and also the levels of their soluble forms in seminal plasma.

Amplatz versus Balloon for Tract Dilation in Ultrasonographically Guided Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Purpose: To compare balloon with Amplatz for tract dilation in totally ultrasonographically guided PCNL (UPCN).

Methods: We randomized 66 patients candidate for sonographically guided PCNL in the flank position in two study groups. In the first group, we used single step Amplatz dilation (AG) technique in which the 28- or 30-French Amplatz dilator is used for tract dilation.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Outcomes with Freshly Ejaculated Sperms and Testicular or Epididymal Sperm Extraction in Patients with Idiopathic Cryptozoospermia.

Background: Cryptozoospermia (CO) is a situation in which spermatozoa cannot be observed in a fresh semen sample unless an extended centrifugation and microscopic search are performed. CO patients are suggested to use only intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) as infertility treatment. But still there is debate about the choice of sperm source in cryptozoospermic men candidate for ICSI.

Clomiphene Effects on Idiopathic Premature Ejaculation.

Background: Premature ejaculation (PE) is the inability to delay ejaculation, occurring sooner than they or their partner would like during sexual activities. PE is a challenging problem that can affect sexual enjoyment and may harm relationships of couples and affect their quality of life. In idiopathic PE, several helpful techniques and medicines are recommended, but none of them has yielded satisfactory results.

Combination effect of Pentoxifylline and L-carnitine on idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.

Background: Pentoxifylline (PX) is a methyl xanthine derivative that influences the sperm motion characteristics and L-carnitine (L-C) is an amino acid that is naturally produced in the body. In general, separate administration of PX and L-C has been reported to be effective on preserving sperm motility in vitro, and also when is consumed orally by the Idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (IOAT) patients.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate any possible effect of a combination of L-C and PX on sperm characteristics and improving the type of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) in a group of patients with unexplained oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.

The effect of tamsulosin, an alpha-1 receptor antagonist as a medical expelling agent in success rate of ureteroscopic lithotripsy.

Background: Tamsulosin is an α-1A-specific blocker which induces selective relaxation of ureteral smooth muscle with subsequent inhibition of ureteral spasms and dilatation of the ureteral lumen and facilitates stone expelling.

Objectives: In this study we aimed to assess the efficacy of tamsulosin for improving the success rate of ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URS) for lower ureteral stones.

Patients And Methods: In a prospective study by a randomized controlled clinical trial, which was performed from June 2008 to December 2010, we enrolled one hundred and forty-two subjects and eventually 102 patients completed the clinical trial.

The Effect of Modified TURP (M-TURP) in Intra and Postoperative Complications.

Background: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the most common surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare the conventional bipolar transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) with a modified transurethral resection of the prostate (M-TURP) in men with mild to moderate symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Patients And Methods: To compare and evaluate the clinical outcomes of M-TURP, a new electrosurgical suggested method, with the standard treatment, transurethral resection of prostate (TURP), 200 patients with benign prostatic enlargement causing moderate to severe clinical lower urinary symptoms were selected and divided into two equal groups of A and B.

Opium dependency in recurrent painful renal lithiasis colic.

Background: The main goal of this study is to determine the relationship between opium dependency and frequency of urolithiasis renal colics.

Methods: In a cross sectional study we compared opium dependency in urolithiasis patients (case group) with non-urolithiasis patients (control group) and assessed urolithiasis related renal colics as risk factor to opium dependency prevalence. Dependency was defined as the diagnostic criteria specified in DSM-IV questionnaire and Urolithiasis was diagnosed by standard methods (imaging modalities as US, X-Ray).

Prevalence of symptomatic urinary calculi in Kerman, Iran.

Introduction: In a cross-sectional study, we evaluated the prevalence of symptomatic urinary calculi in Kerman, Iran.

Materials And Methods: A total of 2431 citizens of Kerman were surveyed from September of 2005 to April 2006. The study population was selected by cluster method from 5 different areas, and 100 houses in each area were randomly approached.