Background and purpose: Several adverse effects were reported for oral sildenafil. In this research after formulation of sildenafil topical gel, the effect of gel was compared with sildenafil tablet in a double-blind placebo-controled clinical trial. Materials and methods: After choosing the solvent system, several formulations were prepared and the most suitable gel was chosen for clinical trial. The study was a controlled randomized (block-random sampling), double blind, prospective, placebo-controlled trial. 94 patients, with clinically diagnosed erectile dysfunction were recruited. This includes men with ED of organic, psychogenic, and mixed causes. Patients were divided into two categories of age under and over 50. Six blocks were considered for including patients based on the nature of ED and age. All of the patients with ED from July 2003 to May 2004 diagnosed by one urologist were included in the study. The cases received 1% topical gel of sildenafil and placebo tablet, and the control group received sildenafil tablet (100 mg) and gel base (without drug) as placebo. The tablets were taken one hour before sexual action and the topical gel was used in 0.5g (approximately) on the glans of penis and were massaged for 5min, before the sexual activity. Results: In the case group that topical gel of sildenafil was administered, 5 patients (12.5%) had complete erection, 5 patients had moderate erection and erection was not observed in 30 (75%) of them. In control group, that sildenafil tablet was administered, these results were 28 (70%), 6 (15%) and 6 (15%) respectively. The onset of erection in case group (in-patients with complete erection) was 7.4 ± 3.6 min, but this time was 37.8 ± 14.9 min in control group. Four cases of mild headache were observed in-patients who administered topical gel of sildenafil. This was pain treated before 4 min. Two cases of severe headache were observed in-patients who were administered sildenafil tablet. The disorder on visual function was observed in one patient in control group. One case of severe dyspepsia was observed in this group too. Conclusion: Sildenafil delivery using transdermal formulation can be enhanced by several synthetic or natural percutaneous absorption enhancers, and appears to be a promising approach for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.  

The application of non-ionizing electromagnetic waves is increasingly recognized as a potential component of emerging military technologies and future warfare strategies. These systems may encompass electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapons, civilian electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops, fifth-generation (5G) communication networks, satellite constellations like Starlink, various telecommunication infrastructures, and even medical devices operating on non-ionizing radiation principles. Given their widespread use and potential for weaponization, it is imperative to elucidate the possible biological and physiological effects of exposure to such electromagnetic fields and to establish comprehensive safety standards and protective countermeasures in preparation for prospective electromagnetic warfare scenarios. In this article, the potential biological effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic waves and related weaponized technologies are examined. Current research indicates that the hazards associated with electromagnetic exposure extend beyond thermal effects, encompassing a range of non-thermal biological impacts. These include alterations in the static and dynamic electric fields of cell membranes, disruption of intracellular signaling pathways, interference with molecular interactions and organelle functions, and subsequent cellular dysfunction or apoptosis. Such findings highlight the critical homeostatic role of electromagnetic fields not only at the cellular level but also within broader physiological and systemic biological processes. Based on these potential biological and technological effects, various types of electromagnetic weapons operating within the microwave to terahertz frequency range have been developed or theoretically proposed. Although there have been unverified reports and claims in cyberspace regarding the use of such weapons during recent regional conflicts, field investigations have not provided conclusive evidence to support these assertions. Nevertheless, the possibility of their deployment underscores the necessity for continued scientific research and strategic preparedness. It is therefore essential that researchers, engineers, and defense authorities collaborate to develop effective protective measures and establish evidence-based guidelines for mitigating potential threats associated with non-ionizing electromagnetic weapons.