Prospective randomized study to evaluate and compare the post-procedural sexual function in patients undergoing semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy for distal ureteric stones in three different operating room settings

Objective:To evaluate and compare the effect of semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy on post-procedural sexual function with three different operating room settings.Methods:In this prospective randomized study,consecutive sexually active patients with normal pre-operative sexual function undergoing uncomplicated semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy for distal ureteric stones were randomized into three groups,with three different operating room settings.Procedure-related anxiety and sexual function were assessed pre-operatively using Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale and Brief Sexual Function Inventory(in males)and Female Sexual Function Index-6(in females),respectively.All the participants were stented following the procedure,and the stent was removed after 3 weeks.Post-procedural sexual function and general discomfort were assessed and compared between three groups at 1 week,3 weeks,and 12 weeks.The effect of surgery-related anxiety,preoperative sexual function,age,and general discomfort(including stent-related discomfort)on post-procedural sexual function were analyzed using multiple regression analysis.A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:Totally,327 eligible patients were randomized into three groups.The group of patients who underwent the procedural with a screen separating the operating area from the patient vision,while the patient could watch the endoscopy through a separate monitor,had better post-procedural sexual function compared to those who had total vision of the operating area as well as to those whose eyes were blocked.This difference was statistically significant.This post-procedural reduction in sexual function could not be attributed to in situ stent alone.Conclusions:Our study showed that semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy can have significant negative effect on sexual function,which can be reduced with proper preoperative counseling and an ideal operating room settings.

Recent progress in developing ballistic and anti-impact materials:Nanotechnology and main approaches

With increasing international and civilian conflicts,developing advanced body armor has become an emerging field in academia and industry.Nanotechnology,by means of,incorporating nanomaterials,is considered a highly effective technique to achieve this goal.It has been widely studied in defense applications owing to high strength-to-weight ratios and excellent energy absorption capability of nanomaterials.Hence,this review encompasses the latest application of nanotechnology involving nanomaterials and nanocomposites in ballistic and anti-impact fields.Additionally,this paper outlines fiber materials utilized,and alternative approaches adopted to develop robust non-metal bullet-proof materials.These approaches include shear thickening fluids(STFs)incorporation,sandwich structures,polymer matrix composites(PMCs),and textile structure optimization.Meanwhile,ballistic-related performances of various materials developed using single or hybrid techniques are collected and compared.