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.

Ureteroscopy with Holmium: YAG Laser—A Initial Study in the Urology Department of the Pr Bocar Sidy Sall University Hospital of Kati

Introduction: Ureteroscopy is a minimally invasive endoscopic surgery which provides access to the ureter, pyelon and calyceal cavities via the urethra and the bladder. Laser ureteroscopy uses the laser as an energy source to treat the stone and eliminate it naturally. Minimally invasive endoscopic methods are struggling to become popular in sub-Saharan African countries, especially for the upper urinary tract. The objective of our work was to report the results of our first laser ureteroscopy experience in the department. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective and descriptive study running from December 1, 2023 to February 19, 2024. Included in our study was any case of upper urinary tract stone operated by Laser ureteroscopy. The characteristics of the lithiasis were determined by CT scan. Sterilization of urine was verified by carrying out a cytobacteriological examination of urine. Ureteral lithiasis was approached by semi-rigid ureteroscopy. Renal lithiasis was immediately addressed by flexible ureteroscopy. Ureteroscopy was coupled with a Holmium YAG laser. A double J ureteral catheter was placed after the operation. A 230 µm laser fiber was used in each case with a generator with a power of 35 watts (Storz Calculase III type). An access sheath was used in all cases of flexible ureteroscopy. The parameters studied were: sociodemographic characteristics, lithiasis (site, size, number, density, topography), type of anesthesia, duration of laser use, duration of intervention, postoperative outcomes. Data entry and analysis were carried out using the software (Word 2016 and SPSS). Result: We collected 30 cases of laser ureteroscopy. The average age was 37 years with extremes of 9 and 79 years. The male gender was more represented. The most common age group was 24-39 years old. Renal colic was the most frequent reason for admission, 12 patients (40%). On physical examination, lumbar tenderness was present in 47% (14 patients). ECBU was positive in 4 patients (13%). CT scan was performed in all our patients before the intervention. The average stone size was 12 mm and the largest was 23 mm. The majority of stones, i.e. 59% (18 patients), had a density greater than 1000 HU. The stone was unique in 19 patients (63%). The location of the stone was pyelic in 8 patients or 27%. An impact on the upper urinary tract was found in 16 of our patients or 53%. General anesthesia was used in 25 patients (83%). A digital flexible ureteroscopy was used in 24 patients and a semi-rigid ureteroscopy (URS) in 6 patients. Full-course fragmentation was the most used therapeutic method, 9 patients or 32%. The average duration of interventions was 61 minutes. Drainage by double J catheter at the end of the procedure was performed in all our patients. The length of hospitalization was 24 hours. Only one case of failure in the USSR was recorded, and one case of failure was in the semi-rigid URS. Conclusion: Laser ureteroscopy is an effective minimally invasive surgery in the management of lithiasis of the upper urinary tract. It significantly reduces the length of hospitalization. Mastery of this technique and the acquisition of the equipment necessary for its implementation is an undeniable asset in the management of renal and ureteral lithiasis.

Compressive strength and frost heave resistance of different types of semi-rigid base materials after freeze-thaw cycles

Freeze-thaw damage is the most common disease of semi-rigid bases in cold regions, which may greatly affect the dura- bility of roadways. In this study, the compressive strength and frost resistance of four different types of semi-rigid bases （lime-fly ash-stabilized sand, cement-stabilized sand, lime-fly ash-stabilized gravel, and cement-stabilized gravel） are assessed by varying the materials content. Based on freeze-thaw and compressive strength tests, this paper presents the performance of the different materials, each having different physical properties, and the optimal amounts of materials contents are proposed.

Use of a modified ureteral access sheath in semi-rigid ureteroscopy to treat large upper ureteral stones is associated with high stone free rates

Objective:To examine differences in outcomes of semi-rigid ureteroscopy(URS)with or without a modified-ureteral-access-sheath(mUAS)to treat large upper ureteral stones.Methods:Patients with single,radio-opaque large upper ureteral stone(≥10 mm)treated using semi-rigid URS between August 2013 and October 2016 were retrospectively evaluated.The stone-free status was determined from Kidney-ureter-bladder(KUB)X-ray films taken on postoperative Day 1 and after 1 month.Results:Of 103 patients meeting inclusion criteria,43(41.75%)and 60(58.25%)were treated with semi-rigid URS with and without mUAS,respectively.The immediate stone-free rate(SFR)for the mUAS group was significantly higher than the non-mUAS group(40[93.0%]vs.46[76.7%];p=0.033).The SFR at 1 month was also high for patients treated using mUAS,but not statistically different from patients not treated with mUAS(41[95.3%]mUAS vs.51[85.0%]non-mUAS;p=0.115).Auxiliary procedure rates were significantly lower for mUAS patients compared to non-mUAS patients(2[4.7%]vs.14[23.3%];p=0.01).There were no significant differences in surgical duration and hospital stays,and the overall complication rates were statistically similar for mUAS patients compared to non-mUAS patients(1[2.3%]vs.3[5.0%];p=0.638).

STATISTICAL MODELS FOR SEMI-RIGID NEMATIC POLYMERS

Semi-rigid liquid crystal polymer is a class of liquid crystal polymers different from long rigid rod liquid crystal polymer to which the well-known Onsager and Flory theories are applied. In this paper, three statistical models for the semi-rigid nematic polymer were addressed. They are the elastically jointed rod model, worm-like chain model, and non-homogeneous chain model. The nematic-isotropic transition temperature was examined. The pseudo-second transition temperature is expressed analytically. Comparisons with the experiments were made and the agreements were found.

Static behavior of semi-rigid thin-walled steel-concrete composite beam-to-column joints with bolted partial-depth flush end plate:experimental study

A new type of semi-rigid thin-walled steel-concrete composite beam-to-column joint has been proposed in this paper.Five semi-rigid composite beam-to-column joint specimens subjected to hogging moments under monotonic loading were tested to study the static behavior of this new type of joint.The main variable parameters for the five joint specimens were the longitudinal reinforcement ratio and the joint type.The experimental results designated that the magnitude of extension of the longitudinal reinforcement is the most important factor that influenced the moment-rotation characteristic of the new type of joint.The concrete slabs could resist 3.8%-19.1% of the total shear load applied to the cross-sections near the beam-to-column connection.The edge stiffened elements,such as the flange of the lipped I-section thin-walled steel beam,were capable of having considerable inelastic deformation capacity although they had comparatively large width-to-thickness ratios.The shear failure of the concrete cantilever edge strip must be taken into account in practical design because it has significant influence on the anchorage of the longitudinal reinforcement in the new type of external joints.

Infrapubic versus Penoscrotal Approaches for Implantation of Semi-Rigid Penile Prosthesis

Background: Modification of surgical techniques to minimize wound infections in penile implant surgery using malleable prosthesis which is easy to use, of very low risk of mechanical failure and is financially suitable to improve outcome and ensures less complications. The aim of the study is to compare infrapubic approach and Penoscrotal approach in penile semi-rigid prosthesis implantation surgery. Patients and methods: Fifty patients were randomly divided into two groups and each group underwent one approach. Results: No statically significant differences were found between both groups in terms of operative time. Corporeal cross over was the most common intraoperative complications, 3 cases in IP approach and 6 cases in PS but not statistically significant. Peyronie’s disease patients underwent penile implant through infrapubic approach in 3 cases and PS in 4 cases with one recorded complication of keloid formations with IP. Urethral false passage reported only in one case with PS approach without affecting the procedure. Only minor complications including superficial wound infection which was significantly more with PS, 6/25 (24%) and IP 1/25 (4%), p value = 0.041. Penile and scrotal edema was common with IP approach (92%) in comparison with PS approach (60%). The urethral catheter can be abandoned with IP to avoid the risk of catheterizations. No significant relation between diabetes and infections and no erosions were encountered. Conclusion: Through this research work, infrapubic approach is better than Penoscrotal approach even if it is not commonly used by surgeon.

Study on Test Methods for Mechanical Properties of Semi-rigid Base Cores of In-service Pavements

Compressive strength and compressive resilience modulus are two important parameters to measure the mechanical properties of semi-rigid base.The test methods of semi-rigid base cores are different from those of the laboratory samples in terms of sample acquisition,sample selection and humidity requirements.Core-drilling location,size of core sample,smoothness and humidity conditions were analyzed.The test methods of compressive strength and compressive resilience modulus were proposed.The research results show that compressive strength of lime fly-ash stabilized gravels base has a tendency of increasing during a long period.The compressive resilience modulus increases significantly with compressive strength of semi-rigid base.The compressive resilience modulus generally is 3-4 times than the recommended range of asphalt pavement design specifications.The fluctuation range of compressive resilience modulus is obviously higher than the compressive strength.The compressive resilience modulus is more sensitive to the construction variability.The overall trend between the compressive resilience modulus and the back-calculation modulus is consistent.FWD(falling weight deflectometer)back-calculation modulus can reflect the stiffness and bearing capacity of asphalt pavement.

Semi-Rigid Registration of 3D Points

In this paper, we proposed a method for semi-rigid changed 3D point clouds registration. We first segment the point clouds into individual segments and then the alignment energy costs of each segment are calculated. The rough initial transformation is estimated by minimizing the energy cost using integer programming. The final registration results are obtained by rigid alignments of separated corresponded segments. Experimental result with simulated point clouds demonstrate that the concept of semi-rigid registration works well.

Analytical Model of Nonlinear Semi-rigid Frames Using Finite Element Method

Performance-based design for a constructional steel frame in nonlinear-plastic region requires an improvement in order to achieve a reliable structural analysis.The need to explicitly consider the nonlinear behaviour of structures makes the numerical modelling approach much more favourable than expensive and potentially dangerous experimental work.The parameters considered in the analysis are not limited to the linear change of geometry and material yielding,but also include the effect of large deformations,geometrical imperfections,load eccentricities,residual stresses,strain-unloading,and the nonlinear boundary conditions.Such analysis requires the use of accurate mathematical modelling and effective numerical procedures for solving equations of equilibrium.With that in mind,this paper presents the mathematical formulations and finite element procedures of nonlinear inelastic steel frame analysis with quasi-static semi-rigid connections.Verification and validation of the developed analytical procedures are conducted and good agreements are obtained.It is an approach that enables the structural behaviour of constructional steel frames to be traced throughout the entire range of loading until failure.It also provides information on the derivation of the structural analysis by using finite element method.

Semi-rigid腰椎后路动态钉棒固定系统治疗单节段腰椎不稳的疗效观察

目的探讨Semi-rigid腰椎后路动态钉棒固定系统治疗单节段腰椎不稳的临床疗效。方法对该院2009年6月—2011年1月间采用Semi-rigid腰椎后路动态钉棒固定系统手术治疗34例单节段腰椎不稳症病例进行回顾性分析。结果随访10～24个月,优31例(91.2%),良2例(5.9%),差1例(2.9%),优良率97.1%。结论 Semi-rigid腰椎后路动态钉棒固定系统可有效治疗单节段腰椎不稳,值得临床推广。

半刚性三波护栏与客车碰撞的仿真分析

针对高速公路广泛使用的半刚性波形护栏建立"汽车—护栏"有限元模型,分析模拟BHI型防阻块三波护栏与客车的碰撞过程,并从护栏结构的完整性、乘员风险指标和车辆轨迹三个方面研究三波护栏对客车的防御能力。结果表明,BHI型三波护栏对客车有良好的防御与导向能力,充分发挥了护栏的作用。整个仿真过程与实际情况基本相符,应用有限元法进行护栏与车辆碰撞仿真模拟不仅具有重复性强的优点,还可以提供试验所无法得到的结果。

Research on China's high-grade highway design index of asphalt pavement with granular base

Based on the 2006 Chinese asphalt pavement deflection value design index, we used KENLAYER Pavement Analysis and Design software and lstOpt statistical analysis software to can-y on the nonlinear regression, this paper establish high-grade highway design equations for the compressive slrain of soil sub-base top （CSSBT） and the radial compressive stress of semi-rigid base top （RCSRBT）. The correlation coefficients inspection standard to get precise proof, which means that our granular base design equations have high credibility and can be used in the Chinese design index of asphalt pavement with granular base （APGB）.

Application of Modern Wood Product Glulam in Timber Frame With Tenon- Mortise Joints and Its Structural Behavior

Tenon-mortise joint is widely used in traditional timber structures around the world.This paper summarizes the results of an experimental study of the structural behavior of tenon-mortise joints made with glulam and CNC technology instead of traditional material and manual work.30 full-scale tenonmortise joints were manufactured and tested under monotonic loading,and the effects of dimension,shape,processing error and adhesive were evaluated.It was found that the round rectangular shaped tenon-mortise joints were comparable with traditional joints in terms of structural performance,but were time and labor saving.The variability of the proposed tenon-mortise joints was lower,which would benefit the design value.Applying adhesive between tenon and mortise increased the average stiffness by 4.3 times and average moment capacity by 27.4%,respectively.The gaps between wood members had little effect on the capacity and stiffness in monotonic bending but may influence the energy dissipation ability in cyclic bending.This study showed the feasibility of combining the traditional joinery method with modern wood products and manufacturing technology,which may promote the application of tenon-mortise joints in modern timber structures.

A Modifi ed Molecular Structure Mechanics Method for Analysis of Graphene

Based on molecular mechanics and the deformation characteristics of the atomic lattice structure of graphene, a modifi ed molecular structure mechanics method was developed to improve the original one, that is, the semi-rigid connections were used to model the bond angle variations between the C-Cbonds in graphene. The simulated results show that the equivalent space frame model with semi-rigid connections for graphene proposed in this article is a simple, efficient, and accurate model to evaluate the equivalent elastic properties of graphene. Though the present computational model of the semi-rigid connected space frame is only applied to characterize the mechanical behaviors of the space lattices of graphene, it has more potential applications in the static and dynamic analyses of graphene and other nanomaterials.

Semi-rigid动态系统治疗腰椎滑脱症的疗效分析

目的观察腰椎后路semi-rigid动态内固定系统治疗腰椎滑脱症的疗效。方法回顾性分析32例腰椎退行性变患者的临床资料。按Newman分型:峡部滑脱18例,退行性滑脱14例,所有患者均行手术减压、腰椎后路semi-rigid动态内固定系统固定。分析术后Oswestry功能障碍指数评分(ODI)和日本骨科学会评分(JOA)改善情况,随访临床疗效及影像学观察结果。结果术后1年,ODI分值较术前下降[(12.15±5.27)分vs.(61.82±10.79)分](P<0.05),JOA分值较术前提高[(27.89±1.99)分vs.(9.28±1.86)分](P<0.05)。术后1年动态固定邻近节段退变椎间盘有逆退变过程演变的趋势。结论腰椎后路semi-rigid动态内固定系统是治疗腰椎滑脱症的有效方法,可预防和减少融合相邻节段的椎间盘退变。

A Novel Semi-rigid Nephroscope Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy： The Best Therapy for Renal Staghorn Calculi

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy （PCNL） has been the first-line treatment for renal staghorn calculi for many years. Several techniques have been described for percutaneous access and stone removal, but a multi-access approach is the mainstay of treatment. The main concern about PCNL is the resultant morbidity： Complications such as bleeding, parenchymal damage, and organ injury hindered the adoption of PCNL in primary hospitals in China.

Simplified Beam Design for Semi-Rigid Composite Frames at the Serviceability Limit State

This paper presents a simplified beam design method for semi-rigid composite frames with vertical loading at the serviceability limit state. Equations were developed to determine the deflections of the composite beam allowing for both joint flexibility and beam sectional properties, along with a formula for the connection secant stiffness. The equations for the connection stiffness are more accurate than previous equations used because it considers the beam-to-column stiffness ratio and the beam-to-connection stiffness ratio. The equations were validated by the experimental results for two semi-rigid composite frames. The equations agree well with the experimental data because they take into account the actual beam-to-column connections and the composite action between the steel beam and the concrete slab.

Performance study on T-stub connected semi-rigid joint between rectangular tubular columns and H-shaped steel beams

This paper investigates the performance of T-stub connected semi-rigid joint of rectangular tubular columns and H-shaped steel beams.The finite element analysis software ABAQUS is used to analyze the nonlinear performance of the joint under monotonic loading.Meanwhile,the dimensions of T-stub,column and beam are considered as analytic parameters to discuss the performance of the joint.The analysis shows that the thickness and the length of T-stub webs,the height of beam section,bolt diameter,shear connector and the preloaded force affect the performance of the joint largely,and the thickness of the steel tube,the thickness and length of T-stub flange,bolt spacing have relatively little influences on the performance of the joint.The research results indicate that this joint is semi-rigid joint.

Modeling of semi-rigid beam-to-column steel joints under extreme loading

Joints play an important role in providing ductility for steel-composite structures subject to extreme loading conditions,such as blast,fire and impact.Due to sound energy dissipation capability and fabrication efficiency,semi-rigid joints have increasingly received attention during the last decade.This paper presents a component approach for modeling semi-rigid beam-to-column joints based on Eurocode3,where the post-elastic response,including component strain hardening and ultimate rotational capacity,is also considered.Failure criteria are defined based on the ultimate deformation capacity of components and bolt-rows.The model enables a direct integration of joint response into global frame models with the consideration of axial deformability,such that the interaction between bending moment and axial force within the joints can be realistically captured.In addition,elevated temperature can be considered in the joint model via the degradation of the component response.Through comparisons with available test data,the joint model is shown to have good accuracy,and the failure criteria are found to be reliable yet conservative.The strain hardening response of components is shown to have significant influence on the ultimate bending capacity of the joints,while neglecting it usually leads to a conservative prediction.