Dynamic Schwarz Meta-Foams: Customizable Solutions for Environmental Noise Reduction.

In an era marked by increasing environmental challenges affecting human well-being, traditional acoustic materials struggle to effectively handle the diverse and multi-frequency nature of harmful environmental noises. This has spurred a demand for innovative acoustic metamaterial solutions by utilizing sustainable design strategies. This research introduces tunable Schwarz metamaterial capable of transforming into a soft meta-foam to solve the complex problems of varying environmental noises. This study primarily focuses on adjusting single to multiple sound-blocking bandgaps mechanism using a multi-layered approach, incorporating the Schwarz P-type triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) and its elective soft foam counterpart, known as tunable Schwarz meta-foams (TSMF-x). The tunable design parameters of the unit cell, multi-layered TPMS, and soft programmable TSMF-lichen version are comprehensively explored including a fire-safety test. The results demonstrate these enhanced flame retardant meta-foam families have the potential to be used for mid-to-high-frequency environmental noises in industrial equipment and smart homes for sustainable architecture and environmental health applications.

Cobalt MOF-Based Porous Carbonaceous Spheres for Multimodal Soft Actuator Exhibiting Intricate Biomimetic Motions.

The advancement of active electrode materials is essential to meet the demand for multifaceted soft robotic interactions. In this study, a new type of porous carbonaceous sphere (PCS) for a multimodal soft actuator capable of both magnetoactive and electro-ionic responses is reported. The PCS, derived from the simultaneous oxidative and reductive breakdown of specially designed cobalt-based metal-organic frameworks (Co-MOFs) with varying metal-to-ligand ratios, exhibits a high specific surface area of 529 m2 g-1 and a saturated magnetization of 142.7 Am2 kg-1. The size of the PCS can be controlled through the Ostwald ripening mechanism, while the porous structure can be regulated by adjusting the metal-to-ligand mol ratio. Its exceptional compatibility with poly(3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) enables the creation of uniform electrode, crucial for producing soft actuators that work in both magnetic and electrical fields. Operated at an ultralow voltage of 1 V, the PCS-based actuator generates a blocking force of 47.5 mN and exhibits significant bending deflection even at an oscillation frequency of 10 Hz. Employing this simultaneous multimodal actuation ensures the dynamic and complex motions of a balancing bird robot and a dynamic eagle robot. This advancement marks a significant step toward the realization of more dynamic and versatile soft robotic systems.

Easy-To-Wear Auxetic SMA Knot-Architecture for Spatiotemporal and Multimodal Haptic Feedbacks.

Wearable haptic interfaces prioritize user comfort, but also value the ability to provide diverse feedback patterns for immersive interactions with the virtual or augmented reality. Here, to provide both comfort and diverse tactile feedback, an easy-to-wear and multimodal wearable haptic auxetic fabric (WHAF) is prepared by knotting shape-memory alloy wires into an auxetic-structured fabric. This unique meta-design allows the WHAF to completely expand and contract in 3D, providing superior size-fitting and shape-fitting capabilities. Additionally, a microscale thin layer of Parylene is coated on the surface to create electrically separated zones within the WHAF, featuring zone-specified actuation for conveying diverse spatiotemporal information to users with using the WHAF alone. Depending on the body part it is worn on, the WHAF conveys either cutaneous or kinesthetic feedback, thus, working as a multimodal wearable haptic interface. As a result, when worn on the forearm, the WHAF intuitively provides spatiotemporal information to users during hands-free navigation and teleoperation in virtual reality, and when worn on the elbow, the WHAF guides users to reach the desired elbow flexion, like a personal exercise advisor.

Diabetes Mellitus in Children and Its Effect on Caregivers' Mental Health.

Introduction Caring for a child with diabetes often has a negative effect on the mental health of caregivers and other family members. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of caring for children with diabetes on the mental health of caregivers. Materials and methods This case-control study was conducted in the National Institute of Child Health from October to November 2017 to compare the mental health effects associated with caring for children with diabetes as against caring for children without diabetes. The case group consisted of the caregivers of 60 children with diabetes, and the control group consisted of the caregivers of 60 children without diabetes. A validated questionnaire with two scales was used. Frequencies, percentages, confidence intervals, and p-values were reported for the categorical variables. The variables were analyzed using Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) scales to determine associations. Results In the case group, most caregivers were mothers, 60% had consanguineous marriages, 21.7% were employed, and 21.7% were suffering from a long-term illness. Of those reporting a disease, 13.3% reported a change in their disease. Most caregivers (71.7%) received family support, and 78.3% of caregivers had social support. Most caregivers in the case group had mild depression, and 35% had mild anxiety. In the control group, most caregivers were mothers, 5% were employed, and 35% had disease(s). Of those reporting a disease, 15% reported a change in their health. Most of the caregivers in the control group (93.3%) had family support, and 85% had social support. Most (62%) were found to have mild depression, and more than half had no anxiety. Most children in the control group were under five years old, and most children in the case group were over 10 years old. Nearly half of the children in the case group had a positive family history of thalassemia, and 68.3% of them have insulin administered once daily. Strong variables that affect caregiver mental health were caregiver age, health changes, and consanguinity. Conclusion The caregivers of children with diabetes have a higher incidence of anxiety compared with the caregivers of children without diabetes; depression was similar for both groups. Health care providers should be aware of the differences in parenting stress related to caring for children with long-term illnesses and should consider ways to help improve the well-being of these caregivers.

Autoimmune hepatitis related autoantibodies in children with type 1 diabetes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The frequency of Type 1 diabetes (T1D)-related autoantibodies was determined in children with autoimmune hepatitis. However, the incidence of autoimmune hepatitis related autoantibodies in children with T1D has been poorly investigated. The aim of the present cross sectional prospective study was to determine the occurrence of autoimmune hepatitis-related autoantibodies in children with T1D. METHODS: Children with T1D following in diabetic clinic in our center were screened for existence of liver related autoantibodies from November 2010 to November 2011. The patients' sera were analyzed for the existence of autoantibodies such as anti-nuclear antibody, anti-smooth muscle antibody, and anti-Liver Kidney microsomal antibody, using enzyme linked immunoassay and indirect immunofluorescence methods. A titer of anti-nuclear antibody ≥1/40 was considered positive and titer of < 1/40 was considered negative. Anti-liver kidney microsomal antibody titer of < 3 U/ml was considered negative, 3 - 5 U/ml borderlines, and > 5 U/ml was considered positive. RESULTS: 106 children with T1D have been examined over a one-year period: age ranges between 8 months to 15.5 years, sixty two patients were females. Autoantibody screen revealed a girl with positive anti-liver kidney microsomal antibody (1%) and 8 children had positive anti-nuclear antibody (7.5%), without clinical, biochemical or radiologic evidence of liver disease. None of the patients had positive smooth muscle antibody. IN CONCLUSION: Anti-liver kidney microsomal antibody is rarely found in sera of children with T1D; the clinical significance of which is unknown.

Gender differences in living with diabetes mellitus.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST: none declared. The aim of this review is to discuss the gender difference among diabetic population. Metabolic control, age and gender significantly affect their psychosocial responses to disease. Psychosocial problems may also occur secondary to negative diabetes related experiences including diagnosis, increased stress and onset of complications. Although significant problems do not occur in all diabetic population, they occur in few patients. More work is needed in the area of identifying those patients having adjustment difficulties to diabetic related challenges. This review indicates that male diabetics are observed to be living more effectively with diabetes, lesser depression and anxiety but more energy and better positive wellbeing.

Is there an association between type 1 diabetes in children and gallbladder stones formation?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A number of studies in adults have evaluated the prevalence of gallstones in the diabetic population and showed a significant association with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes. The pediatric literature is limited to a single small case series. We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate for the presence of association between T1D in children and gallstones formation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Children diagnosed with T1D in a diabetic clinic have been examined for existence of gall bladder stone formation from November 2008 through November 2009. All have been subjected to the following: History, physical examination, blood tests (liver function tests, lipid profile, glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1C]), and an ultrasound (US) of the gall bladder. RESULTS: One hundred and five children with T1D have been enrolled consecutively over a 1-year period: age ranged between 8 months and 15.5 years, 62 patients were females. The mean age at diagnosis was 6.3 ± 2.9 years (range 0.85-11 years), mean duration of T1D was 2.2 ± 2.1 years (range 0.2-8 years), mean body mass index was 16.5 ± 3.4, mean HbA1c was 10.7 ± 2.4%, and 61.3% of patients had a HbA1c level >10%. The mean serum cholesterol was 4.16 ± 0.75 mmol/L (normal 3.65-5.15 mmol/L) and mean serum triglyceride 1.02 ± 1.3 mmol/L (normal 0-1.7 mmol/L). Two patients had hyperlipidemia. US of the gallbladder did not show any case of gallstones or sludge formation. CONCLUSION: Data from our study do not show any association between T1D in children and gallstones formation, with diabetes duration of less than 8 years. The relatively short duration of diabetes and possibility that our study was underpowered might have been reasons for the absence of any association.

Prevalence of hepatopathy in type 1 diabetic children.

BACKGROUND: The Prevalence of liver disease among diabetics has been estimated to be between 17% and 100%. Most of these data were obtained from adult studies. The aim of our study was to screen for liver disease among type 1 diabetic children. METHODS: Children with type 1 diabetes following in clinic have been examined for existence of liver disease, from November 2008 to November 2009. All were subjected to the following: History, physical examination, liver function tests, fasting lipid profile, HbA1C, and ultrasound of the liver. A hyperechogenic liver and/or hepatomegaly on ultrasound were attributed most likely to excess glycogen or fat in the liver, after negative extensive work-up to rule out other underlying liver disease. RESULTS: 106 children with type 1 diabetes were studied: age ranged between 8 months to 15.5 years, sixty two patients were females. Twenty two patients (21%) were identified to have abnormal findings on ultrasound of the liver: 10 patients had hepatomegaly and 12 had hyperechogenic liver. The group with hyperechogenic liver had poorer glycemic control than patients with normal liver (Mean HbA1c 12.14% Vs 10.7%; P value = 0.09). Hyperechogenic liver resolved in 60% at 6 months follow-up upon achieving better glycemic control. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperechogenic liver and/or hepatomegaly are not uncommon in children with type 1 diabetes and tend to be more prevalent among children with poor glycemic control. Type 1 diabetes related hepatopathy is reversible by optimizing glycemic control. Because of its safety, and reliability, ultrasound can be used to screen for hepatopathy in type 1 diabetic child.