Machine-Knitted Seamless Pneumatic Actuators for Soft Robotics: Design, Fabrication, and Characterization

Computerized machine knitting offers an attractive fabrication technology for incorporating wearable assistive devices into garments. In this work, we utilized, for the first time, whole-garment knitting techniques to manufacture a seamless fully knitted pneumatic bending actuator, which represents an advancement to existing cut-and-sew manufacturing techniques. Various machine knitting parameters were investigated to create anisotropic actuator structures, which exhibited a range of bending and extension motions when pressurized with air. The functionality of the actuator was demonstrated through integration into an assistive glove for hand grip action. The achieved curvature range when pressurizing the actuators up to 150 kPa was sufficient to grasp objects down to 3 cm in diameter and up to 125 g in weight. This manufacturing technique is rapid and scalable, paving the way for mass-production of customizable soft robotics wearables

Chemerin as a marker of subclinical cardiac involvement in psoriatic patients

Background: Chemerin has been associated with psoriasis and inflammation, but there are no studies demonstrating an association between chemerin and subclinical cardiac involvement in psoriatic patients. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate whether psoriatic patients with increased epicardial fat tissue, impaired flow-mediated dilatation, and diastolic dysfunction have higher serum chemerin levels than a healthy control group. Methods: The study included 60 psoriatic patients and 32 healthy controls. Echocardiographic parameters, epicardial fat tissue, flow-mediated dilatation, and chemerin levels were recorded for both groups. Results: The serum levels of chemerin in the psoriatic patients were significantly higher than in the control group. The diastolic function parameters, including isovolumic contraction and relaxation time, E’/A’ (early diastolic mitral annular velocity/late diastolic mitral annular velocity), and E/E’ (early diastolic peak velocity of mitral inflow/early diastolic mitral annular velocity) values, differed significantly between the groups. Epicardial fat tissue was significantly higher and flow-mediated dilatation was significantly lower in psoriatic patients than in the controls. Chemerin was significantly positively correlated with age, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, waist circumference, E/E’, and epicardial fat tissue. Serum chemerin was significantly negatively correlated with E’, E’/A’, and flow-mediated dilatation. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that chemerin was independently correlated with E/E’. Conclusions: Psoriatic patients exhibit early subclinical atherosclerosis and diastolic dysfunction. Chemerin can be used as a marker to screen for patients with subclinical cardiac involvement

Frequency of lysosomal acid lipase deficiency in patients with primary hyperlipidemia

The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of LAL (lysosomal acid lipase) deficiency in patients with primary hyperlipidemia. Twenty-four patients with primary hyperlipidemia were included in the study. The gender, age, height, weight, body mass index and waist circumference of the patients were recorded. Lipid profiles, glucose, transaminases and LAL enzyme profiles were evaluated. LAL enzyme deficiency was not detected in patients with primary hyperlipidemia. In our study, when we investigated LAL deficiency in primary hyperlipidemic patients, we could not find a relationship between them. As a result of our study, LAL deficiency was not detected in patients with primary hyperlipidemia. However, in this context, there is a need to work with a large number of patients. [Med-Science 2019; 8(2.000): 260-2

Resistive Self‐Sensing Controllable Fabric‐Based Actuator: A Novel Approach to Creating Anisotropy

Abstract Designing advanced soft robots with soft sensing capabilities for real‐world applications remains challenging due to the intricate integration of actuation and sensor capabilities, which require diverse materials and complex procedures. This paper introduces a fabric‐based robotic technology featuring an “all textile‐based self‐sensing pneumatic actuator” and a low‐cost resistive strain sensor created through simple sewing techniques. The novel approach eliminates the need for additional strain‐limiting woven fabric, simplifying the manufacturing process. It also enables the development of bioinspired motions such as bending, twisting, and snake‐like movements. The electromechanical behaviors of the sensor and bending actuator are tested for their performance under positive air pressure. Through mathematical modeling, the actuator's sensing capacity is estimated accurately, providing precise feedback for pressure and position control. Different closed‐loop controller types, including On–Off and Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) control, are evaluated for their effectiveness. Furthermore, the practical application of the sensing actuator is demonstrated by integrating it into a wearable glove, showcasing its enhanced sensing capabilities for finger‐like soft wearable robotic applications. This research tackles the challenges associated with designing advanced soft robots with integrated sensing capabilities, offering a promising fabric‐based solution that can drive significant advancements in real‐world applications

Highly Stretchable Textile Knitted Interdigital Sensor for Wearable Technology Applications

Abstract Wearable technology applications have experienced remarkable development and advancements, with soft and stretchable strain sensors playing a significant role in this progress. Despite the promising potential of combed‐shaped interdigital capacitive strain sensors in wearable electronics, several challenges exist, including limited stretchability, universal mass fabrication, and seamless integration into diverse clothing parts. This study presents a textile knitted interdigital capacitive sensor that incorporates stretchable conductive yarn, produced using textile twisting technology, to achieve stretchability and adaptability, allowing seamless conformation to human body movements and textile materials. The fabrication process involves embedding the interdigital electrodes and interconnections directly into the fabric through textile knitting technology, ensuring robust integration. Furthermore, this work presents opportunities for commercializing the stretchable interdigital strain sensor through a low‐cost and mass production strategy. Electromechanical characterization demonstrates exceptional performance with high stretchability (≈230%), excellent linearity (R2 = 0.997), a gauge factor (GF) of −0.68 representing relative capacitance change, and a rapid response time of 66 ms. To validate the usability of sensors in wearable technology, a knee brace application is employed to investigate capacitance changes during walking and cycling exercises. This approach will accelerate the accessibility of wearable stretchable interdigital sensors for all

Assessment of the Relationship Between Vitamin D Level and Non-specific Musculoskeletal System Pain: A Multicenter Retrospective Study (Stroke Study Group)

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D level and pain severity, localization and duration in patients with non-specific musculoskeletal pain

Picturing asthma in Turkey: results from the Turkish adult asthma registry

Introduction: National data on asthma characteristics and the factors associated with uncontrolled asthma seem to be necessary for every country. For this purpose, we developed the Turkish Adult Asthma Registry for patients with asthma aiming to take a snapshot of our patients, thereby assigning the unmet needs and niche areas of intervention. Methods: Case entries were performed between March 2018 and March 2022. A web-based application was used to record data. Study outcomes were demographic features, disease characteristics, asthma control levels, and phenotypes. Results: The registry included 2053 patients from 36 study centers in Turkey. Female subjects dominated the group (n = 1535, 74.8%). The majority of the patients had allergic (n = 1158, 65.3%) and eosinophilic (n = 1174, 57.2%) asthma. Six hundred nineteen (32.2%) of the patients had obese asthma. Severe asthma existed in 670 (32.6%) patients. Majority of cases were on step 3–5 treatment (n: 1525; 88.1%). Uncontrolled asthma was associated with low educational level, severe asthma attacks in the last year, low FEV1, existence of chronic rhinosinusitis and living in particular regions. Conclusion: The picture of this registry showed a dominancy of middle-aged obese women with moderate-to-severe asthma. We also determined particular strategic targets such as low educational level, severe asthma attacks, low FEV1, and chronic rhinosinusitis to decrease uncontrolled asthma in our country. Moreover, some regional strategies may also be needed as uncontrolled asthma is higher in certain regions. We believe that these data will guide authorities to reestablish national asthma programs to improve asthma service delivery

Characteristics of asthma in an older adult population according to sex and control level: why are asthma symptoms in older women not well-controlled?

ObjectiveThe older adult population in Turkey has increased by 22.6% in the last 5 years, and the characteristics of such patients with asthma remain uninvestigated. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the characteristics of older adults with asthma according to sex and asthma control status to provide an in-depth overview of asthma in this population in Turkey.MethodsThe data of older adults (age 65 years and over) with asthma were obtained from a multicenter, cross-sectional asthma database registry (Turkish Adult Asthma Registry, TAAR) funded by the Turkish Thoracic Society. Comparisons were made based on sex and asthma control levels using the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) Asthma Symptom Control Questionnaire.ResultsOf the 2053 (11.5%) patients registered with the TAAR, 227 were older adults (median age, 69 (8), women, 75.8% (n = 172)). Of these, 46.5% (n = 101) had obesity to some degree. Compared with men, women had lower education, income levels, and employment rates. Additionally, women exhibited a higher prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and thyroid gland disease than men. Being female (OR: 2.99; 95% CI: 1.307-6.880), the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (OR: 2.855; 95% CI: 1.330-6.130), and a predicted forced expiratory volume in the first-second value lower than 80% (OR: 2.938; 95% CI: 1.451-5.948) were associated with poorly controlled asthma.ConclusionsHerein, older adults comprised 11.5% of adult patients with asthma. Being female poses a disadvantage in terms of both asthma prevalence and control in the older adult asthmatic population owing to the prevalence of comorbidities and socioeconomic sex-related distinguishing factors

Impact of Obesity on the Metabolic Control of Type 2 Diabetes: Results of the Turkish Nationwide Survey of Glycemic and Other Metabolic Parameters of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus (TEMD Obesity Study)

Background: Obesity is the main obstacle for metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Turkey has the highest prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes in Europe. The effect of obesity on the metabolic control, and the macro-and microvascular complications of patients are not apparent. Objectives: This nationwide survey aimed to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among patients with type 2 diabetes and to search for the impact of obesity on the metabolic control of these patients. We also investigated the independent associates of obesity in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: We consecutively enrolled patients who were under follow-up for at least 1 year in 69 tertiary healthcare units in 37 cities. The demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data including medications were recorded. Patients were excluded if they were pregnant, younger than 18 years, had decompensated liver disease, psychiatric disorders interfering with cognition or compliance, had bariatric surgery, or were undergoing renal replacement therapy. Results: Only 10% of patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 4,648) had normal body mass indexes (BMI), while the others were affected by overweight (31%) or obesity (59%). Women had a significantly higher prevalence of obesity (53.4 vs. 40%) and severe obesity (16.6 vs. 3.3%). Significant associations were present between high BMI levels and lower education levels, intake of insulin, antihypertensives and statins, poor metabolic control, or the presence of microvascular complications. Age, gender, level of education, smoking, and physical inactivity were the independent associates of obesity in patients with type 2 diabetes. Conclusion: The TEMD Obesity Study shows that obesity is a major determinant of the poor metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. These results underline the importance of prevention and management of obesity to improve health care in patients with type 2 diabetes. Also, the results point out the independent sociodemographic and clinical associates of obesity, which should be the prior targets to overcome, in the national fight with obesity. (c) 2019 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Base

Turkish nationwide survEy of glycemic and other Metabolic parameters of patients with Diabetes mellitus (TEMD study)

Aims: Turkey has the highest prevalence of diabetes in Europe. It is therefore essential to know the overall cardiovascular risk and reveal the predictors of metabolic control in Turkish adults with diabetes mellitus