Scalability: Parametric studies from exoskeletons to the city

This research will explore and provide an initial study into the diversity of contemporary computational design methodologies emerging in the field of architecture. It will rely on modern philosophical and mathematical ideas as a resource to integrate a seemingly disparate set of design techniques into a unified framework for architectural design. The explorations in this paper will demonstrate a preliminary study into various methods of operating across this framework through a series of parametric design experiments that span across multiple scales. The result indicates new techniques and skills that are becoming increasingly important for architectural design

Perceptions and use of open space in high density residential developments - case studies in Hong Kong

published_or_final_version第二屆"超大型都市與绿色设计"国际学术研讨会, 中国, 广州, 2006年12月1-2日。国际学术研讨会论文集, 2006, v. 1, p. 124-132The 2nd Megacities International Conference 2006, GuangZhou, China, 1-2 December 2006. In Conference Proceedings, 2006, v. 1, p. 124-13

Effect of Chia Flour Incorporation on the Nutritive Quality and Consumer Acceptance of Chips

Gluten free, antioxidant, calcium and dietary fibre rich, chia is known to contain the highest level of omega-3 available in any cultivated plant source. The objective of this research was to develop a high protein, high dietary fibre, gluten free and omega-3 fatty acid rich chips. Four different levels of whole chia flour (5%, 10%, 12%, and 15%) were incorporated to produce chia chip. There were no significant differences in appearance, colour, flavour and overall liking between a commercial chip sample and the 5% chia chips. The chemical analysis indicated that all four trial chips are excellent sources of omega-3 and the baking process has a limited impact on their nutritional profile. For optimal consumer acceptance and nutritional benefits, the incorporation of 5% chia is recommended. With limited chia based food products currently available, a chia chip would be a well-accepted and healthy alternative to the common unhealthy chips

Exon replacement therapy for Rett syndrome using CRISPR/Cas9 editing technologies

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder resulting in regression of learnt behaviours, loss of purposeful hand movements and speech. Mutations in the Methyl CpG Binding Protein 2 (MECP2) gene is the underlying cause as MECP2 is important in regulating transcription and maturation of the CNS. MECP2 is a ‘goldilocks’ gene, requiring tight regulation, where both over- and under-expression are equally detrimental. 98% of mutations lie in exons 3 and 4 of MECP2. These exons are the target for the therapy outlined below. Conventional gene replacement therapies used for other monogenic disorders are not applicable to RTT due to its tight expression. Alternatively, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing was developed to restore wild type MECP2 expression under endogenous regulation. An exon replacement strategy, utilising CRISPR editing to excise and replace exons 3 and 4 at the native locus was designed. Guides directing Cas9 to cut at targeted sites in non-coding regions flanking exons 3 and 4 of MECP2 were assessed in vitro. The most efficient guide pair were selected for use in the repair construct. The repair construct was designed to include the guides, a fused wild-type exons 3 and 4 flanked by guide target sites, and a reporter gene. The therapy was delivered using dual AAV vectors. Efficacy assessment was performed using human cellular models (patient derived fibroblasts containing a c.806delG mutation and cortical brain organoids derived from the same line) and a Mecp2T158A/y mouse model. Replacement was confirmed at low levels in fibroblast and cortical brain organoids. AAV.PHPeB was selected to deliver the therapy and a 2:1 ratio (Repair: Cas9) was shown to replace exons most effectively in mice. Rescue of the RTT phenotype was not determined as a severe toxic phenotype was observed in treated mice. This study provides preliminary data into the potential for an editing therapy for RTT, addressing the underlying challenges faced in regulating MECP2 expression

Effectiveness, acceptability and usefulness of mobile applications for cardiovascular disease self-management: Systematic review with meta-synthesis of quantitative and qualitative data

Background: Mobile technologies are innovative, scalable approaches to reducing risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) but evidence related to effectiveness and acceptability remains limited. We aimed to explore the effectiveness, acceptability and usefulness of mobile applications (apps) for CVD self-management and risk factor control.Design: Systematic review with meta-synthesis of quantitative and qualitative data.Methods: Comprehensive search of multiple databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and Cochrane CENTRAL) and grey literature. Studies were included if the intervention was primarily an app aimed at improving at least two lifestyle behaviours in adults with CVD. Meta-synthesis of quantitative and qualitative data was performed to review and evaluate findings.Results: Ten studies of varying designs including 607 patients from 5 countries were included. Interventions targeted hypertension, heart failure, stroke and cardiac rehabilitation populations. Factors that improved among app users were rehospitalisation rates, disease-specific knowledge, quality of life, psychosocial well-being, blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, cholesterol, and exercise capacity. Improved physical activity, medication adherence, and smoking cessation were also characteristic of app users. Appealing app features included tracking healthy behaviours, self-monitoring, , disease education, and personalised, customisable content. Small samples, short duration, and selection bias were noted limitations across some studies, as was the relatively low overall scientific quality of evidence. Conclusions: Multiple behaviours and CVD risk factors appear modifiable in the shorter term with use of mobile apps. Evidence for effectiveness requires larger, controlled studies of longer duration, with emphasis on process evaluation data to better understand important system- and patient-level characteristics

What are the predictors of change in multimorbidity among people with HIV? : a longitudinal observational cohort study

Introduction: Multimorbidity is common among people living with HIV (PLWH), with numerous cross-sectional studies demonstrating associations with older age and past immunosuppression. Little is known about the progression of multimorbidity, particularly in the setting of long-term access to antiretrovirals. This study aims to determine factors predictive of change in multimorbidity in PLWH. Methods: People living with HIV who attended a regional HIV service were recruited to a consented observational cohort between September 2016 and March 2020. Demographic data, laboratory results and a Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) were collected at enrolment and first clinical review of every subsequent year. Change in CIRS score was calculated from enrolment to February 2021. Associations with change were determined through univariate and multivariate linear regression. Results: Of 253 people, median age was 58.9 [interquartile range (IQR): 51.9–64.4] years, 91.3% were male, and HIV was diagnosed a median of 22.16 years (IQR: 12.1–30.9) beforehand. Length of time in the study was a median of 134 weeks (IQR: 89.0–179.0), in which a mean CIRS score change of 1.21 (SD 2.60) was observed. Being older (p < 0.001) and having a higher body mass index (p = 0.008) and diabetes (p = 0.014) were associated with an increased likelihood of worsening multimorbidity. PLWH with a higher level of multimorbidity at baseline were less likely to worsen over time (p < 0.001). Conclusion: As diabetes and weight predict worsening multimorbidity, routine diabetes screening, body mass index measurement, and multimorbidity status awareness are recommended

Systematic review and meta‐analysis of the impact of decontamination interventions on the prevalence and concentration of Salmonella in broiler chickens during primary processing

SummarySystematic review and meta‐analysis aggregate quantitative data from different studies into unified effect size estimates with better statistical power in risk assessment model parameterisation. This study uses systematic review and meta‐analysis to estimate Salmonella decontamination during broiler slaughter from scalding to post‐chilling, with meta‐regression applied to explore modifier variables. Data from 161 studies published between 1998 and 2022 was extracted from thirty‐five articles identified in the systematic review process with meta‐analysis and meta‐regression performed using the metafor package (version 2.0‐0) in R statistical environment (version 3.6.0). The analysis revealed carcass wash (1.31 log$_{10}$ CFU/carcass reduction in odds; P < 0.01) and chilling (121.50% reduction in relative risk; P < 0.01) had significant reduction on Salmonella concentration and prevalence, respectively. Chemical additives reduced the concentration (0.98 log$_{10}$ CFU/carcass; P < 0.01) and prevalence (64.74% relative risk; P < 0.01) but the efficacy of physical methods was not conclusive. Application of decontaminants through immersion was superior (0.90 log$_{10}$ CFU/carcass; P < 0.01) to spraying (0.72 log$_{10}$ CFU/carcass; P < 0.01). Adjusting the pH sequentially of electrolysed water, acetic acid and trisodium phosphate reduced the odds of Salmonella concentration by more than 2 log cycles and the relative risk by more than 100%. The results provide trends in the concentration and prevalence of Salmonella during the broilers slaughter process with application of decontamination interventions and provide a basis for control decision‐making and quantitative microbial risk assessment

A realist evaluation approach to explaining the role of context in the impact of a complex eHealth intervention for improving prevention of cardiovascular disease

BackgroundReduction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a worldwide health priority and innovative uses of technology-based interventions may assist patients with improving prevention behaviours. Targeting these interventions to recipients most likely to benefit requires understanding how contexts of use influence responsiveness to the intervention, and how this interaction favours or discourages health behaviour. Using a realist evaluation approach, the aim of this study was to examine the contextual factors influencing behaviour change within a multi-feature eHealth intervention with personalised data integration from the primary care electronic health record (EHR).MethodsRealist evaluation of qualitative data from the Consumer Navigation of Electronic Cardiovascular Tools (CONNECT) randomised trial (N = 934). Thirty-six participants from the intervention group (N = 486) who had completed 12 months of study follow-up were interviewed. Coding of transcripts was structured around configurations of contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes of intervention use. Contextual narratives were derived from thematic analysis of the interviews.ResultsMechanisms favouring positive health behaviour occurred when participants responded to four interactive features of the intervention. Facilitating mechanisms included greater cognitive engagement whereby participants perceived value and benefit, and felt motivated, confident and incentivised. Participants moved from being unconcerned (or unaware) to more task-oriented engagement with personal CVD risk profile and prevention. Increased personalisation occurred when modifiable CVD risk factors became relatable to lifestyle behaviour; and experiences of feeling greater agency/self-efficacy emerged. Use and non-use of the intervention were influenced by four overarching narratives within the individual’s micro-level and meso-level environments: illness experiences; receptiveness to risk and prevention information; history of the doctor-patient relationship; and relationship with technology.ConclusionsIntervention-context interactions are central to understanding how change mechanisms activate within complex interventions to exert their impact on recipients. Intervention use and non-use were context-dependent, underscoring the need for further research to target eHealth innovations to those most likely to benefit

Utilisation of government-subsidised chronic disease management plans and cardiovascular care in Australian general practices

BACKGROUND: Government-subsidised general practice management plans (GPMPs) facilitate chronic disease management; however, impact on cardiovascular disease (CVD) is unknown. We aimed to determine utilisation and impact of GPMPs for people with or at elevated risk of CVD. METHODS: Secondary analysis of baseline data from the CONNECT randomised controlled trial linked to Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) claims. Multivariate regression examining the association of GPMP receipt and review with: (1) ≥ 1 MBS-subsidised allied health visit in the previous 24 months; (2) adherence to dual cardioprotective medication (≥ 80% of days covered with a dispensed PBS prescription); and (3) meeting recommended LDL-cholesterol and blood pressure (BP) targets concurrently. RESULTS: Overall, 905 trial participants from 24 primary health care services consented to data linkage. Participants with a GPMP (46.6%, 422/905) were older (69.4 vs 66.0 years), had lower education (32.3% vs 24.7% high school or lower), lower household income (27.5% vs 17.0% in lowest bracket), and more comorbidities, particularly diabetes (42.2% vs 17.6%) compared to those without a GPMP. After adjustment, a GPMP was strongly associated with allied health visits (odds ratio (OR) 14.80, 95% CI: 9.08–24.11) but not higher medication adherence rates (OR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.52–1.29) nor meeting combined LDL and BP targets (OR 1.31, 95% CI: 0.72–2.38). Minor differences in significant covariates were noted in models using GPMP review versus GPMP initiation. CONCLUSIONS: In people with or at elevated risk of CVD, GPMPs are under-utilised overall. They are targeting high-needs populations and facilitate allied health access, but are not associated with improved CVD risk management, which represents an opportunity for enhancing their value in supporting guideline-recommended care. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-022-01763-2

Nutrients and polyphenols-rich sorghum bicolor genotypes as complementary therapy for Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and most common cause of dementia among older people. The main pathological hallmarks of AD are formation of insoluble amyloid beta senile plaques and paired helical filaments of neurofibrillary tangles. AD features gradual memory decline, mild to severe cognitive impairment, eventually total dependence of patients on caregivers. Currently available drugs have not been able to modify AD pathology. This has drawn increasing attention to plant food materials with high nutritional and bioactive constituents as potential complementary therapy for AD. Sorghum bicolor is a widely available cost-effective source of proteins, fats, crude fibres, biopeptides and polyphenols which are vital for human wellbeing. This review discussed the major mechanisms underlying AD pathology. The nutritional and bioactive constituents of Sorghum bicolor grains were extensively described. There is limited report on anti-AD activities of sorghum grains. Therefore, the pharmacological mechanisms of action including scavenging of reactive oxygen species, inhibition of oxidative stress, anti-acetylcholinesterase activity and modulation of mitophagy were only speculated. This comprehensive update suggests more robust innovative studies that will provide critical theoretical details necessary to promote utilization of sorghum grains as functional food or source of bioactive molecules for AD therapy