Textile architecture

The escalating climate crisis has exposed many cracks in conventional building systems. Modern architectural processes contribute to climate change by consuming high levels of energy throughout the building cycle—from sourcing materials to construction to energy use once buildings are in use. Conventional architecture’s emphasis on heaviness and permanence makes these problems unavoidable. Light, temporary architecture is a solution to both the environmental impacts of the practice (the cause) and to the challenges of living in ever more impermanent situations (the effect). As climate change continues to manifest in rising global temperatures, sea level rise, drought, unpredictable weather, and natural disasters, the need for new solutions will continue to grow. Textile Architecture is a process-led and systems-based design solution for creating transitional architectural spaces from woven jacquard textiles. Jacquard fabrics are especially suited to temporary architecture because complex patterns and structures can be combined seamlessly across a surface of continuous material, and the weaving process can engineer performance into the fabric at strategic locations through weave structure and fiber content. The result is a light, flexible textile that can be adapted depending on the local needs of the user, whether they are children in public greenspaces or people facing displacement. Textile architecture is not new, but it is ready for reinvention and activation by textile designers working in collaboration with architects. It stands as a blueprint and points toward a lighter, more sustainable future for architecture and the earth

Evaluating impact and recovery of mangroves following extreme climatic events using satellite remote sensing in Exmouth Gulf, north western Australia

The objective of this study was to study mangrove response (impact and recovery) from extreme climatic events such as tropical cyclones, marine heatwaves, and drought events on the eastern shores of Exmouth Gulf. Mangroves in arid regions, like those in Exmouth, are considered the most sensitive to disturbances due to already existing at their physiological limits. Projected increase in frequency, severity and duration of climate extremes is also considered a major challenge for mangroves in the future. Mangroves are critically important communities providing a wide variety of essential ecosystem services and coastal protection, making it important to monitor them from these events and assess recovery. This study used satellite remote sensing and a multiple endmember spectral mixture analysis (MESMA) to detect and quantify impact and track recovery of mangroves from 1998 to 2021. This study found that greater impacts on mangroves were associated with cyclone and drought events, whereas marine heatwaves did not cause much impact. It was also demonstrated that cyclones tended to result in increases in mangrove cover. A cyclone associated with rainfall occurring before a drought event may have ameliorated extreme drought conditions, potentially reducing the disturbance of this event on mangroves. In addition, recovery from one cyclone was particularly slow, however this may be attributed to an extreme drought event that occurred four years later which also resulted in high impact and slow recovery. This raises the concern of compound impacts slowing recovery of mangroves in the area. Impacts associated with one marine heatwave, considered due to other causes, which resulted in lower magnitudes of negative impact resulted in more rapid mangrove recovery. This study has found additional impacts on mangroves in Exmouth Gulf that had previously gone unreported, demonstrating the importance of remote sensing in monitoring these communities. In addition, demonstrating the need for further long-term monitoring of these mangroves

Heparan sulfate regulates amyloid precursor protein processing by BACE1, the Alzheimer's β-secretase

Cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by the Alzheimer's β-secretase (BACE1) is a key step in generating amyloid β-peptide, the main component of amyloid plaques. Here we report evidence that heparan sulfate (HS) interacts with β-site APP-cleaving enzyme (BACE) 1 and regulates its cleavage of APP. We show that HS and heparin interact directly with BACE1 and inhibit in vitro processing of peptide and APP substrates. Inhibitory activity is dependent on saccharide size and specific structural characteristics, and the mechanism of action involves blocking access of substrate to the active site. In cellular assays, HS specifically inhibits BACE1 cleavage of APP but not alternative cleavage by α-secretase. Endogenous HS immunoprecipitates with BACE1 and colocalizes with BACE1 in the Golgi complex and at the cell surface, two of its putative sites of action. Furthermore, inhibition of cellular HS synthesis results in enhanced BACE1 activity. Our findings identify HS as a natural regulator of BACE1 and suggest a novel mechanism for control of APP processing

Independent and Interactive Influences of Environmental UVR, Vitamin D Levels, and Folate Variant MTHFD1-rs2236225 on Homocysteine Levels

Elevated homocysteine (Hcy) levels are a risk factor for vascular diseases. Recently, increases in ultraviolet radiation (UVR) have been linked to decreased Hcy levels. This relationship may be mediated by the status of UVR-responsive vitamins, vitamin D and folate, and/or genetic variants influencing their levels; however, this has yet to be examined. Therefore, the independent and interactive influences of environmental UVR, vitamin D and folate levels and related genetic variants on Hcy levels were examined in an elderly Australian cohort (n = 619). Red blood cell folate, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), and plasma Hcy levels were determined, and genotyping for 21 folate and vitamin D-related variants was performed. Erythemal dose rate accumulated over six-weeks (6W-EDR) and four-months (4M-EDR) prior to clinics were calculated as a measure of environmental UVR. Multivariate analyses found interactions between 6W-EDR and 25(OH)D levels (pinteraction = 0.002), and 4M-EDR and MTHFD1-rs2236225 (pinteraction = 0.006) in predicting Hcy levels. The association between 6W-EDR and Hcy levels was found only in subjects within lower 25(OH)D quartiles (<33.26 ng/mL), with the association between 4M-EDR and Hcy occurring only in subjects carrying the MTHFD1-rs2236225 variant. 4M-EDR, 6W-EDR, and MTHFD1-rs2236225 were also independent predictors of Hcy. Findings highlight nutrient–environment and gene–environment interactions that could influence the risk of Hcy-related outcomes

Reduced plasma homocysteine levels in elderly Australians following mandatory folic acid fortification – A comparison of two cross-sectional cohorts

© 2017 Objective In 2009, Australia implemented mandatory folic acid fortification in wheat flour for bread-making. The primary aim was to improve folate status in reproductive-aged women to reduce neural tube defect incidence. However, folic acid consumption has consequently increased in all demographics. Blood folate is inversely associated with homocysteine levels, a risk factor for multiple diseases. Therefore, we assessed the impact of mandatory folic acid fortification on homocysteine levels in elderly Australians. Methods Homocysteine and blood folate levels were compared between two elderly cross-sectional cohorts (pre-versus post-mandatory folic acid fortification). Importantly, dietary habits were assessed to evaluate the confounding influence of altered dietary patterns not related to fortification. Results Post-fortification, plasma homocysteine levels (10.6 vs. 14.5 μmol/L) and hyperhomocysteinemia incidence (27.2% vs 56.3%) were significantly reduced, relative to the pre-fortification subjects. This was associated with increased blood folate (red cell: 1243 vs 1066 nmol/L, serum 28.0 vs 23.9 nmol/L), and increased intake of synthetic folic acid (366.8 vs 231.0 DFE/day) but not natural folate (332.7 vs 323.6 DFE/day). Limited other differences were detected in dietary intake patterns between groups. The positive relationship between homocysteine levels and age was abrogated post-fortification (p = 0.3 vs p = 0.0003). Conclusions A potential off-target benefit of mandatory folic acid fortification in Australia was demonstrated. With many countries still considering the merits and consequences of mandatory fortification policies, it is important to unravel the off-target effects including dietary context

The invisible academics

Education focused academics are not considered to be “teaching only” but also do not fit the traditional “research and teaching” classification, falling somewhere in between with a typical workload of 80% teaching and 20% research. There is a lack of reliable data on the numbers and demographics of education focused academics in Australian universities; our own experience suggests a majority are female and clustered in lower level academic positions that may be fixed term. Education focused academics take on a disproportionately high teaching load, often coordinating large first year service-taught courses, mentoring casual teaching staff and acting as facilitators of student engagement. Career pathways are not well defined, and promotion beyond senior lecturer level is hampered by a lack of relevant and specific performance and promotion guidelines. The research role of education focused academics is not well supported particularly in the area of scholarship of teaching and learning, which can be seen as inferior to discipline-based research

Relationship between methylation status of Vitamin D-related genes, Vitamin D levels, and methyl-donor biochemistry

© 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. Vitamin D is known for its role in the regulation of gene expression via the Vitamin D receptor, a nuclear transcription factor. More recently, a role for Vitamin D in regulating DNA methylation has been identified as an additional mechanism of modulation of gene expression. How methylation status influences Vitamin D metabolism and response pathways is not yet clear. Therefore, we aimed to assess the relationship between plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D) and the methylation status of Vitamin D metabolism enzyme genes (CYP2R1, CYP27B1 and CYP24A1) and the Vitamin D receptor gene (VDR). This analysis was conducted in the context of dietary Vitamin D, and background methyl donor related biochemistry, with adjustment for several dietary and lifestyle variables. Percentage methylation at CpG sites was assessed in peripheral blood cells using methylation sensitive and dependent enzymes and qPCR. Standard analytical techniques were used to determine plasma 25(OH)D and homocysteine, and serum folate and B12, with the relationship to methylation status assessed using multi-variable regression analysis. CYP2R1 and VDR methylation were found to be independent predictors of plasma 25(OH)D, when adjusted for Vitamin D intake and other lifestyle variables. CYP24A1 was related to plasma 25(OH)D directly, but not in the context of Vitamin D intake. Methyl-group donor biochemistry was associated with the methylation status of some genes, but did not alter the relationship between methylation and plasma 25(OH)D. Modulation of methylation status of CYP2R1, CYP24A1 and VDR in response to plasma 25(OH)D may be part of feedback loops involved in maintaining Vitamin D homeostasis, and may explain a portion of the variance in plasma 25(OH)D levels in response to intake and sun exposure. Methyl-group donor biochemistry, while a potential independent modulator, did not alter this effect

Individual cognitive stimulation therapy for dementia : a clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled trial

Background Group cognitive stimulation therapy programmes can benefit cognition and quality of life for people with dementia. Evidence for home-based, carer-led cognitive stimulation interventions is limited. Objectives To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of carer-delivered individual cognitive stimulation therapy (iCST) for people with dementia and their family carers, compared with treatment as usual (TAU). Design A multicentre, single-blind, randomised controlled trial assessing clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. Assessments were at baseline, 13 weeks and 26 weeks (primary end point). Setting Participants were recruited through Memory Clinics and Community Mental Health Teams for older people. Participants A total of 356 caregiving dyads were recruited and 273 completed the trial. Intervention iCST consisted of structured cognitive stimulation sessions for people with dementia, completed up to three times weekly over 25 weeks. Family carers were supported to deliver the sessions at home. Main outcome measures Primary outcomes for the person with dementia were cognition and quality of life. Secondary outcomes included behavioural and psychological symptoms, activities of daily living, depressive symptoms and relationship quality. The primary outcome for the family carers was mental/physical health (Short Form questionnaire-12 items). Health-related quality of life (European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions), mood symptoms, resilience and relationship quality comprised the secondary outcomes. Costs were estimated from health and social care and societal perspectives. Results There were no differences in any of the primary outcomes for people with dementia between intervention and TAU [cognition: mean difference –0.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) –2.00 to 0.90; p-value = 0.45; self-reported quality of life: mean difference –0.02, 95% CI –1.22 to 0.82; p-value = 0.97 at the 6-month follow-up]. iCST did not improve mental/physical health for carers. People with dementia in the iCST group experienced better relationship quality with their carer, but there was no evidence that iCST improved their activities of daily living, depression or behavioural and psychological symptoms. iCST seemed to improve health-related quality of life for carers but did not benefit carers’ resilience or their relationship quality with their relative. Carers conducting more sessions had fewer depressive symptoms. Qualitative data suggested that people with dementia and their carers experienced better communication owing to iCST. Adjusted mean costs were not significantly different between the groups. From the societal perspective, both health gains and cost savings were observed. Conclusions iCST did not improve cognition or quality of life for people with dementia, or carers’ physical and mental health. Costs of the intervention were offset by some reductions in social care and other services. Although there was some evidence of improvement in terms of the caregiving relationship and carers’ health-related quality of life, iCST does not appear to deliver clinical benefits for cognition and quality of life for people with dementia. Most people received fewer than the recommended number of iCST sessions. Further research is needed to ascertain the clinical effectiveness of carer-led cognitive stimulation interventions for people with dementia

How achievable are COVID-19 clinical trial recruitment targets? A UK observational cohort study and trials registry analysis

Objectives: To analyse enrolment to interventional trials during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in England and describe the barriers to successful recruitment in the circumstance of a further wave or future pandemics. Design: We analysed registered interventional COVID-19 trial data and concurrently did a prospective observational study of hospitalised patients with COVID-19 who were being assessed for eligibility to one of the RECOVERY, C19-ACS or SIMPLE trials. Setting: Interventional COVID-19 trial data were analysed from the clinicaltrials.gov and International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number databases on 12 July 2020. The patient cohort was taken from five centres in a respiratory National Institute for Health Research network. Population and modelling data were taken from published reports from the UK government and Medical Research Council Biostatistics Unit. Participants: 2082 consecutive admitted patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection from 27 March 2020 were included. Main outcome measures: Proportions enrolled, and reasons for exclusion from the aforementioned trials. Comparisons of trial recruitment targets with estimated feasible recruitment numbers. Results: Analysis of trial registration data for COVID-19 treatment studies enrolling in England showed that by 12 July 2020, 29 142 participants were needed. In the observational study, 430 (20.7%) proceeded to randomisation. 82 (3.9%) declined participation, 699 (33.6%) were excluded on clinical grounds, 363 (17.4%) were medically fit for discharge and 153 (7.3%) were receiving palliative care. With 111 037 people hospitalised with COVID-19 in England by 12 July 2020, we determine that 22 985 people were potentially suitable for trial enrolment. We estimate a UK hospitalisation rate of 2.38%, and that another 1.25 million infections would be required to meet recruitment targets of ongoing trials. Conclusions: Feasible recruitment rates, study design and proliferation of trials can limit the number, and size, that will successfully complete recruitment. We consider that fewer, more appropriately designed trials, prioritising cooperation between centres would maximise productivity in a further wave