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Abstract Background Currently, several fatigue measurement instruments are available to evaluate and measure cancer-related fatigue. Amongst them, Multidimensional Fatigue Syndrome Inventory-Short Form (MFSI-SF) is a self-reported instrument and a multidimensional scale that aims to capture the global, somatic, affective, cognitive and behavioural symptoms of fatigue. This study examines the psychometric properties and measurement equivalence of the English and Chinese versions of MFSI-SF in breast cancer and lymphoma patients in Singapore. Methods Patients were recruited from National Cancer Centre Singapore. Validity, reliability and responsiveness of MFSI-SF were evaluated in this study. Convergent validity was evaluated by correlating total and subscales of MFSI-SF to known related constructs in EORTC QLQ-C30. Known group validity was assessed based on patients’ cancer stage, pain, insomnia and depression symptoms. Reliability was evaluated by Cronbach’s α. Responsiveness analyses were performed with patients who have undergone at least one cycle of chemotherapy. Multiple regression was used to compare the total and subscale scores of MSFI-SF between the two language versions. Results Data from 246 (160 English and 86 Chinese version) breast cancer and lymphoma patients were included in the study. Moderate to high correlations were observed between correlated MFSI-SF subscales and EORTC QLQ-C30 domains (|r| = 0.524 to 0.774) except for a poor correlation (r = 0.394) observed between MFSI-SF vigour subscale and EORTC QLQ-C30 role functioning subscale. Total MFSI-SF scores could differentiate between patients with higher depression, pain and insomnia status. Internal consistency of MFSI-SF was also high (α = 0.749 to 0.944). Moderate correlation was observed between change in total MFSI-SF score and change in fatigue symptom scale score and global QoL score on EORTC QLQ-C30 (|r| = 0.478 and 0.404 respectively). Poor correlations were observed between change in scores of hypothesised subscales (|r| = 0.202 to 0.361) except for a moderate correlation between change in MFSI-SF emotional fatigue score and change in EORTC QLQ-C30 emotional functioning domain score. Measurement equivalence was established for all subscales and total MFSI-SF score except for the emotional and vigour subscales. Conclusions This study supports the use of MFSI-SF as a reasonably valid scale with good internal consistency for measuring fatigue levels in the Singapore cancer population.

PurposeCryptococcal meningitis is a leading cause of mortality among HIV-infected individuals in sub-Saharan Africa but little is known about its treatment and outcomes in decentralised HIV outpatient settings. We assessed adherence to treatment guidelines and determined predictors of survival.DesignA computerised laboratory database identified HIV-infected adults with cryptococcal meningitis at Family AIDS Care and Education Services in Nyanza Province, Kenya, between 2005-2009. Medical records were reviewed. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated. Bivariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine associations between key clinical characteristics and survival.ResultsMedical records were located for 79% (71/90). Mortality was 38% (27/71) over a median follow-up period of 201 days (IQR: 10-705 days). Adherence to local guidelines for treatment of cryptococcal meningitis was 48% (34/71). Higher body mass index was associated with improved survival (HR: 0.82, 95% CI (0.68 to 0.99)) even after controlling for factors such as age, CD4 cell count, receipt of highly active anti-retroviral therapy, and treatment with any anti-fungal therapy.ConclusionsCryptococcal meningitis diagnosed in routine HIV outpatient settings is largely treated as an outpatient and adherence to treatment guidelines is poor. Body mass index is a critical independent predictor of outcome. Additional research to determine the most effective strategies to reduce premature mortality is urgently needed.

Background: Anatomical variations of the abdominal aorta are crucial when considering the success of clinical procedures including diagnostic imaging, oncologic resections, organ transplantations, laparoscopic surgeries, management of penetrating abdominal injuries, and interventional radiological procedures. Accurate knowledge of these vessels is essential for these procedures to be effective. The literature underlying the relationships of the anterior visceral branches of the aorta, especially regarding their origins and distances from the aortic bifurcation, is limited. As part of routine anatomical dissection, we identified multiple rare aortic vessel variants in a cadaveric female with associated visceral adaptations. Methods: A 99-year-old formalin embalmed female donor was dissected at the Discipline of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin. The branches of the abdominal aorta were isolated, and their course and relationships with related abdominal organs were visualised. Results: A ptotic arrangement of the liver, pancreas, stomach and gall bladder displacement, and multiple rare aortic branch variants were identified, including variations in the inferior phrenic arteries, a long hepatosplenic trunk, a long cystic artery originating from the gastroduodenal artery, the anterior origin of the right renal artery adjacent to the superior mesenteric artery, and the bilateral absence of the ovarian arteries. Conclusions: These variations, combined with the inferior displacement of several abdominal viscera make this case exceptionally rare and significant for its potential clinical and surgical implications. This work demonstrates how the simultaneous presence of multiple rare abdominal vascular variations, and the concomitant displacement of abdominal organs has led to a complete adaptation of the vascular system and organ function. The donor had reached almost one hundred years of age without any significant symptoms, demonstrating how a systemic study of the patient is important prior to surgical intervention, where the presence of vascular variants is suspected.

During a routine dissection of a 99-year-old female cadaver we encountered the presence of bilateral supernumerary muscles in the pectoral region. The muscle originated on the anterior surface of the fourth rib and inserted onto the coracoid process and anterior glenohumeral joint capsule via an aponeurosis and was deduced to be the pectoralis intermedius muscle. The pectoralis minor muscle was found to have originated on ribs 2 to 4 anteriorly and inserted into the coracoid process of the scapuvdla thereby shifting cranially. The pectoralis intermedius muscle has controversial classifications and variable embryological origin theories, thus making it not only a rare muscle to encounter but a difficult one to categorize. The objective of this investigation was to study a rare case of bilateral pectoralis intermedius muscle aberrations and discuss its clinical significance.

Background: With the spread of SARS-CoV-2 impacting upon public health directly and socioeconomically, further information was required to inform policy decisions designed to limit virus spread during the pandemic. This study sought to contribute to serosurveillance work within Northern Ireland to track SARS-CoV-2 progression and guide health strategy. Methods: Sera/plasma samples from clinical biochemistry laboratories were analysed for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Samples were assessed using an Elecsys anti-SARS-CoV-2 or anti-SARS-CoV-2 S ECLIA (Roche) on an automated cobas e 801 analyser. Samples were also assessed via an anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA (Euroimmun). A subset of samples assessed via the Elecsys anti-SARS-CoV-2 ECLIA were subsequently analysed in an ACE2 pseudoneutralisation assay using a V-PLEX SARS-CoV-2 Panel 7 for IgG and ACE2 (Meso Scale Diagnostics). Results: Across three testing rounds (June–July 2020, November–December 2020 and June–July 2021 (rounds 1–3 respectively)), 4844 residual sera/plasma specimens were assayed for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Seropositivity rates increased across the study, peaking at 11.6 % (95 % CI 10.4 %–13.0 %) during round 3. Varying trends in SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity were noted based on demographic factors. For instance, highest rates of seropositivity shifted from older to younger demographics across the study period. In round 3, Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant neutralising antibodies were most frequently detected across age groups, with median concentration of anti-spike protein antibodies elevated in 50–69 year olds and anti-S1 RBD antibodies elevated in 70+ year olds, relative to other age groups. Conclusions: With seropositivity rates of

Oncolytic viruses (OV) promote anti-tumour responses through the initiation of immunogenic cancer cell death which activates the host’s systemic anti-tumour immunity. We have previously shown that intravenously administered HSV1716 is an effective treatment for mammary cancer. However, intravenous administration of a virus has the potential to result in neutralization and sequestration of the virus which may reduce efficacy. Here, we show that the oncolytic virus HSV1716 can be administered within a cellular carrier (macrophages). PyMT and 4T1 murine mammary cancer cell lines were implanted into immuno-competent murine models (orthotopic primary, early metastatic and brain metastasis models). HSV1716 or macrophages armed with HSV1716 (M-HSV1716) were administered intravenously, and tumour size was quantified using caliper measurement or bioluminescence imaging. Administration of M-HSV1716 led to tumour shrinkage and increased the survival of animals. Furthermore, these results were achieved with a 100-fold lower viral load, which has the potential for decreased toxicity. Our results demonstrate that M-HSV1716 is associated with activity against murine mammary cancers and provides an alternative platform for the systemic delivery of OV.

An online application called BeeGardens was developed for users to quickly access over 85 bee-friendly plants that attract 12 primary bee groups and ways to incorporate these into different landscape designs. The functionality and usefulness of the app was evaluated by students enrolled in two courses: Florida Native Landscaping or Annual and Perennial Gardening, taught in different semesters. Before and after the semester, students were asked to report their perceived confidence to (1) identify bee-friendly plants, (2) identify bee pollinators, and (3) design a bee-friendly garden, using a Likert scale with responses ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Means of pre- and post-test self-reported responses showed a significant confidence gain upon using the BeeGardens online application in both courses. Students in Annual and Perennial Gardening and Florida Native Landscaping were 1.26 and 1.34 times, respectively, more confident in their ability to identify pollinator plants, identify bee pollinators, and design bee gardens after using the web application. These data were consistent with pre- and post-tested means where students were asked to identify three major pollinator plants and three major pollinators using multiple choice response options. Test scores increased by 26.3% and 37.9% in Annual and Perennial Gardening and Florida Native Landscaping, respectively. The majority of students (95.0%) agreed or strongly agreed this learning tool was organized, easy to navigate, and would use it in the future. Since its launch in 2021, BeeGardens has averaged 1201 unique visits per month, revealing its popularity and wide use.

Many residents evaluate their landscape professionals on price alone; however, quality landscaping is an investment in your property. Knowing what to look for in a landscape professional will help you get the most for your investment, ensure your yard reaches its greatest potential and protect Florida’s water and other natural resources. This new 7-page document, published by the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department, is intended to provide guidance to residents and entities such as HOA community associations when hiring a landscape professional. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep614

Synthetic turf is a manufactured product that utilizes synthetic fibers that mimic the aesthetic look of natural grass. While designed to imitate the look of natural turf, synthetic turf does not provide the ecosystem benefits of a natural turf system. This publication examines the properties of synthetic turf in relation to each of FFL’s nine principles. A new publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department; 4 pages. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep612

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) provides science-based landscape design and plant selection practices for installing and maintaining resilient, aesthetically pleasing landscapes. Once established, FFL landscapes require little, if any, irrigation, fertilizer, or pesticides. This new 7-page publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department provides a brief overview of the FFL program, outreach, and requirements.

This document is about the 2009 Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ legislation and its implications for water conservation and environmental protection in Florida. It highlights the role of homeowners' associations (HOAs) in landscape design and maintenance, encouraging the adoption of Florida-Friendly landscaping practices to conserve water and protect the environment. The text also mentions the resources provided by the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) to help HOAs and homeowners implement these practices.

Extension programs are most effective when informed by a deep understanding of the target audience. To guide programs in Florida’s managed landscapes, especially pertaining to water quality and conservation, faculty from the UF/IFAS Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology conduct an annual statewide survey. The survey gathers data that includes common landscape elements, neighborhood characteristics, engagement in irrigation and fertilizer best practices, and learning preferences. This new 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication presents highlights from the 2018 statewide survey with recommendations for how to use the information. Written by Laura A. Warner, Esen Momol, Claire Lewis, Tom Wichman, Wendy Wilber, and A. J. Reisinger. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc345

Abstract Background The concept of evidence-based practice is globally relevant in current healthcare climates. However, students and teachers struggle with integrating evidence based practice effectively into a curriculum. This has implications for nurse education and in particular the way in which research is presented and delivered to students. A new undergraduate Evidence Based Practice module (Evidence Based Nursing 1) was developed in a large University within the United Kingdom. It commenced in October 2014 running in year one of a 3 year undergraduate nursing programme. This study sought to formally evaluate attitudes and beliefs, knowledge level and utilization of evidence based practice though using two validated questionnaires: Evidence Based Practice Beliefs Scale© and Evidence Based Practice Implementation Scale©. Method This was a pilot study using quantitative pre and post-test design. Anonymised data was collected from Year 1 undergraduate student nurses in the September 2014 intake (n = 311) at two time points. Time 1: pre-module in September 2014; and Time 2: post –module in August 2015. All data was collected via Survey Monkey. Results Results demonstrate that the educational initiative positively impacted on both the beliefs and implementation of evidence based practice. Analysis highlighted statistically significant changes (p

The Northern Ireland Biobank (NIB) was established in 2011 as a joint initiative between Queen’s University Belfast and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust to provide the infrastructure for the standardised collection and storage of high quality, well annotated human tissue samples, with matched bloods and bodily fluids to underpin cancer research in Northern Ireland and beyond. The NIB has been instrumental in supporting translational research locally, nationally and internationally with a number of key achievements to date. The vision of NIB is to develop an internationally recognised biobank network within Northern Ireland which collects, stores and distributes high quality, clinically annotated biospecimens for biomarker research to benefit cancer patients. Funding statement: NIB receives core funding from the Health and Social Care Research and Development Division of the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland with charitable funding from Friends of the Cancer Centre. NIB previously received charitable funding from Cancer Research UK and Prostate Cancer UK.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping protects Florida’s unique natural resources by conserving water, reducing waste and pollution, creating wildlife habitat, and preventing erosion. This 12-page document will help the reader with selecting and writing a landscape contract that follows Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles. Written by Adam Dale, Claire Lewis, Esen Momol, Don Rainey, John Bossart, C. J. Bain, Jen Marvin, Lynn Barber, Norman Leppla, Gary Knox, and Thomas T. Ankerson and published by the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep347

Many homeowners are beginning to rethink their landscapes for several reasons, including mandated water and fertilizer restrictions, increasing maintenance costs, and concern for the environment. But over sixty million people now live in neighborhoods governed by Homeowner Associations, whose regulations can make it difficult to implement some changes by mandating types of plants, percentages of turf and plant material, location of plant materials, and restricting specialty gardens to back yards. More environmentally sound landscapes are possible with careful planning and design, and by using an educated and knowledgeable approach to working with the HOA board to gain approval for a new landscape. This 9-page fact sheet offers several strategies for working within HOA regulations to gain approval for a Florida-Friendly landscape. Written by Gail Hansen and Claire Lewis, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, February 2015. (Photo credit: Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program) ENH1252/EP513: Ten Strategies for Working With Your Home Owner Association to Convert to a Florida-Friendly Yard (ufl.edu)

Reclaimed water is water that has been treated in municipal wastewater facilities and is safe to use for designated purposes, including residential landscape irrigation. “Water reuse” is the term used to describe the beneficial application of reclaimed water. Approximately 663 million gallons of reclaimed water are used daily in Florida. Florida is a national leader in using reclaimed water, and in 2006 Florida’s reuse program received the first U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Water Efficiency Leader Award. Using reclaimed water in Florida meets a state objective for conserving freshwater supplies, and preserves the water quality of rivers, streams, lakes, and aquifers. This publication discusses the benefits of using reclaimed water to irrigate the landscape and explains how using reclaimed water helps to protect the environment. This 4-page fact sheet was written by George Hochmuth, Laurie Trenholm, Don Rainey, Esen Momol, Claire Lewis, and Brian Niemann, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, November 2013. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss587

Proper irrigation management is critical to conserve and protect water resources and to properly manage nutrients in the home landscape. How lawns and landscapes are irrigated directly impacts the natural environment, so landscape maintenance professionals and homeowners must adopt environmentally-friendly approaches to irrigation management. After selecting the right plant for the right place, water is the next critical factor to establish and maintain a healthy lawn and landscape. Fertilization is another important component of lawn and landscape maintenance, and irrigation must be applied correctly, especially following fertilization, to minimize potential nutrient losses. This publication supplements other UF/IFAS Extension publications that also include information on the role of soil and the root zone in irrigation management. This publication is designed to help UF/IFAS Extension county agents prepare materials to directly address nutrient losses from lawns and landscapes caused by inadequate irrigation management practices. This 6-page fact sheet was written by George Hochmuth, Laurie Trenholm, Don Rainey, Esen Momol, Claire Lewis, and Brian Niemann, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, October 2013. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss586

This publication discusses the “blue dye” test, which is one way that Extension professionals can show homeowners how water and nutrients move through the soil following irrigation. The information should be useful for county agents to demonstrate basic irrigation and nitrogen management practices and their effects on nitrate-nitrogen (N) leaching. This 4-page fact sheet was written by George Hochmuth, Laurie Trenholm, Esen Momol, Don Rainey, Claire Lewis, and Brian Niemann, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, November 2013. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss594

Soil is the most important building block of a healthy, attractive landscape, serving many important physical, chemical, and biological functions. Soil provides a physical substrate for plant support and holds nutrients and water for plant use. It also facilitates groundwater recharge (water moving from surface water to groundwater) and provides long-term storage for organic matter. Soil also provides a habitat for microorganisms that aid in the transformation and availability of nutrients. Soil is an integral part of any ecosystem, but urbanization often changes soils in ways that negatively affect plant development. Soils in urban areas may have reduced water infiltration, resulting in increased runoff and increased potential for nutrient losses. Homeowners in urban areas often overcompensate for poor planting conditions by applying inappropriate amounts of fertilizer and water. These practices eventually lead to nutrient losses through stormwater runoff or soil leaching, and these lost nutrients negatively impact groundwater and ecosystems in nearby springs, streams, and water bodies. This 6-page fact sheet was written by George Hochmuth, Laurie Trenholm, Esen Momol, Don Rainey, Claire Lewis, and Brian Niemann, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, November 2013. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss593

Macrophages are involved in many key physiological processes and complex responses such as inflammatory, immunological, infectious and neoplastic diseases. The appearance and activation of macrophages are thought to be rapid events in the development of many pathological lesions, including malignant tumours, atherosclerotic plaques, and arthritic joints. This has prompted recent attempts to use macrophages as novel cellular vehicles for gene therapy, in which macrophages are genetically modified ex vivo and then reintroduced into the body with the hope that a proportion will then home to the diseased site. Here, we describe a protocol for preparing monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) and arming these with oncolytic viruses (OV) as a novel way for delivering anti-cancer therapies. In this approach, proliferation of macrophages co-transduced with a hypoxia-regulated E1A/B construct and an E1A-dependent oncolytic adenovirus, is restricted to prostate tumour cells using prostate-specific promoter elements from the TARP, PSA, and PMSA genes (Muthana et al., 2013; Muthana et al., 2011). When such co-transduced cells reach an area of extreme hypoxia (like that found in tumours), the E1A/B proteins are expressed, thereby activating replication of the adenovirus. The virus is subsequently released by the host macrophage and infects neighboring tumour cells. The virus then infects neighboring cells but only proliferates and is cytotoxic in prostate tumour cells. OV kill cancer cells by a number of mechanisms, including direct lysis, apoptosis, autophagy and shutdown of protein synthesis, as well as the induction of anti-tumoural immunity. Using macrophages to deliver OV ensures that they are protected from the many hazards they face in circulation including neutralizing antibodies, complement activation and non-specific uptake by other tissues such as the liver and spleen.