Abstract: The South African local government has witnessed several service delivery protests by dissatisfied community members who have raised concerns about poor public service in various municipalities across the country. The Constitution of South Africa Section 152 (1)(a)(b) provides that “The objects of local government are to provide democratic and accountable government for local communities; to ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner’’. South African municipalities have failed to uphold this constitutional mandate, a failure attributable to capacity constraints within the local government sector. This sphere's most prominent capacity issues are a lack of skills, skill mismatches, and poor recruitment and retention strategies. The finance, infrastructure planning, and management departments are the most affected by the skills shortage, resulting in poor public service delivery in the sphere. The purpose of this paper is to examine the causes of capacity in the sphere and to propose strategies that municipalities can use to improve capacity for service delivery and to ensure sustainable public service delivery. The desktop approach was used to review recent literature on the phenomenon in question.

Abstract: The “Correspondances” of Baudelaire has long been a classic example of poetic synaesthesia, but the scholarly literature tends to either read the sense-transitions as deft stylistic flourishes or as a general outline of a Symbolist doctrine. This article enquires into the manner in which the cross-sensory language of Les Fleurs du Mal transforms embodied perception into symbolic and spiritual language. In order to analyse the data qualitatively, a qualitative semantic–semiotic analysis was carried out in fourteen passages from ten poems which were purposively selected. Passages were identified as having a source sensory domain, target sensory domain, horizontal correspondence between sensory modalities, vertical correspondence from sensation to an evaluative or metaphysical value, evaluative polarity, and symbolic function. The four operations that are identified are sensory reciprocity, embodied transport, sacralization through liturgical and metaphysical language, and profanation through decay, violence, and intoxication. Olfactory–auditory correspondence is highly represented in the sample, but cannot be supported with a collection-wide frequency. But more importantly, sensory fusion is constantly becoming a threshold between body and soul: perfume is “singing,” the soul is “drinking” colour and sound, and sacred objects like the temple, the censer, the Te Deum, the divine gaze become caught up in corruption, opium, blood, and mortality. The synaesthetic discourse of Baudelaire thus does not address the sacred–profane dichotomy. It makes that tension palpable, and demonstrates the spiritual perception that is produced by the modern poetic language of unstable embodied signs.

Abstract: Background: Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are a prevalent issue in wall construction tasks due to repetitive movement and awkward postures. The current study aimed to evaluate the postural risks and joint reaction forces (JRFs) of the shoulder, elbow, and neck joints during wall construction tasks performed at 0 cm (foot) and 77 cm working heights. Methods: Twelve male students (age: 21.83±1.27 years) performed four simulated construction tasks. Actual body movement data were captured with Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors and processed in the AnyBody Modeling System via a 3D musculoskeletal (MSK) model. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method was used to evaluate the postural risk level. The joint reaction forces were calculated by inverse dynamics simulation and analyzed using a two-way ANOVA. Results: Working at 0 cm height resulted in high RULA scores of 7 (very high risk) during mortar scooping and picking up the brick. Working at 77 cm height, all tasks had modal and median RULA scores of 4, indicating lower postural risk. ANOVA results showed highly significant main and interaction effects of working height and tasks on shoulder, elbow, and neck JRFs (all p<0.001). Height exhibited exceptionally large effect sizes on shoulder (partial η² = 0.98), and elbow (partial η² = 0.92) joints. Conclusions: Therefore, a working height approximately midway between the worker's knee and waist heights (averaging 77 cm) effectively minimizes both postural risk and biomechanical joint loading during wall construction tasks.

Abstract: Male factor infertility contributes to around half of all cases of couple infertility, and semen analysis remains the main first-line investigation of male fertility. However, conventional semen parameters do not always provide a complete picture of sperm quality, and there is growing interest in additional tests such as sperm DNA fragmentation analysis. A retrospective observational study was conducted using anonymised clinical data collected from men undergoing routine semen analysis between January 2024 and May 2026. Semen analyses were performed according to the World Health Organization laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). Macroscopic and microscopic semen parameters were recorded alongside morphology, laboratory assessment and referral for sperm DNA fragmentation testing using the Halosperm sperm chromatin dispersion assay. We retrospectively analysed data from 387 men who underwent routine semen analysis at Marylebone Diagnostic Centre, London, between January 2024 and May 2026. Samples were assessed according to WHO 6th Edition recommendations using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). Macroscopic and microscopic semen parameters were recorded, together with clinical classification and subsequent sperm DNA fragmentation testing using the Halosperm® sperm chromatin dispersion assay where indicated. The mean age of the cohort was 36.6 years (range 21–66 years). Although average semen parameters were generally above WHO lower reference limits, approximately 39–43% of men fell below the reference limits for key measures including sperm concentration, total sperm number, motility and morphology. Following review by the attending doctor, 61.0% of samples were classified as good, 30.0% as poor and 9.0% as very poor. Among the 170 men with available DNA fragmentation results, 25.6% of those classified as good were positive for increased DNA fragmentation, compared with 64.6% of the poor group and 82.1% of the very poor group. These findings show that conventional semen analysis remains valuable for identifying abnormalities and guiding further investigation. Importantly, sperm DNA fragmentation was also identified in a proportion of men whose routine semen assessment was considered satisfactory, suggesting that selective DNA fragmentation testing may add useful information to the conventional diagnostic pathway.

Abstract: Artificial intelligence systems deployed across medicine—drug discovery, diagnostic imaging, genomic analysis, epidemiological modeling, and clinical decision support—are trained on domain knowledge that carries both legitimate therapeutic value and dual-use potential. Prevailing AI safety practice relies on technical containment: refusal training, output classification, red-teaming, and access controls. This paper advances a bounded thesis: technical containment is a necessary but insufficient layer for managing dual-use risk in high-consequence biomedical domains, because reliable recognition of dangerous outputs requires expertise that is itself hazardous, concentrating insider risk within the very teams tasked with safety. This is not a claim that misuse is inevitable or that containment is futile; it is a claim about the limits of any single layer. The paper adopts a graded-risk model in which computational capability, tacit knowledge, materials, and infrastructure jointly determine real-world uplift, and it argues that these barriers differ substantially across domains and tools. It surveys dual-use research governance, AI safety methods, biosecurity institutions, and medical-AI regulation to locate the gaps, and proposes an operationalized, layered governance response—including explicit deployment-gating criteria for the highest-risk applications. The paper does not present novel empirical findings and identifies the empirical questions on which its practical implications depend.

Abstract: Background: Sexual dysfunction is a common but frequently underrecognized consequence of gynecological cancer treatment. It may persist throughout survivorship and involve vaginal symptoms, dyspareunia, pelvic-floor dysfunction, hormonal changes, psychological distress, altered body image, and relationship difficulties. Despite its substantial impact on quality of life, sexual health is still inconsistently addressed in routine follow-up care. Objective: This narrative review evaluates contemporary treatment strategies for sexual dysfunction in gynecological cancer survivors and proposes a personalized framework for multidisciplinary oncosexual rehabilitation. Methods: A narrative literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar, focusing primarily on publications from January 2016 to September 2026. Randomized controlled trials, observational and qualitative studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical guidelines, consensus statements, and relevant narrative reviews were considered. Earlier landmark studies were retained when clinically relevant. Results: Current evidence supports a multidimensional approach to treatment. Management should begin with structured assessment of sexual symptoms, cancer and treatment history, vaginal and hormonal status, pelvic-floor function, psychological well-being, body image, relationships, and patient-defined goals. Therapeutic options include vaginal moisturizers and lubricants, selected local hormonal treatment, vaginal dilators, pelvic-floor rehabilitation, psychosexual and psychological interventions, and multidisciplinary survivorship care. Evidence for individual interventions varies, and emerging approaches such as vaginal laser therapy require further evaluation. The available literature supports combining interventions according to the predominant mechanisms and individual needs. Conclusions: Sexual dysfunction should not be regarded as an unavoidable consequence of gynecological cancer survivorship. Personalized, mechanism-based treatment integrated with multidisciplinary oncosexual rehabilitation offers a clinically meaningful approach to restoring sexual comfort, intimacy, confidence, and quality of life.

Abstract: Background: Radical cystectomy (RC) with urinary diversion is considered the standard treatment for muscle-invasive and selected cases of high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. As a complex procedure it carries a high risk for complications, especially infectious ones. Orthotopic ileal neobladders (IN) have the highest risk of infectious complications and hospital readmission in comparison to ileal conduits. Unfortunately, the evidence for antibiotic management, including periprocedural prophylaxis and treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in this special patient cohort is still limited. Furthermore, there is no international consensus on the clinical risk factors that justify intensified antibiotic use, leading to wide practice variability and concerns regarding antimicrobial stewardship.Objective: This Delphi consensus study aims to identify the best antibiotic management, including periprocedural prophylaxis as well as treatment of ASB, and define procedural, patient-related and microbiological risk factors that warrant antibiotic intensified usage in patients with RC and IN and to establish evidence-informed best practice recommendations.Methods: A modified three-round Delphi process will be conducted in accordance with DELPHISTAR guideline. A diverse panel of 30 – 40 international experts in urology, infectious diseases, microbiology, antimicrobial stewardship and medical oncologists will anonymously give recommendations for antibiotic management and evaluate predefined and newly suggested risk factors using a 6-point Likert scale. Consensus will be defined as ≥70% of participants rating an item as highly important (score 5–6) and <15% rating it as unimportant (score 1–2). Items failing to reach consensus in Rounds 1 and 2 will be reevaluated in subsequent rounds.Outcomes: The primary outcomes are consensus-based best practice recommendation for periprocedural antibiotic prophylaxis, antibiotic prophylaxis for catheter removal and definition of ASB as well as antibiotic management of ASB. The secondary outcome will be a consensus-based list of risk factors justifying intensified antibiotic usage in patients with RC and IN. Dissemination: Findings will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals to support global efforts in harmonizing practice and promoting responsible antibiotic use in bladder cancer treatment with RC and IN.

Abstract: There is renewed interest in the phenomenon of limiting shear stress (LSS); an essential component of friction modelling in elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL), perhaps because it is thought to be detectable and measurable by a simple friction measurement. In a sense, this is true, but only with knowledge of the viscosity under the conditions of the friction data. The LSS dependence on pressure may be extracted from EHL traction only if the LSS is operating over nearly all the contact area. Otherwise, the value of the LSS will be understated. Recent attempts have utilized contact pressures that are insufficient to achieve the LSS over enough of the contact and the resulting pressure dependence erroneously appears to make the LSS go to zero at a large positive pressure. The current work discusses precautionary measures for a proper extraction of LSS from traction measurements, to be used in EHL friction modelling.

Abstract: Published estimates of predation by pet cats have led to claims that pet cats are having a devastating effect on native wildlife”. This is based on data collected 32-37 years ago, that reported pet cats in Australia caught an estimated 61 to 118 million birds a year, with every pet cat, regardless of age or containment catching an average of 15.6 to 31.2 birds per year. However, reliable contemporary data on hunting by pet cats in urban Australia remain limited, and national predation estimates are sensitive to assumptions about how many cats hunt, how much prey they catch, and how much prey is not observed by carers. Our study analyzed questionnaire data from 2,405 owned and semi-owned cats enrolled in a community sterilization program in lower-income suburbs of Ipswich, Queensland, between 2022 and 2025. Questionnaire completion was required for enrolment, reducing self-selection based specifically on an interest in cat hunting or wildlife. Of 2,392 cats with hunting information, 77% were reported never to hunt and 23% to hunt sometimes or often. Even among cats with outdoor access, 58% were not reported to hunt. Among cats reported to catch prey, insects and rodents were most common, while bird captures were least common and generally low in number. National predation estimates were calculated using observed hunting prevalence, prey composition and prey counts observed in this study population, with published correction factors applied for prey not observed by owners. Median-based estimates were 0.38 million birds, 3.29 million mammals and 4.07 million reptiles annually, and for birds, the estimated rate averaged across all cats (hunters and non-hunters) was 0.10 birds per cat per year. Our estimates for birds were 161 to 311 times lower than previously published Australian estimates, which exceed the estimated urban bird population of 11 million and annual turnover of approximately 3.6 million birds. These findings demonstrate substantial variation in hunting behavior among pet cats, and show that national predation estimates are strongly influenced by the underlying data and assumptions used in extrapolation.

Abstract: Against the backdrop of intensifying global uncertainties and digital transformation, Chinese manufacturing enterprises face structural contradictions where traditional efficiency-oriented supply chain management is becoming obsolete. This study proposes an "SR-SC-IT" analytical framework to enhance supply chain resilience by integrating a dual-dimensional approach of "external perception" and"internal adaptation." The methodology repositions Porter's Five Forces model to identify external shocks and extends the Strategic Alignment Model (SAM) to analyze internal resilience, forming a "Resilience Five Forces Framework." Furthermore, the study constructs an indicator system of "External Risk Perception—Internal Capability Adaptation—Transformation Gradient Alignment," incorporating a five-level maturity assessment mechanism ranging from the Initial Response Level to the Intelligent Ecosystem Level. The framework provides a systematic tool for measuring resilience and diagnosing shortcomings across maturity levels. This research contributes to the field by theoretically transforming competitive analysis models into environmental shock frameworks and offering manufacturing enterprises a practical, graded approach to identifying risk sources and formulating digital transformation strategies.

Abstract: Let \( A \) be an invertible normal hyperbolic operator on a complex Hilbert space \( H \). We obtain an exact spectral formula for the optimal uniform shadowability constant \( Shad(A) \), sharpening the general additive Green-operator estimates to a Euclidean combination of the stable and unstable spectral contributions. If both spectral components are nonempty, set \( \alpha(A)=1-\max\{|\lambda|:\lambda\in\sigma(A),\ |\lambda|<1\}, \) and \( \beta(A)=\min\{|\lambda|:\lambda\in\sigma(A),\ |\lambda|>1\}-1. \) We prove the exact formula \( Shad(A)=\left(\alpha(A)^{-2}+\beta(A)^{-2}\right)^{1/2}, \) with the corresponding one-sided formulas when only one spectral component is present. We further relate this exact constant to the robustness of hyperbolicity. Let \( r_{\mathrm{hyp}}(A) \) denote the operator-norm distance from \( A \) to the loss of hyperbolicity. We obtain the sharp universal ratio \( 1\le r_{\mathrm{hyp}}(A)Shad(A)\le\sqrt{2}. \) Both constants are optimal. In the mixed case, \( r_{\mathrm{hyp}}(A)Shad(A)=\left[1+\left(\frac{\min\{\alpha(A),\beta(A)\}}{\max\{\alpha(A),\beta(A)\}}\right)^2 \right]^{1/2}. \) Thus the normalized shadowability constant is determined exactly by the relative balance of the stable and unstable spectral gaps.

Abstract: Periorbital hyperpigmentation (POH), commonly known as dark circles, is a highly prevalent, benign cosmetic concern with a heterogeneous etiology spanning constitutional (pigmentary), vascular, post-inflammatory, and structural (shadow/volume-loss) subtypes, which frequently coexist in the same patient. This narrative review draws on a literature search (PubMed, Cochrane Central and Google Scholar, conducted in September 2026) identifying 102 relevant sources spanning 1995–2026, of which 66 are directly cited, summarizing the evidence for each major treatment category, topical/cosmeceutical agents, chemical peels, laser and light-based devices, micro-needling, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-rich fibrin, carboxytherapy, dermal fillers, and autologous fat/nanofat grafting, organized around the presumed etiological subtype being treated. This review is an etiology-based framework to critically synthesize the treatment literature and distinguish replicated comparative evidence from isolated comparisons. Although improvement has been reported with many modalities, certainty remains limited by small samples, heterogeneous outcomes, inconsistent etiological classification, and short follow-up. We highlight replication of comparative trials with standardized outcome measures as the field's most pressing need.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Breast cancer (BC), particularly aggressive subtypes such as triple-negative TNBC, remains a significant clinical challenge due to treatment resistance and therapeutic toxicity. This study evaluated the antitumor potential of Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolens) infusion (MoI) and its bioactive constituent, carvacrol (Cv), in diverse BC cell lines (MCF-7, HCC-1954, and MDA-MB-231). Methods: Cellular responses were assessed by quantifying apoptosis, profiling cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10), and analyzing the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD2, GPX1) and their enzymatic activities. Results: Cv exhibited potent, subtype-independent pro-apoptotic activity, while MoI demonstrated significant efficacy with a more favorable safety profile in non-tumoral HaCaT cells. Both treatments mediated complex modulation of cytokine signaling, characterized by suppression of tumor-promoting IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10, an effect most pronounced in the highly aggressive MDA-MB-231 cell line. Transcriptional and functional analyses further revealed that these agents alter the expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes., thereby promoting pro-oxidant environments conducive to cancer cell death. Conclusions: These findings indicate that MoI and Cv exert antitumor effects through coordinated pathways of apoptosis induction, immunomodulation, and redox disruption. Consequently, MoI emerges as a promising candidate for complementary therapeutic strategies in BC management, particularly for aggressive subtypes, owing to its broad modulation of inflammatory networks and redox vulnerabilities. At the same time, Cv serves as a compelling lead compound for targeted oncological research.

Abstract: We present the Lucron Model, a physical framework in which fundamental reality is a network of identical units called Lucrons. Each Lucron possesses intrinsic minimal properties---length, time, mass, charge, and action---that are the smallest non-zero values in every metric. The apparent absence of intrinsic properties at ordinary scales is an effect of scale, not a metaphysical absence. We show that a single-scale Lucron with scale \( \ell_L \) and coupling \( g_* \), together with the permutation symmetry \( S_3 \) of the bound-state ``candado,'' reproduces the following without fine-tuning: (i) the Planck scale, \( G = \ell_L^2 \); (ii) gauge unification with \( \alpha_{\rm GUT} = g_*^2/(4\pi) \approx 1/24 \); (iii) the Weinberg angle \( \sin^2\theta_W = 3/8 \) at the GUT scale; (iv) the electroweak hierarchy \( v/m_P = e^{-2\pi^2/g_*^2} \); (v) the electron hierarchy \( m_e/v = e^{-7/g_*^2} \); (vi) the Koide formula with \( \theta = 2/9 \) rad; (vii) the Cabibbo angle \( \sin\theta_C = \sqrt{m_d/m_s} \); (viii) the PMNS angles \( \theta_{23} \approx 45° \) and \( \theta_{13} \approx 8.5° \); (ix) the cosmological constant \( \Lambda \ell_P^2 = N^{-2/3} \approx 10^{-122} \) for \( N \sim 10^{183} \). We also identify where the model fails quantitatively: the CKM angle \( \theta_{23} \) (factor \( 1.4 \)), the CP phase \( \delta_{\rm CP} \) (factor \( 2.4 \)), and the PMNS angle \( \theta_{12} \) (factor \( 1.25 \)). These failures point to unresolved geometric details of the candado. We further show that the volume law \( V = v_0 \sum_i 1/c_i \) reproduces \( \Lambda \)CDM at the cosmological level, yielding \( \chi^2 = 12.8 \) against DESI DR2 BAO, identical to \( \Lambda \)CDM. With two fundamental parameters \( (\ell_L, g_*) \) and one symmetry (\( S_3 \)), the model accounts for approximately twenty dimensionless constants, a significant reduction over the Standard Model's nineteen free parameters.

Abstract: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by cells carry a diverse molecular cargo, including proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and mitochondria. In addition, EVs carry antioxidants and free radical producing enzymes like NADPH oxidases or other oxidases. Growing evidence suggests that EV cargo plays a critical role in intercellular communication and disease pathogenesis. In pulmonary hypertension (PH), circulating EV levels are elevated and can alter the function of recipient cells; however, whether EVs transmit functional mitochondria and the composition of their protein cargo remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we characterized the cargo of EVs in a rat model of Sugen5416 (SU; 20 mg/kg, i.p.)- and hypoxia (10% O₂)-induced PH. EVs were isolated from blood collected from the left ventricles of SU/hypoxia (SU/Hx) and SU/normoxia (SU/Nx) rats and analyzed using quantitative mass spectrometry–based proteomics and flow cytometry. Proteomic profiling revealed that EVs contain proteins involved in coagulation, complement and immune signaling, metabolism, receptor signaling, and cytoskeletal organization. Although EVs from SU/Hx rats exhibited an overall decrease in protein abundance, specific proteins involved in cytoskeletal structure, metabolism, immune signaling, and cell adhesion were preferentially enriched and contained reactive oxygen species-dependent and redox-sensitive post-translational modifications, implicating these molecular changes in mechanisms underlying PH progression. Importantly, EVs from SU/Hx rats contained a significantly greater abundance of functionally active mitochondria, as determined by the MitoTracker Red-to-MitoTracker Green signal ratio, while exhibiting lower levels of mitochondrial superoxide anions, as determined by MitoSOX fluorescence. Together, these findings demonstrate, for the first time, that EVs released from the pulmonary circulation in PH can transmit functional mitochondria and biologically active protein cargo capable of modulating vascular and systemic cellular responses.

Abstract: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a global metabolic disease, is fundamentally characterized by a vicious cycle of chronic low-grade inflammation and metabolic dysregulation. The complement system, a key effector of innate immunity, has recently been recognized as deeply involved in initiating and amplifying metabolic inflammation. Although current studies have revealed critical roles of complement components in pancreatic β-cell damage, insulin resistance, and adipose tissue inflammation, the interactive network between complement and metabolic inflammation in T2DM microvascular and macrovascular complications remains incompletely understood, and complement-targeted therapies still face specificity and safety challenges. This review systematically summarizes the molecular crosstalk between complement components and metabolic inflammation in T2DM and its complications, focusing on complement-mediated β-cell apoptosis, suppression of insulin signaling, adipose tissue macrophage polarization, and renal and vascular endothelial injury. We also discuss the prospects of complement-targeted drug development and barriers to clinical translation, aiming to offer new insights for precision treatment of T2DM and its complications.

Abstract: Abstract Objectives: To evaluate determinants of vaccine hesitancy among medical students at a Brazilian federal university using the 5C model as a theoretical framework. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among medical students at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between December 2024 and March 2025. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire conceptually based on the 5C model (confidence, complacency, convenience, communication, and context). The questionnaire was pilot-tested among medical students before application to assess clarity and comprehensibility. Sociodemographic variables and vaccine-related perceptions were analyzed descriptively and inferentially using Pearson’s chi-square, Fisher’s exact, Student’s t, and Mann–Whitney tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Out of 809 eligible students, 230 participated in the study (response rate: 28.4%). Most participants reported complete confidence in vaccines (83.5%). Complete confidence in vaccines was more frequently reported among female students than male students (89.4% vs. 75.5%; p = 0.006) and among students from private schools compared with those from public schools (87.7% vs. 78.7%; p = 0.04). Although most participants perceived moderate or high risk for vaccine-preventable diseases, 28.8% reported low risk perception. Higher perceived risk was significantly associated with higher vaccine confidence (p = 0.010). Regarding convenience, 54.0% of participants reported moderate to very high impact of logistical barriers on vaccination decisions. Healthcare professionals (32.3%) and scientific or academic sources (30.1%) were the most frequently reported information sources, although 19.9% identified social media as their primary source. Sociocultural influences on vaccination decisions were considered low or absent by most participants (66.9%). Conclusions: Medical students demonstrated high confidence in vaccines; however, determinants potentially associated with vaccine hesitancy were identified, particularly within the domains of complacency, convenience, and communication. These findings highlight the need for institutional and educational strategies to improve vaccine access, strengthen immunization education, and promote critical appraisal of health information during medical training.

Abstract: Background: Fellowship websites are an important source of information for prospective radiology applicants, but the online transparency of oncologic imaging fellowship programs has not been systematically evaluated. Purpose: To assess applicant-relevant information on oncologic imaging fellowship websites in USA and Canada and determine whether website completeness differs by institutional characteristics. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, oncologic imaging fellowship programs were identified through structured manual web searches. Eligible programs offered at least 1 year of radiology fellowship training with oncologic imaging as a principal component and had an active official webpage. Websites were assessed for 24 prespecified criteria across four domains. Each item was coded as present or absent, and overall and domain completeness scores were calculated. Overall completeness was compared between dedicated cancer centers and other institutions using the Mann–Whitney U test. Results: Twenty programs were included: 18 in the United States and two in Canada; 13 were based at dedicated cancer centers. Median overall completeness was 70.8% (interquartile range, 59.4%–79.2%). Program and application information had the highest median completeness (90%), whereas people, outcomes, and employment had the lowest (25%). Alumni or career placement information was available on four websites (20%), current fellows on five (25%), and teaching opportunities on six (30%). Dedicated cancer-center programs had greater overall completeness than other institutions (79.2% vs 62.5%; P = .028). Conclusion: Oncologic imaging fellowship websites generally provide strong program and application information but frequently omit trainee, alumni, employment, and teaching information. Dedicated cancer-center programs had more complete websites.

Abstract: Climate change is altering the timing of bird migration, yet its long-term effects on medium-distance migrants remain poorly understood. We investigated how temperature conditions across Europe influence the timing of spring passage of the dunnock at the southern Baltic coast. Using daily standardised mist-netting data collected during spring migration (26 March–16 May) at Hel Bird Ringing Station over 1965–2025, we examined temporal changes in successive phases of passage and migration duration (MD). All migration phases advanced 5–8 days over the study period, but MD remained stable. All phases of passage were early with warm springs along migration routes in Central and Southern Europe. Warm winters were associated with delay in the first and the last phases of passage. The first phase of passage was early after warm early summers the previous year. We suggest that climate warming in Europe benefits dunnocks, creating favourable conditions for foraging, early breeding and two clutches, which carry over to subsequent life stages, as indicated by our results. However, the decline in dunnock numbers across Europe suggests that anthropogenic habitat changes and more frequent extreme weather events might counteract the positive effects of increasing temperatures.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Competitive esports players spend prolonged periods seated while performing under sustained cognitive demand, creating conditions that may adversely affect cerebrovascular function. Internal carotid artery (ICA) blood flow is a major determinant of cerebral perfusion and may be particularly relevant to the cognitive demands of competitive gaming. To date, no study has evaluated ICA hemodynamics during competitive gaming or the feasibility of repeated Doppler ultrasound assessment in this setting. Therefore, this pilot study aimed to (1) determine the feasibility of measuring ICA hemodynamics during competitive gaming and (2) generate preliminary data on the effects of a 6-minute walking break on ICA blood flow velocity and volume. Methods: Eleven competitive esports players (20.8 ± 2.1 years; 9 male) completed two 2-hour gaming sessions using a randomized crossover design: uninterrupted gaming (continuous condition) and gaming interrupted by a 6-minute walking break at 60 minutes (walking condition). Doppler ultrasound measurements of left ICA blood flow velocity, blood flow volume, and vessel diameter were obtained at baseline and every 30 minutes. Heart rate and blood pressure were also assessed. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, protocol adherence, and Doppler measurement success. Results: Fourteen participants were screened. Eleven (79%) met eligibility criteria and completed both study visits, resulting in 100% protocol adherence. Doppler ultrasound acquisition was successful in 107 of 110 planned measurements (97.3%). Baseline ICA hemodynamics were similar between conditions. ICA blood flow velocity and vessel diameter did not differ between conditions. In the walking condition, change in ICA blood flow volume improved from −41.0 ± 102.4 mL/min before the walking break to −5.9 ± 132.2 mL/min 30 minutes later, before declining to −43.7 ± 75.9 mL/min at 120 minutes. No significant between-condition differences in ICA blood flow volume were observed. Heart rate was significantly lower following the walking break at 90 minutes (72.7 ± 10.7 vs. 82.2 ± 12.3 beats/min; p = 0.009). Conclusions: Repeated Doppler ultrasound assessment of ICA hemodynamics during competitive gaming is feasible and well tolerated. A transient improvement in ICA blood flow volume following a brief walking break suggests that the physiological benefits of a single break may be short-lived and supports future studies evaluating more frequent movement breaks, such as every 30 minutes, during prolonged gaming.