bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multi‐institutional study evaluating and describing atypical parathyroid tumors discovered after parathyroidectomy
Authors: Tang Alice L. , Aunins Benjamin , Chang Katherine , Wang James C. , Hagen Matthew , Jiang Lan , Lee Cortney Y. , Randle Reese W. , Houlton Jeffery J. , Sloan David , Steward David L.
Published: May 2022

Objective

To describe common intraoperative and pathologic findings of atypical parathyroid tumors (APTs) and evaluate clinical outcomes in patients undergoing parathyroidectomy.

Methods

In this multi‐institutional retrospective case series, data were collected from patients who underwent parathyroidectomy from 2000 to 2018 from three tertiary care institutions. APTs were defined according to the AJCC eighth edition guidelines and retrospective chart review was performed to evaluate the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, recurrence of disease, and disease‐specific mortality.

Results

Twenty‐eight patients were identified with a histopathologic diagnosis of atypical tumor. Mean age was 56 years (range, 23–83) and 68% (19/28) were female. All patients had an initial diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism with 21% (6/28) exhibiting clinical loss of bone density and 32% (9/28) presenting with nephrolithiasis or renal dysfunction. Intraoperatively, 29% (8/28) required thyroid lobectomy, 29% (8/28) had gross adherence to adjacent structures and 46% (13/28) had RLN adherence. The most common pathologic finding was fibrosis 46% (13/28). Postoperative complications include RLN paresis/paralysis in 14% (4/28) and hungry bone syndrome in 7% (2/28). No patients with a diagnosis of atypical tumor developed recurrent disease, however there was one patient that had persistent disease and hypercalcemia that is being observed. There were 96% (27/28) patients alive at last follow‐up, with one death unrelated to disease.

Conclusion

Despite the new AJCC categorization of atypical tumors staged as Tis, we observed no recurrence of disease after resection and no disease‐specific mortality. However, patients with atypical tumors may be at increased risk for recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and incomplete resection.
Analyzing the dual space of the saturated ideal of a regular set and the local multiplicities of its zeros
Authors: Li Xiaoliang , Niu Wei
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a method is proposed to analyze the structure of dual space of the saturated ideal generated by a regular set and the local multiplicities of its zeros. In detail, we generalize the squarefree decomposition of univariate polynomials to the so‐called pseudo squarefree decomposition of multivariate polynomials and then propose an algorithm for decomposing a regular set into a finite number of simple sets. From the output of this algorithm, the multiplicities of zeros could be directly read out, and the real solution isolation with multiplicity can also be easily produced.
Local Populations of Eastern Oyster from Louisiana Differ in Low-Salinity Tolerance
Authors: Swam Lauren M. , La Peyre Megan K. , Callam Brian R. , La Peyre Jerome F.
Published: May 2022

Eastern oysters Crassostrea virginica support a critical commercial industry and provide many ecosystem services to coastal estuaries yet are currently threatened by changing estuarine conditions. A changing climate and the effects of river and coastal management are altering freshwater inflows into productive oyster areas, causing more frequent and extreme salinity exposure. Although eastern oysters are tolerant to a wide range of salinity means and variations, more frequent and extreme exposure to low salinity (<5‰) impacts oyster populations and aquaculture operations. This study assessed four Louisiana eastern oyster stocks to explore population-specific responses to low-salinity exposure. Hatchery-produced progeny (10–25 mm) were deployed in baskets kept off-bottom on longline systems in a low-salinity (mean ± 1 standard error of the mean daily salinity = 8.7 ± 0.2‰; range = 1.2–19.0‰) and a moderate-salinity (16.8 ± 0.3‰; 4.8–30.0‰) environment for 1 year, beginning in December 2019, with growth and mortality determined monthly. Significant differences in cumulative mortality between stocks at the end of the study were found at the low-salinity site, with the greatest increase in cumulative mortality occurring mid-July to mid-August. Mortality differences between stocks suggest that some eastern oyster populations (i.e., stocks) may be better suited to low salinity or low-salinity events than others. This difference may be attributed to similarity between site of origin and grow-out site conditions and/or to greater salinity variability and therefore higher phenotypic plasticity in some eastern oyster populations compared with others. The identification of oyster stocks able to survive under extreme low-salinity conditions may facilitate the development of “low-salinity-tolerant” broodstock to support aquaculture in areas experiencing and predicted to experience low-salinity events.
Non‐statistical dynamics for the allene oxide to cyclopropanone conversion
Authors: Rush Lydia A. , Gallo Kara F. , Stumetz Kyle S. , Rodríguez‐Pérez Ismael A. , Cremeens Matthew E.
Published: May 2022

Whether one is interested in mode selective chemistry or non‐statistical reaction dynamics, understanding which vibrational modes contribute to a reaction is important. We investigated the ring‐opening of 2‐methylideneoxirane (a.k.a., allene oxide) to the oxyallyl diradical and subsequent ring‐closure to cyclopropanone using hybrid density functional theory (DFT) and atom centered density matrix propagation (ADMP) molecular dynamics in Gaussian. DFT calculations for this ring‐opening and subsequent ring‐closure show that the energetics allow for the possibility of non‐statistical events, as suggested by the similarities between the imaginary vibrational modes and a twisting motion. ADMP simulations starting near the ring‐opening transition state lead to faster ring‐closure than for simulations starting from the intermediate diradical with the same energy. Analysis of the simulation data identified the presence of a vibrational state near 200 cm−1, corresponding to a disrotatory twisting motion. Selectively exciting this mode leads to a fast reaction time of 50 fs. This work predicts non‐statistical dynamics in the conversion of allene oxide to cyclopropanone.
Insights into the influence of functional groups on the properties of graphene from first‐principles calculations
Authors: Liang Sihao , Gao Peng , Wang An , Zeng Chunhua , Bao Guirong , Tian Dong
Published: May 2022

Carbon dots (CDs) are a kind of popular carbon nanomaterials with many functional groups that can be used in catalysis. However, in terms of calculation and simulation, most researchers choose to simplify CDs to pure graphene (GR) or graphene doped with nitrogen, boron, oxygen, and other elements due to the complexity of the calculation. In this study, the effects of adsorption of some functional groups (carboxyl, amino, and hydroxyl) on the properties of graphene have been investigated through first‐principles calculations. The calculated results suggest that the adsorbed carboxyl group on graphene is relatively unstable, while the amino and hydroxyl groups can form covalent bonds with carbon atoms on the graphene and capture some electrons. When the bi‐functional groups are adsorbed on the para or ortho position, it is beneficial for enhancing their stability on the graphene. However, when the bi‐functional groups are adsorbed on the meta position, it will reduce the stability of the functionalized graphene. This research is beneficial for evaluating the specific functional groups on the surface of CDs, and it has particular significance for the simulation and modeling of CDs.
Nano‐Scale Particle Separation with Tilted Standing Surface Acoustic Wave: Experimental and Numerical Approaches
Authors: Taatizadeh Erfan , Dalili Arash , Tahmooressi Hamed , Tasnim Nishat , Li Isaac T. S. , Hoorfar Mina
Published: May 2022

To eliminate the precise microchannel alignment requirement for parallel surface acoustic wave (pSSAW) fabrication, a tilted standing surface acoustic wave (tSSAW) is incorporated in many studies recently. In tSSAW, the microchannel is tilted at a specific angle (θ) instead of being parallel to interdigital transducer fingers. This causes the pressure node lines to be formed in the tilted direction to the fluid flow, which leads to better controllability in the separation or manipulation of the particles and higher efficiency. In this study, we developed a three‐dimensional (3D) finite element analysis (FEA) simulation to study the effect of the tSSAW device parameters to maximize its performance in particle separation. The outcomes of the 3D simulation of tSSAW devices indicate that the optimum values of the microchannel tilt angle (θ) and the aperture length must be between 5° ≤ θ ≤ 15° and the same as the microchannel length, respectively. The optimum values are considered in the fabrication of the tSSAW device, where it is tested with 20 μm, 15 μm, and 600 nm polystyrene particles.
MicroRNAs miR‐14 and miR‐2766 regulate tyrosine hydroxylase to control larval–pupal metamorphosis in Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Shen Zhong‐Jian , Zhu Fang , Liu Yan‐Jun , Li Zhen , Moural Timothy W. , Liu Xiao‐Ming , Liu Xiaoxia
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

The cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, is a worldwide polyphagous pest, causing huge economic losses in vegetable, cotton and corn crops, among others. Owing to long‐term exposure to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins, evolution of resistance has been detected in this pest. As a conservative and effective neurotransmitter, dopamine (DA) has an important role in insect growth and development. In this study, we investigated the regulatory functions of DA and its associated non‐coding RNA in metamorphosis in H. armigera.

RESULTS

Expression profiles indicated that DA and DA pathway genes were highly expressed during larval–pupal metamorphosis in H. armigera. RNA interference and pharmacological experiments confirmed that tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopa decarboxylase, vesicular amine transporter and DA receptor 2 are critical genes related to the development of H. armigera from larvae to pupae. We also found that miR‐14 and miR‐2766 targeted the 3′ untranslated region to post‐transcriptionally regulate HaTH function. Application of miR‐2766 and miR‐14 antagomirs significantly increased levels of HaTH transcripts and proteins, while injection of miR‐2766 and miR‐14 agomirs not only suppressed messenger RNA and protein levels of HaTH, but also resulted in defective pupation in H. armigera.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that DA deficiency inhibits larval–pupal metamorphosis in H. armigera. Potentially, DA pathway genes and their microRNAs could be used as a novel target for H. armigera management. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Efficacy of wax‐based bait stations for controlling Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Lin Jia , Hao Xuxing , Yue Guoqing , Yang Deqing , Lu Ningfeng , Cai Pumo , Ao Guofu , Ji Qinge
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Bactrocera dorsalis is a notorious pest and spraying of insecticides has been the major approach to controlling its damage. However, insecticide abuse has led to negative impacts on public health and insecticide resistance; hence, sustainable strategies, such as bait stations, need to be developed and taken into account for B. dorsalis management. In this study, we integrated insecticide, sugar, olfactory and visual elements into a wax matrix to formulate a long‐lasting bait station. We determined its efficacy against B. dorsalis under field conditions.

RESULTS

The optimal bait station was a wax matrix incorporated with 1% spinetoram, 1% yellow pigment, and 3% ammonium acetate, and was spherical in shape with a 6 cm diameter. The longevity of this bait station was at least 10 weeks under field conditions. In a release and recapture experiment performed in Orchard 1, the bait stations were as effective as bait spray in controlling sterile fly populations, and more effective than the control. In a 2‐year field trial conducted in Orchard 2, the number of female B. dorsalis and fruit infestation in the area where bait stations had been deployed was similar to the areas treated with cover spray. In Orchard 3, deployment of bait stations combined with chemical cover spray treatment decreased the population of female B. dorsalis and fruit damage more effectively than cover spray alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, wax‐based bait stations can be regarded as a viable alternative to insecticides or a synergistic method for managing B. dorsalis. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Association of residual pulmonary hypertension with survival after pulmonary endarterectomy for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Kallonen Janica , Korsholm Kasper , Bredin Fredrik , Corbascio Matthias , Jønsson Andersen Mads , Ilkjær Lars Bo , Mellemkjær Søren , Sartipy Ulrik
Published: May 2022

This study investigated whether residual pulmonary hypertension (PH), defined as early postoperative mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) of ≥30 mmHg, after undergoing pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) was associated with long‐term survival. All patients who underwent PEA for CTEPH at two Scandinavian centers were included in this study. Baseline characteristics and vital statuses were obtained from patient charts and national health‐data registers. The patients were then categorized based on residual PH measured via right heart catheterization within 48 h after undergoing PEA. Crude and weighted flexible parametric survival models were used to estimate the association between residual PH and all‐cause mortality and to quantify absolute survival differences. From 1992 to 2020, 444 patients underwent surgery. We excluded 6 patients who died on the day of surgery and 12 patients whose early postoperative pulmonary hemodynamic data was unavailable. Of the total study population (n = 426), 174 (41%) and 252 (59%) patients had an early postoperative mPAP <30 and ≥30 mmHg, respectively. After weighting, there was a significant association between residual PH and all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio: 2.49; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.60–3.87), and the absolute survival difference between the groups at 10 and 20 years was –22% (95% CI: –32% to –12%) and–32% (95% CI: –47% to –18%), respectively. A strong and clinically relevant association of residual PH with long‐term survival after PEA for CTEPH was found. After accounting for differences in baseline characteristics, the absolute survival difference at long‐term follow‐up was clinically meaningful and imply careful surveillance to improve clinical outcomes in these patients. Early postoperative right heart catheter measurements of mPAP seem to be helpful for prognostication following PEA for CTEPH.
Current status and barriers in pulmonary hypertension care delivery in India: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Maligireddy Anand Reddy , Shore Supriya , Sreenivas Kumar A. , Harikrishnan S. , Ajit Mullasari S. , Sastry B. K. , Gupta Sameer , Choudhary Nikhil , Atreya Auras R. , Arora Sonali , Moles Victor M. , Mclaughlin Vallerie V. , Aggarwal Vikas
Published: May 2022

Although pulmonary hypertension (PH) is widely prevalent in India, care delivery for this condition has unique challenges in a lower middle‐income country (LMIC). To describe care delivery for patients with PH and associated barriers in India. We interviewed physicians across eight healthcare systems in India about PH clinical care using semi‐structured enquiries to understand care delivery and associated challenges in their specific practice as well as the associated health system. Qualitative analysis was performed using content analysis methodology. Physicians reported that common causes for PH in their practice were rheumatic mitral valve disease, coronary artery disease, and congenital heart disease (CHD). No center had a dedicated PH program. Only one center had a specific protocol for PH management. Diagnostic evaluations were limited, and right heart catheterizations were recommended for patients with CHD. Pulmonary vasodilator therapy was used for severe symptoms or markers of severe disease. Agents used to treat PH were widely variable across physicians and prostacyclins are unavailable in India. Barriers included limited training in PH for physicians, lack of consensus guidelines for PH specific to LMIC, and lack of financial incentives for health care systems to organize dedicated PH programs. Other barriers included poor patient health literacy and socioeconomic barriers that limit ability to test and treat PH. PH care delivery in India is variable with widely differing clinical practices. Dedicated training in PH management and establishing guidelines specific to LMIC like India can form the first step forward.
Synthesis of Cinnamoyl‐Amino Acid Ester Derivatives and Structure‐Activity Relationship Based on Thermal Stability, Dielectric, and Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Çalışkan Eray , Biryan Fatih , Koran Kenan , Akman Feride , Görgülü Ahmet Orhan , Çetin Ahmet
Published: May 2022

In this study, cinnamic acid derivatives were synthesized from the reaction of benzaldehyde derivatives with malonic acid in the presence of pyridine and piperidine. These compounds were then respectively reacted with glycine and L‐alanine methyl ester hydrochloride based on triazine methodology to obtain novel cinnamoyl‐amino acid ester derivatives. The structure of these compounds were established via 1H, 13C APT, FT‐IR, MS and elemental analysis. The synthesized novel compounds were studied in terms of structure‐activity relationship based on dielectric, thermal stability, and theoretical analysis. Dielectric analysis was carried out in terms of amino acid type and aromatic substituted group (electron‐withdrawing or releasing group factor). Amino acid side chain differences make alanine conjugates have higher ϵ′ values compared to glycine conjugates. Thermal stability analysis was performed for the compounds (10 and 16) with the highest dielectric constants. Thermal decomposition activation energies were calculated as 95 kJ mol−1 and 100 kJ mol−1 for 10 and 16, respectively. HOMO‐LUMO energy levels and other related properties of the target compounds were analyzed and a correlation was observed between HOMO‐LUMO energy band gap and dielectric constant.
An Orange‐Emitting Phosphorescent Iridium(III) Complex Featuring Three Strong Electron‐Donating N‐Embedded π‐Conjugation Units
Authors: Song Jialiang , Li Feiyang , Shi Chao , Li Gang , Liu Xinyu , Wu Meng , Zeng Ruoqi , Li Qiuxia , Zhao Qiang , Yuan Aihua
Published: May 2022

We firstly design and synthesize a new facial phosphorescent iridium complex fac‐Ir(NO)3 with three strong electron‐donating N‐embedded π‐conjugation units. It is found that the complex fac‐Ir(NO)3 can display a distinct orange phosphorescence emission (λ=582 nm) with a redshift of 55 nm relative to model complex fac‐Ir(N)3 (λ=527 nm) with three triphenylamine units. Notably, it also exhibits a significantly narrower half‐peak width (FWHM=70 nm) compared with model complex Ir(NO)2acac (FWHM=97 nm) with two N‐embedded π‐conjugation units. In addition, it also shows both distinct intraligand charge transfer (ILCT) and partial unusual ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer (LMCT) excited state properties due to strong electron‐donating capacity of three N‐embedded π‐conjugation units.
Convenient Hydrophosphorylation of Dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxa‐/thiazepines by Acid Catalysis
Authors: Yang Peng , Hong Gang , Tang Zhicong , Wang Qi , Zhong Yi , Zhou Chen , Gong Yu , Wang Limin
Published: May 2022

A protocol for the acid‐catalyzed synthesis of phosphorylated dihydrodibenzoxa‐/thiazepine derivatives from dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxa‐/thiazepines has been established. The reaction appears compatible with a range of functional groups in both the dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxa‐/thiazepine, H‐phosphonate and especially diarylphosphine oxide phosphorylation partners, affording moderate to excellent yields of the corresponding products. The present method further expands the utility of Pudovik reaction.
Visualizing Invisible Phase Transitions in Blue Phase Liquid Crystals Using Early Warning Indicators
Authors: Matsui Takayuki , Matsumori Tadayoshi , Ito Yuji , Hase Yoko , Yoshida Hiroyuki
Published: May 2022

Changes in the statistical properties of data as a system approaches a critical transition is studied intensively as early warning signals, but their application to materials science, where phase transitions—a type of critical transition—are of fundamental importance, are limited. Here, a critical transition analysis is applied to time‐series data from a microscopic 3D ordered soft material—blue phase liquid crystals (BPLC)—and demonstrates that phase transitions that are invisible under ambient conditions can be visualized through the choice of appropriate early warning indicators. After discussing how a phase transition affects the statistical properties in a system with a Landau–de Gennes type free energy potential, the predicted changes are experimentally observed at the two types of phase transitions that occur in a BPLC: the isotropic to simple cubic, and simple cubic to body‐centered cubic transitions. In particular, it is shown that the skewness of the intensity distribution inverts its sign at the phase transition, enabling temporally and spatially resolved mapping of phase transitions. This approach can be easily adapted to a wide variety of material systems and microscopy techniques, providing a powerful tool for studying complex critical transition phenomena.
Extrusion: A New Method for Rapid Formulation of High‐Yield, Monodisperse Nanobubbles
Authors: Counil Claire , Abenojar Eric , Perera Reshani , Exner Agata A.
Published: May 2022

Shell‐stabilized gas microbubbles (MB) and nanobubbles (NB) are frequently used for biomedical ultrasound imaging and therapeutic applications. While it is widely recognized that monodisperse bubbles can be more effective in these applications, the efficient formulation of uniform bubbles at high concentrations is difficult to achieve. Here, it is demonstrated that a standard mini‐extruder setup, commonly used to make vesicles or liposomes, can be used to quickly and efficiently generate monodisperse NBs with high yield. In this highly reproducible technique, the NBs obtained have an average diameter of 0.16 ± 0.05 µm and concentration of 6.2 ± 1.8 × 1010 NBs mL−1 compared to 0.32 ± 0.1 µm and 3.2 ± 0.7 × 1011 mL−1 for NBs made using mechanical agitation. Parameters affecting the extrusion and NB generation process including the temperature, concentration of the lipid solution, and the number of passages through the extruder are also examined. Moreover, it is demonstrated that extruded NBs show a strong acoustic response in vitro and a strong and persistent US signal enhancement under nonlinear contrast enhanced ultrasound imaging in mice. The extrusion process is a new, efficient, and scalable technique that can be used to easily produce high yield smaller monodispersed nanobubbles.
Decreased 5‐HT1A binding in mild Alzheimer's disease—A positron emission tomography study
Authors: Mattsson Patrik , Cselényi Zsolt , Andrée Bengt , Borg Jacqueline , Nag Sangram , Halldin Christer , Farde Lars
Published: May 2022

Decreased 5‐HT1A receptor binding has been associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and interpreted as a consequence of neuron loss. The purpose of the present study was to compare [11C]WAY100635 binding to the 5‐HT1A receptor in the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, amygdala and pericalcarine cortex in mild AD patients and elderly controls. AD patients (n = 7) and elderly control subjects (n = 8) were examined with positron emission tomography (PET) and [11C]WAY100635. PET data acquisition was performed with an ECAT EXACT HR system. Wavelet‐aided parametric images of nondisplaceable binding potential (BPND) were generated using Logan's graphical analysis with cerebellum as the reference region. Correction for partial volume effects was performed with the Müller–Gärtner method. Regions of interest (ROIs) were applied to the individual parametric images, and the regional BPND was calculated as the average parametric voxel value within each ROI. In addition to comparisons between subject groups, correlations between BPND values and scores on the Mini‐Mental State Examination, Disability Assessment for Dementia (DAD), and Neuropsychiatric Inventory were expressed by Pearson correlation coefficients. Mean regional BPND was lower in AD patients than in control subjects, and the difference was statistically significant for the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, and amygdala. A statistically significant correlation was obtained between hippocampal BPND values and DAD scores. The results of the present study corroborate and extend previous findings of decreased 5‐HT1A binding in AD and strengthen the support for 5‐HT1A receptor PET as a tool for the assessment of neurodegenerative changes in mild AD.
Serological evidence of the circulation of the Rift Valley fever virus in sheep and goats slaughtered in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Authors: Ebogo‐Belobo Jean Thierry , Sadeuh‐Mba Serge Alain , Mveng‐Sanding Georges Marc Arthur , Chavely Gwladys Monamele , Groschup Martin H. , Mbacham Wilfred Fon , Njouom Richard
Published: May 2022

Background

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an emerging mosquito‐borne haemorrhagic fever disease capable of causing severe outbreaks with high mortality and morbidity in human, livestock, and wildlife species, particularly in Africa. The onset of the disease in humans is often preceded by epizootic circulation in animals. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) infection in animals slaughtered in the “Marché huitième” slaughterhouse in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted at the “Marché huitième” slaughterhouse in Yaoundé, Centre region of Cameroon in March 2020. Blood samples of two species of small ruminants (sheep and goat) were collected and processed. Serum was analysed for detection of RVFV IgG and IgM using commercial ELISA tests.

Results

Of the 191 ruminants tested, RVFV IgG antibodies were positive in 10 (5.2%). Regarding categorization of the population based on the species and gender, sheep and female animal had the highest seroprevalence of 6.4% (3/47) and 7.0% (8/115), respectively. All sera from IgG antibodies‐positive samples were negative to IgM antibodies.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence of the circulation of RVFV in small ruminants sold and slaughtered at the “Marché huitième” slaughterhouse in Yaoundé and highlights the need to develop a surveillance system for this virus encompassing humans, livestock, wildlife, and vectors in Cameroon.
Suspected postoperative phenylephrine‐associated pulmonary haemorrhage in a horse with nephrosplenic entrapment of the large colon
Authors: Quesada Nuria , Dunkel Bettina , Palacios Carolina
Published: May 2022

A 16‐year‐old, Irish sport horse was treated with intravenous fluid therapy and phenylephrine, followed by light exercise for a nephrosplenic entrapment of the left large colon. Medical treatment failed to return the colon to its normal position and an exploratory coeliotomy was performed. The surgical procedure and general anaesthesia were uneventfully completed; however, the horse developed haemoptysis, pulmonary oedema and epistaxis in the recovery box. The horse improved after administration of intravenous furosemide and hypertonic saline and was discharged from the hospital 4 days later. Phenylephrine is a sympathomimetic drug that causes splenic contraction and thereby decreases the size of the spleen, allowing the colon to return to its normal position. Fatal pulmonary and abdominal bleeding has been reported as a rare complication of phenylephrine treatment in horses. This case shows a delayed and completely unexpected presentation, which responded to supportive treatment.
Hunting and environmental influences on survival of male wild turkeys in Virginia and West Virginia
Authors: Norman Gary W. , Crawford Daniel , Ryan Christopher W. , Igo William K. , Cherry Michael J.
Published: May 2022

Knowledge of the effects of hunting and environmental influences on survival of eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) is critical to managers setting fall and spring hunting seasons. Research has shown improper season frameworks can result in unsustainably high harvest rates of adult males, affect male age structure, and result in lower hunter satisfaction. Our objectives were to estimate survival rates of males, identify causes of mortality, and relate hunting and environmental influences to male turkey survival. We captured and radio‐tagged male wild turkeys in Virginia (n = 204) and West Virginia (n = 197), USA, during 2004–2007. We used staggered entry Kaplan‐Meier models to estimate survival and Cox Proportional Hazards Models to estimate effects of predictor variables on survival. Survival was estimated for 3 distinct periods of interest: annual, fall hunting (October–January), and spring hunting (April–May). The leading causes of mortalities (209 turkeys) were legal spring harvest (42%), predation (25%), and poaching (17%). Only 8 turkeys (4%) were taken during fall hunting seasons. Confidence intervals for annual survival of 2 year‐old and 3+ year‐old turkeys overlapped; therefore, we combined adult ages into a single category (2+). Adult (2+) annual survival was 0.63 (95% CI = 0.58–0.69) and the harvest rate was 25% (95% CI = 20–29%) for the combined states. Annual survival rates for adults (2+) were greater than in most other published studies, whereas adult (2+) spring harvest rates were lower. For juvenile males, annual survival was 0.74 (95% CI = 0.68–0.79) and spring harvest rate was 7% (95% CI = 3–11%). High juvenile and adult (2+) survival may have been related to low harvest rates. Adult turkeys (2+) had 46% greater risk of dying than one‐year‐old birds and were 3.7 times more likely to be harvested than juveniles. Age, a relative phenology index (RPI; spring green‐up), and white oak (Quercus alba) acorn production were included in the top models for annual survival, spring season survival, and spring harvest risk. Increasing RPI (more foliage) decreased mortality risk and greater white oak (Quercus alba) acorn abundance increased mortality risk. Across 4 regions in the 2 states, fall survival was high (0.90, 95% CI = 0.87–0.93). The impact of fall hunting on males in Virginia was low (5% harvest rate, 95% CI = 0–9%). Overall, spring harvest had the greatest effect on male survival, although those effects were moderated by the previous fall white oak crop and the onset of green‐up in the spring.
Status and distribution of wild turkeys in the United States in 2019
Authors: Chamberlain Michael J. , Hatfield Mark , Collier Bret A.
Published: May 2022

After increases following restoration efforts, the wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) population appeared to decline during the early 2000s in many areas of the species' range. The 2014 status assessment indicated that estimated population size, harvest, and hunter numbers had declined since at least 2009. Several studies concurrently detailed regional declines in productivity of wild turkey populations. During 2019, we continued to monitor status of wild turkey populations in the United States by surveying state agency biologists charged with overseeing wild turkey management programs. We asked biologists to provide estimates of population abundance and distribution within their state. We also requested that each biologist provide data on turkey hunter numbers and harvest for both spring and fall hunting seasons, if those data were available. Based on agency biologist responses, wild turkey population size declined by ~3% across states that contributed data to both the 2014 and 2019 status updates. However, during our 2019 survey, abundance data were unavailable for 12 states that reported estimates for the 2014 assessment. We estimated that the number of wild turkey hunters declined by 18% between the 2014 and 2019 assessments, but note the 2019 estimate was confounded by missing data from 8 states that provided data during 2014. Across all reporting states, fall and spring harvests decreased by 31 and 12%, respectively, between the 2014 and 2019 assessments. Despite widespread recognition that standardization of monitoring methods across states would facilitate more consistent inferences about wild turkey abundance, further progress towards regional or national standardization is needed. Furthermore, the approach of converting harvest data to a population estimate by dividing harvest estimates by a constant percentage of estimated take should be revisited to ensure accuracy, especially given known spatial and temporal variation in harvest pressure, hunting activity, and hunter behavior. We encourage continued development of improved techniques to estimate wild turkey abundance and distribution, and recommend that all states and provinces consider standardized methods to accurately monitor and report harvest and hunter effort.
Increasing Spiritual Sensitivity and Faith-Based Service Provision: Pathways to Islamic Social Work
Authors: Schmid Hansjörg , Sheikhzadegan Amir
Published: May 2022

Social work has been characterised in recent years by a growing sensitivity to religious and spiritual issues, both leading back to its historical roots and responding to the challenges of contemporary post-secular society. This sensitivity also requires more knowledge about and attention to the specific needs of Muslims as service users, without neglecting their great diversity. The topic of ‘Islamic social work’, situated within this context, does not only concern Muslim beneficiaries in the field of mainstream social work, but also the central, active role that Muslim communities play: it therefore calls into question a merely individual focus. For Muslim faith-based organisations, Islamically-motivated social ideas and thought are also important. In Western contexts, which are often characterised by mistrust shown to Islam and Muslims, reflection on what contribution can be made to the common good within the framework of pluralistic societies is required. Finally, Islamic social work can be considered in relation to the broader development of social work, which is characterised by a critical approach to power-relations and domination, a sensitivity to diversity and an openness to alternative forms of social work. This chapter introduces the book “Exploring Islamic Social Work. Between Community and the Common Good” by analysing the state of research, identifying guiding questions and then developing and presenting the structure of the volume. Its focus is on contexts of Islamic social work and its target groups, its theological and ethical foundations, as well as its inclusion into general social work discourse.
An ‘Epistemic Weight’ of Islamic Practical Theology in Contemporary Islamic Social Work
Authors: Isgandarova Nazila
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this chapter is to highlight the main arguments in the development of Islamic social work practice. In this respect, Islamic practical theology provides certain theories and methods as a solid foundation for Islamic social work practice. Taking into account a revival of new approaches to teaching Islamic practical theology, this paper provides reflection on the methods for teaching it, based on a new and broader understanding of theology in Islam. The primary question of this chapter is: What are the best practices in teaching Islamic practical theology which prepare Muslim social work students to connect theological understanding to the everyday experience of Muslims in the community, society and the world? The second question is: How do Muslim social workers use daily life practices as an “epistemic weight” in the production of new knowledge in Islamic social work? Finally, the chapter discusses the question of whether Islamic practical theology, including Islamic doctrine, tradition, and the “living human document”, holds a central position in Islamic social work.
Helping Muslims or Contributing to Society? Insights into the Paradoxes of Islamic Social Work for the Excluded
Authors: Brodard Baptiste
Published: May 2022

In various European countries, Islamic social services have specifically targeted disadvantaged groups, including a high proportion of Muslims. This situation gives rise to a paradox: while Islamic organisations insist on impartiality and aim to benefit people regardless of their religious belonging, most of their investment addresses de facto Muslim communities. This paradox could firstly be explained by the overrepresentation of Muslims within excluded groups. While Islamic NGOs justify the delivery of most of their aid to Muslim countries by emergencies linked to geopolitical contexts, grassroots Islamic associations explain their focus on Muslim beneficiaries as being due to their underprivileged situation. In parallel, local authorities and statutory agencies, including those working in prisons, have begun to consider the need for Muslim protagonists to be involved in addressing specific issues and reaching particular groups. In this process, both individual Muslim social workers and Islamic organisations are increasingly expected to contribute their presumed cultural skills. This positioning causes tension within the authorities and statutory agencies, as they promote a neutral vision of social work while paradoxically fostering religious and cultural approaches for pragmatic reasons. Based on case studies of Islamic welfare organisations in Switzerland and France, this chapter aims to address the paradox of Muslims claiming to contribute to the common good while essentially providing their own ‘community’ with aid. It discusses the current challenges for Islamic bodies who try to position themselves in a ‘universalist’ social work approach, while they concretely implement community-based social services which seem to prioritise Muslims.
The maqāṣid-cum-maṣlaḥa Approach as Theological Basis for Islamic Social Work: A Critical Analysis and an Alternative Proposal
Authors: Kurnaz Serdar
Published: May 2022

Since social work protects the interests and benefits of people, one of the first conceptual terms which might guarantee the theological foundation of Islamic social work is maṣlaḥa. In modern times, maṣlaḥa is used interchangeably with the overall objectives (maqāṣid) of Sharʿia. The use of maṣlaḥa in its broader sense of maqāṣid enables scholars to link their understanding of social work to the Islamic tradition of sciences, especially to Islamic legal thinking. However, if we look back at the Islamic tradition of legal thinking, we discover a totally different approach to maṣlaḥa and especially maqāṣid: it becomes a source of knowledge, whereas in the tradition of the classical ʾuṣūl, it was a tool for legal hermeneutics. Although the search for the theological foundation of Islamic social work in the realm of Islamic legal theory and Islamic law is comprehensible, the lack of critical reflection on the discrepancy of the modern understanding of maṣlaḥa and maqāṣid, in contrast to the classical understanding, leads to theological dead ends and contradictions. Some scholars have already drawn attention to this but have remained vague concerning a solution to this specific problem. This paper will highlight and compare the specifics of the classical approach of maṣlaḥa in classical Islamic legal thinking and the modern maqāṣid approach. Additionally, I will highlight the Qurʾanic concept of maʿrūf in the three-fold division of K. Reinhart, and reflect on it as a possible theological basis for modern Islamic social work attempts.
Islamic Practical Theology: waqf and zakāt as Theological Foundations
Authors: Badawia Tarek
Published: May 2022

Islamic practical theology represents a conceptual framework for Islamic social work as well as other fields of practice, such as pastoral care. In these fields, it is necessary to meet professional standards but theological reflection is also required. Islamic faith is intrinsically linked to social justice, good deeds and helping mankind, while material greed is strongly criticised by the Qurʾan. This chapter focuses on two terms and concepts which can play a major role in such a reflection: the first is waqf (endowment) which, going back to the practice of the Prophet and the first caliphs, binds property to charitable intentions and to God, as a receiver and possessor of all things. Manifold examples from the history of social welfare in Islam express how waqf has been implemented in different contexts. The second concept is zakāt (compulsory alms) which, as a central religious duty of solidarity, is intended to guarantee social peace and the dignity of the poor and needy. According to the Qurʾan, there are eight groups of recipients of zakāt. Looking at parallels between the historical context and the current context of establishing Muslim welfare care in modern societies demonstrates how zakāt can potentially be put into practice. For this purpose, classical and modern positions are brought into conversation. Contrary to some interpretations, the Qurʾan’s open-minded hermeneutics do not address a particular religious affiliation, so zakāt in fact goes beyond religious categories and can be applied in multicultural and plural societies. Consequently, the aim should be to integrate Muslim activities and reflections into the framework of modern welfare states. Openly understood in this way, Muslim welfare can enrich society without dividing it.
Reconfiguring Education Through Data: How Data Practices Reconfigure Teacher Professionalism and Curriculum
Authors: Grant Lyndsay
Published: May 2022

Data practices are acknowledged as an important mode of governing education (Ozga, Trust in numbers? Digital Education Governance and the inspection process. European Educational Research Journal, 15(1), 69–81. https://doi.org/10.1177/1474904115616629, 2016) with education becoming increasingly ‘datafied and digitised’ (Jarke and Breiter, Datafying education: How digital assessment practices reconfigure the organisation of learning (Research Network “Communicative Figurations” No. 11). https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.1.2866.5686, 2016; Williamson, Big data in education: The digital future of learning, policy and practice. Sage, 2017). Within schools, there has been an intensification in practices of generating, analysing, visualising and intervening with educational data (Selwyn, “There’s so much data”: Exploring the realities of data-based school governance. European Educational Research Journal, 15(1), 54–68. https://doi.org/10.1177/1474904115602909, 2016). There has, however, so far been less attention paid to exploring how data practices work ‘on the ground’. Drawing from an ethnographic study in an English secondary school, this paper shows how data practices—people, policies, discourses, digital and material tools—became part of a wide-ranging data apparatus that reconfigured the possibilities for education.

This chapter considers how the curriculum was reconfigured through algorithmic triage devices that created unequal access to a broad curriculum for different groups of students. It also explores how teachers’ roles were orientated away from more ‘holistic’, personal or relational understandings of pupils’ learning, instead engaging with data as a more legitimate form of knowledge and professionalism.
Welfare Data Society? Critical Evaluation of the Possibilities of Developing Data Infrastructure Literacy from User Data Workshops to Public Service Media
Authors: Hokka Jenni
Published: May 2022

Datafication is a social and political process that has mainly been led by powerful commercial interests leaving the citizens of datafied societies as mere bystanders. How could a datafied society become a welfare data society—a society that takes care of all citizens’ rights and wellbeing by providing them sufficient means to cope with a datafied everyday life? In this chapter, I claim that in a data society the rights and wellbeing of citizens are strengthened through education: by increasing the level of digital and data infrastructure literacy. While regulations such as the GDPR are much needed, they are only effective if citizens understand how to use the rights they grant them. Our workshops with users showed that on average, people are capable of forming a considered opinion on fair data-gathering practices. Furthermore, they were able to discuss and even develop new ideas based on how they would like data gathering to be organised and regulated after being introduced to data collection in practice. Basic education in European countries has already made efforts to improve digital literacy, but education on digital literacy and especially data infrastructure literacy should also reach older generations. In this chapter, I propose that public service media should also play a significant role in strengthening citizenship through education in a datafied society as demonstrated by the Finnish public broadcasting company YLE who has already taken on that role. The results from our cooperation with YLE Learning show that public service media (PSM) already possesses inventive means through which different kinds of users can be reached. Still, more controlled cooperation is needed among different public institutions and European PSM to increase the general level of data infrastructure literacy.
(Not) Safe to Use: Insecurities in Everyday Data Practices with Period-Tracking Apps
Authors: Amelang Katrin
Published: May 2022

The chapter uses the self-monitoring of menstrual cycles via an app as an example for an exploration of the ways in which people engage with data and its ambivalences in their daily lives. Period-tracking apps allow for the tracking and visualising of all kinds of personal data and offer a digitised, ‘smart’ version of the well-known menstruation calendar. In addition to insecurities emerging from ‘taming’ the uncertainties of (menstruating) bodies via quantification and algorithms, the unanticipated collection of user data by private companies and the potential surveillance raise issues of privacy and data security. This chapter will address these two forms of insecurity by drawing on material from an ongoing empirical study into the everyday use and discussion of period-tracking apps in Germany. For those interviewed, the negotiation of data insecurities can encompass an increased body competence, idiosyncratic interpretations of data or ignoring predictive deficiencies just as attempts of sidestepping dubious data collection or impositions of an algorithmic understanding of menstrual normalcy. Hence, the chapter gives insight into the multi-faceted ways people live with datafication and contributes to everyday perspectives in critical data studies.