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Psychosocial career preoccupation and organisational commitment at higher educational institutions in Ghana: The role of workplace friendship
Empirically, the study examined how psychosocial career preoccupation [PCP] directly affects organizational commitment [OC] and indirectly affects the same via workplace friendship [WF] among administrative and teaching staff in public higher education institutions in Ghana. The numerical orientation to the data analysis supported the use of the explanatory research design and quantitative approach. The population included both administrative and teaching staff in public higher education institutions in Ghana with at least one year of service. Structured questionnaires were issued for the primary data collection via the convenience sampling technique and the response rate was 96% (288 valid responses from 300 approached participants). The unit of analysis was at the individual level. SMART-PLS software (version 4.1.0.8) was used for the data processing. The repeated indicator structural modelling technique was employed to configure the model reflectively to test the hypotheses. PCP fails to contribute significantly to predicting OC directly (β = 0.045, p = 0.250). However, PCP contributes significantly in a strong manner to predicting WF (β = 0.454, p < 0.001), and WF significantly predicts OC (β = 0.442, p < 0.001). WF successfully mediates the predictive relationship between PCP and OC with a significant indirect effect (β = 0.201, p < 0.001). Higher education policymakers in Ghana are advised to develop and enforce policies that promote the integration of career development with social support systems within institutions, mandating structured programs that address employees’ career advancement while actively encouraging workplace friendship networks. It is advisable for higher education administrators and human resource practitioners in Ghana to prioritize cultivating workplace friendships as a strategic resource to enhance organisational commitment while implementing comprehensive career development programs that address psychosocial career preoccupations. These results provide an innovative, contextually relevant perspective on the mediating role of workplace friendship in translating career concerns into organisational commitment within Ghanaian higher education, thus enhancing current theoretical frameworks by demonstrating the indirect pathway through social relationships rather than direct effects of career preoccupations.
Cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms to predict renal outcome and mortality in older adult patients
Cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms are common in older adults, but their impacts on adverse renal and survival outcomes remain unclear. This retrospective cohort study examined associations of cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms with renal replacement therapy (RRT) initiation and mortality among 5,191 adults aged ≥ 65 years. Cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-KC) and the Korean Short Geriatric Depression Scale (SGDS-K), respectively. During a mean follow-up of 45 months, 1,512 participants (29.1%) died and 68 (1.3%) initiated RRT. Depressive symptoms (SGDS-K score ≥ 5) were associated with increased risks of both incident RRT (HR 2.066, p = 0.004) and mortality (HR 1.565, p < 0.001). Cognitive impairment (MMSE-KC score ≤ 23) was associated with both incident RRT (HR 2.028, p = 0.007) and mortality (HR 1.728, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that depressive symptoms remained associated with RRT risk across age groups and renal function strata, while cognitive impairment was linked to RRT primarily among those with preserved renal function or age < 75 years. Both factors were consistently associated with higher mortality across subgroups. Although receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed comparable predictive value for RRT, cognitive impairment demonstrated greater discriminative ability for mortality. These findings suggest that depressive symptoms may serve as a relevant marker of renal deterioration requiring RRT, whereas cognitive impairment may more closely reflect mortality risk. Routine psychological and cognitive assessments may support early identification of high-risk patients and inform prevention strategies in geriatric care.
Comparative analysis of the diversity within the B. bronchiseptica fimX locus
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a highly contagious veterinary bacterial respiratory pathogen with a broad host range that can cause a variety of clinical disease outcomes ranging from asymptomatic carriage to severe pneumonia. B. bronchiseptica fimbriae mediate attachment to respiratory epithelium and are considered to serve as potential protective antigens. Several comparative genomic studies involving B. bronchiseptica strains have demonstrated an overall low level of genomic variability. The region located within the fimX locus is one of the few regions in which genomic variability has been reported. The goal of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the genomic variability harbored within the fimX locus among B. bronchiseptica strains. Our analysis revealed that the genetic variability identified within the fimX locus included both the number of genes harbored, as well as the type of predicted fimbrial subunit gene types contained within the fimX locus. A total of six different fimbrial subunit gene types were identified among the B. bronchiseptica genome assemblies analyzed in this study. Comparative analysis data also suggests that the diversity among the fimbrial subunit genes located within the fimX locus was likely generated by homologous recombination.
Evaluation of peripheral intravenous line securement devices under clinically relevant loading and perspiratory conditions
Peripheral vascular access devices (PVADs) and their associated intravenous (IV) lines are widely used in clinical care. Securement devices are typically employed to prevent accidental dislodgement and complications such as occlusion and phlebitis. Despite the wide use of securement devices, there are no standardised methods for evaluating their actual ability to secure IV lines. This study assessed the securing ability of four commercially available IV line securement devices – Grip Lok, Javelo, micropore tape, and IV bracelet – under controlled laboratory conditions. First, all four devices were tested for resistance to axial pull-out forces using a uniaxial materials testing machine across ten participants. Participant comfort during testing was assessed via questionnaire. Grip-Lok and Javelo exhibited significantly greater axial pull-out strength than the other two devices (p-adj < 0.001), and were progressed to further testing, consisting of off-axis loading at 90°, 135°, and peel-off, and axial pull-out under simulated perspiration conditions. No significant differences were observed between Grip Lok and Javelo under loading in 90° and 135°. Javelo demonstrated superior performance in both peel-off and perspirant conditions (p-adj < 0.05). Javelo was rated the most comfortable by 60% of participants. The results highlight the need for incorporating realistic loading conditions and comfort metrics when evaluating the performance of infusion line securement aids. Furthermore, the results provide evidence that using a non-adhesive based device, particularly in patients with marked diaphoresis might provide more infusion line security, though further study is required.
Comparative outcomes of DSAEK and DMEK in eyes with prior Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation
Background To compare the outcomes of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in eyes with prior Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation. Methods This retrospective study included 27 eyes from 27 patients who underwent endothelial keratoplasty (16 DSAEK, 11 DMEK) between 01/01/2020 and 31/12/2022. All eyes had a prior AGV implantation and a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), endothelial cell density (ECD), central corneal thickness (CCT), complications, and graft survival were compared between groups. Results The donor age was significantly younger in the DSAEK group (52.94 ± 11.17 years vs. 62.36 ± 10.02 years, P = 0.034). The DSAEK group had significantly higher ECD at 6 and 12 months (1583.2 ± 562.6 and 1441.1 ± 502.6 cells/mm²) compared to the DMEK group (1109.5 ± 484.8 and 1046.6 ± 327.3 cells/mm², P = 0.040 and P = 0.043). However, this difference was no longer significant after covariate analysis with donor ECD. Postoperative BCVA improved significantly in both groups, with no significant differences between them. Complication rates were comparable. The 1-year survival rates were 87% for DSAEK and 91% for DMEK, the 2-year survival rates were 78% for DSAEK and 74% for DMEK. Mean graft survival was 28.7 ± 3.3 months for DSAEK and 24.7 ± 2.8 months for DMEK (P = 0.777). Conclusions DSAEK and DMEK demonstrated comparable visual outcomes, complication rates, and graft survival in eyes with prior AGV implantation. While both procedures appear to be viable options for this complex patient population, these findings should be confirmed in larger studies.
Impact of timing from last dose of dexamethasone administration to delivery, different steroid courses, and fetal number on preterm neonatal outcomes
Objectives To evaluate the impact of the timing from the last dose of dexamethasone to delivery, different steroid courses, and the number of fetuses (singleton vs twin) on preterm neonatal outcomes. This study focused on respiratory complications and associated conditions. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1800 pregnancies, comprising 1585 singleton pregnancies and 215 twin pregnancies, resulting in a total of 2015 neonates. The timing of dexamethasone administration relative to delivery was categorized into intervals: less than 6 hours, between 2 and 7 days, between 8 and 13 days, and 14 days or more. Neonatal outcomes, including respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) support, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), pneumothorax, and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression assessed the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for these outcomes based on timing, steroid course (complete vs partial), and number of fetuses. Results Neonates exposed to dexamethasone between 2 and 7 days before delivery showed a reduced need for CPAP support (AOR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.48–0.88). This group was compared to those exposed for less than 6 hours or more than 14 days before delivery. However, the incidence of RDS did not significantly decrease with the timing of dexamethasone administration. A higher incidence of pneumothorax was observed in neonates born less than 6 hours after an incomplete course (AOR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.01–3.54). Twin pregnancies delivered within 12 hours of a complete course were at increased risk for NEC (AOR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.07–4.16). Deliveries occurring more than 14 days after the last dose were associated with increased risks of ventilator support (AOR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.08–4.11) and BPD. This was particularly evident in cases where multiple courses were administered. Conclusions The timing of the last dexamethasone dose is crucial for reducing respiratory complications other than RDS. The optimal window is between 2 and 7 days before delivery. This effect is influenced by the completeness of the steroid course and the number of fetuses. Tailoring dexamethasone administration according to these factors can significantly improve outcomes in preterm neonates, particularly in reducing the severity of respiratory complications. Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR) number TCTR20230724002 (Registration date: 24 July 2023) http://thaiclinicaltrials.org/export/pdf/TCTR20230724002
Blood gas and lactate analysis in nesting loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles from southeastern Florida, USA
High-energy demands and transition to a catabolic state pose physiological challenges for sea turtles during the nesting season. The objectives of this study were to assess venous blood gas analytes and lactate in loggerhead ( Caretta caretta ) and green turtles ( Chelonia mydas ) nesting in southeastern Florida to establish species-specific reference intervals, examine correlations between blood analytes, and investigate differences between species. For each species, the goal was to identify associations of analytes with morphometrics, nest deposition date, and, in loggerheads, duration of emergence from the water to blood sampling. The agreement of lactate concentrations between two point-of-care analyzers (i-STAT and Nova Lactate Plus) was also compared. In total, 49 loggerheads and 30 green turtles were sampled over portions of two nesting seasons. Reference intervals were established for clinically normal nesting turtles for each species. Partial pressure of oxygen was higher in loggerheads, while partial pressure of carbon dioxide and bicarbonate were higher in green turtles. In loggerheads, lactate positively correlated with curved carapace length, while pH declined and lactate increased across the nesting season, and there were no relationships between blood analytes and time from emergence to blood collection. No morphometric or seasonal trends were observed for green turtles. There was a strong association between lactate concentrations determined by i-STAT and Nova Lactate Plus, with the i-STAT yielding higher results. The mild trend toward relative lactic acidosis across portions of the nesting season in loggerheads suggests that physiological strategies to manage periods of high-energy utilization during nesting activities vary between species. These results provide insight into the variability of blood analyte data of two species of nesting sea turtles, allow for understanding physiological and metabolic changes during nesting, and provide relevance for clinical evaluations during health assessment studies, stranding response, and rehabilitation.
A comparative analysis of HIV status by sociodemographic and sexual behavior characteristics among men in Bexar county, Texas: An Ending the HIV Epidemic priority county
A combination of sociodemographic and sexual behaviors is associated with HIV status awareness. We collaborated with HIV service organizations to collect survey data from 389 men in Bexar County, Texas, an Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) priority county. We examined sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics across three self-reported HIV status groups: HIV-negative, HIV-positive, and unknown HIV status. Bivariate tests compared characteristics across the three groups, and multinomial logistic regression models assessed factors associated with HIV status, using HIV-negative and unknown status as alternating reference categories. Overall, 35% of respondents were HIV-negative, 26% were HIV-positive, and 39% did not know their HIV status. Compared with men who did not know their status, HIV-negative men were more likely to be non-Hispanic White, employed, married, and to have higher educational attainment and income. In multivariable models, higher education and employment were associated with greater odds of being HIV-negative relative to unknown status, whereas lower education and unemployment were associated with unknown status. Income differences were more nuanced, with men of unknown status more likely to report higher income categories than HIV-negative men. Men with unknown status reported lower condom use and less alcohol use during sex than HIV-negative men. Compared with men with unknown status, HIV-positive men were less likely to report recent casual and anal sex but more likely to report condom use and drug use during sex. These findings indicate that, in this EHE county, HIV status awareness among men is patterned by intersecting sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics rather than by single risk indicators. Men who know their HIV status, particularly those who are HIV-negative, more often occupy socioeconomically advantaged positions and report distinct sexual behavior profiles compared with men whose HIV status is unknown. Although these cross-sectional associations cannot establish causality, they highlight men with lower education, unstable employment, and unknown status as a locally relevant, under-reached group for targeted HIV testing and outreach to advance Bexar County’s EHE goals.
Local Acidic Microenvironments Enhanced Anodic Formamide Electrosynthesis over Isolated Pd Sites
Abstract Electrocatalytic C─N oxidative coupling of methanol and ammonia enables sustainable formamide synthesis under ambient conditions. However, the poor C─N coupling selectivity and limited Faradaic efficiency hinder practical application. As the critical step involves nucleophilic attack of NH 3 on in situ generated *CH 2 O intermediates, enhancing *CH 2 O electrophilicity while suppressing over‐oxidation is essential. Herein, Pd single atoms anchored on MnO 2 nanoarrays achieve state‐of‐the‐art Faradaic efficiency (62.6%) and carbon selectivity (80.2%) for anodic formamide synthesis. In situ characterization and theoretical simulations reveal dual enhancement mechanisms: Isolated Pd sites adopt end‐on *CH 2 O adsorption to expose the electrophilic carbon, while the MnO 2 ‐induced acidic microenvironment enhances *CH 2 O electrophilicity via oxygen‐atom protonation. This synergy accelerates nucleophilic attack by NH 3 , enabling efficient C─N coupling.
Harnessing the Magic Methyl Effect: Manipulating Photoluminescence and Photochromism of Salicylaldehyde Benzoylhydrazones in the Solid State
Abstract Photoluminescence and photochromism are pivotal in developing solid‐state photoresponsive materials, yet achieving precise tuning through subtle molecular structure modifications remains challenging. Herein, we demonstrate a universal “magic methyl” strategy to effectively manipulate the photoluminescence and photochromism of salicylaldehyde benzoylhydrazones in the solid state. Interestingly, the In (n = 1–4) series exhibits weak photochromism but excitation‐dependent (Ex‐De) emission with green fluorescence ( cis ‐keto) and cyan fluorescence (excimer), an exceptional phenomenon to Kasha's rule. More importantly, by replacing the hydrogen atom in the ─NHCO─ group with a methyl group, the obtained IIn (n = 1–4) series displays quenched fluorescence but pronounced photochromism. This subtle structural modification allows IIn series to reversibly switch the powder colors between white and orange under 365 and 520 nm light irradiation within seconds. The photochromic behavior persists from ambient temperature to ‐193 °C across different substituents. Notably, compound II3 , featuring a fluorine substituent, exhibits an exceptionally long half‐life of ∼240 min for its out‐of‐equilibrium trans ‐keto tautomer, attributed to intramolecular hydrogen bonding from ─F···HN─ within this form. These exceptional photophysical properties suggest promising applications in anti‐counterfeiting, smart coatings, and encrypted information storage, providing insightful strategies for developing organic small molecule based solid‐state photoresponsive materials.