bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Injection funnel persistence time and oolemma resistance during intracytoplasmic sperm injection and subsequent embryo development
Authors: Jeong Hye Gyeong , Kim Seul Ki , Lee Jangmi , Youm Hye Won , Jee Byung Chul 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate whether the injection funnel persistence time and oolemma resistance during the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are associated with subsequent embryo quality.DesignA prospective observational study at a university hospital.MethodsOne hundred and twenty normal‐appearing metaphase II oocytes were collected from 54 ICSI cycles. Injection funnel was observed at 0, 30, 60, and 90 s after ICSI, and the injection funnel persistence time was assigned to “no funnel,” “0–30,” “30–60,” “60–90,” and “>90 s.” The degree of oolemma resistance during ICSI was recorded as “no,” “mild,” “moderate,” and “severe.” Subsequent embryos on day 3 after ICSI were evaluated morphologically, and formation of top‐quality embryo and embryo score was assessed. We newly developed “oolemma score,” based on the injection funnel persistence time and oolemma resistance, and the predictability of top‐quality embryo was assessed.ResultsAmong the five groups by injection funnel persistence time, the proportion of top‐quality embryo and embryo score (64.3%, 32) was highest in the “30–60 s,” but not significant. Among the four groups by oolemma resistance, the proportion of top‐quality embryo and embryo score (53.7%, 32) was highest in “no group.” The proportion of top‐quality embryo in “no group” was significantly higher than “moderate group” (p = 0.012) and “severe group” (p = 0.043). The median embryo score in “no group” was significantly higher than “severe group” (p = 0.041). Newly developed “oolemma score” could predict well the formation of top‐quality embryo with a statistical significance (cutoff >14.5, area under the curve 0.695, p < 0.001).ConclusionEmbryo quality or score is more closely associated with oolemma resistance during ICSI. New “oolemma score” would help to identify embryo developmental potential of each mature oocyte in ICSI cycles.
Local economic growth and local government investment in parks and recreation, or five cheese pizzas for $2.6 million
Authors: Brasington David M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAmenities have been linked to economic growth, which has been studied at the level of nations, regions, and urban areas. We look instead at economic development at the highly localized level of cities, villages, and townships. We use regression discontinuity to estimate the effect of renewing and cutting parks and recreation spending. We find an initial effect of $2.6 million in additional residential construction 1 year after voting to renew tax funding, with diminishing effects in subsequent years. We use votes to renew tax levies, arguing that the timing of tax proposals for new funding has endogenously chosen timing.
Building optimal and sustainable kidney care in low resource settings: The role of healthcare systems
Authors: Okpechi Ikechi G. , Bello Aminu K. , Luyckx Valerie A. , Wearne Nicola , Swanepoel Charles R. , Jha Vivekanand 
Published: July 2021

AbstractHealthcare systems in low‐income and lower‐middle income countries (LLMICs) face significant challenges in the provision of health services, for example, kidney care to the population. Although this is linked to several high‐level factors such as poor infrastructure, socio‐demographic and political factors, healthcare funding has often been cited as the major reason for the wide gap in availability, accessibility and quality of care between LLMICs and rich countries. With the steady rising incidence and prevalence of kidney diseases globally, as well as cost of care, LLMICs are likely to suffer more consequences of these increases than rich countries and may be unable to meet targets of universal health coverage (UHC) for kidney diseases. As health systems in LLMICs continue to adapt in finding ways to provide access to affordable kidney care, various empirical and evidence‐based strategies can be applied to assist them. This review uses a framework for healthcare strengthening developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess various challenges that health systems in LLMICs confront in providing optimal kidney care to their population. We also suggest ways to overcome these barriers and strengthen health systems to improve kidney care in LLMICs.
Differential maturation trajectories of innate antiviral immunity in health and atopy
Authors: Georgountzou Anastasia , Kokkinou Dimitra , Taka Stella , Maggina Paraskevi , Lakoumentas John , Papaevangelou Vassiliki , Tsolia Maria , Xepapadaki Paraskevi , Andreakos Evangelos , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe maturation of innate immune responses in health and atopy is still incompletely understood.MethodsWe aimed to evaluate age‐related trajectories of the TLR3 and TLR7/8 pathways from birth to adulthood and whether these differ between healthy and atopic individuals. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from 39 otherwise healthy, atopic and 39 non‐atopic subjects, aged 0–45 years. Selected cytokines involved in antiviral responses were measured by Luminex in culture supernatants of poly(I:C)‐ and R848‐stimulated PBMCs. The non‐parametric correlation between age and cytokine expression and differences in developmental trajectories between healthy and atopic subjects were estimated. Patterns of cytokine development were identified with principal component analysis.ResultsNormal innate immune maturation entails significant and progressive age‐related changes in the production of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, MIP‐1β, MCP‐3, IP‐10, IL‐10, IL‐12p70, and IFN‐γ upon TLR3 and/or TLR7/8 stimulation. Individual cytokines made small contributions to the observed variability; chemokines MCP‐3 and IP‐10 were key contributors. The development of these pathways deviated in atopic subjects with significant differences observed in the trajectories of IL‐1β, MIP‐1β, and IL‐10 syntheses.ConclusionTLR3 and TLR7/8 pathways mature during childhood, while atopy is associated with an abnormal maturation pattern. Suboptimal responses in Th1, inflammatory cytokine, and chemokine production may be implicated in poor antiviral immunity in atopics. Moreover, the deficient maturation of IL‐10 synthesis may be implicated in the breaking of tolerance, characterizing the onset of atopic disease.
Attachment as a framework to facilitate empowerment for people with severe mental illness
Authors: Tjaden Cathelijn D. , Mulder Cornelis L. , Delespaul Philippe A.E.G. , Arntz Arnoud R. , Kroon Hans 
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesRecovery and empowerment have evolved into key objectives in the treatment and care of people with severe mental illness (SMI), and interest has grown in the role of social relationships in recovery. This study is the first to explore whether attachment styles are related to levels of empowerment, and secondly, whether attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance are associated with lower empowerment levels, independently of quality and frequency of social contact.DesignWe used a cross‐sectional design.MethodsIn a sample of 157 participants with SMI in outpatient care, associations between attachment (Revised Adult Attachment Scale), self‐reported social functioning, and empowerment (Netherlands Empowerment List) were assessed.ResultsAttachment anxiety and attachment avoidance were both associated with lower levels of empowerment. A stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the prediction of empowerment was significantly improved by adding attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance to quality and frequency of social contact. Attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, and quality of social contact were significant predictors; frequency of social contact was not.ConclusionsAlthough our design does not allow causal conclusions, our results highlight the importance of interpersonal processes and behaviours as routes to improving empowerment for people with SMI. A promising approach might thus consist of securing attachment bonds with significant others so that the self and the other are perceived as reliable resources. Our findings also feature the importance of reciprocity and equality in social relationships. Taken together, our study emphasizes the value of social, contextualized interventions in recovery work for people with SMI.Practitioner points

Working towards attachment safety in interpersonal relations may be important in recovery‐oriented treatment and care for people with severe mental illness (SMI).

Helping people with SMI to recognize and change how they tend to relate themselves to others may promote engagement and effectiveness of recovery‐oriented treatment and care.

Reciprocity and equality in social relationships as vital complements to the more one‐sided nature of ‘standing alongside’ and offering support may be important requisites for empowerment.
How psychosis interrupts the lives of women and men differently: a qualitative comparison
Authors: Firmin Ruth L. , Zalzala Aieyat B. , Hamm Jay A. , Luther Lauren , Lysaker Paul H. 
Published: July 2021

PurposePsychosis disrupts how persons experience themselves and their lives. Despite knowledge that gender differences have been noted in presentation and course of psychosis symptoms, little is known about differences in how men and women experience these disruptions.MethodThe narratives of 26 men and 27 women diagnosed with psychosis, matched on age, education, and race, of the impact of psychosis on one’s life, were compared. Using secondary data from semi‐structured interviews, themes were identified using inductive, phenomenological qualitative analyses.ResultsWomen and men discussed psychosis‐related interruptions to the roles and relationships that shape their identity. Both genders discussed the impact of psychosis on their sense of self, work, and relationships. Nuanced gender differences emerged, informing unique areas of challenge related to (1) parenting and loss of parenting roles, (2) work and loss or changes in work trajectories, (3) isolation and strain on interpersonal relationships, and (4) manifestations of stigma.ConclusionsPsychosis may disrupt distinct aspects of life for men and women. Each gender faces the intersection of socially informed expectations that impact one’s experiences of stigma, expectations of others, and manifestations of losses felt in one’s role and sense of identity. Findings inform important considerations for therapy and other services.Practitioner points

Gender‐based socialized expectations, losses, and challenges that accompany psychosis are important areas for therapeutic consideration.

Current treatments may neglect challenges that are more commonly experienced by women with psychosis.
Compassionate Mind Training: An 8‐week group for the general public
Authors: Irons Chris , Heriot‐Maitland Charles 
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesThere is an increasing interest in how compassion training, and in particular, the cultivation of self‐compassion may be an important component in the reduction of distress and promotion of well‐being. Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) has shown promising results in this area, with positive outcome studies in a wide range of mental health problems. However, following the successful development of short mindfulness‐based programmes (e.g., Mindfulness‐based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐based Cognitive Therapy) and compassion/self‐compassion programmes (e.g., Mindful Self‐Compassion) that can be accessed by the general public, we were keen to develop and research an 8‐week Compassionate Mind Training (CMT) course, based on the CFT model.DesignWithin‐subjects pre‐to‐post‐group comparison.MethodsFollowing an 8‐week CMT groups, participants in the general population (n = 55) completed pre‐ and post‐measures (with 22 of these also providing 3‐month follow‐up data) on self‐compassion, compassion for others, compassion from others, attachment, self‐criticism, positive emotion, well‐being, and distress.ResultsSignificant increases in compassion, self‐reassurance, social rank, positive emotions, and well‐being were found, alongside reductions in self‐criticism, attachment anxiety, and distress. Changes were maintained at 3‐month follow‐up. Change scores indicated the importance of increases in self‐compassion and reductions in self‐criticism in overall improvements in well‐being and psychological distress.ConclusionsFindings offer preliminary support for the usefulness of group CMT in community samples.Practitioner points

Compassionate Mind Training (CMT) groups appear to be applicable and beneficial in community samples.

CMT psychoeducation and practices appear to bring positive changes to a variety of psychological processes, including attachment, self‐criticism, self‐compassion, well‐being, and distress.

Further studies are required to investigate whether the mechanisms through which CMT is beneficial.
A treatment protocol to guide the delivery of dialogical engagement with auditory hallucinations: Experience from the Talking With Voices pilot trial
Authors: Longden Eleanor , Corstens Dirk , Morrison Anthony P. , Larkin Amanda , Murphy Elizabeth , Holden Natasha , Steele Ann , Branitsky Alison , Bowe Samantha 
Published: July 2021

PurposeTo present a treatment protocol for delivering Talking With Voices, a novel intervention for people with psychosis that involves dialogical engagement with auditory hallucinations.MethodThis paper presents a manualized approach to therapy employed in the Talking With Voices trial, a feasibility and acceptability randomized control trial of 50 adult participants. A rationale for following a treatment manual is provided, followed by the theoretical underpinnings of the intervention and its principles and values, including the main tenet that voices can often be understood as dissociated parts of the self which serve a protective function by indicating social–emotional vulnerabilities. The four therapy phases for improving the relationship between the voice‐hearer and their voices are outlined: (1) engagement and psychoeducation, (2) creating a formulation, (3) dialoguing with voices, and (4) consolidating outcomes, including key milestones at each phase. Implementation issues are discussed, as well as recommendations for best practice and future research.ResultsThe Talking With Voices treatment protocol indicates that it is feasible to manualize a dissociation‐based approach to support service users who are distressed by hearing voices.ConclusionFor some individuals, it is possible to engage in productive dialogue with even extremely hostile or distressing voices. Developing coping strategies, creating a formulation, and ultimately establishing a dialogue with voices has the potential to improve the relationship between voice(s) and voice‐hearer. Further research is now required to evaluate feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy.Practitioner points

It is feasible to integrate a dissociation model of voice‐hearing within a psychological intervention for people with psychosis.

Combining psychosocial education, formulation and direct dialogue can be used to facilitate a more peaceful relationship between clients and their voices.

Practitioners trained in other therapeutic modalities can draw on existing transferrable skills to dialogue with their clients’ voices.

The input of those with lived experience of mental health difficulties has an important role in guiding treatment design and delivery.
Rose Bengal and Future Directions in Larynx Tumor Photodynamic Therapy†
Authors: Bartusik‐Aebisher Dorota , Ożóg Łukasz , Domka Wojciech , Aebisher David 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPhotodynamic Therapy (PDT) seems to be a promising method in the treatment of larynx tumor tissues. The aim of the present analysis was the study of photosensitizer penetration of larynx tissue associated with the application of PDT in vitro. This study is based on the use of photosensitive compounds Rose Bengal (RB) that selectively accumulate in larynx tissue. The selection of the study group of patients who will undergo surgery in accordance with medical principles was of key importance for the project. Histopathological examination of samples subjected to PDT revealed numerous changes in the morphology of the cancer cells and surrounding tissues. After PDT treatment, the number of tumor cells decreased compared with the cells number before PDT and the arrangement was relatively loose. After PDT with RB the nuclei morphology was incomplete and fragmented. The effects of the applied PDT of larynx in vitro were assessed under an optical microscope. The future directions in larynx tumor PDT with the use of upconversion nanoparticles (UPCNP) is also discussed.
Synchrony with distress in affective empathy and compassion
Authors: Dor‐Ziderman Yair , Cohen Daniela , Levit‐Binnun Nava , Golland Yulia 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSensitivity to suffering of others is a core factor in social cohesion and evolutionary success. The emergence of such sensitivity may occur via two neuro‐functional mechanisms. One is sharing the pain and distress of others, which relies onaffective empathy. The other involves a caring concern for others' wellbeing, termedcompassion. Both affective empathy and compassion are triggered by cues of pain and distress, exhibited by suffering targets. Yet, the mechanisms underlying distress processing in empathy and compassion are not clear. In the current research, we investigated synchrony with a target's distress, as a putative mechanism for continuous processing of distress cues. Participants viewed a video of a target in distress when given two different instructions: they were asked to continuously rate their distress in theaffective empathycondition, or their feelings of care in thecompassioncondition. We used these dynamic ratings as well as participants' autonomic and facial responses to assess multi‐channel synchrony with the target's self‐rated distress fluctuations. Dynamic ratings and facial corrugator responses were significantly positively synchronized with the target's distress. For the corrugator responses, synchrony with the target was more pronounced than synchrony with participants' own ratings. Autonomic responses exhibited negative synchrony with the target's distress. Synchrony was higher in the affective empathy than in the compassion condition, across channels. These results point to the key role of subjective and physiological synchrony with the target's distress in empathic sharing of negative experiences. They also highlight the attenuation of embodied resonance with distress in compassionate experiences.
Serum pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity in sick dogs after chronic administration of supraphysiologic doses of glucocorticoids
Authors: Cocker Sarah E. , Lawrence Yuri A. , Lidbury Jonathan A. , Suchodolski Jan S. , Steiner Jörg M. , Richter Keith P. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundGlucocorticoids (GC) are commonly used for a long term to treat a multitude of immune‐mediated, inflammatory, and neoplastic diseases in dogs. Conflicting results of published studies on the effects of exogenous and endogenous GCs on serum canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) raise the question of whether cPLI concentrations can be reliably interpreted in patients receiving GCs.ObjectiveWe sought to determine the effect of long‐term GC administration at supraphysiologic doses on serum cPLI concentrations in sick dogs.MethodsSerum samples were collected from 35 client‐owned dogs. Dogs were administered prednisone at a dose of ≥0.5 mg/kg per day for ≥3 weeks. Serum cPLI was measured prior to the initiation and after ≥3 weeks of GC therapy.ResultsThere was a significant increase in serum cPLI between baseline (median 101 μg/L; range 30‐1997 μg/L) and following the administration of ≥0.5 mg/kg/day of prednisone (median 173 μg/L; range 30‐2000 μg/L) in dogs (P = 0.025). However, the median change was small (31 μg/L). There was no suspicion of pancreatitis in any of the dogs. Diagnostic interpretation changed in 6/35 dogs, with no apparent dose‐response relationship.ConclusionsThere was a statistically significant difference from baseline in serum cPLI measurements in sick dogs receiving long‐term prednisone. Although the change was small and often clinically insignificant, it could pose a clinical interpretation dilemma in some dogs. It is unknown whether these observations are coincidental due to subclinical pancreatitis or caused by another effect of GCs on pancreatic acinar cells.
Psychometric Properties of the Short Versions of the EBP Beliefs Scale, the EBP Implementation Scale, and the EBP Organizational Culture and Readiness Scale
Authors: Melnyk Bernadette Mazurek , Hsieh Andreanna Pavan , Gallagher‐Ford Lynn , Thomas Bindu , Guo Jinhong , Tan Alai , Buck Jacalyn 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundEvidence‐based practice (EBP) is a problem‐solving approach to clinical decision making that leads to a higher quality and safety of health care. Three valid and reliable scales that measure EBP attributes, including the EBP Beliefs Scale, the EBP Implementation Scale, and the Organizational Culture and Readiness Scale for System‐Wide Integration of EBP, are widely used but require approximately 5 min each to complete. Shorter valid and reliable versions of these scales could offer the benefit of less time for completion, thereby decreasing participant burden.AimThe aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the three shortened EBP scales, adapted from the longer versions.MethodsThis study used a descriptive survey design with 498 nurses who completed the three original EBP scales along with a shortened version of each scale. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted with principal components extracted to examine the factor structure of each EBP measure for the three shortened EBP scales. Item intercorrelations and the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy (KMO) were used to confirm the validity of using factor analysis. Reliability of each scale using Cronbach’s α was examined. Convergent validity of the three shortened EBP scales was assessed by correlating each shortened scale with its longer scale.ResultsFactor analysis supported the construct validity of each of the three shortened scales, as all item intercorrelations were greater than 0.40, and KMO values were 0.62 to 0.74. The shortened scales Cronbach alphas were 0.81 for the EBP Beliefs Scale, 0.89 for the EBP Implementation Scale, and 0.87 for the EBP Culture and Readiness Scale. The three shortened EBP scales had acceptable convergent validity (r = 0.42–.072) for the correlations between the shortened and longer scales.Linking Evidence to ActionThe three shortened EBP scales, which are valid and reliable, can be used as an alternative to the longer three scales to decrease participant burden when conducting program evaluations, research, or organizational assessments.