Magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) can be used to separate apoptotic sperm with high proportions of fragmented DNA from the rest, thus improving the overall quality of the seminal sample. Therefore, the aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the efficiency of the MACS technique to increase reproductive outcomes in patients with high levels of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm-injection (ICSI) cycles. In this study, we analyzed a total of 724 assisted-reproduction-technique (ART) cycles that were divided into two groups: the study group (n = 366) in which the MACS selection technique was performed after density-gradient centrifugation (DGC), and the control group (n = 358) in which only DGC was used for sperm selection. Reproductive outcomes were analyzed in both groups according to three different ART procedures: preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), and autologous and oocyte-donation cycles. The MACS group showed significantly lower miscarriage rates in autologous ICSI cycles, higher pregnancy rates in oocyte-donation cycles, and a significant increase in live-birth rates in both autologous and oocyte-donation cycles. Overall, these results suggested that the MACS technique can be effectively used to eliminate sperm with high SDF levels, and therefore may help to improve reproductive outcomes in couples undergoing ART.

Likert items are often used in social and health sciences. However, the format is strongly affected by acquiescence and reversed items have traditionally been used to control this response bias, a controversial practice. This paper aims to examine how reversed items affect the psychometric properties of a scale. Different versions of the Grit-s scale were applied to an adult sample (N = 1,419). The versions of the scale had either all items in positive or negative forms, or a mix of positive and negative items. The psychometric properties of the different versions (item analysis, dimensionality and reliability) were analyzed. Both negative and positive versions demonstrated better functioning than mixed versions. However, the mean total scores did not vary, which is an example of how similar means could mask other significant differences. Therefore, we advise against using mixed scales, and consider the use of positive or negative versions preferable.

Grit, defined as passion and perseverance for long-term goals, has received much attention over the last decade. However, its dimensionality is still very much up for debate. The present study examines whether the bidimensional structure of the construct is a statistical artifact caused by item reversal. The sample consisted of 1,115 participants ( Myears = 38.92; SD = 15.08), of whom 67.3% were women. Several confirmatory models were specified with different versions of two grit scales. A bifactor model with a grit-general factor and two method-specific factors (one direct items, the other reversed items) demonstrated better fit according to all indicators (Original Grit-S: CFI = .995, RMSEA = .024; Mixed Grit-S: CFI = .966, RMSEA = .068; Mixed EGO: CFI = .985, RMSEA = .051) than a bifactor model with a grit-general factor and two theoretical factors (perseverance of effort and consistency of interests, Original Grit-S: CFI = .933, RMSEA = .085; Mixed Grit-S: CFI = .944, RMSEA = .088; Mixed EGO: CFI = .982, RMSEA = .056). Grit is a unidimensional construct, and the two dimensions identified in previous studies (consistency of interests and perseverance of effort) were the result of a statistical artifact due to item reversal. In addition, redirecting the items modified the factor structure of the Grit-S scale. The practical implications of the study are discussed.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy states that Experiential Avoidance contributes to the development of psychological issues. The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II measures Experiential Avoidance. The objective of the current study is to perform a validation of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II in the general Spanish population. A sample of 964 participants from all over Spain was used (M = 43.43 years; SD = 15.27). The psychometric properties of the questionnaire were examined according to Classical Test Theory. In addition, assessments were made of participants’ personality, Emotional Intelligence, Anxiety, and Depression, and the influence of sex and age on Experiential Avoidance was examined. The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II is a unidimensional instrument, with excellent reliability (α = .93) and adequate evidence of validity. Differences were observed based on sex, with women scoring higher, and based on age, with lower scores in the older age groups. The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II is a valid, reliable instrument for use in the general Spanish population.