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Coursework that is dependent on experiential learning, such as that offered in the laboratory-based sciences, can present barriers for a variety of students. These barriers can be magnified for students who experience disabilities that impact their access to the full depth of the course content and materials. Our unique perspective was formed primarily by supporting two blind students at two institution types across multiple biological science departments. In this paper, we explain the barriers we find are currently impacting blind and visually impaired (VI) students' access to STEM as well as some tools to navigate creating more equitable and accessible spaces to support blind/VI students in STEM. More specifically, we provide general recommendations for working with blind/VI students using a student-centered approach to planning and daily interactions, followed by tips and tools for preparing accessible materials and a case study on how to use learning outcomes to modify course activities to be more useful for blind/VI students, and lastly we provide recommendations for important collaborations.

This paper considers two studies that address negative affective states and moral reasoning while taking the Defining Issues Tests (DIT, DIT2). Both studies confirmed earlier findings that the DIT dilemma, 'Heinz and the Drug,' and the DIT2 dilemma, 'Famine,' are related to increased anger and sadness and decreased moral reasoning. Similar findings were observed in the context of a video consideration of a real-life dilemma paralleling these two dilemmas (Study 1). Comparable findings pertaining to Famine were also observed among three samples of different moral judgment developmental levels, further implicating the role of dilemma content where the trends observed are concerned (Study 2). Overall, both studies illustrated similar patterns of affective states and moral reasoning across all considered DIT/DIT2 dilemmas thereby offering further evidence of the joint involvement of rational deliberation and affective states in the consideration of DIT/DIT2 dilemmas.

Aims: To perform a systematic review of studies that sought to identify diagnostic biomarkers for the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and diabetes mellitus (DM), which could be used in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) where there is a lack of diagnostic equipment, treatments and training. Materials and Methods: Papers were sourced from six databases: the British Nursing Index, Google Scholar, PubMed, Sage, Science Direct and Scopus. Articles published between January 2002 and January 2023 were systematically reviewed by three reviewers and appropriate search terms and inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied. Results: A total of 18 studies were yielded, as well as 234 diagnostic biomarkers (74 for CVD and 160 for DM). Primary biomarkers for the diagnosis of CVDs included growth differentiation factor 15 and neurogenic locus notch homologue protein 1 (Notch1). For the diagnosis of DM, alpha‐2‐macroglobulin, C‐peptides, isoleucine, glucose, tyrosine, linoleic acid and valine were frequently reported across the included studies. Advanced analytical techniques, such as liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays and vibrational spectroscopy, were also repeatedly reported in the included studies and were utilized in combination with traditional and alternative matrices such as fingernails, hair and saliva. Conclusions: While advanced analytical techniques are expensive, laboratories in LMICs should carry out a cost–benefit analysis of their use. Alternatively, laboratories may want to explore emerging techniques such as infrared, Fourier transform‐infrared and near‐infrared spectroscopy, which allow sensitive noninvasive analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ascidians are marine filter-feeder chordates. Botrylloides ascidians possess diverse biological properties such as whole-body regeneration (WBR), hibernation/aestivation, blastogenesis, metamorphosis, and natural chimerism. However, the absence of distinctive morphological features often makes identification difficult. Botrylloides diegensis is an ascidian that has been misidentified in previous studies and is recorded in GenBank as Botrylloides leachii owing to the high morphological similarity between the sister species. More available sequences and strategies for identification would help resolve some of the confusion surrounding its ambiguous nature. We collected several Botrylloides samples from seven locations in Aotearoa New Zealand (Dunedin, Christchurch, Picton, Nelson, Whangateau, New Plymouth, and Invercargill) and barcoded the species based on Cytochrome Oxidase I, Histone 3, 18S, and 28S ribosomal RNA markers. Network and Bayesian trees confirmed the presence of three Botrylloides species: B. diegensis, Botrylloides jacksonianum, and Botrylloides affinis anceps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A primary goal of animal shelters is to adopt animals into permanent homes. Many potential adopters learn about adoptable animals via online advertisements. It remains unclear how to best format these advertisements to increase the likelihood of a successful adoption. Participants (N = 561) completed a questionnaire after viewing fictional dog adoption advertisements in which certain characteristics were systematically varied. Results indicated that characteristics of the advertisements influenced participant opinions. Participants showed preference for advertisements in paragraphs over those written as bullet points. Participants’ perceptions of the dog and their ability to identify potential behavioral challenges were influenced by the type of language used in the advertisements. Participants expressed interest in having additional information in the advertisements, including information about the dog’s behavior. Our findings can help guide the content and structure of dog adoption advertisements to maximize information transfer, meet reader expectations, and result in more successful adoptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unintended pregnancy is seen commonly in the family medicine setting. It is defined as a pregnancy that is mistimed (occurring sooner than wanted) or unwanted (not desired at that time or any time in the future). Approximately 45% of all US pregnancies are unintended. Childbirth resulting from an undesired pregnancy has been associated with adverse maternal and child health outcomes. Clinicians should be prepared to manage unplanned pregnancies, including dating pregnancies and discussing pregnancy options. Pregnancy options counseling entails discussing the options to parent, make an adoption plan, or undergo an abortion. Because of the complexity around pregnancy intentions, a framework that places patients at the center of their reproductive decisions and engages them in collaborative decision-making during options counseling is paramount. Patients commonly seek abortion, which is considered essential health care. Because of the current legal climate surrounding abortion in many states, patients may opt to use abortion drugs without licensed clinician oversight, called self-managed medication abortion, which has been shown to be safe and effective. No states require clinicians to report known or suspected self-managed medication abortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 65% of US women ages 15 to 49 years use contraception every year, many of whom seek care with family medicine. Family physicians are well equipped to provide comprehensive contraceptive counseling to patients in the primary care setting. When discussing options and providing education to patients, clinicians should consider patient preferences, patient autonomy, and adverse effect concerns, and should use a patient-centered approach that upholds the principles of reproductive justice. Nonhormonal methods of contraception include barrier methods and spermicides, fertility awareness-based methods, and (in postpartum individuals) lactational amenorrhea. With barrier methods, spermicides, and fertility awareness-based methods, 13 to 29 out of 100 women may become pregnant. Permanent forms of contraception include female and male sterilization procedures, which are some of the most effective (more than 99% effective) and most commonly used methods in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-acting reversible contraceptives (SARCs) are prescribed routinely by primary care clinicians. SARCs are among the most commonly prescribed contraceptive methods and include combined hormonal oral contraceptive pills, the combined hormonal transdermal patch, the combined hormonal vaginal ring, progestin-only pills, and the 3-month depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injection. To ensure safe prescribing and reduce barriers to receiving SARC methods, family physicians should be familiar with two evidence-based national contraceptive guidelines, the U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (U.S. MEC) and the U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use (U.S. SPR). SARCs have benefits in addition to pregnancy prevention; as such, these methods may be chosen for reasons other than contraception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) include progestin and copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) and progestin subdermal implants. LARCs may be the preferred for individuals who want a method that is highly effective and can last for several years, or for whom estrogen is contraindicated. LARCs should be offered using a shared decision-making approach, keeping in mind that historically these methods have been used coercively to control the reproductive choices of marginalized or disabled people. To ensure safe prescribing and reduce barriers to receiving LARCs, family physicians should be familiar with two evidence-based national contraceptive guidelines: the U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (U.S. MEC) and the U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use (U.S. SPR). Information about insertion, removal, potential complications, and expected adverse effects should be included when counseling patients about LARC options. Both types of LARC IUDs can safely be used for emergency contraception if inserted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse. Several oral emergency contraception drug options also are available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]