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Makerspaces are now a common feature in many public libraries in the United States. However, there has been little research into how these spaces function for adults with disabilities. In this study, qualitative data were collected from patrons with disabilities and public librarians through online focus groups, interviews, and an online survey to address this gap in knowledge. Findings speak to the needs of a significant subset of public library patrons, describe current practices in public library makerspaces, and suggest areas for implementing more inclusive practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within a number of fields, research on mental health support available for graduate students is scant. Research on mental health support among online students is even more limited. Mental health within library and information science (LIS) has been discussed largely outside of the scholarly realm via webinars, mental health zines, and Twitter chats. As the majority of students pursuing a master's degree in LIS (MLIS) go through online programs, student awareness of and access to mental health support through their university is unknown. Through content analysis, this original study explores the online resources for mental health counseling and support readily available for MLIS students in American Library Association–accredited programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study documents the experience of, and identifies professional barriers for, academic librarians and archivists with invisible illnesses and/or disabilities. Results from a survey of MLIS-holding individuals in academic positions indicate that invisible illness or disability often impacts the ability to succeed at work, but many are reluctant to disclose or request accommodations to alleviate those disparities. Respondents reported barriers including professional repercussions for disclosure, difficulty during the hiring process, stigma from supervisors and colleagues after requesting accommodations, and an overall lack of understanding about invisible illness and disability in the profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past two decades, researchers have analyzed the role of disability in liberal arts colleges (LACs). While students find LAC faculty and disability service professionals to be a positive influence in their educational experience, these institutions face some challenges in ensuring the best possible education for students with disabilities and, in particular, autism. Building on previous research on autism in academic libraries and the LACs library context, this study analyzes the results of a survey sent to LAC library leaders across the United States. Findings suggest that LAC libraries are well-positioned to serve autistic college students, given their small student populations and ability to provide personalized service. However, librarians and staff would benefit from more training and a more systematized approach to best meet these students'' needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Librarians are beginning to address the lack of services for youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by providing flexible and tailored programming and services. One important need among youth with ASD is a better understanding of how to navigate the online environment safely and responsibly. Given different engagement styles with social interaction and communication, youth with ASD may be more susceptible to cyberbullying and misinterpretations during online communications than their peers. This study investigates whether librarians can (or should) play a role in digital citizenship education for youth with ASD and provides suggestions for LIS educators preparing future librarians on how to develop services and programming for neurodiverse youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugammadex, marketed as Bridion™, is an approved cyclodextrin (CD) based drug for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade in adults undergoing surgery. Sugammadex forms an inclusion complex with the neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) rocuronium, allowing rapid reversal of muscle paralysis. In silico methods have been developed for studying CD inclusion complexes, aimed at accurately predicting their structural, energetic, dynamic, and kinetic properties, as well as binding constants. Here, a computational study aimed at characterizing the sugammadex-rocuronium system from the perspective of docking calculations, free molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and biased metadynamics simulations with potential of mean force (PMF) calculations is presented. The aim is to provide detailed information about this system, as well as to use it as a model system for validation of the methods. This method predicts results in line with experimental evidence for both the optimal structure and the quantitative value for the binding constant. Interestingly, there is a less profound preference for the orientation than might be assumed based on electrostatic interactions, suggesting that both orientations may exist in solution. These results show that this technology can efficiently analyze CD inclusion complexes and could be used to facilitate the development and optimization of novel applications for CDs. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While there has been some research about the intersection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and larger research libraries, less work has been done in other academic library settings. To assess librarians' knowledge of ASD, the authors administered an ASD training manual and subsequent survey to academic librarians at a liberal arts college library in the Southeast. The librarians found the training about ASD itself to be most valuable. Additionally, they gave positive assessments of their ability to serve students with ASD both at the individual and institutional levels. This suggests that librarians recognize the importance of serving this unique population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries provide invaluable services and supports to members of their communities, including school communities. Those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can receive particular benefits from their libraries, including supports in the areas of academics, social skills, communication, technology, literacy, leisure skills, and even employment skills. Additionally, librarians have reported ASD as the highest disability area they are asked to accommodate. In addition, school librarians have requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (2004) to support students they serve in their setting. While professional librarians are prepared for their field through high-quality accredited programs, very few programs provide coursework specific to individuals with disabilities and even fewer with any coursework in the area of ASD. This study utilized content analysis to review 90 librarian preparation programs yielding only five course syllabi from four universities that include courses in supporting individuals with disabilities. Only two of the five courses reviewed included information about individuals with ASD specifically. This study identifies a gap in training for preservice librarians that contributes to the needs already expressed by those in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A class of cyclodextrin (CD) dimers has emerged as a potential new treatment for atherosclerosis; they work by forming strong, soluble inclusion complexes with oxysterols, allowing the body to reduce and heal arterial plaques. However, characterizing the interactions between CD dimers and oxysterols presents formidable challenges due to low sterol solubility, the synthesis of modified CDs resulting in varying number and position of molecular substitutions, and the diversity of interaction mechanisms. To address these challenges and illuminate the nuances of CD-sterol interactions, we have used multiple orthogonal approaches for a comprehensive characterization. Results obtained from three independent techniques - metadynamics simulations, competitive isothermal titration calorimetry, and circular dichroism - to quantify CD-sterol binding are presented. The objective of this study is to obtain the binding constants and gain insights into the intricate nature of the system, while accounting for the advantages and limitations of each method. Notably, our findings demonstrate ∼1000× stronger affinity of the CD dimer for 7-ketocholesterol in comparison to cholesterol for the 1:1 complex in direct binding assays. These methodologies and findings not only enhance our understanding of CD dimer-sterol interactions, but could also be generally applicable to prediction and quantification of other challenging host-guest complex systems. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this exploratory study, the researchers examine the intersection of teens with autism as public library users, their perceptions of and experiences with cyberbullying, and the potential role of public librarians in providing relevant digital citizenship programming. Results from this study indicate that teens on the autism spectrum live rich digital lives and have experience with both sides of cyberbullying, or digital drama. This study suggests that teens are willing to answer questions about their digital lives and demonstrate a desire to learn more about best practices in navigating the online environment, especially when learning alongside peers. Practical implications based in inclusion are given for public librarians seeking to implement digital citizenship education for the communities they serve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of academic libraries and librarians in support of autistic students has been studied on a limited basis with no confirmation on how to best convey knowledge of support services most effectively. A quasi-experimental research protocol with three academic library sites and related professional development treatments enabled comparison on the impact of online training alone, online coaching combined with coaching, and existing autism support programs. Academic librarians' knowledge and attitudes, along with measures of the library's physical environment were calculated pre and post training. Results showed that coaching, combined with online instruction, is the most effective professional development strategy for increasing knowledge of academic library patrons on the autism spectrum; librarians are enthusiastic to learn more about services taking place in other academic libraries, and small changes in the library environment can be impactful. • The academic library can supplement standard support services for autistic students. • After coaching about autism, librarians recognize accessibility beyond the physical. • Training leads to shifts in attitude, though fewer immediate environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses within the general population is reflected in the growing number of college and university students with ASD. This exploratory study used an unobtrusive qualitative content analysis design to explore the experiences of students with ASD in academic libraries. It seeks to understand their questions and concerns, as well as their experiences in using the library and library resources. Using the social model of disability studies, this study allows for voices of students with ASD to be presented in their own words, not through the perceptions of parents, caregivers, faculty, or staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a significant number of stroke victims exhibit cognitive impairment, neuropsychological assessments can enhance poststroke management by identifying pertinent cognitive sequelae and providing salient care recommendations. However, due to operational differences between traditional neuropsychology and stroke services, neuropsychological assessments often remain underutilized in stroke care. We developed a novel care model that incorporated neuropsychological testing into a comprehensive stroke program using the modified vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) half-hour assessment protocol proposed by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke--Canadian Stroke Network (NINDS-CSN). The test batteries were administered during the patients' acute admissions and then again upon follow-up in the multidisciplinary stroke clinic. Patient and provider satisfaction was then evaluated. Surveys revealed high provider satisfaction with improved clinic efficacy, improved data turnaround time, and with value neuropsychology services added to the comprehensive stroke program. Results from the 18-item industry standard Press-Ganey surveys showed all scores above 4.4/5.0 for patient satisfaction. This clinic garnered high provider and patient satisfaction after the first year. The (modified) NINDS-CSN VCI assessment protocol demonstrated clinical feasibility, suggestive of an efficient method of providing focused neuropsychological services in a clinical setting that otherwise prohibits traditional, comprehensive cognitive assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • 7KC is an atherogenic oxysterol which can be solubilized by cyclodextrins (CDs). • Engineered CD dimers solubilize 7KC with greater affinity than monomers. • In silico and in vitro methods were used to optimize CD engineering. • Human monocytes can be rescued from 7KC toxicity by certain cyclodextrin dimers. • Optimized CD dimers are nontoxic to mice, suggesting they could be used as APIs. We have developed a novel class of specifically engineered, dimerized cyclodextrin (CD) nanostructures for the encapsulation of toxic biomolecules such as 7-ketocholesterol (7KC). 7KC accumulates over time and causes dysfunction in many cell types, linking it to several age-related diseases including atherosclerosis and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Presently, treatments for these diseases are invasive, expensive, and show limited benefits. CDs are cyclic glucose oligomers utilized to capture small, hydrophobic molecules. Here, a combination of in silico , in vitro, and ex vivo methods is used to implement a synergistic rational drug design strategy for developing CDs to remove atherogenic 7KC from cells and tissues. Mechanisms by which CDs encapsulate sterols are discussed, and we conclude that covalently linked head-to-head dimers of βCDs have substantially improved affinity for 7KC compared to monomers. We find that inclusion complexes can be stabilized or destabilized in ways that allow the design of CD dimers with increased 7KC selectivity while maintaining an excellent safety profile. These CD dimers are being developed as therapeutics to treat atherosclerosis and other debilitating diseases of aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding job seeking and workforce experiences of autistic adults in librarianship may help to create more inclusive practices in the field. However, the topic largely remains unexplored. This may be in part due to traditional research practices that do little to encourage meaningful participation from autistic adults. Ten interviews were conducted with autistic librarians in professional and paraprofessional roles about their workforce experiences, using inclusive, accessible measures and providing options for communication and participation. Findings reveal common themes for autistic librarians in the workforce, and also lead to implications for research involving members of the population. Based on findings, guidelines for future research are presented. By moving toward a more accessible, participatory research approach, qualitative studies can gain a better understanding of participants' lived experiences while producing work with practical implications for members of the population itself. • Participatory measures allow autistic adults to participate more meaningfully in qualitative research. • Librarianship can be a rewarding career for some autistic adults, but barriers exist. • Accessible and participatory measures are necessary to understand autistic librarians' workforce experiences. • Guidelines for conducting research with autistic adults are presented based on findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on Project Panhandle Autism Library Services (PALS) that intends to ensure success in libraries for patrons with autism. Topics mentioned include a Syracuse University Project Expanding Nondiscriminatory Access by Librarians Everywhere workshop in 2013, four online training modules from Project PALS designed to fit librarians' needs, and communication with individuals with autism.

Purpose In order to develop a theoretical framework for person-centered care models for children with epilepsy and their parents, we conducted a qualitative study to explore and understand parents' needs, values, and preferences to ultimately reduce barriers that may be impeding parents from accessing and obtaining help for their children's co-occurring problems. Methods A qualitative grounded theory study design was utilized to understand parents' perspectives. The participants were 22 parents of children with epilepsy whose age ranged from 31 to 53 years. Interviews were conducted using open-ended semistructured questions to facilitate conversation. Transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory guidelines. Results In order to understand the different perspectives parents had about their child, we devised a theory composed of three zones (Zones 1, 2, and 3) that can be used to conceptualize parents' viewpoints. Zone location was based on a parent's perspectives on their child's comorbidities in the context of epilepsy. These zones were developed to help identify distinctions between parents' perspectives and to provide a framework within which to understand parents' readiness to access and implement interventions to address the child's struggles. These zones of understanding describe a parent's perspectives on their children's struggles at a particular point in time. This is the perspective from which parents address their child's needs. This theoretical perspective provides a structure in which to discuss a parent's perspectives on conceptualizing or comprehending the child's struggles in the context of epilepsy. The zones are based on how the parents describe (a) their concerns about the child's struggles and (b) their understanding of the struggles and (c) the parent's view of the child's future. Conclusions Clinicians working with individuals and families with epilepsy are aware that epilepsy is a complex and unpredictable disorder. The zones help clinicians conceptualize and build a framework within which to understand how parents view their child's struggles, which influences the parents' ability to understand and act on clinician feedback and recommendations. Zones allow for increased understanding of the parent at a particular time and provide a structure within which a clinician can provide guidance and feedback to meet parents' needs, values, and preferences. This theory allows clinicians to meet the parents where they are and address their needs in a way that benefits the parents, family, and child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]