A5081054187- HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions
- HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk
- Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health
- Sex work and related issues
- SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research
- Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy
- COVID-19 Clinical Research Studies
- SARS-CoV-2 detection and testing
- Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation
- Inflammatory mediators and NSAID effects
- Homelessness and Social Issues
- Long-Term Effects of COVID-19
- LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy
- Reproductive tract infections research
- Bone and Joint Diseases
- Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
- HIV Research and Treatment
- Animal Virus Infections Studies
- Viral gastroenteritis research and epidemiology
- Musculoskeletal synovial abnormalities and treatments
- Inflammatory Myopathies and Dermatomyositis
- Ethics in Clinical Research
- Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum
California University of Pennsylvania
2022-2025
University of Pennsylvania
2010-2023
Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute
2022
New York Blood Center
2022
It is important to determine if severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections and SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccinations elicit different types of antibodies. Here, we characterize the magnitude specificity spike-reactive antibodies from 10 acutely infected health care workers with no prior exposure history 23 participants who received vaccines. We found that infection primary vaccination S1- S2-reactive antibodies, while secondary boosts mostly S1 Using absorption assays, a...
Previous analyses identified specific geographic areas in Philadelphia (hotspots) associated with negative outcomes along the HIV care continuum. We examined individual and community factors residing these hotspots.Retrospective cohort of 1404 persons newly diagnosed 2008-2009 followed for 24 months after linkage to care. Multivariable regression associations between (age, sex, race/ethnicity, transmission risk, insurance status) (economic deprivation, distance care, access public transit,...
Abstract Background Women comprise 19% of new HIV infections in the U.S. Many women, particularly women color, are unaware pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as an prevention option. We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess feasibility and acceptability theory-based, contextually-relevant behavioral intervention, Just4Us, promote PrEP initiation adherence among New York City Philadelphia. Methods Eligibility criteria included: cisgender aged 18-55, not living with HIV,...
Some studies suggest that recent common coronavirus (CCV) infections are associated with reduced COVID-19 severity upon SARS-CoV-2 infection. We completed serological assays using samples collected from health care workers to identify antibody types protection and symptom duration. Rare cross-reactive antibodies elicited by past CCV were not protection; however, the duration of symptoms following was significantly in individuals higher betacoronavirus (βCoV) titers. Since titers decline over...
In the United States, racial differences in prevalence and incidence of HIV infection AIDS diagnoses are dramatic. These large, have been recognized for nearly 20 years, as yet not well investigated. disparities show no signs diminishing and, fact, widening, particularly among drug users women. Most observers infections States concluded that these exist because prevention messages, supplies, and/or interventions do effectively reach those at greatest risk infection. essence, such...
In the United States, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among eligible cisgender women has been slow, despite availability of oral PrEP since 2012. Although make up nearly 20% those living with HIV, there are currently few interventions for at elevated risk acquiring HIV. Here we describe process used to design and pre-pilot test Just4Us, a theory-based behavioral intervention promote initiation adherence PrEP-eligible women. This work was part multiphase study conducted in New York...
Abstract Recent common coronavirus (CCV) infections are associated with reduced COVID-19 severity upon SARS-CoV-2 infection, however the immunological mechanisms involved unknown. We completed serological assays using samples collected from health care workers to identify antibody types protection and severity. Rare cross-reactive antibodies elicited by past CCV were not protection; however, duration of symptoms following was significantly in individuals higher betacoronavirus (βCoV) titers....
Objectives. Substance-using women need prevention technologies and programs to reduce risk of HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI). We examined STI prevalence identified correlates for female drug users. Methods. used interviewer-administered computer-assisted surveys, tested specimens four, treatable STIs (trichomonas, early syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia) on 198 HIV-seronegative, street-recruited, substance-using enrolled in a randomized trial HIV/STI risk. Results. Most were crack...
Prior sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are associated with higher rates of subsequent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, but the influence prior STIs on perceived vulnerability to HIV remains unclear. We aimed assess this relationship, hypothesizing that a STI diagnosis is self-assessed HIV. performed cross-sectional study men and transgender individuals who have sex screening for prevention trials in Philadelphia. An unadjusted regression analysis found no significant...
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disproportionately affected racial/ethnic minorities in the United States, who are underrepresented clinical trials. We assessed feasibility of using University Pennsylvania Health System electronic health record patient portal to diversify pool participants COVID-19 vaccine was used send invitations eligible individuals living zip codes with high rates minorities. 5614 invited consisted 96.7% black, 1.3% Hispanic/Latinx, and 1.5% white....
SUMMARY Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA vaccines elicit higher levels of antibodies compared to natural SARS-CoV-2 infections in most individuals; however, the specificities elicited by vaccination versus infection remain incompletely understood. Here, we characterized magnitude and specificity spike-reactive from 10 acutely infected health care workers 23 participants who received mRNA-based vaccines. We found that primary S1 S2-reactive antibodies, while...
Background . We tested an original, woman-focused intervention, based on body empowerment, and female-initiated barrier methods, including the female condom (FC) cervical barriers. Methods Eligible women were >= 18 years of age, HIV seronegative, active drug users, reporting 30% or greater unprotected sex acts. Both controls (C) intervention (I) participants received enhanced HIV/STI harm reduction counseling. I underwent 5 additional weekly group sessions. compared change in frequency...
Background Clinical trial protocol adherence and retention are often considered challenges that especially difficult to achieve among certain high-risk populations. The HIV infection rate heterosexual African-American women is increasing, making their participation in clinical trials of behavioural biomedical prevention interventions more important. We identify drug use sex risk factors associated with study this population during the course an vaccine trial. Methods Data from participants...
Abstract HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among cisgender women in the United States is low. Just4Us, a theory-based counseling and navigation intervention, was evaluated for preliminary efficacy pilot randomized controlled trial with PrEP-eligible (n = 83). The comparison arm brief information session. Surveys were completed at baseline, post-intervention 3 months. In study sample, 79% Black 26% Latina. At months follow-up, 45% made an appointment to see provider about PrEP; only...
Abstract Background Because the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected racial/ethnic minorities in US, there was a push to ensure diversity vaccine clinical trials. Historically, minority groups have been underrepresented research. We assessed feasibility of recruiting through an electronic health record (EHR) patient portal. Methods The UPenn Health System EHR used identify individuals ages 40 and older, living zip codes with high rates SARS-CoV-2 test positivity, risk factor...