New Publications by Dr. Rachel Scott (GU) regarding PrEP usage in Women and Pregnant People | |
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Dr. Rachel Scott, Attending Physician of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Associate Professor, Georgetown University, has published multiple articles this past year in the Journal of AIDS Patient Care, Women's Health Issues, and Frontiers in Reproductive Health all relating to PrEP. Please see the articles and key findings below:
Implementation of an Educational Intervention to Improve HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Services for Women in an Urban Sexual Health Clinic. Scott, R. K., Deyarmond, M., Marwitz, S., Huang, J. C., Moriarty, P., Visconti, A. J., Beverley, J., Elion, R., Coleman, M., & Hull, S. J. (2023).
"Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of a low-cost educational intervention to increase provision of integrated PrEP services in an urban sexual health clinic serving women with high-potential exposure to HIV."
Intention to Initiate HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among Cisgender Women in a High HIV Prevalence U.S. City Scott, R. K., Hull, S. J., Huang, J. C., Ye, P. P., Lotke, P., Beverley, J., Moriarty, P., Balaji, D., Ward, A., Holiday, J., Brant, A. R., Elion, R., Visconti, A. J., & Coleman, M. (2023).
"Our findings highlight the importance of multilevel, clinic-based interventions for cisgender women, which promote sex-positive and preventive PrEP messaging, peer navigation to destigmatize PrEP, and education and support for women's health medical providers in the provision of PrEP services for cisgender women."
Clinical trial simulation to evaluate tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis dosing during pregnancy. Scott, R. K., Yu, Y., Marzinke, M. A., Coleman, J. S., Hendrix, C. W., & Bies, R. (2023).
"Our simulation shows >50% of research participants on standard dosing would have 3rd trimester trough plasma TFV concentrations below levels associated with protection. This simulation provides the quantitative basis for the design of prospective TDF/FTC studies during pregnancy to evaluate the safety and appropriateness of pregnancy-adjusted dosing."
Understanding Retention in the HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Cascade Among Cisgender Women
Burns, J. A., Hull, S. J., Inuwa, A., Moriarty, P., & Scott, R. K. (2023).
"Factors facilitating PrEP continuation included a positive emotional experience associated with PrEP use, high perceived risk of HIV acquisition, and high-quality communication with health care providers. The most common reason for PrEP discontinuation was low perceived HIV risk (n = 11). Other factors influencing discontinuation were side effects, a negative emotional experience while using PrEP, and negative interactions with the health care system."
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Scott!
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Register today! DC CFAR Basic Sciences Core Virtual Lab Open House: “Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA)" by Dr. Fayuan Wen | |
Please join the DC CFAR Basic Sciences Core for a Virtual Lab Open House on Friday, October 27, from 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET.
The aim of the open house is to provide CFAR members from across disciplines an in-depth look at lab services available at the CFAR- affiliated institutions. This seminar will feature Dr. Fayuan Wen, Assistant Professor of Computational Biology in the Department of Biology at Howard University. Dr. Wen's presentation is entitled, "Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA): an example using RNA-seq data from PBMCs of SCD patients."
Click here to register.
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Join the DC Community Conversation at the 14th International Workshop on HIV & Aging – Friday, Oct. 27, 2:15-3:15 PM ET | |
The 14th International Workshop on HIV & Aging will be held on October 26-27 2023 in Washington, DC. You are invited to join an in-person community conversation on October 27 at 2:15 pm featuring researchers and community members from the DC CFAR and its Aging and Comorbidities Scientific Interest Group. DC CFAR members will be presenting a research update on aging and HIV and community lived experience.
Please click here to register.
Registration is required to attend and gain access to the conference space.
If you have any questions, please reach out to George Kerr III, at george.kerr@gwu.edu
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CFAR AFRICURE RFA Released: Call for Applicants by November 10th, 2023 |  | |
Through the CFAR Africure Program, the NIH-funded Centers for AIDS Research (CFARs) are working to advance HIV Cure research in Africa by providing mentored development to early- and mid-career investigators whose research focuses on HIV Cure strategies.
The AFRICURE program will award five grants of $150,000 for one year, plus applicable indirect costs. Recipients of the awards will be
mentored by and collaborate with established HIV investigators across CFARs and affiliated institutions in Africa, with the goal of having a transformational impact on the careers of African investigators, their institutions, and the entire HIV cure enterprise. Africure projects are single Principal Investigator (PI) awards. CFAR Africure awards are funded for a one-year period.
CFAR Africure projects are selected through a two-stage process:
- Submitted concept proposals are competitively reviewed
- Concept Proposal due: November 10, 2023
- Notification of Outcome: November 27, 2023
- A subset of reviewed concept proposals is invited to submit full applications
For more information on how to apply, and eligibility criteria, click here.
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Recap of the 2023 Scientific Symposium: Community Engagement, Diversity Initiatives, & Investigator Achievements in HIV Science | |
On Tuesday, October 10th, the DC Center for AIDS Research held the 2023 Scientific Symposium at the George Washington University Milken Institute of Public Health. This was the first DC CFAR symposium since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were 121 symposium registrants including 94 in-person and 27 virtual.
The symposium began with a plenary session with presentations from Dr. Carl Dieffenbach of NIH and Dr. Amanda Castel of the DC CFAR. This was followed by three scientific sessions featuring community engagement in HIV science; diversity mentoring and training initiatives; and the progression of DC CFAR pilot awardees to independent investigators. Please click on the program (above) for the full agenda.
We are currently requesting permission from the presenters so that we can post the slides to the DC CFAR website in the weeks ahead. Most importantly, we would like to thank all the investigators, community members and staff for their support and participation in this special event!
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Do you have an event you would like to see included in the next edition of the Community Spotlight? We invite any news or updates from the DC CFAR community and encourage you to send information that may be of interest to CFARinDC@gmail.com. | |
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64th NIH Office of AIDS Research Advisory Council (OARAC)
October 26, 2023
14th International Workshop on HIV and Aging 2023 - (Registration and Call for Abstracts)
October 26-27, 2023
Washington, DC
NIH VIRTUAL WORKSHOP: Community Voices: Forging the Path Forward for HIV Self-testing and Personalized Viral Load Monitoring (Registration closes Oct. 30th)
November 1-2, 2023
International Conference on Stigma 2023 (Registration Now Open and Call for Abstracts)
November 11-17, 2023
Washington, DC
CROI: Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections 2024 (Abstract Submission here)
March 3-6, 2024
Denver, CO
Save the Date – National 2024 Ryan White Conference on HIV & Treatment (AIDSWatch)
March 17-19, 2024
Washington, DC
2024 National Ryan White Conference on HIV Care & Treatment
August 20-23, 2024
For more DC CFAR events please see the calendar here.
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FUNDING, TRAINING, & MENTORING OPPORTUNITIES/SEMINARS | |
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TODAY - Two In One: Culturally Responsive Communication, Part III: Language and Literacy Access (Zoom Webinar)
"The Two in One Model is excited to present a free CME-bearing lecture by Director of Community Organizing at Latino Commission on AIDS, Joaquín Carcaño." This webinar is being held TODAY, Wednesday, October 25th, 2023, from 12pm - 1pm EST. Register here.
TODAY - NIDA HIV Seminar Series: "Long-Acting ART for Vulnerable Populations: Practical Considerations"
The next installment of the NIDA HIV Seminar Series, taking place on Wednesday, October 25, at 11:00 a.m. EDT and featuring researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), Dr. Monica Gandhi, Director of the UCSF Center for AIDS Research, and Dr. Katerina Christopoulos, Professor of Medicine in Residence.
NEW - AVAC: Practicality over Panic: What happens if PEPFAR isn’t reauthorized?
"Thursday, October 26 at 11:00 AM ET: This discussion will offer a candid assessment of the current landscape, including the implications for work on the ground. It is intended to redirect anxiety into action and provide a reality check: PEPFAR is not going anywhere any time soon."
Register here.
UCSF-Bay Area CFAR Monthly Seminar: Elvin Geng w/ESI Speaker, Hannah Leslie (Hybrid)
"The monthly CFAR Seminar Series brings together the UCSF CFAR community to hear important updates in HIV science from world-class HIV researchers and local early-stage investigators."
Register for the hybrid event on November 1st, 12:30PM EST via Zoom, here.
NIDA Diversity Scholars Network Program Pre-Application Webinar
Are you an early-career investigator planning to submit a grant to NIH? Interested in collaborating and networking with other researchers? Looking to enhance your grant-writing capabilities and participate in a mock review meeting? Join the NIDA, Office of Diversity and Health Disparities on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, from 1:30-2:30 PM ET, and learn about the NIDA Diversity Scholars Network Program!
HIV Prevention Research Seminar with Drs. Maria Pyra and Jade Pagkas-Bather
On November 13th, at 12pm EST, "[at] this Third Coast CFAR seminar, Maria Pyra, PhD, MPH, of Northwestern University, and Jade Pagkas-Bather, MD, of University of Chicago, will present findings from their CFAR pilot awards. Pyra will present "Persistence, Risk, and Decision-Making Among a PrEP Using Cohort: A Mixed-Methods Study” and Pagkas-Bather will present "Examining Preferred ARV Implementation Strategies Among Young Black MSM: A Multilevel Approach." Zoom registration here.
NEW - AVAC: HPTN 096: Building Equity Through Advocacy – An Integrated, Status-Neutral Approach for Ending the Epidemic Among Black Gay Men in the South
"Please join The Choice Agenda and partners on November 15 for a fascinating discussion about a novel, much-needed HIV prevention research study – HPTN 096. Currently in the field, the study addresses social, structural, institutional, and behavioral barriers to HIV prevention and care."
Register here.
ADVANCE Predoctoral T32 Training Program to Promote Diversity in Health Disparities Research, Preventive Interventions, and Methodology (T32, Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Disease Prevention (ODP) and participating Institutes, Centers, and Offices are inviting applications to develop T32 programs to train predoctoral scholars from diverse backgrounds in all three of the following areas: Health disparities/health equity research, Development and implementation of multi-level preventive interventions, and Methods for the design and analysis of studies to evaluate multi-level preventive interventions. See full announcement here.
Post-Doctoral (T32) Training Program in Ending the HIV Epidemic – Application Open at Emory University
Emory Training Program in Translational Research to End the HIV Epidemic is now accepting applications to fill postdoctoral slots for January and July 2024. The program will offer a continuous rolling application and deadlines will vary depending on the intended start date. More information here.
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OTHER OPPORTUNITIES, NEWS, AND RESOURCES
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NEW - Program Manager Position at Massachusetts General Hospital
"A clinical investigator within the Division of General Internal Medicine seeks a part-time
Program Manager (20 hrs. per week) to direct and oversee the work of a major NIH funded
clinical trial aimed at overcoming health disparities in Latinos with HIV through an innovative
psychosocial intervention. The PM will work directly with the PI (Julie Levison, MD)."
Full description and criteria here.
NEW - 37th Annual Walk to End HIV! December 2nd at Anacostia Park
"The Walk to End HIV is more than just a fundraiser at Whitman-Walker. The Walk symbolizes our continued efforts to find a cure for HIV and to stop the stigma surrounding HIV. This fight will take the entire community's support and commitment." Register Here.
CDC Recruitment – Director of the Division of STD Prevention (DSTDP) and Director of the Division of HIV Prevention (DHP)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recruiting exceptional candidates for two high-level positions: Director of the Division of STD Prevention (DSTDP) and Director of the Division of HIV Prevention (DHP). Both are leadership positions in the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP) and will play a key role in providing scientific leadership and expertise to manage, direct, coordinate, oversee, and evaluate a broad portfolio of activities of the respective Division.
Ryan White Program Coordinator @ Children's National Hospital, Position Open
"The Program Coordinator will provide administrative and program support to plan, implement and coordinate programs, events and educational activities, and to administer policies and procedures." See full job description, requirements, and application here.
American University, School of International Service, hiring Departmental Managers
"We are looking for strategic thinkers who can develop, manage, and implement administrative and operational policies, while helping to guide decision-making and goal-setting for our five new departments. BA degree + 3-5 years of relevant experience required."
Hablamos de TI Study (Now Recruiting Providers and Patient Interviews)
Owen Smith, RN PhD Candidate from Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is recruiting medical/psychosocial service providers working with Latino immigrant men living with HIV (LIMWH) and LIMWH themselves to participate in his dissertation study: Hablemos de TI. The Hablemos de TI study is focused on understanding the perspectives of LIMWH regarding their experiences with interpersonal trauma, emotional support, and engagement in HIV care. Interviews with providers and LIMWH will be conducted in either Spanish or English, will last approximately 1 hour, and can be conducted by phone or Zoom. Participants will be compensated for their time with a gift card. Interested providers can fill out the interest survey at: https://redcap.link/cv4nvocz . Interest survey link (in Spanish) to be shared with LIMWH clients: https://redcap.link/hkscgs1d For more information, contact, Owen Smith at: osmith7@jhmi.edu.
COVID-19 Treatment Study at Whitman Walker Institute
The SCORPIO-HR Study is a clinical research study looking at an investigational drug for COVID-19
in people who have tested positive and whether it: helps resolve COVID-19 symptoms faster; can reduce symptoms that persist for several months (called “long COVID”).
MUST HAVE TESTED POSITIVE IN THE LAST 72 HOURS TO PARTICIPATE. See more here.
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NIH FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
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Minority HIV Research Initiative (MARI): Epidemiologic, Behavioral, and Implementation Science Research in Racial/Ethnic Minority Communities Disproportionately Affected by HIV and Build Research Capacity Among Historically Underrepresented Researchers
Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-PS-24-063
Posting Date: Oct 11, 2023
Opening Date: Nov 15, 2023
Close Date: Jan 16, 2024
Addressing the Impact of Structural Racism and Discrimination on Minority Health and Health Disparities (R01 - Clinical Trial Optional)
Funding Opportunity Number: PAR-23-112
Posting Date: January 31, 2023
Opening Date: February 24, 2023
Close Date: Various – See announcement
Engaging Survivors of Sexual Violence and Trafficking in HIV and Substance Use Disorder Services (R34 Clinical Trial Optional)
Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-DA-25-018
Posting Date: August 21, 2023
Opening Date: July 5, 2024
Close Date: August 2024
Addressing HIV in Highest Risk Sexual and Gender Minorities (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-DA-25-001
Posting Date: July 31, 2023
Opening Date: July 14, 2024
Close Date: August 14, 2024
Addressing HIV in highest risk sexual and gender minorities (R34 Clinical Trial Required)
Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-OD-23-018
Posting Date: July 31, 2023
Opening Date: July 14, 2024
Close Date: August 14, 2024
HIV/AIDS Scholars Using Nonhuman Primate (NHP) Models Program (K01 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Funding Opportunity Number: PAR-22-248 (Reissue)
Posting Date: June 27, 2023
Opening Date: August 13, 2023
Close Date: Various – See announcement
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Opportunities for HIV Cure Strategies at the Time of ART Initiation (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Funding Opportunity Number: PAR-23-297
Posting Date: September 19, 2023
Opening Date: December 7, 2023
Close Date: Various – See announcement
Opportunities for HIV Cure Strategies at the Time of ART Initiation (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Funding Opportunity Number: PAR-23-296
Posting Date: September 19, 2023
Opening Date: December 7, 2023
Close Date: Various – See announcement
Innovations to Optimize HIV Prevention and Care Continuum Outcomes (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
Funding Opportunity Number: PAR-23-061
Posting Date: January 11, 2023
Opening Date: April 09, 2023
Close Date: January 10, 2026
Formative and Pilot Intervention Research to Optimize HIV Prevention and Care Continuum Outcomes (R34 Clinical Trial Optional)
Funding Opportunity Number: PAR-23-060
Posting Date: January 11, 2023
Opening Date: April 09, 2023
Close Date: January 10, 2026
Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Implementation Science to Advance the United States HIV Prevention and Treatment Goals and the Global HIV Prevention and Treatment Targets
Funding Opportunity Number: NOT-MH-23-275
Posting Date: June 5, 2023
Opening Date: September 07, 2023
Close Date: September 08, 2026
Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Research on HIV-associated Malignancies
Funding Opportunity Number: NOT-CA-23-070
Posting Date: June 5, 2023
Opening Date: September 07, 2023
Close Date: September 08, 2026
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Click here for additional funding opportunities available from the National Institutes of Health. | |
The DC CFAR is an NIH funded program (P30AI117970), which is supported by the following NIH Co-Funding and Participating Institutes and Centers: NIAID, NCI, NICHD, NIDCR, NHLBI, NIDA, NIMH, NIA, NIDDK, NINR, NIMHD, FIC, and OAR. The content isthe responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. | | |
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