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[...]lack of adequate protection and perceived organizational support may have a negative effect on employee well-being and even lead to posttraumatic stress symptoms. Because a pandemic poses an extreme threat to employee perceptions of organizational physical and psychological safety, using theory-based approaches to understand how organizations can reduce employee stress associated with changes spurred by COVID-19 is critical. Recently, almost every individual in the world has experienced a major change in their status quo (e.g., travel restrictions, retail shutdown, a demographically undiscerning and internationally connected health threat), which is frequently associated with increases in fear and distress and decreases in physical and psychological well-being. Because it is common for frontline workers to experience negative emotions linked to coping with stressors associated with COVID-19 (e.g., high workload, potentially hazardous working environment, unclear infection control policies, coworker negative emotions), applying leadership principles and supervisor behaviors inspired by signaling theory may help increase positive emotions among employees, which can be an extremely useful tool to inspire hope and to maintain employee trust in the organization (Kim & Niederdeppe, 2013). [...]simple signals that are followed through by organizational action and supervisor behaviors can increase the availability of job resources and decrease the amount of demands, resulting in a positive additive effect on health, safety, and well-being when larger scale changes such as training and survey analysis are not practical. * Corresponding author.

[...]we discuss how prior research may be a promising route for current work–family conflict reduction. According to the job demands-resources (JD-R) model, characteristics of the job can be considered resources for dealing with stressors or as demands which deplete resources (Demerouti etal., 2001). More specifically, examining the utility of both general and family supportive supervisor behaviors on couples working both remotely and on the front lines may stimulate influential organizations to support their employees. Because increases in work-family conflict are likely as family dynamics change, strategies that help reduce conflict should be explored such as providing broad organizational support (i.e., improving attitudes and perceptions around family needs) or specific support for work-family needs (i.e., emotional and instrumental support;French etal., 2018).

Cortisol is a well established biomarker hormone that regulates many processes in the body and is widely referred to as the stress hormone. Cortisol can be used as a stress marker to allow for detection of stress levels in dogs during the training process. This test will indicate if they will handle the stress under the training or if they might be more suitable as an assistant or companion dog. An immunosensor for detection of cortisol was developed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The sensor was characterized using chemical and topographical techniques. The sensor was calibrated and its sensitivity determined using a cortisol concentration range of 0.0005 to 50 μg/mL. The theoretical limit of detection was found to be 3.57 fg/mL. When the immunosensor was tested on canine saliva samples, cortisol was detected and measured within the relevant physiological ranges in dogs.

Background. The Affordable Care Act allows uninsured individuals to select health insurance from numerous private plans, a challenging decision-making process. This study examined the effectiveness of strategies to support health insurance decisions among the uninsured. Methods. Participants ( N = 343) from urban, suburban, and rural areas were randomized to 1 of 3 conditions: 1) a plain language table; 2) a visual condition where participants chose what information to view and in what order; and 3) a narrative condition. We administered measures assessing knowledge (true/false responses about key features of health insurance), confidence in choices (uncertainty subscale of the Decisional Conflict Scale), satisfaction (items from the Health Information National Trends Survey), preferences for insurance features (measured on a Likert scale from not at all important to very important), and plan choice. Results. Although we did not find significant differences in knowledge, confidence in choice, or satisfaction across condition, participants across conditions made value-consistent choices, selecting plans that aligned with their preferences for key insurance features. In addition, those with adequate health literacy skills as measured by the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine-Short Form (REALM-SF) had higher knowledge overall ([Formula: see text] = 6.1 v. 4.8, P < 0.001) and preferred the plain language table to the visual ( P = 0.04) and visual to narrative ( P = 0.0002) conditions, while those with inadequate health literacy skills showed no preference for study condition. A similar pattern was seen for those with higher subjective numeracy skills and higher versus lower education with regard to health insurance knowledge. Individuals with higher income felt less confident in their choices ([Formula: see text] = 28.7 v. 10.0, where higher numbers indicate less confidence/more uncertainty; P = 0.004). Conclusions. Those developing materials about the health insurance marketplace to support health insurance decisions might consider starting with plain language tables, presenting health insurance terminology in context, and organizing information according to ways the uninsured might use and value insurance features. Individuals with limited health literacy and numeracy skills and those with lower education face unique challenges selecting health insurance and weighing tradeoffs between cost and coverage.

As a result of the Affordable Care Act, millions of previously uninsured individuals are facing the daunting task of selecting health insurance. In order to better understand how to reach the uninsured and support their health insurance decision making, this study examined where the uninsured collect information about health insurance and the extent to which they trust those sources and media. We analyzed secondary data on health insurance information-seeking behaviors collected from a survey of 343 uninsured individuals. The Internet, mail, and television were among the most frequently used media, though all 3 had low trust scores. Participants sought information from health care providers and interpersonal sources less frequently but trusted it more than they trusted the media. Age, gender, race, and education were predictors of use and trust of different media and sources of health insurance information. Findings suggest that strategies that pair health care professionals, lay health advisors, or community liaisons with the ubiquity of the Internet may be a strong approach for delivering quality health insurance information to the uninsured. Tailoring messages might also be effective at reaching specific subgroups of the uninsured.

Biobanks are essential resources, and participation by individuals from diverse groups is needed. Various models of consent have been proposed for secondary research use of biospecimens, differing in level of donor control and information received. Data are needed regarding participant preferences for models of consent, particularly among minorities. We conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with 60 women to examine their attitudes about different models of consent. Recruitment was stratified by race (Black/White) and prior biobank participation (yes/no). Two coders independently coded interview transcripts. Qualitative thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo 10. The majority of Black and White participants preferred "broad" consent (i.e., blanket permission for secondary research use of biospecimens), and the second most preferred model for both groups was "study-specific" consent (i.e., consent for each future research study). The qualitative analysis showed that participants selected their most preferred model for 3 major reasons: having enough information, having control over their sample, and being asked for permission. Least preferred was notice model (i.e., participants notified that biospecimens may be used in future research). Attitudes toward models of consent differed somewhat by race and prior biobank participation. Participants preferred models of consent for secondary research use of biospecimens that provided them with both specific and general information, control over their biospecimens, and asked them to give permission for use. Our findings suggest that it will be important for researchers to provide information about future uses of biospecimens to the extent possible and have an explicit permission step for secondary research use.

The US Department of Health and Human Services addresses clear communication in the informed consent process as part of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for revisions to the Common Rule. However, prior research has shown that participants may not fully comprehend research studies despite completion of an informed consent process. Our main goal was to provide plain language information about donation processes to a cancer biobank to supplement an informed consent form. We developed and conducted cognitive testing with supplemental brochures that clearly communicated information about three different models for consent (notice, broad and study-specific) to future use of biospecimens. During the brochure development process, we conducted qualitative, semi-structured, individual, in-person cognitive interviews among 14 women to examine participants' perceptions of the brochures. Each participant provided feedback regarding the understandability, graphics and layout, and cultural appropriateness of the brochures. Our findings demonstrate that these methods may be used to tailor consent form brochures, such as the ones developed here, to other populations. This study therefore adds to our understanding of how best to present content to help women from two different racial groups make informed decisions about participation in a cancer biobank.

Context Implementing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2014 will require effective enrollment and outreach efforts to previously uninsured individuals now eligible for coverage. Methods From 1996 to 2013, the Health Communication Research Laboratory conducted more than 40 original studies with more than 30,000 participants to learn how to improve the reach to and effectiveness of health information for low-income and racial/ethnic minority populations. We synthesized the findings from this body of research and used them to inform current challenges in implementing the ACA. Findings We found empirical support for 5 recommendations regarding partnerships, outreach, messages and messengers, life priorities of low-income individuals and families, and the information environment. We translated these into 12 action steps. Conclusions Health communication science can inform the development and execution of strategies to increase the public's understanding of the ACA and to support the enrollment of eligible individuals into Medicaid or the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Background. Cancer patients often do not make informed decisions regarding clinical trial participation. This study evaluated whether a web-based decision aid (DA) could support trial decisions compared with our cancer center’s website. Methods. Adults diagnosed with cancer in the past 6 months who had not previously participated in a cancer clinical trial were eligible. Participants were randomized to view the DA or our cancer center’s website (enhanced usual care [UC]). Controlling for whether participants had heard of cancer clinical trials and educational attainment, multivariable linear regression examined group on knowledge, self-efficacy for finding trial information, decisional conflict (values clarity and uncertainty), intent to participate, decision readiness, and trial perceptions. Results. Two hundred patients (86%) consented between May 2014 and April 2015. One hundred were randomized to each group. Surveys were completed by 87 in the DA group and 90 in the UC group. DA group participants reported clearer values regarding trial participation than UC group participants reported (least squares [LS] mean = 15.8 vs. 32, p < .0001) and less uncertainty (LS mean = 24.3 vs. 36.4, p = .025). The DA group had higher objective knowledge than the UC group’s (LS mean = 69.8 vs. 55.8, p < .0001). There were no differences between groups in intent to participate. Conclusions. Improvements on key decision outcomes including knowledge, self-efficacy, certainty about choice, and values clarity among participants who viewed the DA suggest web-based DAs can support informed decisions about trial participation among cancer patients facing this preference-sensitive choice. Although better informing patients before trial participation could improve retention, more work is needed to examine DA impact on enrollment and retention.

Synthetic TLR7 agonists have been proposed as oral replacements for interferonα (IFNα) therapy in the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection. However, adverse effects, such as lymphopenia and cardiovascular irregularities, have been observed in the clinical following treatment with TLR7 agonists. We wished to understand and characterise the relationship between TLR7 agonism and adverse effects. We compared responses to two prototypic TLR7 agonists (Resiquimod: R-848; and PF-04878691) in a mouse model and compared the responses to treatment with IFNα. We measured clinically relevant adverse effects such as lymphopenia and cardiovascular irregularities and related them to plasma drug levels and clinically relevant efficacy biomarkers such as the pro-inflammatory cytokine IP-10, 2’5’OAS and TLR7 receptor expression. By 2 h post dose all agents had induced a dose-dependent transient lymphopenia. IFNα increased heart rate immediately following dosing, persisting for 5 h, whilst PF-04878691 induced significant reductions in blood pressure. Lymphopenia co-incided with maximum plasma drug levels, raised levels of IP-10 and the auto-induction of TLR7 expression in the blood and lymph nodes. Peak levels of 2’5’OAS occurred at 24 h post-dose and only at doses which also induced lymphopenia. We conclude that systemic delivery of TLR7 agonists or IFNα induces similar exaggerated pharmacology, consistent with there being a narrow therapeutic window between efficacy and safety. This clinically validated mouse model will help to investigate whether more potent agonists or optimised dosing schedules, will be successful strategies for targeting TLR7 in patients.

This paper argues that from the 1890s to the 1930s, Queenslander readers knew a great deal about "The Islands" through the continued publication of photography of the Pacific in The Queenslander, a popular, weekend, illustrated newspaper.

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of different consent models on the intention to donate a biospecimen for use in secondary research, accounting for having experienced racial health care discrimination. Specifically, the influence of the notice, broad consent, and study-specific consent models is explored. Biospecimen donation is important for the advancement of medical cancer research. Discrimination may impede biospecimen donation. The analyses presented offer some indication of the type of consent model that may have the strongest potential to minimize negative effects of health care discrimination on intentions to donate biospecimen. In this study, self-identified non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black women age 35 and older were recruited to complete a survey that was primarily self-administered. The Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine, Revised (REALM-R) component of the survey was administered by trained research staff. In addition to baseline questions, the survey included a randomized component, which involved participants seeing three brochures explaining each of the consent models in a randomized order. Participants were asked to indicate their intentions to donate following exposure to each of the models and asked to pick their preferred model after having viewed all three. Preliminary chi-square analyses suggest discrimination negatively influences willingness to consent to donate. Specifically, there is a significant difference by general intention to donate as well as intention to donate to multiple studies, Washington University studies, and studies in which Protected Health Information (PHI) is attached to the sample. Of note, those having experienced health care discrimination are significantly different regarding general intentions to donate from those who had not experienced health care discrimination in intentions to donate after receiving brochures about both notice (p=0.0101) and broad consent (p=0.0002) models. Also, participants who reported experiencing health care discrimination are significantly different from those who had not reported experiencing health care discrimination for intention to donate to multiple studies and if PHI was attached to the sample across all consent model types - notice, broad, and study-specific. In each case, noticeably smaller percentages of those who reported experiencing at least some health care discrimination indicated intentions to definitely consent to donate. These preliminary findings suggest health care discrimination can negatively affect the potential benefits of cancer research via hindering biospecimen donation. In additional analyses, we will be able to determine the influence of additional sociodemographic factors on the relationship between the experience of health care discrimination and intentions to donate biospecimen. Ultimately, reducing the likelihood and actual occurrences of health care discrimination through addressing the root causes of health care discrimination is an important goal. Examining the influence of consent model types on the relationships between health care discrimination and intentions to donate biospecimen can provide cues as to models of information to provide that can minimize the impact of discrimination on biospecimen donation. Appropriate models of information to provide may vary by study type. Citation Format: Karyn Stewart, Katherine Brown, Bettina Drake, Sarah Gehlert, Leslie Wolf, James Dubois, Hannah Perkins, Sarah Lyons, Melody Goodman, Kimberly Kaphingst. An examination of intention to donate biospecimen among women considering consent models and health care discrimination. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr C12.

A low-molecular-weight human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) inhibitor, PF-68742 (molecular weight, 573), has been identified in a high-throughput screen for compounds that block HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env)-mediated fusion. The compound is shown to be potent against R5 and X4 isolates in both cell-cell fusion and antiviral assays (50% effective concentrations of ∼0.1 to 1 μM). Postfusion and HIV-1 pseudotyping control experiments confirm that PF-68742 is an entry inhibitor with Env as the specific target for antiviral action. PF-68742 was not able to block binding of monomeric gp120 to soluble CD4 or the binding of gp120:CD4 complexes to cell-associated CCR5, thus distinguishing PF-68742 from described gp120 antagonists and coreceptor binders. Escape variants of HIV-1 NL4-3 were selected, and all resistant viruses were found to contain a common G514R (HxB2 numbering) mutation in Env, located proximal to the furin cleavage site in the fusion peptide of gp41. When introduced into wild-type NL4-3 gp41, G514R conferred resistance to PF-68742. Resistance via G514R is shown to be associated with enhancement of virion infectivity by PF-68742 that may result from altered properties of inhibitor-bound Env, rather than from a loss of compound binding. Wild-type viruses and those with substitutions in the disulfide loop (DSL) region of gp41 were also examined for PF-68742 sensitivity. Here, complete resistance to PF-68742 was found to occur through changes outside of position 514, including in the gp41 DSL region. The results highlight PF-68742 as a starting point for novel therapies against HIV-1 and provide new insights into models of Env-mediated fusion.

Biobanks are essential resources for advancing cancer research. Research conducted with stored biospecimens can provide critical societal benefits, including advancements in oncogenomics, pharmacogenetics, and enhanced medical treatments and improved health outcomes. In order for biobanks to provide broad societal benefits and address health disparities, participation by individuals from diverse groups is needed. Various models of informed consent have been proposed for future research use of biobanked specimens, differing in level of donor control and amount of information received. Data are needed regarding how different consent models might affect participation in biobanks, particularly for individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups. We therefore conducted semi-structured interviews with 60 women to examine their attitudes and preferences for different models of informed consent for secondary research uses of biospecimens. Recruitment was stratified by race (Black/White) and prior biobank participation (yes/no). Two coders independently coded all interview transcripts; analysis was based on consensus codes. The qualitative thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo. The results showed that the majority of Black and White participants preferred “broad” consent, which requires separate blanket permission for biospecimens to be used in multiple future research studies and provides participants with general information about possible future studies. More Black participants than White participants preferred “study specific” consent, which requires separate consent for each future research study and provides specific information about that study. We found that reasons for preferring a particular model of consent often differed by race. For example, Black participants more often spoke of the importance of being informed of what was happening with their sample, of research study activities, or being informed or notified if their sample was used. In reference to “study specific” consent, one Black participant said, “[Study-specific] continuously keeps you updated which is… you know you gotta be happy with constantly getting the updates.” In contrast, White participants often felt that giving permission once for their sample to be used in multiple future research studies (broad consent), rather than before each future study (study specific consent), was sufficient. In reference to why she liked “broad” consent, one White participant noted, “Well because they ask me once and then they have my permission to use my sample in multiple future studies.” Feeling respected was also an important factor affecting preferences among Black participants. One Black participant spoke about “broad” consent, “[Y]ou're being courteous, and you're asking me, 'Will you also say yes to this?' ” There were some common themes across racial groups. Both Black and White participants felt that the notice model, in which participants are notified that their biospecimens may be used in research, violated their rights. One White participant commented, “I don't think it respects the… individual and what right they have to do with their body or their own tissue.” These findings are essential to develop informed consent processes for biobanks that address the information most important to individuals from various racial and ethnic minority groups and allow them to make informed decisions about biobank participation. Citation Format: Katherine Brown, Bettina Drake, Hannah Perkins, Leslie Wolf, James DuBois, Sarah Gehlert, Melody Goodman, Kimberly Kaphingst. Differences in preferences for models of informed consent may affect racial composition of biobanks. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A04.

Background: Research with stored biospecimens can provide substantial societal benefits. Yet achieving translational research goals and reducing health disparities require the participation of large numbers of people from diverse populations in biobanks. One key ethical issue with biobanks is informed consent for secondary research use of biospecimens. Various models of consent have been proposed for using biospecimens for studies not planned when samples are collected. These models differ in the level of donor control and the amount of information received. Limited empirical data exist regarding the attitudes of potential biospecimen donors related to different models of consent, particularly from groups underrepresented in research, including individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups. Methods: We conducted semi-structured individual interviews with 60 women seeking breast health services in the St. Louis region, stratifying recruitment by race (Black/White) and prior biobank participation. The interviews focused on participant preferences for four different models of informed consent for secondary research uses of biospecimens (i.e., study-specific, broad, opt-out, notice models of consent), factors affecting consent model preferences, and perceived benefits and concerns of donating biospecimens for research. Two independent coders are coding each interview transcript; the qualitative thematic analysis is based on consensus codes. Results: Participants prefer models of informed consent that allow for more control and provide more information, irrespective of race. The least preferred model, notice model, informs participants that their samples may be used in future research. The most preferred model, broad consent, allows for future use of samples in multiple research studies once participants have given their permission. Preliminary analysis has shown that Black and White women had many similar reasons for preferring this model, citing their trust in research and desire to help others. However, while White women mentioned their trust in research and the importance of research as factors affecting their consent model preference, Black women put greater emphasis on the importance of consent and being asked permission. One White participant noted for broad consent, “That's when you feel that you're confident with the individuals that you've donated to will follow a strict protocol and do the best they can for a goal that's written, well documented.” One Black participant noted for broad consent, “I don't need to have any control over the, over it. The only control I needed was to be able to make the decision that said, sure you can use it.” Conclusion: The most widely used consent model (notice model) is the least preferred among both Black and White women, while consent models providing more control and information ranked higher. These qualitative data will be used to develop educational materials with the purpose of making the informed consent process more accessible for prospective biobank participants. Recently, the US Department of Health and Human Services sought input on their proposal to change regulations governing the type of consent processes that can be used for research use of biospecimens. Findings from this study investigating preferences for consent for biobank participation among a diverse sample can therefore be used to inform future policy. Citation Format: Katherine Brown, Bettina F. Drake, Sarah Gehlert, Leslie Wolf, James DuBois, Hannah Perkins, Melody S. Goodman, Kimberly Kaphingst. Preferences for models of informed consent for secondary research uses of biospecimens among diverse women. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A04. doi:10.1158/1538-7755.DISP13-A04

TT-034 (PF-05095808) is a recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8) agent expressing three short hairpin RNA (shRNA) pro-drugs that target the hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA genome. The cytosolic enzyme Dicer cleaves each shRNA into multiple, potentially active small interfering RNA (siRNA) drugs. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify and characterize active shRNAs maturation products, we observed that each TT-034-encoded shRNA could be processed into as many as 95 separate siRNA strands. Few of these appeared active as determined by Sanger 5' RNA Ligase-Mediated Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (5-RACE) and through synthetic shRNA and siRNA analogue studies. Moreover, NGS scrutiny applied on 5-RACE products (RACE-seq) suggested that synthetic siRNAs could direct cleavage in not one, but up to five separate positions on targeted RNA, in a sequence-dependent manner. These data support an on-target mechanism of action for TT-034 without cytotoxicity and question the accepted precision of substrate processing by the key RNA interference (RNAi) enzymes Dicer and siRNA-induced silencing complex (siRISC).Molecular Therapy-Nucleic Acids (2014) 3, e145; doi:10.1038/mtna.2013.73; published online 4 February 2014.

Highlights • GBV-B infection of tamarins is a valuable model for acute HCV infection. • We observed distinct expression patterns of PD-1, a marker of T-cell activation, on peripheral and hepatic lymphocytes. • Differential PD-1 expression is coincident with reduction in peripheral GBV-B. • Liver-associated viral RNA in the absence of peripheral viraemia indicates maintenance of occult infection., Flaviviruses related to hepatitis C virus (HCV) in suitable animal models may provide further insight into the role that cellular immunity contributes to spontaneous clearance of HCV. We characterised changes in lymphocyte populations in tamarins with an acute GBV-B infection, a hepatitis virus of the flaviviridae. Major immune cell populations were monitored in peripheral and intra-hepatic lymphocytes at high viraemia or following a period when peripheral virus was no longer detected. Limited changes in major lymphocyte populations were apparent during high viraemia; however, the proportions of CD3+ lymphocytes decreased and CD20+ lymphocytes increased once peripheral viraemia became undetectable. Intrahepatic lymphocyte populations increased at both time points post-infection. Distinct expression patterns of PD-1, a marker of T-cell activation, were observed on peripheral and hepatic lymphocytes; notably there was elevated PD-1 expression on hepatic CD4+ T-cells during high viraemia, suggesting an activated phenotype, which decreased following clearance of peripheral viraemia. At times when peripheral vRNA was not detected, suggesting viral clearance, we were able to readily detect GBV-B RNA in the liver, indicative of long-term virus replication. This study is the first description of changes in lymphocyte populations during GBV-B infection of tamarins and provides a foundation for more detailed investigations of the responses that contribute to the control of GBV-B infection.