Feasibility and Acceptability of a Theater-Based HIV Prevention Workshop Developed by and for LGBTQ Youth.

BACKGROUND: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth may have limited exposure to sexuality education programming that is affirming of their identities and unique experiences. OBJECTIVE: To develop and evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a theater-based HIV prevention workshop for LGBTQ youth. METHODS: The 3-hour-long workshop (piloted 2014-2015; n = 20 LGBTQ youth, 14-22 years old) consisted of instruction in HIV risk and prevention, humorous role plays, and analysis of HIV prevention strategies using a forum theater format. A mixed methods evaluation focused on feasibility and acceptability, with survey assessment data collected for preliminary efficacy (e.g., HIV knowledge, safer sex self-efficacy). RESULTS: Participants perceived the forum theater format, humor, and reality of the scenes as strengths. The language of workshop scripts and evaluation materials could be further modified to better affirm gender and sexual diversity. CONCLUSION: Preliminary evidence of feasibility and acceptability were demonstrated. Future iterations of the intervention require rigorous quantitative evaluation for efficacy.

Engaging Institutional Review Boards in Developing a Brief, Community-Responsive Human Subjects Training for Community Partners.

BACKGROUND: Engaging community partners as co-investigators in community-based participatory research (CBPR) requires certification in the rules, ethics, and principles governing research. Despite developments in making human research protection trainings more convenient and standardized (eg, self-paced Internet modules), time constraints and the structure of the content (which may favor academic audiences) may hinder the training of community partners. OBJECTIVES: This paper is motivated by a case example in which academic and community partners, and stakeholders of a community-based organization actively engaged the leadership of a pediatric hospital-based institutional review board (IRB) in implementing a brief, community-responsive human subjects training session. METHODS: A 2-hour, discussion-based human subjects training was developed via collaborations between the IRB and the community and academic partners. Interviews with trainees and facilitators after the training were used to evaluate its acceptability and possible future applications. CONCLUSIONS: Local IRBs have the potential to assist community partners in building sufficient knowledge of human subjects research protections to engage in specific projects, thereby expediting the progress of vital research to address community needs. We propose the need for developing truncated human subjects education materials to train and certify community partners, and creating formally organized entities within academic and medical institutions that specialize in community-based research to guide the development and implementation of alternative human subjects training certification opportunities for community partners.

An initial investigation into the anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidant capacity of alpha-cyclodextrin-complexed Manuka honey.

The bioactive properties of Manuka honey are now well recognised, but the nature of honey (a sticky, viscous fluid) can make it hard to use as a health remedy. A new technology using encapsulation of Manuka honey with alpha-cyclodextrin molecules has been developed, creating a free-flowing powder that can easily be added to foods and beverages, or tableted / made into capsules for use in health. In this study, we investigated for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Antioxidant capacity of raw Manuka honeys and matched complexes was measured using the CUPRAC method. Results showed that the antioxidant activity of honey decreased when complexed, this being directly related to dilution of the final product with alpha-cyclodextrin. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by measuring inhibition of neutrophil TNF-alpha secretion. Contradictory results were produced, with both stimulation and inhibition of TNF-alpha being observed. Data from this study indicate that the formation of cyclodextrin-based complexes of Manuka honey may potentiate the anti-inflammatory activity of honey, but this may differ depending on methylglyoxal content and the presence of other factors.