{"id":47,"date":"2020-06-26T18:35:58","date_gmt":"2020-06-26T18:35:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/statepi.jhsph.edu\/mwccs\/?page_id=47"},"modified":"2025-12-03T15:46:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T20:46:12","slug":"working-groups","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/statepi.jhsph.edu\/mwccs\/working-groups\/","title":{"rendered":"Working Groups"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Click on the name of a working group to access a Directory page that lists the chairs and members of that working group and their contact information. <\/strong><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"burgundy-highlight\"><strong>MWCCS Scientific Working Groups<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/airtable.com\/shruCKx8yPxOJJXaK\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Aging Working Group<\/strong><\/a>\u2013 Supports research in areas related to aging including physical\/functional status (frailty, walking speed, balance, falls, fractures, endocrine status), mental health (depressive symptoms) and their interaction.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/airtable.com\/shrm8jcHGXpxD4OID\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Cardiovascular (CVD)\u202fWorking Group<\/strong><\/a>\u202f\u2013 Supports research related to cardiovascular outcomes such as stroke, heart and vascular disease. Serves as a source of information about the design of cardiovascular studies in the MWCCS and related data on major CVD risk factors (e.g., lipids, blood pressure), blood, urine, and cellular makers, \u2018omics data (e.g., metabolome, microbiome, genome), vascular imaging, and clinical CVD events. Monitors CVD measurement protocols in the MWCCS and oversees the adjudication of CVD events.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/airtable.com\/shrB6TbO8YV3PkubC\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Clinical Outcomes\/Epidemiology\u202fWorking Group<\/strong><\/a>\u202f\u2013\u202fReviews and determines cause of death and other important clinical events using redacted medical records that are collected at the sites. Provides ongoing support for related protocols in the cohort.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/airtable.com\/shr3A0o8GTnoZi0Yz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"COVID Working Group (opens in a new tab)\">Emerging Infectious Diseases Working Group<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Supports\u202fresearch on emerging infectious diseases as they affect people with HIV. This includes research on COVID-19 including the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 (SARS2) infection and its long term effects, relation of SARS2 to HIV persistence, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, and COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness, as well as research on monkeypox (MPX) including seroprevalence among PWH and MPX vaccine access, and research on any other emerging infectious diseases of interest.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/airtable.com\/shrUYuHHxnLVHjFRM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Genomics Working Group<\/strong><\/a>\u202f\u2013 Oversees the study of host genomic (e.g., genetic, epigenetic, gene expression) data of MWCCS study participants. Provides expert feedback on proposed and in-progress scientific genomic-related activities.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/airtable.com\/shr6VLQ7WpmKSzMZV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Gynecology and Pregnancy Working Group<\/strong><\/a>\u202f\u2013 Coordinates studies assessing the effect of menopause. Evaluates the effect of effective contraception. Assesses the association of pregnancy outcomes with maternal health markers and studies the interaction between mental health and substance abuse with pregnancy outcomes, maternal health markers, immunologic and virologic response to HAART, and quality of life\/post-partum mental health\/functional status.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/airtable.com\/shrW8MBNlkaV8xHfx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Liver Working Group<\/strong><\/a>\u202f\u2013 Studies liver disease including viral hepatitis, fatty liver, alcohol-related liver disease, and liver cancer in people living with and without HIV. The group studies how HIV and medications affect the liver. Researchers in the group also study how liver disease in people living with HIV can impact other organ systems including the heart, lungs, brain, hormones and kidneys. Working group members have expertise in viral hepatitis, liver disease, immunology and non-invasive measurements of liver injury.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/airtable.com\/shr1AI0L9CaeafpxV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Malignancy\/HPV Working Group<\/strong><\/a>\u202f\u2013 Gathers information about cancers diagnosed in study participants, including cervical, oral and anal HPV infection and disease. Reviews new and on-going cancer projects in the MWCCS. Gives feedback on analyses of the MWCCS cancer data.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/airtable.com\/shriQogfhKCtd949M\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Metabolic Working Group<\/strong><\/a>\u2013 Supports research and provides expertise in areas relating to and affected by endocrine and metabolic disorders in adults living with and at risk for HIV infection. This includes dyslipidemia, disorders of insulin and glucose homeostasis, body composition (obesity, lipodystrophy, and visceral adiposity), bone metabolism and fractures, and sex hormone disturbances (menopause and male hypogonadism). Examples include, but are not limited to, hepatic steatosis, cardiovascular disease, aging, cognitive function, cancer, and the psychosocial determinants and effects of these comorbid conditions. .<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/airtable.com\/shrRBzVbPhyaHRFLz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Neuropsychology Working Group<\/strong><\/a>\u202f\u2013\u202fWe identify patterns and predictors of brain function and cognition. Understanding this helps us help people aging with HIV.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/airtable.com\/shr2NQPLnSJxX6t1g\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Pharmacology Working Group<\/strong><\/a>\u202f\u2013This working group studies how HIV medicines are used, how they move through the body, and side effects they may cause. To study this, drug levels are measured in hair and blood. This group advises other working groups on how to use drug level data. The group helps researchers who want to use MWCCS samples to answer questions about HIV medicines in men and women.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/airtable.com\/shrmdESpDqRrhA0qu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Psychosocial Behavioral Working Group<\/strong><\/a>\u202f\u2013 This Working Group helps scientists who are working on research projects. Psychology, social factors, and behavior are key focus areas. We study ways that these factors influence HIV and other disease outcomes.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/airtable.com\/shrElxYJIaJ6mA5bv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pulmonary Working Group <\/a><\/strong> \u2013 We study the effects of HIV on lung health. We have collected pulmonary function tests (spirometry, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, exhaled nitric oxide) and questionnaires (St. George&#8217;s Respiratory Questionnaire, Modified Medical Research Council Shortness of Breath Scale) from over 2,600 people in 2017-2019 and over 3,600 people in 2021-2025. We use these data to measure lung health and measure changes over time. Our data can be linked to other MWCCS data such as geolocation, &#8216;omics (microbiome, genome), biomarkers, clinical events, mental and physical health, and many other types of data collected in MWCCS. We help investigators craft science and utilize our data and samples to improve respiratory health in persons with HIV.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/airtable.com\/shrYfqXnGp074JPYI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Sleep Working Group<\/strong><\/a>\u202f\u2013 The Sleep WG is made up of Sleep experts, Lung Disease experts and experts in how HIV affects aging men and women. The Working Group is exploring how HIV affects sleep quality, sleep apnea and circadian function (sleep timing and consistency). In addition, the groups studies how sleep affects other aspects of health including mental health, cardiovascular health, cognitive function and frailty. We are particularly looking at whether sleep disturbances cause detrimental inflammation that may lead to these health problems.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/airtable.com\/shr2vQG7CnK5vrKKM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Viral and Immune Pathogenesis Working Group<\/a>\u202f<\/strong>\u2013 Supports research in areas relating to the course of HIV infection and disease progression, the study of the virus itself, and the body\u2019s immune response to HIV. This Working Group works with other relevant working groups to provide\u202fsupport and expertise for development of procedures to collect and test blood, tissue, and other specimens for research, and provides feedback to investigators seeking to use MWCCS for the above scientific areas, including the mentoring of junior investigators.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"burgundy-highlight\"><strong>MWCCS Operational Working Groups<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/airtable.com\/shrGcpCJYLduN3Xvu\"><strong>Investigator Developmental Award Advisory Committee (IDAC)<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 A standing committee that serves as an advisory group with the goal of fostering career development of early stage investigators (ESIs) working within the MWCCS research platform. The IDAC also supports ESI who are awarded developmental funds to achieve success in their projects and advance the unified scientific agenda. Committee members were chosen based on an established track record and commitment to mentoring. IDAC responsibilities are:\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Mentoring and Training: The IDAC hosts quarterly events for ESI to present and receive feedback on their research and receive education on diverse career-related topics. Events include workshops focused on building critical skills important for launching a successful\u00a0academic career (e.g., speaking skills, K award preparation, and networking). The IDAC is also a resource for ESI on an\u00a0ad-hoc basis: reviewing specific aims and concept proposals, providing advice about funding\u00a0sources, and connecting ESI with more senior investigators in their field.<\/li>\n<li>Liaison between ESIs and the MWCCS Executive Committee (EC): IDAC co-chairs communicate regularly with the MWCCS EC regarding potential obstacles and opportunities for ESI to achieve success in their MWCCS research and careers at large. The IDAC also facilitates networking between MWCCS investigators and ESIs, the help ESI prepare their presentations for the MWCCS EC annual meeting.<\/li>\n<li>If you are an ESI, contact the DACC (<a href=\"mailto:mwccs@jhu.edu\">mwccs@jhu.edu<\/a>) for information about the MWCCS Investigator Development Program and the IDAC.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/airtable.com\/shrh8EI0nhc7m9grh\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CCS Specimen Allocation Committee (CSAC)<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 Assists in the allocation of high-value repository specimens. Reviews all requests for the release of samples from individuals who contribute significant or unique outcomes to overall MWCCS research aims and will determine whether or not the restricted samples should be released to the requesting investigator.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/airtable.com\/shrtf2YxjsX9G3oFb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Core Laboratory Working Group<\/strong><\/a>\u2013 Assists study sites with all <span data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">lab<\/span>oratory matters including sample collection, testing, and storage.\u00a0\u00a0Makes sure that\u00a0<span data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">lab<\/span>\u00a0procedures are the same at all sites.\u00a0\u00a0Provides expert advice to researchers and committees.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/airtable.com\/shrHVjDXwFbidrmRs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Data Management Working Group<\/strong><\/a>\u202f\u2013 Oversees all aspects of data collection and editing, ensuring that data collection standards are upheld across all sites. Typical discussion topics include data freezes and edits, summary file updates, central data transfers, and Gemini reports.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/airtable.com\/shr7f5AIaJ4Mn62kr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Project Directors Working Group<\/strong><\/a>\u2013 Discusses operational aspects of the MWCCS, such as form and protocol revisions, sub-study feasibility and implementation, registry match status, budgets, certification and quality assurance, and the activities of the scientific research groups and their impact on clinical operations.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/airtable.com\/shrrK6sWNIvlK2D7w\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Medical Record Abstraction Working Group<\/strong><\/a>\u202f\u2013 Discusses operational aspects of requesting medical records for self-reported outcomes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"burgundy-highlight\"><strong>MWCCS Interest Groups<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/airtable.com\/shr9ZvuSLnFVUND10\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Renal Interest Group<\/a>\u202f<\/strong>\u2013 Spearheads projects, provides guidance to investigators, and fosters collaboration for research focused on kidney disease and its related complications in persons living with or at risk for HIV.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/airtable.com\/appRssVqTxNurdU2E\/shrGrpM6MjIQwbxCp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dental\/Oral Health Interest Group<\/a>\u202f<\/strong>\u2013 Supports research and provides expertise in areas relating to and affected by oral health. Within CCS, saliva is collected\/stored, dental photographs are collected\/reviewed, and an oral health questionnaire is administered to all participants. This interest group helps researchers who want to use these MWCCS samples and questionnaire measures to answer research questions about the effects of HIV factors on oral health and oral health related quality of life, as well as how biological changes in the oral cavity (oral microbiota and inflammation) occurring in periodontal disease are associated with systemic inflammation and health outcomes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/calendar.google.com\/calendar\/embed?src=mwccs.notifications%40gmail.com&amp;ctz=America%2FNew_York\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">View<\/a> calendar of upcoming conferences.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Click on the name of a working group to access a Directory page that lists the chairs and members of that working group and their contact information. MWCCS Scientific Working Groups Aging Working Group\u2013 Supports research in areas related to aging including physical\/functional status (frailty, walking speed, balance, falls, fractures, endocrine status), mental health (depressive [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":321,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-47","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/statepi.jhsph.edu\/mwccs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/47","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/statepi.jhsph.edu\/mwccs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/statepi.jhsph.edu\/mwccs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/statepi.jhsph.edu\/mwccs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/statepi.jhsph.edu\/mwccs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=47"}],"version-history":[{"count":51,"href":"https:\/\/statepi.jhsph.edu\/mwccs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/47\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5276,"href":"https:\/\/statepi.jhsph.edu\/mwccs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/47\/revisions\/5276"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/statepi.jhsph.edu\/mwccs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/321"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/statepi.jhsph.edu\/mwccs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}