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Accurate HIV risk assessment among men who have sex with men (MSM) is important to help providers assess risk, and target HIV prevention interventions. We sought to develop an evidence-based HIV risk assessment tool for US MSM that is inclusive of Black MSM. Data from four large longitudinal cohorts of MSM were used to develop (EXPLORE), and validate (VAX004, HPTN061, and HVTN505). These data included visits in which participants self-reported HIV risk behavior and underwent HIV testing. We developed a pooled logistic model for incident HIV infection based on self-reported risk behaviors during the 6 months before each study visit. A total of 4069 MSM were used for the development cohort, and 8047 MSM in the three validation cohorts through 2013. The final model includes age (

Didanosine and zalcitabine may be equally effective in preventing disease progression and death in HIV patients who do not respond to zidovudine. Researchers assigned 467 patients who previously received zidovudine and had low immune cell counts or a diagnosis of AIDS to receive either didanosine or zalcitabine. After an average of 16 months, disease progression or death occurred among 157 (68%) of 230 patients taking didanosine and 152 (64%) of 237 taking zalcitabine. Eighty-eight zalcitabine-treated patients and 100 didanosine-treated patients died. The majority of patients in both groups suffered at least one adverse reaction during therapy. Functional nervous system changes occurred more often among patients receiving zalcitabine, while diarrhea and abdominal pain occurred more often among those taking didanosine. Eight patients taking zalcitabine had mouth inflammation problems and four taking didanosine experienced pancreas inflammation.

Blue series top-loading furnaces are regularly used at neutron facilities to carry out experiments at up to 1700 ∘ C. The sample temperature is controlled using the indirect resistance heating method which consists in placing the sample inside a radiating cylindrical heater made from vanadium or niobium into which a current of up to 180 A circulates. To prevent the oxydation and deterioration of the heated elements, the sample, the heater and the heat shields are in a secondary vacuum which limits very much the cooling rate. We present an automated fast-cooling technique which reduces the cool-down time by a factor of 4 to 5 without impacting the lifetime of the heated elements. This method is now routinely used at the ILL and ISIS facilities and reduces very much beam time losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. We obtained contextual information regarding documented barriers to HIV clinical trial participation among Black men who have sex with men (MSM), and explored current preventive HIV clinical trial attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions among Black MSM leaders in the United States. Methods. We conducted 2 focus groups with Black MSM leaders attending an annual African American MSM Leadership Conference on HIV/AIDS. Focus group questions explored biomedical research perceptions and attitudes, barriers to participation in biomedical prevention research, and steps that need to be taken to address these barriers. A feedback and member checking (participants presented with final themes to provide feedback and guidance) session was also held at the 2012 conference. Results. Three distinct themes emerged regarding Black MSM engagement and participation in HIV vaccine research: (1) community-based organizations as true partners, (2) investment in the Black gay community, and (3) true efforts to inform and educate the community. Conclusions. A key focus for improving efforts to engage the Black MSM community in preventive HIV clinical trials is building and maintaining equitable and reciprocal partnerships among research institutions, Black-led AIDS service organizations and community-based organizations, and community members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]