Ebony and Ivory? Interracial dating intentions and behaviors of disadvantaged African American women in Kentucky.

Using data from 595 predominantly disadvantaged African American women in Kentucky, this study examines perceptions about racial/ethnic partner availability, cultural mistrust, and racism as correlates of interracial dating intentions and behaviors with both white and Hispanic men. Participants reported levels of dating intentions and behaviors were significantly higher with whites than Hispanics. The multivariate models indicate less cultural mistrust and believing it is easier to find a man of that racial/ethnic category were associated with higher interracial dating intentions. Women were more likely to have dated a white man if they believed it was easier to find a white man and had interracial dating intentions; however, interracial dating intentions was the only significant correlate of having dated a Hispanic man. Findings suggest a shrinking social distance between racial groups, broadening the MMPI for African American women; yet, the low levels of interracial relationships are likely driven by preferences of men.

Human adipose tissue as a reservoir for memory CD4+ T cells and HIV.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to determine whether adipose tissue functions as a reservoir for HIV-1. DESIGN: We examined memory CD4(+) T cells and HIV DNA in adipose tissue-stromal vascular fraction (AT-SVF) of five patients [four antiretroviral therapy (ART)-treated and one untreated]. To determine whether adipocytes stimulate CD4(+) T cells and regulate HIV production, primary human adipose cells were cocultured with HIV-infected CD4(+) T cells. METHODS: AT-SVF T cells were studied by flow cytometry, and AT-SVF HIV DNA (Gag and Env) was examined by nested PCR and sequence analyses. CD4(+) T-cell activation and HIV production were measured by flow cytometry and ELISA. RESULTS: AT-SVF CD3(+) T cells were activated (>60% CD69(+)) memory CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in uninfected and HIV-infected persons, but the AT-SVF CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio was lower in HIV patients. HIV DNA (Gag and Env) was detected in AT-SVF of all five patients examined by nested PCR, comparably to other tissues [peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC), lymph node or thymus]. In coculture experiments, adipocytes increased CD4(+) T-cell activation and HIV production approximately two to three-fold in synergy with gamma-chain cytokines interleukin (IL)-2, IL7 or IL15. These effects were mitigated by neutralizing antibodies against IL6 and integrin-α1ß1. Adipocytes also enhanced T-cell viability. CONCLUSION: Adipose tissues of ART-treated patients harbour activated memory CD4(+) T cells and HIV DNA. Adipocytes promote CD4(+) T-cell activation and HIV production in concert with intrinsic adipose factors. Adipose tissue may be an important reservoir for HIV.