A cross-section of articles we've read this week about HIV/AIDS, STIs and a wide cross-sectiond of structural and systemic factors impacting HIV/AIDS in Black communities.

MSM

Why You Shouldn't Take a Vacation From HIV Treatment 

Here's more bad news for HIV-positive gay men who are considering a short-term break (or "vacation") from their antiretroviral drug regimens: You're more likely to expose others to the virus and to suffer potentially dangerous blood clots yourself if you do, according to at least two studies.

Science

Research Looks at the Body's Fight against HIV 

When a person is infected with HIV the virus infects the cells of the immune system. From here the virus spreads around the body, while at the same time breaking down important parts of the body's defence system. HIV's ability to avoid being eliminated by the body's immune system - as opposed to many other types of virus - is one of the main problems associated with this widespread virus. But Danish researchers have now found out how the body's own defence system is activated when the HIV virus infects a cell, and how this helps to protect against uncontrolled virus growth. The new knowledge can potentially be used to help the immune system defend itself more effectively against HIV.

Testing and Diagnostics

Hepatitis C, a Silent Killer, Meets Its Match 

Determined to get rid of the hepatitis C infection that was slowly destroying his liver, Arthur Rubens tried one experimental treatment after another. None worked, and most brought side effects, like fever, insomnia, depression, anemia and a rash that "felt like your skin was on fire."

Miscellaneous

The Affordable Care Act for People with HIV 

A new web portal has just launched to help people with HIV navigate through the new healthcare law. Obamacare and You is an on-line resource dedicated to the specific needs of people with HIV and AIDS looking for health care coverage. Supported by Gilead Sciences, Inc., the site is presented as a part of the Greater Than AIDS initiative in conjunction with Kaiser Family Foundation and the Black AIDS Institute.

Bill Advances to Outlaw Discrimination Against Gays 

WASHINGTON - A measure that would outlaw workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity overcame a significant obstacle in the Senate on Monday as seven Republicans crossed party lines and voted to begin debate on the bill.

Challenges to Assumptions about Bisexual Men, HIV Transmission 

Nov. 6, 2013 - The number of HIV positive men who have sex with both men and women is likely no higher than the number of HIV positive heterosexual men, according to a U.S.-based analysis by University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health researchers. The finding challenges a popular assumption that bisexual men are responsible for significant HIV transmission to their female partners.

Could Concentrated HIV Epidemics Make AIDS Unbeatable? 

(Reuters) - HIV epidemics are becoming more concentrated in marginalised groups such as sex workers, drug users and gay men, and could defy global attempts to combat AIDS without a change in attitudes, according to a U.N. special envoy.

For Uninsured, Clearing a Way to Enrollment 

LA GRANE, Ky. - Kelli Cauley's fingers raced over her keyboard as she asked the anxious woman at her side a series of questions. What was her income? How many people lived in her household? Did she smoke? ("That's the only health question it asks," Ms. Cauley said of the application they were completing.)

The HIV Rebound Nobody is Discussing 

Is an AIDS-free generation on the horizon? Not without the help of sex workers and other marginalized "key populations," public health officials say.

Rhianna Named as Spokeswoman for MAC Cosmetics HIV/AIDS Campaign 

Diamonds singer Rhianna has teamed up with MAC Cosmetics for its new Viva Glam campaign, with all proceeds of lipstick and gloss helping men and women with HIV/Aids.

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