Memorizing pheromonal locations is critical for many mammalian species as it involves finding mates and avoiding competitors. In rodents, pheromonal information is perceived by the main and accessory olfactory systems. However, the role of somatosensation in context‐dependent learning and memorizing of pheromone locations remains unexplored. We addressed this problem by training female mice on a multimodal task to locate pheromones by sampling volatiles emanating from male urine through the orifices of varying dimensions or shapes that are sensed by their vibrissae. In this novel pheromone location assay, female mice’ preference toward male urine scent decayed over time when they were permitted to explore pheromones vs neutral stimuli, water. On training them for the associations involving olfactory and whisker systems, it was established that they were able to memorize the location of opposite sex pheromones, when tested 15 days later. This memory was not formed either when the somatosensory inputs through whisker pad were blocked or when the pheromonal cues were replaced with that of same sex. The association between olfactory and somatosensory systems was further confirmed by the enhanced expression of the activity‐regulated cytoskeleton protein. Furthermore, the activation of main olfactory bulb circuitry by pheromone volatiles did not cause any modulation in learning and memorizing non‐pheromonal volatiles. Our study thus provides the evidence for associations formed between different sensory modalities facilitating the long‐term memory formation relevant to social and reproductive behaviors.

APOBEC3B deletion polymorphism has been associated with risk of HIV-1 acquisition and its progression. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association of APOBEC3B ins/del polymorphism with risk of acquisition of HIV-1 and its progression. In the present case-control study, we enrolled a total of 150 HIV-infected individuals and 150 healthy controls. Polymorphism for APOBEC3B gene was genotyped by PCR. APOBEC3B ID, DD genotypes, and D allele were associated with higher risk of acquisition of HIV-1 (p = 0.004, OR = 4.96; p = 0.03, OR = 3.55; and p = 0.004; OR = 1.60). The individuals with ID genotypes and combined genotype ID+DD of APOBEC3B in the presence of tobacco and alcohol showed the higher risk of advancement of HIV disease; however, risk could not reach statistical significance (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.59-2.18; OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.83-2.15 and OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 0.77-2.69; OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 0.94-2.40). Individuals in advanced HIV disease stage and ID genotype and combined genotype ID + DD of APOBEC3B were more likely to be associated with advanced HIV disease stage but risk could not reach significant (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 0.94-2.40; OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 0.88-1.84). Individuals with ID and DD genotype of APOBEC3B had influence on susceptibility to acquisition of HIV-1. This suggests that APOBEC3B deletion may attenuate innate cellular immunity against HIV-1 and thus confer the host persistence for HIV infection.

Individuals with the MMP-2 -735CT genotype, -735 T allele and combined genotype MMP-2 -735TT + MMP-9 -1562CC had an enhanced risk of developing HAND. Those with the MMP-2 -735 CT genotype, -735 T allele and combined genotype of MMP-2-735TT + MMP-9-1562CC were suggested to have protection from developing severe HAND.

No abstract