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Men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States are at disproportionate risk for HIV. Once-daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention is a highly effective method of preventing HIV infection; however, optimal adherence is necessary to maintain effectiveness. Many studies have profiled perceived barriers to adherence among at-risk MSM; however, nearly a decade after FDA approval, there has been little work examining experienced barriers to adherence among MSM who have previously used the medication. To assess the current state of this literature and its implications for behavioral interventions, we conducted a meta-ethnography (i.e., A systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies) of experiences with PrEP use among cis-gender MSM in the United States. We found that structural-level interventions, such as telehealth and pharmacist-prescribed approaches to PrEP distribution, may circumvent barriers to uptake and adherence for some MSM, but may not be enough for already underserved communities, such as MSM of color. Furthermore, interpersonal-level factors, such as enacted PrEP stigma by providers and peers, highlight the necessary consideration of social identity in the branding of PrEP for HIV prevention. Tailored interventions should consider experienced barriers to PrEP adherence across socioecological levels to be most effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a qualitative interview with men having sex with men (MSM) prescribed pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) at an infectious diseases outpatient center in Providence, Rhode Island to understand patients' experiences in real-world settings. Most participants reported that their primary care physicians, pharmacists and other health care providers had limited knowledge of PrEP and cites belief by primary care providers that PrEP should be offered by infectious disease specialists.

Introduction: Hispanics/Latinos (henceforth, Latinos) are the largest minority group in the U.S. With growing health disparities among this group, the highest burden remains among sexual and gender minority Latinos. Differences regarding sexual orientation have not been fully explored within this group using national representative samples. This study analyzed sexual and behavioral health disparities associated with sexual minority status among Latinos in the U.S.Methods: The study included data from 5,598 Latino adults who participated in the 2001-2014 waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Data analysis was conducted in 2016. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses examined the prevalence of HIV, sexually transmitted infections, mental health problems, cigarette smoking, and alcohol/illicit drug use among sexual minorities and heterosexual Latino adults. Sexual minorities were defined as "gay, lesbian, and bisexual" (GLB) and "other" non-heterosexual groups.Results: GLB Latinos reported higher prevalence of mental health problems and cigarette smoking compared with heterosexuals. After adjusting for covariates, GLB Latinos had greater odds of testing positive for HIV, lifetime diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections, poor mental health outcomes, cigarette smoking (including lifetime and current smoking status), and illicit drug use than heterosexuals.Conclusions: The disproportionate impact of health disparities among Latinos varies significantly by sexual orientation, with GLB individuals facing elevated prevalence. In particular, elevated odds for HIV/sexually transmitted infections, mental health problems, smoking, and illicit substance use were found. Further research, including longitudinal studies to understand the trajectories of risks, is needed to identify intervention opportunities in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resistance of melanoma to targeted therapy and immunotherapy is linked to metabolic rewiring. Here, we show that increased fatty acid oxidation (FAO) during prolonged BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) treatment contributes to acquired therapy resistance in mice. Targeting FAO using the US Food and Drug Administration-approved and European Medicines Agency-approved anti-anginal drug ranolazine (RANO) delays tumour recurrence with acquired BRAFi resistance. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis reveals that RANO diminishes the abundance of the therapy-resistant NGFR hi neural crest stem cell subpopulation. Moreover, by rewiring the methionine salvage pathway, RANO enhances melanoma immunogenicity through increased antigen presentation and interferon signalling. Combination of RANO with anti-PD-L1 antibodies strongly improves survival by increasing antitumour immune responses. Altogether, we show that RANO increases the efficacy of targeted melanoma therapy through its effects on FAO and the methionine salvage pathway. Importantly, our study suggests that RANO could sensitize BRAFi-resistant tumours to immunotherapy. Since RANO has very mild side-effects, it might constitute a therapeutic option to improve the two main strategies currently used to treat metastatic melanoma., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States are disproportionately affected by HIV, and there have been calls to improve availability of culturally sensitive HIV prevention programs for this population. This article provides a systematic review of intervention programs to reduce condomless sex and/or increase HIV testing among Latino MSM. We searched four electronic databases using a systematic review protocol, screened 1777 unique records, and identified ten interventions analyzing data from 2871 Latino MSM. Four studies reported reductions in condomless anal intercourse, and one reported reductions in number of sexual partners. All studies incorporated surface structure cultural features such as bilingual study recruitment, but the incorporation of deep structure cultural features, such as machismo and sexual silence, was lacking. There is a need for rigorously designed interventions that incorporate deep structure cultural features in order to reduce HIV among Latino MSM.