Ring-opening polymerization of emulsion-templated deep eutectic system monomer for macroporous polyesters with controlled degradability.

Biodegradable polyesters with interconnected macroporosity, such as poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), have gained significant importance in the fields of tissue engineering and separation. This study introduces functional macroinitiators, specifically polycaprolactone triol (PCLT) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), both OH-terminated, in the solventless ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of a liquid deep eutectic system monomer (DESm) composed of LLA and CL at a 30 : 70 molar ratio, respectively. The macroinitiators selectively initiate the organocatalyzed ROP of LLA in the DESm during the first polymerization stage, thereby modifying the PLLA architecture. This results in the formation of either branched or linear PLLA copolymers depending on the macroinitiator, PCLT and PEG, respectively. In the second stage, the ROP of the CL, which is a counterpart of the DESm, produces PCL that blends with the previously formed PLLA. The insights gained into the PLLA architectures during the first stage of the DESm ROP, along with the overall molecular weight and hydrophobicity of the resulting PLLA/PCL blend in bulk, were advantageously used to design polymerizable high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) oil-in-DESm. By incorporating a liquid mixture of DESm and macroinitiators (PCLT or PEG), stable HIPE formulations were achieved. These emulsions sustained the efficient organocatalyzed ROP of the continuous phase at 37 °C with high conversions. The resulting polymer replicas of the HIPEs, characterized by macroporous and interconnected structures, were subjected to a degradation assay in PBS at pH 7.4 and 37 °C and remained mechanically stable for at least 30 days. Notably, they exhibited the capability to sorb crude oil in a proof-of-concept test, with a rate of 2 g g-1. The macroporous and interconnected features of the polyHIPEs, combined with their inherent degradation properties, position them as promising degradable polymeric sorbents for efficient separation of hydrophobic fluids from water.

Metagenome-Assembled Genome of an Alphaproteobacterium Isolated from an HetDA Enrichment from the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre.

Here, we present HetDA_MAG_SS10, a metagenome-assembled genome (MAG) from an enrichment of a heterocystous diazotroph originally living in association with Trichodesmium spp. obtained near Station ALOHA in the North Pacific Ocean. HetDA_MAG_SS10, an alphaproteobacterium in the order Micavibrionales, is proposed to be photoheterotrophic via rhodopsin and has the potential for dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) demethylation.

Beyond HIV prevention: Additional individual and community-level benefits of PrEP among Latino gay and bisexual men.

BACKGROUND: HIV infections disproportionately impact Latino gay and bisexual men (GBM) in the United States. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a proven prevention strategy that can help reduce new HIV infections in this population. Unfortunately, PrEP adoption and persistence among Latino GBM remain low. The added benefits of using PrEP experienced by Latino GBM can provide important insights to inform the development of PrEP messaging to motivate this population to explore and consider PrEP as an appropriate and acceptable HIV prevention tool. METHODS: We conducted in-depth interviews with Latino GBM PrEP users to explore positive feelings and emotions, and additional benefits gained from using PrEP. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 29 Latino GBM completed the study interview. The average age of participants was 30 years, and the mean length of time using PrEP was 17.1 months. Five themes were constructed from the data representing the additional benefits gained by Latino GBM PrEP users, and included: (1) reduced fear, anxiety, and stress about HIV, HIV testing, and sex; (2) feeling empowered and in control of their HIV risk; (3) greater awareness of sexual risk behaviors and sexual health; (4) greater sexual exploration and pleasure, and comfort having condomless sex; and (5) a greater connection to community and a feeling of contributing to the elimination of HIV. CONCLUSIONS: The added benefits identified in this study represent a range of social, emotional, and psychological benefits that Latino GBM experience while using PrEP. They speak to the complementary benefits that PrEP can bring to Latino GBM who decide to use the medication, that go beyond HIV prevention. These findings can inform the development of future PrEP messaging to help improve motivation for PrEP uptake and persistent use among Latino GBM.