GARY CORTINA

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This study looked at different surgical methods for repairing tears in the medial meniscus, a cartilage in the knee that, if damaged, can lead to issues like arthritis. Researchers reviewed 42 studies and found that while there are various repair techniques—like pull-out, suture anchor, and all-inside methods—suture anchor repairs might provide better stability. Understanding these methods is important because choosing the right technique can help ensure successful healing and reduce long-term problems for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with knee injuries and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how repairing a specific type of knee injury (medial meniscus posterior root tears) along with a knee realignment surgery (high tibial osteotomy) affects patients with arthritis in their knees. Researchers found that while those who had both surgeries scored slightly better on a knee function test (3.56 points higher), there weren't significant improvements in other tests or measures of knee health. This matters because it raises questions about whether the additional surgery is worth it since many patients still may not experience a real difference in their recovery. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients considering knee surgeries.

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This study looked at how continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) helps critically ill children with kidney problems and fluid overload in pediatric intensive care units. The researchers found that early recognition of these issues is crucial, as more severe cases are linked to higher mortality rates. They emphasized the need for timely referrals to specialized centers for CRRT and proper follow-up care, as children who survive acute kidney injury often face long-term health challenges. Who this helps: This research benefits pediatricians, patients, and families of children requiring intensive kidney care.

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This study looked at how the timing of starting a treatment called continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) affects kidney health in children and young adults with acute kidney injury. Researchers analyzed data from 969 patients and found that 65% experienced serious kidney problems or death within 90 days of treatment; specifically, 58% died, and 44% of survivors had ongoing kidney issues. The study showed that each day of delay in starting CRRT increased the risk of these bad outcomes by about 3%. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors treating young patients with kidney issues.

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This study looked at children who developed a serious kidney condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) due to a specific type of E. coli (known as STEC) and followed their health over 10 years. Out of 138 patients, 66% fully recovered, while 34% showed ongoing problems such as reduced kidney function, high blood pressure, or protein in their urine. It’s important for these patients to have regular check-ups for at least a decade after their illness, especially if they needed intense treatments during their acute phase, as this can predict future health issues. Who this helps: This helps doctors and families of children who have had STEC-related HUS by guiding long-term care.

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This study looked at over 1,000 children and young adults who needed dialysis due to severe kidney issues, comparing those with sepsis (a serious infection) to those without. It found that 44% had sepsis, and those patients were more likely to face serious kidney problems or death within 90 days; specifically, 70% had major adverse kidney events, and 47% died, compared to 61% and 31% for nonseptic patients. Additionally, prolonged use of certain medications was linked to worse outcomes, indicating that the longer these patients needed support, the worse their chances of recovery. Who this helps: This information helps doctors understand the risks for young patients with sepsis who require dialysis.

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This report details the case of a 13-year-old boy who developed esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after having surgery for a birth defect called esophageal atresia. The boy was initially treated for respiratory issues and other complications and ultimately faced a severe form of ESCC, which was diagnosed late in the process. This case is particularly important because it highlights that young patients with ongoing health problems from previous surgeries may also be at risk for developing esophageal cancer, a condition usually seen in older adults. Who this helps: This information is vital for doctors treating adolescents with a history of esophageal surgery, as it may lead to earlier detection and better management of potential cancers.

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This research focused on predicting the chances of survival for children and young adults receiving continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in intensive care units (ICUs). Out of 933 patients studied, 35% died in the ICU and 37% did not make it out of the hospital. The researchers found that a specific machine learning model called random forest was the most effective at predicting ICU mortality, highlighting that two key factors—organ dysfunction and respiratory issues—were strong indicators of survival prospects. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors treating critically ill children, allowing them to make better decisions regarding patient care.

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This study looked at two methods for aligning the knee during total knee replacement surgery: restricted kinematic alignment (rKA) and mechanical alignment (MA). The research found that patients who underwent rKA reported similar outcomes to those who had MA, with rKA showing better results in patient satisfaction and a specific score measuring how much they notice their new joint. Importantly, the rate of complications was the same for both methods, indicating that rKA is a safe alternative that can lead to better patient experiences. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing knee replacement surgery.

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This study examined how injections of a patient's own fat tissue, called micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MAT), can help people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). It involved 49 patients and showed significant improvements in their pain and function scores over an average follow-up of nearly 34 months, with about 80% of patients seeing meaningful progress in their ability to perform daily activities. This finding is important because it offers a new treatment option for individuals with severe knee OA who do not want or cannot have joint replacement surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis who are looking for alternative treatments.

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This study looked at children with blood cancers or other serious blood disorders who were admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) over ten years. Researchers found that 18% of these patients died during their hospital stay, and 25% faced death in the following months, with higher risks linked to conditions like severe low white blood cell counts and the need for mechanical ventilation. This is important because it highlights the ongoing challenges in treating these patients and the need for better care strategies. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers better understand the risks faced by children with hemato-oncologic diseases in intensive care.

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This study looked at how kidney replacement therapy is managed in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) across Europe. The survey gathered responses from 161 PICUs in 20 countries, revealing significant differences in practices, such as who prescribes the therapy and how nurses are trained. For instance, 70% of prescriptions were made by attending consultants, while 67% of nurses operated the equipment, and 61% of nurses had training, but 36% of units did not require any certification. Who this helps: This research benefits patients in PICUs and their caregivers by highlighting the need for more consistent care practices.

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This study looked at 19 children with a specific type of kidney condition linked to an autoimmune response, called CFH-Ab-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and tracked their health over five years. The researchers found that most patients who relapsed did so within the first two years, and those who had a relapse in the first six months were likely to have future relapses. Importantly, children with normal kidney function at the start of the disease maintained it over the five years, while those with impaired function did not improve. Who this helps: This information helps doctors monitor and manage treatment for children with this condition more effectively.

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This study looked at a rare but serious complication called spinal hematoma, which can happen after spinal anesthesia during knee surgery. In one case, a patient developed a blood clot in the spine from the anesthesia, but they received emergency surgery within a few hours, leading to a quick recovery without long-term paralysis. This is important because it highlights the need for fast diagnosis and treatment to prevent severe consequences after anesthesia. Who this helps: Patients undergoing knee surgery who may need spinal anesthesia.

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This research looked at how physical activity can help older adults with chronic low back pain, a condition that affects about 20-25% of people over 65. The review examined 12 studies and found that while there was some improvement in pain and disability after physical activity, the overall quality of evidence was low and results varied significantly between studies. This is important because better management of chronic low back pain can greatly enhance the quality of life for elderly patients. Who this helps: This helps elderly patients suffering from chronic low back pain and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how different patient factors and treatment methods affected the lifespan of equipment used in a kidney treatment called continuous renal replacement therapy for critically ill children. Researchers analyzed data from 161 children and found that, on average, the equipment used lasted about 24.6 hours, with some pieces lasting significantly longer depending on factors like the child's diagnosis and the type of blood thinner used. Understanding what influences the lifespan of these circuits is important because it can help improve patient care and make the treatment more effective. Who this helps: Patients receiving kidney treatment and their doctors.

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This study looked at a treatment called stereotactic radiofrequency ablation (SRFA) for various types of liver tumors in children. The researchers treated 10 young patients, finding that the procedure worked perfectly every time, with no serious side effects and a median hospital stay of just over 5 days. Follow-up exams over nearly 5 years showed that none of the patients experienced a return of their tumors, highlighting SRFA as a safe and effective option for treating pediatric liver masses. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients with liver tumors and their families.

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This study looked at different scoring systems that help doctors predict how likely it is for children with sepsis to survive. Researchers analyzed data from 398 patients and found that the PIM, PIM2, PIM3, PRISM III, and PELOD 2 scoring systems were the most effective at estimating mortality rates. Specifically, the PELOD 2 score was excellent for monitoring patients after sepsis was diagnosed, achieving an accuracy of 84%. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and healthcare providers treating children with sepsis.

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This study looked at the death rates of severely ill children who needed continuous kidney support in intensive care. It found that overall, 36% of these children died, with higher death rates (47.5%) for those also on heart-lung support. Key factors affecting survival included having a more severe illness at the start, certain underlying diseases like blood cancers (with a death rate of 77.8%), and being significantly overloaded with fluids. Who this helps: This research benefits critically ill children and the doctors caring for them.

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This study looked at six infants in Austria with a rare genetic condition caused by mutations in the DGUOK gene, which leads to serious health problems affecting the liver and brain. Among these patients, one developed liver cancer at just 6 months old, and treatment through liver transplantation helped improve both their cancer situation and their overall development. The findings highlight the connection between genetic issues and cancer risk, as well as the positive impact of a liver transplant on patient outcomes. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and families of infants affected by mitochondrial diseases.

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The study examined how different methods of conducting a six-minute walk test (6MWT) affect the walking distance of healthy children and adolescents. Researchers found that children using a measuring wheel walked significantly farther—an average rise of 22 meters—than those who did not use the wheel, and students from sports schools walked about 34 meters farther than those from general schools. This information is important because it helps to better understand children's physical performance and could improve testing methods in future health assessments. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and researchers working with children, especially in monitoring their physical health.

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This study looked at the vaccination status of children who received organ transplants and their family members. Among the 30 children studied, 47% were fully vaccinated according to their age. However, only 42% of their siblings and all parents had incomplete or unclear vaccination records, which is concerning because vaccines help protect these vulnerable children from serious illnesses. Who this helps: This information helps patients and their families by highlighting the importance of ensuring that household members are vaccinated.

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This study looked at how effective a treatment called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is for newborns suffering from heart failure caused by severe enterovirus infections. Out of seven critically ill babies treated with ECMO, three survived and showed full recovery of heart function after about 34 months, adding to the overall survival rate of 36% when including other reported cases. This is important because ECMO can prevent serious complications and death in these young patients who do not respond to standard medical treatments, although there are risks involved and the overall mortality rate is still high. Who this helps: This benefits newborns with severe heart issues caused by infections, their families, and healthcare providers managing their care.

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This study looked at how effective and safe therapeutic plasma exchange (a medical procedure that removes harmful substances from the blood) is for critically ill children in intensive care. Out of 48 children who received the treatment, 82% survived their ICU stay, with particularly high survival rates of 97% for those who only needed plasma exchange compared to 50% for those requiring more complicated support like kidney or heart-lung machines. This is important because it shows that therapeutic plasma exchange is a valuable option for critically ill children and can lead to better outcomes, particularly when used alone. Who this helps: Critically ill children and their families.

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This study looked at a 3-year-old boy suffering from severe lung failure due to a serious infection. He was on a special life-support machine called ECMO for 43 days, which is longer than usual, but after using treatment strategies to help his lungs heal, he started to recover and was taken off the machine. This shows that even when it seems like lung damage is permanent, with the right support, recovery is possible. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors treating severe lung infections in children.

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This study focused on improving how pediatric intensive care nurses handle a complex heart pacing method called AVT pacing, which is important for children recovering from heart surgery. After undergoing standardized training that included simulations, the nurses showed significant improvement: correct documentation went from 10% to 80%, and their ability to accurately identify clinical scenarios improved from 30% to 83%. This training boosts patient safety and care quality for children with heart conditions. Who this helps: Pediatric patients recovering from heart surgery and their medical teams.

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This study looked at the use of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in children over a 12-year period at a hospital. Out of 18 children treated, 67% showed significant recovery after the treatment, which was used for conditions like kidney disease and neurological issues. Although some minor complications arose in 10.6% of the procedures, there was only one serious complication, showing that TPE is generally safe for children when done by experienced medical teams. Who this helps: This benefits children with severe illnesses requiring specialized treatment and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how two methods of sedation affected heart stability in infants after high-risk heart surgery. Researchers compared 33 infants who received routine sedation with a drug called midazolam to 33 infants who received sedation based on their specific needs. They found that both groups experienced similar levels of heart stability (about 63% for targeted sedation and 69% for preemptive sedation), but only 19% of the targeted sedation group needed a sedative infusion, which is significantly less than those on preemptive sedation. This matters because using tailored sedation can help reduce unnecessary medication without risking the infant's heart health. Who this helps: This helps infants recovering from heart surgery and their caregivers.

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This study looked at the use of clonidine, a sedative, in very young infants after they had heart surgery. Out of 224 infants, only 23 received clonidine, which started about 12 hours after surgery and lasted for an average of 30 hours. The findings showed that while heart rates decreased by about 12% and diastolic blood pressure dropped by 13%, other important heart measurements remained stable or improved, suggesting that clonidine can be safely used in these patients. Who this helps: This benefits infants recovering from cardiac surgery and their doctors by offering a potentially safer sedation option.

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This study looked at a 2-year-old girl with a brain tumor who developed a condition called central diabetes insipidus after receiving a chemotherapy drug called cisplatin. After the treatment, she began losing a lot of sodium through her urine, leading to low sodium levels in her blood. The researchers found that this combination of conditions made treatment difficult, but ultimately, the girl was discharged from the ICU four weeks later without any lasting brain damage. Who this helps: This helps doctors manage similar cases in young patients undergoing chemotherapy.

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This study looked at vitamin D levels in 500 European children aged 6-18 with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It found that about two-thirds of the children were vitamin D deficient, with levels being significantly higher in those receiving vitamin D supplements (21.6 ng/ml) compared to those who didn’t (10.4 ng/ml). The research shows that factors like disease type and vitamin D supplementation are crucial in managing vitamin D levels in these children, which is important for their overall health. Who this helps: This benefits children with CKD and their healthcare providers.

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Researchers looked at a rare condition called thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) that can occur after a kidney transplant. They treated an 11-year-old boy who developed TMA after his kidney transplant by switching his medication from tacrolimus to everolimus. This change successfully improved his kidney function, demonstrating that early diagnosis and modification of treatment can effectively address this complication after transplantation. Who this helps: This helps kidney transplant patients and their doctors by providing a treatment option for managing TMA.

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This study follows a 15-year-old girl who suddenly lost her central vision due to extremely high blood pressure, known as malignant hypertension. Despite successful treatment for her high blood pressure, her kidney function did not improve, leading to a kidney transplant. Over the next 20 months, her eye and heart issues gradually got better, highlighting the critical need for regular blood pressure checks in children to prevent serious health problems. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly children with high blood pressure, and their doctors.

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This study looked at a patient with a rare condition called atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) caused by factor H antibodies. The findings showed that the patient had successful kidney transplant surgery and maintained normal kidney function for over four years after receiving a treatment to lower the antibodies before the transplant. This is important because it highlights a possible approach to reduce complications related to this type of aHUS during kidney transplants. Who this helps: This benefits patients with factor H antibody-associated aHUS who may need a kidney transplant.

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This study looked at the role of a protein deficiency (CFHR1) and specific antibodies in children with a serious condition called atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). Out of 90 patients studied, 32% had a deletion of the CFHR1 gene, compared to only 2.5% in healthy individuals, and 25% of the aHUS patients had CFH antibodies that were not found in any controls. These findings matter because the presence of these antibodies and the gene deletion is linked to different disease features, potentially guiding better diagnosis and treatment strategies for affected children. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and their doctors.

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This study looked at 13 children with a rare condition caused by a problem with the PCSK1 gene, leading to a shortage of a protein called proprotein convertase 1/3 (PC1/3). The researchers found that these children experienced severe diarrhea, trouble gaining weight, and a high risk of death, particularly in infants, along with other hormonal issues like diabetes and growth hormone deficiency. These results highlight the critical role of PC1/3 in nutrient absorption and suggest that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing this condition effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients with PC1/3 deficiency and their families.

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This study investigated a child with severe diarrhea and other health issues to find the genetic cause of these problems. Researchers used advanced DNA sequencing to identify a significant mutation in a specific gene (PCSK1) that affected the child's ability to digest food properly and regulate certain hormones; this mutation was found to disrupt vital functions in the body. The findings helped doctors develop new treatment and dietary plans for the child's symptoms, leading to better management of their health. Who this helps: This helps patients with rare genetic disorders and their doctors.

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This study looked at immune and neuroendocrine markers in the colon of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to see if there was any inflammation compared to healthy individuals. They found that female IBS patients had lower levels of a specific immune marker called IL-10 compared to healthy females (18.0 vs. 29.5), suggesting a potential link between this marker and IBS. The research indicates that inflammation is not a consistent feature in IBS, but the lower IL-10 levels might be important for understanding the condition better. Who this helps: This helps patients with IBS and their doctors by providing insights into potential biomarkers for the condition.

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This study examined the differences in immune cell activity in children with lupus nephritis, a serious kidney condition. Researchers found that children with active lupus nephritis had higher levels of certain T cells and inflammatory proteins, like IL-17 and IL-23, which seemed to be linked to the severity of their disease. For example, increased IL-17 levels correlated with worse kidney health, indicating that targeting this inflammation could lead to better treatments. Who this helps: This helps children suffering from lupus nephritis and their doctors by providing insights for more targeted therapies.

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This study focuses on an 8-year-old boy who had a rare condition called hyperinsulinism, which caused him to have low blood sugar and seizures. Despite various tests, doctors could not find a specific cause in his pancreas, so they performed a partial pancreatectomy, removing 45% of his pancreas. This surgery successfully stopped the boy's seizures but also made it harder for him to regulate his blood sugar afterward. Who this helps: This research benefits children with hyperinsulinism and their doctors by providing insights into treatment options.

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This study looked at a new scoring system to help pathologists evaluate chronic (ileo)colitis from biopsies of the lower gastrointestinal tract, which can indicate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The researchers found that their scoring system had a high consistency among different pathologists (correlation of 0.94-0.96) and could predict the likelihood of IBD based on scores, with probabilities of low (<20%), intermediate (~50%), and high (~90%) for diagnosis. This matters because it standardizes how results are reported, reducing confusion and helping doctors make more reliable diagnoses for their patients. Who this helps: Patients experiencing gastrointestinal issues and their doctors.

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This study looked at whether digital images of biopsies from the upper gastrointestinal tract can accurately diagnose dysplasia, which is a precancerous condition. Researchers found that while digital images can be used effectively for diagnosis, pathologists sometimes rated dysplasia levels lower than when examining traditional glass slides. This matters because it highlights the need for careful training and ongoing review when using new digital tools, ensuring accurate diagnoses. Who this helps: This helps pathologists and patients who rely on accurate cancer diagnoses.

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This study looked at 14 patients with stomach and upper intestinal problems related to reduced blood flow, called ischemia. The researchers found that 71% of these patients had upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and 43% experienced rebleeding, with 29% of them dying within six months. This is important because it highlights the serious risks associated with this condition and the need for careful evaluation and treatment of patients showing signs of ischemia. Who this helps: This helps doctors and medical teams who treat patients with gastrointestinal issues.

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This study looked at how well a single dose of the Men C vaccine worked in 10 young patients who had solid organ transplants. After vaccination, all patients showed an increase in protective antibodies, although four had a slow initial response. By six months, while the antibody levels decreased significantly, everyone still had enough antibodies to be considered protected, but some may need an extra booster to maintain their immunity. Who this helps: This benefits pediatric organ transplant recipients.

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This study tested a gel called UC781, applied rectally, to see if it could help prevent HIV transmission. Researchers involved 36 healthy participants and found that the gel was safe and well-liked, with no serious side effects reported. They observed significant reductions in HIV infection in lab-tested tissue exposed to the higher concentration of UC781 gel (0.25%), suggesting it might effectively protect against HIV. Who this helps: This benefits individuals at high risk of HIV exposure, including men who have sex with men and their partners.