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Introduction: Social network‐based testing approaches (SNAs) encourage individuals ("test promoters") to motivate sexual partners and/or those in their social networks to test for HIV. We conducted a systematic review to examine the effectiveness, acceptability and cost‐effectiveness of SNA. Methods: We searched five databases from January 2010 to May 2023, and included studies that compared SNA with non‐SNA. We used random‐effects meta‐analysis to combine effect estimates. Certainty was assessed using the GRADE approach. Results: We identified 47 studies. SNA may increase uptake of HIV testing compared to non‐SNA (RR 2.04, 95% CI: 1.06–3.95, Low certainty). The proportion of first‐time testers was probably higher among partners or social contacts of test promoters using SNA compared to non‐SNA (RR 1.49, 95% CI: 1.22–1.81, Moderate certainty). The proportion of people who tested positive for HIV may be higher among partners or social contacts of test promoters using SNA compared to non‐SNA (RR 1.84, 95% CI: 1.01–3.35, Low certainty). There were no reports of any adverse events or harms associated with SNA. Based on six cost‐effectiveness studies, SNA was generally cheaper per person tested and per person diagnosed compared to non‐SNA. Based on 23 qualitative studies, SNA is likely to be acceptable to a variety of populations. Discussion: Our review collated evidence for SNA to HIV testing covering the key populations and the general population who may benefit from HIV testing. We summarized evidence for the effectiveness, acceptability and cost‐effectiveness of different models of SNA. While we did not identify an ideal model of SNA that could be immediately scaled up, for each setting and population targeted, we recommend various implementation considerations as our meta‐analysis showed the effectiveness might differ due to factors which include the testing modality (i.e. use of HIV self‐testing), type of test promoters, long or short duration of recruitment and use of financial incentives. Conclusions: Social network‐based approaches may enhance HIV testing uptake, increase the proportion of first‐time testers and those testing positive for HIV. Heterogeneity among studies highlights the need for context‐specific adaptations, but the overall positive impact of SNA on HIV testing outcomes could support its integration into existing HIV testing services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is an effective treatment for end‐stage osteoarthritis, which aims to alleviate pain and improve function and mobility. Despite the remarkable success of TJA, complications can arise, leading to unplanned hospital readmission, implant failure, morbidity and mortality. Recently, there has been a growing interest in analysing sex‐based differences in diseases and response to medical interventions. This review summaries evidence pertaining to the widening gap between men and women regarding the utilization and outcome of TJA surgery. Interactions between sex and patient‐reported outcome, implant failure and medical complication are complex and often demonstrate conflicting results. Significantly, there is a global consensus that men are at a higher risk of developing prosthetic joint infection following joint arthroplasty. Guided by the literature, there is a clear need for standardized methods of collecting, analysing and reporting sex‐specific data to improve outcomes for both men and women who undergo TJA. Total joint arthroplasty is an effective treatment for end‐stage osteoarthritis, which aims to alleviate patients' pain and improve function and mobility. Recently, there has been a growing interest in analysing sex differences in diseases and response to treatment. This review summarizes the available evidence on the extent to which patient sex influences outcomes, complications and efficacy of total joint arthroplasty, while also highlighting the need for consistent, high‐quality sex‐specific reporting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improved understanding of quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes can provide valuable information on intervention effectiveness and guide better patient care. The aim of this study was to examine whether QoL trajectories differ between patients with and without diabetes and identify to what extent patient characteristics are related to poor QoL outcomes after total joint replacement (TKR). Multilevel modelling was used to analyse long-term QoL patterns of patients undergoing TKR between 2006 and 2011. Patient-reported QoL at baseline and up to 5 years post-surgery were included. Of the 1553 TKR patients, one-fifth (n = 319) had diabetes. Despite there being no significant differences in QoL at baseline, patients with diabetes consistently reported lower QoL (on average by 0.028, p < 0.001) and did not improve to the same level as patients without the disease following surgery. Compared to males, females had significantly lower QoL (by 0.03, p < 0.001). Other baseline patient characteristics associated with important differences in QoL included presence of respiratory disease and mental health disorder. Patients with diabetes exhibit significantly poorer QoL compared to patients without diabetes, particularly among females. Knowledge of risk factors that impact on QoL can be useful for clinicians in identifying characteristics related to poor QoL outcomes and be used to guide patient-centered care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection (gonorrhoea) is a global public health challenge, causing substantial sexual and reproductive health consequences, such as infertility, pregnancy complications and increased acquisition or transmission of HIV. There is an urgency to controlling gonorrhoea because of increasing antimicrobial resistance to ceftriaxone, the last remaining treatment option, and the potential for gonorrhoea to become untreatable. No licensed gonococcal vaccine is available. Mounting observational evidence suggests that N. meningitidis serogroup B outer membrane vesicle-based vaccines may induce cross-protection against N. gonorrhoeae (estimated 30%-40% effectiveness using the 4CMenB vaccine). Clinical trials to determine the efficacy of the 4CMenB vaccine against N. gonorrhoeae are underway, as are Phase 1/2 studies of a new gonococcal-specific vaccine candidate. Ultimately, a gonococcal vaccine must be accessible, affordable and equitably dispensed, given that those most affected by gonorrhoea are also those who may be most disadvantaged in our societies, and most cases are in less-resourced settings. This vaccine value profile (VVP) provides a high level, holistic assessment of the current data to inform the potential public health, economic and societal value of pipeline vaccines. This was developed by a working group of subject matter experts from academia, non-profit organizations, public private partnerships and multi-lateral organizations. All contributors have extensive expertise on various elements of the N. gonorrhoeae VVP and collectively aimed to identify current research and knowledge gaps. The VVP was developed using published data obtained from peer-reviewed journals or reports., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: JJO reports financial support from the World Health Organization and Australian National Health and Medical Research Foundation. Some of the authors are present or former staff members of the World Health Organization. The authors alone are responsible for the views expressed in this publication and they do not necessarily represent the views, decisions, or policies of the institutions with which they are affiliated. All other authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)