Endoscopic Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Transfer for the Treatment of Chronic Achilles Tendon Defects.

Background: An all-inside endoscopic flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer is indicated for the treatment of chronic, full-thickness Achilles tendon defects. The aim of this procedure is to restore function of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex while avoiding the wound complications associated with open procedures.

Description: This procedure can be performed through 2 endoscopic portals, a posteromedial portal (the working portal) and a posterolateral portal (the visualization portal).

An aperiodic chiral tiling by topological molecular self-assembly.

Studying the self-assembly of chiral molecules in two dimensions offers insights into the fundamentals of crystallization. Using scanning tunneling microscopy, we examine an uncommon aggregation of polyaromatic chiral molecules on a silver surface. Dense packing is achieved through a chiral triangular tiling of triads, with N and N ± 1 molecules at the edges.

Effect of a community-based intervention for sexually transmitted infections on population-level prevalence among youth in Zimbabwe (STICH): a cluster-randomised trial.

Background: Young people are at particularly high risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We conducted a trial to investigate the effect of a community-based intervention that included STI screening among youth on population-level prevalence of STIs in Zimbabwe.

Methods: STICH was a parallel-arm, cluster-randomised controlled trial nested within CHIEDZA, a trial of community-based integrated HIV and sexual and reproductive health services for youth in Zimbabwe.

Factors Associated With the Use of Digital Technology Among Youth in Zimbabwe: Findings From a Cross-Sectional Population-Based Survey.

Background: Globally, the increasing use of digital technologies such as mobile phones and the internet has allowed for the development of innovative mobile health interventions, particularly for reaching and engaging with youth. However, there is a risk that using such technologies may exclude those who lack access to them.

Objective: In this study, we investigated the sociodemographic factors associated with mobile phone ownership, internet use, and social media use among youth in Zimbabwe.

The first BILGENSA Research Network workshop in Zambia: identifying research priorities, challenges and needs in genital bilharzia in Southern Africa.

Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) and male genital schistosomiasis (MGS) are gender-specific manifestations of urogenital schistosomiasis. Morbidity is a consequence of prolonged inflammation in the human genital tract caused by the entrapped eggs of the waterborne parasite, Both diseases affect the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of millions of people globally, especially in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA). Awareness and knowledge of these diseases is largely absent among affected communities and healthcare workers in endemic countries.

Spastic Equinovarus Foot Deformity.

Acute brain injuries are caused by a variety of etiologies, each potentially disrupting neurological function. The neurologic impairments are on a spectrum of severity often creating functional barriers to completing activities of daily living. Initial treatment starts immediately upon diagnosis and requires a multimodal approach working to prevent systemic changes.

Risk factors for curable sexually transmitted infections among youth: findings from the STICH population survey in Zimbabwe.

Objectives: Youth are at high risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Africa. We aimed to determine the risk factors for curable STIs in youth in Zimbabwe.

Methods: A population-based survey was conducted among randomly selected 18-24 year-olds in 16 communities across two provinces in Zimbabwe to ascertain outcomes for a cluster randomised trial investigating the impact of community-based STI screening for youth on population prevalence of STIs.

Evolution of the ionisation energy with the stepwise growth of chiral clusters of [4]helicene.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widely established as ubiquitous in the interstellar medium (ISM), but considering their prevalence in harsh vacuum environments, the role of ionisation in the formation of PAH clusters is poorly understood, particularly if a chirality-dependent aggregation route is considered. Here we report on photoelectron spectroscopy experiments on [4]helicene clusters performed with a vacuum ultraviolet synchrotron beamline. Aggregates (up to the heptamer) of [4]helicene, the smallest PAH with helical chirality, were produced and investigated with a combined experimental and theoretical approach using several state-of-the-art quantum-chemical methodologies.

Helicene Appended Benzothiadiazoles as Chiral Emitters.

A homologous series of 4,7-bis(aryl) substituted benzothiadiazole (BTD) compounds, containing the helicenic derivatives bis([4]helicene), bis([5]helicene) and bis([6]helicene), have been prepared upon a double Suzuki coupling between 3,6-bis(pinacolyl-borane)-BTD and the corresponding bromo-aryl precursors. The single crystal X-ray structure of the bis([4]helicene) compound shows the existence of both helicities (M) and (P) on the same molecule. All the compounds of the series are highly emissive in solution, with quantum yields of the emission ranging from 50 to 91 %.

Stability of One-Step Spray-on Splint for Lower Extremity Fractures During Splinting, MEDEVAC, and Impact.

Introduction: Military transport can induce whole-body vibrations, and combat almost always involves high impact between lower extremities and the ground. Therefore, robust splinting technology is necessary for lower extremity fractures in these settings. Our team compared a novel one-step spray-on foam splint (FastCast) to the current military standard structured aluminum malleable (SAM) splint.

Talar Arthroscopic Reduction and Internal Fixation (TARIF): A Novel All-Inside Soft-Tissue-Preserving Technique.

Background: Talar arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (TARIF) is an alternative approach for the operative fixation of talar fractures that may be utilized instead of more traditional open approaches such as medial, lateral, or even dual anterolateral. The TARIF approach allows for nearly anatomic fracture reduction and fixation of talar neck, body, and posterior dome fractures while minimizing the soft-tissue stripping and vascular injury associated with the standard anterolateral approach.

Description: Following initial closed fracture reduction and any associated procedures, we recommend obtaining computed tomography scans of the injured ankle in order to evaluate the fracture pattern and allow for preoperative planning.

Arthroscopic Releases and Hindfoot Fusion for Spastic Equinovarus Foot Deformities, An All-Inside Technique.

Neurologic foot contractures pose a challenging situation for orthopaedic surgeons. These deformities are long-standing problems for patients with acute brain injuries, ultimately affecting their quality of life. We report our experience with using arthroscopic assisted, minimally invasive contracture tenotomies paired with a tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis to achieve improved alignment and functional reconstruction of spastic equinovarus foot deformities.

The Triplanar Hallux Abducto Valgus Classification System: Is it Valid?

Historically, 2-dimensional radiographic study techniques have been used to classify deformity and guide treatment of hallux valgus deformities in the transverse plane. Recently, a triplanar hallux abducto valgus classification system was proposed. The key elements of this classification system are the pathologic alignments in 3 anatomic planes.

Modified Low-Flow Arthroscopic Sandwich Technique for Complex Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus.

Treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus proves to be challenging given the unique anatomy of the intra-articular surface and associated complexity of larger lesions. Simple bone marrow-stimulating procedures for large complex lesions often lead to poor results with increased risk of lesion progression, refractory pain, and associated functional limitations. Other methods of osteochondral autografts or allografts often require osteotomies, bone windows, or fibrin glue, which are associated with donor pain and nonunion.

Arthroscopic Assisted, Lateral Ligament Reconstruction with Suture Tape Augmentation and Knotless All Suture Anchors: A Technique Guide.

More than 30,000 ankle sprains occur each day in the United States, and the majority of ankle sprains involve the anterior talofibular ligament. Up to 30% of patients develop functional ankle instability and chronic pain after a severe ankle sprain. When nonoperative measures are unsuccessful, operative reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments is recommended.

Managing Phosphate Burden in Patients Receiving Dialysis: Beyond Phosphate Binders and Diet.

Most patients receiving dialysis rely on dietary restriction and phosphate binders to minimize the risk of hyperphosphatemia, which is associated with increased mortality. However, dietary restriction is difficult because of hidden phosphate additives in processed foods and medications. Restriction of dietary phosphate sources such as protein may increase the risk of malnutrition.

Technique Variation in the Surgical Treatment of Lateral Ankle Instability.

Introduction: Lateral ankle sprains are the most common type of injury to the ankle and can lead to ankle instability. There are many described techniques for the surgical treatment of lateral ankle instability. The purpose of this study is to quantify the variation in surgeon technique for lateral ankle instability treatment.

Financial incentives to improve uptake of partner services for sexually transmitted infections in Zimbabwe antenatal care: protocol for a cluster randomised trial.

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis, are associated with adverse birth outcomes. Treatment should be accompanied by partner services to prevent re-infection and break cycles of transmission. Partner services include the processes of partner notification (PN) as well as arranging for their attendance for testing and/or treatment.

Managing cybersecurity risk in healthcare settings.

Cybersecurity attacks have been steadily increasing in the healthcare sector over the past decade. Health data is a valuable source of reliable and permanent personal information making it an attractive target. Institutions that have faced limited cybersecurity funding must now augment their approach to combat this threat.

Applying the concept of niche breadth to understand urban tree mortality in the UK.

Accelerated climate change has raised concerns about heightened vulnerability of urban trees, spurring the need to reevaluate their suitability. The urgency has also driven the widespread application of climatic niche-based models. In particular, the concept of niche breadth (NB), the range of environmental conditions that species can tolerate, is commonly estimated based on species occurrence data over the selected geographic range to predict species response to changing conditions.