Background: Flatfoot deformity is associated with altered lower extremity biomechanics and functional impairment during gait. However, evidence describing spatio-temporal gait alterations remains heterogeneous and has not been consistently synthesized across studies. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Scopus were searched through 24 March 2025 for studies evaluating gait characteristics in individuals with flatfoot or progressive collapsing foot deformity. Studies reporting spatio-temporal parameters in both flatfoot and healthy control cohorts were included in quantitative synthesis. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to evaluate gait velocity, stance duration, stride length, and cadence. Results: Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria, of which five provided sufficient data for meta-analysis. Compared with healthy controls, individuals with flatfoot demonstrated longer stance duration and shorter stride length. No differences were observed in gait velocity or cadence. Substantial heterogeneity was present across all pooled outcomes (I² > 80%), reflecting variability in study populations, disease characteristics, and gait analysis methodologies. Conclusions: Flatfoot is associated with consistent spatio-temporal gait adaptations characterized by longer stance duration and reduced stride length. Despite heterogeneity among included studies, these findings suggest consistent spatio-temporal gait adaptations that may serve as clinically relevant markers of altered gait mechanics and functional impairment. Further studies with standardized protocols are needed to refine the role of gait analysis in the assessment and management of flatfoot.

Electroporation is an increasingly common technique used for exogenous gene expression in live animals, but protocols are largely limited to traditional laboratory organisms. The goal of this protocol is to test in vivo electroporation techniques in a diverse array of tadpole species. We explore electroporation efficiency in tissue-specific cells of five species from across three families of tropical frogs: poison frogs (Dendrobatidae), cryptic forest/poison frogs (Aromobatidae), and glassfrogs (Centrolenidae). These species are well known for their diverse social behaviors and intriguing physiologies that coordinate chemical defenses, aposematism, and/or tissue transparency. Specifically, we examine the effects of electrical pulse and injection parameters on species- and tissue-specific transfection of plasmid DNA in tadpoles. After electroporation of a plasmid encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP), we found strong GFP fluorescence within brain and muscle cells that increased with the amount of DNA injected and electrical pulse number. We discuss species-related challenges, troubleshooting, and outline ideas for improvement. Extending in vivo electroporation to non-model amphibian species could provide new opportunities for exploring topics in genetics, behavior, and organismal biology.

Introduction: Financial toxicity (FT) describes the physical, psychosocial, and financial burden of health care–related costs on patients’ well-being. Plastic surgery patients may be susceptible to FT due to high procedure and adjunct therapy costs. Despite these risks, FT resulting from plastic and reconstructive surgery remains unclear. This scoping review assessed the prevalence and impact of FT on plastic surgery patients. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were searched from inception through February 17, 2026, for studies evaluating FT in plastic surgery. At least 2 reviewers independently screened records and performed data extraction. Findings were synthesized narratively. Reporting followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses–Extension for Scoping Reviews guidance. Results: Of the 4213 studies screened, 14 studies were included in the review. All included studies incorporated cross-sectional survey data, most commonly evaluating breast reconstruction (n = 8, 57.14%). Greater FT was most consistently associated with socioeconomic vulnerability, including lower household income and less favorable insurance or financial circumstances, while treatment-related associations varied across clinical contexts. FT was characterized by out-of-pocket expenses, financial decline, debt, employment-related consequences, and reductions in household spending. Greater FT was also associated with poorer psychosocial well-being, quality of life, and symptom burden. Coping behaviors included use of savings or credit, reductions in essential and nonessential spending, and changes in health care use or treatment timing. Conclusion: FT among patients receiving plastic surgical care extended beyond direct out-of-pocket expenses to broader financial and psychosocial consequences. Socioeconomic vulnerability was most consistently associated with greater FT, while treatment-related associations varied across clinical contexts. Future prospective studies should evaluate financial-needs screening, cost-informed counseling, and financial navigation as potential strategies to reduce FT and improve cost understanding and treatment decision-making.