Organic superhalogens.

Using first-principles calculations with predictive capability we show that organic molecules having negative electron affinity can be transformed to superhalogens with electron affinities far exceeding that of chlorine, once its core and ligand atoms are suitably replaced. The discovery of organic superhalogens could have significant impact in chemistry, allowing the synthesis of new materials and compounds.

Aromatic superhalogens.

No organic molecules with electron affinities near or above those of halogens are known. We show for the first time that aromaticity rules can be used to design molecules with electron affinities far exceeding those of halogen atoms either by tailoring the ligands of cyclopentadienyl or by multiple benzoannulations of cyclopentadienyl in conjunction with the substitution of CH groups with isoelectronic N atoms. Results based on density functional theory revealed that the electron affinities of some of these organic molecules can reach as high as 5.

A retrospective analysis of anterior calcaneal osteotomy with allogenic bone graft.

Anterior calcaneal osteotomy (ACO) with extension bone graft is commonly employed in the treatment of symptomatic supple, hypermobile flatfoot in adolescent as well as adult (>or= 18 years of age) patients. Although autogenous bone graft has been considered the gold standard, allogenic bone is widely used for this procedure because it is readily available, requires no additional procedure for procurement and has incorporation rates similar to autogenous bone graft. There is increasing agreement among surgeons that the union rates with allograft bone are comparable with that observed with autograft bone when used in the ACO.

The effect of hindfoot realignment in triple arthrodesis.

Unlabelled: Triple arthrodesis is a useful form of surgical intervention for repair of advanced hindfoot deformity. Crucial to the success of triple arthrodesis is achievement of a suitable alignment of the hindfoot in relation to the leg and forefoot. A number of radiographic measurements can be used to describe the resultant alignment of the foot and, in this article, we present the results of a review of a series of 28 triple arthrodeses, in 24 patients, followed for a median duration of 19 (range 12 to 38) months.

Cavus foot reconstruction in 3 patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Unlabelled: Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) is a progressive genetic disorder that produces motor and sensory neuropathy that affects the legs, feet, and hands. A dorsally based closing wedge midfoot osteotomy at the apex of the cavus foot deformity combined with soft tissue and other osseous procedures are procedures performed for CMT patients at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital. The focus of this article is to present a prospective evaluation of 3 patients using radiographic assessment, static biomechanical and the malleolar valgus index (MVI), dynamic alignment, and function results using the F-scan.

Long leg calcaneal axial and hindfoot alignment radiographic views for frontal plane assessment.

Reconstructive surgery for hindfoot, ankle, and leg deformities is facilitated by proper radiographic analysis. The long leg calcaneal axial and hindfoot alignment views have been proved to be useful in deformity planning at The Foot and Ankle Institute at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital. These radiographic views can be attained in an office setting or in any hospital radiology department.