However, data characterizing SNX-5422 cancer patients’ ability to quit is scarce, particularly in developing countries. Such information is valuable in highlighting the potential of cessation interventions in countries where smoking rates are high and antismoking policies are not yet fully implemented. Objectives: To measure the abstinence rates and identify reasons for the failure to quit smoking in patients visiting a smoking cessation clinic in a comprehensive cancer center in Jordan. Methods: Through retrospective medical chart review and prospective follow-up by

phone, we studied long-term abstinence rates and reasons for the failure to quit smoking in 156 cancer patients referred to the smoking cessation clinic to receive counseling and pharmacological treatment. Patient demographics, clinical and smoking characteristics and long-term abstinence

at 12 months were recorded, as were reasons for the failure to quit smoking. Results: The 12-month abstinence rate was 21.2%. The main reasons for failing to quit smoking included personal or professional stressful situations, not being able to handle withdrawal and the belief that quitting had no value. Conclusion: Abstinence rates in Jordanian cancer patients fall at the lower end of the range that has been reported in the literature for cancer patients. Efforts to improve PD98059 mw these rates should focus on assisting patients in handling stress, and in adjusting medications to improve withdrawal symptoms. Copyright (C) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel”
“Mahaim fibers with decremental atrioventricular (AV) node-like conduction properties comprise less than 3 % of accessory pathways. Radiofrequency ablation of right atriofascicular pathways guided by a distinct Mahaim potential detected at the anterolateral to posterolateral tricuspid annulus or in the right BI 6727 in vitro ventricular free wall is a safe and highly effective treatment method. The case report presents a 16-year-old boy with Ebstein’s anomaly and symptomatic wide complex tachyarrhythmia. The electrophysiologic

study and the entire ablation procedure were performed using a three-dimensional mapping system (EnSite Velocity; St. Jude Medical Inc., St. Paul, MN, USA). No fluoroscopy was used during the procedure. Electrophysiologic evaluation demonstrated typical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia and Mahaim tachycardia with a wide QRS and a left bundle branch block pattern. After Mahaim potential was located at the lateral tricuspid annulus, successful cryoablation was performed with an 8-mm-tip catheter followed by slow pathway ablation to eliminate typical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia. Cryoablation with an 8-mm-tip catheter can be an alternative treatment option for children with Mahaim tachycardia.