IMPROVED PROCEDURE OF PURIFICATION OF INORGANIC PYROPHOSPHATASE FROM BACILLUS STEAROTHERMOPHILUS

An improved method for isolation of inorganic pyrophosphatase (EC 3.6.1.1.) from Bacillus stearothermophilus is described. The enzyme was purified to more than 90% after two chromatographic steps. A molecular weight of 140 000 daltons was estimated by density gradient centrifugation. The isoelectric point was found to be 4.0.     

A Study of Gastric Cancer in Egypt

Since stomach cancer is rare in Egypt, a study was conductedto try to determine the factors responsible for the low incidence.The study included epidemiological and pathological informationon 55 cases of stomach cancer collected from 1970 to 1977, representing0.33% of the admissions for malignancy in this period. Featuresof the Egyptian diet that could be behind the low incidenceare presented.     

Recurrent supraventricular tachycardias prevalence and pathophysiology after RF ablation: A 5-year registry

Background

The introduction of technique of radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation in 1990, has revolutionized management of different types of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). In spite of higher success rate, there were reported recurrences among different types of SVT. The aim of this study was to report the efficacy of RF ablation, its complications, recurrence rate and its predictors.

Methods

The material of this study (our 3rd registry) included patients who underwent electrophysiological study (EPS) and radiofrequency ablation of their supraventricular tachycardia in the past 5 years, starting from January 2002 to January 2007 at The Critical Care Medicine Department, Cairo University.

Results

Out of 400 pts studied, 381 (95%) had been subjected to radiofrequency ablation (RF) ablation while the remaining 19 pts (4.7%) refused ablation for fear of possible complications. Out of the 381 pts, 366 (96%) had their target tachycardia successfully terminated, from them 26 pts (7%) experienced recurrence after having successful RF ablation. Nine pts (34.6%) of total recurrence was reported in pts with AVNRT, 7 pts (26.9%) of total recurrence was reported in pts with AVRT utilizing septal accessory pathway (Rt AS and /or Rt PS AP), 4 pts (15.4%) was reported in pts with double AP, 2 pts (7.7%) of total recurrence was reported in pts with AFl, one pt (3.8%) of total recurrence was reported in cases of AT. Redo ablation have been carried out successfully in 25 pts (96.2%), and one pt (3.8%) refused ablation for fear of possible complications.

Conclusions

Although electrophysiological study and RF ablation eliminated different types of SVT. However, there may be increased incidence of recurrence among pts with AVNRT and AVRT utilizing concealed septal AP and multiple APs secondary to the complexity of AVN physiology, the critical location of septal AP, the clinical expertise, and poor electrophysiological criteria for good procedural success.     

An Accelerated Hemostasis Protocol following Transradial Cardiac Catheterization Is Safe and May Shorten Hospital Stay: A Single‐Center Experience

Introduction: Hemostasis following transradial cardiac catheterization is achieved by external pressure application using various devices, TR Band? being one. There is no standardized protocol for the application and removal of such devices. Objective: To assess the safety and feasibility of a more rapid (1 hour) initiation of TR Band? removal ([time to wean] TTW1) compared to a recommended 2 hour protocol (TTW2) in a controlled prospective study. Methods: 100 consecutive outpatients undergoing diagnostic transradial cardiac catheterization prospectively underwent an accelerated initiation of post‐procedure TR Band? removal (TTW1 group). The controls were a random historical cohort of 25 patients who had the conventional 2 hours to wean approach (TTW2). Results: The mean age was 62 years with a mean BMI of 29 kg/m²; 51% were hypertensive and 9% were on warfarin anticoagulation. As defined, the median times to TR Band? weaning were 60 minutes and 120 minutes for TTW1 and TTW2 groups, respectively, p < 0.001. TTW1 patients had more oozing leading to insignificant delay in the weaning process (16% vs 4% in the TTW2 group, p = NS). The total time, however, from TR Band? application to removal was significantly shorter in the TTW1 group compared to TTW2 (median of 120 minutes [mean 127] vs 180 minutes [mean 187], p < 0.001). There were no differences in any prespecified complications. Conclusion: A rapid 1‐hour commencement of TR Band? weaning following transradial diagnostic cardiac catheterization appears to be safe. It shortens the overall device removal time and may shorten hospital stay in day‐case procedures.