Heart failure (HF) is a common disease associated with increasing age. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), is a cardiac neurohormone, and is released as prepro BNP and then enzyrnatically cleaved to the Ntenninal-proBNP (NT-proBNP) and BNP upon ventricular myocyte stretch. Blood measurements of BNP have been used to identify patients with I-IF. The BNP assay is currently used as a diagnostic and prognostic aid in HF. In general, a BNP level below 100 pg/mL excludes acutely decompensated HF and levels ＞ 500 pg/ml indicate decompensation. Recombinant human BNP (hBNP, nesiritide) is an approved intravenous treatment for acute,decompensated -HF. Nesiritide given in supraphysiologic doses causes vasodilation, natriuresis, diuresis, and improved symptoms over the course of a 48-hour infusion. This paper will sort out the literature concerning the use of this peptide both as a diagnostic test and as an intravenous therapy.

Objectives: To compare the level of knowledge, attitudes/opinions and screening practices of Nursing Officers (NO) with Medical Officers (MO) and Dental Officers (DO) regarding oral cancer of HealthCare Professionals in Kiribati. Methods: All MO, DO and a representative number of NO were included in the study. MO and DO were placed in one group (MO/DO) and NO being another group. One hundred self-administered questionnaires were distributed to participants to determine their knowledge, attitude and screening practices. Results: The response rate was 70%, with 48% answering incorrectly regarding treatment choice. There were 63% who had low knowledge score and 37% with high knowledge score. Nursing officers had lower knowledge scores and incorrect treatment choices compared to MO/DO group. Fifty percent of participants screened patients. More MO/DO reporting to screen patients for oral cancer compared to NO. Conclusion This survey identifies the need to improve knowledge, attitude and screening practices for nursing officers with regards to oral cancer. Lack of specialists and inadequate training in medical and nursing school are the main barriers.