The morbidity and mortality of heart failure (HF) were gradually incrcased,around 2％-3％ of the population suffered from HF.As a biomarker,NT-proBNP has been shown to be widely used in the diagnosis of HF patients.NT-proBNP lever is affected by many factors,especially the age,age-specific NT-proBNP lever is very important in diagnosis of elderly HF patients.

Copeptin,the C-terminal portion of provasopressin,is a novel neurohormone of the arginine vasopressin (AVP)system,and is known to be co-released with AVP from hypothalamus.As a surrogate marker of the AVP system,copeptin has gradually replaced AVP in several clinical studies largely due to its structural and methodological advantages.Copeptin has been regarded as a marker of non-specific stress response.In recent years,copeptin attracts more and more attention especially in cardiovascular conditions (heart failure and acute coronary syndromes).The present review primarily focuses on copeptin detection,its general advantages,and its potential clinical value in a variety of cardiovascular conditions.

The five flavours of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)stand for five tastes,such as pungent,sweet,sour,bitter and salt.The five flavours not only stand for the actual tastiness of herbs,but also the effect characteristic of TCM according to traditional medical theory.So this kind of situation led to a disorder of the marking standardization of five flavours.So the authors think that we should mark herbs(or TCM)based on their true tastiness,and this way maybe help us to solve the problem and to research the relationship between the flavours and the effect of the herbs(or TCM).

Objective:To study the effect of Longman Ampelopsis grossedentata on the level of serum lipid. Methods:The exper-imental rats were given high-fat diet during the experiment. The rats were randomly divided into the model group, high dose group (37. 80 g·kg-1), medium dose group (12. 60 g·kg-1), low dose group (6. 30 g·kg-1) and lipid-lowering drug group (180 mg· kg-1 ) . All the groups were administrated continuously for 30 days, and the effect on body weight, serum TC, TG and HDL-C were measured. Results:Compared with that of the model group, the increase of body weight in the other groups was not significant ( P>0. 05), and all the rats had no obvious poisoning symptom. TC and TG were higher after the high-fat diet administration than those be-fore the experiment in the model group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0. 05). After the 30-day treatment, the levels of TC and TG in the high-dose group were significantly decreased compared with those of the model group (P<0. 05). Conclu-sion:Longman Ampelopsis grossedentata shows assistant therapeutic effect on serum lipid.

BACKGROUND: Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis is mainly featured as the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in renal interstitium. The tubular epithelial-myofibroblast transdifferentiation (TEMT) is important to the pathogenesy of renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of sodium ferulate (SF) on TEMT, and ECM main components such as collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ and fibronectin, in rat renal tubular epithelial cellsinduced by transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF- β1)- DESIGN: Randomized and controlled experimental study based on cells. SETTING: Department of Kidney in West China Hospital of Sichuan University. MATERIALS: Rat renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E) originated from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), were offered by the laboratory of Department of Nephrology in Australian Monash Medical Center. Cell strain used in this study was cultured at the 36th passage. SF white crystal with water solubility and more than 98.0% purify, was from Chengdu Hengda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Different concentrations of SF (125,250, 500μreel/L) were designed in this study. Rabbit anti-rat α-smooth muscle actin (α -SMA) was produced by Wuhan Boster Company. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit was the produced of Shanghai Senxiong Science and Technology Co.,Ltd. Human recombinant TGF- β1 was produced by R&D Company. DNA Engine OpticonTM real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction apparatus was the product of MJ Research Company. METHODS: Rat renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E) cultured in vitro were divided into five groups. Control group was added with serum-contained DMEM; TGF-β1-induced group was added with TGF-β1 at final concentration of 5 ng/L; SF at different concentrations groups were added with 125, 250, 500 μ mol/L SF and TGF- β1 at final concentration of 5 ng/L,respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The contrast phase microscope, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and ELISA method were used to detect TEMT of NRK52E cells induced by TGF-β1 and levels of collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ and fibronectin in the supernatant. RESULTS: Morphology of NRK52E cells: Compared with control group, TGF-β1 could induce the transdifferentiation of NRK52E cells, showing fibroblast-like in morphology after 3 days, which were previously the typical road stone-like epithelial cells. In three different concentration SF groups, the morphologic transformation stimulated by TGF-β1 could be partly ameliorated in a dose-dependent manner. Expression of α-SMA mRNA: Compared with control group, 5 ng/L TGF- β1 enhanced expression of α-SMA at 6 hours, and reached a peak at 72 hours; SF depressed the expression in a dose-dependent manner at 72 hours (P < 0.05). Changes of ECM: After induced by 5 ng/L TGF- β1 for 72 hours, the levels of collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ and fibronectin in the supernatant increased significantly (P < 0.05), whereas SF decreased these levels in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: TGF- β1 induces the TEMT, and promotes the secretion of collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ and fibronectin. SF can inhibit TGF- β1-induced TEMT In a dose-dependent manner.

Objective To evaluate the safety and feasibility of step-by-step balloon dilatation combined with contineous biliary drainage in treating benign biliary-enteric anastomosis stricture.Methods The clinical data and imaging materials of 49 patients with benign biliary-enteric anastomosis stricture,who were admitted to authors' hospital during the period from January 2008 to March 2014 to receive treatment,were retrospectively analyzed.Before treatment,the diagnosis of benign biliary-enteric anastomosis stricture was confirmed in all patients by color Doppler ultrasound,MRI and/or contrast-enhanced CT scan,endoscopic or DSA-guided anastomosis biopsy.Among the 49 patients,23 patients (study group) were treated with percutaneous transhepatic step-by-step balloon dilatation (the diameter of used balloon was 8 mm initially,then 10 mm balloon was used in the second month,and 12 mm balloon was used in the third month) together with contineous biliary drainage (lasting for 6 months);26 patients (control group) were treated with single percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilatation (balloon diameter of 6 mm or 8 mm) plus biliary drainage (lasting for 6 months).The improvement of clinical symptoms,the incidence of postoperative complications,and the anastomotic patency rate were compared between the two groups.Results Technical success was obtained in all patients.No procedure-related complications,such as biliary tract hemorrhage and perforation,occurred.One week after the treatment,the difference in bilirubin level between the two groups was not statistically significant (P＞0.05).Although the difference in 3-month anastomotic patency rate between the two groups was not statistically significant,the 6-month,12-month and 24-month anastomotic patency rates of the study group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P＜0.05).Three patients in the study group developed recurrent jaundice at 11.2,14.3 and 17.6 months after treatment respectively;MRI and contrast-enhanced CT scan confirmed the diagnosis of anastomotic stricture recurrence,and balloon dilatation together with drainage tube placement had to be carried out again.In the control group,16 patients developed recurrent jaundice within 3.1-17.1 months after balloon dilatation management,among them one patient died of disseminated intravascular coagulation and the remaining 15 patients received balloon dilatation together with drainage tube placement again.Conclusion For benign biliary-enteric anastomosis strictures,step-by-step balloon dilatation combined with persistent biliary drainage is a safe and effective minimally-invasive treatment.

Objective To study the characteristics of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) accompanied by pneumothorax.Methods We described a case of GPA accompanied by hydropneumothorax who was successfully treated.Relevant literature was also reviewed.Results A total of 25 cases were identified,consisting of 18 males and 7 females [the average age was (44±16)(16-70) years old].The time from disease onset to pneumothorax was 26±51 (0.83-216) weeks.Pneumothorax,hydropneumothorax,pyopneumothorax and hemopneumothorax occurred in 11,5,8 and 1 respectively.Nodules or excavated nodules on chest radiography or CT were seen in 22 cases.Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C reactive protein (CRP) were elevated in all cases.Sixteen cases received glucocorticoid and immunosuppressive agents treatment.Sixteen cases received drainage and 7 received open operation.Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most commonmicrobiology findings.Granulomatosis with active vasculitis,bronchopleural fistula,pleural bleb with intensefibrosis,rupture of subpleural nodule were seen on lung biopsy or autopsy.Nine cases died of infections,respiratory failure,sepsis and respiratory arrest.Conclusion Pneumothorax in GPA can be caused by multiple factors such as rupture of subpleural nodule and with high mortality.Patients always died of infections and respiratory failure.Regular treatment of the underlying disease,apply sensitive antibiotics for infection and reasonable surgical intervention should be considered.

Objective To evaluate the clinical effects of long-term domiciliary oxygen therapy (LDOT)in accompany with pummonary rehabilization program on the patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Methods Seventy two COPD cases receiving LDOT treatment were randomized into treatment group and control group.The patients in control group were given LDOT alone,while the treatment group was given pulmonary rehabilization besides LDOT.Lung functions,arterial blood gas parameters and blood rheological parameters were compared between the two groups 2 years after the observation.Results The follow-up period lasted for 1 - 2 years.The frequency of acute exageration in the treatment group ( 3.0 ± 1.3 ) was significantly lower than that of control group (4.0 ± 1.6) ( t =1.893,P ＜ 0.05 ).Compared with that of control group,the FEV1([1.59±0.08]L vs.[1.41 ±0.13]L,t =-3.966,P ＜0.01),FVC ([2.47 ±0.20]L vs.[2.27 ±0.17]L,t=-2.788,P＜0.05),FEV1％ ([2.47±0.20]％ vs.[2.27±0.17]L,t=-4.402,P＜0.01) and PaO2 ( [79.1 ± 8.9 ] kPa vs.[ 60.0 ± 6.6 ] kPa,t =- 4.622,P ＜ 0.01 ) were significantly increased,while plasma viscosity ( [ 2.14 ± 0.31] mPa · s vs.[ 2.44 ± 0.45 ] mPa · s,t =1.985,P ＜ 0.05 ),Low shear blood viscosity ( [ 13.48 ± 1.97 ] mPa · s vs.[ 14.33 ± 1.87 ] mPa · s,t =2.126,P ＜ 0.05 ),median shear whole blood viscosity( [ 6.33 ± 0.66 ] mPa · s vs.(7.92 ± 0.98 ) mPa · s,t =4.238,P ＜ 0.01 ),high shear whole blood viscosity ([4.58 ±0.59] mPa · s vs.[5.33 ±0.68]mPa · s,t =0.3890,P ＜0.01) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( [ 30.63 ± 5.76 ] mm/1 h vs.[ 35.63 ± 6.925 ] mm/1 h,t =2.230,P ＜ 0.05 ) was greatly decrease.Conclusion Long-term domiciliary oxygen therapy in company with pulmonary rehabilization program is helpful to improve the lung function,arterial blood gas parameters and rheological status of COPD patients.

Objective To investigate the effect of Wnt1 on the expression of Cyclin D1 in human corneal epithelial cells and its related molecular mechanisms. Methods 12 T25 cell culture flasks were cultured after hu-man corneal epithelial cells anabiosis ,culture and continuous passage for 2 times. Culture flasks were divided into 3 groups with 4 culture flasks in each group. Twenty-five ng/mL and 50 ng/mL recombinant human Wnt1 protein were added in two of the groups,and one group without T-cell culture medium(Wnt1)was used as control. Cells cultured in T25 flask were taken from three groups at different time(6 h,24 h,48 h and 72 h). The total number of corneal epithelial cells in each group was calculated. Expression of Cyclin D1 in corneal epithelial cells was de-tected by Western blot. Results The expression of Cyclin D1 protein in the control group decreased gradually from 0 h to 48 h,and reached the lowest level at 48 h and increased at 72 h. Cyclin D1 protein expression in 25 ng/mL group at 6 h after Wnt1 was added was not detected,and Cyclin D1 protein expression in 50 ng/mL group in-creased. The expression of Cyclin D1 protein in 25 ng/mL group and 50 ng/mL group was significantly higher than that in control group at 24 h,48 h and 72 h,reaching the peak at 48 h and decreased at 72 h. Compared with the control group,the growth rate of corneal epithelial cells in 25ng/ml group and 50ng/ml group increased after Wnt1 was added. There was significant difference in 72 h,but no significant difference in 6h,24h and 48h. Conclu-sions The stimulation of Wnt1 protein can enhance the expression of Cyclin D1 in a certain time range,and has a positive correlation with Wnt1 protein. As one of the target genes of Wnt1 signaling pathway,Cyclin D1 may play an important role in the repair of corneal epithelial injury and its cell proliferation and differentiation.

Objective To discuss the influence of different antitumor treatments on the survival time of patients with obstructive jaundice caused by cholangiocarcinoma located at middle-low segment of common bile duct after receiving PTCD. Methods During the period from Jan. 2012 to March 2013, a total of 60 patients with pathologically-proved cholangiocarcinoma located at the middle-low segment of common bile duct were admitted to authors’ hospital. According to tumor TNM staging, stage Ⅱ was seen in 9 cases, stage Ⅲ in 39 cases and stage Ⅳ in 12 cases. Based on the degree of cell differentiation, highly differentiated cancer was observed in 9 cases, moderately differentiated cancer in 37 cases, and poorly differentiated cancer in 14 cases. The 60 patients were enrolled in this study. Drainage tube placement and stent implantation were performed in all patients so as to relieve the symptoms of jaundice. According to the antitumor treatment used, the 60 patients were randomly and equally divided into three groups with 20 patients in each group. Draining procedure with subsequent regular arterial infusion chemotherapy was employed in the patients of group A; draining procedure with subsequent particle chain placement in biliary tract was performed in the patients of group B; and draining procedure with subsequent regular arterial infusion chemotherapy together with particle chain placement in biliary tract was carried out in the patients of group C. The results were analyzed using SPSS17.0 statistical software. The death factors of patients were statistically evaluated by using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis method, P<0.05 was considered that the difference had statistical significance. Results The median survival periods of group A, B and C were (186.0±36.4) days, (183.0±26.5) days and (252.0±43.6) days respectively. The death factors of cancer patients were analyzed by using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis method, which indicated that tumor stage was a risk factor for death (HR=8.434, 95%CI 3.41-20.090);the treatment mode was a protection factor of death (HR=0.616, 95%CI 0.429-0.884); while the degree of tumor differentiation was unrelated to death(score test,字2=0.197, P=0.657>0.05). The risk of death in group B was not significantly different from that in group A (HR=1.012, 95%CI 0.558-2.179); while the treatment mode of group C was a protection factor of death (HR=0.334, 95%CI 0.148-0.075). Conclusion The TNM stage and treatment mode can influence the survival time of patients with cholangiocarcinoma located at the middle-low segment of common bile duct. Therefore, for the treatment of obstructive jaundice caused by cholangiocarcinoma, combination use of regular arterial infusion chemotherapy and particle chain placement in biliary tract should be employed immediately after draining procedure as this therapeutic mode can effectively prolong patient’s survival time.