Calcific aortic valve stenosis is the most frequent valvular heart disease in Western countries, affecting up to 13% of individuals over 75 years. The disease is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. It is characterized by fibro-calcification of aortic valve cusps and concomitant left ventricular remodelling due to chronic pressure overload, which can evolve into overt heart failure. It progresses very slowly until the onset of symptoms, the indication for aortic valve replacement. Today, about 300,000 aortic valve replacements are performed annually worldwide, either via surgery or transcatheter implantation. This is the only treatment shown to improve survival. There is no pharmacological treatment to prevent or slow disease progression. Major risk factors include older age, congenital anomalies of the aortic valve (bicuspid valve), male gender, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, smoking, and diabetes. However, how these factors contribute to the disease in unclear. Due to the disease itself, patients are at increased risk of both thrombosis and bleeding, which, in addition to advanced age and comorbidities, makes antithrombotic management of these patients difficult. Regarding valve prostheses, the ideal prosthesis either mechanical or biological still does not exist. Clinically available prostheses can lead to major complications, thrombosis or infection, which necessitate reoperation or cause death in 50-60% of patients within 10 years post-implantation. Hence, there are major unmet medical needs in CAVS and more basic and translational research is definitely required. Our Research Topic depicts major challenges and research paths that could be followed to address these major health needs.

Calcific aortic valve stenosis is the most frequent valvular heart disease in Western countries, affecting up to 13% of individuals over 75 years. The disease is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. It is characterized by fibro-calcification of aortic valve cusps and concomitant left ventricular remodelling due to chronic pressure overload, which can evolve into overt heart failure. It progresses very slowly until the onset of symptoms, the indication for aortic valve replacement. Today, about 300,000 aortic valve replacements are performed annually worldwide, either via surgery or transcatheter implantation. This is the only treatment shown to improve survival. There is no pharmacological treatment to prevent or slow disease progression. Major risk factors include older age, congenital anomalies of the aortic valve (bicuspid valve), male gender, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, smoking, and diabetes. However, how these factors contribute to the disease in unclear. Due to the disease itself, patients are at increased risk of both thrombosis and bleeding, which, in addition to advanced age and comorbidities, makes antithrombotic management of these patients difficult. Regarding valve prostheses, the ideal prosthesis either mechanical or biological still does not exist. Clinically available prostheses can lead to major complications, thrombosis or infection, which necessitate reoperation or cause death in 50-60% of patients within 10 years post-implantation. Hence, there are major unmet medical needs in CAVS and more basic and translational research is definitely required. Our Research Topic depicts major challenges and research paths that could be followed to address these major health needs.

This book provides a comprehensive guide to Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) and Chronic Rheumatic Heart Disease RHD). Beginning with a review of the history of these conditions, the text continues with a discussion on the pathology and diagnosis of both ARF and RHD, the role of echocardiography, management of the conditions, including during pregnancy; treatment and much more. The book is accompanied by a DVD of echocardiographic videos to assist in the detection and diagnosis of the diseases.

This exciting new book, Pulse Diagnosis: A Clinical Guide describes a reliable method of pulse assessment. The authors' style and approach to pulse diagnosis provides a unique insight into this often ambiguous system of diagnosis drawing upon the traditions of Chinese medicine, the knowledge of biomedical constructs and the relationship of each to contemporary TCM clinical practice. Subjects covered include exploration of the concept of 'pulse' and establishment of it within the context of health, current limitations of current pulse literature in relation to clinical practice, pulse diagnosis within contemporary TCM clinical practice and pulse taking procedures. • Contains unique sections on reliability and validity of pulse diagnosis • Combines both western perspective as well as Chinese medicine•Written in an easy to read style•Attractively designed •Contains unique sections on reliability and validity of pulse diagnosis•Combines both western perspective as well as Chinese medicine

Kucers’ The Use of Antibiotics is the definitive, internationally-authored reference, providing everything that the infectious diseases specialist and prescriber needs to know about antimicrobials in this vast and rapidly developing field. The much-expanded Seventh Edition comprises 4800 pages in 3 volumes in order to cover all new and existing therapies, and emerging drugs not yet fully licensed. Concentrating on the treatment of infectious diseases, the content is divided into four sections - antibiotics, anti-fungal drugs, anti-parasitic drugs, and anti-viral drugs - and is highly structured for ease of reference. Each chapter is organized in a consistent format, covering susceptibility, formulations and dosing (adult and pediatric), pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, toxicity, and drug distribution, with detailed discussion regarding clinical uses - a feature unique to this title. Compiled by an expanded team of internationally renowned and respected editors, with expert contributors representing Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, the US, and Canada, the Seventh Edition adopts a truly global approach. It remains invaluable for anyone using antimicrobial agents in their clinical practice and provides, in a systematic and concise manner, all the information required when prescribing an antimicrobial to treat infection.

First multi-year cumulation covers six years: 1965-70.

A full-color guide to understanding, evaluating, and treating heart disease in fetuses and newborns Neonatal Cardiology is the trusted go-to guide for pediatricians and neonatologists needing concise, practical guidance on the evaluation and management of newborns with heart disease and other cardiac functional abnormalities. Focusing on physiology, mechanics, and presentation of congenital heart disease, this full-color resource provides a succinct, yet complete overview of neonatal cardiology. Neonatal Cardiology opens with discussions of basic aspects of embryology of the heart and a review of normal and abnormal muscle function. From there, you are led through the clinical assessment of patients with an array of cardiac abnormalities. Management and treatment follow, beginning with a basic chapter on the principles of medical management, followed by drug therapy and post-operative care. The book concludes with a chapter on Epidemiology, Etiology, and Genetics of Congenital Heart Disease. Features: Full-color presentation with new radiographic images and explanatory illustrations of normal and abnormal anatomy, blood flow patterns, and the effects of various treatment options Suggested readings appear at the end of each chapter for more in-depth study Includes coverage of: Excessive pulmonary blood flow, cyanosis, inadequate systemic perfusion, cardiomyopathies, and arrhythmias, Cardiovascular drug therapy, Neurology of congenital heart disease, and Perinatal Cardiovascular Physiology