Infective endocarditis is a microbial infection of the endocardial surface and, despite
improvements in diagnostic accuracy, medical therapy and surgical techniques, mortality …

Aims The aim here is to analyse epidemiology, optimal treatment, and predictors of 6-month
mortality in infective endocarditis (IE). Methods and results A prospective observational …

A 5mm diameter tri-axial force sensor has been developed for minimally invasive robotic
surgery. To define the required force range and resolution, a needle driver has been …

Background—Alterations in the balance of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their
specific tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) are involved in left ventricular (LV) remodeling. Whether …

Background—Durability assessment of mitral valve repair for degenerative valve
incompetence is actually limited to reoperation as the primary indicator, with valve-related …

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with extracellular matrix remodeling
involving atrial fibrosis and atrial dilatation. Angiotensin II mediated pathways and matrix …

Background—Prosthesis-patient mismatch (P-PtM) after aortic valve replacement results in
disturbed valve performance associated with increased pressure gradients. However, it is …

Background—The impact of interleukin (IL)-6 on skeletal muscle function remains the
subject of controversy. Methods and Results—The effects of 7-day subcutaneous …

Influx of Ca2+ ions through α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA)
receptors contributes to neuronal damage in stroke, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative …

Tight blood glucose control with insulin reduces morbidity and mortality of critically ill
patients. However, the relative impact of maintaining normoglycemia and of glycemia …