This continuing series gathers and presents original research results on the leading edge of medicine and biology. Each article has been carefully selected in an attempt to present substantial topical data across a broad spectrum. Topics discussed in this book include rosiglitazone and how it acts on the vascular katp channel and compromises coronary circulation; creativity, innovation and bone health in times of crisis; the wide world of hydrocortisone; seroprevalence estimation with adjustment for partial verification of screen-positive donor candidates; prevalence of beta-hemolytic streptococcus oropharyngeal colonization in children and its therapeutic regimen based on antistreptolysin levels; the effective application of monepantel and derquantel as new anthelminthics in sheep; pioglitazone to prevent diabetes-related atrial fibrillation; recovery of biosynthetic penicillins; the elaboration of high-molecular-weight heparin complex with aspartic acid and the study of its activity; emerging influenza and risk of blood transfusion; and neglected tropical diseases.