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 include new research in serum angiotensin applied to equine medicine; pertussis symptoms and treatment; heliobacter pylori virulence factors in gastritis; robotic surgery in gynaecology; sleep quality and health; management of complex osteomyelitis in children; thyroid hormone regulation and role in metabolism; and peripheral artery disease and arteriovenous fistula dysfunction as a cause of morbidity in hemodialysis patients.