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The prevalence of valve disease is increasing worldwide. Given the need to reduce the occurrence of complications experienced with mechanical and tissue valve replacements, and the realization that normal heart valves perform extremely complex functions, tissue engineering of heart valves appears to be the next logical step. In this Viewpoint, Magdi Yacoub and Johanna JM Takkenberg discuss the future of tissue engineered heart valves.
The cardiac neurohormone B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) can predict mortality in patients with acute coronary syndromes, but levels are usually measured within days of the start of symptoms. In this Practice Point Saihari Sadanandan discusses Grabowskiet al.'s study exploring the link between BNP levels on admission for ST-elevation myocardial infarction, short-term mortality and angiographic success.