How and why funders support engaged research.

Research that better aligns policy, practice, and research communities is gaining momentum around the world. This includes engaged research strategies that bring partners, and their diverse perspectives and kinds of knowledge, together to shape research agendas with on-the-ground-needs and to create dynamic problem-solving processes. These approaches aim to generate more equitable and effective solutions to societal challenges.

Exploring the effects of culture conditions on Yapsin () gene expression in .

, previously known as , has the great potential to cause systemic fungal infections despite its similarity to baker's yeast. Its pathogenicity is attributed to the production of numerous virulence factors, among which the genes (-) encoding aspartyl proteases have yet to be sufficiently characterized, and limited studies suggest their involvement in cellular homeostasis. The study's novelty is an investigation of the role of in ability to adapt to different host environments.

Challenges of Polish families related to caring for a disabled child at home: a cross-sectional study.

A family with a disabled child has major changes and challenges. The difficulties experienced by the whole family are of various natures and relate to emotional, psychological, caring, and financial problems. The aim of the study is to learn about the challenges and involvement of Polish families in caring for a disabled child in the home environment.

Global R-wave peak time for diagnosis of left bundle branch capture.

Background: QRS axis deviation and rS configuration in V6 affect the ability of V6 R-wave peak time (RWPT) criterion to discriminate capture type during left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP).

Objective: We hypothesized that combining RWPTs from lateral leads: I, aVL, V5, and V6 may better reflect left ventricular activation time and that such a global RWPT may be insensitive to changes in QRS configuration.

Methods: The analysis included 519 electrocardiograms (ECGs) with nonselective left bundle branch pacing (nsLBBP) and 176 ECGs with left ventricular septal pacing (LVSP).

Transseptal Transition Patterns During Left Bundle Branch Area Lead Implantation.

Background: Continuous deep septal pacing and signal recording during implantation of left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) lead enables to monitor beat-to-beat changes of electrocardiogram (ECG) and myocardial current of injury (COI) as the lead crosses the septum.

Objectives: This study aimed to characterize patterns of continuous QRS, ST-T, and COI change for monitoring of the lead depth and instantaneous determination of the obtained capture type (LBBP vs left ventricular septal pacing [LVSP]).

Methods: The ECG and COI during lead implantation were scrutinized for sudden changes of V R-wave peak time, V initial and terminal R-wave amplitude, V-V R-wave amplitude, repolarization pattern and S-wave amplitude in I, V-V, and COI drop.

The Association between Echocardiographic Parameters of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction and Fluid Status Biomarkers in Hemodialysis Patients.

Overhydration and cardiac function abnormalities are common in hemodialysis patients. The association of N-terminal prohormone for brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and other fluid status biomarkers with echocardiographic parameters of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is scarcely investigated in this population. A total of 100 separate measurements performed in 50 dialysis patients (29 male, aged 60 ± 17 years) in NYHA class II/II and preserved left ventricle ejection fraction were analyzed.

Strength-duration curves for left bundle branch area pacing.

Background: Despite growing clinical use of left bundle branch pacing (LBBP), data regarding the fundamentals of this pacing modality, including chronaxie and rheobase, are scarce.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to calculate strength-duration curves with chronaxie and rheobase values for LBBP and left ventricular septal pacing (LVSP), and to analyze battery current drain and presence of selective LBBP at very short pulse duration (PD).

Methods: A group of 141 patients with permanent LBBP were studied.

Clinical and echocardiographic characterization of patients hospitalized for severe tricuspid valve regurgitation: a single tertiary-care center experience with 2-year follow-up.

Introduction: Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a common acquired valvular heart disease. Recently, new transcatheter treatment options for severe TR have emerged that could change management of this condition, which warrants better characterization of this specific patient group.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to describe the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of patients with severe TR and to evaluate their short- and mid‑term prognosis.

Left bundle branch area pacing improves right ventricular function and synchrony.

Background: The impact of left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) on right ventricular (RV) function and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) remains unclear.

Objective: We aimed to assess the long-term effects of LBBAP on RV performance and on TR.

Methods: RV function was evaluated using RV free wall strain, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, fractional area changing, and systolic velocity of the lateral tricuspid annulus.

Does It Matter? Isometric or Isokinetic Assessment of Quadriceps Strength Symmetry 9 Months After ACLR in Collegiate Athletes.

Background: Greater quadriceps strength symmetry is associated with better outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Isometric and isokinetic assessments of quadriceps strength inform therapeutic exercise prescription and return-to-sport decisions. It is unclear whether isometric and isokinetic measures provide similar information post-ACLR.

Secreted Aspartic Proteinases: Key Factors in Infections and Host-Pathogen Interactions.

Extracellular proteases are key factors contributing to the virulence of pathogenic fungi from the genus . Their proteolytic activities are crucial for extracting nutrients from the external environment, degrading host defenses, and destabilizing the internal balance of the human organism. Currently, the enzymes most frequently described in this context are secreted aspartic proteases (Saps).

Renal Dysfunction Increases Risk of Adverse Cardiovascular Events in 5-Year Follow-Up Study of Intermediate Coronary Artery Lesions.

BACKGROUND Progression of chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) is influenced by chronic kidney disease (CKD). This 5-year follow-up study aimed to assess 100 patients with 118 intermediate coronary artery lesions evaluated by fractional flow reserve (FFR) and intravascular imaging stratified according to renal function. MATERIAL AND METHODS This prospective study enrolled patients with intermediate coronary stenosis identified by coronary angiogram.

An update on cardiovascular disorders in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with a complex multifactorial etiology that develops as a result of autoimmune processes, leading to widespread inflammation and malfunction of multiple tissues and organs, and, as a consequence, triggers arterial hypertension, conduction disorders, valvular heart disease, pulmonary hypertension (PH), and venous thromboembolism events (VTE), contributing to increased mortality. Moreover, autoimmune abnormalities can accelerate atherogenesis and lead to many SLE manifestations, including coronary artery disease (CAD) and cerebrovascular events. The current review aimed to systematize existing data from the latest works and summarize published guidelines and recommendations.

Glyceraldehyde 3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase on the Surface of and Cells-A Moonlighting Protein That Binds Human Vitronectin and Plasminogen and Can Adsorb to Pathogenic Fungal Cells via Major Adhesins Als3 and Epa6.

and other closely related pathogenic yeast-like fungi carry on their surface numerous loosely adsorbed "moonlighting proteins"-proteins that play evolutionarily conserved intracellular functions but also appear on the cell surface and exhibit additional functions, e.g., contributing to attachment to host tissues.

Vaccination Guidelines for Pregnant Women: Addressing COVID-19 and the Omicron Variant.

Vaccinations are an essential element of public health programs around the world, which have a major impact on morbidity, mortality, and costs of the health care system. In recent years, with a better understanding of the effectiveness and safety of vaccinations, many recommendations have been developed for administering vaccines to adults. Countless physiological changes occur during pregnancy, including those affecting the immune system.

Platelet microRNAs as Potential Novel Biomarkers for Antiplatelet Therapy with P2Y Inhibitors and Their Association with Platelet Function.

Introduction: Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) require dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). However, the response to treatment can vary considerably. Certain platelet microRNAs (miRs) are suspected to predict DAPT response and influence platelet function.

Prognostic Implications of Immature Platelet Fraction at 5-Year Follow-up Among ACS Patients Treated With Dual Antiplatelet Therapy.

Platelets are strongly associated with cardiovascular events due to their role in thrombotic processes. Reticulated platelets have higher prothrombotic potential. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of immature platelet fraction (IPF) in predicting long-term clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Immature platelet fraction and immature platelet count as novel biomarkers of elevated platelet reactivity in NSTE-ACS patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy.

Background: Antiplatelet therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Some patients may not respond to such therapy adequately, which is associated with a greater risk of ischemic events. Reticulated platelets are the youngest, largest, and most active platelet subtype.

The occurrence of heavy metals and antimicrobials in sewage sludge and their predicted risk to soil - Is there anything to fear?

The study assessed the occurrence of legally-monitored heavy metals and unmonitored antimicrobials in sludge from small, medium, large and very large municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), and the predicted environmental risk and risk of resistance selection associated with sludge administration to soil. The temporal variations of the studied compounds in sludge and associated risks to soil were determined by sampling over a year. Although the highest concentrations of heavy metals were noted in sludge from the largest WWTP, i.