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Deep breathing exercises are the second most used complementary health approach in the United States. Two heart rate variability (HRV) parameters, the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) and the respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), are used to assess parasympathetic reactivity to deep breathing, but they are often not in agreement. Our purpose was to determine the cause of the disagreement. We investigated HRV parameters in 38 subjects during baseline, deep breathing, and recovery. Here we show that RMSSD as a measure of parasympathetic reactivity is unreliable; it does not reflect the increase in HRV during deep breathing as determined by RSA. We observed a decrease in RMSSD values despite a marked increase in HRV as determined by RSA and the standard deviation of normal heartbeat interval (SDNN) in healthy subjects and patients with functional bowel disorders. We show that RSA captures all aspects of HRV, whereas successive differences in heart rate intervals are only a small part of HRV, with decreasing variability during deep breathing in most subjects. We present a new measure of calculating RSA during deep breathing that may become an essential tool for researchers and clinicians. We also provide a unique visualization of the increased heart rate variability during deep breathing. Hence, RMSSD cannot be used to assess parasympathetic reactivity during deep breathing; using RSA is recommended. The use of RMSSD in previous influential studies may have led to erroneous conclusions about parasympathetic reactivity during deep breathing. Its continued use may undervalue the effects of the autonomic nervous system in slow deep breathing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was designed to introduce the new Chickpea cultivar Bittal-2022, an outcome of hybridization (90156 X 05014) followed by pedigree method of selection. This variety was tested in a series of trials on Research Stations throughout the chickpea growing areas of Pakistan. It out-yielded check variety Bittal-2016 in Station and Adaptation yield trials. In National Uniform Yield Trials (NUYT), it surpassed check variety Bittal-2016 and stood 3rd during 2019- 20 whereas in 2020-21, it surpassed check variety by 7%. Its maximum yield potential of 3958 kg/ha was achieved in CYT (Co-operative Yield Trials) during 2018-19 at RARI, Bahawalpur. The cultivar Bittal-2022 produced an overall 10% higher yield than check varieties in different yield trials conducted from 2016-17 to 2020-21. This variety is suitable for mechanical harvesting and exhibited resistance to shattering at maturity. It is moderately resistant against Ascochyta blight & Fusarium wilt and exhibited tolerance against insect pests. In addition, this approved variety needs no special production technology and fit in a better way with the existing agronomic practices. So approved cultivar Bittal-2022 is suitable for both irrigated and rain-fed chickpea cultivated areas of the Punjab province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphocyte recruitment to sites of inflammation involves a bidirectional series of cues between the endothelial cell (EC) and the leukocyte that culminate in lymphocyte migration into the tissue. Remodeling of the EC F-actin cytoskeleton has been observed after leukocyte adhesion, but the signals to the EC remain poorly defined. We studied the dependence of peripheral blood lymphocyte transendothelial migration (TEM) through an EC monolayer in vitro on EC phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) activity. Lymphocytes were perfused over cytokine-activated EC using a parallel-plate laminar flow chamber. Inhibition of EC PI 3-kinase activity using LY-294002 or wortmannin decreased lymphocyte TEM (48 [+ or -] 6 or 34 [+ or -] 7%, respectively, vs. control; mean [+ or -] SE; P < 0.05). Similarly, EC knockdown of the p85[alpha] regulatory subunit of PI 3-kinase decreased lymphocyte transmigration. Treatment of EC with jasplakinolide to inhibit EC F-actin remodeling also decreased lymphocyte TEM to 24 [+ or -] 10% vs. control (P < 0.05). EC PI 3-kinase inhibition did not change the strength of lymphocyte adhesion to the EC or formation of the EC 'docking structure' after intercellular adhesion molecule-1 ligation, whereas this was inhibited by jasplakinolide treatment. A similar fraction of lymphocytes migrated on control or LY-294002-treated EC and localized to interendothelial junctions. However, lymphocytes failed to extend processes below the level of vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin on LY-294002-treated EC. Together these observations indicate that EC PI 3-kinase activity and F-actin remodeling are required during lymphocyte diapedesis and identify a PI 3-kinase-dependent step following initial separation of the VE-cadherin barrier. T lymphocyte; cell motility; adherens junctions; cytoskeleton; F-actin

Plasma cell leukaemia (PCL) is a very rare plasma cell dyscrasia with a significant number of monoclonal plasma cells in the peripheral blood. It is diagnosed by the presence of ≥ 2x109/L plasma cells in the blood or by plasma cells making up ≥20% of the leukocyte count. It can arise from a leukemic transformation of multiple myeloma, or more commonly it can be primary. Regardless of its origin, it carries a very dire prognosis. It responds very poorly to the traditional chemotherapy regimens used for multiple myeloma. We present the case of a 50 years old female who presented to our hospital with a complicated UTI and severe generalized body aches. She was diagnosed as a case of plasma cell leukaemia and was treated with cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone, however she failed to go into remission. Her condition deteriorated and she ultimately passed away 1.5 months after diagnosis. The recommended treatment for PCL is aggressive combination chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantation. However, there is no consensus regarding the treatment of plasma cell leukaemia, and treatment should be individualized based on the patient profile. Once diagnosed, the prognosis is poor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most common problems facing the medical professional treating acute burn injuries is whether it should be treated conservatively or surgically. The aim of this article is to provide the reader with a framework for comprehensive assessment of the burn and to introduce the steps and considerations involved in surgically treating these injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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One of the most common problems facing the medical professional treating acute burn injuries is whether it should be treated conservatively or surgically. The aim of this article is to provide the reader with a framework for comprehensive assessment of the burn and to introduce the steps and considerations involved in surgically treating these injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out at Maize Research Station, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan during 2007-08 to determine the various parameters of genetic variability, and nature of interrelationships among traits affecting maize grain yield. Ten local maize inbred lines were crossed to three testers (F-107, F-131 and F-165) to develop 30 progenies. The parents, testers and crosses were evaluated in RCBD with three replications. Analysis of variability parameters revealed presence of substantial variability for all traits studied. Grain yield, ear length, ear height, 100-seed weight and ear diameter had high GCV estimates with high heritability. Genetic advance was higher for plant height, ear length, grains per row and grain yield. Genotypic correlation coefficient revealed that ear diameter, 100-grain weight, ear length, rows per ear and grains per row significantly correlated with grain yield. Path analysis revealed that highest direct effect on grain yield was exhibited by 100-grain weight followed by grains per row, kernel rows per ear, ear length and ear diameter. Most of the traits exerted their positive indirect effects through 100- seed weight, kernel rows per ear and grains per row. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By encompassing a wide range of best practices within the ever-changing realm of modern surgical care, this exhaustive narrative compendium attempts to unravel the complex tapestry of novel approaches to safe surgery. Within the context of a dynamic surgical environment, this research endeavors to illuminate and integrate state-of-the-art methods that collectively methodically improve patient safety. The narrative elucidates a diverse array of practices that seek to revolutionize the paradigm of safe surgery, emphasizing technological progress, patient-centric approaches, and global viewpoints. The combined effectiveness of these methods in fostering an all-encompassing culture of safety, improving surgical precision, and decreasing complications is revealed by the results obtained from their implementation. The recognition of the dynamic interplay among multiple components, including the active participation of patients, the integration of cutting-edge technologies, and the establishment of comprehensive quality improvement programs, is fundamental to this narrative. By their collective composition, these components support the notion that secure surgical practices are intricate and interrelated. The present synthesis functions as a fundamental resource for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers, providing an enlightening examination of the current condition of secure surgical practices. By emphasizing the promotion of innovation, continuous development, and the utmost quality of patient care, it offers a strategic guide for navigating the complex terrain of safe surgery. In the ever-evolving landscape of surgical care, this narrative synthesis serves as a guiding principle for stakeholders striving to understand better and implement safe surgical procedures in various healthcare environments., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Hussain et al.)