PEF Values Research Articles

Sex-specific differences of cardiopulmonary fitness and pulmonary function in exercise-based rehabilitation of patients with long-term post-COVID-19 syndrome

BackgroundPost-COVID-19 Syndrome (PCS) entails a spectrum of symptoms, including fatigue, reduced physical performance, dyspnea, cognitive impairment, and psychological distress. Given the effectiveness of exercise-based rehabilitation for PCS, this study examined the efficacy of rehabilitation for PCS patients, focusing on sex-specific differences.MethodsProspective cohort study during inpatient rehabilitation. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing and spirometry were performed at admission and discharge. Questionnaires were used to assess fatigue, health-related quality of life, wellbeing, and workability for up to 6 months.Results145 patients (36% female, 47.1 ± 12.7 years; 64% male, 52.0 ± 9.1 years; p = 0.018) were referred to rehabilitation 262.0 ± 128.8 days after infection (female, 285.5 ± 140.6 days; male, 248.8 ± 112.0 days; p = 0.110). Lead symptoms included fatigue/exercise intolerance (81.4%), shortness of breath (74.5%), and cognitive dysfunction (52.4%). Women presented with higher relative baseline exercise capacity (82.0 ± 14.3%) than males (68.8 ± 13.3%, p < 0.001), but showed greater improvement in submaximal workload (p = 0.026). Men exhibited higher values for FEV1, FEV1/VC, PEF, and MEF and lower VC at baseline (p ≤ 0.038), while FEV1/VC improvement more in women (p = 0.027). Higher baseline fatigue and lower wellbeing was detected in women and correlated with impaired pulmonary function (p < 0.05). Disease perception including fatigue, health-related quality of life, wellbeing and workability improved with rehabilitation for up to six-month.ConclusionsRehabilitation improves cardiopulmonary fitness, pulmonary function and disease burden in women and men with long-term PCS. Women with PCS may benefit from intensified respiratory muscle training. Clinical assessment should include cardiopulmonary exercise testing and pulmonary function tests and fatigue assessments for all PCS patients to document limitations and tailor therapeutical strategies.

Population reference equations for handheld peak expiratory flow in older U.S. adults

BackgroundPeak expiratory flow (PEF) is a simple, inexpensive measure of respiratory effort and is a valuable predictor of health outcomes in older adults. Yet, there is a lack of epidemiological data validating PEF prediction equations among older adult populations, especially those ≥80 years. The National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) is a large, nationally representative sample of U.S. adults ages ≥65 years that offers a unique opportunity to develop PEF population reference equations. MethodsUsing a healthy subsample from the NHATS 2011 cohort (N = 1740; 68.9 % female; mean [SD] age = 77.0 [7.9] years), sex-specific reference equations were generated for PEF, measured via a handheld flow meter, using height and age as predictors. Reference equations for both sexes were validated against the NHATS 2015 cohort by testing measured vs. predicted PEF values. Additionally, new reference equations were compared to spirometry PEF reference equations from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). ResultsAfter applying NHATS 2011 reference equations to the NHATS 2015 cohort, measured vs. predicted PEF values were not significantly different (Ps > 0.05). The NHANES equations tended to slightly overestimate handheld PEF measurements in the NHATS 2015 cohort by an average of 29.3 L/min and 10.1 L/min in males and females, respectively. ConclusionsResults demonstrate the comparability of PEF reference equations from a handheld meter to spirometry reference equations in older adults. New reference equations can be applied to a traditionally undersampled population with an easily obtained and low-cost measure.

Analysis of thermo-hydraulic flow and optimisation heat augmentation in 3D dimpled pipe based on design of experiment method and Taguchi technique evaluation

In this work, the numerical analysis concentrates on investigating thermal flow patterns, pressure drops, varying velocity components and heat transfer behaviour. Impacts of four parameters on the enhancement of thermohydraulic performance are carried out using three-dimensional calculations employing CFD techniques: different spacing, diameter, number and distance for dimples were investigated. Additionally, utilising a design of experiments (DoE) strategy together with the Taguchi technique (TT) and response surface methodology (RSM), the impacts of the factors listed below are optimised. The results indicated that the different flow fields and heat transfer patterns were because of the use of depressions on the tube's inner surface. A comprehensive flow investigation with the dimple and tube wall was established to explain the mechanism of pressure drop and heat transfer change. The results of orthogonal experiments show that the optimal design of the spiral tube in this investigation using computational fluid dynamics using DoE, RSM and TT has a temperature difference and heat transfer coefficient of about 35.75% and 36.1% higher improved pipes. The results show a high PEF value greater than 1. According to the above results, various design applications require flow hydrodynamic analysis and heat performance enhancement.

Immediate effects of manual therapy on respiratory functions in healthy young individuals: a randomized controlled trial

This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of manual therapy (MT) on the respiratory functions of healthy young individuals. The study included 104 participants, consisting of university students (87 females, 17 males, mean age 20.1 ± 2.2). Participants were randomly assigned to the MT (experimental; n = 52) and sham-MT (control; n = 52) groups. The experimental group underwent thoracic manipulations and mobilizations along with diaphragm mobilization. In the control group, the hands were placed on the same regions, but no specific intervention was applied. All participants underwent respiratory function testing before and after the intervention using a portable spirometer (PEF- Peak expiratory flow; FEV 1- Forced expiratory volume in 1 s; FVC- Forced vital capacity and FEV1/FVC- Tiffeneau index). In the experimental group, there was a significant increase in the mean PEF value following MT application from 296.3 ± 110.8 to 316.1 ± 119.1 (p = 0.018). Conversely, the mean PEF value in the control group showed a slight decrease from 337.1 ± 93.3 to 324.5 ± 89.2 (p = 0.002). No significant changes were observed in FVC, FEV1, or FEV1/FVC values pre- and post-intervention in either groups. A single MT session led to a significant improvement in PEF in healthy young individuals. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of MT on respiratory functions and its potential implications in clinical practice.Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05934240 (06/07/2023).

Assessment of Dynamic Cerebral Autoregulation During Long-Term Exposure to High Altitude in Normal Subjects by Ultrasonography.

To evaluate changes in dynamic cerebral autoregulation (CA) during short-term and long-term exposure to high altitude with ultrasonography, and also study the sex differences in the response of CA to altitude. We assessed the differences in dynamic CA and measured with Doppler ultrasound of the bilateral internal carotid artery (ICA), vertebral artery (VA), and middle cerebral artery (MCA) and the values of basic information within 48 hours and at 2 years after arrival at Tibet in 65 healthy Han young Chinese volunteers, meanwhile, we compared the resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) of the right MCA at inhale oxygen 8 minutes when a newcomer with 2 years after arrival at Tibet. With 2 years of altitude exposure, the SaO2 of all subjects was above 90%, the mean PEF, DAP, and HR values decreased, HGB increased compared within 48 hours in same-gender groups. Comparisons of cerebral hemodynamics between before 2 years and after 2 years within male and female groups, the mean RI and PI values of bilateral MCA after 2 years were significantly higher than before 2 years, at the same time, the mean RI and PI values of bilateral ICA were significant differences (P < .05) between male groups, with regard to female groups, showed that the mean RI and PI values of bilateral VA were significant differences (P < .05). Comparisons of Right MCA hemodynamics between after oxygen uptake 8 minutes and 2 years, the mean RI and PI values were no significant difference within male and female groups (P > .05). Acute mountain sickness could result from an alteration of dynamic autoregulation of cerebral blood flow, but the impaired autoregulation may be corrected with the extension of time, furthermore, the response of CA to altitude in males and females are different.

Influence of Achalasia on the Spirometry Flow-Volume Curve and Peak Expiratory Flow.

Achalasia is an esophageal motor disorder characterized by aperistalsis and the failure of the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. We want to find out whether external compression or recurrent micro-aspiration of undigested food has a functional effect on the airway. The aim of this research was to analyze the influence of achalasia on the peak expiratory flow and flow-volume curve. All of the 110 patients performed spirometry. The mean diameter of the esophagus was 5.4 ± 2.1 cm, and nine of the patients had mega-esophagus. Seven patients had a plateau in the inspiratory part of the flow-volume curve, which coincides with the patients who had mega-esophagus. The rest of the patients had a plateau in the expiration part of the curve. The existence of a plateau in the diameter of the esophagus of more than 5 cm was significant (p 0.003). Statistical significance between the existence of a plateau and a lowered PEF (PEF < 80) has been proven (p 0.001). Also, a statistical significance between the subtype and diameter of more than 4 cm has been proved. There was no significant improvement in the PEF values after operation. In total, 20.9% of patients had a spirometry abnormality finding. The frequency of the improvement in the spirometry values after surgery did not differ significantly by achalasia subtype. The improvement in FEV1 was statistically significant compared to the FVC values. Awareness of the influence of achalasia on the pulmonary parameters is important because low values of PEF with a plateau on the spirometry loop can lead to misdiagnosis. The recognition of various patterns of the spirometry loop may help in identifying airway obstruction caused by another non-pulmonary disease such as achalasia.

Variation blueprints: A prospective cohort study of chronic HIV infected subjects on HAART

This study was designed to evaluate a six-month variation in CD8, cytotoxic molecules, CD4, viral load, CD4/CD8 ratio, inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress parameters in chronic HIV infection. A total of 58 HIV sero-positive subjects on HAART were recruited for this study. CDC staging method with CD4 count was used to classify the study subjects. After a baseline sampling, subjects were followed up for 6 months, samples were collected and evaluated every 3 months. The result of the study showed significant (p&lt;0.05) differences in viral load of test subjects when comparing the baseline, 3-month and the 6-month follow-up values. Stage I individuals' PCV values showed a significant (p&lt;0.05) change from baseline to six months, indicating a considerable potential fluctuation in six months. A significant variation was seen between 3months (32.91±1.51%) and 6months (35.18±2.44 %) PCV follow up values for stage II subjects. There was a steady significant (p&lt;0.05) reduction in mean CD8 values for stage I participants from baseline to the 6-month follow-up. In stage II group, CD8 count decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05) between three and six months follow up period. PEF and GRZM values for stage I individuals revealed significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease within the first three months of the follow-up. Stage II participants likewise demonstrated a substantial (P=0.022) decline in PEF values in the first three months but no significant (p&gt;0.05) difference was seen with GRZM. We observed a significant (p=0.034) variation in IL-10 values for stage I individuals between the baseline and 6-month follow-up. Stage II participants showed a substantial (p&lt;0.05) change within the period. TNF-α values for stage I subjects showed no discernible change (p&gt;0.05) over the course of the 6-month period. Nonetheless, there were notable (p&lt;0.05) variations in TNF-α levels among stage II participants within the follow up period. TAC values for stage I individuals revealed a sizeable (p&lt;0.05) difference between baseline and the 6-month. Likewise, for individuals in stage II, there were notable (p&lt;0.05) modifications in their overall antioxidant capacity between three and six months follow up period. Conclusively, there may be notable changes in the health indices of seropositive individuals in three to six months.

The impact of strategic napping on peak expiratory flow and respiratory function in young elite athletes

Respiratory health is a critical determinant of athletic performance, and the utilization of restorative strategies, such as strategic napping, may offer a competitive edge to athletes. This study investigates the effects of nap duration on the respiratory function of young elite athletes who have achieved top rankings national competitions. Participants engage in three test sessions with varying nap durations: no nap (N0), a 25-minute nap (N25), and a 45-minute nap (N45), with a minimum 72-hour interval between sessions. Respiratory parameters including Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, Peak Expiratory Flow rate (PEF), Forced Expiratory Flow at 25–75% of FVC (FEF25-75%), and Forced Expiratory Time (FET) are assessed. Results reveal a significant enhancement in PEF values following a 45-minute nap (N45) compared to the no-nap control (N0) [F1 − 11=7.356, p =.004, ηp2 = 0.401, (95% CI for difference: -1.56 to − 0.056)], indicating a potential positive influence of napping on maximum expiratory flow rate and, consequently, athletes’ respiratory performance. While no significant changes are observed in other respiratory parameters across different nap durations, these findings underscore the potential benefits of strategic napping in optimizing respiratory health in young elite athletes.

Peak expiratory flow, core performance and physical activity in normal-weight, overweight, and obese adolescents.

The objectives of this study were to (1) compare peak expiratory flow (PEF), physical activity (PA), and core performance among normal-weight, overweight, and obese adolescents and (2) explore the relationships between PEF, physical activity, core performance, and anthropometric measurements across these groups. Ninety adolescents aged 10-13 yr were categorized based on BMI: normal weight (n = 30, 5th to < 85th percentile, BMI-Z score -2 to < 1), overweight (n = 30, 85th to < 95th percentile, BMI-Z score 1 to < 2), and obese (n = 30, > 95th percentile, BMI-Z score > 2). PEF and percent-predicted values ofPEF(PEF% pred) values were calculated. Waist and neck circumferences were measured. Physical activity levels were assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C), from which total and subscores were derived. Core performance was evaluated through modified push-up (MPU) and sit-up tests. The PEF% pred and PAQ-C scores showed no significant differences between groups (p > 0.05). However, MPU repetition rates were significantly lower in obese adolescents compared to overweight (p = 0.019) and normal-weight peers (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between PEF% pred and PAQ-C total scores (p = 0.014), as well as out-of-school subscores (p = 0.039) in overweight adolescents. Similarly, PEF% pred was linked to MPU repetitions in obese adolescents (p = 0.029). Obese adolescents exhibited decreased core performance relative to their overweight and normal-weight counterparts, which correlated with the PEF% pred. Physical activity was associated with PEF% pred exclusively in overweight adolescents.

An evaluation of the effects of glabridin and dexamethasone in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis: The role of BKCa channels

Pulmonary fibrosis is a refractory entity with a progressive course and no effective therapeutic options. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential involvement of both glabridin and dexamethasone (Dex) in inflammatory and fibrotic responses in a bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis model. The role of Ca+2-activated K+ channels (BKCa) in the anti-inflammatory effects of glabridin was also examined. Adult female Wistar rats were divided into six groups: saline control, BLM, BLM+Gla (BLM+glabridin), BLM+IbTX+Gla (BLM+iberiotoxin+Gla, BKCa channel blocker), BLM+Dex, and BLM+Veh (BLM+dimethylsulfoxide). Inflammatory cell count values, and interleukin (IL)− 6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in order to measure fibrosis and the extent of tissue damage, in addition to stereological, immunohistochemical and histopathological examinations. Whole-body plethysmography was used to evaluate pulmonary function. Treatments with glabridin and Dex significantly reduced pathological injury and fibrosis in lung tissue, levels of TNF-α and IL-6 increased by BLM, oxidative stress, and fibrillin-1 scoring. Glabridin and Dex also reversed the increases observed in neutrophil, lymphocyte, and macrophage counts in BAL fluid induced by BLM. Glabridin and Dex were found to ameliorate the abnormal course of PIF, PEF, EV, TV, f, and Penh values caused by BLM. Our findings suggest that glabridin and Dex may exert anti-fibrotic effects by suppressing oxidative stress and inhibiting the inflammatory response, and that glabridin may improve pulmonary function through activation of BKCa channels. Both glabridin and Dex may therefore be of therapeutic use in pulmonary fibrosis.

Respiratory features of centronuclear myopathy in the Netherlands

Centronuclear myopathy (CNM) is a heterogeneous group of muscle disorders primarily characterized by muscle weakness and variable degrees of respiratory dysfunction caused by mutations in MTM1, DNM2, RYR1, TTN and BIN1. X-linked myotubular myopathy has been the focus of recent natural history studies and clinical trials. Data on respiratory function for other genotypes is limited. To better understand the respiratory properties of the CNM spectrum, we performed a retrospective study in a non-selective Dutch CNM cohort. Respiratory dysfunction was defined as an FVC below 70% of predicted and/or a daytime pCO2 higher than 6 kPa. We collected results of other pulmonary function values (FEV1/FVC ratio) and treatment data from the home mechanical ventilation centres. Sixty-one CNM patients were included. Symptoms of respiratory weakness were reported by 15/47 (32%) patients. Thirty-three individuals (54%) with different genotypes except autosomal dominant (AD)-BIN1-related CNM showed respiratory dysfunction. Spirometry showed decreased FVC, FEV1 & PEF values in all but two patients. Sixteen patients were using HMV (26%), thirteen of them only during night-time. In conclusion, this study provides insight into the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in four genetic forms of CNM in the Netherlands and offers the basis for future natural history studies.

Based on what parameters is safe to discontinuate inhaled corticosteroids in children with asthma?

Objective Remission of childhood asthma has not been widely studied. Patients in clinical remission continue to have some degree of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). The aim of this study was to investigate whether clinical parameters and lung function test are good parameters for discontinuation of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in asthmatic children, including patients with persistent BHR, as measured by the methacholine challenge test (MCT). Methods One year after discontinuation of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), MCT was performed in a group of 40 asthmatic children to confirm or exclude BHR. In all patients, ICS treatment was discontinued based on the same parameters: symptoms, spirometry, daily PEF, and negative bronchodilator test. After achieving complete asthma control for at least 6 to 12 months, ICS treatment was stepped down and discontinued. Clinical course and spirometry were followed up after ICS discontinuation. Results Positive MCT was found in 50% of the patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the positive and negative MCT groups in age at initiation and discontinuation of ICS therapy, duration of ICS therapy, duration of stepping down period, FEV1, and PEF at the time of withdrawal of ICS and one year later. ICS treatment had to be restarted in two patients from the positive MCT group, due to recurrence of asthma symptoms. Conclusion Clinical parameters, normal spirometry, daily PEF values, and a negative bronchodilator test are good parameters for discontinuing ICS treatment in asthmatic children, even in patients with persistent BHR. Children should continue to be monitored, as symptoms may recur.

Reference Values for Respiratory Parameters in General Adult Population

Background: Reference values for maximum inspiratory pressure are varied among different studies and this variability is generalized by demographic differences and test performance measurement. Objective: To acquire a comprehensive set of Reference values for respiratory pressures in a general adult population and to evaluate possible associations with sex, age and body mass index (BMI). Methods: The study design was cross-sectional and sample was drawn through simple random sampling technique. The sample size was calculated using 584 based on parent article, divided on gender 292 participants each. Inclusion criteria was age between 18-40, both genders, Healthy people and moderately active. Exclusion criteria were Signs of ischemia/infarction, Stenosis or insufficiency of the cardiac valve, Systolic and diastolic failures. Data was collected from Sialkot, Pakistan. Basic anthropometric values for age, height, weight and BMI were measured. Spirometry values for FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, VC, and PEF were measured. Descriptive measures were in the form of mean and standard deviation was calculated through SPSS version 25. Pearson Correlation between variables was also found. Results: Among male gender PEF have significant correlation (P&lt; 0.00) with age while BMI have no significant correlation. FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, VC do not show any significant correlation with age, weight, height and BMI among male gender. Among female gender PEF showed significant correlation (P&lt; 0.00) with age only. FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, VC do not show any significant correlation with age, weight, height and BMI among female gender. Clinical Significance: this research provided the knowledge about basic respiratory parameters and its correlation with anthropometric measurements. It can help develop the basis for occurrence of respiratory disturbances in long term due to deviation from normal parameters. Conclusion: Among males age, gender, height weight and BMI doesn’t affect normative values for respiratory pressure. While among females’ normative values of respiratory pressures are only affected by age. Keywords: Respiratory Pressure, Adult, Population, Reference values.

Examination of Some Respiratory Functions, and Physical and Motor Skills of Male Athletes in the High School Team

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of sports on some motoric, physical, and lung functions of athletes and sedentary individuals in the same age group with young individuals playing in high school teams in different sports branches. A total of 60 volunteer individuals, including 45 athletes (15 male basketball players, 15 male handball players, 15 male football players), and 15 male sedentary individuals participated in the study. FVC (l), FEV1 (l), PEF (l/s), FEF 25/75 (l/s) and MVV (l/min) values were not statistically different between the branches (p&amp;gt;0.05). FEV1 / FVC % values differed between branches (p&amp;lt;0.05). FEV1 / FVC % values differed between branches (p&amp;lt;0.05). There was no statistical difference between branches in 30 m speed values (p&amp;gt;0.05). 30 m durability at velocity values were found to be different between branches (p&amp;lt;0.05). There was no statistical difference between the branches according to their mean grip strength values (p&amp;gt;0.05). In our study, athletes who played in high school teams had better lung function than those who did not play sports with the same physical characteristics and when FEV1/FVC ratios were evaluated, the risk of developing obstructive and restrictive lung diseases was lower.

Sigara içen hastalarda ameliyat sonrası üç top solunum egzersiz uygulamasının solunum fonksiyon testleri üzerine etkisi

Aim:Incentive spirometry is used to reduce pulmonary complications after surgical interventions under general anesthesia. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of postoperative incentive spirometry on pulmonary function tests in patients who smoke and undergo extremity surgery under general anesthesia. Study design: Eighty patients with ASA I-II physiological score, aged 18-61 years, who underwent extremity operation in a 3rd level hospital were included in the study. After the patients were divided into two groups as 40 patients in each group, smokers of 10-20 cigarettes per day for at least 5 years and non-smokers and the groups were once more randomized according to whether they would use incentive spirometry (three balls of breathing exercise) or not. Group K (n=20):Non-smoker and not using incentivespirometry, Group T (n=20): Non-smoker and using incentivespirometry, Group S (n=20): Smoker of 10-20 cigarettes per day for at least 5 years andnot using incentive spirometry, Group ST (n=20): Smokers of 10-20 cigarettes per day for at least 5 years and using incentive spirometry. Results:The demographic data similar between the groups. When the groups were compared in terms of preoperative and postoperative FVC and FEV1 values, the postoperative FVC values in Group K and Group S were found to be significantly lower than the preoperative values (p=0.001, p=0.002, respectively). Postoperative PEF values were significantly lower than preoperative values (p=0.024, p=0.024, p=0.001, respectively). When compared within groups, postoperative VC values in Group K and Group S were found to be significantly lower than preoperative values (p=0.037, p=0.012, respectively). When the groups were compared statistically in terms of preoperative and postoperative FEV1/FVC values, no significant difference was found (p&amp;gt;0.05). Conclusion:It was found that postoperative worsening of respiratory function test values in smokers who received general anesthesia has improved with the use of incentive spirometry. For this reason, it is assumed that the use of incentivespirometry in the postoperative period in extremity operations performed under general anesthesia will be helpful in preventing postoperative respiratory complications.

Impact of fine particulate matter and toxic gases on the health of school children in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Background. Air pollution exposure has a detrimental effect on children who spend more than 17% of their weekdays inside a school building. The purpose of this study is to look into the effects of particulate matter (PM) and toxic gases on health of the school children. Between April and November 2018, samples were collected in real time from ten different schools (both indoor and outdoor) over four hours on two consecutive days at each school. During the first two hours, when students were present in the classroom, measurements were conducted inside the classroom. After that the measurements were conducted outside the classroom but within the school premises - when students were playing on the playground or eating breakfast outside of classroom. Method. To evaluate the impact of air pollution, 250 students (on average 20 students from each school) aged from 9 to 12 were selected from ten schools. Automatic monitors (AEROCET 531S, USA) were employed to measure PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10 concentrations. NO2, TVOC, and CO2 concentrations were measured using an AEROQUAL (500S, New Zealand), and the respiratory rate is measured by BSMI Peak Flow Meter (Made: BSMI, Origin: China). Monitors were placed at about 2.0 meters above the floor at breathing height and no student wore the sensors. The ANOVA test was conducted to see the statistical significance between air quality parameters and peak flow meter readings. Results. The mean ± standard deviation of PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10 concentrations were 19.1 ± 3.6, 34.2 ± 10.1, and 131.3 ± 58.6 μgm−3, respectively. PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations exceeded WHO standards (15 and 45 μgm−3 of 24 h) by 2.3 and 2.9 times. The highest concentrations of toxic gases were found on school campuses where vehicle densities (measured manually) were high. The mean Hazard Quotient (HQ) for PM10 (2.5 ± 2.2 indoor; 3.6 ± 2.6 outdoor) and PM2.5 (1.8 ± 0.8 indoor; 1.9 ± 1.0 outdoor) among all participating students was >1 indicating an unacceptable risk for human health. Lung function associated with the PEF value has a negative correlation with PM1.0 and PM2.5 concentrations in most cases. Conclusions. The findings of this study are useful in gaining a general understanding of the school environment in Dhaka. It aimed to understand how children were personally exposed in school and to develop effective control strategies to mitigate negative effects.

Laboratory Experiments on the Influence of the Wave Spectrum Enhancement Factor on a Rubble Mound Breakwater

This paper experimentally explored the influence of the wave spectrum shape variation on breakwater design. The energy spectrum function generally considered for the design of coastal structures is the JONSWAP spectrum. The laboratory results were therefore used to assess the impact of changing the spectrum shape parameter (PEF). We analysed armour stability and wave overtopping in a wave flume with a geometric similarity ratio of 1:30. The experimental results showed that the PEF has maximum influence on overtopping and wave pressures on the crown wall. For a PEF value of 3.3, overtopping was much higher (30% to 100% higher) than with a PEF of 1. Pressure on the crown wall was 20% higher with a PEF of 3.3 in comparison with that for a PEF equal to 1. The stability of the breakwater’s block armour is less sensitive to the PEF variation.

What is the Most Important Percentage of Pressure in Inspiratory Muscle Warm-Up Exercises for Children?

It has been observed that device inspiratory muscle warm-up exercises (IMW-D), which has started to take place in general warm-up in recent years, contribute to performance in a positive fashion. In the literature, IMW-Ds are usually performed with 40% of maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP). There is not a single study explaining or determining the best percentage of MIP in both acute and chronic studies on IMW-Ds in the literature. Therefore, in this study, it was aimed to determine the most important pressure percentage to improve respiratory parameters in IMW-Ds. A total of 40 athletes with licenses in a federation between the ages of 12-14 participated in the study. Participants underwent IMW-D with a powerbreathe plus respiratory exercise device at 15%, 30%, 40%, 45%, 50% and 60% of the MIP on different days, and immediately following these exercises were performed with a spirometer, respiratory parameters were measured as (FVC, FEV1, PEF). Kruskal Wallis H test was used in order to determine the difference between measurements. As a result of statistical analysis, it was found that while there was significant difference in PEF values between 15% and 40%, 45% of MIP; and the highest improvement was 45%, 50% and 60% of MIP in FVC, FEV1 and PEF values. It can be suggested that sedentary people and athletes who want to improve their respiratory parameters can also train with 45%, 50% and 60% of MIP without depending on 40% of the MIP applied only as given in the literature for a higher improvement in their IMW-D.

Analysis of impact of complete dentures on respiratory performance

Background: The present study was conducted for analysing the impact of Complete Dentures on Respiratory Performance. Materials &amp; methods: 20 subjects with presence complete edentulous arch and who had history of complete denture usage for atleast five years were enrolled. Spirometric testing was carried out at following steps: Phase 1: Testing in absence of denture, Phase 2: Testing in presence of both dentures, Phase 3: Testing in presence of maxillary denture only; and Phase 4: Testing in presence of mandibular dentures only. FVC value, PEF value, FEV1 value and FEF25–75 value was recorded with the spirometric test. Analysis of all the results was done by SPSS software, followed by assessment of level of significant with chi-square test and student test. Results: While analysing statistically, it was seen that there was significant decrease in value of Spirometric variables in the presence of dentures. Conclusion: Denture wearer edentulous patients are subjected to risk of development of Spirometric alterations. Hence; these patients should be given timely instructions about various respiratory exercise protocols.

Effects of upper limb ergometer on pulmonary functions among spinal cord injury patients

IntroductionSpinal cord injury is a serious condition that has a profound impact on pulmonary functions and quality of life. Ergometer training is a form of fitness training that seems to influence cardiorespiratory fitness among young individuals. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of upper limb ergometry on pulmonary functions in thoracic spinal cord injury patients.MethodsA randomised, parallel control trial was conducted by the lottery method. 44 patients (22 in each group), who had upper and lower thoracic spinal injuries, aged 25–45 years and of either sex were included. Patients were randomised into pro�gressive upper limb ergometer training (group A) and conventional therapy (group B), and training was continued for six weeks. Outcomes were measured by using a spirometer for pulmonary function tests, assessed at baseline and each week.ResultsA total of 44 participants were analysed in which the mean age in group A was (35.77 ± 5.58) years and in group B was (32.27 ± 6.85) years. Mann–Whitney U-test was used for intergroup comparison of baseline to end values of (FEV1, PEF and FVC). FEV1 was significantly improved post-intervention (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;-value = 0.008). Post-training PEF was significantly improved in both groups (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;-value = 0.001). FVC was also significantly improved (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;-value = 0.003) at the end of the sixth week.ConclusionsThe current study reports that upper limb ergometry has positive effects on spirometry values, as indicated by the improvements in the FVC, FEV1, and PEF values and pulmonary functions in thoracic spinal cord injury patients.