• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.58 no.5
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• pp.507-514
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• 2005

Background : Measurement of the $FEV_1$ and PEFR in COPD patients is a significant indicator of the disease severity, the response to treatment and the acute exacerbation. However, it is not known if PEFR can be used to determine the severity of COPD because the agreement between PEFR and $FEV_1$ in COPD patients is not well known. Methods : From September, 2003 to August, 2004, 125 out patients with COPD who were treated at the pulmonary clinic in KonKuk University Hospital were enrolled in this study. The $FEV_1$ and PEFR of each patient were measured and all the data was analyzed using SPSS. Results : The average predicted $FEV_1$ % and PEFR % was $56.98{\pm}18.21%$ and $70{\pm}27.60%$, respectively. There was linear correlation between the predicted $FEV_1$ % and predicted PEFR %. There was no correlation between age of the COPD patients and the predicted PEFR %. There was correlation between dyspnea, which is a subjective symptom of the patients, and the predicted PEFR %. Conclusion : In COPD patients, the classification of the severity by PEFR tends to underestimate the state of the disease compared with the classification of the severity by the $FEV_1$. Therefore, the classification of the severity by PEFR should be interpreted carefully in patients with severe symptoms. Once the classification of the severity has made, the follow-up examination may use the PEFR instead of the $FEV_1$.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.298-308
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• 1997

Background : Portable devices for measuring peak expiratory flow(PEF) are now of proved value in the diagnosis and management of asthma and many lightweight PEF meters have become available. However, it is necessary to determine whether peak expiratory flow rate(PEFR) measurements measured with peak flowmeters is accurate and reproducible for clinical application. The aim of the present study is to define accuracy, agreement, and precision of mini-Wright peak flow meter(MPFM) against standard pneumotachygraph. Methods : The lung function tests by standard pneumotachygraph and PEFR measurement by MPFM were performed in a random order for 2 hours in 22 normal and 17 asthmatic subjects and also were performed for 3 successive days in 22 normals. Results : The PEFR measured with MPFM was significantly related to the PEFR and $FEV_1$ measured with standard pneumotachygraph in normal and asthmatics(for PEFR, r = 0.92 ; p < 0.001 ; for $FEV_1$, r = 0.78 ; p < 0.001). The accuracy of MPFM was within 100(limits of accuracy recommeded by NAEP) in all the subjects or 22 normal, mean difference from standard pneumotachygraph being 16.5L/min(percentage of difference being 2.90%) or 10.6L/min(percentage of difference being 1.75%), respectively. According to the method proposed by Bland and Altman, the 95% limits of the distribution of differences between MPFM and standard pneumotachygraph after correction of PEFR using our regression equation were +38.2 and -71.5L/min in all the subjects or 20.49~+9.49L/min in 22 normal and was similar to the intraindividual agreements for 3 successive days in normal. There was no statistically significant difference of PEFR measured with MPFM and standard pneumotachygraph among three days(p > 0.05) and the coefficient of variation($2.4{\pm}1.2%$) of PEFR measured with MPFM was significantly lower than that($5.2{\pm}3.5%$) with standard pneumotachygraph in normal (p < 0.05). Conclusion : This results suggest that the MPFM was as accurate and reproducible as standard pneumotachygraph for monitoring of PEFR in the asthmatic subjects.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.59 no.6
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• pp.638-643
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• 2005

Background : Several studies have shown considerable disagreement when using the $FEV_1$ and PEFR to assess the severity of an airflow obstruction. A differential classification of the severity of asthma would lead to serious differences in the evaluation and management of asthma. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the $FEV_1$ and PEFR in asthma patients with mild symptoms. Methods : In this study, the PEFR and $FEV_1$ were obtained from 92 adult asthma patients with mild symptoms attending an outpatient pulmonary clinic. The mean differences and the limits of agreement in the paired measurements of the $FEV_1$ and PEFR were calculated. Results : There was a considerable correlation between the $FEV_1$ and PEFR measurements when expressed as a % of the predicted values (r=0.686, p<0.01). The 95% limit of agreement (mean difference ${\pm}1.96SD$) between the $FEV_1$ % and PEFR % were acceptable(-27.4%~33.8%). In addition, the weighted ${\kappa}$(kappa) coefficient for the agreement between the $FEV_1$ % and PEFR % was 0.74 (95% CI, 0.63-0.81), indicating excellent agreement between the two measurements. Conclusion : The spirometer ($FEV_1$) and the Mini-Wright peak flow meter (PEFR) can be used interchangeably in adult asthma patients with mild symptom.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.412-427
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• 2023

The effects of wet-aging using a commercial refrigerator (CR, 4℃) and a pulsed electric field refrigerator (PEFR, 0℃ and -1℃) on the quality of sous vide pork loin were analyzed. The moisture and fat contents, pH, CIE L^*, CIE b^*, chroma, and shear force of the wet-aged samples were lower than those of the raw meat samples, whereas the water holding capacity (WHC) was higher. The PEFR group showed higher pH, CIE b^*, chroma, and WHC and lower weight loss than the CR samples. Electronic nose analysis indicated that positive flavor compounds were induced whereas negative flavor compounds were inhibited in the PEFR group. Wet-aging increased the sourness, saltiness, and umami of sous vide pork loin; the PEFR 0℃ samples showed the highest umami. Sensory evaluation indicated that wet-aging improved the color of sous vide pork loin. The PEFR 0℃ samples were rated higher than the raw meat and CR samples for all sensory traits. In conclusion, sous vide after wet-aging using a PEFR improved the quality of pork loin.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.140-148
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• 2004

To evaluate the acute effects of fine particles on pulmonary function, a longitudinal study was conducted. This study was carried out for the schoolchildren (3rd and 6th grades) living in Beijing, China. Each child was provided with a mini-Wright peak flow meter and a preformatted health symptom diary for 40 days, and was trained on their proper use. Participants were instructed to perform the peak flow test three times in standing position, three times a day (9 am, 12 pm, and 8 pm), and to record all the readings along with the symptoms (cold, cough, and asthmatic symptoms) experienced on that day. Daily measurement of fine particles (PM$_{10}$ and PM$_{2.5}$) was obtained in the comer of the playground of the participating elementary school for the same period of this longitudinal study. The relationship between daily peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and fine particle levels was analyzed using a mixed linear regression models including gender, height, the presence of respiratory symptoms, and daily average temperature and relative humidity as extraneous variables. The total number of students participating in this longitudinal study was 87. The range of daily measured PEFR was 253-501$\ell$/min. In general, the PEFR measured in the morning was lower than the PEFR measured in the evening (or afternoon) on the same day. The daily mean concentrations of PM$_{10}$ and PM$_{2.5}$ over the study period were 180.2$\mu\textrm{g}$/㎥ and 103.2$\mu\textrm{g}$/㎥, respectively. The IQR (inter-quartile range) of PM$_{10}$ and PM$_{2.5}$ were 91.8$\mu\textrm{g}$/㎥ and 58.0$\mu\textrm{g}$/㎥. During the study period, the national ambient air quality standard of 150$\mu\textrm{g}$/㎥ (for PM$_{10}$) was exceeded in 23 days (57.5%). The analysis showed that an increase of 1$\mu\textrm{g}$/㎥ of PM$_{10}$ corresponded to 0.59$\mu\textrm{g}$/㎥ increment of PM$_{2.5}$. Daily mean PEFR was regressed with the 24-hour average PM$_{10}$ (or PM$_{2.5}$) levels, weather information such as air temperature and relative humidity, and individual characteristics including gender, height, and respiratory symptoms. The analysis showed that the increase of fine particle concentrations was negatively associated with the variability in PEFR. The IQR increments of PM$_{10}$ or PM$_{2.5}$ (at 1-day time lag) were also shown to be related with 1.54 $\ell$/min (95% Confidence intervals: 0.94-2.14) and 1.56$\ell$/min (95% CI: 0.95-2.16) decline in PEFR.R.ine in PEFR.ine in PEFR.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.250-257
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• 2017

Background: Tasks involved in traditional charcoal production expose workers to various levels of charcoal dust and wood smoke. This study aimed to identify specific tasks influencing lung function and respiratory symptoms. Methods: Interviews, direct observation, and task/symptom checklists were used to collect data from 50 charcoal-production workers on 3 nonwork days followed by 11 workdays. The peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was measured four times per day. Results: The PEFR was reduced and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms increased over the first 6-7 workdays. The PEFR increased until evening on nonwork days but not on workdays. Loading the kiln and collecting charcoal from within the kiln markedly reduced the PEFR and increased the odds of respiratory symptoms. Conclusion: Tasks involving entry into the kiln were strongly associated with a short-term drop in the PEFR and the occurrence of respiratory symptoms, suggesting a need for the use of protective equipment and/or the operation of an effective kiln ventilation system.

• Proceedings of the Korean Environmental Health Society Conference
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• 2004.06a
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• pp.193-196
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• 2004

To evaluate the acute effects of fine particles on pulmonary function, a longitudinal study was conducted. This study was carried out for the schoolchildren (3rd and 6th grades) living in Beijing, China. Children were asked to record their daily levels of peak expiratory flow rate using portable peak flow meter (mini-Wright) for 40 days. The relationship between daily PEFR and fine particle levels was analyzed using a mixed linear regression models including gender, height, the presence of respiratory symptoms, and daily average temperature and relative humidity as extraneous variables. The total number of students participating in this longitudinal study was 87. Daily measured PEFR was in the range of $253{\sim}501L/min$. On the daily basis, a PEFR measured in the morning was shown to be lower than that measured in the evening (or afternoon). The daily mean concentrations of $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ over the study period were $180.2\;{\mu}g/m^3$ and $103.2\;{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively. The IQR (inter-quartile range) of $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ were $91.8\;{\mu}g/m^3$ and $58.0\;{\mu}g/m^3$. Daily mean PEFR was regressed with the 24-hour average $PM_{10}$ (or $PM_{2.5}$) levels, weather information such as air temperature and relative humidity, and individual characteristics including gender, height, and respiratory symptoms. The analysis showed that the increase of fine particle concentrations was negatively associated with the variability in PEFR. The IQR increments of $PM_{10}$ or $PM_{2.5}$ (at 1-day time lag) were also shown to be related with 1.54L/min (95% Confidence intervals -2.14, -0.94) and 1.56L/min (95% CI -2.16, -0.95) decline in PEFR.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.365-371
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• 2007

To evaluate the effect of air pollution on respiratory health in children, We conducted a longitudinal study in which children were asked to record their daily levels of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate(PEFR) using potable peak flow meter(mini-Wright) for 4 weeks. The relationship between daily PEFR and ambient air particle levels was analyzed using a mixed linear regression models including gender, age in year, weight, the presence of respiratory symptoms, and relative humidity as an extraneous variable. The daily mean concentrations of $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ over the study period were $64.9{\mu}g/m^3$ and $46.1{\mu}g/m^3$, respectively. The range of daily measured PEFR in this study was $182{\sim}481\;l/min$. Daily mean PEFR was regressed with the 24-hour average $PM_{10}(or\;PM_{2.5})$ levels, weather information such as air temperature and relative humidity, and individual characteristics including sex, weight, and respiratory symptoms. The analysis showed that the increase of air particle concentrations was negatively associated with the variability in PEFR. We estimated that the IQR increment of $PM_{10}$ or $PM_{2.5}$ were associated with 1.5 l/min (95% Confidence intervals -3.1, 0.1) and 0.8 l/min(95% CI -1.8, 0.1) decline in PEFR. Even though this study showed negative findings on the relationship between respiratory function and air particles, it was worth noting that the findings must be interpreted cautiously because exposure measurement based on monitoring of ambient air likely resulted in misclassification of true exposure levels and this was the first Korean study that $PM_{2.5}$ measurement was applied as an index of air quality.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.1-14
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• 2010

This study tried to analyze about the investment effects on the spent capital and possessed tangible assets of some hospitals during their hospital management. For this analysis purpose, this study used the financial data of 100 hospitals which presented their financial statements to an finance-information company from 2004 to 2006. The analysis was done with PEFR(Percentage of External Funds Required) and Tangible Asset. The FEPR considered the retained interior fund relating to the investment types in the hospital industry. And the Tangible Asset was related to the possession condition of facilities and equipment. The EBIT rate(Earnings before interest and tax to sales) meaning the management performance and tangible asset turnover were used as the measured variables of investment effect. As the result of data analysis, it was identified that the tangible asset like the hospitals's facilities and equipment was not an agent significantly to influence on the management performance(EBIT rate), the eventual goal of hospital management. But, it was identified that there was some differences tangible asset turnover according to each hospital's main characteristics. And at targeting the all sample hospitals, it was found that the management performance(EBIT rate) had some significant effect on the retained earnings rate, a part of source of PEFR.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.28 no.3 s.51
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• pp.690-705
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• 1995

Pulmonary function tests were conducted on 815 healthy primary school children (390 males and 425 female) in rural area using Collins Survey Spirometer (Warren E. Collins, Inc., U.S.A.) with X-Y Recorder. Respiratory symptoms(cough, sputum, sore throat, chest pain, chest tightness, dyspnea, coryza) were surveyed by the interviews. Multiple regression analysis and regression diagnostics were done for prediction equations of FVC, $FEV_1,\;PEFR\;and\;FEF_{25-75%}$. FVC, $FEV_1,\;PEFR\;and\;FEF_{25-75%}$ values in 3 groups of children classified by the number of symptom were compared each other through standard variable value. FVC, $FEV_1,\;PEFR\;and\;FEF_{25-75%}$ showed highly significant correlation with age, height and weight. Prediction equations for FVC, $FEV_1,\;PEER,\;FEF_{25-75%}$ are functions of height only in both male and female children aged between 6 and 12 years old. PEFR showed a significant difference related with the number of symptom in female. These results suggest that the PEFR is sensitive PFT parameter in this study.