It is still unknown whether peak expiratory flow (PEF) is determined by "wave speed" flow limitation in the airways. To investigate the influences of airway mechanical properties on PEF, five healthy adults performed maximal forced expiratory effort (MFEE) manoeuvres, in the standard manner and following breathholds at total lung capacity (TLC) of 2 s and 10 s. Oesophageal pressure (Poes) was m...

The increasing interest in pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment lies in its potential for inducing non-thermal electroplasmolysis of cellular materials resulting in increased cell permeability. Electropermeabilization of vegetable tissues increases electrical conductivity, diffusivity, heat and mass transfer coefficients. It decreases compressibility and failure strength of the biological tiss...

This study explores metabolic responses of germinating barley seeds upon the application of pulsed electric fields (PEF). Malting barley seeds were steeped in aerated water for 24 h and PEF-treated at varying voltages (0 (control), 110, 160, 240, 320, 400 and 480 V). The seeds were then allowed to finish germination in saturated air. It is shown that exposure of germinating barley to PEF affect...

Increasing numbers of patients are receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an intensive care treatment, some of whom have pre-existing airway obstruction. Spirometers are the ideal instruments for measuring airway obstruction, but peak flow meters are useful and versatile devices. The behaviour of both types of device was therefore studied in a hyperbaric unit under conditions of increased press...

BACKGROUND In asthmatic subjects, not only airway sensitivity but maximal airway response are increased on the dose-response curve to methacholine, and peak expiratory flow (PEF) variability is closely related to airway hypersensitivity and maximal airway response. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to compare the prevalence and the level of maximal response plateau between patients with c...

BACKGROUND Palm kernel cake (PKC), a by-product of the palm oil industry is abundantly available in many tropical and subtropical countries. The product is known to contain high levels of phenolic compounds that may impede the deleterious effects of fungal mycotoxins. This study focused on the evaluation of PKC phenolics as a potential cytoprotective agent towards aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced ce...

The aim of this randomized, double-blind, parallel group study was to determine the lowest effective dose of 6, 12 and 24 microg formoterol fumarate dihydrate Turbuhaler b.i.d. compared with placebo. The 4 week treatment was preceded by a 1 week run-in period. Morning peak expiratory flow (PEF) before intake of the study drug was the primary variable. Patients recorded PEF, prior to and 15 min ...

Using strength Pulse Electrical Field (PEF) in food industries is a non-thermal process that can deactivate microorganisms and increase penetration in plant and animals tissues without serious impact on food taste and quality. In this paper designing and fabricating of a PEF generator has been presented. Pulse generation methods have been surveyed and the best of them selected. The equipment by...

Traditional therapies for pancreatic cancer are usually expensive and likely to cause side effects, and most patients have the risk of recurrence and suffering pain. Here, we investigated combination treatment of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and non-invasive low strength pulsed electric field (PEF) on the human pancreatic cell line PANC-1. Cells were cultured in various concentrations of E...