ABSTRACT
The Assess peak flow meter was tested by comparing PEF values obtained on it for 49 normal subjects, with the values obtained for the same subjects on the Wright and mini-Wright meters. Its reproducibility was tested by comparing its coefficient of variation with that of the other 2 instruments. PEF values on the Assess were 5% lower in lower ranges and 9% higher in higher ranges tested as compared with those on the Wright. Values from the mini-Wright and Wright paralleled each other with the former values 3-5% higher. Variabilities on the Assess were 20-50% higher than those of the other 2 meters. Further, PEF values > 670 L/min could not be read by the Assess. Although the Assess fulfils necessary criteria for accuracy and reproducibility, it appears to be less reliable than the other 2 instruments, and its range limits and utility.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Equipment Design , Evaluation Studies as Topic , Female , Humans , Lung Volume Measurements , Male , Peak Expiratory Flow Rate/physiology , Pulmonary Ventilation/physiology , Respiratory Function Tests/instrumentationABSTRACT
In a randomised, controlled, single-blind trial we compared different doses of a yeast-derived recombinant hepatitis B vaccine: a low dose intramuscular (i.m.) regimen (using 2 micrograms at first followed by 1 microgram each at 1, 2 and 6 months) with the standard dose (10 micrograms each at 0, 1 and 6 months) for post vaccination anti-HBs seropositivity. At the end of 7 months, only 78% of volunteers on the low dose (n = 77) tested positive for anti-HBs whereas 100% of volunteers on the standard dose (n = 43) were seropositive. Therefore, low dose regimen is not satisfactory for primary HBV vaccination.