“Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disea


“Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease of livestock and a major threat to trade and commodity markets worldwide [1]. FMD is endemic in India with serotypes O, A and Asia 1 virus in circulation and outbreaks are recorded throughout the

year [2]. India has the world’s largest cattle and buffalo population and the 105 million buffalo constitute 57.3% of the world population according to the 2007 census. Indian (Asian) buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) are reared for milk, meat and draft purposes and thereby click here play an important role in the Indian economy. Buffalo contributed more than half (53.4%) of the total milk production in India during 2010–2011. In India, KPT330 a mixed farming of cattle and buffalo is commonly practiced. The role of Indian buffalo in FMD epidemiology, disease transmission and immune response to vaccination has been poorly studied.

Transmission of FMD virus from infected cattle to naïve buffalo and further transmission of virus from buffalo to naïve goats were reported previously [3]. Transmission of FMD virus from affected cattle and pigs to naïve buffalo as a result of close contact has also been cited in the literature [4]. In a sub-clinical episode of FMD, introduction of Indian buffalo into a cattle herd was postulated as the probable cause of an outbreak [5]. African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) are known to be susceptible to FMDV, to carry virus for long periods without showing clinical signs, and to be efficient maintenance hosts of the Southern African Territories (SAT) type viruses [6]. African buffalo can carry the virus for a period of 5 years, and isolated herds up to 24 years, although the persistence in individual buffalo is probably not lifelong [7]. Transmission of SAT-type virus from persistently infected African buffalo to cattle under experimental and natural conditions has been demonstrated [8] and possibly

occurs via sexual contact [9]. Findings for African buffalo may not hold good for Metalloexopeptidase Asian buffalo since the two species are distinct, and their roles in FMD epidemiology probably differ. In our earlier study [10], a buffalo infected via the dental pad transmitted infection to naïve cattle and buffalo after 24 h direct contact. Considering the large population of buffalo in India, the practice of mixed farming of buffalo and cattle and the inclusion of buffalo in the current national vaccination control program along with cattle, we investigated the possibility of transmission of FMDV from experimentally tongue inoculated Indian buffalo to in-contact naïve and vaccinated buffalo and cattle. The efficacy of FMD vaccine in buffalo was also studied by simulating a direct contact challenge experiment as knowledge of vaccine efficacy is limited in buffalo and assumptions have been made from cattle studies.

Substantial growth in the skin content in the groups

trea

Substantial growth in the skin content in the groups

treated with 1.5% CAEICCDF’s, 1.5% CAEICDF’s, 1.5% TAEICCDF’s, 1.5% TAEICDF’s, was observed due to the production of collagen which resulted in the reduction of the epithelial gap when subjected to histopathological studies. Thus the development of these films could be an effective and novel approach in improving the quality of wound healing. All authors have none to declare. “
“The Herbal products of traditional medicines such as Unani, Ayurveda and Siddha play a major role in health care of developing world’s rural population. Standards of herbal drugs relate to the uniformity in quality, which are numerical quantities by which the quality of products may be assessed.1 Jawarish-e-Jalinoos is one of the important herbal Unani compound formulations. The herbal formulation is being selleck used in the ailments of weakness of the principal organs (brain,

heart and liver), hepatitis, flatulence in the stomach and palpitation.2 According to formulation composition, the Jawarish-e-Jalinoos consist of 18 ingredients. As there is no scientific procedure to prepare the drug it is planned to develop the SOP’s and pharmacopoeial standards. In order to lay down the SOP’s and pharmacopoeial standards, the drug was prepared in three different batches in DSRU, RRIUM, Chennai and subjected for analysis. The SOP’s include procurement of ingredients, authentication, removal over of adulteration if any and evaluation of their pharmacopoeial standards, powdering of raw selleck compound drug to the required fineness and method of preparation. The present study was an attempt to scientifically validate the drug by applying modern parameters such as microscopical, physico-chemical, thin layer chromatography and WHO parameters such as microbial load, aflatoxin, heavy metal and pesticide residue. The raw drugs of the formulation were procured from raw drugs dealers of Chennai. The raw drugs were identified using pharmacognostical methods3 and evaluated their pharmacopoeial standards.

The drug Jawarish-e-Jalinoos was prepared in different batches at laboratory scale as per the formulation composition. Jawarish-e-Jalinoos is a semi-solid preparation made with the following ingredients in the composition as given in Table 1. All the ingredients were taken of pharmacopoeial quality. Clean, dried and made the powders of the ingredients number 2–16 and sieved through 80 mesh and kept separately. The ingredient number 1 was slowly grinded using mortar and pestle to make the finest form of powder. The ingredient number 17 was grinded with Arq-e-Gaozaban using mortar and pestle and kept separately. The powders of ingredient number 1–16 were mixed. The required quantity of ingredient number 18 was dissolved in 700 ml of water on slow heat and boiled the content, at the boiling stage 0.1% citric acid was added and mixed well.

Outcome measures: For standing up, weight distribution between th

Outcome measures: For standing up, weight distribution between the lower limbs was measured (2 trials). For standing, the measures used were directional control during reaching in standing (3 trials), Berg Balance Scale (3 trials),

Rivermead Mobility Index (1 trial), gross function subscale of the Rivermead Motor Assessment (1 trial), and the balance component of the Fugl-Meyer-Lindmark (1 trial). For walking, all trials measured gait parameters such as step/stride length or width of base of support or speed (11 trials). Outcomes were measured after intervention (20 trials) and from 1 to 5 months after cessation of intervention (11 trials). The short-term effect of biofeedback on activity limitations was examined by pooling data after intervention from 17 Sirolimus nmr trials comprising 411 participants using a fixed-effect model. Biofeedback improved lower limb activities compared with usual therapy/placebo (SMD = 0.41, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.62) (see Figure 2 on the eAddenda for the detailed forest plot). There was, however, substantial statistical heterogeneity (I2 = 65%), indicating that the variation between the results of the trials is above that expected by chance. The results of a sensitivity analysis

SB203580 mw revealed that the heterogeneity was best explained by the quality of the trials. When low quality trials (ie, seven trials with PEDro score 3 and 4) were excluded from the analysis, the magnitude of the effect STK38 was similar (SMD = 0.49,

95% CI 0.22 to 0.75) but with less heterogeneity (I2 = 43%) (Figure 3, see Figure 4 on eAddenda for the detailed forest plot). The long-term effect of biofeedback on activity limitations was examined by pooling data after the cessation of intervention from 5 high quality trials comprising 138 participants using a fixed-effect model. Biofeedback improved activity compared with usual therapy/placebo (SMD = 0.41, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.75, I2 = 42%) (Figure 5, see Figure 6 on the eAddenda for the detailed forest plot). Subgroup analysis by activity found that the short-term effect of biofeedback on standing up could only be examined in one high quality trial comprising 40 participants. Biofeedback tended to increase standing up compared with usual therapy (SMD = 0.54, 95% CI –0.09 to 1.17). The short-term effect of biofeedback on standing could be examined by pooling data after intervention from five high quality trials comprising 125 participants, using a fixed-effect model. Biofeedback increased standing compared with usual therapy/placebo (SMD = 0.42, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.78, I2 = 69%, see Figure 7 on the eAddenda for the detailed forest plot) and the magnitude of the effect was the same using a random-effects model (SMD = 0.42, 95% CI –0.08 to 0.93).

Although VEP (i e vaccine efficacy based on the prevalence ratio

Although VEP (i.e. vaccine efficacy based on the prevalence ratio) appears the most clear-cut endpoint, efficacy estimates

based directly on the prevalence ratio may be difficult to interpret and may not be comparable across different studies. In particular, VEP may be biased towards zero as an estimate of the true efficacy against susceptibility to acquisition (Section 3; for specific examples, see [11]). Moreover, the aggregate VEP efficacy is not a simple function of the serotype-specific VEP efficacies. Therefore, vaccine efficacy based on a prevalence ratio is not recommended as a primary Veliparib nmr vaccine efficacy parameter. It should however be noted that this does not preclude the use of prevalence-based data in estimating VETor VEacq, as explained above. This study was supported as a part of the research of the PneumoCarr Consortium funded by a grant (37875) from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through the Grand Challenges in Global Health Initiative. Conflicts of interest KA: No conflicts of interest. HRK: No conflicts of interest. DG: DG’s laboratory performs contract and or collaborative research for/with Pfizer, Glaxosmithkline, Merck, Novartis and Sanofi Pasteur. DG has received travel or honorarium support for participation in external expert committees

for Merck, Sanofi Pasteur, Pfizer and Glaxosmithkline. HN has served on pneumococcal vaccination external expert committees convened by GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, and Sanofi Pasteur. She works in a department which holds a major research grant from GlaxoSmithKline on phase IV evaluation of a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. KOB: Research grant support MK 1775 from Pfizer, and GlaxoSmithKline and has served on pneumococcal

external expert committees convened by Merck, Aventis-Pasteur, and GlaxoSmithKline. CS received the Robert Austrian award funded by Pfizer. BS: No conflicts of interest. AT: No conflicts of interest. HK: No conflicts of interest. “
“Evaluation of vaccine efficacy for protection against colonisation (VEcol) Casein kinase 1 with Streptococcus pneumoniae and other bacterial pathogens is often based on a cross-sectional study design, in which only one nasopharyngeal sample is obtained per study subject. The accompanying article in this volume [1] summarises the key ingredients of VEcol estimation from such cross-sectional data, including the choice of vaccine efficacy parameter and the appropriate classification of samples according to vaccine- and non-vaccine-type colonisation. VEcol is used as an umbrella concept for a number of different vaccine efficacy parameters. The parameters of most interest are vaccine efficacy against acquisition of carriage (VEacq), vaccine efficacy against duration of carriage (VEdur), and the combined efficacy against acquisition and duration (VET; cf. Table 1 and Fig. 1 in [1]). In practice, a number of other questions need to be answered in the design phase of a study prior to data collection.

5 They also enhance the teaching process and can be used by consu

5 They also enhance the teaching process and can be used by consumers as a home reference. Information that is communicated in a readable and understandable manner helps people to become more knowledgeable about their diagnosis and to be more involved in their treatment plans.6 They are also more likely to initiate self-care strategies for treatment related symptom relief. Yet none of these outcomes can occur unless consumers are able to read and understand the printed materials given to them.7 The aim of this study is to interpret consumers’ perception on Consumer Medical Information

Leaflets (CMILs) on obesity and lipid lowering drugs, according to the standard formulae such as Flesch Reading Ease (FRE), Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level (FK-GL). mTOR inhibitor Convenience sampling was done. The study was conducted over a period of 3 years in community pharmacy settings in

Tamil Nadu, India. Name and identity card number of study participants were not taken to assure the confidentiality and anonymity of the participants. Study information sheet were shown and verbal consent were obtained from each individual prior to interview who agreed to participate in the study. People who are not interested to give consent for any reason were excluded from this study. Total of 1800 consumers who are using anti-obesity or lipid lowering drugs were interviewed. Among them GABA receptor signaling 1500 consumers agreed to participate in the study while 300 consumers were not interested. The Consumer Medical Information Leaflets (CMILs) were randomly collected from different community pharmacies. Total of 19 CMILs which are commonly used by the consumers were collected and a major portion of the CMILs were selected and readability was analysed by using FRE, FK-GL formulae. The Bay 11-7085 Flesch Reading Ease formula has been developed by Flesch in 1948 and it is based on school text covering grade 3–12. It is wide spread, especially in

USA, because of good results and simple computation. The index is usually between 0 (hard) and 100 (easy), Standard English documents does not delivers good results because of the different language structure. The higher the score, the easier it is to understand the document. For most standard documents, the score should be approximately 60–70 (see Table 1). FREscore=206.835−(1.015×ASL)−(84.6×ASW)where: ASL = average sentence length (the number of words divided by the number of sentences). ASW = average number of syllables per word (the number of syllables divided by the number of words). It rates text on a US grade-school level. For e.g., a score of 8.0 means that an eighth grader can understand the document. For most standard documents, the score should be approximately 7.0–8.0. So it is easy to see that shorter sentence with shorter words lowers the Readability score.

Sera were analysed by western blotting using BTV-infected cell-ly

Sera were analysed by western blotting using BTV-infected cell-lysate antigens, as previously

described [29], [30] and [32]. Anti-VP2, anti-VP5 or anti-VP7 antibodies were diluted at 1/50, while anti-mouse peroxidase-conjugated antibody was diluted at 1/750. Supernatant of BTV-4-infected BHK-21 cells was clarified by centrifugation at 3000 × g, then PI3K Inhibitor Library cell assay inactivated at 56 °C for 1 h. The inactivated BTV-4 virus suspension was mixed volume to volume with 100 mM sodium carbonate buffer pH 9.6 and 100 μl was used to coat 96 well plates (4 °C for 16 h). Sera were diluted 1/100 in 5% skim-milk and ELISA were conducted as previously described [29], [30] and [32]. A serum sample from Balb/c mice immunised Doxorubicin with Zulvac-4®-Bovis (inactivated BTV-4, Zoetis) was identified as the ‘standard’ against which all OD readings were subsequently normalised. Normalised optical density (NOD) was calculated as NOD = [OD (sample) − OD (Blank reaction)]/[OD (standard) − OD (Blank reaction)]. An ELISA based on clarified supernatants from non-infected cells was also used. BSR cells were grown on coverslips in 24-well plates, transfected with pCIneo-BTV-4VP2, pCIneo-BTV-4VP5, or pCIneo-BTV-4VP7 and processed for immunofluorescence as previously described [22]. Cells were probed with anti-VP2, anti-VP5 or anti-VP7 antibodies diluted 1/500 in phosphate-buffered saline containing 0.5% bovine serum albumin. BSR cells were plated

(1 × 105 cells/well) in 48 well plates a day before PRNT initiated [33]. 50 pfu of BTV-4 or BTV-8, in 125 μl of Eagle’s minimum essential medium (EMEM), were incubated with 125 μl of two-fold serial dilutions of mouse sera in EMEM, incubated at 37 °C for 2 h, then added to confluent BSR cell-monolayers. The supernatant 4-Aminobutyrate aminotransferase was discarded and replaced with molten 1% low melting point agarose (Sigma) in EMEM. Plates were subsequently incubated at 37 °C for 5 days, fixed by addition of 2 ml of 10% formaldehyde in phosphate-buffered saline per well. After removal of agarose

plugs, monoloayers were stained with 0.1% naphthalene-black solution, then washed with deionised water and plaques counted. For plaque assay, the number of plaque-forming units (PFU) was determined using the same approach, while omitting the use of mouse serum. BTV-4(SPA2003/01) infected BHK-21 cells were harvested at day 4 post-infection. Cells were centrifuged at 2000 × g and pellets were extracted with ‘RNA Now’ (Biogentex) [34]. Blood from challenged IFNAR−/− mice was extracted using ‘RNA Now’ as previously described [35] and [36]. This extraction method results in high sensitivity for viral RNA detection in mouse blood [36]. Supernatants from BTV-4 or BTV-8 infected cell-cultures were clarified at 2000 × g, concentrated 10-fold using Vivaspin® concentrators (MWCO 100K) then treated with RNase-A and benzonase to remove non-encapsidated nucleic acids.

2) 11 Since sufficient analytical methods have not been reported

2).11 Since sufficient analytical methods have not been reported for the quantitative estimation of pyrazinamide, there is a necessity for investigation of selective and sensitive new analytical methods for quantitative estimation of pyrazinamide in human plasma. Additionally, pyrazinamide has a strong chromophore showing reddish brown color at wavelength of 268 nm. This chromophore not only allows for successful determination in human plasma by UV detection but also offers acceptable sensitivity as offered by LC-MS/MS detection. Although LC-MS/MS is a

versatile tool, the development of HPLC based separation methods makes it more economical and simpler both in terms of maintenance and data interpretation. The present article describes Selleck Apoptosis Compound Library a simple and sensitive RP-HPLC method with a low LLOQ for UV detection of PZA using metronidazole (Fig. 2) as an internal standard (IS) eluted under isocratic mode which can be directly applied to the successful estimation

of rifampicin in a bioequivalence study and to validate the developed method according to FDA guidelines.12 Pyrazinamide (purity 98.00% w/w) was used as received from Lupin Laboratories Ltd. Metronidazole (MTZ) (used as internal standard, purity 99.0% w/w) is purchased from Sigma Aldrich Inc. HPLC grade methanol and potassium dihydrogen phosphate (purified grade) were purchased from Merck Ltd (Mumbai, India). Deionized water was processed through a Milli-Q water purification system (Millipore, USA). All other chemicals and reagents were of analytical grade. The chromatographic system NVP-AUY922 ic50 consisted of a Shimadzu Class VP Binary pump LC 10ATvp, SIL-10ADvp Auto sampler, CTO-10Avp Column Temperature Oven, SPD-10Avp UV–Visible Detector. All the components of the system were controlled using SCL-10Avp System Controller. Data acquisition was done using LC Solutions PAK6 software. The detector is set at a wavelength of 268 nm. Chromatographic separations were accomplished using a Phenomenex C18, 5 μm, 150 mm × 4.6 mm column. The mobile phase was composed of a mixture of 15 parts of methanol and 85 parts of 10 mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate (pH 7.4), adjusted with potassium hydroxide. The mixture was

filtered through 0.22 μm membrane (Millipore, Bedford, MA, USA) under vacuum, and then degassed by flushing with nitrogen for 5 min. The mobile phase was pumped isocratically at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min during analysis, at ambient temperature. The rinsing solution consisted of a mixture of 50: 50% v/v of methanol: HPLC grade water. A stock solution of pyrazinamide was prepared in diluent solution (mixture of 50:50% v/v of methanol: HPLC grade water) such that the final concentration was approximately 10 mg/ml. Stock solution of metronidazole (approx 5 mg/ml) is prepared in HPLC grade methanol. The solutions were stored at 4 °C and they were stable for two weeks. Aqueous stock dilutions were prepared initially. Aqueous stock dilution, 0.

This technique was used to investigate

the morphology of

This technique was used to investigate

the morphology of the particles. The SLNs sample was observed in the form of aqueous dispersion using Quanta 200 ESEM (FEI, USA) (magnification: 24000×; accelerating voltage: 10 kV) at 25 ± 2 °C.7 On the bases of results obtained in the preliminary screening Perifosine in vitro studies, two levels of each independent variable were decided. For three factors, the Box–Behnken design offers some advantage in requiring a fewer number of runs over the composite central, three-level full factorial designs. In full factorial designs, as number of factors increase there is increase in number of trial runs exponentially, such as 33 = 27, but with Box–Behnken design optimization Osimertinib molecular weight can be completed with 17 experiments with five centre point. As it is shown in Table 2 and Table 3, Y1, Y2, and Y3 were fitted with a quadratic model and insignificant lack of fit (P > 0.05). The positive sign of the factors represent a synergistic effect on the response, while a negative sign means an antagonist relationship. Phrases composed of two factors indicate the interaction terms and phrases with second-order factors stand for the nonlinear relationship between the response and the variable. The second-order polynomial equation relating the response of particle size (Y1) is given below: equation(1) Y1=+194.83+12.95A−28.36B−25.48C+2.25AB+17.73AC−3.86BC−10.47A2+37.77B2+18.20C2Y1=+194.83+12.95A−28.36B−25.48C+2.25AB+17.73AC−3.86BC−10.47A2+37.77B2+18.20C2

The model F-value of 7288.58 implied that the model is significant (p < 0.0001). The ‘Lack of Fit F-value’ of 0.24 implied that the Lack of Fit is not significant (p = 0.8618). As Table 3 shows, the ANOVA test indicates that A, B, C, AB, BC, AC, A2, B2and C2 are significant model terms. Positive coefficients of A, AB, AC, B2& C2 in equation (1) indicate the synergistic

effect on particle size while negative coefficients Ketanserin of B, C, BC & A2 indicate the antagonistic effect on particle size. The “Pred R Squared” of 0.9996 is in reasonable agreement with the “Adj R-Squared” of 0.9998, indicating the adequacy of the model to predict the response of particle size. The ‘Adeq Precision’ of 345.975 indicated an adequate signal. Therefore, this model is used to navigate the design space. The 3-D surface plots for particle size are shown in Fig. 1. An increase in particle size from 239.76 nm (H1) to 260.65 nm (H2) was observed on increasing the drug to lipid ratio from 1:2 to 1:4 (Table 2). This was probably caused by the aggregation of particles because of the concentration of surfactant was constant and not enough to form a protective layer on each particle10. A decrease in particle size from 193.98 nm (H13) to172.9 nm (H12) was observed on increasing surfactant concentration (up to certain limit) and stirring speed.

Our study focussed the synthesis and rest of the activity studies

Our study focussed the synthesis and rest of the activity studies is under progress. (Scheme 1). In the synthesis of Int-1, we have used some earlier patented work.17 The cyclised ester (3) was prepared by Cyclisation of ethyl di bromopropionate (1) with pyrocatechol (2) in anhy. acetone. The cyclised ester (3) hydrolysed using NaOH in ethanol and water to afford acid (4).18 The acid (4) converted to acid chloride (5) using oxallyl chloride and further coupled with piperzine in present of sodium acetate and further followed pH adjustments to afford Int-1 according to (Scheme 2). The compound 2,3-Dichlorophenylpiperazine (2,3-DCPP) Abiraterone concentration (Int-2) well known intermediate

in the synthesis of aripiprazole and one of its metabolites.19 and 20 This is prepared by cyclisation of 2,3-dichloro aniline find more (7) with dichloro ethyl amine (8) using aq.HCl to afford (2,3-DCPP) (Int-2) according to (Scheme 3). The choro (9) and (10) using POCl3 as a chlorinating reagent to afford choro compound (10)

and (15). The further traditional approach for the synthesis21 of (Int-3) to (Int-7) as shown in Scheme 4. The conversion of nitro compounds (9) and (14) to corresponding conversation of choro compounds (10), (15) and (26) into (11), (16), (19), (22), and (27) using appropriate alcohols, the methylation of compound (25) using DMS to afford methylated compound (26). The further conversion of compounds, (11), (16), (19), (22), (24) & (29) to acetate using acetic anhydride to afford compounds, (12), (17), (20), (23), and (28). These all these compounds further hydrolysed NaOH to offered (13), (18), (21) and (27). Finally chlorinated all these compounds using SOCl2 under similar reaction condition to afford (Int-3) to (Int-7) according to Scheme 4.21 and 22 The Novel targets (SLN1–SLN10) were synthesized by simple coupling using different technologies (microwave, ultra-sonication and normal conventional method). Basically, we observed Ultra-Sonication condition looking better comparatively with other techniques

used based on found yield reported in Table 1. All the reactions routinely monitored by Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) using Merck silica gel 60 F254 coated aluminium plates using several solvent systems of different polarity. The following mobile phases were employed ethylacetae/hexane, ethylacetate/dichloromethane, methanol/dichloromethane and methanol-ethyl acetate with different percentage combinations. The Column chromatography by using all vensil columns are used for purification of compounds used (60–120 mesh) silica-gel. The Melting points were determined in open capillaries on a Thermonick melting point apparatus and found uncorrected. 1H NMR (400 MHz) and 13C NMR (100 MHz) recorded on CDCl3 and DMSO-d6 solution in a 5 mm tube on Varian 400 MHz Unity Inova using TMS internal reference standard (chemical shifts in δ).Mass spectra were recorded on Agilent 6310 Ion Trap and Shimadzu LCMS (e/z and relative intensity).

and Tapia et al ), suggests that the mortality reductions due to

and Tapia et al.), suggests that the mortality reductions due to vaccination may be higher than what may be estimated using the estimates of efficacy against severe diarrhoea, which was the primary end point of most clinical trials.

The observed reductions in diarrhoea hospitalizations and deaths in countries that have introduced rotavirus vaccines were greater than expected, with reductions in rotavirus diarrhoea also observed in children too young or Idelalisib too old to be vaccinated [4], suggesting that infants with first infection with rotavirus are the primary transmitters of disease. It has also been suggested that this indirect effect may be more evident in populations where the vaccine efficacy and vaccination coverage levels are lower [4]. However, it still needs to be seen whether the vaccines will

LBH589 clinical trial have a similar effect on transmission in populations where the immunogenicity and efficacy against rotavirus infection is lower and the transmission pressure probably greater. Irrespective of the indirect effect that may occur in high child mortality populations in developing countries, studies to improve the understanding of mechanisms that lead to the lower immunogenicity and possible interventions that may enhance the immune responses to these vaccines are required [12]. Studies that use probiotics or zinc supplementation to improve vaccine performance are planned or under way (Duncan Steele, personal communication). However, to be successful, the delivery of such adjuncts would need to be programmatically feasible in resource constrained

situations. To be optimally effective and cost-effective, a vaccination schedule should aim to induce immunity with the fewest number of doses before a sizeable proportion of the target population acquires natural infection. In developing countries where natural infection occurs early, completion of the immunization schedule early in infancy is desirable though programmatically challenging. From a programmatic perspective, it is easier if the vaccine doses are delivered at the same contact as with other vaccines. Hence, clinical trials of the two vaccines evaluated efficacy of the vaccine delivered along with other MTMR9 vaccines in the national programme at 6, 10 and 14 weeks. For Rotarix™, two schedules were used. In one arm, two doses of the vaccines were delivered at 10 and 14 weeks of age, and in another, three doses at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age [8]. The choice of age for the two dose schedule in the trial was based on the fact that the sero response rates to vaccination at 10 and 14 weeks were higher than when the vaccine was administered at 6 and 10 weeks [13]. In framing the recommendations for the use of Rotarix™, SAGE noted that in the efficacy trials, the vaccine was administered at either 10 and 14 weeks or at 6, 10 and 14 weeks.