Serogroup 1 replaced 14 as the most common

Serogroup 1 replaced 14 as the most common selleck products in 2005/06. The proportion of serogroup 1 IPD increased steadily over the pre-PCV7 study period, with evidence of an increasing trend (p < 0.001) ( Table 1, Part

A). Serogroup 14 was borderline significant after adjustment for multiple testing, with a decreasing trend from 1999/00–2005/06. From 2003/04–2005/06, 42 serotypes were identified in IPD. PCV7 serotypes accounted for 47% of cases in this period; 68% of cases in those <5 years, 40% and 48% in those 5–64 years and ≥65 years, respectively. The most common serotypes, 14 (15%), 1 (13%), 4 (7%), 9V (7%), 8 (6%), 3 (6%), 23F (5%), 6B (4%), 7F (4%) and 19F (4%), were responsible for 71% of IPD. Evidence

of an increasing trend in serotype 1 IPD was found (p = 0.029). No other serotypes were found to have significant trends. The most common STs in IPD from 2003/04–2005/06 were 9 (9%), 306 (9%), 162 (6%), 53 (5%), 180 (4%), 191 (4%), mTOR inhibitor 124 (4%), 218 (3%), 199 (3%) and 227 (3%). ST9 was commonly associated with serotype 14; ∼60% of serotype 14 IPD during this period was ST9. ST306 was commonly associated with serotype 1. There were 158 STs in IPD in 2003/04, 140 in 2004/05 and 115 in 2005/06, showing a reduction in diversity over time. There was evidence of an increasing trend in ST306 IPD from 2003/04–2005/06, compared to the 0.05 significance level (Table 1, Part A). No other STs showed strong evidence of a trend. From 2006–2010, 2380 cases of IPD were reported. 140 cases occurred in those aged <5 years, 1239 in those 5–64 years, 1001 in those ≥65 years. Following PCV7 use, PCV7 serotype IPD incidence declined by 97.4% in children under 5 (Table 2). Among those aged 5–64

years and ≥65 years, a Sodium butyrate significant reduction of VT IPD of 86.3% and 80.4%, respectively, was observed. For those <5 years and 5–64 years, there was no significant increase in NVT notifications in 2008/09 compared to the predicted incidence (Fig. 1). Among those aged ≥65 years, a significant increase in NVT disease of 46.5% was observed. The reduction in VT incidence and increase in NVT incidence resulted in no change in all-type incidence in this group. Almost all NVT serotypes exhibited an increase in disease incidence from the last two pre-vaccination years to 2008/09 (7F: 153.6%, 3: 26.2%, 8: 42.5%, 19A: 78.7%, 22F: 151.6%, 6A: 31.8%, 12F: 2.3%, 11A: 73.9%, 9N: 33.3%). The exception is serotype 1 which showed a decrease despite the previously reported increase pre-PCV7. Only increases in 7F (128.5%; 95% CI (30%, 308.8%)) and 22F (126.7%; 95% CI (15%, 356.6%)) were found to be significant when allowing for pre-vaccination trends. The decrease in serotype 1 IPD was mainly driven by those aged <5 years and 5–65 years.

The diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of mature teratoma and

The diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of mature teratoma and the absence of any malignant germ cells on final surgical pathology. The prevalence of GTS in metastatic NSGCT is between 1.9% and 7.6%.3 GTS is most commonly click here observed in the retroperitoneum but has also been described in the lung, mediastinum, supra clavicular lymph nodes, inguinal lymph nodes, forearm, mesentery, and liver. Our patient presented a retroperitoneal localization. The etiology of GTS is unclear. The

2 most-quoted theories are that chemotherapy destroys only the immature malignant cells, leaving the mature benign teratomatous elements, and4 chemotherapy alters the cell kinetics toward transformation from a totipotent malignant germ cell toward a benign mature teratoma. A third hypothesis offered by Hong et al5 proposes an inherent and spontaneous differentiation of malignant cells into benign

tissues, as suggested by the experimental murine teratocarcinoma mouse model. In our case, the probable assumption is the transformation of the nonseminomatous tumors into a mature teratoma because the mass existed at the beginning of treatment. GTS poses a diagnostic challenge for both medical oncologists and urologists ABT-199 clinical trial because of its rarity and unusual presentation. A growing mature teratoma is characterized by enlarging metastatic masses, despite appropriate systemic chemotherapy and normalized serum markers. The preferred treatment is complete surgical resection because teratoma was resistant to chemotherapy

MTMR9 and radiation therapy.6 The chemotherapy used before establishing a diagnosis of GTS includes a variety of single agents, such as actinomycin D or cyclophosphamide, or various combinations of adriamycin, bleomycin, etoposide, vinblastine, cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, methotrexate, nitrogen mustard, and cisplatin.6 In our case, we have administrated a second line of chemotherapy (ifosfamide plus etoposide and cisplatin), but the retroperitoneal mass continues to increase, and the surgical treatment was indicated only when patient presented an uretero-pyelocalicial expansion. Finally, growing mature teratoma is unresponsive to systemic chemotherapy and requires surgical excision to avoid malignant transformation or complications such as compression of adjacent structures such as an ureterohydronephrosis, subocclusive syndromes, venous, and lymphatic stasis.7 Although GTS has an excellent prognosis, regular follow-up is critical, as very late malignant masses do occur in some patients. In fact, in an effort to avoid late diagnosis of GTS, Spiess et al8 recommend regular imaging in patients undergoing chemotherapy, possibly after 2 cycles of chemotherapy, to ensure careful monitoring of subtle changes in tumor size and appearance.

The standardised mean differences were calculated

The standardised mean differences were calculated BLZ945 mw by dividing the raw result by the standard deviation of the post-test score for the 14 trials for which this value was available. For the remaining three trials, the post-test standard deviation was estimated from the standard deviation of the change between initial and final assessment scores assuming a 0.6 correlation between pre and post scores. Meta-regression was also undertaken to assess whether there was a bigger effect on strength outcomes

of programs that specifically challenged strength. Meta-regression was not possible for any other outcomes due to the relatively small number of trials for those outcomes (ie, six) (Sterne et al 2001). The search strategy

identified 2198 studies (excluding duplicates). After screening, 23 eligible randomised trials were included in this review (Asikainen et al 2006, Bemben et al 2000, Bergstrom Alpelisib price et al 2007, Bravo et al 1996, de Jong et al 2006, Fu et al 2009, Garcia-Lopez et al 2007, Heinonen et al 1998, Janzen et al 2006, King et al 1991, Klentrou et al 2007, Levinger et al 2007, Lindheim et al 1994, Maiorana et al 2001, Mitchell et al 1998, Pereira et al 1998, Sallinen et al 2007, Shirazi et al 2007, Sillanpaa et al 2009, Singh et al 2009, Stefanick et al 1998, Teoman et al 2004, Uusi-Rasi et al 2003). Figure 1 presents the flow of studies through the review. The 23 included trials

involved a total of 2550 participants. Table 1 summarises the features of the included trials. Table 2 presents the characteristics of participants, interventions, and adherence to the intervention. Quality: Three trials performed concealed allocation ( de Jong et al 2006, Fu et al 2009, King et al 1991) and two trials used blinded assessment of outcomes ( Fu et al 2009, second Uusi-Rasi et al 2003). This information is also presented in Table 2. Participants: The majority of trials recruited postmenopausal women. The mean age of participants in the included studies ranged from 41 to 60 years of age. Intervention: Most trials included a strength component, followed by a combination of the strength and endurance components. Three trials included a combination of all three physical activity components (ie, strength, balance, and endurance). Included trials were heterogeneous regarding the total prescribed physical activity hours and adherence. Outcome measures: Lower limb strength was measured in 13 trials, endurance was measured in 7 trials, and balance in 6 trials. No studies reported effects of physical activity on falls soon after receiving the intervention program. One study reported longer-term (15 year) effects of physical activity on falls. We were able to pool data from 17 of the included trials in the meta-analyses. The data used in the meta-analyses are shown in Table 3.

02 00 275, version 2 0d)] The essential oil from the seed of H

02.00.275, version 2.0d)]. The essential oil from the seed of H. candolleanum (Wight et Arn) was obtained by

hydro distillation and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Twenty-one compounds were identified representing approximately 98.1% of the oil ( Table 1). Interestingly, there were significant differences between the main components of the essential oil of H. candolleanum. The major volatile components of seed were methyl cinnamate (22.38%), n-hexyl hexanoate (21.74%) and octyl alcohol (11.78%). The oxygenated monoterpenes predominated with 86.67% followed by monoterpenes (9.79%). The essential oil composition VE-821 purchase of various members of this genus have been reported, and they contain monoterpene hydrocarbons (e.g. p-cymene; γ-terpene; α- and β-pinene; limonene etc.), oxygenated monoterpenes (e.g. iso-bornyl acetate, linalool, n-octanol, terpinene-1-ol-4 etc.), and sesquiterpene (e.g. caryophyllene oxide) in their volatile fractions. Different octyl esters, especially n-octyl acetate, are reported to be the major constitute Onalespib concentration in most of the oils investigated. In the present study octyl ester of hexanoic acid (8.87%) was found to be more compared to the

octyl acetate (2.57%) along with octanol (11.78%). Methyl cinnamate was reported for the first time as the major component from the essential oil of H. candolleanum. The results revealed that essential oil obtained from the seed of H. candolleanum contains twenty-one compounds in various concentrations. The major component of seed is methyl cinnamate (22.38%). All authors have none to declare. “
“Drug delivery to the colon is beneficial for the oral delivery of proteins and peptide drugs degraded by digestive enzymes of the stomach and small Phosphoprotein phosphatase intestine and for the delivery of low molecular weight compounds.1 Delivery of drug substances to the colon may improve systemic bioavailability to a level which is not feasible by un-modified oral

drug delivery. This may improve efficacy of drug treatment or open up the possibility to switch to oral instead of parenteral administration.2 Targeted drug delivery into the colon is highly desirable for local treatment of a variety of bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis, cirrhosis disease, amebiasis, colonic cancer and local treatment of colonic pathologies and systemic delivery of protein and peptide drugs. This route may also be useful in the treatment of diseases susceptible to diurnal rhythm such as asthma, arthritis, etc.3 There are several approaches, which is utilized in achieving colon targeting include use of pH-sensitive polymer, time-dependent formulation, bacterial degrading coating material, biodegradable polymer matrix and hydrogels and prodrug.4 Microspheres have played a vital role in the development of controlled and or sustained release drug delivery systems.

The associated mechanisms remain nevertheless elusive Although p

The associated mechanisms remain nevertheless elusive. Although progress has been made in identifying determinants of influenza virus transmissibility, α2,6 receptor binding affinity and infection of the upper regions of the respiratory

tract, resulting in excretion of high viral titers, appear not sufficient to allow airborne transmission of avian influenza viruses in mammals. LPAIV H9N2 with α2,6 receptor binding affinity were transmitted via contact Crizotinib clinical trial but not aerosols in ferrets [156]. Likewise, most HPAIV H5N1 engineered to preferentially attach to sialic acids with α2,6 linkage to galactose replicate in the upper regions of the respiratory tract still do not efficiently transmit in animal models, at best only by contact [155]. A handful substitutions in the HA protein of HPAIV H5N1, of which only some were necessary find more to confer α2,6 receptor binding affinity, were necessary to allow airborne transmission of the virus in ferrets [161]. It has been suggested that besides α2,6 receptor binding affinity

and replication to high viral titers in the upper regions of the respiratory tract, more subtle differences in receptor preference and the formation and release of single influenza virus particles, mediated by balanced activity of the HA and NA proteins, represent additional requirements for efficient airborne transmission [155]. Pre-existing immunity in the human population is known to have a marked effect on the epidemic dynamics of influenza virus. In particular, the antigenic shift following the introduction of transmissible zoonotic influenza viruses largely contributes to the development of influenza pandemics, whereby viral spread in the population is unhampered by pre-existing Phosphatidylinositol diacylglycerol-lyase immunity. The antigenic shift allows pandemic viruses to invade greater portions of the human

population as well as greater portions of the respiratory tract within individual hosts, typically resulting in more extensive epidemic waves and more severe disease [162] and [163]. The pandemic of 1918 was triggered by influenza virus H1N1 and resulted in 30–50 million deaths [164]. The animal origin of this virus is unclear. Phylogenetic analyses of the eight gene segments of a reconstructed 1918 H1N1 virus [165] placed all gene sequences in the mammalian clade, which contains human and swine strains. However, they were found more closely related to avian isolates than to any other mammalian isolates of influenza virus [166], [167], [168], [169], [170] and [171]. Further analyses suggested that the pandemic virus likely resulted from reassortment events between mammalian and avian viruses [172]. In particular, the PB1 and PA genes appeared to be of recent avian origin.

Amount of KETO, MP and PP in sample was calculated by comparing t

Amount of KETO, MP and PP in sample was calculated by comparing the mean Rf for standard and sample solution by formula no. 2. Amount of KETO, MP and PP in sample (mg) was calculated by following formula: equation(2) AmountofdrugKETO,MPandPP(mL)estimated(mg)=Meanamountestimated(μg)inappliedvolumeVolumeofsamplesolutionapplied(μL)×Volumeofstocksolution Amount of the

drug recovered (mg) and % recovery was Sotrastaurin purchase calculated and results of recovery studies and statistically are shown in Table 4 and Table 5. Intra-day precision was determined by analyzing Gel sample solutions at different time intervals on the same day. Gel sample solution was prepared and analyzed in the similar manner as described under analysis of the gel formulation. Inter-day precision was determined by analyzing Gel sample solutions on three different days. Gel sample solution was prepared and analyzed in the similar manner as described in analysis of the gel formulation. Results of intra-day precision and inter-day precision are shown in Table 6 and Table 7, respectively. The LOD and LOQ were separately determined

which is based on the standard deviation of response of the calibration curve. The standard deviation of y-intercept and slope of the calibration curves were used to calculate the LOD and LOQ. Results are shown in Table 8. To evaluate the robustness of the proposed method, small but deliberate variations in the optimized method parameters were done. The effect of change in flow rate and mobile phase ratio on retention time and tailing factor were studied. The solution containing 25 μg/mL of KETO, 12.5 μg/mL of MP and 0.5 μg/mL of PP was injected (in triplicate) Olaparib concentration into sample injector of HPLC three times under the varied conditions. Robustness data is given in Table 9. Amount of gel equivalent to about 25 mg KETO was separately transferred to five different 25.0 mL volumetric flasks (Flask no. 1, 2,

3, 4 and 5), added 5.0 mL of 0.1 M HCl, 0.1 M NaOH and 3% H2O2 to Flask no. 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Solution in flask no. 1, 2, and 3 were heated in water bath for 3 h at 80 °C. Flask no. 4 containing gel was kept at 60 °C for 24 h to study the effect of heat on Gel sample (heat degradation). The forced degradation was performed in the dark to exclude the possible degradative effect of light. Flask no. 5 was exposed to ultraviolet radiations mafosfamide at 254 nm for 24 h in a UV-chamber. All the flasks were removed Gel samples were treated and analyzed in similar manner as described under analysis of gel formulation. The typical densitogram is shown in Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 and Fig. 13for acidic, alkaline, oxide, heat and UV exposure, respectively. Results of forced (stress) degradation studies are shown in Table 10. In the present work, new method namely, simultaneous equation method and quick high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method were developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of three compounds in a formulated gel.

One limitation of this study was the sample size Although formal

One limitation of this study was the sample size. Although formal power calculations were performed a priori and a desirable sample size was recruited, some outcomes still have confidence intervals that

include the possibility of clinically worthwhile effects – particularly in the beneficial AZD6244 price direction. Therefore, ventilator-induced hyperinflation should be investigated further. Another limitation is that only one outcome – albeit the primary outcome – was assessed by a blinded investigator. Also, there were baseline differences in some groups that were large enough to have possibly influenced the final outcomes to a clinically meaningful degree. In summary, although the addition of ventilator-induced hyperinflation appears to have an effect on the amount of sputum aspirated and the click here compliance of the respiratory system over the effect of positioning alone (Lemes et al 2009), the current study did not show similar benefits when increased pressure support was added to positioning and chest wall compression with vibration. None declared. eAddenda: Available at JoP.physiotherapy.asn.au Table 3. Ethics: The Clínicas Hospital Ethics Committee(s) approved this study (number 07504). All participants gave informed consent before data collection began. Support: This study was supported by the Fundo de Incentivo a Pesquisa

e Eventos (FIPE) – Research and Event Inventive Fund. Acknowledgements: The authors are grateful to

the patients, nurses, and officers of the Division of Critical Care Medicine of Clínicas Hospital for their assistance in the conduct of this work. “
“Patients with Parkinson’s disease are usually treated with dopaminergic medication. To cope with motor control problems many patients are also treated by a physiotherapist, even in early stages of the disease. The therapy is targeted at improving, tuclazepam maintaining, or delaying problems with gait, transfers, posture, balance, and general physical condition (Kwakkel et al 2007). Cognitive deficits (eg, problems concentrating, attention problems) are also common in patients with Parkinson’s disease (Hoehn and Yahr 1967, Sammer et al 2006). Physiotherapy helps to improve, maintain, or delay problems with motor control (Dibble et al 2009, Kwakkel et al 2007). It has been hypothesised that movement imagery might have additional value in patients with Parkinson’s disease because it targets the conscious control of movement through cognitive strategies, which is generally recommended in national guidelines (Keus et al 2004). Athletes have used all sorts of cognitive skills to improve motor performance and the use of mental practice in athletes has been the subject of research for several decades (Feltz and Landers 1988).

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and Ministry of Env

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India are thanked for financial support. “
“In Ayurvedic Indian traditional systems of medicine, the plant Stereospermum chelonoides belonging to the family Bignoniaceae is known as Patala. It is one among the ten root ingredients of Dasamula. 1 Traditionally, the roots are used both as an individual drug and also in combinations based on the requirement in treating various diseases, such as oedema, blood disorders, bronchial asthma, vomiting, jaundice, rheumatism, paralysis, filarial and post-natal care to avoid secondary complications.

2 The roots of S. chelonoides are reported to contain p-coumaric acid, triacontanol, 3 cetyl alcohol, Epacadostat oleic, palmitic, stearic acid, lapachol, dehydro-alpha-lapachone and dehydrotectol in root heartwood; β-sistosterol and n-triacontal from root bark 4; 6-O-Gluco scutellarein isolated as minor compound along with stereolensin (6-O-beta-D-glucosyl-luteolin) from leaves. 5p-Coumaric acid is a flavonoid with several potential therapeutic activities like antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antitumour and hepatoprotective.

6 and 7 Earlier studies proved that Dasamula capsules show a significant effect on primary neurological disorders. 4 Due to its potential therapeutic properties the annual SAR405838 clinical trial consumption of Dasamula raw drugs by herbal industries was estimated to be >1000 MT. 8 Linifanib (ABT-869) With respect to S. chelonoides it is estimated to be 1000–2000 MT/year at the price of 20–30 Rs/kg. The plant drug Patala is of particular interest due to its therapeutic uses but at the same time few controversies also exist in relation to the plant parts and species being used as an authentic raw drug. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) describes roots9 and stem bark of S. chelonoides as an authentic candidate for Patala. 10 Literature emerged from classic

texts recommends S. tetragonum and R. xylocarpa belonging to the same family, Bignoniaceae can also be used as Patala 11 ( Fig. 1). As the synonyms mentioned to describe Patala in Ayurvedic text is not enough to differentiate the species, these controversies had led to drug adulteration which ultimately affects the public health. In order to overcome these confusions an attempt has been made to facilitate the rapid and secure method to distinguish the species recommended as Patala, by using pharmacognostic standards. The authentic root field samples of S. chelonoides, S. tetragonum/(Stereospermum colais) and R. xylocarpa were collected from different geographical locations across India. The identification of these samples were confirmed by Dr. K. Ravikumar (Plant Taxonomist). Each sample was assigned a specific laboratory identification number as indicated in  Table 1.

The vaccine, Rotavin-M1, manufactured by POLYVAC-Vietnam, was dev

The vaccine, Rotavin-M1, manufactured by POLYVAC-Vietnam, was developed from a G1P [8] strain recovered in 2003 from a child hospitalized for the treatment of acute gastroenteritis

in Nha Trang city (KH0118-2003) [6]. The master and working seeds beta-catenin inhibitor of this vaccine were produced under GLP conditions using qualified Vero cells and reagents at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pilot vaccine lot, passage 48, was produced by one passage in Vero cells from the working seed, which was provided by the Japanese Polio Research Institute and approved for vaccine production by WHO. These cells have been used for oral poliomyelitis vaccine production at POLYVAC. The master virus seed for Rotavin-M1 was tested for porcine circovirus using real-time RT-PCR at the US CDC and appeared to be free of porcine circovirus DNA. The test for porcine circovirus in pilot vaccine lot was not done. The trials were planned in two stages, the first – a Phase 1 trial

for safety in adult volunteers of a high titer preparation of the vaccine (106.3 FFU/dose). When results of this trial were evaluated by the Data Safety and Monitoring Committee and the vaccine was deemed to be safe for further study in infants, a Phase 1 and 2 adaptive trial was conducted. This trial assessed the safety and immunogenicity of two different preparations of vaccine, one of low titer (106.0 FFU/dose) and this website the second with high titer (106.3 FFU/dose) that was administered in either a 2 vs. 3 dose schedules to infants 6–12 weeks of age. A comparison group was included SB-3CT of infants who received the lyophilized Rotarix™ vaccine, an established rotavirus vaccine of GSK that was licensed to be used in Vietnam. The study was conducted according to Good Clinical Practice and in accordance with the Declaration of

Helsinki, as amended in Somerset West, Republic of South Africa, in October 1996. The protocol and consent form was reviewed and approved by the Ethical and Scientific Committees of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE) and of the Ministry of Health, Government of Vietnam, prior to initiating the study. The Phase 1 study was conducted in a Career Training School, Thanh Son district, Phu Tho province with a total of 29 healthy adult volunteers 18–49 years of age. Following receipt of informed consent, each of the volunteers was screened by a physician to ensure they were healthy with no active medical problems and asked to provide a blood specimen to test for blood counts and levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and transaminase. The volunteers then each received 2 doses of the high titer vaccine, 106.3 focus-forming units [FFU], at 1-month interval. After administration of each dose of the vaccine, the volunteers were followed daily for 10 days for adverse events and for fecal sample collection. During the next 20 days, the volunteers were followed by phone to ensure they had no sequelae (e.g. diarrhea, vomiting and intussusception).

Where parasites were seen, the number per 200 white blood cells (

Where parasites were seen, the number per 200 white blood cells (WBC) on the thick film was counted and multiplied by 40 to give number of parasites per microliter (parasite density, assuming 8000 WBC per μL as per World Health Organization recommendations for Africa) [13]. GSK126 solubility dmso In thin films, parasite detection (where possible) and species confirmation was done by scanning for a similar duration. A 10 mL aliquot from each

urine sample was filtered through 25 mm, 12 μm Millipore filters on Swinnex filter holders. After filtration, the filter was placed onto a glass slide using blunt forceps adding a drop of saline and a glass coverslip. The filter was then examined at the NIMR laboratory under light microscopy for the eggs of S. haematobium. Stool samples were examined

at the NIMR laboratory for quantitative egg counts for S. mansoni, hookworm, S stercoralis, A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura and Taenia spp. using the Kato-Katz method [14] and [15]. The stool samples were first homogenised by passing through a sieve, and then a 41.7 mg template was used. The faecal portion was covered with a cellophane square that had been soaked in malachite green and glycerol. The sample was examined immediately and then again after 24 h. Eggs were counted and expressed as eggs per gram of faeces. For quality control, a random sample of 10% of positive and negative stool slides were sent Z-VAD-FMK price to the Uganda Virus Research Institute/Medical Research Council laboratories in Entebbe for repeat Kato-Katz testing. In addition, charcoal culture was used to confirm S. stercoralis in a subset of samples. Approximately 50 mg of unfixed fresh faeces before were mixed with distilled water in a 20 mL universal tube [16]. To this suspension an equal volume of granulated hardwood charcoal was added. After mixing, the suspension was placed over a wet disc of filter paper in a petri dish and stored in the dark at room temperature. The petri dishes were observed daily for the presence

of larvae for a week under a dissection microscope, adding water to the filter paper as needed. As part of the HPV 021 trial, serological assays for immunogenicity were performed at a GSK laboratory in Belgium. ELISA was used to determine antibodies to HPV-16 and HPV-18 as described previously [17]. As there are no established immunological correlates of protection for HPV-16 or HPV-18, immunogenicity was determined in terms of seroconversion rates and geometric mean antibody titres (GMTs). Seropositivity was defined as an antibody titre greater than or equal to the assay threshold of 8 ELISA units (EU)/mL for HPV-16 and 7 EU/mL for HPV-18 [17]. Data were double entered and verified in DMSys® (SigmaSoft International) and analysed using STATA11.0 (StataCorp LP; College Station, Texas, USA). Sociodemographic characteristics of participants attending the Month 7 visit were tabulated by infection status and overall.