The data presented here includes all AEs, even if a volunteer sub

The data presented here includes all AEs, even if a volunteer subsequently dropped out of the study. Where an AE stopped and restarted within 30 days of vaccination it has only been reported once in these results, but durations have been summed. AE durations have been rounded up to the nearest day. Volunteers underwent

P. falciparum sporozoite challenge at Imperial College, London two weeks after the final vaccination. They each received bites from five mosquitoes subsequently confirmed to have more than 100 sporozoites per paired salivary gland. Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes were infected with the chloroquine-sensitive 3D7 strain Paclitaxel manufacturer of the parasite at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Maryland, US and reared in the laboratory as previously described [18]. Volunteers began attending clinic for malaria screening from the evening of day 6 after infection. At each visit they were questioned about possible symptoms, had their temperature, pulse and blood pressure measured and gave blood DAPT solubility dmso for both thick film microscopy and PCR for malaria parasites. This process was repeated twice daily from day 7 to day 14 and then once daily from days 15 to 21, or until diagnosis. Two experienced

microscopists examined a minimum of 200 high power fields (100× objective) for parasite ring forms on each sample. A diagnosis of malaria was made as soon as one or more viable parasites were seen on a volunteer’s slide. Oral anti-malarial treatment was commenced on diagnosis as an outpatient with oral Riamet® (Novartis, 20 mg artemether with 120 mg lumefantrine) given at diagnosis and then approximately 8, 24, 36 and 48 h later. Artemether combination therapy was chosen in line with World Health Organisation recommendations on the treatment of uncomplicated

malaria. Volunteers returned for repeat blood film examinations daily after treatment commenced until two consecutive negative films had been seen. Quantitative real-time already PCR was performed at challenge baseline and at all post-challenge visits until treatment commenced using a method described previously [19]. Clinicians, volunteers and staff performing other assays were blinded to the PCR results during the study. Data was adjusted using a standard curve derived from counted cultured parasites in whole blood to give the number of parasites per mL of blood. The PCR data was also used to estimate overall growth rates of blood stage parasites during the challenge for each volunteer and to back-calculate a starting number of merozoites emerging into the blood (around day 6–7) and hence an estimate of the number of infected hepatocytes responsible for initial seeding of blood-stage parasite forms. The methods employed are based on an iterative adjustment model to derive a best fit curve to the measured data, as described [20]. Ex vivo IFNγ-ELISPOTs were carried out broadly as described [21].

However, increasing FITC loading (F9–F11) particularly at the 20%

However, increasing FITC loading (F9–F11) particularly at the 20% w/w level was associated with a marked increase in particle size and PDI and reduced zeta potential. The FITC NPs formulation (F12) prepared using 1% w/v PVA as stabilizer showed a zeta potential of −4.5 and a distinct increase in particle size. Fig. 3 shows TEM images of representative Rh B (F8) and FITC (F9) NPs samples prepared using PLGA 50:50 at 5% w/w dye loading. NPs were spherical in shape with more or less uniform size verifying size data presented see more in Table 1. Data for skin permeation of nanoencapsulated

dyes across MN-treated porcine ear skin, expressed as cumulative amount of dye permeating at 48 h (Q48, μg/cm2) and steady state flux (μg/cm2/h), are presented in Table 2. Several reports provided

evidence for maintenance of the barrier function of porcine skin for up to 48 h [10] and [31]. Further, frequent sampling was essential for the initial part of the study due to the lack of the literature data regarding the permeation of a dye loaded into nanoparticles through MN-treated skin. At the 1% w/v DMAB concentration used throughout the study, NPs had a mean diameter of approximately CAL-101 solubility dmso 100 nm (Table 1) which did not noticeably change in response to homogenization speed (screening data not shown). The higher concentrated 3% w/v DMAB solution had a higher viscosity (20.8 ± 0.0026 cP) as measured using a cone and plate viscometer (CSL2 whatever 100, TA Instruments, Crawley, UK) compared to that of the

1% w/v solution (3.71 ± 0.0004 cP). It resulted in a measurable increase in particle size that was inversely proportional to the homogenization speed. Thus, NP size was controlled by optimizing emulsion homogenization speed and DMAB concentration (Table 1). The increase in particle size of Rh B-loaded PLGA 50:50 NPs significantly (P < 0.05) reduced Rh B skin permeation ( Fig. 4) despite the PDI values exceeding 0.2. Mean Q48 values of 2.49 ± 0.08, 2.02 ± 0.11 and 0.5 ± 0.20 μg/cm2 and flux values of 3.55 ± 0.09, 2.83 ± 0.19 and 0.81 ± 0.28 μg/cm2/h were obtained for test NPs formulations F1 (155.2 nm), F2 (251.5 nm) and F3 (422.3 nm), respectively. The increase in hydrophilicity of Rh B-loaded PLGA NPs (F4–F6) of more or less similar size (91.9–105.5 nm), achieved by reducing lactide to glycolide ratio, enhanced dye permeation across MN-treated skin (Fig. 5). Data in Table 2 indicated that exposure of skin samples to F4 NPs (PLGA 100:0) resulted in a mean Q48 of 2.07 ± 0.19 μg/cm2 and flux of 2.90 ± 0.27 μg/cm2/h. Reducing the lactide to glycolide ratio to 75:25 (F5) increased Q48 (2.92 ± 1.32 μg/cm2) and the flux (3.98 ± 1.62 μg/cm2/h) yet not significantly (P = 0.379, 0.395, respectively). A further reduction in the lactide content (50:50, F6) caused a significant increase in mean Q48 (5.40 ± 0.39 μg/cm2, P = 0.016) with no significant increase in flux (6.19 ± 0.77 μg/cm2/h, P = 0.072).

Dans une étude pilote récente, Kalinchenko et al [84] ont mis en

Dans une étude pilote récente, Kalinchenko et al. [84] ont mis en évidence dans quelques cas un effet bénéfique de la substitution par androgènes sur le processus de cicatrisation de lésions artérielles du pied chez le diabétique, résultat qui pourrait être lié à un effet non génomique de la testostérone sur la paroi vasculaire [85]. Au nombre

des facteurs sur lesquels repose la décision de s’abstenir ou au contraire de mise en route d’une androgénothérapie dans ces situations doit s’inscrire le fait que l’obtention d’une réduction pondérale substantielle ou d’un meilleur équilibre du diabète sont susceptibles par eux-mêmes d’atténuer ou de faire disparaître un hypogonadisme que l’on pourrait considérer comme fonctionnel. Néanmoins, cette évolution qui ne peut avoir qu’une influence positive sur la fonction testiculaire endocrine, n’est sans doute pas suffisante à elle seule dans une majorité de cas, ce qui amène alors selleck products à discuter, dans un deuxième temps, l’intérêt d’une substitution par androgènes. Dans une étude longitudinale de cinq ans, Saad et al. [86] ont rapporté que le traitement par undécanoate de testostérone d’obèses dont la testostéronémie initiale moyenne était < 3 ng/mL aurait été suivi d’une perte de poids moyenne de 16 kg, ramenant l’IMC de 33 à 29 kg/m2. Les mêmes auteurs ont rapporté que BKM120 purchase la substitution par testostérone majorait significativement les effets bénéfiques pondéraux et métaboliques

de la diététique et de l’exercice physique [86]. Obésité, SMet et DT2 s’accompagnent fréquemment d’un déficit androgénique. À taux physiologiques, la testostérone exerce des effets bénéfiques sur l’insulino-sensibilité, la composition L-NAME HCl corporelle, les paramètres du SMet, la production de cytokines

pro-inflammatoires et la fonction des cellules endothéliales. Pour ces raisons, la détection d’un déficit androgénique apparaît justifiée chez les obèses, les patients atteints d’un SMet ou de DT2. Le dépistage systématique d’un déficit gonadique chez le patient diabétique, qui fait désormais partie des recommandations de l’American Diabetes Association, sera d’autant plus à réaliser qu’existent des symptômes cliniques pouvant lui être attribués. Dans ce cas, une démarche similaire apparaît souhaitable chez le patient obèse ou au profil de SMet. La compensation du déficit androgénique chez le patient obèse ayant a fortiori un profil de SMet ou un DT2 pourrait offrir de réels avantages potentiels. L’objectif du traitement serait alors de situer le taux de testostérone plasmatique dans la moitié supérieure de la norme pour la tranche d’âge. L’initiation d’un tel traitement nécessite bien évidemment d’avoir au préalable affirmé une baisse anormale du taux de testostérone plasmatique, d’avoir écarté ses contre-indications absolues (notamment prostatiques) et d’établir une étroite surveillance de la tolérance et de l’efficacité de cette substitution.

This might be explained by the observation that high titers of th

This might be explained by the observation that high titers of the remaining transplacental antibody against rotavirus can inhibit the immune response to the 2nd dose of vaccine in the 8-12-16-week schedule. Steele found that 2 doses of Rotarix™ given http://www.selleckchem.com/products/carfilzomib-pr-171.html at 10 and 14 weeks performed as well as 3 doses given

at 6, 10, and 14 weeks but better than 2 doses given at 6 and 10 weeks [15]. In other words, the older the infant was when he received the vaccine, the lower was the initial titer of transplacental antibody and the better the immune response to the vaccine [16]. In both the 2 and the 3 dose schedules in our study, last dose was administered when the infant was the same age, i.e. 18 weeks (95%CI (16.6–19.2)), unlike studies with the Rotarix™ vaccine where a third dose was added to the schedule at 14 weeks. Therefore, the immune response to 2 doses of the high titer Rotavin-M1 vaccine at 2-month interval yielded the most robust immune response. Of the same notes, an interval of 2 months between doses was more efficient in inducing immune response compared to a 1-month Dactolisib price interval in

both low and higher titer formulation. Similar observations were documented when the liquid form Rotarix™ was tested in Vietnamese children [7]. In that study, 2 doses of Rotarix™, delivered 1 month apart gave a seroconversion rate of 63.3% at 1 month after the 2nd vaccine dose. The same 2 dose vaccine however, when delivered 2 months apart gave a seroconversion rate of 81.5%.

Application of this 2-month interval between 2 doses of Rotarix™ in European countries such as Spain, Italy and Finland led to high seroconversion rates of 92.3–94.6% [17]. Thus again, the higher immune response with this 2-month schedule might be associated with the slightly older children who are immunologically more mature compared to those with the 1-month secondly schedule [7]. The immune responses induced by Rotavin-M1 are comparable to those seen in the Rotarix™ group in this study and in a previous study that employed the liquid form of the vaccine with a similar schedule (58–63.3%) [7]. It is noted that the pattern of IgA response to rotavirus vaccine in Vietnam seems to follow the trend of developing countries. In particular, the IgA responses to Rotarix™ in Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela and Vietnam were reported at 61–65%, which are lower than those in USA, Canada, Europe and Singapore (78.2–88.3%) [18], [19], [20] and [21] and higher than those in Malawi and South Africa [22]. In particular, when Rotarix™ is introduced in the expanded immunization program of European countries such as France, Germany, Spain and Czech republic, the IgA response rates were very high, 82–94.6% [17]. In Singapore the response was 76–91% depending on the vaccine titers [23] and [24].

Both assays are time intensive, highly variable, and limited in t

Both assays are time intensive, highly variable, and limited in throughput as they require expert visual analysis. Thus, a novel, quantitative cell-based in vitro measles infectivity assay ( Fig. 1) for quantifying the infectivity of MV in standard 96-well microtiter plates was developed. The fluorescence-based assay uses a recombinant Edmonston-derived laboratory-adapted MV expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (MVeGFP) [27] and is quantitated using automated image analysis. The assay has a wide dynamic range (≥2.0 orders of magnitude), low variability (Relative Standard Deviations, RSDs ≤30%, as measured through the

thousands of control formulations across the screening campaign), and short duration (<4 days). Two additional measures not typically used during measles infection buy BI 2536 were implemented to optimize this assay for the HT screening process. First, fusion

inhibitory protein (FIP) was used to prevent cell-to-cell spread and therefore secondary infections, and thereby increase the dynamic range of the assay. In a typical MV infection, neighboring cells fuse to form multinucleated syncytia, which markedly vary in size, shape, brightness and sharpness. Physical overlaps between syncytia create an upper limit on dynamic range, and their non-uniform appearance makes accurate C59 wnt cell line quantification challenging, especially when using automated image analysis. FIP prevents syncytia formation through an unknown molecular mechanism [30]. When FIP is added shortly after the initial infection, fluorescent infectious centers remain discrete, single objects of uniform size and shape (Fig. 1a), each representing a single cell infected by MVeGFP. Second, Calpain the relatively low titer of MV in typical cell culture (∼106 plaque-forming units) plus the additional reduction of virus concentration as a result of its dilution into formulation places limits on the upper bound of detection. In order to address these challenges, we introduced a “spinoculation” step. Centrifugation of inoculated cell monolayers at low speed has been shown to enhance the detection of viable virus (e.g. for HIV [31]),

presumably by bringing infectious particles into close contact with the cells, thereby facilitating infection. Addition of FIP to the viral inoculum prior to centrifugation completely eliminated infection, suggesting that the molecular mechanism of viral entry is not affected (results not shown). Spinoculation, however, causes an apparent increase in viral titer of approximately 0.5 log10 increasing the upper end of the range (Fig. 1b). This apparent increase in titer reduces consumption of virus during HT screening and allows for greater dilution of virus stock into formulation. FIP and spinoculation increase the dynamic range of the assay approximately 2.5-fold from 1.8 logs (∼5 to ∼300 object counts, data not shown) to ∼2.

However, the absence of such an appearance in a muscle biopsy spe

However, the absence of such an appearance in a muscle biopsy specimen cannot be taken to exclude the diagnosis of an inflammatory myopathy–by chance a small biopsy may miss the characteristic

changes, which may be identified if the biopsy is repeated from another site; this seems to be a particularly common experience in DM. We also have to encompass the concept of autoimmune necrotizing myopathy–muscle shows necrosis and regeneration, but a complete absence of inflammatory cells. Expression of MHC-1 is considered a surrogate marker of inflammation selleck inhibitor and an immune aetiology is supported by a clinical response to steroids and immunosuppression. Perhaps considering these observations, one correspondent said that he had abandoned using the Torin 1 word myositis in favour of the term inflammatory

myopathy. As well as pathological features, the definition of myositis may be taken to include reference to the presence and pattern of muscle weakness, electromyographic changes, and elevation of muscle enzymes. We had little disagreement on the broad classification of the myositides, except for the popular late-night debate amongst myologists of whether there is such a condition as “pure PM”, an issue I will return to later. The oldest, and I would suggest wisest, respondent noted his dislike of rigid definitions in that they “assume we know more than we do”–a theme I will return to later. One respondent said that he would have refused a request to write on the classification of the myositides, seeing it as a forlorn task–I should have spoken to him earlier. We will consider shortly the possible approaches to the classification of the myositides, but first need to consider why classification is needed at all. Quite simply, the purpose of classification is to delineate homogeneous groups within Thiamine-diphosphate kinase a heterogeneous whole. But there may be a number of potential defining characteristics and thus several possible, but very different, classification systems for any particular disease group. The classification system used will depend upon the purpose for which the data is intended. Let us consider

first another, but familiar, disease area–muscular dystrophy. Classification systems might include: • by phenotype (e.g. Duchenne, Becker, limb-girdle, FSH, oculopharyngeal, etc.); For the molecular biologist, the last might be particularly useful–aiding understanding of the fundamental disease mechanism and pointing towards possible therapeutic interventions. But it is of little value to the clinician or patient. An epidemiologist is likely to find the first category helpful, as it gives sufficient detail of subgroups within the whole category of the dystrophies. The clinician undoubtedly finds knowledge of the Mendelian pattern of inheritance useful when discussing counselling issues. The phenotypic pattern is a powerful clinical pointer towards the diagnosis.

Other clinical studies have shown that in elderly volunteers the

Other clinical studies have shown that in elderly volunteers the immunogenicity of intradermal-TIV 15 μg is comparable with that of an intramuscular subunit vaccine adjuvanted with MF59 [24]. Data from clinical trials indicate that intradermal delivery of influenza vaccines results in significantly enhanced immune responses compared with the conventional intramuscular vaccination route [25] and [26]. This superiority

is consistent with the idea of a large number of dendritic cells present in the skin, which act as potent antigen-presenting cells important in immune surveillance, http://www.selleckchem.com/products/PD-98059.html resulting in a strong humoral and cellular immune responses [27] and [28]. Our comparison of two groups that had both received the seasonal influenza vaccine overcame confounding by indication. We derived an accurate indicator of chronic illness based

on dispensed cardiovascular and respiratory medication during 2011, assuming prescription composition and duration as a proxy for chronic comorbidity [29]. We were able to find Selleck BMS-754807 a positive laboratory result for influenza virus in over 97% of all hospitalizations, 93% were confirmed by PCR, suggesting a high specificity of the case definition in our study. Most of our study cases (241 out of 260; 93%) were ascertained through active surveillance; therefore, the variability in the quality of CMBD registers, or the likelihood of specimen sampling variability for laboratory confirmation of influenza virus across hospitals should these not have significantly affected our results. However, a potential limitation of our study is that, although the same study protocol was used to detect influenza-like illness

(ILI) admissions within 7 days of symptom onset across hospitals, ILI hospital admission criteria may vary among hospitals. This could result in a differential sensitivity to detect the actual number of influenza-related hospitalizations across study hospitals. Under this scenario, it is possible that bias was introduced by the fact that only one type of vaccine was distributed for the catchment area of each hospital, because the probability of cases going undetected could be associated with vaccine type. However, sensitivity analysis excluding the hospital showing higher admission rates for influenza-related hospitalizations did not vary the conclusions of this study. Our data suggest that intradermal-TIV vaccination performed using a microinjection system provides higher protection against influenza-related hospitalization in elderly adults compared with the virosomal-TIV, intramuscularly delivered influenza vaccine in 2011–2012, a season where A(H3N2) dominated [30].

12 g weight) were transferred to an isolated system and acclimate

12 g weight) were transferred to an isolated system and acclimated

for 1 day before each experiment. P. aeruginosa (PAO1, sub-line MPAO1; obtained from Seattle PAO1 transposon mutant library, University of Washington) was grown at 37 °C in blood agar plates (BioMérieux, France), collected directly from the plates and then, dispersed in sterile PBS. The LD50 for PAO1 infection was calculated in fish infected by i.p. injection with 20 μl of PAO1 suspension at concentrations CX-5461 chemical structure ranging from 3.2 × 107 to 2.5 × 108 cfu. The fish were observed daily for signs of disease and mortality, and the dead fish were assessed for bacterial presence and identification (data not shown). For the survival experiments, the fish were i.p. injected with either 10 μl of NLc liposome (246 mg/kg liposomes containing 8.2 mg/kg poly(I:C) and 4.1 mg/kg LPS), 10 μl of empty liposomes (246 mg/kg), 10 μl of a mixture of the free immunostimulants (8.2 mg/kg poly(I:C) and 4.1 mg/kg LPS) or 10 μl of PBS (control). At 1, 7 or 30 days post-injection (dpi), the fish were challenged with P. aeruginosa (1.5 × LD50) and their survival was assessed for 5 days. All experiments learn more were done in triplicate and 12 individuals were used for each condition and experiment. A total number of 36 fish were used for each condition.

Survival curves were analysed using the Kaplan–Meier method and the statistic differences were evaluated using the log-rank test (GraphPad, USA). Relative percentage of survival (RPS) was calculated according to RPS (%) = [(1 − mortality treated group)/mortality control] × 100.

The fish-cell line ZF4 [27] used in this work was purchased from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC number CRL-2050). ZF4 cells were maintained TCL at 28 °C in a 5% CO2. The 56/70 isolate of SVCV isolated from carp [28] was propagated in ZF4 cells at 22 °C. Supernatants from SVCV-infected cell monolayers were clarified by centrifugation at 4000 × g for 30 min and stored in aliquots at −70 °C. The clarified supernatants were used for in vivo infection assays. Zebrafish were given NLc liposomes, empty liposomes or a mixture of the free immunostimulants by either i.p. injection or immersion, as described below. I.p. injection: the fish were injected with either 10 μl of NLc liposomes (246 mg/kg liposome containing 8.2 mg/kg poly(I:C) and 4.1 mg/kg LPS), 10 μl of empty liposomes (246 mg/kg), 10 μl of the mixture of free immunostimulants (8.2 mg/kg poly(I:C) and 4.1 mg/kg LPS) or 10 μl of PBS (control). Immersion: the NLc liposomes (500 μg/ml liposomes containing 16.6 μg/ml poly(I:C) and 8.3 μg/ml LPS), empty liposomes (500 μg/ml) and a mixture of the free immunostimulants (16.6 μg/ml poly(I:C) and 8.3 μg/ml LPS) were each administrated for 30 min, including a handling control. At 7 dpi, the zebrafish (n = 15/each condition) were infected by immersion with SVCV (7.1 ± 2 × 107 pfu/ml) according to previously described infection protocols [29] and [30].

Importantly, this NITAG does not address the additional considera

Importantly, this NITAG does not address the additional considerations relevant to public health for population use. Currently, a second NITAG (Canadian Immunization Committee) [20] representing all provinces and territories uses a standard analytical framework [2] to examine the population health

benefits that would support public funding of a new vaccine program. However, recommendations DAPT cost from this second-level committee have sometimes been much delayed, similar to the situation in Europe [3]. While the evidence supporting routine vaccine use should be equally compelling for each province, the ability and willingness to pay often differ among them. Even when provincial public health officials favor the introduction of a new vaccine program, funding decisions ultimately rest with ministries of finance, which face many competing priorities. While health system administrators may contend that delays and limitations in funding public immunization programs reflect “due diligence”, the opportunities lost to improve health and avoid morbidity and mortality that result from this approach

deserve greater attention. The existence of recommended but unfunded vaccines was a new phenomenon for which the medical community was unprepared and resulted in the unfunded vaccines being largely ignored Cell Cycle inhibitor Thymidine kinase and inaccessible for a time. In 2002, a different perspective began to emerge about RUVs. The Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA, the nation’s major medical malpractice insurer) recognized the potential for physician liability if patients in their practice suffered from infections that could

have been prevented by RUVs. CMPA advised physicians to inform patients about all recommended vaccines they could benefit from if they choose to pay [21]. There were objections from some physicians about the extra time required to mention RUVs, when many were already finding it difficult to adequately discuss funded vaccines in the busy office setting. There were also practical difficulties with community access to such vaccines given limited demand. The ability to pay was limited for many families and awkward to discuss. Nevertheless, the insurer remained insistent on this best practice, which has gradually become easier for physicians to meet as other stakeholders have joined the initiative (outlined below). As demand increased for private vaccine sales, community pharmacies were more willing to stock and dispense RUVs. In a growing number of provinces, pharmacists can qualify to administer as well as dispense certain vaccines, including RUVs [22].

The fi

The Ruxolitinib cost inebriometer consists of a large column that is flooded with the IA. As the flies succumb to the IA, they elute out the bottom of the column and are counted. The Mean Elution Time (MET) of the flies from the inebriometer column can then be computed, followed by standard statistical analysis (e.g., t-test). In order to verify consistent inebriometer function, control flies are simultaneously assayed

each day an experimental fly line is tested. In a genetic screen consisting of hundreds of experimental fly lines, this practice produces a large control dataset that presents a statistical problem: the Mean Elution Time when used with standard statistical tests is almost guaranteed to show a statistically significant difference

find more between the experimental fly line being assayed and the control, simply due to the large numbers of flies used. Furthermore, the median test is also almost guaranteed to have low power due to the large sample sizes used; ~ 150 flies per assay. Therefore another approach was needed for the analysis of the genetic screen data. Since the raw fly elution data from the inebriometer was sigmoidal in nature, Eq. (1) was fit to the data, followed by the estimation of what we term the ET50, which is analogous to EC50, but represents the time, rather than the concentration, at which 50% of the flies elute from the inebriometer column. The ET50 value was then used as a measure of the flies’ response to the IA. This is done by estimating the parameter c in Eq.  (1), where X is the time it takes for Y percent of flies to elute through the inebriometer, a and b are the minimum and maximum asymptotes of the percentage of flies eluting through the system (0 and 100, respectively), and d is the Hill slope. Repeated assessments of the ET50 have shown it to be an

efficient, direct and reliable indicator of the flies’ response to various IAs. Here we present two computer programs: 1) a macros-enabled, Solver-based Excel template developed in the Call laboratory, and 2) a stand-alone Windows based computer program, HEPB (Hill Equation with Prediction Band), designed and developed in the Gadagkar lab. The Microsoft Excel template with Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macros uses the above formula and estimates Rebamipide the ET50 and the Hill slope (variables c and d in Eq.  (1)) for the inebriometer data. This template utilizes the Solver tool that comes with Excel. Solver is an optimization tool that uses techniques from Operations Research and has wide applicability including regression analysis and curve fitting. However, neither the availability nor the operation of Solver is straightforward to the average researcher more familiar with the graphic user interface (GUI) of most statistical software typically used to perform this type of analysis.