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Not AvailableBrucellosis is considered as one of the major zoonotic infections worldwide. However, there is paucity of studies on knowledge, attitude and practice level of high risk groups like veterinarians in India. This study attempted to address this gap by conducting cross-sectional survey in four states of India (Assam, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab states). The data was collected from 160 veterinarians through the self-administered pre-tested questionnaire. There exist wide differences in knowledge level on brucellosis among veterinarians across the surveyed states. In all the studied states less than 12% of the veterinarians were fully aware on the nuances of Brucellosis Control Programme implemented in India indicating the need for appropriate intervention to achieve the intended targets. The knowledge, attitude and practice Index of majority of the veterinarians ranged between 74 to 85, 58 to 71 and 86 to 100, respectively. The knowledge on brucellosis is significantly correlated with the prevalence in the states (except West Bengal) indicating veterinarians in higher brucellosis prevalence states have better knowledge. There exists significant difference across the states in knowledge and attitude level on brucellosis indicating the need of imparting appropriate training to upgrade knowledge and to build positive attitude among veterinarians.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableLateral flow assay (LFA) for brucellosis was standardized and evaluated. The test showed high diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for diagnosis of brucellosis in bovines, small ruminants and swine. The study emphasized the importance of LFA as a useful, rapid, and easy-to-perform tool for the testing of brucellosis.Not Availabl

Comparative Preclinical Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Novel 4-Aminoquinoline Anti-Malarials

The disposition of three 4-aminoquinoline leads, namely isoquine (ISO), des-ethyl isoquine (DEI) and N-tert-butyl isoquine (NTBI), were studied in a range of in vivo and in vitro assays to assist in selecting an appropriate candidate for further development. Analogous to amodiaquine (ADQ), ISO undergoes oxidative N-dealkylation to form DEI in vivo. Blood clearance of DEI was as much as 10-fold lower than that of ISO in animals and after oral administration, metabolite exposure exceeded that of parent by as much as 14-fold. Replacement of the N-ethyl with an N-tert-butyl substituent substantially reduced N-dealkylation as blood clearance of NTBI was similar to 2 to 3-fold lower than DEI in mouse, rat, dog and monkey. Mean NTBI oral bioavailability was generally higher than the other leads (>= 68%). Blood cell association was substantial for NTBI, particularly in dog and monkey, where blood to plasma concentration ratios >4 were observed. Human plasma protein binding was similar for NTBI, DEI, and des-ethyl amodiaquine (DEA). Allometric scaling predicted human blood clearance (CL) for NTBI to be low (similar to 12% liver blood flow). All the 4-aminoquinolines inhibited recombinant human cytochrome P450 2D6 with similar potency; DEI also inhibited 1A2. On balance, NTBI appeared the most promising lead to progress towards full development. (C) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 98:362-377, 200

Change from health center to family physician period in the Turkish health system: A qualitative study

Introduction Health care reforms in Turkey have been implemented resolutely in the last 12 years. The shift from health center (HC) to a family physician (FP) approach is 1 of the basic interventions of these reforms. The goal of the current study is to evaluate opinions of patients, health care workers, and managers, using qualitative methods. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with patients who received health care services in both the FP and the HC periods, and with health care workers and managers in health care facilities that served in both periods. The interviews were recorded after obtaining permission, and then transcribed. Both health care staff that worked in the 2 periods and the patients that received health care services in the 2 periods reported that FP system was superior to HC system in attention showed by the family physicians, being followed by the same physician, and having confidence in physicians. Results The current FP period is superior to HC in facilities such as patient records, computer, internet, and phone. The strengths of HC period include home visits, environmental health studies, and family planning services. According to health care workers who worked in the 2 periods, HC was superior to FP in team spirit, public service delivery, and surveillance of communicable diseases. Conclusion Public service delivery and environmental health studies and primary care practice in rural areas must be scrutinized in the context of the FP approach