Efficiency of Altosid (S-methoprene) liquid larvicide formulated on Biodac (granular carrier) against spring Aedes species in flooded woodlots.

Exposure of spring Aedes larvae to Altosid Liquid Larvicide formulated on the granular carrier Biodac under field conditions was evaluated. Both aerial and hand-applied treatments were monitored. Mosquitoes collected from aerially treated sites (9 kg/ha) showed an average 80% mortality. In hand-treated sites excellent control was achieved at label rates of 11.3-14.7 kg/ha (10-13 lb/acre); at dosages less than recommended rates, control was unsatisfactory.

Efficacy and persistence of Altosid pellets against Culex species in catch basins in Michigan.

Larvae of Culex pipiens and Cx. restuans in catch basins were exposed to Altosid pellets (4% active ingredient, [S]-methoprene) applied at a rate of 11.3 kg/ha (7 g of pellets per catch basin). Under field conditions, the pellets yielded an average 82% emergence inhibition of adult mosquitoes over the 15-wk trial period.

Ethnic differences in public health awareness, health perceptions and physical exercise: implications for heart disease prevention.

OBJECTIVES: To study whether the wide differences in heart disease incidence amongst ethnic groups in the UK, with the higher mortality and morbidity in peoples of south Asian descent, may be attributed to differences in public health awareness and life-style. DESIGN: Questionnaire-based survey of women from different ethnic groups attending an antenatal clinic in a city centre district general hospital. RESULTS: We surveyed 232 housewives from 3 different ethnic groups: 84 white (mean age 24.3 years +/- standard deviation (SD) 5.84), 76 Afro-Caribbean (mean age 24.7 years +/- SD 4.46) and 72 Asians (defined as people of south Asian or Indian subcontinent descent; mean age 25.7 years +/- SD 5.5). The proportions of smokers amongst the whites, blacks and Asians were 38.1%, 27.6% and 2.8% respectively. Proportions consuming alcohol regularly were 31.0%, 10.5% and 4.2% respectively. A higher proportion of blacks reported a change in dietary fibre intake, whilst a higher proportion of whites reported a change in dietary fat intake and sugar intake as a result of public health campaigns, publicity or advertising. There was a significantly lower proportion of reported regular exercise activity amongst the Asian women and their husbands or partners. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that Asian families were the least likely to take regular exercise, and had a lower awareness of cholesterol or dietary content (fibre, sugar, salt) despite public health campaigns and publicity. They were however the least likely to smoke cigarettes. These ethnic differences may in part explain the higher prevalence of coronary heart disease amongst the Asian population in the UK. This ethnic group should be targeted for intense public health intervention, education and other preventative measures to reduce the risks of heart disease.

Dietary fat purchasing habits in whites, blacks and Asian peoples in England--implications for heart disease prevention.

The mortality and morbidity from coronary heart disease (CHD) is higher in people of South Asian origin than in whites, but is significantly lower in the black (Afro-Caribbean origin) community in the United Kingdom. To investigate whether this may be related to differences in fatty food intake, we performed a questionnaire survey of the weekly food purchasing habits and preparation methods in white, black (Caribbean) and Asian households in Birmingham. We interviewed 224 housewives from three ethnic groups (84 white, 76 black/Afro-Caribbean and 72 Asian). The highest quantity of fat in foods purchased per week was found in the Asian population (median 1409 g/week per person, interquartile range (IQR) 850-1952), which was significantly greater than black subjects, who had the lowest quantity of fat in foods purchased (1012 g/week per person, IQR 835-1388) (Mann-Whitney test:median differences 300.5, 95% C.I. 23.3-600.4, P = 0.029). The median quantity of fat in foods purchased by the white households was intermediate, at 1186 g/week per person (IQR 861-1711). There was a higher quantity of fat in foods purchased in the lower social classes (IV and V) in both the white and Asian populations. Butter, egg and milk consumption was significantly greater in Asians; with ghee consumption almost exclusive amongst this group (98%). Amongst whites and blacks, the commonest food preparation methods were grilling, boiling or poaching; whilst amongst Asians, frying was more common (chi 2 = 81.25, d.f. = 4, P < 0.0001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)