[Comparison of molluscicidal cost and effectiveness between 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules and 26% suspension concentrate of metalaldehyde and niclosamide ethanolamine salt].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the molluscicidal effects and cost-effectiveness of 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules (NEG) and 26% suspension concentrate of metalaldehyde and niclosamide ethanolamine salt (MNSC) . METHODS: Two plots with high Oncomelania hupensis snail density were selected as research areas in Nanjing Chemical Industry Zone, and 5% NEG (40 g/m2) and 26% MNSC (40 g/m2) were used by the spraying method for snail control in the two plots, and their molluscicidal effects and cost-effectiveness were investigated and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between 5% NEG and 26% MNSC in the molluscicidal effects. The cost of 5% NEG was 1.25 times higher than that of 26% MN-SC per ten thousand square meters in snail control. CONCLUSIONS: The cost of 5% NEG is higher than that of 26% MNSC per ten thousand square meters in snail control. Their molluscicidal effects are similar.

[Molluscicidal effect and cost-effectiveness of suspension concentrate of metaldehyde and niclosamide in the field in Honghu City].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the molluscicidal effect and cost-effectiveness of suspension concentrate of metaldehyde and niclosamide (MNSC) in the field, so as to evaluate the possibility of popularization and application value. METHODS: 26% MNSC and 50% wettable powder of niclosamide (WPN) were used for Oncomelania snail control with the spraying method in the field, and the 15-d molluscicidal effects and costs were investigated. RESULTS: Fifteen days after the spraying, in the beach of Dongjing River, the snail death rates of MNSC and WPN were 89.40% and 88.08%, respectively, and the density reduction rates of MNSC and WPN were 92.35% and 91.67%, respectively. In the marshland of Honghu Lake, the snail death rates of MNSC and WPN were 86.59% and 87.01%, respectively, and the density reduction rates of MNSC and WPN were 90.05% and 91.71%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the molluscicidal effect between two drugs (P > 0.05). The cost of MNSC used in 100 m2 was 15.03 Yuan, while the cost of WPN used in 100 m2 was 16.29 Yuan. CONCLUSION: MNSC has high molluscicidal efficacy, low cost and low impact on environments, which possesses of popularization and application value in the field.

Alcohol in Mayan Guatemala: consumption, distribution, production and composition of cuxa.

AIMS: To describe the consumption, distribution, production and chemical composition of alcohol, including cuxa (pronounced 'coo sha'), in Nahualá, a highland Mayan municipality in Guatemala. Cuxa is a sugarcane-derived spirit, in part produced clandestinely, that has been distributed in the community for several decades. METHODS: Key informant interviews with alcohol distributors and consumers, cuxa producers and health professionals, as well as analyses of questionnaires from a sample of 47 spouses who came to the local health centre for problems related to their husband's drinking. Sampling and chemical analysis of cuxa from 12 of 13 identified sales points in the head-town of Nahualá and its nearby settlements (10 km radius). Fieldwork was conducted between November 2007 and March 2008. RESULTS: Alcohol consumption was found to be integrated culturally in this community. The overall drinking culture was marked by irregular heavy drinking occasions, especially around market days, with substantial inebriation and health problems, especially among street inhabiting drinkers. Cuxa contributed to these problems, and cuxa drinking was socially stigmatized. Cuxa was produced both clandestinely and industrially, and sold legally by taverns and illegally by clandestine distributors. The alcoholic strength of the samples was typically between 17 and 19% vol.; clandestinely produced cuxa samples showed acetaldehyde contamination. CONCLUSIONS: Measures should be taken to reduce the harm associated with alcohol in this community, including efforts to reduce acetaldehyde levels in cuxa.