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Background: Data on insecticide use for vector control are essential for guiding pesticide management systems on judicious and appropriate use, resistance management, and reduction of risks to human health and the environment. Objective: We studied the global use and trends of insecticide use for control of vector-borne diseases for the period 2000 through 2009. Methods: A survey was distributed to countries with vector control programs to request national data on vector control insecticide use, excluding the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LNs). Data were received from 125 countries, representing 97% of the human populations of 143 targeted countries. Results: The main disease targeted with insecticides was malaria, followed by dengue, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease. The use of vector control insecticides was dominated by organochlorines [i.e., DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)] in terms of quantity applied (71% of total) and by pyrethroids in terms of the surface or area covered (81% of total). Global use of DDT for vector control, most of which was in India alone, was fairly constant during 2000 through 2009. In Africa, pyrethroid use increased in countries that also achieved high coverage for LNs, and DDT increased sharply until 2008 but dropped in 2009. Conclusions: The global use of DDT has not changed substantially since the Stockholm Convention went into effect. The dominance of pyrethroid use has major implications because of the spread of insecticide resistance with the potential to reduce the efficacy of LNs. Managing insecticide resistance should be coordinated between disease-specific programs and sectors of public health and agriculture within the context of an integrated vector management approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the study that investigated vitamin B-6 as function of dietary protein intake in young and elderly humans in the Netherlands. Relationship of ageing and vitamin B-6; Materials utilized in the study; Description of the subjects utilized in the study; Methods utilized in nutrition intervention.

The article presents response of the authors on comments made by researcher Richard Tren and Donald Roberts on their study "DDT and Malaria Prevention: Addressing the Pradox." The authors tell that Robert Tren and colleagues failed to add the qualification included in the same paragraph in which the World Health Organization (WHO has assessed DDT.

In support of the energy and feedstock transition, new concepts of producing chemical building blocks are necessary. While currently ethylene is mainly produced from fossil feedstocks, this paper explores its production via the electrochemical conversion of CO 2. Different process routes were reviewed and a most promising route was selected based on Faradaic efficiency, current density, overpotential, and material availability. In this preferred route, syngas is produced electrochemically from CO 2 , which is then converted into methanol before the final conversion into ethylene and other high-value chemicals. On this preferred route, a design has been made which includes process design, unit design and a techno-economic evaluation, with CAPEX and OPEX included. Also the CO 2 emission is evaluated and it was found that a net consumption of 2.5 ton CO 2 per ton high-value chemical can be achieved. As expected, the investment and operational costs are very high with the applied price sets. However, when the electricity price decreases due to developments in renewable energy and a tax is implemented on CO 2 emissions, this process can become economically viable and can contribute to CO 2 emission reduction in view of climate change. [Display omitted] • Electrochemical CO 2 reduction could play a key role in reducing greenhouse gases. • Route was chosen based on carbon efficiency, electricity requirements and complexity. • Electrochemical syngas production, methanol formation and olefin production. • The electrolyzer is a stacked-cell system with a Nafion-424 cation exchange membrane. • Price of ethylene mainly dependent on CO 2 price, current density and electricity price. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A preliminary study based on a conceptual process design methodology that includes a technical evaluation and an economic study has been carried out for the use of the metal-organic framework NH2-MIL-53(Al) as adsorbent for the separation of carbon dioxide from methane. Among the alternatives considered, a vacuum pressure swing adsorption was chosen in the detailed design phase. The combination of a design with columns in parallel and the possibility of recirculating some of the streams ensures a high degree of separation and a final product with high quality without compromising the operation costs. A comparison with the state-of-the-art technology, amine scrubbing, and with a process based on membranes demonstrates that the proposed process is competitive as a result of its low operation costs and the energy demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the sustainable management of malaria vectors. It explores the malaria vector control, as well as the emerging insecticide resistance crisis. It describes several sustainable integrated vector management (IVM) strategies that use optimal suites of control tactics to prevent the insecticide resistance crisis. According to agricultural industry, such integrated approaches can provide more effective and durable pest management.

Background: Legislation and regulation of pesticides used in public health are essential for reducing risks to human health and the environment. Objective: We assessed the global situation on legislation and regulatory control of public health pesticides. Methods: A peer-reviewed and field-tested questionnaire was distributed to 142 member states of the World Health Organization (WHO); 113 states completed the questionnaire. Results: Legislation on public health pesticides was absent in 25% of the countries. Where present, legislation often lacked comprehensiveness, for example, on basic aspects such as labeling, storage, transport, and disposal of public health pesticides. Guidelines or essential requirements for the process of pesticide registration were lacking in many countries. The capacity to enforce regulations was considered to be weak across WHO regions. Half of all countries lacked pesticide quality control laboratories, and two-thirds reported high concern over quality of products on the market. National statistics on production and trade of pesticides and poisoning incidents were lacking in many countries. Despite the shortcomings, WHO recommendations were considered to constitute a supportive or sole basis in national registration. Also, some regions showed high participation of countries in regional schemes to harmonize pesticide registration requirements. Conclusions: Critical deficiencies are evident in the legislative and regulatory framework for public health pesticides across regions, posing risks to human health and the environment. Recent experience in some countries with situational analysis, needs assessment, action planning, and regional collaboration has signaled a promising way forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Legislation and regulation of pesticides used in public health are essential for reducing risks to human health and the environment. Objective: We assessed the global situation on legislation and regulatory control of public health pesticides. Methods: A peer-reviewed and field-tested questionnaire was distributed to 142 member states of the World Health Organization (WHO); 113 states completed the questionnaire. Results: Legislation on public health pesticides was absent in 25% of the countries. Where present, legislation often lacked comprehensiveness, for example, on basic aspects such as labeling, storage, transport, and disposal of public health pesticides. Guidelines or essential requirements for the process of pesticide registration were lacking in many countries. The capacity to enforce regulations was considered to be weak across WHO regions. Half of all countries lacked pesticide quality control laboratories, and two-thirds reported high concern over quality of products on the market. National statistics on production and trade of pesticides and poisoning incidents were lacking in many countries. Despite the shortcomings, WHO recommendations were considered to constitute a supportive or sole basis in national registration. Also, some regions showed high participation of countries in regional schemes to harmonize pesticide registration requirements. Conclusions: Critical deficiencies are evident in the legislative and regulatory framework for public health pesticides across regions, posing risks to human health and the environment. Recent experience in some countries with situational analysis, needs assessment, action planning, and regional collaboration has signaled a promising way forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]