Size estimation of MSM population in Pudong New Area using new media technology / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To explore the use of new media technology to estimate the size of the online MSM population in Pudong New Area, to understand the frequency of new media software use, HIV testing and high-risk behavior, and to provide a basis for AIDS prevention and control. Methods The online MSM registration information in Pudong New Area was collected through a gay dating APP. At five time points on March 28 and April 11, 2019, MSM who logged into the gay dating APP were counted. The MSM were confirmed by comparing the login name and registration information. The capture-recapture (C-R) method was used to calculate the MSM population size. Meanwhile, a questionnaire survey was conducted on the online MSM. Results The MSM population size in Pudong New Area was estimated at 13 174 [95% CI: 9,672~16,676] through the C-R method. The proportion of multiple sexual partners accounted for 72.5%. According to the ordered multi-classification logistics analysis, age, education level, experience of attending a talk on AIDS, and experience of receiving AIDS publicity and education in the VCT clinic were the influencing factors of AIDS awareness. Conclusion New media technology provided new technical means for estimating the size of MSM population. The MSM population’s awareness of AIDS risk and prevention still needs to be strengthened. It is worthy of further studies on the role of new media technology in AIDS prevention and health education in the future.

The population of donkeys and mules in Brazil according to agricultural censuses from 1960 to 2017 / População de jumentos e muares no Brasil segundo os censos agropecuários de 1960 a 2017

To better understand and manage the population of donkeys and mules, it is essential to know information about its size. In developing countries, these animals are often used as working animals, mainly by poor populations in agricultural and livestock labor, but their use is decreasing in Brazil. Brazilian official data regarding donkeys and mules started to be measured at the agricultural census of 1960 and, from that time, eight agricultural censuses were published. But until the writing of this paper, no scientific paper was dedicated to the analysis of the results of the official agricultural censuses on the population of donkeys and mules in Brazil. Thus, we aim to compile and analyze the official Brazilian data from 1960 until 2017 to enhance the actions of stakeholders, researchers, and decision-makers concerned with Brazilian donkeys and mules.(AU)

Para entender e gerenciar melhor a população de jumentos e mulas é essencial saber informações sobre seu tamanho. Em países em desenvolvimento, esses animais são frequentemente usados como animais de trabalho, principalmente por populações pobres na agricultura e pecuária, mas seu uso está diminuindo no Brasil. Os dados oficiais brasileiros sobre jumentos e mulas começaram a ser mensurados no censo agrícola de 1960 e a partir dessa época foram realizados oito censos agrícolas. Até a redação deste artigo, porém, nenhum trabalho científico analisou os resultados dos censos agropecuários quanto à população de jumentos e mulas no Brasil. Deste modo, nosso objetivo é compilar e analisar os dados oficiais brasileiros de 1960 até 2017, para aprimorar as ações dos stakeholders, pesquisadores e tomadores de decisão preocupados com os jumentos e mulas brasileiras.(AU)

Relación genética entre toros de inseminación comercializados en Chile por distintas empresas proveedoras de semen: un estudio de caso en las razas Holstein y Angus / Genetic relationship between insemination bulls marketed in Chile by two semen suppliers: a case study in Holstein and Angus breeds / Relação genética entre touros de inseminação comercializados no Chile por diferentes empresas fornecedoras de sêmen: um estudo de caso nas raças Holstein e Angus

Resumen La inseminación artificial (IA) es actualmente el manejo reproductivo preferido para la mayoría de los ganaderos que trabajan con razas deganado internacionales como Holstein Friesian y Aberdeen Angus. En relación con esto, varios autores han descrito que a lo largo de los años ha habido una alteración en parámetros de productivos, lo que se asociaría significativamente con un aumento en el grado de endogamia en los animales. Esta situación tendría su origen a nivel de los núcleos genéticos, en los que se llevan a cabo programas de mejora, debido al pequeño número de líneas familiares a las que pertenecen los animales seleccionados como reproductores. Este estudio evaluó el grado de parentesco entre toros de inseminación Holstein Friesian y Aberdeen Angus comercializados en Chile por dos empresas de distribución de semen. Se estudiaron un total de 86 toros disponibles en catálogos hasta el año 2017. La información genealógica de cada toro se remonta hasta trastatarabuelo y luego se construyó un registro genealógico consolidado para cada raza. Este análisis consideró la estimación del porcentaje de endogamia (F) de cada toro y la construcción de una matriz de parentesco aditivo (A) entre los animales. Los resultados indicaron que el 99% de los toros Holstein y el 79% de los toros Angus están emparentados. Como resultado de lo anterior, se concluye que es esencial que en Chile se inicie un programa de gestión de información genealógica para controlar adecuadamente los niveles de endogamia y poder mitigar los problemas que puedan surgir a causa de este fenómeno.

Abstract Artificial insemination (AI) is currently the preferred reproductive management for most cattle farmers working with international cattle breeds likes Holstein Friesian and Aberdeen Angus. In relation to this, several authors have described that over the years there has been an alteration in the production parameters, which would be significantly associated with an increase in the inbreeding degree of the animals. This fact would have its origin at the genetic nucleus level, in which improvement programs are carried out, due to the small number of family lines which the animals selected as breeding stock belong to. This study evaluated the degree of kinship between Holstein Friesian and Aberdeen Angus insemination bulls marketed in Chile by two semen distribution companies. A total of 86 bulls available in catalogues until 2017 were studied. The genealogical information of each bull was traced back up to great-great-grandfather and then a consolidated genealogical record was built for each breed. This analysis considered the estimation of each bull's inbreeding percentage (F) and the construction of a co-ancestry matrix among animals. Results indicated that 99% of Holstein bulls and 79% of Angus bulls, are related to some extent. As a result of the above, it is concluded that is essential that in Chile a program management of genealogical information be initiated to adequately control inbreeding problems that may arise from the use of related animals.

Resumo A inseminação artificial (IA) atualmente é o manejo reprodutivo preferido da maioria dos criadores de gado que trabalham com raças de gado internacionais, como o Holstein Friesian e o Aberdeen Angus. Nesse âmbito, vários autores assinalam que, ao longo dos anos, tem ocorrido uma alteração dos parâmetros produtivos, que poderia estar associada de forma significativa com um aumento no nível de endogamia nos animais. A origem dessa situação poderia estar nos núcleos genéticos, pois nos programas de melhoria, os animais que são selecionados como reprodutores pertencem a um reduzido número de linhas familiares. Esta pesquisa avalia os graus de parentesco entre touros para inseminação Holstein Friesian e Aberdeen Angus comercializados no Chile por duas empresas de distribuição de sêmen. No total, 86 touros foram analisados, disponíveis em catálogos de até 2017. As informações genealógicas de cada touro remontam aos tetravós. Posteriormente, foi elaborado um registro genealógico consolidado para cada raça. A análise considerou a estimação da porcentagem de endogamia (F) de cada touro e a construção de uma matriz de parentesco aditivo (A) entre os animais. Os resultados indicam que 99% dos touros Holstein e 79% dos touros Angus são aparentados. Como resultado disso, chega-se à conclusão de que é essencial se ter um programa de gestão de informações genealógicas no Chile para controlar adequadamente os níveis de endogamia e assim mitigar os possíveis problemas gerados por esse fenômeno.

The abundance of false killer whale, Pseudorca crassidens (Cetartiodactyla: Delphinidae) in coastal waters of Golfo Dulce and Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica / Abundancia de la falsa orca, Pseudorca crassidens (Cetartiodactyla: Delphinidae) en las aguas costeras del Golfo Dulce y la Península de Osa, Costa Rica

Introduction: False killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) is a tropical and subtropical social species that live in groups with individuals of mixed ages and sex classes. False killer whales have been documented since the late 1990s in Southwestern Costa Rica. Objective: To estimate the abundance of false killer whales in Osa Peninsula waters. Methods: Cetacean surveys off the Osa Peninsula Waters (OPW), Costa Rica, yielded opportunistic encounters with false killer whales in Drake Bay and Caño Island (2001-2019) and observations during formal surveys in Golfo Dulce (2005-2015). Photo-identification data was analyzed using capture-mark-recapture models in the study area, through an open population (POPAN) framework, considering the effect of time on the parameters apparent survival and capture probability, producing an abundance estimate for a superpopulation in the entire study area. Results: False killer whale abundance in OPW is characterized by a small population size of no more than 100 individuals, complemented by a very low probability of encounter and a contrasting high apparent survival. Conclusions: This population estimate should be taken as conservative, however, the small population size of less than 100 individuals should be considered vulnerable, in contrast to the increasing anthropogenic impacts in the coastal seascape. We argue the potential occurrence of population units along the coastal seascape of the Pacific littoral and oceanic island-associated units at Isla del Coco.

Introducción: La falsa orca es una especie gregaria tropical y subtropical, que vive en grupos con individuos de diferentes clases de edad y sexo. La falsa orca ha sido documentada en el sur-oeste de Costa Rica desde finales de los 90s. Objetivo: Evaluar el uso de hábitat de la especie en términos de abundancia. Métodos: Observaciones en campo para cetáceos en aguas de la Península de Osa (APO), incluyen encuentros oportunísimos en Bahía de Drake y la Isla del Caño (2001-2019), así como observaciones directas de Pseudorca crassidens, durante muestreos formales en Golfo Dulce (2005-2015). Se analizaron datos sobre foto-identificación utilizando modelos de marcaje captura y recaptura, considerando un enfoque para población abierta (POPAN), el cual considera el efecto del tiempo en los parámetros demográficos: supervivencia aparente (ф) y probabilidad de captura (P), produciendo un estimado de abundancia que comprende toda la superpoblación en el área de estudio. Resultados: La abundancia de la falsa orca en APO se caracteriza por un tamaño poblacional pequeño, de menos de 100 individuos, que se complementa por una muy baja probabilidad de captura, en contraste con una supervivencia aparente alta. Conclusión: Este estimado debe tratarse como conservativo, no obstante, el pequeño número poblacional, de menos de 100 individuos debe considerarse como vulnerable, en contraste con el incremento del impacto antropogénico del paisaje marino costero. Se discute la posible presencia de unidades poblacionales en el paisaje costero del litoral Pacífico y de unidades oceánicas asociadas a la Isla del Coco.

Evaluation of the Romosinuano cattle population structure in Mexico using pedigree analysis / Evaluación de la estructura poblacional de bovinos Romosinuano en México mediante el análisis de pedigrí / Avaliação da estrutura populacional de bovinos Romosinuano no México usando análise de pedigree

Abstract Background: Romosinuano cattle breed in Mexico has endured isolation and it is necessary to characterize it in order to facilitate sustainable genetic management. Objective: To assess the evolution of the structure and genetic diversity of the Romosinuano breed in Mexico, through pedigree analysis. Methods: Pedigree data was obtained from Asociación Mexicana de Criadores de Ganado Romosinuano y Lechero Tropical (AMCROLET). The ENDOG program (4.8 version) was used to analyze two datasets, one that includes upgrading from F1 animals (UP) and the other with only straight-bred cattle (SP). For both datasets, three reference populations were defined: 1998-2003 (RP1), 2004-2009 (RP2), and 2010-2017 (RP3). The pedigree included 3,432 animals in UP and 1,518 in SP. Demographic parameters were: Generation interval (GI), equivalent number of generations (EG), pedigree completeness index (PCI), and gene flow among herds. Genetic parameters were: Inbreeding (F) and average relatedness (AR) coefficients, effective population size (Nec), effective number of founders and ancestors, and number of founder genome equivalents. Results: The GI varied from 6.10 to 6.54 for UP, and from 6.47 to 7.16 yr for SP. The EG of the UP and SP improved >63% from RP1 to RP3. The PCI increased over time. No nucleus or isolated herds were found. For RP3, F and AR reached 2.08 and 5.12% in the UP, and 2.55 and 5.94% in the SP. For RP3, Nec was 57 in the UP and 45 in the SP. Genetic diversity losses were attributed mainly (>66%) to genetic drift, except for RP3 in the SP (44%). Conclusions: A reduction of the genetic diversity has been occurring after the Romosinuano breed association was established in Mexico, and this is mainly due to random loss of genes.

Resumen Antecedentes: La raza bovina Romosinuano ha estado prácticamente aislada en México y requiere ser caracterizada para un manejo genético sostenible. Objetivo: Evaluar la evolución de la estructura y diversidad genética de la raza Romosinuano en México, mediante el análisis del pedigrí. Métodos: Los datos genealógicos provinieron de la Asociación Mexicana de Criadores de Ganado Romosinuano y Lechero Tropical (AMCROLET). Los análisis se realizaron con el programa ENDOG (versión 4.8) para dos bases de datos, una que incluyó animales en cruzamiento absorbente (UP) a partir de F1 y la otra con sólo animales puros (SP). Para ambas bases de datos se definieron tres poblaciones de referencia: 1998-2003 (RP1), 2004- 2009 (RP2), y 2010-2017 (RP3). El pedigrí incluyó 3.432 animales en la UP y 1.518 en la SP. Los parámetros demográficos fueron: intervalo generacional (GI), número de generaciones equivalentes (EG), índice de completitud del pedigrí (PCI), y flujo de genes entre hatos. Los parámetros genéticos fueron: coeficientes de consanguinidad (F) y de relación genética aditiva (AR), tamaño efectivo de la población (Nec), número efectivo de fundadores y ancestros, y número equivalente de genomas fundadores. Resultados: El GI varió de 6,10 a 6,54 para la UP, y de 6,47 a 7,16 años para la SP. El EG de la UP y la SP mejoró >63%, de RP1 a RP3. El PCI aumentó a través de los años, pero más para la SP que para la UP. No se encontraron hatos núcleo o aislados. Para RP3, F y AR alcanzaron 2,08 y 5,12% en la UP, y 2,55 y 5,94% en la SP. Para RP3, Nec fue 57 en la UP y 45 en la SP. Más de 66% de las pérdidas en diversidad genética se debieron a deriva genética, excepto para RP3 en la UP (44%). Conclusiones: una reducción de la diversidad genética ha estado ocurriendo después de que se formó la asociación de criadores de ganado Romosinuano en México, y es debida principalmente a pérdidas aleatorias de genes.

Resumo Antecedentes: A raça bovina Romosinuano tem estado praticamente isolada no México e precisa ser caracterizada para um manejo genético sustentável. Objetivo: Avaliar a evolução da estrutura e diversidade genética da raça Romosinuano no México, através da análise de pedigree. Métodos: Os dados genealógicos vieram da Asociación Mexicana de Criadores de Ganado Romosinuano y Lechero Tropical (AMCROLET). As análises foram feitas com o programa ENDOG (versão 4.8) para duas bases de dados, uma que incluiu animais em cruzamento absorvente (UP) a partir da F1 e a outra base de dados somente com animais puros (SP). Para ambas bases de dados foram definidas três populações de referência: 1998-2003 (RP1), 2004-2009 (RP2) e 2010-2017 (RP3). O pedigree incluiu 3.432 animais na UP e 1.518 na SP. Os parâmetros demográficos foram: intervalo entre gerações (GI), número de gerações equivalentes (EG), índice de completude do pedigree (PCI), e fluxo de genes entre rebanhos. Os parâmetros genéticos foram: coeficiente de consanguinidade (F) e da relação genética aditiva (AR), tamanho efetivo da população (Nec), número efetivo de fundadores e ancestrais, e número equivalente de genomas fundadores. Resultados: O GI variou de 6,10 a 6,54 para a UP, e de 6,47 a 7,16 anos para a SP. EG da UP e a SP melhorou >63%, de RP1 a RP3. O PCI aumentou ao longo dos anos, mas mais para a SP do que para o UP. Não se encontraram rebanhos núcleo ou isolados. Para RP3, F e AR alcançaram 2,08 e 5,12% na UP, e 2,55 e 5,94% na SP. Para RP3, Nec foi 57 na UP e 45 na SP. Mais de 66% das perdas em diversidade genética foram ocasionadas pela deriva genética, exceto para RP3 no UP (44%). Conclusões: Depois que a associação da raça Romosinuano foi estabelecida no México, tem ocorrido uma redução da diversidade genética, principalmente devido a perdas aleatórias de genes.

Avaliação de indicadores aplicados a sistemas de abastecimento de água de pequeno porte / Evaluation of indicators applied to small water supply systems

RESUMO O presente trabalho visou avaliar, por meio de regressão linear múltipla (RLM), os indicadores que melhor exprimem a realidade dos sistemas de abastecimento de água de municípios de pequeno porte, com base nos desempenhos financeiro, operacional e de qualidade da água como variáveis de resposta. A organização e a seleção dos dados fiaram-se no Sistema Nacional de Informações sobre Saneamento de 2014, tendo sido selecionados os referentes a 182 municípios de Minas Gerais com população inferior a 10 mil habitantes e 56 indicadores como variáveis explicativas. Por meio da RLM, verificou-se que o comprometimento das receitas com a despesa (margem da despesa de exploração) e a razão entre a arrecadação e as despesas (índice de suficiência de caixa) são as variáveis mais relevantes para descrever o desempenho financeiro. Para descrição do desempenho operacional, os índices de perdas por ligação e de faturamento de água foram os mais recorrentes. Por fim, no que tange ao desempenho de qualidade da água, os modelos apresentaram baixos coeficientes de determinação e a não aderência dos resíduos à distribuição normal.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate, by means of multiple linear regression (MLR), the indicators that best express the reality of small municipalities water supply systems, based on financial, operational and water quality performance as response variables. The organization and selection of the sample were based on the information available in the National Sanitation Information System of 2014, selecting 182 municipalities in Minas Gerais with population below 10,000 inhabitants and 56 indicators as explanatory variables. Through MLR, it was found that the commitment of revenue to expenditure (operating expense margin) and the ratio of collection to expenses (monetary sufficiency index) are the most relevant variables to describe financial performance. For the description of operational performance, the water loss per connection and water billing rates were the most recurrent. Finally, with regard to the performance of water quality, the models presented low determination coefficients and non-adherence of the residues to normal distribution.

African elephant genetics: enigmas and anomalies

During the last two decades, our understanding of the genetics of African elephant populations has greatly increased. Strong evidence, both morphological and genetic, supports recognition of two African elephant species: the savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana) and the forest elephant (L. cyclotis). Among elephantids, phylogeographic patterns for mitochondrial DNA are highly incongruent with those detected using nuclear DNA markers, and this incongruence is almost certainly due to strongly male-biased geneflow in elephants. As our understanding of elephant population genetics has grown, a number of observations may be considered enigmatic or anomalous. Here, several of theseare discussed. (i) There are a number of within-species morphological differences purported to exist among elephants in different geographic regions, which would be difficult to reconcile with the low genetic differentiation among populations. (ii) Forest elephants have a higher effective population size than savanna elephants, with nuclear genetic markersmuch more diverse in the forest elephants than savanna elephants,yet this finding would need to be reconciled with thelife history of the two species. (iii) The savanna and forest elephants hybridize and produce fertile offspring, yet full genome analysis of individuals distant from the hybrid zone suggests that gene flow has been effectively sterilized for atleast ∼500,000 years. (iv) There are unexplored potentialramifications of the unusual mito–nuclear patterns among elephants. These questions are considered in light of highmale and low female dispersal in elephants, higher variance of reproductive success among males than females, and of habitat changes driven by glacial cycles and human activity

Estrutura populacional da raça Girolando / Population structure of Girolando breed

O objetivo neste estudo foi avaliar a estrutura genética da população de bovinos da raça Girolando no Brasil. Analisou-se o arquivo de pedigree de 26.969 animais, composto de 3.031 machos e 23.938 fêmeas. O nível de conteúdo de informação do pedigree na geração atual foi 61%, mostrando ser de qualidade moderada. O coeficiente de endogamia médio e o coeficiente de relação médio da população Girolando foram 0,11 e 0,13%, respectivamente. O tamanho efetivo da população, considerando a geração completa traçada, foi 188, acima do nível crítico. Do total de 9.457 ancestrais que contribuíram para a população de referência, 457 explicaram 50% da variabilidade genética da população. O número efetivo de fundadores foi 551 e o de ancestrais 393. O intervalo médio de geração foi de 5,26 anos, sendo ligeiramente maior nas trilhas gaméticas mãe-filho e pai-filha. A partir dos coeficientes estimados, pode-se concluir que a endogamia nos rebanhos da raça Girolando foi de pequena magnitude e que as práticas de acasalamento foram adequadas durante o período avaliado. No entanto, é importante continuar com o monitoramento desses coeficientes a fim de prevenir perda de variabilidade genética.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the population structure of Girolando cattle in Brazil. The pedigree file contained 26,969 individuals, from which 3,031 were males and 23,938 were females. The average level of completeness of the pedigree in the current generation was of reasonable quality (61%). Inbreeding and average relatedness coefficients were low: 0.11 and 0.13%, respectively. Estimates of effective population size considering the full generations traced was 188, which is above the critical level range. The number of ancestors that contributed to the reference population was 9,457 animals, from which 457 explained 50% of the genetic variability of the population. The effective number of founders and the effective number of ancestors in this population were, respectively, 551 and 393. The average generation interval was 5.26 years, slightly higher in genetic pathways dam-son and sire-daughter. The inbreeding in the Girolando breed was of small magnitude, indicating that the current practices of mating were adequate during the study period. However, it is important to continue monitoring these coefficients in order to prevent loss of genetic variability.

VARIACIÓN DEMOGRÁFICA TEMPORAL DE LA TORTUGA DE RÍO CHOCOANA, Rhinoclemmys nasuta (GEOEMYDIDAE), EN ISLA PALMA, BAHÍA MÁLAGA, PACÍFICO DEL VALLE DEL CAUCA / Temporal Variation in Demography of the Chocoan River Turtle, Rhinoclemmys nasuta (Geoemydidae), on Isla Palma, Malaga Bay, Pacific Coast of Valle del Cauca

Pocos estudios demográficos de larga duración han sido realizados en tortugas dulceacuícolas de Suramérica, pese a la necesidad de este tipo de investigación para esclarecer las variaciones naturales y fortalecer procesos de conservación en este grupo particular. En esta investigación se estudió la variación en la demografía de una población de la tortuga de río chocoana (Rhinoclemmys nasuta), a partir de información registrada en una localidad insular del Pacífico colombiano entre 2005 y 2012. En esta localidad se capturaron manualmente tortugas en cinco riachuelos con un área total de 0,4 ha. Se calculó el tamaño poblacional con el método Jolly-Seber en cuatro periodos (2005-06, 2007, 2011 y 2012), y se comparó la estructura poblacional. Se estimó la probabilidad de supervivencia y la probabilidad de captura para machos, hembras y juveniles utilizando el modelo Cormack-Jolly-Seber, y la tasa de crecimiento poblacional con el modelo POPAN. Se evidenciaron aumentos y disminuciones en el tamaño de la población. Se evidenció un aumento significativo del porcentaje de juveniles que hacen parte de la población durante el periodo de estudio. En todos los periodos las hembras dominaron la estructura de sexos de la población. Las variaciones temporales en el tamaño poblacional pueden deberse a cambios naturales en el hábitat o a efectos denso-dependientes. Sin embargo, también pueden corresponder a fluctuaciones normales en los parámetros poblacionales, por lo tanto monitoreos continuos donde se puedan correlacionar factores ambientales y físicos del hábitat podrían permitirnos elucidar a que se deben estas variaciones.

Few long-term demographic studies have been conducted in freshwater turtles of South America despite the need for this type of inquiry to investigate natural variation and strengthen conservation efforts for these species. In this study, we examined variation in demography of the Chocoan River Turtle (Rhinoclemmys nasuta) based on a population from an island locality in the Colombian Pacific region between 2005 and 2012. At this locality we captured turtles by hand in five streams with a total area of 0.4 ha. We calculated population size with the Jolly-Seber method and compared the population structure of four time periods (2005-06, 2007, 2011 and 2012). We calculated the probability of survival and capture probability for males, females and juveniles using the Cormack -Jolly-Seber model and we estimated the rate of population growth with the POPAN model. We found increases and decreases in population size, and a significant increase in the percentage of juveniles in 2011 and 2012. In all periods, females dominated the sex structure of the population. Temporal variation in population size may be due to natural changes in habitat or density-dependent effects. However, it may correspond with normal fluctuations in population parameters, therefore continuous monitoring that can be correlated with environmental and physical factors of the habitat could elucidate the causes of the variation.

The impact of different markers regarding the estimation of population size under capture-recapture method on men who have sex with men / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To discuss the impact of different markers on the estimation of MSM using the capture-recapture method.Methods From March to July 2013,MSM were captured from the their related network to estimate the site of this population,under the capture-recapture method.Two different markers were set in the process of first ‘capture'.Results The estimated numbers of MSM in Beijing were 239 258 (95％CI:48 932-429 584) and 115 731 (95％CI:78 153-153 309) when using the two markers under capture-recapture method.Conclusion The estimated size of MSM population varied greatly under different markers which called for the right selection on markers when using the capture-recapture method to estimate the size of specific population.

Decline of genetic variability in a captive population of Pacific white shrimp Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei using microsatellite and pedigree information

Background: The objective of this study was to estimate the decline of genetic variability and the changes in effective population size in three shrimp populations. One was a wild population collected at several points in the Mexican Pacific Ocean. The other two populations were different generations (7 and 9) from a captive population selected for growth and survival. Microsatellite markers and pedigree were both used to assess genetic variability and effective population size. Results: Using 26 loci, both captive populations showed a decline in the expected heterozygosity (20%) and allelic diversity indices (48 to 91%) compared to the wild population (P < 0.05). The studied captive populations did not differ significantly from each other regarding their expected heterozygosity or allelic diversity indices (P > 0.05). Effective population size estimates based on microsatellites declined from 48.2 to 64.0% in cultured populations (P < 0.05) compared to the wild population. Conclusions: An important decline of genetic variability in the cultured selected population due to domestication, and evidence of a further smaller decline in effective population size across generations in the selected population were observed when analyzing pedigree (41%) and microsatellite data (37%). Pedigree keeping is required to prevent the decline of effective population size and maintain genetic variability in shrimp breeding programs, while microsatellites are useful to assess effective population size changes at the population level.

Sample size: from formulae to concepts - II.

Sample size formulae need some input data or to say it otherwise we need some parameters to calculate sample size. This second part on the formula explanation gives ideas of Z, population size, precision of error, standard deviation, contingency etc which influence sample size.

Estructura poblacional de Polythore gigantea (Odonata: Polythoridae) en sistemas lóticos con diferentes estados de conservación en Antioquia, Colombia / Population structure of Polythore gigantea (Odonata: Polythoridae) in lotic systems with different conservation states in Antioquia-Colombia

The knowledge about population structure and dynamics of some neotropical species, especially those living in lotic systems is still barely studied. This study had the aim to assess if the conservation status of some lotic systems, is related to some demographic variables of P. gigantea, so this may be used as a model for ecological monitoring. For this, we evaluated the population structure of P. gigantea three times per month (almost one sampling event every eight days) in four streams of the state of Antioquia, Colombia, from March-June 2009. The specimens were collected using entomological nets along a transect of 200m in the littoral zone of each stream. The insects were marked on the wings and the population size was estimated with the mark-recapture method. Our results showed that the largest population size was recorded for the stream “La Catedral” with aprox 299 individuals, followed by the stream “La Doctora” with 218 individuals. Nevertheless, no significant differences in population size among the evaluated streams were found; and no statistical relationships were found between vegetation variables and the population size of P. gigantea. However, taking into account the limited dispersal capacity of P. gigantea, its survival in the studied streams was considered to be at risk, due to the continuous modification of large riparian forest areas, which cause the increase of forest patches, with different levels of interconnection, and hinder long-term permanence of populations.

Evaluar si el estado de conservación de algunos sistemas lóticos, se relaciona con algunas variables demográficas de P. gigantea puede ser un modelo útil para el monitoreo ecológico. Se evaluó la estructura poblacional de P. gigantea en cuatro sistemas lóticos del Departamento de Antioquia, Colombia. Para cada quebrada, se emplearon tres eventos mensuales, repartidos en un evento cada ocho días, es decir, un total de 12 eventos para los cuatro sistemas lóticos, de marzo - junio de 2009. La metodología empleada fue marcaje y recaptura a lo largo de un transecto de 200m en la zona litoral de cada quebrada. El mayor tamaño poblacional promedio estimado por medio de Jolly, fue para la quebrada La Catedral con 299.4 individuos, seguida de la quebrada la Doctora con 218.3 individuos; sin embargo, no se encontraron diferencias significativas en el tamaño poblacional entre quebradas. No se encontraron relaciones estadísticas entre algunas variables estructurales de la vegetación con el tamaño poblacional de la especie en las cuatro quebradas. No obstante, teniendo en cuenta la limitada capacidad de dispersión de P. gigantea, esta constituye una especie con alto riesgo supervivencia en las quebradas evaluadas, a causa de la permanente modificación de extensas áreas de bosque por parte de los habitantes, que ocasionan la formación de numerosos fragmentos boscosos con diferente grado de interconexión y dificultan la permanencia a largo plazo de las poblaciones.

Growth and population assessment of the queen conch Strombus gigas (Mesogastropoda: Strombidae) by capture mark-recapture sampling in a natural protected area of the Mexican Caribbean / Evaluación del crecimiento y población del caracol rosado Strombus gigas (Mesogastropoda: Strombidae) mediante muestreo de marcaje-recaptura en un área natural protegida del Caribe mexicano

The Inlet of Xel-Ha is used as a park for ecotourism, representing a sanctuary for the conservation of Pink Queen Conch. Increasing fishing pressure has led to the inclusion of the species in CITES. Most knowledge about the growth of the queen conch was generated through aquaculture, ocean enclosures or obtained using estimates derived from population dynamics. In this study we estimated the growth rate of juvenile S. gigas in a natural protected area by direct methods, during the period of April 2009 to January 2011. Data was obtained by capture-mark-recapture sampling. 1418 individuals were tagged and growth of 714 conchs was analyzed. Population size and density was estimated using Schnabel’s method. The average density was estimated at 0.1694 ± 0.0996ind. m-2, while the highest density was estimated for September 2010 (0.3074ind. m-2). The highest growth rate (0.27 ± 0.10mm day-1) was detected in juveniles with an initial size between 100-149mm, followed by conch <100mm, with an increase of 0.24 ± 0.05mm day-1. The growth rate decreased for individuals with an initial size between 150-199mm (0.18 ± 0.09mm day-1) and for organisms > 200mm (0.08 ± 0.07mm day-1). Variability in growth rate was high in conch 100-149mm and showed seasonal differences, with the highest growth rate in May 2010. Recruitment of juveniles was highest in October 2009 and February 2010. The population of Xel-Ha has grown in size and more large and juvenile conch could be found than in previous studies, indicating that Xel-ha park is working as a sanctuary for the conservation of the queen conch in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. The growth rate of juvenile conch in Xel-Ha is high and exhibits large variations in individuals, reflecting the natural conditions of foraging and aggregation. Seasonal differences in growth rate may be associated with water quality and availability of nutrients for primary production. We conclude that the direct method is useful for the assessment of growth in juvenile S. gigas and that growth in natural conditions may be higher than in aquaculture systems. This information may be applied to fishery management as well as rehabilitation programs and aquaculture.

La Ensenada de Xel-Ha es usada como parque para ecoturismo y representa un santuario para la conservación del caracol rosado. El incremento en la presión de la pesca ha llevado a la inclusión de esta especie en CITES. Mucho del conocimiento acerca del crecimiento del caracol rosado ha sido generado a través de la acuicultura, encierros oceánicos o usando estimaciones derivadas de las dinámicas poblacionales. En este estudio estimamos la tasa de crecimiento de Strombus gigas juvenil en un área natural protegida, por métodos directos durante el período de abril 2009 a enero 2011. Los datos fueron obtenidos por muestras de captura-marca-recaptura. Un total de 1 418 individuos fueron marcados y el crecimiento de 714 caracoles fue analizado. La talla de la población y la densidad relativa fue estimada usando el método de Schnabel. La densidad promedio relativa fue estimada en 0.1694±0.0996ind. m-2, mientras que la densidad más alta fue estimada para septiembre 2010 con 0.3074ind. m-2. La tasa de crecimiento más alta (0.27±0.10mm día-1) fue detectada en juveniles con una talla inicial entre 100-149mm, seguida por juveniles <100mm, con un incremento de 0.24±0.05mm día-1. La tasa de crecimiento disminuyó para individuos con una talla inicial entre 150-199mm (0.18±0.09mm día-1) y para organismos >200mm (0.08 ± 0.07mm día-1). La variabilidad en la tasas de crecimiento fue alta en individuos entre 100-149mm y mostró diferencias estacionales; con la tasa de crecimiento más alta en mayo 2010. El reclutamiento de juveniles más alto se dio en octubre 2009 y en febrero 2010. La población de Xel-Ha ha crecido en tamaño y se pudo encontrar más adultos y juveniles que en estudios anteriores, lo que demuestra que el Parque de Xel-Há está funcionando como un santuario para la conservación del caracol rosado del Caribe en la Riviera Maya de México. La tasa de crecimiento de juveniles en Xel-Ha es alta y presenta grandes variaciones en los individuos, lo ...

Characteristics and the estimated size of men who have sex with men in different venues of one city / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To study the features,safe Sex behavior and the size of men who have sex with men(MSM)population in actuaI and virtual venues in one city.Methods We carried out a cross-sectional study in actual and virtual venues,using the Estimated Size of Population from a Single Sample(LMS method)to estimate the size of MSM population.Results Most MSM in actual venues were 24-43 year olds and had received high school education,whereas in virtual venues,the majority of this population were younger than 29 years old and had higher education,including some college students.The awareness of AIDS of the two groups from different venues showed no statistically significant difierence,neither the safe sex behaviors.Proportions of the MSM population in actual and virtuaI venues were 21.22%(16 383,95%CI:11514-21252)and 78.78%(60830,95%CI:57327-64329),respectively.After adjusting the overlapping part of the MSM from both venues,the total number was between 60 830 and 77213,constituting a proportion of 5.03%-6.38%in the sexually active male population(15-64 year olds)in this city.Conclusion The size of the MSM population was large but the characteristics were different in the actual or virtual venues.As most MSM preferred going to the virtual venues,intervention program on AIDS-specific strategy in this area,in particular dealing with the Internet,should be strenthened.

Population dynamics of the bat Dermanura tolteca (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in a tropical forest in Mexico

The fruit-eating bat, Dermanura tolteca, has a broad geographic distribution in Mexico and it is a very important seed dispersal of Neotropical plants. Nonetheless, information on the biology of this bat species is scarce, especially with regard to demography. We studied some ecological aspects and population dynamics of D. tolteca from Southeastern Mexican State of Oaxaca. The study was conducted in a perennial tropical forest, over a period of 80 nights, a sampling effort of 73 200 mist-net-hour, from May 2006 to August 2007. A total of 176 specimens were captured, 98 females and 78 males. Population size was estimated in 237 individuals in the study area, with a greater number during rainy season. The population density of this bat, in its range of distribution in Mexico is low compared to other nose-leaf bats. Captures were correlated with monthly precipitation, and this result may be linked to food resources abundance in tropical and subtropical areas. The reproductive pattern was bimodal polyestrous, with birth periods between August-September and April-June. Greater body mass was observed in females than males. The male-female ratio and age-related demographics were similar to other noseleaf bats. The biological characteristics of D. tolteca are typical of nose-leaf bats of the family Phyllostomidae. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (4): 1323-1334. Epub 2010 December 01.

El murciélago Dermanura tolteca presenta una amplia distribución geográfica en México y es un importante dispersor de semillas de una variedad de plantas neotropicales. Sin embargo la información biológica sobre este murciélago es escasa, especialmente en aspectos demográficos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue documentar la dinámica poblacional y varios aspectos ecológicos de la especie. El trabajo fue conducido entre mayo 2006 y agosto 2007 en un bosque tropical perennifolio en el estado de Oaxaca, sureste de México, durante 80 noches, con un esfuerzo de muestreo total de 73 200m² de red-hora. Se capturaron 187 individuos, 98 hembras y 78 machos. Se estimó el tamaño poblacional en 237 individuos, con un mayor número en la época lluviosa. Las capturas están correlacionadas con la precipitación mensual y este fenómeno puede estar ligado a la abundancia del recurso alimenticio en zonas tropicales y subtropicales. La proporción de sexos y la estructura de edad son las típicas de varios murciélagos filostómidos. El patrón de reproducción fue del tipo poliestrica bimodal, con periodos de nacimiento entre agosto-septiembre y abril-junio. Las hembras muestran mayor peso corporal que los machos. Es posible que este murciélago presente una baja densidad comparada con la de otros murciélagos filostómidos en todo su rango de distribución en México.

Population Structure of Mesoclemmys vanderhaegei (Bour, 1973) (Testudines:Chelidae) in the Cerrado of Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso, Brazil / Estrutura de população de Mesoclemmys vanderhaegei (Bour, 1973) (Testudines: Chelidae) no Cerrado de Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso, Brasil

Studies on population structure of freshwater turtles belonging to the family Chelidae are scarce in Brazil. Herein we describe the structure of a population of the chelid Mesoclemmys vanderhaegei in a Cerrado area in the municipality of Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso, Brazil. A total of 80 individuals were captured in five collecting sites, from January to March 2007: 42 adult females, 27 adult males, and 11 juveniles with undetermined sex. Among 80 individuals, 24 percent were recaptured, at least once. This is the first attempt to estimate the size of a population of Mesoclemmys vanderhaegei. Our results suggest that additional sampling efforts are needed for more accurate estimates of population structure. Nevertheless, they surely provide minimum values of the number of individuals of M. vanderhaegei living in the locality sampled.

Estudos sobre estrutura de populações de quelônios da família Chelidae são escassos no Brasil. Nós descrevemos a estrutura de uma população de Mesoclemmys vanderhaegei de uma área de Cerrado, no município de Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso, Brasil. Os indivíduos foram capturados entre os meses de janeiro e março de 2007, em cinco sítios de coleta. Foram capturados 80 indivíduos: 42 fêmeas, 27 machos e 11 indivíduos com sexo não determinado (jovens). Dos 80 indivíduos capturados, 24 por cento foram recapturados pelo menos uma vez. Esta é a primeira tentativa de estimar o tamanho de uma população de Mesoclemmys vanderhaegei. Embora nossas estimativas sugiram a necessidade de maior esforço de captura, nossos dados permitem apontar números mínimos de indivíduos para a localidade amostrada.

Aspectos ecológicos do cavalo-marinho Hippocampus reidi no estuário Camurupim/Cardoso, Piauí, Brasil, fornecendo subsídios para a criação de uma Área de Proteção Integral / Ecological aspects of the seahorse Hippocampus reidi in the Camurupim/Cardoso estuary, Piauí State, Brazil, as subsidies for the implementation of an Environmental Protection Area

Em 2005, um conjunto de entidades iniciou formalmente um processo através do Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Renováveis (IBAMA) para a criação de uma unidade de conservação de proteção integral englobando os estuários Camurupim/Cardoso e Timonha/Ubatuba, no Estado do Piauí. Entre as espécies-bandeira capazes de angariar apoio para a proteção dos referidos estuários, encontra-se o cavalo-marinho Hippocampus reidi, foco do presente trabalho. Os resultados do nosso estudo de um ano, na área em questão, mostraram a existência de uma população residente de H. reidi, encontrada em 19 habitats e com uma das mais altas densidades já reportadas para a espécie (0,04 ind/m²). Esta informação reforça a importância crucial de apoio adicional à proteção daqueles ambientes, que além de abrigar H. reidi, uma espécie listada como Deficiente de Dados pela União Internacional para a Conservação da Natureza (IUCN), é local de ocorrência da tataruga-de-couro (Dermochelys coriacea), espécie considerada Criticamente Ameaçada e o peixe-boi-marinho (Trichechus manatus manatus) uma espécie Vulnerável, de acordo com a Lista Vermelha das espécies ameaçadas da IUCN - 2008.

In 2005 a pool of institutions formally initiated a process via the Brazilian Environmental Agency (IBAMA) to create a full protection conservation unit encompassing the Camurupim/Cardoso and Timonha/Ubatuba estuaries, state of Piauí, NE Brazil. Among the flagship species to generate support for the protection of those estuaries is the seahorse Hippocampus reidi, focus of the present study. The results of our one-year survey in that area revealed the occurrence of resident population of H. reidi, found in 19 distinct habitats and with one of the highest densities already reported for the species (0.04 ind/m²). This information highlights the crucial need to further support the protection of that area, which aside from housing H. reidi, a species listed as Data Deficient by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), is also an area of occurrence of the Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), species considered as Critically Endangered, and the American Manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) a Vulnerable species, according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2008.

Evidences of delayed size recovery in Araucaria angustifolia populations after post-glacial colonization of highlands in Southeastern Brazil

Up to date, little is known about the relationship between historical demography and the current genetic structure of A. Angus As a first effort towards overcoming this lack, microsatellite data scored in six populations and isozyme allele frequencies published for 11 natural stands of this species were analysed in order to assess molecular signatures of populations' demographic history. Signatures of genetic bottlenecks were captured in all analysed populations of southeastern Brazil. Among southern populations, signatures of small effective population size were observed in only three out of 13 populations. Southern populations likely experienced faster recovery of population size after migration onto highlands. Accordingly, current genetic diversity of the southern populations gives evidence of fast population size recovery. In general, demographic history of A. Angusmatches climatic dynamics of southern and southeastern Brazil during the Pleistocene and Holocene. Palynological records and reconstruction of the past climatic dynamics of southeastern and southern Brazil support the hypothesis of different population size recovery dynamics for populations from these regions.

Até o momento, pouco se conhece sobre a relação entre história demográfica e a presente estrutura genética da A. Angus Como uma primeira tentativa em transpor esta deficiência, dados de microssatélites coletados em seis populações e freqüências alélicas de isoenzimas publicadas para 11 populações naturais desta espécie foram analisadas com o objetivo de acessar assinaturas moleculares da história demográfica populacional. Assinaturas de gargalos genéticos foram capturadas em todas as populações analisadas provenientes do Sudeste do Brasil. Entre as populações do Sul, assinaturas de pequeno tamanho populacional efetivo foram observadas em somente três entre 13 populações. Populações do Sul provavelmente apresentaram uma rápida recuperação do tamanho efetivo após a migração para os planaltos. Em acordança, a presente diversidade genética das populações do Sul apresenta evidências de uma rápida recuperação do tamanho populacional. Em geral, a história demográfica da A. Angus concorda com as dinâmicas climáticas do Sul e Sudeste do Brasil durante o Pleistoceno e o Holoceno. Estudos palinológicos e reconstrução de dinâmicas climáticas do Sul e Sudeste do Brasil suportam a hipótese de diferentes dinâmicas de recuperação do tamanho populacional em populações destas regiões.

Comparação de metodologias de seleção sob oscilação genética / Comparison of selection methodologies under genetic drift

Determinou-se o número adequado de repetições na comparação de métodos de seleção tradicionais e associados a marcadores moleculares, com diferentes tamanhos efetivos e sob diferentes sistemas de acasalamento dos reprodutores selecionados, usando simulação com o programa GENESYS. Para comparar os diferentes métodos de seleção utilizaram-se populações com tamanhos efetivos de 18,18 (TE1) e de 66,66 (TE2) e uma, 10 e 30 repetições por geração, avaliando-se os valores fenotípicos médios. Para as situações com apenas uma repetição, os resultados apresentaram incoerências, independentemente do tamanho efetivo (TE1 ou TE2) ou do sistema de acasalamento (RAA - reprodutores acasalados aleatoriamente, EIC - exclusão de irmãos completos ou EICMI - exclusão de irmãos completos e meio-irmãos). Observou-se que a oscilação genética influencia o ganho genético, principalmente, em populações com pequeno tamanho efetivo e que um valor mínimo de 10 repetições por geração é necessário para assegurar a consistência dos resultados obtidos pelos métodos de seleção.

This work was carried out to determine the required number of replicates for comparison of conventional and molecular marker-associated selection methods in distinct effective population sizes and different mating systems, by simulations using the software GENESYS. Effective populational size of 18.18 (ES1) and 66.66 (ES2), and one, 10, and 30 replicates per generation were used to compare the different selection methods, based on mean phenotypic values. Incongruences results were observed when a single replicate was considered independently of effective size (ES1or ES2) and the mating system (random mating; exclusion of full-sibs or exclusion of both full and half-sibs). Genetic oscillation influenced the genetic gain, mainly in populations of small effective size. Furthermore, at least 10 replicates per generation were required to obtain sound consistent results for both selection methods.