Population structure of Simmental beef cattle using pedigree analysis.

The purpose of this study was to estimate parameters related to the population structure and genetic diversity in the Simental breed based on the pedigree information of 77,553 animals. The individual coefficients of inbreeding and average relatedness, number of complete generations, coefficient of change of inbreeding, effective size, effective number of founders, number of ancestors and generation interval were calculated. Using the Simmental cattle information, the mean inbreeding and average relatedness coefficients were 1.49% and 0.99%, respectively. The effective number of founders and ancestors was 163 and 132, respectively, and the effective population size was 48.03. Despite the relatively small inbreeding coefficient, some of the estimated population parameters indicated the need to adopt measures to maintain the genetic variability of the population.

Multi-Trait analysis of growth traits: fitting reduced rank models using principal components for Simmental beef cattle / Efetividade da redução da dimensão da matriz de covariância do efeito genético direto na avaliação genética do crescimento em bovinos Simental

ABSTRACT: The aim of this research was to evaluate the dimensional reduction of additive direct genetic covariance matrices in genetic evaluations of growth traits (range 100-730 days) in Simmental cattle using principal components, as well as to estimate (co)variance components and genetic parameters. Principal component analyses were conducted for five different models-one full and four reduced-rank models. Models were compared using Akaike information (AIC) and Bayesian information (BIC) criteria. Variance components and genetic parameters were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood (REML). The AIC and BIC values were similar among models. This indicated that parsimonious models could be used in genetic evaluations in Simmental cattle. The first principal component explained more than 96% of total variance in both models. Heritability estimates were higher for advanced ages and varied from 0.05 (100 days) to 0.30 (730 days). Genetic correlation estimates were similar in both models regardless of magnitude and number of principal components. The first principal component was sufficient to explain almost all genetic variance. Furthermore, genetic parameter similarities and lower computational requirements allowed for parsimonious models in genetic evaluations of growth traits in Simmental cattle.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se estudar a efetividade da redução da dimensão da matriz de covariância do efeito genético direto na avaliação genética do crescimento (pesos dos 100 aos 730 dias de idade) de bovinos Simental, por meio da análise de componentes principais, e estimar componentes de (co)variância e parâmetros genéticos. A análise de componentes principais foi realizada ajsutando-se cinco diferentes modelos: um modelo multicaracterístico padrão, de posto completo, e quatro modelos de posto reduzido. Os modelos foram comparados via informação de Akaike (AIC) e informação Bayesiana de Schwarz (BIC). Os componentes de variância e parâmetros genéticos foram obtidos via REML. Os valores de AIC e BIC para os modelos testados foram similares, indicando a possibilidade da escolha de um modelo mais parcimonioso na avaliação genética da raça Simental. O primeiro componente principal explicou mais de 96% de toda variação genética aditiva direta em ambos os modelos. Os valores de herdabilidades foram maiores em idades mais avançadas e variaram de 0,05 (peso aos 100 dias) a 0,30 (peso aos 730 dias). As estimativas de correlações genéticas foram similares em todos os modelos e apresentaram mesma magnitude e comportamento independentemente do número de componentes principais adotado. Diante dos resultados, pode-se afirmar que apenas o primeiro componente principal foi suficiente para explicar quase que na totalidade a variação genética aditiva direta existente. Além disso, a similaridade dos parâmetros genéticos estimados e a menor demanda computacional são indicativos da possibilidade da utilização de modelos mais parcimoniosos na avaliação genética de bovinos Simental.

Motivação dos profissionais para ingresso e permanência na estratégia saúde da família / Motivation for professionals to enter and remain in the family health strategy

A expansão da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) no país depende da participação de profissionais comprometidos com as propostas estabelecidas por esse modelo de assistência. Este estudo busca compreender a motivação dos profissionais em escolher a ESF como área de atuação, e os fatores responsáveis pela permanência e vinculação destes à ESF. Utilizada abordagem qualitativa, foram entrevistados 14 profissionais, de seis diferentes categorias, atuantes nas Equipes de Saúde da Família na Regional de Saúde de Sobradinho, no Distrito Federal. A satisfação por colaborar com o avanço desse modelo de assistência que promove a saúde integral do paciente é o principal fator estimulante para o profissional. Achado outro de grande valia é a crítica à atual falta de apoio e investimento da Secretaria de Saúde local no avanço da ESF.

The expansion of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) in Brazil depends on the participation of professionals committed to the proposals set out by this model of care. This study seeks to understand the motivation of professionals in choosing the FHS as their , and the factors responsible for their affiliating and remaining with the FHS. Using a qualitative approach, we interviewed 14 professionals, from 6 different categories, working in Family Health Teams at the Sobradinho Regional Health center, in the Federal District. The satisfaction from supporting the advancement of this model of care that promotes the overall health of the patient is the principal inspiring factor for the professional. Another finding of great value is the criticism of the current lack of support and investment from the local Health Department in advancing the FHS.

The influence of animals from embryo transfer on the genetic evaluation of growth in Simmental beef cattle by using multi-trait models.

The weight records from Simmental beef cattle were used in a genetic evaluation of growth with or without the inclusion of animals obtained by embryo transfer. A multi-trait model in which embryo transfer individuals were excluded (MTM1) contained 29,510 records from 10,659 animals, while another model without exclusion of these animals (MTM2) contained 62,895 weight records from 23,160 animals. The weight records were adjusted for ages of 100, 205, 365, 450, 550 and 730 days. The (co)variance components and genetic parameters were estimated by the restricted maximum likelihood method. The (co)variance components were similar in both models, except for maternal permanent environment variance. Direct heritabilities (h(2) d) in MTM1 were 0.04, 0.11, 0.20, 0.27, 0.31 and 0.42, while in MTM2 they were 0.11, 0.11, 0.17, 0.21, 0.22 and 0.26 for 100, 205, 365, 450, 550 and 730 days of age, respectively. Estimates of h(2) d in MTM1 were higher than in MTM2 for the weight at 365 days of age. Genetic correlations between weights in both models ranged from moderate to high, suggesting that these traits may be determined mainly by the same genes. Animals from embryo transfer may be included in the genetic evaluation of Simmental beef cattle in Brazil; this inclusion may provide potential gains in accuracy and genetic gains by reducing the interval between generations.

HIV and injection drug use in Latin America.

OBJECTIVE: This paper presents HIV/AIDS-related data on injection drug use (IDU) and drug use trends in Latin America, and policy issues and strategies developed to face the HIV epidemic. METHODS: Serosurveillance data on HIV/AIDS and IDU in Latin America were compiled. Key experts were consulted in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. Published and grey literature was reviewed. An overview and information on selected countries is discussed in order to analyse different responses. RESULTS: IDU AIDS cases are driving the epidemiological trend in the Southern Cone at 34.3%, followed by Brazil at 20.2%, Latin Caribbean 2.8%, Central America 0.9%, Mexico 0.6%, and the Andean area 0.2%. Available prevalence data are absent or scarce with the exception of Argentina and Brazil. Even with evidence of HIV transmission occurring in IDU, there is a notorious lack of studies in most other countries. In 1984-2000 only four out of 21 Latin American countries had reported prevalence studies. CONCLUSION: For countries that have already initiated harm-reduction programmes (HRP) the great challenge is to ensure that these activities are sustained. In other countries, IDU as a high-risk factor is currently of less importance. However, an increase in the frequency of IDU has been detected, and HIV prevalence is expected to increase. It is therefore necessary to implement HRP to encourage and help drug users to adopt safer methods, such as access to equipment and sterile materials, cleaning materials and information about safe sex, as well as counselling, support groups and medical assistance.

Prevenção do HIV em populações em UDs e Projeto Ajude-Brasil / HIV prevention in Uds populations and help-Brazil Project

Procura caracterizar os usuários de drogas injetáveis em suas comunidades e definir fatores de risco para infecções pelo HIV (DV)