Increase in Unemployment over the 2000’s: Comparison between People Living with HIV and the French General Population

BackgroundDespite improved health, unemployment has increased among people living with HIV (PlwHIV) over the last decade. However, since the economic recession of 2008, unemployment also increased in the French general population. This paper aimed to determine if the increase in the unemployment rate in the HIV population was higher than that in the French general population.MethodsWe used data from the ANRS-Vespa study, a repeated cross-sectional survey among two national representative samples of PlwHIV followed at hospitals in France in 2003 and 2011. We compared employment and unemployment rates between HIV-infected people (overall and according to period of HIV diagnosis) and the French general population in 2003 and 2011, using multivariate Poisson regressions adjusted for individual sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsThe employment rate among PlwHIV was consistently lower than that in the general population in 2003 and 2011. In contrast, there was a trend of an increasing unemployment rate difference between PlwHIV and the general population: PlwHIV’s unemployment rate was 1.48 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16–1.90) times higher than that of the general population in 2003, versus 1.62 (95% CI: 1.34–1.96) times higher in 2011. This unemployment rate difference was the highest for PlwHIV diagnosed in or after 2008 (adjusted prevalence rate ratio: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.59–2.67).ConclusionsThese results suggest that in time of economic recession, an increasing proportion of PlwHIV may be excluded from the labor market although they are willing to re-enter it. This constitutes a major issue relative to social consequences of chronic disease.     

Population Estimation Techniques for Lekking Species

Abstract: With the decline of many lekking species, the need to develop a rigorous population estimation technique is critical for successful conservation and management. We employed mark—resight methods to estimate population size for 2 lekking species: greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and Gunnison sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus). We evaluated 2 different estimators: Bowden's estimator and the mixed logit-normal mark—resight model. We captured and marked 75 greater sage-grouse. We counted marked and unmarked birds as they attended 15 known leks. We used 36 and 37 marked Gunnison sage-grouse to estimate population size in 2003 and 2004, respectively. We observed marked and unmarked Gunnison sage-grouse daily as they attended 6 leks in 2003 and 3 leks in 2004. Based on our examination of the assumptions of each mark—resight estimator, relative to behavior and biology of these species, we concluded the mixed logit-normal mark—resight model is preferred. We recommend wildlife managers employ mark—resight approaches when statistically rigorous population estimates are required for management and conservation of lekking species.     

Effects of Sarcoptic Mange on Coyotes at Wind Cave National Park

Abstract: Home-range size and population abundance indices of coyotes (Canis latrans) have not been documented in Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota, USA. In 2003 and 2004, we captured a total of 26 coyotes and radiocollared 22 adults (12 F, 10 M). In 2003 and 2004, 2 of 17 (12%) and 5 of 9 (56%) coyotes, respectively, were infected with sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei) at the time of capture. Thus, objectives were modified to document effects of the mange epizootic on the coyote population. In 2003, home-range (adaptive-kernel) sizes for male coyotes with mange and those considered healthy were 8.26 ± 1.63 (SE) km² and 9.67 ± 2.80 km², respectively. In 2004, home-range sizes for those male coyotes with and without mange were 22.69 ± 9.06 km² and 12.51 ± 2.73 km², respectively. Male home-range size did not differ between years (P = 0.14) or by status (with or without mange; P = 0.84). Survival of collared coyotes was 60% at the end of 2003. Results from fecal line transects, an index of relative abundance, indicated that the coyote population decreased by 48% from 2003 to 2004. Continued monitoring of sarcoptic mange epizootics will enable managers to assess the effects of mange on coyote populations.     

Rates of euthanasia and adoption for dogs and cats in Michigan animal shelters

Estimates of canine and feline euthanasia at U.S. animal shelters—largely based on voluntary surveys with low response rates—make it difficult to estimate the population from which the euthanized animals derive. Estimates of euthanasia rates (animals euthanized per unit of population) have varied widely and been available only sporadically. This study used requirements of Michigan state law (Pet Shops, Dog Pounds, and Animal Shelters Act, 1969) for animal shelters to collect admission and discharge data for all 176 Michigan-licensed animal shelters. In 2003, Michigan shelters discharged 140,653 dogs: Of these, 56,972 (40%) were euthanized; 40,005 (28%) were adopted. This annual euthanasia rate is 2.6% of the estimated 2003 Michigan dog population. Michigan shelters discharged 134,405 cats in 2003: 76,321 (57%) by euthanasia and (24%) by adoption. The estimated ratio of euthanized cats to cats who had owners was 3.1%. Small shelters and privately owned shelters were associated with higher adoption rates. Comparison with historical information from the past 10 to 20 years suggests the number of companion animals being euthanized in shelters has decreased and that progress has been made in reducing the companion animal overpopulation problem.     

Status of Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos in Britain in 2015

Capsule: A complete survey of Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos in Britain in 2015 found that the population had increased by 15% since 2003 to 508 territorial pairs.

Aims: The survey aimed to investigate the population size, distribution and breeding success of Golden Eagles in Britain, and to compare results with similar surveys since the early 1980s.

Methods: Every home range was visited on a minimum of three occasions between January and August 2015. First, to look for eagles or signs of their presence (January–March), then to look for evidence of breeding or further checks for occupation (April–June) and finally to record productivity of nesting pairs (July–August).

Results: The figure of 508 territorial pairs represents a 15% increase in the population from 442 pairs in 2003. The proportion of home ranges occupied was 70%. The largest increases in the proportion of occupied home ranges were in south-central Highlands (71%), northern moors and flows (38%) and northwest Highlands (29%), with modest increases of up to 10% in the other regions. Productivity was lower in 2015 than in 2003, and there was significant variation in breeding success between regions.

Conclusion: The British Golden Eagle population has increased since 2003, although the species is absent from England and Wales. The population now meets the abundance target identified to define favourable conservation status in Scotland, and while home range occupancy has increased there is regional variation, with some regions falling below the target levels. A combination of increased annual monitoring and tagging of eagles, as well as the introduction of new legislation, may serve as effective deterrents against persecution of eagles thus facilitating this population increase. However, concerns remain over low levels of home range occupancy particularly in the east Highlands, but also the proportion of sub-adult pairs holding territory in that region and in the south-central Highlands. Persecution associated with grouse moor management has been highlighted as a particular population constraint in both of these areas.     

Paléopathologie : à propos de squelettes humains découverts à Poitiers (Vienne,France)

Palaeopathology: remarks about skeletons discovered in Poitiers (Vienne, France). Age, sex and stature of human fossils from a population decimated during an epidemic period are estimated. The prevalence of abnormalities and pathologies is compared with those of today’s population. Osteoarthritis is the most frequent pathology and this at different stage development. Osteoporosis and vertebrae compression are studied. The cases of important scoliosis are numerous. An abnormal vertebra is presented. A strange lesion on the ilium of the left coxa is discussed. Some hypotheses are formulated concerning the mode and the hygiene of life of this population. To cite this article: O. Boeuf, P. Alberti, C. R. Palevol 2 (2003) 169–180.     

Using stage‐based system dynamics modeling for demographic management of captive populations

Management of captive populations relies on a complex synthesis of genetic and demographic analyses to guide populations toward sustainability. Demographic analyses of captive populations currently utilize age‐based matrix projections to predict a population's trajectory. An alternate approach is to use a stage‐based, system dynamics model for captive systems. Such models can more easily incorporate complex captive systems in which population dynamics are dependent on a combination of management and a species' biology. By linking these two areas, population managers can gain a more accurate understanding of how management decisions impact captive populations and which aspects of a species' demography should be of special concern in the future. We present a general stage‐based system dynamics model that has been developed for use with captive populations. The utility of the model is then illustrated by applying it to three captive bear populations: spectacled bears (Tremarctos ornatus), sloth bears (Melursus ursinus), and sun bears (Helarctos malayanus). Zoo Biol 22:45–64, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Current status and recent trend of the Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola as a breeding bird in Britain

Capsule The breeding Woodcock population in Britain in 2013 was estimated at 55?241 males (95% CL: 41?806–69?004), suggesting a large-scale decline that is supported by 2 additional sources of data.

Aims To provide an updated estimate of the size of Britain's breeding Woodcock population, measure recent trends and identify spatial patterns of change.

Methods Displaying male Woodcock were surveyed at a stratified sample of 834 randomly selected sites. Population estimates were compared with a baseline survey conducted in 2003 and the trend with data from annual Woodcock counts (2003–13) and Bird Atlas 2007–11.

Results Woodcock were estimated to be present at 22% of 1?×?1?km squares containing ≥10?ha of woodland, compared to 35% in 2003. The British population estimate fell by 29% between 2003 and 2013. The Atlas suggests that presence at the 10?×?10?km scale has declined by 56% between 1970 and 2010. Both data sources suggest regional variation in the rate of decline, with losses greatest in the West and South.

Conclusion The Woodcock's population size and breeding range appear to be declining severely across Britain. Regional variation in the rate of decline might be explained by the distribution of large continuous woodlands.     

Fisher Survival in Eastern Ontario

Abstract: Fishers (Martes pennanti) have recolonized eastern Ontario, Canada, but little is known about the survival of this harvested population. We estimated fisher survival and cause-specific mortality in Leeds and Grenville County, Ontario, from 2003–2005. The overall 2-year survival rate (95% CI) was 0.35 (0.21-0.56, n = 59). We attributed observed mortality rates mainly to natural causes (28.6%) and nuisance trapping (21.4%). Given reported recruitment rates, our estimated fisher mortality has likely led to population declines in the study area, especially during 2003. Thus, we do not recommend an increase in fisher harvest quotas in the study area at this time.     

天祝高寒草地植被、土壤及土壤微生物时间动态的比较

对天祝高寒草地21a前（1982年）、后（2003年）植被状况、土壤理化性质、土壤三大类微生物（细菌、放线菌和真菌）和各生理群微生物（硝化细菌、好气性固氮菌和好气性纤维素分解菌）及不同退化程度（围栏内、围栏外和鼠丘地）草地土壤微生物数量变化特点进行了对比研究。结果表明：（1）与1982年相比,目前该区天然草地植被总盖度、主要优良牧草种类、产草量等显著下降,草地植被退化明显;（2）草地土壤pH升高,土壤含水量、有机质、氮、磷含量均下降,草地土壤理化性质劣于1982年;（3）目前该区天然草地土壤三大类微生物数量及各生理群微生物数量变化十分明显,1982年土壤细菌、放线菌和真菌及微生物总数分别是2003年的153．6、5．5、4．1倍和151．2倍;土壤硝化细菌、好气性固氮菌和好气性纤维素分解菌数量分别是2003年的5．7、43．3倍和94．4倍;（4）轻度退化草地（围栏内）土壤各类微生物数量明显高于严重退化草地（围栏外、鼠丘地）,其数量前者一般为后者的1．5—4．5倍。     

Population size and trends of the Galápagos Penguin Spheniscus mendiculus

We applied a capture–mark–resight (CMR) method to estimate the population size of the Galápagos Penguin Spheniscus mendiculus . In 1999, we estimated 1198 individuals, with lower and upper 95% confidence limits of 1054 and 1403 individuals, respectively, and estimated that approximately 57% of the total population was counted in an annual census. Applying this estimate to the 2003 census, we estimated that the population size for the whole archipelago was 1351 individuals. We also applied the correction factor derived from the 1999 CMR data to other censuses carried out between 1970 and 2003 and estimated a maximum population of about 4000 individuals in 1971 when the highest numbers of Penguins were counted. Although the Penguin population size has fluctuated in the last 33 years, the overall trend shows larger populations in 1970–80 followed by relatively smaller populations and a slow recovery rate in 1983–2003. The data set also shows two major population declines (in 1983 and 1998), which are coincident with El Niño episodes.     

First-time urea breath tests performed at home by 36,629 patients: a study of Helicobacter pylori prevalence in primary care

Background: The aim of the current study was (1) to describe the use of a ¹³C‐urea breath test (UBT) that was performed by patients at their homes as a part of a test‐and‐treat strategy in primary care and (2) to investigate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in patients taking a first‐time UBT. Material and Methods: The patients performed UBTs at home based on the discretion of the general practitioner and mailed the breath bags to a central laboratory for analysis. Each patient was identified by a unique civil registration number. The study was population‐based, and the background population was approximately 700,000 people. Results: From 2003 to 2009, 44,487 UBTs were performed. Of these, 36,629 were first‐time UBTs. In total, 726 of 45,213 breath bags received (1.6%) were unable to be analyzed because of errors with the bags. For both women and men who were ≤45 years of age, positive H. pylori declined over the time course of the study (women: 19.6% in 2003 to 17.6% in 2009, p < .01; men: 20.7% in 2003 to 16.9% in 2009, p < .001). Patients who were older than 45 years had significantly higher positive H. pylori results than younger patients. Conclusions: A test‐and‐treat system was possible to implement that allowed patients to perform UBTs at their homes. The results of the first‐time UBTs demonstrated that approximately one of five patients who presented with dyspepsia in the clinical setting of Danish primary care was infected with H. pylori.     

Population trends of Rooks Corvus frugilegus in Spain and the importance of refuse tips

Anthropogenic food from refuse tips can affect population dynamics in birds, especially gulls, but the evidence is mostly circumstantial. We combine analyses of long-term population data and natural experiments to show a positive effect of refuse tips on the growth of the Spanish breeding population of Rooks Corvus frugilegus . In this isolated population of around 2000 breeding pairs, monitored since 1976, birds in colonies less than 10 km from tips fed largely on refuse, particularly during periods of lowest natural food availability. Three lines of evidence support the hypothesis that the supply of refuse influenced breeding numbers, suggesting that this population is limited by food: 1) between 1976 and 2003, the two population nuclei that had access to tips increased 2.1 and 3.7 times more than that without a tip nearby; 2) annual colony growth between 1996 and 2003 was strongly correlated with the availability of tips when other potentially important variables were taken into account; 3) the number of breeding pairs in refuse-foraging colonies declined rapidly after the closure of the local tip and recovered only when a supply of refuse was restored. The effect of tips on colony growth was stronger when the availability of natural foraging habitat around the colonies was low, suggesting that anthropogenic food acts as a buffer against shortage of natural food. Artificial food supplementation may be an effective tool to increase the breeding population of target species, especially those facing a reduction of their foraging habitats. The potential effects on bird species of Directive 1999/31/CE, which is enforcing a massive closure of tips in Europe, are discussed.     

Synergistic effects of an extreme weather event and habitat fragmentation on a specialised insect herbivore

Habitat fragmentation is considered to be one of the main causes of population decline and species extinction worldwide. Furthermore, habitat fragmentation can decrease the ability of populations to resist and to recover from environmental disturbances such as extreme weather events, which are expected to occur at an increasing rate as a result of climate change. In this study, we investigated how calcareous grassland fragmentation affected the impact of the climatically extreme summer of 2003 on egg deposition rates, population size variation and survival of the blue butterfly Cupido minimus, a specialist herbivore of Anthyllis vulneraria. Immediately after the 2003 summer heat wave, populations of the host plant declined in size; this was paralleled with decreases in population size of the herbivore and altered egg deposition rates. In 2006 at the end of the monitoring period, however, most A. vulneraria populations had recovered and only one population went extinct. In contrast, several butterfly populations had gone extinct between 2003 and 2006. Extinction probability was significantly related to initial population size, with small populations having a higher risk of extinction than large populations. These results support the prediction that species of higher trophic levels are more susceptible to extinction due to habitat fragmentation and severe disturbances.     

Are changes in breeding habitat responsible for recent population changes of long-distance migrant birds?

Capsule: The direction and magnitude of changes in structure of UK woodlands since the 1980s, are inconsistent with them playing a causative role in the declines of four migrant bird species in upland oak woods.

Aims: To investigate whether changes in woodland structure were a possible cause of population changes of four Afro-Palearctic migrants (Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix, Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis, Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca and Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus) in the upland oakwoods of western and northern Britain.

Methods: Bird population estimates and measures of woodland structure were recorded in two time periods 1982–85 and 2003–04 across six regions of the UK. We modelled the effect of habitat change and initial habitat state on population changes between the two time periods. The predicted effects of habitat change on populations were then compared with observed population changes across the different regions.

Results: All four species underwent population declines; there were also significant increases in ground cover and understorey cover. The number of birds in 2003–04 was influenced by habitat structure at this time in addition to showing regional differences. Change in bird numbers varied between regions and was affected by both the initial habitat state and change in habitat structure, with regional variation in the effect of habitat change. There was however no relationship between the predicted effect of change in habitat structure on population size and observed regional population changes.

Conclusions: Changes in woodland structure are unlikely to be the main driver of population change in these four migrant bird species, and large-scale factors affecting demographics in other parts of their breeding range or in their wintering areas are likely reasons for local population declines.     

Results of the introduction of the resident form of nerka <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oncorhynchus nerka</Emphasis> in Tolmachevskoe Lake (Kamchatka)

Data on the present-day (2003–2007) state of the population of kokanee Oncorhynchus nerka introduced in Tolmachevskoe Lake more than 20 years ago are provided. Since the moment of introduction, the population of kokanee has underwent considerable changes: a decrease occurred in the specific rate of growth, average length and weight of fish in catches, and fecundity. The pattern of feeding changed from planktonic to benthic. Kokanee began to feed during spawning. Spawning shifted to later dates (from the beginning of September to the end of September and beginning of October).     

Home Range and Population Density of Fishers in Eastern Ontario

Abstract: Fishers (Martes pennanti) were almost extirpated in Ontario, Canada, south of the French and Mattawa rivers by the 1940s but have recolonized much of their former range over the past several decades. We assessed the effect of the current harvest quota on a fisher population in eastern Ontario by estimating home range size and population density from a sample of radiocollared animals. Mean (± SD) adult home ranges (based on annual 95% min. convex polygons) were consistently smaller than those reported in the literature (M: 11 ± 4.4 km²; F: 2.1 ± 0.8 km²), with up to 71% overlap of adjacent intrasexual home ranges. This yielded an estimated adult fisher population density of 32.7/100 km² of suitable habitat, as defined by the habitat composition within observed home ranges. We further estimated that between 2003 and 2005, trappers harvested 17.8-42.3% of the pretrapping population. These results suggest that although current fisher population density is high in our study area compared to reported densities in other areas, harvest rate is also high and an increase in quota is unwarranted.     

A Comparison of Soil Microbial Community Structure, Protozoa and Nematodes in Field Plots of Conventional and Genetically Modified Maize Expressing the Bacillus thuringiens is CryIAb Toxin

Field trials were established at three European sites (Denmark, Eastern France, South-West France) of genetically modified maize (Zea mays L.) expressing the CryIAb Bacillus thuringiensis toxin (Bt), the near-isogenic non-Bt cultivar, another conventional maize cultivar and grass. Soil from Denmark was sampled at sowing (May) and harvest (October) over two years (2002, 2003); from E France at harvest 2002, sowing and harvest 2003; and from SW France at sowing and harvest 2003. Samples were analysed for microbial community structure (2003 samples only) by community-level physiological-profiling (CLPP) and phospholipid fatty acid analysis (PLFA), and protozoa and nematodes in all samples. Individual differences within a site resulted from: greater nematode numbers under grass than maize on three occasions; different nematode populations under the conventional maize cultivars once; and two occasions when there was a reduced protozoan population under Bt maize compared to non-Bt maize. Microbial community structure within the sites only varied with grass compared to maize, with one occurrence of CLPP varying between maize cultivars (Bt versus a conventional cultivar). An overall comparison of Bt versus non-Bt maize across all three sites only revealed differences for nematodes, with a smaller population under the Bt maize. Nematode community structure was different at each site and the Bt effect was not confined to specific nematode taxa. The effect of the Bt maize was small and within the normal variation expected in these agricultural systems.     

Decreased preference and reproduction, and increased mortality of Frankliniella occidentalis on thrips-resistant pepper plants

The effect of thrips resistance in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) – previously shown to result in impeded thrips population development (Maris PC, Joosten NN, Goldbach RW & Peters D (2003a) Restricted spread of Tomato spotted wilt virus in thrips‐resistant pepper. Phytopathology 93: 1223–1227. Maris PC, Joosten NN, Goldbach RW & Peters D (2003b) Spread of Tomato spotted wilt virus and population development of Frankliniella occidentalis in pepper resistant to thrips. Proceedings of the Section Experimental and Applied Entomology Netherlands Entomological Society (NEV) Amsterdam 14: 95–101.) – on thrips’[Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)] reproduction, mortality, host preference, and behaviour was investigated. Reproduction, studied by oviposition and larval survival, was negatively affected by the thrips‐resistant (TR) phenotype, whereas the offspring's developmental rate did not differ on TR and the thrips‐susceptible (TS) phenotype. While thrips’ behaviour was hardly affected by thrips resistance, a significant preference for TS plants over the TR plants was found in different tests. When released on either a TR or a TS plant, thrips dispersed at significantly higher rates from the TR plants, demonstrating that not only an impeded reproduction, but also a reduced residence time adds to the reported lower thrips numbers on TR plants.     

Does habitat structure matter? Spatially explicit population modelling of an Iberian gypsum endemic

Habitat heterogeneity may influence plant demography because conditions for survival, growth, and reproduction vary within a species’ range. We assessed the role of microhabitat spatial structure on the demography of Helianthemum squamatum, a shrubby gypsum specialist endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. We evaluated the demographic effect of microhabitat spatial variation using an approach that combined cellular automata with matrix population models, and included environmental and demographic stochasticty. We collected data on seed bank (2003–2005), seedling emergence (2003–2006), and adult survivorship (2004–2007) for H. squamatum in two independent blocks with different grazing intensity in Belinchón (Cuenca, Spain). We built spatial scenarios for each block based on field data of cover and spatial pattern of four microhabitats: lichenic crust, litter, H. squamatum, and shrub. Seedling survivorship was affected by year, block, and microhabitat, with individuals emerging under conspecifics having the highest survival rate and on litter the lowest in both blocks, whereas the effect of crust and other shrubs differed across blocks. Our models indicated population increase in the block with low grazing, but population decline in the block with intense grazing. We hypothesize that higher pressure of livestock grazing and trampling leads to a shift in relative microhabitat suitability for crust and shrub. This potential effect of grazing on spatial demographic variation opens interesting questions for future research. We emphasize the importance of considering microhabitat spatial structure when evaluating management and conservation strategies. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.