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A randomized control trial on retro-walking improves symptoms, pain, and function in primary knee osteoarthritis

Goonasegaran AR, Suhaimi A, Mokhtar AH

J Sports Med Phys Fitness, 2022 Feb;62(2):229-237.
PMID: 33314883 DOI: 10.23736/S0022-4707.20.11686-4

BACKGROUND: Primary knee osteoarthritis is the leading cause of chronic disability and pain among adults worldwide. Retro-walking has been shown to reduce patellofemoral pain, increases functional capability while strengthening the lower limbs and improving proprioception and balance. We aim to examine the effects of retro-walking on symptoms, pain, and perceived ability to perform daily activities in comparison to forward-walking in subjects with primary knee osteoarthritis.
METHODS: This was a single-blinded, randomized control trial involving 34 subjects between the age of 45-70 years (58.41±5.93) comparing retro-walking (RW) to forward-walking (FW). Subjects were randomly allocated to receive either RW with structured resistance training (SRT) or FW with SRT; 3 times a week for 12 weeks. The symptoms, pain, and function of daily living sub scores of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) along with Timed up and go (TUG) and Chair stand test (CST) were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. The outcomes were analyzed with two-way repeated measure analysis of variance.
RESULTS: Significant improvements for all outcomes were observed intra-group (P value <0.05) after 12 weeks. The KOOS sub scores, TUG and CST times was not statistically significant between study groups (P value >0.05). However, the partial eta squared scores for all outcomes were better in the RW group compared to FW except for CST.
CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that RW is a feasible and non-inferior option to FW in the rehabilitation of subjects with bilateral knee OA.
Therapeutic potential of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells transplantation in rats with optic nerve injury

Looi SY, Bastion MC, Leow SN, Luu CD, Hairul NMH, Ruhaslizan R, et al.

Indian J Ophthalmol, 2022 Jan;70(1):201-209.
PMID: 34937239 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.IJO_473_21

Purpose: There are no effective treatments currently available for optic nerve transection injuries. Stem cell therapy represents a feasible future treatment option. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hUC-MSC) transplantation in rats with optic nerve injury.
Methods: Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into three groups: a no-treatment control group (n = 6), balanced salt solution (BSS) treatment group (n = 6), and hUC-MSCs treatment group (n = 6). Visual functions were assessed by flash visual evoked potential (fVEP) at baseline, Week 3, and Week 6 after optic nerve crush injury. Right eyes were enucleated after 6 weeks for histology.
Results: The fVEP showed shortened latency delay and increased amplitude in the hUC-MSCs treated group compared with control and BSS groups. Higher cellular density was detected in the hUC-MSC treated group compared with the BSS and control groups. Co-localized expression of STEM 121 and anti-S100B antibody was observed in areas of higher nuclear density, both in the central and peripheral regions.
Conclusion: Peribulbar transplantation of hUC-MSCs demonstrated cellular integration that can potentially preserve the optic nerve function with a significant shorter latency delay in fVEP and higher nuclear density on histology, and immunohistochemical studies observed cell migration particularly to the peripheral regions of the optic nerve.
Cognitive reserve in stroke patients

Abdullah AH, Sharip S, Rahman AHA, Bakar L

Psych J, 2021 Jun;10(3):444-452.
PMID: 33517588 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.423

At present, a limited amount of information exists on the association between cognitive reserve and cognitive impairment in stroke populations. To determine predictors of cognitive reserve among stroke patients, 80 stroke patients attending the neurological and rehabilitation clinic in two different Malaysian general hospitals participated in this study. The Malay Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq-M), Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales-Short Form (DASS-21), WHO Quality of Life assessment BREF-21 (WHO-QOL BREF-21), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were used as instruments in this study. The study found that cognitive reserve (CRIq-M) is positively correlated with cognitive function (MoCA), r = 0.529, p
IAEA Activities on 67Cu, 186Re, 47Sc Theranostic Radionuclides and Radiopharmaceuticals

Jalilian AR, Gizawy MA, Alliot C, Takacs S, Chakarborty S, Rovais MRA, et al.

Curr Radiopharm, 2021;14(4):306-314.
PMID: 32988359 DOI: 10.2174/1874471013999200928162322

Despite interesting properties, the use of 67Cu, 186Re and 47Sc theranostic radionuclides in preclinical studies and clinical trials is curtailed by their limited availability due to a lack of widely established production methods. An IAEA Coordinated Research Project (CRP) was initiated to identify important technical issues related to the production and quality control of these emerging radionuclides and related radiopharmaceuticals, based on the request from IAEA Member States. The international team worked on targetry, separation, quality control and radiopharmaceutical aspects of the radionuclides obtained from research reactors and cyclotrons leading to preparation of a standard recommendations for all Member States. The CRP was initiated in 2016 with fourteen participants from thirteen Member States from four continents. Extraordinary results on the production, quality control and preclinical evaluation of selected radionuclides were reported in this project that was finalized in 2020. The outcomes, outputs and results of this project achieved by participating Member States are described in this minireview.
Thermal Calcination-Based Production of SnO₂ Nanopowder: An Analysis of SnO₂ Nanoparticle Characteristics and Antibacterial Activities

Al-Hada NM, Kamari HM, Baqer AA, Shaari AH, Saion E

Nanomaterials (Basel), 2018 Apr 17;8(4).
PMID: 29673195 DOI: 10.3390/nano8040250

SnO₂ nanoparticle production using thermal treatment with tin(II) chloride dihydrate and polyvinylpyrrolidone capping agent precursor materials for calcination was investigated. Samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), diffuse UV-vis reflectance spectra, photoluminescence (PL) spectra and the electron spin resonance (ESR). XRD analysis found tetragonal crystalline structures in the SnO₂ nanoparticles generated through calcination. EDX and FT-IR spectroscopy phase analysis verified the derivation of the Sn and O in the SnO₂ nanoparticle samples from the precursor materials. An average nanoparticle size of 4–15.5 nm was achieved by increasing calcination temperature from 500 °C to 800 °C, as confirmed through TEM. The valence state and surface composition of the resulting nanoparticle were analyzed using XPS. Diffuse UV-vis reflectance spectra were used to evaluate the optical energy gap using the Kubelka-Munk equation. Greater calcination temperature resulted in the energy band gap falling from 3.90 eV to 3.64 eV. PL spectra indicated a positive relationship between particle size and photoluminescence. Magnetic features were investigated through ESR, which revealed the presence of unpaired electrons. The magnetic field resonance decreases along with an increase of the g-factor value as the calcination temperature increased from 500 °C to 800 °C. Finally, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 Gram (–ve) and Bacillus subtilis UPMC 1175 Gram (+ve) were used for in vitro evaluation of the tin oxide nanoparticle’s antibacterial activity. This work indicated that the zone of inhibition of 22 mm has good antibacterial activity toward the Gram-positive B. subtilis UPMC 1175.
Fulltext Synovial Haemangioma of the Elbow: A rare paediatric case and imaging dilemma

Hoe HG, Zaki FM, Rashid AHA

Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J, 2018 Feb;18(1):e93-e96.
PMID: 29666688 DOI: 10.18295/squmj.2018.18.01.015

Synovial haemangiomas are rare benign vascular proliferations arising in synovium-lined surfaces. While the knee is by far the joint most commonly involved, this condition can also occur in the elbow. We report an eight-year-old boy who presented to the National University of Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2016 with a left elbow swelling of one year's duration. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a lobulated intra-articular mass with intermediate signal intensity on T1-weighted imaging and low signal punctate and linear structures within the hyperintense mass on T2-weighted imaging. In addition, there was heterogeneous yet avid contrast enhancement on post-gadolinium contrast images. The mass had juxta-articular extension and bony erosion to the coronoid process and the head of the radius. Synovial haemangiomas present a diagnostic dilemma. This report highlights certain imaging characteristics to distinguish this entity from other differential diagnoses.
Fulltext Down-top nanofabrication of binary (CdO)x (ZnO)1-x nanoparticles and their antibacterial activity

Al-Hada NM, Mohamed Kamari H, Abdullah CAC, Saion E, Shaari AH, Talib ZA, et al.

Int J Nanomedicine, 2017;12:8309-8323.
PMID: 29200844 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S150405

In the present study, binary oxide (cadmium oxide [CdO])x (zinc oxide [ZnO])1-x nanoparticles (NPs) at different concentrations of precursor in calcination temperature were prepared using thermal treatment technique. Cadmium and zinc nitrates (source of cadmium and zinc) with polyvinylpyrrolidone (capping agent) have been used to prepare (CdO)x (ZnO)1-x NPs samples. The sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. XRD patterns analysis revealed that NPs were formed after calcination, which showed a cubic and hexagonal crystalline structure of (CdO)x (ZnO)1-x NPs. The phase analysis using EDX spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of Cd and Zn as the original compounds of prepared (CdO)x (ZnO)1-x NP samples. The average particle size of the samples increased from 14 to 33 nm as the concentration of precursor increased from x=0.20 to x=0.80, as observed by TEM results. The surface composition and valance state of the prepared product NPs were determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. Diffuse UV-visible reflectance spectra were used to determine the optical band gap through the Kubelka-Munk equation; the energy band gap was found to decrease for CdO from 2.92 to 2.82 eV and for ZnO from 3.22 to 3.11 eV with increasing x value. Additionally, photoluminescence (PL) spectra revealed that the intensity in PL increased with an increase in particle size. In addition, the antibacterial activity of binary oxide NP was carried out in vitro against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 Gram (-ve), Salmonella choleraesuis ATCC 10708, and Bacillus subtilis UPMC 1175 Gram (+ve). This study indicated that the zone of inhibition of 21 mm has good antibacterial activity toward the Gram-positive B. subtilis UPMC 1175.
Fulltext Whole-Genome Shotgun Sequencing and Annotation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis MTBR1/09 Isolated from a Sputum Sample in Malaysia

Issa R, Seradja VH, Abdullah MK, Abdul H

Genome Announc, 2016;4(3).
PMID: 27340053 DOI: 10.1128/genomeA.00513-16

This is a report of an annotated genome sequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis MTBR1/09. The organism was isolated from a sputum sample from a male patient in Malaysia.
Fulltext Annotated Sequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis MTBR3/09 Isolated from a Sputum Sample in Malaysia

Issa R, Seradja VH, Abdullah MK, Abdul H

Genome Announc, 2016;4(3).
PMID: 27340055 DOI: 10.1128/genomeA.00517-16

This is a report of the annotated genome sequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis MTBR3/09. The organism was isolated from a sputum sample in Malaysia.
Fulltext Annotated Whole-Genome Shotgun Sequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis MTBR2/09 Isolated from a Sputum Sample in Malaysia

Issa R, Seradja VH, Abdullah MK, Abdul H

Genome Announc, 2016;4(3).
PMID: 27340054 DOI: 10.1128/genomeA.00515-16

Mycobacterium tuberculosis MTBR2/09 was isolated from a sputum sample from a male patient in Malaysia. This is a report of an annotated genome sequence of M. tuberculosis MTBR2/09.
Correlation of Arsenic Levels in Smokeless Tobacco Products and Biological Samples of Oral Cancer Patients and Control Consumers

Arain SS, Kazi TG, Afridi HI, Talpur FN, Kazi AG, Brahman KD, et al.

Biol Trace Elem Res, 2015 Dec;168(2):287-95.
PMID: 25975948 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-015-0355-y

It has been extensively reported that chewing of smokeless tobacco (SLT) can lead to cancers of oral cavity. In present study, the relationship between arsenic (As) exposure via chewing/inhaling different SLT products in oral cancer patients have or/not consumed SLT products was studied. The As in different types of SLT products (gutkha, mainpuri, and snuff) and biological (scalp hair and blood) samples of different types of oral cancer patients and controls were analyzed. Both controls and oral cancer patients have same age group (ranged 30-60 years), socio-economic status, localities, and dietary habits. The concentrations of As in SLT products and biological samples were measured by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometer after microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity and accuracy of the methodology were checked by certified reference materials. The resulted data of present study indicates that the concentration of As was significantly higher in scalp hair and blood samples of oral cancer patients than those of controls (p<0.001). It was also observed that the values of As were two- to threefolds higher in biological samples of controls subjects, consuming SLT products as compared to those have none of these habits (p>0.01). The intake of As via consuming different SLT may have synergistic effects, in addition to other risk factors associated with oral cancer.
Evidences of in vivo bioactivity of Fe-bioceramic composites for temporary bone implants

Ulum MF, Nasution AK, Yusop AH, Arafat A, Kadir MR, Juniantito V, et al.

J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater, 2015 Oct;103(7):1354-65.
PMID: 25385691 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.33315

Iron-bioceramic composites have been developed as biodegradable implant materials with tailored degradation behavior and bioactive features. In the current work, in vivo bioactivity of the composites was comprehensively studied by using sheep animal model. Five groups of specimens (Fe-HA, Fe-TCP, Fe-BCP composites, and pure-Fe and SS316L as controls) were surgically implanted into medio proximal region of the radial bones. Real-time ultrasound analysis showed a decreased echo pattern at the peri-implant biodegradation site of the composites indicating minimal tissue response during the wound healing process. Peripheral whole blood biomarkers monitoring showed a normal dynamic change of blood cellular responses and no stress effect was observed. Meanwhile, the released Fe ion concentration was increasing along the implantation period. Histological analysis showed that the composites corresponded with a lower inflammatory giant cell count than that of SS316L. Analysis of the retrieved implants showed a thicker degradation layer on the composites compared with pure-Fe. It can be concluded that the iron-bioceramic composites are bioactive and induce a preferable wound healing process.
Fulltext Auditory evoked potential response and hearing loss: a review

Paulraj MP, Subramaniam K, Yaccob SB, Adom AH, Hema CR

Open Biomed Eng J, 2015;9:17-24.
PMID: 25893012 DOI: 10.2174/1874120701509010017

Hypoacusis is the most prevalent sensory disability in the world and consequently, it can lead to impede speech in human beings. One best approach to tackle this issue is to conduct early and effective hearing screening test using Electroencephalogram (EEG). EEG based hearing threshold level determination is most suitable for persons who lack verbal communication and behavioral response to sound stimulation. Auditory evoked potential (AEP) is a type of EEG signal emanated from the brain scalp by an acoustical stimulus. The goal of this review is to assess the current state of knowledge in estimating the hearing threshold levels based on AEP response. AEP response reflects the auditory ability level of an individual. An intelligent hearing perception level system enables to examine and determine the functional integrity of the auditory system. Systematic evaluation of EEG based hearing perception level system predicting the hearing loss in newborns, infants and multiple handicaps will be a priority of interest for future research.
High resolution melting analysis for the differentiation of Mycobacterium species

Issa R, Abdul H, Hashim SH, Seradja VH, Shaili N', Hassan NAM

J Med Microbiol, 2014 Oct;63(Pt 10):1284-1287.
PMID: 25038139 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.072611-0

A quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) followed by high resolution melting (HRM) analysis was developed for the differentiation of Mycobacterium species. Rapid differentiation of Mycobacterium species is necessary for the effective diagnosis and management of tuberculosis. In this study, the 16S rRNA gene was tested as the target since this has been identified as a suitable target for the identification of mycobacteria species. During the temperature gradient and primer optimization process, the melting peak (Tm) analysis was determined at a concentration of 50 ng DNA template and 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 µM primer. The qPCR assay for the detection of other mycobacterial species was done at the Tm and primer concentration of 62 °C and 0.4 µM, respectively. The HRM analysis generated cluster patterns that were specific and sensitive to distinguished small sequence differences of the Mycobacterium species. This study suggests that the 16S rRNA-based real-time PCR followed by HRM analysis produced unique cluster patterns for species of Mycobacterium and could differentiate the closely related mycobacteria species.
Fulltext Patients' beliefs about generic medicines in Malaysia

Wong ZY, Hassali MA, Alrasheedy AA, Saleem F, Yahaya AH, Aljadhey H

Pharm Pract (Granada), 2014 Oct;12(4):474.
PMID: 25580171

BACKGROUND: Acceptance of generic medicines by patients is an essential factor given that they are the end users of these medicines. In fact, adequate knowledge and positive perceptions are prerequisite to patients' acceptance and use of generic medicines.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the current belief and views of patients about generic medicines in Malaysia.
METHOD: This was a self-administered questionnaire-based study. The study was conducted with patients visiting outpatient pharmacy department at a tertiary care hospital in Malaysia. The Malaysian version of Generic Medicines Scale (GMS) was used. The GMS consists of two subscales: efficacy and similarity of generic medicines to original brand medicines. The efficacy subscale consists of 10 items while the similarity subscale consists of 6 items. The responses to the items were framed as a five-point Likert scale (1=strongly disagree to 5=strongly agree).
RESULTS: A total of 202 out of 300 patients participated in the study, giving a response rate of 67.3%. In this study, only 49% of them (n=99) knew the term 'generic medicine'. Moreover, only 53.5% of the respondents (n=108) believed that the efficacy of generic medicines was the same as original brand medicines. In terms of quality, only 44% of the respondents (n=89) disagreed that generic medicines were of a lower quality. About one third (n=65, 32.2%) believed that generic medicines were cheaper because they were less efficacious. In terms of side effects, 44.5% of the respondents (n=90) believed that generic medicines had the same side effect profile as original brand medicines.
CONCLUSIONS: The study finding showed that almost half of the respondents had negative belief in generic medicines. Similarly, many patients were not aware of the similarities and differences between generic and original brand medicines. Therefore, there is a need to provide patients with adequate information about generic medicines.

Study site: outpatient pharmacy department at a tertiary care hospital in Malaysia
Does performing drop jumps with additional eccentric loading improve jump performance?

Aboodarda SJ, Byrne JM, Samson M, Wilson BD, Mokhtar AH, Behm DG

J Strength Cond Res, 2014 Aug;28(8):2314-23.
PMID: 24796986 DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000000498

Previous investigators have speculated that applying additional external load throughout the eccentric phase of the jumping movement could amplify the stretch-shortening cycle mechanism and modulate jumping performance and jump exercise intensity. The aims of this study, therefore, were to determine the effect of increased eccentric phase loading, as delivered using an elastic device, on drop jumps (DJs) performed from different drop heights. Of specific interest were changes in (a) the kinetics; eccentric and concentric impulse, rate of force development (RFD), concentric velocity and (b) the electromyographic (EMG) activity of leg muscles. In a randomized repeated-measure study, 15 highly resistance trained male subjects performed DJs from 3 heights (20, 35, and 50 cm) under 3 different conditions: body weight only (free DJ) and with elastic bands providing downward force equivalent to 20% (+20% DJ) and 30% (+30% DJ) of body mass. All DJs were recorded using video and force plate data that were synchronized with EMG data. Results demonstrated that using additional tensile load during the airborne and eccentric phases of the DJ could enhance eccentric impulse (p = 0.042) and RFD (p < 0.001) and resulted in small to moderate effect size (ES) increases in quadriceps intergrated EMG across the eccentric phase (0.23 > ES > 0.51). The observed greater eccentric loading, however, did not immediately alter concentric kinetics and jump height nor did it alter muscle activation levels during this phase. The findings indicated that, in addition to the conventional technique of increasing drop height, using a tensile load during the airborne and eccentric phases of the DJ could further improve eccentric loading of DJs. As it has been suggested that eccentric impulse and RFD are indicators of DJ exercise intensity, these findings suggest that the loaded DJs, using additional elastic load, may be an effective technique for improving DJ exercise intensity without acute effects on the jumping performance and neuromuscular activation level in highly trained athletes.
Effect of exercise and gait retraining on knee adduction moment in people with knee osteoarthritis

Khalaj N, Abu Osman NA, Mokhtar AH, Mehdikhani M, Wan Abas WA

Proc Inst Mech Eng H, 2014 Feb;228(2):190-9.
PMID: 24458100 DOI: 10.1177/0954411914521155

The knee adduction moment represents the medial knee joint load, and greater value is associated with higher load. In people with knee osteoarthritis, it is important to apply proper treatment with the least side effects to reduce knee adduction moment and, consequently, reduce medial knee joint load. This reduction may slow the progression of knee osteoarthritis. The research team performed a literature search of electronic databases. The search keywords were as follows: knee osteoarthritis, knee adduction moment, exercise program, exercise therapy, gait retraining, gait modification and knee joint loading. In total, 12 studies were selected, according to the selection criteria. Findings from previous studies illustrated that exercise and gait retraining programs could alter knee adduction moment in people with knee osteoarthritis. These treatments are noninvasive and nonpharmacological which so far have no or few side effects, as well as being low cost. The results of this review revealed that gait retraining programs were helpful in reducing the knee adduction moment. In contrast, not all the exercise programs were beneficial in reducing knee adduction moment. Future studies are needed to indicate best clinical exercise and gait retraining programs, which are most effective in reducing knee adduction moment in people with knee osteoarthritis.
Study design: systematic review
Detection and discrimination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex

Issa R, Mohd Hassan NA, Abdul H, Hashim SH, Seradja VH, Abdul Sani A

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis, 2012 Jan;72(1):62-7.
PMID: 22078904 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2011.09.021

A real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was developed for detection and discrimination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37Rv and H37Ra) and M. bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) from mycobacterial other than tuberculosis (MOTT). It was based on the melting curve (Tm) analysis of the gyrB gene using SYBR(®) Green I detection dye and the LightCycler 1.5 system. The optimal conditions for the assay were 0.25 μmol/L of primers with 3.1 mmol/L of MgCl(2) and 45 cycles of amplification. For M. tuberculosis (H37Rv and H37Ra) and M. bovis BCG of the MTBC, we detected the crossing points (Cp) at cycles of 16.96 ± 0.07, 18.02 ± 0.14, and 18.62 ± 0.09, respectively, while the Tm values were 90.19 ± 0.06 °C, 90.27 ± 0.09 °C, and 89.81 ± 0.04 °C, respectively. The assay was sensitive and rapid with a detection limit of 10 pg of the DNA template within 35 min. In this study, the Tm analysis of the qPCR assay was applied for the detection and discrimination of MTBC from MOTT.
Entomologic investigation of Plasmodium knowlesi vectors in Kuala Lipis, Pahang, Malaysia

Jiram AI, Vythilingam I, NoorAzian YM, Yusof YM, Azahari AH, Fong MY

Malar J, 2012;11:213.
PMID: 22727041

The first natural infection of Plasmodium knowlesi in humans was recorded in 1965 in peninsular Malaysia. Extensive research was then conducted and it was postulated that it was a rare incident and that simian malaria will not be easily transmitted to humans. However, at the turn of the 21st century, knowlesi malaria was prevalent throughout Southeast Asia and is life threatening. Thus, a longitudinal study was initiated to determine the vectors, their seasonal variation and preference to humans and macaques.
The value of rehabilitating logged rainforest for birds

Edwards DP, Ansell FA, Ahmad AH, Nilus R, Hamer KC

Conserv Biol, 2009 Dec;23(6):1628-33.
PMID: 19775274 DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-1739.2009.01330.x

The recent advent of carbon crediting has led to a rapid rise in biosequestration projects that seek to remove carbon from the atmosphere through afforestation and forest rehabilitation. Such projects also present an important potential opportunity to reverse biodiversity losses resulting from deforestation and forest degradation, but the biodiversity benefits of different forms of biosequestration have not been considered adequately. We captured birds in mist nets to examine the effects of rehabilitation of logged forest on birds in Sabah, Borneo, and to test the hypothesis that rehabilitation restores avian assemblages within regenerating forest to a condition closer to that seen in unlogged forest. Species richness and diversity were similar in unlogged and rehabilitated forest, but significantly lower in naturally regenerating forest. Rehabilitation resulted in a relatively rapid recovery of populations of insectivores within logged forest, especially those species that forage by sallying, but had a marked adverse effect on frugivores and possibly reduced the overall abundance of birds within regenerating forest. In view of these results, we advocate increased management for heterogeneity within rehabilitated forests, but we strongly urge an increased role for forest rehabilitation in the design and implementation of a biodiversity-friendly carbon-offsetting market.

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