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Fulltext Detection of quorum sensing activity in the multidrug-resistant clinical isolate Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain GB11

Cheng HJ, Ee R, Cheong YM, Tan WS, Yin WF, Chan KG

Sensors (Basel), 2014;14(7):12511-22.
PMID: 25019635 DOI: 10.3390/s140712511

A multidrug-resistant clinical bacteria strain GB11 was isolated from a wound swab on the leg of a patient. Identity of stain GB11 as Pseudomonas aeruginosa was validated by using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Detection of the production of signaling molecules, N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs), was conducted using three different bacterial biosensors. A total of four different AHLs were found to be produced by strain GB11, namely N-butyryl homoserine lactone (C4-HSL), N-hexanoylhomoserine lactone (C6-HSL), N-octanoyl homoserine lactone (C8-HSL) and N-3-oxo-dodecanoylhomoserine lactone (3-oxo-C12-HSL) using high resolution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Of these detected AHLs, 3-oxo-C12-HSL was found to be the most abundant AHL produced by P. aeruginosa GB11.

Matched MeSH terms: Pseudomonas aeruginosa/physiology*; Drug Resistance, Bacterial/physiology*; Quorum Sensing/physiology*
The effects of aging on the brain activation pattern during a speech perception task: an fMRI study

Manan HA, Franz EA, Yusoff AN, Mukari SZ

Aging Clin Exp Res, 2015 Feb;27(1):27-36.
PMID: 24906677 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-014-0240-0

In the present study, brain activation associated with speech perception processing was examined across four groups of adult participants with age ranges between 20 and 65 years, using functional MRI (fMRI). Cognitive performance demonstrates that performance accuracy declines with age. fMRI results reveal that all four groups of participants activated the same brain areas. The same brain activation pattern was found in all activated areas (except for the right superior temporal gyrus and right middle temporal gyrus); brain activity was increased from group 1 (20-29 years) to group 2 (30-39 years). However, it decreased in group 3 (40-49 years) with further decreases in group 4 participants (50-65 years). Result also reveals that three brain areas (superior temporal gyrus, Heschl's gyrus and cerebellum) showed changes in brain laterality in the older participants, akin to a shift from left-lateralized to right-lateralized activity. The onset of this change was different across brain areas. Based on these findings we suggest that, whereas all four groups of participants used the same areas in processing, the engagement and recruitment of those areas differ with age as the brain grows older. Findings are discussed in the context of corroborating evidence of neural changes with age.

Matched MeSH terms: Aging/physiology*; Brain/physiology*; Speech Perception/physiology*
Fulltext Novel SNPs in heat shock protein 70 gene and their association with sperm quality traits of Boer goats and Boer crosses

Nikbin S, Panandam JM, Yaakub H, Murugaiyah M, Sazili AQ

Anim. Reprod. Sci., 2014 May;146(3-4):176-81.
PMID: 24674824 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.03.001

The semen quality of bucks affects the reproduction performance of the herd and is influenced by genetic and non-genetic factors. Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is considered as an important gene affecting semen quality traits. The objectives of this study are to find single nucleotide polymorphisms in HSP70 coding region and their association with semen quality traits on Boer and Boer cross bucks. DNA isolated from 53 goats (36 pure South African Boer and 17 Boer crosses) was subjected to PCR amplification of the exon 1 region of the caprine HSP70 gene. Single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) was used to detect polymorphisms and the variant DNA fragments were sequenced. Two synonymous SNPs (74A>C (ss836187517) and 191C>G (ss836187518)) were detected. Qualities of fresh and post-thaw semen were evaluated for sperm concentration, semen volume, sperm motility and velocity traits, live sperm percentage, and abnormal sperm rate. The C allele of ss836187517 and G allele of ss836187518 were at higher frequencies in both the breeds. The C allele of ss836187517 appeared to be the favorable allele for semen concentration, progressive motility of fresh semen, and motility and sperm lateral head displacement of post-thaw semen. A negative overdominance was observed for ss836187517 alleles on velocity traits of post-thaw semen. The C allele of ss836187518 was favorable for sperm concentration and progressive motility. Results herein suggest that the SNPs in HSP70 may affect on semen quality in tropical regions and specially on the potential of semen for freezing.

Matched MeSH terms: Goats/physiology*; Spermatozoa/physiology*; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide/physiology*
Two new species of Simulium (Gomphostilbia) (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Cameron's Highlands, Peninsular Malaysia, with keys to 21 species of the Simulium asakoae species-group

Takaoka H, Sofian-Azirun M, Ya'cob Z, Hashim R

Zootaxa, 2014;3765:54-68.
PMID: 24870884 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3765.1.3

Two new black fly species, Simulium (Gomphostilbia) brinchangense and S. (G.) tanahrataense, are described on the basis of reared adult females, males, pupae and larvae from Cameron's Highlands, Peninsular Malaysia. These new species are assigned to the asakoae species-group within Simulium (Gomphostilbia) and taxonomic notes are given to distinguish each new species from six known species in Malaysia. Revised keys to identify all 21 species including 13 species from other countries are provided for females, males, pupae and mature larvae. The species diversity of the asakoae species-group in Cameron's Highlands is briefly noted.

Matched MeSH terms: Diptera/physiology; Larva/physiology; Pupa/physiology
Mouth rinsing improves cycling endurance performance during Ramadan fasting in a hot humid environment

Che Muhamed AM, Mohamed NG, Ismail N, Aziz AR, Singh R

Appl Physiol Nutr Metab, 2014 Apr;39(4):458-64.
PMID: 24669987 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2013-0276

This study examined the effect of mouth rinsing during endurance cycling in a hot humid environment (32 °C and 75% relative humidity) on athletes in the Ramadan fasted state. Nine trained adolescent male cyclists completed 3 trials that consisted of a carbohydrate mouth-rinse (CMR), a placebo mouth-rinse (PMR), and a no-rinse (NOR) trial during the last 2 weeks of Ramadan. Each trial consisted of a preloading cycle at 65% peak rate of oxygen consumption for 30 min followed by a 10-km time trial (TT10 km) under hot humid condition. During the CMR and PMR trials, each cyclist rinsed his mouth with 25 mL of the solution for 5 s before expectorating the solution pre-exercise, after 5, 15, and 25 min of the preloading cycle, and 15 s prior to the start of TT10 km. Time to complete the TT10 km was significantly faster in the CMR and PMR trials compared with the NOR trial (12.9 ± 1.7 and 12.6 ± 1.7 vs. 16.8 ± 1.6 min, respectively; p < 0.017). Ratings of perceived exertion taken at the end of the TT10 km was lower in both CMR and PMR trials compared with the NOR trial, although the difference was significant only between CMR and NOR (p < 0.05). In conclusion, mouth rinsing with either carbohydrate or placebo solution provided ergogenic benefits compared with a no-rinse condition on TT10 km performance in acute Ramadan fasted subjects during endurance cycling in a heat stress environment.

Matched MeSH terms: Bicycling/physiology*; Fasting/physiology*; Physical Endurance/physiology*
Phenotypic screening and molecular analysis of blast resistance in fragrant rice for marker assisted selection

Khan MA, Sen PP, Bhuiyan R, Kabir E, Chowdhury AK, Fukuta Y, et al.

C. R. Biol., 2014 May;337(5):318-24.
PMID: 24841958 DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2014.02.007

Experiments were conducted to identify blast-resistant fragrant genotypes for the development of a durable blast-resistant rice variety during years 2012-2013. The results indicate that out of 140 test materials including 114 fragrant germplasms, 25 differential varieties (DVs) harbouring 23 blast-resistant genes, only 16 fragrant rice germplasms showed comparatively better performance against a virulent isolate of blast disease. The reaction pattern of single-spore isolate of Magnaporthe oryzae to differential varieties showed that Pish, Pi9, Pita-2 and Pita are the effective blast-resistant genes against the tested blast isolates in Bangladesh. The DNA markers profiles of selected 16 rice germplasms indicated that genotype Chinigura contained Pish, Pi9 and Pita genes; on the other hand, both BRRI dhan50 and Bawaibhog contained Pish and Pita genes in their genetic background. Genotypes Jirakatari, BR5, and Gopalbhog possessed Pish gene, while Uknimodhu, Deshikatari, Radhunipagol, Kalijira (3), Chinikanai each contained the Pita gene only. There are some materials that did not contain any target gene(s) in their genetic background, but proved resistant in pathogenicity tests. This information provided valuable genetic information for breeders to develop durable blast-resistant fragrant or aromatic rice varieties in Bangladesh.

Matched MeSH terms: Oryza/physiology*; Magnaporthe/physiology; Disease Resistance/physiology*
Fulltext Influence of physical activity on bone strength in children and adolescents: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

Tan VP, Macdonald HM, Kim S, Nettlefold L, Gabel L, Ashe MC, et al.

J. Bone Miner. Res., 2014 Oct;29(10):2161-81.
PMID: 24737388 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.2254

A preponderance of evidence from systematic reviews supports the effectiveness of weight-bearing exercises on bone mass accrual, especially during the growing years. However, only one systematic review (limited to randomized controlled trials) examined the role of physical activity (PA) on bone strength. Thus, our systematic review extended the scope of the previous review by including all PA intervention and observational studies, including organized sports participation studies, with child or adolescent bone strength as the main outcome. We also sought to discern the skeletal elements (eg, mass, structure, density) that accompanied significant bone strength changes. Our electronic-database, forward, and reference searches yielded 14 intervention and 23 observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We used the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool to assess the quality of studies. Due to heterogeneity across studies, we adopted a narrative synthesis for our analysis and found that bone strength adaptations to PA were related to maturity level, sex, and study quality. Three (of five) weight-bearing PA intervention studies with a strong rating reported significantly greater gains in bone strength for the intervention group (3% to 4%) compared with only three significant (of nine) moderate intervention studies. Changes in bone structure (eg, bone cross-sectional area, cortical thickness, alone or in combination) rather than bone mass most often accompanied significant bone strength outcomes. Prepuberty and peripuberty may be the most opportune time for boys and girls to enhance bone strength through PA, although this finding is tempered by the few available studies in more mature groups. Despite the central role that muscle plays in bones' response to loading, few studies discerned the specific contribution of muscle function (or surrogates) to bone strength. Although not the focus of the current review, this seems an important consideration for future studies.

Matched MeSH terms: Bone and Bones/physiology*; Motor Activity/physiology*; Organ Size/physiology
Visual-perceptual-kinesthetic inputs on influencing writing performances in children with handwriting difficulties

Tse LF, Thanapalan KC, Chan CC

Res Dev Disabil, 2014 Feb;35(2):340-7.
PMID: 24333804 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2013.11.013

This study investigated the role of visual-perceptual input in writing Chinese characters among senior school-aged children who had handwriting difficulties (CHD). The participants were 27 CHD (9-11 years old) and 61 normally developed control. There were three writing conditions: copying, and dictations with or without visual feedback. The motor-free subtests of the Developmental Test of Visual Perception (DTVP-2) were conducted. The CHD group showed significantly slower mean speeds of character production and less legibility of produced characters than the control group in all writing conditions (ps<0.001). There were significant deteriorations in legibility from copying to dictation without visual feedback. Nevertheless, the Group by Condition interaction effect was not statistically significant. Only position in space of DTVP-2 was significantly correlated with the legibility among CHD (r=-0.62, p=0.001). Poor legibility seems to be related to the less-intact spatial representation of the characters in working memory, which can be rectified by viewing the characters during writing. Visual feedback regarding one's own actions in writing can also improve legibility of characters among these children.

Matched MeSH terms: Kinesthesis/physiology*; Perception/physiology; Visual Perception/physiology*
Fulltext Alteration of cell cytoskeleton and functions of cell recovery of normal human osteoblast cells caused by factors associated with real space flight

Kapitonova MY, Salim N, Othman S, Muhd Kamauzaman TM, Ali AM, Nawawi HM, et al.

Malays J Pathol, 2013 Dec;35(2):153-63.
PMID: 24362479 MyJurnal

Experiments involving short-term space flight have shown an adverse effect on the physiology, morphology and functions of cells investigated. The causes for this effect on cells are: microgravity, temperature fluctuations, mechanical stress, hypergravity, nutrient restriction and others. However, the extent to which these adverse effects can be repaired by short-term space flown cells when recultured in conditions of normal gravity remains unclear. Therefore this study aimed to investigate the effect of short-term spaceflight on cytoskeleton distribution and recovery of cell functions of normal human osteoblast cells. The ultrastructure was evaluated using ESEM. Fluorescent staining was done using Hoechst, Mito Tracker CMXRos and Tubulin Tracker Green for cytoskeleton. Gene expression of cell functions was quantified using qPCR. As a result, recovered cells did not show any apoptotic markers when compared with control. Tubulin volume density (p<0.001) was decreased significantly when compared to control, while mitochondria volume density was insignificantly elevated. Gene expression for IL-6 (p<0.05) and sVCAM-1 (p<0.001) was significantly decreased while alkaline phosphatase (p<0.001), osteocalcin and sICAM (p<0.05) were significantly increased in the recovered cells compared to the control ones. The changes in gene and protein expression of collagen 1A, osteonectin, osteoprotegerin and beta-actin, caused by short-term spaceflight, were statistically not significant. These data indicate that short term space flight causes morphological changes in osteoblast cells which are consistent with hypertrophy, reduced cell differentiation and increased release of monocyte attracting proteins. The long-term effect of these changes on bone density and remodeling requires more detailed studies.

Matched MeSH terms: Cell Differentiation/physiology; Osteoblasts/physiology*; Gene Expression/physiology
Fulltext Morphological and biochemical responses of Oryza sativa L. (cultivar MR219) to ion beam irradiation

Ling AP, Ung YC, Hussein S, Harun AR, Tanaka A, Yoshihiro H

J Zhejiang Univ Sci B, 2013 Dec;14(12):1132-43.
PMID: 24302713 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.B1200126

Heavy ion beam, which has emerged as a new mutagen in the mutation breeding of crops and ornamental plants, is expected to result in the induction of novel mutations. This study investigates the morphological and biochemical responses of Oryza sativa toward different doses of carbon ion beam irradiation.

Matched MeSH terms: Mutation/physiology; Oryza/physiology; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/physiology
Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of avian demineralized bone matrix in heterotopic beds

Reza Sanaei M, Abu J, Nazari M, A B MZ, Allaudin ZN

Vet Surg, 2013 Nov;42(8):963-70.
PMID: 24117844 DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2013.12057.x

To evaluate the osteogenic potential of avian demineralized bone matrix (DBM) in the context of implant geometry.

Matched MeSH terms: Bone Matrix/physiology*; Osteogenesis/physiology; Columbidae/physiology*
Fulltext Fatigue index and fatigue rate during an anaerobic performance under hypohydrations

Naharudin MN, Yusof A

PLoS One, 2013;8(10):e77290.
PMID: 24204790 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0077290

BACKGROUND: Since hypohydration commonly occurs in sports, studies on anaerobic exercise performance under this condition have been extensively carried out. When describing anaerobic performance, authors usually refer to a drop in anaerobic performance as fatigue index (FI) which is conventionally calculated using peak and low power data points. Meanwhile, another possible method in explaining anaerobic fatigue is using the rate constant which is derived from the exponential decline of power output known as fatigue rate (FR). Few studies have demonstrated that there was no change in anaerobic performance under mild hypohydrations.
PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the kinetics of power output using FI and FR of an anaerobic performance (Wingate test) under 2, 3 and 4% state of hypohydrations.
METHOD: Thirty two collegiate cyclists (age = 22 ± 2 years; body weight = 71.45 ± 3.43 kg; height = 173.23 ± 0.04 cm) were matched using their baseline anaerobic peak power (APP) then randomly divided into 4 groups of EU (euhydrated), 2H, 3H and 4H respectively.
RESULTS: As expected the, FI, APP, anaerobic lower power (ALP) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) did not show significant differences between and within the groups. However, the FR in 3H (0.018 ± 0.005 s(-1)) and 4H (0.019 ± 0.010 s(-1)) were significantly lower than EU (0.033 ± 0.012 s(-1)). Post-test FR also showed significant reduction in 3H and 4H compared to their pre-test values (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION: Despite the lack of changes in APP and RPE, subjects in 3H and 4H showed evidence of lower reduction of power output over time. The findings support earlier reports which showed no change in anaerobic performance under mild hypohydrations. The relatively lower FR suggests higher drive in maintaining power output under hypohydrations of 3 and 4% body weight.

Matched MeSH terms: Bicycling/physiology*; Oxygen Consumption/physiology; Physical Endurance/physiology*
Design of new generation femoral prostheses using functionally graded materials: a finite element analysis

Oshkour AA, Abu Osman NA, Yau YH, Tarlochan F, Abas WA

Proc Inst Mech Eng H, 2013 Jan;227(1):3-17.
PMID: 23516951

This study aimed to develop a three-dimensional finite element model of a functionally graded femoral prosthesis. The model consisted of a femoral prosthesis created from functionally graded materials (FGMs), cement, and femur. The hip prosthesis was composed of FGMs made of titanium alloy, chrome-cobalt, and hydroxyapatite at volume fraction gradient exponents of 0, 1, and 5, respectively. The stress was measured on the femoral prosthesis, cement, and femur. Stress on the neck of the femoral prosthesis was not sensitive to the properties of the constituent material. However, stress on the stem and cement decreased proportionally as the volume fraction gradient exponent of the FGM increased. Meanwhile, stress became uniform on the cement mantle layer. In addition, stress on the femur in the proximal part increased and a high surface area of the femoral part was involved in absorbing the stress. As such, the stress-shielding area decreased. The results obtained in this study are significant in the design and longevity of new prosthetic devices because FGMs offer the potential to achieve stress distribution that more closely resembles that of the natural bone in the femur.

Matched MeSH terms: Femur/physiology*; Weight-Bearing/physiology*; Elastic Modulus/physiology
The relationship between sexual functioning among couples undergoing infertility treatment: a pair of perfect gloves

Yeoh SH, Razali R, Sidi H, Razi ZR, Midin M, Nik Jaafar NR, et al.

Compr Psychiatry, 2014 Jan;55 Suppl 1:S1-6.
PMID: 23116967 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2012.09.002

The study aimed to measure the relationship of sexual functioning between male and female partners, who sought infertility treatment in a university hospital setting in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Coitus/physiology; Orgasm/physiology; Sexual Behavior/physiology
Effect of ascorbic acid concentrations, methods of cooling and freezing on Boer goat semen cryopreservation

Memon AA, Wahid H, Rosnina Y, Goh YM, Ebrahimi M, Nadia FM

Reprod. Domest. Anim., 2013 Apr;48(2):325-30.
PMID: 22909427 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02155.x

To improve the Boer goat semen quality during cryopreservation process, three experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of (i) different concentration of ascorbic acid supplementation (ii) rate of cooling with chilled semen characteristics and (iii) method of freezing on post-thaw Boer goat sperm using Tris-based extender. Ascorbic acid at 8.5 mg/ml improved the sperm parameters (motility, integrity of membrane and acrosome, morphology and viability), compared to control in cooled samples (p < 0.05). With regard to other concentrations and post-thawed parameters, ascorbic acid at 2.5-8.5 mg/ml led to higher percentages of sperm motility and integrities of membrane and acrosome when compared to control (p < 0.05). Slow cooling rises to higher percentages of sperm motility, acrosome integrity and viability, in comparison with fast cooling, in terms of cooled and frozen samples (p < 0.05). Programmable freezing method produced the higher percentages of sperm motility, integrities of membrane and acrosome and viability when compared to the freezing method of polystyrene box during goat sperm freezing (p < 0.05). In conclusion, chilled and post-thawed sperm quality of Boer goat was improved when a Tris-based extender supplemented with ascorbic acid was used at stages of different cooling rates and freezing methods.

Matched MeSH terms: Cell Membrane/physiology; Goats/physiology*; Spermatozoa/physiology*
Effect of Milwaukee brace on static and dynamic balance of female hyperkyphotic adolescents

Eshraghi A, Maroufi N, Sanjari MA, Saeedi H, Keyhani MR, Gholizadeh H, et al.

Prosthet Orthot Int, 2013 Feb;37(1):76-84.
PMID: 22751219 DOI: 10.1177/0309364612448805

Biomechanical factors, such as spinal deformities can result in balance control disorders.

Matched MeSH terms: Postural Balance/physiology*; Walking/physiology; Weight-Bearing/physiology
Intra-specific hybridization: generator of genetic diversification and heterosis in Andrographis paniculata Nees. A bridge from extinction to survival

Valdiani A, Kadir MA, Saad MS, Talei D, Tan SG

Gene, 2012 Aug 15;505(1):23-36.
PMID: 22683537 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2012.05.056

Andrographis paniculata (AP) has been stated as a low-diverse, endangered and red-listed plant species. Self-pollinated mating system, being an introduced species and experiencing a bottleneck as well as over exploitation cause such a consequence. Inter and intra-specific hybridizations have been suggested as essential techniques for generating genetic diversity. To test the effect of intra-specific hybridization on diversification and heterosis of AP, seven accessions were outcrossed manually in all 21 possible combinations. Three types of markers including morphological, phytochemical and RAPD markers were employed to evaluate the mentioned hypothesis. The results revealed that hybridization acted as a powerful engine for diversification of AP as it caused heterotic expression of the studied traits, simultaneously. Initially, it seems that additive and non-additive gene effects both can be considered as the genetic basis of heterosis in AP for the investigated traits. Agronomic and morphological traits were differentiated from each other, while positive heterosis was recorded mainly for agronomic traits but not for the morphological traits. Intra-specific hybridization increased the genetic diversity in AP population. Nevertheless, a part of this variation could also be attributed to the negative heterosis. The current exploration demonstrated the first ever conducted manual intra-specific hybridization among AP accessions in a mass scale. However, the 17 RAPD primers produced a monomorph pattern, but perhaps increasing the number of markers can feature a new genetic profile in this plant.

Matched MeSH terms: Hybrid Vigor/physiology*; Hybridization, Genetic/physiology*; Genetic Variation/physiology*
Vertical variation in leaf gas exchange parameters for a Southeast Asian tropical rainforest in Peninsular Malaysia

Kosugi Y, Takanashi S, Yokoyama N, Philip E, Kamakura M

J Plant Res, 2012 Nov;125(6):735-48.
PMID: 22644315 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-012-0495-5

Vertical variation in leaf gas exchange characteristics of trees grown in a lowland dipterocarp forest in Peninsular Malaysia was investigated. Maximum net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and electron transport rate of leaves at the upper canopy, lower canopy, and forest floor were studied in situ with saturated condition photosynthetic photon flux density. The dark respiration rate of leaves at the various heights was also studied. Relationships among gas exchange characteristics, and also with nitrogen content per unit leaf area and leaf dry matter per area were clearly detected, forming general equations representing the vertical profile of several important parameters related to gas exchange. Numerical analysis revealed that the vertical distribution of gas exchange parameters was well determined showing both larger carbon gain for the whole canopy and at the same time positive carbon gain for the leaves of the lowest layer. For correct estimation of gas exchange at both leaf and canopy scales using multi-layer models, it is essential to consider the vertical distribution of gas exchange parameters with proper scaling coefficients.

Matched MeSH terms: Plant Leaves/physiology; Dipterocarpaceae/physiology; Plant Stomata/physiology
Fulltext Effect of single-session aerobic exercise with varying intensities on lipid peroxidation and muscle-damage markers in sedentary males

Moflehi D, Kok LY, Tengku-Kamalden TF, Amri S

Glob J Health Sci, 2012 Jul;4(4):48-54.
PMID: 22980341 DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v4n4p48

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the different intensity levels of single-session aerobic exercise on serum levels of lipid peroxidation and muscle damage markers in sedentary males.

Matched MeSH terms: Physical Exertion/physiology; Lipid Peroxidation/physiology*; Exercise/physiology*
Reduced-impact logging and biodiversity conservation: a case study from Borneo

Edwards DP, Woodcock P, Edwards FA, Larsen TH, Hsu WW, Benedick S, et al.

Ecol Appl, 2012 Mar;22(2):561-71.
PMID: 22611854 DOI: 10.1890/11-1362.1

A key driver of rain forest degradation is rampant commercial logging. Reduced-impact logging (RIL) techniques dramatically reduce residual damage to vegetation and soils, and they enhance the long-term economic viability of timber operations when compared to conventionally managed logging enterprises. Consequently, the application of RIL is increasing across the tropics, yet our knowledge of the potential for RIL also to reduce the negative impacts of logging on biodiversity is minimal. We compare the impacts of RIL on birds, leaf-litter ants, and dung beetles during a second logging rotation in Sabah, Borneo, with the impacts of conventional logging (CL) as well as with primary (unlogged) forest. Our study took place 1-8 years after the cessation of logging. The species richness and composition of RIL vs. CL forests were very similar for each taxonomic group. Both RIL and CL differed significantly from unlogged forests in terms of bird and ant species composition (although both retained a large number of the species found in unlogged forests), whereas the composition of dung beetle communities did not differ significantly among forest types. Our results show little difference in biodiversity between RIL and CL over the short-term. However, biodiversity benefits from RIL may accrue over longer time periods after the cessation of logging. We highlight a severe lack of studies investigating this possibility. Moreover, if RIL increases the economic value of selectively logged forests (e.g., via REDD+, a United Nations program: Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries), it could help prevent them from being converted to agricultural plantations, which results in a tremendous loss of biodiversity.

Matched MeSH terms: Ants/physiology; Beetles/physiology; Birds/physiology

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