RESUMEN

@#In addition to the scarcity of forensic entomology baseline data on oviposition of necrophagous insects and completion of their life cycles in the Borneo region, similar data derived from caves remain unreported. Since entomological baseline data can differ from one biogeoclimatic region to another, the lack of such data would limit the practical values of applying entomological evidence in estimating minimum postmortem interval (mPMI). Therefore, this present research that investigated oviposition and completion of life cycles of necrophagous flies infesting rabbit carcasses decomposing in Mount Kapur Cave and its surrounding forest habitat in Kuching, Sarawak merits forensic consideration. In general, 13 taxa of necrophagous flies were identified viz. Hypopygiopsis violacea, Hypopygiopsis fumipennis, Hemipyrellia ligurriens, Hemipyrellia tagaliana, Chrysomya megacephala, Chrysomya villeneuvi, Chrysomya rufifacies, Chrysomya chani, Chrysomya pinguis, Chrysomya nigripes, Ophyra spinigera and Ophyra chalcogaster, as well as unidentified Sarcophagidae. In addition, Hyp. violacea and Hyp. fumipennis were the two earlier necrophagous flies that oviposited in all rabbit carcasses decomposing in both habitats. While all these necrophagous flies were observed infesting carcasses in Mount Kapur Cave, Hem. ligurriens and Hem. tagaliana were not found infesting carcasses in the surrounding forest habitat. Complete life cycles for six and five different necrophagous fly species were successfully observed in Mount Kapur Cave and its surrounding forest habitat, respectively. Significant delay in oviposition, as well as longer durations for completing the life cycles in several necrophagous fly species were observed in Mount Kapur Cave when compared with those of surrounding forest habitat (p < 0.05). These findings deserve consideration as the first ever forensic empirical baseline data on oviposition and completion of life cycles for necrophagous flies in Sarawak as well as in a cave habitat, in view of its practical values for estimating mPMI for forensic practical caseworks.

RESUMEN

In addition to the scarcity of forensic entomology baseline data on oviposition of necrophagous insects and completion of their life cycles in the Borneo region, similar data derived from caves remain unreported. Since entomological baseline data can differ from one biogeoclimatic region to another, the lack of such data would limit the practical values of applying entomological evidence in estimating minimum postmortem interval (mPMI). Therefore, this present research that investigated oviposition and completion of life cycles of necrophagous flies infesting rabbit carcasses decomposing in Mount Kapur Cave and its surrounding forest habitat in Kuching, Sarawak merits forensic consideration. In general, 13 taxa of necrophagous flies were identified viz. Hypopygiopsis violacea, Hypopygiopsis fumipennis, Hemipyrellia ligurriens, Hemipyrellia tagaliana, Chrysomya megacephala, Chrysomya villeneuvi, Chrysomya rufifacies, Chrysomya chani, Chrysomya pinguis, Chrysomya nigripes, Ophyra spinigera and Ophyra chalcogaster, as well as unidentified Sarcophagidae. In addition, Hyp. violacea and Hyp. fumipennis were the two earlier necrophagous flies that oviposited in all rabbit carcasses decomposing in both habitats. While all these necrophagous flies were observed infesting carcasses in Mount Kapur Cave, Hem. ligurriens and Hem. tagaliana were not found infesting carcasses in the surrounding forest habitat. Complete life cycles for six and five different necrophagous fly species were successfully observed in Mount Kapur Cave and its surrounding forest habitat, respectively. Significant delay in oviposition, as well as longer durations for completing the life cycles in several necrophagous fly species were observed in Mount Kapur Cave when compared with those of surrounding forest habitat (p < 0.05). These findings deserve consideration as the first ever forensic empirical baseline data on oviposition and completion of life cycles for necrophagous flies in Sarawak as well as in a cave habitat, in view of its practical values for estimating mPMI for forensic practical caseworks.

Asunto(s)

Cuevas , Dípteros/clasificación , Entomología Forense , Animales , Cadáver , Femenino , Larva , Malasia , Oviposición , Conejos

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Murder is an extreme form of violent crime which occurs across all social, cultural, and ethnic spheres. It is therefore, crucial to understand the nature and the extent of mechanical profiles of murder and murderers. The purpose of this article is to review such critical aspects of murder in a nutshell. METHODS: An archival research methodology was employed in this study where relevant search for literatures on these mechanical aspects related to murder was made across search engines such as Google Scholar and Elsevier with relevant articles selected for this review. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: This review discusses in an in-depth manner, pivotal mechanical profiles which include motives, methods of killing, choice of weapon, settings, targeted body parts, and murder victim concealment. In-depth understanding of each mechanical aspect offers an opportunity to the public at large to expand their knowledge on murder prevention manners which is vital for crime prevention efforts in the future.

Asunto(s)

Homicidio , Humanos

RESUMEN

The horrific nature of murder using different types of weapons has been an important focal point of many criminological studies. Weapons that are used in murders seem to play dominant roles in murder investigations as they may provide information leading to arrest. The established factors for weapon usage include environmental context, demography and availability of weapons. However, there is insufficient research attention on the psychological functioning of murderers for particular weapon usage. In light of this, the current study seeks to narrow this gap of information by identifying the influences of psychological traits on weapon usage among a sample of male murderers. The present cross-sectional study was conducted among 71 male murderers incarcerated in 11 prisons within Peninsular Malaysia. The selection of the sample was based on predetermined selection criteria using a purposive sampling method. A guided self-administered questionnaire comprising sociodemography variables and four Malay validated psychometric instruments: Zuckerman-Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire-40-Cross-Culture, Self-control Scale, "How I Think" Questionnaire and Aggression Questionnaire; was used. Independent sample t-test was performed to establish the mean score differences of psychological traits between the murderers who used single and multiple weapons while Kruskal-Wallis tests were carried out to ascertain the differences between the specific types of weapons used among the murderers. Following this, one-way ANOVA was carried out to ascertain the psychological trait differences among the murderers according to the different sources of weapon. Results indicated specific psychological traits influenced the number(s), source(s) and type(s) of weapon used in committing murder. The findings have implications for the psychological profiling of unknown murderers within the Malaysian context.

Asunto(s)

Agresión/psicología , Conducta de Elección , Homicidio/psicología , Armas , Adulto , Estudios Transversales , Humanos , Malasia , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a necessary cause of cervical cancer and its precursors. Increased expression of high-risk hrHPV viral oncogenes in abnormal cells might increase the expression of p16INK4a. We aimed to determine the role of p16INK4a in detecting hrHPV-transformed epithelial cells in liquid-based cervical cytology, and compared the results with hrHPV DNA testing by realtime polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Fifty-seven cytological samples were tested for p16INK4a immunomarker and hrHPV DNA. Test performance of both tests was determined by comparing sensitivity, specificity and predictive values using available histological follow-up data as gold standard. Of 57 samples, 36 (63.2%) showed immunoreactivity for p16INK4a and 43 (75.4%) were hrHPV-infected. A fairly low concordance rate (k = 0.504) between p16INK4a immunolabelling and hrHPV DNA status was noted. For prediction of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) II and worse lesions, p16INK4a had a sensitivity and specificity of 93.5% and 60%; whereas hrHPV DNA testing had a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 20%. Dual testing by combining p16INK4a and hrHPV showed sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 33.3%. In conclusion, p16INK4a is useful in predicting severity of the cytological abnormalities. Although p16INK4a is more specific but less sensitive than hrHPV in detecting high-grade cervical lesions, a combination of both tests failed to demonstrate significant improvement in diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and predictive value. Larger-scale prospective studies are required to assess further whether this biomarker should be routinely used as primary screening tool independently or in combination with hrHPV testing to improve diagnostic accuracy in cervical cytology.

Asunto(s)

Adenocarcinoma/diagnóstico , Biomarcadores de Tumor/análisis , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/diagnóstico , Inhibidor p16 de la Quinasa Dependiente de Ciclina/biosíntesis , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/diagnóstico , Adenocarcinoma/virología , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/virología , ADN Viral/análisis , Femenino , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Infecciones por Papillomavirus , Reacción en Cadena en Tiempo Real de la Polimerasa , Estudios Retrospectivos , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/virología , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

Clostridium perfringens (CP) and sulphite reducing clostridia (SRC) densities in the Selangor River, Bernam River and Tengi River Canal were examined between April 2007 and January 2008. Water samples were taken from two or three locations along each river, using either depth-integration or grab sampling methods. The downstream sampling site of the Selangor River, Rantau Panjang, reported the highest arithmetic mean of CP and SRC densities (583.45 and 8,120.08 cfu/100 ml, respectively). Both CP and SRC densities in the Selangor River increased further downstream, but the reverse was true in the Bernam River. The SRC densities in these rivers were significantly different from each other (p < 0.05) when comparing upstream and downstream results, but CP densities were not significantly different (p > 0.05). SRC densities were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) in different locations along the Selangor River and the Bernam River. The CP densities did not show such pattern (p > 0.05). River discharge had no significant correlation with SRC or CP densities by study site (p > 0.05). Since the Selangor River has a denser human population along its banks, this study confirms CP as a suitable indicator of human fecal contamination. However, tracing CP distribution along the river is more difficult than SRC. To our knowledge, this is the first study of CP and SRC densities from Malaysian rivers. CP densities found in this study were within the range of general water bodies reported from other countries.

Asunto(s)

Clostridium perfringens/aislamiento & purificación , Ríos/microbiología , Microbiología del Agua , Recuento de Colonia Microbiana , Interpretación Estadística de Datos , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Humanos , Malasia , Sulfitos

RESUMEN

Toxinotype of Clostridium perfringens (CP) isolates collected from the Bernam River, Selangor River and Tengi Canal between April 2007 and January 2008 were determined by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using published primers. All the 147 isolates were toxinotype Type A, harbouring the alpha toxin gene. In addition, 5 of the isolates also had the enterotoxin (CPE) gene.

Asunto(s)

Toxinas Bacterianas/genética , Técnicas Bacteriológicas/métodos , Clostridium perfringens/genética , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa/métodos , Ríos/microbiología , Toxinas Bacterianas/clasificación , Clostridium perfringens/clasificación , Clostridium perfringens/patogenicidad , Cartilla de ADN/genética , Genotipo , Humanos , Malasia

RESUMEN

Toxinotype of Clostridium perfringens (CP) isolates collected from the Bernam River, Selangor River and Tengi Canal between April 2007 and January 2008 were determined by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using published primers. All the 147 isolates were toxinotype Type A, harbouring the alpha toxin gene. In addition, 5 of the isolates also had the enterotoxin (CPE) gene.

RESUMEN

To examine the effect of zinc in the removal of accumulated arsenic from different tissues (liver, kidneys, spleen and lungs), rats were initially allowed to drink high concentration (400 microg/kg/day) of arsenic for two months followed by a period of cessation (one month). Administration of zinc (2 mg/kg/day) during the third month in arsenic-treated and non-treated groups were compared. In arsenic-treated rats, the mean (+/- SD) amounts of total arsenic in liver, kidneys, spleen and lungs were 12.3 +/- 0.7, 20.5 +/- 1.0, 31.4 +/- 1.0 and 25.6 +/- 1.1 microg/g of tissues respectively. Administration of zinc to arsenic-treated rats reduced the arsenic concentrations of those tissues to 7.8, 10.7, 23.0 and 14.0 microg/g of tissues. This in vivo study suggests that zinc removes the accumulated arsenic from different tissues significantly (p < 0.001).

Asunto(s)

Arsénico/toxicidad , Suplementos Dietéticos , Riñón/efectos de los fármacos , Hígado/efectos de los fármacos , Pulmón/efectos de los fármacos , Bazo/efectos de los fármacos , Zinc/farmacología , Animales , Intoxicación por Arsénico/prevención & control , Masculino , Metales Pesados , Ratas , Ratas Long-Evans

RESUMEN

We investigated the effects of root medium pH on water transport in whole-plant and detached roots of paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.). Exposure of seedling roots to pH 4 and 8 significantly decreased root hydraulic conductivity (Lp) and stomatal conductance (gs), compared with pH 6. When roots of solution-culture-grown (pH 6) seedlings were transferred to pH 4 or 8, their steady-state water flow (Qv) declined within minutes, followed by a decline in gs. The root oxygen uptake rates were not significantly affected by the pH treatments. Treatment of roots with mercuric chloride resulted in a large decrease in Qv at pH 6; the extent of this decrease was similar to that brought about by pH 4 and 8. Lowering root temperature from 21 to 4 degrees C decreased Qv irrespective of medium pH. Low root temperatures did not offset the effects of medium pH 4 on Qv and the roots in this treatment had a high activation energy for water flow. Conversely, roots exposed to pH 8 had a low activation energy, similar to that at pH 6. When 2 micro M abscisic acid, (+/-)-cis-trans-ABA, was added to the root medium, Qv increased in roots that were incubated at pH 6. It also increased slightly in roots incubated at pH 4, but not at pH 8. The increase at pH 4 and 6 was temperature-dependent, occurring at 21 degrees C, but not 4 degrees C. We suggest that the pH treatments are responsible for altering root water flow properties through their effects on the activity of water channels. These results support the concept that ABA effects on water channels are modulated by other, possibly metabolic- and pH-dependent factors.

Asunto(s)

Ácido Abscísico/farmacología , Betula/fisiología , Raíces de Plantas/fisiología , Árboles/fisiología , Respiración de la Célula/fisiología , Concentración de Iones de Hidrógeno , Hojas de la Planta/fisiología , Raíces de Plantas/efectos de los fármacos , Transpiración de Plantas/fisiología , Plantones/fisiología , Temperatura , Agua/fisiología

RESUMEN

Effects of sodium naphthenates (NAs) on root hydraulic conductivity (Lp) and gas exchange processes were examined in aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) seedlings grown in solution culture. Exposure of roots to NAs for 3-5 weeks significantly decreased Lp and stomatal conductance. Root-absorbed NAs also decreased leaf chlorophyll concentration, net photosynthesis and leaf growth. Short-term (< or = 2 h) exposure of excised roots to NAs significantly decreased root water flow (Qv) with a concomitant decline in root respiration. We conclude that NAs metabolically inhibited Lp, likely by affecting water channel activity, and that this inhibition could be responsible for the observed reductions in gas exchange and leaf growth.

Asunto(s)

Ácidos Carboxílicos/farmacología , Hojas de la Planta/efectos de los fármacos , Raíces de Plantas/efectos de los fármacos , Populus/efectos de los fármacos , Plantones/efectos de los fármacos , Árboles/efectos de los fármacos , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Fotosíntesis/efectos de los fármacos , Hojas de la Planta/crecimiento & desarrollo , Transpiración de Plantas/efectos de los fármacos , Populus/crecimiento & desarrollo , Plantones/crecimiento & desarrollo , Árboles/crecimiento & desarrollo , Agua/metabolismo

RESUMEN

UNLABELLED: Eight consecutive paediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) (n = 7) and T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) (n = 1) presenting within a 5-wk interval were started on a standard induction protocol which included weekly treatment with vincristine for 4 wk. Itraconazole was commenced as antifungal prophylaxis, 1-21 d after the first injection of vincristine. Within 2 to 4 wk, enhanced vincristine neurotoxicity was noted in all patients, abdominal cramps and constipation occurred most frequently, and one patient developed a bowel perforation associated with paralytic ileus. Hyponatraemia associated with SIADH was observed in three patients and four patients developed seizures. An additional patient with B cell NHL developed seizures 5 d after an injection of vincristine. Recovery was complete in all patients and ranged from 2 d to 15 wk. CONCLUSION: The extent and consistency of adverse effects documented in this study support the recommendation that concurrent administration of vincristine and itraconazole should be avoided.

Asunto(s)

Antifúngicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/efectos adversos , Itraconazol/farmacología , Linfoma de Células T/tratamiento farmacológico , Síndromes de Neurotoxicidad/etiología , Leucemia-Linfoma Linfoblástico de Células Precursoras/tratamiento farmacológico , Vincristina/efectos adversos , Adolescente , Niño , Preescolar , Sinergismo Farmacológico , Quimioterapia Combinada , Humanos

RESUMEN

The short-term effects of sodium azide (NaN(3)) on water flow in red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera Michx.) seedlings were examined in excised roots at a constant pressure of 0.3 MPa. NaN(3) significantly decreased root water flow rates (Q(v)). It also induced a significant reduction in root respiration and reduced stomatal conductance to a greater extent in intact seedlings than in excised shoots. Apoplastic flow of water increased with the NaN(3)-induced decreases in Q(v). Mercuric chloride (HgCl(2)) was also used to characterize the water flow responses and respiration of dogwood roots. Similarly to NaN(3), 0.1 and 0.3 mM HgCl(2) decreased root respiration rates and Q(v). The lower, 0.05 mM HgCl(2) treatment, reduced Q(v), but had no significant effect on root oxygen uptake. The reduction of Q(v) in HgCl(2)-treated plants was only partly reversed by 50 mM mercaptoethanol. The mercurial inhibition of Q(v) suggested the presence of Hg-sensitive water channels in dogwood roots. The results indicate that root-absorbed NaN(3) metabolically inhibited water channel activities in roots and in shoots and resulted in stomatal closure. It is suggested that the inhibition of respiration that occurs in plants stressed with environmental factors such as flooding, cold soils, and drought may be responsible for the closure of water channels in root cells and inhibition of root water flow.

Asunto(s)

Árboles/metabolismo , Agua/metabolismo , Acuaporinas/metabolismo , Cloruro de Mercurio , Nitrito de Sodio

RESUMEN

A hospital-based case-control study of viral encephalitis was carried out at Port Dickson Hospital, in the state of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Between March and May 1999, 69 clinically diagnosed viral encephalitis cases and 31 controls were interviewed. Job histories on pig farming activities were assessed by a group of epidemiologists and veterinary surgeons. Results show that among clinical cases of viral encephalitis, 52 (75.4%) cases were diagnosed to have Nipah virus infection based on positive serology for antibodies to the cross-reacting Hendra virus antigen. The Nipah virus encephalitis was significantly associated with a history of working in pig farms (p < 0.001, OR = 196.0, 95% CI = 20.4-4741.6), history of contact with animals (p < 0.001, OR = 38.3, 95% CI = 8.2-209.0) and with history of direct contact with pigs (p = 0.002, OR = 34.4, 95% CI = 2.6-1,024.4). The Nipah virus infection was also significantly associated with history of feeding/cleaning pigs (p < 0.001, OR = 102, 95% CI = 11.9-2,271.5). These results provide evidence that involvement in pig farming activities is significantly associated with the risk of getting Nipah virus infection. They are potential risk factors for Nipah virus transmission in the major pig-producing area of Bukit Pelandok, Port Dickson Negeri Sembilan.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedades de los Trabajadores Agrícolas , Encefalitis Viral/transmisión , Infecciones por Paramyxoviridae/transmisión , Paramyxovirinae , Porcinos , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Enfermedades de los Trabajadores Agrícolas/epidemiología , Crianza de Animales Domésticos , Animales , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Encefalitis Viral/epidemiología , Femenino , Humanos , Malasia/epidemiología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Oportunidad Relativa , Infecciones por Paramyxoviridae/epidemiología , Factores de Riesgo

RESUMEN

An outbreak of encephalitis affecting 265 patients (105 fatally) occurred during 1998-1999 in Malaysia and was linked to a new paramyxovirus, Nipah, that infected pigs, humans, dogs, and cats. Most patients were pig farmers. Clinically undetected Nipah infection was noted in 10 (6%) of 166 community-farm controls (persons from farms without reported encephalitis patients) and 20 (11%) of 178 case-farm controls (persons from farms with encephalitis patients). Case patients (persons with Nipah infection) were more likely than community-farm controls to report increased numbers of sick/dying pigs on the farm (59% vs. 24%, P=.001) and were more likely than case-farm controls to perform activities requiring direct contact with pigs (86% vs. 50%, P=.005). Only 8% of case patients reported no contact with pigs. The outbreak stopped after pigs in the affected areas were slaughtered and buried. Direct, close contact with pigs was the primary source of human Nipah infection, but other sources, such as infected dogs and cats, cannot be excluded.

Asunto(s)

Brotes de Enfermedades , Encefalitis Viral/virología , Infecciones por Paramyxoviridae/epidemiología , Infecciones por Paramyxoviridae/veterinaria , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Trabajadores Agrícolas/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Trabajadores Agrícolas/virología , Animales , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Enfermedades de los Gatos/transmisión , Enfermedades de los Gatos/virología , Gatos , Enfermedades de los Perros/transmisión , Enfermedades de los Perros/virología , Perros , Encefalitis Viral/epidemiología , Encefalitis Viral/transmisión , Femenino , Humanos , Malasia/epidemiología , Masculino , Ocupaciones/estadística & datos numéricos , Infecciones por Paramyxoviridae/transmisión , Paramyxovirinae , Factores de Riesgo , Porcinos , Enfermedades de los Porcinos/transmisión , Enfermedades de los Porcinos/virología

RESUMEN

PIP: This retrospective study determined the proportion of cervical cancer among female cancer patients attending the radiotherapy department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Bangladesh, and explored some of the predisposing factors relating to a high proportion of this disease. The study was conducted among 242 patients suffering from cervical cancer drawn from the 964 female patients managed at MMCH. The proportion of cervical cancer was quite high, mostly among women of low socioeconomic status. The majority of the patients was aged 15-44 years; 64% were married before 20 years of age, experiencing sexual activity and becoming pregnant earlier. About 58% of respondents had more than 4 pregnancies and 57% were of low socioeconomic class. About 65% of the cases presented with an advanced stage of cervical cancer and were managed palliatively, while 35% of the cases were at an early stage and treatment was intended to cure. The proportion of cervical cancer was higher in Hindu women than in Muslim women. In summary, factors such as early sexual activity, having the first child at a young age, multiple pregnancies, multiple sex partners, and poor genital hygiene were commonly the predisposing factors for cervical cancer. Recommended interventions are aimed at addressing these predisposing factors.^ieng

Asunto(s)

Incidencia , Estudios Retrospectivos , Factores de Riesgo , Terapéutica , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino , Asia , Bangladesh , Biología , Países en Desarrollo , Enfermedad , Neoplasias , Investigación , Proyectos de Investigación

RESUMEN

Acclimation in seedlings of Bischofia javanica Blume, which are commonly found in canopy gaps in the moist forests of tropical Asia, to a change in light availability was examined in a controlled environment simulating forest shade and daylight. Seedlings were grown in a high (1000 micro mol m(-2) s(-1); red/far-red, 1.45) or low (40 micro mol m(-2) s(-1); red/far-red, 0.10) light regime and then transferred to the contrasting light environment for nine weeks. Control seedlings were maintained in the same light regime throughout the study. The availability of light influenced relative growth rate through morphological and physiological adjustments. Transferred seedlings retained the leaves that had been developed before transfer, and no leaf-shedding was observed till the end of the experiment. Leaves formed in the new light regime were physiologically and morphologically identical to those of the corresponding controls. High-light seedlings transferred to low light displayed significantly lower relative growth rate than the low-light controls because of a lower leaf area ratio carried over from the previous high-light environment. A reverse pattern of response with respect to relative growth rate was observed for the low-light seedlings transferred to high light compared to the high-light controls. The higher relative growth rate in the low-light seedlings transferred to high light was the result of higher net assimilation rate and higher leaf area ratio. The higher leaf area ratio in the low-light seedlings transferred to high light was the consequence of the effects of previous environment, and the relatively lower net assimilation rate in the high-light control seedlings was, at least partly, due to the effects of self-shading rather than to the photosynthetic capacity of the leaves. The results suggest that the species has a wide acclimation potential to a change in light availability that might occur in nature following gap creation or canopy closure.