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Badrulislam, Khan KA, Khalil S, Hussain M, Saqib Z, Altaf J, Hadi R, Habiba U. Habitat suitability modelling of Koklass pheasant (Pucrasia macrolopha) in moist temperate forest. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296921. [PMID: 38359051 PMCID: PMC10868740 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The decreasing status of on IUCN of Koklass pheasant (Pucrasia macrolopha) belongs to the family Phasianidae and the order Galliform needs the attention of researchers. The species with habitats as low as 6,000 feet and as high as 11,000 feet certainly cover a broad variety of habitats, such a wide altitude range embraces a diverse range of habitats. Insufficient research has been conducted on the suitability of moist temperate forests as a potential habitat for the Koklass pheasant. Therefore, this study was carried out to explore habitat suitability in 15 different sites which were located in the 4 districts of Hazara Division using GIS data science and environmental variables. A random sampling technique was used for laying out the transect. Overall, 45 line transects (Length 2-4 km, Width 10-30 m) were laid out in study sites. The size of sample plots for trees was 10x10m, for shrubs (4 x4m), and herbs and grasses 1x1m. The other habitat parameters like elevation, slope, cover, and frequency of plant at each point were also considered. We found the uneven distribution of Koklass pheasant in the Hazara Division. There were 59 occurrence points identified and highlighted the distribution of Koklass pheasant in the study area. Although all environmental variables were preferred by Koklass pheasant in its habitat statistical analysis proved that slope, level of disturbance, tree and shrub frequency of habitat contributed mostly to the presence of Koklass in each study site except the contribution of soil and herbs. The potential suitable habitat of Koklass pheasant was estimated to be 439.6 km2 areas starting from Abbottabad to Mansehra in the Hazara division. Awareness and enforcing legal protection are recommended for the conservation of Koklass Pheasant in Moist temperate forest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Badrulislam
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Basic and Applied Science, The University of Haripur, Haripur, Pakistan
| | - Kamal Ahmed Khan
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Sangam Khalil
- Department of Forestry Range and Wildlife Management, The Islamia University Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Majid Hussain
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Basic and Applied Science, The University of Haripur, Haripur, Pakistan
| | - Zafeer Saqib
- Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Javeria Altaf
- Department of Zoology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Rana Hadi
- Department of Zoology, Jinnah University for Women, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Ume Habiba
- Ministry of Climate Change, Islamabad Wildlife Management Board, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Aftab A, Aziz R, Ghaffar A, Rafiq MT, Feng Y, Saqib Z, Rafiq MK, Awan MA. Occurrence, source identification and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in water and sediments of Uchalli lake - Ramsar site, Pakistan. Environ Pollut 2023; 334:122117. [PMID: 37399935 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Uchalli Lake is an internationally significant Ramsar site that needs protection for supporting migratory birds. The current study aimed to assess wetland health by examining water and sediments utilizing total and labile heavy metals concentration, pollution indices, ecological risk assessment, water recharge and pollution induction sources through isotope tracer techniques. Al concentration in water was of serious concern as it was 440 times higher than the maximum acceptable concentration of Environmental Quality Standard of the UK for aquatic life in saline waters. Labile concentration predicted very severe enrichment of Cd, Pb, and moderate enrichment of Cu. Modified ecological risk index predicted very high ecological risk in sediments. The δ 18O, δ2H and D-excess values indicate that the lake was mainly recharged by local meteoric water. Enriched values of δ 18O and δ2H suggest a high evaporation of lake water, making lake sediments more enriched with metals. Isotopic and D-excess values of groundwater suggest a quick rainwater recharge to groundwater around the Uchalli Lake. Nitrates isotopes indicate that the rainwater runoff is main source of induction of fertilizers, pesticides and soil bonded metals in the lake system. The lake is recharged by rainwater runoff, from catchment areas, that erode the soil particles and agricultural residual waste dumped in the lake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Aftab
- Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Rukhsanda Aziz
- Environmental Science Program, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan.
| | - Abdul Ghaffar
- Isotope Application Division, PINSTECH, Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Tariq Rafiq
- Environmental Science Program, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan.
| | - Ying Feng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecological Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zafeer Saqib
- Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Khalid Rafiq
- Rangeland Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Akbar Awan
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, International Islamic University, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
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Kazim M, Hussain Syed J, Binnur Kurt-Karakus P, Ozkaleli Akcetin M, Akram S, Birgul A, Kara M, Dumanoglu Y, Odabasi M, Saqib Z, Nasir J, Mahar A, Shah T, Gulzar Burq M, Jones KC, Wania F. Gaseous elemental mercury emissions from informal E-Waste recycling facilities in Pakistan. Waste Manag 2023; 170:261-269. [PMID: 37729843 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Detrimental effects of mercury (Hg) on ecosystems and human health have been well-documented. Whereas emissions of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) from e-waste recycling have been reported in developed countries, much less is known about the situation in the Global South. Using a total of 132 passive air samplers, seasonally resolved concentrations of GEM in air were measured continuously at 32 informal e-waste recycling facilities and background location in Pakistan for a period of one year between September 2020 and December 2021. Annual average GEM concentrations at the studied locations ranged from 1.8 to 92 ng m-3. Among the studied cities, higher concentrations were measured in Karachi (mean ± s.d: 17 ± 22, range: 4.2-92 ng m-3), Lahore (16 ± 4.2, 8.2-22 ng m-3) and Peshawar (15 ± 17, 4.9-80 ng m-3), while lower levels were measured in Hyderabad (6.9 ± 6.2, 3.1-25 ng m-3), consistent with a higher rate of informal recycling activities in metropolitan areas. Seasonally, higher GEM levels occurred during autumn (15 ± 16: 3.3-92 ng m-3) and summer (13 ± 8.7: 1.8-80 ng m-3) than in winter (12 ± 8.4: 2.5-49 ng m-3) and spring (9.2 ± 7.3: 1.8-80 ng m-3), possibly reflecting enhanced volatilization at higher temperatures and/or varying magnitude of recycling operations in different seasons. Policies and strict regulations related to e-waste management should be developed and implemented urgently in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mureed Kazim
- Department of Environmental Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Jabir Hussain Syed
- Department of Meteorology, COMSATS University Islamabad, Tarlai Kalan Park Road, 45550 Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Perihan Binnur Kurt-Karakus
- Environmental Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Bursa Technical University, Bursa, Turkey.
| | - Merve Ozkaleli Akcetin
- Environmental Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Bursa Technical University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Sumaira Akram
- Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Bahria University Islmabad Campus, Pakistan; Department of Environmental Sciences, Forman Christian College University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Askin Birgul
- Environmental Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Bursa Technical University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Melik Kara
- Environmental Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Dokuz Eylul University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Yetkin Dumanoglu
- Environmental Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Dokuz Eylul University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Odabasi
- Environmental Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Dokuz Eylul University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Zafeer Saqib
- Department of Environmental Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Jawad Nasir
- Earth Sciences Directorate, Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARC), P.O. Box 8402, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Amanullah Mahar
- Centre for Environmental Science, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Taimoor Shah
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS), Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Mohsin Gulzar Burq
- Department of Microbiology, University of Central Punjab, Johar Town Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Kevin C Jones
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom
| | - Frank Wania
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Saqib Z, Bai X, Nishihara Y, Lu J, De Palma G, Bercik P, Collins S. A266 DIET-BASED THERAPIES FOR INTESTINAL DYSFUNCTION INDUCED BY CLOSTRIDIOIDES DIFFICILE INFECTION. J Can Assoc Gastroenterol 2023. [PMCID: PMC9991333 DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwac036.266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic gut dysfunction occurs in up to 25% of patients following antibiotic-treated C. difficile infection (CDI). We developed a humanized mouse model in which germ free mice colonized with microbiota from patients with severe constipation post-CDI developed slow colonic transit, as a result of damage to the Interstitial Cells of Cajal (ICC) network by pro-inflammatory macrophages. Colonic transit, immune activation and the ICC network normalized after fecal microbiota transplantation using samples from healthy mice, as well after treatment with psyllium fiber. Here we explored the long-term effects of psyllium and evaluated the therapeutic potential of pectin and quercetin in this model. Purpose 1) To investigate the time course of the beneficial effect of psyllium on colonic motility. 2) To explore possible therapeutic properties of flavonoids and pectin. Method Germ-free mice were colonized with microbiota from the post-CDI (PCDI) patient or healthy controls (HC). After 3 weeks, the mice were fed for 4-5 weeks with a control diet or diets with 15% psyllium (PSY), 10% pectin (PCT) or 0.05% quercetin (QCT). To evaluate time course of PSY on motility, control diet was administered for 3-weeks following PSY treatment. The bead expulsion test was used to assess colonic motility. Stool samples were collected for microbial profiling, and short and branched-chain fatty acids (SCFA/BCFA) analysis. Macrophages morphology and counts, and ICC network structure were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Result(s) Compared to HC microbiota, colonization with post-CDI microbiota induced slow colonic transit in recipient mice, and this was normalized by PSY (n=13; p=0.02). The benefit of PSY was transient as colonic transit slowed following discontinuation of PSY (p=0.001). The changes in colonic transit were paralleled by switch in macrophages phenotype and damage to the ICC network. Additionally, discontinuation of PSY resulted in a return of microbial diversity (p< 0.001), SCFA/BCFA levels (acetic and propionic acid/ iso-butyric and valeric acid) and specific bacterial species abundances, to values seen in untreated mice colonized with post-CDI microbiota. Microbial analysis predicted potential pathways involved in macrophage polarization, including the synthesis of SCFA/BCFA, degradation of inositol and production of acetylglucosamine. PCT also normalized slow intestinal transit in mice colonized with post-CDI microbiota (p=0.003), restored phenotype of infiltrating macrophages, and improved the structural integrity of the ICC network. In contrast, QCT failed to improve gut dysfunction in PCDI mice. Conclusion(s) Our results suggest that the beneficial effects of psyllium in this model are transient. Dietary pectin, but not quercetin, may also serve as a novel treatment strategy to restore colonic motility and immune homeostasis in humans with severe constipation post-CDI. Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below Other Please indicate your source of funding; W. Garfield Weston Foundation Disclosure of Interest None Declared
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Saqib Z, BAI X, De Palma G, Hynes A, Surette M, Bercik P, Collins SM. A6 MECHANISMS UNDERLYING GUT DYSFUNCTION FOLLOWING C. DIFFICILE INFECTION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR TREATMENT. J Can Assoc Gastroenterol 2022. [PMCID: PMC8859195 DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwab049.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Recent evidence suggests an increasing prevalence of gut dysfunction following C. difficile infection (CDI). The accompanying prolonged antibiotic (AB) exposure likely contributes to chronic gut dysfunction and our ability to induce gut dysfunction in germ free (GF) mice colonized with microbiota from a patient with severe slow transit post CDI (PCDI) supports this notion (10.1093/jcag/gwz047.117). Furthermore, we were able to restore gut function following fecal microbial transfer from healthy murine donors. Our studies have implicated a role for macrophages in the destruction of the Interstitial Cell of Cajal (ICC) network underlying slow colonic transit in the humanized mouse model. These findings prompted us to evaluate microbiota-directed therapy in normalising gut function in this model.
Aims
1)To investigate whether dietary psyllium rescues the development of slow colonic transit (SCT) through modulating host function via microbiota mediated immune mechanisms; and 2)To evaluate the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of psyllium
Methods
GF mice were colonized with either microbiota from the PCDI patient or healthy control (HC) for 3 weeks following which PCDI mice were treated with either a control diet or a 15% psyllium diet (PSY). Colonic motility was assessed before and after the diet intervention using the bead expulsion test. Stool samples were collected for microbial profiling, and short and branched-chain fatty acids (SCFA/BCFA) analysis. Colonic muscle layers encompassing myenteric plexus (MP) were collected for gene expression analysis and to evaluate activated macrophages and ICC degeneration using immunohistochemistry.
Results
Microbiota from a PCDI patient induced a SCT phenotype in GF mice (n=13) as compared to mice colonized with HC microbiota (p=0.0002). Psyllium rescued this SCT phenotype in mice (PCDI(n=7) vs.PSY(n=6):p=0.0014). The psyllium-induced rescue was accompanied by normalization of the ICC network and morphological alterations in infiltrating macrophages. This was supported by changes in immune-related gene expression in the MP including CD11b, NOS, Myd88, Mapk1 and NF-κB. Additionally, bacterial composition was different between PCDI and PSY group (p=0.003). SCFAs like acetic and propionic acid were increased, while BCFA like isobutyric and isovaleric acid were decreased following PSY treatment. These alterations in SCFA/BCFA were supported by fluctuations in specific bacteria like Butyricimonas, Phascolarctobacterium and Allistipes.
Conclusions
Our results provide evidence that chronic gut dysfunction following CDI and AB exposure is microbiota-driven. Furthermore, microbiota-directed therapy using psyllium could serve as a novel therapeutic strategy to normalize gut function via microbiota-mediated restoration of immune homeostasis in these patients.
Funding Agencies
W. Garfield Weston Foundation
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Saqib
- Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - X BAI
- Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - G De Palma
- McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - A Hynes
- Medicine, McMaster University, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - M Surette
- McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - P Bercik
- Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Shirazi JH, Ali MI, Jamal A, Saqib Z, Rashid A. Effects of Seasonal Changes on the Patients Flux to Basic Health Units in Pakistan. Iran J Public Health 2021; 50:1065-1067. [PMID: 34183965 PMCID: PMC8223565 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v50i5.6124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jafir Hussain Shirazi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan.,Department of Microbiology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Asif Jamal
- Department of Microbiology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Zafeer Saqib
- Department of Environmental Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Rashid
- Health and OTC Division, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Awan MN, Geldmann J, Buner F, Saqib Z, Pervez A, Mahmood Q, Hashem A, Al-Arjani ABF, Alqarawi AA, Abd_Allah EF, Akbar TA. The Effectiveness of Protected Areas in Conserving Globally Threatened Western Tragopan Tragopan melanocephalus. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030680. [PMID: 33806298 PMCID: PMC7999559 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Western Tragopan is a globally threatened pheasant species of the Western Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot, whereas protected areas are tools used to protect species and their habitat. In this study, we selected protected areas falling within the potential habitat of the Western Tragopan and evaluated their management effectiveness to understand their role in the protection of the pheasants of global conservation concern. Our results show that only Machiara National Park scored just above 40% (indicating relatively weak management), 22 of the PAs fell within the 25–50% quantile (indicating weak management), and 3 scored below 25% (indicating poor management). PAs within the species distributional range covered 92,387 ha which is only 2% of the total potential habitat of the tragopan. Thus, we concluded that protected areas are not sufficiently contributing to protecting species and its habitat and need to revise their plans. We further recommended establishment of more protected areas within the potential habitat of the species to help protect this iconic species of Western Himalaya. Abstract Protected areas are a critical tool to conserve biodiversity in the face of the global crisis of species extinction. Here, we present the first ever management effectiveness assessment of Pakistan’s Protected Areas (PAs). We link these assessments to the delivery of conservation outcomes focusing on the threatened Western Tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus) endemic to Pakistan and India. We used two approaches, first mapping the spatial distribution of potential habitat coverage using machine learning ensemble models and second, an assessment of the management effectiveness of protected areas. Our results show that only Machiara National Park scored just above 40% (indicating relatively weak management), 22 of the PAs fell within the 25–50% quantile (indicating weak management), and 3 scored below 25% (indicating poor management). PAs within the species distributional range covered 92,387 ha which is only 2% of the total potential habitat of the Tragopan. Scoring of Planning element was insufficient both in term of the site and species. Likewise, inputs (e.g., research and monitoring program, staff numbers, staff training, current budget, security of budget, and management after process) were also inadequate. Finally, we recommend the establishment of more protected areas within the species potential habitat and inclusion of species-specific plans in Pakistan’s PAs management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Naeem Awan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University, Abbottabad Campus, KPK, Islamabad 22010, Pakistan;
- Correspondence: (M.N.A.); (Q.M.)
| | - Jonas Geldmann
- Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing St., Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK;
- Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Francis Buner
- Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Burgate Manor, Fordingbridge SP6 1EF, UK;
| | - Zafeer Saqib
- GIS & Ecoinformatics Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University, Islamabad 46000, Pakistan;
| | - Arshid Pervez
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University, Abbottabad Campus, KPK, Islamabad 22010, Pakistan;
| | - Qaisar Mahmood
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University, Abbottabad Campus, KPK, Islamabad 22010, Pakistan;
- Correspondence: (M.N.A.); (Q.M.)
| | - Abeer Hashem
- Botany and Microbiology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.H.); (A.-B.F.A.-A.)
- Mycology and Plant Disease Survey Department, Plant Pathology Research Institute, ARC, Giza 12511, Egypt
| | - Al-Bandari Fahad Al-Arjani
- Botany and Microbiology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.H.); (A.-B.F.A.-A.)
| | - Abdulaziz A. Alqarawi
- Plant Production Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.A.); (E.F.A.)
| | - Elsayed Fathi Abd_Allah
- Plant Production Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.A.); (E.F.A.)
| | - Tahir Ali Akbar
- Department of Civil Engineering, COMSATS University, Abbottabad Campus, KPK, Islamabad 22010, Pakistan;
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Jadoon WA, Abdel-Dayem SMMA, Saqib Z, Takeda K, Sakugawa H, Hussain M, Shah GM, Rehman W, Syed JH. Heavy metals in urban dusts from Alexandria and Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt: implications for human health. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2021; 28:2007-2018. [PMID: 32862349 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08786-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
A total of 23 road-dust and 9 house-dust samples were collected from Alexandria and Kafr El-Sheikh cities, Egypt in 2016 to investigate heavy metal (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) contamination, spatial distribution, sources, and health risks. The mean concentrations (mg kg-1) of Cd (road-dust (RD) = 0.33, house-dust (HD) = 0.77), Cu (RD = 80, HD = 141), Pb (RD = 70, HD = 260), and Zn (RD = 169, HD = 771) in Alexandria and Zn (RD = 192, HD = 257) in Kafr El-Sheikh were higher than corresponding background (background refers to generic earth crust shale values given in the literature) levels. Whereas average concentrations (mg kg-1) of Co, Cr, Mn, and Ni (Alexandria: RD = 2.7, 24.3, 251, 14.4; HD = 3.2, 29.2, 237, 25.1 and Kafr El-Sheikh: RD = 6.6, 31.9, 343, 20.2; HD = 8.6, 33.4, 438, 23.2) in both cities were much lower than their background values. Spatially, for most heavy metals, the high concentrations were observed in areas characterized with increased anthropogenic activities, heavy traffic, and high population density. Contamination indices revealed moderate contamination (Cd and Cu) to high contamination (Pb: only house-dust from Alexandria), which posed low (most metals) to moderate ecological risk (Cd and Pb). Correlation analysis and factor analysis classified the studied metals in two groups as: natural input (Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, and Fe) and anthropogenic sources (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn). The noncancerous risks posed by studied metals ranged from 0.0001 (Cd) to 0.15 (Pb) and were insignificant. The cancerous risk of Pb (1.4 × 10-4) for children on exposure to house-dust form Alexandria exceeded the guideline values and was considered unacceptable, whereas the cancerous risks of other studied metals were acceptable for both subpopulations. The results of health risk revealed that children are facing higher risk than adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waqar Azeem Jadoon
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Hazara University, Mansehra, 21130, Pakistan
- Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8521, Japan
| | - Sherif Mohamed Mohamed Ali Abdel-Dayem
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Hazara University, Mansehra, 21130, Pakistan
- Department of Pesticides Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Zafeer Saqib
- Department of Environmental Sciences, International Islamic University Islamabad, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Kazuhiko Takeda
- Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8521, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sakugawa
- Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8521, Japan
| | - Manzoor Hussain
- Department of Botany, Hazara University, Mansehra, 21130, Pakistan
| | - Ghulam Mujtaba Shah
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Hazara University, Mansehra, 21130, Pakistan
- Department of Botany, Hazara University, Mansehra, 21130, Pakistan
| | - Wajid Rehman
- Department of Chemistry, Hazara University, Mansehra, 21130, Pakistan
| | - Jabir Hussain Syed
- Department of Meteorology, COMSATS University, Tarlai Kalan Park Road, Islamabad, 45550, Pakistan.
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Khan MZ, Shabbir MI, Saqib Z, Gilani SA, Jogezai NU, Kiyani MM, Malik MA. Investigation of polyphenol profile, antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective potential of Aconogonon alpinum (All.) Schur roots. OPEN CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1515/chem-2020-0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractLiver plays vital role in detoxification of exogenous and endogenous chemicals. These chemicals as well as oxidative stress may cause liver disorders. This study was aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of various fractions of Aconogonon alpinum methanolic extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver toxicity in mice. First, hepatoprotective potential of various fractions of A. alpinum was assessed and then antioxidant activity and profiling of polyphenolic compounds were assessed. A total of 78 male albino mice (BALB/c) were randomly divided into 13 groups (n = 6); Group I (normal control), Group II (CCl4 only), Group III (CCl4 + silymarin 100 mg/kg) and Groups IV–XIII (CCl4 + various fractions [200 and 400 mg/kg]). Hepatic biochemistry and liver injury were assessed by analysis of serum levels of hepatic enzymes and histopathological analysis, respectively. Results showed that polar fractions (ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions) exhibited highly significant (P < 0.01) reduction in increased level of liver biochemical parameters in a dose-dependent manner with consistent histopathological findings. Likewise, these fractions revealed strong antioxidant potential and polyphenolic compound contents. In conclusion, the present work has revealed promising antioxidant activity, polyphenolic profiling and potential hepatoprotective efficacy. Thus, the significant results unveil the study as a step forward towards evidence-based phytomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Zakryya Khan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences (FBAS) International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Islamabad Capital Territory, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran Shabbir
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences (FBAS) International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Islamabad Capital Territory, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Zafeer Saqib
- Department of Environmental Sciences Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences (FBAS), International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Islamabad Capital Territory, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Syed Aneel Gilani
- Botanical Science Division Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH) Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Naqeeb Ullah Jogezai
- Department of Bioengineering and Space Biosciences, Institute of Space Technology Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Mubin Mustafa Kiyani
- Department of Medical sciences, Riphah International University Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Arshad Malik
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences (FBAS) International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Islamabad Capital Territory, 44000, Pakistan
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Saqib Z, De Palma G, Lu J, Bercik P, Collins SM. A43 β-DEFENSINS AS MARKERS OF INTESTINAL DYSBIOSIS: THE NATURE OF CHANGES IN β-DEFENSINS IS DEPENDENT ON THE PROCESS UNDERLYING THE INDUCTION OF DYSBIOSIS. J Can Assoc Gastroenterol 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwz047.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Dysbiosis may be defined as a change in the microbial composition or function that results in altered host function. Defensins are antimicrobial peptides, are part of innate immunity, and are important in host defense and maintaining homeostasis. Dysbiosis is a putative mechanism underlying the expression of many functional GI disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) for which no biomarkers exist. Previous studies have revealed increased β-defensin (β-Def) levels in IBS patients, most likely due to changes in the microbiota.
Aims
We examined the hypotheses that: 1) Changes in β-Def are dependent on the manner in which dysbiosis is induced, and that 2) the direction of the change in β-Def depends on how dysbiosis was induced.
Methods
We used 4 models of experimentally induced dysbiosis to determine changes in fecal β-Def and to characterize the microbiota composition before and during the induction of dysbiosis. We used: 1) an antimicrobial cocktail (AC) in water; 2) a high-fat/ high-sugar diet (HFHSD); 3) a high salt diet (HSD) that we previously showed to induce a pro-inflammatory microbiota; and 4) mild restraint stress (MRS). All studies were performed in C57/BL6 mice except studies using MRS that were performed in NIH Swiss mice. In the AC or dietary studies, we employed a one-week intervention preceded by one-week baseline and recovery periods. In MRS studies, mice comparisons were made between a control and a stressed group. Stool samples were collected every 24 hours and were assayed for fecal β-Def levels analysis by an ELISA and microbial composition by 16S gene profiling.
Results
Exposure to AC or dietary change, but not MRS, resulted in significant decreases in fecal β-Def. Additionally, bacterial composition and diversity profiles were different in all mice except MRS mice (control vs. MRS males: p=0.414; control vs. MRS females: p=0.96). In contrast, mice exposed to the HSD revealed a significant increase in β-Def during treatment compared to baseline in both males (p=0.025) and females (p= 0.0019). The AC mice showed the largest changes and significant correlations between changes in β-Def levels and bacterial diversity (males: p=0.013, r=0.6; females: p=0.007, r=0.6) and richness (males: p=0.0008, r=0.70; females: p=0.003, r=0.62). However, no significant correlations were found between specific bacteria and β-Def levels in the HFHSD group.
Conclusions
We conclude that directional changes in fecal β-Def levels are dependent on the manner in which dysbiosis is induced. The use of β-Def as a biomarker requires comparisons with baseline levels obtained during remission in order to identify dysbiosis presence in microbiota-associated chronic GI conditions like IBS. Such an approach will identify patient subgroups that may benefit from microbiota-directed therapies.
Funding Agencies
CIHR
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Saqib
- McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - G De Palma
- McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - J Lu
- McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - P Bercik
- McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Eqani SAMAS, Tanveer ZI, Qiaoqiao C, Cincinelli A, Saqib Z, Mulla SI, Ali N, Katsoyiannis IA, Shafqat MN, Shen H. Occurrence of selected elements (Ti, Sr, Ba, V, Ga, Sn, Tl, and Sb) in deposited dust and human hair samples: implications for human health in Pakistan. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2018; 25:12234-12245. [PMID: 29022181 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0346-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The current study determined, for the first time, the levels of titanium (Ti), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), vanadium (V), gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), thallium (Tl), and antinomy (Sb), in deposited dust, and human hair collected from general population of different geographical areas of Pakistan. All the samples were prepared by microwave digestion and measured by ICP-MS. The results showed that on deposited dust samples, the detected elements followed the descending trend as: Ti > Sr > Ba > V > Ga > Sn > Tl > Sb similar to the upper continental crust. The deposited dust samples from low elevation areas exhibited highest levels of all studied elements (except antimony which was higher in soil samples from mountainous areas), followed by rive plains, mountainous areas, and highland valleys. In contrast, on human hair samples, the elements followed the descending trend as: Sr > Ba > Ti > Ga > V > Sn > Sb > Tl respectively. Ba, Ga, and V concentrations were higher in soil samples from lower elevation Indus plain, and Sr, Tl, Sb, and Ti were higher in samples from mountainous areas. The bioaccumulation trend of all studied elements was in descending order as follows: Sb, Ga, Sn, Ba, Sr, Ti, V, Tl, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation matrix evidenced both geological influences and anthropogenic activities as potential sources of these studied elements. On the other hand, the risk estimation (HI > 1) concluded that population were at higher health risk (non-carcinogenic) for Ga and Ti. All other studied rare elements were within safe limit for humans from all zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Ali Musstjab Akber Shah Eqani
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, People's Republic of China.
- Public health and Environment Division, Department of Biosciences, COMSAT Institute of Information & Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | | | - Chi Qiaoqiao
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, People's Republic of China
| | - Alessandra Cincinelli
- Department of Chemistry Ugo Schiff, University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Zafeer Saqib
- Department of Environmental sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sikandar I Mulla
- Public health and Environment Division, Department of Biosciences, COMSAT Institute of Information & Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Nadeem Ali
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Studies (CEES), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ioannis A Katsoyiannis
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Technology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Mustafa Nawaz Shafqat
- Public health and Environment Division, Department of Biosciences, COMSAT Institute of Information & Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Heqing Shen
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, People's Republic of China
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Ashraf U, Peterson AT, Chaudhry MN, Ashraf I, Saqib Z, Rashid Ahmad S, Ali H. Ecological niche model comparison under different climate scenarios: a case study ofOleaspp. in Asia. Ecosphere 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Uzma Ashraf
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences; Punjab University; Lahore 54590 Pakistan
| | | | | | - Irfan Ashraf
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences; Punjab University; Lahore 54590 Pakistan
- Strategic Policy Unit; Lahore Development Authority; Lahore 54770 Pakistan
| | - Zafeer Saqib
- Department of Environmental Science; International Islamic University; Islamabad 44000 Pakistan
| | - Sajid Rashid Ahmad
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences; Punjab University; Lahore 54590 Pakistan
| | - Hassan Ali
- Department of Zoology; University of the Punjab; Lahore 54590 Pakistan
- Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department; Lahore 54770 Pakistan
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13
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Eqani SAMAS, Khalid R, Bostan N, Saqib Z, Mohmand J, Rehan M, Ali N, Katsoyiannis IA, Shen H. Human lead (Pb) exposure via dust from different land use settings of Pakistan: A case study from two urban mountainous cities. Chemosphere 2016; 155:259-265. [PMID: 27129063 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The current study aims to determine the dust-borne lead (Pb) levels into outdoor dust, which were collected from the areas nearby the cities/districts of Islamabad and Swat in Pakistan. In general dust samples from all land use settings (industrial, urban and rural) showed significantly higher (p<0.05) Pb-levels (median, ppm) from Islamabad (110, 52, 24) than those of Swat district (75, 37, 21), respectively. Index of Geo-accumulation (Igeo values) indicated that industrial and urban areas of both sites were highly polluted due to severe anthropogenic influence, whereas the rural areas were in most parts unpolluted and where moderately polluted, this was mainly due to geological factors and short and/or long distance atmospheric deposition from surrounding polluted areas. According to the calculated chemical daily intake (mg/kg-day) values, dust ingestion is one of the major routes of human exposure for lead. Hazard Index (HI) values, calculated for both adult and children populations, were above unity in industrial and urban areas, indicating serious health risks especially to the children populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Ali Musstjab Akber Shah Eqani
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China; Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan; Department of Environmental Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Ramsha Khalid
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan; Department of Environmental Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Nazish Bostan
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan; Department of Environmental Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Zafeer Saqib
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan; Department of Environmental Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Jawad Mohmand
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan; Department of Environmental Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mohammad Rehan
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Studies (CEES), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nadeem Ali
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Studies (CEES), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ioannis A Katsoyiannis
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Chemistry, Division of Chemical and Environmental Technology, Box 116, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Heqing Shen
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China
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Saqib Z, Mahmood A, Naseem Malik R, Mahmood A, Hussian Syed J, Ahmad T. Indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants in Kotli Sattian, Rawalpindi district, Pakistan. J Ethnopharmacol 2014; 151:820-828. [PMID: 24286963 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 11/17/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF STUDY The present study aimed to report the ethnomedicinal information from Kotli Sattian, district Rawalpindi for detailed medicinal uses and to inform the community about conservation of medicinal plant diversity and ethnomedicinal knowledge of plants. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ethnomedicinal data were collected via Rapid Appraisal Approach (RAA) along with interview, group meetings with local people having awareness about medicinal knowledge of plants and individual meetings with local healers. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS This study reported eighty seven (87) indigenous medicinal plants, distributed among fifty five (55) families and seventy nine (79) genera. Among these, herbs contributed 43%, trees 28%, shrubs 21% and climbing plants 8%. About 34% of herbal preparations were made from whole plants followed by the leaves (27%), fruits (08%), bark (06%), seeds (05%), root (05%), rhizome (04%), stem, flower, gum, pod and tubers (02%) and milky latex (01%). Justicia adhatoda showed the maximum use value (0.91) while Cuscuta reflexa showed the least use value (0.11). CONCLUSION Elder people in the study area still rely on herbal remedies although the modern heath care facilities are present in the study area; thus, the indigenous plants remain important medicines in solving health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zafeer Saqib
- Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Adeel Mahmood
- Environmental Biology and Ecotoxicology Laboratory, Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, PO 45320, Pakistan.
| | - Riffat Naseem Malik
- Environmental Biology and Ecotoxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, PO 45320, Pakistan
| | - Aqeel Mahmood
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Jabir Hussian Syed
- Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Tahira Ahmad
- Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, PO 45320, Pakistan
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