The Experts below are selected from a list of 252 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Hira Fatima - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
hexavalent chromium induces testicular dysfunction in small indian mongoose Herpestes Javanicus inhabiting tanneries area of kasur district pakistan
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 2018Co-Authors: Shaista Andleeb, Tariq Mahmood, Faraz Akrim, Azeem Khalid, Hira FatimaAbstract:Abstract Hexavalent chromium (Cr-VI) is widely used in tanning industries, however, being highly toxic metal, its accumulation in the animal body can adversely affect reproductive functioning. If directly discharged untreated into the environment (adjoining nullahs and soil), it can contaminate the environment. Resultantly, along with human, inhabiting wildlife species get exposed to chromium toxicity, which may enter into the animal body through drinking water and food chain. The current study investigated toxic effects of Cr (VI) on testicular functioning of adult male small Indian mongooses inhabiting the tannery area of Kasur district, Pakistan. Soil, water and animal specimens were sampled from study area on monthly basis from February 2015 to January 2016. The captured mongooses were sacrificed to collect blood and body tissues (liver, kidneys and testes) samples. The concentrations of chromium in the samples were quantified using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Hormonal concentrations were estimated using ELISA kits. The cellular changes occurring in the testicular tissues were studied through light microscopy. Average Cr-concentrations were found significantly higher in experimental area soil and water samples, and in the blood and body tissues of the mongooses compared to control, while body and testicular weights of experimental animals were found reduced. Serum testosterone (p = 0.037) and luteinizing hormone (p = 0.000) levels were found significantly lowered while follicle stimulating hormone (p = 0.000) levels significantly increased in experimental animals. Histological analysis revealed disorganization of seminiferous tubules, and apparently decreased numbers of Sertoli and the Leydig cells. Spermatozoa and seminiferous tubular counts were also found significantly (p = 0.000) reduced compared to control. Interstitial spaces were found widened. The study concludes that Cr from tanneries environment is up taken by mongooses leading to testicular tissue damage and potential impairment of reproductive functioning of the species.
-
temporal variation in reproductive physiology of small indian mongoose male Herpestes Javanicus inhabiting potohar plateau pakistan
Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 2015Co-Authors: Tariq Mahmood, Saida Amna Nazir, Hira Fatima, Faraz Akrim, Riaz Hussain, Muhammad Sajid NadeemAbstract:Small Indian mongoose (Herpestes Javanicus), a small carnivore, has a crucial role in the food web, especially in agro- ecosystems where it serves as biological control agent for rodents, snakes, and some insects. In Pakistan, the scientific studies on reproductive biology of this species, vital for its management perspective, are scanty. We investigated male reproductive pattern of this species in Potohar Plateau by estimating concentrations of its male reproductive hormones and studying cellular changes inside the testes. The concentrations of testosterone, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) were measured by using ELISA kits, while cellular changes inside the testes were studied by using histological procedures. Testosterone concentrations were found elevated from January till April and in August. The FSH levels were also elevated in January, February and March while those of LH were higher in February, March and April. Sperm count was higher in April, June and September, while diameter of seminiferous tubules was found greater in April and August. The study concludes that small Indian mongoose male breeds twice a year with its breeding season ranging from February to April, and July to September (6 months).
Sawako Horai - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
subcellular distribution and potential detoxification mechanisms of mercury in the liver of the javan mongoose Herpestes Javanicus in amamioshima island japan
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 2007Co-Authors: Sawako Horai, Yasuo Takeda, Katsushi Yamada, Tetsuo Ando, Suminori Akiba, Shintaro Abe, Katsuji Kuno, Tatsuhiko Furukawa, Izumi WatanabeAbstract:In a previous study, we showed that Hg accumulated to high levels in the liver of the Javan mongoose (Herpestes Javanicus), a terrestrial mammal that lives on Amamioshima Island, Japan. This suggests a sophisticated mechanism of hepatic Hg detoxication. Assay of the subcellular localization of Hg and the expression of protective enzymes provides important clues for elucidating the mechanism of Hg detoxication. In the present study, the concentrations of 11 elements (Mg, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb, Cd, total Hg [T-Hg] and organic Hg [O-Hg], and Pb) were determined in the liver and in five liver subcellular fractions (plasma membrane, mitochondria, nuclei, microsome, and cytosol) of this species. As the T-Hg level increased, T-Hg markedly distributed to the plasma membrane. The T-Hg levels in all subcellular fractions correlated with Se levels. Although the T-Hg level in the microsomal fraction was relatively low, the ratio of O-Hg to T-Hg was significantly lower in the microsomes than in the other fractions. Significant positive correlations were found between the level of glutathione-S-transferase-pi, a marker of oxidative stress, and the O-Hg and T-Hg levels, but the correlation was better with O-Hg than with T-Hg. Western blot analysis of thioredoxin reductase 2 (TrxR2), a protein involved in protecting cells from mitochondrial oxidative stress, showed that the level of TrxR2 correlated with that of T-Hg. High TrxR2 levels may be one mechanism by which the Javan mongoose attenuates the toxicity of the high Hg levels present in the liver.
-
accumulation of hg and other heavy metals in the javan mongoose Herpestes Javanicus captured on amamioshima island japan
Chemosphere, 2006Co-Authors: Sawako Horai, Mikiko Minagawa, Hirokazu Ozaki, Izumi Watanabe, Yasuo Takeda, Katsushi Yamada, Tetsuo Ando, Suminori Akiba, Shintaro Abe, Katsuji KunoAbstract:Abstract Concentrations of 22 elements (Mg, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Cs, Ba, Tl, total Hg (T-Hg), Pb) and organic Hg (O-Hg) were examined in the liver, kidney and brain of the Javan mongoose ( Herpestes Javanicus ) and in liver of the Amami rabbit ( Pentalagus furnessi ) from Amamioshima Island in Japan. Relatively high levels of T-Hg levels (from 1.75 to 55.5 μg g −1 wet wt.) were found in the Javan mongoose. As for a comparison of hepatic T-Hg concentrations between the two areas, there was no significant difference between the Javan mongoose in Amamioshima and those in the Okinawa islands. In addition, T-Hg levels in the livers of the Amami rabbit were the same as in the livers of other herbivorous mammals. Taken together, it suggested that T-Hg accumulation in the livers of the Javan mongoose was not affected by the environment but by a specific physiological mechanism. The comparison of Hg and other heavy metal accumulations between terrestrial mammals (13 species, 61 individuals) including the Javan mongoose and marine mammals (18 species, 508 individuals) were also discussed.
Tariq Mahmood - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
hexavalent chromium induces testicular dysfunction in small indian mongoose Herpestes Javanicus inhabiting tanneries area of kasur district pakistan
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 2018Co-Authors: Shaista Andleeb, Tariq Mahmood, Faraz Akrim, Azeem Khalid, Hira FatimaAbstract:Abstract Hexavalent chromium (Cr-VI) is widely used in tanning industries, however, being highly toxic metal, its accumulation in the animal body can adversely affect reproductive functioning. If directly discharged untreated into the environment (adjoining nullahs and soil), it can contaminate the environment. Resultantly, along with human, inhabiting wildlife species get exposed to chromium toxicity, which may enter into the animal body through drinking water and food chain. The current study investigated toxic effects of Cr (VI) on testicular functioning of adult male small Indian mongooses inhabiting the tannery area of Kasur district, Pakistan. Soil, water and animal specimens were sampled from study area on monthly basis from February 2015 to January 2016. The captured mongooses were sacrificed to collect blood and body tissues (liver, kidneys and testes) samples. The concentrations of chromium in the samples were quantified using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Hormonal concentrations were estimated using ELISA kits. The cellular changes occurring in the testicular tissues were studied through light microscopy. Average Cr-concentrations were found significantly higher in experimental area soil and water samples, and in the blood and body tissues of the mongooses compared to control, while body and testicular weights of experimental animals were found reduced. Serum testosterone (p = 0.037) and luteinizing hormone (p = 0.000) levels were found significantly lowered while follicle stimulating hormone (p = 0.000) levels significantly increased in experimental animals. Histological analysis revealed disorganization of seminiferous tubules, and apparently decreased numbers of Sertoli and the Leydig cells. Spermatozoa and seminiferous tubular counts were also found significantly (p = 0.000) reduced compared to control. Interstitial spaces were found widened. The study concludes that Cr from tanneries environment is up taken by mongooses leading to testicular tissue damage and potential impairment of reproductive functioning of the species.
-
hexavalent chromium induces testicular dysfunction in small indian mongoose Herpestes Javanicus inhabiting tanneries areas of kasur district pakistan
Journal of Geography & Natural Disasters, 2017Co-Authors: Shaista Andleeb, Tariq MahmoodAbstract:Hexavalent chromium (Cr-VI), widely used in tanning industries, is a potent toxic metal whose accumulation in the animal body can adversely affect the reproductive organs. District Kasur, Pakistan, is famous for having tanneries industry where Cr (VI) is directly discharged untreated into the adjoining water nullahs. Resultantly, wildlife species, reliant on these water sources, are exposed to chromium toxicity, which enters into the animal body through drinking water and food chain. The current study investigated toxic effects of Cr(VI) on testicular tissue of adult small Indian mongoose inhabiting the study area from February 2015 to January 2016. Average Cr-concentrations, in experimental area soil and water, and the blood and tissue samples of the species were found significantly higher compared to control. Average body and testicular weights of experimental animals were found reduced. Histological analysis revealed seminiferous tubules disorganized in experimental animals, depleted germ cells and hyperplasia of the Leydig cells. Sperm counts were found reduced. Serum testosterone and LH levels were found reduced while FSH levels increased in experimental animals. The study concludes that Cr being discharged from tanneries into the environment is up taken by small Indian mongoose leading to severe testicular tissue damage and potential impairment of reproductive function of the species.
-
diet composition of small indian mongoose Herpestes Javanicus varies seasonally in its native range
Animal Biology, 2017Co-Authors: Tariq Mahmood, Ayesha AdilAbstract:Feeding habits of mammals are very important to investigate in any ecosystem and are a central topic in ecology and population biology. The current study aimed at investigating diet composition of the small Indian mongoose ( Herpestes Javanicus ) in an agro-ecosystem of Sialkot District using a faecal analysis method. Results revealed a diverse diet of the species, comprising both animal and plant matter. Animals were consumed more heavily (58%) than plants (8%). The predominant prey species were insects, while rodents, birds, seeds and plant leaves comprised a smaller portion of the diet. The insects prey species belonged to five different orders: Odonata (dragonflies), Orthoptera (grasshoppers and mole crickets), Coleoptra (ground beetles), Dermoptera (earwigs) and Hymenoptera (family Formicidae; ants). The consumption of insects was higher during the summer season. Mammalian prey included five different rodent species: Bendicota bengalensis (lesser bandicoot rat), Nesokia indica (short-tailed mole rat), Suncus murinus (Asian musk shrew), Tatera indica (Indian gerbil) and Mus musculus (house mouse). Prey species richness was higher in the summer as was the diversity index, while the evenness index showed slightly higher values in spring and autumn compared to summer and winter. We conclude that small mammals are important prey species of the mongoose while insects are eaten regularly and in reasonably large numbers in its native range.
-
temporal variation in reproductive physiology of small indian mongoose male Herpestes Javanicus inhabiting potohar plateau pakistan
Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 2015Co-Authors: Tariq Mahmood, Saida Amna Nazir, Hira Fatima, Faraz Akrim, Riaz Hussain, Muhammad Sajid NadeemAbstract:Small Indian mongoose (Herpestes Javanicus), a small carnivore, has a crucial role in the food web, especially in agro- ecosystems where it serves as biological control agent for rodents, snakes, and some insects. In Pakistan, the scientific studies on reproductive biology of this species, vital for its management perspective, are scanty. We investigated male reproductive pattern of this species in Potohar Plateau by estimating concentrations of its male reproductive hormones and studying cellular changes inside the testes. The concentrations of testosterone, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) were measured by using ELISA kits, while cellular changes inside the testes were studied by using histological procedures. Testosterone concentrations were found elevated from January till April and in August. The FSH levels were also elevated in January, February and March while those of LH were higher in February, March and April. Sperm count was higher in April, June and September, while diameter of seminiferous tubules was found greater in April and August. The study concludes that small Indian mongoose male breeds twice a year with its breeding season ranging from February to April, and July to September (6 months).
-
population estimates habitat preference and the diet of small indian mongoose Herpestes Javanicus in potohar plateau pakistan
Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 2011Co-Authors: Tariq Mahmood, Iftikhar Hussain, Muhammad NadeemAbstract:The small Indian mongoose (Herpestes Javanicus) preys upon a variety of invertebrates, arthropods, small reptiles and mammalian species. In Potohar region, it is distributed in different habitats. The present study was undertaken to collect information regarding the population, habitat preference and the diet of the species at six different study sites covering wild areas of Chakwal and Rawalpindi Districts. The population was estimated using indirect method of burrows count and also by finding footprints in the activity areas. Analysis of the diet was carried out by faecal pellet analysis, while the habitat preference of the species was studied by a comparison of three different habitats in the study area. The results revealed a population density of 0.083 /ha in Chakwal region and 0.085 /ha in Gujar Khan region. Analysis of scat samples of the species revealed that the faecal matter on average (by volume) consisted of mammals (66.18%), other vertebrates (7.11%), insects (10.54 %), plant parts (3.15 %), seeds (5.54 %) and unidentified food items (6.98 %). The hair recovered from the faecal samples of the two regions matched with the hair samples of Rattus rattus collected from the study sites. The most preferred habitat of the species was the habitat located in the vicinity of human habituation, also having some poultry farms.
Yuya Watari - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
single meal maximum ingestion of the invasive mongoose Herpestes Javanicus for evaluating food consumption in the field
New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 2009Co-Authors: Yuya Watari, Issei Yamada, Tamaki WatanabeAbstract:Abstract Quantifying the food composition of invasive predatory mammals by biomass ingested could be valuable for assessing their top–down effects, although it has rarely been estimated. Using gut content analyses is difficult because there is no direct way to estimate the ingested biomass of large prey items, which provide invasive predatory mammals with more than a single–meal. We examined the single–meal maximum ingestion of the small Indian mongoose in relation to its body weight by feeding trials. The result showed the relationship of Y = 0.260X 0.807, where Y is the single meal maximum ingestion (g) and X is the body weight of the mongoose (g)). The average single meal maximum ingestion of the mongoose with a weight of 500.0 ± 3.6 g (mean ± SE, n = 1961) was estimated to be 38.9 ± 0.23 g. Our findings may help create a direct linkage between the food analyses and impact assessments of invasive predatory mammals.
-
Effects of exotic mongoose (Herpestes Javanicus) on the native fauna of Amami-Oshima Island, southern Japan, estimated by distribution patterns along the historical gradient of mongoose invasion
Biological Invasions, 2007Co-Authors: Yuya Watari, Seiki Takatsuki, Tadashi MiyashitaAbstract:We examined the distribution patterns of native animals on Amami-Oshima Island, southern Japan, along a historical gradient of mongoose establishment and estimated the effects of mongoose on the native fauna. To assess the relative abundance of various ground-dwelling animals, we used the following four methods; sensor cameras for exotic mammals, nighttime driving census for nocturnal native vertebrates, line census for ground-dwelling lizards, and adhesive traps for arthropods. The results indicated that seven species with larger body size, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, were rarely observed in mongoose-infested area. By contrast, medium-sized animals showed neutral relationships with mongoose establishment. Interestingly, the densities of smaller-sized animals were higher in mongoose-infested area. It could be interpreted that smaller species have increased in abundance through top-down cascades, i.e., decreases in native predators such as frogs and lizards caused by the mongoose have resulted in increases in the abundance of smaller animals. Predation pressures by mongoose and native predators may be canceled out for medium-sized animals, causing neutral responses to mongoose by these animals. This study appears to be the first example that shows the influence of mongoose on a wide variety of native animals. In addition, our findings indicate the importance of considering the food web structure of a recipient ecosystem and contribute to the prediction and assessment of ecological risks caused not only by mongoose, but also by other invasive top predators.
-
direct and indirect effects of an alien mongoose Herpestes Javanicus on the native animal community on amami oshima island southern japan as inferred from distribution patterns of animals
2006Co-Authors: Yuya Watari, Fumio Yamada, Ken Sugimura, Seiki TakatsukiAbstract:Pages122-123. In Koike, F., Clout, M.N., Kawamichi, M., De Poorter, M. and Iwatsuki, K. (eds), Assessment and Control of Biological Invasion Risks. Shoukadoh Book Sellers, Kyoto, Japan and IUCN, Gland, Switzerland, 2006. Direct and indirect effects of an alien mongoose (Herpestes Javanicus) on the native animal community on Amami-Oshima Island, southern Japan, as inferred from distribution patterns of animals
Katsuji Kuno - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
subcellular distribution and potential detoxification mechanisms of mercury in the liver of the javan mongoose Herpestes Javanicus in amamioshima island japan
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 2007Co-Authors: Sawako Horai, Yasuo Takeda, Katsushi Yamada, Tetsuo Ando, Suminori Akiba, Shintaro Abe, Katsuji Kuno, Tatsuhiko Furukawa, Izumi WatanabeAbstract:In a previous study, we showed that Hg accumulated to high levels in the liver of the Javan mongoose (Herpestes Javanicus), a terrestrial mammal that lives on Amamioshima Island, Japan. This suggests a sophisticated mechanism of hepatic Hg detoxication. Assay of the subcellular localization of Hg and the expression of protective enzymes provides important clues for elucidating the mechanism of Hg detoxication. In the present study, the concentrations of 11 elements (Mg, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb, Cd, total Hg [T-Hg] and organic Hg [O-Hg], and Pb) were determined in the liver and in five liver subcellular fractions (plasma membrane, mitochondria, nuclei, microsome, and cytosol) of this species. As the T-Hg level increased, T-Hg markedly distributed to the plasma membrane. The T-Hg levels in all subcellular fractions correlated with Se levels. Although the T-Hg level in the microsomal fraction was relatively low, the ratio of O-Hg to T-Hg was significantly lower in the microsomes than in the other fractions. Significant positive correlations were found between the level of glutathione-S-transferase-pi, a marker of oxidative stress, and the O-Hg and T-Hg levels, but the correlation was better with O-Hg than with T-Hg. Western blot analysis of thioredoxin reductase 2 (TrxR2), a protein involved in protecting cells from mitochondrial oxidative stress, showed that the level of TrxR2 correlated with that of T-Hg. High TrxR2 levels may be one mechanism by which the Javan mongoose attenuates the toxicity of the high Hg levels present in the liver.
-
accumulation of hg and other heavy metals in the javan mongoose Herpestes Javanicus captured on amamioshima island japan
Chemosphere, 2006Co-Authors: Sawako Horai, Mikiko Minagawa, Hirokazu Ozaki, Izumi Watanabe, Yasuo Takeda, Katsushi Yamada, Tetsuo Ando, Suminori Akiba, Shintaro Abe, Katsuji KunoAbstract:Abstract Concentrations of 22 elements (Mg, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Cs, Ba, Tl, total Hg (T-Hg), Pb) and organic Hg (O-Hg) were examined in the liver, kidney and brain of the Javan mongoose ( Herpestes Javanicus ) and in liver of the Amami rabbit ( Pentalagus furnessi ) from Amamioshima Island in Japan. Relatively high levels of T-Hg levels (from 1.75 to 55.5 μg g −1 wet wt.) were found in the Javan mongoose. As for a comparison of hepatic T-Hg concentrations between the two areas, there was no significant difference between the Javan mongoose in Amamioshima and those in the Okinawa islands. In addition, T-Hg levels in the livers of the Amami rabbit were the same as in the livers of other herbivorous mammals. Taken together, it suggested that T-Hg accumulation in the livers of the Javan mongoose was not affected by the environment but by a specific physiological mechanism. The comparison of Hg and other heavy metal accumulations between terrestrial mammals (13 species, 61 individuals) including the Javan mongoose and marine mammals (18 species, 508 individuals) were also discussed.