Resumo Foi estudado o impacto da concentração de óleo de peixe na estabilidade oxidativa de microcápsulas por meio do processo de secagem por atomização, utilizando quitosana e maltodextrina como material de parede. As emulsões foram preparadas com diferentes teores de óleo de atum (TFO) (TFO-10%, TFO20%, TF030% TF0-40%), enquanto a concentração de material de parede foi mantida constante. O pó microencapsulado resultante da emulsão preparada com alta carga de óleo de peixe tem alto teor de umidade, molhabilidade e óleo total e baixa eficiência de encapsulação, higroscopicidade e densidade extraída a granel. A estabilidade oxidativa foi avaliada periodicamente colocando microcápsulas à temperatura ambiente. As microcápsulas preparadas com TFO-10% apresentaram alta estabilidade oxidativa em termos de valor de peróxido (2,94 ± 0,04) e valor de anisidina (1,54 ± 0,02) após 30 dias de armazenamento. Concluiu-se que as quantidades ideais de óleo de peixe para microencapsulação são de 10% e 20% usando quitosana e maltodextrina que prolongaram sua vida útil durante o período de estudo.

Abstract The impact of fish oil concentration on the oxidative stability of microcapsules through the spray drying process using chitosan and maltodextrin as wall material was studied. Emulsions were prepared with different Tuna fish oil (TFO) content (TFO-10%, TFO20%, TF030% TF0-40%) while wall material concentration was kept constant. Microencapsulated powder resulting from emulsion prepared with high fish oil load have high moisture content, wettability, total oil and low encapsulation efficiency, hygroscopicity and bulk tapped density. Oxidative stability was evaluated periodically by placing microcapsules at room temperature. Microcapsules prepared with TFO-10% presented high oxidative stability in terms of peroxide value (2.94±0.04) and anisidine value (1.54±0.02) after 30 days of storage. It was concluded that optimal amounts of fish oil for microencapsulation are 10% and 20% using chitosan and maltodextrin that extended its shelf life during study period.

RESUMO Amostras de sangue e fezes de perdiz chukar (Alectoris chukar), faisão-albino (Phasianus colchicus), faisão-prateado (Lophura nycthemera), periquito-de-rosa (Psittacula krameri) e perus (Meleagris gallopavo) foram analisadas para verificar a prevalência de parasitas. Para registrar os parasitas, essas cinco espécies de aves foram colocadas em gaiolas separadas no Centro de Conservação e Pesquisa de Aves, Departamento de Vida Selvagem e Ecologia, Universidade de Veterinária e Ciências Animais, Lahore, Paquistão. Cem amostras fecais e 100 amostras de sangue para cada espécie de ave foram inspecionadas para analisar os parasitas internos. Durante o presente estudo, foram examinadas 17 espécies de endoparasitas, 14 de amostras fecais e 3 de sangue. Foram estudadas duas espécies de ectoparasitas, ou seja, o ácaro Dermanyssus gallinae 42% e o carrapato aviário Args persicus 41%. Os parasitas sanguíneos incluíram Plasmodium juxtanucleare 50%, Leucoctoyzoon simond com prevalência parasitária de 40% e Aegyptinella pullorum com prevalência parasitária de 40%. As espécies parasitas registradas em amostras fecais incluíram 6 espécies de nematoides viz. Allodpa suctoria 2%, Syngamus traqueia com prevalência parasitária de 60%, Capillaria annulata 37,5%, Ascardia galli 24%, Capillaria anatis 40% e Heterakis gallinarum 28,3%. Da mesma forma, duas espécies de trematódeos viz. Prosthogonimus ovatus com prevalência parasitária de 50% e Prosthogonimus macrorchis 21% também foram documentados em amostras fecais de aves. Espécies de cestoide único Raillietina echinobothrida com prevalência parasitária de 72% e 3 espécies de protozoários, isto é, Eimeria maxima com prevalência parasitária de 21%, Giardia lamblia 41% e Histomonas meleagridis 18% foram documentadas durante a análise corpológica. Em nossa recomendação, o saneamento adequado, medicação e vacinação de invólucros de pássaros são sugeridos para evitar parasitas.

Abstract Blood and fecal samples of chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar), albino pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), silver pheasant (Lophura nycthemera), rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri) and turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) were analyzed to check parasitic prevalence. To record parasites these five avian species were placed kept in separate cages at Avian Conservation and Research Center, Department of Wildlife an Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan. 100 fecal and 100 blood samples for each bird species were inspected to analyze internal parasites. During present study, 17 species of endoparasites 14 from fecal samples and three from blood were examined. Two species of ectoparasites i.e. mite Dermanyssus gallinae 42% and fowl ticks Args persicus 41%were studied. Blood parasites included Plasmodium juxtanucleare 50%, Leucoctoyzoon simond having parasitic prevalence 40%, and Aegyptinella pullorum having parasitic prevalence of 40%. Parasitic species recorded from fecal samples included 6 species of nematodes viz. Allodpa suctoria 2%. Syngamus trachea with parasitic prevalence of 60%, Capillaria annulata 37.5%, Ascardia galli 24%, Capillaria anatis 40% and Heterakis gallinarum 28.3%. Similarly, two species of trematodes viz. Prosthogonimus ovatus having parasitic prevalence of 50% and Prosthogonimus macrorchis 21% were also documented from fecal avian samples . Single cestode species Raillietina echinobothrida having parasitic prevalence of 72% and 3 protozoan species i.e. Eimeria maxima having parasitic prevalence of 21%, Giardia lamblia 41% and Histomonas meleagridis 18% were documented during corpological analysis. In our recommendation, proper sanitation, medication and vaccination of bird’s enclousres are suggested to avoid parasites.

Abstract The present work was to study the genetic variability between the major carps Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala and their hybrids of L. rohita (male♂) and C. mrigala (female♀). Genetic variability was studied by employing RAPD molecular markers. 25 samples of each target species having different sizes with the same age group for the determination of interspecific variation were collected. The morphometric parameters such as body weight, total length, tail length, and lengths of dorsal and anal fins of each individual were recorded and results showed that wet body weight, total length, dorsal fin, anal fin, and tail fin length are positively correlated and then the DNA was extracted using the inorganic salt-based method and conformed by Gel electrophoresis. Twenty-four arbitrary decamer primers were used to get species-specific RAPD analysis Distinct and highly reproducible RAPD profiles with significant genetic variability was detected among species. Only five primers showed amplification. The RAPAD primer OPB-05 produced a total of seven bands out of these 5 monomorphic and 2 polymorphic, so in this case, the percentage polymorphism was 28.57%. The Hybrid show more than a 50% difference from the Labeo rohita. This shows that the Hybrid more resembles C.mrigala. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that hybrid (L. rohita ♂ X Cirrhinus mrigala ♀) is the closest to C. mrigala and the farthest from L. rohita. Overall data are presented concerning the applications of RAPD markers for hybrid identification, genetic diversity assessment, and studying taxonomic relationships at a molecular level.

Resumo O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estudar a variabilidade genética entre as carpas maiores Labeo rohita e Cirrhinus mrigala e seus híbridos de L. rohita (machos) e C. mrigala (fêmeas). A variabilidade genética foi estudada empregando marcadores moleculares RAPD. 25 amostras de cada espécie-alvo com tamanhos diferentes e com a mesma faixa etária foram coletadas para a determinação da variação interespecífica. Os parâmetros morfométricos como peso corporal, comprimento total, comprimento da cauda e comprimento das nadadeiras dorsal e anal de cada indivíduo foram registrados. O DNA foi extraído através do método à base de sal inorgânico e conformado por eletroforese em gel. 24 primers decâmeros arbitrários foram usados para obter a análise RAPD espécie-específica. Perfis RAPD distintos e altamente reprodutíveis com significativa variabilidade genética foram detectados entre as espécies. Apenas 5 primers apresentaram amplificação. O primer RAPAD OPB-05 produziu um total de 7 bandas, dessas, 5 monomórficas e 2 polimórficas, portanto, neste caso, o percentual de polimorfismo foi de 28,57%. O Hybrid mostrou mais de 50% de diferença do Labeo rohita. Isso mostra que o híbrido se parece mais com o C.mrigala. A análise filogenética demonstrou que o híbrido (L. rohita macho X Cirrhinus mrigala fêmea) é o mais próximo de C. mrigala e o mais distante de L. rohita. Foram apresentados dados relativos à aplicação de marcadores RAPD para identificação de híbridos, avaliação de diversidade genética e estudo de relações taxonômicas ao nível molecular.

Resumen Antecedentes: El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la efectividad del fenol cristalizado y el láser en el tratamiento de la enfermedad del seno pilonidal sacrococcígeo (SPS). Resultados: Se incluyeron en el estudio un total de 80 pacientes (40 con fenol cristalizado, 40 con láser). El tiempo del procedimiento fue significativamente más corto en el grupo de fenol cristalizado que en el grupo de láser (543 y 837 segundos, p < 0.001). Si bien no hubo diferencias significativas en la recurrencia y la satisfacción del paciente entre los grupos (p > 0.05), la puntuación de dolor VAS y las complicaciones posteriores al procedimiento fueron significativamente más bajas en el grupo de láser (p < 0.05). No hubo diferencia significativa entre el número de senos paranasales y recurrencia, sangrado, dolor y satisfacción del paciente (p > 0.05). Conclusiones: El fenol cristalizado y el láser utilizados en el tratamiento de la enfermedad del SPS tienen una baja recurrencia y una satisfacción del paciente similar a largo plazo. Sin embargo, el tratamiento con láser tiene menos complicaciones intraoperatorias y severidad del dolor postoperatorio que el fenol cristalizado.

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of crystallized phenol and laser in the treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus (SPS) disease. Results: A total of 80 patients (40 crystallized phenol, 40 laser) were included in the study. The procedure time was significantly shorter in the crystallized phenol group than in the laser group (543 and 837 s, p < 0.001). While there was no significant difference in recurrence and patient satisfaction between the groups (p > 0.05), the visual pain scale pain score and post-procedural complications were significantly lower in the laser group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the number of sinuses and recurrence, bleeding, pain, and patient satisfaction (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Crystallized phenol and laser used in the treatment of SPS disease have a low recurrence and similar long-term patient satisfaction. However, laser treatment has fewer intraoperative complications and post-operative pain severity than crystallized phenol.

Resumen Antecedentes. Los efectos inducidos por la COVID-19 en pacientes con cáncer de vejiga primario no están aclarados actualmente. Objetivo. Investigar los efectos de la pandemia en el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y el seguimiento del cáncer de vejiga primario. Método. Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo unicéntrico de todos los pacientes que se sometieron a procedimientos diagnósticos y quirúrgicos por cáncer primario de vejiga durante noviembre de 2018 y julio de 2021. Se incluyeron 275 pacientes en el estudio. Los pacientes fueron asignados a uno de dos grupos: pre-COVIDBC (antes de la pandemia) o COVIDBC (durante la pandemia). Resultados. Los pacientes con cáncer de vejiga diagnosticados durante la pandemia se encontraban en su mayoría en estadios más altos (T2) (p = 0.04), el grupo de riesgo era más alto en el cáncer de vejiga no invasivo del músculo (p = 0.02), y la recurrencia y las puntuaciones de progresión aumentaron (p = 0.001) en comparación con antes del período pandémico. Además, el tiempo hasta la cirugía desde el diagnóstico (p = 0.001) y la duración de los síntomas (p = 0.04) aumentaron considerablemente durante la pandemia, y la tasa de seguimiento disminuyó significativamente (p = 0.03). Conclusiones. Destaca el aumento significativo del cáncer de vejiga invasivo del músculo y del cáncer de vejiga no invasivo del músculo de muy alto riesgo durante la pandemia.

Abstract Purpose. The COVID-19-induced effects of primary bladder cancer (BC) patients have not yet been clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the pandemic on the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of primary BC patients. Material and methods. A retrospective single-center analysis was made of all patients who underwent diagnostic and surgical procedures due to primary BC between November 2018 and July 2021. A total of 275 patients were identified and allocated to one of the groups: Pre-COVIDBC (BC diagnosed before the COVID-19 pandemic) or COVIDBC (during the pandemic). Results. The BC patients diagnosed during the pandemic were mostly at higher stages (T2) (p = 0.04), the risk of non-muscle invasive BC (NMIBC) was higher (p = 0.02), and recurrence and progression scores were increased (p = 0.001) compared to patients diagnosed before the pandemic. The time to surgery from diagnosis (p = 0.001) and symptom duration (p = 0.04) were significantly prolonged during the pandemic and the rate of follow-up significantly decreased (p = 0.03). Conclusions. The study results highlight the significant increase in muscle invasive BC and the very high risk of NMIBC in patients presenting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resumo Estudos anteriores sugeriram que o arsênio atravessa a placenta e afeta o desenvolvimento do feto. O estudo em consideração visa mostrar o efeito melhorador comparativo de extratos de folhas e flores de Moringa oleifera contra a toxicidade fetal induzida por arseniato de sódio em camundongos. Camundongos grávidas (N = 44) foram mantidos em laboratório e divididos em 11 grupos (de A a K) e foram administrados por via oral nas doses de 6 mg/kg, 12 mg/kg para arseniato de sódio, 150 mg/kg e 300 mg/kg para extratos de folhas de Moringa oleifera (MOLE) e 150 mg/kg e 300 mg/kg para extratos de flores de Moringa oleifera (MOFE) em comparação com o controle. A investigação revelou redução evidente no peso do feto, membro posterior, membro anterior, comprimento da cauda e focinho, coroa, nádega e circunferência da cabeça, bem como malformações na cauda, pés, braços, pernas, pele e olhos no grupo de controle negativo (apenas administrado com arseniato de sódio). A coadministração de arseniato de sódio com MOLE e MOFE melhora significativamente o efeito reverso do arseniato de sódio na forma, comprimento, peso corporal e dano ao DNA do feto, com intervalo de confiança de 95%. No entanto, o extrato da folha da Moringa oleifera apresentou resultados mais significativos em comparação ao extrato da flor da Moringa oleifera. Portanto, concluiu que o extrato da folha de Moringa oleifera melhorou os efeitos tóxicos do arseniato de sódio para o embrião e pode ser usado contra teratógenos ambientais.

Abstract Previous studies have suggested that arsenic crosses the placenta and affects the fetus development. The study under consideration aims to show comparative ameliorative effect of Moringa oleifera leaf and flower extracts against sodium arsenate induced fetus toxicity of mice. Pregnant mice (N=44) were kept in lab and divided into eleven group from (A to K) and were orally administered the doses 6 mg/kg, 12 mg/kg for sodium arsenate, 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg for Moringa oleifera leaf extracts (MOLE) and 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg for Moringa oleifera flower extracts (MOFE) comparing with control. The investigation revealed evident reduction in the fetuses weight, hind limb, fore limb, tail and snout length, crown rump and head circumferences well as malformations in tail, feet, arms, legs, skin and eyes in the negative control group (only administered with sodium arsenate). Co-administration of sodium arsenate with MOLE and MOFE ameliorate the reversed effect of sodium arsenate on the shape, length, body weight and DNA damage of fetus significantly at 95% confidence interval. However, Moringa oleifera leaf extract showed more significant results in comparison to Moringa oleifera flower extract. Hence concluded that Moringa oleifera leaf extract ameliorated the embryo toxic effects of sodium arsenate and can be used against environmental teratogens.

Abstract The present study was conducted to explore the ethnomedicinal uses, quantitative analysis and conservation status of medicinal flora of Sultan Khail valley, Dir Upper, Pakistan. The data was collected during 2017-2019 using a semi-structured questionnaire. Ethnomedicinal uses of plant species were determined and the plant species were classified based on habits, parts used, and method of preparation of remedies. Frequency of citation (FC), relative frequency of citation (RFC) and family importance values (FIV) were calculated. The plant species were assessed for their conservation status as per IUCN standard criteria. The inhabitants of the Sultan Khail valley use 88 plant species belonging to 57 families for the treatment of different human diseases. Lamiaceae was the dominant family represented with 8 medicinal species (9%) followed by Rosaceae (5 species, 6%). The most commonly used plant parts were leaves (33.1%) followed by fruits (16.1%), while the main method of remedy preparation was decoctions (33.3%). The highest RFC value was recorded for Geranium wallichianum (0.47), followed by Berberis lycium (0.44). Lamiaceae was the most cited family (FIV, 231), followed by Polygonaceae (73). Five plant species were found to be endangered, 39 species were vulnerable, 32 species were rare, and 12 species were found to be infrequent. The medicinal flora of the area is under severe biotic pressure and needs proper conservation; otherwise, they will be lost in the near future.

Resumo O presente estudo foi realizado para explorar os usos etnomedicinais, análise quantitativa e estado de conservação da flora medicinal do vale do Sultão Khail, Dir Upper, Paquistão. Os dados foram coletados durante 2017-2019 por meio de um questionário semiestruturado. Os usos etnomedicinais das espécies vegetais foram determinados e as espécies vegetais foram classificadas com base nos hábitos, partes utilizadas e modo de preparo dos remédios. Frequência de citação (FC), frequência relativa de citação (RFC) e valores de importância familiar (FIV) foram calculados. As plantas foram avaliadas quanto ao seu estado de conservação de acordo com os critérios padrão da IUCN. Os habitantes do vale do Sultão Khail usam 88 espécies de plantas pertencentes a 57 famílias para o tratamento de diferentes doenças humanas. Lamiaceae foi a família dominante representada com 8 espécies medicinais (9%) seguida por Rosaceae (5 espécies, 6%). As partes das plantas mais utilizadas foram as folhas (33,1%) seguidas dos frutos (16,1%), enquanto o principal método de preparo do remédio foi a decocção (33,3%). O maior valor de RFC foi registrado para Geranium wallichianum (0,47), seguido por Berberis lycium (0,44). Lamiaceae foi a família mais citada (FIV, 231), seguida por Polygonaceae (73). Cinco espécies de plantas estavam ameaçadas de extinção, 39 espécies eram vulneráveis, 32 espécies eram raras e 12 espécies eram infrequentes. A flora medicinal da área está sob forte pressão biótica e necessita de conservação adequada; caso contrário, eles serão perdidos em um futuro próximo.

Resumen Objetivo: Nuestro objetivo fue investigar la importancia del tiempo para volver a estadificar la resección transuretral (re-RTU) en las tasas de recurrencia y progresión en pacientes con cáncer de vejiga no músculo invasivo de alto riesgo como un estudio prospectivo aleatorizado. Método: Los pacientes se separaron aleatoriamente en 3 grupos de acuerdo con el tiempo de Re-TUR. En el grupo 1, 2 y 3, el intervalo de tiempo entre la RTU inicial y la nueva fue de 14 a 28 días, 29 a 42 días y 43 a 56 días, respectivamente. Cox para evaluar el efecto del tiempo desde la RTU inicial hasta la nueva RTU sobre los resultados oncológicos. Resultados: Veinte pacientes del grupo 1, 22 pacientes del grupo 2, 29 pacientes del grupo 3 completaron el estudio. Los gráficos de Kaplan-Meier no mostraron diferencias en las tasas de SLR y SLP entre los tres grupos. El análisis de regresión de Cox demostró que solo se encontró que el número de tumores era un factor pronóstico en las tasas de RFS. Conclusión: Nuestro estudio prospectivo demostró que los lapsos de tiempo desde la RTU inicial hasta la nueva RTU no afectaron significativamente las tasas de SLR y SLP.

Abstract Objective: We aimed to investigate the significance of time to re-staging transurethral resection (re-TUR) on recurrence and progression rates in patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer as a prospective randomized study. Methods: The patients were randomly separated into three groups according to Re-TUR timing. In Groups 1, 2, and 3, the time interval between initial and re-TUR was 14-28 days, 29-42 days, and 43-56 days, respectively. Cox regression analysis was used to assess the effect of time from initial TUR to re-TUR on oncological outcomes. Results: Twenty patients in Group 1 (14-28 days), 22 patients in Group 2 (29-42 days), and 29 patients in Group 3 (43-56 days) completed the study. Kaplan–Meier plots showed no differences in recurrence-free survival (RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates between the three groups. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that only tumor number was found to be a prognostic factor on RFS rates. Conclusion: Our prospective study demonstrated that time laps from initial TUR to re-TUR did not significantly affect on RFS and PFS rates.

This research was carried out to determine the effects of different additions (urea and molasses) used with Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) silage on fermentation, in vitro gas production, microbiological properties, in vitro digestibility parameters, and relative fodder quality (RFQ) in silages made under laboratory conditions. The Italian grass (Lolium multiflorum L.) used in the study was chopped to an approximate size of 2-3.0 cm. Amounts of 0, 2, and 4% molasses and 0, 0.5, and 1% urea were added to the fresh material as a percentage of dry matter. Because of the urea, crude protein (CP) of Italian ryegrass silage increased, but the content of neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) decreased. While the addition of urea decreased the acetic acid and butyric acid concentrations of the silage, it increased the pH, lactic acid, and ammonia (NH3) content. Molasses addition increased in vitro gas production and organic matter digestibility (OMD); urea increased metabolic energy (ME) and the net energy lactation (NEL) values of silages. Urea and molasses both increased in vitro digestibility parameters, microbial protein production and synthesis, and relative fodder quality of the silage. As a result of the research, it was determined that urea and molasses could be used at contents of 1.5% and 4%, respectively, in Italian ryegrass silage.

Abstract The SPIHT is a powerful image compression algorithm. It has reasonable complexity and produces a quality (or rate) scalable bit-stream. Unfortunately, SPIHT fails to explore the multi-resolution nature of the wavelet transform as it doesn't support resolution scalability. Moreover, it requires a huge computer memory with complex memory management because it utilizes lists with a memory of about 2.5 the image size. This paper proposes three related algorithms. The first algorithm modifies SPIHT to reduce its complexity and improve its efficiency, especially at low bit rates. The second algorithm is the main contribution of the paper. It provides a simultaneous solution to the memory and scalability problems of SPIHT. Memory is reduced by utilizing state marker bits of an average size of 2.5 bits per pixel instead of the lists. Resolution scalability is maintained by coding the resolution levels in incremental order. Consequently, the resulting bit-stream can be easily and efficiently decompressed at numerous qualities and resolutions. This feature is very valuable for modern users that have diverse access bandwidths and display capabilities. The third algorithm has slightly lower complexity and memory than the second algorithm but has slightly lower performance. Another important attribute of our algorithms is that they have a very little increment in complexity in comparison to the original SPIHT algorithm. In contrast, the existing solutions have much more complexity and memory resources.

Abstract In this paper, we propose the method of functional variable for finding soliton solutions of two practical problems arising in electronics, namely, the conformable time-conformable Generalized Zakharov-Kuznetsov equation (GZKE) and the conformable time-conformable Generalized Zakharov-Kuznetsov-Benjamin-Bona-Mahoney equation (GZK-BBM). The soliton solutions are expressed by two types of functions which are hyperbolic and trigonometric functions.

A simple, precise, specific and accurate reversed phase HPLC (RP-HPLC) method has been developed for the determination of solifenacin succinate (SOLS), flavoxate HC1 (FLXHC) and toltoridine tartarate (TOLT) in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage forms. The proposed RP-HPLC method was carried out using XterraRP-18 column (5 μm practical size, 25 cm x 4.6 mm i.d.). The flow rate, the injection volume and the detection wavelength were 1.0 μL/min, 20 μL and 200 nm, respectively. The mobile phase consisted of 0.05 M pentane sulfonic acid sodium salt (SOLS: pH 3.0±0.05, FLXHC and TOLT: pH 5.5±0.05) and acetonitrile (50:50 v/v). The retention times for SOLS, FLXHC and TOLT drugs were found to be 4.1±0.1 min, 4.3±0.0 min and 5.8±0.1 min, respectively. The calibration was linear over the concentration range of 0.1-100 μg/μL. The mean recoveries for SOLS, FLXHC and TOLT drugs were about 99.80%, 100.43% and 100.00%, respectively. The method was validated according to the ICH guidelines with respect to specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision and robustness.

The study was carried out at two different altitudes in the southern region of Saudi Arabia: Abha, 2,800 meters above sea level, the high altitude (HA) area and Jazan, 40 meters above sea level the low altitude (LA) area. Following exposure to high altitude, testes of rats revealed various types of atrophy and degeneration in the seminiferous tubules and in the interstitial tissue. There was detachment of the basal laminae of the tubules and a profound decrease in cellularity. When rats were brought back to their habitat (LA) and later examined, many tubules showed normal population of cells including spermatids and spermatozoa. Well-arranged epithelium was seen in most of the seminiferous tubules of these animals, normal interstitial space and no detachment of the basal lamina. Apparently complete recovery had been achieved ultrastructurally, in hypoxic group; some spermatogenic cells lost their normal architecture, being irregular in shape with some features of necrosis, such as shrinkage and pyknotic nuclei characterized by chromatin condensation. Significant decrease in epithelial height was noticed in these animals (P <0.05). Also, the diameter of the tubules showed slight decrease with concomitant increase in interstitial spaces.

El estudio se realizó en dos ciudades con alturas diferentes en la región sur de Arabia Saudita: Abha, a 2.800 metros sobre el nivel del mar, una zona de gran altura (GA) y Jazan, a 40 metros sobre el nivel del mar, área de baja altitud (BA). Después de la exposición a una gran altura, los testículos de ratas revelaron varios tipos de atrofia y degeneración en los túbulos seminíferos y en el tejido intersticial. Hubo desprendimiento de la lámina basal de los túbulos y una disminución profunda en la celularidad. Cuando las ratas fueron devueltas a su hábitat (BA) y posteriormente examinadas, muchos túbulos mostraron un número normal de células, incluyendo espermáticas y espermatozoides. El epitelio se observó normal en la mayoría de los túbulos seminíferos de estos animales, con el espacio intersticial normal y sin desprendimiento de la lámina basal. Al parecer, se logró una recuperación ultraestructural completa en el grupo de hipoxia; algunas células de espermatogénesis perdieron su arquitectura normal, siendo de forma irregular con algunas características de necrosis, como la contracción y núcleos picnóticos caracterizados por condensación de la cromatina. Se observó disminución significativa en la altura del epitelio en estos animales (P <0,05). Además, el diámetro de los túbulos mostró una ligera disminución con aumento concomitante en los espacios intersticiales.