Digital measuring the ocular morphological parameters of guinea pig eye in vivo with Python

AIM:To quantitatively measure ocular morphological parameters of guinea pig with Python technology.METHODS:Thirty-six eyeballs of eighteen 3-weekold guinea pigs were measured with keratometer and photographed to obtain the horizontal,coronal,and sagittal planes respectively.The corresponding photo pixels-actual length ratio was acquired by a proportional scale.The edge coordinates were identified artificially by ginput function.Circle and conic curve fitting were applied to fit the contour of the eyeball in the sagittal,coronal and horizontal view.The curvature,curvature radius,eccentricity,tilt angle,corneal diameter,and binocular separation angle were calculated according to the geometric principles.Next,the eyeballs were removed,canny edge detection was applied to identify the contour of eyeball in vitro.The results were compared between in vivo and in vitro.RESULTS:Regarding the corneal curvature and curvature radius on the horizontal and sagittal planes,no significant differences were observed among results in vivo,in vitro,and the keratometer.The horizontal and vertical binocular separation angles were 130.6°±6.39°and 129.8°±9.58°respectively.For the corneal curvature radius and eccentricity in vivo,significant differences were observed between horizontal and vertical planes.CONCLUSION:The Graphical interface window of Python makes up the deficiency of edge detection,which requires too much definition in Matlab.There are significant differences between guinea pig and human beings,such as exotropic eye position,oblique oval eyeball,and obvious discrepancy of binoculus.This study helps evaluate objectively the ocular morphological parameters of small experimental animals in emmetropization research.

Congenital Cervico-Mandibular Cystic Lymphangioma in Pediatric Surgical Setting in Guinea

Introduction: Cystic lymphangiomas are rare benign malformative tumors of the lymphatic system of obscure etiopathogenesis. The cervico-facial location remains the most common (75%). Although benign, these tumors remain potentially fatal, due to possible compression of the upper aero-digestive tract. The aim of this work is to study the epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic characteristics of cervico-mandibular congenital cystic lymphangiomas in the pediatric surgery department of the Donka National Hospital (HND) Conakry. Patients and methods: This is a retrospective and descriptive study of 13 files lasting 7 years from January 2015 to December 31, 2021. The files of children whose age is less than or equal to 15 years operated on cervical tumor with histological evidence of cystic lymphangioma were retained. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software 21 and anonymously. Results: The incidence of this study was 1.86 cases per year and a sex ratio of 0.62 in favor of girls. The average age was 8 months 19 days. In the antecedents, we only find poorly monitored pregnancies. The average size of the tumors was 11.85 cm. Cervical ultrasound and standard x-ray of the cervical mass were the only examinations performed. Total surgical excision of the cervical tumor was performed in all patients. The mass was polycystic on exploration. The histological examination of the surgical specimens was in favor of a cystic lymphangioma. The surgical consequences were simple in 11 patients (84.62%) and complicated by parietal suppuration in 2 cases (15.38%). There were no cases of recurrence after one year of follow-up. Conclusion: Cervico-mandibular cystic lymphangiomas are the most frequent locations of congenital lymphangiomas in children. Their severity is linked to the risk of compression of the aero-digestive tracts. Their diagnosis must be confirmed by the histology of the surgical specimen. Despite the therapeutic arsenal, excision of the cystic mass remains the only effective alternative in our socio-economic conditions to avoid recurrences and loss of follow-up of patients.

Risk Factors for Neonatal Mortality at the Institute of Nutrition and Child Health of the Donka/Guinea-Conakry National Hospital

Introduction: The birth of a baby is a moment of joy and celebration. However, the neonatal period is a very delicate phase of life. Neonatal mortality rates remain high in low-income countries. In Guinea, after 20 years, this rate has fallen from 34.2% in 1998 to 32% in 2018. Objective: To identify the main risk factors for neonatal mortality. Methods: This was an observational, analytical case-control study, lasting 6 months from January 1 to June 30, 2019, conducted at the Institut de Nutrition et de la Santé de l’Enfant (INSE) at Donka National Hospital. Results: We collected 242 cases and 242 controls, i.e. a total of 484 records. 748 patients were registered, with 32.35% deaths. 82.86% of deaths occurred in the early neonatal period. Statistical analysis revealed the main risk factors: prematurity (RQ 7.39 95% CI 3.27 - 16.61 p = 0.0000003), hypothermia (RQ 2.29 95% CI 1.51 - 3.46 p = 0.0001), acute fetal distress (RQ 2.13 95% CI 1.33 - 3.43 p = 0.0016), low birth weight (QR 1.91 95% CI 1.12 - 3.24 p = 0.016), home birth (QR 3.26 95% CI 1.25 - 8.46 p = 0.015). Conclusion: Neonatal mortality is a health problem in the INSE neonatology department. To reduce the mortality rate in this referral facility, it is essential to equip it and provide ongoing training for staff.

Study on Wave Characteristics from the South Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Guinea Based on Short-Term Numerical Simulation in Winter Season

Waves play a major role in the ocean phenomena in the Gulf of Guinea(GoG). In order to reveal the spatial-temporal distribution characteristics and the propagation mechanism of waves from the South Atlantic Ocean to the GoG, 4typical points located in mid-latitude of South Atlantic(14°30′W, 30°0′S), south of the GoG(10°30′W, 15°0′S), offshore of the GoG(0°0′, 0°0′) and near shore of the GoG(6°4′58.8″W, 4°3′36″S) are selected, and waves from Atlantic Ocean to GoG are simulated by using a two-layer-nesting wave numerical model SWAN(Simulating Waves Nearshore). The results show that the hybrid waves(waves hereafter) and the swells have strong relationship with local wind in Roaring Forties and at mid-latitude of South Atlantic Ocean, while there is no obvious correlation between waves and local winds in the GoG. Swells are generated in the South Atlantic Ocean and propagate into the GoG. 2D wave spectra at the four selected typical points are simulated. The spectral pattern and wave component structure indicate that the wave system in GoG is dominated by the S-SW swells generated from Roaring Forties and mid-latitude of South Atlantic, whether it is at maximum(2.2-2.8 m), medium(1.8-2.2 m) or minimum(1.2 m) significant wave height in the GoG during simulation period.

Electroacupuncture alleviates ciliary muscle cell apoptosis in lens-induced myopic guinea pigs through inhibiting the mitochondrial signaling pathway

AIM:To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)on the mitochondria-dependent apoptotic signaling pathway in the ciliary muscle of guinea pigs with negative lensinduced myopia(LIM).METHODS:Guinea pigs were randomly divided into normal control(NC)group,LIM group,LIM+SHAM acupoint(LIM+SHAM)group,and LIM+EA group.Animals in the NC group received no intervention,while those in other three groups were covered with-6.0 diopter(D)lenses on right eyes.Meanwhile,animals in the LIM+EA group received EA at Hegu(LI4)combined with Taiyang(EX-HN5)acupoints,while those in the LIM+SHAM group were treated at sham points.After treatments for 1,2,and 4wk,morphological changes in ciliary muscles were observed with hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)staining and nick end labeling(TUNEL),and the expression of the mitochondrial apoptotic signaling pathway-related molecules in ciliary muscles was measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)and Western blot.Additionally,the adenosine triphosphate(ATP)contents were also determined in ciliary muscles.RESULTS:Axial length increased significantly in the LIM and LIM+SHAM groups and decreased in the LIM+EA group.The ciliary muscle fibers were broken and destroyed in both LIM and LIM+SHAM groups,whereas those in the LIM+EA group improved significantly.TUNEL assay showed the number of apoptotic cells increased in the LIM and LIM+SHAM groups,whereas reduced in the LIM+EA group.ATP contents showed a significant decrease in the LIM and LIM+SHAM groups,whereas increased after EA treatment.Compared with the NC group,the dynamin-related protein 1(DRP1),Caspase3,and apoptotic protease activator 1(APAF1)levels were significantly increased in the LIM group and decreased in the LIM+EA group.CONCLUSION:The results provide evidence of EA inhibiting the development of myopia by regulating the mitochondrial apoptotic signaling pathway.

Ebstein Anomaly: A Clinical Case Series among Adolescents in Guinea

Ebstein’s anomaly is a rare congenital heart disease. We report a series of 4 cases of Ebstein’s anomaly discovered in adolescents. The mean age was 13.75 ± 0.96, with 3 boys and one girl. Three were in heart failure. The EKG showed atrial hypertrophy (1 case), right bundle branch block (1 case), Wolff-Parkinson-White (1 case), and atrial fibrillation (1 case). Cardiomegaly was present in all patients with a mean cardiothoracic index of 0.77 ± 0.03. On echocardiography, the mean apical displacement of the tricuspid septal leaflet was 22.5 ± 3.30 mm/m2, the Celermajer index was Grade 2 in 2 patients and Grade 4 in 2 patients. Depletive medical treatment was prescribed to 3 patients. Anticoagulant therapy was initiated in one patient. Two are awaiting surgery. One death was recorded, it was at Grade 4 of the Celermajer index.

Impacts of climate change on the yields of leguminous crops in the Guinea Savanna agroecological zone of Ghana

The impacts of climate change on crop yields are receiving renewed interest,with focus on cereals and staple crops at the regional and national scales.Yet,the impacts of climate change on the yields of leguminous crops in the local context has not been explored.Thus,an in-depth understanding of climate change in the local context may support the design of locally relevant adaptation responses to current and future climate risks.This study examined the impacts of climate variables(annual rainfall,annual average temperature,rainfall indices(rainfall onset,rainfall cessation,and the length of rainy days),and the number of dry days)on the yields of leguminous crops(groundnuts,cowpeas,and soybeans)in the Guinea Savanna agroecological zone of Ghana during the period of 1989-2020.The data were analysed using Mann-Kendall’s trend,Sen’s slope test,correlation analysis,and Multiple Regression Analysis(MRA).The findings revealed that annual rainfall,annual average temperature,rainfall onset,rainfall cessation,and the length of rainy days,and the number of dry days all showed varied impacts on the yields of groundnuts,cowpeas,and soybeans.The trend analysis detected a marginal decrease in the amount of rainfall,rainfall onset,and the number of dry days from 1989 to 2020(P>0.050).Annual average temperature and the length of rainy days substantially varied(P<0.050)from 1989 to 2020,showing an increasing trend.The findings also showed a marked upward trend for the yields of groundnuts,cowpeas,and soybeans during 2005-2020.The climate variables analysed above increased the yields of groundnuts,cowpeas,and soybeans by 49.0%,55.0%,and 69.0%,respectively.The yields of groundnuts,cowpeas,and soybeans fluctuated with the variability of 30.0%,28.0%,and 27.0%from 2005 to 2020,respectively.The three leguminous crops under study demonstrated unpredictable yields due to the variations of annual rainfall,annual average temperature,rainfall onset,rainfall cessation,the length of rainy days,and the number of dry days,which stressed the need for agricultural diversification,changing planting dates,using improved seed variety,and irrigation to respond to climate change.The results of this study implied that climate change considerably impacts crop production in the Guinea Savanna agroecological zone of Ghana,emphasizing the urgency of locally based and farmer-induced adaptation measures for food security and resilient agricultural systems.

Factors Associated with Unmet Need for Family Planning among Couples Living in Urban and Rural Areas of Guinea in 2019

Introduction: Unmet need for family planning (UNFP) is defined as women with unmet needs who want to stop or delay childbearing but are not using any method of contraception. The objective of this study was to analyze the factors associated with unmet needs for family planning among couples living in rural and urban areas of Guinea in 2019. Methodology: This was a prospective, analytical cross-sectional, multicenter study of a six-month period from August 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019, focusing on couples with unmet needs for family planning. Result: Among 189 couples interviewed, 567 had UNFP (33.3%), the reasons for not using modern contraceptive methods were desire for pregnancy (AOR = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.74, 4.31), husband’s refusal (AOR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.81), spousal attitude (AOR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.130, 30), birth spacing (AOR = 2.10% to 95%: 1.16, 3.82), difficulty with a new pregnancy (AOR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.74), and spousal attitude (AOR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.30). Conclusion: The involvement of spouses, especially in rural communities, would help achieve family planning objectives and reduce unmet needs for family planning.

Analysing the Factors Affecting Prenatal Visits in Guinea: A Secondary Study of the 2018 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS)

Background: Despite persistent efforts to improve maternal health through various interventions, Guinea faces challenges in achieving adequate antenatal care coverage (ANC). This study aims to identify the key factors influencing prenatal consultation in Guinea. Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted on Guinea’s 2018 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data. The study sample comprised women aged 15 - 49 who participated in the survey. Logistic regression was employed to identify the determinants of ANC utilisation. Results: Most women in the sample (59.1%) were aged between 18 and 30, resided in rural areas (69.8%), had no formal education (71.0%), had low incomes (43.4%), were married (91.4%), relied on the radio for information (63.4%), and were employed at the time of the survey (68.0%). The study identified several factors acting as barriers to meeting the recommended four ANC visits, including low education levels, with odds ratios (OR) of 0.43 (p = 0.011) for those with no schooling and 0.48 (p = 0.046) for those with primary-level education. Lack of radio access also negatively influenced ANC utilisation with an OR of 0.72 (p = 0.012). Additionally, delayed timing of the first ANC visit in the second trimester had an OR of 0.36 (p 0.001), while in the third trimester, the OR was 0.04 (p 0.004). On the other hand, factors that facilitated achieving the recommended four ANC visits included having an average wealth quintile with an OR of 1.63 (p = 0.002) and being wealthy with an OR of 2.30 (p 0.001). Conclusion: This study underscores the negative association between low education level and poverty with ANC utilisation among pregnant women in Guinea. These findings emphasise the need for targeted interventions to address the barriers faced by vulnerable populations and improve maternal healthcare access and utilisation in the country.

Epidemiological, Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects of Childhood Eye Diseases at the Prefectural Hospital of Macenta in Guinea

Introduction: Eye health in children is a real public health problem in developing countries. The aim of this work was to determine the frequency of ocular pathologies in children aged 0 to 16 at the prefectural hospital of Macenta in Guinea. Patients and Method: This was a descriptive prospective study. It covered a period of 6 months from October 1 to March 31, 2022 at the prefectural hospital of Macenta in Guinea. Children aged 0 to 16 received during the study period were included. Were excluded, those with an incomplete file and whose parents did not consent. Results: Out of 1816 consultations, 224 children aged 0 to 16 were collected 7.95%;mean age 7.35 years ± 4.6;sex ratio 1.38. The age group of 6 to 11 years was more represented. More than half of the patients were educated 50.4% and came from rural areas 52.7%. Pathologies of the orbit were dominated by orbital cellulitis 13% and those of the annexes by conjunctivitis 40.6%. Keratitis and cataracts were pathologies dominating the cornea and the lens, respectively 5.4% and 8.5%. Atrophy of the eyeball was the most frequent among those of the eyeball, at 3.6%. The most performed surgical procedure was phacophagy in 6.7%. The most common reason for consultation was eye pain, at 33.5%. Both eyes were affected at the same time in the majority 49.5%, and the most represented antecedent was malaria 22.3% of cases. Visual acuity without correction ≥ 3/10 was the most represented 37.5% in the right eye and 34.8% in the left eye. The therapeutic classes used were dominated by antibiotic-corticoid combinations 88.8%. Conclusion: Ocular pathologies in children from 0 to 16 years old constitute a real public health problem. They are dominated by pathologies of the conjunctiva and the lens. Popularization for early management of ophthalmological pathologies would be beneficial. .

Morphometric Assessment of Common Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) in Cameroon

A survey was conducted in the Sudano-Sahelian, High Savannah, and Western Highlands agroecological zones of Cameroon to assess the morphometric features and to determine the population structure of the native common guinea fowl breed. A total of 1021 adult common guinea fowls were sampled in the dominant pastoral production system. The main results showed that there was a phenotypic variability (p < 0.01) of the morphometric characteristics of common guinea fowls with a dominance of pearl gray coloring of the plumage (23.02%), bluish red barbels (29.09%), black eyes (36.04%) and tarsi (39.18%). The development of the barbels and the shape of the comb are determinants of the sex (p < 0.01), as well as the live weight which presents a dimorphism in favor of the females (p < 0.01). The average measurements (in cm) were: Crest height (2.07 ± 0.03), Crest length (2.79 ± 0.03), Barbel length (3.35 ± 0.04), Barbel height (2.28 ± 0.02), Spout length (2.11 ± 0.01), Caruncle length (0.69 ± 0.01), Baleen length (4.32 ± 0.04), Chest circumference (31.81 ± 0.99), Wing length (25.99 ± 0.18), wingspan (41.82 ± 0.32), Thigh diameter (9.17 ± 0.10), Thigh length (11.30 ± 0.07), Tarsus length (6.62 ± 0.04), Tarsus diameter (1.20 ± 0.07), Body length (40.13 ± 0.15), and Live weight (1.68 ± 0.02 kg). The highest positive correlation (r < 0.70) was observed between thigh and ridge length. The PCR revealed that three (3) components (F1, F2 and F3) make it possible to better explain phenotypic variability (50.21%). The variables that contributed most to the explanation of the observed total variability are the length of the crest (0.70%), the beak (0.61%), the wattle (0.70%), the body (0.44%), the wing (0.35%), thigh (0.68%), tarsus (0.29%) and wing span (0.41%) for the main component F1 while the F2 and F3 components mainly concern the length of the barbel (0.43%) and the height of the crest (0.48%) respectively. The F1 factor constitutes the most discriminating variable (89.40%). The AFD and the CAH made it possible to detect 03 sub-populations (T1, T2, and T3) which can be grouped into 2 subgroups on the basis of intra/inter population variations and genetic distances. Morphometric assessment coupled with genomics would increase the efficiency of selection, improvement, and conservation of common guinea fowl in Cameroun.

Prevalence of Types of Arterial Hypertension in Pregnant Women at the Maternity Ward of the Centre Médical Communal Les Flamboyants Conakry Guinea

Introduction: Arterial hypertension (AH) during pregnancy is defined as systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg on two (2) successive visits separated by at least 4 hours in a woman who has been at rest for 10 to 15 minutes in the seated position and then in the left lateral decubitus position. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and types of arterial hypertension among pregnant women in the maternity ward of the CMC les Flamboyants. Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study lasting six (6) months, from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, of all pregnant women and/or parturients admitted to the maternity ward of the CMC les Flamboyants with a resting blood pressure (BP) greater than or equal to 140/90 mm Hg during the study period. Results: During the study period, we recorded 707 cases of pregnant and/or parturient women, 50 (7.07%) of whom were hypertensive. The average age of the patients was 29 years, with extremes of 18 and 41 years. The 20 - 29 age group was the most affected, with 26 cases (52%). Headache, dizziness and oedema of the lower limbs were constant in all cases. The risk factors for arterial hypertension were dominated by familial hypertension in 19 cases (38%), multiple gestures in 17 cases (34%) and a history of gestational hypertension in 16 cases (32%). Gestational age between 28 and 36 weeks’ amenorrhoea was the most common, with 20 cases (40%). Type I hypertension was most common on admission, with 34 cases (68%), followed by type II hypertension, with 8 cases (16%). Pre-eclampsia was the most frequent maternal complication with 27 cases (54%) followed by eclampsia with 15 cases (30%). Fetal distress was the most frequent fetal complication, 19 cases (38%), followed by death in utero 9 cases (18%). Conclusion: Compliance with consultation programmes and correct patient follow-up could help reduce maternal-foetal complications.

Postpartum Intrauterine Device: Use and Follow-Up of Users in the Maternity Ward of the Ratoma Communal Medical Center in Conakry, Guinea

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the use of the postpartum intrauterine device in the maternity ward of the Ratoma communal medical center in Conakry. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out between July 1st 2015 and June 30 2016, i.e. a duration of one year. Results: A total of 551 patients received advice on various contraceptive methods. Most of this advice was given in the post-partum period (40.2%) and during antenatal care (39.1%). Of the patients advised, 87 (15.8%) used the intrauterine device. The majority of users (93%) were married and uneducated (63.2%), and 39.1% were poor. The majority (56.3%) of intra-uterine devices were inserted in the immediate post-partum period. The majority of women had no adverse events either during the first six weeks (n = 57;65.5%) or at 3rd months (n = 75;86.2%) or 6th months (n = 76;87.4%) after IUD insertion. Most users remained complication-free throughout the follow-up period (n = 76;87.4% at 6th weeks and 3rd months, and n = 77;88.5% at 6th months). The continuation rate was 89.7% at 6 weeks and 3rd months, and 87.4% at 6th months after insertion. The majority of users (87.0%) were satisfied with the care they received. Conclusion: This study showed very few complications among intrauterine device users, and high continuation and satisfaction rates. The intrauterine device is a long-acting, effective, reversible and safe contraceptive that can be used by most women for birth spacing in Guinea, where women do not regularly visit health facilities.

Feeding Management and Disease Prevention and Control of Pet Guinea Pigs

Guinea pig is widely used in clinical drug experiments as a laboratory animal.Because of its small and lovely size,guinea pig is often kept as a pet by many families.However,there are few reports on the feeding management and disease prevention and control of pet guinea pigs.This article introduced the experience and technology of feeding management and disease prevention of pet guinea pigs,in order to provide a reference for the feeding management and disease prevention of pet guinea pigs.

Indigenous Breeding Practices in Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) as Influenced by Plumage Features in Northern Cameroon

The objective of this work was to draw up an inventory of environmental and anthropogenic factors linked to indigenous breeding practices of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) influenced by plumage characteristics. The information was collected using the snowball technique and using a formal questionnaire developed (AU-IBAR, 2015). The dominant plumage is pearl gray with a frequency of 38.89% followed by black (13.85%). In total, 154 adult animals were lost by operators with a frequency of 22.95%. According to plumage, white comes first with a frequency of 51.61% followed by Lavender plumage (36.58%). Predation is the major constraint with a frequency of 35.72%. The guinea fowl most targeted by predators are the white guinea fowl with a frequency of 56.25%, while predation is low for black plumage (25%), royal purple (33.34) and pearl gray (34.69). The pearl gray guinea fowl and the royal purple guinea fowl appear to have a more developed wild instinct, which explains the frequency of recorded escapes. White plumage is perceived as being more docile during breeding and tends to exhibit better resistance to heat stress compared to other phenotypes, making it more valued for traditional rituals. Dark plumage seems more sought after in breeding for its supposed prolificacy, its resistance to infections and its weight. According to breeders, the dominance relationship mainly depends on the number of individuals of the same plumage. Dark plumage in significant numbers in most flocks seems to have dominance in terms of food and choice of sexual partners, which would explain their large numbers.

Regional Intrusive Signature from the Cameroon Coastal Basins to Bioko Island in Equatorial Guinea (Gulf of Guinea) Using Gravity Studies

The Gulf of Guinea constitutes an area of great petroleum potential yet with very limited geophysical research information. Consequently in this study, a Bouguer anomaly map has been computed from gravity data covering regions stretching from the Cameroon coastal basins to Bioko island (formerly Fernando Po) which is part of Equatorial Guinea. The data were further processed for Source Edge Detection (SED), Euler 3D deconvolution, 3D surface oriented models and 3D voxel solutions. The results confirmed the presence of previously identified intrusive bodies around the Douala and Kribi/Campo sedimentary sub-basins and went ahead to suggest a probable continuity between these two. A possible extension of this body offshore the Gulf of Guinea right up to Bioko island with very striking similarities was also highlighted and it shows characteristic variations in the depth to the surface of the body at different locations.

Effect of cholecystokinin and secretin on contractile activity of isolated gastric muscle strips in guinea pigs

AIM To study the effect of cholecystokinin-octapeptide（CCK-8）and secretin on contractileactivity of isolated gastric muscle strips inguinea pigs.METHODS Each isolated gastric muscle stripwas suspended in a tissue chamber containing5 mL Krebs solution constantly warmed by waterjacked at 37℃ and supplied with a mixed gas of95% O2 and 5% CO2 After incubating for lhunder 1 g tension,varied concentrations of CCK-8 and secretin were added respectively in thetissue chamber and the contractile response wasmeasured isometrically on ink-writing recorders.RESULTS CCK-8 could increase①all regionalcircular and longitudinal muscular tension at rest（fundus LM 19.7%±2.1%,P【0.01;fundus CM16.7%±2.2%,P【0.01;gastric body LM 16.8%±2.3%,P【0.01;body CM 12.7%±2.6%,P【0.01;antrum LM 12.3%±1.3%,P【0.01;antrum CM 16.7%±4.5%,P【0.01;pylous CM12.7%±5.0%,P【0.05）;②contractilefrequencies of body LM,both LM and CM ofantrum and pylorus CM（5.1/min±0.2/min to5.6/min±0.2/min,5.9/min±0.2/min to 6.6/min±0.l/min,5.4/min±0.3/min to 6.3/min±0.4/rain,1.3/min±0.2/min to 2.3/min±0.3/min,respectively,P【0.05）;③the mean contractileamplitude of antral circular muscle（58.6%±18.4%,P【0.05）and ④the motility index ofpylorus CM（145.0%±23.8%,P【0.01）,butdecrease the mean contractile amplitude ofgastric body and antral LM（-10.3%±3.3%,-10.5%±4.6%,respectively,P【0.05）.All the CCK-8 effects were not blocked by atropine orindomethacin.Secretin had no effect on gastricsmooth muscle activity.CONCLUSION CCK-8 possessed bothexcitatory and inhibitory action on contractileactivity of different regions of stomach in guineapigs.Its action was not mediated via cholinergicM receptor and endogenous prostagiandinreceptor,

Effect of emodin on mobility signal transduction system of gallbladder smooth muscle in Guinea pig with cholelithiasis

Objective: To study the effect of emodin on protein and gene expressions of the massagers in mobility signal transduction system of cholecyst smooth muscle cells in guinea pig with cholesterol calculus. Methods: The guinea pigs were randomly divided into 4 groups, such as control group, gall-stone(GS) group, emodin group and ursodesoxycholic acid(UA) group. Cholesterol calculus models were induced in guinea pigs of GS, emodin and UA groups of induced models by lithogenic diet, while emodin or UA were given to the corresponding group for 7 weeks. The histomorphological and ultrastructure change of gallbladder were detected by microscope and electron microscope, the content of plasma cholecystokinin(CCK) and [Ca^(2+)]i were analyzed successively by radioimmunoassay and flow cytometry. The protein and mR NA of Gsα, Giα and Cap in cholecyst cells were determined by western blotting and real time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). Results: Emodin or UA can relieve pathogenic changes in epithelial cells and muscle cells in gallbladder of guinea pig with cholesterol calculus by microscope and transmission electron microscope. In the cholecyst cells of GS group, CCK levels in plasma and [Ca^(2+)]i decreased, the protein and m RNA of GS group were downregulated,the protein and m RNA of Gi and Cap were up-regulated. Emodin significantly decreased the formative rate of gallstone, improved the pathogenic change in epithelial cells and muscle cells, increased CCK levels in plasma and [Ca^(2+)]i in cholecyst cells, enhanced the protein and mR NA of Gs in cholecyst cells, reduced the protein and mR NA of Gi and Cap in cholecyst cells in guinea pig with cholesterol calculus. Conclusion: The dysfunction of gallbladder contraction gives rise to the disorders of mobility signal transduction system in cholecyst smooth muscle cells, including low content of plasma CCK and [Ca^(2+)]i in cholecyst cells, abnormal protein and mRNA of Gs, Gi and Cap. Emodin can enhance the contractibility of gallbladder and alleviate cholestasis by regulating plasma CCK levels, [Ca2+]i in cholecyst cells and the protein and mR NA of Gs, Gi and Cap.

Myopia induced by flickering light in guinea pigs: a detailed assessment on susceptibility of different frequencies

AIM: To investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of inducing myopia in guinea pigs by flickering light (FL) stimulation with different frequencies. METHODS: Seventy 2 -week-old guinea pigs were randomly assigned to six groups: five FL groups and a control group (n =12 for each). Animals in the five FL groups were raised under 500lx illumination with a duty diurnal cycle of 50% at a flash rate of 5, 1, 0.5, 0.25 and 0.1Hz respectively. Those in the control group were reared under steady 250lx illumination. Refraction, axial length, and radius of curvature were measured before and at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks after treatment. At week 12, the eyeballs were taken out and three ocular dimensions and dry weight of sclera were measured. RESULTS: A myopic shift and axial eye length increase developed in the five FL groups. Stimulation at 0.5Hz caused greater changes in myopic shift, axial elongation, eyeball dimension, and dry weight of sclera than stimulation at other frequencies. Compared with controls, eyes in 0.5Hz group were approximately -5.5 ±1.5D more myopic with increase in horizontal, vertical, axial dimensions by 0.89 ±0.3mm, 0.69 ±0.2mm, 1.12 ±0.2mm respectively and with increase in dry weight of sclera by 0.44mg. CONCLUSION: Chronic exposure to periodic illumination at temporal frequency is attended by development of excessive ocular enlargement and myopic refractive error. Emmetropization could bedisrupted differently by frequency alteration.

Guinea Pig Maximization Test for Trichloroethylene and Its Metabolites

Objectives To study the contact allergenic activities of trichloroethylene (TCE) and its three metabolites trichloroacetic acid, trichloroethanol and chloral hydrate. Methods A modified guinea pig maximization test (GPMT) was adopted. The skin sensitization (edema and erythema) was observed in trichloroethylene, trichloroacetic acid, trichloroethanol, chloral hydrate and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene. Results The allergenic rate of TCE, trichloroacetic acid and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene was 71.4%, 58.3% and 100.0% respectively, and that of trichloroethanol and chloral hydrate was 0%. The mean response score of TCE, trichloroacetic acid and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene was 2.3, 1.1, 6.0 respectively. The histopathological analysis also showed an induction of allergenic transfomation in guinea pig skin by both TCE and trichloroacetic acid. Conclusion TCE appears to be a strong allergen while trichloroacetic acid a moderate one. On the other hand, both trichloroethanol and chloral hydrate are weak sensitization potentials. Immunologic reaction induced by TCE might be postulated as the pathological process of this illness. Consequently, it is suggested that in the mechanism of Occupational Dermatitis Medicamentose-Like (ODML) induced by TCE, the chemical itself might be the main cause of allergy. As one of its metabolic products, trichloroacetic acid might be a subordinate factor.