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Relationships between motility parameters, morphology and acrosomal status of human spermatozoa.

A total of 130 semen samples were examined for motility (by computer-assisted sperm analysis), morphology and acrosomal status. A high positive correlation was found between percentages of normal forms and progressive motility in the whole semen (r = 0.539, P < 0. 0001) as well as in the Percoll fraction (r = 0.702, P < 0.0001). Among the specific abnormalities, acrosome defects were most highly correlated with progressive motility (r = -0.492, P < 0.0001, in the Percoll fraction). The percentage of total spontaneously acrosome-reacted spermatozoa in the Percoll fraction was negatively correlated with the progressive motility (r = -0.499, P < 0.0001) and with the percentage of normal forms (r = 0.430, P < 0.0001). Surprisingly, the percentage of total spontaneously acrosome-reacted spermatozoa was poorly linked with head abnormalities but displayed significant positive correlations with the percentages of bent tails (r = 0.359, P < 0.0001) and of coiled tails (r = 0.371, P < 0.0001). These data suggest that sperm defects are often linked together, reflecting spermiogenesis and/or epididymal dysfunctions.

Acrosome↗

[Morphologic analysis of Japanese adult sacroiliac joint using computed tomographic images].

PURPOSE: To study the relationship of angles in adult sacroiliac joints (SJ) with laterality, age, gender, degeneration, childbearing in different locations. METHODS: The study was performed in 92 healthy Japanese adult volunteers (46 males and 46 females, aged 21 approximately 86 years) who had no low back complaints. Axial computed tomographic (CT) images were obtained using an X-VIGOR apparatus (Toshiba Medical Inc. Japan). The angle measurements were taken directly using soft NIH Image 1.61 (Scion Inc. USA). We examined possible factors. Statistical evaluation was calculated using t-test by soft SPSS (SPSS Inc. Japan). RESULTS: Our findings indicated that SJ angles had no relationships with laterality, gender. But from upper part to lower part, the average of SJ angle was 7.61 degrees +/-8.7 degrees, 5.16 degrees +/-7.3 degrees, -0.85 degrees +/-7.3 degrees respectively in the left and 6.56 degrees +/-9.4 degrees, 4.10 degrees +/-7.2 degrees, -2.30 degrees +/-7.0 degrees in the right. The difference is significant between lower part and upper-middle part (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results provided new anatomic and morphological data for better understandings of SJ in the clinic work.

Adult↗

Human and animal fat cell size determination using an image analyzing computer.

An automatization of the fat cell's morphological parameters determination with an image analyzing computer is proposed. The results obtained with this technique are compared to results obtained from the usual methods. Combined with frozen cut slices of adipose tissue, this automatized determination of fat cell size is well adapted for the large number of samples necessary for a specialized hospital service.

Adipose Tissue↗

Computer cisternography for evaluation of CSF flow dynamics. Further experiences.

Technical aspects of computer cisternography are discussed and the clinical results obtained are reported. The physiologic and morphologic information gained with computer cisternography is superior to that obtained with isotope cisternography. Some recent observations concerning the penetration of the medium into the central nervous system are also discussed.

Cerebrospinal Fluid↗

Computer-aided measurement of transverse axon sections for morphology studies.

A study has been made of a general-purpose minicomputer image analysis system to provide medical researchers with data needed in morphology studies of myelinated axon sections. The system was designed to provide data equivalent to that produced by manually outlining and quantifying the axon and myelin boundaries. The system hardware and algorithms are described and experimental results presented comparing manual and automated data. The results show that a system with limited automation is an order of magnitude faster than manual methods in providing data with comparable accuracy and improved repeatability.

Animals↗

[Computed tomographic appearance of pulmonary mucormycosis].

AIM: Analysis of the morphological characteristics of pulmonary mucormycosis using computed tomography (CT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective analysis of CT studies in 9 patients out of 19 patients with proven pulmonary mucormycosis. RESULTS: Pulmonary mucormycosis was most frequently found in the upper lobe bilaterally (51% of all nodules). In 22% of the manifestations, the morphological criterion of a "bird's nest" could be verified in CT, in 37% central necrotic areas were detected. In 37% an open bronchus was diagnosed, in 6% we observed bronchiectases. 43% of all nodules presented with a halo sign. In three patients we found pleural effusions, enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes were diagnosed in one patient. CONCLUSION: Computed tomography allows an improved diagnosis and therapeutic follow-up in patients suffering from pulmonary mucormycosis.

Adult↗

Crosstalk between cellular morphology and calcium oscillation patterns. Insights from a stochastic computer model.

Agonist-induced oscillations in the concentration of intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) display a wide variety of temporal and spatial patterns. In non-excitable cells, typical oscillatory patterns are somewhat cell-type specific and range from frequency-encoded, repetitive Ca2+ spikes to oscillations that are more sinusoidal in shape. Although the response of a cell population, even to the same stimulus, is often extremely heterogeneous, the response of the same cell to successive exposures can be remarkably similar. We propose that such "Ca2+ fingerprints' can be a consequence of cell-specific morphological properties. The hypothesis is tested by means of a stochastic computer simulation of a two-dimensional model for oscillatory Ca2+ waves which encompasses the basic elements of the two-pool oscillator introduced by Goldbeter et al. (Goldbeter A., Dupont G., Berridge M.J. Minimal model for signal-induced Ca(2+)-oscillations and for their frequency encoding through protein phosphorylation. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1990; 87: 1461-1465). In the framework of our extended spatiotemporal model, single cells can display various oscillation patterns which depend on the agonist dose, Ca2+ diffusibility, and several morphological parameters. These are, for example, size and shape of the cell and the cell nucleus, the amount and distribution of Ca2+ stores, and the subcellular location of the inositol(1,4,5)-trisphosphate-generating apparatus.

Biological Clocks↗

Cellular automaton simulation of tumour growth -- equivocal relationships between simulation parameters and morphologic pattern features.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an interpretation procedure which estimates simulation parameters (tumour cell motility, tumour cell adhesion, autocrine and paracrine growth control, stroma destruction) of simulated patterns solely based on morphometric features of the morphologic pattern. METHODS: A cellular automaton computer simulation program was developed which produces morphologic patterns by growth of a seed of tumour cells. At the beginning of each simulation run certain simulation parameters are assigned to the tumour cells. After the run has been completed, the resulting pattern is evaluated by a set of morphometric features. Simulation parameters and resulting morphometric features of 27,800 simulations were stored in a database and were used for the evaluation of potential relationships. RESULTS: Correlation analysis showed highly significant correlations between morphometric features on the one hand and the preset simulation parameters (tumour cell motility, tumour cell adhesion, autocrine and paracrine growth control, stroma destruction) on the other. Correlation coefficients, however, varied from 0.72 to 0.99. When only one simulation parameter varied while all others were kept constant, morphometric features yielded a highly reliable estimate of the particular simulation parameter. When variability was extended to 4 simulation parameters, morphometric features were less effective in estimating the setting of the parameters. Though in all patterns tested several possible simulation parameter constellations could be ruled out, morphometric features were usually compatible with more than one set of simulation parameters thus preventing a straightforward interpretation. CONCLUSIONS: Though simulation parameters significantly and reproducibly influence the resulting morphologic pattern as characterized by morphometric features, estimates of the simulation parameters based on morphometric features yield equivocal results.

Cell Division↗

Morphometric descriptors and cable modelling of dendritic arborizations based on 3-dimensional reconstructions.

The main goal of this paper is twofold. First, to classify some of the quantitative morphological descriptors within a common theoretical framework and to illustrate their use in the neurobiological research. The second aim is to describe how the computer modelling of dendritic impulse propagation could be related to those high-fidelity morphological databases of dendritic arborizations that we had obtained by three-dimensional reconstructions. Most of the illustrative examples cited here were chosen from morphological and computer simulation studies published by our institute in the past few years. The selection of different morphological parameters in reliability tests of our newly developed 3DARBOR three-dimensional neuronal tree reconstruction system was also cited as an example. The advantages of the parallelled morphological and computational approach in the study of dendritic arborizations were discussed. A full flow chart that gives an outline of the methods we followed in setting up a morphologically accurate cable model was also presented.

Animals↗

[3-dimensional reconstruction of histological serial sections using a computer].

This paper reports the development of an objective and time-saving method for the three-dimensional reconstruction of sectioned morphological specimens on the computer. The development of a fiducial marker technique, the design of program extensions for the automatic thresholding and realignment of images, and a technique for the transfer of marker-derived reference points into images of higher magnification are described. The method is based on the use of resin as embedding material and drill holes as fiducials. Images are digitized by a video camera, and NIH-Image is used for image processing. Special macros were written for the automation of a number of operations, such as object and marker segmentation, image reorientation, image scaling, dirt removal, and marker transfer. The so-treated image series were transferred to a workstation and were reconstructed using "Image Volumes". The reconstructs obtained from this largely automated technique exhibit a perfect alignment of the sections. The 3-D representations of the sectioned objects have a much higher degree of objectivity than those obtained by manual image orientation or by semiautomated techniques that do not use fiducials.

Computer Systems↗

Improving morphology-based malignancy grading schemes in astrocytic tumors by means of computer-assisted techniques.

We propose an original methodology which improves the accuracy of the prognostic values associated with conventional morphologically-based classifications in supratentorial astrocytic tumors in the adult. This methodology may well help neuropathologists, who must determine the aggressiveness of astrocytic tumors on the basis of morphological criteria. The proposed methodology comprises two distinct steps, i.e. i) the production of descriptive quantitative variables (related to DNA ploidy level and morphonuclear aspects) by means of computer-assisted microscopy and ii) data analysis based on an artificial intelligence-related method, i.e. the decision tree approach. Three prognostic problems were considered on a series of 250 astrocytic tumors including 39 astrocytomas (AST), 47 anaplastic astrocytomas (ANA) and 164 glioblastomas (GBM) identified in accordance with the WHO classification. These three problems concern i) variations in the aggressiveness level of the high-grade tumors (ANA and GBM), ii) the detection of the aggressive as opposed to the less aggressive low-grade astrocytomas (AST), and iii) the detection of the aggressive as opposed to the less aggressive anaplastic astrocytomas (ANA). Our results show that the proposed computer-aided methodology improves conventional prognosis based on conventional morphologically-based classifications. In particular, this methodology enables some reference points to be established on the biological continuum according to the sequence AST-->ANA-->GBM.

Adult↗

Site of action potential initiation in amphibian retinal ganglion cells.

1. We applied morphological, pharmacological, electrophysiological, and computer simulation techniques to analyze the origin of impulse initiation in amphibian retinal ganglion cells. 2. Morphological studies of retinal ganglion cells in the mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) and larval tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) were carried out with the use of either retrograde or intracellular labeling with horseradish peroxidase. These studies identified a characteristic thinning of the axon that begins after the initial segment of axon emerges from the ganglion cell soma or primary dendrite. Morphometric analysis of the thin segment revealed an average length of 74 microns with a standard deviation of 22 microns. For 20 conventionally placed ganglion cells, the length of the thin segment could not be correlated with soma size, initial segment diameter, or distance from the optic disk. There was also little or no correlation for seven displaced ganglion cells. The diameter of the thin segment was below reliable estimation by light microscopy. 3. We studied the possible significance of the thin axonal segment for ganglion cell impulse generation through a combination of electrophysiological recordings (intracellular and whole-cell recordings) together with computer modeling experiments. 4. Electrophysiological experiments are consistent with the idea that the thin segment and cell soma are less excitable than the initial segment region, which appears to be the principal site of initiation of the nerve impulse. The initial segment is that portion of the axon that is bounded by the soma (or proximal dendrite) at its origin and the thin segment at its distal end. 5. Computer simulations of impulse activation were carried out with the use of two different anatomic constraints: one class of simulations did not take into account the thin segment and assumed uniform cylinder conditions, whereas the other class of simulations included a model of the thin axonal segment. These comparative simulations indicate that the thin segment must contain a relatively high density of voltage-gated Na+ channels and support impulse traffic to account for physiological observations on orthodromic and antidromic impulse propagation. In addition, to match the physiological recordings, it is necessary for both the initial segment and the soma compartments to contain moderately high levels of Na+ channels. 6. Our physiological and simulation studies are consistent with the idea that the nerve impulse is normally initiated in the initial segment of axon and then spreads to activate a somatic impulse in the retrograde direction and the axonal impulse in the anterograde direction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Action Potentials↗

Morphology of oleic acid-induced lung injury. Observations from computed tomography, specimen radiography, and histology.

Previously, we reported that oleic acid infusion in dogs produced a patchy and predominantly peripheral increase in lung density. The present study examines in more detail the morphology of the early stages of development of the oleic acid lesion using computed tomography (CT), specimen radiography, and conventional histology. Dogs were sacrificed 10, 30, 60, and 240 minutes after infusion of oleic acid (.05 ml/kg). After freezing in dry-ice, the thorax was scanned and cut into 1-cm thick sections. Frozen sections were then contact radiographed and sampled for histology. Within 10 minutes of infusion, subtle increases in peripheral lung density were visible on the contact radiographs. Patchy areas of peripheral density, resembling secondary lobules, were especially prominent 60 and 240 minutes after infusion. These lesions were often clearly associated with the distal bronchovascular structures. Histologic signs of edema were present in all animals sacrificed 30 or more minutes after receiving oleic acid. These correlative studies provide additional insight into the early subgross development of oleic acid-induced injury by showing the relationship between the developing edema and the bronchovascular structure of the lung.

Animals↗

Morphological analysis of the proximal femur using quantitative computed tomography.

The anatomy of the proximal femur was studied in 35 specimens using quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and compared with anatomical sections studied by plane radiography and gross dissection. We found the primary supporting structure of the femoral head to be the primary compressive strut, which is a dense column of trabecular bone projecting from the pressure buttress of the medial femoral neck to the epiphyseal scar. Trabecular bone mushroomed from the epiphyseal scar and terminated at right angles to the cortex of the femoral head. We believe the primary compressive strut is the predominant load-bearing structure connecting the femoral head to the femoral neck, as many specimens lacked continuity of the head cortex to the femoral neck. Based on the CT number, the primary compressive strut had similar bone density to cortical structures such as the lesser trochanter, calcar femorale and posterior lateral femoral cortex. Ward's triangle lacked structural integrity in many cases, and we doubt the significance of tensile trabculae for sharing load. Surgical techniques such as femoral fracture fixation, resurfacing hip arthroplasty and allograft transplantation may benefit from this knowledge.

Adult↗

Evaluation of morphological changes of the atherosclerotic aorta by enhanced computed tomography.

Enhanced and non-enhanced computed tomography (CT) were performed in 405 subjects (222 men; 183 women; mean age 57 years). Intimal atherosclerotic changes of the aorta were quantified by enhanced CT, revealing the atheromatous intima to be projecting and thick-walled, while non-enhanced CT demonstrated aortic calcification. We measured the degree of aortic intimal changes at various segments of the aorta. In 224 cases, CT was performed from the aortic root to the bifurcation of the abdominal aorta. Intimal changes were found predominantly at the aortic arch, the middle descending thoracic and the infrarenal abdominal aorta. As for the intimal changes, aortic calcification and aortic pulse wave velocity were significant atherosclerotic characteristics. The aortic diameter did not show a significant association with intimal change. Among the various atherosclerotic risk factors, intimal change was significantly associated with age, systolic blood pressure, serum total cholesterol and diabetes mellitus, whereas gender, diastolic blood pressure, relative weight and cigarette use were not significantly related. For coronary artery disease and arteriosclerosis obliterans, aortic intimal changes constituted a significant atherosclerotic feature. In cerebrovascular disease, however, aortic intimal change did not play a significant role.

Adolescent↗

[Morphology of Paget's osteodystrophia deformans in the computed tomogram].

Thirty-four patients with known Paget's disease were examined by CT in order to characterise the appearances of the bones on transverse sections. The typical findings have been related to their anatomical localisation and frequency. The differential diagnosis from conditions with similar CT appearances, such as osteoplastic metastases, fibrous dysplasia or osteomyelosclerosis, is discussed. The CT appearances of Paget's disease are typical in the same way as conventional radiographs.

Aged↗

Self-assembled morphologies of monotethered polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane nanocubes from computer simulation.

Self-assembly of functionalized nanoscale building blocks is a promising strategy for "bottom-up" materials design. Recent experiments have demonstrated that the self-assembly of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) "nanocubes" functionalized with organic tethers can be utilized to synthesize novel materials with highly ordered, complex nanostructures. We have performed molecular simulations for a simplified model of monotethered POSS nanocubes to investigate systematically how the parameters that control the assembly process and the resulting equilibrium structures, including concentration, temperature, tether lengths, and solvent conditions, can be manipulated to achieve useful structures via self-assembly. We report conventional lamellar and cylindrical structures that are typically found in block copolymer and surfactant systems, including a thermotropic order-order transition, but with interesting stabilization of the lamellar phase caused by the bulkiness and cubic geometry of the POSS nanocubes.

Journal Article↗