Computer-assisted Image Analysis Software Research Articles

Ultrasonography and computer-assisted assessment of postpartum uterine echotexture and its relationship with peripheral oxidative stress biomarkers in goats

The postpartum (PP) period is a crucial factor for the resumption of reproductive capacity and the regular cycling of goats. Until now, there is a lack of information on monitoring the PP uterine involution using morphological assessment of uterine echotexture by ultrasonography. This study aimed to use ultrasonography and computer software analysis for morphometrical evaluations of postpartum uterine involution in 30 pleuriparous Egyptian Balady goats from Day zero (kidding day) till Day 21 PP. Uterine echotexture (pixel intensity; PI and integrated density; ID) was assessed by the computer-assisted image analysis software. In addition, the changes in peripheral oxidative stress biomarkers were monitored by measuring superoxide dismutase (SOD; U/mL), glutathione peroxidase (GPx; U/mL) activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA; nmol/mL) levels in the sera during the PP period. Results revealed a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in the transverse uterine diameter from 8.05 ± 0.58 cm at Day zero to less than 2 cm at Day 16 PP onward. The uterus returned to its apparently normal non-pregnant state with the absence of lochia by Day 16.6 ± 1.35 PP. There were significant (P ˂ 0.0001) increases in the PI and ID of the endometrium with the progression of the PP days [Day 0: PI: 86.99 ± 8.61; ID (×1000): 82.09 ± 1.47 versus Day 12 PP: PI: 186.73 ± 5.62; ID (×1000): 355.17 ± 38.63]. Gradual elevations in the levels of SOD (0.33 ± 0.02 U/mL) and MDA (11.81 ± 0.21 nmol/mL) were found from Day 0 and reaching the maximum levels (SOD: 0.48 ± 0.12 U/mL; MDA: 15.31 ± 0.13 nmol/mL) at Day 6–7 PP. Concentrations of GPx increased gradually from Day 0 (65.23 ± 2.09 U/mL) till Day 21 PP (145.81 ± 2.99 U/mL). In conclusion, assessment of the changes in morphometrical and echotextural parameters of the uterus by ultrasonography as well as the oxidative stress biomarkers provided useful information in the progress and completion of the normal physiological PP uterine involution in goats.

Hist-P-03 - Quantitative IHC analyses for CD30+ cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: chances and challenges

<h3>Objective:</h3> Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a malignant manifestation in the skin. The most popular subtype is mycosis fungoides (MF). The straight focus on the molecular background of the malignancy in the last decades lead into new therapeutic possibilities. The subtype CD30+ MF can be nowadays treated with the CD30 antibody conjugate brentuximab vedotin. Diagnostic methods are based on Immunohistochemistry (IHC) followed by manual assessment from pathologists or specialized histologists. Since the manual estimated proportion of CD30+ T cells in the skin is always a subjective calculation, there is a need for objective approaches. QuPath, an open-source software for digital pathology image analysis can meet this need. <h3>Methods:</h3> In this study, 10 samples from CD30+ diagnosed MF patients with different stages of progression were used for CD3 and CD30 IHC staining. For each patient, the CD30/CD3 ratio was assessed independently by three different histologists and QuPath, a computer-assisted image analysis software with included quantitative statement. <h3>Results:</h3> The individual estimates for CD30+/CD3+ ratios varied between individual histologists (mean coefficient of variation 0.46; range 0–0.78). QuPath analysis shows excellent separation between the positive stained cells for CD3 and CD30 IHC and other cells and structures. The QuPath data for CD30+/CD3+ ratios correlate strongly with the mean estimates of the three histologists (Pearson R 0.93). <h3>Conclusion:</h3> In summary, it has been shown that the individual subjective histologist estimates can often be far apart, with the mean of these estimates resembling the QuPath analysis. It can therefore be seen that QuPath image analysis is a good alternative to conventional manual estimation.

Tissue quantification of neutral and acid mucins in the mucosa of the colon submitted to 10 days of gastric restriction in an animal model

BackgroundObesity and its related comorbidities have detrimental effects for the affected individual and pose a major challenge on public health systems worldwide.However, mechanisms of surgical weight loss and long‐term consequences of bariatric surgery remain unclear. Gastric reduction procedures are currently employed to treat morbid obesity and there are few reports concerning the consequent effects in large intestine.PurposeTo quantify the expression of neutral and acids mucins in mucosa of the colon in animal model and correlate this to gastric restrictionMethodsExperimental model of gastric restriction was devised using rats. The animals were submitted to surgical gastrostomy and a cylindrical loofah was inserted into the stomach. We studied 30 adult male Wistar rats divided in three groups: the stomach reduction group (R10), the sham group (S10), which underwent the same procedure except for the loofah insertion and the control group (C10). Animals were fed and kept in separate cages. They were weighed every other day until being sacrificed on day 10. The expression of neutral and acid mucins was evaluated using the histochemical techniques of Periodic Acid Schiff and Alcian Blue, respectively and Picrosirius Red. The tissue mucins and collagen expression were quantified by computer‐assisted image analysis software.Goblet cells and protein content were presented by groups as mean, median, minimum and maximum and it was compared between groups using generalized estimation equations (GEE) with normal distribution and identity link function supposing exchangeable correlation matrix between fields. Bonferroni's multiple comparison was applied to identify differences between groups. The results are described by the mean value with respective standard deviation. We used Spearman correlation to verify correlation between weight, height of the crypt and cells quantity. All tests were applied with 5% significance level.ResultsThere was increased expression of neutral mucins and acid mucins as well as Goblet cells in the R10 group. Picrosirius Red enhanced total collagen in restriction group.ConclusionsGastric restriction for 10 days in animal model increased neutral mucins and acid mucins as well as collagen content with trophic maintenance.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Early pregnancy diagnosis by semiquantitative evaluation of luteal vascularity using power Doppler ultrasonography in sheep

The aim of the study was to measure the area of coloured pixels captured in power Doppler examination of corpus luteum (CL) by a computer-assisted image analysis software and to evaluate the efficiency of the semiquantitative assessment of CL in early pregnancy diagnosis in sheep. Assessment of luteal vascularity was carried out on 30 Kivircik ewes with power Doppler ultrasonography daily from Day 12 to Day 19 post breeding. The mean area of coloured pixels of CL with pregnancy was found significantly higher than the area of coloured pixels of CL undergoing luteolysis (0.38 ± 0.012 mm2 and 0.31 ± 0.017 mm2, respectively, P &lt; 0.001). Assessment of day-based examination showed a significant difference between the area of coloured pixels of CL with continuing pregnancy and luteolysis on Day 17 (P &lt; 0.05), which was followed by Days 18 and 19 (P &lt; 0.001). It is concluded that pregnancy diagnosis can be done accurately by semiquantitative assessment of luteal vascularization as early as 17 days post breeding in ewes. According to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report on the efficacy of semiquantitative assessment of ovine CL in early pregnancy diagnosis.

The 2D:4D digit ratio and social behaviour in wild female chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) in relation to dominance, aggression, interest in infants, affiliation and heritability

Prenatal androgens are responsible for sex differences in behaviour and morphology in many species, causing changes in neural structure and function that persist throughout life. Some variation in the expression of behaviour between individuals of the same sex can also be attributed to differences in exposure to prenatal sex hormones. The ratio of the second and fourth digits (2D:4D ratio) is a proposed biomarker for prenatal androgen effects (PAE). Through assessment of 2D:4D ratios, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between inferred PAE and social behaviours in female chacma baboons (Papio ursinus). We validated a new method to measure 2D:4D indirectly using digital photographs and computer-assisted image analysis software. There was a strong correlation between 2D:4D ratio and dominance rank amongst female baboons. Low 2D:4D ratios were associated with high rank, lower submission rates and higher rates of non-contact and contact aggression. This is consistent with the hypothesis that prenatal androgens are linked to the expression of these behaviours in female baboons, although it was not possible to separate the effects of PAE and dominance rank on some rank-related behaviours. The 2D:4D ratio did not correlate with interest in infants or with the rate of affiliative behaviours, possibly because these behaviours are more affected by ovarian hormones in adult life than by PAE. Finally, mean 2D:4D ratios were positively correlated in six mother/infant pairs, consistent with a heritable basis for the 2D:4D ratio in primates. We suggest that PAE contribute significantly to the patterning of social relationships in female primates.

Mitotic Rate in Melanoma

The prognostic value of mitotic rate in melanoma is increasingly recognized, particularly in thin melanoma in which the presence or absence of a single mitosis/mm can change staging from T1a to T1b. Still, accurate mitotic rate calculation (mitoses/mm) on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained sections can be challenging. Antimonoclonal mitotic protein-2 (MPM-2) and antiphosphohistone-H3 (PHH3) are 2 antibodies reported to be more mitosis-specific than other markers of proliferation such as Ki-67. We used light microscopy and computer-assisted image analysis software to quantify MPM-2 and PHH3 staining in melanoma. We then compared mitotic rates by each method with conventional H&E-based mitotic rate for correlation with clinical outcomes. Our study included primary tissues from 190 nonconsecutive cutaneous melanoma patients who were prospectively enrolled at New York University Langone Medical Center with information on age, gender, and primary tumor characteristics. The mitotic rate was quantified manually by light microscopy of corresponding H&E-stained, MPM-2-stained, and PHH3-stained sections. Computer-assisted image analysis was then used to quantify immunolabeled mitoses on the previously examined PHH3 and MPM-2 slides. We then analyzed the association between mitotic rate and both progression-free and melanoma-specific survival. Univariate analysis of PHH3 found significant correlation between increased PHH3 mitotic rate and decreased progression-free survival (P=0.04). Computer-assisted image analysis enhanced the correlation of PHH3 mitotic rate with progression-free survival (P=0.02). Regardless of the detection method, neither MPM-2 nor PHH3 offered significant advantage over conventional H&E determination of mitotic rate.

Computer-assisted quantification of plus disease after treatment of retinopathy of prematurity with intravitreal bevacizumab

Treatment for Type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) includes laser and, more recently, intravitreal injection of bevacizumab. This study uses ROPtool, a photoanalyzer, to objectively measure changes in retinal vascular dilation and tortuosity (plus disease) following intravitreal bevacizumab. Fundus images from 6 newborns treated with intravitreal bevacizumab for ROP were analyzed using ROPtool to assess for changes in tortuosity, dilation and a calculation of overall plus disease. Measurements were obtained at baseline (n = 6), 1 week (n = 6), and 2 weeks (n = 1) after treatment. Average vessel tortuosity decreased by 49%, dilation decreased by 9% and overall plus disease decreased by 17% in the first week after treatment with bevacizumab. One week later, the average vessel tortuosity decreased by another 20%, dilation decreased by 1%, and overall plus disease decreased by 14%. Few studies have shown objective changes in ROP after treatment with laser but no previous studies have shown similar objective findings after treatment with bevacizumab. This study demonstrates a larger decrease in tortuosity at 1 week post-bevacizumab compared to a previous study of post-laser patients analyzed by Computer Assisted Image Analysis Software (that study found only a 2% decrease in tortuosity and 20% decrease in dilation at 1 week). Objective measurements of plus disease show greater changes in tortuosity 1 week after treatment with bevacizumab compared to a previous study of post-laser changes. Understanding the expected pattern of change over time in retinal vascular dilation and tortuosity following bevacizumab guides clinicans’ expectations for ROP regression following this new treatment.

Retinal vessel changes after laser treatment for retinopathy of prematurity

The clinical response to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) treatment is currently assessed subjectively. This study aims to quantify treatment response objectively by assessing changes in digital images of posterior pole retinal vessel width and tortuosity. Images of 30 right eyes with type 1 ROP obtained at up to three time points were analyzed: before treatment (T = 0) and 1 (T = 1) and/or 2 weeks (T = 2) after treatment. Width and tortuosity of retinal vessels were analyzed from digital images using computer-assisted image analysis software. Vessel width decreased by 20% (P < 0.004) within the first week and remained stable by the second week after laser treatment. Vessel tortuosity did not significantly change by the first week but decreased 27% (P < 0.01) by second week. Vessel width appears to decrease dramatic within the first week, whereas the regression of tortuosity follows a slower course.

Ultrasonographic quantification of the endometrium during the menstrual cycle using computer-assisted analysis

Objective Sonographic gray-scale histogram is used to assess the endometrial changes in the different phases of the menstrual cycle. The objective was to examine the usefulness of a gray-scale histogram and computer-assisted image analysis software in assessing normal physiologic states of the endometrium with sonography. Materials and Methods Thirty-eight patients, who visited the Taipei Medical University-Wan Fang Hospital and matched the eligibility criteria, were categorized into one of three groups: (1) menstrual phase; (2) follicular phase; and (3) luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Ultrasonography of the uterus was performed on each patient and the endometrium was analyzed with ImageJ image analysis software. Results A statistically significant difference in signal intensity scores of the gray-level histogram, represented as m j , was found among the three groups. Conclusion Sonographic images analyzed by using computer-assisted image analysis software and gray-level histogram are proven to be useful in assessing the physiological state of the endometrium.

Earthquake deformation field characteristics associated with the 2010 Yushu M s7.1 earthquake

The spatial distribution and characterization of a heavily damaged area can be determined by studying surface ruptures of seismogenic faults. If the distribution of surface ruptures can be obtained shortly after they occur, then areas heavily damaged by an earthquake can be readily identified. The information can then be used as a guide for earthquake relief programs. In this paper, an intensity offset-tracking method applied to an ALOS PALSAR image is used to map the Yushu earthquake rupture and to identify the faults activated by the earthquake. Azimuthal displacement analysis indicates that the surface rupture is about 55 km long, running from the epicenter to the southeast, trending N310°W, with a relative displacement of ∼1 m characterized by sinistral slip. The result of range displacement observations indicates that the north wall of the fault is dominated by decreases (i.e., uplift in line of sight observations), whereas in the south wall of the fault, the range displacement is dominated by increases (drops in line of sight observations). Given the position from which the images were recorded, this means that the north wall moves westward, and the south wall move eastward, i.e., left-lateral slip motion across the fault. Finally, an earthquake disaster assessment using computer-assisted image analysis software shows that buildings near the fault rupture have been destroyed most heavily; therefore, the shape of the heavily damage belt is controlled partially by the fault rupture’s geometry and the damage degree relates to the magnitude of displacement field.

Relationship between Postoperative Recurrence Rate and Eosinophil Density of Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps develop as a result of chronic inflammation, mostly accompanied by pronounced eosinophil leukocyte infiltration. In this study we aimed to investigate the relationship between eosinophil density in nasal polyps and the postoperative recurrence rate of this disease. Forty-two patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for massive nasal polyposis by one surgeon were included in the study. The eosinophil leukocyte densities in nasal polyps were determined retrospectively on histologic slides by use of computer-assisted image analysis software. The patients were assigned to group 1, in whom nasal polyps contained up to 3 eosinophils per 1,000 microm2, and group 2, in whom nasal polyps contained 4 or more eosinophils per 1,000 microm2. The postoperative recurrence rates of nasal polyps were compared in the two groups. There were 20 patients in group 1 and 22 patients in group 2. Postoperative polyp recurrence was detected in 5 of 20 patients (25.0%) in group 1 and in 18 of 22 patients (81.8%) in group 2 during the 30-month postoperative followup period (p < 0.05). The eosinophil density of nasal polyps can be used to get an estimate of the postoperative recurrence risk. Eosinophil-rich nasal polyps have a higher postoperative recurrence rate.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of endometrial changes using computer assisted image analysis

To examine the usefulness of a gray scale histogram and computer assisted image analysis software in assessing physiologic states of the endometrium with ultrasonography. Seventy patients at the Taipei Medical University-Wan Fang Hospital who matched eligibility criteria were categorized into one of three groups: (i) normal menstrual cycle, (ii) postmenopausal, and (iii) post incomplete abortion. Ultrasonography of the uterus was performed on each patient and the endometrium was analyzed with ImageJ image analysis software. A statistically significant difference in signal intensity scores of the gray level histogram, represented as m(j), was found between the groups. Ultrasonographic images analyzed using computer assisted image analysis software and gray level histogram are useful in assessing the physiological state of the endometrium.

Risk Stratification of Preplus Retinopathy of Prematurity by Semiautomated Analysis of Digital Images

To determine whether quantitative analysis of retinal vessel width and tortuosity from digital images discriminates which eyes with preplus retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) progress to treatment severity. Posterior pole images of eyes at first clinical diagnosis of preplus ROP were obtained using a 30 degrees-field, noncontact fundus camera. Width and tortuosity of retinal vessels were analyzed from digital images using computer-assisted image analysis software. Mean width and tortuosity of venules and arterioles were compared in 19 preplus eyes that regressed spontaneously and 11 preplus eyes that progressed to treatment severity. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess whether width and tortuosity discriminated between groups. Mean widths of venules alone, arterioles alone, and the 3 widest vessels were higher in preplus progressed eyes (P < .04). Mean tortuosity of the 3 most tortuous vessels was higher in preplus progressed than in preplus regressed eyes (P = .01). Most vessel width and tortuosity variables predicted which eyes with preplus progressed to treatment moderately well, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.72 to 0.82. Digital image analysis of retinal vessel width and tortuosity may be useful in predicting which preplus ROP eyes will require treatment. Because vascular abnormalities are a continuum and clinical diagnosis is subjective, quantitative analysis may improve risk stratification for ROP.

Quantification by computerized morphometry of tissue levels of sulfomucins and sialomucins in diversion colitis in rats

To quantify the intensity of sulfomucin and sialomucin expression in the colon mucosa, by means of computer-assisted image processing, comparing segments with and without fecal stream and correlating with the duration of fecal transit exclusion. Forty-five Wistar rats were subjected to diversion of the fecal stream in the left colon by means of constructing a proximal colostomy and distal mucosal fistula. They were distributed randomly into three experimental groups of 15 animals, of which 10 were subjected to colon diversion (experimental subgroup) and five were only subjected to laparotomy, without colon diversion (control subgroup). The three experimental groups were formed according to the sacrifice date, which was to be performed six weeks after the surgical procedure (Group A), 12 weeks (Group B) and 18 weeks (Group C). The sulfomucin and sialomucin expression in the colon mucosa was evaluated using the histochemical technique of high iron diamine-alcian blue (HID-AB). The tissue expression was quantified for each animal, in the segments with and without fecal stream, at a location where there were four complete contiguous crypts in two random fields, with the aid of the computer-assisted image analysis software. The final value was taken to be the mean reading from the two fields selected, in the segments with and without fecal stream. To compare the expressions of the two mucin subtypes in the segments with and without fecal stream, the paired Student t test was used. To analyze variance according to duration of exclusion, ANOVA with the Newman-Keuls post-test was used, setting the significance level at 5% (p<0.05). There were significant reductions in tissue sulfomucin and sialomucin content in the colon without fecal stream, independent of the duration of exclusion considered. There was increased tissue sulfomucin content and decreased tissue sialomucin in the segments without fecal stream, with increasing duration of exclusion. Diversion of the fecal transit decreased the tissue sulfomucin and sialomucin content in the segments without fecal stream. Notwithstanding the reduction in the levels of both subtypes of acid mucin in the segments without fecal stream, there was increased tissue sulfomucin content and decreased tissue sialomucin with increasing duration of intestinal diversion.

Delta Wing Vortex-Burst Behavior Under a Dynamic Freestream

A series of experiments was performed at Wichita State University's water tunnel on a 70-degree-sweep delta wing using a towing mount. A video camera captured dye-flow visualization images of the vortex burst that were subsequently analyzed using a computer-assisted image analysis software. The aim was to better understand the relationship between the freestream velocity and the time constants involved in the movement of the vortex-burst point. Experiments indicated that a change in the freestream velocity changed the forward progression of the vortex burst. Under pitch-up conditions, deceleration resulted in a momentary retardation in the forward progression ofthe burst, whereas acceleration resulted in a faster progression toward the apex.

Tissue quantification of neutral and acid mucins in the mucosa of the colon with and without fecal stream in rats

To quantify the intensity of the expression of neutral and acids mucins in mucosa of the colon with and without fecal stream and to correlate this with the duration of fecal transit diversion. Thirty male Wistar rats were subjected to fecal transit deviation in the left colon by a proximal colostomy and a distal mucous fistula. The animals were divided into three experimental groups, according to whether sacrificing would be performed six, 12 or 18 weeks after surgery. The expression of neutral and acid mucins was evaluated using the histochemical techniques of Periodic Acid Schiff and Alcian Blue, respectively. The tissue mucins expression was quantified by computer-assisted image analysis software (NIS-Elements) in the segments with and without fecal stream. Student's paired t test was used to compare the quantities of mucins in colon with or without fecal stream and variance between the experimental groups by ANOVA and Newman-Keuls post-test, establishing level of signification of 5% (p<0.05). There were significant decreased quantities of acid and neutral mucins in the colon without transit, compared with the colon with fecal stream, independent of the duration of exclusion. There was increased expression of neutral mucins in the colon with fecal stream after 12 and 18 weeks of exclusion. There was no increase in the expression of acid mucins in the colon with transit as the duration of fecal transit exclusion progressed. There was increased production of acid mucins in the animals submitted to diversion of the fecal stream for 18 weeks, compared with those subjected to diversion for 6 and 12 weeks. In the colon without fecal stream, there was increased expression of neutral mucins after 12 and 18 weeks of exclusion. Deviation of the fecal stream decreased the expression of acid and neutral mucins in the segments without fecal transit, compared with segments with transit. Regardless of the reduced expression of acid and neutral mucins in the segments without fecal stream, their tissue expression increased with increasing duration of intestinal deviation.

Protease-Activated Receptor-2 Augments Experimental Crescentic Glomerulonephritis

Protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) is a cellular receptor expressed prominently on epithelial, mesangial, and endothelial cells in the kidney and on macrophages. PAR-2 is activated by serine proteases such as trypsin, tryptase, and coagulation factors VIIa and Xa. It induces pleiotropic effects including vasodilatation, increasing plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) expression, mesangial cell proliferation, and cytokine production by macrophages. The role of PAR-2 in renal inflammation was studied in antiglomerular basement membrane antibody-induced crescentic glomerulonephritis (CGN) using PAR-2-deficient (PAR-2(-/-)) mice and wild-type littermate controls. PAR-2(-/-) mice had reduced crescent formation, proteinuria, and serum creatinine compared with wild-type mice 21 days after initiation of CGN. Glomerular accumulation of CD4(+) T cells and macrophages and the number of proliferating cells in glomeruli were similar in both groups. Glomerular fibrin deposition was significantly reduced in PAR-2(-/-) mice, and this was associated with reduced renal plasminogen activator inhibitor expression and increased renal matrix-metalloprotinase-9 activity. These results demonstrate a proinflammatory role for PAR-2 in CGN that is independent of effects on glomerular leukocyte recruitment and mesangial cell proliferation. PAR-2-mediated augmentation of renal plasminogen activator inhibitor expression and inhibition of matrix-metalloprotinase-9 activity may contribute to increased glomerular fibrin accumulation and glomerular injury in CGN.

Phenotypic modulation of mesangial cells in diabetic rats and effect of tujian mixture on it

To explore whether there is phenotypic modulation of mesangial cells in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats and study the effect of Tujian Mixture (TJM) on it. SD rats were divided into the normal control group (NC group, n = 8), the unilateral nephrectomized control group (QC group, n = 8), the STZ induced diabetes mellitus with unilateral nephrectomy model group (DM group, n = 8), the Valsartan treated group (VT group, n = 8) and the TJM treated group (ZY group, n = 9), rats in the latter two groups were modeled as in the DM group and treated with Valsartan (20 mg/kg.d) and TJM (20 g/kg.d) respectively for 12 weeks. The expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) in rats glomeruli were observed by immunohistochemistry assay, and the ratio of alpha-SMA and TGF-beta 1 positive area/total glomerule tuft area (SMA/GT and TGF/GT) were analyzed using computer-assisted image analysis software. In the NC and the QC groups, only trace of alpha-SMA positive staining was found. But there was prominant alpha-SMA positive staining in glomeruli of the DM group, with SMA/GT and TGF/GT increased significantly (P < 0.01), and marked increase of 24 hrs proteinuria excretion (P < 0.01). As compared with the DM group, the three indexes were all significantly lower in the VT and ZY groups (P < 0.01), and the lowering of proteinuria was more significant in the ZY group than that in the VT group (P < 0.01). The expression of alpha-SMA in glomeruli in STZ induced diabetic rats with unilateral nephrectomy is pronounced, indicating that phenotypic modulation of mesangial cells involvement in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. TJM and Valsartan can reduce 24 hrs proteinuria excretion, inhibit the phenotypic modulation of mesangial cells and the expression of TGF-beta 1 in glomeruli of diabetic rats, and the effect of TJM is more potent than that of Valsartan in lowering urinary protein excretion.

Protein variability in Meloidogyne spp. (Nematoda:Meloidogynidae) revealed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.

Total protein variation as revealed by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2D-E) was studied in 18 isolates from populations of Meloidogyne arenaria (six isolates), Meloidogyne incognita (10 isolates), and Meloidogyne javanica (one isolate) plus an unclassified isolate. Gels (80 x 60 x 0.75 mm) were silverstained and digitized in order to compare their protein patterns. Optical density and position of protein patterns were measured using statistical cluster analysis and computer-assisted image analysis software. Only those protein stains or positions that were clearly defined (i.e., without background) were considered. The number of positions in gels ranged from 86 to 203. Each of these positions had 95 clearly expressed proteins that were present in at least two replicates for each isolate. Spot position was considered a taxonomical character with two different states: presence (1) and absence (0). Accordingly, genetic distance was estimated among isolates and species, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed following the cladistic approach based on maximum parsimony analysis. Isolates of M. arenaria--M. javanica--Meloidogyne sp. and of M. incognita formed two separate monophyletic groups. Both groups were clearly defined on the basis of two sets of protein positions that can be considered as diagnostic characters. An attempt to identify these proteins by mass spectrometry was made. Group diagnostic proteins for M. incognita and M. arenaria (and for other proteins common to all isolates) were distinguished by protonated mass signals in the MALDI fingerprinting spectrum.

Assessment of endometrial edema and echotexture in natural and hormonally manipulated estrus in mares

Since luteal vascularization plays a decisive role for the function of the corpus luteum (CL), the investigation of luteal blood flow (LBF) might give valuable information about the physiology and patho-physiology of the CL. To quantify LBF, usually Power mode color Doppler ultrasonography is used. This method detects the number of red blood cells moving through the vessels and shows them as color pixels on the B-mode image of the CL. The area of color pixels is measured with computer-assisted image analysis software and is used as a semiquantitative parameter for the assessment of LBF. Although Power mode is superior for the evaluation of LBF compared to conventional color Doppler ultrasonography, which detects the velocity of blood cells, it is still not sufficiently sensitive to detect the blood flow in the small vessels in the center of the bovine CL. Therefore, blood flow can only be measured in the bigger luteal vessels in the outer edge of the CL. Color Doppler ultrasonographic studies of the bovine estrous cycle have shown that plasma progesterone (P4) concentration can be more reliably predicted by LBF than by luteal size (LS), especially during the CL regression. During the midluteal phase, cows with low P4 level showed smaller CL, but LBF, related to LS, did not differ between cows with low and high P4 levels. In contrast to non-pregnant cows, a significant rise in LBF was observed three weeks after insemination in pregnant cows. However, LBF was not useful for an early pregnancy diagnosis due to high LBF variation among cows. When the effects of an acute systemic inflammation and exogenous hormones on the CL are examined, the LBF determination is more sensitive than LS assessment. In conclusion, color Doppler ultrasonography of the bovine CL provides additional information on luteal function compared to measurements of LS and plasma P4, but its value as a parameter concerning assessment of fertility in cows has to be clarified.