Morphometric Descriptors Research Articles

إستخدام نماذج الإرتفاعات الرقمية والطرق الإحصائية للمتغيرات المتعددة في تحليل المعاملات المورفومترية لبعض أودية غرب المملكة العربية السعودية

In arid regions, the analysis of wadi morphometric parameters and their interrelationships are fundamental for describing the topographic, geologic evolution, structures and hydrologic potential efficiency of the watershed. Unfortunately, the spatial characteristics and the analyses of these variables are not taken into consideration in an efficient way, especially in arid regions. In this paper, digital elevation model, geographic information system and multivariate statistical techniques are integrated for the identification and the assessment of main morphometric parameters. For this purpose, Q and R modes of cluster analyses and principal component analysis (PCA) are applied to ten different-size watersheds in the western region of Saudi Arabia utilizing 18 morphometric descriptors (variables). The results show that the R-mode cluster analysis classifies the variables into three groups, whereas the Q-mode cluster analysis classifies watersheds according to the similarities in their major variables such as area, perimeter, total stream length and peak discharge. The first three components of PCA accounted for 86% of the total variance in the data and show more details concerning the parameter loadings and the degree of variable significance.

Surface area and cortical thickness descriptors reveal different attributes of the structural human brain networks

Recently, a related morphometry-based connection concept has been introduced using local mean cortical thickness and volume to study the underlying complex architecture of the brain networks. In this article, the surface area is employed as a morphometric descriptor to study the concurrent changes between brain structures and to build binarized connectivity graphs. The statistical similarity in surface area between pair of regions was measured by computing the partial correlation coefficient across 186 normal subjects of the Cuban Human Brain Mapping Project. We demonstrated that connectivity matrices obtained follow a small-world behavior for two different parcellations of the brain gray matter. The properties of the connectivity matrices were compared to the matrices obtained using the mean cortical thickness for the same cortical parcellations. The topology of the cortical thickness and surface area networks were statistically different, demonstrating that both capture distinct properties of the interaction or different aspects of the same interaction (mechanical, anatomical, chemical, etc.) between brain structures. This finding could be explained by the fact that each descriptor is driven by distinct cellular mechanisms as result of a distinct genetic origin. To our knowledge, this is the first time that surface area is used to study the morphological connectivity of brain networks.

Cytoskeleton-based forecasting of stem cell lineage fates

Stem cells that adopt distinct lineages cannot be distinguished based on traditional cell shape. This study reports that higher-order variations in cell shape and cytoskeletal organization that occur within hours of stimulation forecast the lineage commitment fates of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The unique approach captures numerous early (24 h), quantitative features of actin fluororeporter shapes, intensities, textures, and spatial distributions (collectively termed morphometric descriptors). The large number of descriptors are reduced into "combinations" through which distinct subpopulations of cells featuring unique combinations are identified. We demonstrate that hMSCs cultured on fibronectin-treated glass substrates under environments permissive to bone lineage induction could be readily discerned within the first 24 h from those cultured in basal- or fat-inductive conditions by such cytoskeletal feature groupings. We extend the utility of this approach to forecast osteogenic stem cell lineage fates across a series of synthetic polymeric materials of diverse physicochemical properties. Within the first 24 h following stem cell seeding, we could successfully "profile" the substrate responsiveness prospectively in terms of the degree of bone versus nonbone predisposition. The morphometric methodology also provided insights into how substrates may modulate the pace of osteogenic lineage specification. Cells on glass substrates deficient in fibronectin showed a similar divergence of lineage fates, but delayed beyond 48 h. In summary, this high-content imaging and single cell modeling approach offers a framework to elucidate and manipulate determinants of stem cell behaviors, as well as to screen stem cell lineage modulating materials and environments.

Morphometric Signature Differences in Nuclei of Gleason Pattern 4 Areas in Gleason 7 Prostate Cancer With Differing Primary Grades on Needle Biopsy

Since clinically significant upgrading of the biopsy Gleason score has an adverse clinical impact, ancillary tools besides the visual determination of primary Gleason pattern are essential to aid in better risk stratification. A total of 61 prostate biopsies were selected in patients with a diagnosis of Gleason score 7 prostatic adenocarcinoma, including 41 with primary Gleason pattern 3 and 20 with primary Gleason pattern 4. Slides from these tissues were stained using Feulgen stain, a nuclear DNA stain. Areas of Gleason pattern in all cases were analyzed for 40 nuclear morphometric descriptors of size, shape and chromatin using a CAS-200 system (BD). The primary outcome analyzed was the ability of morphometric features to identify visually determined primary Gleason pattern 4 on the biopsy. Data were analyzed using logistic regression as well as a C4.5 decision tree with and without preselection. Decision tree analysis yielded the best model. Automatic feature selection identified minimum nuclear diameter as the most discriminative feature in a 3-parameter model with 85% classification accuracy. Using a preselected 3-parameter model including minimum diameter, angularity and sum optical density the decision tree yielded a slightly lesser accuracy of around 79%. Bootstrap validation of logistic regression results revealed that there was no unique model that could significantly explain the variance in primary Gleason pattern status, although minimum nuclear diameter was the most frequently selected parameter. In this small cohort of patients with Gleason score 7 disease we report that Gleason pattern 4 nuclei from those with primary Gleason pattern 4 are generally larger with coarser chromatin compared with the Gleason pattern 4 in patients with primary Gleason pattern 3. These findings may aid in better risk stratification of the Gleason score 7 group by supplementing visual estimation of the percent of primary Gleason pattern 3 and 4 in the biopsy.

Quantitative assessment of morphological variation of six Pseudococcomyxa strains by geometric morphometric descriptors.

We conducted a geometric morphometric analysis of the cellular shape in six Pseudococcomyxa strains that were isolated from different microhabitats (bark, needles, bare wood) and from different regions. The analysis was based on 14 landmarks, with 12 of them allowed to slide along their abscissae. The size differences did not correlate with ecological characteristics, but the shape descriptors analysis resulted in three distinguished groups: a pair of tropical strains, three strains isolated from spruce needles and a single strain from the fir bare wood. We propose that quantitative shape features of Coccomyxa-like algae could be used for their future phenotypic characterization.

Chromatin organization and nuclear microenvironments in cancer cells

Nuclear morphometric descriptors such as nuclear size, shape, DNA content and chromatin organization are used by pathologists as diagnostic markers for cancer. However, our knowledge of events resulting in changes in nuclear shape and chromatin organization in cancer cells is limited. Nuclear matrix proteins, which include lamins, transcription factors (Sp1) and histone modifying enzymes (histone deacetylases), and histone modifications (histone H3 phosphorylation) have roles in organizing chromatin in the interphase nucleus, regulating gene expression programs and determining nuclear shape. Histone H3 phosphorylation, a downstream target of the Ras-mitogen activated protein kinase pathway, is involved in neoplastic transformation. This article will review genetic and epigenetic events that alter chromatin organization in cancer cells and the role of the nuclear matrix in determining nuclear morphology.

Morphology and Viscoelastic Behaviour of a Silica Filled Styrene/Butadiene Random Copolymer

AbstractAn investigation into styrene‐butadiene rubber and styrene‐butadiene rubber/butadiene rubber composites was conducted, aimed at investigating the influence of surface modification of silica on polymer‐filler interactions. Two silanes, bis‐triethoxysilylpropyltetrasulfane and octadecyltriethoxysilane, were used as surface modifiers. A morphological investigation by transmission electron microscopy and automated image analysis provided a quantitative evaluation of the filler distribution in the rubber matrix by using morphometric descriptors, such as projected area, perimeter and area/perimeter ratio. The better dispersion of the surface‐modified silica nicely relates with the improved dynamic‐mechanical and tensile properties and accounts for the higher critical concentration necessary to the formation of the secondary network, thus confirming that the surface modification reduces filler‐filler and enhances polymer‐filler interactions.magnified image

Assessing the phylogenetic usefulness of a previously neglected morphological structure through elliptic Fourier analyses: a case study in Bruchus seed‐beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae)

Abstract We address the systematics of Bruchus seed‐beetles through the use of a geometric morphometric outline approach, namely elliptic Fourier analysis. We found that a previously neglected genitalic structure, the ventral plate, provides new evidence in the discussion of taxonomic issues raised by recent molecular studies. Three methods of hierarchical clustering allow investigation of the phylogenetic relationships of the key species that cause the paraphyly of two species groups in recent molecular studies. The resulting reconstructions reveal the phylogenetic usefulness of the structure of interest in recovering consistent relationships of Bruchus. Our analyses support the monophyly of the species group whose paraphyletic status was weakly supported by statistical tests in molecular analyses. Our results agree with those molecular and morphological studies that indicate, with relatively strong support, the paraphyletic status of the other species group. We highlight the need to reappraise the use of neglected or presumably uninformative (in traditional morphometrics) morphological characters with geometric morphometrics methods. In addition, we assess the utility of the combination of morphometric descriptors with other sources of phylogenetic information by analysing together an extant molecular dataset and matrix representations based on the results of the elliptic Fourier analyses (to our knowledge our study is the first to investigate such a combination of datasets within a Bayesian framework). Combining morphometric descriptors with other information can improve phylogenetic reconstructions, as suggested by the results of the corresponding analyses we performed using a published molecular dataset.

Prediction of Prostate-Specific Antigen Recurrence in Men with Long-term Follow-up Postprostatectomy Using Quantitative Nuclear Morphometry

Nuclear morphometric signatures can be calculated using nuclear size, shape, DNA content, and chromatin texture descriptors [nuclear morphometric descriptor (NMD)]. We evaluated the use of a patient-specific quantitative nuclear grade (QNG) alone and in combination with routine pathologic features to predict biochemical [prostate-specific antigen (PSA)] recurrence-free survival in patients with prostate cancer. The National Cancer Institute Cooperative Prostate Cancer Tissue Resource (NCI-CPCTR) tissue microarray was prepared from radical prostatectomy cases treated in 1991 to 1992. We assessed 112 cases (72 nonrecurrences and 40 PSA recurrences) with long-term follow-up. Images of Feulgen DNA-stained nuclei were captured and the NMDs were calculated using the AutoCyte system. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate QNG and pathology-based solutions for prediction of PSA recurrence. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and predictive probability graphs were generated. A QNG signature using the variance of 14 NMDs yielded an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) of 80% with a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 75% at a predictive probability threshold of > or =0.39. A pathology model using the pathologic stage and Gleason score yielded an AUC-ROC of 67% with a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 70%, 50%, and 57%, respectively, at a predictive probability threshold of > or =0.35. Combining QNG, pathologic stage, and Gleason score yielded a model with an AUC-ROC of 81% with a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 75%, 78%, and 77%, respectively, at a predictive probability threshold of > or =0.34. PSA recurrence is more accurately predicted using the QNG signature compared with routine pathology information alone. Inclusion of a morphometry signature, routine pathology, and new biomarkers should improve the prognostic value of information collected at surgery.

Using nuclear morphometry to predict the need for treatment among men with low grade, low stage prostate cancer enrolled in a program of expectant management with curative intent

We assessed the use of quantitative clinical and pathologic information to predict which patients would eventually require treatment for prostate cancer (CaP) in an expectant management (EM) cohort. We identified 75 men having prostate cancer with favorable initial biopsy characteristics; 30 developed an unfavorable biopsy (Gleason grade >6, >2 cores with cancer, >50% of a core with cancer, or a palpable nodule) requiring treatment and 45 maintained favorable biopsies throughout a median follow-up of 2.7 years. Demographic, clinical data and quantitative tissue histomorphometry determined by digital image analysis were analyzed. Logistic regression (LR) modeling generated a quantitative nuclear grade (QNG) signature based on the enrollment biopsy for differentiation of Favorable and Unfavorable groups using a variable LR selection criteria of P(z)<0.05. The QNG signature utilized 12 nuclear morphometric descriptors (NMDs) and had an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC-AUC) of 87% with a sensitivity of 82%, specificity of 70% and accuracy of 75%. A multivariable LR model combining QNG signature with clinical and pathological variables yielded an AUC-ROC of 88% and a sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 78% and accuracy of 79%. A LR model using prostate volume, PSA density, and number of pre-diagnosis biopsies resulted in an AUC-ROC of 68% and a sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 37% and accuracy of 56%. QNG using EM prostate biopsies improves the predictive accuracy of LR models based on traditional clinicopathologic variables in determining which patients will ultimately develop an unfavorable biopsy. Our QNG-based model must be rigorously, prospectively validated prior to use in the clinical arena.

Biovolume determination of phytoplankton guilds in transitional water ecosystems of Mediterranean Ecoregion

1 - Conceptually, morphometric measurements of phytoplankton guilds seem to have major advantages as descriptors of the ecological status of transitional water ecosystems (TW) with respect to classical taxonomic descriptors. However, at present, standardized or common methodologies for the use of morphometric descriptors do not exist. 2 - This paper aims to provide a starting point for the activation of standardized methods for the determination of morphometric descriptors of phytoplankton as a quality element in TW in accordance with the new directive of WFD 2000/60/EU. 3 - Phytoplankton biovolume is one of the most studied morphometric descriptors. It can be estimated by associating the algae with similar geometric forms and determining the volume of these by measuring the linear dimensions required for its calculation under the microscope. However, the lack of a standardized set of geometric forms and equations for calculating biovolume causes difficulties and produces data that are not comparable. 4 - A set of geometric models is suggested here for calculating the cell biovolumes of 201 phytoplankton genera found in transitional water ecosystems of Mediterranean Ecoregion. The equations were designed to minimize the effort of microscopic measurements. The main methodological problems, and the similarities and differences between our own and previously published proposals are discussed.

Using the landscape morphometric context to resolve spatial patterns of submerged macrophyte communities in a fluvial lake

This study investigates the spatial heterogeneity of macrophyte communities in a fluvio-lacustrine landscape. We analysed the importance of the geomorphological point/bay pattern in structuring aquatic plant assemblages inside a 20-km-long littoral segment of a large fluvial lake. The abundance of 21 macrophyte species was surveyed in 232 quadrats along 24 transects perpendicular to the lakeshore. Two contrasting plant communities were identified, corresponding to the bay and point morphology of the study zone: a bay community characterized by Chara sp. and a point community dominated by Butomus umbellatus f. vallisneriifolius, Vallisneria americana, Potamogeton richardsonii and Myriophyllum sp. We subsequently investigated the spatial patterns within the bay and point communities. From a dataset containing local environmental variables, landscape morphometric descriptors, and spatial geographical positions of the sampling sites, variation partitioning of the species abundance table showed that more than two-thirds of the explained variation was spatially structured. Around half of the spatially structured variation was due to the spatially structured environment. We identified important broad-scale patterns in the vegetation correlated to the local environmental variables, mainly depth and sediment richness. The remaining half of the spatially structured variation in the aquatic plant communities was explained by the landscape morphometric context; shoreline complexity of the bay or point, relative width, duration of wind exposure, and fetch were the landscape descriptors explaining most of this variation. Our results indicate that the landscape morphometric context can resolve as much spatial patterning as environmental variables and should be considered when studying a large lake ecosystem.

Profiling Cell-Biomaterial Interactions Via Cell-Based Fluororeporter Imaging

Cell-based, high-throughput screening has revolutionized the development of small-molecule pharmaceuticals. A similar paradigm for the accelerated development of biomaterials for cell and tissue engineering involves the iterative use of combinatorial biomaterial synthesis, rapid cellular response screens, and computational modeling methods. However assays to probe cell responses to biomaterials are frequently subjective, lack dynamic responsiveness, and are limited to low-throughput experimentation. In this report, we highlight the use of high-resolution imaging of cell-based fluororeporters to establish and correlate quantifiable metrics of cell functional endpoints (e.g., cell growth, cell adhesion, cell attachment strength), as well as of intracellular cytoskeletalfeatures (e.g., descriptors of actin organization) on a set of model biomaterial substrates synthesized by combinatorial variations. Selected mammalian cell lines were genetically engineered with a series of green fluorescent protein (GFP)fusion genes to allow for live cell imaging on biomaterials. We demonstrate that high-content imaging yields a large number of quantifiable morphometric descriptors of ultrastructural cell features (e.g., cell cytoskeleton) in conjunction with densitometric descriptors of cell behaviors (e.g., cell apoptosis). We illustrate how such descriptors can be used to discern combinatorial variations in substrate composition, and how living GFP reporters are uniquely suited to generate such descriptors unlike fixed tissue preparations. This quantitative approach of live fluororeporter cell imaging could be valuable for metrology of cell-material interactions.

Sutural complexity in Late Jurassic ammonites and its relationship with phragmocone size and shape: a multidimensional approach using fractal analysis

The evolution of intricate septa and complex sutural patterns in cephalopod ammonoids is one of the best documented trends in the fossil record towards increased levels of complexity. Functional interpretation of septal folding is still, however, a matter of controversy. Tentative explanations have been linked to the structural reinforcement of phragmocones, mantle area increase, buoyancy control and even metabolic functions concerning respiration or cameral liquid transport. Here we use fractal analysis in order to estimate suture complexity in a large set (N = 524) of Late Jurassic ammonites, and its covariation with phragmocone size, shape and ornamentation. Sutural complexity, estimated by fractal dimension (Df), is closely related to phragmocone whorl height and the degree of shell involution, while this trend is reversed for tubercle size. On average, specimens from epioceanic habitats display lower Df values than those inhabiting epicontinental waters. Our results reveal a complex relationship between sutural complexity and morphometric descriptors of phragmocones, indicating that septal folding was more closely related to shell geometry than to bathymetry. In addition, these results fit predictions of a recent model relating sutural complexity to energetic demands of ammonoid metabolism. However, future research should not neglect the implications of phylogenetic legacy as an important source of variability in fractal dimensions.

Genetic diversity of morphological responses and the relationships among Asia aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars

An investigation was conducted to determine the extent of diversity and relationships among 36 aromatic rice cultivars collected from Asia. Characterization for 22 morphological characters with 101 morphometric descriptors was carried out. High and comparative levels of phenotypic variation using phenotypic frequency distribution and Shannon-Weaver diversity index were found between countries of origin. Most traits were polymorphic except to ligule color. Grain size, grain shape, culm strength, plant height and secondar y branching contributed the highest mean diversity indices (H , = 0.91, 0.88, 0.87, 0.82 and 0.83, respectively). For trait groups, highest diversity was found in grain and culm traits (H , = 1.00 and 0.96, respectively). Populations from Vietnam were more diverse than others (H , = 0.92) whereas populations from India and Thailand displayed lower diversity indices (H , = 0.46 and 0.49, respectively). No clear association was detected between phenotypic diversity and countries of origin. Five clusters of 36 genotypes based on Euclidean distance were observed with 1 to 22 cultivars per group. The results of the character distribution and phenotypic diversity analysis permitted some broad generalization about collection and conser vation of aromatic rice cultivars. This also indicated the presence of important genes for future aromatic rice breeding purposes. Despite the limitation in estimating total genetic variation, the present study indicated that morphological traits were useful for preliminary evaluation and can be used as a general approach for assessing genetic diversity among morphologically distinguishable aromatic rice cultivars.

Morphometric sum optical density as a surrogate marker for ploidy status in prostate cancer: an analysis in 180 biopsies using logistic regression and binary recursive partitioning

We sought to identify morphometric descriptors predictive of nondiploidy in prostatic adenocarcinoma on prostate needle biopsies using logistic regression (LR) and binary recursive partitioning (BRP) and compare the equivalence of both methods. A total of 180 prostate needle biopsies diagnosed as prostatic adenocarcinoma were selected. Deoxyribonucleic acid ploidy and morphometry were performed separately on Feulgen-stained sections from these biopsies using the CAS-200 system and Nuclear Morphometry Suite, respectively. Seven morphometric predictors were tested as predictor variables, including nuclear area, circularity, elongation, sum optical density (OD), configuration run length, coefficient of variation (CV), and angularity. Logistic regression (LR) identified a two-parameter model including sum OD and circularity that had a 93.9% overall correct prediction rate (area under curve=0.950; 95% CI: 0.913, 0.987). A reduced model including only sum OD was equally good without any significant loss of predictive accuracy (93.3% correct overall classification rate). BRP also selected sum OD as the most predictive parameter; a sum OD cut-off of 7.73 in this model identified 93.3% of the nondiploid cases correctly. Morphometric OD can be used as a surrogate marker of nondiploidy. LR and BRP models are both equivalent in identifying and correctly classifying nondiploid cases of prostate cancer using sum OD as the predictor variable.

Ultrasound verification of bladder damage is associated with known biomarkers of bladder cancer in adults chronically infected with Schistosoma haematobium in Ghana

Long-term infection with urinary schistosomiasis has been associated with development of bladder cancer. However, bladder cancer is difficult to diagnose without invasive measures such as cystoscopy, thus there is little information on the epidemiological extent of the problem. Studies have been either case-control studies or case examinations in different geographical areas, estimating a schistosome-associated bladder cancer incidence of 3-4 cases per 100,000. We have used three indicators to examine the potential bladder cancer problem in an adult rural population in Ghana endemic for urinary schistosomiasis: (i) parasitological positivity; (ii) age prevalence of bladder damage from ultrasound scans; and (iii) detection of biomarkers associated with the presence of bladder cancer. Biomarkers were BLCA-4 test (urine) and nuclear morphometry or quantitative nuclear grading (QNG) of epithelial cells (urine sediment), which quantifies DNA ploidy status and nuclear morphometric descriptors, both of which can detect the presence of bladder cancer. Our data show an increasing association between age, severe bladder abnormalities and the occurrence of these biomarkers. Sixty-two of 73 cytopathology Papanicolaou-stained smears were seen to have squamous metaplasia. Although further investigations are needed, we suggest that schistosome-associated bladder cancer is an important public health concern in areas where Schistosoma haematobium is prevalent.

Characterization of the Italian lake-types and identification of their reference sites using anthropogenic pressure factors

The ultimate aim of the Water Framework Directive (WFD 00/60/EC) is the achievement of good water status for all waters by 2015. The WFD requires water bodies to be differentiated according to types determined using either System A or System B. Both systems are based on morphometric descriptors and the predominant composition of the geological substratum. Then, for each type, reference sites regarding their ecological status must be identified through the analysis of different elements, primarily by evaluating pressures and impacts on water bodies. This paper discusses the characterization of 190 Italian lake-types (selected on the basis of size, i.e. surface area >0,5 km2) using both systems, and a method for determining their potential reference sites by analysing the pressure factors involved. The results show that System A is not suitable for Italian lakes; too high a number of types (36) emerges, and the distribution of the lakes into the various types is not homogeneous, making it difficult to identify reference sites. In contrast, the application of System B, including optional (i.e. conductivity and origin) as well as obligatory factors, makes it possible to group together the types and reduce their number. Thirteen different types, containing between 1 and 44 lakes, were identified using System B . The method developed to identify reference sites is based on the analysis of anthropogenic pressure. It was estimated from the equivalent population density (inhab. km-2) in topographic catchments and calculated using census data from ISTAT (Italian National Statistics Institute) (population, industry, animal husbandry). The equivalent population density, related to total phosphorus concentrations, enabled us to identify 5 potential reference sites, representative of 3 of the 13 types characterized (23%). The method can be regarded as a preliminary approach to identifying reference sites, but must be refined through the addition of other pressure factors and other quality elements. Another approach to identifying reference sites is based on the relation between altitude (indirect index of anthropogenic pressures) and phosphorus concentration: high-altitude lakes (above 1000 m a.s.l.) have high or good quality status and can be regarded as potential reference sites. However, the development of a suitable method for identifying reference sites must consider the receptive capacity of a water body and its specificity; the identification of reference conditions must be specific for each type, and the analysis must be based on both spatial and temporal factors.

Effects of morphometric descriptor changes on statistical classification and morphospaces

Ten morphometric descriptors (five pairs of form and shape parameters) are used to describe the complex morphology of the first lower molar of two morphologically similar species, Microtus arvalis and M. agrestis. These descriptors are derived either from linear measurements or from outline analysis. The effects of these different descriptors on classical analysis as used in biology or palaeobiology are explored. First, the reliability of results in statistical classification is assessed. All of the descriptors discriminate well between the two species. The initial morphometric scheme (linear or outline) does not induce marked differences in statistical classification and the major discrepancies are between standardized and non-standardized versions of descriptors, and between amplitude- and coefficient-based or linear-based descriptors. Subsequently, the similarity of morphospaces based on partial least squares analysis and of intraspecific variance (estimated from the morphospace analysis) are observed. This is done within a morphospace-disparity framework and procedures used here for testing are directed at this research area. Similarities between morphospaces are relatively high. In this case, the initial morphometric scheme is a major factor inducing dissimilarity. However, the patterns of intraspecific dispersion inferred from morphospaces are roughly similar. Major differences in results correspond to the two classes of form or shape descriptors. Similarity of intraspecific variance is obtained when standardized descriptors are used (except for amplitude-based descriptors); conversely, dissimilarity is obtained when non-standardized descriptors are used. In many cases, the results of the various analyses are robust despite changes in descriptor. Moreover, the developmental pathway of vole teeth can frequently explain major dissimilarity or even similarity.

Ability to predict metastasis based on pathology findings and alterations in nuclear structure of normal-appearing and cancer peripheral zone epithelium in the prostate.

Malignant transformation in the prostate produces significant alterations in glandular architecture (Gleason grade) and nuclear structure that provide valuable prognostic information. Normal-appearing nuclei (NN) adjacent to cancer may also have altered functions in response to malignancy. We studied NN adjacent to peripheral zone (PZ) prostate cancer (PCa), as well as the PZ cancer nuclei (CaN) using quantitative image cytometry. The nuclear structure information was combined with routine pathological findings to predict metastatic PCa progression and/or death. Tissue microarrays of normal-appearing and cancer areas were prepared from 182 pathologist-selected paraffin blocks. Feulgen-stained CaN and NN were captured from the tissue microarrays using the AutoCyte Pathology Workstation. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate quantitative nuclear grade (QNG) solutions based on nuclear morphometric descriptors determined from NN and CaN. Multivariate logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier plots were also used to predict risk for distant metastasis and/or PCa-specific death using QNG solutions and routine pathology. The pathology model yielded an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 72.5%. The QNG-NN and QNG-CaN solutions yielded an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 81.6 and 79.9%, respectively, but used different sets of nuclear morphometric descriptors. Kaplan-Meier plots for the pathology variables, the QNG-NN and QNG-CaN solutions, were combined with pathology to defined three statistically significantly distinct risk groups for distant metastasis and/or death (P < 0.0001). Alterations in cancer or normal-appearing nuclei adjacent to peripheral zone cancer areas can predict PCa progression and/or death. The QNG-NN and QNG-CA solutions could be combined with pathology variables to improve the prediction of distant metastasis.