Standard Morphological Parameters Research Articles

Subacute toxicity and endocrine-disrupting effects of Fe2O3, ZnO, and CeO2 nanoparticles on amphibian metamorphosis.

This study evaluated the potential toxic and endocrine-disrupting effects of sublethal concentrations of Fe2O3, CeO2 and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) on amphibian metamorphosis. Tadpoles were exposed to several NPs concentrations, reaching a maximum of 1000µg/L, for up to 21days according to the amphibian metamorphosis assay (AMA). Some standard morphological parameters, such as developmental stage (DS), hind limb length (HLL), snout-to-vent length (SVL), wet body weight (WBW), and as well as post-exposure lethality were recorded in exposed organisms on days 7 and 21 of the bioassay. Furthermore, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the activities of glutathione S-transferases (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT), carboxylesterase (CaE), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were determined in exposed tadpoles as biomarkers. The results indicate that short-term exposure to Fe2O3 NPs leads to toxic effects, both exposure periods cause toxic effects and growth inhibition for ZnO NPs, while short-term exposure to CeO2 NPs results in toxic effects and long-term exposure causes endocrine-disrupting effects. The responses observed after exposure to the tested NPs during amphibian metamorphosis suggest that they may have ecotoxicological effects and their effects should be monitored through field studies.

Morphological and immunohistochemical analysis of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, M2 macrophages, BCL 6 and SOX10 in the tumor microenvironment of nodular cutaneous melanoma

Introduction. Cutaneous melanoma is one of the most aggressive malignant tumors, and its nodular form with vertical growth is characterized by unfavorable prognosis. However, in the recent years due to advances in basic oncology, a breakthrough in drug therapy of this pathology was made. To a great extent, it is linked to implementation of new therapy with checkpoint inhibitors. The best and longest response rates of cutaneous melanoma to this treatment were achieved compared to other oncological diseases. This fact can be explained by immunogenicity of cutaneous melanoma, high mutational load, as well as features of its tumor microenvironment, where in most cases high infiltration by immunocompetent cell is observed. However, immune cells vary by their composition and functions. Some of them can even promote tumor growth. Therefore, study of cell composition, degree and distribution of immune infiltration in the tumor can help identify potential factors of favorable and unfavorable prognosis for cutaneous melanoma which is important in clinical practice.Aim. To determine the frequency of CD3+-, CD4+-, CD8+-T-lymphocytes, CD163, BCL6 and SOX10 expression in patients with primary nodular cutaneous melanoma, as well as correlation of these markers with each other and standard morphological parameters for this non-epithelial malignant tumor.Materials and methods. In the study, the expression frequency of CD3+-, CD4+-, CD8+-T-lymphocytes, CD163, BCL6 and SOX10 in the postoperative material of 20 patients with true primary nodular cutaneous melanoma was measured using immunohistological analysis. The correlation of these markers with each other and standard morphological parameters was determined.Results. In most cases of nodular cutaneous melanoma, moderate and marked lymphocytic (immune) infiltration (grade II–III) was observed with no correlation with Breslow tumor thickness. Study of the ratio between CD4-positive T helpers and CD8-positive cytotoxic T lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment showed that the number of the latter increased the higher was the degree of immune infiltrate. Markedness of macrophage infiltration directly correlated with markedness of lymphocytic infiltration. BCL6 expression in lymphocytes was observed in all cases of infiltration.Conclusion. Immune infiltrate in nodular cutaneous melanoma is a multicomponent, dynamic microenvironment containing both antitumor and tumor-promoting components with balance shifting to one or other side. Their qualitative, quantitative and, possibly, topographic ratios in the primary lesion of cutaneous melanoma affect the effectiveness of drugs and disease prognosis. Knowledge on the predominance of components negatively affecting tumor growth in the primary lesion can help an oncologist in selection of correct treatment tactics and disease observation.

Identifying Galaxy Mergers in Simulated CEERS NIRCam Images Using Random Forests

Identifying merging galaxies is an important—but difficult—step in galaxy evolution studies. We present random forest (RF) classifications of galaxy mergers from simulated JWST images based on various standard morphological parameters. We describe (a) constructing the simulated images from IllustrisTNG and the Santa Cruz SAM and modifying them to mimic future CEERS observations and nearly noiseless observations, (b) measuring morphological parameters from these images, and (c) constructing and training the RFs using the merger history information for the simulated galaxies available from IllustrisTNG. The RFs correctly classify ∼60% of non-merging and merging galaxies across 0.5 < z < 4.0. Rest-frame asymmetry parameters appear more important for lower-redshift merger classifications, while rest-frame bulge and clump parameters appear more important for higher-redshift classifications. Adjusting the classification probability threshold does not improve the performance of the forests. Finally, the shape and slope of the resulting merger fraction and merger rate derived from the RF classifications match with theoretical Illustris predictions but are underestimated by a factor of ∼0.5.

The Lyman Alpha Reference Sample

Context. The Lyman α Reference Sample (LARS) of 14 star-forming galaxies offers a wealth of insight into the workings of these local analogs to high-redshift star-forming galaxies. The sample has been well-studied in terms of Lyα and other emission line properties, such as H I mass, gas kinematics, and morphology. Aims. We analyze deep surface photometry of the LARS sample in UBIK broadband imaging obtained at the Nordic Optical Telescope and the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, and juxtaposition their derived properties with a sample of local high-redshift galaxy analogs, namely, with blue compact galaxies (BCGs). Methods. We construct radial surface brightness and color profiles with both elliptical and isophotal integration, as well as RGB images, deep contours, color maps, a burst fraction estimate, and a radial mass-to-light ratio profile for each LARS galaxy. Standard morphological parameters like asymmetry, clumpiness, the Gini and M20 coefficients are also obtained and analyzed, as well as isophotal asymmetry profiles for each galaxy. In this context, we compare the LARS sample to the properties of the BCG sample and highlight the differences. Results. Several of these diagnostics indicate that the LARS galaxies have highly disturbed morphologies even at the level of the faintest outer isophotes, with no hint at a regular underlying population, as found in many BCG sample galaxies. The ground-based photometry reaches isophotes down to ~28 mag arcsec−2, while the space-based data reach only ~26 mag arcsec−2. The ground-based observations therefore reveal previously unexplored isophotes of the LARS galaxies. The burst fraction estimate suggests a spatially more extended burst region in LARS than in the BCGs. Comparison to stellar evolutionary models in color–color diagrams reveals complex behavior of the radial color profiles, often inconsistent with a single stellar population of any age and metallicity, but instead suggesting a mixture of at least two stellar populations with a typical young mass fraction in the range 0.1–1%. Conclusions. The galaxies in the LARS sample appear to be in earlier stages of a merger event compared to the BCGs. Standard morphological diagnostics like asymmetry, clumpiness, Gini and M20 coefficients cannot separate the two samples, although an isophotal asymmetry profile successfully captures the average difference in morphology. These morphological diagnostics do not show any correlation with the equivalent width or the escape fraction of Lyman Alpha.

Description of 3D Microstructure of the Composites with Polypropylene (PP) Matrix and Tuf Particles Fillers

The main goal of the study was working out the method of qualitative and quantitative analysis of the microstructure on 3D images of the polypropylene composites with Tuf (type of rock consisting volcanic ash) particles. Three types of composite were analyzed: with 10, 15 and 25% of Tuf. The standard morphological parameters were indicated that describes size, shape, and distribution of Tuf particles in the matrix. The morphological characterization of examined microstructure was compared with mechanical properties. The optimal from the point of mechanical properties composition of this composite were proposed.

Compromised trabecular microarchitecture and lower finite element estimates of radius and tibia bone strength in adults with turner syndrome: A cross-sectional study using high-resolution–pQCT

Although bone mass appear ample for bone size in Turner syndrome (TS), epidemiological studies have reported an increased risk of fracture in TS. We used high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) to measure standard morphological parameters of bone geometry and microarchitecture, as well as estimated bone strength by finite element analysis (FEA) to assess bone characteristics beyond bone mineral density (BMD) that possibly contribute to the increased risk of fracture. Thirty-two TS patients (median age 35, range 20-61 years) and 32 healthy control subjects (median age 36, range 19-58 years) matched with the TS participants with respect to age and body-mass index were studied. A full region of interest (ROI) image analysis and a height-matched ROI analysis adjusting for differences in body height between groups were performed. Mean bone cross-sectional area was lower in TS patients in radius (-15%) and tibia (-13%) (both p < 0.01) whereas cortical thickness was higher in TS patients in radius (18%, p < 0.01) but not in tibia compared to controls. Cortical porosity was lower in TS patients at both sites (-32% in radius, -36% in tibia, both p < 0.0001). Trabecular integrity was compromised in TS patients with lower bone volume per tissue volume (BV/TV) (-27% in radius, -22% in tibia, both p < 0.0001), trabecular number (-27% in radius, -12% in tibia, both p < 0.05), and higher trabecular spacing (54% in radius, 23% in tibia, both p < 0.01). In the height-matched ROI analysis, differences remained significant apart from total area at both sites, cortical thickness in radius, and trabecular number in tibia. FEA estimated failure load was lower in TS patients in both radius (-11%) and tibia (-16%) (both p < 0.01) and remained significantly lower in the height-matched ROI analysis. Conclusively, TS patients had compromised trabecular microarchitecture and lower bone strength at both skeletal sites, which may partly account for the increased risk of fracture observed in these patients.

Distribution and morphology of nitrergic neurons across functional domains of the rat primary somatosensory cortex

The rat primary somatosensory cortex (S1) is remarkable for its conspicuous vertical compartmentalization in barrels and septal columns, which are additionally stratified in horizontal layers. Whereas excitatory neurons from each of these compartments perform different types of processing, the role of interneurons is much less clear. Among the numerous types of GABAergic interneurons, those producing nitric oxide (NO) are especially puzzling, since this gaseous messenger can modulate neural activity, synaptic plasticity, and neurovascular coupling. We used a quantitative morphological approach to investigate whether nitrergic interneurons, which might therefore be considered both as NO volume diffusers and as elements of local circuitry, display features that could relate to barrel cortex architecture. In fixed brain sections, nitrergic interneurons can be revealed by histochemical processing for NADPH-diaphorase (NADPHd). Here, the dendritic arbors of nitrergic neurons from different compartments of area S1 were 3D reconstructed from serial 200 μm thick sections, using 100x objective and the Neurolucida system. Standard morphological parameters were extracted for all individual arbors and compared across columns and layers. Wedge analysis was used to compute dendritic orientation indices. Supragranular (SG) layers displayed the highest density of nitrergic neurons, whereas layer IV contained nitrergic neurons with largest soma area. The highest nitrergic neuronal density was found in septa, where dendrites were previously characterized as more extense and ramified than in barrels. Dendritic arbors were not confined to the boundaries of the column nor layer of their respective soma, being mostly double-tufted and vertically oriented, except in SG layers. These data strongly suggest that nitrergic interneurons adapt their morphology to the dynamics of processing performed by cortical compartments.

Cortical porosity is higher in boys compared with girls at the distal radius and distal tibia during pubertal growth: An HR-pQCT study

The aim of this study was to determine the sex- and maturity-related differences in bone microstructure and estimated bone strength at the distal radius and distal tibia in children and adolescents. We used high-resolution pQCT to measure standard morphological parameters in addition to cortical porosity (Ct.Po) and estimated bone strength by finite element analysis. Participants ranged in age from 9 to 22 years (n = 212 girls and n = 186 boys) who were scanned annually for either one (11%) or two (89%) years at the radius and for one (15%), two (39%), or three (46%) years at the tibia. Participants were grouped by the method of Tanner into prepubertal, early pubertal, peripubertal, and postpubertal groups. At the radius, peri- and postpubertal girls had higher cortical density (Ct.BMD; 9.4% and 7.4%, respectively) and lower Ct.Po (-118% and -56%, respectively) compared with peri- and postpubertal boys (all p < 0.001). Peri- and postpubertal boys had higher trabecular bone volume ratios (p < 0.001) and larger cortical cross-sectional areas (p < 0.05, p < 0.001) when compared with girls. Based upon the load-to-strength ratio (failure load/estimated fall force), boys had lower risk of fracture than girls at every stage except during early puberty. Trends at the tibia were similar to the radius with differences between boys and girls in Ct.Po (p < 0.01) and failure load (p < 0.01) at early puberty. Across pubertal groups, within sex, the most mature girls and boys had higher Ct.BMD and lower Ct.Po than their less mature peers (prepuberty) at both the radius and tibia. Girls in early, peri-, and postpubertal groups and boys in peri- and postpubertal groups had higher estimates of bone strength compared with their same-sex prepubertal peers (p < 0.001). These results provide insight into the sex- and maturity-related differences in bone microstructure and estimated bone strength.

Lung morphometry with hyperpolarized 129Xe: Theoretical background

The (3) He lung morphometry technique, based on MRI measurements of hyperpolarized (3) He gas diffusion in lung airspaces, provides unique information on the lung microstructure at the alveolar level. In vivo 3D tomographic images of standard morphological parameters (airspace chord length, lung parenchyma surface-to-volume ratio, and number of alveoli per unit volume) can be generated from a rather short (several seconds) MRI scan. The technique is based on a theory of gas diffusion in lung acinar airways and experimental measurements of diffusion-attenuated MRI signal. The present work aims at developing the theoretical background of a similar technique based on hyperpolarized (129) Xe gas. As the diffusion coefficient and gyromagnetic ratio of (129) Xe gas are substantially different from those of (3) He gas, the specific details of the theory and experimental measurements with (129) Xe should be amended. We establish phenomenological relationships between acinar airway geometrical parameters and the diffusion-attenuated MR signal for human and small animal lungs, both normal lungs and lungs with mild emphysema. Optimal diffusion times are shown to be about 5 ms for human and 1.3 ms for small animals. The expected uncertainties in measuring main morphometrical parameters of the lungs are estimated in the framework of Bayesian probability theory.

3He lung morphometry technique: Accuracy analysis and pulse sequence optimization

The 3He lung morphometry technique (Yablonskiy et al., JAP, 2009), based on MRI measurements of hyperpolarized gas diffusion in lung airspaces, provides unique information on the lung microstructure at the alveolar level. 3D tomographic images of standard morphological parameters (mean airspace chord length, lung parenchyma surface-to-volume ratio, and the number of alveoli per unit lung volume) can be created from a rather short (several seconds) MRI scan. These parameters are most commonly used to characterize lung morphometry but were not previously available from in vivo studies. A background of the 3He lung morphometry technique is based on a previously proposed model of lung acinar airways, treated as cylindrical passages of external radius R covered by alveolar sleeves of depth h, and on a theory of gas diffusion in these airways. The initial works approximated the acinar airways as very long cylinders, all with the same R and h. The present work aims at analyzing effects of realistic acinar airway structures, incorporating airway branching, physiological airway lengths, a physiological ratio of airway ducts and sacs, and distributions of R and h. By means of Monte-Carlo computer simulations, we demonstrate that our technique allows rather accurate measurements of geometrical and morphological parameters of acinar airways. In particular, the accuracy of determining one of the most important physiological parameter of lung parenchyma – surface-to-volume ratio – does not exceed several percent. Second, we analyze the effect of the susceptibility induced inhomogeneous magnetic field on the parameter estimate and demonstrate that this effect is rather negligible at B 0 ⩽ 3T and becomes substantial only at higher B 0 Third, we theoretically derive an optimal choice of MR pulse sequence parameters, which should be used to acquire a series of diffusion-attenuated MR signals, allowing a substantial decrease in the acquisition time and improvement in accuracy of the results. It is demonstrated that the optimal choice represents three not equidistant b-values: b 1 = 0, b 2 ∼ 2 s/cm 2, b 3 ∼ 8 s/cm 2.

Complete Volumetric Decomposition of Individual Trabecular Plates and Rods and Its Morphological Correlations With Anisotropic Elastic Moduli in Human Trabecular Bone

Trabecular plates and rods are important microarchitectural features in determining mechanical properties of trabecular bone. A complete volumetric decomposition of individual trabecular plates and rods was used to assess the orientation and morphology of 71 human trabecular bone samples. The ITS-based morphological analyses better characterize microarchitecture and help predict anisotropic mechanical properties of trabecular bone. Standard morphological analyses of trabecular architecture lack explicit segmentations of individual trabecular plates and rods. In this study, a complete volumetric decomposition technique was developed to segment trabecular bone microstructure into individual plates and rods. Contributions of trabecular type-associated morphological parameters to the anisotropic elastic moduli of trabecular bone were studied. Seventy-one human trabecular bone samples from the femoral neck (FN), tibia, and vertebral body (VB) were imaged using muCT or serial milling. Complete volumetric decomposition was applied to segment trabecular bone microstructure into individual plates and rods. The orientation of each individual trabecula was determined, and the axial bone volume fractions (aBV/TV), axially aligned bone volume fraction along each orthotropic axis, were correlated with the elastic moduli. The microstructural type-associated morphological parameters were derived and compared with standard morphological parameters. Their contributions to the anisotropic elastic moduli, calculated by finite element analysis (FEA), were evaluated and compared. The distribution of trabecular orientation suggested that longitudinal plates and transverse rods dominate at all three anatomic sites. aBV/TV along each axis, in general, showed a better correlation with the axial elastic modulus (r(2) = 0.95 approximately 0.99) compared with BV/TV (r(2) = 0.93 approximately 0.94). The plate-associated morphological parameters generally showed higher correlations with the corresponding standard morphological parameters than the rod-associated parameters. Multiple linear regression models of six elastic moduli with individual trabeculae segmentation (ITS)-based morphological parameters (adjusted r(2) = 0.95 approximately 0.98) performed equally well as those with standard morphological parameters (adjusted r(2) = 0.94 approximately 0.97) but revealed specific contributions from individual trabecular plates or rods. The ITS-based morphological analyses provide a better characterization of the morphology and trabecular orientation of trabecular bone. The axial loading of trabecular bone is mainly sustained by the axially aligned trabecular bone volume. Results suggest that trabecular plates dominate the overall elastic properties of trabecular bone.

Comparison of three staining methods for the morphological evaluation of human spermatozoa

To compare different staining methods to evaluate human sperm morphology. Prospective study. Patients at the Departments of Dermatology and Urology, University of Jena, Germany. A total of 94 randomly collected patients attending the andrological outpatient clinics of the Departments of Dermatology and Urology, University of Jena, Germany. None. Statistical comparison of resultant standard morphological parameters (mean percentages) after staining according to Papanicolaou and Shorr methods and with Testsimplets prestained slides. All morphological parameters investigated (percent normal morphology, percent head, midpiece, and flagellar abnormalities) correlated statistically significantly positively, however with markedly lower correlation coefficients for the Testsimplets results. As compared with the mean Papanicolaou (4.78% +/- 2.54%) and Shorr staining (4.75% +/- 2.64%) results, a statistically significantly lower percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa was determined after using the Testsimplets slides (3.89% +/- 2.53%). In general, the mean values of all parameters differed for all comparisons with the Testsimplets slides and especially for the percentage of flagellar defects but not between the Papanicolaou and the Shorr staining results. The results show an extensive agreement between the Papanicolaou- and Shorr-stained smears, whereas Testsimplets staining exhibited statistically significant deviations. Because the correct evaluation of sperm morphology is of essence within the scope of assisted reproduction and in andrological diagnostics, the use of rapid staining methods cannot be recommended.