Computer assisted image analysis

Figure 8.2 Design of protein-embedding barcode is depicted in (a) five thin layers of matrix (the thicker lines) coated with variable concentration of tested protein (thinner lines located above the matrix), (b) A FFPE tissue section of bladder cancer IHC-stained by monoclonal antibody to E-cadherine showing variable intensity of positive staining results which is compared with a protein-embedding bar code as designed in this chapter. Using computer-assisted image analysis with a special software, an automatic quantitative measurement of protein is performed. See color insert.

P.J. Bjorkhokn and T.R. Wang, Contraband detection using x-rays with computer assisted image analysis, in Contraband and Cargo Inspection Technology International Symposium, 28—30 October 1992, Washington, DC, ONDCP and NIJ (1992) 111-115. 

To circumvent the above limitations, the morphometric method can be used (Riischoff et al., 1990). It consists of automatic or semiquantitative measurement of the area occupied by the silver-stained structures within the nuclear profile with computer-assisted image analysis (Trerb et al., 1995). This method is faster, more accurate and reproducible, and shows less interobserver variation. Moreover, in contrast to the counting technique, the morphometric method is predictive of patient survival, independent of the clinical stage of the disease (Ofner et al., 1995a,b). 

Note that although immunohistochemistry is contributing significantly to clinical information, in the absence of quantitation, this method is subjective and prone to intra- and interobserver variations. To assure the reproducibility of histopathological results and then-correct evaluation, at least an assessment of the percentage of positive cells and both the staining pattern and intensity must be made. If available, computer-assisted image analysis... 

The reproducibility of PCNA immunostaining analysis can be improved by computer-assisted image analysis (Sallinen et al, 1994). This approach also improves the reproducibility of quantitation among observers. The effect of tumor heterogeneity is minimized through this protocol because large tissue areas can be analyzed. Moreover, compared with visual assessment, computer-assisted analysis is faster. However, even in the computerized... 

Bacus, S., Flowers, J. L., Press, M. F., Bacus, J. W., and McCarty, K. S. 1988. The evaluation of estrogen receptor in primary breast carcinoma by computer-assisted image analysis. Am. J. Clin. Pathol. 90 233-239. 

Kohlberger, P. D., Breitenecker, F., Kaider, A., Losch, A., Gitsch, G., Breitenecker, G., and Kieback, D. G. 1999. Modified true-color computer-assisted image analysis versus subjective scoring of estrogen receptor expression in breast cancer a comparison. Anticancer Res. 19 2189-2194. 

Newman, K. D., Nguyen, N. and Dichek, D. A. (1991). Quantification of vascular graft seeding by use of computer-assisted image-analysis and genetically modified endothelial-cells. J. Vase. Surg. 14(2), 140-146. 

A number of methods are available. The author routinely used a computer assisted image analysis system. The cells which had migrated were visualized by staining the nuclei with Field s B solution. The reddish blue spots are then digitized and quantified. 

Amdt-Jovin, D.J, Robert-Nicoud, M,Baurschmidt,P., and Jovm, T.M. (1985) Immunofluorescence localization of Z-DNA in chromosomes Quantitation by scanning microphotometry and computer-assisted image analysis. /. Cell BtoL 101, 1422-1433... 

Cavaliere A, BucciareUi E, Sidoni A, Bianchi G, Pietropaoli N, et al. Estrogen and progesterone receptors in breast cancer Comparison between enzyme immunoassay and computer-assisted image analysis of immunocytochemical assay. Cytometry 1996 26 204-08. 

Studies for DNA ploidy, including computer-assisted image analysis of Feulgen stains, and cytogenetics, including fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), have... 

Taatjes, D. J. Wadsworth, M. P Schneider, D. J. Sobel, B. E. Improved quantitative characterization of atherosclerotic plaque composition with immunohistochemistry, confocal fluorescence microscopy, and computer-assisted image analysis. Histochem. Cell Biol. 2000,113,161-173. 

The issue of ICC quantification is a complex one and has been widely addressed in the recent past. Useful information can be found in [93-102]. In brief, major benefits have been obtained from the development of dedicated software that, broadly speaking, allow a more reliable, unbiased, and rapid analysis than in the past. In several instances, the use of proper sampling approaches and stereology has also significantly improved the possibility of reliably quantifying ICC reactions at both LM and EM levels. Computer-assisted image analysis has been in use since the 1980s and has proved superior to the semiquantitative method, especially in terms of accuracy. These methods undoubtedly represent the... 

---