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Biomedical subjects

J Gil

Publications and source records attributed to J Gil.

At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources

Septal thickness in human lungs assessed by computerized interactive morphometry.

We have studied the feasibility of using interactive computerized morphometric methods for the quantitation of septal thickness in the lung with the goal of introducing objective criteria for the diagnosis and grading of pulmonary fibrosis and edema. After reviewing available methods, we have decided in favor of linear intercept measurements of septal profiles which are limited to the tissue and therefore not affected by the level of lung inflation. Our method consisted in generating a graphic overlay of parallel lines over a real time video display of lung tissue. We had the options of measuring either uniformly oriented (random) or orthogonal intercepts. Randomly oriented intercepts (i.e., those with incidence angles ranging between 0 and 90 degrees) resulted in poor statistics because of excessive scattering of primary data; we resolved this difficulty by limiting the incident angle to the range of +/- 45 degrees from the normal to the septum at the point of sampling. This results in marked increase in consistency and reproducibility of the results with fewer measurements. Alternatively, we used intercepts measured over a line generated perpendicularly to the septal axis which approaches orthogonal thickness measurements. We found that both approaches yield acceptable results after as little as 50 measurements.

Computer Simulation↗

Levels of glycerate 2,3-P2, 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate synthase and 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate phosphatase activities in rat tissues. A method to quantify blood contamination of tissue extracts.

The levels of glycerate 2,3-P2 and of 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate synthase and 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate phosphatase activities have been determined in isolated rat hepatocytes and adipocytes and in perfused rat tissues to discard blood contamination. The values obtained are much lower than those previously reported, ranging 0.50-40 nmol/g tissue. No relationship appears to exist between glycerate 2,3-P2 concentration and the levels of the enzymatic activities involved in glycerate 2,3-P2 metabolism. Assay of glycerate 2,3-P2 in tissue extracts constitute a very useful way to quantify blood contamination.

2,3-Diphosphoglycerate↗

Computerized interactive morphometry in pathology: current instrumentation and methods.

This review is concerned with the current applications of interactive computerized morphometry for diagnostic applications. "Interactive" differs from fully automatic procedures in that the essential function of cell recognition is performed by a trained observer, assisted by a computerized instrument that performs all desirable measurement and processing tasks. This article describes the instrumental needs (video systems, computer, and specialized hardware) and interactive peripherals, in particular, high-resolution touch screens for most common and currently useful video analysis tasks. The authors describe a number of general instrumental procedures with widespread applications (point counting, tracing of contours, graphic standards of size and length, shape analysis, automatic edge detection). Diagnostic procedures are based on the generation of multiple data followed by either multivariate statistical analysis that allows diagnosis of individual cases or hierarchical algorithms. The best current application is the objective study of controversial or difficult cases; there is a possibility that in the future interactive computerized morphometry may become useful for the mass screening of cytologic specimens.

Analog-Digital Conversion↗

On the pathogenesis of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis.

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis is a common leukodermic dermatosis of obscure origin, consisting of small 2- to 5-mm achromic or hypopigmented macules, mainly affecting the exposed upper and lower extremities. In a group of 400 consecutive dermatologic patients, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis was much more prevalent in women than in men. However, in both sexes this prevalence became more common with advancing age. In another group of fifteen patients with idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis and fifteen normal controls matched by age, sex, and skin type, the following was found: A cause-effect relationship between chronic actinic exposure and the development of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis could not be established by statistical studies. A family aggregation survey disclosed a higher prevalence of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis in the family of patients with idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis than in the control group. Epithelial atrophy, patchy absence of melanocytes and melanin, flattening of the rete pegs, and basket weave hyperkeratosis were the most prominent histologic findings of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis. Minigrafts of normal skin implanted in idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis lesions did not modify the achromic defects, whereas intralesional triamcinolone with or without grafts improved the appearance of these lesions.

Adult↗

Computerized classification of nuclear profiles in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

The authors present experimental technics for the diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, based on instrumental classification of nuclear profiles using a video-based system for computerized interactive morphometry (CIM). In their system, the real time video image of a specimen is superimposed to a graphics overlay generated by a computer, consisting of a test area with four visual markers for random sampling of cells and a menu with several options to send direct commands to the system. Using a touch-sensitive screen mounted on a video monitor as an interactive peripheral, a trained observer traces 100 randomly selected lymphoid cells, counts mitoses in 25 microscopic fields, and categorizes the lesion as diffuse or nodular. Each cell is instrumentally classified into either small cell noncleaved, small cell cleaved, or large, based on the length of their nuclear profiles, their enclosed nuclear area, and a circularity factor. Thereafter the computer provides a "diagnosis," based on hierarchic analysis of the data. The morphometric data are also interpreted by alternate statistical methods of discriminatory classificatory analysis that provide a diagnosis and a probability statement derived from matching unknown cases with a data base. Forty-two lymphoid lesions have been categorized with the CIM system. Studies of interobserver and intraobserver variations in data collection are discussed. The potential advantages of CIM for the objective classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are discussed.

Cell Nucleus↗

[Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia. Apropos of a case of peculiar development: importance of its correct diagnosis and treatment].

We present the case of a patient thirty seven years old who has angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia, diagnosis confirmed by histopathological examination, localized in ear's pavilion, ear's outer duct and beyond the ear. She has received intralesional injections of corticoid (because of a possible misdiagnosis). This provoked the appearance of a pyogenous process with a profuse, purulent and fetid secretion (Staphylococcus aureus) resistant to many antibiotics which was finally controlled with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. We controlled the disease with radiotherapy applications and afterwards partial cryosurgery.

Adult↗

Effects of diabetes on fructose 2, 6-P2, glucose 1, 6-P2 and 6-phosphofructo 2-kinase in rat liver.

The levels of fructose 2,6-P2 and 6-phosphofructo 2-kinase have been found to be decreased in the liver of both ketotic and non-ketotic diabetic rats, a good correlation between fall of hepatic fructose 2,6-P2, ketonemia and glycemia being observed. The "total" 6-phosphofructo 2-kinase activity and the "active" (non-phosphorylated) from of the enzyme were decreased to a different extent, resulting in a fall of the "active"/"total" activity ratio. Hepatic levels of glucose 1,6-P2 were lowered only in ketotic diabetes. Insulin treatment normalized all the values studied. Insulin administration to control rats decreased the hepatic levels of fructose 2,6-P2 and did not affect glucose 1,6-P2 levels. It also decreased the "active" form of 6-phosphofructo 2-kinase, without significantly altering the "total" activity.

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid↗

Computerized interactive morphometry as a potentially useful tool for the classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

The use of a simple form of Computerized Interactive Morphometry (CIM) is proposed as a tool to achieve a reproducible classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. This system combines a random sampling method for cells with simple size measurements and additional subjective criteria such as a shape, mitotic counts, and follicular or diffuse features. In this system, which utilizes a high resolution touch screen as interactive peripheral, the video image of the specimen is superimposed to a computer generated reference system which consists of a test area and four fixed points for random sampling of cells and a series of concentric circles to serve as internal standard for nuclear size; the computer tabulates and facilitates data processing. Forty-four lymphoid lesions have been characterized with the CIM system and specific criteria for diagnoses according to the Working Formulation of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas for clinical usage are derived. Studies of inter- and intraobserver variations in data collection are discussed, and a diagnostic algorithm that categorizes non-Hodgkin's lymphomas according to the relative proportions of various lymphoid cells and densities of mitotic counts is proposed. The potential applications of touch screen-based CIM for the study of malignant lymphomas and its practical technical advantages over other quantitative systems based on either gray-level analysis or tracings of cell contours on photographs or digitizer pads are emphasized.

Computers↗

Applications of computerized interactive morphometry in pathology. II. A model for computer generated diagnosis.

We present a model for the analysis and tentative diagnosis of pathologic problems by a trained observer utilizing data generated by a video based computerized interactive morphometry system in conjunction with multivariate methods of discriminant classificatory analysis that separate classes based on unweighted numerical values and with adhoc algorithms based on hierarchical analysis. The model was tested with two diagnostic problems that could benefit from a morphometric approach: the classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas from routine histologic slides and the distinction of malignant mesotheliomas from benign effusions in smears prepared from pleural effusions. The touch-sensitive screen of the computerized interactive morphometry system enables trained observers to measure the real time image of profiles of interest either by using graphic standards or simply by touching the two extreme points of the diameter of interest. This procedure generates multiple data in the form of classes that can be effectively used toward the more objective discrimination of lesions of difficult classification by analysis with a combination of adhoc diagnostic algorithms and multivariate statistical methods.

Computers↗

Applications of computerized interactive morphometry in pathology: I. Tracings and generation of graphic standards.

We have studied the use in anatomic pathology of a computerized interactive morphometry system and conditions for reliability and proper interpretation of data obtained by tracings. Because of the ease of operation and direct visualization of the tracings, we prefer touch-sensitive screens to digitizing tablets as optimal interactive peripherals. Because touch screens have fewer sampling points (256 X 256) than tracing tablets, we studied the relationship between point density and accuracy of length and area measurements by tracing models of known dimensions on the touch screen by experimenting with different step sizes ranging from every second to every sixth valid sampling point; we obtained excellent results with step size 6 followed by two-fold smoothing by two-dimensional filtering. We conclude that because of staircase formation, a high point density may be more of a liability than an asset and that the touch screen is satisfactory. By tracing closed figures of variable shapes but known areas we observed that area measurements may be unreliable with certain irregular shapes and we discuss how perimeter to area ratios can be used to compute surface to volume ratios. Finally, the generation of simple calibrated graphic standards over routine pathologic slides makes the system useful for fast diagnostic applications.

Computers↗

Digital image tiles: a method for the processing of large sections.

Segmentation of large areas of light microscopic slides into N by N fields, and each of these fields into M digital image tiles, allows the scanning, storage and digital processing of large images. Any of the original N2 fields or composites of M adjacent tiles can be recalled to the video display for analysis. Developed procedures for use on a microscope equipped with a precision scanning stage allow registration of the image coordinates (X-Y) for any original or composite field and the alignment of one of these fields along the depth (Z) axis by means of external, machined fiducial marks in serial sections. To facilitate work whenever unavoidable, we have incorporated methods for digital image panning and zooming (changes of magnification) and discuss their use and implications.

Animals↗

Histological preservation and ultrastructure of alveolar surfactant.

We have discussed the three-dimensional structure of lamellar bodies as visible intracellular storage sites of surfactant. Among the intraalveolar structures, tubular myelin, a liquid crystal, represents a large aggregate of surfactant lipids and proteins of still-unclear significance. Elaborate fixation methods permit visualization in situ of localized pools of fluid that sometimes extend laterally, covering small areas of the alveolar surface.

Animals↗

Computerized interactive morphometry. A study of malignant mesothelioma and mesothelial hyperplasia in pleural biopsy specimens.

A morphometric study of 11 pleural malignant mesotheliomas and 11 pleural reactive mesothelial proliferations is reported. Pleural biopsy specimens of these lesions were studied with a new system of video-based computerized interactive morphometry that allows the comparison of real-time images of nuclear profiles with computer-generated graphic standards for the purpose of estimating their diameters. Malignant mesotheliomas had nuclear profile diameters (NPDs) ranging from 4 to 14 micron and a mean NPD of 9.6 +/- 0.5 micron. Reactive mesothelial proliferations had NPDs ranging from 4 to 12 micron, but exhibited a significantly smaller mean NPD of 6.4 +/- 0.2 micron. The potential technical advantages of computerized interactive morphometry over other morphometric methods are discussed.

Biopsy↗

Inhibition of Lewis lung carcinoma in mice by local microwave hyperthermia combined with immunomodulating Propionibacterium granulosum KP-45.

C-57 BL/6 mice with Lewis lung carcinoma were treated 2 weeks after tumor implantation with local microwave hyperthermia (2450 MHz, tumor temperature 43.5 degrees C, 30 min) and/or intratumoral or intraperitoneal injection of 1 mg cell walls of Propionibacterium granulosum KP-45. Tumor growth, survival time of the animals, and the delayed skin hypersensitivity to oxazolone were followed up, as well as the 3H-thymidine uptake of tumorous tissues and the number of lung metastases. The combined treatment of microwave hyperthermia with immunomodulating P. granulosum KP-45 resulted in significantly stronger inhibition of tumor growth than with each of these methods alone. The number of lung metastases could be significantly lowered, and the skin reactivity to oxazolone remained enhanced during the whole observation period (over 70 days after tumor implantation). The implications of the test observation are discussed.

Animals↗