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Quantitative analysis of microglial reaction to a cortical excitotoxic lesion in the early postnatal brain.

This study was designed to quantify the microglial response following an injection of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) into the sensorimotor cortex of 6-day-old rats. After survival times ranging from 10 h to 28 days, cryostat sections were processed for the demonstration of microglial cells by means of tomato lectin histochemistry. The injection of NMDA caused an extensive primary lesion involving the neocortex, the rostral hippocampus, and rostral thalamus. In addition, secondary retrograde/anterograde degeneration was also observed in the ventrobasal (VB) complex of the thalamus. Microglial reactivity was already present at 10 h postlesion and restricted to areas of neuronal degeneration. Quantitative analysis was performed on digitized images using NIH Image software and a Macintosh computer. The method is based on densitometric ratios, referred to as the "reactivity grade," between the ipsilateral lesion side and the contralateral control side. Measurements were made to determine a possible increase in the number of microglial cells as well as an increase in lectin binding. The analysis showed that microglial reactivity in areas of primary degeneration peaked at 3 days postlesion, when it was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in comparison to saline-injected litter mates. Microglial response in the cerebral neocortex, showing the highest reactivity grade, as well as in other areas of primary degeneration, returned to control levels by Day 7. Microglial response in the VB complex also peaked at Day 3 (P < 0.05) but maintained this level of reactivity until 7 days postlesion (P < 0.01).

Animals↗

Automated quantitative analysis of E-cadherin expression in lymph node metastases is predictive of survival in invasive ductal breast cancer.

PURPOSE: The tumor suppressor adhesion molecule E-cadherin is believed to have an anti-invasive role in breast cancer. Lymph node involvement is the best prognostic marker known, yet there is variability in outcome among node-positive patients. We investigated the relationship between E-cadherin expression in primary invasive ductal tumors and corresponding nodal metastases, and determined the prognostic value of E-cadherin expression in node-positive breast cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Membrane E-cadherin expression was studied by immunohistochemical staining of tissue microarrays with fluorescent-labeled antibodies. An objective method of automated quantitative analysis (AQUA) was used. AQUA uses cytokeratin to define pixels as breast cancer (tumor mask) within the array spot, and measures E-cadherin expression using a Cy5-conjugated antibody within the mask. RESULTS: We employed a tissue microarray containing 207 primary and matched nodal metastases suitable for AQUA analysis. There was no significant difference in mean staining intensity between the primary and nodal specimens (P = 0.8). A scattergram was generated which identified a subset of patients (25%) with high E-cadherin expression in nodal metastases, and this top quartile had improved survival (P = 0.028). On univariate analysis, increased E-cadherin expression in nodal metastases was strongly associated with improved survival (P = 0.007), whereas expression in primary tumors was not (P = 0.13). On multivariate analysis, nodal E-cadherin expression retained its independent association with survival, as did tumor size and HER2/neu status. CONCLUSIONS: Strong E-cadherin expression in lymph node metastases was highly predictive of improved survival. This suggests that expression of adhesion molecules at metastatic sites portends less aggressive tumor behavior.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Analysis of p53 protein expression levels on ovarian cancer tissue microarray using automated quantitative analysis elucidates prognostic patient subsets.

BACKGROUND: p53 protein is regarded as a valuable prognostic marker in cancer with a potential use as a molecular target. Here, we sought to determine the prognostic value of p53 in ovarian cancer using a novel method of compartmentalized in situ protein analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A tissue array composed of 141 advanced stage ovarian cancers uniformly treated was constructed. For evaluation of p53 protein expression, we used an immunofluorescence-based method of automated in situ quantitative measurement of protein analysis (AQUA). RESULTS: High nuclear p53 expression levels were associated with better outcome for overall survival (OS) (P = 0.0023) and disease-free survival (P = 0.0338) at 5-years. High cytoplasmic p53 expression levels were associated with better outcome for OS (P = 0.0002). In multivariable analysis, high nuclear and high cytoplasmic p53 level with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage were the most significant predictor variables for OS and high nuclear p53 level with FIGO stage were the significant predictor variables for disease-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of the prognostic value of p53 protein levels using conventional immunohistochemistry is limited by the nonquantitative nature of the method. AQUA provides precise estimation of p53 protein levels and was able to elucidate the association of p53 protein levels and ovarian cancer prognosis.

Adult↗

Quantitative analysis of FMO gene mRNA levels in human tissues.

The developmentally and tissue-specific expression of flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) enzymes has been previously characterized in a number of animal species, including humans, mice, rats, and rabbits. In this study, we used sensitive real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction methodology to systematically quantify the steady-state mRNA levels of FMO1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 in human tissues. We examined the developmental regulation of these enzymes in brain tissue. FMO1 was found to be down-regulated in human adult brain. The amount of other FMO mRNAs in human brains in different age groups was not significantly different. The study also provided a systematic quantitative comparison of the steady-state mRNA levels of FMO1 to 5 in several major human organs (i.e., liver, lung, kidney, small intestine, and brain). The nature of the quantitative analysis allowed a comprehensive comparison of each FMO mRNA in different tissues as well as among FMO isoforms in the same tissue. A comparison between fetal liver and adult liver showed that FMO1 was the only FMO that was down-regulated; all other FMOs had greater amounts of mRNA in adult liver. FMO5 was the most prominent FMO form detected in fetal liver. The FMO5 mRNA level was nearly as abundant as FMO3 in adult liver. Whereas other FMOs displayed a significant, dominant tissue-specific mRNA profile (i.e., FMO1 in kidney, FMO2 in lung, FMO3 and FMO5 in adult liver), FMO4 mRNA was observed more broadly at relatively comparable levels in liver, kidney, lung, and small intestine.

Aging↗

[A qualitative and quantitative analysis on the development of NKA-immunoreaction in duodenum of rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression and change of neurokinin A (NKA) in rat duodenum during development. METHODS: PAP immunocytochemistry method and image analysis were used to detect systematically the expression of NKA in rat duodenum from day 13 of embryo to adult stage. RESULTS: In rat duodenum, the NKA-IR was first found in the myenteric plexus at day 14 of embryo, and then was found in the longitudinal muscle layer, circular muscle layer, intestinal villus, mucosa plexus, intestinal gland, muscularis mucosae, submucosa, submucosal plexus and deep muscular plexus. At day 30 after birth, the distribution feature of adult rat was seen. The results of quantitative analysis were in accord with the developmental change of NKA-IR in duodenum. The NKA-IR positive cells showed the typical feature of morphology and distribution of gastrointestinal endocrine cells. CONCLUSION: The ontogeny and development of NKA in rat duodenum mainly appear at 1 week before birth and at 4 weeks after birth, whereas the density of positive fiber in villus is not the same as adulthood until 60 days after birth. There are two key periods during the development of NKA in rat duodenum. The first crucial stage is from 1 week before birth to 1 week after birth. The second important stage is in the end of the 4th week after birth. The NKA-IR cells may be the endocrine cells that produce NKA in rat digestive tract. NKA may play an important role in the development of rat duodenum, and may be closely related to the functional establishment of duodenum.

Animals↗

Effect of nitroglycerin on coronary collateral function during exercise evaluated by quantitative analysis of thallium-201 single photon emission computed tomography.

A noninfarcted, entirely collateral-dependent myocardial region provides an opportunity to assess the effect of nitroglycerin on coronary collateral function during exercise. Stress thallium-201 computed tomography was performed in seven patients with effort angina and no history of myocardial infarction, both before and after nitroglycerin (0.3 mg). All patients had single-vessel disease with total or subtotal (99% with delay) occlusion of proximal left anterior descending coronary artery and well-developed collaterals. The pressure-rate product, mean blood pressure, and heart rate at peak exercise did not differ before and after nitroglycerin. The size of the perfusion defect and the severity of ischemia during exercise estimated by quantitative analysis of thallium-201 single photon emission computed tomography were significantly less after nitroglycerin administration (extent score: 23 +/- 17 vs 7 +/- 9, p less than 0.01; severity score: 20 +/- 22 vs 3 +/- 4, p less than 0.05). The pressure-rate products at peak exercise did not differ before and after nitroglycerin, which suggested that the reduction in perfusion defect size was unlikely to be the result of decreased myocardial oxygen consumption. These results suggest that nitroglycerin improved coronary collateral function during exercise and thus prevented exercise-induced myocardial ischemia.

Angina Pectoris↗

Quantitative analysis of immunolabeling for serotonin and for glutamate transporters after administration of imipramine and citalopram.

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is an amine neurotransmitter derived from tryptophan and is important in brain systems regulating mood, emotional behavior, and sleep. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs are used to treat disorders such as depression, stress, eating disorders, autism, and schizophrenia. It is thought that these drugs act to prolong the action of 5-HT by blocking reuptake. This may lead to decreased 5-HT content in the nerve fibers themselves; however, this has not previously been directly demonstrated. We have studied the effects of administration of two drugs, imipramine and citalopram, on levels of 5-HT in nerve fibers in the murine brain. Quantitative analysis of the areal density of 5-HT fibers throughout the brain was performed using ImageJ software. While a high density of fibers was observed in mid- and hind-brain regions and areas such as thalamus and hypothalamus, densities were far lower in areas such as cortex, where SSRIs might be thought to exert their actions. As anticipated, imipramine and citalopram produced a decline in 5-HT levels in nerve fibers, but the result was not uniform. Areas such as inferior colliculus showed significant reduction whereas little, if any, change was observed in the adjacent superior colliculus. The reason for, and significance of, this regionality is unclear. It has been proposed that serotonin effects in the brain might be linked to changes in glutamatergic transmission. Extracellular glutamate levels are regulated primarily by glial glutamate transporters. Qualitative evaluation of glutamate transporter immunolabeling in cortex of control and drug-treated mice revealed no discernable difference in intensity of glutamate transporter immunoreactivity. These data suggest that changes in intracellular and extracellular levels of serotonin do not cause concomitant changes in astroglial glutamate transporter expression, and thus cannot represent a mechanism for the delayed efficacy of antidepressants when administered clinically.

Amino Acid Transport System X-AG↗

Regional quantitative analysis of tau-positive neurons in progressive supranuclear palsy: comparison with Alzheimer's disease.

In patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), various tau-positive abnormal structures are found in the cerebral cortex as well as in the subcortical nuclei. Similar tau-positive abnormalities are also identified in cortico-basal degeneration (CBD). It is therefore questionable as to whether PSP can be neuropathologically differentiated from CBD. It also remains nuclear whether neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) in the cerebral cortex of PSP patients consist of PSP-NFT or concomitant Alzheimer's disease (AD)-NFT, although there have been some reports suggesting that PSP- and AD-NFT are different with respect to distribution pattern and biochemical character. In this study, a regional quantitative analysis of the distribution and antigenicity of tau-positive neurons (TPN) was performed in PSP cases and compared with that in AD cases. TPN consisted of NFT with tangle-formation and pretangle neurons (PN) without tangle-formation. In addition, NFT were subdivided into mature and immature NFT according to the difference of staining properties with anti-tau-related antibodies. The comparison of the TPN of the PSP cases with those of the AD cases revealed that the degree of tangle-formation in the TPN of AD was similar in all of the examined regions, while that in the TPN of PSP varied according to the region and case. Moreover, the NFT in the PSP and AD cases had different distributions according to the cortical layer and subnucleus, even in the common predilection sites of PSP and AD, suggesting that NFT in these regions of the PSP cases consist mainly of PSP-NFT. In addition, the PSP cases could be divided into two groups according to the difference of the tangle-formation of TPN; group I with typical PSP pathology and group II with atypical PSP pathology similar to CBD. This suggests that there is a continuity between PSP and CBD with respect to the distribution and antigenicity of TPN.

Aged↗

In situ quantitative analysis of etching process of human teeth by atomic force microscopy.

Etching is one of the most fundamental steps in the restoration of teeth by adhesion of composite resin in dental clinics. Atomic force microscope (AFM) was used for the in situ observation of the etching process of human enamel, dentin and synthetic hydroxyapatite in the three different acid agents, 2% phosphoric acid, 10% citric acid and 10% polyacrylic acid. To measure the absolute depth from the initial level before etching and to correlate the surface height between the changing AFM images obtained, the depth profiles were recorded with etching time by carrying out the line scan consecutively at the representative place of the observed area. These chronological series of depth profiles enabled us to perform quantitative analysis of etched amount in addition to the surface roughness obtained from relative depth profile within one image. The course of etching process from the dissolution of smear layer, appearance of enamel prizms or dentinal tubules to progress of demineralization could clearly be observed. The depth profile, surface roughness, etching amount, etching rate and smear layer thickness could then be evaluated. The different etching characteristics of three acid agents and the effect of surface roughness produced by different mechanical prepolish were compared and discussed.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

Enhanced sensitivity of DNA- and rRNA-based stable isotope probing by fractionation and quantitative analysis of isopycnic centrifugation gradients.

Stable isotope probing (SIP) of nucleic acids allows the detection and identification of active members of natural microbial populations that are involved in the assimilation of an isotopically labelled compound into nucleic acids. SIP is based on the separation of isotopically labelled DNA or rRNA by isopycnic density gradient centrifugation. We have developed a highly sensitive protocol for the detection of 'light' and 'heavy' nucleic acids in fractions of centrifugation gradients. It involves the fluorometric quantification of total DNA or rRNA, and the quantification of either 16S rRNA genes or 16S rRNA in gradient fractions by real-time PCR with domain-specific primers. Using this approach, we found that fully 13C-labelled DNA or rRNA of Methylobacterium extorquens was quantitatively resolved from unlabelled DNA or rRNA of Methanosarcina barkeri by cesium chloride or cesium trifluoroacetate density gradient centrifugation respectively. However, a constant low background of unspecific nucleic acids was detected in all DNA or rRNA gradient fractions, which is important for the interpretation of environmental SIP results. Consequently, quantitative analysis of gradient fractions provides a higher precision and finer resolution for retrieval of isotopically enriched nucleic acids than possible using ethidium bromide or gradient fractionation combined with fingerprinting analyses. This is a prerequisite for the fine-scale tracing of microbial populations metabolizing 13C-labelled compounds in natural ecosystems.

Bacteria↗

A quantitative analysis of renal ammoniagenesis and energy balance: a theoretical approach.

Many theories have been proposed to explain the regulation of renal ammoniagenesis during chronic metabolic acidosis but none of these is entirely satisfactory. Since the activity of each of the enzymes in this pathway greatly exceeds the maximum rate of ammonium production in vivo, even when physiological substrate concentrations are used in this calculation, it follows that ammoniagenesis must be inhibited in the intact animal. We shall present a novel hypothesis for the regulation of the maximum rate of ammoniagenesis which emphasizes the fact that ATP is a product of this pathway and that a limited rate of ATP utilization could control its maximum velocity during chronic metabolic acidosis. To test the validity of our hypothesis, a quantitative analysis of the pathways of ATP production and utilization in the kidney will be reviewed. This approach is similar to one already proposed for the regulation of the maximum rate of ketogenesis in the liver.

Acidosis↗

Vascular endothelial growth pattern of endochondral bone graft in the presence of demineralized intramembranous bone matrix--quantitative analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the timely ingrowth of new blood vessels of composite endochondral (EC) bone and demineralized bone matrix (DBM) prepared from intramembranous (IM) origin (EC-DBM(IM)) and to compare it with EC bone graft alone. DESIGN: Thirty-two rabbits with 32 critical-size (10 x 5 mm), full-thickness bony defects in rabbit parietal bone were divided into two groups: composite EC-DBM(IM) group-implanted with composite autogenous EC bone and DBM(IM); EC bone group-implanted with EC bone alone. Two rabbits from each group were sacrificed-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 14 days after grafting. Neovascularization was assessed by immunohistochemical staining with antihuman angiogenesis-related endothelial cell antibodies (EN 7/44). Quantitative analysis of neovascularization, represented by percentage area of positive immunohistochemical staining, was performed on 320 sections of the experimental groups by a computer-assisted image analyzer. RESULTS: Positive immunohistochemical staining was first identified on day 2 post grafting for the composite EC-DBM(IM) group in comparison with day 4 in the EC bone graft group. The composite EC-DBM(IM) bone graft group showed earlier and almost 100% more neovascularization when compared with the EC bone graft group. CONCLUSION: DBM(IM) enhances healing and integration of EC bone graft by enhancing vascularization as well as increasing the amount of new blood vessels formed. In clinical cases in which EC autogenous bone is used to graft a large defect such as in cleft palate and craniofacial surgery, DBM(IM) should allow better integration and healing of the EC bone graft to the host bone.

Animals↗

Quantitative analysis of AgNOR proteins: a reliable marker of the rapidity of cell duplication and a significant prognostic parameter in tumour pathology.

The rate at which a tumour proliferates represents an important parameter for predicting the clinical outcome of patients with neoplastic diseases. Rapidly growing tumours are expected to have a worse behaviour than slowly proliferating ones, and there is increasing evidence that high growth-rate cancers require aggressive treatment for better control of the disease. Cell kinetics data are, therefore, useful for pathologists and clinical oncologists in order to obtain valuable prognostic information and to define the most appropriate therapeutic strategy in single cases. Over the past 20 years, several methods of cell proliferation assessment have been developed and employed in routine pathology. Among these, the quantitative analysis of AgNOR proteins (namely the argyrophilic proteins of the nucleolar organiser regions) has recently been proposed as a reliable indicator of the rapidity of cell duplication. In the present review, the relationship between AgNOR protein expression and cell proliferation rate is discussed, and the principal applications of the AgNOR protein parameter as a prognostic marker in tumour pathology are reported.

Journal Article↗

Quantitative analysis of triphenylboron in environmental water samples by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) has been applied to the analysis of triphenylboron, which has been produced as a substitute for organotin compounds, in water. Although commercial triphenylboron compounds are produced as pyridinyl complexes, the chemical form in water is supposed to be mainly triphenylboron after liberating pyridine. The triphenylborons were extracted from water with an Empore C18 extraction disk under acidic condition, and the extracts were introduced directly into a liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer equipped with a negative ion electrospray ionization interface. Identification of the compounds was performed with specific ions produced from the triphenylboron, and a quantitative analysis was carried out using the peak areas. The average recoveries from distilled water, seawater and river water at 0.30 ng/ml were 92.3, 100 and 85.3%, respectively. A detection limit of 0.023 ng/ml for triphenylboron was achieved.

Boron Compounds↗

Extraction and quantitative analysis of iodine in solid and solution matrixes.

129I is a contaminant of interest in the vadose zone and groundwater at numerous federal and privately owned facilities. Several techniques have been utilized to extract iodine from solid matrixes; however, all of them rely on two fundamental approaches: liquid extraction or chemical/heat-facilitated volatilization. While these methods are typically chosen for their ease of implementation, they do not totally dissolve the solid. We defined a method that produces complete solid dissolution and conducted laboratory tests to assess its efficacy to extract iodine from solid matrixes. Testing consisted of potassium nitrate/potassium hydroxide fusion of the sample, followed by sample dissolution in a mixture of sulfuric acid and sodium bisulfite. The fusion extraction method resulted in complete sample dissolution of all solid matrixes tested. Quantitative analysis of 127I and 129I via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry showed better than +/-10% accuracy for certified reference standards, with the linear operating range extending more than 3 orders of magnitude (0.005-5 microg/L). Extraction and analysis of four replicates of standard reference material containing 5 microg/g 127I resulted in an average recovery of 98% with a relative deviation of 6%. This simple and cost-effective technique can be applied to solid samples of varying matrixes with little or no adaptation.

Journal Article↗

Quantitative analysis of methyl parathion pesticides in a polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic channel using confocal surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

A fast and ultra-sensitive trace analysis of methyl parathion pesticides in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic channel was investigated using confocal surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). A three-dimensional PDMS-based passive micromixer was fabricated for this purpose. This PDMS micromixer showed a high mixing efficiency because a strong chaotic advection was developed by the simultaneous vertical and transverse dispersion of the confluent streams. The confocal SERS signal was measured after methyl parathion pesticides were effectively adsorbed onto silver nanoparticles while flowing along the upper and lower alligator-teeth-shaped PDMS channel. A quantitative analysis of the methyl parathion pesticides was performed based on the measured peak height at 1246 cm-1. Our method has a detection limit of 0.1 ppm. This value satisfies the requirement recommended by the Collaborative International Pesticides Analytical Council (CIPAC) for the determination of methyl parathion in pesticide formulations. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using confocal SERS for the highly sensitive detection of methyl parathion pesticides in a PDMS microfluidic channel.

Calibration↗

Modulation of phosphofructokinase action by macromolecular interactions. Quantitative analysis of the phosphofructokinase-aldolase-calmodulin system.

The simultaneous effect of calmodulin and aldolase (D-fructose-1,6-bisphosphate D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-lyase, EC 4.1.2.13) on the concentration-dependent behaviour of muscle phosphofructokinase (ATP: D-fructose-6-phosphate 1-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.11) has been analysed by means of a covalently attached fluorescent probe, gel penetration experiments, and using a kinetic approach. We found that calmodulin-induced inactivation of phosphofructokinase is suspended by addition of an equimolar amount of aldolase. This effect was attributed to an apparent competition of calmodulin and aldolase for the dimeric forms of kinase. Moreover, the direct binding of aldolase to calmodulin has also been demonstrated, which resulted in a significant decrease in the kcat value of the enzyme. The quantitative analysis of these interactions in the system phosphofructokinase-calmodulin-aldolase is presented. A possible molecular model for the modulation of phosphofructokinase action by macromolecular interactions is envisaged.

Animals↗

Quantitative analysis of collagens and fibronectin expression in human right ventricular hypertrophy.

One of the main features in human tetralogy of Fallot (TF) is right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) due to pressure (sub-pulmonary stenosis) and volume overload (ventricular septal defect). Currently, primary correction at a young age is the treatment of choice. To unravel the role of extracellular matrix in RVH, we examined myocardial expression of collagens and fibronectin in TF patients with primary correction (TF1, age 0.7 +/- 0.2 yr.), secondary surgery (TF2, age 36.9 +/- 4.6 yr), and in age-matched control patients. Sirius red staining quantified by video imaging showed significantly increased interstitial staining for collagens in both TF1 and TF2 groups as compared to respective controls. Fibronectin was expressed in extracellular spaces, perivascular regions, and in some cardiomyocytes. Quantitative analysis of fibronectin revealed increased expression in only TF1 group as compared to respective control. Our results indicate an increased amount of myocardial extracellular matrix deposition as a sign of fibrosis during RVH in patients with TF.

Adult↗