Image Analysis-Based Approaches for Scoring Mouse Models of Colitis.

Mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease are critical for basic and translational research that is advancing the understanding and treatment of this disease. Assessment of these mouse models frequently relies on histologic endpoints. In recent years, whole slide imaging and digital pathology-based image analysis platforms have become increasingly available for implementation into the pathology workflow. These automated image analysis approaches allow for nonbiased quantitative assessment of histologic endpoints. In this study, the authors sought to develop an image analysis workflow using a commercially available image analysis platform that requires minimal training in image analysis or programming, and this workflow was used to score 2 mouse models of colitis that are primarily characterized by immune cell infiltrates in the lamina propria. Although the software was unable to accurately and consistently segment hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections, automated quantification of CD3 immunolabeling resulted in strong correlations with the pathologist's score in all studies and allowed for the identification of 8 of the 9 differences among treatment groups that were identified by the pathologist. These results demonstrate not only the ability to incorporate solutions based on image analysis into the pathologist's workflow but also the importance of immunohistochemical or histochemical surrogates for the incorporation of image analysis in histologic assessments.

Robotics and tele-manipulation: update and perspectives in urology.

Robotic surgery in urology has become a reality in the year 2007 with several thousand robotic prostatectomies having been performed already worldwide. Compared to conventional laparoscopy, the process of learning the robotic technique is short and the operative results are comparable to those of conventional laparoscopy or even open surgery. However, there are still some disadvantages with the robotic systems, mainly technical (tactile feedback) and financial (investment and running costs). Alternative and more inexpensive technologies must be considered in order to overcome the difficulties of conventional laparoscopy (instrument handling, degrees of freedom, 3-D vision), while also integrating advantages of the robotic systems.

Two-chain subunit structure of HLA-D antigens.

Both F(ab')2 fragments and intact antibody from rabbit anti-B-cell antisera were shown to specifically block the mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) reaction. The antisera, which were raised to papain-solubilized spleen cell membrane antigens, appeared to block the stimulator cell and not the responder cell. Specificity of the blocking was shown in that antisera to beta2 microglobulin would not block the MLC-stimulating cell. Membrane antigens from acute lymphocytic leukemia cells were labeled with 125I, solubilized with sodium deoxycholate and immunoprecipitated with either human or rabbit anti-B-cell antisera. Both sources of antisera precipitated polypeptide subunits of 27,000 and 35,000 daltons.