Cell tracking in fluorescence images of embryogenesis processes with morphological reconstruction by 4D-tubular structuring elements.

We present a simple and parameter-free nuclei tracking method for reconstructing cell dynamics in fluorescence 3D+t images of embryogenesis. The strategy is based on the use of the mathematical morphology operators directly in the 4D image. The morphological reconstruction of a marker -manually or automatically selected- in an initial spatio-temporal position generates a connected path over the time representing the cell migration. Thus, the processing provides a coherent spatiotemporal estimation of cell movement. The algorithm has been validated on in vivo images of early zebrafish and sea urchin embryogenesis acquired with two-photon laser scanning microscopy providing mean tracking rates above 98% per time step.

[Neuroendocrine cell tumor of the stomach (carcinoid). Clinico-pathological experience with 4 patients and demonstration of its ultrastructure]. / Tumor de células neuroendocrinas del estómago (carcinoide). Experiencia clínico patológica en cuatro pacientes y demostración de su ultraestructura.

Neuroendocrine cell tumours of the stomach (carcinoid) are uncommon, low potential for malignancy, lesions grow slowly and produce hormonal substances in contrast with others malignant neoplasias of the gastrointestinal tract. Early diagnosis is important because the curative treatment could not be done in advanced stage with disseminated metastases. In small lesions less than 2 cm without invasion to lymph node, the local wedge resection is reasonable and definitive curative treatment. Neuroendocrine differentiation, in doubtful cases, becomes established by a characteristic silver affinity, by the ultrastructurally observed presence of "endocrine" secretion granules, and by immunohistochemically detectable biogenic amines, neurohormonal peptides and "panNE markers".