Automatic identification and measurement of cells by computer

Technologies supporting analytical cytology: clinical, research and drug discovery applications

The tools and techniques developed for analytical cytology have become invaluable in expanding the development of cancer screening programs and biomarker discovery for personalized medicine. Detecting cellular, molecular, and functional changes of diseased tissue as defined by quantitative analytical methodologies has enhanced the field of medical diagnostics and prognostics. The focus of this review is to outline applications and recent technical advances in flow cytometry, laser scanning cytometry, image cytometry, and quantitative image analysis, as they pertain to clinical, research, and drug discovery applications.

Histometric study of leukoplakia, lichen planus and carcinoma in situ of oral mucosa

Leukoplakia, lichen planus and carcinoma in situ of human oral mucosa were analysed histometrically by light microscopy. Leukoplakia lesions showed a greater total nuclear density than lichen planus lesions. They had a similar basal nuclear density to carcinomas in situ. The total and basal nuclear areas were notably greater in carcinomas in situ, indicating the presence of larger nuclei in comparison to those of other lesions. We believe it to be possible to make a differential diagnosis based on numerical variables.

Microarchitecture and Deposition of Gastropod Nacre

The microarchitecture of gastropod nacre reveals deposition of aragonite in the form of crystal stacks and differs markedly from the characteristic microstructure of pelecypod nacre. The structure permits direct observation of both organic and mineral phases of deposition on a growth surface topography that is ideal for the study of processes of mollusk shell calcification. The stack mode of deposition is functionally useful to the animal because it increases the number of crystals which can form and develop on the growth surface at one time.