Counting touching cell nuclei using fast ellipse detection to assess in vitro cell characteristics: a feasibility study

Clin Oral Investig. 2012 Feb;16(1):33-8. doi: 10.1007/s00784-010-0479-6. Epub 2010 Oct 15.

Abstract

In this article, we describe a new image analysis software that allows rapid segmentation and separation of fluorescently stained cell nuclei using a fast ellipse detection algorithm. Detection time ranged between 1.84 and 3.14 s. Segmentation results were compared with manual evaluation. The achieved over-segmentation rate was 0.11 (0.1 double counts and 0.01 false positive detections), and the under-segmentation rate was of 0.03 over all images. We demonstrate the applicability of the proposed algorithm to automated counting of fluorescent-labeled cell nuclei and to tissue characterization. Moreover, the performance of the proposed algorithm is compared with preexisting automated image analysis techniques described by others.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Aluminum Silicates / chemistry
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / pharmacology
  • Cell Count / methods*
  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Cell Nucleus / drug effects
  • Cell Nucleus / ultrastructure*
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cell Size / drug effects
  • Ceramics / chemistry
  • Diphosphonates / pharmacology
  • Endothelial Cells / drug effects
  • Endothelial Cells / ultrastructure
  • False Negative Reactions
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects
  • Fibroblasts / ultrastructure
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Humans
  • Ibandronic Acid
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Microscopy
  • Osteogenesis / drug effects
  • Pamidronate
  • Potassium Compounds / chemistry
  • Software
  • Stem Cells / drug effects
  • Stem Cells / ultrastructure
  • Time Factors
  • Titanium / chemistry

Substances

  • Aluminum Silicates
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Diphosphonates
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Potassium Compounds
  • feldspar
  • Titanium
  • Pamidronate
  • Ibandronic Acid