Abstract: The invention relates to methods for determining the stage of a disease, particularly an ocular neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's and glaucoma, comprising the steps of identifying the status of microglial cells in the retina and relating that status to disease stage. Methods for identifying cells in the eye are also provided, as are labelled markers and the use thereof.

Abstract: Quantitative analysis of a tissue sample includes carrying out a ploidy measurement on a plurality of nuclei of the sample to determine the ploidy type of a sample and also carrying out a stroma measurement on a section to determine the stroma type of a sample. The ploidy type, e.g. diploid or non-diploid, and the stroma type, high or low stroma, give an improved patient survival estimate than the ploidy type alone.

Abstract: Quantitative analysis of a tissue sample includes carrying out a ploidy measurement on a plurality of nuclei of the sample to determine the ploidy type of a sample and also carrying out a stroma measurement on a section to determine the stroma type of a sample. The ploidy type, e.g. diploid or non-diploid, and the stroma type, high or low stroma, give an improved patient survival estimate than the ploidy type alone.

Abstract: A frozen confection comprising from 0.002 wt % to 1 wt % of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of benzyl cinnamate, piperonal, 4-methoxybenzaldehyde, and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde is provided. A product for use in improving mood is also provided.

Abstract: A computer-implemented segmentation method is used to process an image representing a plurality of nuclei. The method is implemented in a computer having a processor and a physical memory. A set of instructions are provided to the processor the physical memory of the computer. The processor is configured by executing the set of instructions in the physical memory so as to automatically segment the image by: thresholding a grey-scale image to create a black and white image; identifying objects in the black and white image and removing objects failing to meet predetermined criteria; extracting objects; and applying an edge detector on the segmented image to identify the edges of the nuclei. Overlapping nuclei are split to improve results.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the analysis of cell nuclei may use a system where images captured from a bright field microscope are analysed and information is retrieved that give quantitative information of the different type of chromatin within the cell nuclei for example Hetrochromatin and Euchromatin. The method is based on segmented cell nuclei. Quantitative information is determined related to the greyscale distribution of the different areas of the chromatin types and the object structure within these different areas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning microscope images. Microscope images of the same or very similar subjects provided by different microscopes are aligned. The images from two types of microscope, such as a Virtual Microscope (VM) and a Light Microscope (LM) are used. An image produced by the virtual microscope is easily read by a viewer, as it represents a scan of a whole slide rather than individual high power fields of view. An area of the image can be selected for further examination or objective analysis by the LM microscope. The qualitative or quantitative information obtained from the Light microscope using the method described may then be located back into the virtual microscope image to provide understandable context.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the analysis of cell nuclei may use a system where images captured from a bright field microscope are analysed and information is retrieved that give quantitative information of the different type of chromatin within the cell nuclei for example Hetrochromatin and Euchromatin. The method is based on segmented cell nuclei. Quantitative information is determined related to the greyscale distribution of the different areas of the chromatin types and the object structure within these different areas.

Abstract: A computer-implemented segmentation method is used to process an image representing a plurality of nuclei. The method is implemented in a computer having a processor and a physical memory. A set of instructions are provided to the processor the physical memory of the computer. The processor is configured by executing the set of instructions in the physical memory so as to automatically segment the image by: thresholding a grey-scale image to create a black and white image; identifying objects in the black and white image and removing objects failing to meet predetermined criteria; extracting objects; and applying an edge detector on the segmented image to identify the edges of the nuclei. Overlapping nuclei are split to improve results.

Abstract: A microscope system and method is described for determining a position of an area of an object within the complete object, wherein the image of the area of the object is contained within a field of view of a microscope. Image data representing a low magnification image of the complete object is available for use in the method, and may be acquired using a low magnification image data source such as a scanner. The method comprises acquiring high magnification image data representing an image of the field of view of the microscope, typically from a digital camera attached to the microscope; processing the high magnification image data to reduce the resolution thereof; comparing the processed high magnification image data with portions of the low magnification image data, and, determining said position based on the results of said comparison.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning microscope images. Microscope images of the same or very similar subjects provided by different microscopes are aligned. The images from two types of microscope, such as a Virtual Microscope (VM) and a Light Microscope (LM) are used. An image produced by the virtual microscope is easily read by a viewer, as it represents a scan of a whole slide rather than individual high power fields of view. An area of the image can be selected for further examination or objective analysis by the LM microscope. The qualitative or quantitative information obtained from the Light microscope using the method described may then be located back into the virtual microscope image to provide understandable context.

Abstract: A method for providing image data for an optimal image of a microscope field of view of a specimen is described. The method uses a microscopy digital imaging apparatus to capture a plurality of digital images of a specimen contained within a microscope field of view at a corresponding plurality of microscope focusing positions. The plurality of digital images are processed to obtain data representing a single optimal image of the microscope field of view which is stored in memory. The optimal image combines or utilizes the image information from the plurality of images, and is particularly useful for specimens that have a depth of view or thickness.