title: Modification of commercially available image analysis software for semi-automated qualitative analysis of axon regeneration and myelination in the rat sciatic nerve.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Manual measurement of three routine parameters of axon regeneration and myelination, such as axon counts, axon caliber and G-Ratio, is tedious and time consuming. An automated or semi-automated computer program could improve the efficiency of this process. The concern, however, is that the automated method will lack the accuracy of manual counting and measuring.
  
  
  METHODS
  We introduce semi-automated axon analysis software utilizing customized Image Pro Plus software designed to identify, count, and measure axons and their surrounding myelin sheaths. Histologic specimens were subsequently analyzed using either conventional manual techniques (manual counting and computer assisted measurements) or this semi-automated software (software performed counting and measurements with human supervision and adjustment of axon identification).
  
  
  RESULTS
  G-Ratios, axon numbers, and axon diameter values did not differ between the two methods though the semi-automated method took approximately 50% less time.
  
  
  METHODS
  Other described semi-automated nerve analysis tools require complex, original software development.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Commercially available software can be modified to improve nerve histomorphology analysis time while maintaining accuracy.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA. Electronic address: jisaacs@mcvh-vcu.edu.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Isaacs
authors.affiliation: Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA.
authors.forename: Satya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mallu
authors.affiliation: Alces Imaging and Automation, LLC 2906 Blue Wind Court, Houston, TX 77094, USA.
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Batchelor
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D002452:Cell Count; D048429:Cell Size; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D009186:Myelin Sheath / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated / Q000379:methods*; D010784:Photomicrography; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012984:Software; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: G-Ratio; Manual axon measurement; Sciatic nerve; Semi-automated axon analysis