The quantification of resorbing area was perfomed by a semi-automated image analyzing system [44].
The synaptic punctae were detected, using the image analyzing system CellP (Soft Imaging System, Münster, Germany).
The spectral density of the bands was analyzed by Bandscan 5.0 image analyze system.
The number of penetrated neuroblastoma cells were then quantified using the image analyzing system ARGUS 20 (Hamamatsu, Hersching, Germany).
A true-colour computer-assisted image analyzing system with a digital camera (Leica DFC490, Leica, Wetzlar, Germany) and software (Qwin Plus, Leica Microsystem Imaging Solusions Ltd ,Cambridge, United Kingdom) were applied for images capture and measurement.
The calcified area/tissue area and osteoclast number/bone volume (N.Oc/BV) ratios in the epiphysis of the proximal tibia were measured using the KS400 image analyzing system, as described previously [ 20].
The semi-quantitative scoring system is shown in additional file 2 The histological slides obtained from resin blocks were evaluated under a Zeiss Axioscope microscope fitted with ×5, ×10, ×20 and ×40 objectives and equipped with a color image analyzing system SAMBA® (SAMBA TECHNOLOGIES, France).
Histomorphometrical analysis was conducted by digitizing and examining slides with a ZEISS AXIOSCOPE microscope (magnifications of x5, x10, x25, and x40) equipped with a colour images analyzing system (software SAMBA IPS 4.27, SAMBA TECHNOLOGIES, France).
Transthoracic echocardiography was performed using a Toshiba ultrasonic image analyzing system (Nemio-XG) equipped with 7.5 MHz imaging transducer.
Newly formed bone was measured by a computer-assisted image analyzing system.
Both VEGF expression and newly formed bone were measured by a computer-assisted image analyzing system.
