Search

Background: Spatial normalization plays an essential role in multi-subject MRI and functional MRI (fMRI) experiments by facilitating a common space in which group analyses are performed. Although many prominent adult templates are available, their use for pediatric data is problematic. Generalized templates for pediatric populations are limited or constructed using older methods that result in less ideal normalization., Objective: The Haskins pediatric templates and atlases aim to provide superior registration and more precise accuracy in labeling of anatomical and functional regions essential for all fMRI studies involving pediatric populations., Materials and Methods: The Haskins pediatric templates and atlases were generated with nonlinear methods using structural MRI from 72 children (age range 7-14 years, median 10 years), allowing for a detailed template with corresponding parcellations of labeled atlas regions. The accuracy of these templates and atlases was assessed using multiple metrics of deformation distance and overlap., Results: When comparing the deformation distances from normalizing pediatric data between this template and both the adult templates and other pediatric templates, we found significantly less deformation distance for the Haskins pediatric template (P<0.0001). Further, the correct atlas classification was higher using the Haskins pediatric template in 74% of regions (P<0.0001)., Conclusion: The Haskins pediatric template results in more accurate correspondence across subjects because of lower deformation distances. This correspondence also provides better accuracy in atlas locations to benefit structural and functional imaging analyses of pediatric populations.

This open study of alaproclate points towards an antidepressant effect in a a relatively chronic and drug-resistant group of depressives. Five patients had an average improvement of more than 21 points on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and six had an average improvement of seven points. Several patients had anticholinergic side effects, abnormal results in liver functional tests and faecal occult blood, but none were bad enough to require being taken off the drug and most side effects improved before the end of the trial. The biochemical results suggested that the responders and non-responders constituted two distinct biological groups. In the patients who responded well to treatment there were increases in Km values consistent with treatment. The Km and 5-HT values correlated strongly with plasma drug values. There was a strong correlation between Hamilton Rating scores in the 4th week and Km values in the 4th week, although there were only five cases. However, there were no significant relationships between improvement and any pretreatment value. These results are sufficiently promising to suggest that a controlled clinical trial would yield information on alaproclate as a therapeutic aid.