Figure 3.
Significant differences in functional connectivity between term equivalent and term control infants using seed region located in the thalamus. (A) Average fcMRI correlation maps generated using a right thalamic seed demonstrating qualitative differences in functional connections between preterm infants at term equivalent PMA (n = 28) and term control infants (n = 10). Included are sensorimotor cortex—leg (Z = 54/51/48), thalamic (Z = 12/9/6), and brainstem (Z = −15/−18/−21) regions. The correlation map generated for the term equivalent infants demonstrates limited functional connections superiorly to the sensorimotor cortex and inferiorly to the brainstem and cerebellum in comparison with those identified for term control infants. z(r) threshold 0.3 used. (B) These patterns are confirmed through direct comparison between these populations via voxel-wise t-test with subsequent conversion of t statistic values to equiprobable Z scores (random-effects analysis). Connections between the thalamus and sensorimotor cortex and brainstem and cerebellum are significantly stronger in term control infants. Z score threshold 1.65 (corresponding to P < 0.05) used. The right side of the image corresponds to the right side of the brain.