MarmoDetector: A novel 3D automated system for the quantitative assessment of marmoset behavior.

BACKGROUND: Callithrix jacchus, generally known as the common marmoset, has recently garnered interest as an experimental primate model for better understanding the basis of human social behavior, architecture and function. Modelling human neurological and psychological diseases in marmosets can enhance the knowledge obtained from rodent research for future pre-clinical studies. Hence, comprehensive and quantitative assessments of marmoset behaviors are crucial. However, systems for monitoring and analyzing marmoset behaviors have yet to be established. NEW METHOD: In this paper, we present a novel multimodal system, MarmoDetector, for the automated 3D analysis of marmoset behavior under freely moving conditions. MarmoDetector allows the quantitative assessment of marmoset behaviors using computerised tracking analysis techniques that are based on a Kinect system equipped with video recordings, infrared images and depth analysis. RESULTS: Using MarmoDetector, we assessed behavioral circadian rhythms continuously over several days in home cages. In addition, MarmoDetector detected acute, transient complex behaviors of alcohol injected marmosets. COMPARISON TO EXISTING METHOD: Compared to 2D recording, MarmoDetector detects activities more precisely and is very sensitive as we could detect behavioral defects specifically induced by alcohol administration. CONCLUSION: MarmoDetector facilitates the rapid and accurate analysis of marmoset behavior and will enhance research on the neural basis of brain disorders.

Assessment of contact location in subthalamic stimulation for Parkinson's disease by co-registration of computed tomography images.

AIMS: To study the validity of a co-registration method for postimplantation computed tomography (CT) images for localizing the location of an intracranial deep brain stimulator. METHODS: Three-dimensional reconstruction images of postimplantation CTs were co-registered with preoperative CTs by stereotactic planning software and used to localize 18 leads in the subthalamic nuclei of 10 patients with Parkinson's disease. Our conventional method using superimposition of sagittal postimplantation magnetic resonance (MR) images were employed as a comparison. RESULTS: The co-registered CT images separately visualized four individual contacts; on the other hand, the MR superimposition method demonstrated the leads as a group of no MR signal areas. Although laterality of the distal contact did not differ between two methods, the distal contact was located more anteriorly and inferiorly by the MR superimposition method than by the CT co-registration method. CONCLUSION: The CT co-registration method is superior to MR in visualizing deep brain stimulation contacts and resolves problems of MR safety in patients treated with a neurostimulator.