Imaging Neurosci (Camb). 2024 Dec 13;2:imag-2-00388. doi: 10.1162/imag_a_00388. eCollection 2024.
ABSTRACT
Pooling multi-site datasets is the dominant trend to expand sample sizes in neuroimaging field, thereby enhancing statistical power and reproducibility of research findings. Nevertheless, the heterogeneity derived from aggregating data from various imaging sites obstructs efficient inferences. Our recent study thoroughly assessed methods for harmonizing multi-site resting-state fMRI images, accelerating progress and providing initial application instructions. Despite this advancement, the removal of such site effects generally necessitates a certain level of programming expertise. In our effort to streamline the harmonization of site effects using advanced methodologies, we are pleased to introduce the DPABI Harmonization module. This versatile tool, allowing agnostic to specific analysis methods, integrates a range of techniques, including the state-of-the-art Subsampling Maximum-mean-distance Algorithms (SMA, recommended), ComBat/CovBat, linear models, and invariant conditional variational auto-encoder (ICVAE). It equips neuroscientists with an easy-to-use and transparent harmonization workflow, ensuring the feasibility of post-hoc analysis for multi-site studies.
PMID:40800502 | PMC:PMC12315742 | DOI:10.1162/imag_a_00388
