Meeting Banner
Abstract #0694

Using a standard MRI atlas with non-equitable sex representation introduces spurious sex effects

Patricia Martinez-Tazo1, Alexandra Santos1, Mohamed Kotb Selim1, Elena Espinós-Soler1, and Silvia De Santis1
1Instituto de Neurociencias, CSIC-UMH, Alicante, Spain

Synopsis

Keywords: Preclinical Image Analysis, Data Analysis, template, Allen brain

Motivation: Overcoming sex bias in preclinical research requires unbiased tools. Equitable sex representation in the creation of the atlas is seldom achieved, but failing to do so might introduce bias in the analysis.

Goal(s): Our goal was to create a mouse MRI template that includes animals of both sexes, incorporating both structural and diffusion contrasts, and then compare it with a single-sex template.

Approach: We scanned a large cohort of mice, including both sexes, to generate a template and registered the Allen annotation to it.

Results: Using single-sex templates generates spurious sex differences that are not present when using resources with equitable sex representation.

Impact: The MouseX DW-Allen Atlas is the first mouse MRI template that adopts the Allen annotation and is built with both sexes. It fills an important gap in preclinical imaging research, promotes gender equality, and fosters collaborative and multi-approach science.

How to access this content:

For one year after publication, abstracts and videos are only open to registrants of this annual meeting. Registrants should use their existing login information. Non-registrant access can be purchased via the ISMRM E-Library.

After one year, current ISMRM & ISMRT members get free access to both the abstracts and videos. Non-members and non-registrants must purchase access via the ISMRM E-Library.

After two years, the meeting proceedings (abstracts) are opened to the public and require no login information. Videos remain behind password for access by members, registrants and E-Library customers.

Click here for more information on becoming a member.

Keywords