Table 1 A formal quality scoring using SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool for animal studies was applied.
Domain | Question | Example in TRF study | Risk rating |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Sequence generation | Was the allocation of animals to groups random? | The mice were randomly assigned to groups using a random number table. | Low risk |
2. Baseline characteristics | Were groups similar at baseline? | Groups had similar average body weight before intervention. | Low risk |
3. Allocation concealment | Was group allocation concealed? | The method of allocation concealment was not reported. | Unclear risk |
4. Random housing | Were animals housed randomly during the experiment? | Housing not mentioned. | Unclear risk |
5. Blinding of caregivers/investigators | Were those administering interventions blinded? | No blinding mentioned. | High risk |
6. Random outcome assessment | Were the animals housed randomly during the experiment? | The order of outcome assessments was not reported. | Unclear risk |
7. Blinding of outcome assessment | Were assessors blinded? | Body weight measured by lab staff who knew group assignments. | High risk |
8. Incomplete outcome data | Were all animals included in the analysis? | 2 mice were excluded due to illness and the reasons were reported. | Low risk |
9. Selective outcome reporting | Were all outcomes reported? | A study protocol was not available but reported outcomes appeared complete. | Unclear risk |
10. Other bias | Any other sources of bias? | The sample size calculation was not reported. | High risk |
