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Table 3 Construct and external validity

From: Red blood cell transfusion in animal models of acute brain injuries: a systematic review protocol

Domains

Description

Age

All same age vs different ages

Sex

All male vs all female vs mixed

Comorbidities

All healthy vs models with comorbidities vs mixed

Breeding

Inbred only vs outbred (wild-type) only vs mixed

Number of participating centers

Single vs multicentered

Species

Rats, mice, monkeys, cats, dogs, and others

TBI models

Fluid percussion injury (FPI), controlled cortical impact (CCI), weight-drop model, acceleration model

Acute stroke models

Spontaneous vs induced, global vs focal ischemia, endovascular vs open surgery with ligature, embolic, and photothrombosis

ICH models

Blood vs collagenase injection in cerebral parenchyma

SAH models

Endovascular perforation of internal carotid artery, blood injection in basal cisterns

Blood transfusion type

Whole blood vs packed red blood cells

Anemia

Hemorrhage or hemodilution as part of model preparation

Co-interventions

Crystalloids, colloids, medications, mechanical ventilation, and others

Timing of treatment

Immediate vs delayed treatment measures after brain injury

Death

Animals found dead or sacrificed when met criteria for important deterioration (imminent death)