Database of Animal Systematic Review Publications

This database compiles systematic reviews (SRs) of animal studies (i.e., reviews that focused exclusively on non-human animal research, or reviews that included animal studies along with human studies). This database was developed using a rigorous, systematic approach and it covers a broad range of research fields: preclinical research, toxicology, environmental health, and veterinary medicine. The goals of this database are to: (1) provide a comprehensive collection of animal study SRs to advance systematic review methods development; (2) enable researchers to avoid duplication of effort and, thus, reduce research waste by identifying published SRs of animal studies that may already address a research question; and (3) aid in the creation of evidence maps, usually designed as interactive figures of study characteristics.

The SRs included in the database were identified using a comprehensive search strategy (see data) in MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase (via Ovid), and Web of Science.
The records included in the animal studies SR database meet the following eligibility criteria:
1. The reference aims to systematically review the literature. The title or abstract states this aim using terminology such as “literature review,” “literature overview,” “systematic review,” “systematic survey,” or “meta-analysis.”
2. The reference summarizes the results of studies in laboratory or experimental animals to investigate human or animal health.
3. The reference reports the eligibility criteria for the primary studies, specifies search terms, and the search is performed in at least one specified database/electronic source (e.g., PubMed).
4. A full text version of the reference is publicly available.

There were no restrictions in language or publication date.

Version 1.0 covers data through 13 February 2018
Version 1.1 covers data through 18 June 2019