FIGURE 7.

There is high heterogeneity of CFA effect size on stress coping strategy and exploratory behavior, among previously published studies. Each panel is a distinct meta-analysis for each behavioral test: forced swim test, elevated plus maze, and open field test. Hedges g effect sizes align on a divergent color scale unique to each panel; green saturation corresponds to negative values, purple saturation corresponds to positive values, and they converge to white at 0. The dashed line marks 0; the solid line marks the combined effect size, and both are provided for comparison to where individual studies lie on the scale. Studies are ordered by interval between CFA injection and assessment. The size of the circle corresponds to the precision of the study and consequently its weight in the combined effect size in a random-effects model. The color of the circle aligns on the effect size scale. The number inside the circle indicates the lower of saline or CFA n. The black lines indicate 95% confidence intervals. In the combined effect, the colored lines extending past the black 95% confidence interval are the 95% prediction interval.

A: Effect sizes of individual studies measuring immobility in the forced swim test, ordered by interval between injection and assessment date. Among previously published studies, there is no significant effect of CFA on FST immobility and 95% of future studies will have effect sizes that fall on either side of 0. Heterogeneity is high.

B: Effect sizes of individual studies measuring time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze, ordered by interval between injection and assessment date. Among previously published studies, there is a significant effect of CFA on EZM time in open arms, but 95% of future studies will have effect sizes that fall on either side of 0. Heterogeneity is high.

C: Effect sizes of individual studies measuring time spent in the center of an open field, ordered by interval between injection and assessment date. Among previously published studies, there is a significant effect of CFA on OFT time in center, but 95% of future studies will have effect sizes that fall on either side of 0. Heterogeneity is high.