When to replicate systematic reviews of interventions: consensus checklist

Unveiling the role of cerebellar alterations in the autonomic nervous system: a systematic review of autonomic dysfunction in spinocerebellar ataxias

BACKGROUND

Autonomic dysfunctions are prevalent in several cerebellar disorders, but they have not been systematically investigated in spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs). Studies investigating autonomic deficits in SCAs are fragmented, with each one focusing on different autonomic dysfunctions and different SCA subtypes.

METHODS

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, we conducted a systematic review of the literature to assess the presence of autonomic dysfunctions in various SCAs. PubMed served as the primary database, and the Rayyan web application was employed for study screening.

RESULTS

We identified 46 articles investigating at least one autonomic function in patients with SCA. The results were analyzed and categorized based on the genetic subtype of SCA, thereby characterizing the specific autonomic deficits associated with each subtype.

CONCLUSION

This review confirms the presence of autonomic dysfunctions in various genetic subtypes of SCA, underscoring the cerebellum's role in the autonomic nervous system (ANS). It also emphasizes the importance of investigating these functions in clinical practice.

Giving Voice to People with Dementia and Perspectives Regarding a Dementia-Friendly Society: A Synthesis of Qualitative Studies

Introduction

The World Health Organization [WHO] and governments worldwide envision the development of dementia-friendly societies that are based on a person-centered culture. A limited number of studies have described the features of dementia-friendly societies based on the viewpoints of people with dementia.

Purpose

To synthesize qualitative empirical research that expands the knowledge of what people with dementia consider to be essential for daily living in a dementia-friendly society.

Methods

The authors searched phrases in the databases AgeLine, CINAHL, EMBASE, MedLine, PsycINFO, PubMed, ORIA, SveMed+, and Cochrane Library. Research articles that involved people with dementia and were conducted in Western countries, written in English, published in peer-reviewed academic journals using qualitative methods, and published within the past decade were included. The research included was critically and systematically appraised using the critical appraisal skills program checklist for qualitative research, and the findings were analyzed according to Graneheim and Lundman's method of qualitative content analysis.

Results

Overall, 1122 records-561 from 2019 and 561 from 2021-were identified through the search, and nine studies were included in the final synthesis. The studies included were from the United Kingdom (five studies), Australia (three studies), and New Zealand (one study). Through the analysis process, the following main theme emerged: giving voice to people with dementia, which summarizes the essence of what people with dementia believe is essential for daily living in a dementia-friendly society. The main theme covered two themes: a sense of being valued and a sense of being safeguarded, each of which contained subthemes.

Conclusion

To meet the WHO's and the governments worldwide intention to develop dementia-friendly societies, further research should focus on the voices of people with dementia. By including those concerned, the political goals of a dementia-friendly society can be achieved.

Phylogeny explains capture mortality of sharks and rays in pelagic longline fisheries: a global meta-analytic synthesis

Apex and mesopredators such as elasmobranchs are important for maintaining ocean health and are the focus of conservation efforts to mitigate exposure to fishing and other anthropogenic hazards. Quantifying fishing mortality components such as at-vessel mortality (AVM) is necessary for effective bycatch management. We assembled a database for 61 elasmobranch species and conducted a global meta-synthesis to estimate pelagic longline AVM rates. Evolutionary history was a significant predictor of AVM, accounting for up to 13% of variance in Bayesian phylogenetic meta-regression models for Lamniformes and Carcharhiniformes clades. Phylogenetically related species may have a high degree of shared traits that explain AVM. Model-estimated posterior mean AVM rates ranged from 5% (95% HDI 0.1%-16%) for pelagic stingrays and 76% (95% HDI 49%-90%) for salmon sharks. Measures that reduce catch, and hence AVM levels, such as input controls, bycatch quotas and gear technology to increase selectivity are appropriate for species with higher AVM rates. In addition to reducing catchability, handling-and-release practices and interventions such as retention bans in shark sanctuaries and bans on shark finning and trade hold promise for species with lower AVM rates. Robust, and where applicable, phylogenetically-adjusted elasmobranch AVM rates are essential for evidence-informed bycatch policy.