Asymmetric dimethylarginine positively modulates calcium-sensing receptor signalling to promote lipid accumulation.

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is generated through the irreversible methylation of arginine residues. It is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, currently thought to be due to its ability to act as a competitive inhibitor of the nitric oxide (NO) synthase enzymes. Plasma ADMA concentrations increase with obesity and fall following weight loss; however, it is unknown whether they play an active role in adipose pathology.

The lived experience by patients and family members of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A qualitative study.

Objective: To examine the lived experience of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) by patients and their families, and their relationship with intensive care clinicians.

Research Methodology: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six patients who had received ECMO and with four of their family members. The data were analysed narratively using a constant comparative method.

LRG1 destabilizes tumor vessels and restricts immunotherapeutic potency.

Background: A poorly functioning tumor vasculature is pro-oncogenic and may impede the delivery of therapeutics. Normalizing the vasculature, therefore, may be beneficial. We previously reported that the secreted glycoprotein leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) contributes to pathogenic neovascularization.

Angiopathic activity of LRG1 is induced by the IL-6/STAT3 pathway.

Leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) is a secreted glycoprotein that under physiological conditions is produced predominantly by the liver. In disease, its local induction promotes pathogenic neovascularisation while its inhibition leads to reduced dysfunctional angiogenesis. Here we examine the role of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in defective angiogenesis mediated by LRG1.

The effect of interventions targeting gut microbiota on depressive symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Despite their popularity, the efficacy of interventions targeting gut microbiota to improve depressive symptoms is unknown. Our objective is to summarize the effect of microbiome-targeting interventions on depressive symptoms.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis.

A Qualitative Systematic Review of Facilitators of and Barriers to Community Pharmacists-Led Anticoagulation Management Service.

Objective: To identify the facilitators of and barriers to the implementation of Community Pharmacists-Led Anticoagulation Management Services (CPAMS).

Data Sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception until August 20, 2021.

Study Selection And Data Extraction: All abstracts proceeded to full-text review, which was completed by 2 reviewers.

Diabetic Retinopathy Screening: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Literature.

Objectives: Diabetic retinopathy is a common microvascular complication that leads to vision loss. Despite national and international organizations developing guidelines for diabetic retinopathy screening, patients with diabetes remain unscreened. Our aim was to understand facilitators and barriers influencing diabetic retinopathy screening attendance and to examine factors that promote program success.

Immunogenicity and Safety of Reduced-Dose Intradermal vs Intramuscular Influenza Vaccines: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Importance: Low-dose intradermal influenza vaccines could be a suitable alternative to full intramuscular dose during vaccine shortages.

Objective: To compare the immunogenicity and safety of the influenza vaccine at reduced or full intradermal doses with full intramuscular doses to inform policy design in the event of vaccine shortages.

Data Sources: MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for studies published from 2010 until June 5, 2020.

ADMA: A Key Player in the Relationship between Vascular Dysfunction and Inflammation in Atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic cardiovascular disease which increases risk of major cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction and stroke. Elevated plasma concentrations of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) have long been recognised as a hallmark of cardiovascular disease and are associated with cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, obesity and hypertriglyceridemia. In this review, we discuss the clinical literature that link ADMA concentrations to increased risk of the development of atherosclerosis.

Patients' experience with and perspectives on neuromodulation for pain: a systematic review of the qualitative research literature.

Chronic pain has far-reaching impacts on a person's life and on society more broadly. After failure or intolerance of conservative treatments, neuromodulation may be an option for a subgroup of patients. However, little is known about the patient experience of neuromodulation.

Effectiveness of Neurostimulation Technologies for the Management of Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review.

Objectives: To describe the state of the literature for clinical effectiveness of neurostimulation used for the management of chronic pain.

Methods: A systematic review of spinal cord stimulation (SCS), peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS), and supraorbital transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in patients with cancer and noncancer chronic pain was conducted. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials were searched, using terms like "electrical stimulation therapy" and "pain management.

Ultrasound- versus fluoroscopy-guided injections in the lower back for the management of pain: a systematic review.

Purpose: Ultrasound-guided spinal injections are less common than fluoroscopy-guided injections. Although unable to penetrate bones, ultrasound guidance has a number of advantages including convenience and reduced exposure to ionizing radiation. However, it is not known how ultrasound-guided injections compare to fluoroscopy-guided injections in the management of lower back pain.

The adverse health effects and harms related to marijuana use: an overview review.

Background: With impending marijuana legislation in Canada, a broad understanding of the harms associated with marijuana use is needed to inform the clinical community and public, and to support evidence-informed public policy development. The purpose of the review was to synthesize the evidence on adverse health effects and harms of marijuana use.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, PsycINFO, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and the Health Technology Assessment Database from the inception of each database to May 2018.

Behaviour modification interventions to optimise red blood cell transfusion practices: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To assess the impact of behaviour modification interventions to promote restrictive red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practices.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Setting, Participants, Interventions: Seven electronic databases were searched to January 2018.

Palliative care in the home: a scoping review of study quality, primary outcomes, and thematic component analysis.

Background: The aim of palliative care is to improve the quality of life of patients and families through the prevention and relief of suffering. Frequently, patients may choose to receive palliative care in the home. The objective of this paper is to summarize the quality and primary outcomes measured within the palliative care in the home literature.

Health effects of exposure to second- and third-hand marijuana smoke: a systematic review.

Background: Recreational marijuana has been legalized in 11 jurisdictions; Canada will legalize marijuana by July 2018. With this changing landscape, there is a need to understand the public health risks associated with marijuana to support patient-care provider conversations, harm-reduction measures and evidence-informed policy. The objective of this work was to summarize the health effects of exposure to second- and third-hand marijuana smoke.

Marijuana Use and Perceptions of Risk and Harm: A Survey among Canadians in 2016.

Objectives: To describe marijuana use by Canadians and their perceptions of risk and harm.

Design: A cross-sectional, structured, online and telephone survey.

Participants: A nationally representative sample of Canadians.

Effectiveness of Surgical Treatment for Tarlov Cysts: A Systematic Review of Published Literature.

Of Background Data: In the general population, it has been estimated that 1.5% of people have ≥1 Tarlov cysts, with about 13% of those being symptomatic. Despite a range of options for treatment, there is debate about when, and how to optimally treat individuals with Tarlov cysts among clinicians, and among policy decision makers.

Living with Hepatitis C Virus: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis of Qualitative Literature.

. The lived experience of HCV has not been well documented in the literature. The aim of this systematic review was to understand the experiences of living with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).

Endothelial Dimethylarginine Dimethylaminohydrolase 1 Is an Important Regulator of Angiogenesis but Does Not Regulate Vascular Reactivity or Hemodynamic Homeostasis.

Background: Asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis and a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) enzymes are responsible for ADMA breakdown. It has been reported that endothelial DDAH1 accounts for the majority of ADMA metabolism.

Dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 2 regulates nitric oxide synthesis and hemodynamics and determines outcome in polymicrobial sepsis.

Objective: Nitric oxide is a key to numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes. Nitric oxide production is regulated endogenously by 2 methylarginines, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and monomethyl-L-arginine. The enzyme that specifically metabolizes asymmetric dimethylarginine and monomethyl-L-arginine is dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH).

Role of asymmetric methylarginine and connexin 43 in the regulation of pulmonary endothelial function.

Abstract Circulating levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, are increased in patients with idiopathic pulmonary hypertension (IPAH). We hypothesized that ADMA abrogates gap junctional communication, required for the coordinated regulation of endothelial barrier function and angiogenesis, and so contributes to pulmonary endothelial dysfunction. The effects of ADMA on expression and function of gap junctional proteins were studied in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells; pulmonary endothelial microvascular cells from mice deficient in an enzyme metabolizing ADMA, dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase I (DDAHI); and blood-derived endothelial-like cells from patients with IPAH.

Alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase-2 metabolizes endogenous methylarginines, regulates NO, and controls blood pressure.

Objective: Asymmetric dimethylarginine is an endogenous inhibitor of NO synthesis that may mediate cardiovascular disease. Alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase-2 (AGXT2) has been proposed to degrade asymmetric dimethylarginine. We investigated the significance of AGXT2 in methylarginine metabolism in vivo and examined the effect of this enzyme on blood pressure.