Category Archives: Research highlights

Abstract Background: Cluster headache is a highly debilitating neurological disorder with considerable inter-ethnic differences. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) recently identified replicable genomic loci for cluster headache in Europeans, but the genetic underpinnings for cluster headache in Asians remain unclear. The objective of this study is to investigate the genetic architecture and susceptibility loci of cluster headacheㄡ

Abstract As the outbreak evolves, our understanding of the consequences of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the resulting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the liver has grown. In this review, we discussed the hepatotropic nature of SARS-CoV-2 and described the distribution of receptors for SARS-CoV-2 (e.g., angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) in the vascularㄡ

Abstract Introduction: The regenerative capacity of mesenchymal stromal cells or medicinal signaling cells (MSCs) is largely mediated by their secreted small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), and the therapeutic efficacy of sEVs can be enhanced by licensing approaches (e.g., cytokines, hypoxia, chemicals, and genetic modification). Noncoding RNAs within MSC-derived sEVs (MSC-sEVs) have been demonstrated to be responsible forㄡ

Abstract Objective: To evaluate human glymphatics and meningeal lymphatics noninvasively. Methods: This prospective study implemented 3-dimensional (3D) isotropic contrast-enhanced T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (CE-T2-FLAIR) imaging with a 3T magnetic resonance machine to study cerebral glymphatics and meningeal lymphatics in patients with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) with (n = 92) or without (n = 90) blood-brain barrierㄡ

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the significance of circulating micro RNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS). Methods: We prospectively recruited 3 independent cohorts of patients with RCVS and age-matched and sex-matched controls in a single medical center. Next-generation small RNA sequencing followed by quantitative polymerase chain reactionㄡ

Abstract Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, accounting for approximately 60% of cases. In addition to memory loss, changes in pain sensitivity are found in a substantial proportion of patients with AD. However, the mechanism of nociception deficits in AD is still unclear. Here, we hypothesize that the nociception abnormality inㄡ

Abstract Background: Chronic headache may persist after the remission of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) in some patients. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, characteristics, risk factors, and the impact of post-RCVS headache. Methods: We prospectively recruited patients with RCVS and collected their baseline demographics, including psychological distress measured by Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale. We evaluatedㄡ

Abstract Background: To differentiate primary headache associated with sexual activity from other devastating secondary causes. Methods: In this prospective cohort, we recruited consecutive patients with at least 2 attacks of headache associated with sexual activity from the headache clinics or emergency department of a national medical center from 2005 to 2020. Detailed interview, neurological examination, and serialㄡ

Abstract Background: The genetic substrate for headache in the general population has not been identified in Asians. We investigated susceptible genetic variants for self-reported headache in a large community-based Asian population. Methods: We conducted a genome-wide association study in participants recruited from a community-based cohort to identify the genetic variants associated with headache in Taiwanese. All participantsㄡ

Abstract Background and objectives: Blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption has been proposed to be important in the pathogenesis of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), but not all patients present an identifiable macroscopic BBB disruption; that is, visible contrast leakage on contrast-enhanced T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery imaging. This study aimed to evaluate microscopic BBB permeability and its dynamicㄡ