Risk of cancer in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a nationwide cohort study in Taiwan.

Objective: To estimate the incidence of cancer among patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and compare this risk with that of the general population.Method: We obtained data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance database on 19 289 patients with a first diagnosis of AS registered between 2000 and 2012 with no history of cancer before the diagnosis of AS. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for all cancers and for site-specific cancers were used to assess whether AS was associated with an increased risk of cancer.Results: During the follow-up period, 485 patients developed cancer. The incidence rate was therefore 256.3 per 100 000 person-years. Compared with the general population, patients with AS had an increased risk of cancer [SIR 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20-1.47]. The SIR of cancer was higher in older patients; the risk increased from 8 years after initial diagnosis. Among solid tumours, the risk of melanoma was the highest (SIR 4.64, 95% CI 1.93-11.15), followed by prostate (SIR 2.53, 95% CI 2.01-3.19), thyroid (SIR 2.09, 95% CI 1.45-3.00), and bone cancer (SIR 2.00, 95% CI 1.01-3.99). Among haematological cancers, the risk of leukaemia was the highest (SIR 1.94, 95% CI 1.21-3.12). By contrast, the risks of oesophageal and oral cancers decreased in patients with AS.Conclusion: This nationwide population-based cohort study demonstrated that patients with AS in Taiwan are at an increased risk of cancer, particularly melanoma; prostate, thyroid, and bone cancers; and haematological malignancies.

Identification of circulating biomarkers for differentiating patients with papillary thyroid cancers from benign thyroid tumors.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify the potential circulating biomarkers of protein, mRNAs, and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) to differentiate the papillary thyroid cancers from benign thyroid tumors. METHODS: The study population of 100 patients was classified into identification (10 patients with papillary thyroid cancers and 10 patients with benign thyroid tumors) and validation groups (45 patients with papillary thyroid cancers and 35 patients with benign thyroid tumors). The Sengenics Immunome Protein Array-combined data mining approach using the Open Targets Platform was used to identify the putative protein biomarkers, and their expression validated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Next-generation sequencing by Illumina HiSeq was used for the detection of dysregulated mRNAs and lncRNAs. The website Timer v2.0 helped identify the putative mRNA biomarkers, which were significantly over-expressed in papillary thyroid cancers than in adjacent normal thyroid tissue. The mRNA and lncRNA biomarker expression was validated by a real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Although putative protein and mRNA biomarkers have been identified, their serum expression could not be confirmed in the validation cohorts. In addition, seven lncRNAs (TCONS_00516490, TCONS_00336559, TCONS_00311568, TCONS_00321917, TCONS_00336522, TCONS_00282483, and TCONS_00494326) were identified and validated as significantly downregulated in patients with papillary thyroid cancers compared to those with benign thyroid tumors. These seven lncRNAs showed moderate accuracy based on the area under the curve (AUC = 0.736) of receiver operating characteristic in predicting the occurrence of papillary thyroid cancers. CONCLUSIONS: We identified seven downregulated circulating lncRNAs with the potential for predicting the occurrence of papillary thyroid cancers.

[Risk assessment for thyroid (131)I exposure among nuclear medical staff].

Objective: To explore the main risk factors and to assess the risk of thyroid (131)I exposure among nuclear medical workers. Methods: From March to October in 2019, cluster sampling was adopted to collect the number of (131)I automatic packer and patients treated for thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism and liven cancer used (131)I, the practicing categories, job rotation and (131)I operation condition of nuclear medical staff were also investegated in the 21 nuclear medicine hospitals in Fujian Province that carried out (131)I nuclide diagnosis and treatment in 2018. (131)I aerosol and personnel thyroid (131)I were measured in 20 hospitals using (131)I for thyroid cancer or hyperthyroidism. The main risk factors leading to thyroid (131)I exposure of nuclear medical staff were found and aninternal exposure risk assessment model was established. Results: The detection rate of (131)I aerosol and personnel thyroid (131)I were 80.0% (16/20) and 25.5% (62/243) in 20 hospitals. The situation of packaging and administration about (131)I in the nearly 10 effective half-life, the concentration of (131)I aerosol in the nuclear medicine workplace, the number of patients treated with (131)I for thyroid cancer or hyperthyroidism were the main risk factors leading to thyroid (131)I internal exposure (OR=5.857, 6.808, 1.983, 1.150, P<0.05) . Conclusion: (131)I exposure is common among nuclear medical workers, attention should be paid to the protection of internal radiation, strengthen the control of main risk factors, so as to reduce the risk of internal radiation.

Roles of nurses and National Nurses Associations in combating COVID-19: Taiwan experience.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to expand worldwide, Taiwan has effectively contained the spread domestically and protected its citizens after registering its first case relatively early on 21 January 2020. Proactive preparedness and deployment by the national government, timely evidence and experience-based judgements and decision-making, information transparency, rapid response, and effective communication and measures have all been critical to combating COVID-19 in Taiwan. Nurses play a pivotal role in providing direct health care as well as providing contact tracing and care for the quarantined clients and community care services. The Taiwan Nurses Association and other nurses' associations serve a vital leadership role in advocating for nurses, raising public awareness, enhancing nursing's professional profile, and sharing experiences via national and international platforms. The implications for nursing and health policy are that we need to well prepare for any unpredicted emerging pandemic in the future. Providing adequate personal protective equipment and safe staffing should be the highest priority for the governments and policymakers around the world to combat pandemic successfully.

A comparison of the cost-utility of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound and hysterectomy for adenomyosis: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cost-effectiveness of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) and open hysterectomy for adenomyosis. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis. SETTING: Gynaecological department in a single centre in China. POPULATION: Patients with symptomatic adenomyosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cost difference between patients with adenomyosis treated with USgHIFU and open hysterectomy. METHODS: Three hundred and sixty-eight patients with adenomyosis were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 302 patients were treated with USgHIFU and 66 patients with open hysterectomy. All of them had 1-, 3-, 6- and 12-month follow ups. The patients' quality of life (QOL) was evaluated and the utility scores were obtained from a rating scale to conduct a cost-utility analysis (CUA). RESULTS: No significant differences were found at any follow-up time point in the QOL between the two groups (P > 0.05). After treatment, the QOL scores significantly increased in both groups (P < 0.05): the quality adjusted life year (QALY) for patients treated with USgHIFU was USUS$5256.48, whereas it was USUS$7510.03 for patients treated with open hysterectomy. Both incremental cost and sensitivity analysis showed that USgHIFU was less costly than open hysterectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The QOL of patients with adenomyosis can be significantly improved by either USgHIFU or open hysterectomy, but USgHIFU is less costly. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: USgHIFU can safely be used to treat patients with adenomyosis and significantly improved the quality of life of patients after treatment. The cost of USgHIFU is less than that of surgical treatment.

[Incidence and influencing factors of continuous positive airway pressure treatment-emergent central sleep apnea in the patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome at high altitude].

Objective: To investigate the incidence of treatment-emergent central sleep apnea (TE-CSA), the characteristics of demography and the influencing factors in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) after initial continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration at high altitude. Methods: Clinical data of 297 patients with OSAS which living in plateau areas (1 000 meters or more above sea level) were retrospectively analyzed in this study from January to December, 2015. All of these patients taken an overnight CPAP titration in the Sleep Medicine Center of First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province. They were classified as with TE-CSA group and non TE-CSA group according to the outcome of CPAP titration. Comparisons of demographic characteristic, parameters of polysomnography in CPAP titration night, lung function test and blood gas analysis were made between the two groups, respectively, and statistical analysis was carried. Results: The incidence of TE-CSA was 16.5% (49/297) after initial CPAP titration at high altitude, which was higher in male patients (18.2% vs 6.8%, P=0.061). The incidence of TE-CSA decreased with the increase of age and body mass index (BMI), and the decrease of resident altitude. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the resident altitude, mixed apnea index (MAI), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) and forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio, functional residual capacity (RV) and total lung capacity (TLC) ratio were the main factors affecting the occurrence of TE-CSA. Among them, the increase of resident altitude and MAI were risk factors [OR=1.16(1.02, 1.32), 1.05(1.01, 1.09)]. The increase of FEV(1)/FVC and RV/TLC were protective factors [OR=0.94(0.89, 0.98), 0.94(0.88, 0.99)]. Conclusion: The incidence of TE-CSA is high at high altitude area, and the increase of resident altitude and MAI are the risk factors for TE-CSA.

Influence of wavefront aberration on the imaging performance of the solar grating spectrometer.

The solar grating spectrometer is an important tool to study the thermodynamic properties of the solar atmosphere with different height distribution, but its imaging performance will be degraded by the wavefront aberration. On the other hand, narrow slit of the grating spectrometer will filter the wavefront aberration to a certain extent. In this paper, the mathematical relation between the wavefront aberration and the imaging performance of the grating spectrometer is derived. The numerical simulation is performed and is validated by the experiment. The results demonstrate that: The influence of the wavefront aberration with the different types and magnitudes on the spectral resolution and the energy utilization is different. The influence of the different slits on the wavefront aberrations is different. Generally, the smaller the slit is, the better the spectral resolution is. However, this is not true for the low-frequency dominated aberration, e.g. the defocus, since its low frequency will also be blocked by the narrow slit. If the influence of the filter slit on the wavefront aberration cannot be taken into account, it will lead to adaptive optics over-compensation.

Dynamics and regulation of glycolysis-tricarboxylic acid metabolism in the midgut of Spodoptera litura during metamorphosis.

Significant changes usually take place in the internal metabolism of insects during metamorphosis. The glycolysis-tricarboxylic acid (glycolysis-TCA) pathway is important for energy metabolism. To elucidate its dynamics, the mRNA levels of genes involved in this pathway were examined in the midgut of Spodoptera litura during metamorphosis, and the pyruvate content was quantified. The expression patterns of these genes in response to starvation were examined, and the interaction between protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and phosphofructokinase (PFK) was studied. The results revealed that the expression or activities of most glycolytic enzymes was down-regulated in prepupae and then recovered in some degree in pupae, and all TCA-related genes were remarkably suppressed in both the prepupae and pupae. Pyruvate was enriched in the pupal midgut. Taken together, these results suggest that insects decrease both glycolysis and TCA in prepupae to save energy and then up-regulate glycolysis but down-regulate TCA in pupae to increase the supply of intermediates for construction of new organs. The expression of all these genes were down-regulated by starvation, indicating that non-feeding during metamorphosis may be a regulator of glycolysis-TCA pathway in the midgut. Importantly, interaction between PP1 and PFK was identified and is suggested to be involved in the regulation of glycolysis.

[The effect of liraglutide in combination with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells treatment on glucose metabolism and ß cell function in type 2 diabetes mellitus].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of liraglutide (LIRA) in combination of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Eligibility criteria for subjects includes: type 2 diabetes mellitus with more than 10 years duration; having been treated with secretagogues, metformin and insulin in combination with LIRA for at least 6 months; poor glycemic control [glycosylated hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c) 7%-10%]. Totally, twelve patients were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups: the group A (LIRA group, n=6) and the group B (LIRA+ hUC-MSCs group, n=6). The hUC-MSCs were transplanted through infusing of 1×10(6) cells /kg via pancreatic artery directed by interventional radiology on the first day, and followed by infusing 1×10(6) cells /kg through peripheral vein on the eighth, the fifteenth and the twenty-second day sequentially. The control subjects were infused with saline. Both groups were treated with LIRA for 24 weeks at the same period. Fasting plasma glucose(FPG), 2h postprandial plasma glucose(2hPG) and HbA1c were measured. A 75 g oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT)was performed. The early phase of C peptide(CP) secretion function(ΔCP30/ΔG30), the total amount of C peptide secretion function(AUCCP180)and Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated. RESULTS: (1) The baseline FPG, 2hPG, HbA1c, ΔCP30/ΔG30, AUCCP180 and HOMA-IR were comparable between the two groups(P>0.05). (2) Compared with subjects in group A, FPG, 2hPG and HbA1c levels were significantly decreased in subjects in group B [(8.33±0.99) mmol/L vs (6.64±0.79)mmol/L, (13.85±0.86) mmol/L vs (8.65±1.12) mmol/L, (7.82±0.31)% vs (6.82±0.53)%, P<0.05]. (3) Compared with group A, ΔCP30/ΔG30 and AUCCP180 were significantly increased, and HOMA-IR was significantly decreased in group B(0.22±0.13 vs 0.70±0.38, 12.52±5.30 vs 21.16±3.17, 9.46±4.88 vs 4.30±2.68, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: LIRA treatment in combination with hUC-MSCs improves glucose metabolism and the ß cell function in type 2 diabetic patients. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01954147).

Molecular changes of mesenchymal stromal cells in response to dexamethasone treatment.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells that can differentiate into a variety of cell types. The MSCs can be activated and mobilized if needed. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the response mechanism of MSCs under Dexamethasone (Dex) treatment by combining MSCs microarray and bioinformatics methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We downloaded the gene expression profile of rat's MSCs challenge with or without Dex (GSE3339) from Gene Expression Omnibus database, including 2 Dex treated samples and 3 untreated samples. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by packages in R language. Then, Gestalt (Genomic Sequence Total Analysis and Lookup Tool) and EASE (Expression Analysis Systematic Explorer) to were employed to obtain the molecular events of MSCs under Dex treatment. RESULTS: A total of 17 genes were identified as DEGs between untreated and treated samples, and they were significant enriched in immune response and cell differentiation. The C3 gene was the common candidate gene selected from two different algorithms, and 24 conserved sites were identified in the 3'UTR of C3 gene. CONCLUSIONS: Genes associated with immune response and cell differentiation were dysregulated in MSCs under Dex.

[Analysis of genotypes on 850 newborns with SLC26A4 single-allele mutation and the phenotypes of those with second variant].

Objective: To clarify the phenotypes of the newborns with SLC26A4 single-allele mutation in deafness genetic screening and second variant; to analyze the SLC26A4 genotype and hearing phenotype. Methods: 850 newborns born in Beijing from April 2015 to December 2019 were included and there were 468 males and 382 females. They received genetic deafness screening for 9 or 15 variants, with the result of SLC26A4 single-allele mutation. Firstly, three step deafness gene sequencing was adopted in this work, i.e., the first step was "SLC26A4 gene whole exons and splice sites" sequencing; the second step was "SLC26A4 gene promoter, FOXI1 gene and KCNJ10 gene whole exons" sequencing; and the third step was detection for "SLC26A4 gene copy number variation". Secondly, we collected the results of newborn hearing screening for all patients with the second mutation found in the three step test, and conducted audiological examinations, such as acoustic immittance, auditory brainstem response and auditory steady state response. Thirdly, for novel/VUS mutations, we searched the international deafness gene database or software, such as DVD, ClinVar and Mutation Taster, to predict the pathogenicity of mutations according to the ACMG guideline. Lastly, we analyzed the relationship between genotype and phenotype of newborns with SLC26A4 single allele mutation. Results: Among 850 cases, the median age of diagnosis was 4 months. In the first step, 850 cases were sequenced. A total of 32 cases (3.76%, 32/850) of a second variants were detected, including 18 cases (2.12%, 18/850) with identified pathogenic variants; 832 cases were sequenced and 8 cases of KCNJ10 gene missense variants were detected among the second step. No missense mutations in the FOXI1 gene and abnormal SLC26A4 gene promoter were detected; the third step sequencing results were all negative. Genotypes and hearing phenotypes included 18 cases combined with the second clear pathogenic variant, 16 cases (16/18) referred newborn hearing screening and 2 cases (2/18) passed in both ears; degree of hearing loss consisted of 18 profound ears (18/36), 13 severe ears (13/36) and 5 moderate ears (5/36); audiogram patterns comprised 17 high frequency drop ears (17/36), 14 flat ears (14/36), 3 undistinguished ears (3/36), and 2 U shaped ears (2/36); 11 cases underwent imaging examination, all of which were bilateral enlarged vestibular aqueduct. As for 22 cases of other genotypes, all passed neonatal hearing screening and the hearing diagnosis was normal, including 9 cases with VUS or possibly novel benign variants, 8 cases with KCNJ10 double gene heterozygous variants, and 5 cases with double heterozygous variants. Conclusions: The probability of individuals with SLC26A4 single-allele variant who merge with a second pathogenic variant is 2.12%, all of which are SNV, which can provide scientific basis for the genetic diagnosis and genetic counseling of SLC26A4 variants. Those who have merged with second pathogenic variant are all diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss. Patients with KCNJ10 gene mutations do not manifest hearing loss during the infancy, suggesting the need for further follow-up.

Hsp70 and small Hsps are the major heat shock protein members involved in midgut metamorphosis in the common cutworm, Spodoptera litura.

Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are important chaperones, which are involved in various signal pathways and regulate lots of physiological processes. Early research suggested that some Hsps are involved in insect development. However, few studies have been carried out to explore the roles of Hsps, especially in larval-pupal metamorphosis. In the present study, 49 Hsp unigenes were identified in the Spodoptera litura transcriptome and their mRNA expression profiles during midgut metamorphosis were examined using a tag-based digital gene expression system. The genes with the most different levels of expression were then cloned and their expression patterns in midguts from sixth instar larvae to pupae were analysed using real time quantitative PCR. The responses of these genes to juvenile hormone (JH) and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) were also studied. The results showed that the mRNA levels of 22 Hsp unigenes changed significantly during midgut metamorphosis. Amongst these 22 unigenes, hsp70, hsp20.4 and hsp20.8 were the most up-regulated members, and hsp15.9, hsp19.3 and hsp22.0 were the most down-regulated ones. Further studies showed that hsp70, hsp20.4 and hsp20.8 were remarkably up-regulated by JH. In addition, 20E slightly increased the mRNA levels of both hsp20.4 and hsp20.8. However, hsp15.9, hsp19.3 and hsp22.0 did not respond to either JH or 20E. These results indicate that Hsp70 and small Hsps (sHsps) are probably the major players in midgut metamorphosis in S. litura. The current findings provide valuable insights into the roles of the Hsp superfamily in insect metamorphosis.

Abnormal keratin expression pattern in prurigo nodularis epidermis.

Background: Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a highly pruritic, chronic dermatosis and difficult to treat. PN lesions are characterized by existence of many hyperkeratotic, erosive papules and nodules. However, the pathogenesis of PN still remains unelucidated. Aim: To clarify the keratin role in the epidermis hyperproliferation, the keratin expression pattern in the PN lesional skin. Methods: In this study, we enrolled 24 patients with PN and 9 healthy control volunteers. K1/K10, K5/K14, K6/K16/K17 expression pattern were investigated by using immunohistochemical staining. Results: The lesional skin consists of the thickened spinous layers, in which active cell division was found. K5/K14 were upregulated in PN lesional epidermis, the staining signal localized in the basal layer and lower suprabasal layers. Hyperproliferation-associated K6 was found in all layers of epidermal lesional skin, especially in the spinous layers. In contrast, K16 was only detected in the basal and lower suprabasal layers, K17 was observed in the basal and spinous layers. Terminal differential keratins K1/K10 were upregulated, detected in the pan-epidermis, but spared in the basal and low suprabasal layers. Conclusion: The keratinocytes enter an alternative differentiation pathway, which are responsible for the activated keratinocyte phenotype, abnormal keratins expression potentially contributes to the keratinocytes proliferation, subsequently lead to increased lesional skin epidermis thickness, hyperkeratiosis and alteration of skin barrier properties.

Two novel multiple mutations in chinese patients with adrenoleukodystrophy.

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene. Up to now, more than 1 050 mutations have been reported in the ABCD1 gene, of which only 10 are multiple mutations in one allele of the gene. In this study, we report 2 novel multiple mutations in 2 patients with X-ALD from 2 unrelated Chinese families. Total RNA and genomic DNA were isolated from peripheral blood of the 2 patients, and the ABCD1 gene was analyzed by direct sequencing and denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography. We detected [p.Ser108X+p.Arg259Trp] in patient 1, [p.Lys217Glu+p.Val489Val] in patient 2 in one allele of the ABCD1 gene. Both novel multiple mutations have not previously been reported and this is the first report of multiple mutations identified in Chinese patients with X-ALD.

First Report of Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus Infecting Cucurbits in Taiwan.

In April 2009, chlorosis, yellows, and bleaching accompanied with green veins and brittleness on the lower leaves of cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) were observed in Lunbei Township, Yunlin County, Taiwan. The same symptoms were also found on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai), bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.), and oriental pickling melon planted in other areas of Yunlin and Changhua counties in central Taiwan. Large populations of whiteflies were observed in association with the diseased cucurbit crops, and they were further identified as silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring) by PCR with specific primers BaBF (5'-CCACTATAATTATTGCTGTTCCCACA-3') and l2-N-3014R (5'-TCCAATGCACTAATCTGCCATATTA-3') (3). In June 2009, samples from symptomatic cantaloupe were collected for virus diagnosis. Flexuous filamentous virions of 700 to 900 nm were observed in crude sap of the symptomatic cantaloupe tissues with transmission electron microscopy. On the basis of the suspected insect vector, symptomology, and virus morphology, a Crinivirus species was suspected as the causal agent. A nested reverse transcription (RT)-PCR assay with degenerate deoxyinosine-containing primers developed for detection of Closterovirus and Crinivirus (1) was conducted. Total RNAs extracted from 16 symptomatic cantaloupe samples with a Plant Total RNA Miniprep Purification Kit (Hopegen, Taichung, Taiwan) were analyzed, and a 0.5-kb DNA fragment was amplified from eight of them. The PCR products were sequenced and the sequences were identical among samples. A comparison of the submitted sequence (Accession No. HM120250) with those in GenBank showed that the sequence was identical to the Hsp70h sequences of Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV) isolates from Japan (Accession No. AB523789) (4) and China (Accession Nos. GU721105, GU721108, and GU721110). To identify CCYV infection in the field, the specific primers, Crini-hsp70-f (5'-GCCATAACCATTACGGGAGA-3') and Crini-hsp70-r (5'-CGCAGTGAAAAACCCAAACT-3'), that amplify a 389-bp DNA fragment corresponding to the nucleotide 1,324 to 1,712 of RNA2 of the original CCYV Japan isolate (Accession No. AB523789) were designed for detection of CCYV. In RT-PCR analyses, CCYV was identified in cantaloupe (305 of 599 samples), watermelon (27 of 93 samples), cucumber (all 15 samples), melon (82 of 92 samples), pumpkin (8 of 10 samples), and bottle gourd (10 of 17 samples) showing chlorosis and yellowing. The 389-bp DNA fragment was also amplified by RT-PCR with the primer pair Crini-hsp70-f/Crini-hsp70-r from total RNA extracts of 29 of 116 silverleaf whitefly individuals collected from the diseased cantaloupe fields in Lunbei Township from August to October, 2009. CCYV is a newly characterized Crinivirus species, first discovered in Japan in 2004 (2) and also found in China in 2009. To our knowledge, this is the first report that CCYV is emerging as a threat to cucurbit productions in Taiwan. References: (1) C. I. Dovas and N. I. Katis. J. Virol. Methods 109:217, 2003. (2) Y. Gyoutoku et al. Jpn. J. Phytopathol. 75:109, 2009. (3) C. C. Ko et al. J. Appl. Entomol. 131:542, 2007. (4) M. Okuda et al. Phytopathology 100:560, 2010.

Single-cell transcriptomics reveals the heterogeneity of the decidual endothelial cells that participate in labor onset.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the heterogeneity of decidual endothelial cells and their changes during delivery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Single-cell RNA sequencing was used to characterize the transcriptomes of decidual endothelial cells before and after the onset of labor. RESULTS: Decidual endothelial cells (9748 cells) were divided into five subgroups with different functions according to differences in the transcriptome. The functions of cluster 5 were enriched in vascular development and response to growth factors. After the onset of labor, the activities of each cluster were different, including the interleukin 17 pathway and regulation of ERK1 and ERK2 cascade. The downregulated genes were related to scavenger receptor (cluster 5), which may reflect the process of endothelial activation. In terms of genetic changes, cluster 5 may be more actively involved in labor than the other clusters. CONCLUSIONS: Peripartum decidual endothelial cells are heterogeneous and participate in labor to varying degrees. One of the five subtypes of endothelial cells may be more actively involved in labor onset. Our findings may enable the assessment of decidual endothelial cells and labor onset.