[Deepening the Action on Salt Reduction in China-suggestions on strategy and implementation plan].

Excessive sodium/salt intake is the leading dietary risk factor for the loss of healthy life in the Chinese population. The "Healthy China 2030" Action Plan set the goal of reducing salt intake by 20% by 2030. However, salt intake in China is still at a very high level in the world, with adults reaching 11 g/d, more than twice the recommended limit of 5 g/d. The current policies and action plans of China have targeted catering workers, children, adolescents, and home chefs in salt, oil, and sugar reduction actions. However, there are still obvious deficiencies in the coordinated promotion and implementation. This study, therefore, proposed a set of comprehensive strategies (named CHRPS that is composed of communication and education, salt reduction in home cooking, salt reduction in restaurants, reducing salt content in pre-packaged food, and surveillance and evaluation) and key implementation points for further deepening the salt reduction action in China. These strategies were developed based on the main sources of dietary sodium for Chinese residents, the status of "knowledge, attitude and practice" in salt reduction, evidence of effective intervention measures, existing policies and requirements, and the salt reduction strategies of the World Health Organization and experience from some other countries. As a scientific reference, the CHRPS strategies will help the government and relevant organizations quickly implement salt reduction work and facilitate the earlier realization of China's salt reduction goal.

Dosimetric comparison of different intensity-modulated radiotherapy techniques for whole-breast irradiation of right-breast cancer.

PURPOSE: This study compared the dosimetric parameters of field-in-field forward intensity-modulated radiotherapy (FIF-IMRT) and fixed-field inversely optimized intensity-modulated radiotherapy (FFIO-IMRT) for the whole-breast irradiation of patients undergoing right-breast lumpectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 30 patients with pT1-2N0M0 right-breast invasive ductal carcinoma were enrolled in this study. Two different treatment plans, i.e., FIF-IMRT and FFIO-IMRT, were designed for each patient. The dosimetric parameters of the two treatment plans were compared including ipsilateral lung and heart, conformity index (CI), and the homogeneity index (HI) of the planning target volume (PTV). RESULTS: Fixed-field inversely optimized intensity-modulated radiotherapy was found to significantly improve CI (83.302% vs. 60.146%) and HI (11.837% vs. 19.280%), and significantly reduced V25 (18.038% vs. 19.653%) and V30 (15.790% vs. 18.492%) of the ipsilateral lung. It also significantly increased V5 (69.791% vs. 32.615%) of the ipsilateral lung and V5 (61.579% vs. 3.829%), V10 (14.130% vs. 0.381%), V20 (1.843% vs. 0.051%), and Dmean (5.211Gy vs. 1.870Gy) of the heart. CONCLUSION: Regardless of improving the conformity and homogeneity of PTV and reducing the ipsilateral lung irradiation volume at high doses, FFIO-IMRT significantly raised the ipsilateral lung irradiated volume at low doses, as well as the irradiation volume and mean radiation doses to the heart. This limits its use in patients with early-stage right breast cancer.

Analysis of synthetic electron cyclotron emission from the high field side of HL-2M tokamak plasmas.

A synthetic electron cyclotron emission (ECE) diagnostic is used to interpret ECE signals from preset plasma equilibrium profiles, including magnetic field, electron density, and electron temperature. According to the simulation results, the electron temperature (Te) profile covering the harmonic overlap region can be obtained by receiving ECE signals at the high field side (HFS) of the HL-2M plasma. The third harmonic ECE at the low field side (LFS) cannot pass through the second harmonic resonance layer at the HFS unless the optical thickness (τ) of the second harmonic becomes gray (τ ≤ 2). In addition, the impact of the relativistic frequency down-shift has been evaluated and corrected. The measurable range of the HFS ECE has been calculated by scanning different parameters (electron density, temperature, and magnetic field). Higher plasma parameters allow a wider radial range of electron temperature measurements. The minimum inner measurable position can reach R = 120 cm (r/a = -0.89) when the product of core temperature (Te0) and density (ne0) is greater than 35 × 1019 keV m-3, which is extended by more than 30 cm inward compared with that of the LFS measurement. The HFS ECE will greatly improve the diagnostic ability of ECE systems on the HL-2M tokamak.

The global burden of sudden infant death syndrome from 1990 to 2019: a systematic analysis from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019.

BACKGROUND: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) still remains one of the leading causes of infant death worldwide, especially in high-income countries. To date, however, there is no detailed information on the global health burden of SIDS. AIMS: To characterize the global disease burden of SIDS and its trends from 1990 to 2019 and to compare the burden of SIDS according to the socio-demographic index (SDI). DESIGN: Systematic analysis based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 data. METHODS: Epidemiological data of 204 countries from 1990 to 2019 were collected via various methods including civil registration and vital statistics in the original GBD study. Estimates for mortality and disease burden of SIDS were modeled. Crude mortality and mortality rates per 100 000 population were analyzed. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and DALY rates were also assessed. RESULTS: In 2019, mortality rate of SIDS accounted for 20.98 [95% Uncertainty Interval, 9.15-46.16] globally, which was a 51% decrease from 1990. SIDS was most prevalent in Western sub-Saharan Africa, High-income North America and Oceania in 2019. The burden of SIDS was higher in males than females consistently from 1990 to 2019. Higher SDI and income level was associated with lower burden of SIDS; furthermore, countries with higher SDI and income had greater decreases in SIDS burden from 1990 to 2019. CONCLUSIONS: The burden of SIDS has decreased drastically from 1990 to 2019. However, the improvements have occurred disproportionately between regions and SDI levels. Focused preventive efforts in under-resourced populations are needed.

3D wide-field multispectral photoacoustic imaging of human melanomas in vivo: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The Breslow depth is an important parameter to determine the excision margin and prognosis of melanoma. However, it is difficult to accurately determine the actual Breslow depth before surgery using the existing ocular micrometer and biopsy technique. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of 3D wide-field multispectral photoacoustic imaging to non-invasively measure depth and outline the boundary of melanomas for optimal surgical margin selection. METHODS: Six melanoma patients were examined in vivo using the 3D multispectral photoacoustic imaging system. For five cases of melanomas (one in situ, three nodular, and one acral lentiginous type melanoma), the spectrally unmixed photoacoustic depths were calculated and compared against histopathological depths. RESULTS: Spectrally unmixed photoacoustic depths and histopathological depths match well within a mean absolute error of 0.36 mm. In particular, the measured minimum and maximum depths in the in situ and nodular type of melanoma were 0.6 and 9.1 mm, respectively. In the 3D photoacoustic image of one metastatic melanoma, feeding vessels were visualized in the melanoma, suggesting the neovascularization around the tumour. CONCLUSIONS: The 3D multispectral photoacoustic imaging not only provides well-measured depth and sizes of various types of melanomas, it also visualizes the metastatic type of melanoma. Obtaining accurate depth and boundary information of melanoma before surgery would play a useful role in the complete excision of melanoma during surgery.

Positioning error analysis of the fraxion localization system in the intracranial stereotactic radiotherapy of tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate positioning error analysis of the Fraxion localization system in the intracranial stereotactic radiotherapy of tumors. METHODS: 64 patients were divided into two groups: a control group (36 patients with the standard thermoplastic mask) and a model group (28 patients with the Fraxion localization system). 3D images of the treated position were obtained by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Positioning errors were obtained by, respectively, registering these two sets of CBCT images to planning CT images, using a 6°-freedom robotic patient positioning system (HexaPOD Evo RT System). The changes in positioning errors with the Fraxion localization system and with the standard thermoplastic mask were analyzed. RESULTS: CBCT scan results of the model group showed that the mean of linear error of three directions [superior-inferior (SI), lateral (LAT), and anterior-posterior (AP)] was 0.710 ± 0.676 mm, 0.817 ± 0.687 mm, and 0.710 ± 0.685 mm, respectively. The corresponding PTV was 1.23 mm, 1.26 mm, and 1.36 mm. The differences between the 3D images and the planned CT images were significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The Fraxion radiotherapy system can not only improve the positioning accuracy and reduce positioning errors but also narrow the PTV margin and reduce the radiated volume of normal tissue.

Serological evidence for exposure to bovine viral diarrhoea virus in sheep co-grazed with beef cattle in New Zealand.

Aims: To determine whether sheep that co-grazed with cattle that were suspected to be positive for bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) virus had serological evidence of exposure to the virus.Methods: Eighteen commercial farms that routinely co-grazed cattle and sheep in the same paddocks were recruited through purposive sampling. The recruiting veterinarians identified nine farms with cattle herds that were known or highly suspected to be positive for BVD and nine farms that were considered to be free of BVD. Blood samples were taken from 15 ewes aged 1 year on each farm and samples were submitted to a commercial diagnostic laboratory to test for antibodies against pestiviruses using an ELISA. All samples that were positive were then tested using a virus neutralisation test (VNT)for antibodies against BVD virus.Results: Of the 270 blood samples, 17 were positive for pestivirus antibodies by ELISA and these originated from two farms that were known or suspected to have BVD virus-positive cattle. None of the samples from the nine flocks co-grazed with cattle herds that were known or suspected to be BVD virus-negative were positive for pestivirus antibodies. Within the two positive farms, 2/15 samples from the first farm and 15/15 samples from the second farm were antibody-positive. When the 17 positive blood samples were submitted for VNT, all 15 samples from the second farm tested positive for BVD virus antibodies with the highest titre being 1:512.Conclusions and clinical relevance: In this small sample of New Zealand sheep and beef farms with suspected BVD infection in cattle, there was evidence of pestivirus exposure in co-grazed sheep. Although we were unable to confirm the origin of the exposure in these sheep, these findings highlight that farmers who are trying to eradicate BVD from their cattle should be mindful that the infection may also be circulating in sheep, and both populations should be considered a possible risk to each other for generating transient and persistent infections. Further work is needed to estimate the true prevalence of New Zealand sheep flocks that are affected by BVD and the associated economic impacts.

Practices and opinions of New Zealand beef cattle farmers towards bovine viral diarrhoea control in relation to real and perceived herd serological status.

Aims: To investigate the seroprevalence of infection with bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) virus among 75 beef herds and seroconversion in cattle during early pregnancy, and to determine the practices and opinions of farmers towards BVD control and their association with real and perceived herd serological status.Methods: Blood samples were collected before mating in 75 beef herds across New Zealand from 15 unvaccinated heifers that had delivered their first calf that season. Serum samples were tested for BVD antibodies using ELISA individually, and after pooling samples for each farm. Animals that were antibody-negative were retested at either pregnancy diagnosis or weaning. Farmers were asked to complete a detailed survey about herd demographics, BVD testing and vaccination practices, and opinions towards national BVD control.Results: Based on the pooled serum antibody ELISA results, there were 28/75 (37%) negative herds, 15/75 (20%) suspect herds, and 32/75 (43%) positive herds. Of 1,117 animals sampled 729 (65.3%) tested negative for BVD virus antibodies; when retested, 47/589 (8.0%) animals from 13/55 (24%) herds had seroconverted. Among 71 famers providing survey responses 11 (15%) believed their herd was infected with BVD, 24 (34%) were unsure and 36 (51%) did not think their herd was infected. Only 19/71 (18%) farmers had performed any BVD testing within the past 5 years and 50/70 (71%) had not vaccinated any cattle for BVD. Support for national BVD eradication programme was strong in 51/71 (56%) respondents, but the biggest challenge to BVD control was considered to be famer compliance. Compared to farmers who did not think their herd was infected, more farmers who thought BVD was present in their herds had previously tested for BVD, would consider testing all replacement calves, and would support establishing a national BVD database; fewer would consider purchasing BVD tested or vaccinated cattle only.Conclusions and clinical relevance: Only 15% of the beef farmers in this study believed their herds were infected with BVD virus and few of them had undertaken BVD screening. Nevertheless many were supportive of implementing a national BVD control programme. It is likely that the lack of farmer awareness around BVD and the failure of farmers to recognise the potential impacts in their herds are hindering progress in controlling the disease in New Zealand. There are opportunities for New Zealand veterinarians to be more proactive in helping beef farmers explore BVD management options.

Fate of the micropenis and constitutional small penis: do they grow to normalcy in puberty?

INTRODUCTION: Penile length is an important indicator of male sexual development. Scarce data were reported on penile length measurements in children comparing changes between prepuberty and puberty for the small penile issue with long-term follow-up. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of catch-up growth of the penile length of boys with a small penis in the long-term follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: From April 2001 to December 2016, 27 boys who visited the outpatient clinic owing to a small penis, without any chromosomal anomalies and other genital disorder, were investigated retrospectively. Micropenis is defined as 2.5 standard deviations less than the mean stretched penile length (SPL) of age. Periodic penile length, testicular volume, hormonal levels (serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)), and bone age were measured. Pubertal development was recorded by using the Tanner scale. The effect of hormonal therapy and the factors attributable to the increment of the penile length were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age at the first visit was 9.8 years (5-12 years) and that at puberty was 12.6 years (10-16 years). The length of the penis at the initial visit was 4.0 ± 0.8 cm (2.5-6.0) and at puberty, 7.3 ± 1.8 cm (4.0-12.0). Nine patients diagnosed with micropenis no longer had a micropenis in puberty. The less the age-matched SPL, the more the increment of SPL that was observed (rho = - 0.548, P = 0.003). The mean increment of SPL in the hormonal therapy group (11 boys) and the non-hormonal therapy group (16 boys) was not statistically different (43.5 ± 22. 9% vs 41.5 ± 21.6%, respectively, P = 0.497). DISCUSSION: This study explains how much the growth of a small penis catches up in puberty. From the point of view of the increment of SPL, the increment was higher in boys who belonged to the smaller penis group. Hormonal therapy does not attribute to an increase in the length after long-term follow-up. Limitations of this study were its retrospective origin with a small number of patients in a single center. CONCLUSION: Catch-up growth of the small penis at puberty was accomplished in most children with a small penis before puberty. Hormonal treatment was not significantly correlated with the penile length increment in the long-term follow-up.

Assessing the use of diagnostic laboratory accession data to support national bovine viral diarrhoea control in New Zealand.

Aims: To assess the suitability of using existing national diagnostic laboratory testing data to support national bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) research, surveillance, and control in New Zealand. Methods: Data on laboratory accessions for BVD diagnostic testing in New Zealand from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017 were provided by four commercial veterinary diagnostic companies. The data were integrated into a single dataset containing the unique accession number, sample submission date, farm location (territorial authority level), test type (bulk milk antibody-ELISA, bulk milk PCR, serum antibody-ELISA, blood/serum/tissue antigen-ELISA, or blood/serum/tissue PCR), and test results. Estimates for the number of registered cattle farms in each territorial authority were generated from the National Animal Identification and Tracing database. Results were summarised for July 2015 to June 2016 and July 2016 to June 2017. Results: There was a total of 59,007 unique BVD diagnostic test accessions including 39,920 (67.6%) for bulk milk antibody-ELISA, 27,832 (47.2%) for bulk milk PCR, 3,229 (5.5%) for serum antibody-ELISA, 9,132 (15.5%) for blood/serum/tissue antigen-ELISA, and 7,122 (12.1%) for blood/serum/tissue PCR. Of the 17,946 accessions for blood/serum/tissue samples, 4,316 (24.0%) were missing the herd production type and 6,678 (37.2%) were missing the animals age. Approximately 7,000/10,958 (65%) dairy herds and 1,600/43,611 (4%) beef herds were conducting annual BVD screening tests. In 2016/2017, the prevalence of accessions with ≥1 BVD-positive result was 40.6% for bulk milk antibody, 6.4% for bulk milk PCR, 45.6% for serum antibody, and 9.8% for blood/serum/tissue antigen-ELISA or PCR tests. There was substantial regional variation in both the percentage of herds testing for BVD and the prevalence of positive accessions. Following pooled serum antibody-ELISA, only 175/604 (29.0%) beef herds and 177/566 (31.3%) dairy herds had recorded follow-up testing. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Laboratory diagnostic accession data has the potential to provide valuable insights about BVD epidemiology in New Zealand, but there are significant limitations in the data collected and discrepancies in the different systems that each laboratory uses to measure, interpret, and record diagnostic data. There is a strong need to develop a more consistent national system for recording and sharing BVD test results to support BVD management at farm and industry levels. Abbreviations: BVD: Bovine viral diarrhoea; Ct: Cycle threshold; NAIT: National Animal Identification and Tracing; NZVP: New Zealand Veterinary Pathology; PI: Persistently infected; S/P: Sample to positive control.

Association between 18F-FDG uptake in PET/CT, Nrf2, and NQO1 expression and their prognostic significance in non-small cell lung cancer.

Two pentose phosphate pathway-related proteins, NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/ NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (Quinone) 1 (NQO1) regulate the expression of glucose metabolism and antioxidant genes. We evaluated the prognostic significance of NRF2, NQO1 and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) parameter and their relationship with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) histology. A total of 241 patients, who underwent surgical resection for NSCLC, were reviewed retrospectively. Preoperative 18F-FDG PET and immunohistochemical results of Nrf2 and NQO1 were evaluated. In SQCC, the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was significantly higher in NQO1-high than in NQO1-low expression (p=0.023). In adenocarcinoma, SUVmax was not correlated with NQO1 expression. Patients with a high NQO1 expression showed poor recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) than patients with a low NQO1 expression in squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC) (p=0.002 and p=0.014, respectively). NQO1 expression was not associated with clinical outcome in adenocarcinoma. Nrf2 expression was not correlated with prognosis in two types of NSCLC. High SUVmax was associated with poor RFS (p=0.03) but is not related to poor OS (p=0.569) in SQCC. In multivariate analyses, NQO1 expression and SUVmax were not independent prognostic factors in SQCC. However, in multivariate analysis combining NQO1 and SUVmax values, both low SUVmax and low NQO1 was independent prognostic factor for RFS and OS (HR= 3.790, p = 0.033 and HR= 2.961, p = 0.045, respectively). In conclusion, both low SUVmax and low NQO1 was an independent prognostic factor in SQCC alone. The sample size was small but there was a positive correlation between NQO1 expression and SUVmax in SQCC.

Effects of self-reported hearing or vision impairment on depressive symptoms: a population-based longitudinal study.

AIMS: The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of either hearing, vision or dual sensory impairment on depressive symptoms and to identify subgroups that are vulnerable and significantly affected. METHODS: Data from the 2006-2014 Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) were used and a total of 5832 individuals were included in this study. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D10) scale. Sensory impairment was assessed according to the levels of self-reported hearing or vision, which were categorised as either good (excellent, very good or good) or poor (fair or poor). The changes in hearing or vision from records of previous survey were investigated. Changes from good to poor, which indicates new onset, were defined as hearing impairment or vision impairment. Interactions of changes in hearing and vision were considered in the analysis. Dual sensory impairment was indicated when hearing impairment and vision impairment both developed at the same time. Demographic, socioeconomic and health-related factors were considered as potential confounders and were adjusted for in the generalised estimating equation model. RESULTS: Individuals with hearing impairment demonstrated significantly more severe depressive symptoms [ß = 0.434, standard errors (s.e.) = 0.097, p < 0.001] than those who had good hearing. Those with vision impairment also showed significantly elevated depressive symptoms (ß = 0.253, s.e. = 0.058, p < 0.001) than those with good vision. When the interactions between hearing and vision were considered, participants with dual sensory impairment showed significantly more severe depressive symptoms (ß = 0.768, s.e. = 0.197, p < 0.001) than those with good hearing and vision. The effect of a single and dual sensory impairment on depressive symptoms was significant in both sexes and across age groups, except for vision impairment in male participants. CONCLUSIONS: Hearing, vision and dual sensory impairment are significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Our results suggest that treatment or rehabilitation of either hearing or vision impairment would help prevent depression.

Inhibition of Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Can Influence the Lipid Metabolism in Mice with Diet-Induced Obesity.

A growing number of evidences accumulated about critical metabolic role of cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1), carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in some peripheral tissues, including adipose tissue, liver, skeletal muscle and heart. To better understand the interactions of CB1, CPT1 and PPARs in these tissues, 30 diet-induced obese (DIO) C57BL/6J male mice were obtained, weight-matched and divided into two groups (15 in each group): (i) DIO/vehicle mice (D-Veh) and (ii) DIO/SR141716 mice (D-SR) treated with SR141716 (or rimonabant, a selective CB1 receptor blocker) administered orally (10 mg/kg daily). Another 15 mice fed standard diet (STD) formed the STD/vehicle group (S-Veh). At the end of 3-week treatment, mean body weight was 28.4 ± 0.5, 36.5 ± 0.8, and 30.3 ± 1.2 g for the S-Veh, D-Veh, and D-SR group, respectively (p < 0.05; D-Veh vs. D-SR). Liver weight in the D-SR group was also decreased significantly compared to the D-Veh group (p < 0.05). Serum levels of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, leptin and adiponectin in the D-SR group were ameliorated compared to the D-Veh group (p < 0.05). Both qRT-PCR and Western blot assay revealed that CB1 expression levels were efficiently blocked by SR141716 in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), skeletal muscles and liver (D-SR vs. D-Veh; p < 0.05), whereas there was no significant difference between S-Veh and D-Veh mice (p > 0.05). Simultaneously with the reduction of CB1 expression in the D-SR group, the expression levels of CPT1A isoform (protein) in the liver and heart and CPT1B isoform (protein) in the SAT, VAT, liver and skeletal muscles were significantly increased (p < 0.05; D-SR vs. D-Veh). Interestingly, the CPT1A and CPT1B expression levels in heart were detected slightly. The expression levels of PPARα in the SAT, VAT, liver and skeletal muscles and PPARγ in the SAT and skeletal muscles in the D-SR group were significantly increased compared to the D-Veh mice (p < 0.05). However, the PPARß expression level differed from that of PPARα and PPARγ. Taken together, these data indicate that the inhibition of CB1 could ameliorate lipid metabolism via the stimulation of the CPT1A and CPT1B expression in vivo. Simultaneously, the PPARα and PPARγ expression levels significantly differed compared to that of PPARß in obesity and lipid metabolism-related disorders under blockade of CB1. Both the mechanism of the influence of CB1 inhibition on lipid metabolism in the examined tissues and the specific mechanism of PPARα, PPARγ and PPARß involvement in lipid exchange under these conditions remain to be further elucidated.

Elimination of bovine viral diarrhoea virus in New Zealand: a review of research progress and future directions.

The major impacts of bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) on cattle health and production have prompted many countries to embark on national elimination programmes. These programmes typically involve identifying and removing persistently infected (PI) cattle in infected herds and implementing biosecurity measures, such as pre- or post-movement testing. In order to design a systematic national control programme to eliminate BVD in New Zealand, which achieves the greatest benefits to the industries at the lowest cost to individual farmers, an accurate understanding is necessary of the epidemiology, economics and social motivation for BVD control in New Zealand. In this article we briefly review the pathogenesis of BVD, transmission and diagnosis of BVD virus infection, and effectiveness of vaccination. We summarise the current state of knowledge of the prevalence, risk factors for transmission, and financial impacts of BVD in New Zealand. We describe control programmes in Europe and then discuss the challenges that must be addressed to design a cost-effective national control programme to eliminate BVD in New Zealand.

[Analysis of curative effect of transoral radiofrequency ablation microsurgery on glottic carcinoma with anterior commissure involvement at the early stage].

Objective: To explore the key technique and outcome of transoral radiofrequency ablation microsurgery for early stage of glottic carcinoma with anterior commissure involvement (ACI). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 31 patients, who were diagnosed as early stage glottic carcinoma during January 2010 to March 2016 in ENT Department. According to whether the anterior commissure was involved or not, two groups were divided. There were eleven cases with ACI (stages T1a, T1b, and T2). Twenty cases without ACI (stages Tis, T1a, and T2). All the patients received transoral radiofrequency ablation microsurgery and followed up closely.Only one case received radiotheraphy after surgery. SPSS19.0 software was used to analyze data. Results: The follow-up time was 12-67 months, and the median follow-up time was 30 months. Nine among 11 cases with ACI obtained good oncologic outcomes, initial local recurrence was identified in 2/11 cases, including 2 cases of T2. Two cases ultimately required salvage total laryngectomy. Meanwhile, initial local recurrence was identified in 2/20 cases without ACI, including 1 case of T1a and 1 case of T2. One case underwent elective neck dissection, and another one received salvage total laryngectomy.Compared to the patients without ACI, it seemed that the cases with ACI always accomponied with a little higher initial local recurrence and lower overall laryngealpreservation, but the difference had no significance (P>0.05). Conclusions: Transoral radiofrequency ablation microsurgery is an effective treatment for glottic carcinoma with ACI. Its advantages, such as more flexibility and deformability, make it more feasible to operate at the narrow space of anterior commissure assisted with laryngeal endoscopy.Good oncologic outcomes can be obtained by this technique with lower initial local recurrence as well as higher overall laryngeal preservation rate.

Ultra-power-efficient 2 × 2 Si Mach-Zehnder interferometer optical switch based on III-V/Si hybrid MOS phase shifter.

We have demonstrated an ultra-power-efficient 2 × 2 Si Mach-Zehnder interferometer optical switch with III-V/Si hybrid metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) phase shifters. The efficient low-loss phase modulation enables low-crosstalk and broadband switching in conjunction with multimode interference couplers consisting of tapered input and output ports. Owing to the negligible gate leakage current in the hybrid MOS capacitor, the power consumption required for switching is 0.18 nW, approximately 107 times smaller than that of a Si thermo-optic phase shifter. We also demonstrated a switching time of less than 20 ns. The III-V/Si hybrid MOS phase shifter is promising for fabricating large-scale Si photonic integrated circuits that require efficient, low-loss, and high-speed optical phase control.

Rare cancers in The Netherlands: a population-based study.

The conventional definition for rare disease is based on prevalence. Because of differences in prognosis, a definition on the basis of incidence was deemed to be more appropriate for rare cancers. Within the European RARECARE project, a definition was introduced that defines cancers as rare when the crude incidence rate is less than six per 100 000 per year. In this study, we applied the RARECARE definition for rare cancer to the Netherlands; this to identify the usefulness of the definition in a single country and to provide more insight into the burden of rare cancers in the Netherlands. Data for 2004 through 2008 were extracted from the Netherlands Cancer Registry and classified according to the RARECARE entities (tumour groupings). Crude and European standardized incidence rates were calculated. Out of the 260 entities, 223 (86%) were rare according to the definition, accounting for 14 000 cancers (17% of all). Considerable fluctuations in crude rates over years were observed for the major group of cancers. Rare tumours in the Netherlands constituted 17% of all newly diagnosed tumours, but were divided over 223 different entities, indicating the challenge that faces clinicians. To make the definition of rare cancers better applicable, it should be refined by taking into consideration the sex-specific incidence for sex-specific cancer sites. Moreover, a mean incidence over 5 years will provide more solid insight into the burden, eliminating large fluctuations in time of most of the cancers.