A Compact and Robust RFID Tag Based on an AMC Structure.

A platform-tolerant RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) tag is presented, designed to operate across the entire RFID band. This tag utilizes a small Artificial Magnetic Conductor (AMC) structure as a shielding element for an ungrounded RFID tag antenna. It can be easily mounted on various surfaces, including low permittivity dielectric materials, metal objects, or even attached to the human body for wearable applications.

Diagnostic Process of an Ancient Colonnade Using 3D High-Resolution Models with Non-Invasive Multi Techniques.

Here, an avant-garde study of three ancient Doric columns of the precious, ancient Romanesque church of Saints Lorenzo and Pancrazio in the historical town center of Cagliari (Italy) is presented based on the integrated application of different non-destructive testing methods. The limitations of each methodology are overcome by the synergistic application of these methods, affording an accurate, complete 3D image of the studied elements. Our procedure begins with a macroscopic in situ analysis to provide a preliminary diagnosis of the conditions of the building materials.

An innovative methodology for the non-destructive diagnosis of architectural elements of ancient historical buildings.

In the following we present a new non-invasive methodology aimed at the diagnosis of stone building materials used in historical buildings and architectural elements. This methodology consists of the integrated sequential application of in situ proximal sensing methodologies such as the 3D Terrestrial Laser Scanner for the 3D modelling of investigated objects together with laboratory and in situ non-invasive multi-techniques acoustic data, preceded by an accurate petrographical study of the investigated stone materials by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The increasing necessity to integrate different types of techniques in the safeguard of the Cultural Heritage is the result of the following two interdependent factors: 1) The diagnostic process on the building stone materials of monuments is increasingly focused on difficult targets in critical situations.

Aspirin as a neoadjuvant agent during preoperative chemoradiation for rectal cancer.

Background: Recently, many studies have suggested a possible adjuvant role of aspirin in colorectal cancer, reporting a positive prognostic effect with its use in patients with established disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the anticancer effect of aspirin use during preoperative chemoradiation for rectal cancer.

Methods: Two hundred and forty-one patients with stage II-III rectal cancer and candidates for chemoradiation (CRT) were selected and assigned to two groups: group 1, patients taking aspirin at the time of diagnosis, and group 2, all others.

Risk of complications and long-term functional alterations after local excision of rectal tumors with transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM).

Introduction: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a consolidated technique for the excision of rectal tumors. However, many aspects relating to its morbidity, risk of functional alterations, and therapeutic outcomes are still unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the rate of morbidity and fecal incontinence after TEM, and to identify associated risk factors.

Limits of endorectal ultrasound in tailoring treatment of patients with rectal cancer.

Background: Endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) is considered reliable in staging rectal cancer, but recently some critics have questioned its accuracy. The aim of this study was to evaluate how often an ERUS-based decision leads to an appropriate treatment.

Methods: Two hundred and twenty patients with rectal cancer staged with ERUS who underwent a surgical resection or a local excision without neoadjuvant therapy from 1997 to 2012 were included.

Combined use of terrestrial laser scanning and IR thermography applied to a historical building.

The conservation of architectural heritage usually requires a multidisciplinary approach involving a variety of specialist expertise and techniques. Nevertheless, destructive techniques should be avoided, wherever possible, in order to preserve the integrity of the historical buildings, therefore the development of non-destructive and non-contact techniques is extremely important. In this framework, a methodology for combining the terrestrial laser scanning and the infrared thermal images is proposed, in order to obtain a reconnaissance of the conservation state of a historical building.

Thymosin ß4 expression in colorectal polyps and adenomas.

Objective: Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) is a ubiquitous peptide that plays pivotal roles in the cytoskeletal system and in cell differentiation. Recently, a role for Tβ4 has been proposed in experimental and human carcinogenesis, including gastrointestinal cancer. This study was aimed at evaluating the relationship between Tβ4 immunoreactivity and the initial steps of carcinogenesis.

Ultralow voltage, OTFT-based sensor for label-free DNA detection.

An organic ultralow voltage field effect transistor for DNA hybridization detection is presented. The transduction mechanism is based on a field-effect modulation due to the electrical charge of the oligonucleotides, so label-free detection can be performed. The device shows a sub-nanometer detection limit and unprecedented selectivity with respect to single nucleotide polymorphism.

Elevated CEA levels and low distance of the tumor from the anal verge are predictors of incomplete response to chemoradiation in patients with rectal cancer.

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate pretreatment clinical parameters as predictive factors for complete pathological response after long-term chemoradiotherapy (RCT) for rectal cancer. Tumor downstaging after RCT for rectal cancer can be obtained in half of cases, whereas a complete pathological response (CPR) is reported to range between 15 and 30%. It is not possible to foresee before therapies who will respond.

Expression of oncogenic BARD1 isoforms affects colon cancer progression and correlates with clinical outcome.

Background: Colon cancer predisposition is associated with mutations in BRCA1. BRCA1 protein stability depends on binding to BARD1. In different cancers, expression of differentially spliced BARD1 isoforms is correlated with poor prognosis and decreased patient survival.

Routine preoperative chest computed tomography does not influence therapeutic strategy in patients with colorectal cancer.

Aim: Patients with lung metastasis from colorectal cancer (CRC) may benefit from surgical resection. Chest computed tomography (CT) is often included in the preoperative staging. Interpretation of the nature of pulmonary lesions is not always easy and many question its clinical value.

Thymosin β 4 in colorectal cancer is localized predominantly at the invasion front in tumor cells undergoing epithelial mesenchymal transition.

Objective: Thymosin β 4 (Tβ(4)) is a ubiquitous peptide that plays pivotal roles in the cytoskeletal system and in cell differentiation during embryogenesis. Recently, a role for Tβ(4) has been proposed in experimental and human carcinogenesis. This study was aimed at evaluating the correlation between Tβ(4) immunoractivity and colorectal cancer, with particular attemption to tumor cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

MiR-1 downregulation cooperates with MACC1 in promoting MET overexpression in human colon cancer.

Purpose: MET, the tyrosine kinase receptor for hepatocyte growth factor, is frequently overexpressed in colon cancers with high metastatic tendency. We aimed to evaluate the role of its negative regulators, miR-1 and miR-199a*, and its transcriptional activator, the metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1), in controlling MET expression in human colon cancer samples.

Experimental Design: The expression of MET, miR-1, miR-199a*, and MACC1 was evaluated by real-time PCR in 52 matched pairs of colorectal cancers and nontumoral surrounding tissues.

MUTYH-associated colon disease: adenomatous polyposis is only one of the possible phenotypes. A family report and literature review.

Aims And Background: The MutY human homologue gene (MUTYH) is responsible for about a quarter of attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis. Occasionally, it has been associated with hyperplastic polyps and serrated adenoma. We report a family where the same MUTYH mutation determined four different phenotypes, including a case of hyperplastic polyposis syndrome.

Does long-course radiotherapy influence postoperative perineal morbidity after abdominoperineal resection of the rectum for cancer?

Aim: The aim of the study was to define risk factors for perineal wound complications after abdominoperineal resection (APR), with particular reference to preoperative radiotherapy.

Method: Patients undergoing APR at our institution between 1985 and 2009 were reviewed. Wound complications were classified according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention classification of surgical site infection (SSI).

Synthesis, anti-inflammatory activity, and in vitro antitumor effect of a novel class of cyclooxygenase inhibitors: 4-(aryloyl)phenyl methyl sulfones.

Following our previous research on anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), we report on the design and synthesis of 4-(aryloyl)phenyl methyl sulfones. These substances were characterized for their capacity to inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) isoenzymes. Molecular modeling studies showed that the methylsulfone group of these compounds was inserted deep in the pocket of the human COX-2 binding site, in an orientation that precludes hydrogen bonding with Arg120, Ser353, and Tyr355 through their oxygen atoms.

A nationwide audit of the use of radiotherapy for rectal cancer in Italy.

Background: There is good evidence that radiotherapy is beneficial in advanced rectal cancer, but its application in Italy has not been investigated.

Methods: We conducted a nationwide survey among members of the Italian Society of Colo-Rectal Surgery (SICCR) on the use of radiation therapy for rectal cancer in the year 2005. Demographic, clinical and pathologic data were retrospectively collected with an online database.

Preoperative staging of patients with rectal tumors suitable for transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM): comparison of endorectal ultrasound and histopathologic findings.

Background: Accurate preoperative staging is the key to correct selection of rectal tumors for local excision. This study aims to assess the accuracy of endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) at our institution.

Patients And Methods: Retrospective analysis was carried out of patients treated by transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) from 1996 to 2008.

Phase II study of preoperative irradiation and chemotherapy with capecitabine in patients with locally advanced rectal carcinoma.

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy has demonstrated to improve resectability and local control in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). 5-fluorouracil (5FU) has traditionally been the drug of choice in combination with radiation therapy. Early studies of capecitabine (CAP) have shown its potential to replace 5FU.

Outcomes for early rectal cancer managed with transanal endoscopic microsurgery: a 5-year follow-up study.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term risk of local and distant recurrence as well as the survival of patients with early rectal cancer treated using transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM).

Methods: The study reviewed 69 patients with Tis/T1/T2 rectal cancer treated using full-thickness excision between 1991 and 1999. The pathology T-stages included 25 Tis, 23 T1, and 21 T2.

Construction and phase I clinical evaluation of the safety and immunogenicity of a candidate enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli vaccine strain expressing colonization factor antigen CFA/I.

Oral delivery of toxin-negative derivatives of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) that express colonization factor antigens (CFA) with deletions of the aroC, ompC, ompF, and toxin genes may be an effective approach to vaccination against ETEC-associated diarrhea. We describe the creation and characterization of an attenuated CFA/I-expressing ETEC vaccine candidate, ACAM2010, from a virulent isolate in which the heat-stable enterotoxin (ST) and CFA/I genes were closely linked and on the same virulence plasmid as the enteroaggregative E. coli heat-stable toxin (EAST1) gene.