University of Naples Federico II

About: University of Naples Federico II is a education organization based out in Naples, Campania, Italy. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Cancer. The organization has 29291 authors who have published 68803 publications receiving 1920149 citations. The organization is also known as: Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II & Naples University.

An Overview of the Small BAseline Subset Algorithm: a DInSAR Technique for Surface Deformation Analysis

Abstract: We present an overview of the Differential SAR Interferometry algorithm referred to as Small BAseline Subset (SBAS) technique, that allows us to detect surface deformation and to analyze their space-time characteristics. Following the description of the main theoretical aspects of the algorithm, we present several results obtained by applying the SBAS approach in selected case studies relevant to phenomena affecting volcanic areas (Campi Flegrei caldera and Somma-Vesuvio complex, Italy), aquifers (Santa Clara area within the San Francisco bay, California) and landslides (Maratea Valley, Italy). The overall analysis is carried out by using multilook DInSAR interferograms with a spatial resolution of the order of 100 × 100 m, computed from SAR data acquired by the ERS-1 and ERS-2 sensors. In particular, we highlight the peculiarities of the SBAS technique and its surface deformation retrieval capability for what concerns both large-scale deformation phenomena and more localized displacement effects.

Burden on the families of patients with schizophrenia: results of the BIOMED I study.

Abstract: The burden, the coping strategies and the social network of a sample of 236 relatives of patients with schizophrenia, living in five European countries, were explored by well-validated assessment instruments. In all centres, relatives experienced higher levels of burden when they had poor coping resources and reduced social support. Relatives in Mediterranean centres, who reported lower levels of social support, were more resigned, and more often used spiritual help as a coping strategy. These data indicate that family burden and coping strategies can be influenced by cultural factors, and suggest that family interventions should have also a social focus, aiming to increase the family social network and to reduce stigma.

Evaluation of Human Papillomavirus Antibodies and Risk of Subsequent Head and Neck Cancer

Abstract: Purpose Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) infection is causing an increasing number of oropharyngeal cancers in the United States and Europe. The aim of our study was to investigate whether HPV antibodies are associated with head and neck cancer risk when measured in prediagnostic sera. Methods We identified 638 participants with incident head and neck cancers (patients; 180 oral cancers, 135 oropharynx cancers, and 247 hypopharynx/larynx cancers) and 300 patients with esophageal cancers as well as 1,599 comparable controls from within the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition cohort. Prediagnostic plasma samples from patients (collected, on average, 6 years before diagnosis) and control participants were analyzed for antibodies against multiple proteins of HPV16 as well as HPV6, HPV11, HPV18, HPV31, HPV33, HPV45, and HPV52. Odds ratios (ORs) of cancer and 95% CIs were calculated, adjusting for potential confounders. All-cause mortality was evaluated among patients using Cox proportional hazards regression. Results HPV16 E6 seropositivity was present in prediagnostic samples for 34.8% of patients with oropharyngeal cancer and 0.6% of controls (OR, 274; 95% CI, 110 to 681) but was not associated with other cancer sites. The increased risk of oropharyngeal cancer among HPV16 E6 seropositive participants was independent of time between blood collection and diagnosis and was observed more than 10 years before diagnosis. The all-cause mortality ratio among patients with oropharyngeal cancer was 0.30 (95% CI, 0.13 to 0.67), for patients who were HPV16 E6 seropositive compared with seronegative.

Antidiabetic Potential of Medicinal Plants and Their Active Components.

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is one of the major health problems in the world, the incidence and associated mortality are increasing. Inadequate regulation of the blood sugar imposes serious consequences for health. Conventional antidiabetic drugs are effective, however, also with unavoidable side effects. On the other hand, medicinal plants may act as an alternative source of antidiabetic agents. Examples of medicinal plants with antidiabetic potential are described, with focuses on preclinical and clinical studies. The beneficial potential of each plant matrix is given by the combined and concerted action of their profile of biologically active compounds.