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.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum): A concise overview on its chemistry, pharmacological, and nutraceutical uses in liver diseases.

Abstract: Milk thistle (MT; Silybum marianum), a member of the Asteraceae family, is a therapeutic herb with a 2,000-year history of use. MT fruits contain a mixture of flavonolignans collectively known as silymarin, being silybin (also named silibinin) the main component. This article reviews the chemistry of MT, the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability, the pharmacologically relevant actions for liver diseases (e.g., anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, antifibrotic, antioxidant, and liver-regenerating properties) as well as the clinical potential in patients with alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury, and mushroom poisoning. Overall, literature data suggest that, despite encouraging preclinical data, further well-designed randomized clinical trials are needed to fully substantiate the real value of MT preparations in liver diseases.

Antifungal and anti-biofilm activity of the first cryptic antimicrobial peptide from an archaeal protein against Candida spp. clinical isolates

Abstract: Candida species cause cutaneous and systemic infections with a high mortality rate, especially in immunocompromised patients. The emergence of resistance to the most common antifungal drugs, also due to biofilm formation, requires the development of alternative antifungal agents. The antimicrobial peptide VLL-28, isolated from an archaeal transcription factor, shows comparable antifungal activity against 10 clinical isolates of Candida spp. Using a fluoresceinated derivative of this peptide, we found that VLL-28 binds to the surface of planktonic cells. This observation suggested that it could exert its antifungal activity by damaging the cell wall. In addition, analyses performed on biofilms via confocal microscopy revealed that VLL-28 is differentially active on all the strains tested, with C. albicans and C. parapsilosis being the most sensitive ones. Notably, VLL-28 is the first example of an archaeal antimicrobial peptide that is active towards Candida spp. Thus, this points to archaeal microorganisms as a possible reservoir of novel antifungal agents.

Thyroid nodules and related symptoms are stably controlled two years after radiofrequency thermal ablation.

Abstract: Background: Percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation (RTA) is a promising new therapeutic approach to manage thyroid nodules (TNs). The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effectiveness of RTA in inducing shrinkage of TNs as well as in controlling compressive symptoms and thyroid hyperfunction in a large series of elderly subjects with solid or mainly solid benign TNs. Methods: Ninety-four elderly patients with cytologically benign compressive TNs were prospectively enrolled in the study; 66 of them had nontoxic goiter and 28 had toxic or pretoxic goiter. RTA was performed by using a RITA© StarBurst Talon hook-umbrella needle inserted in every single TN under ultrasonographic real-time guidance. TN volume, TN-related compressive symptoms and thyroid function were evaluated at baseline and 12 to 24 months after RTA. Results: All TNs significantly decreased in size after RTA. The mean decrease in TN volume 12 months after RTA was from 24.5 ± 2.1 to 7.5 ± 1.2 mL (p < 0.001), with a mean pe...

Oxidant Control of Polydopamine Surface Chemistry in Acids: A Mechanism-Based Entry to Superhydrophilic-Superoleophobic Coatings

Abstract: Efficient surface functionalization with polydopamine (PDA) films can be easily achieved on virtually any object via single immersion in slightly basic dopamine solutions. In such conditions, however, poor homogeneity, low thickness, and long time of reaction are usually the major limitations. Herein, we report a rational entry to the control of PDA deposition via chemical oxidation under slightly acidic conditions (pH 5.0) ensuring inhibition of uncontrolled autoxidation processes to gain insight about the reaction mechanism and the impact of oxidation conditions on PDA structure. Comparative chemical analysis of dopamine oxidation with three different oxidants (ammonium peroxodisulfate, sodium periodate, and copper sulfate) revealed significant differences in the reaction course and allowed selection of periodate for the fast and homogeneous deposition of PDA films with thickness never before reported. Notably, PDA coatings with unprecedented superhydrophilic/superoleophobic properties were obtained und...