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.

Normalization of Diastolic Dysfunction in Aortic Stenosis Late After Valve Replacement

Abstract: Background The remodeling of the left ventricle in patients with aortic stenosis after aortic valve replacement (AVR) is a complex process involving structural and functional changes Methods and Results Twenty-two patients were included in the present analysis Twelve patients with severe aortic stenosis were studied before surgery, early (22±8 months) and late (81±22 months) after AVR using left ventricular biplane angiograms, high-fidelity pressure measurements, and endomyocardial biopsies Ten healthy subjects were used as controls Left ventricular systolic function was assessed from biplane ejection fraction, and diastolic function from the time constant of relaxation, the peak filling rate, and the myocardial stiffness constant Left ventricular structure was evaluated from interstitial fibrosis, fibrous content, and muscle fiber diameter Left ventricular muscle mass was significantly increased before surgery in patients with aortic stenosis and remained increased early after surgery, although the

Boosted objects and jet substructure at the LHC. Report of BOOST2012, held at IFIC Valencia, 23rd-27th of July 2012

Abstract: This report of the BOOST2012 workshop presents the results of four working groups that studied key aspects of jet substructure We discuss the potential of first-principle QCD calculations to yield a precise description of the substructure of jets and study the accuracy of state-of-the-art Monte Carlo tools Limitations of the experiments’ ability to resolve substructure are evaluated, with a focus on the impact of additional (pile-up) proton proton collisions on jet substructure performance in future LHC operating scenarios A final section summarizes the lessons learnt from jet substructure analyses in searches for new physics in the production of boosted top quarks

Modeling Strategies for the Computational Analysis of Unreinforced Masonry Structures: Review and Classification

Abstract: Masonry structures, although classically suitable to withstand gravitational loads, are sensibly vulnerable if subjected to extraordinary actions such as earthquakes, exhibiting cracks even for events of moderate intensity compared to other structural typologies like as reinforced concrete or steel buildings. In the last half-century, the scientific community devoted a consistent effort to the computational analysis of masonry structures in order to develop tools for the prediction (and the assessment) of their structural behavior. Given the complexity of the mechanics of masonry, different approaches and scales of representation of the mechanical behavior of masonry, as well as different strategies of analysis, have been proposed. In this paper, a comprehensive review of the existing modeling strategies for masonry structures, as well as a novel classification of these strategies are presented. Although a fully coherent collocation of all the modeling approaches is substantially impossible due to the peculiar features of each solution proposed, this classification attempts to make some order on the wide scientific production on this field. The modeling strategies are herein classified into four main categories: block-based models, continuum models, geometry-based models, and macroelement models. Each category is comprehensively reviewed. The future challenges of computational analysis of masonry structures are also discussed.

Dietary Fibre Intake and Risks of Cancers of the Colon and Rectum in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)

Abstract: Background: Earlier analyses within the EPIC study showed that dietary fibre intake was inversely associated with colorectal cancer risk, but results from some large cohort studies do not support this finding. We explored whether the association remained after longer follow-up with a near threefold increase in colorectal cancer cases, and if the association varied by gender and tumour location. Methodology/Principal Findings: After a mean follow-up of 11.0 years, 4,517 incident cases of colorectal cancer were documented. Total, cereal, fruit, and vegetable fibre intakes were estimated from dietary questionnaires at baseline. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models stratified by age, sex, and centre, and adjusted for total energy intake, body mass index, physical activity, smoking, education, menopausal status, hormone replacement therapy, oral contraceptive use, and intakes of alcohol, folate, red and processed meats, and calcium. After multivariable adjustments, total dietary fibre was inversely associated with colorectal cancer (HR per 10 g/day increase in fibre 0.87, 95% CI: 0.79–0.96). Similar linear associations were observed for colon and rectal cancers. The association between total dietary fibre and risk of colorectal cancer risk did not differ by age, sex, or anthropometric, lifestyle, and dietary variables. Fibre from cereals and fibre from fruit and vegetables were similarly associated with colon cancer; but for rectal cancer, the inverse association was only evident for fibre from cereals. Conclusions/Significance: Our results strengthen the evidence for the role of high dietary fibre intake in colorectal cancer prevention.

Hysteroscopic myomectomy: a comprehensive review of surgical techniques

Abstract: Hysteroscopic myomectomy currently represents the standard minimally invasive surgical procedure for treating submucous fibroids, with abnormal uterine bleeding and reproductive issues being the most common indications While hysteroscopic myomectomy has been shown to be safe and effective in the control of menstrual disorders, its effects on infertility remain unclear The review provides a comprehensive survey of all hysteroscopic techniques used to treat fibroids found completely within the uterine cavity (G0) and those with intramural development (G1 and G2) MEDLINE and EMBASE searches identified published papers from 1970 The choice of the technique mostly depends on the intramural extension of the fibroid, as well as on personal experience and available equipment ‘Resectoscopic slicing’ still represents the ‘gold standard’ technique for treating fibroids G0, even if several other effective techniques including ablation by neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser, morcellation and office myomectomy have been proposed On the other hand, the present review clearly indicates that there is still no single technique proven to be unequivocally superior for treating fibroids G1 and G2 Most techniques aim at the transformation of an intramural fibroid into a totally intracavitary lesion, thus avoiding a deep cut into the myometrium At present, the ‘cold loop’ technique seems to represent the best option as it allows a safe and complete removal of such fibroids in just one surgical procedure, while respecting the surrounding healthy myometrium