University of Rijeka

About: University of Rijeka is a education organization based out in Rijeka, Croatia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Tourism. The organization has 3471 authors who have published 7993 publications receiving 110386 citations. The organization is also known as: Rijeka University & Sveučilište u Rijeci.

Does the Efficient Market Hypothesis Hold?: Evidence from Six Transition Economies

Abstract: In this paper, a wavelet analysis of long-range dependence (LRD) based on the Hurst exponent is presented. An estimator is used to perform an analysis of LRD in the capital markets of six transition economies. The results suggest that we can divide the stock markets into two groups: markets with strong LRD (the Czech Republic, Hungary, Russia, and Slovenia), and markets with no or only a weak form of LRD (Poland and Slovakia). Additionally, if the Hurst exponent is estimated on a sliding time window, the results show some additional properties, which we believe are representative for the markets in transition economies.

Immune responses and cytokine induction in the development of severe hepatitis during acute infections with murine cytomegalovirus.

Abstract: Salivary gland-derived murine cytomegalovirus (SGV) infections of mice have been widely used as models of human cytomegalovirus infections and in the study of CMV biology Still, many aspects of SGV pathogenesis are not clearly defined Fatal and non-fatal SGV infections were investigated to characterize pathogenetic correlates of mortality and to assess the role of the immune response in disease progression Suppression of immune responses was observed in both lethal and sublethal infections Depletion of immune cell populations in spleen, however, correlated with severe CMV-induced hepatitis and mortality In addition, T cell depletion studies indicated a requirement for this immune cell subset in control of liver damage and survival of infected mice Examination of cytokine responses revealed a previously undescribed shock-like syndrome in lethally-infected mice characterized by high levels of tumor necrosis factor α and interferon γ Furthermore, the sites of tumor necrosis factor α gene induction did not strictly correlate with either viral load or the sites of tissue damage during infection Taken together, these findings define the pathogenetic progression of disease as it relates to disease outcome and suggests that organ-specific differences in cytokine induction play a significant role in the late stages of acute lethal MCMV infections

Natural killer cells: fighting viruses and much more

Abstract: More than 450 immunologists recently met in Cavtat, Croatia to discuss advances in natural killer (NK) cell biology. The meeting highlighted emerging themes in NK cell responses to viruses, NK cell tolerance and potential use of NK cells in the therapy of malignancies.

United European Gastroenterology (UEG) and European Society for Neurogastroenterology and Motility (ESNM) consensus on functional dyspepsia

Abstract: Background Functional dyspepsia (FD) is one of the most common conditions in clinical practice. In spite of its prevalence, FD is associated with major uncertainties in terms of its definition, underlying pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Methods A Delphi consensus was initiated with 41 experts from 22 European countries who conducted a literature summary and voting process on 87 statements. Quality of evidence was evaluated using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Consensus (defined as >80% agreement) was reached for 36 statements. Results The panel agreed with the definition in terms of its cardinal symptoms (early satiation, postprandial fullness, epigastric pain, and epigastric burning), its subdivision into epigastric pain syndrome and postprandial distress syndrome, and the presence of accessory symptoms (upper abdominal bloating, nausea, belching), and overlapping conditions. Also, well accepted are the female predominance of FD, its impact on quality of life and health costs, and acute gastrointestinal infections, and anxiety as risk factors. In terms of pathophysiological mechanisms, the consensus supports a role for impaired gastric accommodation, delayed gastric emptying, hypersensitivity to gastric distention, Helicobacter pylori infection, and altered central processing of signals from the gastroduodenal region. There is consensus that endoscopy is mandatory for establishing a firm diagnosis of FD, but that in primary care, patients without alarm symptoms or risk factors can be managed without endoscopy. There is consensus that H. pylori status should be determined in every patient with dyspeptic symptoms and H. pylori positive patients should receive eradication therapy. Also, proton pump inhibitor therapy is considered an effective therapy for FD, but no other treatment approach reached a consensus. The long-term prognosis and life expectancy are favorable. Conclusions and inferences A multinational group of European experts summarized the current state of consensus on the definition, diagnosis and management of FD.

Astroglia in Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract: Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. Cellular changes in the brains of the patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease occur well in advance of the clinical symptoms. At the cellular level, the most dramatic is a demise of neurones. As astroglial cells carry out homeostatic functions of the brain, it is certain that these cells are at least in part a cause of Alzheimer's disease. Historically, Alois Alzheimer himself has recognised this at the dawn of the disease description. However, the role of astroglia in this disease has been understudied. In this chapter, we summarise the various aspects of glial contribution to this disease and outline the potential of using these cells in prevention (exercise and environmental enrichment) and intervention of this devastating disease.