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.

Nanobiotechnology and bone regeneration: a mini-review

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to review current developments in bone tissue engineering, with special focus on the promising role of nanobiotechnology. This unique fusion between nanotechnology and biotechnology offers unprecedented possibilities in studying and modulating biological processes on a molecular and atomic scale. First we discuss the multiscale hierarchical structure of bone and its implication on the design of new scaffolds and delivery systems. Then we briefly present different types of nanostructured scaffolds, and finally we conclude with nanoparticle delivery systems and their potential use in promoting bone regeneration. This review is not meant to be exhaustive and comprehensive, but aims to highlight concepts and key advances in the field of nanobiotechnology and bone regeneration.

Modelling processes related to corrosion of reinforcement in concrete: coupled 3D finite element model

Abstract: Aggressive environmental conditions, such as exposure to the sea climate or use of de-icing salts, have a strong influence on durability of reinforced concrete (RC) structures due to reinforcement corrosion-induced damage. In the present paper, a recently developed three-dimensional (3D) chemo-hygro-thermo-mechanical model for concrete is briefly discussed. The model was implemented into a 3D finite element code and its application is illustrated through numerical analysis of a RC beam-end specimen with stirrups, exposed to aggressive environmental conditions. Damage of concrete cover due to expansion of corrosion products and transport of rust through concrete pores and cracks are computed. Subsequently, the influence of corrosion-induced damage of concrete cover on pull-out resistance of deformed reinforcement is investigated. The comparison between numerical results and experimental evidence shows that the complex coupled mathematical model is able to realistically predict the phenomena related...

Differences in the health-related quality of life, affective status, and personality between irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease patients.

Abstract: To investigate differences in the health-related quality of life (HRQoL), number of stressful life events, affective status, and some personality characteristics between patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as well as their possible role in disease activity. Fifty-six IBS outpatients, age range 25-75 years (median = 48.64 ; SD = 13.04) and 43 outpatients with IBD, age range 19-74 years (median = 42.90 ; SD = 15.44), participated in this study. Patients filled out the following questionnaires: Short-Form 36 Health Survey, Beck Depression Inventory, Spielberger's Trait-Anxiety Inventory, Big Five Inventory, and Stressful Life Events Questionnaire. There were significant differences in the physical component (F = 10.80, P<0.001) of the general HRQoL as well as in anxiety (F = 7.23, P<0.01) and neuroticism (F = 8.90, P<0.01) between patients with IBS and IBD. IBS patients showed a significantly higher level of anxiety and neuroticism and better physical aspects of general HRQoL compared with IBD patients. The results of standard regression analyses indicated that a significant predictor (beta = -0.44, P<0.01) for the perceived disease activity in IBS was neuroticism as a personality trait. The results of this study show that the patients with IBS are more prone to the effect of psychosocial variables on gastrointestinal symptoms compared with patients with organic gastrointestinal diseases such as IBD. IBS patients experienced a higher level of anxiety and expressed a higher level of neuroticism as a personality trait compared with IBD.

Cross­ Cultural Validation of the Emotional Skills and Competence Questionnaire (ESCQ)

Abstract: This article discusses the cross-cultural validation of the Emotional Skills and Competence Questionnaire (ESCQ), which consists of 45 items divided into three subscales – (i) perceiving and unders

The evolutionary arms race between NK cells and viruses: Who gets the short end of the stick?

Abstract: NK cells are innate lymphocytes that play a key role in the control of various viral infections. Recent studies indicate that NK cells may acquire some features of adaptive immune cells, including the formation of long-lived memory cells. A large and growing body of data indicates that NK cells regulate the adaptive immune response as well. The function and the activation status of NK cells are tightly regulated by signals induced by a broad range of inhibitory and activating cell surface receptors and cytokines released by other immune cells. Here, we review the function of mouse NK-cell receptors involved in virus control and in the regulation of the adaptive immune response. In addition, we discuss viral strategies used to evade NK-cell-mediated control during infection. Finally, the role of several activating Ly49 receptors specific for mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV), as well as some controversial issues in the field, will be discussed.