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Comedones and Atrophic Scarring as a Rare Presentation of Chronic Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus – a Case Report
Cilj: Prikazati slučaj pacijentice s komedonalnim lupusom – izuzetno rijetkim oblikom kroničnog kutanog eritemskog lupusa (engl. chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus; CCLE). Naglasak je stavljen na specifičnosti kliničke prezentacije i dijagnostičke izazove koji prate ovu bolest. Prikaz slučaja: 37-godišnja pacijentica zaprimljena je u dermatološku ambulantu zbog pojave eritematozne infiltracije na lijevoj strani brade, uz prisutnost otvorenih komedona te atrofičnih ožiljaka i tamnijih komedona periaurikularno. Inicijalno je postavljena dijagnoza subakutnog apscesa brade te je pacijentici propisana antibiotska terapija i planirano daljnje kirurško liječenje, no promjena u izgledu lezije potaknula je sumnju u inicijalnu radnu dijagnozu. Stoga je učinjena incizijska biopsija lezije te je korelacijom kliničke slike, patohistološkog nalaza i rezultata naknadne laboratorijske obrade utvrđeno da pacijentica ima komedonalnu varijantu CCLE-a. Propisana joj je terapija hidroksiklorokinom uz intralezionalnu primjenu triamcinolona. Nakon pojave makularnih promjena terapija hidroksiklorokinom je ukinuta te je uveden metotreksat. Tri mjeseca kasnije doza metotreksata povećana je zbog peristentnog eritema i edema lezije te je intenzivirana terapija intralezionalnim triamcinolonom, što je u periodu od šest mjeseci rezultiralo poboljšanjem kliničke slike. Zaključak: Komedonalni lupus iznimno je rijedak podtip CCLE-a. Do danas ovo je 20. opisani slučaj koji ukazuje na izazove u dijagnostici i terapiji zbog nedostatka tipičnih dermatoloških obilježja i neizvjesnosti prognoze. Patohistološka analiza i korelacija s kliničkom slikom ključne su u potvrdi dijagnoze. Bitna je važnost pravovremenog postavljanja dijagnoze uz individualiziran terapijski pristup te kontinuirano praćenje bolesnika radi mogućnosti progresije u sistemski oblik bolesti.Aim: To present a case of a patient with comedonal lupus, an exceptionally rare form of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CCLE). Emphasis is placed on the clinical presentation and diagnostic challenges associated with this condition. Case report: A 37-year-old woman presented to the dermatology clinic with an erythematous infiltration localized on the left side of her chin, accompanied by open comedones. Additionally, periauricular atrophic scarring and darker comedones were noted. Initially, a diagnosis of a subacute abscess was made, and the patient was prescribed antibiotic therapy with planned further surgical treatment. However, a change in the lesion’s appearance prompted suspicion of the initial diagnosis, resulting in an incisional biopsy. After correlating clinical presentation, histopathological findings, and laboratory results, the patient was diagnosed with the comedonal variant of CCLE. Treatment with hydroxychloroquine, along with intralesional injection of triamcinolone, was initiated. After the onset of macular changes, hydroxychloroquine was replaced with methotrexate. Three months later, the dose of methotrexate was increased due to persistent erythema and edema of the lesion, and intralesional triamcinolone therapy was intensified, resulting in improvement of the clinical picture over six months. Conclusion: Comedonal lupus is an extremely rare subtype of CCLE. This report represents the 20th documented case, highlighting the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to the lack of typical dermatological features and uncertainty of prognosis. Histopathological analysis and correlation with the clinical presentation are crucial for confirming the diagnosis. Timely diagnosis is essential, along with an individualized therapeutic approach and continuous patient monitoring for the possibility of progression to systemic disease
Preliminary Insights into the Cyto/Genoprotective Properties of Propolis and Its Constituent Galangin In Vitro
Propolis has been well known for centuries as a natural preventive and therapeutic agent. Its numerous health benefits are mainly attributed to its high content of phenolic compounds that have a remarkable antioxidant activity. Since phenolics may exert a dual nature (pro-oxidant and antioxidant) the aim of this study was to investigate the safety profile of the ethanolic extract of propolis and the related flavonoid galangin and their ability to protect lymphocytes from irinotecan-induced cyto/genotoxicity in vitro. Isolated human peripheral blood lymphocytes were exposed for 3 h to three concentrations of propolis extract and galangin corresponding to the average daily dose of 0.25 mL of extract [propolis in 70% ethanol (3:7, w/w)], as well as a five- and ten-fold higher concentration. Cyto- and genoprotective effects were tested using a cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay. Treatment with propolis and galangin in the selected concentrations exerted high biocompatibility with lymphocytes and diminished the level of cytogenetic damage caused by irinotecan. Propolis at the same concentration offered a stronger protective effect than single galangin. Also, apoptosis was the prevailing mechanism of cell death in our experimental conditions. These preliminary results speak in favour of future investigations of propolis using other available cytogenetic methods and cell models
The impact of MITF expression on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in melanoma: Insights into immune microenvironment dynamics
Melanoma progression is influenced by complex interactions between tumor cells and the immune microenvironment. This study examined the relationship between microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) expression and the immune microenvironment in primary melanoma using a modified classification of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) based on conventional BRISK categories. Archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 81 primary melanoma patients were analyzed via tissue microarray immunohistochemistry to assess MITF protein levels. TIL patterns were categorized into six groups, refining the traditional BRISK classification to distinguish between continuous and discontinuous infiltration, as well as peripheral vs intratumoral distribution. The analysis revealed that melanomas classified under the BRISK B category exhibited the highest MITF expression, often exceeding 50%. In contrast, tumors in the NON-BRISK and ABSENT TIL groups showed significantly lower MITF expression (mean values: 32.73% ± 16.98% and 22.00% ± 10.54%, respectively), with statistically significant differences (Kruskal–Wallis test, P = 0.027; modified classification, P = 0.011). Additionally, the presence of CD20+ B lymphocytes correlated with increased MITF expression (P = 0.009). MITF gene amplification was detected in 29% of cases, though its association with protein expression showed only a trend (P = 0.058). These findings highlight the complex interplay between MITF expression and TIL distribution in melanoma, suggesting that refined TIL classification may offer deeper insights into tumor immunobiology and help predict responses to immunotherapy
Comparative analysis of the protection of the underwater part of the ship's hull by sacrificial anodes and impressed current
Korozija podvodnog dijela brodskog trupa predstavlja veliki izazov za pomorsku industriju, ugrožavajući sigurnost, strukturalni integritet i ekonomičnost plovila. Ovaj rad istražuje usporednu učinkovitost dviju metoda katodne zaštite: žrtvovanih anoda i narinute struje. Cilj istraživanja je ocijeniti izvedbu, isplativost i praktične aspekte ovih metoda kako bi se pružile smjernice za optimalnu zaštitu brodskog trupa. U vrijeme drvenih brodova koristile su se bakrene ploče koje su pružale zaštitu od obraštaja, dolaskom metalnih brodova počele su se razvijati nove tehnologije zaštite od propadanja.Corrosion of the underwater part of the ship's hull presents a significant challenge to the maritime industry, compromising vessel safety, structural integrity, and cost-effectiveness. This article investigates the comparative effectiveness of two cathodic protection methods: sacrificial anodes and impressed current systems. The objective of the research is to evaluate the performance, cost-effectiveness, and practical aspects of these methods to provide guidance for optimal hull protection. In the era of wooden ships, copper plates were used to provide protection against fouling. With the advent of metal ships, new technologies for preventing deterioration began to develop
Organization and update of technical documentation on the ship
Organizacija i ažuriranje tehničke dokumentacije na brodu su ključni za sigurnost i učinkovitost. Proces obuhvaća identifikaciju, organizaciju i redovito ažuriranje dokumenata kao što su crteži i specifikacije. Praćenje promjena i jasno definirani procesi su od vitalne važnosti za održavanje točnosti dokumentacije. Obuka osoblja o procedurama ažuriranja igra ključnu ulogu u uspješnosti procesa. Korištenje suvremenih softverskih alata olakšava administraciju i osigurava brzu dostupnost ažurirane dokumentacije. Konačno, sveobuhvatna strategija za upravljanje dokumentima pridonosi učinkovitom funkcioniranju broda.Organization and updating of technical documentation on the ship are crucial for safety and efficiency. The process involves identification, organization, and regular updating of documents such as drawings and specifications. Tracking changes and clearly defined processes are vital for maintaining document accuracy. Personnel training on updating procedures plays a key role in the success of the process. The use of modern software tools facilitates administration and ensures fast availability of updated documentation. Finally, a comprehensive strategy for document management contributes to the efficient functioning of the ship
Analiza omeđivanja podataka u poljoprivredi promatrana kroz leću bibliometrije
Ujedinjeni Narodi kao jedan od prioriteta Programa održivog razvoja zadali su 17 ciljeva koji bi trebali biti dosegnuti do 2030. godine. Drugi se cilj odnosi na iskorjenjivanje gladi, a ruku pod ruku s njime u istom je cilju zadano promicanje održive poljoprivrede. Budući da održiva poljoprivreda podrazumijeva i efikasnost kojom se uz manji input ostvaruje jednaka ili veća količina outputa, opravdano je istražiti koliko se analizom omeđivanja podataka (AOP) koristi u istraživačkim radovima iz područja poljoprivrede. Analiza omeđivanja podataka metoda je vrijedna istraživanja u kontekstu održive poljoprivrede kako bi se iskorijenila glad, pogotovo siromašnim zemljama, a posebno iz razloga jer se snažno preporučuje u dokumentu Guidelines for the measurement of productivity and efficiency in agriculture organizacije Food and Agriculture pri Ujedinjenim Narodima kao metoda pogodna za mjerenje tehničke efikasnosti i produktivnosti. Cilj je ovoga rada istražiti na koji se način i u kojoj vrsti radova u poljoprivredi, a poglavito iz područja ekonomije, koristi ovom metodom. Zbog toga je provedena bibliometrijska analiza na 863 znanstvenih publikacija u posljednjih deset godina filtriranih pomoću baze podataka Web of Science na temelju ključnih riječi „data envelopment analysis” i „agricult*”. Također, cilj je na temelju analize ključnih riječi i područja utvrditi trendove i smjernice za daljnja istraživanja. Analiza na temelju odabranih ključnih riječi pokazuje da radova iz područja ima dostatno mnogo i njihov je broj posljednjih godina u porastu kao i citiranost, ali je radova hrvatskih autora i autora iz regije vrlo malo iako je metoda vrlo popularna u analizi efikasnosti produktivnosti u području poljoprivrede i to u različitim znanstvenim poljima
Poboljšanje ruralnog obrazovanja kroz strategije pametnih sela: Multidisciplinarni pristup tehnološkoj integraciji
Ruralna područja diljem svijeta suočavaju se s brojnim izazovima, uključujući ograničen pristup obrazovanju, neprikladnu infrastrukturu i ekonomske poteškoće. Koncept pametnih sela nudi inovativan pristup koji se koristi naprednim tehnologijama i integriranim strategijama za poboljšanje kvalitete života u ruralnim zajednicama. Ovo poglavlje istražuje kako se pametnim selima može koristiti za poboljšanje obrazovanja u ruralnim područjima, usredotočujući se na multidisciplinarni pristup tehnološkoj integraciji. Kroz pregled postojećih studija, praktičnih primjera i analize ključnih čimbenika uspjeha, poglavlje ima za cilj pružiti cjelovit pregled metoda i strategija koje omogućuju održivi razvoj i napredak obrazovanja u ruralnim zajednicama.
Na temelju metode studije slučaja detaljno su analizirani konkretni primjeri implementacije pametnih tehnologija u ruralnim zajednicama. Cilj je ovog poglavlja identificirati i predstaviti najbolje prakse koje mogu poslužiti kao modeli za poboljšanje obrazovanja u ruralnim područjima pomoću pametnih tehnologija i inovativnih pristupa. Fokus je na važnosti angažmana lokalne zajednice, digitalnih tehnologija i inovativnih pristupa koji zajedno mogu transformirati obrazovni sustav i stvoriti osnovu za dugoročni ekonomski i društveni prosperitet. Metodologija studije slučaja omogućuje dublje razumijevanje specifičnih izazova i uspjeha pojedinačnih projekata i pruža praktične uvide koji se mogu prenijeti na slične inicijative u drugim ruralnim područjima
ELECTORAL UNITS FOR THE CROATIAN PARLIAMENT
Ovaj rad istražuje izborni sustav i razvoj izbornih jedinica u Republici Hrvatskoj, s posebnim naglaskom na političke promjene od 1990. do 2024. godine. Analiziraju se ključni elementi izbornog sustava, uključujući vrste izbornih jedinica, utjecaj izbornih jedinica na rezultate izbora te pitanja kao što su malapportionment i gerrymandering. Rad također obuhvaća povijesni pregled hrvatskog izbornog sustava, prelazak iz socijalističkog sustava u demokratski poredak, te posljedice uvođenja razmjernog sustava nakon 2000. godine. Posebna pažnja posvećena je promjenama izbornih granica 2023. godine i njihovom utjecaju na izbore 2024. godine, kao i na političku scenu u Hrvatskoj. Zaključak sintetizira glavne nalaze i raspravlja o budućim izazovima hrvatskog izbornog sustava.This paper examines the electoral system and the development of electoral districts in the Republic of Croatia, with a special focus on political changes from 1990 to 2024. It analyses key elements of the electoral system, including types of electoral districts, their impact on election outcomes, and issues such as malapportionment and gerrymandering. The paper also provides a historical overview of the Croatian electoral system, the transition from a socialist system to a democratic order, and the effects of introducing the proportional system after 2000. Particular attention is given to the changes in electoral boundaries in 2023 and their impact on the 2024 elections, as well as on the political scene in Croatia. The conclusion synthesizes the main findings and discusses future challenges of the Croatian electoral system
Representation of topics in agriculture in economic literature
The agricultural sector has a major influence on economic growth and development. At the same time, it is under the influence of major global changes. Climate change, new technologies and global shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic and wars are forcing the agricultural sector to constantly evolve. This chapter provides an overview of the development of agricultural topics in economic literature over the last ten years. The results show that agricultural topics are increasingly present in economic literature, and that the most frequently covered topics relate to the challenges faced by agriculture. Although agricultural topics have been covered in economic literature by authors from all over the world, the largest number of publications come from the USA, while on average, the most cited papers are those published in European countries
Quality of Life of Women Diagnosed with Uterine Fibroids: research
Miomi maternice (lat. myoma uteri) su najčešći dobroćudni tumori maternice, građeni od glatkih mišićnih vlakana (leyomioma) i vezivnog tkiva (fibromyoma). Kod njihove prisutnosti pomoću ultrazvuka vidimo povećanu maternicu nepravilna oblika. Čimbenici rizika koji se najčešće povezuju s nastankom mioma su hormonski disbalans estrogena i progesteronarana, genetski faktori, dob, afričko porijeklo, rana menarha, kasna menopauza i paritet. Također, još neki od čimbenika rizika koji pogoduju nastanku mioma, a čija je pojavnost rijeđa su hipertenzija, sindrom policističnih jajnika, prekomjerna tjelesna težina, konzumacija kofeina, alkohola itd.
U nekim slučajevima žene su asimptomatske, no mogu se javiti i ozbiljni simptomi koji značajno utječu na kvalitetu života, kao što su bol u zdjelici, učestalo mokrenje, bolni spolni odnosi i obilno krvarenje koje dolazi u nepravilnim vremenskim razmacima, posljedično tome nerijetko nastupa anemija. Također, žene reproduktivne dobi imaju miome u 50 do 70% slučajeva te oni uvelike utječu na uspjeh začeća, naime miomi mogu remetiti tijek trudnoće, a nerijetko ju mogu i spriječiti. Sve ovisi o broju mioma, njihovoj veličini i lokalizaciji.
Anemija je stanje smanjenog volumena eritrocita u cirkulaciji, odnosno smanjene razine hemoglobina s posljedičnom smanjenom sposobnošću krvi da prenosi kisik do tkiva i organa. Očituje se osjećajem povećanog umora, iscrpljenosti i slabijom koncentracijom. Pacijentica ima izrazito blijedu kožu i sluznice, prisutna je tahikardija i opadanje kose te čak krv u stolici. Kod pacijentica s miomom na maternici anemija se javlja u više od 60% slučajeva.
Prema SZO kvaliteta života se definira kao individualna percepcija pojedinca o svom položaju u životu ovisno o svojim ciljevima, očekivanjima i brigama.
Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je ispitati kvalitetu života žena s dijagnozom mioma na maternici s obzirom na planiranje trudnoće i prisutnost anemije. Ispitanice su bile žene hospitalizirane u KBC-u Rijeka na Klinici za ginekologiju i porodništvo. U istraživanju je sudjelovala 61 ispitanica te se za prikupljanje potrebnih podataka koristio upitnik WHOQOL-BREF koji je konstruirala SZO u svrhu procjene kvalitete života. 9 (14,75%) ispitanica planira trudnoću, dok 52 (85,25%) ispitanice ne planiraju trudnoću. 32 (52,46%) ispitanice imaju dijagnosticiranu anemiju, dok 29 (47,54%) ispitanica nema dijagnosticiranu anemiju.
Nakon što je istraživanje provedeno rezultati pokazuju da nema statistički značajne razlike u kvaliteti života između prethodno navedenih skupina.Uterine fibroids (lat. Myome Uteri) are the most common benign tumors of the uterus, composed of smooth muscle fibers (leiomyoma) and connective tissue (fibromyoma). When present, ultrasound shows an enlarged uterus with an irregular shape. The most commonly associated risk factors for the development of fibroids include hormonal imbalance between estrogen and progesterone, genetic factors, age, African ancestry, early menarche, late menopause, and parity. Additionally, other less common risk factors that contribute to fibroid formation include hypertension, polycystic ovary syndrome, excessive body weight, caffeine consumption, alcohol use, etc. In some cases, women are asymptomatic, but serious symptoms can occur that significantly affect quality of life, such as pelvic pain, frequent urination, painful intercourse, and heavy bleeding that occurs at irregular intervals, often leading to anemia. Furthermore, women of reproductive age have fibroids in 50 to 70% of cases, and they significantly affect fertility. Specifically, fibroids can disrupt the course of pregnancy, and in many cases, can prevent it. The impact depends on the number, size, and location of the fibroids.
Anemia is a condition of reduced red blood cell volume in circulation, or decreased hemoglobin levels, resulting in a reduced ability of the blood to carry oxygen to tissues and organs. It manifests as feelings of increased fatigue, exhaustion, and poor concentration. The patient may exhibit pale skin and mucous membranes, tachycardia, hair loss, and even blood in the stool. Among patients with uterine fibroids, anemia occurs in more than 60% of cases.
According to the WHO, quality of life is defined as an individual’s perception of their position in life in the context of their goals, expectations, and concerns.
The aim of this research was to assess the quality of life in women diagnosed with uterine fibroids, considering pregnancy planning and the presence of anemia. The participants were women hospitalized at the Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics. The study involved 61 participants, and data was collected using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, which was developed by the WHO to assess quality of life. Of the participants, 9 (14.75%) were planning a pregnancy, while 52 (85.25%) were not planning a pregnancy. 32 (52.46%) participants were diagnosed with anemia, while 29 (47.54%) did not have a diagnosis of anemia.
After conducting the research, the results showed that there was no statistically significant difference in quality of life between the aforementioned groups