Učinci pentadekapeptida BPC 157, L-NAME i L-arginina na serijski prijelom rebara u štakora

Introduction: Rib fractures, in particular serial fractures (3 or more fractured ribs ipsilateral) have serious consequences on the human body and quality of life and represent an important medical and socioeconomic problem. Aim: To determine the effects of pentadecapeptide BPC 157, L-arginin and L-NAME on healing of serial rib fracture in rats. Materials and methods: After intraperitoneal anesthesia, in male Winstar albino rats was performed the vertical transection of 8-10 ribs of right hemithorax at the lateral edge of the paravertebral muscles. The pentadecapeptide BPC 157 was administered intraperitoneal or orally.It was applied intraperitoneal (doses of 10 μg/kg and 10 ng/kg) immediately following a surgical procedure and then once daily and the last application 24 h before sacrifice. Orally (0.16 μg/ml and 0.16 ng/ml, a total of 12 ml/day) was applied in drinking water, from waking up to the animal sacrifice. In order to test the interaction with the NO system, L-NAME (5 mg/kg/day i.p.) and/or L-arginin (100 mg/kg/day i.p.) were administered alone or with BPC 157 to specific animal groups. The control groups were treated with 0.9% NaCl i.p. or with pure drinking water p.o. The daily clinical status of the animal (respiration frequency, chest movement) was observed, and on 20th day, during the first sacrifice interval, aortic blood was taken to analyze the acid-base status and the calcium and phosphate serum levels. At the same time, the local finding was verified in the sense of the formation of endothoracic fascia and scar, and then the right hemitorax was taken for further radiographic and histological analysis. After 60 days, the animals were sacrificed for biomechanical testing. Results: Animals treated with BPC 157 did not show pathological alterations in acid-base status. Calcium and phosphate serum levels were normal in all animal groups. BPC 157 alone or in combination with L-arginin and/or L-NAME leads to earlier healing of the rib fracture and increased creations of callus without scarring and adhesions at the place of fracture, as confirmed by radiographic and histological analysis. Biomechanical testing has shown that bone tissue of animals treated with BPC 157 on the site of fractures is stronger. Conclusion: The pentadecapeptide BPC 157 leads to earlier healing of fractured ribs and formation of stronger bones at the site of the fractures, and this is the effect of interacting with the NO system. The positive effect of pentadecapeptida BPC 157 is achieved regardless of the way of administration (oral or intraperitoneal) and the administered dose (10 μg or 10 ng)

Synchronous caecal small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the rectum

Neuroendokrini karcinom malih stanica debeloga crijeva rijedak je entitet s najčešće lošom prognozom. Osamdesetogodišnja žena podvrgnuta je operaciji debeloga crijeva zbog sinkronog tumora rektuma i cekuma. Patohistološka analiza tumora cekuma pokazala je trabekularne i čvrste nakupine, relativno uniformne male do srednje velike epitelne stanice, oskudne citoplazme, a u vezivnom tkivu bilo je dosta mitoza s većim područjima nekroze. Imunohistokemija je bila pozitivna na kromogranin A. Tumor je dijagnosticiran kao neuroendokrini karcinom malih stanica cekuma. Osim toga, tumor rektuma pokazao je mikroskopske nalaze u skladu s IIA stadijem adenokarcinoma. Imunohistokemijski panel pokazao je da je tumor bio negativan na neuroendokrine markere. Nije bilo kliničkoga nalaza koji ukazuje na pojačanu sekreciju hormona. Metastaze karcinoma nisu nađene. Provedena je postoperativna kemoterapija. Pacijentica je i dalje živa, dobrog općega stanja, bez znakova progresije tumora.Small-cell neuroendocrine colon carcinoma is a rare entity with a usually poor prognosis. An 80-year-old female had colon cancer surgery due to synchronous tumour of the rectum and caecum. Pathohystological analysis of the caecal tumour showed trabecular and solid clusters, relatively uniformed small to middle sized epithelial cells, deficient cytoplasm and there were a great number of mitosis with larger areas of necrosis in the connective tissue. The immunohistochemistry was positive for chromogranin A. The caecal tumour was diagnosed as a small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. In addition, the rectal tumour showed microscopic findings consistent with stage IIA adenocarcinoma. The immunohistochemical panel showed that the tumour was negative for neuroendocrine markers. There were no clinical findings suggestive of hormone hypersecretion. Cancer metastases were not found. Postoperative chemotherapy was applied. The patient is still alive, in good general condition and with no signs of tumour progression

Uporaba piezoelektričnog svojstva u poboljšanju kvalitete instrumenata i sigurnosti bolesnika u laparoskopskoj kirurgiji

The piezoelectric properties of some natural crystals and polymers can also be used in surgery. For this purpose, a prototype of an endoscopic instrument was constructed with piezoelectric material attached to its working end with the aim of recognizing pulsating blood vessels during laparoscopic surgery. To test the properties of the new instrument in laboratory conditions, simulated blood circulation was used with the possibility of changing pressure and frequency. The instrument was tested in the pressure range of 40-180 mm Hg at constant frequency of 72/min and frequency range of 36-130 beats per minute at constant pressure of 120 mm Hg. Test results showed that the instrument with certainty recognized a pulsating “blood vessel” in the expected pressure ranges and at different blood pump frequencies. Given the piezoelectric material’s very small dimensions and flexible form, it can be installed at the working end of most standard laparoscopic instruments and thus significantly increase certainty in the recognition of arteries during surgery, which would reduce the possibility of their injury or accidental ligation.Piezoelektrična svojstva nekih prirodnih kristala i nekih polimera moguće je koristiti i u kirurgiji. U tu svrhu konstruiran je prototip endoskopskog instrumenta na čijem je radnom dijelu ugrađen piezoelektrični materijal s ciljem prepoznavanja pulzirajućih krvnih žila tijekom laparoskopskih operacija. Za ispitivanje svojstava novoga instrumenta u laboratorijskim uvjetima korišten je simulirani krvotok s mogućnošću mijenjanja tlaka i frekvencije. Rad instrumenta je ispitivan u rasponu tlakova 40-180 mm Hg uz konstantnu frekvenciju 72/min, te u rasponu frekvencija 36-130 otkucaja u minuti uz konstantan tlak 120 mm Hg. Rezultati ispitivanja pokazuju da instrument sa sigurnošću prepoznaje pulzirajuću „krvnu žilu“ u očekivanom rasponu tlakova i pri različitim frekvencijama rada krvne pumpe. S obzirom na to da se radi o vrlo malim dimenzijama i prilagodljivim oblicima piezoelektričkog materijala, moguće ga je postaviti na radni dio većine standardnih laparoskopskih instrumenata i time značajno povećati sigurnost prepoznavanja arterija tijekom operacijskog zahvata, što bi smanjilo mogućnost njihove ozljede ili slučajnog podvezivanja

Suprapatellar cyst: diagnostic and therapeutic possibillities

Suprapatelarna burza nalazi se između tetive m. kvadricepsa i distalnoga dijela natkoljenične kosti, a razvija se prije rođenja kao zasebni sinovijalni prostor proksimalno od zgloba koljena. Unatoč tome što anatomija dobro opisuje i definira supratatelarnu burzu i njezinu komunikaciju sa zglobnom šupljinom koljena, činjenica je da se u praksi ta zglobna šupljina i sinovijalna burza ipak smatraju jednim sinovijalnim prostorom, a granica između njih najčešće je više ili manje izražen sinovijalni nabor poznat kao suprapatelarna sinovijalna plika. Do petoga mjeseca fetalnog života između šupljine koljenskoga zgloba i suprapatelarne burze postoji poprečni suprapatelarni septum koji kasnije perforira i involuira, tako da se uspostavlja normalna komunikacija između šupljine burze i koljena. Jedan manji dio embrionalnog septuma kasnije može zaostati kao više ili manje izražena suprapatelarna plika. U slučaju kada suprapatelarna plika ima mali otvor s ventilnim mehanizmom ili u slučaju kompletnoga septuma, burza postaje odvojeni prostor, te potencijalno mjesto za razvoj cistične formacije, odnosno suprapatelarne ciste. U stručnoj literaturi za ovu rijetku patologiju spominju se i sinonomi kao što su suprapatelarna sinovijalna cista, suprapatelarni burzitis ili antefemoralna cista. U dijagnostici, pojedini autori koristili su ultrazvuk, artrografiju, scintigrafiju i kompjuteriziranu tomografiju. Međutim, magnetska rezonancija je u literaturi prepoznata kao “zlatni standard“ u dijagnostici cista oko koljena, upravo radi mogućnosti prikaza cistične prirode lezije, njezinoga odnosa prema drugim anatomskim strukturama, te radi utvrđivanja ostale patologije koljena. U pogledu liječenja, većina cisti oko koljena u djece nestaje spontano, te bi one općenito trebale biti liječene konzervativnim tretmanom koji obuhvaća aspiraciju i aplikaciju kortikosteroida. Operacijsko liječenje rezervirano je za velike suprapatelarne ciste koje ne reagiraju na konzervativno liječenje, odnosno one s nespecifičnim sinovitisom ili hemoragijom unutar ciste, s boli i ograničenim opsegom pokreta ili s udruženom intraartikularnom patologijom. Iako se po dostupnoj literaturi suprapatelarna cista kao iznimno rijetka patologija koljena može liječiti i otvorenom ekstirpacijom, možemo istaknuti da se može učinkovito i sigurno liječiti i artroskopskom dekompresijom uz ranu fizikalnu terapiju, bez recidiva i uz brzi funkcionalni oporavak pacijenta.The suprapatellar bursa is located between the quadriceps tendon and femur, and it develops before birth as a separate synovial compartment proximal to the knee joint. Even though the anatomy describes and defines the suprapatellar bursa and its communication with the knee joint cavity very well, the fact is that in practice joint cavity and suprapatellar bursa are still considered as one synovial area, and the border between them is a more or less expressed synovial fold also known as the suprapatellar plica. By the fifth month of fetal life, there is a suprapatellar septum between the knee joint cavity and suprapatellar bursa which later perforates and involutes in a way that a normal communication between the cavity of bursa and knee is established. A small portion of the embryonic septum can later lag as more or less expressed suprapatellar plica. In the case when the suprapatellar plica has a small communication with the valve mechanism or in the case of complete septum, the bursa becomes a separate compartment and potential place for suprapatellar cyst development. In literature, thereare synonyms for this kind of pathology such as suprapatellar synovial cyst, suprapatellar bursitis or antefemoral cyst. In diagnosis, some authors have used ultrasound, arthrography, scintigraphy and computed tomography. However, in literature, the MRI is recognized as the “gold standard” in diagnosis of knee cysts because of its ability to show the cystic nature of the lesion, its relationship with other anatomic structures, as well as to establish whether other knee pathologies are present. Considering treatment possibilities, the majority of cysts around the knee in children resolve spontaneously and should be treated conservatively covering aspiration and the application of corticosteroids. Surgical treatment is reserved for large cysts with unspecific synovitis, or with hemorrhage inside the cyst, with pain and limited range of motion, or with associated intra-articular pathology. Although, according to the available literature, the suprapatellar cyst as a very rare knee pathology is treated by an open excision. In conclusion, we can point out that it can also be effectively and safely treated by arthroscopic decompression without recurrence and followed by a fast and functional recovery of the patient

Suprapatellar cyst: diagnostic and therapeutic possibillities

Suprapatelarna burza nalazi se između tetive m. kvadricepsa i distalnoga dijela natkoljenične kosti, a razvija se prije rođenja kao zasebni sinovijalni prostor proksimalno od zgloba koljena. Unatoč tome što anatomija dobro opisuje i definira supratatelarnu burzu i njezinu komunikaciju sa zglobnom šupljinom koljena, činjenica je da se u praksi ta zglobna šupljina i sinovijalna burza ipak smatraju jednim sinovijalnim prostorom, a granica između njih najčešće je više ili manje izražen sinovijalni nabor poznat kao suprapatelarna sinovijalna plika. Do petoga mjeseca fetalnog života između šupljine koljenskoga zgloba i suprapatelarne burze postoji poprečni suprapatelarni septum koji kasnije perforira i involuira, tako da se uspostavlja normalna komunikacija između šupljine burze i koljena. Jedan manji dio embrionalnog septuma kasnije može zaostati kao više ili manje izražena suprapatelarna plika. U slučaju kada suprapatelarna plika ima mali otvor s ventilnim mehanizmom ili u slučaju kompletnoga septuma, burza postaje odvojeni prostor, te potencijalno mjesto za razvoj cistične formacije, odnosno suprapatelarne ciste. U stručnoj literaturi za ovu rijetku patologiju spominju se i sinonomi kao što su suprapatelarna sinovijalna cista, suprapatelarni burzitis ili antefemoralna cista. U dijagnostici, pojedini autori koristili su ultrazvuk, artrografiju, scintigrafiju i kompjuteriziranu tomografiju. Međutim, magnetska rezonancija je u literaturi prepoznata kao “zlatni standard“ u dijagnostici cista oko koljena, upravo radi mogućnosti prikaza cistične prirode lezije, njezinoga odnosa prema drugim anatomskim strukturama, te radi utvrđivanja ostale patologije koljena. U pogledu liječenja, većina cisti oko koljena u djece nestaje spontano, te bi one općenito trebale biti liječene konzervativnim tretmanom koji obuhvaća aspiraciju i aplikaciju kortikosteroida. Operacijsko liječenje rezervirano je za velike suprapatelarne ciste koje ne reagiraju na konzervativno liječenje, odnosno one s nespecifičnim sinovitisom ili hemoragijom unutar ciste, s boli i ograničenim opsegom pokreta ili s udruženom intraartikularnom patologijom. Iako se po dostupnoj literaturi suprapatelarna cista kao iznimno rijetka patologija koljena može liječiti i otvorenom ekstirpacijom, možemo istaknuti da se može učinkovito i sigurno liječiti i artroskopskom dekompresijom uz ranu fizikalnu terapiju, bez recidiva i uz brzi funkcionalni oporavak pacijenta.The suprapatellar bursa is located between the quadriceps tendon and femur, and it develops before birth as a separate synovial compartment proximal to the knee joint. Even though the anatomy describes and defines the suprapatellar bursa and its communication with the knee joint cavity very well, the fact is that in practice joint cavity and suprapatellar bursa are still considered as one synovial area, and the border between them is a more or less expressed synovial fold also known as the suprapatellar plica. By the fifth month of fetal life, there is a suprapatellar septum between the knee joint cavity and suprapatellar bursa which later perforates and involutes in a way that a normal communication between the cavity of bursa and knee is established. A small portion of the embryonic septum can later lag as more or less expressed suprapatellar plica. In the case when the suprapatellar plica has a small communication with the valve mechanism or in the case of complete septum, the bursa becomes a separate compartment and potential place for suprapatellar cyst development. In literature, thereare synonyms for this kind of pathology such as suprapatellar synovial cyst, suprapatellar bursitis or antefemoral cyst. In diagnosis, some authors have used ultrasound, arthrography, scintigraphy and computed tomography. However, in literature, the MRI is recognized as the “gold standard” in diagnosis of knee cysts because of its ability to show the cystic nature of the lesion, its relationship with other anatomic structures, as well as to establish whether other knee pathologies are present. Considering treatment possibilities, the majority of cysts around the knee in children resolve spontaneously and should be treated conservatively covering aspiration and the application of corticosteroids. Surgical treatment is reserved for large cysts with unspecific synovitis, or with hemorrhage inside the cyst, with pain and limited range of motion, or with associated intra-articular pathology. Although, according to the available literature, the suprapatellar cyst as a very rare knee pathology is treated by an open excision. In conclusion, we can point out that it can also be effectively and safely treated by arthroscopic decompression without recurrence and followed by a fast and functional recovery of the patient

HERBAL PRODUCTS AS POTENTIAL THERAPY FOR FUNCTIONAL DYSPEPSIA

Funkcionalna dispepsija (FD) definira se kao prisutnost postprandijalne punine, rane sitosti, epigastričnog žarenjaili boli u odsutnosti druge sistemske, metaboličke ili organske bolesti. FD je podijeljena u sindrom postprandijalnogdistresa (PDS) i sindrom epigastrične boli (EPS) sa značajnim preklapanjem s gastroezofagealnom refluksnom bolesti (GERD) i sindromom iritabilnog crijeva (IBS). Trenutačna preporučena terapija su antisekretorni lijekovi (PPI ili H2RA), no ponavljanje simptoma često je nakon prestanka terapije. Prokinetički lijekovi kao što su metoklopramid i domperidon posebno su djelotvorni u PDS, ali poput antisekretornih lijekova, dugoročna terapija nije preporučljiva. Acotiamid može biti učinkovit kao prokinetik. Antidepresivi (SSRI) pokazuju neke rezultate, kao i bizmutove soli i simetikon, ali su potrebni daljnji adekvatni pokusi i istraživanja. Iz ovog su istraživanja isključeni različiti brojevi kineskih, korejskih i iranskih bilja. Alginati daju učinke u GERB, ali učinci FD-a su upitni. Podaci pokazuju da je SWT5 djelotvoran kao prokinetik, osobito s IBS preklapanjem. Ulje metvice i kima te anisa, ekstrakt lišća đumbira i artičoke imaju bolju učinkovitost od placeba u liječenju funkcionalne dispepsije. Maslinovo ulje, crvena paprika, kurkuma, maslačak i Melissa mogu biti korisni, ali su potrebna dobro razvijena buduća klinička ispitivanja.Functional dyspepsia (FD) is defined as the presence of postprandial fullness, early satiation, epigastric burning or pain in the absence of other systemic, metabolic or organic disease. FD is divided in post- 3 Sažeci radova / Abstracts prandial distress syndrome (PDS) and epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) with significant overlap with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Current recommended therapy is antisecretory drugs (PPIs or H2RAs), but recurrence of symptoms is often after intermission of therapy. Prokintetic drugs such as metoclopramide and domperidone are especially effective in PDS, but like antisecretory drugs long term therapy is not recommended. Acotiamide could be effective as prokinetics. Antidepressants (SSRI) show some results as well as bismuth salts and simethicone but adequate trials are needed. Various numbers of Chinese, Korean and Iranian herbs are excluded from this research. Alginates provide effects in GERD, but FD effects are doubtful. Data show that SWT5 is effective as prokinetics, especially with IBS overlap. Peppermint and caraway oil, star anise, ginger and artichoke leaf extracthave better efficacy than placebo in the treatment offunctional dyspepsia. Olive oil, red pepper, curcuma, dandelion and Melissa could be useful, but well developed prospective clinical trials are needed

HERBAL PRODUCTS AS POTENTIAL THERAPY FOR FUNCTIONAL DYSPEPSIA

Funkcionalna dispepsija (FD) definira se kao prisutnost postprandijalne punine, rane sitosti, epigastričnog žarenjaili boli u odsutnosti druge sistemske, metaboličke ili organske bolesti. FD je podijeljena u sindrom postprandijalnogdistresa (PDS) i sindrom epigastrične boli (EPS) sa značajnim preklapanjem s gastroezofagealnom refluksnom bolesti (GERD) i sindromom iritabilnog crijeva (IBS). Trenutačna preporučena terapija su antisekretorni lijekovi (PPI ili H2RA), no ponavljanje simptoma često je nakon prestanka terapije. Prokinetički lijekovi kao što su metoklopramid i domperidon posebno su djelotvorni u PDS, ali poput antisekretornih lijekova, dugoročna terapija nije preporučljiva. Acotiamid može biti učinkovit kao prokinetik. Antidepresivi (SSRI) pokazuju neke rezultate, kao i bizmutove soli i simetikon, ali su potrebni daljnji adekvatni pokusi i istraživanja. Iz ovog su istraživanja isključeni različiti brojevi kineskih, korejskih i iranskih bilja. Alginati daju učinke u GERB, ali učinci FD-a su upitni. Podaci pokazuju da je SWT5 djelotvoran kao prokinetik, osobito s IBS preklapanjem. Ulje metvice i kima te anisa, ekstrakt lišća đumbira i artičoke imaju bolju učinkovitost od placeba u liječenju funkcionalne dispepsije. Maslinovo ulje, crvena paprika, kurkuma, maslačak i Melissa mogu biti korisni, ali su potrebna dobro razvijena buduća klinička ispitivanja.Functional dyspepsia (FD) is defined as the presence of postprandial fullness, early satiation, epigastric burning or pain in the absence of other systemic, metabolic or organic disease. FD is divided in post- 3 Sažeci radova / Abstracts prandial distress syndrome (PDS) and epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) with significant overlap with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Current recommended therapy is antisecretory drugs (PPIs or H2RAs), but recurrence of symptoms is often after intermission of therapy. Prokintetic drugs such as metoclopramide and domperidone are especially effective in PDS, but like antisecretory drugs long term therapy is not recommended. Acotiamide could be effective as prokinetics. Antidepressants (SSRI) show some results as well as bismuth salts and simethicone but adequate trials are needed. Various numbers of Chinese, Korean and Iranian herbs are excluded from this research. Alginates provide effects in GERD, but FD effects are doubtful. Data show that SWT5 is effective as prokinetics, especially with IBS overlap. Peppermint and caraway oil, star anise, ginger and artichoke leaf extracthave better efficacy than placebo in the treatment offunctional dyspepsia. Olive oil, red pepper, curcuma, dandelion and Melissa could be useful, but well developed prospective clinical trials are needed

Esophagogastric anastomosis in rats: improved healing by BPC 157 and L-arginine, aggravated by L-NAME

AIM: To cure typically life-threatening esophagogastric anastomosis in rats, lacking anastomosis healing and sphincter function rescue, in particular. ----- METHODS: Because we assume esophagogastric fistulas represent a particular NO-system disability, we attempt to identify the benefits of anti-ulcer stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157, which was in trials for ulcerative colitis and currently for multiple sclerosis, in rats with esophagocutaneous fistulas. Previously, BPC 157 therapies have promoted the healing of intestinal anastomosis and fistulas, and esophagitis and gastric lesions, along with rescued sphincter function. Additionally, BPC 157 particularly interacts with the NO-system. In the 4 d after esophagogastric anastomosis creation, rats received medication (/kg intraperitoneally once daily: BPC 157 (10 μg, 10 ng), L-NAME (5 mg), or L-arginine (100 mg) alone and/or combined or BPC 157 (10 μg, 10 ng) in drinking water). For rats underwent esophagogastric anastomosis, daily assessment included progressive stomach damage (sum of the longest diameters, mm), esophagitis (scored 0-5), weak anastomosis (mL H2O before leak), low pressure in esophagus at anastomosis and in the pyloric sphincter (cm H2O), progressive weight loss (g) and mortality. Immediate effect assessed blood vessels disappearance (scored 0-5) at the stomach surface immediately after anastomosis creation. ----- RESULTS: BPC 157 (all regimens) fully counteracted the perilous disease course from the very beginning (i.e., with the BPC 157 bath, blood vessels remained present at the gastric surface after anastomosis creation) and eliminated mortality. Additionally, BPC 157 treatment in combination with L-NAME nullified any effect of L-NAME that otherwise intensified the regular course. Consistently, with worsening (with L-NAME administration) and amelioration (with L-arginine), either L-arginine amelioration prevails (attenuated esophageal and gastric lesions) or they counteract each other (L-NAME + L-arginine); with the addition of BPC 157 (L-NAME + L-arginine + BPC 157), there was a marked beneficial effect. BPC 157 treatment for esophagogastric anastomosis, along with NOS-blocker L-NAME and/or NOS substrate L-arginine, demonstrated an innate NO-system disability (as observed with L-arginine effectiveness). BPC 157 distinctively affected corresponding events: worsening (obtained with L-NAME administration that was counteracted); or amelioration (L-arginine + BPC 157-rats correspond to BPC 157-rats). ----- CONCLUSION: Innate NO-system disability for esophagogastric anastomoses, including L-NAME-worsening, suggests that these effects could be corrected by L-arginine and almost completely eliminated by BPC 157 therapy

Influence of Personality Traits and Organizational Justice on Job Satisfaction among Nurses

The purpose of this research was to examine whether demographic variables, personality traits, and workplace variables (working in shifts, job tenure, and perceived organizational justice) contribute the most to the prediction of job satisfaction in nurses. The survey included 161 nurses. The instruments used in this research were as follows: the Demographic Data Questionnaire, the Perceived Organizational Justice Scale, the Job Satisfaction Scale, and the NEO five-factor inventory. The study findings indicated that age, health status, distributive justice, and procedural justice positively contribute to job satisfaction among nurses, while neuroticism contributes negatively. Older nurses, those in better health, those who are satisfied with the organization’s decision-making process, and those who feel adequately rewarded for their contributions tend to be more satisfied with their jobs. Conversely, nurses with a higher level of the neuroticism personality trait tend to be less satisfied with their job. The strongest predictors of job satisfaction among nurses were found to be health status, the personality trait of neuroticism, and distributive and procedural justice, with the age of nurses being slightly less powerful but still significant

Croatian Translation and Validation of the Patient Satisfaction with Nursing Care Quality Questionnaire (PSNCQQ)

Patient satisfaction is a crucial measure of the quality of healthcare, especially with regard to nursing services in hospital settings. Understanding and increasing patient satisfaction with nursing care is critical to improving overall healthcare and ensuring positive patient experiences during their hospital stay. The aim of this research was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Croatian version of the Satisfaction with Nursing Care Quality Questionnaire (PSNCQQ), test the reliability and validity of the tool after translation, and investigate differences in patient satisfaction based on demographic variables, as well as their contribution to satisfaction with the quality of nursing care. After translation and adaptation, the Croatian version of the PSNCQQ was applied to 350 hospitalized patients (average age 51.19 years (range: 18–87)), of whom 194 (55.4%) were men and 156 (44.6%) were women. The results showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.977) and confirmed the one-factor structure of the questionnaire, explaining 70.64% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the unidimensional model, showing strong fit indices (χ2 = 583.047, df = 149, p < 0.001, GFI = 0.861, AGFI = 0.818, NFI = 0.936, TLI = 0.946, CFI = 0.955, RMSEA = 0.080, PCLOSE < 0.001). In conclusion, the validation of the PSNCQQ in the Croatian language increases resources for evaluating and improving the quality of nursing care. This research lays the foundation for future studies and practical applications aimed at improving patient satisfaction and nursing care outcomes in Croatia, but there are also limitations to this study, including its one-institution scope, the possible influence of factors outside the current treatment on satisfaction, and the lack of comparison with objective clinical indicators