Background Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major occupational health concern, particularly among workers exposed to adverse ergonomic conditions. Manganese production involves heavy physical demands, yet research on WMSDs among manganese workers remains limited. Objective To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of WMSDs among manganese workers in a manganese enterprise in Guangxi. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to June 2024 on workers at a manganese factory in Guangxi. The Chinese Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire was used to collect information on demographic characteristics, distribution of musculoskeletal symptoms, and work-related exposures. χ² test was applied to compare differences in positive WMSDs rates across groups, and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associated factors. Results A total of 1476 workers were enrolled in the study after pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of WMSDs was 34.15%. The most commonly affected body regions were the lower back (17.28%), neck (16.67%), and shoulders (13.82%). The results of logistic regression analysis indicated that female, older age, and education level of college or above were associated with a higher risk of WMSDs (P<0.05). Awkward working postures were significantly associated with WMSDs in corresponding body regions; in particular, awkward postures of the neck, upper limbs, trunk, and lower limbs were related to an increased risk of WMSDs in multiple body sites (P<0.05). In addition, poor lighting conditions, high workplace temperature, frequent or sustained arm support during work, and high job demands were associated with an increased risk of overall or site-specific WMSDs (P<0.05). Conclusion The high prevalence of WMSDs among manganese workers is closely associated with demographic characteristics, working postures, and work environment and organizational factors. Targeted ergonomic interventions focusing on high-risk body regions and key ergonomic exposures are warranted to reduce the risk of WMSDs among manganese workers.

Objective: To fabricate a hydrogel loaded with inositol hexaphosphate-zinc and preliminarily evaluate its performance in self-mineralization and osteoinduction, thereby providing a theoretical basis for the development of bone regeneration materials. Methods: The hydrogel framework (designated DF0) was formed by copolymerizing methacryloyloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride and four-armed poly(ethylene glycol) acrylate, followed by sequentially loading inositol hexaphosphate anions via electrostatic interaction and zinc ions via chelation. The hydrogel loaded only with inositol hexaphosphate anions was named DF1, while the co-loaded hydrogel was named DF2. The self-mineralization efficacy of the DF0 , DF1 and DF2 hydrogels was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The biocompatibility was assessed via live/dead cell staining and a CCK-8 assay. The osteoinductive capacity of the DF0 , DF1 and DF2 hydrogels on MC3T3-E1 cells was assessed via alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining. In the aforementioned cell experiments, cells cultured in standard medium served as the control group Results: The DF0, DF1, and DF2 hydrogels were successfully synthesized. Notably, DF1 and DF2 exhibited distinct self-mineralization within 6 days. Results from TEM, EDS, and SAED confirmed that the mineralization products were amorphous calcium phosphate in group DF1, and amorphous calciumzinc phosphate in group DF2. Biocompatibility tests revealed that none of the hydrogels (DF0, DF1, and DF2) adversely affected cell viability or proliferation. In osteogenic induction experiments, both ALP and ARS staining were intensified in the DF1 and DF2 groups, with the most profound staining observed in the DF2 group. Conclusion The developed inositol hexaphosphate-zinc hydrogel (DF2) demonstrates the dual capacity to generate calcium-phosphate compounds through self-mineralization while exhibiting excellent osteoinductive properties. This biocompatible, dual-promoting osteogenic hydrogel presents a novel strategy for bone regeneration.

ObjectiveTo establish an ultra-performance liquid fingerprint and multi-components determination method for Naomaili granules. To evaluate the quality of different batches by chemometrics， and the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of water extract and main components of Naomaili granules were tested in vitro. MethodsThe similarity and common peaks of 27 batches of Naomaili granules were evaluated by using Ultra performance liquid chromatography （UPLC） fingerprint detection. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry （UPLC-MS/MS） technology was used to determine the content of the index components in Naomaili granules and to evaluate the quality of different batches of Naomaili granules by chemometrics. LPS-induced BV-2 cell inflammation model was used to investigate the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of the water extract and main components of Naomaili granules. ResultsThe similarity of fingerprints of 27 batches of samples was > 0.90. A total of 32 common peaks were calibrated， and 23 of them were identified and assigned. In 27 batches of Naomaili granules， the mass fractions of 14 components that were stachydrine hydrochloride， leonurine hydrochloride， calycosin-7-O-glucoside， calycosin，tanshinoneⅠ， cryptotanshinone， tanshinoneⅡ_A， ginsenoside Rb₁， notoginsenoside R₁， ginsenoside Rg₁， paeoniflorin， albiflorin， lactiflorin， and salvianolic acid B were found to be 2.902-3.498， 0.233-0.343， 0.111-0.301， 0.07-0.152， 0.136-0.228， 0.195-0.390， 0.324-0.482， 1.056-1.435， 0.271-0.397， 1.318-1.649， 3.038-4.059， 2.263-3.455， 0.152-0.232， 2.931-3.991 mg∙g^-1， respectively. Multivariate statistical analysis showed that paeoniflorin， ginsenoside Rg₁， ginsenoside Rb₁ and staphylline hydrochloride were quality difference markers to control the stability of the preparation. The results of bioactive experiment showed that the water extract of Naomaili granules and the eight main components with high content in the prescription had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the release of NO in the cell supernatant. Among them， salvianolic acid B and ginsenoside Rb₁ had strong anti-inflammatory activity， with IC₅₀ values of （36.11±0.15） mg∙L^-1 and （27.24±0.54） mg∙L^-1， respectively. ConclusionThe quality evaluation method of Naomaili granules established in this study was accurate and reproducible. Four quality difference markers were screened out， and eight key pharmacodynamic substances of Naomaili granules against neuroinflammation were screened out by in vitro cell experiments.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH), marked by sustained elevation of pulmonary artery pressure, imposes a heavy burden on the right ventricle and may culminate in right heart failure. Its pathogenesis is multifaceted, encompassing endothelial dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle proliferation, inflammation, thrombosis, and genetic factors. Animal models serve as core tools for exploring PH mechanisms and therapies, each with unique strengths and limitations. The single-dose monocrotaline (MCT) model is one of the most commonly used experimental animal models of PH and is widely applied in mechanistic studies, drug screening, and efficacy evaluation; it offers simplicity and cost-effectiveness, can induce PH within a short period, yet its pathophysiology differs to some extent from human idiopathic PH. In contrast, the Sugen5416 combined with chronic hypoxia model better mimics PH progression by placing animals under hypoxic conditions to induce pulmonary vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling, but it requires a longer modelling time, and the degree of hypoxia has a substantial impact on experimental outcomes. Beyond these two commonly used modeling approaches, a variety of emerging techniques have been applied in PH research; gene-editing technologies enable precise investigation of specific gene functions in PH. Additionally, induced pluripotent stem cell-based 3D organoid technology allows for individualized modelling while preserving patients' genetic information for precise clinical translation. Each model or technology can simulate different aspects of the pathological processes of human PH, and their findings provide key insights into the nature of the disease and serve as an important platform for the development of novel therapeutic targets. This paper comprehensively describes various animal models and emerging technologies used in PH research, analyzing their characteristics, applications, and limitations, with the aim of providing experimental and technical support for the development of new therapeutic strategies and drugs.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are among the most serious and common complications of diabetes mellitus. They significantly affect patients’ quality of life and impose a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems worldwide. In Korea, the prevalence of diabetes and related complications, such as DFUs, has been increasing, reflecting a broader global trend. DFUs are associated with severe complications, including infections, neuropathy, and peripheral arterial disease, often leading to amputation. In Korea, diabetic foot complications are a major cause of non-traumatic lower-extremity amputations, with high mortality rates following amputation. DFUs also significantly reduce patients’ quality of life and increase healthcare costs. The management of DFUs requires a multidisciplinary approach that integrates medical, surgical, and advanced therapeutic interventions to prevent severe outcomes, such as amputation. This comprehensive review of DFU management in patients with diabetes was developed in collaboration with the Diabetic Study Group of the Korean Diabetes Association and Korean Society for Diabetic Foot. This review examines the epidemiology, clinical significance, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment of DFUs.

Purpose: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has become a standard minimally invasive treatment for selected patients with early gastric cancer (EGC). This study presents the first nationwide survey of patients with EGC treated with ESD in 2023, conducted by the Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research. Materials and Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from participating referral centers across Korea using a standardized case report form covering patient characteristics, tumor features, procedural details, histopathological findings, and clinical outcomes.Descriptive and comparative analyses were conducted to summarize nationwide ESD practice patterns and outcomes. Results: Data from 5,460 ESD cases from 5,250 patients across 27 institutions were analyzed. The mean age was 67.4 years, with 74.1% males. Multiple synchronous lesions were identified in 3.7%. Most lesions were located in the lower third of the stomach (64.0%), and differentiated-type adenocarcinomas accounted for 87.8%. The en bloc and complete resection rates were 99.2% and 91.4%, respectively. Curative resection was achieved in 80.5%, whereas local non-curative resection (L-NCR) and surgical non-curative resection (S-NCR) were identified in 2.8% and 16.7%, respectively. Additional surgery was performed more frequently in patients with S-NCR than in those with L-NCR (59.3% vs. 24.7%). The bleeding and perforation rates were 3.6% and 0.9%, respectively, and were mostly managed conservatively or endoscopically. The median length of hospitalization was 4.0 days. Conclusions This first nationwide survey provides a comprehensive overview of the current practice of EGC treatment using ESD in Korea, demonstrating high technical success and safety, and establishing a baseline dataset for future longitudinal research.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a practitioner-led empowerment program on self-sufficiency motivation, self-esteem, and self-efficacy among low-income service recipients at self-sufficiency centers. Methods: A quasi-experimental repeated-measures design was used. Participants were recipients of social services from 11 local self-sufficiency centers in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. In total, 100 participants were recruited, with 51 assigned to the experimental group and 49 assigned to the control group. The experimental group received an eight-session program delivered by center practitioners who had been trained by mental health nurses, whereas the control group received usual services. Self-sufficiency motivation, self-esteem, and self-efficacy were assessed at three time points: baseline (pretest: T0), immediately after the intervention (post-test: T1), and 4 weeks after the intervention (follow-up: T2). Results: Using generalized estimating equations, participants in the experimental group showed significantly greater improvements than those in the control group at both T1 and T2 in self-sufficiency motivation (T1: B=1.61, p=.030; T2: B=2.88, p<.001), self-esteem (T1: B=2.77, p<.001; T2: B=2.78, p<.001), and self-efficacy (T1: B=3.95, p=.004; T2: B=4.19, p<.001). Conclusion The practitioner-led program is associated with significant short-term improvements in psychosocial determinants of self-sufficiency among low-income service recipients. These findings may inform the development of community nursing interventions that support the psychosocial foundations of independent living in this population and provide a basis for training programs designed to strengthen the capacity of practitioners at local self-sufficiency centers (Clinical Research Information Service of Korea registration number: KCT0010027; registration date: December 12, 2024).

Background/Aims: Endoscopic anti-reflux therapy is a therapeutic option for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), providing durable effects. However, clinical data from Korea remain limited. This study evaluates the clinical outcomes of endoscopic radiofrequency Stretta therapy in Korean patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 71 patients with GERD who underwent Stretta therapy at 2 tertiary hospitals in Korea between November 2015 and July 2021. Clinical outcomes, including patient satisfaction, medication cessation or reduction, and complications, were evaluated. Pre- and post-procedural esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH monitoring test results were also analyzed. Results: Patient satisfaction rates at 1, 6, and 12 months post-procedure were 54.7% (35/64), 70.0% (28/40), and 75.0% (21/28), respectively. Medication cessation or reduction was achieved in 31.2% (20/64) at 1 month, 70.0% (28/40) at 6 months, and 67.9% (19/28) at 12 months. Esophageal manometry (n = 21) showed no significant changes in mean lower esophageal sphincter pressure (18.7 mmHg [2.5-52.9] vs 17.4 mmHg [0.0-43.0], P = 0.702) or mean integrated relaxation pressure (8.2 mmHg [0.0-28.0] vs 10.1 mmHg [0.0-31.0], P = 0.840). The 24-hour pH monitoring (n = 18) demonstrated a nonsignificant decrease in acid exposure time (pH < 4) from 2.3% (0.0-8.4) to 1.6% (0.0-7.3) (P = 0.182). Similarly, the DeMeester score decreased non-significantly from 8.4 (0.8-27.7) to 6.6 (0.8-21.8) (P = 0.352). No procedure-related complications occurred. Conclusion Endoscopic radiofrequency Stretta therapy appears to be a safe treatment option for GERD and may provide favorable patient satisfaction and medication reduction.