Objective To analyze the occupational health literacy (OHL) level and its influencing factors of workers in non-metallic mineral product industry in Yunfu City. Methods A total of 947 frontline workers from 24 non-metallic mineral products enterprises in Yunfu City were selected as the research subjects using the stratified random sampling method. The OHL level of the workers were assessed using the Occupational Health Literacy Questionnaire of National Key Populations. Results The overall OHL level of the research subjects was 58.3% (552/947). The OHL levels across four dimensions, from highest to lowest, were basic knowledge of occupational health protection (94.7%), healthy work practices and behaviors (81.8%), legal knowledge of occupational health (65.5%), and basic skills of occupational health protection (25.9%). The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that workers with 2.0-<10.0 years and ≥10 years of work experience had higher OHL levels than those with <2.0 years of work experience (all P<0.01). Workers with a high school education or above had higher OHL levels than those with a junior high school education or below (all P<0.01). Workers in large- and medium-sized enterprises had higher OHL levels than those in small and micro-sized enterprises (both P<0.01). Conclusion The OHL levels of workers in Yunfu City's non-metallic mineral products industry can be further improved, particularly the occupational health protection skills and related legal knowledge. Workers with short seniority, low educational level, and in small and micro enterprises should be the key groups for improving OHL levels.

Objective: In South Korea, there is a significant gap in systematic, evidence-based research on intensive case management (ICM) for individuals with severe mental illness (SMI). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ICM through a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing ICM with standard case management (non-ICM). Methods: An RCT was conducted to assess the effectiveness of Seoul-intensive case management (S-ICM) vs. non-ICM in individuals with SMI in Seoul. A total of 78 participants were randomly assigned to either the S-ICM group (n=41) or the control group (n=37). Various clinical assessments, including the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, Health of the Nation Outcome Scale, and Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I), along with quality-of-life measures such as the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule, WHO Quality of Life scale, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were evaluated over a 3-month period. Statistical analyses, including analysis of covariance and logistic regression, were used to determine the effectiveness of S-ICM. Results: The S-ICM group had significantly lower odds of self-harm or suicidal attempts compared to the control group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=0.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.21–1.38). Psychiatric symptoms measured by the BPRS and perceived social support measured by the MSPSS significantly improved in the S-ICM group. The S-ICM group also had significantly higher odds of CGI-I compared to the control group (aOR=8.20, 95% CI: 2.66–25.32). Conclusion This study provides inaugural evidence on the effectiveness of S-ICM services, supporting their standardization and potential nationwide expansion.

Background/Aims: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) frequently occurs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly when influenced by factors such as abdominal infections, IBD flare-ups, or surgical procedures. The implications of PVT range from immediate issues such as intestinal ischemia to long-term concerns including portal hypertension and its complications. However, there is a notable gap in comprehensive studies on PVT in IBD, especially with the increasing incidence of IBD in Asia. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of PVT in patients with IBD at a leading hospital in South Korea. Methods: This retrospective analysis reviewed adult patients diagnosed with both IBD and PVT from 1989 to 2021 at a renowned South Korean medical center. The study focused on patient characteristics, specifics of PVT, administered treatments, and outcomes, all confirmed through enhanced CT scans. Results: A total of 78 patients met the study’s criteria. Notably, only 20.5% (16/78) were treated with oral anticoagulants; however, a vast majority (96.2%; 75/78) achieved complete radiographic resolution (CRR). When comparing patients receiving anticoagulants to those who did not, a significant preference for anticoagulant use was observed in cases where the main portal vein was affected, as opposed to just the left or right veins (p = 0.006). However, multivariable analysis indicated that neither anticoagulant use nor previous surgeries significantly impacted CRR. Conclusions Patients with IBD and PVT generally had favorable outcomes, regardless of anticoagulant use.

Background: Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), belonging to class IIb of histone deacetylases, regulates theacetylation of the cytoplasmic protein α-tubulin. The overexpression of HDAC6 is linked to the development oftumors, and inhibiting HDAC6 is known to trigger apoptosis in multiple myeloma cells. In addition to its application in cancer treatment, bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, is widely used in managing multiple myeloma and has shown effectiveness in patients with both newly diagnosed and relapsed disease. However, the treatment regimen may be delayed or discontinued due to the risk of peripheral neuropathy, a significant non-hematologic side effect. Methods: Animal models of peripheral neuropathy induced by various anti-cancer drugs were established, confirming the potential of HDAC6 inhibitors as a treatment for this condition. Six- to eight-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were utilized to create these models. Mechanical allodynia and electron microscopy served as indicators of peripheral neuropathy. The HDAC6 inhibitor CKD-011 was administered at doses of 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg. Results: In an animal model of bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy, CKD-011, an HDAC6 inhibitor, effectively ameliorated peripheral neuropathy. Similarly, CKD-011 administration demonstrated recovery from peripheral neuropathy in models induced with oxaliplatin, paclitaxel, and cisplatin. Conclusions These findings suggest that HDAC6 inhibitors have the potential to mitigate peripheral neuropathy induced by chemotherapeutic agents.

Purpose: Since 1995, the Korean Gastric Cancer Association (KGCA) has been periodically conducting nationwide surveys on patients with surgically treated gastric cancer. This study details the results of the survey conducted in 2023. Materials and Methods: The survey was conducted from March to December 2024 using a standardized case report form. Data were collected on 86 items, including patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical procedures, and surgical outcomes. The results of the 2023 survey were compared with those of previous surveys. Results: Data from 12,751 cases were collected from 66 institutions. The mean patient age was 64.6 years, and the proportion of patients aged ≥71 years increased from 9.1% in 1995 to 31.7% in 2023. The proportion of upper-third tumors slightly decreased to 16.8% compared to 20.9% in 2019. Early gastric cancer accounted for 63.1% of cases in 2023.Regarding operative procedures, a totally laparoscopic approach was most frequently applied (63.2%) in 2023, while robotic gastrectomy steadily increased to 9.5% from 2.1% in 2014.The most common anastomotic method was the Billroth II procedure (48.8%) after distal gastrectomy and double-tract reconstruction (51.9%) after proximal gastrectomy in 2023.However, the proportion of esophago-gastrostomy with anti-reflux procedures increased to 30.9%. The rates of post-operative mortality and overall complications were 1.0% and 15.3%, respectively. Conclusions The results of the 2023 nationwide survey demonstrate the current status of gastric cancer treatment in Korea. This information will provide a basis for future gastric cancer research.

Purpose: This study aimed to report a series of cases of cytomegalovirus retinitis reactivation in immunocompromised patients, focusing on the characteristic clinical and laboratory findings associated with reactivation.Case summary: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with cytomegalovirus retinitis at our clinic between January 2012 and November 2023. We analyzed ophthalmologic clinical findings and diagnostic test results, including quantitative cytomegalovirus polymerase chain reaction (CMV PCR). Reactivation was defined as the resolution or stabilization of the overall lesions on fundus examination, followed by the identification of new retinitis or vitreitis findings. The analysis excluded patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis resistant to ganciclovir or foscarnet. Among 24 patients (34 eyes) treated for cytomegalovirus retinitis, four showed reactivation, and the remaining 20 patients showed improvement with initial treatment. Recurrence occurred at an average of 24.8 days (18–35) after discontinuation of ganciclovir maintenance treatment, and in all cases, new lesions were discovered at the border of existing lesions. The CMV PCR test value tended to increase an average of 8 days (4–14) before recurrence was observed on fundus examination, and declined absolute neutrophil count preceded the increase in CMV PCR by an average of 12.8 days (6–26). Conclusions Monitoring quantitative CMV PCR tests in immunocompromised patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis could be helpful in predicting reactivation.

Background and Objectives: In chronic heart failure (HF), natriuretic peptide (NP) levels are higher in atrial fibrillation (AF) compared to sinus rhythm (SR). However, due to the loss of atrial contraction, AF patients are prone to hemodynamic decompensation at earlier stages.Since NP levels reflect disease severity, acutely decompensated AF patients may exhibit lower NP levels compared to SR patients, who retain greater hemodynamic reserve. Methods: We analyzed 5,048 patients with acute HF from the Korea Acute Heart Failure registry with available NP data. NP levels and echocardiographic parameters were compared between AF and SR patients. The association of NP levels with in-hospital and one-year mortality was also assessed according to cardiac rhythm. Results: Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were measured in 2,027 and 3,021 patients, respectively. NP levels were lower in AF than in SR (median BNP, 740 vs. 1,044 pg/mL; median NT-proBNP, 4,420 vs. 5,198 pg/mL), particularly in HF with reduced or mildly reduced ejection fraction. A similar trend was observed regardless of HF onset or etiology. AF patients had smaller left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic diameter and larger left atrial size compared to SR patients. Higher NP tertiles were associated with increased in-hospital and one-year mortality in both groups. Conclusions In acute HF, NP levels are lower in AF than in SR. AF patients also exhibited smaller LV chamber sizes. Nevertheless, NP levels remain strong predictors of outcomes in both AF and SR patients.

Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in South Korea, imposing substantial physical, emotional, and financial burdens on patients and society. Despite the high burden of symptom and complex care needs of HF patients, palliative care and hospice services remain underutilized in South Korea due to cultural, institutional, and knowledge-related barriers. This position statement from the Korean Society of Heart Failure emphasizes the need for integrating palliative and hospice care into HF management to improve quality of life and support holistic care for patients and their families. By clarifying the role of palliative care in HF and proposing practical referral criteria, this position statement aims to bridge the gap between HF and palliative care services in South Korea, ultimately improving patient-centered outcomes and aligning treatment with the goals and values of HF patients.

Background/Aims: We investigated the clinical practice patterns of Korean endoscopists for the endoscopic resection of colorectal polyps. Methods: From September to November 2021, an online survey was conducted regarding the preferred resection methods for colorectal polyps, and responses were compared with the international guidelines. Results: Among 246 respondents, those with <4 years, 4–9 years, and ≥10 years of experiencein colonoscopy practices accounted for 25.6%, 34.1%, and 40.2% of endoscopists, respectively. The most preferred resection methods for non-pedunculated lesions were cold forceps polypectomy for ≤3 mm lesions (81.7%), cold snare polypectomy for 4–5 mm (61.0%) and 6–9 mm (43.5%) lesions, hot endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for 10–19 mm lesions (72.0%), precut EMR for 20–25 mm lesions (22.0%), and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for ≥26 mm lesions (29.3%). Hot EMR was favored for pedunculated lesions with a head size <20 mm and stalk size <10 mm (75.6%) and for those with a head size ≥20 mm or stalk size ≥10 mm (58.5%). For suspected superficial and deep submucosal lesions measuring 10–19 mm and ≥20 mm, ESD (26.0% and 38.6%) and surgery (36.6% and 46.3%) were preferred, respectively. The adherence rate to the guidelines ranged from 11.2% to 96.9%, depending on the size, shape, and histology of the lesions. Conclusions Adherence to the guidelines for endoscopic resection techniques varied depend-ing on the characteristics of colorectal polyps. Thus, an individualized approach is required to increase adherence to the guidelines.