1.Expert consensus on neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitors for locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (2026)
LI Jinsong ; LIAO Guiqing ; LI Longjiang ; ZHANG Chenping ; SHANG Chenping ; ZHANG Jie ; ZHONG Laiping ; LIU Bing ; CHEN Gang ; WEI Jianhua ; JI Tong ; LI Chunjie ; LIN Lisong ; REN Guoxin ; LI Yi ; SHANG Wei ; HAN Bing ; JIANG Canhua ; ZHANG Sheng ; SONG Ming ; LIU Xuekui ; WANG Anxun ; LIU Shuguang ; CHEN Zhanhong ; WANG Youyuan ; LIN Zhaoyu ; LI Haigang ; DUAN Xiaohui ; YE Ling ; ZHENG Jun ; WANG Jun ; LV Xiaozhi ; ZHU Lijun ; CAO Haotian
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(2):105-118
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common head and neck malignancy. Approximately 50% to 60% of patients with OSCC are diagnosed at a locally advanced stage (clinical staging III-IVa). Even with comprehensive and sequential treatment primarily based on surgery, the 5-year overall survival rate remains below 50%, and patients often suffer from postoperative functional impairments such as difficulties with speaking and swallowing. Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitors are increasingly used in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC and have shown encouraging efficacy. However, clinical practice still faces key challenges, including the definition of indications, optimization of combination regimens, and standards for efficacy evaluation. Based on the latest research advances worldwide and the clinical experience of the expert group, this expert consensus systematically evaluates the application of PD-1 inhibitors in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC, covering combination strategies, treatment cycles and surgical timing, efficacy assessment, use of biomarkers, management of special populations and immune related adverse events, principles for immunotherapy rechallenge, and function preservation strategies. After multiple rounds of panel discussion and through anonymous voting using the Delphi method, the following consensus statements have been formulated: 1) Neoadjuvant therapy with PD-1 inhibitors can be used preoperatively in patients with locally advanced OSCC. The preferred regimen is a PD-1 inhibitor combined with platinum based chemotherapy, administered for 2-3 cycles. 2) During the efficacy evaluation of neoadjuvant therapy, radiographic assessment should follow the dual criteria of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 and immune RECIST (iRECIST). After surgery, systematic pathological evaluation of both the primary lesion and regional lymph nodes is required. For combination chemotherapy regimens, PD-L1 expression and combined positive score need not be used as mandatory inclusion or exclusion criteria. 3) For special populations such as the elderly (≥ 70 years), individuals with stable HIV viral load, and carriers of chronic HBV/HCV, PD-1 inhibitors may be used cautiously under the guidance of a multidisciplinary team (MDT), with close monitoring for adverse events. 4) For patients with a poor response to neoadjuvant therapy, continuation of the original treatment regimen is not recommended; the subsequent treatment plan should be adjusted promptly after MDT assessment. Organ transplant recipients and patients with active autoimmune diseases are not recommended to receive neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor therapy due to the high risk of immune related activation. Rechallenge is generally not advised for patients who have experienced high risk immune related adverse events such as immune mediated myocarditis, neurotoxicity, or pneumonitis. 5) For patients with a good pathological response, individualized de escalation surgery and function preservation strategies can be explored. This consensus aims to promote the standardized, safe, and precise application of neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor strategies in the management of locally advanced OSCC patients.
2.Effect of different exercise interventions on patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: A systematic review and network Meta-analysis
Guodong MA ; Zhuojing SUN ; Song HU ; Zijun YE ; Mingchen MA ; Fei CUI ; Jiaju ZHU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):326-344
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of different exercise interventions on metabolism and liver parameters in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and to provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical exercise rehabilitation. MethodsThis study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines, and the protocol was registered on the PROSPERO platform, with a registration number of CRD42025641717. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Wiley Online Library, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP were searched for related articles published up to September 2024. The Cochrane tool for assessing risk of bias was used to assess the quality of articles, and Stata MP 17.0 was used to perform the network meta-analysis. ResultsA total of 57 articles were included, involving 2 648 patients. The results showed that aerobic exercise combined with resistance exercise had the best effect in improving body mass index (mean difference [WMD]=-0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.66 to -0.28], P<0.05, surface under the cumulative ranking curve [SUCRA]=85.4) and triglycerides (WMD=-29.6, 95%CI: -46.66 to 12.54, P<0.05, SUCRA=87.3); resistance exercise was the optimal intervention method for improving total cholesterol (WMD=-15.99, 95%CI: -24.19 to -7.79, P<0.05, SUCRA=79.9) and glutamine transaminase (WMD=-8.08, 95%CI: -12.13 to -4.02, P<0.05, SUCRA=87.3); low-intensity aerobic exercise had the best effect in improving aspartate aminotransferase (WMD=-4.3, 95%CI: -8.45 to -0.15, P<0.05, SUCRA=73.5), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) (WMD=-3.26, 95%CI: -7.79 to 1.27, P>0.05, SUCRA=82.3), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (WMD=-0.6, 95%CI: -2.02 to 0.82, P>0.05, SUCRA=78.8); moderate-intensity aerobic exercise was the optimal intervention modality to improve Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (WMD=-0.92, 95%CI: -1.51 to -0.33, P<0.05, SUCRA=69.4). It should be noted that there were no significant differences in HbA1c and GGT across different exercise interventions (all P>0.05), suggesting that there was currently no sufficient statistical evidence to support that exercise could improve these two indicators. ConclusionBased on the comprehensive league table and cumulative probability ranking, aerobic exercise combined with resistance exercise, resistance exercise, and low- and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise may be the best exercise modality for improving key indicators in MAFLD patients, and targeted exercise modalities should be selected for intervention against different indicators; however, due to limitations of the original studies, further studies are needed for validation and exploration.
3.Influence of perceived stress on sleep quality among resident physicians: the chain mediating role of self-control and anxiety emotions
Minghui ZHANG ; Xinmeng ZHANG ; Wenjing YE ; Xiaotao ZHANG ; Hongtao SONG ; Gaofeng YAO
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(2):165-170
BackgroundResident physicians represent a high-risk group for sleep disorders, exhibiting a significantly higher prevalence of such conditions compared with the general population, which severely impairs their physical and mental health. It is hypothesized that perceived stress negatively impacts sleep quality through psychological mechanisms, such as depleting self-control resources and triggering anxiety. However, this pathway warrants empirical validation. ObjectiveTo explore the mediating role of self-control and anxiety emotions in the association between perceived stress and sleep quality among resident physicians, and to elucidate the underlying psychological mechanisms, aiming at providing theoretical basis for developing targeted psychological interventions. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in April 2025. First- to third- year resident physicians at a hospital in Fuyang City were recruited as participants (n=372). The Chinese Perceived Stress Scales (CPSS), the Chinese version of the Dual-Mode of Self-Control Scale (DMSC-S), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 item (GAD-7) were used for group testing. The model 6 of the Process macro version 4.1 was ultilized to examine the mediating pathway of self-control and anxiety emotions between perceived stress and sleep quality. ResultsA total of 322 valid questionnaires were collected, yielding an effective responsive rate of 86.56%. Among the respondents, 146 (45.34%) reported poor sleep quality. The CPSS score and GAD-7 score of resident physicians were positively correlated with the PSQI score (r=0.727, 0.784, P<0.01), while the DMSC-S score was negatively correlated with the PSQI score (r=-0.615, P<0.01). Perceived stress directly and positively predicted poor sleep quality (B=0.124, P<0.01), with the direct effect accounting for 31.39% of the total effect. Furthermore, perceived stress indirectly affected sleep quality through the independent mediating effects of self-control and anxiety emotions. The indirect effect values of 0.053 (95% CI: 0.019 - 0.091) and 0.192 (95% CI: 0.141 - 0.249), accounting for 13.42% and 48.61% of the total effect, respectively. Perceived stress also impact sleep quality through the serial mediating effect of self-control and anxiety, with the indirect effect value of 0.026 (95% CI: 0.005 - 0.049), accounting for 6.58% of the total effect. ConclusionThe perceived stress of resident physicians can influence sleep quality by impairing self-control, exacerbating anxiety, and through the serial mediation of both factors.
4.Gestational Age and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Preterm Children at Early Preschool Age: A Longitudinal Multidomain Logistic Modeling Study
Ji Na YANG ; Ye Kyeng SEO ; Dong Hyun KIM ; Nam Hun HEO ; Soo A KIM ; Jun Hwan SONG ; Seung Soo KIM
Annals of Child Neurology 2026;34(2):109-119
Purpose:
Preterm birth remains a leading cause of long-term neurodevelopmental impairment, yet early evaluations frequently underestimate subsequent deficits. This study examined longitudinal neurodevelopmental trajectories across gestational age groups and identified predictors of developmental delay.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort of 532 preterm children, stratified by gestational age, was followed from the neonatal period to early preschool age. Neurodevelopment was assessed using the Korean version of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition at 8–12 months (n=481), 13–24 months (n=118), and 25–42 months (n=100). Longitudinal trajectories were analyzed using general linear models, and predictors of developmental delay were identified through multivariable logistic regression.
Results:
During the first year, motor scores differed significantly across gestational age groups, with extremely preterm infants showing the lowest values. By the third to fourth years of life, cognitive and language scores diverged markedly, with extremely preterm children exhibiting the steepest decline and additional deficits in motor and adaptive behavior domains. Lower gestational age remained an independent predictor of both cognitive and language delay at early preschool age, while no independent predictors were identified for motor, social-emotional, or adaptive behavior outcomes.
Conclusion
Neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm children follow dynamic, domain-specific trajectories influenced by gestational age and developmental timing. Motor delays are most evident in infancy, whereas cognitive and language impairments emerge by early preschool age. Gestational age remains a consistent predictor of later delay, emphasizing the need for longitudinal, gestational age–stratified monitoring and early, targeted intervention.
5.Exploring Oncologists’ Perspectives on the Early Integration of Specialty Palliative Care in Korea: Challenges, Needs, and Clinical Implications
Shin Hye YOO ; Yu Jung KIM ; Ye Sul JEUNG ; Jung Sun KIM ; Kwonoh PARK ; Eun Mi NAM ; Si Won LEE ; Jun Ho JI ; Jwa Hoon KIM ; Joon Young HUR ; Song Ee PARK ; Jung Lim LEE ; Su-Jin KOH
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(1):339-348
Purpose:
This study aimed to explore the practices, perceptions, and barriers related to specialty palliative care (SPC) referrals among oncologists in Korea, highlighting the clinical implications of early integration.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional online survey targeting board-certified hemato-oncology specialists was conducted between August 1-25, 2024. The survey assessed referral practices, attitudes toward early SPC integration, referral criteria, barriers, and institutional characteristics.
Results:
A total of 227 oncologists participated (response rate, 36.7%). Among them, 68.7% reported frequent SPC referrals, with higher referral rates observed among younger physicians, those in tertiary hospitals, and institutions with in-house SPC teams (p < 0.001). Although 74.9% supported early SPC integration, referrals were often inconsistently timed, frequently occurring after disease progression or at the discontinuation of chemotherapy. For time-based referrals, the most commonly endorsed triggers were disease progression despite palliative second-line treatment and a prognosis of expected mortality within 6-12 months. Need-based referral triggers such as patient or family requests (96.5%), psychological distress (89.9%), or uncontrolled symptoms (83.3%), were also widely endorsed. The major barriers to early SPC integration included patient and family resistance (70.0%) and limited availability of SPC teams (34.4%).
Conclusion
This study emphasizes the importance of systematic efforts to promote timely SPC integration in Korea, including education to raise patient awareness, improved referral systems, and enhanced infrastructure. The positive attitudes toward early SPC among oncologists reflect a growing recognition of its value, highlighting the need for strategies that align with international standards.
6.Dietary Habits and Diet Quality by Sleep Quality among University Students in Chungcheong
Ye-Eun YOON ; Yujin SONG ; Ji-Won KANG ; Min Ju JO ; Seung-Yeon CHOO ; Mi-Kyeong CHOI ; Yun-Jung BAE
Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association 2026;32(2):72-84
This study examined sleep-related characteristics among university students and the associations between sleep quality, dietary habits, and diet quality.Three hundred and ninety-three university students (206 men and 187 women) enrolled at universities in the Chungcheong region of Korea participated in this study between November and December 2023. Data on the general characteristics, dietary habits, sleep status, and the Nutrition Quotient (NQ) for adults were collected using a structured questionnaire. The sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index– Korean version (PSQI-K). The participants were classified into a good sleeper group (PSQI-K≤5) and a poor sleeper group (PSQI-K≥6). The dietary habits and NQ scores were compared according to the sleep quality. Compared with good sleepers, poor sleepers had a significantly higher prevalence of eating alone at least once per day (P<0.01) and higher scores for unhealthy dietary behaviors, including overeating, eating quickly, a preference for salty food, skipping meals, and irregular meal timing (P<0.05). Although the total NQ scores and balance and practice domain scores did not differ according to sleep quality, the moderation domain scores were significantly lower among poor sleepers, particularly in men (P<0.05). In conclusion, poor sleep quality among university students was associated with unhealthy dietary habits and lower diet quality related to dietary restraint. These findings highlight the importance of improving sleep quality as a part of health education and dietary intervention programs for university students.
7.Effects of the timing of testicular sperm retrieval on intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes
Tae Ho HWANG ; Jae Kyun PARK ; Dong Hyuk SHIN ; Won Hee LEE ; Ye Eun KIM ; Yohan HEO ; Tae Ho LEE ; Seung-Ryeol LEE ; Seung-Hun SONG
Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine 2026;53(2):115-120
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate reproductive outcomes according to the timing of testicular sperm retrieval.
Methods:
The study included 282 infertile couples divided into three groups: group A (freeze-thawed testicular sperm extraction [TESE] sperm, n=233), group B (fresh TESE sperm collected 1 day before ovum pickup, n=22), and group C (fresh TESE sperm collected on the same day as ovum pickup, n=27). The indications for TESE were surgically uncorrectable azoospermia or ejaculation failure, often accompanied by medical comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus and spinal cord injury. The outcome parameters assessed were fertilization rates, embryo quality, and clinical pregnancy rates.
Results:
The mean paternal age was 36.8±5.7 years, and the mean maternal age was 32.6±3.5 years. The mean duration of infertility was 2.9±1.8 years. The fertilization rates were 70.7%, 78.9%, and 73.0% for groups A, B, and C, respectively (p=0.047). The percentages of good-quality embryos were 68.2%, 65.3%, and 48.4%, respectively (p=0.007); specifically, the percentage of good-quality embryos was significantly lower in group C compared with the other two groups. Clinical pregnancy rates per transfer were similar at 51.1%, 50.0%, and 48.1% (p=0.958), with no differences observed in miscarriage rates.
Conclusion
Testicular sperm retrieval can be safely performed 1 day before ovum pickup, resulting in favorable fertility outcomes.
8.Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines on the Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancers; Part II. Follow-up Surveillance after Initial Treatment 2026
Eun Kyung LEE ; Seung Heon KANG ; Bon Seok KOO ; Mijin KIM ; Min Joo KIM ; Bo Hyun KIM ; Ji Won KIM ; Dong Gyu NA ; Sohyun PARK ; Ji-In BANG ; Kyorim BACK ; Youngduk SEO ; Young-Ik SON ; Young Shin SONG ; Dong Yeob SHIN ; Jong-Hyuk AHN ; Hwa Young AHN ; So Won OH ; Ho-Ryun WON ; Won Sang YOO ; Min Kyoung LEE ; Sang-Woo LEE ; Jeongmin LEE ; Ji Ye LEE ; Dong-Jun LIM ; Ki-Wook CHUNG ; Ari CHONG ; Jin Hyang JUNG ; Sun Wook CHO ; Yoon Young CHO ; Chae Moon HONG ; Young Joo PARK ;
International Journal of Thyroidology 2026;19(1):1-40
In patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), initial recurrence risk stratification based on clinical, histopathological, and perioperative data remains the key determinant for guiding management strategies during the first 1-2 years post-treatment. However, the adoption of ongoing risk stratification (ORS), which dynamically reassesses risk by integrating longitudinal clinical data and treatment response, enables more precise long-term prognostic assessment and facilitates highly individualized management. Building upon recent guidelines, the 2026 KTA guideline has been further refined by incorporating robust evidence from large-scale national cohorts and comprehensive systematic reviews. These updated recommendations outline contemporary concepts of ORS, risk-adapted TSH suppression targets, optimized surveillance modalities for recurrence detection, and disease-specific long-term follow-up strategies. Reflecting the paradigm shift toward de-escalated treatment, this revision integrates evolved perspectives on TSH suppression intensity, the clinical interpretation of thyroglobulin levels, and tailored follow-up intervals. These evidence-based recommendations aim to minimize unnecessary treatment and excessive surveillance in the large proportion of patients with excellent prognosis after initial therapy, while ensuring that each patient receives appropriately tailored and effective long-term management.
9.Multiorgan crosstalk in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy
Zixin ZHAO ; Yeqing ZHU ; Cunxin YE ; Zhuoyuan SONG ; Dong SONG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(5):1223-1228
Hepatic encephalopathy is a common and serious complication of end-stage liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis, and it is basically a neuropsychiatric syndrome resulting from metabolic disorders caused by severe acute or chronic liver dysfunction or portosystemic shunt. In clinical practice, the onset of hepatic encephalopathy does not completely correlate linearly with the level of blood ammonia and is often triggered by extrahepatic factors, suggesting the presence of complex multiorgan crosstalk in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy. Based on the four main pathogeneses of ammonia toxicity, inflammation, neurotransmitter imbalance, and oxidative/nitrosative stress, this article systematically elaborates on the mechanism of multiorgan crosstalk in hepatic encephalopathy and discusses the emerging risk factors such as sarcopenia and diabetes mellitus, in order to provide a novel theoretical framework for deepening the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of hepatic encephalopathy and formulating clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies in the future.
10.Effectiveness of diabetes education via mobile application (t-manis) in improving glycemic control among patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Tean Chooi Fun ; Khaw Chong Hui ; Ijaz binti Hallaj Rahmatullah ; Lim Phei Ching ; Lok Jin Lyn ; Song Li Bin ; Ye Xiaoyan
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):8-
Introduction:
Current education on diabetes self-management is time-consuming as it is conducted face-to-face. This study aimed to
evaluate the effectiveness of diabetes education via mobile application on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).
Methodology:
This was a double-blinded randomized controlled study conducted in the Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Pulau
Pinang and Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun. Participants were stratified randomized according to HbA1c to intervention
group (using T-Manis) and control group. The primary objective was to assess the difference in HbA1c between the groups.
Secondary objectives were to assess the difference in body weight, hospitalization related to diabetes, diabetes knowledge
between groups and usability and satisfaction of T-Manis. Laboratory investigations and questionnaires were conducted
at baseline, 4 months and 8 months.
Results:
A total of 112 participants were randomized into two groups each with 56 participants. Mean age was 51 years with similar
diabetes duration of 16 years in both groups. Participants comprised of 61.6% females with ethnic distribution of 49.1%
Malay, 30.4% Chinese, 19.6% Indian and 0.9% Siamese. Baseline HbA1c levels were comparable between intervention
and control groups (10.04% versus 9.91%; mean difference 0.13%; 95% CI −0.56 to 0.81; p = 0.718). At 4 months, HbA1c of
the intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction compared to the control group (8.93% versus 9.80%; mean
difference −0.86; 95% CI −1.59 to −0.14; p = 0.02). Sustained reduction of HbA1c in the intervention group was observed
at 8 months (mean difference −1.01; 95% CI −1.85 to −0.16; p = 0.02). Baseline body weight was 77 kg, with no betweengroup differences in body weight, hospitalization related to diabetes and diabetes knowledge scores, although diabetes
knowledge scores improved at 4 months in the intervention group. 89.3% of participants reported satisfaction with T-Manis
Conclusion
The T-Manis mobile application aided in significantly improving glycemic control with high user satisfaction, supporting
its feasibility as an adjunct to standard diabetes care.
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
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Glycemic Control
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Mobile Applications
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