Maternal immunization is a highly effective public health strategy. The administration of vaccines to pregnant women increases the level of specific transplacental maternal antibodies, thereby protecting the pregnant fetuses, newborns, and early-life infants from the corresponding pathogens. Currently, maternal immunization strategies for pertussis, influenza, etc. have been widely used worldwide, and positive results have been achieved in preventing respiratory syncytial virus infection in infants. This article reviews different designs of maternal vaccination clinical studies, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, and surveillance data studies. It summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of different study approaches and discusses the application of maternal immunization strategies to provide a reference for developing maternal immunization research in China.

Randomized controlled trials have long been regarded as the gold standard for evaluating vaccine efficacy. However, conducting randomized controlled trials to assess vaccines in real-world settings is often impractical due to limitations in research resources and ethical considerations. In recent years, the emulated target trial has emerged as a novel methodological framework that applies the design principles of randomized trials to observational studies. By using observational data to emulate the randomization and treatment assignment of a clinical trial, this approach enables the evaluation of vaccine effectiveness in the real world. The application of emulated target trials enhances the quality and applicability of real-world evidence. This article explains the fundamental principles, design elements, advantages, and limitations of using emulated target trials to evaluate vaccine effectiveness, providing methodological guidance for conducting such studies in China.

Schizophrenia is a chronic and debilitating mental disorder.Around 20%to 40%of patients do not respond well to normal antipsychotic medication,and are ultimately diagnosed with treatment-resistant schizophrenia(TRS),representing the most severe and challenging form of schizophrenia.Currently,clozapine is the standard treatment for TRS.Early identification and standardized treatment can be beneficial to patients with TRS by controlling acute-phase symptoms as soon as possible,reducing suicidal rate and improving their quality of life.Under the guidance of the Steering Committee,this consensus was formed after multiple discussions by 30 psychiatric experts and anonymous Delphi surveys including 17 consensus opinions on treatment-resistant schizophrenia,which cover risk factors and prevention,diagnosis and evaluation,standardized clozapine treatment and management of adverse reactions,treatment regimens for clozapine resistance and intolerance,and psychosocial intervention,etc.The consensus-making process also incorporated evidence-based medicine to help standardize and guide diagnosis and treatment for adults with TRS in China.

Maternal immunization is a highly effective public health strategy. The administration of vaccines to pregnant women increases the level of specific transplacental maternal antibodies, thereby protecting the pregnant fetuses, newborns, and early-life infants from the corresponding pathogens. Currently, maternal immunization strategies for pertussis, influenza, etc. have been widely used worldwide, and positive results have been achieved in preventing respiratory syncytial virus infection in infants. This article reviews different designs of maternal vaccination clinical studies, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, and surveillance data studies. It summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of different study approaches and discusses the application of maternal immunization strategies to provide a reference for developing maternal immunization research in China.

The development of polysaccharide conjugate vaccines, which convert polysaccharide antigens into T-cell-dependent immunogens through covalent conjugation with protein carriers, represents a critical strategy for enhancing immune protection in infants and young children. Globally licensed conjugate vaccines currently employ carrier proteins including Tetanus Toxoid, Diphtheria Toxoid, and Cross-Reacting Material 197. Recent advances have focused on three key areas: novel carrier protein discovery, optimized conjugation strategies, and evaluation of immune interference during co-administration of multivalent formulations. These efforts aim to achieve broader serotype coverage, prolonged protective efficacy, and simplified immunization schedules. This review synthesizes recent progress in carrier protein development, encompassing vaccine design principles, manufacturing processes, safety profiles, and epidemiological effectiveness. Furthermore, it critically examines current selection criteria for carrier proteins, their clinical applications, and persistent challenges, providing strategic insights to inform future conjugate vaccine development and immunization policy optimization in China.

Randomized controlled trials have long been regarded as the gold standard for evaluating vaccine efficacy. However, conducting randomized controlled trials to assess vaccines in real-world settings is often impractical due to limitations in research resources and ethical considerations. In recent years, the emulated target trial has emerged as a novel methodological framework that applies the design principles of randomized trials to observational studies. By using observational data to emulate the randomization and treatment assignment of a clinical trial, this approach enables the evaluation of vaccine effectiveness in the real world. The application of emulated target trials enhances the quality and applicability of real-world evidence. This article explains the fundamental principles, design elements, advantages, and limitations of using emulated target trials to evaluate vaccine effectiveness, providing methodological guidance for conducting such studies in China.

Central memory T (Tcm) cells are a crucial subset in T cell development, playing an important role in long-term immune responses. Tcm cells exhibit strong proliferative capacity, long-term survival characteristics, and re-activation potential, enabling them to rapidly differentiate into effector T cells (Teff) upon antigen re-exposure, thus providing robust immune protection. The function of Tcm cells is regulated by various factors, including antigen exposure, cytokines, and metabolic conditions. A deeper understanding of their metabolic and epigenetic mechanisms under different pathological conditions will contribute to the development of more precise and effective immunotherapeutic strategies. This review elaborates on the origin and characteristics of Tcm cells, as well as their roles in antiviral responses, tumor immunity, and immunotherapy.
Humans ; Memory T Cells/cytology* ; Animals ; Immunologic Memory ; Neoplasms/therapy* ; Immunotherapy

[Objective]To investigate the correlation between the severity of chronic idiopathic tinnitus and changes in stool characteristics,and provide valuable epidemiological data for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic idiopathic tinnitus.[Methods]From July 2022 to July 2023,362 patients diagnosed as chronic idiopathic tinnitus were treated in the first Department of Encephalopathy of Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine with tinnitus as the first complaints.All patients were filled in tinnitus handicap inventory(THI)and tinnitus history collection table(gender,age,tinnitus duration,Bristol stool classification).THI severity was grouped as the dependent variable,and the factors above were taken as independent variables.Ordered logistic regression was used for analysis.[Results]The 362 patients with tinnitus included 213(58.84％)having changes in stool properties.Among them,118 cases(32.60％)were of diarrhea,37 cases(10.22％)constipation and 58 cases(16.02％)others.Ordered logistic regression analysis showed that the severity of chronic idiopathic tinnitus was positively correlated with diarrhea[odd ratio(OR)=3.000,P＜0.001]and constipation(OR=2.689,P=0.003),and negatively correlated with the other stool characteristics(OR=0.571,P=0.047).[Conclusion]Diarrhea and constipation may be important factors in exacerbating chronic idiopathic tinnitus and should be emphasized in the clinical management of patients with chronic idiopathic tinnitus.

Objective:To evaluate the potential value of gut microbiota metabolites in predicting the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy combined with immunotherapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.Methods:Prospectively collected case data from 32 patients with locally advanced rectal patients, who underwent total mesorectal excision at Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, between October 2021 and August 2022. Among these patients, 18 (56.25%) were male and 14 (43.75%) were female, with ages ranging from 37 to 79 years and a mean age of (61.69±8.73) years. Postoperative pathological response was evaluated using the Tumor Regression Grade (TRG), dividing the patients into two groups: an efficacious group (ypT 0N 0, n=14) and a non-efficacious group (non-ypT 0N 0, n=18). Stools from 14 patients in the efficacious group and 18 patients in the non-efficacious group, who had experienced neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy combined with immunotherapy, were collected before treatment. Metabolites were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and pathway enrichment analysis was performed. A random forest model was constructed based on the differential metabolites. The data were analyzed by using R4.1.1 and 26.0 software. Results:Through untargeted metabolomics analysis, 2′-Deoxyinosine and albiflorin were enriched in the responders, while Sorbitan monooleate, 2-(Formylamino) Benzoic Acid, and 12-Hydroxydodecanoic acid were enriched in the non-responders ( P<0.05); Arachidonic acid metabolism and tryptophan metabolism were enriched, and the AUC for the model was 0.976. Conclusions:Rectal cancer patients with or without complete postoperative pathological remission exhibit differences in the metabolites of their intestinal microbiome prior to undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy combined with immunotherapy. The identified differential metabolites have the potential to serve as predictive biomarkers for treatment efficacy.

The development of polysaccharide conjugate vaccines, which convert polysaccharide antigens into T-cell-dependent immunogens through covalent conjugation with protein carriers, represents a critical strategy for enhancing immune protection in infants and young children. Globally licensed conjugate vaccines currently employ carrier proteins including Tetanus Toxoid, Diphtheria Toxoid, and Cross-Reacting Material 197. Recent advances have focused on three key areas: novel carrier protein discovery, optimized conjugation strategies, and evaluation of immune interference during co-administration of multivalent formulations. These efforts aim to achieve broader serotype coverage, prolonged protective efficacy, and simplified immunization schedules. This review synthesizes recent progress in carrier protein development, encompassing vaccine design principles, manufacturing processes, safety profiles, and epidemiological effectiveness. Furthermore, it critically examines current selection criteria for carrier proteins, their clinical applications, and persistent challenges, providing strategic insights to inform future conjugate vaccine development and immunization policy optimization in China.