Phages, as obligate bacterial and archaeal parasites, constitute a virus group of paramount ecological significance due to their exceptional abundance and genetic diversity. These biological entities serve as critical regulators in Earth's ecosystems, driving biogeochemical cycles, energy fluxes, and ecosystem services across terrestrial and marine environments. Within soil microbiomes, phages function as microbial "dark matter," maintaining the soil-plant system balance through precise modulation of the microbial community structure and functional dynamics. Despite the growing research interests in soil phages in recent years, the proportion of such studies in environmental virology remains disproportionately low, which is primarily attributed to researchers' limited familiarity with the research methodologies for phage microecology, incomplete technical frameworks, and inherent challenges posed by soil environmental complexity. To address these challenges, this review synthesizes cutting-edge methodologies for soil phage investigation from four aspects: (1) tangential flow filtration (TFF)-based phage enrichment strategies; (2) integrated quantification approaches combining double-layer agar plating, epifluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometry; (3) multi-omics analytical pipelines leveraging metagenomics and viromics datasets; and (4) computational frameworks merging machine learning algorithms with eco-evolutionary theory for deciphering phage-host interaction networks. Through comparative analysis of methodological principles, technical merits, and application scopes, we establish a comprehensive workflow for soil phage research. Future research in this field should prioritize: (1) construction of soil phage resource libraries, (2) exploration of RNA phages based on transcriptomes, (3) functional characterization of unknown genes, and (4) deep integration and interaction validation of multi-omics data. This systematic methodological synthesis provides critical technical references for addressing fundamental challenges in characterizing soil phages regarding the community structure, functional potential, and interaction mechanisms with hosts.
Bacteriophages/physiology* ; Soil Microbiology ; Ecosystem ; Microbiota ; Metagenomics/methods*

BACKGROUND:Traditional scoliosis orthosis has some disadvantages,such as complex manufacturing process,long processing cycle,poor fit and so on.Three-dimensional printed scoliosis orthosis has the advantages of high manufacturing precision and personalization. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the efficacy of three-dimensional printed scoliosis orthosis for scoliosis based on multi-criteria decision model. METHODS:Clinical data of 72 patients with scoliosis admitted to Chen Xinghai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from January 2019 to October 2022 were retrospectively collected and divided into two groups according to the treatment of orthosis.Study group(n=23)received three-dimensional printed scoliosis orthosis.Traditional group(n=49)received the traditional polypropylene spine brace treatment.The clinical efficacy and complications were compared between the two groups.A multi-criteria decision model for the treatment of scoliosis with three-dimensional printed scoliosis orthosis was established,and the stability of the benefit value,risk value and decision model of the two groups were evaluated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the traditional group,there were significant differences in the top vertebral offset distance,Cobb angle,top vertebral rotation,Functional Movement Screen score,visual analog scale score and total effective rate in the study group at 6 months after surgery(P<0.05).(2)Among the benefit indexes,Cobb angle had the greatest impact on the condition of patients,while the risk indexes had the greatest impact on dyspnea.(3)The benefit values of the study group and the traditional group for scoliosis were 79 and 64,and the risk values were 74 and 57,respectively.The combined benefit and risk values found that the benefit-risk value of the study group was 16 higher than that of the traditional group.(4)In the range of 0-100%relative risk weight,the benefit-risk value of the study group was always higher than that of the traditional group,which proved that the multi-criteria decision-making model had good stability.(5)It is indicated that three-dimensional printed scoliosis orthosis can better restore the physiological curvature of scoliosis and improve the efficiency of treatment.

Transcrestal maxillary sinus floor elevation is an effective method to solve the problem of insufficient bone height in the posterior maxillary region.However,current methods,such as osteotome sinus floor elevation,cushioned grind-out technique,Smart Drill technique,etc.,require specialized surgical tool boxes.In this article,we introduce a new method of transcrestal maxillary sinus elevation that uses built-in reamers of various implant systems to scrap residu-al bone at the sinus floor and uses the implant to push the sinus membrane during implant placement.This technique is easy to operate and time saving and has a low rate of sinus membrane perforation.After a one-year follow-up observa-tion of 146 people and 175 implants,the endo-sinus bone gains were 5.00(4.70,5.30)mm and 2.10(1.40,2.70)mm in the group of 3 mm≤residual bone height(RBH)<5 mm and the group of 5 mm≤RBH<8 mm,respectively,which can meet the clinical requirements of implant stability.This technique is suitable in generalizing dental implantation.

Objective:To investigate the prognosis and risk factors for children diagnosed with all types of subaortic stenosis(SAS) who developed recurrent left ventricular outflow tract obstruction after surgical treatment.Methods:The study retrospectively included patients aged 0-18 years old who underwent open heart SAS surgery at Fuwai Hospital from 2016-2019. Children with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy were excluded. Detailed operative notes, medical records and ultrasound information, and follow-ups were extracted. Recurrent SAS was defined as left ventricular outflow tract gradient 30 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) 1 month after SAS surgical treatment.Results:A total of 137 children were included in this study. The medium age of children at the time of SAS surgery was 4.6 years old(3 months-17.8 years old). After a median follow-up of 4.36 years(3.2-5.7 years), a total of 30 patients developed recurrent LVOTO, with a recurrence rate of 21.9%, and 7(5.1%) underwent a second surgery. Compared to the non-recurrent group, children in the recurrent group were younger at the time of surgery( P=0.0443), had a smaller body surface area( P=0.0485), and a longer length of stay( P=0.0380). In Cox analysis, when only considering preoperative variables, the independent risk factor for LVOTO recurrence were a peak left ventricular outflow tract gradient higher than 50 mmHg( HR=5.25, P=0.001), a BSA less than 0.9( HR=2.5, P=0.023), and a length of SAS 5 mm( HR=2.29, P=0.050). When both preoperative and intraoperative variables were considered, preoperative peak left ventricular outflow tract gradient 50 mmHg( HR=4.91, P=0.002) and peeling from the aortic valve( HR=3.23, P=0.010) were independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence. Conclusion:Recurrent LVOTO after SAS surgical repair is common, and regular postoperative follow-up is crucial to evaluate whether a secondary intervention is required. Regular postoperative follow-up is needed for children at high risk.

Objective:To investigate the synergistic effect of sarcopenia and osteoporosis on the occurrence of spinal osteoporotic fracture (OPF) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods:A total of 389 hospitalized RA patients and 156 age and sex-matched normal subjects (control group) were recruited. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) method was used to measure bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine and hip, and bioelectrical impedance method was applied to determine skeletal muscle mass of limbs. X-ray examination of spin was conducted and spinal OPF was diagnosed according to semi-quality method. Student's t test was used for comparison of measurement date between the two groups, χ2 test was used for comparison of intergroup rates, and Logistic Regression(Backward LR) method was used for multivariate Regression analysis of binomial classification data. Results:BMD of all test sites in RA patients was significantly lower than that in the control group ( P<0.01). The incidence of total OP in RA group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(32.9% vs 12.8%), χ2=22.706, P<0.01]. A total of 84 patients with RA developed spinal OPF, with an incidence of 21.6% which was higher than that in the control group [(3.8%), χ2=25.439, P<0.01]. The incidence of sarcopenia in RA was 54.8%, significantly higher than that in the control group [(9.6%), χ2=93.241, P<0.01]. The incidence of sarcopenia combined with osteoporosis in RA group (28.5%) was significantly higher than that in the control group [(5.8%), χ2=118.110, P<0.01]. Comparison of the incidence of spinal OPF in RA patients among groups with different bone mass (normal bone mass, osteopenia, osteoporosis) showed that the incidence of spinal OPF among these groups was statistically different ( χ2=43.373, P<0.01), and the incidence of spinal OPF increased along with the decrease of bone mass ( χ2=43.003, P<0.01). The incidence of spinal OPF in RA patients with sarcopenia (27.2%, 58/213) was significantly higher than that in RA patients without sarcopenia [(14.8%, 26/176), χ2=8.833, P=0.003]. All participants were divided into three groups: group 1=no OP and sarcopenia, group 2=with sarcopenia or OP, group 3=both sarcopenia and OP. Difference of incidence of spine OPF in RA patients among three groups was statistically significant ( χ2=33.832, P<0.01), and the incidence of spinal OPF raised gradually in group 1 and 3, ( χ2=37.164, P<0.01). Incidences of sarcopenia, OP and spinal OPF in RA treated with glucocorticoid (GC) were higher than those in RA without GC ( P<0.05, P<0.01). Results of logistic regression showed advanced age[ OR(95% CI)=1.069(1.038, 1.101), P<0.01], usage of GC [ OR(95% CI)=3.169(1.679, 5.984), P<0.01] and sarcopenia combined with OP [ OR(95% CI)=2.113(1.430, 3.124), P<0.01] were risk factors for spinal OPF in RA patients. Conclusion:Incidences of sarcopenia, OP and spinal OPF in RA patients are higher than that in normal controls. Sarcopenia and OP have a synergistic effect on spinal OPF in RA patients.

Well water could be a stable source of drinking water. Recently, the use of well water as drinking water has been encouraged in developing countries. However, many kinds of disorders caused by toxic elements in well drinking water have been reported. It is our urgent task to resolve the global issue of element-originating diseases. In this review article, our multidisciplinary approaches focusing on oncogenic toxicities and disturbances of sensory organs (skin and ear) induced by arsenic and barium are introduced. First, our environmental monitoring in developing countries in Asia showed elevated concentrations of arsenic and barium in well drinking water. Then our experimental studies in mice and our epidemiological studies in humans showed arsenic-mediated increased risks of hyperpigmented skin and hearing loss with partial elucidation of their mechanisms. Our experimental studies using cultured cells with focus on the expression and activity levels of intracellular signal transduction molecules such as c-SRC, c-RET, and oncogenic RET showed risks for malignant transformation and/or progression arose from arsenic and barium. Finally, our original hydrotalcite-like compound was proposed as a novel remediation system to effectively remove arsenic and barium from well drinking water. Hopefully, comprehensive studies consisting of (1) environmental monitoring, (2) health risk assessments, and (3) remediation will be expanded in the field of environmental health to prevent various disorders caused by environmental factors including toxic elements in drinking water.
Animals ; Arsenic ; toxicity ; Barium ; toxicity ; Drinking Water ; analysis ; Environmental Exposure ; Environmental Health ; Environmental Monitoring ; Humans ; Mice ; Water Pollutants, Chemical ; toxicity ; Water Wells

Objective: To assess the quality of data of intervention in population at high risk for HIV/AIDS, especially in female sex workers (FSWs) and men who have sex with men (MSM), in China during 2014-2018, for the purpose of improving intervention data quality. Methods: Data accuracy was evaluated by sampling monthly reported intervention data and comparing the consistency of the information recorded in national HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment information system to original paper records. Data authenticity was assessed by visiting intervention sites and interviewing owners, manager and/or target groups at sites. The assessment results of both national level and provincial level were summarized by year and analyzed with descriptive statistical method. The data quality problems recognized by assessments were summed up. Results: The annual concordance rate of the data recorded in information system to paper records was 94.6%(17 671/18 673) in provincial level assessment and 79.4%(558/703) in national level assessment. Up to 81.6%(8 617/10 559) and 84.4% (249/295) of all sampled intervention sites were annually evaluated as "good" in provincial and state level assessments respectively. The assessment found that the intervention data in original paper records were not completely consistent to that recorded in the information system, the deficiency of ability on intervention data management, and the insufficient coverage and effect of intervention service influenced the intervention data quality. Conclusions In general, the accuracy and authenticity of intervention data were fine in China during 2014-2018. Intervention data quality can be improved through measures of enhancing data quality management, strengthening training for the prevention and intervention in FSWs and MSM, and providing high- quality intervention service.

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of an accuracy evaluation method for 3D reconstructed bone model based on 3D reconstruction software Arigin3D Pro. Methods: Pig femurs were used as solid models which were scanned by CT and MRI respectively. The scan data were imported into software Arigin3D Pro for 3D model reconstruction by 3 operators with different reconstruction experience (≤1 year, 2 to 3 years, and ≥4 years, respectively). Each operator reconstructed the femurs 3 times and in each reconstruction measured the diameter of the femoral head, the length of the femur and the width of the knee joint at the distal end of the femur 3 times respectively using software Geomagic Wrap. The above parameters of the solid models were measured using a vernier caliper. The parameter values of reconstructed models and solid models were compared and the differences were analyzed. Results: The measurements by Geomagic Wrap showed deviations between the CT and MRI reconstruction models and the solid models, and the maximum deviation percentages were 1.47% and 1.08%, respectively. The percentages of intra-operater difference ranged from 0.29% to 1.53%; the 3D models reconstructed by operators with different reconstruction experience were not identical. Conclusions It is a feasible accuracy evaluation method to compare key parameters between the 3D bone model reconstructed by software Arigin3D Pro and the real animal bone. The deviations of 3D reconstructed bone model based on CT and MRI images are acceptable. The accuracy of 3D bone construction is related to the difference in operators.

Objective: To evaluate the predictive value of 3 different risk stratification models including the risk adjustment in congenital heart surgery-1 (RACHS-1), Aristotle basic complexity (ABC), and Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association for cardiothoracic surgery congenital heart surgery mortality score (STAT) risk scoring system for death and major complications in patients after congenital heart surgeries. Methods: A total of 3 578 patients (age<18 years old) received surgery for congenital heart diseases from January to December 2015 in Fuwai hospital were enrolled, and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. The congenital heart disease patients were 1.7 (0.8, 4.5) years old, and the male accounted for 54.3% (1 943 cases).Death after surgery and major complications including use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, bedside thoracotomy, peritoneal dialysis for renal failure, bedside hemofiltration for renal failure, tracheotomy, reoperation for mediastinum infection, reoperation for heart in hospital were observed. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated to evaluate the predictive value for mortality after surgery and major complications with RACHS-1, ABC, and STAT risk scoring systems. Results: The mortality after surgery was 0.4% (14/3 578) , and the rate of major complications was 3.2% (113/3 578) . For mortality after surgery, areas under the ROC curve were 0.682 (95%CI 0.570-0.795, P=0.002), 0.722 (95%CI 0.612-0.832, P<0.001), and 0.753 (95%CI 0.659-0.847, P<0.001) with RACHS-1, ABC and STAT risk scoring systems, respectively. For major complications, areas under the ROC curve were 0.709 (95%CI 0.667-0.751, P<0.001), 0.743 (95%CI 0.702-0.784, P<0.001), and 0.731 (95%CI 0.693-0.770, P<0.001) with RACHS-1, ABC and STAT risk scoring systems, respectively. Conclusion STAT risk scoring system is superior to RACHS-1 and ABC risk scoring systems on predicting death after surgery, and ABC risk scoring system is superior to RACHS-1 and STAT risk scoring systems on predicting major complications in Chinese patients with congenital heart disease in the single center.

Objective To analyze the clinical manifestation and genetic testing in a patient with Adams-Oliver syndrome (AOS) and summarize clinical and genetic characteristics of the dedicator of cytokinesis (DOCK) 6 gene related AOS through reviewing related references.Methods Information of the proband who was hospitalized in Affiliated Children Hospital of Capital Institute of Pediatrics in October 2016 and her family members as well as their DNA samples were collected.The gene sequencing was performed using next generation sequencing technology.Using "Adams-Oliver syndrome"and "DOCK6" as key words,the relevant articles were searched from the Pubmed,China National Knowledge Internet and Wanfang databases and reports of 19 cases were reviewed.Results The proband is an eight months old girl.She presented with severe developmental delay,terminal transverse limb defects and visual loss after birth,and then suffered from tonic seizures and myoclonic seizures at two months old.By physical examination she was found to have esotropia and visual loss.The distal phalanx and nail of the right second-fourth fingers were absent,while the phalangette of the left second-fourth fingers and bilateral distal phalanges of toes were short with small nails attachment.Thyroid function test showed hypothyroidism.The ocular fundus examination showed the residual vitreous artery in the left eye and the retinal pigment degeneration in the right eye.CT scan showed multiple bilateral periventricular calcification and cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral periventricular lesion.Two heterozygous mutations were identified in DOCK6 gene:one was a known pathogenic mutation (p.L1064Vfs*60),and the other was a novel splice site mutation (c.873+ 1G＞A).By analyzing this case and reported 19 cases,the common performances of DOCK6 gene related AOS included terminal transverse limb defects (20/20),aplasia cutis congenita (18/20),ocular abnormalities (13/20),seizures (12/20),mental retardation (12/20),microcephaly (10/20),cardiovascular malformations (10/20),intrauterine growth retardation (6/20).The mutation of the DOCK6 gene was found to be dominated by frameshift mutation and splice site mutation.Conclusions If either terminal transverse limb defects or aplasia cutis congenita was detected in a patient,AOS should be under consideration.In addition,autosomal recessive inheritance,nervous system and eyes involvement will further indicate DOCK6 gene related AOS.