Gut microbial communities are likely remodeled in tandem with accumulated physiological decline during aging, yet there is limited understanding of gut microbiome variation in advanced age. Here, we performed a metagenomics-based enterotype analysis in a geographically homogeneous cohort of 367 enrolled Chinese individuals between the ages of 60 and 94 years, with the goal of characterizing the gut microbiome of elderly individuals and identifying factors linked to enterotype variations. In addition to two adult-like enterotypes dominated by Bacteroides (ET-Bacteroides) and Prevotella (ET-Prevotella), we identified a novel enterotype dominated by Escherichia (ET-Escherichia), whose prevalence increased in advanced age. Our data demonstrated that age explained more of the variance in the gut microbiome than previously identified factors such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or diet. We characterized the distinct taxonomic and functional profiles of ET-Escherichia, and found the strongest cohesion and highest robustness of the microbial co-occurrence network in this enterotype, as well as the lowest species diversity. In addition, we carried out a series of correlation analyses and co-abundance network analyses, which showed that several factors were likely linked to the overabundance of Escherichia members, including advanced age, vegetable intake, and fruit intake. Overall, our data revealed an enterotype variation characterized by Escherichia enrichment in the elderly population. Considering the different age distribution of each enterotype, these findings provide new insights into the changes that occur in the gut microbiome with age and highlight the importance of microbiome-based stratification of elderly individuals.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Bacteroides ; China ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/microbiology* ; Escherichia coli/classification* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics* ; Metagenomics ; East Asian People

Objective To establish normal reference values of video head impulse test(vHIT)for civil avia-tion student pilots to provide a reference basis for the accurate assessment of the vestibular function of civil aviation student pilots.Methods Forty civil aviation student pilots in the theoretical training phase were randomly selected for vHIT.The average gain of the vestibulo-ocular reflex(VOR)and the asymmetry ratios of the semicircular ca-nals were compared.Results The VOR values for the right horizontal,anterior,and posterior semicircular canals were 1.05±0.07,0.92±0.13,0.81±0.09,respectively.For the left horizontal,anterior,and posterior semicir-cular canals,the values were 1.00±0.06,0.85±0.10,0.86±0.10,respectively.There was no compensatory sac-cade in any of the subjects.The asymmetry ratios of bilateral horizontal,left anterior-right posterior,and right an-terior-left posterior semicircular canals were 5.56％±3.64％,9.65％±4.74％,8.68％±7.07％,respectively.Conclusion This study establishes vHIT normal reference values for civil aviation student pilots,providing an ob-jective basis for their selection and vestibular function evaluation.

Objective:To investigate the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and aeromedical assessment of nasopharyngeal non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in civil aviation pilots.Methods:The clinical data of a civil pilot with nasopharyngeal NHL was retrospectively analyzed while related literature was reviewed. The clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and identification of nasopharyngeal NHL were traced.Results:A civil pilot was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal NHL in January 2016 before being grounded by aviation physicians. After treatment with systematic chemoradiation and chemotherapy by the Department of Oncology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, the patient′s results of blood routine tests, blood biochemistry, EB virus DNA detection, electrical audiometry, and sound immittance returned to normal as evidenced by multiple outpatient examinations between June 2016 and April 2017. No signs of malignant tumor were found by fiber nasopharyngoscopy, nasopharyngeal MRI or positron emission tomography/computed tomography. In June 2017, he applied for specially-permitted assessment for the first time, and the aeromedical assessment conclusion was waiver to flight, but his flight was limited to 60 h or less. The pilot was able to perform flight duties ever since. EB virus DNA detection, nasopharyngeal MRI, fiber nasopharyngoscopy and other related examinations were repeated in each physical examination, and the pilot was given specially-permitted eligibility for fight missions annually for 6 consecutive years, but the monthly flying hours was limited to 60 h or less. So far, the disease neither recurred nor progressed.Conclusions:Nasopharyngeal NHL is rare in civil aviation pilots, so missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis should be avoided. Patients with nasopharyngeal NHL who have recovered after treatment may apply for specially-permitted health assessment and resume their work after comprehensive assessment by related experts.

Objective To explore the application effect of multimodal somatosensory exercise based on artificial intelligence technology in home rehabilitation exercise for elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary dis-ease(COPD),so as to promote COPD patients to participate in home rehabilitation exercise.Methods Using the convenient sampling method,80 elderly patients with COPD admitted to the Department of Respiratory Medicine of a tertiary A hospital in Urumqi from November 2023 to February 2024 were selected as the research subjects.Ac-cording to the random number table method,they were divided into a control group and an experimental group,with 40 cases in each group.The control group adopted the traditional exercise training method,and the experimental group adopted the multi-modal somatosensory movement based on artificial intelligence technology for exercise in-tervention,with 5 times a week,and the intervention was implemented for 12 weeks.The pulmonary function index,modified Medical Research Council scale score,physical fitness level,Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease As-sessment Test scale score and exercise compliance of the 2 groups were compared before intervention and 12 weeks after intervention.Results 77 patients completed the study,with 39 in the experimental group and 38 in the control group.The forced vital capacity,forced expiratory volume in one second,forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity ratio,physical fitness level and exercise compliance of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group,while the modified British Medical Research Council scale score and Chron-ic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test score were lower than those of the control group.The differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion Somatosensory exercise based on artificial intelligence technology can improve the lung function of the patients with COPD,improve the exercise compliance and physical fitness in-dicators of elderly patients and improve the quality of life of the patients.

Objective:To investigate the current status and influencing factors of barriers to going out among elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to provide a reference for implementing targeted preventive measures.Methods:Elderly COPD patients from the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were selected between January and May 2024 by convenience sampling. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a general information questionnaire, Scale on Barriers to Going Out for the Elderly, Perceived Isolation Scale and COPD Assessment Test (CAT).Results:A total of 270 questionnaires were distributed, with 250 valid responses, the effective response rate was 92.6%. Among the 250 elderly COPD patients, there were 124 males and 126 females, with age distributions: 116 patients aged 60-69 years, 94 aged 70-79 years, and 40 aged ≥80 years. The total score for Scale on Barriers to Going Out for the Elderly was (20.01 ± 4.09). The score on barriers to going out in elderly COPD patients were positively correlated with the Perceived Isolation Scale and CAT scores ( r = 0.456 and 0.625, both P <0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age, oxygen therapy, exercise habits,Perceived Isolation Scale, and CAT score classification were the main influencing factors for barriers to going out ( t values were -2.85 to 8.93, all P<0.05), explaining 63.0% of the total variance. Conclusions:The level of barriers to going out in elderly COPD patients is moderate-to-high level. Healthcare professionals should emphasize the assessment of barriers to going out, closely monitor high-risk groups, and develop and implement interventions to prevent such barriers.

Objective To establish normal reference values of video head impulse test(vHIT)for civil avia-tion student pilots to provide a reference basis for the accurate assessment of the vestibular function of civil aviation student pilots.Methods Forty civil aviation student pilots in the theoretical training phase were randomly selected for vHIT.The average gain of the vestibulo-ocular reflex(VOR)and the asymmetry ratios of the semicircular ca-nals were compared.Results The VOR values for the right horizontal,anterior,and posterior semicircular canals were 1.05±0.07,0.92±0.13,0.81±0.09,respectively.For the left horizontal,anterior,and posterior semicir-cular canals,the values were 1.00±0.06,0.85±0.10,0.86±0.10,respectively.There was no compensatory sac-cade in any of the subjects.The asymmetry ratios of bilateral horizontal,left anterior-right posterior,and right an-terior-left posterior semicircular canals were 5.56％±3.64％,9.65％±4.74％,8.68％±7.07％,respectively.Conclusion This study establishes vHIT normal reference values for civil aviation student pilots,providing an ob-jective basis for their selection and vestibular function evaluation.

Objective To explore the application effect of multimodal somatosensory exercise based on artificial intelligence technology in home rehabilitation exercise for elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary dis-ease(COPD),so as to promote COPD patients to participate in home rehabilitation exercise.Methods Using the convenient sampling method,80 elderly patients with COPD admitted to the Department of Respiratory Medicine of a tertiary A hospital in Urumqi from November 2023 to February 2024 were selected as the research subjects.Ac-cording to the random number table method,they were divided into a control group and an experimental group,with 40 cases in each group.The control group adopted the traditional exercise training method,and the experimental group adopted the multi-modal somatosensory movement based on artificial intelligence technology for exercise in-tervention,with 5 times a week,and the intervention was implemented for 12 weeks.The pulmonary function index,modified Medical Research Council scale score,physical fitness level,Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease As-sessment Test scale score and exercise compliance of the 2 groups were compared before intervention and 12 weeks after intervention.Results 77 patients completed the study,with 39 in the experimental group and 38 in the control group.The forced vital capacity,forced expiratory volume in one second,forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity ratio,physical fitness level and exercise compliance of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group,while the modified British Medical Research Council scale score and Chron-ic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test score were lower than those of the control group.The differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion Somatosensory exercise based on artificial intelligence technology can improve the lung function of the patients with COPD,improve the exercise compliance and physical fitness in-dicators of elderly patients and improve the quality of life of the patients.

Objective:To investigate the current status and influencing factors of barriers to going out among elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to provide a reference for implementing targeted preventive measures.Methods:Elderly COPD patients from the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were selected between January and May 2024 by convenience sampling. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a general information questionnaire, Scale on Barriers to Going Out for the Elderly, Perceived Isolation Scale and COPD Assessment Test (CAT).Results:A total of 270 questionnaires were distributed, with 250 valid responses, the effective response rate was 92.6%. Among the 250 elderly COPD patients, there were 124 males and 126 females, with age distributions: 116 patients aged 60-69 years, 94 aged 70-79 years, and 40 aged ≥80 years. The total score for Scale on Barriers to Going Out for the Elderly was (20.01 ± 4.09). The score on barriers to going out in elderly COPD patients were positively correlated with the Perceived Isolation Scale and CAT scores ( r = 0.456 and 0.625, both P <0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age, oxygen therapy, exercise habits,Perceived Isolation Scale, and CAT score classification were the main influencing factors for barriers to going out ( t values were -2.85 to 8.93, all P<0.05), explaining 63.0% of the total variance. Conclusions:The level of barriers to going out in elderly COPD patients is moderate-to-high level. Healthcare professionals should emphasize the assessment of barriers to going out, closely monitor high-risk groups, and develop and implement interventions to prevent such barriers.

Objective:To investigate the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and aeromedical assessment of nasopharyngeal non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in civil aviation pilots.Methods:The clinical data of a civil pilot with nasopharyngeal NHL was retrospectively analyzed while related literature was reviewed. The clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and identification of nasopharyngeal NHL were traced.Results:A civil pilot was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal NHL in January 2016 before being grounded by aviation physicians. After treatment with systematic chemoradiation and chemotherapy by the Department of Oncology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, the patient′s results of blood routine tests, blood biochemistry, EB virus DNA detection, electrical audiometry, and sound immittance returned to normal as evidenced by multiple outpatient examinations between June 2016 and April 2017. No signs of malignant tumor were found by fiber nasopharyngoscopy, nasopharyngeal MRI or positron emission tomography/computed tomography. In June 2017, he applied for specially-permitted assessment for the first time, and the aeromedical assessment conclusion was waiver to flight, but his flight was limited to 60 h or less. The pilot was able to perform flight duties ever since. EB virus DNA detection, nasopharyngeal MRI, fiber nasopharyngoscopy and other related examinations were repeated in each physical examination, and the pilot was given specially-permitted eligibility for fight missions annually for 6 consecutive years, but the monthly flying hours was limited to 60 h or less. So far, the disease neither recurred nor progressed.Conclusions:Nasopharyngeal NHL is rare in civil aviation pilots, so missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis should be avoided. Patients with nasopharyngeal NHL who have recovered after treatment may apply for specially-permitted health assessment and resume their work after comprehensive assessment by related experts.

AIM: To observe the changes of corneal densitometry(CD)in patients with keratoconus after corneal cross-linking(CXL).METHODS: Retrospective study. A total of 32 patients(43 eyes)with keratoconus in Ningxia Eye Hospital from April 2020 to April 2022 were selected. Pentacam analysis system divided the cornea into three layers: anterior 120 μm, middle layer and posterior 60 μm, and divides it into five regions with diameters of 0-2, 2-6, 6-10, 10-12 mm and full diameter according to the diameter, and measures the CD in different ranges. The changes of CD were compared before operation and at 1, 3 and 6 mo after operation.RESULTS: There were differences in uncorrected visual acuity, best corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressure before and 6 mo after operation(all P<0.05), and there was no difference in corneal endothelial cells(P=0.477). CD reached its peak at 1 mo after operation, and decreased at 3 mo and 6 mo after operation, but it was still higher than that before operation. There is a significant positive correlation between CD and Kmax in the anterior layer and the whole layer(r=0.164, P=0.016; r=0.152, P=0.023).CONCLUSION: The values of CD peaked at 1 mo after CXL, then it gradually decreased, tending to become stable at 6 mo postoperatively.