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Purpose: Dairy foods are nutritional sources of calcium, phosphorus, protein, and other nutrients that improve bone health. However, the effects of dairy consumption on bone biomarkers in the Japanese population remain unclear. This study explored the association between dairy consumption and bone biomarkers in Japanese adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted as part of the Iwaki Health Promotion Project in Aomori, Japan. In total, 1063 adults were included in the analysis. Bone turnover marker levels were measured in local citizens during their annual medical checkups. The calcaneus osteo sono assessment index (OSI) was calculated using a quantitative ultrasound technique. The dietary intake of foods and nutrients was estimated using a food frequency questionnaire. Linear regression models were established using dairy consumption and bone biomarkers with adjustments. Statistic significance was considered by P

Background: Decreased gut microbiota diversity is associated with gut dysbiosis and causes various diseases, including allergic diseases. We investigated the relationship between gut microbial diversity and sensitization to major inhaled allergens. Furthermore, the relationship of allergic symptom onset with bacterial composition in sensitized individuals was investigated. Methods: This study included 1092 local residents who had participated in the Iwaki Health Promotion Project in 2016. Blood samples were analyzed to ascertain specific IgE levels against major inhaled allergens (JCP, HD1, Grass-mix, Weed-mix). Nasal symptoms were estimated by questionnaires. Fecal samples were analyzed for bacterial 16S rRNA using next generation sequencing. The diversity index (α-diversity, β-diversity) and the composition of gut microbes in phylum/order levels were compared between patients sensitized or unsensitized to allergen, and symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. Results: Some α-diversity metrics were significantly decreased in patients who were sensitized to any/all four allergens compared with the unsensitized group. β-diversity differed significantly between those unsensitized and sensitized to all allergens (aged 20–49 years), and between those unsensitized and sensitized to any/all four allergens (aged ≥50 years). The relative abundance of Bacteroidales was significantly lower in the unsensitized than in the sensitized group. The composition and diversity of gut microbiota were similar between the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. Conclusions: Our results suggest that lack of diversity in gut microbiota has an effect on sensitization to allergens. Bacteroidales in order level may affect sensitization; however, the onset of allergy symptoms was not significantly associated with bacterial composition and diversity.

Rationale & Objective: Chronic kidney disease, defined by albuminuria and/or reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), has been reported to be associated with brain atrophy and/or higher white matter lesion volume (WMLV), but there are few large-scale population-based studies assessing this issue. This study aimed to examine the associations between the urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) and eGFR levels and brain atrophy and WMLV in a large-scale community-dwelling older population of Japanese. Study Design: Population-based cross-sectional study. Setting & Participants: A total of 8,630 dementia-free community-dwelling Japanese aged greater than or equal to 65 years underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging scanning and screening examination of health status in 2016-2018. Exposures: UACR and eGFR levels. Outcomes: The total brain volume (TBV)-to-intracranial volume (ICV) ratio (TBV/ICV), the regional brain volume-to-TBV ratio, and the WMLV-to-ICV ratio (WMLV/ICV). Analytical Approach: The associations of UACR and eGFR levels with the TBV/ICV, the regional brain volume-to-TBV ratio, and the WMLV/ICV were assessed by using an analysis of covariance. Results: Higher UACR levels were significantly associated with lower TBV/ICV and higher geometric mean values of the WMLV/ICV (P for trend = 0.009 and

Small fibre neuropathy (SFN) is an initial pathology of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN). Serum lipopolysaccharide binding protein levels are positively correlated with the pain threshold in the foot, suggesting that the abundance of gut Gram-negative bacilli, which are a source of lipopolysaccharides, may be involved in the development of DPN. Furthermore, the abundance of the gut and oral microbiota is assumed to be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Nevertheless, the association between SFN and the microbiota has not been clarified. A total of 1056 individuals were recruited in the 2018 Iwaki Health Promotion Project. Pain sensation was evaluated based on the pain threshold from intraepidermal electrical stimulation (PINT). Patients with PINT scores