遠隔容積脈波を用いた交感神経活動の評価

Plethysmographic signals were detected remotely (0.5 m) under the standard room light by the use of a built-in webcam on note PC. The RGB color movies were recorded at video-rate and the region of interest was set to the forehead of each subject. Changes in the average intensity of G channel appeared to be consistent with pulsation, respiration and the body movement. When the time series data was subjected to Fourier analysis, we found the characteristic peaks corresponding to the frequency of heart rate and respiration in the spectra. As for the B channel, we observed the respiration signal but the very weak signal of pulsation. Neither were almost contained in the R channel. In subjects that kept running for 3 minutes, the exercise increased the frequency of the plethysmographic signal measured remotely, suggesting the sympathetic nerve activation. This was confirmed by the increase in the LF/HF ratio of electrocardiogram and the salivary amylase activity. Furthermore, the exercise increased pulsation as well as respiration measured remotely. The remote vital monitor would be one of the evaluation methods of sympathetic nerve activity and be especially useful for the person who has difficulty wearing the sensor for sympathetic nerve activity

Effect of gut microbial composition and diversity on major inhaled allergen sensitization and onset of allergic rhinitis

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