Using a targeted approach, we conclude that the intestinal microbiota, particularly the B. fragilis group, is associated with childhood weight development. To identify the potential impact of additional bacterial taxa, further prospective studies applying an unconstrained in-depth characterization of the microbiota are needed.

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IntroductionLow serum urate (sU) has been suggested to increase the risk of dementia since a reduction might impair antioxidant capacity. On the other hand, high sU is associated with increased cardiovascular risk which might increase the risk of dementia, especially for vascular dementia.MethodsIn 1968–1969, a population‐based sample of 1462 women aged 38 to 60 years was examined and were followed up over 44 years (mean 33.1 years). We examined whether sU (determined in 1968–1969 and 1992–1994) is associated with risk of late‐life dementia.ResultsDuring 44 years of follow‐up, a higher sU (per standard deviation of 76.5 μmol/L) was associated with lower risk for dementia (n = 320; hazard ratio [HR] 0.81; confidence interval [CI] 0.72–0.91), Alzheimer's disease (n = 152; HR 0.78; CI 0.66–0.91), and vascular dementia (n = 52; HR 0.66; CI 0.47–0.94).DiscussionOur findings support the hypothesis that sU has a protective role in the development of dementia, regardless of dementia subtype. This may have important implications in the treatment of dementia and treatment goals for hyperuricemia in patients with gout.

The objective of the present study is to explore knowledge, illness perceptions and stated practice behaviour in relation to gout in primary care. This is a mixed methods study among 32 general practitioners (GPs). The quantitative assessment included the Gout Knowledge Questionnaire (GKQ; range 0–10; better) and Brief Illness Perceptions Questionnaire (BIPQ; nine items, range 0–10; stronger). Structured individual interviews obtained further qualitative insight into knowledge and perceptions, in the context of daily practice. Among 32 GPs, 18 (56.3 %) were male, mean age 44.4 years (SD 9.6) and mean working experience 17.1 years (SD 9.7). Median score [interquartile ranges (IQR)] on the GKQ was 7.8 [6.7–8.9] and 9.0 [8.0–10.0], when presented as open or multiple-choice questions, respectively. The BIPQ (median; [IQR]) revealed that gout was seen as a chronic disease (8.0; [7.0–9.0]), affecting life and emotions moderately (6.5; [5.0–7.0]), having many severe symptoms (8.0; [7.0–9.0]) and in which treatment could be very helpful (8.0; [7.0–9.0]). Further interviews revealed large variation in specific aspects of knowledge and about gaps concerning indications for uric acid-lowering therapy (UALT), duration of UALT, target serum uric acid (sUA) level or duration of prophylactic treatment. Finally, patients’ adherence was not checked systematically. Specific knowledge gaps and discrepancies between perceptions and stated practice behaviour were identified, which might hamper effective management of this well-treatable disease. Improving evidence on the rationale and effectiveness of treatment targets and adherence interventions, tailoring guidelines to general practice and intensification of implementation of guidelines in primary health care seem to be needed.