Figure it out on your own: a mixed-method study on pelvic health survivorship care after gynecologic cancer treatments.

PURPOSE: Pelvic health issues after treatment for gynecological cancer are common. Due to challenges in accessing physiotherapy services, exploring virtual pelvic healthcare is essential. This study aims to understand needs, preferences, barriers, and facilitators for a virtual pelvic healthcare program for gynecological cancer survivors. METHODS: A multi-center, sequential mixed-methods study was conducted. An anonymous online survey (N=50) gathered quantitative data on pelvic health knowledge, opportunities, and motivation. Focus groups (N=14) explored patient experiences and consensus on pelvic health interventions and virtual delivery. Quantitative data used descriptive statistics, and focus group analyses employed inductive thematic analysis. Findings were mapped to the capability, opportunity, and motivation (COM-B) behavior change model. RESULTS: Participants reported lacking knowledge about pelvic health interventions and capability related to the use of vaginal dilators and continence care. Barriers to opportunity included lack of healthcare provider-initiated pelvic health discussions, limited time in clinic with healthcare providers, finding reliable information, and cost of physical therapy pelvic health services. Virtual delivery was seen favorably and may help to address motivational barriers related to embarrassment and frustration with care. CONCLUSION: Awareness of pelvic healthcare is lacking among people treated for gynecological cancer. Virtual delivery of pelvic health interventions is perceived as a solution to enhance access while minimizing travel, cost, embarrassment, and exposure risks. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: A better understanding of the pelvic health needs of individuals following gynecological cancer treatments enables the development of tailored virtual pelvic health rehabilitation interventions which may improve access to pelvic health survivorship care.

Desert dust episodes during pregnancy are associated with increased preterm delivery in French Guiana.

Preterm deliveries are a major multifactorial public health problem in French Guiana. Desert dust episodes have been associated with preterm delivery in Guadeloupe, a territory with similarities to French Guiana. We thus tried to replicate this finding in the context of French Guiana. A retrospective ecological cohort study combined daily PM10 concentration measurements during pregnancy and term at delivery extracted from French Guiana's computerized pregnancy delivery registry. Daily PM10 concentrations during the course of pregnancy were analyzed as mean concentrations and as the proportion of intense dust episodes (≥55 µg PM10/m3). These exposure variables were studied in relation to the outcome of preterm delivery. Overall, 3,321 pregnant women with complete daily PM10 measurements were included, of whom 374 (11.26%) delivered prematurely. Among preterm deliveries, 168 (44.9%) were spontaneous deliveries and 206 (55.1%) were induced. Rank-sum tests showed that, for spontaneous and induced spontaneous deliveries, both mean PM10 concentrations and proportions of intense desert dust episodes were significantly greater among preterm births than among term births. Although the proportion of intense desert dust episodes during pregnancy was significantly associated with spontaneous preterm deliveries, the relation was U-shaped, with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2 (95%CI = 1.2-3.1) for lowest values relative to median values and AOR = 5.4 (95%CI = 3.2-8.9) for the highest values relative to median values. Similarly, the proportion of intense desert dust episodes during pregnancy was also significantly associated with induced preterm deliveries in a U-shaped manner (AOR = 2.7 (95%CI = 1.6-4.5) for the lowest relative to median values and AOR = 6.8 (95%CI = 3.9-11.9) for the highest relative to median values). Although in our study the relation between PM10 concentrations appeared non-linear, the highest mean concentrations and intense desert dust episodes were indeed associated with both spontaneous and induced preterm delivery.

Control4Life: A randomized controlled trial protocol examining the feasibility and efficacy of a combined pelvic health rehabilitation and exercise fitness program for individuals undergoing prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence (UI), erectile dysfunction and cardiometabolic conditions are common after prostatectomy for prostate cancer (PCa). Although physical activity could improve overall survival and quality of survivorship, fear of UI can restrict participation in exercise. Individuals with PCa could benefit from therapeutic exercise programming to support continence recovery and cardiometabolic health. AIM: The main objective of this study is to determine the feasibility and the effects of a combined pelvic health rehabilitation and exercise fitness program on UI after prostatectomy. The combined exercise program will be delivered both in-person and virtually. METHODS: This study follows a modified Zelen, two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial design. A total of 106 individuals with PCa will be recruited before prostatectomy surgery. Participants will be randomized between two groups: one receiving usual care and one receiving a combined exercise fitness and intensive pelvic floor muscle training program. Exercise programming will begin 6-8 weeks after prostatectomy and will last 12 weeks. Outcomes include: the 24-h pad test (primary outcome for UI); physical fitness, metabolic indicators, and patient-reported outcomes on erectile function, self-efficacy, severity of cancer symptoms and quality of life. Important timepoints for assessments include before surgery (T0), after surgery (T1), after intervention (T3) and at one-year after surgery (T4). CONCLUSION: This study will inform the feasibility of offering comprehensive exercise programming that has the potential to positively impact urinary continence, erectile function and cardiometabolic health of individuals undergoing prostatectomy for prostate cancer. CLINICALTRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT06072911.

Determining the destination: a co-designed chronic advanced cancer rehabilitation conceptual framework for engagement of individuals with lived experience in rehabilitation research.

BACKGROUND: Individuals living with chronic advanced cancer (CAC) often face distinct physical, functional, and cognitive issues. Their rehabilitation needs are not yet routinely met, warranting further CAC-specific rehabilitation-based research. Given the complexity of functional and symptom presentations, engagement of individuals living with CAC as partners in the research process is encouraged to better understand the lived perspective. Formal engagement requires both structured approaches and iterative processes. The aim was to co-design a conceptual framework to develop and integrate engagement strategies into rehabilitation research focused on CAC populations. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team of authors, including two individuals with lived experience, conducted an implementation-focused descriptive study to inform future research design, including: interviews and follow-up, review of current models and approaches, and development of a co-designed conceptual framework for engaging individuals with lived experience into CAC-specific rehabilitation research. RESULTS: Emergent themes include shared understanding, transparent appreciation, iterative processes and unique partnership needs. A definition, guiding principles and tools for engagement were identified. In consultation with individuals with lived experience, and application of the emergent themes in context, a conceptual framework to guide the engagement process was developed. CONCLUSION: A novel conceptual framework for engaging individuals with lived experience with CAC as partners in rehabilitation research is proposed to facilitate implementation-focused team-based approaches for this population.

Living with chronic advanced cancer (CAC) affects all parts of a person's life. Rehabilitation, such as physiotherapy, can be necessary. Healthcare data shows that rehabilitation needs of people with CAC are not yet being regularly met and that more research in this area is needed. Because CAC is complex and impacts each person differently, having people with CAC included as partners on the research team will likely help researchers better understand and explain rehabilitation needs of people with CAC.Our group of authors include different healthcare professionals, researchers, and two individuals with lived experience. Together, we carried out an implementation study and designed a framework to guide other researchers in including individuals living with CAC on research teams.We found that important themes for individuals with lived experience were: shared understanding, transparent appreciation, iterative processes (such as back and forth communication) and unique partnership needs.We titled the conceptual framework a "Co-designed Chronic ADVanced CANCer Rehabilitation" or "Co-ADVANCE" for short.

Infant mortality in French Guiana between 2001 and 2017 : Trends and comparisons with mainland France.

BACKGROUND: French Guiana is a French overseas territory which combines a well-funded universal health system and a population where half are under the poverty line. In this context, we aimed to measure and describe the causes of infant mortality and, because French Guiana is a French territory, to compare them with mainland France. METHODS: National death certificate data between 2001 and 2017 was used. RESULTS: Overall, 6.9 % of deaths before 65 years concerned infants <1 year (in mainland France 2.6%). The infant mortality rate over the 2001-2017 period was 2.6 times that of mainland France (1159.5 vs 446.2 per 100,000 infants <1 year) with excess incidence in perinatal causes, malformations and chromosomal anomalies, accidents, infectious causes, and in poorly defined conditions. Over time, there seemed to be a reduction of infant mortality for all the main causes, except for congenital malformations and chromosomal anomalies, which, on the contrary, seemed to increase. The data sources did not allow to study the weight of social factors or place of residence. CONCLUSIONS: All causes of infant mortality seemed to decline over time except malformations and chromosomal anomalies, which increased. Although exposure to heavy metals, infectious diseases are potential explanations we cannot pinpoint the cause of this increase with the available data. The present results suggest infant mortality and malformations should benefit from more detailed data sources in order to better assess and alleviate the burden of infant mortality in French Guiana.

Preferences, barriers and facilitators regarding virtual pelvic healthcare in individuals with gynaecological cancers: protocol for a patient-oriented, mixed-methods study.

INTRODUCTION: Vaginal pain during intercourse and urinary incontinence are common complaints after gynaecological cancer treatments. Pelvic health physiotherapy treatments aim at optimising function through education on the use of vaginal moisturisers, dilation therapy programme and pelvic floor muscle training. Given that barriers such as time, travel, and costs are known to limit access to physiotherapy services, a virtual pelvic health physiotherapy programme may help to facilitate access. The primary objective of this study is to identify preferences, barriers and facilitators from individuals with gynaecological cancer regarding virtual pelvic healthcare survivorship care. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This patient-oriented, mixed-methods study will involve an online cross-sectional survey data (phase I) and qualitative data from a series of virtual focus groups (phase II). PHASE I: an anonymous survey will be used to assess the demographics, health status, prevalence of urogenital symptoms, as well as knowledge, barriers and facilitators to pelvic health services of people with gynaecological cancer. A total of N=50 participants from Canada will be recruited through convenience and self-selection sampling. PHASE II: a series of virtual semi-structured focus groups will be conducted with 10-15 participants on key topics related to virtual pelvic healthcare. Interviews will be audio-recorded and transcribed, from which key themes and quotes will be identified. An interpretive description qualitative method will guide analysis and implementation of results. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Approval from the Health Research Ethics Board of Alberta-Cancer Committee (HREBA.CC-21-0498) and of the CISSS Bas-Saint-Laurent (CISSSBSL-2021-10) have been obtained. Informed, electronically signed consent will be required from all participants. Results from this work will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and will be used to inform the development and implementation of a new Pelvic eHealth Module for individuals treated for gynaecological cancers. This module will be incorporated into a comprehensive educational and exercise programme offered by a web-based application.

Review of primary superficial soft tissue mesenchymal tumors of malignant or intermediate biological potential.

The majority of the sarcomas are deep in location, larger than 5 cm in size, and heterogenous in imaging appearance. However, when sarcomas occur superficially, these typical features may be absent, failing to alert the radiologist to a malignancy and mimicking one of the more numerous benign superficial tumors that make up the bulk of soft tissue mass evaluations. This manuscript will discuss the current role of imaging in recognizing features concerning for superficial soft tissue sarcomas. Provided is an overview of the demographic, clinical, and imaging features of the most commonly encountered superficial soft tissue sarcomas, including undifferentiated pleomorphic, leiomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, liposarcoma, myxofibrosarcoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, epithelioid sarcoma, and angiosarcoma. A less common but primary superficial tumor, angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma, is also reviewed as the diagnosis may be confounding both clinically and on imaging studies.

Motor control of the spine in pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Some studies observed differences in motor control of the spine between women with pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain and matched controls. Understanding alterations in spine motor control may help optimizing treatment in this population. The objective is to determine if there are differences in motor control of the spine in pregnant and post-partum women with and without pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain. METHODS: Five databases were searched: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews (last search: February 4th 2021). Observational studies that compared motor control of the lumbopelvic spine (in terms of muscle activation [e.g. using EMG or ultrasound imaging] or kinematics) between women with pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain and matched controls were included. Risk of bias was assessed with a modified version of STROBE statement for cross-sectional studies. No meta-analysis was performed. FINDING: Fifteen studies were included. Compared to matched controls, pregnant women with pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain showed differences in lumbar spine kinematic during walking and lifting, although not consistent between studies. The only consistent results were higher transversus abdominis muscle activation during leg movements in post-partum pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain. Differences in pelvic floor muscle function was inconsistent. INTERPRETATION: This systematic review identified multiple differences in motor control in pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain population, predominantly in dynamic tasks. However, consistent differences in lumbopelvic spine motor control were rare. More studies are necessary to determine if motor control is different in pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain to better understand alteration in motor control and to optimize the efficacy of rehabilitation treatments.

The subtle Lisfranc injury: A case for bilateral weight-bearing radiographs.

ABSTRACT: A subtle Lisfranc ligament disruption is a rare but potentially devastating injury to the midfoot. If the injury is recognized and treated early, the patient can avoid future arthritic changes and the need for more extensive surgery. The use of bilateral weight-bearing radiographs can aid in the early detection of this subtle injury. This article describes a patient who presented to an orthopedic office with complaints of right foot pain and an inability to participate in physical activity following an intramural sports injury 3 months earlier, and was eventually diagnosed with Lisfranc injury.

Prospective Analysis of Minimum Pricing Policies to Reduce Excessive Alcohol Use and Related Harms in U.S. States.

OBJECTIVE: Increasing the price of alcohol is an effective strategy for reducing excessive consumption and alcohol-related harms. Limited research is available on how the establishment of a minimum price for alcoholic beverages might be an effective strategy to reduce this health risk behavior and what impact that might have in the United States. This study describes alcohol minimum pricing (MP) policy options for consideration in the United States, assesses implementation feasibility and effectiveness, and discusses implications for implementation. METHOD: Three alcohol pricing policy options for reducing excessive drinking were compared in this prospective analysis: alcohol taxation (status quo in states), minimum unit pricing (MUP) by unit of alcohol (e.g., 0.6 oz. [14 g] of pure alcohol), and MP by specified amount of an alcoholic beverage type (e.g., liter of beer). For each policy, five implementation-related domains were analyzed: political feasibility, public acceptability, implementation cost, health equity, and legal feasibility. Effectiveness was also evaluated based on literature. RESULTS: Alcohol MP policies, particularly MUP, could be feasible to implement and cost-efficient for reducing excessive alcohol consumption and related harms in the United States. MP policies are likely to have modest public acceptability in the United States. Although the political feasibility of MP policies is uncertain and would likely vary across states, international research suggests that MP might be a feasible pricing strategy that can be used in conjunction with alcohol taxes. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol MP can be part of a comprehensive approach for reducing excessive drinking and related harms; however, factors such as state-level differences in alcohol control regulation may influence policy implementation.

An in-home rehabilitation program for the treatment of urinary incontinence symptoms in endometrial cancer survivors: a single-case experimental design study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: There is a high prevalence of urinary incontinence among endometrial cancer survivors. They are also known to present with pelvic floor muscle alterations. Evidence on the effects of conservative interventions for the management of UI is scarce. This study aims at verifying the effects of an in-home rehabilitation program, including the use of a mobile technology, to reduce UI severity in endometrial cancer survivors. METHODS: This study used a single-case experimental design with replications. Primary outcome for UI severity was the pad test, and secondary outcomes were the ICIQ-UI SF questionnaire and 3-day bladder diary. Pelvic floor muscle function was assessed using 2D-transperineal ultrasound and intravaginal dynamometry. Adherence was documented using mobile technology and an exercise log. Visual and non-parametric analyses of longitudinal data were conducted. RESULTS: Results show a reduction in UI severity for 87.5% of participants, with a significant relative treatment effect of moderate size (RTE: 0.30). Significant small relative treatment effects were found for the quick contraction and endurance dynamometric tests. CONCLUSION: This study provides new evidence that endometrial cancer survivors can improve the severity of their UI following an in-home rehabilitation program, including the use of a mobile technology. This mode of delivery has the potential to address a gap in access to pelvic floor physiotherapy services for survivors of EC living in rural and remote communities.

Updates and Ongoing Challenges in Imaging of Multiple Myeloma: AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review.

Advances in the understanding and treatment of multiple myeloma have led to the need for more sensitive and accurate imaging of intramedullary and extramedullary disease. This role of imaging is underscored by recently revised imaging recommendations of the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG). This narrative review discusses these recommendations from the IMWG for different disease stages, focusing on advanced whole-body modalities, and addresses related challenges and controversies. In the recommendations, whole-body low-dose CT is central in initial patient assessment, replacing the conventional skeletal survey. Although the recommendations favor MRI for diagnosis because of its superior sensitivity and utility in identifying myeloma-defining events, FDG PET/CT is recommended as the modality of choice for assessing treatment response. Consensus opinions are offered regarding the role of imaging in multiple myeloma for characterization of disease distribution, determination of prognosis, and response evaluation.

An International Continence Society (ICS) report on the terminology for pelvic floor muscle assessment.

INTRODUCTION: The terminology for female and male pelvic floor muscle (PFM) assessment has expanded considerably since the first PFM function and dysfunction standardization of terminology document in 2005. New terms have entered assessment reports, and new investigations to measure PFM function and dysfunction have been developed. An update of this terminology was required to comprehensively document the terms and their definitions, and to describe the assessment method and interpretation of the finding, to standardize assessment procedures and aid diagnostic decision making. METHODS: This report combines the input of members of the Standardisation Committee of the International Continence Society (ICS) Working Group 16, with contributions from recognized experts in the field and external referees. A logical, sequential, clinically directed assessment framework was created against which the assessment process was mapped. Within categories and subclassifications, each term was assigned a numeric coding. A transparent process of 12 rounds of full working group and external review was undertaken to exhaustively examine each definition, plus additional extensive internal development, with decision making by collective opinion (consensus). RESULTS: A Terminology Report for the symptoms, signs, investigations, and diagnoses associated with PFM function and dysfunction, encompassing 185 separate definitions/descriptors, has been developed. It is clinically based with the most common assessment processes defined. Clarity and user-friendliness have been key aims to make it interpretable by clinicians and researchers of different disciplines. CONCLUSION: A consensus-based Terminology Report for assessment of PFM function and dysfunction has been produced to aid clinical practice and be a stimulus for research.

The Relationship Between Breast Milk Components and the Infant Gut Microbiota.

The assembly of the newborn's gut microbiota during the first months of life is an orchestrated process resulting in specialized microbial ecosystems in the different gut compartments. This process is highly dependent upon environmental factors, and many evidences suggest that early bacterial gut colonization has long-term consequences on host digestive and immune homeostasis but also metabolism and behavior. The early life period is therefore a "window of opportunity" to program health through microbiota modulation. However, the implementation of this promising strategy requires an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms governing gut microbiota assembly. Breastfeeding has been associated with a healthy microbiota in infants. Human milk is a complex food matrix, with numerous components that potentially influence the infant microbiota composition, either by enhancing specific bacteria growth or by limiting the growth of others. The objective of this review is to describe human milk composition and to discuss the established or purported roles of human milk components upon gut microbiota establishment. Finally, the impact of maternal diet on human milk composition is reviewed to assess how maternal diet could be a simple and efficient approach to shape the infant gut microbiota.

Reliability of ultrasound imaging of pelvic floor morphology and function among females who have undergone pelvic radiotherapy.

AIMS: To investigate the intra- and inter-rater reliability of two-dimensional (2D) transperineal ultrasound imaging (USI) measures of bladder wall thickness (BWT), urethral length (UL), and parameters related to levator plate length (LP) and transient changes in LP during pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contraction, and on Valsalva in women who received radiation therapy (RT) for treatment of pelvic cancer. METHODS: Twenty women with a history of RT for the treatment of pelvic cancer were assessed independently by two raters on the same day. Five outcomes were assessed for reliability: BWT, UL, and LP at rest (LP-R), during a maximal voluntary contraction of the PFMs (LP-MVC), and during a maximal-effort Valsalva maneuver (LP-MVM). Reliability was determined using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland-Altman analyses. Measurement error was determined using standard error of the measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable difference. RESULTS: Intra-rater reliability was very good for LP-R, LP-MVC, LP-MVM, and UL (ICC: 0.97 [0.93-0.99], 0.95 [0.88-0.98], 0.84 [0.59-0.94], and 0.96 [0.89-0.98], respectively). Inter-rater reliability was very good for LP-R (ICC: 0.82 [0.55-0.93]), and good for LP-MVC, LP-MVM, and UL (ICC: 0.79 [0.46-0.92], 0.79 [0.49-0.92], and 0.75 [0.36-0.90], respectively). BWT had poor intra- and inter-rater reliability. The variability between measurements was the smallest for LP-R, LP-MVC, and UL for intra-rater assessments, and for LP-R and UL for inter-rater assessments. SEM values for intra-rater assessments were LP-R: 1.5 mm, LP-MVC: 1.84 mm, LP-MVM: 4.33 mm, and UL: 1.16 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Although these results support the reliability of 2D-transperineal USI for the evaluation of UL and PFM parameters, they do not support its use for the assessment of BWT.

A Replicable Approach to Promoting Best Practices: Translating Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Research.

OBJECTIVE: Significant delays in translating health care-related research into public health programs and medical practice mean that people may not get the best care when they need it. Regarding cardiovascular disease, translation delays can mean lives may be unnecessarily lost each year. To facilitate the translation of knowledge to action, we created a Best Practices Guide for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Programs. DESIGN: Using the Rapid Synthesis Translation Process and the Best Practices Framework as guiding frameworks, we collected and rated research evidence for hypertension control and cholesterol management strategies. After identifying best practices, we gathered information about programs that were implementing the practices and about resources useful for implementation. Research evidence and supplementary information were consolidated in an informational resource and published online. Web metrics were collected and analyzed to measure use and reach of the guide. RESULTS: The Best Practices Guide was released in January 2018 and included background information and resources on 8 best practice strategies. It was published as an online resource, publicly accessible from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site in 2 different formats. Web metrics show that in the first year after publication, there were 25 589 Web page views and 2467 downloads. A query of partner use of the guide indicated that it was often shared in partners' own resources, newsletters, and online material. CONCLUSION: In following a systematic approach to creating the Best Practices Guide and documenting the steps taken in its development, we offer a replicable approach for translating research on health care practices into a resource to facilitate implementation. The success of this approach is attributed to 3 key factors: using a prescribed and documented approach to evidence translation, working closely with stakeholders throughout the process, and prioritizing the content design and accessibility of the final product.

Is adding pelvic floor muscle training to an exercise intervention more effective at improving pain in patients with non-specific low back pain? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic floor muscles (PFM) contribute to optimal control of the lumbopelvic spine. PFM function appears altered in some people with nonspecific low back pain (LBP). OBJECTIVE: To systematically review if adding PFM training (PFMT) to another exercise intervention can be more effective at improving pain and function in people with nonspecific LBP than without PFMT. DATA SOURCES: The authors conducted a literature search on Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Central and Web of Sciences up to October 2018. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: (1) Participants with nonspecific LBP; (2) additional PFMT to an exercise intervention; (3) comparison to the same intervention without PFMT; (4) included minimally one planned outcome; and (5) a randomized controlled trial. Two reviewers performed screening, data extraction (primary outcome; pain severity, secondary outcome; physical function) and risk of bias assessment. SYNTHESIS METHODS: Meta-analysis was performed using mean difference and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Six studies were included (n=200 participants). Participants with PFMT had lower pain severity in comparison with the group without PFMT (mean difference: -0.61, 95%CI [-0.91, -0.31], P<0.0001 and low heterogeneity: I2=0%). Subgroup analysis shows significant effect for interventions lasting longer than 8-weeks. No difference was found for function. Overall risk of bias was unclear. LIMITATIONS: Small groups and high heterogenicity limit our findings. CONCLUSION: There is very low-quality evidence that there is a small benefit of adding PFMT to another exercise intervention on pain severity in nonspecific LBP. Longer duration for an integrated lumbopelvic exercise program including PFMT is likely to impact pain outcomes positively. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42018114601.

Maternal Supplementation of Food Ingredient (Prebiotic) or Food Contaminant (Mycotoxin) Influences Mucosal Immune System in Piglets.

The early life period is crucial for the maturation of the intestinal barrier, its immune system, and a life-long beneficial host-microbiota interaction. The study aims to assess the impact of a beneficial dietary (short-chain fructooligosaccharides, scFOS) supplementation vs. a detrimental dietary environment (such as mycotoxin deoxynivalenol, DON) on offspring intestinal immune system developmental profiles. Sows were given scFOS-supplemented or DON-contaminated diets during the last 4 weeks of gestation, whereas force-feeding piglets with DON was performed during the first week of offspring life. Intestinal antigen-presenting cell (APC) subset frequency was analyzed by flow cytometry in the Peyer's patches and in lamina propria and the responsiveness of intestinal explants to toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands was performed using ELISA and qRT-PCR from post-natal day (PND) 10 until PND90. Perinatal exposure with scFOS did not affect the ontogenesis of APC. While it early induced inflammatory responses in piglets, scFOS further promoted the T regulatory response after TLR activation. Sow and piglet DON contamination decreased CD16+ MHCII+ APC at PND10 in lamina propria associated with IFNγ inflammation and impairment of Treg response. Our study demonstrated that maternal prebiotic supplementation and mycotoxin contamination can modulate the mucosal immune system responsiveness of offspring through different pathways.