Health & Life (Taiwan)

BackgroundSex education for adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is often overlooked in traditional educational programs, despite scientific evidence highlighting the need for a specific personalized approach. Family involvement is essential, but Italian literature on the role of caregivers in this area is still limited.Materials and methodsThis qualitative study adapted a previously developed qualitative protocol to the Italian context. A focus group was conducted with parents of adolescents with ASD (n=9) and an online questionnaire was administered (n=12). The questions explored previous experiences, perceptions of sex education, content considered a priority, and preferred methods of intervention.ResultsThe thematic analysis highlighted two macro areas: 1) the role of parents in sex education, ranging from direct supervision to delegation to professionals; 2) the vulnerability of children with ASD, linked to communication difficulties, exposure to inappropriate content and lack of experiential education. Parents expressed a strong need for clear, experiential and culturally sensitive educational tools.ConclusionsThe study highlights the need to develop structured and inclusive sex education programs for adolescents with ASD, actively involving caregivers. A multidimensional and collaborative approach is essential, capable of integrating emotional, physical and regulatory aspects. The results offer a significant contribution to bridging the gap in Italy on this issue and to guiding future educational and policy interventions.

Pharmacological agents may interfere with the biological processes underlying orthodontic tooth movement (OTM), potentially affecting treatment duration, pain control, and periodontal outcomes. A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered in PROSPERO. Human studies were prioritized to assess clinically relevant effects on OTM and pain, while animal and in vitro studies were included to support biological interpretation. Sixty-four studies were included. Human evidence indicates that NSAIDs effectively reduce orthodontic pain but may decrease the rate of tooth movement in a dose-dependent manner. Antiresorptive drugs, particularly bisphosphonates, were consistently associated with reduced OTM. Topical antimicrobials, fluoride agents, and probiotics improved periodontal and enamel outcomes without significantly affecting tooth movement. Most evidence derived from preclinical models showed mechanistic consistency but limited clinical applicability. Overall certainty of evidence ranged from low to very low. Pharmacological agents can influence orthodontic outcomes, particularly pain perception and tooth movement rate. A thorough medication history is essential during orthodontic treatment planning. Current evidence remains limited, highlighting the need for well-designed clinical trials to support personalized orthodontic care.

The liver is the most common site of metastases from colorectal cancer (CRC), affecting up to half of patients throughout their disease course. Although contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) is routinely used for staging and treatment monitoring, RECIST criteria poorly reflect biological heterogeneity and antiangiogenic therapy effects. Integrating radiological and radiomic biomarkers may enhance response evaluation and personalized treatment. This study aimed to evaluate portal-phase ring enhancement as a potential imaging biomarker of disease progression and prognosis in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) treated with bevacizumab-based chemotherapy and to explore its correlation with CT-derived radiomic features. Eighty consecutive patients with histologically confirmed CRLM treated with standard chemotherapy plus bevacizumab were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline and 3-month CECT scans were evaluated for the presence and evolution of portal-phase ring enhancement. Radiomic features were extracted and correlated with morphologic patterns, while survival outcomes were assessed using Kaplan-Meier and logistic regression analyses. Baseline portal-phase ring enhancement was observed in 32.5% of patients and was significantly associated with inferior overall survival (p = 0.001), a finding confirmed on follow-up imaging (p = 0.016). Among radiomic features, sphericity showed the strongest correlation with ring enhancement (p = 0.003), yielding a modestly discriminative model. Portal-phase ring enhancement represents a reproducible imaging biomarker of poor prognosis in bevacizumab-treated CRLM. Its correlation with distinct radiomic signatures reinforces its biological plausibility as a marker of tumor aggressiveness. Integrating this feature with shape-based metrics into early imaging evaluation may refine risk stratification and personalized management.

Drosophila immunity has been the focus of intense study and has impacted other research fields including innate immunity and agriculturally or epidemiologically relevant investigations of insect pests and vectors. Unsurprisingly for such a large body of work, some published results were later found to be irreproducible. Although some results have been contradicted in the literature, many have no published follow-up, either due to a lack of research or low motivation to publish negative or contradictory results. We have addressed this by performing a reproducibility project that analyses the verifiability of claims from articles published on Drosophila immunity before 2011. To assess reproducibility, we extracted claims from 400 articles on the Drosophila immune response to bacteria and fungi and performed preliminary verification by comparing these claims to other published literature in the field. Using alternative approaches, we also experimentally tested some ‘unchallenged’ claims, which had no published follow-up. The intent of this analysis was to centralize evidence on insights and findings to improve clarity for scientists that may base research programs on these data. All our data are published on a publicly available website associated with this article (https://ReproSci.epfl.ch/) that encourages community participation. This article provides a short summary of claims that were found to have contradictory evidence, which may help the community to assess past findings on Drosophila immunity and improve clarity going forward.

Femicide constitutes a serious human rights violation whose consequences extend beyond the direct victim, profoundly affecting surviving family members. This chapter aims to analyze the psychosocial impacts of femicide on the mental health of these relatives, focusing on traumatic grief, social stigmatization, and the role of support networks. The methodology is based on a narrative review of national and international scientific literature, analyzing studies published in recognized databases within the fields of psychology, public health, and social sciences. The results indicate that surviving family members experience a complex grieving process characterized by symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and persistent feelings of guilt and anger. Social stigmatization is also evident, often linked to indirect blame directed at the family, which intensifies social isolation and hinders access to psychosocial support. The support network, including mental health services, social assistance, the justice system, and community-based resources, plays a crucial role in facilitating grief processing and rebuilding daily life. It is concluded that addressing the psychosocial impacts of femicide requires interdisciplinary approaches, integrated public policies, and continuous care strategies aimed at surviving family members to promote mental health and reduce psychosocial vulnerabilities.

Abstract Background The IL-33/ST2 signalling pathway is an important mediator of mucosal immunity and epithelial barrier homeostasis. However, its distribution within inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) tissues—across both Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC)—is still not fully delineated, particularly with respect to anatomical site and disease phenotype. Methods Thirty-one intestinal mucosal biopsies from patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) were analysed. Samples were collected from different anatomical regions, including the ileum, right and left colon, and rectum. Immunofluorescence staining was performed through sequential incubation with primary antibodies against IL-33 or ST2, followed by fluorophore-conjugated secondary antibodies. Nuclei were counterstained with a DNA-binding fluorescent dye. Confocal images were acquired at 20× magnification. IL-33 and ST2 expression were assessed visually on a semi-quantitative 1–9 scale by two independent, blinded observers. Statistical analyses included Spearman correlation, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results IL-33 and ST2 scores were significantly correlated (r = 0.54, p = 0.002), indicating coordinated expression within the mucosa. IL-33 levels were significantly higher in CD than in UC (p = 0.038), while ST2 levels did not differ between diagnoses (p = 0.558). IL-33 expression also varied significantly with biopsy location (p < 0.05), with the highest scores observed in ileal samples. No significant differences were found in IL-33 or ST2 expression based on patient sex or biologic treatment exposure. These findings suggest a site- and disease-specific modulation of IL-33 expression, independent of systemic factors. Conclusion This study highlights a consistent co-expression of IL-33 and ST2 in the mucosa of IBD patients, with IL-33 levels significantly increased in Crohn’s disease and exhibiting regional variation along the gastrointestinal tract. These findings underscore the biological importance of the IL-33/ST2 axis in the immune landscape of IBD and pave the way for future research into its mechanistic and clinical implications. This work was supported by the Ministry of University and Research, Italy, PRIN project number 20228Z74LP “TOPmodHEAL-IBD” Conflict of interest: Mr. Pane, Cesare: No conflict of interest Di Mattia, Miriam: No conflict of interest Petito, Valentina: No conflict of interest Capobianco, Ivan: No Conflict of interest to declare Foscarini, Elisa: NA Profeta, Francesca: NA Del Pizzo, Francesco: No conflict of interest Troisi, Sara: No conflict of interest Migliore, Greta: No conflict of interest Gasbarrini, Antonio: No conflict of interest Scaldaferri, Franco: No conflict of interest Lopetuso, Loris Riccardo: No conflict of interest

Retinal prosthetic devices (RPDs) require miniaturized, biocompatible, and energy-efficient wireless links to enable reliable power delivery and data communication under harsh intraocular environments. This paper presents a smart-glass-enabled intraocular wireless power transfer (WPT) and communication platform based on an interdigitated spiral antenna integrated with an on-substrate rectifier, coated with an oil-infused biocompatible elastomer. The proposed implant is fabricated on a Rogers RT Duroid 6010 substrate with a compact size of 6.3 mm × 6 mm × 0.25 mm and achieves ultra-wideband (UWB) impedance matching from 2.2 to 8 GHz. Unlike conventional RPDs that rely on inductive coils or narrowband architectures, the proposed design enables simultaneous radiative near-field WPT and wideband communication within a single compact intraocular structure. A detailed electromagnetic analysis is conducted using a realistic eye model, which demonstrated robust impedance matching and stable transmission performance under eye rotation and transmitter (Tx)-receiver (Rx) antenna separation variations. The proposed WPT system achieved -22 dB power transfer efficiency with a Tx-to-Rx separation of 17 mm. The UWB Rx achieved a maximum measured peak gain greater than -14 dBi with a measured radiation efficiency of more than -24 dB across the 2–7 GHz frequency range. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis confirms that the antenna maintains reliable operation under ±20% variations in tissue permittivity and conductivity to account for inter-subject physiological variability. In addition, a WPT Tx is integrated into glasses to ensure wearability and to validate real-time rectification and LED illumination under saline-loaded conditions experimentally. To ensure compliance with safety regulations, a comprehensive safety analysis is conducted, including specific absorption rate and tissue heating. To assess long-term functional stability, in vitro aging studies of the oil-infused elastomer in phosphate-buffered saline at physiological and accelerated temperatures are conducted, followed by gravimetric, radio-frequency (RF), and spectroscopic analyses to verify sustained surface integrity, functional stability, and the absence of oil leaching over time.

IntroductionBreastfeeding is widely recognized for its benefits to infant health, yet its potential effects on maternal oral health are rarely addressed.MethodsThis observational longitudinal study evaluated 90 postpartum period mothers, divided into breastfeeding (n = 55) and formula-feeding (n = 35) groups, assessing periodontal and microbiological parameters at baseline postpartum (T0), 15 ± 2 days (T1), 40 ± 3 days (T2), and six months postpartum (T3). All participants received standardized oral hygiene education.ResultsWhile both groups improved initially, formula-feeding mothers showed progressive improvement through 6 months. In breastfeeding mothers, GBI (bleeding index) increased again at T3 vs. T2, whereas PI (plaque index) returned to T1 levels and S. mutans and Lactobacilli decreased by T3; however, at T3 the BF (breastfeeding) group still showed higher PI/GBI and cariogenic bacteria than FF (formula feeding).DiscussionThese results suggest that the cumulative physical and psychological strain associated with breastfeeding may be associated with reduced oral-hygiene adherence, showing an association with maternal oral health. Targeted oral prevention strategies and inclusion of maternal dental monitoring in perinatal care protocols may help mitigate these risks without compromising the recognized benefits of breastfeeding.

Abstract Background Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been shown to be a promising approach to treat active ulcerative colitis (UC), and donor effects have been observed. Both single- and multidonor FMTs have been used, but with ambiguous results. Also, diet plays a crucial role in shaping the gut microbiome and might affect the efficacy of FMT. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role of diet and different single-donor and their mixture as multidonor formulations in FMT efficacy exploiting a humanized IBD model. Methods Female C57BL/6 mice (8-11w) were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics followed by humanization with either UC single-donor patient-derived microbiota, and subsequently randomized to either Western, Mediterranean or Control diet in combination with three distinct healthy single-donor FMT, a combination of these donors in a multidonor FMT or sham (n = 4/grp; Fig1A). After one week, mice were subjected to DSS to induce acute colitis (7d, 2.5%), followed by another 7d of recovery. Disease activity indices (DAI) were determined and evaluated by area under the curve (AUC). Feces were collected for 16S sequencing on day 6, 16 and 30. At sacrifice, blood and different tissues collected for histology, and RNA sequencing. Results Differences in disease activity can be observed and are initiated after introduction of DSS on day 16 (Fig. 1B-C, Table 1). Independent from FMT, Mediterranean diet was shown to improve disease, whereas a Western diet worsened disease outcomes (Fig. 1D, both p < 0.05). Independently from diet, FMT seemed to improve disease and to be donor-dependent (Fig. 1E, p < 0.05). The effect of FMT donor on DAI was not significantly influenced by dietary background (ANOVA, p = 0.65). Donor 1 consistently showed the best outcomes across all diets, whereas donors 2, 3, and the multi-donor approach exhibited variable results that depended on the specific dietary background. Antibiotic treatment significantly reduced alpha diversity (p < 0.01), which was restored after humanization and dietary introduction. After DSS treatment and recovery (day 30), animals on a Mediterranean diet had significantly higher alpha diversity given by observed richness (p < 0.01; Fig. 1F) compared to those on control and Western diets as well as compared to those not receiving DSS (healthy controls). Nevertheless, no differences were observed in terms of FMT origin (p = 0.91). Histology and RNA sequencing results are in process. Conclusion Both Mediterranean diet and FMT independently reduced disease activity in a humanized UC mouse model, with FMT effects being donor-dependent and Mediterraneandiet strongly increasing alpha diversity. No significant interaction between diet and FMT was observed, highlighting the need for further mechanistic studies. Conflict of interest: Ms. Deleu, Sara: Grant: Sara Deleu has received the ECCO fellowship in 2024 and currently is an FWO junior postdoctoral fellow (1255426N). Other: Sara Deleu has been listed as a co-inventor on an international patent application entitled ‘Improved probiotic potency of the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii’ [PCT/EP2023/051941]. Troisi, Sara: No conflict of interest Masi, Letizia: No conflict of interest Emoli, Valeria: No conflict of interest to delcare Pane, Cesare: No conflict of interest do declare Migliore, Greta: No conflict of interest Foscarini, Elisa: No conflict of interest Profeta, Francesca: No conflict of interest Vidmar, Kaylynn: No conflict of interest Wargo, Hannah: No conflict of interest Williams, Joseph: No conflict of interest Artone, Serena: No conflict of interest De Santis, Stefania: No conflict of interest De Salvo, Carlo: No conflict of interest Scanu, Matteo: No conflict of interest Del Chierco, Federica: No conflict of interest Putignani, Lorenza: No conflict of interest Papa, Alfredo: No conflict of interest Petito, Valentina: No conflict of interest Lopetuso, Loris Riccardo: No conflict of interest Cominelli, Fabio: No conflict of interest Pizarro, Theresa: No conflict of interest Scaldaferri, Franco: Consultancy fee/board for Janseen, Takeda, Pfizer, MSD, Sandoz, Galapagos, Celltrion, Ferring, Abbvie, Lilly, Alfasigma, Abivax