Public Health & Health Science Division, ULAB

Breast Cancer remains a significant health issue, with roughly around 42,000 maternal deaths occurring each year. The relationship between exercise and breast cancer has been widely studied with substantial evidence suggesting that higher exercise can lower breast cancer proliferation. The meta analysis aimed to investigate the relationship between exercise activating the hormones and receptors of dopamine, insulin, and estrogen and breast cancer across different populations. We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases and included studies that reported the association between exercise and the hormones and their impact on breast cancer. Through this analysis, we were able to generate novel mechanisms for the hormones and were able to link exercise and breast cancer. Our findings suggest that an increase in exercise increased the levels of dopamine while lowering insulin and estrogen levels. These effects have a strong relationship with lowering breast cancer proliferation. Previous studies focused on generating already researched pathways to a higher degree. Our research incorporates previously researched pathways with the extension of introducing a new pathway that has not been researched thoroughly. Our research employs a meta-analysis of research papers and scientific data, which allows for a more comprehensive and rigorous examination of the research question and can help identify patterns and trends across studies.

There exists a notably high level of dissatisfaction among lower-limb amputee patients fitted with their affiliated prosthetics. Approximately 40%-60% of amputee patients have been surveyed as dissatisfied with their prostheses. Fifty-seven percent are dissatisfied with the comfort of their prostheses, and over 50% report pain while using their prostheses. Rejection of the prosthesis can be seen as the ultimate expression of dissatisfaction with the prosthesis and occurs in up to 31% of cases of prostheses prescribed to armed forces service members with lower limb amputations, mainly as a result of technical problems (e.g., “too much fuss” during use and the prosthesis being “too heavy”). As a solution to this significant surveyed dissatisfaction, our study attempts to utilize a unique model known as the ‘BirdBot Model’–a lower limb prosthetic model inspired by the biomechanics of emu and ostrich (flightless birds) leg limbs– to explore how the model’s design, movement capabilities, and calculated stability can be applied to improve prosthetic limb functionality for human lower-limb amputee patients4 . Current literature suggests little on this topic as this model was made for the initial intention of mimicking the emu/ostrich leg movement. Our study aims to consolidate the available information on this model and highlight its mechanistic potential to improve human lower limb movement, encouraging further investigation into its application for enhancing prosthetic efficiency.

Dysregulated sleep is often a typical companion of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, but the exact relationship between the two remains complex. Beta-amyloid (Aβ) is a protein related to the onset of dementia, with high levels of Aβ plaque buildup being positively correlated with Alzheimer’s disease, but it is unclear by which mechanism Aβ causes dementia. Recent studies have suggested a bidirectional relationship between sleep disturbances and Alzheimer's pathology, wherein disrupted sleep may prevent the clearing of Aβ plaque from the extracellular space, thus exacerbating Aβ accumulation and vice versa, creating a cycle that accelerates cognitive decline. Continuously activated microglia may play a role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Microglia are the main sources of brain inflammation, and thus, research indicates that excessively activated microglia can generate elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which are neuroimmune inflammatory factors that ultimately result in impaired neuronal function. The emphasis on early disease stages is pivotal in highlighting treatments targeting later stages as well, particularly dementia. While addressing early stages is crucial, it is just as important to address and develop symptomatic treatments for advanced disease stages. Our research highlights various approaches to addressing the various stages of Alzheimer's disease. Current studies focusing on non-pharmacological prevention are increasingly utilizing evidence-based multimodal intervention programs that coincide with lifestyle changes and sleeping habits. Other pharmaceutical therapies including drugs that target Aβ plaque and others that modulate neuroinflammatory pathways are also being implemented. In addition, immunotherapy has also proven to be useful as it employs both active and passive strategies in formulating anti-beta-amyloid antibodies. Our analysis and research seek to combine various methods of interventions to mitigate AD while seeking to find improved study designs for more effective preventive outcomes.

California has the largest homeless population in the nation, with a significant gap between the demand and supply of affordable housing. This disparity not only undermines the quality of life and educational opportunities for residents but also poses grave health risks. This study investigates the nexus between social policies and homelessness in California. By analyzing systemic factors such as exorbitant housing costs and inadequate social safety nets, we uncover the root causes of housing instability. Our examination extends to exploring the multifaceted health disparities experienced by homeless individuals, particularly older adults, and elucidating the complex interplay of mental health struggles within this demographic. Findings reveal that prevailing social policies significantly contribute to homelessness, exacerbating health inequities among vulnerable populations. Our analysis stresses the urgent need for evidence-based policy reforms and holistic, community-based approaches to address homelessness effectively and promote health equity.

With social media's prevalence in recent decades, the relationship between social media and the well-being of its users has always been under debate—with some believing that social media tends to have a negative impact and others believing that social media has a positive impact. This systematic review aims to determine how social media contributes to feelings of social isolation or connectedness among college students at the University of California, Berkeley.

We conducted a university-wide survey to determine how college students feel about using social media. Using cluster analysis and the data analysis program R, we determined that most college students feel socially connected while using social media. While some past research articles support this theory, most do not discuss the ways in which college students generally tend to feel socially connected on social media platforms. Our paper explores specific factors contributing to college students’ social connectedness on various social media platforms.

Cannabis, derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, has historically been utilized for its medicinal properties, notably for pain management and symptom relief in various health conditions. Recent research has expanded its potential therapeutic applications, particularly in cancer treatment and chronic pain management. This paper explores the role of two primary cannabinoids, Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), in addressing cancer-related symptoms and chronic pain. THC and CBD have demonstrated significant anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activities, which are mediated through interactions with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). THC primarily targets CB1 receptors to modulate pain and neuroinflammation, while CBD exerts effects through a more complex mechanism involving various receptors, including CB2, TRPV1, and 5-HT1A. The paper reviews clinical and preclinical studies to elucidate the efficacy of these cannabinoids in alleviating symptoms such as pain, anxiety, and nausea in cancer patients and their role in enhancing traditional cancer treatments. Additionally, it addresses the potential risks and side effects associated with cannabinoid use, including cognitive and psychological effects linked to THC. The paper emphasizes the need for standardized dosing and formulation in cannabinoid therapies and calls for further research to optimize treatment protocols, assess long-term safety, and explore new therapeutic targets. The findings underscore the promising role of cannabinoids in improving the quality of life for cancer patients and managing chronic pain, highlighting their potential as adjunctive therapies in modern medicine.

Several studies indicate the lack of a comprehensive understanding of climate change among the youth populations. However, perspectives regarding the socio-ecological factors influencing climate anxiety in young people have yet to be accomplished. We were able to report this in terms of a survey that collected data regarding participants’ levels of climate anxiety, demographic information, and perceptions of various socio-ecological factors. Although the sample size was limited, with this method, we gathered insight and opinions regarding effective strategies to address and alleviate anxiety surrounding the global climate change issue, specifically regarding the students in the University of California, Berkeley from varying demographic backgrounds. Such exposure to a range of perspectives contributed to varying levels of concern and engagement with climate change issues. The importance of individual and collective action to address climate change and its psychological impacts were highlighted. Gauging that none of the participants have seen support for climate-related anxiety or distress indicates potential gaps in support systems for climate-related mental distress, leading individuals to internally manage their anxiety rather than seek external support.

Climate change poses a significant challenge to global human health, particularly impacting vulnerable populations such as infants, children, and youths. Despite growing awareness of its environmental effects, the relationship between climate change and human health remains underexplored. This study aims to address this gap by conducting an observational analysis of the association between climate change, characterized by the total greenhouse gas emissions from the Worldbank database, and stillbirths, neonatal, under-5 and child and youth (ages 5 – 24) mortality rates from the UNICEF database. By stratifying the analysis based on UNICEF regions, this study seeks to explore the spatial and temporal patterns to provide insights for policymakers, non- governmental organization, and the public to target interventions effectively. The results reveal complex relationships with varying mortality rates across UNICEF regions despite the differing levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Across the four UNICEF mortality measures, East Asia and Pacific was found to have the highest total greenhouse emissions and West and Central Africa was found to have the highest fetal, infant, child and youth mortality rates. Despite limitations inherent in this observational study design, this study underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to combat climate change and to mitigate its health effects on vulnerable populations such as infants, children, and youths.

The goal of this literature review is to analyze different herbal medicine treatment options for Glioblastoma, a highly malignant cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the brain or spinal cord. The four different herbal medicine treatments that are studied in the paper are Curcumin, Flavonoids, Quercetin, and Terpenoids. Curcumin is used as a key inhibitor in various pathways in the cell proliferation and apoptosis of GBM cells. Flavonoids regulate tumor cell glucose metabolism by preventing cancer cells from uptaking glucose and cannot harness energy in the form of ATP. Quercetin is targeted at glioma cancer growth without negatively impacting normal CNS cells. Terpenoids are used to inhibit the transfer of P-glycoprotein, which can inhibit glioblastoma formation. All four herbal treatments have been shown to slow the progression of Glioblastoma by inhibiting the proliferation of Glioblastoma cells. This can be seen through the decrease in the tumor size of Glioblastoma patients.

This research paper explores the multifaceted impact of COVID-19 on minority groups, focusing on two key aspects: vaccination rates and public trust in the government. Through a comprehensive literature review, the vaccination rates within various minority groups are examined, revealing disparities particularly prevalent among African Americans and refugees. Factors contributing to these disparities, including districts in the government, are identified and analyzed. Additionally, the paper investigates the influence of public health policies on political trust both domestically and internationally. By studying different policies implemented during the pandemic, the research aims to assess their effectiveness in fostering public trust and enhancing the overall welfare of the population. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between COVID-19, minority communities, vaccination rates, public trust, and governmental policies, offering valuable insights for future policy-making efforts.