Student Projects

Paper Summary:

As Alzheimer’s disease and dementia become increasingly common, efforts to improve the comfort and cognitive stability of patients are critically important. This literature review explores the psychosocial effects of using artificial intelligence (AI) companion robots in treating individuals with these conditions. Although companion robots have limitations, existing research suggests that continued development and user feedback could enhance their effectiveness. Both patients and caregivers stand to gain significant physical, mental, and emotional benefits from these technologies. However, the high cost of advanced, human-like robots restricts their accessibility, especially for patients outside residential care. The literature recommends future research comparing the mental and emotional impacts of expensive, sophisticated robots versus more affordable, budget-friendly companion pets. This comparison could help identify practical solutions that maximize benefits while addressing cost barriers, ultimately improving quality of life for a broader range of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.

Paper Summary:

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors often face long-term psychological challenges, including anxiety and depression. This literature review explores how technology-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (tCBT) such as coach-assisted programs, chatbots, and mobile messaging can support their mental health. Customized interventions like EMPOWER and coach-assisted tCBT significantly reduced anxiety and depression symptoms and improved psychosocial outcomes. Key factors that influenced the success of these digital tools included engagement, feasibility, and user acceptability. However, most studies had limitations such as small sample sizes, lack of diversity, and restricted access to technology among participants from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. As most participants were women with greater access to digital devices, results may not generalize to broader populations. The literature emphasizes the need for future research involving more diverse, larger, and randomized study groups, with longer follow-up periods. Tailored digital interventions hold strong potential for enhancing quality of life and mental health support for AYA cancer survivors.

Paper Summary:

Traumatic lower limb amputations are increasing globally, creating a growing need for advanced prosthetic devices that restore lost function. This literature review analyzes the current state of bionic legs, which are prosthetics designed to closely mimic natural leg movement. It evaluates their functionality, ability to restore sensation, and impact on mental health. While bionic legs offer significant improvements over cheaper, low-motion prosthetics, they face challenges in ergonomics—comfort and fit remain problematic due to the complexity of sensors and technology used. The study highlights the need for future research focused on improving comfort and usability. Additionally, the study is limited by the small number of existing studies and sample sizes, as bionic legs are still relatively new. Further research exploring other factors, such as phantom limb pain, is essential to enhance the design and effectiveness of bionic legs, helping amputees regain better quality of life.

Paper Summary:

With the rise of urbanization in Taiwan, concerns have grown about the health impacts of increasing air pollution, particularly its possible link to cancer. This literature review explores the relationship between ambient air pollution and the rising incidence of breast cancer in Taiwan. It highlights PM 2.5—fine particulate matter from traffic and industrial emissions—as a key pollutant potentially linked to elevated breast cancer risk. While current research suggests a connection, the paper acknowledges limitations, such as older studies lacking modern technology and studies that include broader cancer outcomes beyond breast cancer. These factors may affect the accuracy and focus of results. Despite these challenges, the findings point to specific pollutants as potential contributors to breast cancer risk. The study emphasizes the importance of continued research, improved environmental data, and targeted policies to reduce pollution and its impact on public health, especially in reducing Taiwan’s increasing cancer rates.

Paper Summary:

Trichloramine, a chemical byproduct of pool disinfection, is known to cause respiratory and eye irritation, raising concerns about its long-term effects on pool workers regularly exposed to it. This literature review investigates whether routine trichloramine exposure leads to serious health conditions in pool workers, defined as those resulting in hospitalization or long-term inability to work. The review found no evidence linking typical exposure levels to serious health outcomes. However, it noted that trichloramine concentrations in many pools often exceed recommended safety limits, causing mild symptoms like coughing, chest tightness, and eye or nose irritation. The literature also evaluated disinfection and ventilation methods, concluding that while no method is entirely risk-free, proper ventilation significantly reduces health risks. It highlights the need for further research on long-term exposure, especially in workers with over ten years of experience. Overall, trichloramine poses a minor but manageable concern in pool environments with proper safety measures.

Paper Summary:

The Holocaust left deep psychological scars on survivors, but its effects may also extend biologically to their children. This literature review explores how trauma experienced during the Holocaust can be passed down to the next generation through a process called epigenetic inheritance. It focuses on how changes in certain genes related to stress response, such as NR3C1 and FKBP5, may be linked to increased risk of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (c-PTSD) in the children of survivors. Research shows patterns of gene changes—specifically in how genes are switched on or off—can be inherited. However, results across studies vary, and limitations such as small sample sizes and the use of blood samples instead of brain tissue make conclusions difficult. Still, the evidence suggests a strong link between historical trauma and present-day mental health. More research is needed to better understand these effects and explore ways to reduce inherited trauma across generations.

Paper Summary:

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a global health concern that often coexists with anxiety, making treatment complex. This literature review explores how epigenetic changes, particularly gene-specific DNA methylation, impact AUD and its comorbidity with anxiety. Chronic alcohol intake disrupts the HPA axis and alters stress response pathways by modifying key genes such as BDNF and NR3C1. These changes reduce synaptic plasticity and impair glucocorticoid receptor function, leading to heightened stress and anxiety. The paper highlights how ethanol-induced neuroadaptations in the brain, especially in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, further complicate AUD’s effects. While animal studies have offered valuable insights, the paper points out the limitations of these models and the need for human-based, demographically controlled research. Differences in brain region focus and conflicting data on glucocorticoid levels underscore the complexity of AUD’s biological underpinnings. Future research should aim to clarify these inconsistencies and advance targeted treatments through a deeper understanding of epigenetic mechanisms

Paper Summary:

Preeclampsia poses serious risks to both mothers and infants during pregnancy, prompting the use of aspirin as a preventive treatment. This literature review assesses the unintended effects of aspirin on neonatal and perinatal health in pregnancies at high risk for preeclampsia. While aspirin can effectively lower maternal blood pressure and reduce complications for the mother, it does not significantly improve fetal or neonatal outcomes. Data showed that aspirin use was not associated with reduced risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, miscarriage, or neonatal death. In fact, treatment groups often had slightly higher rates of adverse outcomes. The review also highlights inconsistencies in dosage definitions, with varying results depending on the amount of aspirin administered. Additional factors such as healthcare quality and maternal demographics, including race, may influence outcomes. Future research should involve standardized dosages, consider long-term child development, and isolate specific high-risk groups to better understand aspirin’s true impact.

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Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex eating disorder often linked to other mental health conditions like OCD and depression, making treatment challenging. This study explores the use of clomipramine (CMI), a medication commonly used for OCD, in treating AN across different patient cases. It reviews three groups: AN patients with OCD, those without any other conditions, and those with additional issues like depression or Tourette’s. Across all groups, clomipramine showed positive effects—patients experienced reduced anorexic behaviors and better nutrition. These improvements were especially notable in cases where AN symptoms resembled OCD patterns, suggesting CMI may help manage obsessive thoughts around food and body image. While the findings are promising, they are based on limited cases. The study recommends future research with larger, more diverse groups to better understand how clomipramine can support recovery in people with anorexia, especially when other mental health conditions are involved.

Paper Summary:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often involves behavioral and psychological challenges that can limit a person’s ability to function socially and emotionally. This study explores the use of aripiprazole, an FDA-approved antipsychotic, as a primary treatment for ASD. In six case studies involving patients aged 23 months to 29 years, aripiprazole effectively reduced core symptoms such as aggression, irritability, and social withdrawal with minimal side effects. The research suggests that aripiprazole works quickly and is especially helpful for individuals with hypersensitivity. Unlike previous medications like risperidone, aripiprazole showed more consistent success in improving patients' overall quality of life. The study argues that medication should come before behavioral therapy to first stabilize symptoms, making it easier for patients to benefit from social skills programs like Applied Behavioral Analysis. Ultimately, early and consistent use of aripiprazole can help individuals with ASD build the foundation needed to lead healthier and more socially connected lives.

Paper Summary:

Systemic Sclerosis-associated Interstitial Lung Disease (SSc-ILD) is a serious complication with few effective treatment options. This study reviews the potential of pirfenidone as a treatment for SSc-ILD by analyzing multiple case studies. The findings suggest that pirfenidone may improve lung function, including vital capacity and the lungs’ ability to transfer oxygen, and enhance patients’ quality of life. However, responses varied between patients, particularly concerning dosage, indicating a need for more research. The safety profile of pirfenidone appears favorable, consistent with earlier clinical trials. Despite these promising results, its use remains limited due to a lack of large-scale studies, regulatory challenges, and competition from other drugs. The paper recommends future well-designed randomized controlled trials to determine optimal dosing and explore combination therapies. Such research could help broaden treatment options and provide clearer guidance for managing this difficult condition.