Digital Commons Network^™

Sympathetic Nerve Modulation Of Joint Pathology In Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis, Carlo Anthony Wood

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: There is increasing data suggesting a net increase in sympathetic tone plays an important role in rheumatoid arthritis. Several studies have reported altered distribution and density of autonomic nerves in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and animal models for the disease. This provides anatomical evidence that supports a neurally-mediated drive in inflammation and joint destruction. Methods: Adult rats were injected with complete Freund’s adjuvant. At 12 days post immunization, animals were randomly placed into a drug treatment group (SH1293, which interacts with - and ß2-ARs), an adjuvant arthritic group, or a control group. These animals were sacrificed at 14, 21, …

Inter-Rater Reliability Of Lumbar Segmental Instability Tests And The Subclassification, Faisal Mohammad Alyazedi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objectives: This study investigated the inter-rater reliability of three structural end-range lumbar segmental instability tests with the highest positive Likelihood Ratio against flexion-extension radiographs, and three functional mid-range clinical tests that predict the success of lumbar stabilization exercises in patients with recurrent or chronic low back pain (R/CLBP). It also investigated the reliability of lumbar segmental instability subclassification as: Functional, Structural and Combined Instability. Method: 40 adult with R/CLBP patients (30 men and 10 women), 18 to 80 years of age, underwent repeated measurements of specific clinical tests for structural or functional lumbar segmental instability. Results: Other than the Lack …

Student Healthcare Providers' Illness Narratives: Impact On Family-Focused Care, Lindsey Ann Lawson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

In this study, we interviewed 30 students training for three areas of healthcare: medicine, nursing, and medical family therapy (MedFT). Through grounded theory analysis of these interviews, we looked to understand how these providers connected their own experiences with illness to their clinical work, particularly in including patients’ family members in care. The majority of participants, and especially those in medicine and nursing disciplines, described a tension between their desire to connect with patients and families and their developing definition of professionalism. For others, the impact of students’ personal experiences with illness seemed to provide a different definition of professionalism, …

Association Of Dietary Intake Patterns With Emotion Regulation, Megan Holt

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Western dietary patterns, characterized by high intakes of trans fatty acids (TFA’s), are associated with numerous preventable chronic diseases. Conversely, a Mediterranean dietary pattern is known to be favorably associated with health. Recent findings suggest a correlation between Mediterranean dietary patterns and positive affect, and an inverse correlation with negative affect. Trans fatty acid intake is also associated with negative affect. Further, affect disturbances are associated with emotion dysregulation. We have yet to understand the association of diet with emotion regulation after taking affect disturbances into consideration. The purpose of this study was to examine effects of Mediterranean diet …

Never Smokers -- Are They More Sensitive To The Respiratory Health Effects Of Ambient Air Pollution?, Zuhair Saleh Natto

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Several studies show an association between ambient particulate matter (PM) and all-cause mortality. The Adventist Health and Smog 1 (AHSMOG-1) study (N=6,338) has previously found associations between ambient air pollution and incident chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using the spatial interpolation method from the three nearest fixed monitoring stations to residence and workplace. However, few studies have assessed the risk of death among disease specific subgroups such as those with COPD.

Objectives: The aims of this study were 1) to assess the effect of chronic exposure to ambient air pollutants on risk of all-cause mortality among persons with COPD …

Perceived Attitudes And Staff Roles Of Community Based Outpatient Clinics In Disaster Management, Pauline Antoinette Hodge-Hilton

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objective: Natural and manmade disasters have claimed the lives of thousands of individuals in the US and caused billions of dollars in property damage. First responders carry the responsibility of disaster management, leaving other health care professionals such as medical clinic staff underutilized to support the clinic staff. We explored how medical and support staff in Community-based Outpatient VHA Clinics (CBOC) perceive their roles in disaster response, their attitudes about clinic readiness and continuity of care during disasters, and their ability to function in a post disaster environment.

Methods: A mixed method study was conducted to answer questions related to …

Correlating Vomer With Ceph Vectors In High And Low Mandibular Plane Angle Cases, Christopher James Wood

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Growth of the maxilla and mandible follow identifiable vectors of facial growth such as the Rickett’s Facial Axis (FA) and the Down’s Y-axis (YA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the anterior inferior vomer axis (AIVA) and posterior inferior vomer axis (PIVA) with the FA and YA in cases with high (32 degrees and above) and low (20 degrees and below) mandibular plane angles.

Methods: Pretreatment cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 94 patients treated at the Loma Linda University Graduate Orthodontic Clinic meeting the inclusion criteria were used in this …

Effects Of Parental Trauma Experience On Second Generation Cambodian Americans, Sophorn Theam Choau

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study explores the parent-child relationship between second generation Cambodian Americans (SGCA) and their first generation parents, as reported by SGCA. Specifically this study examined the effects of parental trauma from the Khmer Rouge (Cambodian genocide), on SGCA in relation to SGCA's mental health status, parent-child communication, cohesion, flexibility, and academic achievements. This study was conceptualized through the effects of intergenerational trauma. A quantitative approach was used to analyze the data. Instruments used to measure the variables in the research included Harvard Trauma Questionnaire Revised Cambodian Version (HTQ), Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18), Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES-IV), and …

Effect Of Attending Doctor Changes On Orthodontic Treatment Times And Results, Emily Caskey Peppers

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: The objective of this study was to determine if there was any significant difference in treatment time or results due to varying levels of attending doctor coverage in the Loma Linda University (LLU) graduate orthodontics clinic. Methods and Materials: The main study group of 191 subjects was split into high, medium and low coverage groups by primary attending doctor coverage and then by original attending doctor coverage. Treatment times, treatment results, and other variables were evaluated for each of the groups. Treatment results were evaluated using UK Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) scores. A second study group (289 subjects) included …

Periodontal Health Of Anterior Teeth With Two Types Of Fixed Retainers, Andrew I. Corbett

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Fixed retainers for anterior teeth have become a popular method for maintaining the position and function of teeth after orthodontic treatment. Various retainer designs, wire sizes and types have been used over the years. One problem with fixed retainers is that they complicate oral hygiene and therefore might negatively affect the periodontal tissues if left in place for long periods of time. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the periodontal health of maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth retained with two different types of fixed retainers. Methods: Male and female subjects who had been in continuous orthodontic …

Photos And Silhouettes In Evaluating The Need For Bsso Surgery In Adult Females, Jessicah L. Moretz

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: The objective of this study was to determine the anterior/posterior position of the mandible at which an orthodontist and oral surgeon would advise bilateral sagittal split osteotomy advancement or set back when evaluating adult female photos and silhouettes. Material & Methods: Fifty-one adult female profile photos and lateral cephalograms were collected. Subjects were selected who met three criteria: 1) ANB of 0-2, 2) balanced profile image, and 3) age greater than 18. The image and cephalometric tracing were morphed together to allow software simulation of mandibular prognathia and retrognathia in 2 mm increments. Orthodontists and oral surgeons evaluated morphed …

Study Of Brief Single Session Medical Family Therapy With Low-Income Patients, Mayuri Pandit

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Medical Family Therapy (MedFT) has been promoted as beneficial for vulnerable patient populations. However, there is a need for MedFT effectiveness studies with longitudinal randomized control trials. Thus, this pilot study investigated the results of a brief single session of MedFT over a one-week period with low-income primary care patients. Effectiveness in this study was defined as increasing a sense agency and communion and decreasing psychological distress. Results suggested that over time, MedFT may increase some sense of agency for lower-income patients, increase patient satisfaction with care, increase family support for patients with higher education, and decrease depression symptoms for …

The Effects Of Socioeconomic, Built Environment, And Food Environment Factors On Childhood Obesity In Montclair, California, Krystal Redman

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This observational study examines the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES), built environment, and food environment factors and childhood obesity. In this study, the participants were selected from three elementary schools located in the innercity of Montclair, California. Information about each student’s health and family income and was gathered. In addition, the number of parks, fast food restaurants, and grocery stores within the school district border lines were tallied. I also observed the quality of the parks and food sold in the markets, built environment I hypothesized that childhood obesity is associated with SES (i.e., income level and education level), the …

Successful Aging And Creativity : An Investigation On Functional Status And Psychological Wellbeing In Older Adults, Mirie E. Levy

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objectives: While the literature supports the maintenance of functional status as integral to successful aging, the relationship of creativity on functional status has received little attention. Creativity has been associated with health and aging in the research but only a small number of studies have examined creativity interventions to enhance functional status and boost psychological wellbeing.

Methods: A pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design was used to investigate an 8-week creativity intervention on functional status and psychological wellbeing in older adults. Sample subjects were 92 men and women all over age 60. A series of two-way mixed ANOVAs measured differences between treatment and …

Fetal Programming And Later Obesity In A Predominantly Latino Wic Population, Eric George Walsh

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: In utero stressors may work to program the metabolism of the developing fetus in such a way that predisposes him/her to obesity later on. Studies have shown that breastfeeding is protective against childhood obesity and suggest that after six months the weight gain in breastfed babies slows opposed to formula fed babies who continue with rapid weight gain. This slowing of weight gain has been shown to be protective against adiposity and later life weight gain.

Purpose: This study looks to further explore these findings in a low income Latino population adding mother’s feelings about the pregnancy and the …

Physician Couples: A Qualitative Inquiry Focused On Gendered Power And Marital Equality, Sarah C. Stuchell

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

How couples “do” gender and power in their marriages is a relevant topic for today’s couples. Despite social changes toward equality in many realms, gender continues to organize relationships in ways that give husbands more power than wives. However, some contemporary couples make conscious decisions to resist forces toward organizing according to stereotypical gender ideals and to “do” gender differently in their relationships. For couples in which one or both is a physician, power is also deeply embedded in the physician status, with families tending to organize around the physician’s demands. While these effects reinforce male dominance when the husband …

Family Acculturation And Asthma Outcomes In Latino Children, Tania M. Barreno

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Asthma is the primary chronic disease diagnosed in children. California has had some of the highest asthma prevalence rates within the nation. The literature indicates that there is a poor understanding of asthma outcome and management. However, studies exploring the role of acculturation on such outcomes are limited. Thus, the goal of this research was to conduct a secondary analysis of the Child Questionnaire from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) 2007 and 2009 cross-sectional data to explore the determinants of asthma outcomes as it relates to family acculturation.

Methodology: The quantitative data were analyzed using Stata. Descriptive statistics, …

Sleep-Wake Cycle Assessment In Type 2 Diabetes And Salivary Melatonin Correlates, Paula Regina Aguiar Cavalcanti

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

p=.047). Additionally, there were significant inverse relationships between melatonin collected at two hours before bed time and latency (ρ=-.87; p=.001), wake after sleep onset (ρ =-.69; p=.02) and nocturnal activity (ρ =-.67; p=.03). Latency was inversely correlated with melatonin collected at bed time (ρ =-.69; p=.02). These findings suggest that T2DM presents disturbances in the homeostatic and circadian drives, mainly characterized by less consistency across days of the daily circadian signal, higher rhythm fragmentation and lower rhythm amplitude. In addition to the lower melatonin levels, the decrease in the amplitude of the activity rhythm may also be involved in circadian …

Negotiating Marital Care: Co-Creating The Connected Egalitarian Relationship, Lena Lopez Bradley

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Research suggests that couples seek connection and equality within the marital relationship, yet they continue to struggle due to the continued impact of traditional gender ideologies (Coontz, 2006; Knudson-Martin & Mahoney 2009). The current body of literature reveals little about how specific relational negotiation practices contribute to attaining an equal and connected relationship over time. This study utilizes grounded theory methodology and a feminist social constructionist framework to explore how traditional gender constructs impact couples’ ability to negotiate connected egalitarianism within relationship over time.

The analysis of 68 interviews with two sets of couples—parents of children 5 years old and …

Buffering Effect Of Relational Support In African American Marriages, Aimee Galick

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Racial discrimination is a common experience for African Americans in this country. Racial discrimination can have a negative effect on the physical and mental health of marital partners, as well the quality and stability of the relationship. Few studies investigate relational support as an important coping strategy. Bodenmann's (1995) divorce-stress model asserts that positive dyadic coping strategies such as relational support can buffer partners and marriages from the negative consequences of stress. Socio-emotional relational therapy (SERT) provides marital and family therapists with a model of relational support in couple relationships. SERT's definition formed the basis for the conceptualization of relational …

Stress, Depression, Quality Of Life, And Language Recovery In Constraint Induced Aphasia Therapy (Ciat), Brian Sharp

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Traditional aphasia treatment approaches focus initially on restoration of language, but quickly move to use of alternative modes of communication when progress is slow. Constraint Induced Aphasia Therapy (CIAT), a more intensive form of treatment, is based on the concept of frequent, long sessions and forced use of the impaired language system. Prior to the present study, the relationship between CIAT and stress had not been explored; therefore, this study compared cortisol stress levels and improvement of language skills in two groups of subjects, all of whom presented with expressive aphasia. Ten subjects participated in CIAT, and received 10 days …

Beliefs About Complementary And Alternative Medicine In Hiv-Infected Black Women Using The Theory Of Planned Behavior, Stephanie G. Lino

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background. Black women make up 12% of the female population in the U.S, yet they account for 66% of new HIV infections. In 2002, AIDS was the most cited reason for death among Black women age 25-34. While prevention remains, a major effort targeting treatment efficacy and modalities for this sub-group need to be better understood.

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to assess whether HIV-positive Black women’s attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control are related to intention of dietary supplements and spiritual practices use in their HIV treatment.

Method. In phase one, Grounded Theory methods (N= …

Effect Of Passive Vibration On Skin Blood Flow In Good Glycemic Control And Poor Glycemic Control Type 2 Diabetics, Kanikkai Steni Balan Sackiriyas

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Microcirculation regulated by the sympathetic system and vascular endothelium plays a significant role in the homeostasis of temperature and wound healing. Damage to the autonomic nervous system and endothelial system resulting from aging and diabetes decreases the potential of wound healing. Insulin resistance and impaired wound healing associated with type 2 diabetes can lead to diabetic foot ulceration (DFU). Factors such as the increased insulin resistance, impaired wound healing and DFU can increase the risk of amputation in type 2 diabetics (T2D). In research, passive vibration (PV) was effective in increasing skin blood flow (SBF) in healthy individuals as well …