Digital Commons Network^™

Effect Of Centric Interference On Canine Tooth Wear, Andrey Gaiduchik

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the long term effect of a centric interference on canine tooth wear (CTW) and on centric occlusion (CO) and maximal intercuspation (MIP) variance. Materials and Methods: Thirty subjects, 11 males and 19 females, were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Changes in enamel volume were studied between the end of orthodontic treatment (T2) and at least seven years post treatment (T4). All models were scanned using a high resolution desktop scanner, (OrthoInsight 3D Scanner™, MotionView LLC). T4 models were articulated using a Panadent® Articulator and evaluated for dental interferences and …

The Relationship Between Psychotherapist Personality And Therapeutic Alliance, Michael Finlay

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Time-limited effective psychotherapy is a topic that is frequently addressed in clinical therapy research. Though a wide range of therapeutic factors, expectancy effects, techniques, and extratherapeutic have all been demonstrated to be related to outcome, researchers have consistently identified the therapeutic alliance as one of the strongest factors in predicting psychotherapy outcomes. Researchers are beginning to measure the effectiveness of therapy by evaluating improvements in outcome measures, and client reported therapeutic alliance. Researchers have recently began investigating the common personality profiles among psychotherapists, and have hypothesized that there is a relationship between psychotherapist personality and therapeutic alliance. The goal of …

Using The Theory Of Planned Behavior To Understand Student Compliance To Tobacco-Free Policies In California Universities, Harit Agroia

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: In California, the mortality rate associated with smoking ranks as the sixth highest among all states in the nation (CDPH, 2016). To reduce this rate, many universities in California have adopted tobacco-free policies in recent years (Mamudu, Veeranki, Kioko, Boghozian & Littleton, 2016). Due to the recent adoption of such policies, there is limited research available which aim to assess the effectiveness of these on tobacco use behavior on campus among university students.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand student compliance to tobacco-free policies within select universities in California, specifically those that implemented their …

Saudi Nurse Knowledge, Cultural Perspective, And Intent Regarding Cervical Cancer Prevention, Alaa Mujallad

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Cervical cancer can be controlled by providing screening and vaccination. Although rates for this female cancer are decreasing in developed countries, these low rates are not observed in the other countries. In Saudi Arabia, cervical cancer cases are increasing dramatically (from only 152 cases in 2014, to 241 cases in 2017). Lack of knowledge about cervical cancer prevention presumably contributes to the morbidity and mortality rate among Saudi women, as do religio-cultural beliefs about modesty, sexuality, and premarital virginity. Therefore, this study sought to describe how Saudi nurses’ knowledge and religio-cultural beliefs effected their intentions to promote cervical cancer prevention. …

Reliability And Accuracy Of A Novel Photogrammetric Orthodontic Monitoring System, Vahe Ohanesian

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: This study quantitatively investigated the reliability and accuracy of Dental Monitoring’sTM proprietary orthodontic tracking system in comparison to an established reference. Materials and Methods: Intraoral scans (True Definition Scanner, 3MTM) and video scans (iPhone 7, AppleTM) were taken of 30 subjects undergoing comprehensive orthodontic treatment at Loma Linda University’s Graduate Orthodontic Clinic at T1 (initial) and T2 (3 months later). At each time point, an intraoral scan was taken by the operator followed by three video scans- two taken by the patient and one by the operator. Three linear and three angular measurements were analyzed using Dental Monitoring’sTM tracking …

A Retrospective Cephalometric Growth Study Of Sagittal Airway In Skeletal Class Ii Patients, Sue V. Kim

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: The study retrospectively determined the average sagittal pharyngeal airway widths in Class II males and females between 7 to 16 years of age and changes in sagittal airway with increasing age. Additionally, this study determined whether average airway differs between gender at each age and compared the average airway widths in relation to increasing age between Class I and II patients. Materials and Methods: Longitudinal cephalograms were digitally traced for 38 untreated subjects (23 males, 15 females) from age 7 to 16 with skeletal and dental Class II patterns. These records were previously taken through growth studies conducted between …

Healthy Aging: Factors That Predict Preservation Of Cognitive Functioning In Older Adults, Imari-Ashley F. Palma

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

As the human race continues to defy chronological aging in due part to medical advancements, an overarching goal for the older adult population and researchers is to determine how to promote aging well. Cognitive functioning is a heavily researched area due to the exponentially increasing number of older adults experiencing cognitive decline. Preservation of cognitive functioning is one aspect of aging well. Three domains of cognition that have shown to be particularly sensitive to the effects of aging are memory, executive functioning, and processing speed. The aims of this current study are: (i) to provide supporting evidence for research that …

Changes In The Morphology Of Hypoglossal Motor Neurons In The Brainstem Of Developing Rats, Paul Allen Williams

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The autonomic brainstem generates and modifies breathing rhythm by integrating inputs from chemo- and mechanosensors in the viscera while coordinating descending outputs from higher CNS structures. Hypoglossal motoneurons (XII MNs) receive inputs from respiratory premotor neurons in the medulla. Previous studies in rodents have demonstrated significant changes in breathing control during the first three weeks of life, with a sensitive period at 10 to 13 days post-birth (P10–P13) characterized by pronounced changes in neurotransmitters, receptors, excitation-inhibition balance, and breathing. However, age-dependent morphological changes of XII MNs during the first three weeks post-birth and especially during this sensitive period, have not …

Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4-Revised In Asian Americans, Dean Lim

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Prior research has indicated that the prevalence of eating disorders, which are recognized as one of most lethal psychological disorders with an approximately 20% mortality rate, are increasing among Asian Americans with rates comparable to those of the general population in the United States. However, research has also suggested that Asian Americans may not be fully reporting symptoms related to eating disorders because of sociocultural stigma and the desire to uphold cultural values, such as interdependence, harmony within the community, humility, and emotional restraint. The SATAQ-4R is a widely-used measure of sociocultural influences on body image and eating disturbance, which …

Neurocognitive And Psychosocial Effects Of Repeated Concussions In Children And Adolescents, Shina Halavi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

In the United States, an estimated 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) annually. About 75% of these TBIs are mild, which are referred to as “concussions.” This study assessed the neurocognitive and psychosocial effects of repeated concussions in children and adolescents and their interactions with age and gender. It also assessed the correlation between psychosocial functioning and neurocognitive functioning. Given the paucity of research on the effects of concussion in the developing brain, the current study characterized the neurocognitive and psychosocial effects of concussion in young populations. The overarching hypothesis stated that repeated concussions would induce more …

African Americans Navigating Through Relationships Towards Marriage: A Grounded Theory Study, Moosgar Yrveens Borieux

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore if and how early parent-participant relationships affect subsequent intimate relationships among African American couples. Given the clear gap between African Americans’ attitudes about marriage and the data that show them to be the least likely to be married among other racial or ethnic groups in the United States of America, a unique conceptualization [Life Course Developmental framework, Object Relations theory, Symbolic Interactionism perspective] was used to explore the role that early key figure-child social interactions potentially have in influencing young African Americans interactions with their significant others. To carry out the research …

Effect Of Bacillus Coagulans And Galactomannans On Obese Patients Undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy, Fay Kazzi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background/Purpose: Obesity is fast becoming a worldwide epidemic. Bariatric Surgery (BS) is an effective treatment to decrease obesity and the risk of associated diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of probiotics and prebiotics (LactoWise®) on weight loss, clinical lab values, and quality of life in morbidly obese patients undergoing LSG.

Methods: Sixty patients undergoing LSG were recruited to participate in the study and randomized into either a LactoWise® or placebo group. The LactoWise® group received 4.5 billion live cells of bacillus coagulans and galactomannans (300 mg); the placebo group received 600 mg of calcium citrate …

The Relationship Between Plantar Fascia Thickness, Metatarsophalangeal Joint Position And Gender, Michael J. Granado

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Ultrasound is a widely used diagnostic tool for patients with plantar fasciitis. It provides an inexpensive and noninvasive method for quantifying the plantar fascia with accuracy levels comparable to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, some researchers have criticized the lack of standardization in the ultrasound measurement process for plantar fascia thickness as it calls into question the validity of the final measures. One critical component lacking any standardization during the procedure is metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint position as ultrasound examiners often extend the toe position during the process. This variation has made it difficult to understand the etiology of plantar fasciitis …

Resilience And Complicated Grief, Les Bishop

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study surveyed 155 family members or caregivers of patients who had died between twelve and thirty months prior to this study. These patients had been on hospice at the time of their death. The purpose of the study was to assess the prevalence of hospice defined risk factors for complicated grief. Medical records provided patient demographics information and a verbal (telephone) survey was used to measure the following risk factors: lack of social support, lack of expression of faith, lack of adequate coping skills, multiple losses, substance use, and relationship to the person who died. Descriptive statistics were used …

The Role Of Wnt3a In Ischemic Stroke, Nathanael Matei

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

After ischemic stroke, apoptosis of neurons is a primary factor in determining outcome. Wnt3a is a naturally occurring protein that has been shown to have protective effects in the brain for traumatic brain injury. Although wnt3a has been investigated in the phenomena of neurogenesis, anti-apoptosis, and anti-inflammation, it has never been investigated as a therapy for stroke. We hypothesized that the potential neuroprotective agent wnt3a would reduce infarction and improve behavior following ischemic stroke by attenuating neuronal apoptosis and promoting cell survival through the Frizzled-1/PIWI1a/FOXM1 pathway in MCAO rats. 229 Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to male, female, and aged 9-month …

Risk Markers Associated With Caregiver Elder Abuse: A Meta-Analytic Study, Annie Johansson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Elder abuse is a significant public health problem affecting approximately 10% of the US population, with international prevalence rates ranging from 3% to 30% (e.g. Burnes et al., 2015; Melchiorre, Penhale, & Lamura, 2014; Roepke-Buehler & Dong, 2015; Selwood, Cooper, & Livingston, 2007). A quantitative meta-analysis was performed to assess risk markers associated with caregivers who abuse the elderly. This dissertation will identify background information specific to this study, discuss specific objectives of the study, and explain the rationale for why this study is being done. Two theoretical frameworks will be discussed and linked with caregiver elder abuse: Bronfenbrenner’s ecological …

Accreditation Perceptions And Involvement In Saudi Arabian Schools Of Nursing, Amal Abdul Aziz Alaskar

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

“Accreditation is a voluntary program in which trained external peer reviewers evaluate an academic institution and compares it with pre-established performance standards” (Alkhenizan & Shaw, 2012, p. 407). Those standards need to be applied by the faculty and administrators working at institutions of higher education. To understand, evaluate, and improve the quality of higher education, it is crucial to explore and examine how those implementing accreditation perceive the process of accreditation and whether it has any association with their motivation and involvement.

This quantitative descriptive correlational study used a survey method to examine whether there is a relationship between perceptions …

Evaluating Cognitive Changes In Patients Receiving Outpatient Alcohol Treatment, Michelle Mcdonnell

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Chronic alcohol use has been linked to various physical health concerns, neurological changes, and cognitive deficits. Research has shown that some of these neurologic and cognitive deficits can improve over time following detoxification and abstinence; however, the exact nature or timeline of this recovery process has not been established. The aim of the current study is to identify cognitive deficits and changes present in the alcohol addiction treatment population, the influence of cognitive deficits on treatment completion, and the effect of previous engagement in treatment (which is indicative of previous relapse) on cognitive functioning at both treatment onset and treatment …

Consequences Of Attributions For Unfair Healthcare Treatment Among Culturally Diverse Patients, Nathalie Serna

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Ethnic minority and lower SES populations report less positive healthcare encounters and worse health outcomes as compared to higher SES and mainstream populations. In Chile, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is one of the highest in South America and among the indigenous Mapuche population it has quadrupled over the last decade (Perez-Bravo et al., 2001). Research suggests that Mapuches have been historically discriminated in everyday life as well as in healthcare (Alarcon, et al., 2004). Based on Weiner’s attribution theory of motivation and emotion (1986, 1995, 2006) and guided by Betancourt’s integrative model of culture, psychological factors, and …