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A Review Of A Ketogenic Diet In The Treatment Of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Eugene Reznik Jun 2024

A Review Of A Ketogenic Diet In The Treatment Of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Eugene Reznik

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Autism Spectrum Disorder effects millions of people every year, however pharmacological and behavioral treatments remain limited. The need for adjunctive therapies such as diet invervention [sic] that target autism spectrum disorder symptoms Is [sic] needed now more than ever. A connection between a ketogenic diet, which is high in fat and low in carbohydrates, and autism spectrum disorder can be made as the diet has shown potential in ameleriotating [sic] common comorbidities within the autism spectrum disorder population such as metabolic dysfunction, gut-microbiome dysfunction, medication resistant epilepsy, and various psychiatric disorders. Hence, this review focuses on the results and methods …


A Mental Health Needs Assessment Of Students Attending An Alternative High School, Kelly Sachdev Sep 2023

A Mental Health Needs Assessment Of Students Attending An Alternative High School, Kelly Sachdev

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Research suggests that students who attend urban or alternative schools experience higher rates of poverty, family instability, and violence victimization. These risk factors can result in higher rates of depression, school absences, and lower academic performance. This needs assessment explores the mental health needs of students at a low-income, urban, alternative high school in Southern California from the perspective of students, teachers, and staff in order to better understand the stressors and mental health needs of this vulnerable population. Four focus groups were conducted with students (n = 9), teachers (n = 7), and staff (n = 13). Audio files …


Non-Pharmacological Interventions For Alzheimer’S Disease Patients, Mariam Hanna Sep 2023

Non-Pharmacological Interventions For Alzheimer’S Disease Patients, Mariam Hanna

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) research often focuses on the pharmacological treatment and neurological basis of the disease. However, in the absence of disease-modifying treatments, interventions that target symptom reduction may improve quality of life and delay institutionalization. Given the limitations and risks associated with pharmacological AD treatments, this paper reviews non-pharmacological interventions to improve memory function and reduce symptoms of depression in patients with AD including music therapies, Cognitive Rehabilitation, and Bright Light Therapy.


Depression As A Mediator Between Combat Deployment And Substance Use Among Veterans, Brooke Kania Millham Sep 2023

Depression As A Mediator Between Combat Deployment And Substance Use Among Veterans, Brooke Kania Millham

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Individuals who deploy to combat zones often develop increased rates of substance use problems, which may be due to self-medication for depressive symptoms. This study used logistic simple mediation analyses with bootstrapping to test whether depression mediates the relationship between combat zone experience and substance dependence or abuse (alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, opioids, other illicit drugs, and concurrent substance misuse) among military veterans via secondary data analysis of the 2013 to 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH; N = 14,121; 87.9% male; 54.4% age 50+; 75.2% white; 34.5% with combat zone experience). Analysis revealed that depression was only …


Sleep, Body Dissatisfaction, And Eating Among Adolescents, Megan White Sep 2023

Sleep, Body Dissatisfaction, And Eating Among Adolescents, Megan White

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Sleep difficulties in adolescence have been linked to greater impulsivity, negative affect, propensity to interpret neutral stimuli as negative, and higher rates of anxiety and depressive symptomatology (Van Dyk, 2016). However, minimal research has looked at the relationship among sleep difficulties, emotional eating, and body dissatisfaction within this population. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to explore the relationship among sleep difficulties, emotional eating, and body dissatisfaction among adolescents aged 12-18 years. Specifically, the current study stands to 1) confirm the relationship between emotional eating and body dissatisfaction; 2) test if sleep difficulties are related to emotional eating; …


Prescription Drug Misuse In Racial And Ethnic Minorities: Prevalence And Predictors, Valerie Watts Sep 2023

Prescription Drug Misuse In Racial And Ethnic Minorities: Prevalence And Predictors, Valerie Watts

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The United States (U.S.) is currently facing a complex epidemic of prescription drug misuse (PDM). Previous literature lacks information on the prevalence of PDM in racial and ethnic minorities (REM) and associated precipitating variables. The current review aims to build upon the limited research regarding REM engagement in PDM and the associated variables. This examination identified and summarized: 1) contemporary research on the prevalence of PDM in REM, 2) major variables associated with PDM in this subpopulation, and 3) current evidence-based treatments for PDM. The review revealed mixed results related to the prevalence of PDM in REM. Previous research believed …


Project Soaring: Feasibility Of A Tier 2 Dbt-Based Program, Chalita Antommarchi Jun 2023

Project Soaring: Feasibility Of A Tier 2 Dbt-Based Program, Chalita Antommarchi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Adolescents living in poverty are more likely to experience intense and/or multiple stressors during childhood (Evans & Kim, 2012). These increases in stress levels can lead to patterns of pervasive emotion dysregulation which, in turn, can affect academic achievement (Ivcevic & Brackett, 2014). Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a promising intervention that can target emotion dysregulation and other symptomatology in adolescents (Miller et al., 2006). Although DBT has gained traction in the treatment of adolescent suicide and self-harm (Glenn et al., 2019), it has yet to be tested as an early intervention in a school-based setting (Fasulo et al., 2015; …


Religion And Ptsd In Puerto Rico Natural Disaster Survivors, Abraham Reynolds May 2023

Religion And Ptsd In Puerto Rico Natural Disaster Survivors, Abraham Reynolds

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Religious coping can influence recovery from natural disaster trauma. Participants were recruited from a religiously sponsored university in Puerto Rico, affected by several natural disasters between 2017 and 2020, using an online survey. A significant relationship was found between negative religious coping and changes in mood and cognition, mediated by the effect of worthiness of self. Results indicate that negative religious coping may adversely influence an individual’s view of self and increase PTSD-related changes in mood and cognition. If clinicians only examine a client’s view of self, they may miss the influence of negative religious coping.


Abstract: The Role Of The Novel Diguanylate Cyclase Pg_0686 In Oxidative Stress Resistance In Porphyromonas Gingivalis W83, Alexia Danielle Ximinies Mar 2023

Abstract: The Role Of The Novel Diguanylate Cyclase Pg_0686 In Oxidative Stress Resistance In Porphyromonas Gingivalis W83, Alexia Danielle Ximinies

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The survival/ adaptation of Porphyromonas gingivalis to the inflammatory environment of the periodontal pocket requires an ability to overcome oxidative stress. Several functional classes of genes, depending on the severity and duration of the exposure, were induced in P. gingivalis under H2O2-induced oxidative stress, including the PG0686 gene which was upregulated ca. 10-fold. In addition, its upregulation was also observed in the presence of oxygen and nitric oxide. This study is aimed to further characterize the function of this gene in response to H2O2. PG_0686, annotated as a hypothetical protein of unknown function, is a 60 kDa protein with a …


Perceived Business Skills Needs Of Mfts: Implications For A Doctoral Program, Abel Arvizú Whittemore Mar 2023

Perceived Business Skills Needs Of Mfts: Implications For A Doctoral Program, Abel Arvizú Whittemore

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was twofold: a) to determine the training that MFTs should have to effectively work in organizational / business settings and with organizational / business issues in the role of clinician, administrator / manager, consultant, coach, and researcher and b) to determine what components should be included in a model curriculum in the area of organizational / management studies in an MFT doctoral program. Using the e-Delphi method, consensus from a panel of experts (in the profession of marriage and family therapy as well as in business / management / organizational issues) was obtained. Panelists identified …


Comparing Sensing And Signaling Mechanisms Across Aer2 Receptors With Different N-Terminal Domain Arrangements, Erwin Stuffle Jan 2023

Comparing Sensing And Signaling Mechanisms Across Aer2 Receptors With Different N-Terminal Domain Arrangements, Erwin Stuffle

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Bacteria use chemoreceptors and associated chemosensory systems to navigate and respond to their environment. Aer2 chemoreceptors are a family of O2 sensors that all have a common core structure but differ with regards to their N-terminal domain types and arrangements. The Aer2 receptors from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PaAer2) and Vibrio cholerae (VcAer2) have been extensively studied. However, the marine pathogen Vibrio vulnificus possesses a previously uncharacterized Aer2 receptor. Here I present an analysis of the V. vulnificus Aer2 chemoreceptor, VvAer2, which is the first V. vulnificus chemoreceptor to be characterized. VvAer2 is related to the Aer2 receptors of other gammaproteobacteria, but …


A Program Evaluation Of Bhc Alhambra Hospital Outpatient Services, Emily Rose House Dec 2022

A Program Evaluation Of Bhc Alhambra Hospital Outpatient Services, Emily Rose House

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

A program evaluation of the Behavioral Health Care (BHC) Alhambra Hospital's Outpatient Service program was conducted. The purpose was to evaluate the program implementation, assess the program results, and highlight methods of program improvement. The evaluator conducted focus groups with administrative and clinical program staff and evaluated data utilizing thematic analysis. Three themes, education, programmatic operations, and team highlighted areas of program effectiveness and areas of program improvement. Administrative staff and clinical staff highlighted the importance of training and improved communication between program staff and board and care staff. Recommendations include the administrative staff creating a plan to account for …


Congregation Affordable Housing Development: Examining Practices And The Role Of Social Capital Across Urban Neighborhoods, Catherine C. Fisher Dec 2022

Congregation Affordable Housing Development: Examining Practices And The Role Of Social Capital Across Urban Neighborhoods, Catherine C. Fisher

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Currently the United States faces a homelessness and affordable housing crisis further exacerbated by economic recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. Homelessness and housing insecurity disproportionately affects women and children, African Americans and other racially marginalized groups. Federal government disinvestment in the production of affordable housing units has led to a steep decline in stock. The U.S. history of class and race discrimination continues to impact affordable housing production through exclusionary zoning laws. In urban neighborhoods religious institutions possess both land and social assets. A growing number of religious congregations are engaged in developing under-utilized land to create affordable housing. Congregation …


Clinician’S Recommendations In Treating Victims And Survivors Of Narcissistic Abuse, Sadaf Shalchian Dec 2022

Clinician’S Recommendations In Treating Victims And Survivors Of Narcissistic Abuse, Sadaf Shalchian

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Although marriage and family therapists are one of the main providers in treating mental and relational health issues, there is not a significant emphasis on the identification, assessment, and treatment of victims and survivors of narcissistic abuse in COAMFTE-accredited Masters level Marriage and Family Therapy programs (COAMFTE, 2017). This needs assessment aimed to identify the knowledge and clinical skills recommended by clinicians who treat victims and survivors of narcissistic abuse to identify some needs, assessments, and treatment practices that can guide LMFTs in treating this population. This needs assessment explored current literature, research, and academic and clinical resources focused on …


The Role Of The Filifactor Alocis Hypothetical Protein Fa1654 In Oxidative Stress Resistance, Malissa Makaylia Mangar Dec 2022

The Role Of The Filifactor Alocis Hypothetical Protein Fa1654 In Oxidative Stress Resistance, Malissa Makaylia Mangar

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The survival/adaptation of Fillifactor alocis, a fastidious gram positive asaccharolytic anaerobe in the inflammatory environment of the periodontal pocket, requires an ability to overcome oxidative stress. Moreover, emerging observations suggest its pathogenic characteristics are highlighted by its capacity to survive in the oxidative-stress microenvironment of the periodontal pocket and its likely ability to modulate the microbial community dynamics. There is still a significant gap in our understanding of F. alocis mechanism of oxidative stress resistance and its impact on the virulence and pathogenicity of the microbial biofilm. The pathogenicity of F. alocis may be impacted by its response to oxidative …


High-Intensity Interval Training And Biological Age, Trevor Lohman Dec 2022

High-Intensity Interval Training And Biological Age, Trevor Lohman

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The emergence of valid predictors of biological age has enabled researchers to test the effects of various interventions on biological aging processes. The established virtues of exercise and its effects on health and longevity make it a suitable candidate for investigation. This dissertation reviews the current state of biological age prediction models and presents a trial in which a specific exercise protocol’s ability to modulate biological age is tested. The specific protocol used is a 10X1 high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocol, 10X1 referring to the quantity and duration of high intensity exercise intervals in each exercise session. The specific biological …


Effect Of Crm On Neurobiology Via Eeg And Biofeedback, Sophia Truong Sep 2022

Effect Of Crm On Neurobiology Via Eeg And Biofeedback, Sophia Truong

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

We reviewed the literature on mindfulness and its effects on psychological functioning. EEG studies have shown that different approaches to meditation, including MBSR, guided imagery, etc. have been associated with better interoception, increases in left frontal activity, and better stress regulation. These findings were used to create a study protocol that utilizes a somatically based intervention, the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) to decrease test taking anxiety in graduate school students.


Dsm-5 Eating Disorders And Disordered Eating Behaviors In The Lgbt Population, Lacie Parker Sep 2022

Dsm-5 Eating Disorders And Disordered Eating Behaviors In The Lgbt Population, Lacie Parker

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

According to Meyer’s sexual minority stress model (2003), LGB individuals experience a higher prevalence of psychopathology, which is attributable to the increased stress (i.e., stigma and prejudice) adult sexual minority individuals experience. This model was later adapted by Hendricks and Testa (2012) to include transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. More specifically, this literature review examined the empirical literature regarding the rates and types of, and risk and protective factors for eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors in the general LGBT adolescent and adult populations, in addition to each individual subgroup (i.e., lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender individuals). The results of …


Crm As A Psychosocial Intervention For Cancer Patients, Lauren Wakabayashi Sep 2022

Crm As A Psychosocial Intervention For Cancer Patients, Lauren Wakabayashi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The present treatment manual is intended to outline the implementation of an intervention to manage psychological distress in cancer patients. Cancer patients suffer from psychological distress, in part due to physical symptoms that impact well-being. This can create a cycle of poor mental and physical health that is bidirectionally affected by poor responses to physical treatments. Thus, it is necessary to implement interventions for cancer patients that can combat these and other psychological symptoms. The Community Resiliency Model (CRM) has recently emerged as a set of wellness skills that can promote physiological and psychological well-being, as well as minimize negative …


Biology Through The Lens Of Trauma: An Empirical Review Of Trauma Treatments, Adela Gharabeki Sep 2022

Biology Through The Lens Of Trauma: An Empirical Review Of Trauma Treatments, Adela Gharabeki

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The present literature review aims at mending the research to practice gap for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Biological mechanisms of the stress response system are explored as they pertain to trauma and its subsequent effects on the brain and body. In addition, American Psychological Association (APA) recommended evidence-based treatments for PTSD are reviewed as well as more recent emerging somatic therapies. There is a critical need for further development in the area of both topdown and bottom-up interventions. Biological working mechanisms remain unknown for a majority of treatments and physiological measures are scarcely used in treatment outcome …


Effects Of Parents’ Mbsr On Internalizing Problems In Children: Asd As Moderator, Hadley Mcgregor Sep 2022

Effects Of Parents’ Mbsr On Internalizing Problems In Children: Asd As Moderator, Hadley Mcgregor

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are at high risk for increased levels of behavior problems and developing internalizing problems. Previous literature has highlighted the impact of parental stress on the development of behavioral problems in children with ASD; however, little research has examined the relation between parenting stress and internalizing problems in children with ASD. The current study utilized data from the Mindful Awareness for Parenting Stress (MAPS) study which consisted of families of 80 preschool children with developmental delays (DD) (N = 31) and children with ASD (N = 49) whose parents reported high levels of stress. Specifically, …


Dietary Fatty Acids And The Brain: Mechanisms Behind Neurodegeneration And Neuroprotection, Bianca Kdeiss Sep 2022

Dietary Fatty Acids And The Brain: Mechanisms Behind Neurodegeneration And Neuroprotection, Bianca Kdeiss

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The impact of dietary fat intake on cognitive function has generated growing interest as the incidence of neurodegenerative disorders continues to increase. No known cures for neurodegenerative disorders exist at this time and available pharmacological treatments are limited in their efficacy. As such, prevention and early detection have been emphasized, particularly in the context of modifiable lifestyle factors, such as diet. Despite a recognized association between dietary fat intake and cognition, limited research exists delineating the impact of different types of fat on cognitive function. In this review, research examining the association between cognition and specific dietary fatty acids—such as …


Medical Student Experiences Implementing Bias Reduction Strategies: A Qualitative Study, Chrysan Hoyt Sep 2022

Medical Student Experiences Implementing Bias Reduction Strategies: A Qualitative Study, Chrysan Hoyt

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Research has shown that health care provider bias negatively impacts the provider-patient relationship and health outcomes. Studies have identified strategies effective at reducing bias, but there is minimal research implementing these strategies in health care settings, and little is known about effective curricular interventions to teach strategies to medical students. The purpose of the present study was to explore medical students’ experiences implementing evidence-based bias reduction strategies with their patients after participating in a bias reduction didactic. The study aimed to 1) determine which bias-reduction strategies medical students most frequently used, and 2) explore student perceptions of the effects of …


Shelter Staff Perceptions Of Physicians Seeking Services For Intimate Partner Violence, Gabriela Bagnara Sep 2022

Shelter Staff Perceptions Of Physicians Seeking Services For Intimate Partner Violence, Gabriela Bagnara

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Research indicates there are a significant number of instances of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the United States, with current prevalence rates impacted by a substantial amount of underreporting due to stigma, difficulty disclosing, and complex love and fear of abusive partners (Breiding et al., 2014; Ellsberg & Heise, 2005; Overstreet & Quinn, 2013). A large body of IPV research exists more generally, but there is little understanding about the help-seeking behaviors of high socioeconomic status (SES) individuals within IPV shelter systems. While several studies have demonstrated the equal impact of abuse across demographic contexts (Satyen, Rogic, and Supol, 2018; …


Stress And The Validity Of Parent Report Measures, Katharine Fabro Sep 2022

Stress And The Validity Of Parent Report Measures, Katharine Fabro

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Data collected from self-report measures can be problematic as participants may misunderstand questions, misremember information, or misrepresent themselves when answering questions. Bias in self-report data is particularly concerning for parents of children with DD, as these measures are often used as part of diagnostic decisions and service allocations. Parents of children with DD typically experience higher levels of stress than parents of typically developing children. Stress has been shown to decrease cognitive functioning and bias parent perceptions, making it more likely that parents will inaccurately respond to self-report measures inquiring about their own parenting behaviors and their child’s maladaptive behaviors. …


Power: A Qualitative Exploration Of Pows In Captivity And Their Responses To Loss Of Control, Sean Michael Roche Sep 2022

Power: A Qualitative Exploration Of Pows In Captivity And Their Responses To Loss Of Control, Sean Michael Roche

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This qualitative study explored how American Prisoners of War (POWs) from the Vietnam War coped with the dramatic imbalance of power between them and their North Vietnamese captors. Semi-structured interviews with POWs (n = 16) were analyzed using phenomenological and grounded theory approaches to identify major themes and coping strategies embedded in their experiences of powerlessness. POWs shared emergent themes of Communication, Connection, Heroic Leadership, Establishing Our Routine, and Honor and Loyalty, which were then linked with components of Emerson’s theory of power-dependence relations. Many of these strategies functioned interdependently, which allowed these men to more effectively combat imbalances of …


Legal And Ethical Issues In Telepsychology: A Handbook For Psychologists, Dexter Chia Sep 2022

Legal And Ethical Issues In Telepsychology: A Handbook For Psychologists, Dexter Chia

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This doctoral project sought to examine the various aspects of the modality of telepsychology in a handbook that can be referenced by licensed psychologists. Telepsychology’s growth in the general psychology community has caused greater attention towards its unique legal and ethical considerations when working with clients. We analyze legal and ethical issues inherent to the domains of licensure, clinical practice liability coverage, billing/payment, competence, client welfare, consent, confidentiality, and boundary navigation. After this analysis, we introduce a series of scenarios for readers to apply the discussed considerations to exercise critical thinking.


Dietary Approaches To The Treatment Of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Dhira Patel Sep 2022

Dietary Approaches To The Treatment Of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Dhira Patel

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This chapter reviews the literature surrounding autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their relation to gastrointestinal (GI), behavioral, neurological, and immunological functioning. Individuals with ASDs often have poor GI health, including bowel motility issues, autoimmune and/or other adverse responses to certain foods, and lack of necessary nutrient absorption. These issues may be caused or exacerbated by restrictive behavioral patterns (e.g., preference for sweet and salty foods and/or refusal of healthy foods). Those individuals with GI issues tend to demonstrate more behavioral deficits (e.g., irritability, agitation, hyperactivity) and also tend to have an imbalance in overall gut microbiome composition, thus corroborating several …


The Community Resiliency Model In Health Decision-Making, Michelle Ngo Sep 2022

The Community Resiliency Model In Health Decision-Making, Michelle Ngo

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This doctoral project reviews the literature to support the utilization of the Community Resilience Model (CRM) for health-related decision making, such as health behavior change and medication adherence. Research has shown that decision-making under significant stress can lead to making less advantageous choices, as the nervous system becomes dysregulated. The evidence in this literature review suggests that self-regulation using skills in the CRM Model can increase one’s ability to effectively making decisions.


Parent Treatment Manual For Adolescent Self-Harm, Miriam Mokhless Rizk Sep 2022

Parent Treatment Manual For Adolescent Self-Harm, Miriam Mokhless Rizk

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This doctoral project is a treatment manual that was created for parents of self-harming adolescents. To date, no treatment manual currently exists to aide these parents in fostering healthy environments for adolescents completing Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) intensive outpatient treatments; however, the literature describes the importance of creating validating environments as an important factor in positive treatment outcomes of adolescents who self-harm. This ten-week treatment manual was designed to provide these parents with DBT skills in order to learn the foundations of providing a positive environment in the home. The results of this treatment manual are projected to reduce parenting …