Digital Commons Network^™

An Examination Of Death Salience: A Component In The Death Anxiety Model, Rachel A. Mason

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Reviews of the literature have identified few consistent theoretical approaches in the assessment of death anxiety and death attitudes for patients diagnosed with a potentially life threatening illness, such as cancer. This illness experience forces patients to contemplate their mortality. The present study employed a portion of the Death Anxiety Model to examine the relationships between death salience, beliefs about the self, beliefs about the world, death meaning, and death anxiety. Three groups (N = 121) who differed on death salience were examined: cancer survivors (intrapersonal - high salience), spouses of cancer survivors (interpersonal - moderate salience), and healthy patients …

Psychosocial Predictors Of Survival In Persons With Hiv Or Aids, Carlos A. Escoto

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The HIV pandemic is in its second decade of existence. HIV has distinguished itself by effecting every part of the globe. It is estimated that there are currently over 40 million people living with HIV or AIDS diagnoses in the world today. Great strides have been made in the treatment of HIV and AIDS. Combination therapy of drugs has been shown to keep viral replication at very low levels. The result of drug therapies has resulted in keeping persons with HIV from progression to full blown AIDS. Also, drug therapies are responsible for a significant drop in mortality rates from …

The Effect Of Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis On Condylar Rotation In Rabbits, Shelton Hsu

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is the gradual lengthening of a healing bone. This surgical technique can be applied to the jawbone to correct an asymmetry or deficiency of the mandible. DO has been added to the list of treatment options for patients with craniofacial anomalies or excessive dental crowding.

Although mandibular distraction osteogenesis has been successfully performed in many patients, the comprehensive effects on the TMJ are not fully understood. The purpose of this study is to compare the amount of rotational and positional change that occurs at the condyles when the rabbit mandible is widened at the midline and paramedian …

Assessment Of Human Alveolar Bone Density By Using Volumetric Ct Machine, Prasit Aranyarachkul

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study evaluated bone density in designated implants sites using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and compared the measurements to those of quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and subjective bone density evaluation. Sixty-two designated implant sites in 9 human cadavers jaws were used. Indicator rods, 2 mm in diameter, were placed in all sites. CT images representing 1 mm bucco-lingual slices immediately mesial and distal to the rods were selected for density evaluations. Bone density in Hounsfield units (HU) was assessed in a standardized implant area superimposed on the images, and also subjectively evaluated by 2 independent examiners using the Lekholm & …

Comparative Methods Of Measurement To Evaluate Onplant Assisted Anchorage, Marc Reid Larson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to compare the two-dimensional cephalometric and the three-dimensional tomographic radiographic methods in their ability to assess anatomic measurements while using the Onplant anchoring device in anterior retraction cases.

The Onplant was surgically placed beneath the periosteum of the hard palate. After osseointegration the Onplant was then uncovered and attached to the first molars by means of a transpalatal bar. Conventional orthodontic treatment was then used to retract the anterior teeth after 1^st premolars were extracted.

To evaluate the movement of the Onplant, a three-dimensional measuring tool was needed. Seven different measurements were made …

Patient Satisfaction And Effectiveness Of A New Resin Used To Bumper Orthodontic Brackets, Timothy B. Elison

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Fear of pain is a key factor in discouraging patients from seeking orthodontic treatment, with many patients discontinuing treatment due to pain experienced in the early stages of treatment. Patients often complain of traumatized lips and buccal mucosa, which is usually caused by the brackets. Orthodontists try to minimize this pain and discomfort by using bumpering materials. Although wax is the most commonly used product, there are many bracket bumpering materials available.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and patient comfort/satisfaction of a new flowable resin, Ortho Shield, designed to protect the lips and …

Il-10 And Alveolar Bone Loss, Abdulaziz Saud Al-Rasheed

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a cytokine with anti-inflammatory activities. IL-10 knockout (KO) mice exhibit severe intestinal inflammation in the presence of normal gut flora. We hypothesized that IL-10 KO mice would also be susceptible to inflammatory periodontal disease resulting in alveolar bone loss (ABL). The purpose of this study was to compare naturally occurring ABL in IL-10 KO and wild type (WT) mice. Twelve IL-10 KO and 12 WT mice, age-(7 months) and sex-(male) matched, were used. Half of the mice were on 129/SvEv and half on C57BL/6J background. Animal heads were defleshed and treated to remove all organic material. ABL …

Comparative Perceived Breast Cancer Risk Before And After An Intervention, Constance F. Welebir

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Breast cancer screening has the potential of early detection, more effective treatment, and possible arrest of certain breast cancers, yet many women do not adhere to screening guidelines. With research showing that people use social comparison while making risk judgments, often holding optimistically biased beliefs about their health, women who maintain an optimism bias about their breast cancer risk may not practice routine breast cancer surveillance. Therefore, effective interventions designed to inform women of their breast cancer risks and to encourage adherence to breast cancer screening guidelines are necessary. This study investigated the role that social comparison plays in risk …

Evaluation Of Two Surface Treatments And Two Composite Resins In The Repair Of Fractured Veneered Stainless Steel Crowns, Jennifer Ellen Barry

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Treatment of early childhood caries (ECC) has challenged pediatric dentists. Finding esthetically pleasing yet durable restorations of anterior teeth can be difficult. Veneered stainless steel crowns are an option but clinically, the veneers can fracture. The purpose of this study was to identify the most fracture resistant veneered stainless steel crown and to determine the best method of repair if fractured. The clinical significance is an evaluation of the best method of repairing these fractured crowns. Two surface treatments and two composite restorative materials were evaluated for repair of the fractured veneers. Forty of each of the following crown brands …

Prostitutes' Understanding Of God, Gerardo Alberto Toledo

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study describes the understanding of God by twelve prostitutes of the Street 24 de Mayo, Quito, Ecuador. This understanding is presented and analyzed from a psychological and theological perspective. A way to call the area of knowledge here described is phenomenology of religion. The interviews were conducted on December 15 through December 29, 2001. The thirteen interviewed sexual workers (one interview tape was damaged) belonged to the Asociacion Pro Defensa de la Mujer (Association Pro Defense of Women), which has four hundred and fifty members, all sexual workers. The recorded interviews were done at the office of the mentioned …

Plagiocephaly: Developmental And Medical Outcomes, José Leonardo Fuentes

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Plagiocephaly, a condition that is observed by deformation of the head, comes as the result of different etiologies. The most serious involving premature fusion of one or more of the cranial sutures, a condition referred to as craniosynostosis. While children with craniosynostosis may be considered for developmental screening to determine whether they fall at risk for developmental delay, children with plagiocephaly are typically not seen as being at risk, their condition typically treated as a cosmetic problem. This study consisted of 85 children, 37 with plagiocephaly, 9 with craniosynostosis, and 39 nonclinical subjects. Results of this study suggest that children …

Effect Of Employment On Generativity In Married Mothers, Tracy Sierra Dern

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Generativity is Erikson's seventh stage of psycho social development in his life cycle theory, but he postulates different ways of achieving generativity for males and females. Erikson proposed that a woman achieves a sense of generativity from raising a family. However over the last twenty years social roles have changed and there is an increasing number of women developing careers. It is important to determine whether the role of employment has an effect on generativity in women. This study had ten women participants: five married with children, homemakers and five married with children, professionals. Using a semi-structured interview, the·participants shared …

A Correlational Analysis Of Anthropometric Measures And Selected Blood, Immune And Endocrine Indices In Adult Males, Janet Tracey Peterson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Over the past few decades it has become apparent that increased body weight, specifically body fat, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk for chronic disorders such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Researchers are now re-directing their focus on determining the cause of these relationships from an epidemiological view to a more biological or physiological standpoint. The purpose of this cross sectional study was to examine associations among obesity, physical activity and select immune, endocrine and metabolic parameters identified as risk factors for several chronic conditions. Ninety-one healthy males between the ages of 19 and 45 …

Bond Strengths Of Three Orthodontic Adhesives For Direct And Indirect Bonding, Aaron Rondon

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The technique of bonding orthodontic brackets utilizing a transfer tray, otherwise known as indirect bonding, is a dichotomous subject. It allows for more accurate bracket placement and reduced chair time for the patient and doctor, yet its technique sensitivity can yield bracket failures at the time of tray removal. With the recent development of 3M's Sondhi Rapid Set, an adhesive specifically designed for orthodontic bonding, the purpose of this study was to compare this fairly new indirect adhesive with 3M's Transbond XT and Reliance's Rely-A-Bond.

Two hundred and seventy freshly extracted bovine teeth were mounted in acrylic resin and divided …

Linder-Aronson S Analysis Using Rhinomanometry And Newtom, Noel Moser

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Investigations into the effects of airway patency on craniofacial development are essential to ensure that interceptive orthodontic treatment provides the maximum benefit to the patient. The aims of this study were to (1) compare the size of the nasopharyngeal airway space on lateral cephalometric and 3D volumetric radiographs to determine if volumetric scans can be of greater diagnostic value than a lateral cephalometric film in determining the degree of airway blockage or patency and (2) to examine the correlation between functional airway resistance, as evaluated by rhinomanometry, and radiographic constriction due to nasal turbinate and adenoid size.

Twenty-eight subjects from …

Properties Of Experimentally Modified Orthodontic Adhesives: A Pilot Study, Adam Gary Lautt

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Bonded orthodontic brackets were introduced in the early 1960's and, since then, spontaneous debonding has been a constant nemesis. Consequently, many studies involving bond strength have been performed targeting brackets, adhesives, curing methods and types of teeth. The purpose of this study was to compare the properties of adhesive resins that have been experimentally modified in both the filler and the polymer.

Twenty different types of adhesives were prepared with variations in the ratios of the two different fillers (ground glass and Wollastinite fiber) and the polymer. System 1+ was used as a control since it was the original resin …

Identification Of Hard Tissue Using Dentin Sialoprotein (Dsp) As A Marker, Wallis E. Andeline

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to identify the early hard tissue formed in experimental pulp exposures capped with calcium hydroxide, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) using dentin sialoprotein (DSP) as a marker. The pulps of eighty-five maxillary first, second and third molar teeth from twenty male rats were experimentally exposed. The exposed pulps were capped with calcium hydroxide followed by restoration with amalgam (n = 20), with MTA alone as a pulp capping agent and final restoration (n = 20) or with BMP-7 followed by restoration with MTA (n = 20). Ten teeth with Class …

Evaluation Of Three Bonding Agents In The Repair Of Fractured Veneered Stainless Steel Crowns, Jennifer Liane Hoffer

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Dentists have long been challenged with finding an esthetic yet durable treatment option to restore badly carious anterior teeth. Veneered stainless steel crowns have become one of these options, but these restorations often return with the veneer fractured. To help restore esthetics, the crown may either be replaced or the veneer must be repaired. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of three bonding agents (PQ1, C&B Metabond, and Panavia) and one restorative material (Filtek Z250, 3M) in the repair of these fractured stainless steel crown veneers. The clinical significance is to determine the best methods of …

Clinically Relevant Aspects Of Chronic Pain: Normal Personality Predictors, Stephen Ray Nitch

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study examined the normal personality characteristics of chronic pain patients using cluster analysis. To date, much of the research involving chronic pain and personality has assumed that signs of psychopathology are likely to be present (Jay, Grove, and Grove, 1987; Love and Peck, 1987). There have been some exceptions to this trend by researchers who sought to measure the normal personality structure of individuals with chronic pain (see Wade, Dougherty, Hart, and Cook, 1992). One of central aims of the current study was to further refine the psychosocial taxonomy of chronic pain patients by paying more attention to individual …

The Relationship Between The Osteonal Cement Line And Bone Strength, Avery Kazuhiro Egerer

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Bone includes many structural and chemical components which provide both flexibility and strength. One such structure is the cement line, a 1-5 μm-thin structure located primarily in compact bone. Past research has correlated the pathological condition of “shin splints” with the micro-damage of bone, which often follows cement lines. It has been suggested that cement lines have rather paradoxical properties. Upon fatigue fracture of bone, microcracks often travel along cement lines and become trapped. This trapping and subsequent dispersion of energy have been hypothesized to prevent a complete fracture from occurring, extending bone life. Cement lines have been implicated in …

Individualism/Collectivism, Psychological Processes, And Styles Of Conflict Resolution, Gangaw Zaw

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Conflict resolution styles in relation to Individualist (IND) and Collectivist (COL) value orientations were examined in the present study. Past research (Ting-Toomey et al., 1991, Pearson et al., 1998) has focused on cultural groups in order to explain conflict resolution styles. The current study analyzed conflict resolution styles (using the ROCIII) in relation to antecedent variables of culture, measured by the Collectivism and Individualism scale (Thandis et. al. 1993) as well as attribution processes and related emotions. Psychological factors such as causal attributions (the belief to which other's actions are attributed) and interpersonal emotions such as anger and empathic feelings …

The Role Of Psychologists In Primary Care: An Integrative Curriculum, Gary Charles Hawley

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Psychologists have been service providers in the health care sector for many years. They are consistently recognized as valued members of health care teams but are not frequently included as primary care providers. Integrated primary care services that include psychologists are a positive step toward achieving a comprehensive model of patient care. The biopsychosocial model is suggested to supplant the current biomedical model for health and wellness conceptualization. Psychologists are trained in the dynamic interplay between biological, psychological, and social domains. However, education at the graduate level for psychologists working specifically in primary care has not been well conceptualized, developed …

Microleakage Of Various Restorative Materials Used For Preventive Resin Restorations, Jenny Chung Lee

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: This research was designed to compare the microleakage of various restorative materials used for preventive resin restorations and two methods of cavity preparation. The purpose of this study was: (1) to compare microleakage of four different restorative materials using two different type of preparation methods (bur and air particle abrasion) and (2) whether the use of a pit and fissure sealant over the restoration decreases microleakage.

Methods: One hundred and twenty eight, permanent human molars were randomly divided into four groups and restored with four restorative materials. Each group had been randomly divided into two subgroups. The teeth in …

Effect Of Electrode Size, Shape, And Placement On Electrical Current And Subject Comfort During Electrical Stimulation, Bonnie J. Forrester

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Six healthy subjects were studied to determine the optimal size, shape and placement of stimulating electrodes during the application of electrical stimulation (ES) to the biceps, quadriceps, and tibialis anterior muscles. Subjects were recruited to allow for diversity in age, sex, and skin pigmentation. Subjects sat in a custom designed multi-positional chair, which allowed precise positioning of each extremity. After determining the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the muscle and careful determination of the motor point, ES, with a biphasic square wave of 300 ms duration and a frequency of 30 Hz, was used to bring the muscle to 10% …

Inducible Gene Expression In Cell Cultures And In Microencapsulated Cells, Yong Yu

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The mifepristone-regulated transcriptional activation system provides a means to exogenously control gene expression in transformed mammalian cells in a temporal and spatial fashion. Such a promoter activation system consists of three components: The first of these is a steroidal inducer drug, mifepristone. This drug binds to the second component, a chimeric transcription factor complex, consisting of the mutant human progesterone receptor fused to the yeast GAL4 DNA-binding domain and the Herpes simplex virus protein VP 16 activation domain. The third component is a synthetic promoter, consisting of a series of GAL4 recognition sequences upstream of the adenovirus major late E1B …

Grace And Truth: A Divorce Theology For Missionary Organizations, Pennie Lynn Kemp

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Throughout church history, divorce has been a very sensitive subject, and with the divorce rate of the general population at almost fifty-percent, some controversy is inevitable. The issue becomes even more complex as more Christians, including church leaders and pastors, experience divorce. In light of this increase in the incidence of divorce, missionary organizations will inevitably encounter more divorced men and women who apply for service. The challenge for these agencies is to encompass a biblically based divorce theology that recognizes the seriousness of divorce on one hand while not appearing to submit to cultural influence on the other. This …

Psychological Aspects Of Ventilator Dependent Children, Tanya Renee Burley

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Rapid advances in medicine and technology have meant more medically invasive procedures as well as the survival of more individuals who are more immanently faced with death. Ventilator-dependent children (due to sleep apnea, neuromuscular disease, and acute physical injury) make up one such group of individuals. The current study assessed a group of home-based, ventilator-dependent children for symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress. It was found that there was a negative correlation between the child's level of depression and the amount of time per day that the child was on the ventilator. There was also a negative correlation with the …

The Effects Of A Hypocaloric Diet Enriched In Oleic Acid Using Almonds Versus Complex Carbohydrates On Metabolic And Anthropometric Parameters During Weight Reduction, Michelle Ann Wien

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purposes of this study were to determine the effect of almonds rich in oleic acid as an alternative to complex carbohydrates on metabolic and anthropometric parameters during weight reduction and to evaluate self-reported satiety and satisfaction. A convenience sample of 57 adults was recruited from the Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Program at City of Hope National Medical Center. Subjects were randomized to an almond-enriched hypocaloric diet or to a complex carbohydrate-enriched hypocaloric diet for twenty-four weeks. Mixed model analysis showed that the use of almonds more favorably influenced weight loss (p< 0.0001), body mass index (p = 0.0001), waist circumference (p = 0.0255) and fat mass (p = 0.0205) compared to complex carbohydrates. Additionally, blood ketone levels were statistically significantly higher in the almond group (p = 0.0230) than in the complex carbohydrate group. No significant difference was found in the total cholesterol:HDL ratio between the groups, however both groups had statistically improved ratios over time with resulting decreases in cardiovascular risk. The glucose (p = 0.0006), insulin (p< 0.0001), insulin:glucose ratio (p = 0.0008), HgbAlc (p

Mechanisms Of Autoantigen Cleavage During Cell Death, Xiwei Wu

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Specific intracellular autoantigens targeted by autoantibodies in systemic autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases undergo posttranslational modifications, such as cleavage, during cell death that could potentially enhance their immunogenicity. In light of the increasing interest in the immunological consequences of defective clearance of apoptotic cells, we explored whether autoantigens cleaved during apoptosis undergo an additional wave of proteolysis as apoptosis progresses to secondary necrosis in the absence of phagocytosis. Jurkat T cells treated with different apoptosis inducers underwent a rapid apoptosis that gradually progressed to secondary necrosis. During the initial apoptotic stages, several nuclear autoantigens, including PARP, Topo I, and LEDGF/p75 …

Striatal Dopamine Release By Serotonergic Terminals In The Dopamine-Depleted Rat, Kristi Suzanne Rau

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Parkinson’s disease (PD) results from severe dopamine (DA) neuron loss within the substantia nigra pars compacta. In an effort to replace the diminished DA levels, L-dopa, the precursor of DA, is administered. Although the most commonly prescribed medication, the site(s) where L-dopa is converted to DA is not well understood. Three likely striatal sites meeting the requirement of amino acid decarboxylase presence include remaining dopaminergic neurons, serotonergic terminals, and striatal intemeurons.

Studies have shown that serotonin (5-HT) neurons are capable of DA synthesis following exogenous L-dopa administration. In addition, striatal hyperinnervation by serotonergic dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) axon terminals occurs …