Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Reproducibility Of Periodontal Probing, Su-Fang Wang

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study evaluated reproducibility of periodontal probing by conventional manual and automated force-controlled electronic probes. A total of 1206 sites (6 sites per tooth including maxillary and mandibular incisor/canine, premolar, and molar sites) in 15 patients with history of moderate or advanced chronic periodontal disease were examined. Probings included probing pocket depths (PD), as well as probing attachment levels (PAL) from a reference stent. Measurements were recorded to the nearest 0.5 mm with both methods. Patients were examined twice, 7 to 10 days apart. At each visit, all sites were probed first with the conventional probe and then with the …

The Effect Of The Cooper Wellness Program In Promoting Long- Term Lifestyle Behavior Changes, Ernesto P. S. Medina Jr.

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Most research on health behavior change programs examines their effectiveness in producing initial behavior changes, but fails to evaluate long-term maintenance of those changes. This study examined the effectiveness of the Cooper Wellness Program (CWP) in Dallas, Texas, in promoting maintenance of lifestyle behavior changes for one year or longer in the areas of diet, exercise, and stress management.

The CWP offers an intensive live-in lifestyle behavior modification program in four-, seven-, or 13-day formats. Data were collected from 223 individuals who attended the CWP between January, 1989, to February, 1992. The study addressed the following areas: 1) long-term maintenance …

Aerotaxis In Bacillus Subtilis, Laurence Samuel Wong

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

B. subtilis, like Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium, responded to a step increase in oxygen concentration by swimming smoothly (~ 35 s duration) and to a decrease in oxygen by tumbling. In a spatial gradient of oxygen in liquid media, a band of cells congregated near the air interface. Aerotaxis required a functioning respiratory chain. Adaptation of B. subtilis, E. coli and S. typhimurium to media containing amino acids requires methylation of receptors/methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins. Adaptation to oxygen and phosphotransferase sugar substrates in B. subtilis was dependent on methylation, unlike similar adaptation in E. coli and S. typhimurium. …

Interleukin 1-Beta In Symptomatic And Asymptomatic Human Periradicular Lesions, Gerald C. Lim

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Interleukin 1-Beta has been shown to be a potent mediator of bone resorption and has been implicated in resorption in periradicular lesions. In this study we compared the local concentrations of IL-1β in symptomatic and asymptomatic human periradicular lesions. Periradicular tissues from patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic lesions were obtained and stored at -70°C. Pulpal tissues from unerupted third molars and chronically inflamed gingival tissues were also obtained and used as negative and positive controls, respectively. Tissue samples were homogenized, and supernatants were assayed for IL-1β by ELISA. Significantly higher levels of IL-1β were found in symptomatic and asymptomatic lesions …

Assessment Of The Accuracy Of Three Methods Of Computerized Growth Prediction Of The Soft Tissue Profile, In Untreated Individuals, Pat Diciccio

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study was performed to determine the accuracy and reliability of the long range growth predictions for profile structures by three computer software systems (QuickCeph™ for Apple Macintosh™ systems. Rocky Mountain Data Systems™ for IBM™ mainframe systems, and Facial Print™ for IBM™ personal computers), on untreated individuals. The total sample consisted of 90 Caucasian children from the Burlington Growth Centre. These were subdivided into groups of 15 children in each of mesiofacial, dolichofacial, and brachyfacial growth types for both males and females, with Angle class I occlusions, normal overbite, and normal overjet. Points measured consisted of 14 skeletal and soft …

A Study Of Crown And Root Angulation On Maxillary First And Second Bicuspids, Craig A. Chamberlain

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Pre-adjusted bracket systems offer the clinician the convenience of working with both fewer in number and smaller in magnitude adjustments of an archwire. The purpose of this in vitro study was to examine the normal variations in crown angulation of individual maxillary bicuspids, in a simulated flat plane of occlusion, and how this relates to marginal ridge discrepancies. A second purpose of this study was to examine these same teeth for the angulations of the roots. Fifty maxillary first bicuspids and thirty eight second bicuspids from the Loma Linda University Dental School restorative dentistry department were, in a flat plane …

An Evaluation Of Surface Enamel Damage Following The Debonding Of Ceramic Brackets : A Follow-Up Study, C. Steven Edney

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Surface enamel damage was evaluated after debonding ceramic brackets on forty-four bicuspid teeth. These teeth had been previously bonded with two different types of ceramic brackets. One of the brackets utilized a mechanical base for retention and the other bracket utilized a polycarbonate base for retention. The brackets were bonded to the respective teeth for a total of seven to ten days. After debonding, the teeth were extracted and evaluated with a scanning electron microscope. A metal bracket SEM scan was used for a control. The study concluded that: 1) all brackets alter the surface enamel, 2) metal brackets cause …

A Non-Human Primate Model For Evaluating A Fenestration Corticotomy Technique, Philip G. M. Khng

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

A study model has been designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a new fenestration corticotomy procedure in two non-human primates Macaca fasicularis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a new conservative corticotomy procedure to facilitate dental translation using fenestrations. This pilot study compared treatment and control quadrants of each individual animal's maxilla and mandible with both having the same retraction appliance and force on the 2nd premolar following extraction of the 1st molars. The null hypothesis stated that there was no significant statistical difference between the new conservative corticotomy procedure (fenestrations) when compared with …

Suppressive Effects Of Transforming Factor-Β And Interleukin-10 On The Cytolytic Activity Of Murine Macrophages And Reversal By Cytokines, Chin-Hung Lin

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

In this study, the suppressive effects of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) on peritoneal macrophage killing of H238 target cells and the potential for reversal of the immunosuppressive effect by IL-4 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were investigated. The responsiveness of naive and peptone-activated macrophages was compared. The cytolytic activity for tumor cells of these effector cells was measured by percent lysis of ³H-thymidine labeled Herpes simplex virus type 2-transformed tumor cells (H238). After 18-24 hours of incubation with TGF-β or IL-10, the cytolytic activity of macro-medium alone. The immunosuppressive effect of TGF-β or IL-10 on non-activated macrophages was …

Soft Tissue Changes Of The Lower Lip Following Isolated Mandibular Advancement Osteotomies, Ronald Roy A. Simus

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the soft tissue changes that occur following isolated mandibular advancement surgery. A sample of 70 non-growing patients were examined by tracing pre and post-operative radiographs. Then various landmarks were chosen and hand measured to determine hard and soft tissue changes. Significant correlations were found for many of the horizontal and vertical tissue landmarks and weaker correlations for all other landmarks. The decrease in the interlabial gap and the angular changes in the lower lip reflect the direction of surgical movement. The data from this study supports previous studies of smaller sample sizes …

Thymic Peptide Modulates Glutathione Redox Cycle And Antioxidant Enzymes In Macrophages, Choon Sil Park

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The effect of a 6-kDa thymic peptide (TP) on the oxidative burst of a murine macrophage cell line J774 was determined. TP (12.5-200 μg/ml) was incubated with 5 x 10⁵ J774 cells at 37° C and 5% C0₂ for 18 h and oxidative burst was triggered by zymosan; chemiluminescence was amplified by luminol and measured in an automated luminometer. TP exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibition of oxidative burst. To study the mechanisms involved in TP’s inhibition of oxidative burst, its effect on the glutathione (GSH) redox cycle, GSH biosynthesis, and antioxidant enzymes was investigated. TP was shown to increase …

Evaluation Of Trismus Associated With Mandibular Fractures As It Relates To The Need For Direct Laryngoscopy And Intubation : A Prospective Study, Stephen T. Goei

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Trismus associated with mandibular fractures is thought to increase the risks of general anesthesia. Nasotracheal intubation is necessary since the dental arches will be occluded at the end of the procedure. To establish an airway, an awake nasal intubation or fiberoptic endoscopy is required if direct laryngoscopy cannot be performed due to trismus. A prospective analysis of fifty-one patients with various types of mandibular fractures indicated that trismus was for the most part due to two factors, pain induced guarding and infection. In this series, direct laryngoscopy was easily performed after induction and paralyzation in cases without infection. Direct laryngoscopy …

The Impact Of A Primary Health Care Training Program On Morbidity In Kiyeyi, Rural Uganda, 1986-1991 : An Evaluation Of The Uganda-Finland Health Care Program, Marja-Leena Salin

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study examines the effects of primary health care education efforts in reducing the disease case rates of acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea, malnutrition and measles in a rural Ugandan population between 1986 and 1991.

The intervention, a health education program offered by the Kiyeyi Health Center staff, consisted of a 12-week intensive training for community health workers and traditional birth attendants. Follow-up and supervision took place at regular intervals and continuing education was arranged every other year. Beginning in 1986, this training program was introduced in the first of seven clusters of villages, then expanded successively on an annual basis …

Caffeine And Nicotine : A Review Of Their Combined Use, Interactive Effects And The Impact Of Caffeine Abstinence On Tobacco Cessation And Withdrawal, John A. Swanson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

There is good epidemiologic support to suggest a strong significant relationship between coffee consumption and smoking. In six epidemiological studies reviewed and analyzed, 86.4% of smokers consumed coffee versus 77.2% of nonsmokers. Seventeen experimental studies suggest that the phannacologic effect of caffeine in coffee may be partially but not totally responsible for the relationship. The behavioral relationship appears to be supported by conditioning, a reciprocal interaction (caffeine intake increases anxiety/arousal - nicotine decreases it), and combined effects of third variables (e.g., stress, alcohol).

In abstinent smokers, caffeine plasma levels increase, remain elevated for as long as six months and may …

Diet And Colon Cancer Risk In The Population Of Thailand, Nithat Sirichotiratana

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Epidemiological studies have emphasized environmental influences, especially a diet high in animal fat and low in fiber, as major risk factors for colon cancer. In order to examine the relationship between dietary fat and fiber and occurrence of colon cancer, patient medical records from the National Cancer Institute between 1981-1991 were used for the first hospital-based case-control study of diet and colon cancer in Thailand. These records included a total of 168 cases and 357 controls. Data on the frequency consumption of various food items were obtained by using an existing food frequency questionnaire, completed as part of patient’s history …

Self-Efficacy And Self-Care In The Hypertensive Female Patient, Robert Davis Lutz

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study focused upon physician/patient interaction as it pertains to patient involvement in personal health-care planning decision making, and self-care. The study was a multi-intervention trial that allowed for testing the effectiveness of two instruments used separately or simultaneously, in combination. Participants were 73 female patients, ages 41 to 76, diagnosed with essential hypertension and requiring medication for control.

Patients were randomly assigned to four groups: 1) a control group that was given no intervention, 2) a Pre-Knowledge Intervention (PKI) group that was given an interactive treatment plan with foreknowledge of what their physicians would probably do at their next …