Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Bacteremia Associated With Early Childhood Caries, Eddie Chang

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Previous research has investigated the post-operative bacteria levels caused by a variety of clinical procedures such as anesthetic injections, standard dental procedures, endodontic treatment, periodontal surgery, root scaling, and oral surgical procedures in children. Other studies have suggested that bacteremias are often caused by oral infections. Although numerous studies have examined how oral infections lead to various medical conditions (i.e. brain abscess) none have studied the potential for preoperative bacteremia that may arise in conjunction with early childhood caries (ECC). The purpose of this study was to compare potential systemic facultative and anaerobic bacteria found in otherwise healthy children who …

Effect Of Monounsaturated Fat Rich Almonds On Hemostatic And Inflammatory Factors In Healthy Adults, Kristianne M. Connell

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: The frequent consumption of nuts is inversely associated with the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Nuts are known to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing serum total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Markers of inflammation including C-reactive protein, E-selectin and interleukin-6 have been proposed to be newer risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, the influence of nuts such as almonds on markers of inflammation and hemostasis that influence cardiovascular disease risk is not currently known.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of almond consumption on markers of inflammation and hemostatic factors in healthy …

Effects Of A Serine 364 To Proline Mutation Of The Connexin43 Protein In Transgenic Mice, Chia-Ling Nhan-Chang

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

[Abstract Not Included]

Breathlessness Descriptors In Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Versus Congestive Heart Failure, Adelaide De Souza Caroci

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This cross-sectional descriptive study investigated breathlessness (dyspnea) in stable patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). The purpose of this study was (a) to characterize the most common terms COPD and CHF patients use to describe their breathing, (b) to identify the frequency of dyspnea in patients with COPD and CHF, and (c) to determine the intensity of dyspnea in these populations.

A purposive sample of 60 patients, 30 with moderate to severe COPD and 30 patients with moderate to severe CHF, met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in this study. The participants provided …

Development Of A Model For Infective Endocarditis Via Intravenous Injection And Tooth Infection Of Rats Using Pathogenic Bacteria, Shahrokh Shabahang

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Historically, focal areas of infection have been linked to a number of systemic ailments. During the early part of the 20th century, patients who were suffering from inexplicable diseases and who were suspected of having infected teeth were referred to the dentist for multiple extraction of their dentition. The discovery of antibiotics provided a false sense of security that the war against microorganisms is no longer a concern for mankind. However, more recently, it has become common belief that increasing numbers of systemic diseases are linked to chronic infections. Recovery of bacteria from representative tissues has led investigators to believe …

Update - November 2001, Loma Linda University Center For Christian Bioethics

Update

In this issue:

[ Too Risky for Research? ]
-- Human Research with Vulnerable Humans
-- Why Did Jesus Die?

-- Earn a Master's degree from Loma Linda University
-- Center for Christian Bioethics News & Events

Loma Linda Nurse - Vol. 10, No. 02, Loma Linda University School Of Nursing

Loma Linda Nurse

Contents

2 | A message from the dean

4 | Loma Linda NURSE news

9 | LLUSN mentoring program

10 | WANTED: a few good nurses

14 |2000–2001 donor report

21 | Alumni Homecoming, 2002

22 | LLUSN alumna receives recognition

24 | Alumni Association news

25 | School of Nursing to celebrate 100th anniversary

27 | Near and far

30 | In memory

A Practice Analysis Survey: Defining The Clinical Practice Of Primary Care Physical Therapy, Edsen Bermudez Donato

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background and Purpose. Due to changes in the health care delivery systems, physical therapy services have moved toward a primary care model of practice. The purpose of this study was to identify the professional responsibilities, procedures, and knowledge areas of physical therapists practicing in primary care settings.

Subjects. A sample of 212 physical therapists practicing in primary care settings, and a control group of 250 physical therapists not practicing in primary care settings were surveyed.

Methods. The survey instrument was developed with the assistance of a National Advisory Committee (NAC) consisting of 12 subject matter experts. A modified Delphi …

An Evaluation Of Progressively Loaded Root Form Dental Implants Placed Into Extraction Sites, Franco Audia

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The conventional protocol for placement of endosseous root form implants requires up to twelve months of ossification of the extraction socket prior to implant placement. An alternative approach includes the immediate placement of dental implants into a prepared extraction socket following tooth removal. The purpose of this study was to compare conventionally placed non-loaded dental implants with those placed immediately into extraction sockets and progressively loaded in adult patients. A total of twenty implants were placed in eighteen patients and followed for a twelve-month period.

Clinically, no significant differences between conventional and immediately placed dental implants were observed. Radiographically, immediately …

A Model For Hiv/Aids Risk Behaviors Of Students In Armenia, Talin Babikian

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Without a cure in now its third decade, AIDS is a concern for both the medical and social science disciplines. Most at risk for a nationwide AIDS epidemic are developing countries, which often lack the necessary resources and knowledge to minimize the spread of the disease. There are an estimated 1500 HIV cases in Armenia, 81.5% of which occur in the 20-39 age group. Armenia’s current economic and political instability, increase in sexually transmitted infections (STI), prostitution, and injecting drug use, and the alarming incidence rates in neighboring countries amplify its risk for a national epidemic.

The goals of this …

A Novel Strategy Utilizing Co-Expression Of Murine Il-12 And Antisense Tgf-Pl Against H238 Tumor Formation, Craig A. Seheult

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Cytokines have a profound effect on immune modulation, thus playing a significant role in cancer gene therapy. A variety of human carcinomas secrete transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), a cytokine with potent immunosuppressive properties. Suppressing TGF-β could be a key to successfully combating malignancies, such as gliomas, mammary, and colon cancers, that over-express TGF-β. Conversely, interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a potent immunostimulatory cytokine capable of regulating T and NK cell-mediated cytotoxic responses (Trinchieri, 1994) during an anti-tumor response. Activation of the immune system with such immunostimulatory cytokines renders it inert to the suppressive effects of TGF-β. To better understand these processes our …

Effects Of Liposome-Encapsulated Tnf-Alpha And Radiation Against Colon Cancer, Dong Won Kim

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Previous studies have shown that tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) can augment the antitumor effects of radiation, inhibiting tumor progression to a greater extent than either modality alone. However, nonspecific toxicities associated with TNF-α have limited its use as an adjuvant. This limitation is potentially resolved with the encapsulation of TNF-α in sterically stabilized, PEGylated liposomes (STEALTH®). Thus, the overall hypothesis of the research was that the combination of radiation with STEALTH® liposome encapsulated TNF-α (SL-TNF-α) will have greater efficacy and fewer dose-limiting side effects in the LS174T human colorectal tumor xenograft model compared to the combination of free TNF-α and …

Loma Linda Nurse - Vol. 10, No. 01, Loma Linda University School Of Nursing

Loma Linda Nurse

Table of Contents

2 | A message from the dean

4 | Loma Linda NURSE news

9 | H.O.T. report

10 | For the Love of Jessica: SN students and faculty member serve at-risk youths

12 | 1999–2000 Donor report

18 | Remembering those you love

19 | Alumni president’s message

20 | Alumni weekend—2001

22 | Alumnae of the Year—2001

25 | Humanitarian of the Year—2001

26 | Near and far

19 | In memory

Commencement Program 2001, Loma Linda University

Commencement Programs

CONTENTS

2 | 2001 Events of Commencement

3 | The Academic Procession

4 | The Speakers

10 | The University Honorees

18 | The School Honorees

26 | The Programs

• School of Medicine, 27
• School of Dentistry, 34
• Graduate School, 42
• School of Nursing, 51
• School of Allied Health Professions - Physical Therapy, 56
• School of Allied Health Professions, 63
• School of Public Health, 71

Covenantal Ethics: A Living System For Living Systems, Matthew D. Viel

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Covenantal ethics is a living system for living systems. We humans are not simple, isolated individuals living stagnant, dead lives. Rather we are immersed in a complex system of living, glowing and developing interpersonal relationships with others. Philosophy in general and ethics in particular are often looked upon as dead or dormant entities. Covenantal ethics is neither. It is a living approach to the philosophy of ethics that recognizes the dynamic system in which we live. Our world recently welcomed a new millennium. We moved forward, leaving behind much of the old and eagerly anticipating what was to come. One …

Prediction Of Long-Term Intellectual And Neuropsychological Effects Of Closed Head Injury In Infants And Children, Tamara Sue Brenner

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The ability to predict long-term intellectual and neuropsychological outcome (1-7 years post-injury) in children (ages 1 week - 14 years at injury) with a history of closed head injury were investigated. Clinical indicators of injury severity including EEG reading and age at injury as well as ’H-MRS variables of NAA/Ch, Ch/Cr, and lactate presence accurately classified 100% of children as functioning either within or above the average range or below the average range for most outcome measures. Combined clinical and H-MRS variables accounted for approximately 50% of the variance in outcome confirming the validity of their predictive use and also …

Hard Tissue Forming Potential Of Mta Compared To Common Root-End Filling Materials, Nooshin Noghreian

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

An ideal characteristic of root-end filling materials used in endodontics is the ability to enhance hard tissue formation. Studies have shown that MTA has the potential to enhance hard tissue formation when placed in contact with periradicular tissues. The mechanisms involved in hard tissue formation of MTA and other root-end filling materials have not been completely elucidated. The purpose of this investigation was to study the mechanism of hard tissue formation of commonly used root-end filling materials and MTA by evaluating alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and cell layer protein. Extracts of materials tested in this experiment were added to the …

The Effect Of Chronic Hypoxia On Cardiac Function In The Fetal Ovine Heart, Rodney David Rodrigo

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

It has been shown that long-term high altitude hypoxia during pregnancy was associated with a decrease in cardiac contractility in fetal sheep. Given that hypoxia caused apoptotic cell death in fetal and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, the present study tested the hypothesis that chronic hypoxia during pregnancy increases apoptosis in the fetal sheep heart. Pregnant (d 30) sheep were divided between normoxic control and chronically hypoxic (maintained at high altitude, 3,820 m, PaO₂: 60 Torr for 110 days) groups. Hearts were isolated from near-term (d 140) fetal sheep, and samples from all four chambers, right and left atria, and …

Evaluating Pit And Fissure Sealant Materials When Used As Bonding Agents In Preventive Resin Restorations, Paul Shields Gerber

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Preventive resin restorations (PRR) are an increasingly popular alternative to the traditional amalgam restoration for small occlusal caries in posterior teeth. The technique for placing the PRR was first suggested by Simonsen (1980) and involved a minimal removal of tooth structure. After preparation, the tooth is etched, followed by an application of a bonding agent, filled with composite, and then sealed with a pit and fissure sealant. In an attempt to simplify the protocol of the PRR this study was designed to determine if pit and fissure sealant material could serve a dual role and eliminate the need for a …

Cocaine Induces Apoptosis In Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells: Cellular And Molecular Mechanisms, Jiale He

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Cocaine abuse has been associated with numerous cardiovascular consequences, such as depressed myocardial contractility, elevated blood pressure, coronary artery vasoconstriction, and myocardial ischemia and infarction. The multifactorial effects of cocaine often contribute to its sympathomimetic function. However, the direct cytotoxic effects of cocaine on the cardiovascular system, especially vascular endothelium, and the cellular and molecular mechanisms remain unknown. The present study was designed to examine the general hypothesis that cocaine induces apoptosis of coronary artery endothelium by suppressing nitric oxide synthesis, stimulating cytochrome c release from mitochondria and subsequently activation of the caspases cascade, which lead to endothelial cell apoptosis. …

A Comparison Of The Semi-Adjustable Articulator And The Virtual Articulator By Centric Relation And Centric Occlusion Contacts, Donald Shane Witherow

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The articulator as we know it has evolved since the late 1700's, however, it has not changed much in function since the 1970's. Our methods of determining contact information i.e., centric stops and pre-maturities also has not changed much beyond that of "carbon paper". With the advent of new computer technologies, dental models are now being placed into the virtual world through variations of image slicing and laser scanning. The purpose of this paper is to determine if the Occlusogram developed by OrthoCad is as accurate as common methods currently used to determine occlusal contacts.

Twenty dental students volunteered to …

Optimum Bonding Time Of Four Different Curing Lights, Nathan Don Cotten

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

With the development of new high-intensity curing lights, the time required to bond orthodontic brackets is steadily decreasing. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum curing time for bonding orthodontic brackets using four different visible curing lights (Standard Optilux 501, High Intensity Optilux 501 with Turbo Tip, Virtuoso Plasma Arc, and ESPE LED light). This study also tested the new generation of light emitting diode (LED) lights to determine if they can be used for bonding orthodontic brackets. Three hundred freshly extracted bovine teeth were mounted in acrylic resin and divided into 20 groups of 15 teeth …

Factors In Predicting The Number Of Home Care Physical Visits, Bruce D. Bradley

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

There has been a significant increase in the utilization of home health care during the past decade. Medicare has attempted to control home care costs by 1) allowing Medicare beneficiaries to join Health Maintenance Organizations, and 2) requiring the use of the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) for all patients admitted to home care services. These changes have challenged the home care physical therapist to be a better predictor of the total number of visits needed to complete the rehabilitation process. This was a retrospective study of 335 patients who received home health care physical therapy. The first part …

Toward The Optimal Waveform For Electrical Stimulation, Scott Douglas Bennie

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Electrical stimulation (ES) is used to strengthen muscle, improve abnormal tone, and improve the healing rate of pressure sores. Four male and three female research subjects received four minute bouts of electrically stimulated isometric contractions equal to 10% of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of their right quadriceps muscle to study subjective comfort and physiological responses to different waveforms, including Russian, interferential, sine, and square. Frequency remained constant at 30pps. The pulse width for the Russian waveform was 200ps, while the sine, square, and interferential waveforms used a lOOps pulse width. The amplitude of stimulation was adjusted to maintain the …

Disability Self-Assessment And Upper Quarter Muscle Balance In Females, Eric Glenn Johnson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background and Purpose. This study compared upper quarter muscle balance of working female dental hygienists and non-dental hygiene females who had no history of upper quarter pathology. The upper quarter was operationally defined as the shoulder and neck region; and muscle balance, as muscular flexibility and muscular performance. Muscular performance was operationally defined as a combination of strength and endurance.

Subjects. The study group consisted of 41 working dental hygienists between the ages of 22 and 60 years with a mean age of 38 years. The control group consisted of 46 non-dental hygienists between the ages of 20 and 54 …

A Continued Investigation Of Craniofacial Growth In Infant Heart Transplant Recipients Receiving Cyclosporine, John Michael Cornali

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Cyclosporine is an effective immunosuppressive drug that has found widespread application in organ transplantation. A couple of studies, however, have implicated cyclosporine as adversely affecting craniofacial growth in the pediatric population. The purpose of this follow-up study was to continue to evaluate the possible untoward effects of long-term use of cyclosporine on craniofacial growth in a group of infant heart transplantation recipients by re-evaluating as many subjects as possible from the original study and evaluating new subjects. A prospective group (N=29) of eighteen Caucasian subjects (7 female and 11 male, ages 6-15 years) and eleven Hispanic subjects (3 female and …

Evaluation Of Alveolar And Soft Tissue Changes After Muscular Release Surgery In Patients Undergoing Fixed Orthodontic Therapy, Virginia Bernal

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study compared pre-treatment to post-treatment changes in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy who have had muscular release surgery. The alveolar and soft tissue changes in the mandible of 128 subjects from a private practice in Northern Italy (74 females and 54 males) were analyzed. In addition, comparisons were made of changes related to age, gender, facial type, and movement of the lower incisor. Lateral cephalograms were analyzed before and after treatment for skeletal, esthetic, and dentoalveolar changes. Photographs were used to assess changes in the soft tissue of the lower anterior region at pretreatment (Tl) versus post-treatment (T2). The …

The Effect Of Thermocycling On Orthodontic Adhesives As Measured By Tensile Bond Strength, James Changwon Choi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of thermocycling only on the tensile bond strengths of four orthodontic adhesives. With the advent of bonded orthodontic brackets, spontaneous bond failures have been a constant confounding phenomenon. Consequently, numerous studies have been published dealing with the 'bond strength' issue. The focus of these studies is varied, and range from the mode of tooth surface preparation, the type of adhesive, and the type of bracket base design used.

Other studies investigated the effects of different testing methods, such as the traditional shear/peel-type to impact testing. This study was designed to …

The Effects Of Education On Fear-Avoidance Behavior Of Subjects With Work-Related Low Back Pain, Marie A. Anger

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background and Purpose. Fear-avoidance behavior contributes to chronic low back pain. The purpose of this study was to determine whether patient education on fear-avoidance behavior added to conventional physical therapy would have significant effects on return to work status in contrast to a comparison group with only physical therapy intervention. Return to work status was measured by the length of time from the initial injury to the subject’s return to work on regular duty.

Subjects. Thirty-four workers’ compensation subjects with low back pain who exhibited fear-avoidance behavior, according to their responses to the Fear- Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, were alternately assigned …

Probing Bone Level Measurements For Determination Of The Depths Of Class Ii Furcation Defects, Youngil Suh

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Probing bone measurements as an alternative to open bone measurements to evaluate regenerative procedures in furcation defects do not seem to have been used as of yet. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the reliability of probing bone measurements in such defects.

Methods:15 patients scheduled for surgical treatment of a total of 30 mandibular 1st or 2nd molars with buccal or lingual class II furcation defects were studied. During treatment, duplicate vertical and horizontal recordings of probing attachment levels, probing bone levels and open bone levels were taken by independent examiners. Results: Deviations of both …