Digital Commons Network^™

Effects Of Dietary Calcium And Fasting On Osteoclast Recession And Recruitment In Calcium Deficient Rats, Kenneth R. Wright

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The osteoclast, a multinucleated giant cell, has as its role the resorption of bone matrix with consequent release of calcium. The osteoclast is thought to derive from a pluripotent stem cell which also gives rise to monocytes and macrophages. The development, activation, and inhibition of osteoclasts are influenced by a number of systemic and local factors. The release of these factors is influenced by changes in the dietary status of the animal. Calcium deficiency is known to stimulate the recruitment and activity of large numbers of osteoclasts. These osteoclasts can subsequently be inhibited by increasing dietary calcium intake. Disappearance of …

Examination Of Community Mental Health Services For Persons With Serious Mental Illness: A Descriptive Study Of 31 Counties In Michigan, Pamela C. Werner

Masters Theses

Thirty-one out of 55 Community Mental Health Boards participated in a survey conducted by the Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Michigan. This study examined a number of variables in the questionnaire using a product-moment correlational analysis.

Results indicated that family and consumer input is modestly correlated with comprehensive service delivery and staff/consumer education and training. Budget and the active number of mentally ill cases had a low correlation with comprehensive service delivery and staff/consumer education and training. Interagency collaboration was modestly correlated with program evaluation, and comprehensive services available to consumers. Weaknesses were noted in the management structure of …

The Effect Of Trimethyltin On The Cholinergic System Of The Rat Hippocampus, Richard L. Cannon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Trimethyltin (TMT) is a neurotoxin occurring in the environment. Exposure to (TMT) is known to destroy specific neuronal components of the hippocampus in the rat and to cause clinical symptoms in exposed humans, including mnemonic deficits, that indicate hippocampal involvement. In addition to hippocampal cell loss TMT causes significant increases in cholinergic markers such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) stain density and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity in the hippocampus of rats. However, despite these observations the effect of TMT on hippocampal cholinergic system has not been investigated in detail. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate more fully the consequences …

An In Vitro Study Comparing The Conventional Step-Back Instrumentation Technique To A Combination Step-Back/Ultrasonic Technique, James A. Eberhardt

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Cleaning and shaping the root canal system is an important phase of endodontic therapy, and must be performed thoroughly and completely if successful root canal therapy is to be expected. A number of investigators have compared different methods of cleaning and shaping of the root canal system. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the conventional step-back technique with that of a combination step-back/ultrasonic technique. This combination technique is a modification of the conventional step-back technique using an ultrasonic instrument alternately with hand instrumentation. Utilizing 40 canals from extracted human mandibular molar teeth with a curvature …

Sociolinguistic Dimensions Of Nurse Practitioner Practice: A Question Of Power, Merrily J. Allen Dnsc, Mn, Rn

Dissertations

Ethnographic methods were used to examine the sociolinguistic dimensions of female nurse practitioner interactions with female patients. The purpose was to provide a contextual account of the discursive practices used by the nurse practitioners during routine office visits with female patients. Direction for this research was provided by my concern about power inherent in professional-client dyadic relationships. Data collection methods included formal and informal interviews, participant observation and audio taping nurse-patient encounters. Nine nurse practitioners and 26 patients participated in the study in both private and public ambulatory care settings. Data analysis yielded two concurrent story lines which I labeled …

Neurophysiologic Bases For Abnormal Muscle Coactivation Patterns In Hemiparetic Stroke, Julius P.A. Dewald

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

To study disturbed muscle activation patterns in hemiparetic stroke, the EMG activity in spastic-paretic and contralateral elbow muscles of 10 stroke subjects were compared during graded directionally varying voluntary isometric contractions. We observed significant shifts in the peak EMG angle and increases in the angular range of EMG activity in the impaired upper limb. Furthermore, we observed stereotypic coactivation of many muscles acting at the same joint or at different joints across all subjects.

The effect of elbow angle changes on muscle coactivation patterns was studied by examining isometric torque-angle relations under passive and active conditions in 8 stroke subjects. …

University Students' Personal Histories And Alcohol Programs: A Naturalistic Study, Alexandra E. Michaels

Dissertations

Using a naturalistic inquiry approach, this study sought to generate (a) new insights into the troubling problem of student alcohol abuse as well as (b) a new theoretical basis for alcohol programs. The purpose of the study was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the experiences and characteristics of college students who have discontinued abusive drinking. Using an interview methodology, three main issues were examined: (1) the environmental and personal factors that influenced the participants' drinking behavior and related problems, (2) the factors which hindered or assisted participants in setting and achieving a goal of sobriety or establishing a nonabusive …

The Effects Of Training And Experience On The Ability To Detect Relapse Precipitants In A Substance Abuse Client, Michael F. Sunich

Dissertations

This study examined the effects of training and experience on counselors' ability to detect relapse precipitants in substance abuse clients. Eighty counselor trainees from Western Michigan University and the University of Northern Colorado participated. They were classified as to their previous level of experience and then exposed to either the treatment condition or the control condition. Pretest-posttest data were gathered using a modified version of the Alcohol Confidence Questionnaire (Annis & Graham, 1988) (ACQ-M).

The findings from this study suggest that counselors with previous substance abuse experience tend to show less confidence in a client's ability to remain abstinent than …

The Effect Of Varying Weightload Intensities On Biceps Curl Technique, Jeffrey C. Gailhouse

Masters Theses

This study described biomechanical deviations from proper biceps curl technique specifically in the shoulder, trunk, body and knee angles, that occurred in response to varying intensities of an individual's 1 RM (repetition maximum). Ten college age males participated in the study. Subjects were required to perform one repetition at 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% and 100% of his 1 RM. The only differentiating factor was the order in which the five intensities were performed. Condition order was randomized to minimize bias. Movement was filmed with a high-speed motion picture camera, digitized and then analyzed with computer software.

The findings indicated that …

Identification And Characterization Of Possible Multiple Binding Sites For ((3)H)8-Oh-Dpat In The Hippocampus, Dawna Lea Evans

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Vestibular Stimulation On Expressive Language Of Pre-Schoolers With Down Syndrome, Tiffany Bergo

Masters Theses

Effects of vestibular stimulation, when presented prior to language therapy, on expressive language abilities in pre-school children with Down syndrome were examined. Two subjects participated; one subject completed the study. Vestibular stimulation was therapist- and child-initiated and provided by various types of equipment. The subject's expressive language use (verbal and non-verbal) was videotaped during fifteen minutes of language therapy across a six-week, eleven-session period.

Results of this study indicate that expressive language use increased or improved across many parameters during the vestibular stimulation phase of the study. The subject displayed greatest gains in the use of multiple word utterances and …

The Effects Of Chronic Migraine And Tension Headache On Neuropsychological Functioning, Kerri J. Lamberty

Theses and Dissertations

The present study was designed to examine possible neuropsychological deficits in migraine and tension headache subjects. Past research has been inconclusive, with some studies indicating that chronic migraine headache sufferers do exhibit some neuropsychological deficits such as short-term memory difficulties, gross motor slowing, and verbal memory deficits, while other studies have indicated that no deficits are seen in this group Also examined were headache precipitant and headache-related behaviors that these groups partake in when experiencing headache pain. Past research has suggested that migraine headache sufferers tend to deal with their headache pain differently than tension headache sufferers.

Ninety undergraduate psychology …

Fantasy Proneness And Psychological Coping, Kenneth D. Huff

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, objective measures of self-esteem, satisfaction with life, trait anxiety, and schizotypal psychopathology were administered to 493 subjects representing the full range of fantasy proneness as determined by their scores on the Inventory of Childhood Memories and Imaginings (ICMI); in addition, subjects selected for high, medium, and low levels of fantasy proneness were administered measures of state anxiety and coping skills during a stressful laboratory condition. This was done in order to contribute to the construct validity of fantasy proneness and to provide empirical inquiry into the nature of fantasy proneness as a psychological coping strategy.

In replication …

Efficacy Of A Cycling Approach For The Treatment Of Developmental Verbal Dyspraxic Preschoolers, Janet Rose Lambert

Dissertations and Theses

Two preschool males who presented with the characteristics of developmental verbal dyspraxia were enrolled in a phonological cycles intervention approach. Initially, each child's deviant phonological processes were analyzed by the CAPD and target patterns and words selected for remediation. A continuous speech sample was obtained and analyzed to measure intelligibility by percentage and rating on a seven point scale. A time-space probe was developed based on targeted and non-targeted phonemes and administered prior to the first intervention session. Using the selected targeted patterns and words, an individualized remediation plan was developed, and the phonological process cycling approach used. Each subject …

Changes In Intracellular Chloride During Osmotic Stress And L-Alanine Uptake In Mouse Hepatocytes, Kening Wang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A stable intracellular ionic environment is necessary for hepatocytes to function normally. Thus, during hypotonic shock or L-alanine uptake, hepatocytes swell and then exhibit a regulatory volume decrease (RVD), which comprises an increase in K$\sp+$ conductance (G$\sb{\rm K}$), an increased K$\sp+$ efflux, and a hyperpolarization of transmembrane potential (V$\sb{\rm m}$). Since hepatocyte intracellular Cl$\sp-$ has been demonstrated to distribute passively with V$\sb{\rm m}$, this study is designed to test the hypothesis that the hypotonic shock- or L-alanine uptake-induced hyperpolarization of V$\sb{\rm m}$ might provide an electromotive force for the efflux of hepatocyte intracellular Cl$\sp-$, which in turn would contribute osmotically …

A Comparison Of Expressive Vocabulary Produced By Nonambulatory, Speaking Preschool Children And Ambulatory Speaking Preschool Children, Kim Denise Baker

Dissertations and Theses

Children with severe physical disabilities often do not have the capabilities for oral communication. Professionals are frequently faced with selecting vocabulary for children who are unable to use vocal output because of severe motor impairments. A child who is nonambulatory may have additional reasons for communicating and sees the world from a different viewpoint than his ambulatory peers. Selecting appropriate words for an initial lexicon that are useful to nonspeaking disabled children that also meet normal language acquisition standards is a concern. This study specifically addresses this concern by looking at the vocabulary differences of ambulatory and nonambulatory preschool children. …

Parental Factors Related To The Use Of Car Seats For Children, Clara Rustin

MSN Research Projects

Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death and injury in children. Studies have shown that placing children in car seats can prevent injury and save lives. The purpose of this study was to identify parental factors related to the use of car seats for infant, toddler, and preschool children. A descriptive design was selected for this study to identify which parental factors impact on the use of car seats. The research question which guided this study was what are the parental factors related to the use of automobile car seats for infant, toddler, and preschool children. A convenience sample …

Comparison Of Level Of Satisfaction By Hiv-Infected Clients Who Have Received Care From Nurse Practitioners And Physicians In Outpatient Settings, Michael Hoffman

MSN Research Projects

Few studies have been done that examine the acceptance of nurse practitioners as providers of care by persons infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of satisfaction with care as experienced by the HIV-infected client in an outpatient setting who has received care from both nurse practitioners and physicians. The Health Belief Model (HBM) developed by Rosenstock, Hochbaum, and Kegeles in the 1950s, and specifically the concept of self-efficacy, was chosen as the conceptual framework for this study. In this descriptive study the null hypothesis examined was there will be …

The Effect Of Participation In A Wellness Program On Employee Productivity, Absenteeism, And Medical Costs, Wynelle Benson

MSN Research Projects

Although some studies have determined a positive relationship between participation in a wellness program and job performance, no research had focused specifically on the older employee. In the next 10 to 15 years, companies will be retaining and recruiting older workers. Therefore, the purpose of this descriptive, retrospective study was to examine the effects of elder employee participation in a wellness program that includes aerobic activity. The Neuman Systems Model was used as the theoretical framework to guide this study. The sample (N = 30) consisted of blue-collar workers, age 50 years or older, who were randomly selected using a …

Health-Risk Behaviors Of Adolescents In Southwest Mississippi, Irene J. Martin

MSN Research Projects

Early mortality among youth in the United States has prompted research to determine precipitating causes. It is believed that health-related behaviors are learned early in life and persist into adulthood. During the developmental period of adolescence, coping behaviors which may have positive or negative effects on teens' lives are adopted. These behaviors predispose adolescents to preventable premature death, disease, and social problems. The purpose of this descriptive study was to replicate and expand the research done by St. Lawrence and Brasfield (1991). This replicated survey expanded the population to include adolescents in Grades 7 and 8, ages 12 to 14 …

Coping Strategies And Effectiveness In School-Age Children With Cystic Fibrosis, Carmen M. Redlin

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the coping strategies and effectiveness in school age children with cystic fibrosis.

Utilization Of Community Service Programs By Elders In Rural Areas, Eddie Moore

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this descriptive study was to identify existing community service programs and barriers to their use as identified by elders living in rural areas.

Benefits Of The Geriatric Nurse Clinician Role Within The Hospital Setting: A Quasi-Experimental Study, Gena Anne Vail

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to assss the benefits to the patient of the geriatric nurse clinician role within the hospital setting.

Comparison Of The Incidence Of Couvade Syndrome Among Fathers Who Attend Childbirth Classes And Fathers Who Do Not Attend Childbirth Classes, Jenean H. Smith

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of Couvade Syndrome among those fathers who attended childbirth classes and those who did not attend childbirth classes.

Development Of Periapical Lesions In Immunosuppressed Rats, Phillip A. Waterman Jr.

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The pathogenesis of periapical lesions is the interaction of the oral flora with the existing host defenses. The role of bacteria has been established in endodontic disease but the contribution of the host defenses in periapical lesion formation is less clear. The purpose of this study was to compare periapical lesion development in immunosuppressed rats with that in normal rats. Thirty-five, eight-week old Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into seven groups. Groups 1, 2, and 3 were given weekly injections of Cytoxan, an immunosuppressive agent. Groups 4, 5, and 6 received no immunosuppressive therapy. Group 7 served as a control, …

Antibacterial Effects Of Various Endodontic Irrigants And Medicaments On Selected Anaerobic Bacteria, Patrick K. Ohara

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study was undertaken to determine the antibacterial effects of various endodontic irrigants and medicaments against six selected anaerobic bacteria. In part 1, the organisms were mixed separately with dilutions of six irrigants in tubes containing fluid thioglycolate broth and allowed to remain in contact for specific time periods before being evaluated for growth. In part 2, the vapors of six medicaments were tested using agar plates streaked with the bacteria.

For part 1, the six irrigants were ranked as to their ability to inhibit bacterial growth. Statistical analysis showed that chlorhexidine and hydrogen peroxide were significantly more effective as …

Retrofilling Materials : The Effects Of Two Setting Times On The Degree Of Dye Leakage Of Retrograde Filling Materials, Robert K. Higa

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Sealing of the root canal system is usually accomplished by the conservative endodontic approach. Cases where it is impossible to treat nonsurgically are usually treated surgically by an apicoectomy and retrofill. There is a lot of controversy in the literature over which retrofilling material is closest to ideal. Presently, the most popular materials seem to be Amalgam, Super EBA, and IRM. For this reason, these materials were chosen for this study to evaluate the leakage potential at two different time intervals to see if setting time of the material had any influence on the amount of leakage.

Seventy extracted single …

Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1 Expression In Developing Ovine Teeth As Visualized By In Situ Hybridization, Søren Jepsen

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Recently we demonstrated that human dentin contained relatively high amounts of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) and proposed that dentin TGF-ß originated from odontoblasts. Because of the suggested role of TGF-ß in mediating cellular interactions in dental cell development by paracrine mechanisms, we studied the expression of TGF-ß message in developing teeth by in situ hybridization. 5 µm serial sections of neonatal sheep mandibular third molars that had been fixed in glutaraldehyde and paraffin-embedded were used for in situ analysis. An [³⁵S]-labeled cRNA probe, complementary to TGF-ß1 mRNA, was constructed from human TGF-ß1 cDNA. Northern analysis of total …

A Pilot Study On The Evaluation Of Short Term Effects Of Jasper Jumper Therapy, Eric D. Fraser

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Lateral cephalometric radiographs were obtained for ten patients treated with Jasper Jumper appliances from three locations. Pre and post-appliance measurements were compared to determine the cephalometric effects seen in this group of patients. All patients in this study exhibited mesofacial to brachyfacial growth patterns and were all of growing age. All patients were treated to Class I along the complete buccal segment. The results yielded the following conclusions: 1) the facial axis did not open and the lower face height did not increase significantly for this group of patients, 2) there is an intrusive effect delivered to the upper first …

A Shear Bondstrength Evaluation Of Five Orthodontic Light-Cured Adhesives, Perry M. Unruh

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

In this study, the shear bondstrengths of five commercially available orthodontic light-cured adhesives were evaluated with respect to two types of curing lights and various cure-times. A total of 160 Transcend brackets (mechanical retention) were utilized. The brackets were individually bonded to knurled stainless steel testing rings via the respective adhesives. Each bracket was sheared from the testing ring using an Instron machine. For each adhesive a 2, 5, 10, and 20 second cure-time, and an immediate, 5 minute, 20 minute, and 24 hour shear test time was employed. The adhesives were cured using high intensity and low intensity visible …