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Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is: Reforming Organized Dentistry To Address Persistent Oral Health Disparities In The U.S., Aparna Chintapalli

Pomona Senior Theses

The importance of oral health has been largely neglected from the conventional standards of healthcare in terms of public understanding & prioritization, the industrial infrastructure, and the scope of prevention & early-intervention services. Its adjunctive locus to the field of medicine has lead to the bifurcation of the oral cavity from the rest of the human body. As a result of this divide, there have been multiple factors that have allowed socially stratified oral health outcomes to manifest. This thesis examines the determinants of oral health disparities through a multidisciplinary lens (i.e. biology, public policy, infrastructure), and offers evidence of …

Llusd Articulator - Volume 30, Number 1, Loma Linda University School Of Dentistry

Articulator (Dentistry)

Contents:

4 | Dean's Message
6 | Dean's Challenge stimulates curriculum
10 | Team Steam gets new machines
12 | Student Study Group published
14 | Alumus donates 250K surgical specimens
16 | Eun-Hwi Cho named assistant dean, and Montry Suprono directs CDR
20 | Alumni Student Convention #59
22 | LLUSD’s 63rd conferring of degrees
38 | Student researchers storm CDA
46 | Imaging Clinic’s new J. Morita X800

No Evidence That Portion Size Influences Food Consumption In Male Sprague Dawley Rats, Fabien Naniex, Sophie C. Pinder, Megan Y. Summers, Renee M. Rouleau, Eric Robinson, Kevin P. Myers, James E. Mccutcheon

Faculty Journal Articles

In studies of eating behavior that have been conducted in humans, the tendency to consume more when given larger portions of food, known as the portion size effect (PSE), is one of the most robust and widely replicated findings. Despite this, the mechanisms that underpin it are still unknown. In particular, it is unclear whether the PSE arises from higher-order social and cognitive processes that are unique to humans or, instead, reflects more fundamental processes that drive feeding, such as conditioned food-seeking. Importantly, studies in rodents and other animals have yet to show convincing evidence of a PSE. In this …

Moderate Level Of Toxic Boron Causes Differential Regulation Of Micrornas Related To Jasmonate And Ethylene Metabolisms In Arabidopsis Thaliana, Doğa Seli̇n Kayihan, Ceyhun Kayihan, Yelda Özden Çi̇ftçi̇

Turkish Journal of Botany

Earlier our colleagues detected that the genes related to jasmonate (JA), ethylene, and cell wall modification were significantly regulated under boron (B) toxicity in wheat. Determination of regulation mechanisms of these novel genes under B toxicity is very important in Arabidopsis thaliana as a model plant. As key regulators, the microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level and respond to numerous abiotic stresses in plants. In this study, expression levels of miRNAs such as miR159, miR172, miR319, and miR394 targeting JA and ethylene-related transcription factors and also miR397 targeting laccase were determined in Arabidopsis thaliana under toxic B …

Identification And Functional Analysis Of Soybean Gmsbh1 Gene Promoter Conferring High Temperature- And Humidity-Induced Expression, Ming Chen, Peipei Qian, Zhankui Wang, Yingjie Shu, Yuan Tao, Liyan Huang, Yilong Wang, Haihong Zhao, Hao Ma

Turkish Journal of Botany

Soybean homeobox gene GmSBH1 has previously been proven to be involved in response to high temperature and humidity (HTH) stress. To investigate its expression patterns and active cis-elements, a 2040-bp 5'-upstream genomic DNA fragment of GmSBH1,named GmSBH1P, was isolated by PCR walking and characterized. Sequence analysis revealed that the fragment contains a series of cis-acting elements related to stress responses. The transient expression assay in the leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana and in the cotyledonary nodes of soybean indicated that the GmSBH1P strongly and rapidly mediates the induction of GUS expression under HTH stress. Deletion and mutation analysis of the promoter …

Two Pronounced Chlorella Strains For Efficient Biodiesel Feedstock Production, İlhami̇ Tüzün, Zeynep Eli̇bol Çakmak, Emmanuel Young, Turgay Çakmak

Turkish Journal of Botany

In this study, two indigenous Chlorella strains were evaluated for triacylglycerol (TAG) production and related parameters during 10 days of N-deprivation. The strains were identified based on morphological characteristics and genomic information, named as Chlorella sp. IMU12 and Chlorella sp. IMU17. Time-dependent reduction of growth was accompanied by decreased chlorophyll content, reduced oxygen evolution ratio, and elevated carotenoid content of both strains cultivated in N-free Bold's basal medium. Nitrogen deprivation induced total lipid and neutral lipid content in both strains, supported by FTIR measurement of TAGs. Chlorella sp. IMU17 showed higher production of TAGs as a response to N-deprivation. Strikingly, …

Morphological Characterization And Relationships Among Some Important Wild And Domestic Turkish Mustard Genotypes (Brassica Spp.), Fatma Kayaçeti̇n

Turkish Journal of Botany

Mustards occupy an important place among oilseed species due to their considerable economic and nutritional value and multiple uses. This study made use of 77 mustard genotypes collected from the USDA gene bank and diverse ecologies of Turkey to determine the extent of morphologic variability among them. The genotypes were screened to select genotypes appropriate for use in mustard breeding programs during 2015?16 and 2016?17 under the Mediterranean rainfed conditions of Yenimahalle (spring sowing and autumn sowing) and Haymana (spring sowing). Cluster analysis showed significant diversity among the genotypes. Promising genotypes with different genetic backgrounds for spring and autumn sowing …

Improving Access To Clean Water In Rural Ecuador: The Connection Between Willingness To Pay And Population Health, Micalea Leaska

Capstone Collection

Climate change is affecting social and environmental determinants of health through access to safe drinking water, safely managed sanitation systems, and access to health care services and the ability for individuals to break free from unsuitable circumstances. Ecological disturbances such as those caused by climate change can cause a shift in host vectors or a change in habitat that results in a greater likelihood of the pathogen coming in contact with humans. Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services and their accessibility to populations can directly impact a community’s vulnerability to diseases and limiting factors to increase economic growth. If rural …

Community Monitoring And Evaluation: A Case Study Of Takaful And Karama / الرصد والتقييم المجتمعي: دراسة حالة من برنامج تكافل وكرامة, Mai Amr Abdelhafez, Shimaa Adel Heikal, Sarah Moharram

Papers, Posters, and Presentations

This paper discusses in particular the potential strategies for increasing community engagement and acceptance of the committees and enhancing their results. Based on the case studies and interviews with ministry officials and community monitors, policy alternatives were formulated to guarantee a better achievement of the Takaful and Karama program goals.

Vulnerable Older Populations Without Special Health Care In Egypt: A Need For Assessment & Reform / كبار السن الذين يفتقرون إلى الرعاية الصحية المتخصصة في مصر: متطلبات التقييم والإصلاح, Mahmoud Nassar, Sally Islam, Shaimaa Sabbah, Sondos Said Mubarak

Papers, Posters, and Presentations

The older population in Egypt needs a special healthcare system to fulfill its needs and expectations. Nowadays, the older people live longer than before due to the improvement of healthcare services. That leads to an increase in the number of older people and creates a pressure on resources especially with the limited resources in Egypt. Urbanization and the change in the Egyptian demographics is exacerbating the problem. Egypt now is becoming a nation of dignified older citizens that need additional care and special attention. A number of policies and reforms have already been discussed but never thoroughly analyzed. Some policies …

Zumba In The Postindustrial Midwest: Minority Women And Access To Physical Fitness, Selen Razon, Shannon Powers, Lindsay Pursglove, Dagny Zupin, Lawrence W. Judge

Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Historically, minority women have had limited access to health care resources. Healthy People 2020 identified the promotion of activity and wellness as a key for eliminating heath disparities in ethnic minorities, as minority women are not significant consumers of exercise programming. This study explored participation of a sample of underserved African American women in an individualized Zumba exercise program. The underserved sample was taken from a postindustrial Midwestern city. Participants (n = 35, Mage = 45.75) completed a 4-month aerobic intervention program offered through an accessible gym. At program completion, they responded to a semistructured survey that gauged reasons for …

Annual And Seasonal Measurements Of Home Ranges And Habitat Use By Female Elk (Cervus Elaphus) In Northwestern Minnesota, Alicia E. Freeman

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Elk were present historically in Minnesota’s prairies and forest transition zone up until their extirpation from the state in the late 1800s (Hazard 1982, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources [MNDNR] 2017). Settlers moving into the region converted much of the land for agricultural purposes, significantly reducing the amount of habitat available for elk, and ultimately leading to their extirpation in the early 1900s. Elk returned to the state in the 1930s through a reintroduction effort, as well as through natural dispersal from North Dakota USA, and Manitoba Canada in the 1980s (MNDNR 2017). In 2016, the Minnesota Department of Natural …

Determining Common Patterns Of Gastrointestinal Health In Emerging Adults: A Latent Class Analysis Approach, Helize Vivier

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Emerging adulthood is often-overlooked in current gastrointestinal (GI) health research; however, epidemiological evidence suggests that GI disorders are increasing in this population. The purpose of this study was to first define common GI symptom subgroups within emerging adults and then to characterize these group differences with key biopsychosocial factors encompassing diet, depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as physical and social functioning related to quality of life. A total of 956 emerging adults from a southeastern US university were surveyed on GI symptoms, psychosocial factors, and demographics. Latent class analysis uncovered three statistically significant GI symptom patterns within the sample …

Associations Between Low-Carbohydrate Diet Score And Prognostic Factors Among Adults With Diabetes Mellitus: An Analysis Of The Nhanes 2005-2016, Elta N. Charles

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the leading chronic diseases affecting Americans. There is a lack of literature discussing the link between diet and prognosis of those already diagnosed with DM. Objective: To provide insight into which diet is better for the outlook of diabetes mellitus by examining the associations between the low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) score and three diabetes-related health indicators: blood hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglycerides, and retinopathy. Methods: A total of 3,313 U.S. adults with DM were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2016. Presence of retinopathy was ascertained through self-reporting. Dietary intake was measured …

An Exploration Of Public Misconceptions Of Municipal Water Fluoridation Relating To Oral And Public Health, Thomas A. Hawkins

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Municipal water fluoridation began in 1945, and in the past 70 years, it appears to have decreased the rate of dental caries nationwide. Despite being deemed one of the top ten innovations of the 20th century, there continues to be misconceptions with this controversial practice. The intent of this thesis is to address some of the misconceptions with water fluoridation, and what possible solutions could be provided to alleviate the concerns. This was accomplished through a literature review of current research articles. Two main topics were explored: the public health and oral health concerns and how they contribute to the …

Defense Trade-Offs In The Evolution Of The Fruits And Flowers Of Genus Cornus, Danielle R. De La Pascua

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The optimal defense hypothesis predicts that the allocation of plant defenses across plant organs is proportional to the importance of a given organ to plant fitness. Despite this, much less work has been devoted to the study of reproductive defenses in plants relative to vegetative structures like leaves. This study examines the apparancy hypothesis and the resource availability hypothesis using a phylogenetic comparative approach within the genus Cornus . During the 2016 growing season, plants of 25 species of Cornus were tracked for flower and fruit phenology as well as sampled for floral and fruit tissue in a common garden …

Evaluating Lactobacillus Acidophilus As A Model Organism For Co-Culture Cancer Studies, Samuel A. Mikhail

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The causality dilemma between dysbiosis and cancer has given rise to numerous studies both exploring the mechanisms behind cancer progression and the associative shifts in the microbiota upon carcinogenesis. Aside from the hallmark study of Dr. Barry Marshall in establishing the true causal relationship between Helicobacter pylori and gastric adenocarcinoma, studies have only been successful in adding associative links of carcinogenesis mediated by bacteria to the literature. The current field is limited in its ability to establish causative relationships, and further work is needed to construct a reference community whose physiological responses reflect global community responses. In this thesis, the …

Lower Osteocalcin Is Linked To Genetic Polymorphisms In Tnfrsf1a/1b And Mycobacterium Paratuberculosis Infection Among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients, Ahmad K. Odeh

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that results in inflamed joints and osteoporosis. Previous studies have shown that Mycobacterium avium subspecies Paratuberculosis (MAP) has a role in the downregulation of active osteocalcin in Crohn’s disease (CD). Since RA and CD have a similar pathology, we hypothesize that active inflammation following MAP infection will result in downregulation of active osteocalcin in RA patients. In this study, a total of 82 individuals (48 RA and 34 healthy) were examined for MAP status and for active osteocalcin. Out of the 48 RA patients, 18 were MAP positive compared to only 1 out …

Quantifying The Shortage Of Mental Health Care In Venezuela Through Media Content Analysis, Andrea B. Alfonsi

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The aim of this thesis was to assess the gaps and deficits in the mental health care staffing and related prescription drug or therapeutic intervention availability in Venezuela using media content analysis. This thesis also assessed the measures suggested by Venezuelan medical professionals for addressing the population's needs for mental health services amid the nation's crisis. The shortage of mental health care in Venezuela was assessed because various stressors, including life events, chronic stressors, and daily hassles, are substantially less than optimal among Venezuelans. The mental health consequences of these factors, along with the detrimental psychosocial demands commonly faced by …

An Investigation Of College Student-Athletes' Mental Health Stigma, Help-Seeking Attitudes, Depression, Anxiety, And Life Stress Scores Using Structural Equation Modeling, Saundra Tabet

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the directional relationship between student-athletes' degree of mental health stigma, help-seeking attitudes, depression, anxiety, and life stress scores. This investigation tested the theoretical model that student-athletes' (N = 621) degree of mental health stigma (as measured by the Perceived Devaluation-Discrimination Scale – Adapted [PDD-A; Eisenberg et al., 2009]) contributed to their attitudes towards help-seeking (as measured by the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help – Short Form [ATSPPH-SF; Fisher & Farina, 1995]) and levels of depression (as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire – 9 [PHQ-9; Kroenke et al., 2001]), anxiety (as …

Estimation Of Weaning Patterns In The Elite Meroitic Population (8-B-5.A) From Sai Island, Sudan Using Stable Nitrogen And Carbon Isotopes, Rachel Gregoire

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research explores dietary patterns of elite non-adults from the Meroitic period (300 BC – AD 350) located in Sai Island, Sudan. The cemetery (8-B-5.A) is believed to have been in use during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. Non-adults were chosen because they offer a unique, and often ignored, perspective into customs of past populations. Children require significant energy, which impacts how society feeds and cares for their young. Knowledge of their elite status in society will be consider to explore how this subset of the population may have differed in behavior. A significant factor of child life is …

Health Literacy Intervention To Influence Choices Made By Students In A Title I School Who Receive Free Lunch, Melissa Kent

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study seeks to influence choices made by Kindergarten students in a Title I school who receive free breakfast and lunch through a health literacy intervention with the intent of decreasing daily added sugar consumption. Fruit and milk choices, either with naturally occurring sugar (NOS) or added sugar (AS), were recorded for 70 Kindergarten students among six classes in a Title I school for ten days before a four-week health literacy intervention. Three of the classes were randomly selected to learn about 'sometimes' and 'anytime' choices through the Healthy Habits for Life curriculum delivered by representatives from Nemours Children's Hospital. …

Designing Calorie Counter Smartphone Applications For Effective Weight Loss, Sharlin Milliard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Poor dietary choices and lack of physical activity are two main contributing factors for the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in the United States. Overweight and obese individuals are at risk for developing major life-threatening diseases. Weight loss is an effective means for reversing these adverse health effects, and smartphone applications (apps) may be an effective means for supporting weight loss outside of formal clinical settings. This study involved identifying factors that contribute to effective weight loss to compare with functionality commonly found in a sample of calorie counter apps. A content analysis was performed using a design framework …

Role Of Tnfα Antagonists And Genetic Polymorphisms In Modulating Susceptibility To Mycobacterial Infection Among Patients With Crohn's Disease, Ahmad Qasem

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha antagonists (anti-TNFα) have been extensively used for Crohn's disease (CD) treatment. Even though they may control CD symptoms initially, treatment response varies among patients, which seems to depend on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TNFα receptors superfamily 1A and 1B (TNFRSF1A/B). Most importantly, M. tuberculosis infection has been strongly associated with these medications, but no studies have elucidated the effects of anti-TNFα on CD associated with MAP (Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis; a possible causative agent of CD, and closely related to M. tuberculosis). Here, we investigated the effects of recombinant inflammatory cytokines and anti-TNFα therapeutics on …

The Effects Of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (Epa) And Docosahexaenoic Acid (Dha) On Brown Adipogenesis In Stem Cell Culture, Darynne A. Dahlem, Yan Huang

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are major maternal dietary supplements due to their positive benefits on neurological tissue growth during the first 12 weeks of gestation. Previous studies show that EPA and DHA inhibit muscle formation but promote adipogenesis. However, no research has addressed the question whether high intake of EPA and DHA affects brown fat development during gestation. The objective of this study was to measure the effect of EPA and DHA supplement on brown adipogenesis and potential pathways related to mitochondrial biosynthesis using fibroblasts as in vitro model. Using Oil-Red-O staining …

Impact Of Selected Infrared Wavelengths On Inactivation Of Microbes On Rough Rice, Rebecca L. Bowie, Griffiths Atungulu, Abass Oduola, Shantae Wilson, Zeinab Mohammadi-Shad

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Formation of harmful microbes and their associated mycotoxins on rough rice during storage presents negative socioeconomic impacts to producers and consumers. The objective for this study was to investigate the impact of treating rough rice with selected infrared (IR) wavelengths at different IR intensities and heating durations, followed by a tempering step for further inactivation of microbes (mold and bacteria) on the grain. Freshly-harvested long-grain, hybrid, rough rice (XL 745) with initial moisture content (IMC) of 18.4% wet basis (w.b.) was used. Two-hundred grams (200 g) samples of rice were treated at different IR wavelengths (λ), 3.2, 4.5, and 5.8 …

Anthocyanin Stability In Food Products Made With Freeze-Dried Blueberry Powder, Samantha R. Findley, Luke Howard

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

This study evaluated the stability of anthocyanins in six blueberry products (gummy, graham bar, oatmeal bar, rice krispy bar, ice pop and juice) prepared with freeze-dried wild blueberry powder during processing and over eight weeks storage. Total anthocyanins were determined by HPLC before processing and at day 0 and 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of storage. Thermal processing of gummy and graham bar products resulted in losses of anthocyanins (50 and 31%, respectively). An eight-week storage time also resulted in a decrease in anthocyanins (7 to 51%) in products stored at ambient temperature. The ice pop, which was stored …

The Purpose And Value Of Agricultural Experiment Stations Today: A Perception Study Of The Directors Of State Agricultural Experiment Stations, Lori Wright

Doctoral Dissertations

This study investigates the dynamic relationship of the purpose and value of state agricultural experiment stations today as perceived by a sample of the directors of state agricultural experiment station in the United States funded by the Hatch Act of 1887. State agricultural experiment stations are a fundamental component of the land-grant university system; they are the original model and the first centers for applied research at most flagship state land-grant research universities in the United States (Kerr, 1987; Knoblauch, 1962). The purpose of state agricultural experiment stations has evolved since their inception as new agricultural issues have arisen, new …

Forecasting Vibrio Parahaemolyticus In A Changing Climate, Meghan Ann Hartwick

Doctoral Dissertations

The distribution, transmission and adaptation patterns of infectious diseases are changing worldwide. Though there are many potential mechanisms that can transmit infectious agents to new areas, the ability of pathogens to persist in new locations can be largely attributed to changing climate conditions, especially in temperate regions. Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a naturally occurring bacteria in most marine and estuarine systems, provides a model example of these globally observed climate-related changes to disease dynamics that are occurring locally in the Northeast, US. Like many Vibrio species, pathogenicity in human hosts is believed to be limited to a subset of strains, whereas the …

The Role Of Replication Protein A Large Subunit Family In Pathogen-Induced Dna Damage In Arabidopsis Thaliana, Nancy Lynn Fernandes

Doctoral Dissertations

The DNA of every organism is under continuous attack from both environmental agents, errors in DNA replication, and reactive oxygen species produced from cellular metabolism. The preservation of genome stability and integrity is essential to counteract threats to genome integrity. Eukaryotic organisms have evolved a complex set of mechanisms to sense DNA damage and initiate repair of the damage or death of the cell, collectively called the DNA damage response (DDR).

One of the main causes of detrimental DNA damage is due to microbial pathogens, both in mammals and in plants. In humans Escherichia coli, Helicobacter pylori and Pseudomonas aeruginosa …