Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Ricketts And Steiner Analysis Using Newtom 3g™ Scout Images, James I. Gibson Iii

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

NewTom 3G™ scout images have the general appearance of traditional lateral cephalometric radiographs. The purpose of this research was to determine if Ricketts and Steiner analyses could be accomplished on NewTom 3G™ scout images.

This was a retrospective study comparing the use of NewTom 3G™ scans in DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) format to scout images from 25 consecutive patients of the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry Department of Orthodontics, three of these patients did not meet the inclusion criteria. The DICOM images were used to create controls. The controls and scout images were digitized using QuickCeph™. …

Stability Of The Miniscrew-Bone Interface: Reverse Torque Values In Rabbits, Daniel John Drye

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Miniscrews are used in orthodontics as practical temporary anchorage devices (TAD's). The purpose of this animal study was to measure reverse torque values for Absoanchor 1.2 mm and Micerium 1.5mm miniscrews at 0, 2, and 12 weeks under loaded and unloaded conditions.

Methods: Ninety-six miniscrews were placed in the femora of twelve rabbits and allowed to heal for either two or twelve weeks. Half of the fixtures were loaded immediately with NiTi open coil springs producing a force of 150-200g and the other half served as unloaded controls. For each of the healing times, two and twelve weeks, …

Mechanisms Of Hbo-Induced Neuroprotection In A Neonatal Hypoxia-Ischemia Model, John Winter Calvert

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

With an incidence approaching 1/4000 live births and as high as 60% in low birth weight infants, cerebral hypoxia-ischemia during the perinatal period is the single most important cause of acute mortality and chronic disability in newborns. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that following a hypoxic-ischemic insult hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment can restore high energy metabolite levels in the affected regions of the brain and through this increase in energy levels ameliorate the spread of cell death following the insult. We also investigated if an additional mechanism by which HBO affords its neuroprotection is by altering the expression of the …

Vital Pulp Therapy With Mineral Trioxide Aggregate: An Outcomes Study, Heather H. Lauer

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is used in a variety of endodontic procedures. MTA is proven to provide good marginal adaption to dentin, to be biocompatible, and to stimulate dentin bridge formation through animal studies. These properties make MTA a potentially useful material to be used in vital pulp therapy. Clinical data on the use of MTA as a vital pulp medicament is sparse. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of vital pulp therapy using MTA as the pulp medicament. Inclusion criteria for patient selection for recall was based on pulp treatment necessary from carious pulp …

Accuracy Of The Newtom 3g™ In Measuring The Angle Of The Articular Eminence, Rehana Khan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of the Newtom 3G™ in determining the angulation of the articular eminence. The benefits of conducting this study were to provide additional uses for the standard records that are taken for the purposes of orthodontic treatment, as well as evaluate the Newtom 3G™ for accuracy in measuring the anatomy of the glenoid fossa. This study required 20 participants that volunteered to allow their records to be used. Records evaluated were the Newtom 3G™, impressions, and wax check bite registrations. The wax record was taken using the 'forced bite' technique to …

Chromosomal Localization Of The Islet Neogenesis Associated Protein (Ingap) Gene In Syrian Hamster By Tyramide Signal Amplification-Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (Tsa-Fish), Sallie A. Smith

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Diabetes mellitus is a group of conditions characterized by hyperglycemia due to an inability to produce or properly utilize insulin. The majority of cases fall into two categories, Type I and Type 2. Type I results from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells of the islets. The beta cells are the exclusive source of insulin and the patient becomes entirely dependent on exogenous insulin to survive. Patients with Type 2 are distinguished by insulin resistance, a condition that develops due to the inability of the body to effectively use the insulin being produced. The β-cells gradually lose their ability to …

Magnification In Images Produced By Five Popular Digital Lateral Cephalometric Machines, Gretchen Marie Schnepper

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Modern digital lateral cephalometric images are produced by machines that vary in a number of critical features such as: 1) machine geometry, 2) movement (or lack of movement) of the x-ray source, 3) movement (or lack of movement) or x-ray detectors, 4) cephalostat geometry and 5) digital data manipulations by proprietary software. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the magnification characteristics of images produced by five commercial digital lateral cephalometric machines. These digital image magnification characteristics were then compared with images produced by an analog cephalometric machine. The two goals of this study were to: 1) measure the …

The Outcome Of Mta As A Root End Filling Material: A Long Term Evaluation, Christopher M. Sechrist

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Periradicular surgery is a viable option to save natural teeth when non-surgical treatment fails or when endodontic retreatment is not feasible or contraindicated. Laboratory and animal studies have demonstrated that MTA is biocompatible, provides an excellent seal against penetrating bacteria, and promotes hard tissue healing. The purpose of this study was to provide long term (>3 years) clinical evidence for its use as a root-end filling material in endodontics. The clinical records of 294 patients who had MTA used during endodontic treatment from 1996 to 2001 were reviewed. From these, 75 patients whose root end cavities had been filled …

Treatment Outcome Of Root Perforations Repaired With Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, Stephen H. Paik

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Root perforations during root canal therapy have a significant negative impact on long-term prognosis of teeth. Proper treatment is critical in managing these accidental procedures. Laboratory and animal studies have demonstrated that Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is biocompatible, provides an excellent seal against penetrating bacteria, and promotes hard tissue healing. The purpose of this study was to determine the long term treatment outcome of root perforations repaired with MTA.

Ninety-nine records from the Graduate Endodontic Clinic at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry from 1996 to 2001 were reviewed. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were completed. Three independent examiners evaluated digitized …

Effects Of Resistance Training Volume And Variety On Dietary Intake And Mood State In Untrained Subject, Suzette K. Smith

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: While there is research on the effects of aerobic training on various aspects of mood state and nutrient intake, little is known of the effect of resistance training on these variables.

Purpose: To examine the effects of resistance training (RT) volume and variety on total energy (kcal) and macronutrient intake, and mood states in a healthy, untrained population.

Method:The investigation was part of a prospective experimental study examining the effects of three RT protocols on body composition and strength. An initial 102, healthy, untrained male and female participants, ages 20-40, were recruited, and randomized into one of three …

The Experience Of American And Canadian Cancer Patients In Deciding To Seek Alternative Care In Mexican Cancer Clinics, Alicia Bright

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Background. Each year, despite warnings from the American Cancer Association, many US and Canadian citizens travel to Tijuana, Mexico, for cancer care. The main criticism of these clinics is that they provide treatments that are unproven, potentially unsafe, and expensive. Despite this, about 35 clinics exist in Tijuana that provide alternative care to patients who pay cash for these services.

Objectives. To understand the lived experience of people who have made the choice to receive cancer treatment at alternative cancer clinics in Tijuana, and gain insight into the process by which that decision occurs.

Population. 5 participants were interviewed. Three …

Organization And Signal Processing Of The Descending Tracts In The Cervical Spinal Cord, Yanmei Tie

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation addresses the research for the development of spinal cord-computer interface (SCCI). The main objective of SCCI is to generate voluntary motor control signals for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).

In the neuroscience aspect, organization of the fibers in the descending tracts of the dorsolateral funiculus of the cervical spinal cord was investigated in cats. The spinal cord was penetrated with silicon substrate microelectrodes at 400 μm intervals in the medio-lateral direction at the C5/C6 and C6/C7 segmental borders. The stimulus consisted of a 20 ms train of charge-balanced biphasic pulses at 330 Hz. The evoked activities from …

Predictors Of Intention To Use Contraception, Given Alcohol Consumption, Among Women In Southeast Alaska, Donna Louise Hebbeler

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Fetal alcohol exposure is a serious public health problem and is 100% preventable. Traditionally, FASD prevention programs and research recommendations have targeted peri-conceptual or pregnant women. Another approach to the prevention of FASD involves preventing pregnancy in women who use alcohol. The purpose of this cross sectional study was to identify factors that predicted women’s intention to use contraception using the theory of planned behavior (TPB), to determine if predictors of the theoretical constructs varied in women depending on alcohol use, and to examine interactions between alcohol use and TPB constructs. Qualitative data was gathered to triangulate with the quantitative …

Comparison Of Different Methods Of Assessing Ridge Width Prior To Implant Placement, Lung-Cheng Chen

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The aim of this study was to compare the following 3 methods of assessing alveolar ridge dimensions prior to placement of dental implants: 1) ridge mapping measurement before surgical flap reflection using a caliper; 2) direct caliper measurement following surgical exposure of the bone, and 3) measurement using images from cone beam computerized tomography.

Sixteen subjects having 25 sites for planned implant placement or ridge augmentation were recruited. An acrylic stent was fabricated for each patient. The stent provided 3 buccal/lingual pairs of consistent measurement points for each implant site, located 4, 7 and 10 mm from the summit of …

The Application Of The Transtheoretical Model Of Change To Self-Care Behaviors In Type 2 Diabetics, Heather N. Mercer

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background. The Transtheoretical Model of Change (TTM) has been investigated as a model of health behavior change; however, it has only begun to gain recognition in the diabetic population, and has not yet been investigated as it relates to the full-spectrum of diabetes self-care behaviors.

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to compare the pattern of stages of change across four self-care behaviors between intervention and control groups, and examine psychosocial and health outcome variables.

Method. In a cross-sectional design, a sample of 132 adult subjects with type 2 diabetes completed surveys. The survey assessed stages of change among …

Psychological Stress And High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels In Overweight And Obese Men, Olivia L. Moses

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background and Purpose. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a measure of inflammatory response, is now considered an independent marker for coronary heart disease. Psychological stress also affects the immune system and influences the inflammatory response. Ladwig, et al (2003) found a significant positive association between hs-CRP levels and depression (F=4.9, p^.008) in 726 obese males, even after adjusting for smoking, high blood pressure and age. This study investigated if there was a similar association between increased hs-CRP levels and psychological stress in overweight and obese males.

Method. Sixty-one overweight (n=28) or obese (n= 33) males, ages 20-35, were recmited …

The Effect Of Electrical Stimulation On Blood Flow In Chronic Wounds In Patients With And Without Diabetes, Daryl J. Lawson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background and Purpose. Only 3% of the U S population is afflicted by diabetes, yet one of the most common chronic wounds is the diabetic ulcer. Decrease in blood flow may be one reason why only 31% of neuropathic diabetic ulcers heal in 20-weeks. The purpose of this investigation was to compare healing rates and blood flow of chronic stage III and IV wounds in people with diabetes and those without diabetes over four weeks of treatment. Blood flow was measured before, during, and after stimulation using one of two different electrical stimulation waveforms in a 32°C room.

Subjects …

Religious Problem Solving And Coping With End Stage Renal Disease, Eva Bella Martinez

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study examined the impact of end-stage renal disease life-related couple/family stressors and strains on marital satisfaction, parental satisfaction, life satisfaction, and depression on end-stage renal disease patients and their spouses, as well as quality of life for patients. Also, it examined the moderating effects of three styles of religious problem-solving on the relationship between the ESRD couple/family stressors and strains and the outcome variables. Data included a sample of two hundred subjects and their spouses. Subjects were recruited from seven dialysis centers in southern California. Both patients and spouses were given survey questionnaires (i.e. Personal History Inventory, Religious Problem-Solving …

Resonance Frequency Analysis As A Determinant Of Implant Initial Stability, Negar Tabandeh

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: The clinicians' decision regarding immediate loading is largely determined by the assessment of initial stability of the dental implant. Computed tomographic assessment of recipient site bone quality, insertion resistance torque and post-insertion resonance frequency are currently the only objective methods of measurement establishing initial stability.

Purpose: A study was designed to measure resonance frequency of root form dental implants placed in cadaver jaws. The resonance frequency values were compared to previous subjective and objective data reported in prior studies in the series.

Materials and Methods: Resonance frequency measurements were secured using the Osstell ™ mentor unit on 4.0 X …

Developing A Valid Screening Tool For Assessing Nutritional Adequacy And Osteoporosis Risk Among Vegans In The United States, Patricia Adelle Dyett

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The vegetarian lifestyle in the United States has increased significantly over recent decades. With this growth trend, it has become necessary to assess the pros and cons of vegetarian diet patterns, particularly with respect to nutrition adequacy and chronic disease concerns.

The vegan diet engenders more concern than other common vegetarian lifestyles because it seeks to replace all nutrient-rich animal food products with only plant foods. Consequently, there are concerns of compromised protein, calcium. vitamin D, vitamin B₁₂, n-3 fatty acid, zinc, and iron status. Moreover, because of typical vegan diet phenomena such as low BMI, low protein …

Mechanisms Of Cell Death Initiated In Herpes Simplex Virus Thymidine Kinase Expressing Colon Tumor Cells Treated With Ganciclovir And Ucn-01, Christina Elizabeth Ahn

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Metastatic colon carcinoma is the second leading cause of death from malignancy in the United States, and development of more effective treatments is essential. Heterologous expression of Herpes Simplex Virus Thymidine Kinase (HSVtk) in combination with the prodrug, ganciclovir (GCV), has shown great promise for the genetic therapy of many cancers, but most patients have had only a partial or minimal response to the therapy. After screening a panel of two drug combinations, our laboratory has shown that the combination of GCV and the protein kinase inhibitor UCN-01 (7-hydroxystaurosporine) enhances tumor cell death more effectively than either drug alone. However …

The Antitumor Agent, Arglabin-Dma, Preferentially Induces Apoptosis In Human Colon Tumor Cells, Sung Wook Kwon

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Arglabin-DMA, an analog of farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), reportedly inhibits farnesyltransferase (FTase) directly by competitively blocking the binding of Ras protein and its posttranslational modification, as suggested in previous studies. But, the mechanisms by which Arglabin-DMA inhibits tumor growth in vivo and in vitro are still relatively poorly characterized. To determine the mechanism by which this drug inhibits tumor growth, the effects of Arglabin-DMA in two human colon tumor cell lines (mutant K-ras HCT 116 and wild-type ras HT-29) were explored on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle kinetics in vitro. In cell viability studies, we showed that Arglabin-DMA …

Attributional Styles Of Women Who Quit Or Reduce Smoking In The Antepartum, Patricia T. Alpert

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Researchers in the field of smoking have sought to identify variables that predict whether or not pregnant smokers stop or continue to smoke. Most variables examined are demographic in nature and little is known about psychological variables associated with those who quit or reduce smoking while pregnant.

Purpose: To analyze attributional style and locus of control to determine which factors alone, or in combination, are associated with quitting versus reduced smoking among pregnant smokers.

Methodology: Pregnant smokers who quit (n = 66) or reduced their smoking (n = 43) were identified by the nursing staff at a women’s county …

Effects Of Aging On Pressure-Induced Mapk Activation In The Rat Aorta, Kevin M. Rice

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

With age, the cardiovascular system experiences substantial alterations in cellular morphology and function. The factors regulating these changes are unknown; however, the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways have emerged as critical components for mediating numerous cellular responses including control of cell growth, differentiation and adaptation. Here we compare the expression, basal activation and the ability of increased pressure to activate the MAPK pathways in adult (6 month old), aged (30 month old) and very aged (36 month old) Fischer 344 x Brown Norway F1 Hybrid rats. Histochemical analysis demonstrated an age-related increase in tunica media thickness of approximately 11% …

Effects Of Tamoxifen On Mitochondrial Nos Activity: Alteration In The Intramitochondrial Ca2+ Homeostasis, Sandeep S. Joshi

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Tamoxifen (Tam) is an anticancer drug that induces oxidative stress and apoptosis via mitochondria- and nitric oxide (NO)-dependent pathways. Here, we report that therapeutic concentrations of Tam stimulate the mitochondrial NO synthase (mtNOS) activity of isolated rat liver mitochondria by increasing the intramitochondrial ionized Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_m). Tam decreases transmembrane potential (∆ψ) due to increased [Ca²⁺]_m that neutralizes the negative charges of the inner mitochondrial membrane. Thus, the present study reports a novel mechanism for the widely used anti- caner drug, Tam.

Characterization Of The Zona Incerta, Heather Joyce Green

Theses and Dissertations

Parkinson's Disease affects more than 1 million people in the United States with 60,000 new cases being diagnosed each year. Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson's Disease, but there are several treatment options available. Currently the most popular surgical option is Deep Brain Stimulation. Microelectrode recording helps identify nuclei as the microelectrode passes through them. While the firing frequencies of the target nuclei are well defined, other nuclei are not. This study will attempt to characterize the Zona Incerta, which is the structure directly above the Subthalamic Nucleus, a target nucleus. Characterization of the firing frequency of the Zona …

Thyroid Hormone-Regulated Skeletal Muscle Glut4 Glucose Transporter Trafficking During Fasting In Diet-Induced Obesity And Insulin Resistance, Lucy Soo Yon Jun

Theses Digitization Project

This thesis project will investigate the effects of fasting on the serum levels of two key regulatory hormones, insulin and thyroid hormone (T3) and the effects of these hormones on the trafficking of Glut4 on soleus muscle.

Female Athletes And Performance-Enhancer Usage, Barbara Kay Fralinger

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Is There A Relationship Between Hopelessness And Religious Problem-Solving Skills?, Eroshini Goonesekera

Honors Theses

Students from a small liberal arts college completed the Beck Hopelessness Scale (81-JS) and the short form of the Religious Problem-Solving Scale. The Religious Problem-Solving Scale consists of three subscales: collaborative, self-directive and deferring. A Pearson Correlation was conducted between the BHS score and each subscale of the Religious Problem-Solving Scale. The Bl IS score and the self-directing score were positively correlated. However the correlation of the BHS score and the collaborative and deferring scales were non-significant.

Epileptogenesis Causes Long-Term Plasticity Changes In Calbindin D-28k In The Rat Pilocarpine Model Of Acquired Epilepsy, Anne Johnston Harrison

Theses and Dissertations

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders, affecting more than 2% of children and 1% of adults in the U.S. Emerging research has demonstrated that calcium, as a major second messenger system, underlies many of these injury-induced plasticity changes associated with the development of epilepsy. Recent evidence has suggested that long term elevations in neuronal resting calcium levels play a role in initiating and maintaining epileptogenesis (the development of epilepsy). Collaborations between our lab and others have produced microarray data that suggests that a major calcium-binding protein, calbindin D-28k, mRNA levels are decreased in epileptic rats even up …