Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Today - December 23, 2009, Loma Linda University

TODAY

Inside this issue:

-- Heart patient reunites with LLU Overseas Heart Surgery Team members 35 years after they saved her life in Saigon
-- CAPS welcomes Helping Hands Pantry to SACHS–Norton
-- Nursing professors research diabetes management in local community
-- LLU Heart & Surgical Hospital physician performs groundbreaking procedure
-- School of Public Health advances health geoinformatics education
-- Wyatt Caley raises funds to buy an Xbox 360 Elite for kids in Children’s Hospital
-- Milton Murray passes away
-- Trees of Hope bring beauty to Children’s Hospital lobby
-- LLU physician to appear on ‘The Doctors’
-- How …

A Comprehensive Program Description And Recommendations For The Del Rosa Youth Program, Martin C. Hodnett

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Amid budget cuts, economic recession, and difficulties many Americans face, more families are looking for ways to access needed services and goods from nongovernmental sources. Churches and faith based organizations, such as the Del Rosa Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church, have been bridging the gap for families seeking assistance, particularly in the area of youth services. The Del Rosa Youth Program, an outreach program sponsored by Del Rosa SDA Church, provides mentoring and religious programming for at-risk youth. In an effort to assist them in becoming more competitive for funding, the current project has reviewed the relevant literature and provided recommendations …

Use Of Emoticons For Assessing Emotion And Mood States In Web-Based Interventions, Jennifer Chua So

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

In the rapidly growing field of online psychotherapeutic interventions, an increasing number of clinicians are seeking to extend therapeutic interventions into cyberspace. However, because communication with clients in this medium is often devoid of auditory and visual feedback, these clinicians are not able to rely on their clinical observations. It then becomes incumbent to develop a psychometrically and theoretically sound means of assessing emotion and mood states that can be easily utilized in this forum. Utilizing cross-culturally and empirically supported models of emotion structure shown to be influential in the self-report data, the Positive Affect and Negative Affect factors, this …

Predicting Systemic Confidence, Stephanie Inez Falke

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Using a mixed method approach, this study explored which educational factors predicted systemic confidence in master’s level marital and family therapy (MFT) students, and whether or not the impact of these factors was influenced by student beliefs and their perception of their supervisor’s beliefs about the value of systemic practice. One hundred and twenty graduate students in Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education-accredited (COAMFT) programs completed an online survey that assessed their training experiences, beliefs about systemic practice and perceptions of confidence. Quantitative findings revealed that students who reported greater research expectations in their program, obtained more …

The Development Of An Advanced Filial Therapy Model, Amy Cathleen Wickstrom

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study sought to develop an advanced filial therapy model by examining the experiences of seven parents who participated in a preliminary advanced filial therapy intervention. These parents had previously completed a 10-week basic filial therapy model called Child Parent Relationship Therapy. A phenomenological qualitative design was employed, wherein data was obtained from parent playtime notes, researcher field notes, group process transcriptions, and focus groups. Parent experiences of the intervention were examined from a systems-relational lens, and four categories emerged, which include relational epiphanies, enhanced understanding of the playtimes, model format, and skill development. Additionally, a variety of themes were …

Today - November 25, 2009, Loma Linda University

TODAY

Inside this issue:

-- Jamaican governor-general visits Loma Linda University
-- ThankSharing program evokes spirit of gratitude and volunteerism
-- Big Hearts for Little Hearts Loma Linda Guild hosts ‘Food, Fashion, and Fun’ to benefit LLU Children’s Hospital
-- More than 6,000 participate in second annual ‘Believe and Walk for the Cure’
-- Promising research suggests a method for healing difficult wounds
-- The skies thunder over LLU Children’s Hospital during the 11th Annual Cops for Kids Fly-in
-- Fourth graders from surrounding communities receive free bicycles
-- School of Religion to present two events December 4 and 5
-- …

Today - December 9, 2009, Loma Linda University

TODAY

Inside this issue:

-- New strategic plan created to guide LLUMC through times of economic uncertainty
-- School of Public Health hosts forum for H1N1 flu pandemic
-- Flurry of activities at Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy
-- Loma Linda University trains officials in disaster management
-- Amazon Mission Trip: The Inside Story
-- Faculty link food with climate change at recent conference
-- 101 year-old physician personifies lifestyle and longevity benefits of Adventist lifestyle
-- Santa makes his first stop of the season at LLU Children’s Hospital
-- Church scholar is international authority on the Septuagint and Apocrypha …

Today - November 9, 2009, Loma Linda University

TODAY

Inside this issue:

-- Loma Linda University celebrates the life-saving legacy of Baby Fae and the infant heart transplantation program
-- Chapel service kicks off centennial celebration for School of Medicine
-- 12th Annual Research Symposium leads off new research season
-- Children’s Hospital unveils plaque recognizing Kiwanis Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship
-- LLU Church to host 32nd annual anniversary concert for Cassavant organ
-- Centennial grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebrate campus milestone
-- School of Medicine Centennial Celebration ends with a very big bang
-- School of Medicine centennial weekend events take place at LLU Church
-- School of …

Today - October 26, 2009, Loma Linda University

TODAY

Inside this issue:

-- Centennial Complex grand opening and dedication set for October 28
-- Schedule of events for School of Medicine Centennial Celebration
-- Robert Orr, MD, returns to direct clinical ethics program in School of Religion
-- Loma Linda University receives $193,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund to renovate water system at Malamulo Hospital in Malawi
-- Clare Sheridan-Matney receives award
-- School of Religion professors complete book on world religions
-- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recognizes LLUMC’s support of organ donation
-- Employee recognition banquet honors unsung heroes of LLUMC, LLUBMC
-- Language services …

Today - October 5, 2009, Loma Linda University

TODAY

Inside this issue:

-- Earth and biological sciences department is grateful for unexpected support
-- Grand opening for Highland Springs Medical Plaza set for October 11
-- School of Public Health opens wellness clinic at Drayson Center
-- School of Dentistry faculty participate in historic WHO meeting in Geneva
-- Harvard sociologist highlights 2009 Health Disparities Research Symposium
-- Dentistry appoints new executive associate dean
-- Dentistry appoints program director
-- Loma Linda University to host leading New Testament scholar Richard B. Hays
-- School of Public Health works to address health disparities in Coachella Valley
-- Loma Linda University …

Neurodevelopmental Outcome & Mr Spectroscopy Of Therapeutic Hypothermia After Pediatric Drowning, Sharon Mieras Perugini

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Despite advances in medical treatment and technology, outcome following pediatric drowning can vary widely from mild to severe impairments and death. Prognosis is often difficult to predict given a number of contributing factors. As such, this study examined the relationship between clinical indicators including submersion duration, initial GCS and PRISM scores, and waking time with outcome as well as metabolite ratios based on magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Research stemming from the area of cardiac arrest as well as anecdotal case study reports of cold water drownings suggests that lowering the body temperature may be helpful and protective. As such, the use …

Influence Of Stainless Steel Orthodontic Brackets On Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Christian James Hoybjerg

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines provide 2D as well as 3D images that are excellent in contrasting soft-tissue in the maxillofacial region and are void of ionizing radiation. The drawbacks include the lack of depiction of cortical bony detail and image degradation caused by substances in the scanned area. Specifically, in the orthodontic field stainless steel brackets cause more distortion of MR images then any other bracket material. It is unknown what type of stainless steel alloy causes the most MRI distortion. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the degree of craniofacial MR distortion caused by various …

Comparison Of Rationally-Derived And Empirically-Derived Methods For Predicting Failure In Residential Treatment, Jennifer Pester Grattan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Patient-focused research methods have been used in adult mental health treatment to improve outcomes by tracking individual treatment response and comparing it with expected recovery patterns. One such approach has used rationally- and empirically-derived methods to analyze data from the OQ-45 and identify patients who are not responding as expected to treatment. Treatment is then adjusted, improving outcomes and lowering overall costs.

Similar but less extensive research has shown analogous methods can be used with children and adolescents. This would be particularly useful in residential treatment, which is an expensive and inadequately researched approach. This study used archival data gathered …

The Influence Of Work Of Fracture On Six Orthodontic Bonding Systems, Tyler S. Pritchard

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Bonding is the primary method of attaching brackets to teeth in modem orthodontics. Thus, many studies have focused on the maximum shear bond strength values of orthodontic adhesives. In contrast, very little research has been performed considering the work of fracture of orthodontic bonding systems. Work of Fracture is defined as the area under the curve of a stress-strain graph. Previous shear bond strength studies measured the force necessary to produce bond failure. The purpose of this study was to measure the maximum shear force and displacement of six bonding systems and to calculate the work of fracture.

Materials …

Impact Of Ambient Air Pollution On Survival Of Renal Transplant Recipients, Rhonda Kristine Hwang

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

There is increasing evidence that ambient air pollution is associated with coronary heart disease morbidity and mortality. This research has focused on the general public and less so on possible sensitive subgroups even though these may have even greater susceptibility to adverse effects of ambient air pollution. With highly prevalent traditional as well as nontraditional risk factors, renal transplant recipients may potentially be a sensitive subgroup. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible effect of between long-term exposure to air pollution on the risk of CHD mortality among renal transplant recipients. This cohort study includes 32,239 adult, …

Study Of The Four Factor Theory Of Women’S Sexual Function, Julie M. Merrell

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Tiefer, Hall, and Tavris (2002) described factors comprising four categories of female sexual function. They suggested that unique factors need to be examined to understand sexual function in women. Socio-cultural, political, or economic factors, partner and relationship factors, psychological factors, and medical factors were described as aspects of women’s lives that can be the source of sexual dysfunction. In a previous study, Merrell (2007) utilized Tiefer et al’s (2002) four factor model of sexual functioning to examine female sexual functioning looking specifically at body shame, relationship satisfaction, positive and negative affect, sexual self-schema, and overall health. Based on the results …

Observer Reliability Of Cephalometric Landmark Identification On 3-D Mr Images, Michael S. Pollack

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Cephalometric analysis is a cornerstone of orthodontic diagnosis, yet much information is lost when 3-dimensional structures are assessed with 2-dimensional methods. CBCT offers 3-dimensional imaging but at the cost of higher levels of ionizing radiation. Magnetic resonance imaging provides 3-dimensional imaging without ionizing radiation and additionally imparts visualization of soft tissue structures. Prior to employing MR images for cephalometric analysis, reliability of landmark identification must be assessed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate intra- and interobserver reliability in 3-dimensional landmark identification using MR images.

Materials and Methods: Fifteen cranial MR images (3.0 T, MP-RAGE) from subjects between …

Effects Of Functional Appliances On The Tmj And Mandibular Length Of Skeletal Class Ii Patients: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study, David C. Lee

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Functional appliances have been efficiently used in the treatment of Class II malocclusions caused by retrognathic mandibles. Cone beam computed tomography has enabled us to make more accurate linear measurements by eliminating superimposition of other structures and to analyze skeletal anatomic detail in all three planes of space. This retrospective study evaluated the osseous changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and length of the mandible in skeletal Class II malocclusion patients treated with the fixed functional appliances and compared measurements with Class I malocclusion patients treated with orthodontic mechanics that did not alter skeletal relationships.

Materials and Methods: Twelve …

Nurses' Spiritual Care Practices: Assessment, Type, Frequency, And Correlates, Iris Mamier

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This descriptive, correlational study described the type, frequency, and correlates of nurses' spiritual care practices (quantitative) and their experiences with the sacred at work (qualitative). A convenience sample of 554 (24%) of the Registered Nurses employed at a western United States faith-based tertiary care health system participated in this online survey. Nurses' spiritual care practices were assessed using the 17-item Nurses' Spiritual Care Practice Questionnaire (NSCQ). Factorial validity and reliability of the pilot NSCQ were established. Spiritual care practices most frequently endorsed were assessing patients' spiritual beliefs pertaining to health and listening to patients' stories of illness and their spiritual …

Effects Of Functional Appliances On Pharyngeal Airway Dimensions: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study, Melissa K. Lee

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Functional appliances are intended to correct by incremental advancement of the mandible for correction of skeletal Class 11 relationships. Similar in design to functional appliances, mandibular advancing devices (MAD) are used for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients as they increase the size of the airway by drawing the tongue and soft palate forwards, and thus maintain its patency during sleep. It has been shown that significant increases in airway dimensions and decreases in airway resistance were gained in OSA patients while evaluated with a MAD in place. This retrospective study evaluated volumetric, cross-sectional area and linear changes in the …

Profiles Of Drug Endangered Children: Investigation In A Clinical Sample, Imanie Samanmali Wijayaratne

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Despite the increase in children born prenatally exposed to methamphetamine, little is known about the cognitive and neuropsychological outcomes of these children. Research specific to prenatal-methamphetamine exposure is extremely limited and has been primarily restricted to rat studies. This research combined with the few studies examining children prenatally exposed to methamphetamine suggests that methamphetamine-exposure is associated with various cognitive and neuropsychological delays and is impacted by both biological and environmental factors. Given the scarcity of research in this area, the current study used archival data from a psychological assessment clinic to (1) describe the frequency of prenatal methamphetamine-exposure cases, (2) …

Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography To Identify A Prediction Model For Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Jodi Parker

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients have increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis may reduce morbidity and mortality. Prediction of OSA from imaging may help to identify OSA patients earlier in life. CBCT can be used for OSA diagnostic imaging due to its three-dimensional (3D) visualization of the upper airway and craniofacial complex. Magnification associated with conventional 2D radiography is eliminated with CBCT, and radiation to the patient is significantly less than previous modalities used to measure craniofacial & airway measurements associated with OSA. During a CBCT scan, the patient's image is taken supine, rather than the upright …

The Effects Of The Introduction Of An Electronic Medical Record (Emr) On Self-Reported Treatment Effects In A Psychological Service In A Family Medicine Clinic, Michael D. Herman

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The healthcare system in the United States has traditionally focused on pathogenic disease prevention and treatment of acute illness, only addressing physical health (Grzywacz & Keyes, 2004). This approach is limited, as it does not often acknowledge the influence of mental health and health promotion on outcomes. Approximately, 25-75% of all presenting cases with uncertain etiology in medicine are psychosocial or behavioral in origin (Schulte et. al., 2004). Improvements can be made through integrated care; however, divergent viewpoints and often proximity across providers disrupts, psychologist-physician communication, collaboration, and subsequently care access (McDaniel, 1995). The current study examines the self reported …

Patient/Physician Communication In Type 2 Diabetes-Related Health Behavior Change, Barbara Marie Thomas

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Adult type 2 diabetes is an increasing problem in the United States and affected over 16 million Americans in 2004. Most patients are treated in primary care settings and managed medically, but controlling insulin resistance through activity and diet is considered the greatest challenge for the next 30 years (Katen, et al., 2007). Understanding how physicians and patients communicate about health behaviors is necessary for developing the most effective strategies for facilitating health behavior change in this population. In the current study, adults with type 2 diabetes (n= 87) from the Loma Linda University Diabetes Treatment Center (LLUDTC), …

Today - August 24, 2009, Loma Linda University

TODAY

Inside this issue:

-- The J.M. Long Foundation sponsors simulation center pharmacy in Centennial Complex
-- Medical Center receives 5-star rating
-- LLUMC ophtalmology center opens at Riverwalk in the Riverside/Corona area
-- SCE gives grant to ‘Si Se Puede’ program
-- SD and SPH study dental caries in Redlands children
-- Chaplain services offers divorce recovery group
-- Take a historical and futuristic tour of Loma Linda University
-- School of Public Health names Alumnus of the Year
-- Save the date for the LLU Family Medicine Residency Fair
-- How Nathan Andrade lost a limb, but gained a …

The Effects Of Physical Activity And Nutrient Intake On The Risk Of Hip Fracture : Results From The Adventist Health Study-2, Wen-Ling Liao

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This is a two year of follow up study of Adventist Health Study-2 (AHS-2). We assessed the association between physical activity, nutrient intake and risk of hip fracture among peri- and post menopausal Caucasian women using unconditional logistic regression models. All subjects completed a lifestyle questionnaire which including information of physical activity and frequency and portion size of food intake at enrollment into the study (2002-2007). The “Bi-Annual Hospitalization History” questionnaire which included a question about hip fractures due to minor trauma/falls was sent to subjects approximately two years after enrollment, with a response rat of 82.84%. In this cohort, …

Effect Of California Mission Fig Consumption On Levels Of C-Reactive Protein And Antioxidant Levels, Rasha Abdrabou

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Polyphenols exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. We investigated the effect of consumption of polyphenol-rich figs on high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) and antioxidant levels in hyperlipidemic subjects. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of fig consumption on C-reactive protein and antioxidant levels. Analyses were carried out on collected data from September to December of 2008. Using a crossover design, one hundred and two participants were recruited and randomized into an intervention phase (eating figs) and a control phase (not eating figs) for 5 weeks. Blood samples were drawn from each group at the 4th and 5th …

The Effect Of An Educational Intervention On The Sexual Perceptions And Practices Of Adolescents In Trinidad And Tobago, Vanessa Jones

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is one of the fastest spreading infectious diseases in the Caribbean, and is second only to Sub-Sahara Africa in the prevalence of HIV/AIDS cases. Trinidad and Tobago is the southernmost twin island republic in the Caribbean. In 1999, the 5^th leading cause of death among individuals ages 15-34 in Trinidad and Tobago was HIV/AIDS. According to UNAIDS (2006), the prevalence rate of HIV in Trinidad and Tobago is 2.6%.

Purpose. Currently, there is no standardized HIV/AIDS education program in secondary schools in Trinidad and Tobago. Since HIV/AIDS is …

Today - July 27, 2009, Loma Linda University

TODAY

Inside this issue:

-- Loma Linda University ranks in top third of top 100 colleges for Hispanics in United States
-- ‘Josh and Friends’ bring comfort to hundreds of children at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital
-- School of Medicine anticipates 100th anniversary
-- LLU researchers discover source for 250 additional transplant hearts per year
-- New LLU bachelor’s graduates are top earners among colleges in survey
-- Loma Linda University student interns at San Bernardino mayor’s office
-- School of Public Health professor spreads health message in Fresno area
-- School of Public Health researchers may lead to change …

Medicine Celebrates 100 Years, Loma Linda University

Scope

In this issue . . .

2 | A world of promise
LLU graduates 1,224 in 2009...on campus and around the world

8 | SRRSH celebrates 15 years
Anniversary highlights unique relationship with Loma Linda University

12 | China diary
SCOPE writer shares some lighter moments

14 | School of Medicine turns 100
Join the School as it celebrates its 100th birthday

20 | Cancer Center provides hope and healing
A new center creates a warm atmosphere for those battling cancer

24 | Sowing seeds of love
Students from eight Adventist institutions work together in Malawi

28 | Investigators unveil …