Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Role Of Claudins In Bone Metabolism, Fatima Zakariya Alshbool

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Osteoporosis, a major public health problem in the U.S., is characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue. Since the imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption during bone remodeling has been documented to be a major factor in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, it is crucial to identify novel genes and/or novel functions of known genes that regulate the formation and activity of bone forming osteoblasts and bone resorbing osteoclasts. To this end, recent evidence suggests a significant role for caudins (Cldns), which comprise a major group of tight junction proteins, in bone biology and development. This …

Stereotypes About Healthcare Professionals, Emotions, And Mammography Compliance, Kayla M. Kinworthy

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Rates of mammography screening are particularly low for minority women, with only 42% of Latin American (Latino) women in the U.S. reporting having a mammogram in the last year as compared to 53% of non-Latino White (Anglo) women [1]. Minority patients are more likely to report negative healthcare encounters with their health professionals [2; 3], which may result in less favorable cultural stereotypes about healthcare professionals and more negative emotional reactions. Guided by Betancourt’s Integrative Model of Culture, Psychological Processes, and Health Behavior [4] and the Stereotype Content Model [5], the aim of the present research was to examine the …

The Effect Of Root Canal Cleansing On The Retention Of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Posts, Faisal Dhaifallah Al-Qarni

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Esthetic glass fiber-reinforced posts are being used more often. The most commonly reported complication associated with these posts is debonding. Dentine conditioning with solutions such as EDTA or MTAD results in removal of smear layer and might improve the retention of posts to root canal dentin. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cleansing the post space with MTAD or EDTA on the bond strength of glass fiber-reinforced posts, when cemented with self-adhesive resin cement. Forty-five (n=15) extracted human premolar teeth were sectioned at the cemento-enamel junction to obtain root length of fifteen millimeters. Endodontic …

Modulation Of T Lymphocytes By Tumor-Released Survivin, Jessica Marie Jutzy

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The tumor microenvironment is an area of intense interaction between normal and malignant cells. Factors and cell types within this environment can play a crucial role in the progression or regression of the tumor. Of primary interest are tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes, which have been shown to have a key role in modifying the dynamics of the tumor microenvironment to promote or prevent tumor growth. While there is much in vitro and in vivo evidence for a modification of the tumor infiltrating T cell population toward a pro-tumor environment, what induces these changes within the tumor microenvironment has remained elusive. Our …

Nutrition Students’ Perception Of Osce & Its Effect On Perceived Readiness To Clinical Placement, Elaf Farahat

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objective: Explore nutrition and dietetic students’ perception of the educational value of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE) and to examine the change in their perceived readiness to practice after completing three OSCEs.

Participants: Students from the Schools of Public Health (SPH) and Allied Health Professions (SAHP) enrolled in Medical Nutrition Therapy course, mean age 26.6±5.4 years, 95% females (n=37).

Methods: Mixed-method sequential exploratory design. Three focus group discussions (11 participants) were conducted as part of the qualitative phase to elicit themes related to perception of OSCE as an education tool. In the quantitative phase, a pre-post test design …

Cortical Mechanisms Of Human Pelvic Floor Muscle Synergies, Skulpan Asavasopon

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The human pelvic floor is an anatomically, functionally, and morphologically complex region that is associated with many disorders such as chronic prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS), chronic low back pain, and urinary incontinence. The purpose of this dissertation was to explore the cortical mechanisms that underlie human pelvic floor muscle synergies. Our first original experiment involved the study of 20 healthy male controls who were instructed to perform a variety of muscle tasks presumed to be associated with pelvic floor muscle synergies. Surface electromyography (EMG) method was used to detect timing onsets, as well as activation patterns of the pelvic floor, …

Efficacy Of The Flosspro Flosser Versus Finger Flossing In Orthodontic Patients, Sharareh S. Sabet

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: The maintenance of good oral hygiene among orthodontic patients is a challenge. The purpose of this study was to compare the oral hygiene habits, gingival health, and preference of orthodontic patients when using a floss aid compared to conventional finger flossing with a floss threader. Methods: Thirty-four adolescent and young adult patients with fixed orthodontic appliances and poor oral hygiene were enrolled from the Loma Linda University Graduate Orthodontic Clinic. This was a single blind crossover study. The patients were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups (floss aid or finger floss) in phase I. After prophylaxis, subjects …

Cbct Evaluation Of Morphological Changes To Alveolar Bone Due To Orthodontic Tooth Movement, Jeremy M. Hoff

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: The mandibular process is the anatomic factor that limits the orthodontic movement of the mandibular incisors, and awareness of this structural limitation may reduce the risk of potential damage to tooth roots and alveolar bone. A decision regarding the correct placement of the lower incisors will be largely determined by the amount of adaptation possible within the alveolar bone. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to use Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to evaluate the adaptation of alveolar bone around the mandibular anterior teeth before and after orthodontic tooth movement. Methods: This study compared changes in area (mm2) …

Effect Of 17Β Estradiol & Foot Strike Patterns On Physiological & Biomechanical Changes In Runners, Iman Akef Khowailed

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

It is well established that female runners are at a significantly increased risk of incurring injuries when compared to their male counterparts. Gender-specific factors such as anatomical, hormonal, and altered neuromuscular activation patterns have been implicated as causative factors. An association have been observed between hormonal fluctuation and ACL injury risk indicating potentially hormonal effect on both passive and dynamic knee stabilizer.

A growing contingency believes that we were designed with all we need in our feet to be able to run with minimal shoes that mimic barefoot running striking pattern. Habitual barefoot runners tend to FFS, compared to habitually …

Role Of Astrocyte Network In Edema After Juvenile Traumatic Brain Injury, Andrew Minoru Fukuda

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Juvenile traumatic brain injury (jTBI) is the leading cause of death and disability in young children and adolescents. Despite its lasting detrimental effects on the developing brain, no pharmacological treatment exists. One of the pathological hallmarks of jTBI is edema. Astrocytes play a key role in the edema process, and have been hypothesized that numerous astrocyte networks allow communication and propagation of edema and secondary injury spread. Two key astrocyte proteins are hypothesized to have a central role in the edema process: Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) and Connexin 43 (Cx43). AQP4 is expressed extensively in astrocyte endfeet, which surrounds the blood …

Copper, Aluminum And Nickel: A New Monocrystalline Orthodontic Alloy, Mark Wierenga

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: This study was designed to evaluate, via tensile and bend testing, the mechanical properties of a newly-developed monocrystalline orthodontic archwire comprised of a blend of copper, aluminum, and nickel (CuAlNi). Methods: The sample was comprised of three shape memory alloys; CuAlNi, copper nickel titanium (CuNiTi), and nickel titanium (NiTi); from various orthodontic manufacturers in both 0.018” round and 0.019” x 0.025” rectangular dimensions. Additional data was gathered for similarly sized stainless steel and beta-titanium archwires as a point of reference for drawing conclusions about the relative properties of the archwires. Measurements of loading and unloading forces were recorded in …

The Effect Of Tooth Presence On Identification Of Tooth Socket Lamina Dura Surface: A Cbct Study, Morse Stonecypher

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Aim: The accuracy in identifying anatomical landmarks on CBCT images can be affected by the presence of surrounding anatomical structures with similar radiodensity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the presence of tooth structure on the accuracy in identifying the lamina dura surface, facial bone surface, facial and lingual bone margins, socket apex, as well as in facial bone thickness measurement. Materials & Methods: Three fresh cadaver heads were scanned using a NewTom 5G CBCT at 0.100 mm voxel size at three time-points: before extraction (T1), after extraction and reinsertion (T2), and after tooth removal …

Cbct And Cephalometric Analysis Of The Tmj Complex After Treatment Using A Mara Appliance, Melissa Danette Shotell

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: The mandibular anterior repositioning appliance (MARATM) is a fixed appliance intended for the correction of class II malocclusion. Many advocate the use of the MARA appliance to minimize patient non-compliance with treatment; however, little information is known as to the skeletal changes in the temporomandibular complex. The purpose of this study is to investigate the changes in the temporomandibular complex using both cephalometric and cone beam computerized tomography.

Materials and Methods: The initial and final treatment cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) scans of 5 patients treated with the MARA appliance were collected from the Loma Linda University Orthodontics Clinic. …

Simpatia And Negative Interpersonal Emotions In Continuity Of Health Care, Andres Gilberto Mendez

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Past research has demonstrated that continuity of care has positive outcomes for patients. Continuous care has been shown to have positive outcomes for the patient, including increased patient satisfaction, decreased hospitalizations, decreased emergency department visits, and improved receipt of preventive services. Guided by Betancourt’s Integrative Model for the Study of Culture, Psychological Processes, and Health Behaviors, the aim of this research was to examine the role of cultural scripts and mistreatment related negative interpersonal emotions on continuity of care among Latin American (Latino) and Non-Latino White (Anglo) women. Specifically, this study examined the effect of simpatía, a cultural script that …

Skeletal Changes After Rapid Maxillary Expansion And Fixed Orthodontic Treatment: A Cbct Study, Chandler Ho

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to use cone-beam computed tomography to quantitatively evaluate the skeletal effects of rapid maxillary expansion and orthodontic treatment, with a specific interest in evaluating whether the skeletal changes achieved by RME will maintain throughout orthodontic treatment. Methods: Thirty consecutive patients (16 boys, 14 girls; mean age, 13.9 ± 1.8 years) who required RME with Hyrax appliances as part of their comprehensive orthodontic treatment were studied. Measurements before and after RME, and after orthodontic treatment, of palatal and buccal maxillary widths, palatal alveolar angle, nasal width, nasal floor width, and maxillary sinus width at …

Vegetarian Dietary Patterns: Mortality, Colorectal Cancer, And Food Consumption, Michael John Orlich

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objective Vegetarian dietary patterns represent longstanding, real-world diets consumed by a minority of persons. Studies of important health outcomes of such diets, particularly for all-cause mortality and colorectal cancer risk, have yielded inconsistent results. We sought to examine these outcomes (mortality and colorectal cancer incidence) in a large North-American cohort. We also sought to further characterize potentially important differences in the food consumption patterns of these diets. Design Baseline diet was measured by a quantitative food frequency questionnaire among more than 96,000 Seventh-day Adventists in the US and Canada, enrolled from 2002-2007. Dietary patterns were defined, based on the reported …

Novel Approach To Assess Periodontal Disease Severity Using Volumetric Analysis, Meera George Maveli

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the absolute change in linear measurements of bone loss on the facial plane of a maxillary central incisor at full and half root length along the vertical axis is directly proportional to volumetric change. The secondary aim was to evaluate if the variation of root volume is influenced by difference in root morphology.

Three dimensional digital models of 70 random patients were obtained from

DICOM CBCT files using volumetric software, InVivoDental (Anatomage, San Jose,

CA). One central incisor of average root length was selected per patient and total length

(L1) and …

Cd21 And Cd24 Co-Expression: A Translational Model Between Mouse And Human, Abigail Benitez

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis are B cell-mediated autoimmune diseases that afflict millions of people worldwide. B cell-targeted therapies for these diseases result in variable clinical outcomes. Thus, a need exists to better understand the dynamics of human B cell production and function. The mouse model has provided a foundation for understanding the mechanisms involved in human B cell development and autoimmune disease. However, differences in mouse and human B cells are not fully understood. Our work shows that the co-expression of CD21 and CD24, determined by 7-color flow cytometry, can be used to demarcate developmental subsets of B …

Quantitative Characterization Of Conserved Noncoding Regions By Flow Cytometry, Amber Brown

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Spatial and temporal regulation of developmental gene transcription often involves regulatory sequences found in noncoding DNA separate from the gene’s promoter. Conservation of a noncoding region (CNR) across divergent species may indicate a regulatory region critical to basic morphogenesis. CNR-green fluorescent protein (GFP) constructs can demonstrate spatial and temporal CNR activity by microscopy visualization. However, characterization of regulatory modules within a CNR requires quantitative, in addition to qualitative, analysis. The study presented here describes the development and implementation of a novel application of flow cytometry in the quantitative characterization of CNRs. The technique couples fluorescent microscopy localization with flow cytometry …

Exosomal Survivin-T34a: A Novel, Potential Cancer Therapeutic, Jonathan Richard Aspe

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer fatality in American men and women with a less than 5% survival rate. Currently, if diagnosed early, surgical resection remains the only viable cure. However, only 20% of pancreatic cancer patients meet these criteria. It is therefore necessary to discover new therapies or therapeutic combinations in order to impact significantly this deadly disease. The anti-metabolite agent Gemcitabine is currently being employed to treat pancreatic cancer. While Gem-citabine has shown significant benefit in clinical applications, its ability to more than modestly impact pancreatic cancer is limited. It has been speculated that …

Humor's Effect On Short-Term Memory In Older Adults: An Innovative Wellness Paradigm, Gurinder Singh Bains

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Context: With ageing, the detrimental effects of stress can impair the ability to learn and sustain memory. Humor and the associated mirthful laughter can reduce stress by decreasing the hormone cortisol. Chronic release of cortisol can damage hippocampal neurons leading to impairment of learning and memory. Objectives: To examine the effect of watching a humor video on short term memory in older adults. Design: A randomized, controlled trial. Setting: Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA. Participants: 30 subjects: 20 normal healthy, older adults, 11 males and 9 females; 10 Type 2 Diabetic older adults, 6 males and 4 females. Intervention: …

Co-Constructing Cultural Attunement With Latino Clients In Couple Therapy, Marco Antonio Elias-Juarez

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

There is a need for culturally attuned approaches for couple’s therapy with Mexican/ Mexican-American people (Falicov, 2009). However, there have been few theoretical frameworks to conceptualize cultural attunement, and attunement has been primarily understood as a skill or as an attitude rather than as a relationship or as a series of clinical concepts with steps to follow (Hoskins, 1999; Oakes, 2011). From the social constructionist perspective, cultural attunement is related to the cultural context and cultural interactions that shape beliefs and attitudes about what is meaningful in establishing deep relationships for Latino and non-Latino therapists and their Mexican and Mexican-American …

Creating A Healing Environment: Strategies Christian Nurses Use, Jane Bacon Pfeiffer

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Nursing metaparadigm concepts of nurse, person, environment, and health are the conceptual building blocks which provide direction to nursing research and knowledge development (Fawcett & Desnato-Madeya, 2013). Interaction of person, nurse and environment facilitate optimal outcomes yet, there remains a need for research on the paradigm concept of environment and creation of a healing environment in particular. (Meleis, 2010).

The purpose of this study was to explore the strategies Christian nurses used to create a healing environment and enhance well-being for non-end-of-life, hospitalized patients from admission forward. Specific aims included identifying nurses’ perspectives on (1) the strategies Christian nurses used …

Screening For Torticollis And Plagiocephaly: The Role Of The Pediatrician, Lisa Ann Change-Yee Hwang

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of providing a standardized screening examination to a group of attending and resident physicians on the rate of torticollis and plagiocephaly diagnoses, the age at time of diagnosis, and the attitudes and practice patterns of the physicians. All subjects were given a standardized screening procedure by verbal instruction and handout, and also completed a pre-­‐ and post-­‐intervention questionnaire, which assessed the 􀂕􀂗􀂄􀂌􀂇􀂅􀂖􀂕􀇯􀀃 practice regarding the diagnosis and management of torticollis and plagiocephaly. A retrospective chart review was conducted to ascertain the changes in frequency and mean age of patients diagnosed …

The Association Of Health Literacy With Self-Care Agency In Older Adults In Jamaica, Heather F. Fletcher

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Older adults are the fastest growing segment of the population in Jamaica. With an increase from 10% (252,225) of the total Jamaican population in 1995 to 11% (279,051) in 2005, the rate is expected to rise to 25% by 2025. Thus, it will be critically important to understand factors that may contribute to health maintenance, disease prevention, and wellness promotion. Two such factors – not studied extensively in this country - are health literacy and self-care. The purposes of this study were to (a) generate health literacy profile data with the newly-developed Health Literacy Questionnaire for community-dwelling older adults in …

Factors Affecting Gingival Recession In The Esthetic Zone: A Human Cadaver Study, Christen Sather

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation of gingival recession to the following parameters in fresh cadavers: gingival thickness, buccal bone loss, buccal bone thickness, shape of bony dehiscence defect, and age. A secondary aim was to evaluate predictors for gingival recession.

Sixteen fresh cadavers were used in this study. Gingival recession, facial gingival thickness, alveolar bone loss, and buccal bone thickness were measured at teeth #6-#11 and #22-#27. Sites with a dehiscence (D) or fenestration (F) were presented, and resultant bony defect shape was noted. The correlation of gingival recession to gingival thickness, buccal bone loss, …

Predictors Of Health In Adult Child Caregivers Of Parent Stroke Survivors In China, Yuqin Pan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Strokes are the leading cause of adult disability and death in China. The prevalence is 6 - 9% among adults over 65 in urban areas. It is estimated that currently there are more than 7.5 million stroke survivors with an annual increase of 2.5 million new cases. These stroke survivors are in great need of care during their rehabilitation. The tradition of filial piety involves adult children in caregiving to their parent stroke survivors; however, the caregiving responsibility becomes more challenging due to shrinking family size and modernization; thus caregiver health is often compromised. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews …

Effect Of Monophasic Pulsed Current On The Treatment Of Plantar Fasciitis, Abdullah Alotaibi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is one of the most common soft tissue disorders that causes inferior heel and rear foot pain. Monophasic pulsed current (MPC) is a method of electrical stimulation (ES) clinically used to promote and accelerate wound healing processes. The aim of this prospective clinical trial was to investigate the effect of MPC and MPC coupled with plantar fascia specific stretching exercises (SE) in the treatment of PF. Methods: Forty four participants (twenty- two subjects were women; 22 were men with a mean age of 49 ± 10.6 years) diagnosed with PF were randomly allocated to receive MPC …

Effect Of Maternal Hypoxia On Fetal Development: Programming Of Hie Phenotype In Neonatal Rat Brain, Pablo J. Gonzalez-Rodriguez

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Developmental programming of health and disease correlates the adverse intrauterine environment and the risk of disease later in life as cardiovascular disease, metabolic diseases, renal dysfunction or neurobehavioral disorders among others. Maternal hypoxia is one of the most common intrauterine growth restricted environment during pregnancy. Perinatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is an important cause of brain injury in the newborn due to a systematic asphyxia. Our study aims to test the hypothesis that maternal hypoxia affect the organogenesis of the kidney by affecting the kidney structure and focusing on the roles of AT1R and AT2R, while the brain development will also be …

Acculturation And Cardiovascular Behaviors Among Adult Asian-Americans, Monideepa Bhattacharya Becerra

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: The World Health Organization recommends the promotion of positive cardiovascular behaviors (healthy diet and physical activity), while reducing negative ones (tobacco and alcohol abuse) as critical steps in reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases. Researchers have highlighted the role of acculturation in predicting such behaviors among immigrants, though similar studies among Asian-American subgroups are lacking. This study examines the putative relationship between acculturation and aforementioned cardiovascular behaviors among six Asian-American subgroups.

Methods: A secondary analysis of the California Health Interview Survey 2007, 2009, and 2011 public access data was conducted. Acculturation was assessed utilizing proxy measures of language spoken …