Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Today - December 22, 2008, Loma Linda University

TODAY

Inside this issue:

-- Loma Linda University, Atlantic Union College explore affiliation possibilities between institutions
-- Senior vice president for development/public affairs named
-- LLUMC, BMC nursing leadership contributes to China academic week
-- Cancer survivors return to Loma Linda
-- 6:10 to the Great Southwest
-- Loma Linda University participates in community emergency response training
-- Good Samaritan awards celebrate employees who fulfill institutional mission
-- Community Christmas Fiesta held at SACHS–Norton
-- Class projects helps chronically ill kids
-- Jan Fisher retires after half a century of service to physical therapy

Today - December 8, 2008, Loma Linda University

TODAY

Inside this issue:

-- Loma Linda University Medical Center plastic surgeon gains national recognition
-- Spiritual care workshop planned for LLU students, faculty
-- BALL, BHPSA, BSA hold 25th annual spiritual retreat
-- Campus community internal newsletter available online
-- Center for Spiritual Life & Wholeness begins new television program on LLBN
-- Medical help wanted by Scheer Memorial Hospital in Nepal
-- Savannah Edwards receives philanthropy award
-- Compassion Alive: ‘La Escuelita’ gets a facelift
-- GIS Day 2008
-- INNERWEAVE: The Wholeness Story
-- Whirlwind of activities hits Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital
-- East Campus celebrates grand …

Buccal Bone Changes Following Rapid Maxillary Expansion (Rmf), Long-Term Results, Elena S. Iacob

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to use Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images to quantitatively evaluate buccal bone changes of maxillary first premolar (P1), second premolar (P2) and first molar (M1) shortly after Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) and at the end of orthodontic treatment, as well as to evaluate the variables that may be associated with the short-term and long-term changes. Forty-seven consecutive patients (25 males and 22 females) with a mean age of 14.5years and who required RME as part of their orthodontic treatment and had pre-RME (T1) and post-RME (T2) CBCT images available were used for the …

Nonlinearity And Gestalt Therapy : Back To The Beginning, Darryl G. Kim

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Gestalt methods are explored in the context of the nonlinear view. The original Lewinian equations are updated to the current notions of nonlinear dynamics and current Gestalt Therapy theory. Ordinary differential equations and nonlinear processes are applied some of the key features of Gestalt Theory. Theoretical positions are explored and therapeutic impact considered.

Parental Influences In Child Obesity, Janel Lynn Calinisan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

One of the greatest concerns in American society is peoples’ health. In the past several years there has been an overwhelming increase in obesity in Americans. This concern relates not only to adults, but also to children, as more are found to be overweight. Many factors have been suggested as to why more children are becoming obese, including parenting, demographics, physical activity, nutrition, and biological factors. Studies have shown that parental influence or involvement can be related to child obesity such that neglected children were more likely to be obese in adolescence and sustain it through adulthood. In order to …

Psychological Distress And Change In A Pediatric Obesity Population, Amy Rebecca Beck

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Pediatric overweight and obesity is a growing national epidemic with 15 percent of children ages 6-19 considered obese and at least 22 percent considered overweight. While there is considerable research pointing to contributing factors of obesity, there is a paucity of research which elucidates what contributes to successful intervention. Considering that by the year 2050, nearly 50 million Americans may be obese, understanding the factors delineating success of weight loss and prevention is a necessity. The purpose of this study was to utilize archival data from the LLU Growing Fit Program to evaluate the levels of psychological distress experienced by …

Ethical Decision-Making Regarding Multiple Relationships Between Therapist And Client, Diana Jochai

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The current study examined a new conceptual model of factors critical to a therapist’s decision-making process when faced with the potential of a nonsexual multiple relationship with a client. This new model was founded on the conceptual framework proposed by Street, Douglas, Geiger, & Martinko (2001) and integrated the components of the decision-making process and the individual and situational factors influencing those components identified in existing general conceptual models and specific behavioral guidelines. For the ethical decision-making process to begin, a practitioner must be able to recognize the presenting problem as an ethical dilemma (Brazerman, 1986; Jones, 1991; Street et …

Promoting Animals For Well-Being And Self-Acceptance With The Human Patient, Vicki J. Marquardt

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Few empirical studies have been conducted in order to scientifically measure the benefits of using animals with individuals suffering from neurological disorders, or traumatic brain injuries, with or without the inclusion of chronic pain. This study looked at the benefit of using horses in the therapeutic setting, by measuring the levels of anxiety, depression, self-esteem and quality of life pre- and post-therapy, in individuals diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Three groups were used in this study, and were measured pre and post therapy over an eight week period of time. The first group did not participate in the therapy at …

Short-Term Clinical Evaluation Of Nobelreplace® Tapered Groovy Implant, Manouchehr Pouresmail

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this clinical investigation was to make comparisons and to achieve estimates of the short-term implant success, marginal bone resorption, and soft tissue responses around the immediately loaded NobelReplace® Tapered groovy implant (with groove on a rough collar portion) as compared to an implant without a groove on the collar (Replace®Select Tapered). This was a randomized controlled and prospective investigation in which subjects were consecutively included according to strict inclusion/exclusion criteria. Single stage procedure was used with immediate function. Seventeen subjects were recruited, and were randomly divided in two groups. Each group was received the predetermined type of …

The Evaluation Of Sharper Future: A Community-Based Sex Offender Treatment Program, Lindsay M. Cunningham

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

A program evaluation of Sharper Future’s Substance Abuse Services Coordinating Agency (SASCA) sex offender treatment program was conducted in order to ascertain whether the program is meeting its treatment goals as outlined by the SASCA contract and Sharper Future program goals. The participants of this evaluation were 248 past male Sharper Future clients who had been mandated to treatment at the Sharper Future facilities and were funded by the SASCA program. The data used in this program evaluation was archival, as it existed in the clients’ file as supplied by the Sharper Future clinics that run a SASCA treatment program. …

Comparison Of Mandibular Alveolar Bone With Facial Type Using Cbct, Jason M. Loop

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between facial type and cortical bone thickness (mm), cortical bone density (rHU) and trabecular bone density (rHU) in the mandibular alveolar bone. Twenty-five consecutive dolichofacial, 25 consecutive mesiofacial, and 25 consecutive brachyfacial patients with T1 lateral cephalograms and CBCT scans were used in this study. A Ricketts analysis was used to compute the VERT index for each patient. All statistical analyses were performed at the significance level of α = 0.05. The one-way ANOVA and LSD post hoc tests indicated there was a statistically significant relationship between facial type and …

Today - November 17, 2008, Loma Linda University

TODAY

Inside this issue:

-- Spiritual life and wholeness banquet recognizes institutional employees for faith and passion
-- Compassion in Action opens with feature on Afghanistan
-- SPH addresses reform at American Health Care Congress
-- ‘Space aliens’ invade Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital
-- School of Dentistry releases fall quarter dean’s list
-- LLU student take on AHI hospital as mission project
-- LLU trains environmental health professionals from 13 states during Oklahoma conference
-- Thanksgiving road trip features Big Sur, Carmel, and San Francisco
-- Summer research program inspires Inland Empire students to pursue health careers
-- A crisis …

Today - October 27, 2008, Loma Linda University

TODAY

Inside this issue:

-- LLUHS employee recognition banquet takes on Olympic and Chinese themes
-- HALL holds annual scholarship banquet
-- Eleanor Clift to speak on campus October 29
-- A Walk to Remember commemorates tragedy, promotes healing
-- Research project coordinator receives Good Samaritan Award
-- SPH students dialogue with African peacemaker
-- Radiologist assistant student awarded Siemens Clinical Advancement Scholarship
-- School of Allied Health Professions celebrates national allied health professions week
-- Physical therapy alumna is co-owner of Southern California’s first physical rehabilitation center for pets
-- Physician assistant class of 2010 receives jackets
-- INNERWEAVE: The …

Today - October 13, 2008, Loma Linda University

TODAY

Inside this issue:

-- Noted TV personality will be keynote speaker at first Loma Linda University lecture series
-- Friends of SACHS celebrate improvements
-- Speech and language programs offered at LLU Medical Center
-- Dental hygiene class of 2009 collects books, toys for Afghanistan
-- American Health Care Congress looks for healthy solutions
-- Cops for Kids Fly-In brings goodies and goodwill to LLUCH kids
-- School of Pharmacy honor society inducts 11 new members
-- Eleventh annual research symposium explores bone and joint development
-- Service of dedication held for LLUAHSC president
-- Dental students present research during …

Look Beyond And Rejoice : A Spiritual Intervention For Patients With Life-Threatening Illness Or Chronic Pain, Jung H. Park

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Recently, the study of religious coping has increased dramatically. Researchers have recognized that cognitive-behavioral interventions imbued with spiritual dimensions may have greater impact when they incorporate a persons’ belief system. Based on scientific literature and Christian coping methods in the Bible, the Look Beyond & Rejoice [LB&R] Healing Model was developed to provide a theoretical framework for an intervention aimed at improving spiritual, mental, and physical health. The model includes: (a) positive reframing of illness that may change a patient’s perception from a threat to challenge and hope, and (b) daily transcendent visualization and verbalization, through looking beyond adversity and …

An In-Vitro Investigation Of The Physical Properties Of Alginate Alternatives, Rishi Dinesh Patel

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the detail reproduction, gypsum compatibility and linear dimensional change of three recently introduced irreversible hydrocolloid (alginate) alternatives. The materials that were tested are Position Penta Quick® (3M ESPE™), Silgimix® (Sultan Dental) and Alginot® (Kerr™). These materials were tested in accordance with ANSI/ADA Specification No. 18 for Alginate Impression Materials and No. 19 for Dental Elastomeric Impression materials. The irreversible hydrocolloid impression material Jeltrate Plus antimicrobial® (Dentsply Caulk™) served as the control.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ADA specification die was used to undertake the testing of the new materials. The parameters of detail …

Predictive Measures Of Cognitive Outcome In Adults Sustaining Brain Injury, Herminia De La Rosa-Trujillo

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

To date, there is no consistent and accurate outcome prediction method for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Commonly used clinical measures such as the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and traditional radiological methods of x-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans do not always accurately predict patient functional outcome. These radiological methods are adequate in determining gross structural anatomical disturbances, however, they are unable to detect more diffuse cellular damage believed to be responsible for the functional impairments evidenced in patients sustaining TBI. Magnetic resonance imaging allows for various non-invasive sequencing techniques that have demonstrated to be a potentially valuable method …

Orthodontic Mini-Implant Failure: Assessing The Relationship To Bone Quality Using Qcbct, Joshua Schneider

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cortical bone thickness (mm), cortical bone density (HU), and trabecular bone density (HU) of mini-implants sites in both the maxilla and mandible using QCBCT to determine if they had any effect on mini-implant failure rate. Patient characteristics (age, gender, facial type), mini-implant characteristics (date of placement, manufacturer, length, and diameter), and the mini-implant site (region) were also evaluated. One hundred and six mini-implants in 50 consecutive patients with complete patient records, CBCT information, and T1 radiographs were included in the study. Thirty-four of the 106 mini-implants were considered "failures" resulting in …

The Comparative Radiopacity Between Primary And Permanent Teeth, Robert C. Lee

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: This in vitro study compared the radiopacity between human primary and permanent enamel and dentin. It also compared the radiopacity between human anterior and posterior teeth.

Methods: Extracted primary and permanent teeth were used in this study. One mm enamel and one mm dentin slices were cut from each extracted tooth. Radiographs were taken of each enamel and dentin specimen 1 mm in thickness along with an aluminum step-wedge using procedures specified in International Standards Organization (ISO) 4049:2000. A densitometer was used to measure the Optical Density (OD) of the radiographs of the specimen and the accompanying aluminum step-wedge. …

Effect Of 3-Electrode Electrical Stimulation On Current Delivery And Healing In Chronic Wounds, Hyejin Suh

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Chronic wounds have been an enormous burden on the healthcare system due to their prevalence and the lack of efficacy of current treatment modalities. Over the years, electrical stimulation (ES) has been widely used in the treatment of wounds. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of this treatment is under scrutiny, since many studies have failed to report successive and/or consistent effects of ES on wound healing. This inconsistency may be due to the uneven current produced by the conventional 2-electrode delivery system (2-channel ES) and the reduced resting blood flow resulting from thermally cool treatment rooms. In this study, a new approach …

Characterization Of Rhbmp-2 Induced Heterotopic Bone Subjected To Distraction Osteogenesis, Anne J. Yoon

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to characterize and analyze the heterotopic bone regenerate which formed following implantation of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and to determine by epi-illumination, x-ray photometry and histology, if there is increased and sustained osteogenic potential present with distraction osteogenesis of this heterotopic bone. While many previous studies have documented the osteogenic potential of BMP-2, no study to date has shown the results of application of force on this ectopic bone. Our study included three control rats (non-expansion) and six experimental rats (expansion). Of the control rats, #76 (a pilot study rat) had already …

Recognizing A Dysfunctional Swallowing Pattern Using Surface Electromyography (Semg), Michelle F. Couto

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if a surface electromyography (sEMG) assessment of swallowing is better at identifying Oral Muscular Dysfunction (OMD) than a clinical evaluation (observation & digital palpation) of swallowing. The assessment was conducted on children ages 9 to 17, who were patients at the Orthodontic Department at Loma Linda University, School of Dentistry. Additionally, the prevalence of a “perceived” swallowing dysfunction was assessed.

Methods: This study included 39 randomly selected subjects from the orthodontic patients at Loma Linda University. Each subject’s “dry” swallow was evaluated using two separate methods: (a) sEMG and (b) digital …

Anti-Inflammatory Effects Of Ppar-Gamma In Surgical Brain Injury (Sbi), Amy Hyong

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Brain injury can be caused by neurosurgical procedures themselves, due to direct trauma, retractor stretch, intraoperative hemorrhage and electrocautery damage. As a result of this surgical brain injury (SBI) postoperative complications such as inflammation, brain edema, and cell death can occur in the susceptible brain areas. Cerebral inflammation is a known contributor to the pathophysiology of brain injury. Following brain injury, the release of inflammatory mediators facilitates the development of BBB breakdown, cerebral edema, oxidative stress and neuronal death, resulting in further tissue damage in the brain and poor neurological outcomes. This study evaluates whether the use of a …

Arginine Vasopressin And Male Attachment: A Marital And Family Therapy Perspective, Calvin James Thomsen

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Social neuroscience offers a promising way to understand some dimensions of adult attachment. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is a neuropeptide with significant implications for human social behavior and it provides an important testing ground to explore links between social/interpersonal neurobiology and attachment. It has a distinctive impact on the social/relational behavior of certain male animals, most notably prairie voles. It fosters monogamy, creates attachment to both mate and offspring, and increases affiliation and a desire for physical proximity with other animals of the species. There has been much speculation that it might play a similar role with human males. This study …

Cephalometric Analysis Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Wade A. Williams

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if T1-weighted 3D magnetic resonance images performed at 3.0 Tesla could be used to conduct routine orthodontic cephalometric analysis.

Methods: Three cranial imaging methods were compared using sixteen non-growing subjects (10 male and 6 female) who were not claustrophobic, did not have any metallic restorations on the distal of first molars, had no medical implants and the female subjects were not pregnant. Sagittal cranial images were produced by three methods: (1) a digital lateral cephalometric (LC) radiograph (Orthophos XG Plus, Sirona^TM, Bensheim, Germany), (2) a 12-inch FOV cone beam …

Healing The Effects Of Medical Errors: A Vision Of Justice As Wholeness, Christiane Catharine Schubert

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Medical errors cannot be avoided completely even when employing the greatest care and applying the most sophisticated medical technologies. They occur when organizational, human, technical, or environmental factors lead to unintentional failures which result in recognizable physical, mental, spiritual, or social harm to patients. Until recently, the medical profession has responded with silence while patients remained uncompensated or resorted to the legal system. Professional distancing undermines transparency and patient safety while medical malpractice litigation ruptures the fragile relationships between patients and healthcare providers in whom patients trust. Philosophically, these responses draw on the framework of deontological liberalism, promoting notions of …

The Effectiveness Of Treatment In An Inpatient And Outpatient Psychiatric Facility, Timothy Quan Tran

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The present study is aimed at examining treatment outcome in a large psychiatric facility that provides both inpatient and outpatient services to a broad range of patients. Not only will patient outcomes be assessed at a facility-wide level, but patient outcomes on the various units/programs in the facility will also be assessed and compared. It is expected that, facility wide, patients will show significant improvement on the outcome measure from admission to discharge, but that patient outcomes will differ across the various units/programs in the facility. In sum, the results of the paired-sample t-test and effect size obtained in this …

Breast Cancer Screening Disparities In Japanese-American Women, Theodora Stratis

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Cancer screening disparities in ethnic minority women have received much research attention in the last several years due to a marked increase in ethnic minority cancer incidence and poor survival rates (Miller, Kollnel, Bernstein, Young Swanson, West et ah, 1996). Breast cancer is the leading cause of death for Asian American women (Asian American Network for Cancer Awareness, Research & Training, 2002) and, although their incidence and mortality rates are lower than Caucasian women, these rates continue to increase every year. This increasing mortality rate is likely due to the underutilization of breast cancer screening by Asian American women. Asian …

Study Of Executive Functioning Training In Adolescents Diagnosed With Autism, Jessica Postil

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study investigated the effectiveness of a manualized executive functioning training program used with adolescents diagnosed with autism. Three male adolescents were trained on executive function activities using a combination of Applied Behavioral Analysis and executive functioning activities. Training programs were administered individually, lasting for 2 hours per day for 20 days. Participants were tested 1 month before training, 1 week before treatment, immediately after training and at a one-month follow-up. Significant improvements were seen in performance on executive functioning tasks that required motor speed, verbal fluency, monitoring, predicting, planning and organization skills. Significant changes in the participant’s adaptive behavior …

A Theory Of Positive Mental Health, Jason D. Rowden

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

For many decades psychological research has erred on the side of looking toward pathology and has neglected to define what positive mental health functioning is on an individual level (Dahlsgaard, Peterson, & Seligman, 2005, p. 203). Without a sound theory of positive mental health, the field of psychology is left guessing as to its meaning. The importance of having a clear definition of mental health cannot be underscored enough. Without a clear understanding of mental health, the field of psychology is forced to function with varying opinions, defined by each clinician. The goal of the current thesis is to contribute …