Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Influence Of Cbct-Derived 3d-Printed Models On Endodontic Microsurgical Treatment Planning And Confidence Of The Operator, Shreyas Oza, Johnah C. Galicia

Orthodontics and Endodontics Theses

Aims Use of 3D printed models in Endodontics has been gaining popularity since the technology to create them became more affordable. Currently, there are no studies that evaluate the influence of 3D models on endodontic surgical treatment planning and on operator confidence. Therefore, aims of this study were to: (i) Determine whether the availability of a 3D printed analogue can influence treatment-planning and operator confidence; and, (ii) Assess which factors of operator confidence are influenced, if any.

Materials and Methods Endodontists were asked to analyze a pre-selected CBCT scan of an endodontic surgical case and to answer a questionnaire that …

Variants Of Facial Shape Genes In Patients With Class Ii Or Class I Malocclusion, Mahsa Mortazavi, Marie M. Tolarová Md, Phd, Drsc, Mirek Tolar

Orthodontics and Endodontics Theses

Background and purpose: In recent years, questions regarding the genetic and environmental factors affecting variation in human craniofacial morphology have received increasing attention. Medical and clinical genetic research using family studies has proven foundational for our understanding of which genes affect craniofacial variation. On the other hand, cephalometricbased studies showed a relationship between the cranial base and midface characteristics among individuals with different skeletal pattern of malocclusion. The purpose of our pilot study was to analyze specific variants of facial genes that were suggested to be associated with cranial base width and depth in Class II and Class I malocclusions. …

Variants Of Pax Gene Family In Patients With Class Ii Or Class I Malocclusion, Mana Naeim, Marie M. Tolarová Md, Phd, Drsc, Mirek Tolar

Orthodontics and Endodontics Theses

Background and Purpose. Orthodontic treatment helps to ensure proper function of teeth and to create healthy smiles. To this aim, the orthodontist’s goal is establishment of an esthetic harmony between soft and hard tissues of the face. Dimensions of facial width and height are crucial for accurate diagnosis and formulation of an efficient treatment plan. A knowledge of genetic determinants of these dimensions in Class II patients will deepen our understanding of etiology of skeletal Class II malocclusions and would make it possible to personalize a patient’s treatment plan. The purpose of our pilot study was to analyze, if specific …

Removable Appliance Therapy For Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment, Vikas Gupta, James Chen

Orthodontics and Endodontics Theses

Introduction: Socioeconomically disadvantaged children have limited access to orthodontic services not only because of their families’ competing needs for limited resources, but also because of the limited availability of orthodontists in their communities and a shortage of orthodontists who are willing to treat patients enrolled in Medicaid. We will systematically explore the hypothesis that an early interceptive treatment protocol using removable appliances provides the same treatment outcome but better cost-effectiveness than a traditional fixed-appliance protocol. Methods: Interim data on a prospective study with patients being treated either in private practice with rational fixed Phase I orthodontic treatment (n=11) or in …

Complications Reported In Maxillary Skeletal Expansion, Jacqueline Payne, Audrey Yoon, Heeyeon Suh, Joorok Park, Heesoo Oh

Orthodontics and Endodontics Theses

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the types and prevalence of complications following MARPE protocol at University of the Pacific and to investigate the complication of asymmetry using CBCT analysis. Methods: In the first portion of this study, 97 patients who started treatment prior to July 2020 and who had MARPE expander treatment at the University of the Pacific were included. Chart review and evaluation of progress clinical photographs were used to report the following complications: inflammation, pain, appliance malfunction, broken microscrew, and pulpitis. In the second portion of this study, 77 patients from a private practice …

1 Long Term Impact Of Microimplant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion On Soft Tissue Nasal Morphology, Laura Chew, Heeyeon Suh, Joorok Park, Heesoo Oh

Orthodontics and Endodontics Theses

Introduction: When skeletal transverse discrepancies exist between the maxilla and mandible, they commonly manifest in dental malocclusion. If left uncorrected, the malocclusion can lead to periodontal issues, tooth fractures, tooth loss, or other significant dental problems. Utilization of microimplants in palatal expansion aims to correct transverse discrepancies between the maxilla and mandible by separating the palatal suture in a parallel manner aimed at maximizing skeletal changes and minimizing dental side effects. Overlying soft tissue changes can be affected by the induced skeletal changes. The purpose of this study is to evaluate skeletal expansion and the overlying soft tissue change that …

Accuracy And Reliability Of A Fully Automated Landmark Identification System On Cone Beam Computed Tomography, Ali Ghowsi, David Hatcher, Heeyeon Suh, Joorok Park, Heesoo Oh

Orthodontics and Endodontics Theses

ABSTRACT Introduction: Medical imaging continues to play an increasing role in health care and is an integral part of medicine and dentistry. Recent technological advancements have led to the development of fully automated landmark identification (ALI) systems capable of tracing Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of an ALI system as a tool for automatic landmark location compared to human judges. Methods: One hundred subjects’ CBCT volumes from multiple imaging centers were traced by two human judges who were calibrated and had an ICC close to 1. Fifty-three landmarks were …

Utilization Of A New Web-Based Application For Case Difficulty Assessment As A Predictor For Procedural Errors In Nonsurgical Root Canal Treatment, Watraat Unmona Hasanat

Orthodontics and Endodontics Theses

Introduction: There are currently no established guidelines to determine which cases general practitioners should refer to an endodontist for root canal treatment. The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) has developed the EndoCase mobile application (ECA), which utilizes either a full or abridged rubric to assign case difficulty level and provide referral guidelines to general practitioners and dental students. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether the abridged criteria of the EndoCase application can help predict the incidence of procedural errors in nonsurgical root canal treatment of mandibular molars in an undergraduate dental clinic based on the difficulty …

An In Vitro Evaluation Of The Wirele-X Electronic Apex Locator, Lucas M. Brand Dds, Craig A. Dunlap Dds, Ray Scott Dds Msd, Ove A. Peters Dmd Ms Phd

Orthodontics and Endodontics Theses

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the Wirele-X (Forum Tec, Ashkelon, Israel), a new Bluetooth-enabled electronic apex locator (EAL). The accuracy of the Wirele-X and the Root ZX II (J. Morita, Tokyo, Japan) was compared in vitro using an alginate model. Materials/Methods: Thirty-one extracted single-rooted human teeth with mature apices were decoronated at the CEJ. Under 10X magnification, actual canal lengths (ACL) were determined. The teeth were embedded in alginate and electronic canal length measurements were obtained using the Root ZX II and Wirele-X EALs. Each tooth was measured three times with both EALs. …

Comparison Of Maxillary Expansion Between Clear Aligners And Removable Expansion Appliance In The Mixed Dentition, Micaela Zaverdinos, Paul Kasrovi, James Chen, Heesoo Oh

Orthodontics and Endodontics Theses

Introduction: Orthodontic and orthopedic expansion is necessary to create space to resolve crowding due to arch deficiency or tooth size discrepancy. The Invisalign First clear aligner appliance as a modality for early interceptive orthodontic treatment has become incorporated into orthodontic practices in very recent years. The present study aims to investigate the magnitude of expansion of the Invisalign First clear aligner appliance compared to a Schwartz removable expander in patients with mixed dentition. Additionally, the study aims to compare the efficacy and predictability of Invisalign First clear aligners in this population. Materials & Methods: In this retrospective study, a sample …

The Effects Of Adding Motivational Interviewing To A Behavioral Coaching Intervention To Increase Physical Activity, Ryley Acrea

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Most people do not meet the physical activity guidelines set forth by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO). Sufficient physical activity plays an important role in preventing chronic illnesses, such as Type 2 diabetes, which are a burden on the health care system. Health coaching (a client-centered approach to improve health outcomes) holds promise as a preventive strategy to change health behavior and limit office visits, thereby reducing the burden of illnesses caused by physical inactivity. One component of health coaching that warrants more research is motivational interviewing. The current study used a multiple baseline …

Determining Optimal Resistance Loads During Exercise In Male And Female College Students, Alexia Amo

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Exercise is a crucial component in obtaining proper health and fitness objectives in young adulthood. Determination of an optimal resistance load for men and women may aid in physiological function and reduce the likelihood of injury. We tested 32 physically active men (n=14) and women (n=18) between ages 18-25 on Proteus Motion, USA. Proteus applies continuous three-dimensional magnetic resistance loads during exercise. Testing consisted of 2 repetitions of horizontal and vertical push and pull exercises comparing performance of the dominant and non-dominant arm. Each exercise was performed with a resistance of 7lb, 14lb, 21lb, and 28lb for a total of …

In Vitro Comparative Study Of The Binding Affinity And Targeted-Drug Delivery Efficiency Of Egfr-Targeting Peptides, Jingda Wang

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Peptides have been used as targeting ligands in targeted drug delivery. Conjugating peptides to cytotoxicity agents via a linker to build peptide-drug conjugate (PDC) is a promising targeting strategy. The binding affinity of the peptide ligand and the receptor plays a crucial role in the PDC targeted drug delivery. Although the ligand binding which can be used in targeted drug delivery has been established conceptually, the quantitative or semi-quantitative contribution of binding affinity in targeting efficiency has not been fully explored. The optimal range of binding affinity of the peptide for targeted delivery remains unknown. Therefore, there is a lack …

Post-Translational Modification And Degradation Mechanisms Of The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor, Yujie Yang

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a transcription factor first discovered to be activated by exogenous ligands, such as dioxins, and helps promote downstream gene (e.g. CYP1A1) transcription to metabolize the toxicants. With the reports of various AHR targets genes, the expression levels and activities of AHR have been implicated in many physiological and pathological situations. Understanding how AHR protein level is regulated would provide more information to target AHR. AHR stays in the cytosol in the absence of ligand in a complex with HSP90, p23 and XAP2. After ligand activation, AHR translocates into the nucleus, fulfilling its transactivation function …

Development Of Linked-Domain Protein Inhibitors Of The E2-Conjugating Enzyme Ube2d, Anneroos E. Nederstigt

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

In most eukaryotic organisms, the ubiquitination pathway is one of the most important and versatile signaling systems in use. It is integral to processes such as protein degradation and homeostasis, DNA repair cell cycle regulation, signaling and regulation, epigenetics, and many more. Ubiquitin (Ub) is a short polypeptide of 8.6 kDa, 76 residues that functions as a reversible post-translation modification (PTM). It furthermore contains 7 different lysine residues (K6, K11, K27, K29, K33, K48, K63), all of which can form isopeptide linkages with one another to link individual Ub moieties to form unique polyUb chains onto substrates. The type of …

Bayesian-Derived Vancomycin Auc24h Threshold For Nephrotoxicity In Special Populations, Dan Ho

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

A Bayesian-derived 24-hour area under the concentration-time curve over minimum inhibitory concentration from broth microdilution (AUC24h/MICBMD) ratio of 400 to 600 is recommended as the new monitoring parameter for vancomycin to optimize efficacy and minimize nephrotoxicity. The AUC24h threshold of 600 mg*h/L for nephrotoxicity was extrapolated from studies that assessed the general population. It is unclear if this upper threshold is consistent or varies when used in special populations such as critically ill patients, obese patients, patients with preexisting renal disease, and patients on concomitant nephrotoxins.The purpose of this study is to investigate the generalizability of the proposed vancomycin AUC24h …

Development Of Miriplatin-Loaded Nanoparticles Against Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Zhongyue Yuan

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Lung cancer claims the highest mortality and the second-most estimated new cases among all oncological diseases [1]. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of all newly diagnosed lung cancers [2]. Approximately 40% of newly diagnosed lung cancer patients are stage IV. For stage IIIB/IV NSCLC, cytotoxic combination chemotherapy is standard first-line chemotherapy. A regimen of platinum (cisplatin or carboplatin) plus paclitaxel, gemcitabine, docetaxel, vinorelbine, irinotecan, or pemetrexed is the recommended clinical treatment [3].

Cisplatin is the first-generation platinum-based anti-cancer drug. Although cisplatin is much more effective than other platinum drugs at the same dosage [4], accumulating reports …

Evaluation Of A Division I Mid-Major University’S Student-Athlete Mental Health Program, Heather M. Swanson

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The following executive summary provides high level findings of a student-athlete mental health program (SAMHP) at a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I mid-major university. Various elements of the SAMHP were evaluated to create a well-rounded understanding of the program to determine sustainability, goals, and stakeholder expectations. Findings from this study provided insight on stakeholder needs, program successes, and implications for program improvements.

Translationally-Transformed Coupled-Cluster Theory For Periodic Systems, Boris Daniel Gutierrez-Cortes

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

There are a lot of interesting problems in surface chemistry where quantum chemistry could give great insight, like reaction mechanisms in heterogeneous catalysis, the effect of surface functionalization on semiconductors, or the influence of defects on the reactivity of crystal surfaces.

Plane wave based methods applied to crystals cannot handle problems that are localized in nature like surface defects and adsorbates. On the other hand, molecular electronic structure techniques, which describe these effects and the locality of the electronic correlation well, are too computationally expensive to use on these systems.

In this work, we introduce translationally-transformed coupled-cluster (TT-CC) theory, a …

Investigating The Specificity Of Coiled-Coil Recognition, Melina Huey

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The bZIP transcription factors make up a family of long α-helical proteins that dimerize based on a pattern of hydrophobic residues and bind to DNA through a region of basic residues. Because binding specificity is a particular topic of interest, the dimerization interaction is attractive as a possible candidate to better understand protein quaternary structure. Use of the Knob-Socket (KS) model for determination of packing structure provides a novel approach to analyze protein-protein interactions. A KS analysis of the protein-protein interface provides unique insight into the specificity of the classical leucine zipper pseudo-7mer repeat. From an analysis of the KS …

Harnessing Transthyretin To Enhance The In Vivo Half-Life Of Human Interleukin-2 (Il-2), Fang Liu

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Protein therapeutics are available as cytokines, clotting factors, enzymes, hormones, growth factors, antibodies et al. They have been shown to be effective in treating a variety of important human diseases. Since human insulin was approved as the first recombinant protein therapeutic, this field has experienced rapid growth. One of the biggest challenges for protein therapeutics in clinical application is their short half-life. Except for monoclonal antibodies, which have serum half-life for weeks, most of the protein therapeutics have half-lives ranging from minutes to hours. Kidney filtration, proteasome degradation and liver metabolism are the main factors that attribute to their short …

Exploring The Relationship Between Grit, Work Engagement, And Career Success Among U.S. Pharmacists, Nareeta A. Sharma

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Background. Career success can be examined from an objective perspective by assessing tangible measures of success, such as salary, or from a subjective perspective by examining an individual’s reflections of their own career. While previous literature has identified characteristics of pharmacists that contribute to professional success, there is a lack in literature regarding whether certain traits or job-related characteristics may predict success.

Purpose and Objectives. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of grit and work engagement on career success among practicing pharmacists in the United States (U.S.). A secondary objective is to identify how pharmacists describe …

Impact Of 17-Beta Estradiol And Moderate-Intensity Exercise On Mesenteric Arterial Function Of Uc Davis Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus Rats, Md Rahatullah Razan

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The studies in this dissertation were designed to investigate the impacts of estrogen (17-β estradiol/E2) and moderate-intensity exercise (MIE) on the mesenteric arterial (MA) function of the University of California Davis type-2 diabetes mellitus (UCD-T2DM) Rat model. Our recent report suggests that diabetes impairs MA vasorelaxation in both sexes of the UCD-T2DM model. Particularly, we reported that MA from prediabetic male rats showed a greater impairment compared to that in prediabetic females. However, when females become diabetic, they exhibit a greater vascular dysfunction than males. Therefore, the aim of the first study was to investigate whether female sex hormone, specifically …