Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Polyphenol Diet And Exercise As Neuroprotection From Effects Of Alzheimer's Disease, Michelle Morgan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Healthy non-pharmacological lifestyle factors, such as regular physical exercise and a dietary supplementation, have been shown to significantly improve cognitive outcomes over time compared to a more sedentary lifestyle and poor diet. Furthermore, exercise may serve as a potential protective factor in attenuating the effects associated with cognitive decline that are characteristic of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Further, evidence indicates that certain diet interventions can also attenuate the effects of neurodegeneration and positively impact longevity. Supplementation of polyphenols, such as ellagic acid (EA), which are abundant in pomegranate juice, may help provide neuroprotective benefits and elicit a …

Title Page Only: Nuts, Seeds, And Specific Cardiometabolic Diseases: The Adventist Health Study 2, Montry Se-Lin Suprono

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

No abstract provided.

The Compassionate H.E.A.R.T. Of Relationship-Centered Care, Dustin Willis

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The patient-provider interaction (PPI) represents a critical dimension of healthcare delivery that significantly influences clinical outcomes, yet the nuanced dynamics of compassionate care remain operationally elusive. This dissertation presents the Compassionate H.E.A.R.T. (Helping Ease, Alleviate, & Relieve Therapeutically) framework—a novel theoretical model for understanding and enhancing relationship-centered care—and examines its validity, reliability, and therapeutic impact.

Through four interconnected studies, this research explores the multifaceted nature of compassionate care. First, a comprehensive literature review excavates the landscape of patient-provider interactions, highlighting terminological inconsistencies, incomplete theoretical frameworks, and methodological challenges in measuring these ethereal qualities. Second, the Compassionate H.E.A.R.T. model is introduced, …

Sunlight Exposure And The Risk Of Mortality And Breast Cancer Incidence, Noor Nadhim

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Prolonged sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer. However, multiple sunlight-related health benefits have been identified. The overall impact of sun exposure on mortality is not clear. Sunlight could be associated with breast cancer risk via stimulating vitamin D photosynthesis; however, evidence has been mixed. Objectives: To investigate the association of time spent outdoors in daylight (in warmer and cooler months, and the total [annual]) and UV irradiance using the residential locations of participants with the risks of mortality (all-cause and cause-specific: cancer, cardiovascular [CVD], and non-cancer non-CVD) and primary invasive breast cancer.

Methods: This research …

Nursing Advocacy In Maternal Health For Women With Sickle Cell Disease, Jodian Lyn

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths among Black women in the U.S. are preventable. Racial disparities, biases, and discrimination negatively impact maternal health, by contributing to higher stress levels, affecting pregnancy outcomes. The maternal death rate for Black women with sickle cell (SCD) is 629, Black women without SCD is 12, and the general population 6 per 100,000. The voices of these women are often missing in research.

This qualitative study, using Hermeneutic Phenomenological approach, explores the lived experiences of Black women with SCD during pregnancy. Data analysis was completed using an interpretive framework to elucidate the essence of the lived …

Tobacco, Alcohol, And Poverty In Lao Pdr Based On National Survey Analysis, Robert M. Semakula

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Tobacco and alcohol use are among the most prevalent and harmful addictive behaviors globally, including in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). In Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific, substance use patterns are shaped by cultural, social, economic, policyrelated, and environmental factors. This study aimed to: (1) explore associations between different patterns of alcohol and tobacco use among men and women in Lao PDR, and (2) investigate the effect of poverty on the relationship between alcohol and tobacco use. We conducted a secondary analysis of the 2013 Lao National Adult Tobacco Survey (N = 9,706), a nationally representative sample …

Effect Of Exercise On Posture, Neck Proprioception And Balance In Older Adults, Mohammad Khaleghifar

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background:

Falls are one of the most frequent and serious problems facing older adults. Approximately 30-40% of people over 65 years of age fall each year. The frequency of falls increases with each decade beyond this threshold and approximately 20-30% of older adult fallers require hospitalization, assuming an increased risk of mortality. Postural balance and stability involve cooperation between visual, proprioceptive and vestibular sensory systems to achieve a motor response. Disturbance in any of these systems can result in abnormal postural orientation and lead to instability or dizziness. Among these systems, proprioception provides sensory input from the peripheries to …

The Association Of Acute Stress And Single Leg Balance, Theodore W. Gehrig Iii

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Chronic low back pain is a widespread and expensive societal burden that is routinely near the top of the list of reasons people live with a disability. There is an undeniable connection between low back pain and psychological stress, and it has long been accepted that stress comes as a consequence of the burden of pain. Our group sought to determine if the inverse of this paradigm might be true: that stress may actually play a role in the etiology of low back pain through its influence on neuromuscular control and strategies for balance stability. In this dissertation, we include …

Effects Of Electrotherapy On Pain And Mobility, Pablo Mleziva

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Neck chronic pain is one of the most common problems in people today. However, people do not always seek medical treatment for their pain. Subclinical or mild pain generally does not prompt people to seek medical treatment. Consequences of this type of pain can be anxiety, disability and proprioception problems. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) recommends transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as an intervention to treat neck pain with mobility deficits. TENS for the treatment of pain has been used for many years; however, there is still an “efficacy-impasse” for the use of TENS despite half a …

E6 Inhibtion-Mediated Combinatorial Therapy For Hpv+ Hnscc, Sonia Whang

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) are the causative agents of virtually all cases of cervical cancer and up to 80% of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Current treatment options include chemo- and radiotherapy, though the effectiveness of these therapies is limited by the viral oncoprotein E6, which disrupts apoptotic pathways by binding to and accelerating the degradation of molecules such as p53 and caspase- 8. Our hypothesis was that inhibiting E6 and rescuing the apoptotic mediators would increase the effectiveness of apoptotic agents. The aims of this study were to first, develop an HPV+ HNSCC xenograft model to test …

Effect Of Home Exercise Program On Visual Reliance For Balance In Older Adults, Madeha Jaber

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Older adults tend to rely excessively on visual inputs to maintain their balance. This overreliance on visual inputs can increase the risk of falls, particularly when visual inputs are reduced or eliminated. This study aimed to determine the effects of a home exercise program (HEP) on visual reliance for balance and cervical active range of motion (AROM) among older adults.

Patients/Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 19 older adults, aged 65-79 years old. Outcome measures included static balance, balance confidence, and cervical AROM. Participants were instructed to follow an 8-week HEP and were provided with …

Comparing Nurses’ Perceptions Of Work Environment And Health By Ethnicity, Nia M. Martin

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

A healthy work environment significantly affects nurse outcomes such as burnout and retention, but also physical and mental health-- for nurses as well as for the patients for whom they provide care. Black/African Americans (BAAs) face numerous and unique challenges from systemic discrimination that contribute to health-related disparities and numerous physical and psychological challenges. Given the inherent challenges BAAs face and the need for supportive work environment for nurses, this study examined how ethnicity was associated with perceptions of work environment and personal health, focusing on BAA nurses to identify specific challenges and areas for improvement. This cross-sectional, descriptive correlational …

Impact Of Maximal And Minimal Mouth Opening On Mandibular Flexure Via Scanning, Kangyeong Lim

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Mandibular flexure during mouth opening affects prosthodontic outcomes, but digital scanner research is limited.

Methods: Seventy dental students (35 males, 35 females) had two impressions taken: one with maximum and one with minimum mouth opening.

Results: First molars showed higher deviations than premolars. Females had larger deviations, though not statistically significant.

Conclusion: First molars exhibit greater flexure than premolars.

Keywords: Mandibular flexure, deformation, mouth opening, digital, intraoral scan, three dimensional(3D), prosthetic

Comparison Of Thickness Between Thermoformed And Printed Orthodontic Aligners, Omar Souman

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: The fabrication of thermoformed orthodontic aligners involves processes that irreversibly alter material properties, resulting in aligners that exhibit high variation in thickness. The non-uniform thickness can lead to unpredictable forces that can adversely affect orthodontic tooth movement. With recent technological advancements enabling the printing of orthodontic aligners, it is of clinical interest to investigate their variation of thickness.

Purpose: This study utilized Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) and Geomagic Control X metrology software to compare the thickness of thermoformed and direct printed aligners.

Materials and Methods: Intraoral scans of 13 orthodontic patients were used to generate standard tessellation …

Perceived Business Skills Needs Of Mfts: Implications For A Doctoral Program, Abel Arvizú Whittemore

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was twofold: a) to determine the training that MFTs should have to effectively work in organizational / business settings and with organizational / business issues in the role of clinician, administrator / manager, consultant, coach, and researcher and b) to determine what components should be included in a model curriculum in the area of organizational / management studies in an MFT doctoral program. Using the e-Delphi method, consensus from a panel of experts (in the profession of marriage and family therapy as well as in business / management / organizational issues) was obtained. Panelists identified …

High-Intensity Interval Training And Biological Age, Trevor Lohman

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The emergence of valid predictors of biological age has enabled researchers to test the effects of various interventions on biological aging processes. The established virtues of exercise and its effects on health and longevity make it a suitable candidate for investigation. This dissertation reviews the current state of biological age prediction models and presents a trial in which a specific exercise protocol’s ability to modulate biological age is tested. The specific protocol used is a 10X1 high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocol, 10X1 referring to the quantity and duration of high intensity exercise intervals in each exercise session. The specific biological …

Clinician’S Recommendations In Treating Victims And Survivors Of Narcissistic Abuse, Sadaf Shalchian

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Although marriage and family therapists are one of the main providers in treating mental and relational health issues, there is not a significant emphasis on the identification, assessment, and treatment of victims and survivors of narcissistic abuse in COAMFTE-accredited Masters level Marriage and Family Therapy programs (COAMFTE, 2017). This needs assessment aimed to identify the knowledge and clinical skills recommended by clinicians who treat victims and survivors of narcissistic abuse to identify some needs, assessments, and treatment practices that can guide LMFTs in treating this population. This needs assessment explored current literature, research, and academic and clinical resources focused on …

Maxillary Central Incisor Rr In Hispanic And Non-Hispanic White Patients With Rme, Madison Healy

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Apical root resorption is one of the most common adverse effects of orthodontic treatment. Forces used during orthodontic tooth movement can cause permanent loss of apical surfaces of teeth and although most reported cases of root resorption are asymptomatic, the process is irreversible and often unpredictable. Thus, it is of clinical interest to investigate which patients may be at greatest risk.

Purpose: This study utilized Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to evaluate whether rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in Hispanic patients increased the severity of orthodontically induced apical root resorption.

Materials and Methods: Pre-treatment (T1) and post-treatment …

Mental Health In Coptic Orthodox Communities: Needs Assessment, Marina Zaky

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

In order to better understand the contributing factors to low visibility and an overall lack of representation of Coptic Orthodox individuals within the field of mental health, a needs assessment was conducted. Previous research studies have focused on the low visibility of the Coptic Orthodox population within the field of mental health but have focused primarily on stigma, without determining other needs and contributing factors. This needs assessment utilized the Delphi method of data collection in order to conceptualize the needs of the community from the perspectives of experts within the group. An extensive literature review was completed in order …

Biology Through The Lens Of Trauma: An Empirical Review Of Trauma Treatments, Adela Gharabeki

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The present literature review aims at mending the research to practice gap for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Biological mechanisms of the stress response system are explored as they pertain to trauma and its subsequent effects on the brain and body. In addition, American Psychological Association (APA) recommended evidence-based treatments for PTSD are reviewed as well as more recent emerging somatic therapies. There is a critical need for further development in the area of both topdown and bottom-up interventions. Biological working mechanisms remain unknown for a majority of treatments and physiological measures are scarcely used in treatment outcome …

Sweet Pea: An Integrated Postpartum Mental Health Program For Mothers & Their Partners, Robynn L. Mays

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The Sweet Pea: Postpartum Parenthood Program is a postpartum depression and anxiety intervention to provide support for mothers and their supportive partners for 16- weeks of therapy. Through group, individual, and couples therapy, parents can discuss their symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety in three different settings. The parents will have the support from their Postpartum Care Team (PCT) which includes: their Case Manager and Clinical Therapist. Parents will also receive health care and social services provided through PCT to ensure the proper support through their postpartum parenting journey. The Sweet Pea Program is based on the concepts of the …

Force Comparison Of Rotational Tooth Movements For Loop-Design And Traditional Aligners, Robert Olsen

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate the force (F) and torque (Tq) exerted on a rotated canine and molar tooth by two different aligner systems. An ArchForm loop clear aligner (AFL) was compared to a traditional clear aligner (T) with the force (F) and torque (Tq) compared. A reduction in F and Tq with AFL aligners could possibly decrease the incidence of Orthodontic Root Resorption (ORR), while also creating more effective forces for tooth movement.

Materials and Methods

Two types of T aligners varying by material thickness were compared to two types of AFL aligners varying by loop width. All …

Titanium Particles Within Mucosa During Non-Surgical Implant Debridement, Holvin Louie

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Titanium implants affected by peri-implantitis lesions are often treated non-surgically with various instruments, which may produce titanium particles that can become lodged within the peri-implant mucosa. Thus, a foreign body reaction may ensue. The aim is to assess the embedment of titanium particles into soft tissues from titanium implants via a stainless-steel ultrasonic scaler (SSU) versus a titanium hand scaler (TH). Sand-blasted, large grit, acid-etched surface-treated titanium implants were implanted into pig legs after creating peri-implantitis defects. Each implant was subjected to only one instrument type. Sequential strokes were conducted followed by thorough irrigation with sterile water. Soft tissue curettage …

We Program Training Manual For Culturally Responsive School-Based Mental Health Practices, Staysha M. Veal

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

An abundance of evidence suggests that K–12 Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) students experience disparities in school-based mental health services and negative school-based outcomes due to racism, discrimination, and biases. Such experiences have deleterious impact on their mental health, academic functioning, and other pre- and post-matriculation outcomes. These dynamics can lead to poor academic functioning and adverse mental health outcomes which can include depression, anxiety, toxic stress, decreased self-worth and self-esteem, and psychological maladjustment. School-Based Mental Health (SBMH) providers that are trained to be culturally responsive are uniquely situated to mitigate these negative events and ensure that BIPOC students …

An Intervention Program For Adult Female Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Camille Sauder

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) has been linked to adverse impacts within the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual (BPSS) domains of adult female survivors’ lives (Fergusson et al., 2013). The impact of CSA within each of these domains may contribute to long-term trauma symptoms that impact multiple areas of life including symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that underlie dysfunction within intrapersonal and interpersonal functioning. Programs that have been designed to holistically treat this population lack interventions that target each of the BPSS domains with a structured, cohesive approach that assess the survivor’s readiness based on level of current trauma symptoms. …

Adaptation Program: Systemic Treatment Of Incarcerated Individuals And Their Families, Katrina Arabyan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of the Adaptation program is to support families impacted by incarceration. It is a family-based therapeutic program implemented within a correctional facility. Adaptation utilizes Structural Family Therapy (SFT) to focus on creating systemic change by addressing the rules, roles and behavior patterns of incarcerated individuals and their families. Barriers to family member attendance are addressed via the use of telehealth.

The Perceived Experiences Of High School Students And Their Mental Health In Sda Academies, Melody Ezpeleta

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this project was to gather the perceived experiences of high school students in terms of their mental health while attending Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) academies. The rationale for this qualitative needs assessment was to learn about how the identified mental health conditions are being attended to and what mental health resources or supports are needed at the academies. Forty-six participants were recruited from the Pacific Union under the North American Division Office of Education (NADOE). An anonymous, 20-minute online survey was completed independently by participants in which they were guided to select one of four roles: administration, direct …

Self-Perceived Social Communication Perspectives Of Autistic Young Adults: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study, Aieshea L. Banks

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Social communication differences in autistic individuals have historically been viewed as disordered due to a comparison to the social behavior of the predominate nonautistic neurotype. Such comparison has led to a variety of social communication challenges that result in a variety of cognitive and affective reflections in autistic adults. The study aimed to explore two specific concepts: 1) the self-perceived challenges related to social communication and interaction of autistic young adults and 2) the cognitive and affective impact of their social communication challenges. This study explores the perspectives of 15 autistic young adults who are conversation-level verbal communicators. Individual semi-structured …

The Impact Of Clinical Education And Other Factors On The Slp’S Productivity In Medical Settings, Jennifer St. Clair

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

BACKGROUND- The US is experiencing a shortage of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) which is expected to continue and even increase in the next 10 years. In order to address this, possible causes and solutions were investigated. One possible cause is the assumed productivity drop of medical setting SLPs who are providing clinical education to a student. This study compared productivity percentages before and during the provision of clinical education to quantify the specific impact on productivity. In addition, clinical educator and facility factors were investigated to determine their potential effect on productivity during this time.

METHODS- Ninety-five participants completed …

The Effects Of Fear On Biomechanics In Healthy And Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructed Individuals, Robert I. Dudley

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a prevalent and debilitating injury arising from aberrant biomechanics during landing or deceleration tasks. While the mechanism of injury is known, rates of ACL injury and reconstruction remain high. A potential explanatory factor for the high rate of injury is kinesiophobia, which has been associated with poor outcomes and deleterious biomechanics during dual-limb tasks in ACL reconstructed (ACLr) females. Unfortunately, findings have been limited to dual-limb tasks and correlational analyses. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to examine the relationship between kinesiophobia and movement during dual- and single-limb tasks, and to …