Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Evaluation Of The Survival Effect For Various Treatment Modalities Among Stage Ii And Iii Rectal Cancer Patients In California, 1994-2009, Myung Mi Cho

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: European trials evaluating the effect of preoperative (PreOP) versus postoperative chemoradiotherapy (PostOP CRT) found no survival benefit. However, the effect of a change from PostOP to PreOP CRT has not been evaluated in a population-based setting. We sought to evaluate multimodal treatment changes and overall survival for perioperative (PeriOP) CRT versus surgery alone and for PreOP versus PostOP CRT from 1994 through 2009 among patients receiving radical surgery for stage II and III rectal cancer (RC).

Patients and Methods: We conducted a nonconcurrent cohort study evaluating demographic predictors of multimodal therapy for stage II and III RC using …

The Morbidity & Mortality Of Prevalent Heart Failure, Jennifer Kwon

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The first study population included 292 unselected consecutive patients from the LLUMC heart failure clinic who were enrolled in the study from January to July 2006 and were followed up through the end of December 2010. The treatment policy at the clinic was to uptitrate dosages of beta-adrenergic blockade (β-blockers), angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) to the most tolerable levels in order to reach target dosages, as recommended by the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA). Patients were classified into systolic heart failure (ejection fraction (EF) < 40%) or diastolic heart failure (EF≥40%). All dosages of β-blockers, ACEi and ARB were extracted through chart reviews and were used as the main predictors of the patients' survival. Results from analyses showed that reaching target dosages of β-blockers and ACEi/ARB may increase survival when compared to not reaching target among the systolic HF population (HR_{β_biockers}= 0.64, 95% CI 0.26-1.56 and HR_ACEi/ARB=0.50, …

Exploring Healthcare Simulation As A Platform For Interprofessional Education, Janice Christine Palaganas

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Interprofessional education (IPE) is gradually recognized as essential to patient safety and implemented as a standard for healthcare education through professional organization recommendations and accrediting bodies. Given the increasing adoption of experiential and team-based learning, healthcare simulation (HCS) has become a preferred vehicle for IPE. As healthcare professional educators explore simulation as a platform for IPE, a need to better understand the state of the science has become apparent. This descriptive comparative study examines how the most commonly used simulation modalities and IPE teaching methods (low-technology versus high-technology; multiprofessional versus collaborative team-based activities; observational versus active methods; standardized patients versus …

In‐Vitro Comparison Of Tensile Bond Strength Of Denture Adhesives On Denture Bases, Doris Rachel Kore

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

PURPOSE: To evaluate the tensile bond strength (TBS) of three cream denture adhesives and one wafer denture adhesive on three denture base materials at five time intervals up to 24 hours. METHODS: Fixodent (Proctor & Gamble™), Super Poligrip (GlaxoSmithKline™), Effergrip (Prestige Brands, Inc.™), and SeaBond (Combe™) were tested with the Instron testing machine on three denture base resin cylinder models fabricated from two heat‐polymerized (Lucitone 199 and SR Ivocap) and one visible lightcured, shade stable (Eclipse) acrylic resins. Laboratory prepared artificial saliva with mucin was used for the control study. In accordance with ADA specifications, the TBS was tested at …

Relationship Between Nut Consumption And Memory Domains Of Cognitive Function Among Elderly Seventh-Day Adventists, Angeline B. David

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objective. To determine the relationship between consumption of all types of nuts, tree nuts, and peanut and peanut butter and specific memory domains of cognitive function in a community-dwelling elderly population.

Design. Cross-sectional analysis using clinic data from the Biopsychosocial Religion and Health Study and dietary intake data from the Adventist Health Study-2.

Subjects/Methods. Adults aged 50 and older were administered the California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT) Short Form and provided self-report frequency and portion sizes of nut consumption, anthropometric measures, and other demographic, lifestyle, and clinic data. CVLT scores were age- and gender-strata specific z-scores normed to a …

Effects Of Consuming Beans Before Or With A Meal On Satiety And Gastrointestinal Hormones Concentration In Obese Men And Women, Lisa Delia Griffith

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Consuming beans and staggering meals may control energy intake. We examined the effect of consuming 0.5 cup of beans 15 minutes before a meal on gastrointestinal (GI) peptides concentrations in obese men and women.

Methods: A randomized crossover design was used to measure GI peptides response to two test meals in 28 healthy obese adults. Subjects consumed a standardized breakfast meal on each test day followed by one of two test meals: a meal incorporating 0.5 cup of beans (control bean meal), and an isocaloric meal (staggered bean meal) in which 0.5 cup of beans was consumed 15 minutes …

Accuracy Of Ortho Insight 3d Digital Scanner In Mesial-Distal Tooth Measurements, Andrew A. Ferris

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Digital scanners and software may be used to measure mesial-distal (MD) tooth width for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Although there have been many studies performed on different digital scanners, accuracy of mesial-distal tooth measurements using the Ortho Insight 3D scanner and its software (Motionview Software LLC) has not been reported. Purpose: The objective of this study was to determine if the MD tooth measurements from the digital models scanned by Ortho Insight 3D are accurate compared to the measurements taken directly from the teeth and models with a digital caliper. Material and Methods: Individual MD tooth measurements were …

Dental And Buccal Bone Stability After Rapid Maxillary Expansion And Fixed Orthodontic Treatment, Allison Milliner

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The objective of this study was to quantitatively evaluate, via CBCT, the dental and osseous effects of patients who had completed comprehensive orthodontic treatment with rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in conjunction with Ricketts prescription brackets. Thirty consecutive patients (16 males, 14 females; mean age = 13.9  1.9 years) who required RME as part of their orthodontic treatment and had pre-RME (T1), post-RME (T2) and final orthodontic (T3) CBCT images were included in the study. Thirteen patients had 2-banded, while 17 had 4-banded appliances. Measurements of interdental distance (ID), interdental angle (IA), buccal bone thickness (BBT) and buccal marginal bone …

Effectiveness Of Resin Infiltration And Mi Paste Cpp-Acp In Masking White Spot Lesions, Melissa Wu Bailey

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The development of decalcification around orthodontic brackets and bands, commonly called white spot lesions (WSLs), is often observed in patients with poor oral hygiene during treatment (Behnan et al., 2010, Rodgers et al., 2010). In many instances, these WSLs continue to be visible after the removal of fixed appliances and after natural remineralization. The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the effectiveness of two treatment modalities, resin infiltration (RI) and Casein Phosphopeptide Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP), at improving the light reflectivity and thus the appearance of WSLs using spectrophotometric analysis. Sixty extracted human third molars were partially …

Evaluation Of Apical, Coronal And Occlusal Form Diffrences With Conventional Orthodontic Treatment, Tamar Sardarian

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) can be used to accurately identify dental landmarks in order to detect changes in dental arch forms. Purpose: The objective of this study was to determine how apical, coronal and occlusal arch forms change following orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances and to establish a base for future studies. Material and Methods: Maxillary and mandibular apical, coronal and occlusal landmarks of 27 subjects were selected on their respective CBCT images at two time points: pre-orthodontic treatment (T1) and post-orthodontic treatment (T2). Comparisons were made between the two time points to evaluate how each arch form changed …

Mechanical Evaluation Of Mandibular Defects Restored With Rhbmp-2: A Finite Element Model, Jelson Yalung

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: The utilization of recombinant human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (rh- BMP2) to form new bone has been shown to be a promising alternative to autogenous bone grafts. Understanding the biomechanical properties of rhBMP-2 restored mandibular defects would provide useful knowledge in the future success of orthopedic and dental treatment in patients who have had restoration of mandibular defects with rhBMP-2. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the biomechanical characteristics of rhBMP-2 regenerated bone in mandibular defects using 2 different concentrations of rhBMP-2 with a given carrier in non-human primates Material and Methods: Critical-sized defects (approximately 2.5 …

The Ratio Of Positive To Negative Affect, Flourishing, And Health Behavior, Michael Stuart Leibow

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The ratio between positive and negative affect, known as the positivity ratio (PR) is thought to be associated with flourishing (psychological and social well-being). However, little research has been done on how PR and flourishing relate to specific health behaviors. The relationships between PR and flourishing with health behavior i.e., physical activity, and diet (fruit, leafy green vegetables [LGV] and meat intake) were investigated in this study. We examined whether PR mediated the relationship between flourishing and health behaviors, and whether flourishing mediated the relationship between PR and these behaviors. Gender and ethnic differences for the above associations were examined …

Breastfeeding Attitudes And Intentions Among Middle Eastern Women Living In Southern California, Christina Irsilious Fam

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background. Breastfeeding is unsurpassed as the preferred method of feeding infants all over the world due to the fact that its benefits far outweigh those of infant formula. Mothers from all cultures prefer breastfeeding, yet with immigration and emigration so widespread from developing countries, women's value systems are changing to adapt to their new surroundings. The United States has experienced a great influx of Middle Easterners; California in particular has a dominant presence of Middle Easterners. Many are faced with obstacles and stresses in acculturation, which may lead to lack of breastfeeding their infants. Few studies are available on Middle …

Couple's Relationship With Diabetes: Transformation, Partnership, And Management, Ruth Houston Barrett

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study used an MFT perspective to examine a model of three bio-psychosocial constructs, seeking to depict key dimensions of what makes couples successful in managing the demanding self-care regimen of diabetes. The model includes a meaning and emotion-oriented construct called relationship with diabetes, a psychosocial relational construct of diabetes-specific partnering support, and their direct and indirect effects on an endogenous construct of success in diabetes management. Surveys from 118 adult couples with diabetes provided data to test the hypothesized path and measurement model. Correlational and multiple regression analysis examined variable relationships, factor analysis examined construct dimensionality, and structural equation …

Influence Of Outdoor Air Quality On Maxillofacial Growth And Development, Ryan Rudd

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Mild to moderate deviations from normal facial types can significantly change orthodontic treatment modalities. Studies linking ambient air pollution with respiratory problems, as well as craniofacial morphology with respiratory problems are well established.1-19 In this study we aimed to determine if there was a correlation between ambient air pollution and maxillofacial growth and development. We also wanted to determine if further research should be done in this area, and if so how can the study be improved. Materials and Methods: We selected Santa Maria, CA and Upland, CA as sample areas due to their significant differences in air quality. …

Effect Of Time On Gypsum-Impression Material Compatibility, John Boram Won

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the compatibility of dental gypsum with three recently introduced irreversible hydrocolloid (alginate) alternatives. The test materials were Alginot® (Kerr™), Position Penta Quick® (3M ESPE™) and Silgimix® (Sultan Dental™). The irreversible hydrocolloid impression material, Jeltrate Plus antimicrobial® (Dentsply Caulk™) served as the control. Materials and Methods: Testing of materials was conducted in accordance with ANSI/ADA Specification No. 18 for Alginate Impression Materials. Statistical Analysis: The 3-Way ANOVA test was used to analyze measurements between different time points at a significance level of (p < 0.05) Outcome: It was found that there was greater compatibility between gypsum and the alternative materials over time than the traditional irreversible hydrocolloid material that was tested. A statistically significant amount of surface change/incompatibility was found over time with the combination of the dental gypsum products and the control impression material (Jeltrate Plus antimicrobial®).

Effects Of Photovoice On Youth Perceptions Of Healthy Food Access In The Built Environment, Sharlene A. Gozalians

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background. Minority communities are at a higher risk for chronic diseases related to obesity because they lack access to stores that have affordable, fresh, nutritious foods that are necessary for a healthy diet. Photovoice can serve as a tool to engage youth in positive health behaviors and behavior change. Healthy food access has been analyzed based on nutrition, yet there is a lack of literature as to what factors enable and prevent access to healthy foods.

Methodology. The purpose of this study was to determine if a photovoice intervention would create a difference in perception of food access, empowerment …

The Association Of Diet With Affect, Patricia Ann Ford

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with mental health yet few studies have examined whether foods protective or deleterious for cardiovascular disease affect mood. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between consumption of foods typical of Mediterranean and Western diets and fatty acids with positive and negative affect.

Adventist church attendees residing in North America completed a validated food frequency questionnaire in 2002-6 as part of the Adventist Health Study-2. A subset of these participants ^=9,121) completed the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) in the Biopsychosocial Religion and Health Study conducted in 2006-7. …

The Effect Of Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis On Subjects With Metabolic Syndrome, Samer Hammoudeh

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Several criteria establish the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, including high waist circumference, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides and glucose and above normal blood pressure. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is on the rise following the rise in obesity across the globe. Qatar, a country in the Arabian Peninsula shares the burden of obesity with recent studies showing prevalences of'---61% among women and —39% among men. These studies found that metabolic syndrome is more common among women. Physical activity helps reduce visceral …

Second Generation Korean-American Parents: Social Context Influence On Parenting, Lana H. Kim

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Korean-American families are an underrepresented group within the family therapy literature. In particular, the realities and lived experiences of American born second generation Korean-American parenting couples is limited. Therefore, this qualitative grounded theory dissertation used a social constructionist lens to understand how American born second generation Korean-Americans, raised amidst contrasting Korean and western cultural ideologies, conceptualize parenting and position themselves in relation to their children within parent-child relationships. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 parenting couples of children between 0-10 years of age to illuminate ways in which multiple cultural discourses, bicultural socialization, and racialized experiences influence the parenting process. …

The Efficacy Of Melodic Based Communication Therapy For Eliciting Speech In Nonverbal Children With Autism, Givona A. Sandiford

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this dissertation is to compare the efficacy of Melodic Based Communication Therapy (MBCT) to traditional speech and language therapy for eliciting speech in nonverbal children with autism. Efficacy was assessed by number of: verbalizations, correct words, words reported by parent, and imitative attempts. Additionally it examines the effect of exposure to MBCT on social language abilities as measured by score on the Pragmatic Language Skills Inventory (PLSI); the effect of age on the response to treatment, and the predictors of overall effectiveness of treatment. Participants were 12 nonverbal children with autism ages 5 through 7 randomly assigned …

Co-Diagnosis Frequency Of Peripheral Vestibular Disorders And Physical Therapy, Summer M. San Lucas

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Dizziness is among the most common reasons that people consult a physician. The two most common causes of dizziness related to peripheral vestibular dysfunction are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and vestibular hypofunction (VH). Physical therapy (PT) is an effective component of the medical management for both conditions. The occurrence rate of concurrent BPPV and VH in the same patient has not been described in the literature. Identifying patients with co-diagnosis of BPPV and VH will allow the PT to construct a proper treatment sequence. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 500 consecutive medical records of Veteran's Administration male …

Role Of The Pituitary-Adrenal Axis In G-Csf Therapy After Neonatal Hypoxia-Ischemia, Melissa Stephanie Charles

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Several reports indicate that the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) as measured by the increased level of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone is increased after a brain insult. These hormones are the effectors secreted respectively by the pituitary and adrenal glands. It has been shown that the down-regulation of corticosterone levels can improve detrimental outcomes associated with ischemic brain injuries. Neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) is a devastating perinatal event with a grim prognosis and limited therapeutic strategies. In recent studies, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) has shown promise in neonatal HI investigations by improving neuromotor function and reducing apoptosis in the …

Postural Sway, Eeg And Emg Analysis Of Hip And Ankle Muscles During Eight Balance Training Tasks, Yuen Yi Florence Tse

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine postural sway, cortical response and muscle activation of the hip and ankle muscles during eight balance tasks routinely used in sensorimotor training. This was a single group repeated measure study. The postural sway; the power of alpha, beta and sigma wave bands; and the EMG activity of gluteal maximus, gluteal medius, tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius were measured in 17 subjects during eight balance tasks with eyes open or closed, feet in tandem or apart and on foam or a firm surface. The results of this study showed that postural sway, EEG …

Relational Interdependent Self Construal, And Spiritual Maturity As Predictors Of Marital Satisfaction, Conroy Everton Reynolds

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study examined the extent to which relationality is implicated in relationship satisfaction. Specifically, this study examined the role of two relational variables, Spiritual Maturity and Relational Interdependent Self Construal, in predicting the variance in marital satisfaction, after controlling for number of children, religion, employment status, education, length of marriage and household income among married heterosexual couples in Antigua. The Caribbean Island of Antigua is comprised primarily of persons of African descent, deeply religious, but who are influenced by western ideas and values. The results of this study reveal the importance of spirituality but not relational self- construal as a …

Identification Of The Mandibular Nerve With Cbct Using A Nerve Marking Tool Or Not, Myung Soo Choi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: In the field of implant dentistry, cone beam computed tomography can give clinicians valuable information regarding anatomic structures, bone quantity and quality. If the mandibular nerve is encroached during surgery, severe morbidity of the patient and medico-legal issues may result. Thus the importance of accurate determination of the position of mandibular canal cannot be overemphasized. Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the difference in the position of the mandibular nerve determined, and marked by a radiology technician utilizing nerve marking tool and compared to the same measurement by a clinician not utilizing a nerve marking tool. …

Mechanism Of Lmx1b-Regulated Limb Dorsalization, Jennifer Feenstra

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Lmx1b, a LIM homeodomain transcription factor is necessary for limb, kidney, eye, and central nervous system development. Lmx1b knockout (KO) mice display; abnormal limb dorsalization with distal ventral-ventral limbs, nephropathy, ocular malformations, loss of dopaminergic/serotonergic neurons, and reduced cerebellum and tectum formation. The developmental mechanisms utilized by Lmx1b remain largely unknown; to investigate downstream targets, we have used the limb as a model because of its accessibility and striking Lmx1b KO phenotype. To identify candidate genes, we compared gene arrays from Lmx1b KO and wildtype mouse limbs during limb dorsalization, i.e., 11.5, 12.5, and 13.5 days post coitum. We identified …

Second Generation Korean-American Parents: Social Context Influence On Parenting, Lana H. Kim

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Korean-American families are an underrepresented group within the family therapy literature. In particular, the realities and lived experiences of American born second generation Korean-American parenting couples is limited. Therefore, this qualitative grounded theory dissertation used a social constructionist lens to understand how American born second generation Korean-Americans, raised amidst contrasting Korean and western cultural ideologies, conceptualize parenting and position themselves in relation to their children within parent-child relationships. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 parenting couples of children between 0-10 years of age to illuminate ways in which multiple cultural discourses, bicultural socialization, and racialized experiences influence the parenting process. …

Successful Again Through A Family Resilience Lens, A'Verria Sirkin Martin

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study examined successful aging through a family resilience lens by developing a psychometrically tested assessment that can be used to measure family and individual resilience in a population of older adults and by then applying these latent structures to predict successful aging across four domains; self-rated successful aging, psychosocial health, cognitive decline, and physical health. Data from 1,006 older adults were analyzed in three steps. The first identified the underlying latent structure through principle component (exploratory) factor analysis (EFA). The second included the use of confirmatory factor analysis to validate the structure from the first step. The third utilized …

Analysis Of Minocycline As A Radioprotectant, Shalini Mehrotra

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Exposure to radiation is increasing in a variety of settings including space exploration, diagnostic medical procedures and radiotherapy. Cells of the hematopoietic system, such as white blood cells (WBC), are especially sensitive to radiation and their decline can result in Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS). Radiotherapy is often used for cancers of the central nervous system (CNS), but includes the risk for normal tissue damage, often leading to cognitive impairment. The literature suggests that tetracyclines can be radioprotectors of the hematopoietic system with potential utility in radiation emergencies and anticancer radiotherapy. Minocycline, a semisynthetic tetracycline derivative, has anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenging, …