Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Role Of Wnt3a In Ischemic Stroke, Nathanael Matei

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

After ischemic stroke, apoptosis of neurons is a primary factor in determining outcome. Wnt3a is a naturally occurring protein that has been shown to have protective effects in the brain for traumatic brain injury. Although wnt3a has been investigated in the phenomena of neurogenesis, anti-apoptosis, and anti-inflammation, it has never been investigated as a therapy for stroke. We hypothesized that the potential neuroprotective agent wnt3a would reduce infarction and improve behavior following ischemic stroke by attenuating neuronal apoptosis and promoting cell survival through the Frizzled-1/PIWI1a/FOXM1 pathway in MCAO rats. 229 Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to male, female, and aged 9-month …

Effects Of Emotional Content On Working Memory Updating: Proactive Interference And Resolution, Maria Guadalupe Corona

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The working memory (WM) system refers to the structures and processes supporting the encoding, maintenance, manipulation, and retrieval of information to be used for goal-directed behavior. Proactive interference (PI) is often experienced when information to be processed shares physical properties with information that is no longer relevant. The working memory system may then process such information less efficiently (i.e., slower processing time) and less accurately, and control processes involved in interference resolution become triggered in order to maintain performance. The current study investigated the effects of emotional content on interference resolution by using a working memory updating paradigm. Specifically, an …

A Digitized Comparison Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography And Intraoral Scanning, Yvette Carrillo

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of digital workflow by evaluating the absolute technical differences in various scanning methods on jaw models with scanning bodies.

Material and Methods: Twenty identical 3-dimensionally printed mandibular quadrant jaw models with a single implant and scanning body replacing a missing tooth in area #19 were examined. Cone beam computed tomography .STL files were used as the first test group. Intraoral scans were used as the second test group. Desktop scans of each model and the .STL file was used as a control. The .STL files were then …

Effect Of Bacillus Coagulans And Galactomannans On Obese Patients Undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy, Fay Kazzi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background/Purpose: Obesity is fast becoming a worldwide epidemic. Bariatric Surgery (BS) is an effective treatment to decrease obesity and the risk of associated diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of probiotics and prebiotics (LactoWise®) on weight loss, clinical lab values, and quality of life in morbidly obese patients undergoing LSG.

Methods: Sixty patients undergoing LSG were recruited to participate in the study and randomized into either a LactoWise® or placebo group. The LactoWise® group received 4.5 billion live cells of bacillus coagulans and galactomannans (300 mg); the placebo group received 600 mg of calcium citrate …

The Role Of Glucocorticoid Signaling In Prostate Cancer Health Disparities, Leanne W. Burnham

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

African-American men are more likely to develop aggressive prostate cancer (PCa) and die from the disease than other ethnic groups. Glucocorticoid signaling is a contributing biological factor to worse PCa prognosis, and is emerging as a key driver of PCa progression in the absence of androgens. The mechanism involves glucocorticoids binding to glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and bypassing the androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway to activate AR-target genes that promote tumor aggressiveness and therapy-resistance. This is problematic as African-American men have hypersensitive GR signaling and chronically-elevated levels of glucocorticoids linked to cumulative stressful life events. To explore the role of glucocorticoid …

Effect Of High Antioxidant Cacao Consumption On Behaviors In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Amy Sadek

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

BACKGROUND- Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) demonstrate a physiological imbalance between free radicals, resulting from oxidative stress, and antioxidants. Oxidative stress is linked to the pathogenesis of this neurocognitive disorder. The objectives of this pilot feasibility study: 1) to examine the effect of consumption of high concentration antioxidant cacao on behavior of children as perceived by the child’s teacher and 2) as perceived by the child’s parent. METHODS- This clinical trial was a prospective experimental study. Participants consumed 8 squares (or 16 grams) per day of the dark chocolate which had a concentration of 70% cacao and 30% organic …

Consequences Of Attributions For Unfair Healthcare Treatment Among Culturally Diverse Patients, Nathalie Serna

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Ethnic minority and lower SES populations report less positive healthcare encounters and worse health outcomes as compared to higher SES and mainstream populations. In Chile, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is one of the highest in South America and among the indigenous Mapuche population it has quadrupled over the last decade (Perez-Bravo et al., 2001). Research suggests that Mapuches have been historically discriminated in everyday life as well as in healthcare (Alarcon, et al., 2004). Based on Weiner’s attribution theory of motivation and emotion (1986, 1995, 2006) and guided by Betancourt’s integrative model of culture, psychological factors, and …

Evaluating Cognitive Changes In Patients Receiving Outpatient Alcohol Treatment, Michelle Mcdonnell

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Chronic alcohol use has been linked to various physical health concerns, neurological changes, and cognitive deficits. Research has shown that some of these neurologic and cognitive deficits can improve over time following detoxification and abstinence; however, the exact nature or timeline of this recovery process has not been established. The aim of the current study is to identify cognitive deficits and changes present in the alcohol addiction treatment population, the influence of cognitive deficits on treatment completion, and the effect of previous engagement in treatment (which is indicative of previous relapse) on cognitive functioning at both treatment onset and treatment …

Behavioral Ecology And Associated Virology Of Mosquito-Host Interactions In Southern California, Oliver Eshun

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Elucidating characteristics of mosquito-host interactions are critical for understanding the ecology and epidemiology of mosquito-borne diseases. In this dissertation, I conducted three studies to explore potential mosquito-host interactions and associated virus infection rates. I first demonstrated that mosquito captures at CO2-baited traps decreased most markedly with height above ground, and also decreased with distance from water at a riparian area but not at an open water source lacking a vegetated border. Birds might therefore prefer elevated nests or roosts to avoid mosquitoes. The second study examined the anti-mosquito behaviors of budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) in a laboratory study. The birds defended …

A Comparison Of Neuromuscular Control Between Subjects With And Without Chronic Ankle Instability, Hatem Jaber

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Ankle sprains are common and potentially disabling musculoskeletal injuries occur among physically active individuals. A subsequent problem that is commonly encountered by clinicians due to ankle sprains is the development of ongoing instability. The presence of ankle instability has been linked to impairments in postural and neuromuscular control; however, inconsistent findings have been reported. These discrepancies deem the need to further investigate and provide additional knowledge regarding postural and neuromuscular control strategies utilized by this population. This may enhance the current understanding of chronic ankle instability (CAI) and help to understand how rehabilitation can be customized to specifically target and …

Comparison Of Antibacterial Activity Of Ozonated Olive Oil And Chlorhexidine Gluconate, Changmin Lee

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Aim: The aim of this in vitro disk diffusion susceptibility test is to compare the antibacterial activity of ozonated olive oil (OzOO) with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) against periodontal pathogens, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter Actinomycetemcomitans. Materials and Methods: The antibacterial activity of two antiseptics, OzOO and CHX, and, two controls, olive oil and normal saline was assessed by disk diffusion susceptibility test. For disk diffusion susceptibility test, two periodontal pathogens, 20 petri dishes for P. gingivalis and 18 petri dishes for A. actinomycetemcomitans, were used. To assess the antibacterial activity, the diameters of the growth inhibition zone were measured with a …

Endothelin-1 And Hypoxic Vascular Remodeling In Ovine Fetal Cerebral Arteries, Jinjutha Silpanisong

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Intrauterine hypoxia resulting from decreased maternal oxygen uptake, insufficient oxygen carrying capacity, or compromised oxygen delivery to the fetus jeopardizes fetal oxygen delivery, detrimentally affecting growth and development of the immature vasculature. Hypoxia transiently increases Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α (HIF- 1α), which complexes with HIF-1β to form the active HIF-1 dimer that can affect transcription. This temporary rise in HIF-1 can promote gene transcription of ligands such as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Endothelin-1 (ET-1), which rises and falls with HIF levels. The absence of chronic elevation of these ligands prompted the question of how long-term effects of hypoxia is …

The Substance Abuse Treatment Experience Of Men Who Have Sex With Men, Scott Sanford Johnson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The following qualitative research study focuses on the substance abuse treatment experiences of men who have sex with men. Current research in this area indicates that while these men sometimes seek treatment for substance abuse issues, their treatment experience can be compromised due to personal fears or ignorance on the part of treatment staff members or others in treatment (Cabaj, 2008; Cheng, 2003; Hellman, Stanton, lee, Tytun, & Vachon, 1989). Specific goals of this study include: (1) gaining insight into the treatment experience(s) of these men and (2) learning about how their individual and collective treatment experience(s) contribute to their …

Parenting Stress And Emotion Dysregulation In Children With Dd: The Role Of Parenting Behaviors, Neilson Chan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Parents of children with developmental delays (DD) report higher levels of parenting stress compared to parents of typically developing children. High levels of parenting stress have been associated with negative outcomes for their children, including higher levels of emotion dysregulation. However, this relationship between parenting stress and child emotion dysregulation has rarely been examined in families of children with DD. Additionally, the mechanisms through which parenting stress influences child emotion dysregulation remain unclear; it may be that parenting stress impacts parenting behaviors (i.e., sensitive and intrusive parenting), which in turn influence the development of the child’s emotion regulatory abilities. In …

The Effects Of Frequent Smartphone Use On Children’S Upper Posture And Pulmonary Function, Asma Alonazi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Children are experiencing an increase in sedentary lifestyle as a result of the rising utilization of technology, i.e. smartphones. With the prolonged use of smartphones, increased concerns have been raised regarding constant neck flexion, neck movements limitation, and decreases in pulmonary function due to potential changes in spinal posture. Therefore, the purpose of this research thesis was to evaluate changes in craniovertebral angles (CVA), cervical range of motion (ROM), and pulmonary function among boys and girls 8 to 13 years of age who use smartphones. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 50 participants (24 boys and 26 …

Factors Associated With Orthodontically Induced Apical Root Resorption Of Maxillary Incisors, Brandon Malan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Resorption of root apices is a ubiquitous occurrence in orthodontic treatment. Although most occurrence of resorption during orthodontic treatment is clinically inconsequential, a small percentage of patients have a severe amount of root structure that is lost. There are factors that are widely accepted as responsible for apical root resorption (RR), such as heavy compressive forces on the periodontal ligament (PDL). Unfortunately, it is still largely unpredictable if one patient will experience more root loss than what is considered normal. Thus, it is of clinical interest to further study what factors play a role in RR. Purpose: The purpose …

Comparison Of Tooth Length Measurements Made On Cbct And 3t Mr Images, Danielle A. Piano

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare tooth length measurements made on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and 3-Tesla (3T) magnetic resonance (MR) scans. Materials and Methods: One CBCT scan (NewTom5G, AFP Imaging, USA) and one 3T MR scan (Siemens Medical Solutions, DE) as performed on 12 subjects. CBCT images were captured with an 18x16 inch field of view that covered the whole head. Contiguous sagittal MR images of the whole head were produced in a 3.0T imaging system with a T1-weighted 3D imaging sequence (Magnetization Prepared Rapid Acquisition by Gradient Echo (MP-RAGE), TP/TE = 1950/2.26 ms) …

Effect Of Extracellular Survivin And Lymphoma Exosomes On Natural Killer Cells, Heather R. Ferguson Bennit

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Tumors alter their microenvironment to promote survival using methods such as angiogenesis promotion, growth signals, and immune suppression. The immune system becomes unresponsive to transformed neoplastic cells through a variety of methods including T cell suppression, increased myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and reduced natural killer (NK) cell activity. NK cells have inherent killing capabilities and thus are among the first responders in recognizing and destroying abnormal cells. However, many types of cancers inhibit the surveillance and cytotoxic abilities of NK cells by releasing exosomes, vesicles that can modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME) and intercellular communication for the purpose of enhancing …

Prediction Of Root Form Using Crown Data: Mandibular Left First Premolar, Matthew E. Durschlag

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine if a statistical shape model (SSM) of the lower left first premolar, consisting of both crown and root data, could adequately describe the root form from a surface scan consisting of only crown data. Secondly, it tested if there were any angles or measurements on the tooth crown that correlate with any aspects of root morphology. The average orthodontist practicing today or in the near future is likely to use or own a digital intraoral scanner in their office. Yet optical scans only allow visualization of the crowns of teeth and …

The Role Of Vegf And Smooth Muscle Phenotype In Hypoxic Remodeling Of Ovine Carotid And Cerebral Arteries, Margaret C. Hubbell

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Arteries are a dynamic tissue with multiple cell types that incorporate systemic and local factors to maintain homeostasis. Hypoxia stimulates capillary angiogenesis to effectively match metabolic demand with perfusion. With chronic hypoxia, vascular remodeling of even large vessels can occur. This predisposes to pathologic states as seen with atherosclerosis, hypoxic brain injury, myocardial ischemia, diabetes, and developmental anomalies. With this remodeling comes changes in vessel structure including medial thickness and organization of contractile proteins as well as changes in myogenic tone. All of these factors culminate in changes in status or behavior of the vascular smooth muscle within the vessel …

The Effects Of Wearing Headscarves On Cervical Spine Proprioception And Range Of Motion, Samiah Alqabbani

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Wearing the headscarf is a part of an essential religious practice by females in Islamic cultures. Regular wear of the headscarf might have an influence on cervical proprioception and range of motion (ROM). The cervical spine is unique in providing multidirectional movement as well as providing the sense of awareness of movement of the head and neck in space. Impairments in cervical mobility and proprioception have been reported in subjects with whiplash-associated disorder as well as subjects having neck pain. Objectives: 1) To determine the effects of wearing the headscarf on cervical spine ROM and joint position error …

Effects Of Wire Material, Deflection, And Interbracket Distance On Burstone Bracket Geometry Force Systems, Skyler J. Liatti

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objective. This paper aims to quantify the effect of wire material, dimension, and deflection on the most identifiable feature of the six-geometries: the moment dissociation point (force system with no moment on the lesser angled bracket), which may or may not occur at the classically defined geometry IV. Materials and Methods. A six-degree of freedom load cell was used to measure the force systems in different combinations of wire materials, wire dimensions, total angle of bracket, and interbracket distance. Brackets were progressively rotated through Burstone and Koenig’s six geometries and the moment on the right bracket was plotted against the …

A Retrospective Lateral Cephalometric Growth Study Of Sagittal Airway Changes, Grace H. Woo

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: This study retrospectively examined the average sagittal dimensions in the pharyngeal airway from skeletal and dental Class I males and females from 7 to 16 years of age utilizing longitudinal data from the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation Craniofacial Growth Legacy Collection. The study evaluated whether average sagittal airway dimensions differed between males and females at each age, and whether the sagittal airway dimension changed with increasing age. Materials and Methods: Sagittal airway dimension based on identifiable anatomical landmarks were digitally traced and measured from the longitudinal lateral cephalograms of 30 females and 32 males from the AAOF Growth …

Effects Of Head Motion On Postural Stability In Participants With Chronic Motion Sensitivity, Abdulaziz A. Albalwi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Motion sensitivity, or motion sickness, is common among individuals in modern vehicular and visually stimulating environments; notably, people with normal vestibular function are susceptible to this condition. Motion-provoked dizziness often causes postural instability. Purposes: This study aimed to compare the effects of head motion on postural stability in healthy adults with and without chronic motion sensitivity (CMS) and to determine the effects of head motion direction (horizontal versus vertical) on postural stability. Methods: Sixty healthy adult males and females aged 20 to 40 years old were assigned to two groups, 30 participants with CMS and 30 participants without CMS. …

The Role Of Tgf-Β In Ctb-Insulin Regulated Human Dendritic Cell Tolerance, Grace Edosewe Esebanmen

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Cholera toxin B subunit fusion to autoantigen vaccines such as proinsulin (CTB-INS) down regulates dendritic cell (DC) activation and induces the synthesis of DC immunosuppressive cytokines. Recent studies of CTB-INS induction of immune tolerance in human DCs indicate that increased IDO1 biosynthesis may play an important role in CTB-INS vaccine inhibition of DC activation. Previous studies suggest transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) may play a role in the stimulation of IDO1 biosynthesis for induction of immunological tolerance in murine DCs. To elucidate the mechanisms by which CTB-INS may stimulate IDO1 biosynthesis and mediate tolerance in human DCs, we investigated the …

Bonding And Psychosocial Adjustment Of Youth In Foster Care, Alicia Marie Nicoleau

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Foster families face complex issues that include a history of maltreatment, family disruption, placement instability, behavioral problems, and other adjustment related concerns. Adjusting to these issues presents unique challenges to foster youths and their families. Using family systems theory as the theoretical lens, this study explored the ways in which youth psychosocial adjustment is related to the interactions between foster parents and foster youth in long-term placement as perceived and reported by foster parents. This study utilized a qualitative methodology with a grounded theory approach. Using in-depth interviews, foster parents described their perceptions of how their foster youth cope and …

An Examination Of The Moderating Effect Of Proactive Coping In Nicu Nurses, Britan M. Moore

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The NICU environment is unique in that the patient population consists of critically ill neonates. Research has revealed that there are increased levels of depression, secondary traumatic stress, and burnout in nurses. Problem solving and support seeking coping strategies have been shown to be associated with lower levels of burnout and increased patient and job satisfaction in general staff nurses. Multiple linear regression and a hierarchical stepwise technique was used to conduct moderator analyses assessing whether the use of problem solving or support seeking strategies moderated the relationship between secondary traumatic stress levels and burnout as well as between depressive …

Accuracy Of A Newly Developed Guided Dental Implant Delivery System, Fallon D. Livingston

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a guided dental implant system with one operator comparing the treatment planned location to the actual location using a table top optical scanner. Materials and Methods: Twenty five patients were treated with a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. A stone cast was made of each patient and scanned using an optical table top scanner. The optical scan of the cast and the CBCT of the patient were superimposed and a single implant was placed virtually in the software program. A sterolithographic three dimensional (3D) surgical guide was …

Activity Monitor Accuracy For Lower-Limb Amputees Living In Colombia And Texas, Gary Guerra Briseno

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Maintaining physical activity for lower limb prosthesis wearers is important in order to reduce comorbidities and decrease physical function. Activity monitors can provide motivation for the wearer and outcome measurements for the health care professional. Two cohorts of lower extremity amputees participated in two separate studies examining the accuracy of activity monitors. Each participant completed a 200m walking trial while activity monitors were fitted to them and step counts were compared with actual counts. For participants walking on even ground in a developing setting no significant differences between pedometer and actual counts were found, nor were there significant differences with …

Testing The Effectiveness Of The Irelate Program On Marines: An Enhanced Program Evaluation, Griselda M. Lloyd

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Junior enlisted Marines are getting married at a faster rate than their civilian counterparts and nearly twice that of senior personnel (Gomulka, 2010; Cohen, Passel, Wang, & Livingston, 2011). With the high rate of marriage, these same junior Marines have a disproportionately high divorce rate. While the high rate of divorce is a significant issue, divorce in the Marine Corps population is complex as it affects the individual’s and family’s well-being, and the Marine’s unit level of readiness (Karney & Crown, 2007; United Stated Marine Corps, 2014). As a result of this high rate of divorce, a group of Navy …