Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Developing Dyadic Measurements In Marriage And Family Therapy: The Dyadic Supervision Evaluation, Adrian Avila

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study applies integrative developmental theory and a common factors approach in evaluating and describing how Marital and Family Therapy trainee’s progress in mastering the core competencies set forth by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) through the process of clinical supervision. More specifically, this project evaluates the internal reliability, construct validity, and predictive validity of the Dyadic Supervision Evaluation (DSE). The important role and influence of clinical supervision as well as the next steps for validating and evaluating dyadic, developmental, core competencies and common factors measurements in clinical supervision are discussed.

The Lived Experience Of Aging: Listening To The Oldest-Old, Julia A. Pusztai

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Although embraced as desirable by most, living into very old age is largely unexplored as a distinct season of life, with increased, varied, and cumulative changes during a unique time of vulnerability and frailty. The purpose of this study was to listen to the oldest-old, and to explore their lived experience of growing old. This hermeneutic phenomenology study examines the experience of finding meaning and living with losses and gains in advanced old age. This study design included three separate interviews one month apart with participants over 85 years of age. Purposive sampling resulted in 13 participants, 5 being male …

Tooth Size Ratio In Orthodontic Patients With Varied Sagittal Skeletal Patterns; A Cbct Study, James Barra

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objective: Maxillomandibular tooth size ratio (TSR) is an important aspect in achieving a satisfactory orthodontic outcome. The purpose of this study is to compare TSR among orthodontically treated patients with different skeletal anteroposterior (AP) patterns. Methods and Materials: The post-treatment (T2) cone beam computed tomograms (CBCTs) of patients treated orthodontically without extraction and finished with canine and molar class I occlusion were evaluated. The subjects were categorized into class I, class II and class III skeletal pattern by analyzing A point-Nasion-B point (ANB) at T2. Overbite (OB), overjet (OJ), TSR for canine to canine (TSR3-3) and molar to molar (TSR6-6), …

The Effect Of Scan Settings On The Identification Of Tooth Socket Lamina Dura Surface: A Cbct Study, Erick Carlucci

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Aim: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is becoming a common adjunct in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment, however several questions remain about the impact of surrounding anatomical structures and varying scan settings on the ability to delineate buccal bone and overall diagnostic quality of images produced. The aim of this study was to determine if adjacent structures with similar radiodensity and variable scan settings (field of view and voxel size) significantly impact the ability to accurately identify the tooth socket facial lamina dura, facial bone surface, facial bone margin, as well as the facial bone thickness measurement. Materials & Methods: CBCT scans …

Tooth Length Measurements On 3t Mr Images: A Retrospective Study, Kevin G. Murray

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine if MRI can be used to accurately measure tooth lengths. Methods: MRI tooth length measurements were compared with “actual tooth lengths” as measured on CBCT scans. Twenty three subjects received two scans (one CBCT and one MRI). Tooth length was measured and compared between the resultant images. Intraclass correlations were used for statistical analysis. Results: Tooth length measurements made on MRI scans showed moderate to almost perfect agreement with tooth length measurements made on CBCT scans. Higher levels of agreement were present in the maxillary arch compared to the mandibular arch. …

Dietary Intake And Bio-Activation Of Nitrite And Nitrate In Newborn Infants, Jesica Ann Jones

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Nitrate and nitrite are commonly thought of as inert end products of nitric oxide (NO) oxidation, possibly carcinogenic food additives, or well-water contaminants. However, recent studies have shown that nitrate and nitrite play an important role in cardiovascular and gastrointestinal homeostasis through conversion back into NO via a physiological system involving enterosalivary recirculation, bacterial nitrate reductases, and enzyme-catalyzed or acidic reduction of nitrite to NO. The diet is a key source of nitrate in adults; however, infants ingest significantly less nitrate due to low concentrations in breast milk. In the mouth, bacteria convert nitrate to nitrite, which has gastro-protective effects. …

Effect Of Diamond Bur And Root Canal Irrigants On Retention Of Fiber Posts, Rami Jekki

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Esthetic glass fiber-reinforced posts are being used more often. The most commonly reported complication associated with these posts is debonding. Dentine conditioning with solutions such as EDTA or MTAD results in removal of smear layer and might improve the retention of posts to root canal dentin. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cleansing the post space with MTAD or EDTA on the bond strength of glass fiber-reinforced posts, when a diamond roughening instrument is used prior to cementation with self-adhesive resin cement. Forty-five (n=15) extracted human premolar teeth were sectioned at the cemento-enamel junction …

Program Evaluation And Guideline Development For Psychological Treatment Of The Adolescent And Young Adult Population With Cancer, Kayla R. Kraich

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer population suffers from many unique medical and mental health challenges. Both medical, psychological and support services play an important role in the lack of improvement in survival rates of this population. The purpose of this project was to identify the unique mental health challenges and treatment needs of the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology population and to evaluate current oncology programs available to this population at Loma Linda University. The project provides guideline recommendations for implementing a comprehensive and developmentally appropriate AYA oncology program at Loma Linda University.

Music Listening As Therapy, David M. Rosenblatt

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Music is a universal phenomenon and is a real, physical thing. It is processed in neural circuits that overlap with language circuits, and it exerts cognitive, emotional, and physiological effects on humans. Many of those effects are therapeutic, such as reduced symptoms of physical and mental ailments. Music is the result of the elements rhythm, melody, harmony, timbre, dynamics, and form. Rhythm is the focus of pop music, and melody is the focus of classical music. The mind perceives and organizes music in learned, consistent ways in order to generate predictions and extract meaning. There are perceptual laws and information …

Palmitic Acid Activation Of Dendritic Cells: Implications For Type 2 Diabetes, Dequina Angelina Nicholas

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Infiltration of immune cells into visceral adipose tissue is observed in type 2 diabetes development. Monocytes are recruited to obese visceral adipose tissue in large numbers and retain the ability to differentiate into dendritic cells, important antigen presenting cells in the immune system. Differentiation of monocytes into dendritic cells likely accounts for the increased number of dendritic cells observed in the adipose tissue of type 2 diabetic patients. We have demonstrated this differentiation process is regulated in part by a major reduction of linker histone proteins. In adipose tissue, dendritic cells are exposed to high levels of saturated fatty acids. …

Treatment Outcomes Of Patients With Unilateral Class Ii Malocclusions: A Cbct Study, Brent Leggett

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: The purposes of this study were to determine the prevalence of Class II (Cl II) subdivision patients, to quantify the change in TMJ complex, and mandibular length after treatment was accomplished. Materials and Methods: Records of consecutive patients who sought orthodontic treatment at Loma Linda University (LLU) were screened. Only patients with dental Cl II subdivision that had completed treatment with pre- (T1) and post-treatment (T2) cone beam computed tomograms (CBCTs) available were evaluated for changes in the TMJ complex position related to Foramen Rotundum (TMJ-FR), joint spaces and mandibular length (condylion to genial tubercles). Comparisons were made between …

Physical Therapy After Triangular Fibrocartilage Injuries And Ulnar Wrist Pain, Mohamed A. Abdelmegeed

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: The ulnar side of the wrist has been referred to as the “black box” of the wrist because of its complex structures and sophisticated anatomy, disorders at this anatomical site have been compared to those of low back pain

Purposes: The purpose of this study was to apply the Brief International Classification of Functioning (ICF) Core Set for Hand Conditions to the physical therapy outcome measures, and to evaluate the contribution of these measures to overall health in subjects with ulnar wrist pain. A secondary purpose was to investigate the effect of wrist orthotics and strengthening exercise on …

Morphological Changes In Alveolar Bone Following Orthodontic Space Closure, Ninette Hacopian

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Changes occurring in anterior alveolar bone following orthodontic tooth movement are controversial. Some research has shown that orthodontic tooth movement results in the adaptation of cortical bone; others have shown that it results in dehiscence and fenestrations.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the alveolar bone changes around maxillary anterior teeth following orthodontic space closure.

Materials and Methods: Cone beam computed tomograms (CBCTs) of non-growing patients who received orthodontic treatment with bilateral maxillary premolar extraction were evaluated. Only patients with at least 5 degrees of changes in maxillary incisor (U1) to palatal plane angle were included …

Comparison Of Maxillary Anterior Teeth Width To Facial Dimensions Among Three Races, Ewa Parciak

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Dental esthetics and tooth proportions have become increasingly relevant in dentistry, as the cosmetic demands of patients increase. Determining the appropriate esthetic dimensions of the maxillary anterior teeth is an important aspect in fixed and removable prosthodontics. The proportion of facial structures and the relationship between facial measurements and natural teeth could provide additional guidance in selecting denture teeth as well as in determining ideal teeth size for fixed restorations. There have been many publications on this topic, however, the subjects in these studies have been mostly selected from the Caucasian race. With the increasing diversity of the American population …

Cross-Cultural Adaption And Psychometric Properties Testing Of The Arabic Anterior Knee Pain Scale, Abdullah S. Alshehri

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFP) is a common condition affecting the musculoskeletal system and has a tendency of becoming chronic and is problematic in the affected people. It is the commonest cause of anterior knee pain. In over 2/3 of the patients affected it has been successfully treated through the use of rehabilitation protocols which are designed in pain reduction and returning the functionality to an individual. Many cases of patellofemoral pain syndrome can be avoided only if a clinician can make a pre-diagnosis. Preparation Screening Evaluation testing done by a certified athletic trainer can also help in prevention of this …

Communities In Action: Participatory Assessments As An Initial Stage In Critical Consciousness Raising And Community Capacity Building, Carizma Amila Chapman

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This paper presents the findings of two participatory community assessments conducted in Punta Raton and El Venado, two small coastal towns in Southern Honduras. The community assessments were designed and implemented to establish a baseline of community awareness and action, an important step in community development and environmental sustainability. The aim was to: build community partnerships, identify key stakeholders, facilitate dialogues about concerns, identify local and external resources required for progress, and construct actions plans targeting key communal concerns. The assessments were found to be successful in engaging community members and identifying local needs and resources. However, challenges in intervention …

Prevalence And Rationale Of Orthodontic Extractions At Loma Linda University, Teresa T. Tran

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of orthodontic extraction cases and the rationale for the decision-making. Materials & Methods: The records of consecutive patients who had completed orthodontic treatment at Graduate Orthodontic Clinic, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, between January 2010 and December 2014 were reviewed for prevalence of orthodontic extractions. Cone beam computed tomograms (CBCTs) of patients, that had extraction(s) prescribed as part of orthodontic treatment, were analyzed dentally and skeletally. Patients were then categorized according to the degree of crowding in each dental arch. A one-way ANOVA (Kruskal-Wallis) test and …

Indicators Of Ambiguous Loss In Families With Traumatic Brain Injured Members, Mynda Ohs

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

People who have encountered medical traumas can experience significant changes in their lives. As a result, the family members become caregivers and experience increased stress and ambiguous losses (AL). These losses are often unacknowledged even by the family and cause significant distress. It is important that the family acknowledge these losses and allow themselves time to grieve and adapt to the changes in their lives. While it is widely known that caregivers experience this stress, and programs exist to help support these families, there is less known about the effectiveness of these programs. This study has been designed to explore …

Curcumin: A Multi-Dimensional Approach To Pancreatic Cancer Targeting Cell Death And Exosomes, Carlos J. Diaz Osterman

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Pancreatic cancer is currently one of the most difficult diseases to treat due to difficulty of detection and the aggressive nature of the disease. In addition, pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rates compared to other cancer types. These mortality rates are attributable in part to increasing resistance to cancer therapy. Cancer therapy resistance is caused by adaptations that favor survival within cancer cells and their environment, termed the tumor microenvironment. Intracellular adaptations include the overexpression of resistance-linked genes, such as the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family of proteins and overall resistance to cell death. Adaptations in the tumor microenvironment …

Long-Term Hypoxia Alters Ovine Fetal Adrenal Enos And Cortisol Biosynthesis, Elizabeth Anne Newby

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Maintaining normal levels of cortisol in response to chronic stress, while retaining the ability to respond to acute stress, is important for ensuring normal fetal growth and development. Long-term hypoxia (LTH) causes adaptations in the fetal hypothalamopituitary- adrenal (HPA) axis that maintain basal cortisol levels but enhance production in response to a secondary stress. Nitric oxide (NO), produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the adrenal cortex, plays a significant role in regulating cortisol production in the LTH fetus. The production of NO is regulated by eNOS activity which can be altered via phosphorylation through key signaling pathways. In …

Crotalus Snake Venom Preconditioning To Prevent Surgical Brain Injury, Cherine Hee-Sun Kim

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Preventive measures are increasingly relevant to medical practice. Preconditioning, a preemptive therapy that administers mildly harmful stimuli to induce endogenous protective mechanisms before major injury, has been shown to minimize injury in many animal models. Given the elective nature of most neurosurgical procedures, the surgical brain injury (SBI) rodent model provides an ideal platform for preconditioning. Our work shows that preconditioning with Crotalus rattlesnake venom, known for its hemorrhagic and inflammatory effects, mitigates some harmful effects of SBI. We have identified two proteins of interest in Crotalus venom: snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP), an enzyme with hemorrhagic effects, and phospholipase A2 …

Effect Of Tactile Feedback On Reducing Body Sway In Elderly, Faris Shuleih Alshammari

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Context: Body sway increases in the elderly due to normal aging and a high incidence of disease such as diabetes. Increased body sway is associated with an elevated risk of falling. Falling is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 6 minutes training of tactile feedback (novel intervention) compared to visual feedback on body sway in the elderly with or without diabetes to develop a new technique for balance training. Design: A single blinded randomized controlled trial. Setting: Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, …

Lipid Regulation As A Critical Factor In The Development Of Alzheimer's Disease, Michael A. Castello

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in the United States, representing around eighty percent of all cases. For more than two decades, researchers have been led by the amyloid cascade hypothesis, which assumes that accumulation of the amyloid peptide Aβ, derived by proteolytic processing from the amyloid precursor protein (APP), is the key pathogenic trigger in AD. To date, therapies have largely focused on removing Aβ from the brain, an approach that has produced disappointing clinical outcomes. I present an alternative hypothesis in which Aβ production and aggregation is a symptom of a larger, systemic disease …

The Effect Of Cervical Muscle Fatigue On Postural Stability During Immersion Virtual Reality, Mazen M. Alqahtani

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The visual system is part of the nervous system that enables an individual to scan their environment and assess distance to and from objects. The information captured form our navigating environment is communicated to the brain, which in turn makes the decision on how we respond to spatial orientation. This is particularly useful in helping with balance and determining direction of movement. Our posture and visual stability rely heavily on an efficient and processing of visual, vestibular, and proprioception afferent input. Erroneous sensory information from defective sensory organs may cause a person to experience feelings of lightheadedness, spinning and whirling …

Acclimatization To High-Altitude, Long-Term Hypoxia Alters Bk Channel Structure And Function, Xiaoxiao Tao

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

We examined the major possible mechanisms for the left shift of the BK channel I-V relationship in native basilar artery myocytes from the two LTH groups. These mechanisms included: differential expression of the accessary BK -1 subunit; differential phosphorylation of the BK subunit; and splice variation of the BK subunit. Using molecular cloning, heterologous expression, and patch-clamp electrophysiology techniques, we elucidated a mechanism that, at least in part, contributes to the differences we observed between channels from native normoxic and LTH myocytes.

Molecular Characterization And Inhibition Of Antibodies Elicited Against Galactosyltransferase Knockout Pig Xenografts, John M. Stewart

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

On average, 21 people in the United States die every day while waiting for a transplantable organ. Moreover, at the end of 2014, nearly 130,000 additional individuals were still on the transplant waiting list. Xenotransplantation, the transplantation of cells and/or organs from a member of another species, is both a viable supplement for, and bridge to, allotransplantation. Pigs are the favored organ donor because they: 1) breed and grow rapidly, 2) can be genetically modified, and 3) present few ethical concerns. However, due in part to their phylogenetic distance, several barriers must be successfully overcome before clinical xenotransplantation can be …

Hospice Care In Malaysia: Knowledge, Attitude And Time Of Discussion, Shanthi Ellen Solomon

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Despite available and adequate hospice care resources, fewer terminally ill patients in Malaysia use hospice care services than one might reasonably expect. It is reported that only around 10% of patients who die of terminal illness in Malaysia, die in hospice care (Devaraj, 2003). The projected number of individuals that should receive palliative care in Malaysia is 17 to 27% (Connor & Sepulveda Bermedo, 2014). In order to study why hospice care is not accessed as expected, nurses and doctors in Penang and Sabah completed a survey measuring knowledge of current hospice practices, attitude toward caring for the dying, personal …

Effects Of Nurse Caring Behaviors On Mothers' Anxiety And Attachment In Pregnancy Following Perinatal Loss, Joyce G. Oliverio Volsch

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Childbirth is usually a joyful experience for most families. However, women who have experienced the death of a baby during pregnancy often view subsequent pregnancies with fear and apprehension. It is estimated that 59% – 86% of women with previous perinatal loss will become pregnant again (O’Leary, 2004). There is limited research on what bereaved parents perceive as caring behaviors by nurses following the human experience of perinatal loss. The purpose of this research study was to determine if nurse caring behaviors (NCB) during the perinatal loss event affect pregnancy-specific anxiety (PSA) and maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) in women who are …

Tslp-Induced Mechanisms And Potential Therapies For Crlf2 B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Olivia L. Francis

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Childhood CRLF2 B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (CRLF2 B-ALL) is a high-risk form of leukemia that is associated with poor patient survival outcomes. CRLF2 B-ALL is five times more prevalent in Hispanic children than others and is associated with a higher rate of relapse, thus contributing significantly to childhood cancer health disparities. This disease occurs due to alterations of the CRLF2 gene, leading to overexpression of the CRLF2 protein- a component of the receptor signaling complex for the cytokine Thymic Stromal LymphoPoietin (TSLP) on the surface of B-ALL cells. TSLP has been shown to induce proliferation of human and mouse B-cell …

Effect Of A Simulation Course On Medication Administration Safety Of Malaysian Nursing Student, Noraidah L. Guntalib

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Improving safety during medication administration has been a goal of today’s healthcare environment. The complexity of both medication use and the medication management process, especially in the in-patient setting, creates a significant risk for hospitalized clients. Medication administration errors have harmed millions of people and cost millions of dollars worldwide, including Malaysia. Patient safety is dependent on nurses (including student nurses), who must consistently demonstrate behaviour fundamental to the safe administration of medication. Therefore, nursing education must provide teaching and foster learning in students to prepare them to be a safe nurse. Literature has shown that deficiencies of knowledge and …