Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Molecular Mechanisms That Govern Human Cardiac Stem Cell Age Disparity, Tania Fuentes

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Transplantation of adult endogenous cardiovascular progenitor cells for heart repair results in some clinical benefit, however these stem cells lack the regenerative capacity unique to neonatal cardiovascular stem cells. The goal of this work was to identify mechanisms that contribute to the decline of cardiac stem cell regenerative ability with age and investigate novel therapeutic strategies to improve cardiac stem cell function. When comparing neonatal and adult cardiovascular stem cell clones, both cell types were capable of cardiomyogenic differentiation. However, the expression levels of forty-one microRNAs were significantly altered with age. Expression differences were correlated with reduced proliferation and a …

Chlorinated Tyrosine Species As Markers Of Inflammation: A Kinetic Study, Matthew Peter Curtis

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Chronic inflammation is associated with numerous human diseases. During inflammation, leukocytes release the enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) which generates reactive oxygen species such as hypochlorous acid (HOCl). Additionally, MPO generates reactive nitrogen species. These reactive species can damage host fats, proteins, and DNA, contributing to disease pathology. Because of the reactivity and short half-lives of reactive species, measurement of surrogate markers is necessary to determine their extent and source. Chlorination of the tyrosine phenol ring by HOCl to produce 3-chlorotyrosine (3ClTyr) or nitration of the phenol ring by reactive nitrogen species to produce 3-nitrotyrosine (NO2Tyr) are two such markers. Both are …

Perinatal Hypoxia Exposure On The Developing Heart: The Role Of Endothelin-1, Alexandra Paradis

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Numerous epidemiological and animal studies have indicated that an adverse intrauterine environment is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Therefore proper cardiac development is imperative in optimizing cardiac function throughout life. A key process in determining

cardiomyocyte endowment, and thus cardiac function, is the period of terminal differentiation. This involves the maturation of cardiomyocytes and is essential to heart development, however acceleration of this process may alter cardiomyocyte endowment. Hypoxia/anoxia is a major perinatal stressor that often afflicts the fetus as well as the premature infant, and leads to the …

Effect Of Tai Chi Exercise Combined With Mental Imagery In Improving Balance, Abdulrahman Alsubiheen

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: One of the effects of diabetes mellitus (DM), peripheral neuropathy, affects feet sensation and can increase the chance of falling. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of Tai Chi (TC) training combined with mental imagery (MI) on improving balance in people with diabetes and an age matched control group. Methods: Seventeen healthy subjects and 12 diabetic sedentary subjects ranging from 50-80 years of age were recruited. All subjects in both groups attended a Yang style of TC class, two sessions per week for 8 weeks. Each session was one hour long. Measures …

Existence Of Inhibitor Of Apoptosis In Tumor Exosomes, Malyn May Asuncion Valenzuela

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Pancreatic cancer is a deadly and aggressive disease. The only option for metastatic pancreatic cancer is chemotherapy where only the antimetabolites gemcitabine (Gem) and 5-fluorouracil (5FU) are used clinically. However, resistance to these antimetabolites remains a problem highlighting the need to discover and develop new antimetabolites that will improve a patient’s overall survival. Cancer is a disease that has acquired numerous molecular, biochemical and cellular changes. Resistance to apoptosis is one of the characteristics of cancer, of which the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family of proteins plays an important role. It has also been shown that cancer cells secrete vesicles …

Muscle Dynamics As The Result Of Whole Body Vibration And Plyometrics, Richard Jeremy Hubbard

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

BACKGROUND: Whole body (WBV) vibration and plyometrics are common training techniques which increase strength, blood flow, force and power. The effects these techniques have on sedentary population is unknown. It is our aim to assess the effectiveness of WBV and plyometrics on sedentary population. SUBJECTS: Three groups of nine sedentary subjects were assigned to either the control group (C), jumping only group (J), or jumping with vibration group (JV). METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Measurements included: jump height (Myotest or Vertec), velocity, force, blood lactates, gastrocnemius and quadriceps strength, and exertion (RPE). Subjects were measured at the first, seventh, and eighteenth visits. …

Modulation Of T Lymphocytes By Tumor-Released Survivin, Jessica Marie Jutzy

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The tumor microenvironment is an area of intense interaction between normal and malignant cells. Factors and cell types within this environment can play a crucial role in the progression or regression of the tumor. Of primary interest are tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes, which have been shown to have a key role in modifying the dynamics of the tumor microenvironment to promote or prevent tumor growth. While there is much in vitro and in vivo evidence for a modification of the tumor infiltrating T cell population toward a pro-tumor environment, what induces these changes within the tumor microenvironment has remained elusive. Our …

The Effect Of Root Canal Cleansing On The Retention Of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Posts, Faisal Dhaifallah Al-Qarni

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 cemented with self-adhesive resin cement. Forty-five (n=15) extracted human premolar teeth were sectioned at the cemento-enamel junction to obtain root length of fifteen millimeters. Endodontic …

Stereotypes About Healthcare Professionals, Emotions, And Mammography Compliance, Kayla M. Kinworthy

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Rates of mammography screening are particularly low for minority women, with only 42% of Latin American (Latino) women in the U.S. reporting having a mammogram in the last year as compared to 53% of non-Latino White (Anglo) women [1]. Minority patients are more likely to report negative healthcare encounters with their health professionals [2; 3], which may result in less favorable cultural stereotypes about healthcare professionals and more negative emotional reactions. Guided by Betancourt’s Integrative Model of Culture, Psychological Processes, and Health Behavior [4] and the Stereotype Content Model [5], the aim of the present research was to examine the …

Nutrition Students’ Perception Of Osce & Its Effect On Perceived Readiness To Clinical Placement, Elaf Farahat

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objective: Explore nutrition and dietetic students’ perception of the educational value of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE) and to examine the change in their perceived readiness to practice after completing three OSCEs.

Participants: Students from the Schools of Public Health (SPH) and Allied Health Professions (SAHP) enrolled in Medical Nutrition Therapy course, mean age 26.6±5.4 years, 95% females (n=37).

Methods: Mixed-method sequential exploratory design. Three focus group discussions (11 participants) were conducted as part of the qualitative phase to elicit themes related to perception of OSCE as an education tool. In the quantitative phase, a pre-post test design …

The Role Of Claudins In Bone Metabolism, Fatima Zakariya Alshbool

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Osteoporosis, a major public health problem in the U.S., is characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue. Since the imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption during bone remodeling has been documented to be a major factor in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, it is crucial to identify novel genes and/or novel functions of known genes that regulate the formation and activity of bone forming osteoblasts and bone resorbing osteoclasts. To this end, recent evidence suggests a significant role for caudins (Cldns), which comprise a major group of tight junction proteins, in bone biology and development. This …

Skeletal Changes After Rapid Maxillary Expansion And Fixed Orthodontic Treatment: A Cbct Study, Chandler Ho

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to use cone-beam computed tomography to quantitatively evaluate the skeletal effects of rapid maxillary expansion and orthodontic treatment, with a specific interest in evaluating whether the skeletal changes achieved by RME will maintain throughout orthodontic treatment. Methods: Thirty consecutive patients (16 boys, 14 girls; mean age, 13.9 ± 1.8 years) who required RME with Hyrax appliances as part of their comprehensive orthodontic treatment were studied. Measurements before and after RME, and after orthodontic treatment, of palatal and buccal maxillary widths, palatal alveolar angle, nasal width, nasal floor width, and maxillary sinus width at …

Cortical Mechanisms Of Human Pelvic Floor Muscle Synergies, Skulpan Asavasopon

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The human pelvic floor is an anatomically, functionally, and morphologically complex region that is associated with many disorders such as chronic prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS), chronic low back pain, and urinary incontinence. The purpose of this dissertation was to explore the cortical mechanisms that underlie human pelvic floor muscle synergies. Our first original experiment involved the study of 20 healthy male controls who were instructed to perform a variety of muscle tasks presumed to be associated with pelvic floor muscle synergies. Surface electromyography (EMG) method was used to detect timing onsets, as well as activation patterns of the pelvic floor, …

Effect Of 17Β Estradiol & Foot Strike Patterns On Physiological & Biomechanical Changes In Runners, Iman Akef Khowailed

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

It is well established that female runners are at a significantly increased risk of incurring injuries when compared to their male counterparts. Gender-specific factors such as anatomical, hormonal, and altered neuromuscular activation patterns have been implicated as causative factors. An association have been observed between hormonal fluctuation and ACL injury risk indicating potentially hormonal effect on both passive and dynamic knee stabilizer.

A growing contingency believes that we were designed with all we need in our feet to be able to run with minimal shoes that mimic barefoot running striking pattern. Habitual barefoot runners tend to FFS, compared to habitually …

Copper, Aluminum And Nickel: A New Monocrystalline Orthodontic Alloy, Mark Wierenga

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: This study was designed to evaluate, via tensile and bend testing, the mechanical properties of a newly-developed monocrystalline orthodontic archwire comprised of a blend of copper, aluminum, and nickel (CuAlNi). Methods: The sample was comprised of three shape memory alloys; CuAlNi, copper nickel titanium (CuNiTi), and nickel titanium (NiTi); from various orthodontic manufacturers in both 0.018” round and 0.019” x 0.025” rectangular dimensions. Additional data was gathered for similarly sized stainless steel and beta-titanium archwires as a point of reference for drawing conclusions about the relative properties of the archwires. Measurements of loading and unloading forces were recorded in …

The Effect Of Tooth Presence On Identification Of Tooth Socket Lamina Dura Surface: A Cbct Study, Morse Stonecypher

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Aim: The accuracy in identifying anatomical landmarks on CBCT images can be affected by the presence of surrounding anatomical structures with similar radiodensity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the presence of tooth structure on the accuracy in identifying the lamina dura surface, facial bone surface, facial and lingual bone margins, socket apex, as well as in facial bone thickness measurement. Materials & Methods: Three fresh cadaver heads were scanned using a NewTom 5G CBCT at 0.100 mm voxel size at three time-points: before extraction (T1), after extraction and reinsertion (T2), and after tooth removal …

Cbct Evaluation Of Morphological Changes To Alveolar Bone Due To Orthodontic Tooth Movement, Jeremy M. Hoff

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: The mandibular process is the anatomic factor that limits the orthodontic movement of the mandibular incisors, and awareness of this structural limitation may reduce the risk of potential damage to tooth roots and alveolar bone. A decision regarding the correct placement of the lower incisors will be largely determined by the amount of adaptation possible within the alveolar bone. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to use Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to evaluate the adaptation of alveolar bone around the mandibular anterior teeth before and after orthodontic tooth movement. Methods: This study compared changes in area (mm2) …

Role Of Astrocyte Network In Edema After Juvenile Traumatic Brain Injury, Andrew Minoru Fukuda

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Juvenile traumatic brain injury (jTBI) is the leading cause of death and disability in young children and adolescents. Despite its lasting detrimental effects on the developing brain, no pharmacological treatment exists. One of the pathological hallmarks of jTBI is edema. Astrocytes play a key role in the edema process, and have been hypothesized that numerous astrocyte networks allow communication and propagation of edema and secondary injury spread. Two key astrocyte proteins are hypothesized to have a central role in the edema process: Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) and Connexin 43 (Cx43). AQP4 is expressed extensively in astrocyte endfeet, which surrounds the blood …

Cbct And Cephalometric Analysis Of The Tmj Complex After Treatment Using A Mara Appliance, Melissa Danette Shotell

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: The mandibular anterior repositioning appliance (MARATM) is a fixed appliance intended for the correction of class II malocclusion. Many advocate the use of the MARA appliance to minimize patient non-compliance with treatment; however, little information is known as to the skeletal changes in the temporomandibular complex. The purpose of this study is to investigate the changes in the temporomandibular complex using both cephalometric and cone beam computerized tomography.

Materials and Methods: The initial and final treatment cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) scans of 5 patients treated with the MARA appliance were collected from the Loma Linda University Orthodontics Clinic. …

Efficacy Of The Flosspro Flosser Versus Finger Flossing In Orthodontic Patients, Sharareh S. Sabet

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: The maintenance of good oral hygiene among orthodontic patients is a challenge. The purpose of this study was to compare the oral hygiene habits, gingival health, and preference of orthodontic patients when using a floss aid compared to conventional finger flossing with a floss threader. Methods: Thirty-four adolescent and young adult patients with fixed orthodontic appliances and poor oral hygiene were enrolled from the Loma Linda University Graduate Orthodontic Clinic. This was a single blind crossover study. The patients were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups (floss aid or finger floss) in phase I. After prophylaxis, subjects …

Simpatia And Negative Interpersonal Emotions In Continuity Of Health Care, Andres Gilberto Mendez

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Past research has demonstrated that continuity of care has positive outcomes for patients. Continuous care has been shown to have positive outcomes for the patient, including increased patient satisfaction, decreased hospitalizations, decreased emergency department visits, and improved receipt of preventive services. Guided by Betancourt’s Integrative Model for the Study of Culture, Psychological Processes, and Health Behaviors, the aim of this research was to examine the role of cultural scripts and mistreatment related negative interpersonal emotions on continuity of care among Latin American (Latino) and Non-Latino White (Anglo) women. Specifically, this study examined the effect of simpatía, a cultural script that …

Predictors Of Health In Adult Child Caregivers Of Parent Stroke Survivors In China, Yuqin Pan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Strokes are the leading cause of adult disability and death in China. The prevalence is 6 - 9% among adults over 65 in urban areas. It is estimated that currently there are more than 7.5 million stroke survivors with an annual increase of 2.5 million new cases. These stroke survivors are in great need of care during their rehabilitation. The tradition of filial piety involves adult children in caregiving to their parent stroke survivors; however, the caregiving responsibility becomes more challenging due to shrinking family size and modernization; thus caregiver health is often compromised. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews …

Factors Affecting Gingival Recession In The Esthetic Zone: A Human Cadaver Study, Christen Sather

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation of gingival recession to the following parameters in fresh cadavers: gingival thickness, buccal bone loss, buccal bone thickness, shape of bony dehiscence defect, and age. A secondary aim was to evaluate predictors for gingival recession.

Sixteen fresh cadavers were used in this study. Gingival recession, facial gingival thickness, alveolar bone loss, and buccal bone thickness were measured at teeth #6-#11 and #22-#27. Sites with a dehiscence (D) or fenestration (F) were presented, and resultant bony defect shape was noted. The correlation of gingival recession to gingival thickness, buccal bone loss, …

Novel Approach To Assess Periodontal Disease Severity Using Volumetric Analysis, Meera George Maveli

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the absolute change in linear measurements of bone loss on the facial plane of a maxillary central incisor at full and half root length along the vertical axis is directly proportional to volumetric change. The secondary aim was to evaluate if the variation of root volume is influenced by difference in root morphology.

Three dimensional digital models of 70 random patients were obtained from

DICOM CBCT files using volumetric software, InVivoDental (Anatomage, San Jose,

CA). One central incisor of average root length was selected per patient and total length

(L1) and …

Vegetarian Dietary Patterns: Mortality, Colorectal Cancer, And Food Consumption, Michael John Orlich

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objective Vegetarian dietary patterns represent longstanding, real-world diets consumed by a minority of persons. Studies of important health outcomes of such diets, particularly for all-cause mortality and colorectal cancer risk, have yielded inconsistent results. We sought to examine these outcomes (mortality and colorectal cancer incidence) in a large North-American cohort. We also sought to further characterize potentially important differences in the food consumption patterns of these diets. Design Baseline diet was measured by a quantitative food frequency questionnaire among more than 96,000 Seventh-day Adventists in the US and Canada, enrolled from 2002-2007. Dietary patterns were defined, based on the reported …

Creating A Healing Environment: Strategies Christian Nurses Use, Jane Bacon Pfeiffer

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Nursing metaparadigm concepts of nurse, person, environment, and health are the conceptual building blocks which provide direction to nursing research and knowledge development (Fawcett & Desnato-Madeya, 2013). Interaction of person, nurse and environment facilitate optimal outcomes yet, there remains a need for research on the paradigm concept of environment and creation of a healing environment in particular. (Meleis, 2010).

The purpose of this study was to explore the strategies Christian nurses used to create a healing environment and enhance well-being for non-end-of-life, hospitalized patients from admission forward. Specific aims included identifying nurses’ perspectives on (1) the strategies Christian nurses used …

Cd21 And Cd24 Co-Expression: A Translational Model Between Mouse And Human, Abigail Benitez

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis are B cell-mediated autoimmune diseases that afflict millions of people worldwide. B cell-targeted therapies for these diseases result in variable clinical outcomes. Thus, a need exists to better understand the dynamics of human B cell production and function. The mouse model has provided a foundation for understanding the mechanisms involved in human B cell development and autoimmune disease. However, differences in mouse and human B cells are not fully understood. Our work shows that the co-expression of CD21 and CD24, determined by 7-color flow cytometry, can be used to demarcate developmental subsets of B …

Effect Of Maternal Hypoxia On Fetal Development: Programming Of Hie Phenotype In Neonatal Rat Brain, Pablo J. Gonzalez-Rodriguez

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Developmental programming of health and disease correlates the adverse intrauterine environment and the risk of disease later in life as cardiovascular disease, metabolic diseases, renal dysfunction or neurobehavioral disorders among others. Maternal hypoxia is one of the most common intrauterine growth restricted environment during pregnancy. Perinatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is an important cause of brain injury in the newborn due to a systematic asphyxia. Our study aims to test the hypothesis that maternal hypoxia affect the organogenesis of the kidney by affecting the kidney structure and focusing on the roles of AT1R and AT2R, while the brain development will also be …

Quantitative Characterization Of Conserved Noncoding Regions By Flow Cytometry, Amber Brown

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Spatial and temporal regulation of developmental gene transcription often involves regulatory sequences found in noncoding DNA separate from the gene’s promoter. Conservation of a noncoding region (CNR) across divergent species may indicate a regulatory region critical to basic morphogenesis. CNR-green fluorescent protein (GFP) constructs can demonstrate spatial and temporal CNR activity by microscopy visualization. However, characterization of regulatory modules within a CNR requires quantitative, in addition to qualitative, analysis. The study presented here describes the development and implementation of a novel application of flow cytometry in the quantitative characterization of CNRs. The technique couples fluorescent microscopy localization with flow cytometry …

Effect Of Monophasic Pulsed Current On The Treatment Of Plantar Fasciitis, Abdullah Alotaibi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is one of the most common soft tissue disorders that causes inferior heel and rear foot pain. Monophasic pulsed current (MPC) is a method of electrical stimulation (ES) clinically used to promote and accelerate wound healing processes. The aim of this prospective clinical trial was to investigate the effect of MPC and MPC coupled with plantar fascia specific stretching exercises (SE) in the treatment of PF. Methods: Forty four participants (twenty- two subjects were women; 22 were men with a mean age of 49 ± 10.6 years) diagnosed with PF were randomly allocated to receive MPC …