Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Program Evaluation Of The Mend Program In Its Application Of Working With Adult Pnes Patients, Ashley Park

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study is a program evaluation of a family systems program, MEND and its application of working with patients who have Psychogenic Non Epileptic Seizures, otherwise known as PNES. This study evaluates PNES patients who have completed MEND focusing and comparing outcome measures like health related quality of life (HRQL), emergency room visits, and medications with PNES patients who have not done MEND. Results suggest that MEND improved PNES symptoms and overall HRQL.

Combined Treatment Model Program For Survivors Of Intimate Partner Violence, Hillary Jeanne May

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This project seeks to fill a void in the mental health field by providing a combined treatment model program to address the needs of survivors of intimate partner violence. As such, the primary purpose of this project is the development of a treatment program with services that are easily accessible by survivors that is intended for future implementation in shelters or agencies that have contact with this population of women. This program offers a means to engage an underserved population in access to services and self-development to improve overall mental and physical health outcomes and attempt to prevent recurrent intimate …

Pathways For Healing: An Online Therapeutic Support Group Program, Lisa Yvette Salazar

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Pathways for Healing: An Online Therapeutic Support Group Program (OTSG) is for women, ages 18 to 65 years old, diagnosed with chronic pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). The program focuses on women living in Texas rural communities with limited access to mental health providers. The aim for this study is to determine if an OTSG program, utilizing narrative therapy (NT) within a biopsychosocial-spiritual lens (BPS-S) will improve overall health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Support groups are provided in English and Spanish, over the course of 12 weeks, facilitated by a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and licensed pelvic floor physical …

Decolonizing Psychotherapy, Nicole D. Taylor

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This project aims to increase the use and inclusivity of mental health services within marginalized communities by providing education and training tools on the use and application of integrative mental health approaches. It is an offering of guidance, providing a culturally responsive framework for integrating yoga into psychotherapy. The manual aims to reduce systemic, colonialist, barriers to mental health services. This project is founded on the basis that mono-cultural foundations in traditional psychotherapeutic treatments negatively impact the attitudes and beliefs of service seekers, typically within excluded groups. Systems Theory and Critical Race Theory and Social Justice principles inform the application …

An Investigation Of The Anti-Stemness Actions Of Two Mirnas After Their Induction By Aminoflavone In Luminal A Breast Cancer, Nicole Ursula Rumbidzai Mavingire

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Approximately 40% of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer (BC) patients develop resistance to endocrine therapy (ET) agents like tamoxifen (Tam). Resistance promotes metastasis, recurrence, and death since metastatic BC is often incurable. Breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) greatly contribute to disease progression and drug resistance. We previously showed that aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist aminoflavone (AF) inhibits the expression of CSC biomarker α6-integrin (ITGA6) to disrupt the formation of endocrine-sensitive and -resistant luminal A mammospheres. In this study, we performed miRNAsequencing analysis of luminal A MCF-7 and MCF-7TamR mammospheres before and after AF treatment to further develop the mechanism of …

Phytochemical And Synthetic Ahr Ligands As Novel Therapy For Refractory Breast Cancer, Jonathan V. Wooten

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) possess tumors that lack estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human growth factor receptor 2 expression. Such patients have lower survival rates than those diagnosed with other breast cancer subtypes in part, due to the scarcity of targeted therapy for TNBC. In addition to chemotherapy, patients with TNBC often consume natural remedies, which has led us and others to evaluate the ability of plant isolates to confer anticancer and chemopreventive actions. Poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) is an enzyme that promotes DNA single-strand break repair. PARP inhibitor olaparib exploits DNA repair enzyme deficiency in tumors to …

Effect Of Splinting Implant Scan Bodies Intraorally On The Trueness Of Complete Arch Digital Impressions: A Clinical Study, Kawther Mahmoud Ali

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of splinting scan bodies intraorally on the trueness and scan time of implant digital impressions of the edentulous arch.

Materials and Methods: Nineteen edentulous jaws undergoing fixed complete denture treatment with a minimum of 4 implants were selected for this study. Verified master casts of the patients’ edentulous jaws were scanned with a desktop laboratory scanner and scan bodies to obtain a reference (control) scan for each patient. Intraoral scan bodies were hand tightened on all the implants in the edentulous arch and an intraoral scan was …

A Study In Fresh Human Cadaver Heads Examining The Incidence Of Maxillary Sinus Membrane Perforation During Crestal Sinus Elevation Comparing Osteotomes To Osseodensification Drills., Thaer Alqadoumi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Crestal sinus membrane elevation technique is a surgical procedure that helps gain vertical bone volume when there is a pneumatization of the maxillary sinus. Due to some visual limitations inherent to the procedure, the potential for maxillary sinus membrane perforations and subsequent complications exists. A crestal sinus lift using osseodensification drills has been used lately but there are not many studies to support the protocol. The primary aim of the study is to evaluate the incidence of sinus membrane perforation during Osseodensification compared to the incidence of bone added crestal sinus elevation using osteotomes (BAOSFE). The secondary aim …

Handling Effects In Moderate To Late Preterm Infants In Neonatal Intensive Care, Nancy Brashear

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Providing a thriving environment to preterm infants receiving care in the neonatal intensive care unit is an ongoing area of interest to stakeholders interested in infant health. With advances in monitoring technology, there are new methods to assess the effects of care on preterm infants. Effects of neonatal handling have been analyzed in terms of physiological, behavioral, and pain responses. Further assessment of the effects of handling is needed to determine the impact, if any, on renal and cerebral regional oxygenation in moderate to late preterm infants (34-36 ^6/7 gestation). A conceptual model was developed based on pertinent theoretical frameworks …

Evaluating The Effect Of The Protector Cap Technique For Castable Implant Abutments On Reverse Torque Values, Mohammed Alfaifi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Statement of problem: The most common mechanical complication reported regarding the implant abutment is screw loosening attributed to masticatory forces and insufficient preload torque.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the differences in reverse torque value between UCLA abutments with no casting performed, UCLA abutments cast using a conventional manner, and UCLA abutment cast using protection caps and pegs.

Material and methods: Thirty implants with a standard diameter (4.3 mm) conical connection (NobelReplace Tapered Groovy 4.3 × 13 mm; Nobel Biocare) and thirty premachined 4.3 mm gold UCLA abutments (Branemark System™ Nobel Biocare, Inc) were used in …

The Effect Of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids On Periodontal Inflammation In Rats, Hardev M. Singh

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate any possible beneficial effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Ω-3 PUFAs) as a dietary supplement when incorporated into the diet of rats that had periodontitis induced via a ligature model.

Materials and Methods: 20 male rats (Sprague Dawley) were divided into 2 groups as following: 1) Control group with ligature-induced periodontitis and no Ω-3 PUFA in the diet; and 2) Test group with ligature-induced periodontitis and Ω-3 PUFA introduced in the diet. The ligature was placed around the mandibular first molars in the gingiva sulcus for a period of …

The Role Of The Filifactor Alocis Hypothetical Protein Fa519 In Oxidative Stress Resistance, Ezinne Rebecca Aja

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Filifactor alocis, a fastidious, Gram-positive, obligate anaerobic bacterium, is a newly appreciated member of the periodontal community, which is now proposed to be a diagnostic indicator of periodontal disease. Its pathogenic characteristics are highlighted by its ability to survive in the oxidative-stress rich environment of the periodontal pocket and to significantly alter the microbial community dynamics by forming biofilms and interacting with several oral bacteria. Currently, there is incomplete information on the pathogenic mechanism(s) and a possible dynamic functional role of F. alocis in the dysbiotic microbial community. Because the stress response of this bacterium to the oxidative environment …

The Impact Of Intraneural Facilitation Therapy On Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Kyan Zhra-Sahba Alnajafi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Intraneural facilitation (INF) has shown clinical success, and significant improvements have been found in a recent pilot study. This study aims to investigate further these effects on DMT2 subjects suffering from DPN. Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of INF on subjects suffering from DPN impacting blood flow, sensation, balance, gait, pain, and quality of life.

Methods: Twenty-eight subjects between 50-75 years old with T2DM and below ankle moderate-severe DPN, were randomly assigned into two groups (N=17 INF, N=11 sham). All blinded subjects went through 9 therapy visits, and blinded assessing …

Contribution Of The Ledgf/P75 Protein Interactome To Prostate Cancer Chemoresistance, Greisha Lee Ortiz Hernández

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Prostate Cancer (PCa) progression leads to an advanced stage called metastatic castration resistant PCa (mCRPC), for which currently there is no cure in spite of advances in treatment with new generation anti-androgen drugs and chemotherapy with taxanes such as docetaxel (DTX). Our laboratory demonstrated previously that the stress oncoprotein Lens Epithelium Derived Growth Factor of 75 kD (LEDGF/p75) is upregulated in clinical prostate tumors and contributes to DTX-resistance in mCRPC cells. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms by which LEDGF/p75 promotes taxane resistance. The C-terminus of LEDGF/p75 contains a domain called the Integrase Binding Domain (IBD), which in …

Evaluating The Treatment Effectiveness And Efficiency Of The Df2 Protocol Using Invisalign® For Treatment Of Class Ii Malocclusion: A Retrospective Comparison Study, Bryan J. Otis

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: This retrospective study evaluated the treatment effectiveness and efficiency of the DF2 protocol for correction of class II malocclusions in comparison to conventional protocol using Invisalign®.

Materials and Methods: Clinical and cephalometric data of patients that were treated for class II malocclusion between July 30, 2014 and July 22, 2021 were reviewed and selected. The selected patients were matched for age, sex, and treatment complexity and divided into two groups: Group 1 (G1) —DF2 protocol and Group 2 (G2)—conventional class II Invisalign®. Clinical variables to represent the skeletal and dentoalveolar changes during treatment were assessed using pre-treatment (T1) …

Comparison Of The Upper Airway Volume In Orthodontically Treated Cases With First Premolar Extractions, Krystal Park

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Comprehensive orthodontic treatment often entails extraction of teeth to accomplish treatment goals. A potential side effect of extraction therapy is arch length shortening resulting in decreased space for the tongue which may cause a low tongue posture and a possible reduction in airway space. The purpose of the study was to retrospectively determine if extractions of all first premolars during orthodontic treatment and the resulting movement of mandibular incisors are correlated with a reduction in airway volume.

Materials and Methods: The T1 and T2 CBCT’s of 80 patients were collected and reviewed. The cases were divided into treatment (extraction) …

Summary Description And Treatment Plan Elements Derived From Cbct And Mri Based Orthodontic Records, Mainer Cruz

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objectives: This study examined the agreement of summary description and treatment plan elements derived from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and 3-Tesla (3T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Methods: This retrospective study involved thirteen human subjects, all of whom had one CBCT scan (NewTom 5G, AFP Imaging, USA) and one MRI scan (Siemens Medical Solutions, DE) of the whole head performed within a two-week period. CBCT images were taken with a field of view of 18x16 inches and resolution of 0.3x0.3x0.3 mm, over an exposure time of 5.4 seconds. MR images were acquired using a 3.0T imaging system …

Effect Of Finishing And Polishing Techniques On The Fit Accuracy And Dimensions Of Conventional And Cad-Cam Removable Partial Denture Frameworks, Majed Altoman

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Rapid advancements in computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) in removable dental prosthodontics have offered new modalities for fabrication of removable partial denture frameworks. The standard tessellation language (STL) files of the scans are used to digitally design the removable partial denture (RPD) framework, which are then printed in cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloy and finished and polished according to manufacturers’ recommendations. There are few studies compare the fit accuracy of the cast DPD framework versus the CAD-CAM RPD frameworks which found that CAD-RP frameworks exhibited the highest discrepancies, using different methods of evaluation. Good fit between the denture base and the …

Accuracy Of Digital Indirect Bonding Technique Utilizing 3d-Printed Trays, Phillip Ha

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: This study investigated the bracket placement accuracy of a digital indirect bonding (dIDB) technique utilizing 3D-printed trays and the effects of dental crowding and tooth type on bracket placement accuracy.

Material and Methods: Thirty digital mandibular models of various amounts of arch length discrepancy (ALD) were categorized into 3 groups according to the amount of ALD. Digital bracket placement was performed from second molar to second molar using Indirect Bonding Studio (3ShapeTM, Copenhagen, Denmark) and this virtual model was used as the control. Indirect bonding trays were designed using Appliance Designer (3ShapeTM) and 3D-printed with the SprintRayTM …

Predictors Of Aggression Among Adolescent Girls, Sarah Joy Park

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Women and girls will often deny what they feel and think to maintain their relationships. Silencing the self can be detrimental to the physical and mental health of teenage girls. This stifling of the self is related to depression, earlier first intercourse, eating disorders, and less relationship satisfaction. Girls who silence their voices are also likely to have difficulty expressing themselves when they feel angry. In this study we explored the relationship between silencing the self and physical, verbal, and indirect aggression. Our sample consisted of 88 teenage girls from two high schools, with a mean age of 16. They …

Accuracy And Reproducibility Of Cone Beam Computed Tomographs For The Assessment Of Bony Tissues, An Ex-Vivo Study, Saad Hamad Almujel

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of implant blooming artifact on the assessment of the peri-implant buccal bone thickness, the accuracy of two CBCT devices, and the reproducibility of CBCT images obtained in different exposure timelines.

Materials and Methods: Four dental implants were placed in the mandible of a cadaver head. The distances between dental implants and the thickness of the peri-implant buccal bone were measured with a high precision caliper. The cadaver head was scanned using 2 different CBCT devices, 12 repeated scans were made while the cadaver head in its initial …

Burnout, Self-Efficacy, And Resilience In Haitian Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study, Marie Therese Georges

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Though nursing burnout is a global problem, research on nurse burnout in Haiti is scarce. Haitian nurses operate in a resource-poor work environment in the context of multiple personal and social challenges. This study assessed burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment) and identified its influencing factors among a sample of Haitian nurses. A cross-sectional survey in French and Haitian Creole was conducted in five Haitian hospitals using forward and back translated scales measuring burnout (i.e., emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, personal accomplishment), self-efficacy, nursing work environment, resilience, and demographic factors. Haitian nurses (N = 179) self-reported moderate emotional exhaustion (M = …

Rotational Forces Generated By Traditional And Loop-Design Clear Aligners, Grant Essink

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objective: This study aims to evaluate force (F) and torque (Tq) generated by a novel “loop-design” clear aligner compared to the F and Tq generated by a traditional clear aligner design. The novel design may reduce the risk of orthodontic root resorption (ORR), by reducing forces during tooth rotation.

Materials and Methods: Traditional clear aligners (T) and ArchForm Loop clear aligners (AFL) were compared for differences in F and Tq exerted on selected canine and molar teeth. The test tooth was sectioned out of the test model, attached to a load cell and replaced in the test model …

The Hippo/Yap Signaling Pathway In Cardiovascular Repair, Victor Camberos

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Following cardiovascular injury, neonatal mammalian hearts are capable of restoring damaged tissue while adult hearts cannot. Adults are hindered by their inability to replenish lost cardiomyocytes resulting in increased scar tissue formation and reduced cardiovascular function. The Hippo pathway and its downstream effector Yap1 have recently been identified as key modulators of cardiac development and regeneration in neonates. We investigated the role of Yap1 in a sheep model of cell-based cardiovascular repair in which regenerative neonatal cardiovascular progenitor cells (CPCs) were introduced following LAD ligation. Yap1 was induced in the infarcted regions of the heart following cell treatment, as shown …

The Role Of The Snail/Let-7 Axis In Stemness Induction In Distinct Subtypes Of Ovarian Cancer: The Search For Cancer Stem Cell Targeting Strategies, Hanmin Wang

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has the one of the lowest survival rates, partly due to modern therapy’s failure to consider the heterogeneity of EOC and the failure to effectively target cancer stem cells (CSC). CSCs lead to cancer relapse and metastasis. Studies of stem cell reprogramming have linked let-7 repression and acquisition of stemness with the EMT factor, SNAI1. The mechanisms for the loss of let-7 in cancer cells are incompletely understood. We aimed to determine the mechanism of epithelialmesenchymal transition (EMT)-induced stemness in cancer cells. The central hypothesis for this study is that SNAI1 directly represses let-7, leading to …

The Role Of Survivin Splice Variants In Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Chemoresistance, Janviere Kabagwira

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 its aggressive nature. 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 cancer cell survival. Some of these adaptations occur intrinsically before chemotherapy exposure (innate resistance) while others are a result of chemotherapy through selective and cellular adaptations (acquired chemoresistance). Important to pancreatic cancer diagnosis and management is to determine an optimal combination of clinical …

Factors Associated With Health Coverage Gaps And Cost Barriers To Health Services In U.S. Adults Before And After The Aca, Danielle Kilchenstein

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background

Health law known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed in 2010 and implemented in 2014 in the U.S. It was intended to reduce cost burdens to health coverage and care.

Purpose

Self-reported health coverage gaps and cost barriers to physical, mental, dental care, and prescription medications of U.S adults before and after the implementation of the ACA in 2014 were examined to determine impacts of health reform on marginalized populations.

Methodology

Cross-sectional secondary data analysis was conducted using National Health Interview Survey Data from the Integrated Public Use Microdata Set (2010-2017). The 140,341 surveys represented an average …

Oxidative Stress And Dna Damage As Promoting Factors Of Hpv Integration, Meghri Katerji

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) cause virtually all cervical cancer cases and are also associated with other types of anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. HPV-mediated carcinogenesis typically begins with the HPV episome integrating into the human genome. Unfortunately, the factors that promote this key process are not well defined. Since viral integration requires breaks in both viral and human genomes, DNA damage is likely a key determinant. The latter is primarily caused by an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, high levels of background ROS in host cells, which may result from genetic/epigenetic factors together with exogenous influences, in principle, have the …

The Influence Of Strength And Mobility On Lumbar Biomechanics During Lifting, Christopher S. Patterson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Weakness of the lumbar and hip extensors muscles as well as limited hip flexion mobility have been proposed to contribute to greater lumbar spine loading and greater lumbar flexion during functional tasks. The purpose of the current study was to examine the associations among hip and lumbar spine extension strength, hip flexion mobility and lumbar spine biomechanics during a squat lifting task. Fifty healthy adults participated in the study. Strength of the lumbar extensors and hip extensors was measured using a motor driven dynamometer. Hip range of motion was assessed using a 3D motion capture system. Participants lifted boxes of …

A Comparison Of The Area Of The Internal Nasal Valve In Cbct And Mri, Chantelle Ghiam

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objective: This study compared the agreement between whole head Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) methods to assess the cross-sectional area of the internal nasal valve.

Methods: Thirteen human subjects (mean age 15y11m) were used in this study. All scans were preformed [sic] within two weeks of one another. CBCT images were made with an 18x16 inch field of view, exposure time of 5.4 s, and resolution of 0.3x0.3x0.3 mm. 3T MR images were captured as contiguous sagittal images of the whole head with a T1-weighted 3D imaging sequence (Magnetization Prepared Rapid Acquisition by …