Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

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

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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

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

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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

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

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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

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

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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

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

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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

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

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

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

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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

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

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

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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

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

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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

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

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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

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

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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

Mechanism Of Lmx1b-Regulated Limb Dorsalization, Jennifer Feenstra

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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

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

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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

Analysis Of Minocycline As A Radioprotectant, Shalini Mehrotra

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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

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

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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

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

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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

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

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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

Kinetically Controlled Synthesis Of Triblock Copolymer Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles, Theodore Saleem Sabir

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Concerns for the environmental and economic impact of organic solvents in gold nanoparticle synthesis have motivated the search for more environmentally benign alternatives. One viable approach is the synthesis of AuNPs from tetrachloroauric(III) acid (HAuCl4) using triblock copolymers (TBPs). However, a major challenge of using TBPs is the heterogeneous nature of the formed nanocrystals. Establishing control over AuNP size and shape requires a detailed mechanistic understanding of precursor reduction and nanoparticle growth. By using mixtures of TBPs (L31 and F68), a more flexible method to tune AuNP size and shape is demonstrated. This is achieved by adjusting the TBP/Au(III) ratio …

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

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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

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

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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

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

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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

The Association Of Diet With Affect, Patricia Ann Ford

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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

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

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

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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

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

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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

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

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

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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

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

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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

Participants were 12 nonverbal children with autism ages 5 through 7 randomly assigned …

The Efficacy Of An Audio Program And Discussion Guide In Promoting Exclusive Breastfeeding In Cameroon, Africa, Kathryn R. Reinsma

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: In the Northwest Region of Cameroon, approximately 90% of women initiate breastfeeding; however, only 34% continue exclusive breastfeeding for the recommended six months (Kakute, et al., 2005; WHO, 2008). Entertainment-education is a mass-media communication strategy of placing educational information into media such as television programs, movies, and radio programs (Siegel & Lotenberg, 2007). This form of behavioral change communication has proven effective in addressing health-related issues in developing countries.

Purpose: The aim was to design an audio program and discussion guide to test the hypothesis that an audio program and discussion guide improves exclusive breastfeeding knowledge, beliefs, benefits, self-efficacy, …

Engaging Men: Optimum Transformation Conditions For Domestic Violence Offenders, Benjamin Pierre Scott

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study explored which conditions are optimal for supporting domestic violence offenders in reducing recidivism thereby enabling long-term sustainability of healthy relationships. This study’s objectives were to identify the role of current interventions in creating optimal conditions for change in domestic violence offenders, determining what motivational strategies are effective in producing meaningful engagement in treatment, identifying relational treatment methods and processes that are (are not) effective in reducing domestic violence recidivism, and what is needed programmatically to be effective in decreasing recidivism. Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews were analyzed using the methodology of grounded theory. Collection and analysis of the …

Effect Of Maternal Hypoxia On The Cerebral And Cardiac Tissue Remodeling, Wenni Tong

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Large epidemiological studies and animal studies have indicated a clear association of adverse intrauterine environment with an increased incidence of low birth weight, perinatal mortality, and cardiovascular disease in later adult life. In humans, one of the most common stresses in utero is hypoxia. The goal of this project is to test the hypothesis that fetal hypoxia causes reprogramming of MMPs and TIMPs expression patterns and activities leading to aberrant brain and heart development in the fetuses and neonates. In the first part of project, we tested the hypothesis that maternal hypoxia increases the activity of MMPs and decreases the …

The Impact Of Nucleoside Sugar Modification On Biochemical Dna Transactions, Adides Williams

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Discrimination by DNA polymerases controls the fidelity of DNA replication, and reduced fidelity results in mutations essential in the etiology of cancer. Polymerase discrimination operates at both dNTP insertion and subsequent elongation steps, and involves several energetic and structural factors that are as yet incompletely understood. While base pairing interactions have been studied extensively, substantially less is known about the role of sugar structure and conformation for polymerase incorporation and extension. In these studies we examined, systematically, the role of sugar structure and conformation on polymerase selection of the dNTP for insertion and polymerase elongation. To accomplish these goals, we …

Development Of A Contextual Model For The Treatment Of Infidelity, Kirstee Williams

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Family systems theory has a history of critique by feminists for ignoring larger societal processes, thus inadvertently assuming equality in processes that are not inherently equal (e. g., Goldner, 1985; Hare-Mustin, 1978). Current research suggests that gendered power processes continue to organize how heterosexual partners relate to each other, making it difficult for couples to build mutually satisfying relationships (Coontz, 2005; Knudson-Martin & Mahoney, 2009). These same societal processes also influence both the etiology of affairs and recovery from them. Therefore, resolution of infidelity involves the interplay of many complex issues, of which gender, power, and culture are part (Williams, …