Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Clergy Stress: Seventh-Day Adventist Pastors In Hong Kong, Singapore, And Taiwan, Onn Liang

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This research utilized an expanded ABC-X model of family stress, one that incorporated the culture and boundary ambiguity constructs of the contextual approach as a paradigm to examine the outcomes of job-related stress experienced by the Seventh-day Adventist pastors in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan. All together 89 Adventist pastors or 86.4% of the total pastoral workforce in the three regions participated in the 52 self-administered questionnaire survey. In addition, two focus groups made up of 15 pastors in Taiwan were utilized to generate descriptive data related to pastors and their families in the context of stressful situations. This research …

An Evaluation Of Interventions Designed To Impact Nurses : A Pilot Project, Pamela G. Bing Perry

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This pilot project was designed from a systems approach as defined within the field of marriage and family (MFT). Systems theory has been used successfully in examining and working with organizational relationships as exemplified in the work of Edwin H. Friedman. His contribution includes several books specifically developed for use in organizations; one that was tailored for religious groups; and another for managers (Friedman, 2007). While other MFT modalities have also been used effectively with organizations, the complexity of the influences operating within an organization most closely matches the systems approach. For this reason, this is the conceptual framework applied …

The Effect Of Auxiliary Preparation Elements On The Resistance Form Of Complete Metal Crowns, Mostafa Nazari

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study measured the resistance to dislodgment of complete metal crowns when they were fabricated for tooth preparations lacking resistance form. These preparations were modified with four different auxiliary preparation features.

An Ivorine mandibular first molar was prepared on a milling machine with the following characteristics: 20 degrees of total occlusal convergence (TOC), 360 degrees shoulder finish line of 1.0 mm width, and axial wall of reduced height offering no geometric resistance form. The following tooth preparation modifications were studied:

1. Two proximal grooves (two lingually positioned grooves, one on the mesial and one on the distal surface) (design B) (Figures …

Attitudes And Beliefs That Predict Taiwanese Older Adults' Intentions To Attend Strength And Balance Training Programs, Shih-Fan Lin

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The rate of participation in the strength and balance training (SBT) program, an effective fall prevention intervention, is very low among older adults. To increase older adults' participations in SBT programs, this study involved an observational and cross-sectional study design to understand factors that affect Taiwanese older adults' intention to attend SBT programs utilizing the theory of planned behavior. Questionnaires that measured constructs of the theory of planned behavior (attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral, normative, and control beliefs) were collected from 221 community-dwelling Taiwanese elderly women between the age of 55 and 94. Simple correlations and multiple …

Body Weight Perceptions And Weight Control Behavior Among Adult Bermudians, Kyla J. Raynor

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background. Overweight and obesity is a serious public health concern that has major consequences on health and quality of life. As of 2006, 64% of adults in Bermuda were overweight or obese. There remains a gap in the literature related to how adult Bermudians perceive their body weight and body image, and if perceptions of being overweight or obese are associated with weight control behaviors.

Purpose. This study was undertaken to develop a better understanding of the perceptions of ideal body weight, level of overweight, body image and weight control behavior in adult Bermudians.

Methodology. This was a cross-sectional observational …

Fetal Cocaine Exposure Causes Epigenetic Changes In The Rat Heart, Kurt D. Meyer

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Cocaine abuse continues to be prevalent in the United States and other industrialized nations, in addition to the negative health effects that cocaine abuse has on the user, a mother who uses cocaine while pregnant also exposes the developing fetus to cocaine. Although there have been many studies of the effects of cocaine on the adult heart, studies of cocaine on the fetal heart and its potential delayed pathophysiological effects on cardiac function in adult offspring are extremely limited. The studies of the present project sought to enhance the understanding of the effect of cocaine exposure on the fetal heart …

Localization And Expression Of The Aer Receptor In Escherichia Coli, Daniel Salcedo

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

In Escherichia coli, chemotactic movement towards an energetically-favorable environment is mediated by five transmembrane chemoreceptors. These sensory proteins respond to numerous environmental signals, including amino acids, sugars, and pH. The aerotaxis receptor, Aer, is an intracellular sensor that responds to oxygen concentration and other parameters affecting cellular energy levels. Bacterial chemotaxis receptors form dimeric signaling units that organize into tetramers and hexamers and form large clusters at the cell poles. A cluster arrangement could increase receptor sensitivity by lateral communication between dimers, thus amplifying the signal from one dimer. We have shown that Aer forms dimers, trimer of dimers, …

Effect Of Auxiliary Preparation Elements On Resistance Form Of Complete Crowns, Manuel H. Guevara

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study compared the effectiveness of six different auxiliary preparation elements on the resistance to lateral dislodgment of complete crown preparation lacking resistance form.

An ivorine mandibular first molar was prepared with the following characteristics: 20° TOC, 360° shoulder finish line of 1.0 mm width and axial wall of reduced height offering no geometric resistance form (Group A: control). Preparation modifications were Group B: MD grooves, Group C: BL groves (sic), Group D: MDBL grooves, Group E: MD small boxes, Group F: MD large boxes and Group G: 8° TOC at the cervical 2 mm of the axial walls. Ten …

The Effects Of A Psychoneuroimmunology Based Lifestyle Intervention In Modifying The Progression Of Major Depression In Clinically Depressed Adults, Ruth A. Tanyi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Chronic stress can lead to poorly controlled upsurges of cortisol and dysregulation of the hypothalamic pituitary-adrenal axis, thereby contributing to major depression. Hence, researchers have begun to examine the effects of individual psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) interventions and their impact on modifying stress and depression. However, there is a lack of studies that have examined the composite effect(s) of a PNI-based lifestyle intervention and major depression. Thus, this randomized interventional study examined the composite effect(s) of a PNI-based lifestyle intervention: combined progressive muscle relaxation and spiritual guided imagery and humor as an adjunct therapy to modifying the progression of depression. Participants were …

Accuracy Of A Rationally-Derived Method For Predicting Failure In Residential Treatment, Jennifer Pester Grattan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Recent studies of adult mental health treatment have used patient-focused research methods to improve outcomes, by tracking treatment response and comparing it with expected recovery patterns. One such line of research has used rationally-derived and empirically-derived methods to analyze data gathered by the OQ-45 and identify patients who are not responding as expected to treatment. This allows for adjustment of treatment, which results in improved outcomes and lower overall costs.

Similar but less extensive research has provided evidence that these approaches may also improve outcomes in outpatient treatment for children and adolescents. These approaches might be particularly useful in residential …

Tuberculosis In San Bernardino County, 1993-2004 : Lifestyle And Environmental Factors, Anuj Bhatia

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

An observational retrospective study was conducted for tuberculosis (TB) cases between San Bernardino County (SBC), Riverside County, and the state of California from 1996 to 2004. A univariate comparison between San Bernardino County and California indicated a higher proportion of U.S. born cases in SBC. Additionally, it was found that San Bernardino had a higher proportion of non-injection drug using TB cases, compared with California in 1996. Further comparisons were made along country of birth between TB cases in San Bernardino County from 1993 to 2004. Notable differences were observed for injection drug use, non injection drug use, alcohol abuse, …

Anthropometric Parameters Of Under-Five Years Old Children With Different Dietary Habits In Ukambani Region : A Study In Eastern Rural Kenya, Hellen M. Ndiku

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The objective of this descriptive cross sectional study was to assess dietary intake and nutritional status of children under-five years in two rural sites of Eastern Kenya where the staple cereals may differ. A modified rapid, knowledge, practice and coverage (KPC) questionnaire and a 24-hr dietary recall form were used to collect the data. A total of 403 households were surveyed from four randomly selected divisions. This yielded 629 surrogate 24-hr dietary recalls of children < 5 years with 314 from Mwingi district and 315 from Makueni district (49 % boys and 51 % girls).

Statistical analysis was done using SPSS and SAS. Comparison of means was done using t- test and chi square was used for proportions. The 24-hr …

Correlates Of Soy Food Consumption In Adventist Health Study-2, Yen Ang

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Much has been discussed about the health benefits and risks of soy consumption but very little is known about who the consumers are. Most of what is known has been observed mainly in Asian populations who consume high levels of soy. Very little is known about soy food intake in the western population who typically has low consumption level. The Seventh-Day Adventist cohort in North America is the only population known in the West with soy food intake that is comparable to the Asian population living in the East.

Soy consumers in a population known for its healthier lifestyle and …

Immediate Loading Of Unsplinted Implants In The Anterior Mandible For Overdentures, Phillip Roe

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

In this one-year prospective study, eight completely edentulous patients were selected from the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (LLUSD) patient population to participate. There were five male and three female patients, between the ages of 58 and 82 (mean age of 69.1 years). All participants received new maxillary and mandibular complete dentures prior to implant placement. Two 4.0 mm x 13 mm threaded implants with a fluoride-modified, micro-roughened, titanium surface were placed mesial to each mandibular canine position. Locator abutments were connected and torqued to 25 Ncm and primary closure was achieved with a nonresorbable suture material. The Locator …

The Prevalence And Determinants Of Health Risk Behaviors Among High School Students In Mexico, Nellie León

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that despite health promotion efforts, adolescents continue to engage in behaviors that put them at risk for morbidity and mortality. Alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, smoking, and risky sexual behaviors are among the behaviors that contribute to leading causes of morbidity and mortality in youth; these four behaviors were explored in this study. An observational cross-sectional design was utilized. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was utilized to assess the prevalence of the four risk behaviors among high school students in Jalisco, Mexico. Items constructed …

Effect Of A Two Piece Scalloped Implant Design On Interproximal Bone Apposition/Retention - A Pilot Study In Rabbits, Aladdin Jamal Al-Ardah

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of an experimental two piece scalloped implant design with a scalloped elliptical coronal part and an HA surface treatment on the bone to implant contact percentage in comparison to a commercially available HA treated implant. The possibility of bone apposition / retention along the exposed coronal scalloped part and the effect of the presence of a junction on the bone to implant contact percentage and bone apposition / retention were analyzed. 10 rabbits were included in the study with each rabbit receiving one control implant in one tibia and one …

Social Cognitive Predictors Of Diabetes Outcomes In Latinos And Whites, Diana Brown

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Investigating health care disparities in ethnic minority populations is an increasingly urgent issue as these disparities lead to higher morbidity and mortality in minorities (National Center of Health Statistics, 2000). There is clear evidence that Latino Americans, the fastest growing minority group in the United States, are more likely to be diagnosed with and experience more severe complications from type 2 diabetes than Anglo Americans. This study surveyed 38 White and 33 Latino diabetes patients from outpatient clinics in an academic medical center. Cultural values (individualism and collectivism), mental health (social support, mental health), and self-efficacy (diabetes and exercise) were …

Factors Influencing Contrast Resolution Of Cone Beam Ct Using The Cb Mercuray, Roger M. Anderson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has an application in all dental specialties. CBCT is an aid in implant dentistry to evaluate anatomical landmarks in both quality and quantity. Hounsfield Unit (HU) values represent a grayscale that is standardized on CT machines relative to the density of water and air. It has been reported that the HU value represents an actual value of the bone density. However, recent studies at Loma Linda University have suggested that HU values retrieved using CBCT machines may be altered by various factors.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the specific dosage …

The Influence Of Familism On Descriptive And Injunctive Norms In Predicting The Intention To Eat A Vegetarian Diet Among Chinese Seventh-Day Adventists, See Wei Toh

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

According to the theory of planned behavior (TpB), one determinant of intention to engage in a behavior is the subjective norm. Various studies have found that subjective norm is often the weaker predictor of intention compared to perceived behavioral control and attitude. This study examined whether familism (emphasis on the family rather than the individual) would contribute positively to the predictive power of the TpB model through interactions with the family portion of descriptive and injunctive norms. Descriptive and injunctive norms are component variables of the subjective norm. A sample of 284 adult Chinese Seventh-day Adventists 18 years and older …

Psychological Distress And Change In A Pediatric Obesity Population, Amy Rebecca Beck

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Pediatric overweight and obesity is a growing national epidemic with 15 percent of children ages 6-19 considered obese and at least 22 percent considered overweight. While there is considerable research pointing to contributing factors of obesity, there is a paucity of research which elucidates what contributes to successful intervention. Considering that by the year 2050, nearly 50 million Americans may be obese, understanding the factors delineating success of weight loss and prevention is a necessity. The purpose of this study was to utilize archival data from the LLU Growing Fit Program to evaluate the levels of psychological distress experienced by …

Nonlinearity And Gestalt Therapy : Back To The Beginning, Darryl G. Kim

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Gestalt methods are explored in the context of the nonlinear view. The original Lewinian equations are updated to the current notions of nonlinear dynamics and current Gestalt Therapy theory. Ordinary differential equations and nonlinear processes are applied some of the key features of Gestalt Theory. Theoretical positions are explored and therapeutic impact considered.

Short-Term Clinical Evaluation Of Nobelreplace® Tapered Groovy Implant, Manouchehr Pouresmail

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this clinical investigation was to make comparisons and to achieve estimates of the short-term implant success, marginal bone resorption, and soft tissue responses around the immediately loaded NobelReplace® Tapered groovy implant (with groove on a rough collar portion) as compared to an implant without a groove on the collar (Replace®Select Tapered). This was a randomized controlled and prospective investigation in which subjects were consecutively included according to strict inclusion/exclusion criteria. Single stage procedure was used with immediate function. Seventeen subjects were recruited, and were randomly divided in two groups. Each group was received the predetermined type of …

Promoting Animals For Well-Being And Self-Acceptance With The Human Patient, Vicki J. Marquardt

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Few empirical studies have been conducted in order to scientifically measure the benefits of using animals with individuals suffering from neurological disorders, or traumatic brain injuries, with or without the inclusion of chronic pain. This study looked at the benefit of using horses in the therapeutic setting, by measuring the levels of anxiety, depression, self-esteem and quality of life pre- and post-therapy, in individuals diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Three groups were used in this study, and were measured pre and post therapy over an eight week period of time. The first group did not participate in the therapy at …

The Evaluation Of Sharper Future: A Community-Based Sex Offender Treatment Program, Lindsay M. Cunningham

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

A program evaluation of Sharper Future’s Substance Abuse Services Coordinating Agency (SASCA) sex offender treatment program was conducted in order to ascertain whether the program is meeting its treatment goals as outlined by the SASCA contract and Sharper Future program goals. The participants of this evaluation were 248 past male Sharper Future clients who had been mandated to treatment at the Sharper Future facilities and were funded by the SASCA program. The data used in this program evaluation was archival, as it existed in the clients’ file as supplied by the Sharper Future clinics that run a SASCA treatment program. …

Ethical Decision-Making Regarding Multiple Relationships Between Therapist And Client, Diana Jochai

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The current study examined a new conceptual model of factors critical to a therapist’s decision-making process when faced with the potential of a nonsexual multiple relationship with a client. This new model was founded on the conceptual framework proposed by Street, Douglas, Geiger, & Martinko (2001) and integrated the components of the decision-making process and the individual and situational factors influencing those components identified in existing general conceptual models and specific behavioral guidelines. For the ethical decision-making process to begin, a practitioner must be able to recognize the presenting problem as an ethical dilemma (Brazerman, 1986; Jones, 1991; Street et …

Parental Influences In Child Obesity, Janel Lynn Calinisan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

One of the greatest concerns in American society is peoples’ health. In the past several years there has been an overwhelming increase in obesity in Americans. This concern relates not only to adults, but also to children, as more are found to be overweight. Many factors have been suggested as to why more children are becoming obese, including parenting, demographics, physical activity, nutrition, and biological factors. Studies have shown that parental influence or involvement can be related to child obesity such that neglected children were more likely to be obese in adolescence and sustain it through adulthood. In order to …

Comparison Of Mandibular Alveolar Bone With Facial Type Using Cbct, Jason M. Loop

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between facial type and cortical bone thickness (mm), cortical bone density (rHU) and trabecular bone density (rHU) in the mandibular alveolar bone. Twenty-five consecutive dolichofacial, 25 consecutive mesiofacial, and 25 consecutive brachyfacial patients with T1 lateral cephalograms and CBCT scans were used in this study. A Ricketts analysis was used to compute the VERT index for each patient. All statistical analyses were performed at the significance level of α = 0.05. The one-way ANOVA and LSD post hoc tests indicated there was a statistically significant relationship between facial type and …

Buccal Bone Changes Following Rapid Maxillary Expansion (Rmf), Long-Term Results, Elena S. Iacob

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to use Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images to quantitatively evaluate buccal bone changes of maxillary first premolar (P1), second premolar (P2) and first molar (M1) shortly after Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) and at the end of orthodontic treatment, as well as to evaluate the variables that may be associated with the short-term and long-term changes. Forty-seven consecutive patients (25 males and 22 females) with a mean age of 14.5years and who required RME as part of their orthodontic treatment and had pre-RME (T1) and post-RME (T2) CBCT images available were used for the …

Look Beyond And Rejoice : A Spiritual Intervention For Patients With Life-Threatening Illness Or Chronic Pain, Jung H. Park

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Recently, the study of religious coping has increased dramatically. Researchers have recognized that cognitive-behavioral interventions imbued with spiritual dimensions may have greater impact when they incorporate a persons’ belief system. Based on scientific literature and Christian coping methods in the Bible, the Look Beyond & Rejoice [LB&R] Healing Model was developed to provide a theoretical framework for an intervention aimed at improving spiritual, mental, and physical health. The model includes: (a) positive reframing of illness that may change a patient’s perception from a threat to challenge and hope, and (b) daily transcendent visualization and verbalization, through looking beyond adversity and …

Cephalometric Analysis Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Wade A. Williams

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if T1-weighted 3D magnetic resonance images performed at 3.0 Tesla could be used to conduct routine orthodontic cephalometric analysis.

Methods: Three cranial imaging methods were compared using sixteen non-growing subjects (10 male and 6 female) who were not claustrophobic, did not have any metallic restorations on the distal of first molars, had no medical implants and the female subjects were not pregnant. Sagittal cranial images were produced by three methods: (1) a digital lateral cephalometric (LC) radiograph (Orthophos XG Plus, Sirona^TM, Bensheim, Germany), (2) a 12-inch FOV cone beam …