Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Localization Of Sodium, Potassium-Adenosine Triphosphatase In The Cerebral Cortex Of Developing Rats, Maki Ujiie

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Active transport via Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase plays an important role in establishing and maintaining proper ionic gradient across all mammalian cell membranes. A strict regulation of Na⁺, and K⁺ ion levels is especially important in excitable cells such as neurons and myocytes. Inhibition of the enzyme is associated with several pathological conditions and has serious detrimental effects on cerebral cortical cells. Yet the enzyme appears to be limited in amount and distribution in newborn rats. In this study, Na_⁺, K⁺- ATPase expression and distribution in early postnatal rats were studied …

The Relationship Of The Incisive Canal To Maxillary Median Diastema, Jeffery S. Corbett

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between the incisive canal and maxillary median diastema, and to identify an imaging method capable of documenting the geometry and dimensions of the incisive canal. The sample consisted of 59 dry skulls, 26 of which had a maxillary median diastema ranging in size from 0.1 mm to 2.8 mm (mean 1.0 mm, SD = 0.7 mm). Each skull had all of the permanent maxillary teeth present from first molar to first molar and lacked any apparent non-orthodontic condition that could have caused the diastema. Diastema width and canal diameter were …

A Comparison In Processing Of Alginate Orthodontic Impressions By Commercial Labs, Robert Agnetta

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Many orthodontists use commercial orthodontic laboratories for the processing of their impressions including preparation of the impression for pouring, model retrieval, final trim, and labeling. It was studied, by way of random sample survey, what materials and methods were most commonly utilized in 100 offices of members of the American Association of Orthodontics. This survey data was analyzed and used to establish a protocol to study differences in dimensions of models made from impressions that were poured immediately, versus those that were stored and picked up at the office the same day they were taken, and those that were shipped …

The Relation Of Weight Loss And Improved Fitness To Survival In Healthy Males, Joanna Lynn Bokovoy

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Obesity is a critical public health problem because of its prevalence, medical and psychosocial effects, and resistance to intervention. Weight loss in overweight individuals has been encouraged by the United States Public Health Service and by the medical community as a means for improving health. However, recent studies have suggested either positive or negative effects of weight loss on survival. It is possible that physical fitness may have a confounding effect, or be an effect modifier on survival in weight loss studies.

This study used Cox Regression analysis to address the separate and combined association of weight loss and improved …

Prediction Of Discharge Destination From Initial Physical Therapy Assessment Using The Physical Assessment Key (Pak), Wendy L. Chung, Kimberly A. Vieten

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if a patient’s discharge destination could be predicted by information available upon the physical therapy initial evaluation using the Physical Assessment Key (PAK). There were 141 subjects (58 male, 83 female) included in this study and their ages ranged from 19 to 89 years (mean age=57.1 years). Each subject was given a PAK score on the day of the initial physical therapy evaluation and on the day of discharge from the hospital. The PAK evaluates a patient in the areas of transfer activities, self-care activities, locomotion and excretion management. A patient was …

An Evaluation Of Root End Filling Materials Using Endotoxin, Hong-Ming Tang

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Mineral Trioxide Aggregates (MTA) was recently developed at Loma Linda University. It has been shown to possess good sealing ability when tested with dye, bacteria, and a fluid filtration technique.

Endotoxin is a component of the cell wall of Gram negative bacteria. It has been proposed that it may play a role in the pathogenesis of periradicular lesions. Previous studies have demonstrated that MTA can prevent the leakage of bacteria. However, the bacterial products were not tested during these studies.

This study used endotoxin to compare the sealing ability of SuperEBA, IRM, amalgam, and MTA.

The results showed that MTA …

A Pilot Study Testing A Proprietary Sealant For Plaque Reduction, Jennifer Rowland

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Enamel demineralization due to increased plaque accumulation is a well-recognized problem associated with fixed orthodontic appliances. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a proprietary product to be marketed by 3M Unitek for the reduction of plaque accumulation and thereby reduce enamel demineralization.

Sixty four bovine teeth were divided equally into an untreated control group and a group treated with the proprietary sealant product. Both groups were subsequently immersed in a Streptococcus mutans culture. Plaque deposits from each group were removed, suspended in trypticase soy broth, serially diluted, and plated on trypticase soy agar at 1, …

A Model Using Radiation And Pws4-Htnf-Α Gene Therapy For Treatment Of Glioblastomas, Angelo G. Baher

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The efficacy of radiotherapy for cancer is limited by the dose that can be safely delivered to the tumor without causing debilitating side effects. In addition, successful treatment of highly malignant tumors such as glioblastomas is likely to require adjunctive therapies to enhance tumor response to radiation. Previous studies have shown immunomodulation and a synergestic reduction in tumor volume of malignant tumors when tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) protein is administered prior to radiation. The major goal of the present investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of pWS4-human TNF-α (pWS4-hTNF-α), a new plasmid construct that expresses human TNF-α protein, together with …

The Relationship Between Tamoxifen And Depressive Symptoms In Women With Breast Cancer, Terry Marie Lynn

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine whether women with breast cancer and the presence of the drug tamoxifen, are more severely depressed than women with breast cancer and the absence of tamoxifen. Average Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores did not differ between the two sub-groups; however, two significant group differences were found. First, 10 women in the tamoxifen group had scores of zero (versus 4 in the absence of prescribed tamoxifen group). Research has shown that scores of zero do not always reflect an absence of depression. Second, the most severely depressed women (BDI scores in the 25 …

An In Vitro Study Of Plaque Deposition And Its Comparative Effect On Bond Strength, Debra L. Finch Cook

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances can change the environment in the oral cavity by creating stagnant areas that facilitate bacterial colonization and substance retention. The purpose of this study was to examine in vitro plaque formation associated with bonded orthodontic appliances and how this could affect bonding strengths.

Ortho Concise and Transbond XT were the composite resin materials used in this study. Mandibular incisor metal brackets were bonded to bovine mandibular anterior teeth. Each composite resin was studied in two groups: plaque growth and without plaque growth, and their bond strengths were compared at time intervals of 3,45, and 180 …

Analysis Of Serotonin And Postural Instability In Parkinson’S Disease, Sandra Kuniyoshi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Postural instability is one of the most debilitating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and the best clinical prognostic indicator of progressive disease. Significant differences in neuropathology, neurochemistry, response to L-dopa therapy and stereotactic surgery as well as prognosis have been identified in subtypes when patients with predominant postural instability and gait difficulty (PIGD)/Type B were differentiated from those with predominant symptoms of tremor and rigidity/Type A. Postural instability is resistant to the therapeutic effects of L-dopa, despite its continued efficacy on other Parkinson’s symptomatology, implicating the nondopaminergic mechanism of postural instability in Parkinson’s disease. Patients with significant postural instability and gait …

Does The Oswestry Or Sf-36 Help A Therapist To Predict Treatment Classification, Amy Crawford, Denese D. Kaufeldt-Soliz

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of two disability questionnaires, the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (Oswestry) and the Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36 (SF-36), and a standardized physical examination and diagnostic classification system. The physical examination was performed by the evaluating therapists from the clinic and classification was determined by the evaluating therapists and the investigators to ensure correct subject placement into treatment Stages la, lb, or II. Data collection occurred at an outpatient physical therapy clinic in a metropolitan area health maintenance organization, where a sample of 221 subjects with low back pain …

Regeneration In Periodontal Defects With Rhbmp-2 : A Dosage Study, Paola Guglielmoni

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have been shown to induce bone formation in ectopic and orthotopic sites. This inductive capability has led to their evaluation as possible adjuncts in periodontal reconstructive therapy. Indeed, studies have reported periodontal regeneration following surgical implantation of recombinant human BMP-2. This study evaluated regeneration of alveolar bone and cementum following periodontal reconstructive surgery including implantation of a construct consisting of sterile lyophilized rhBMP-2 in buffer adsorbed onto an absorbable collagen sponge. Critical size mandibular supra-alveolar periodontal defects were surgically created, and an incomplete block design was used to evaluate the regenerative potential of rhBMP-2 at 0.05, …

Reliability And Validity Of Assessing Student Performance Of Psychomotor Skills In Entry Level Physical Therapy Curricula, Nancy Sue Darr

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Physical therapists rely on a large repertoire of psychomotor skills for patient evaluation and treatment. Reliable and accurate assessments of student performance of psychomotor skills are required to provide feedback to students and faculty, to establish student competence, and to enable faculty members to evaluate their instructional methods. In this study a scoring system was designed to objectively assess student performance of five selected ankle joint mobilization procedures. A detailed task analysis was performed on each joint mobilization procedure, which included dividing each procedure into 13 subtasks. Criteria were written for successful completion of each task and subtask. A scoring …

Comparison Of Mandibular Surgical Techniques For Accessing Cranial Base Vascular Lesions, Michael A. Devlin

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: Treatment of vascular lesions of the high cervical internal carotid artery (zone III) resulting from penetrating trauma, blunt trauma, aneurysms, and atherosclerosis pose a challenge for vascular surgeons due to bony interference's of the mandibular ramus and mastoid process. Although many techniques have been described, two methods, have been identified as effective and associated with low morbidity. The purpose of this study is to compare these two methods, mandibular distraction and vertical ramus osteotomy, for their effectiveness at increasing access to the cranial base and distal internal carotid artery.

Materials and Methods: Five fresh frozen cadavers were utilized …

Culture Mediator Model As A Predictor For Somatic Complaints Among Japanese And Japanese Americans, Yoko Tanaka

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

[Abstract Not Included]

Cardiorespiratory Fitness And Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors In Postmenopausal Women, Bryan L. Haddock

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

In spite of the reductions in cardiovascular disease mortality over the last several years, cardiovascular disease remains the number one cause of death in the U.S. Prior to menopause, women have approximately 2.5-4.5 times lower risk of cardiovascular disease than do men of a similar age. Within about 10 years following menopause, however, the rate in women becomes similar to that seen in men. Increased cardiorespiratory fitness and use of hormone replacement have been suggested as ways to improve the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profile. Unfortunately, very little is known about the effect of cardiorespiratory fitness on the CVD risk …

A Cytochemical Evaluation Of Blood-Brain Barrier Sodium, Potassium- And Calcium-Adenosine Triphosphatase Polarity, Panya Steve Manoonkitiwongsa

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is formed by cerebral vascular endothelial cells. Brain ion and fluid homeotasis essential for proper neural functioning is due to the BBB. Sodium-potassium and calcium-activated adenosine triphosphatase (Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase and Ca²⁺-ATPase) serve as one of the main mechanisms controlling brain Na⁺, K⁺, and Ca²⁺ concentrations. The present accepted concept is that both of these enzymes are localized to the abluminal plasma membrane of endothelial cells although there have been contrary results from some studies. Because of these discrepancies, further work was needed. Various cytochemical procedures …

The Effect Of Systemic Doxycycline On Alveolar Bone Loss Following Periradicular Surgery, G. Reed Cummings

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Studies have shown an average of 0.5 mm to over 1.0 mm of bone loss following full thickness flap reflection. Recent investigations have revealed that the tetracycline family of antibiotics can prevent bone loss. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of systemic Doxycycline on crestal alveolar bone loss following periradicular surgery in Beagle dogs.

The experiment was divided into two phases. The first phase served as the control (Non-Doxycycline), the second phase as the experiment (Doxycycline). Full thickness flaps were reflected in the mandibular left or right quadrant (control side) of five Beagle dogs. Using a …

The Effect Of Root End Demineralization On Cementogenesis : A Long Term Investigation, Hamid R. Abedi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Craig and Harrison¹² examined the effect of demineralization of resected root ends on wound healing following periradicular surgery. Based on its microscopic evaluations from 4-45 days, it was proposed that demineralization of resected root ends enhances cementogenesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the longer term effects of demineralization on cementogenesis using Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) or amalgam as root end filling materials. After completion of root canal therapy and endodontic surgery on seventy-two roots of mandibular second, third and fourth premolars of six beagle dogs, 32/72 of the root ends at random were etched with 50% …

A Cephalometric Study Of The Class Ii Correction Effects Of The Eureka Spring, Ernest L. Stromeyer

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The effect of the Eureka Spring appliance, was investigated on 37 consecutively treated, non compliant, bilateral Class II malocclusions, requiring at least 3 mm or more of additional molar correction. The mean pretreatment age of this sample was 13.9 years. All patients were treated by a single clinician utilizing the Eureka Spring. Lateral cephalographs were taken at start of orthodontic treatment (T1), at insertion of Eureka Springs (T2), and at removal of the Eureka Springs (T3). The average treatment interval between T2 and T3 was 4 months. Class II correction occurred almost entirely by dentoalveolar movement, 33% in the maxilla …

A Pilot Study On The Short Term Effects Of The Herbst Appliance On The Glenoid Fossa, David A. Bennion

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the initial effects of the Herbst appliance and determine through the use of common cephalometric radiographs that were optically enhanced and then digitally reproduced, if fossa migration is taking place. Fourteen, (6 male, 8 female), growing patients were treated by the same clinician for the correction of a Class II malocclusion using a modified Herbst appliance. Pretreatment (T₁) standard lateral cephalometric radiographs and post Herbst treatment (T_H) optically enhanced lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken. All radiographs were digitally captured and reproduced so 6 linear and 1 area …

An Investigation Of The Divine Proportion In Varying Facial Types, Gender And Age Groups, Chris A. Coleman

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This retrospective study evaluated the 26 cephalometric measurements which comprise 13 ratios that were purposed by Robert M. Ricketts to be Divine Proportions. The hypothesis that was tested in this study was one that stated that these 13 ratios were not only Divine Proportions, but were constant in all facial types, in both genders and in all stages of growth. In an effort to test this hypothesis, cephalographs were chosen at random from the files of Dr. Ruel Bench, which are currently housed in the Ricketts Research Library at Loma Linda University. Each film tracing was reviewed for accuracy and …

A Study Of Craniofacial Growth In Infant Heart Transplant Recipients Receiving Cyclosporine, David G. Niles

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Cyclosporine is an effective immunosuppressive drug that has found widespread application in organ transplantation. However, a few studies have implicated cyclosporine as adversely affecting craniofacial growth in the pediatric population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible untoward effects of cyclosporine long-term on craniofacial growth in a group of infant heart transplantation recipients. A prospective group (n=28) of eighteen Caucasian children (9 female and 9 male, ages 4-10 years) and ten Hispanic children (3 female and 7 male, ages 4-10 years) were evaluated. None of the subjects had undergone orthodontic therapy. All subjects had heart transplantation before …

Study Of The Hiv-1 Gene Regulatory Proteins Tat And Rev By The Two-Hybrid System In Yeast, David Allen Elkins

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Tat and Rev, small proteins encoded by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1), regulate its pattern of gene expression within infected cells. Tat increases transcription from the integrated pro virus by approximately a thousand-fold; Rev effects a shift in the pattern of splicing of the viral mRNA. Both are likely to interact with cellular proteins in executing their respective functions. Tat has additional activities (including neurotoxicity and inhibition of lymphocyte activation) which may be extraneous to its viral functions.

In order to identify cellular proteins interacting with Tat and Rev, the genes for both were cloned into plasmid vectors …

Cellular Responses In Escherichia Coli To Lethal And Sublethal Doses Of Ozone, Indira Ruth Komanapalli

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Ozone is a major component of photochemical smog. High levels of this pollutant, sufficient to affect human health are found in many urban areas worldwide. Though limited studies in humans are supported by extensive findings from animal experiments, a difficulty in interpreting the results of these experiments has lead to an ambiguity on the biochemical mechanism of ozone toxicity. To elucidate the mechanism by which ozone causes cell damage and eventual cell death we conducted a comprehensive study using Escherichia coli K-12 as a model.

Studies on the comparative inactivation of bacteriophage lambda (λ), Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans …

A Comparative Study Of The Permanent Deformation Of Aesthetic Polymer Brackets, Samar Bou Assi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to Investigate and compare the plastic or permanent deformation of different commercially available aesthetic polymer brackets (American, Ormco, GAC and RMO). It also examined the effect of tying the bracket wings with a wire ligature as well as the effect of thermocycling on the permanent deformation of these brackets.

Seven brackets of each type were tested In each of the three following conditions; group 1; tied with a wire ligature and loaded, group 2; thermocycled and loaded, and group 3: loaded only, with a total of 84 brackets tested. Each bracket was bonded to …

Reference Serum Chemistry And Hematological Values For Spinal Cord Injured Patients, Michael S. Laymon, Antone L. Davis Ii

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Serum chemistry and hematological values from 220 traumatic spinal cord injured patients (157 male and 63 female between the ages of 15-47, with greater than six months from injury) were compiled via chart review. Traumatic spinal cord injured patient’s reference ranges were determined and compared with the general population reference ranges. Reference ranges within the spinal cord population were compared by age, gender, level of injury and chronicity of injury. The reference ranges determined for all groups within this spinal cord population fall within the reference ranges of the general population. This supports recent research which suggests that a decrease …

Effect Of Long-Term Hypoxia On Myocardial Alpha1- Receptors, Bihong T. Chen

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

To determine the developmental changes in myocardial α₁-adrenergic receptor system, we employed [³H-Prazosin] binding technique to characterize α₁-adrenergic receptors in both fetal and adult sheep myocardial ventricular membrane preparations. Myocardial α₁-adrenergic receptor density (Bmax) declined during developmental process with both fetal left ventricle(LV) and fetal right ventricle(RV) having significantly more binding sites than respective adult ventricles. We also demonstrated that the positive inotropic response to the α₁-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine did not differ significantly between the fetal and adult ventricles.

The present study also investigated the effect of long-term high-altitude hypoxemia …

Discharge Outcomes : An Evaluation Of A Functional Index Of Physical Assistance, Jan R. Snell

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between a functional score given to the patient on the day of discharge from an acute setting and the setting to which the patient is discharged. There were 102 subjects (58 female, 44 male) included in the study and their ages ranged from 20 to 91 years (mean age=61.6 years). The following data were collected on all subjects: age, gender, diagnosis, past medical history, duration of hospital stay, duration of physical therapy, reason for discharge, family support, type of insurance, and Physical Assistance Key (PAK) score on …