Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Investigating The Rationale Of Registered Dietitians In Selection Of Predictive Equations For Estimation Of Resting Metabolic Rate, Anastasija Avdeyeva,, Yi-Ying Lin

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Resting metabolic rate (RMR) is a critical component of appropriate nutrition plans for Registered Dietitians (RDs) in clinical and outpatient care. Many RMR equations can address some variances. The “clinical judgement” is recommended by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) to decide the best RMR equation. With the discernment of the RD in mind, it was pertinent to delve into the thought-process behind why dietitians used specific energy formulas over other choices.

Objective: To determine which RMR formulas were chosen when calculating caloric needs for patients and assess any trends in rationale for RDs when selecting specific predictive …

The Effect Of Diet On The Variation Of Blood And Urine Heavy Metal Biomarkers Among National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (Nhanes) Subjects: A Secondary Data Analysis, Devineé Lingo, Alyssa Perri

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Heavy metals are non-essential elements that provide no biological benefit to the human body. Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium are toxic to humans even in trace amounts. Humans are exposed to various heavy metals through ingestion of contaminated food and water supplies. Heavy metals can accumulate in body organs and displace essential minerals leading to detrimental health effects such as neurological, endocrine, and immune dysfunction, that can result in long-term damage.

Objective: The purpose of this graduate student research study was to examine the effect of diet on the variation of blood and urine lead, …

The Effectiveness Of A Preoperative Lifestyle-Based Weight Loss Program On Postoperative Outcomes In Bariatric Patients: A Secondary Data Analysis, Jasmine Westerdahl, Samantha Peebles

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Obesity is a multifactorial and largely preventable chronic disease. There are many interventional methods that can be used in treating obesity, such as diet and lifestyle interventions. Surgical intervention is also an effective treatment option that is utilized for those that are severely obese. Bariatric surgery helps to achieve weight loss, as well as reduce the risk and/or manage comorbidities. In the U.S., many insurance companies and certain bariatric centers require patients to lose weight prior to surgery. The explanation for preoperative weight loss stems from its potential correlation with reduction in surgical complications, improved adherence to stringent …

The Effectiveness Of A Four-Week Parent Nutrition Education Series In Creating Knowledge And Behavioral Changes, Glencill Taylor, Sally B. Millon

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Recent research has indicated that the diets of many US children are not meeting established dietary recommendations. Parent-based nutrition education has been identified as an option to influence children in adopting healthful dietary practices. This study sought to explore how an online school-supported nutrition program for parents and guardians can address this need.

Objective: To determine if a four-week school supported online parent nutrition education program created knowledge and/or potential behavioral change for participants.

Design: The study was originally designed as a qualitative research study intended to include up to 100 participants. As a result of …

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 …

Attitudes And Understanding Of Orthodontic Treatment Using Comic Vs. Text Format, Darron Miya

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objectives: To examine adolescent patient attitudes and understanding of basic orthodontic treatment information presented in either comic book format or plain text.

Methods: This study involved subjects undergoing orthodontic treatment at the Loma Linda University Graduate Orthodontic Clinic. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1 subjects received an orthodontic comic book to read, while Group 2 subjects received a plain text information sheet containing the same pertinent information as Group 1. All subjects completed an identical survey regarding the material they read. Statistical analysis consisted of a chi-square test at α = 0.05 to determine potential …

Development And Maturation Of The Brain Following Pediatric Mtbi, Jeong Bin Lee

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Pediatric mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a major public health concern with the potential to produce long-lasting cognitive, adaptive, and socio-behavioral outcomes. However, our understanding of how TBI pathophysiology evolves in the developing brain is lacking. Our central hypothesis was that pediatric mTBI results in evolving microstructural dysregulation that leads to functional and structural deficits late in life. To test this hypothesis, we first sought to assess the influence of pediatric mTBI on white matter (WM) dysregulation in early adulthood. To accomplish this, we investigated the effects of single and repeated pediatric mTBI on white matter, focusing on the …

Snapshot Of Select Cancer Patient’S Dietary Intakes Prior To Chemotherapy And Alignment To Dietary Guidelines For Americans Recommendations, Claire Chappuis, Annabel Hong, Sandra Ochoa

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background. Nutrition is a relevant concern for patients with cancer, as malnutrition has been associated with poor outcomes in cancer treatment. The period after a cancer diagnosis and prior to chemotherapy represents a window of opportunity to assess dietary intake and optimize nutritional status before side effects of cancer treatment occur.

Objective. The objective of this study is to assess the dietary habits of patients with cancer prior to chemotherapy and compare their intake against the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommendations.

Design. This cross-sectional study collected data on select participants using a validated dietary intake questionnaire, …

Do Physicians Perceive The Roles Of Nutritionists And Registered Dietitian Nutritionists As Different?, William Ramirez, Megan Williams

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Dietitians are still divided on whether to use the credential Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). The option for dietitians to utilize RDN gained support in a 2013 joint committee meeting. The ambiguity between the terms dietitian and nutritionist leave many individuals unable to discern between the two. The opportunity for dietitians to treat greater quantities of patients is influenced by physicians’ understanding of dietitians’ roles and the public's understanding of services they provide.

Objective: To determine how the terms dietitian and nutritionist are understood and referred to in the healthcare setting and whether RD …

The Association Between Nutrition-Focused Instagram Accounts And Nutrition Knowledge And Food Choices In Instagram Users, Briana Bender, Cenida Gomez-Flores

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Instagram is a fairly unregulated social media platform that is reported as having over 250 million daily users. As this social network is frequently used to seek out health-related information, misleading nutrition information could potentially have a detrimental effect on the public’s health. Thus, it may be beneficial for nutrition and dietetic practitioners to be present on Instagram to offer credible nutrition information to the many Instagram users.

Objective: To examine the effects that nutrition-focused Instagram accounts have on nutrition knowledge and food choices of Instagram users.

Design: A cross-sectional random sample of Instagram users completed …

Nutrition Beliefs And Practices Among Generation Z, Cassandra Mason, Amber Wagstaff

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Life expectancy is decreasing, and childhood obesity is increasing. Limited research has been conducted on the nutrition beliefs and practices of Generation Z and the potential discrepancies between the two.

Objective: Assess the nutrition beliefs and whether these beliefs translate into practices among the 18-24 age group of Generation Z.

Design: Anonymous survey (nutrition belief-based and practice-based) provided via QR code accessible through Facebook, E-mails and text message.

Participants: There were 74 participants recruited through Facebook, E-mail, flyer and word of mouth. Individuals 18-24 years of age were included in the study. Those majoring in …

How Well Do The Eating Habits Of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists' In The United States Align With Their Teaching Patterns?, Kathleen Anderson, Shannon Hurley, Levi Maeschen

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Dietary Guidelines for Americans is a resource available and designed for professionals to help people make healthy choices to avoid chronic disease. Exploration of the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) core health values may improve the profession’s ability to address gaps in understanding health beliefs and behaviors.

Objective: To determine whether the teaching patterns of RDNs align with their individual eating habits through a self-selected survey.

Design: Quantitative study design.

Participants/Setting: An email was sent to approximately 5,000 RDNs through the Commission of Dietetic Registration registry and 425 responded. The anonymous survey consisted of two major domains: …

The Effects, Perceptions, And Attitudes Of Previously Sedentary Individuals Starting An Exercise Program, Arlene Moreno, Megan Rasmussen

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Background: Many Americans do not eat healthfully or exercise, which is associated with higher risk of disease. Nutrition and exercise awareness have increased, but people experience barriers preventing lifestyle change. Limited research has been completed on the impact of nutrition education on dietary intake.

Objective: Examine whether starting an exercise program with or without nutrition education can influence dietary choices in previously sedentary individuals, and to determine their perceptions and attitudes.

Design: Mixed methods study gathering quantitative data through a food frequency questionnaire, InBody test, and demographics/exercise activity survey. Qualitative data was gathered through focus groups. Participants …

Relationships For Social Change: A Longitudinal Examination Of A Promotora-Led Program For Socioeconomic Mobility, Dayanne Assunção Vieira Carter

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Since the 1960s federal and local initiatives have been put in place to decrease the staggering socioeconomic disparities in the United States. Considerable debate has been fueled by the conception of adequate solutions to address the employment crisis (Kregel, 2011). Despite the increase in supportive services made available to the public, low-income families continue to face distinct challenges that limit employment and vocational opportunities (Athreya & Romero, 2015; Crouter & Booth, 2014; Presser, 2014), a situation particularly true for ethnic minorities navigating the systems of employment in the US (Fullerton & Anderson 2013; Mazumder, 2011). The purpose of this study …

Comparison Of Heat Generated During Twist Drilling Protocol By Guided And Non-Guided Implant Surgery, Joshua Lee

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Guided implant surgery is becoming more prevalent among clinicians and is crucial for cases in which there are concerns about the proximity of the implant to vital anatomical structures, esthetic concerns, and the amount/quality of bone available. Surgical guides help with the angulation and positioning of the implant through the use of a CBCT scan and digital intraoral impression. However, there are some drawbacks with guided surgery. Heat that is generated during the osteotomy is one of the issues that has been of concern. The guide acts as a shield against the water irrigation from reaching the osteotomy …

A Comparison Of Heat Generated Between Carbide And Diamond Bur During Implantoplasty, Bryce Chun

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate heat generated during the implantoplasty procedure by comparing the heat generated using either a carbide or diamond round bur. Materials and Methods: Bovine ribs were selected as the osseous model for this study. Changes in temperature were measured using a digital thermometer (Extech SDL200 four channel thermometer, Extech instruments, Melrose MA). Ther k-thermocouples were positioned within the implant screw access, apex of the implant, and crestal bone adjacent to the implant and ambient air. 5 bovine rib bone blocks were prepared by place 5 cylindrical titanium grade 5 alloy large grit sand blasted …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Hemocompatible Antibiotic Nanoparticles, Elvin Muhindo Walemba

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a causative agent of periodontal disease and a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Novel treatment of periodontal disease using nanomaterials can supplement or replace the use of antibiotics and mechanical debridement. Nanomaterials can be optimized for effectiveness and specificity and minimum toxicity. Synthesized Ag nanoparticles stabilized in Pluronic F127 were used to produce bimetallic core/shell Ag/Au nanoparticles with optimized Ag+ release and reduced toxicity. We tested the F127-stabilized nanoparticles for their antimicrobial activity and hemocompatibility in planktonic bacteria and citrated whole blood, respectively. Both Ag and Ag/Au bimetallic nanoparticles inhibited P. gingivalis W83 growth. We then evaluated …

Spine Kinematics And Muscle Activities In Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain Subgroups In Sitting, Mansoor Ahmed Alameri

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Although, non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) has been associated with motor control impairments, little is known about the possible driving mechanisms of pain development overtime during prolonged sitting period. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the differences in lumbosacral postures and muscle activities in adults with and without NSCLBP, and their role on pain development during a 1-hour of prolonged sitting task.

Methods: Twenty NSCLBP subjects with motor control impairment (MCI) [10 classified as having flexion pattern (FP) disorder, and 10 with active extension pattern (AEP) disorder], and 10 healthy controls participated in …

Effect Of Pediatric Ear Infections On Postural Stability, Ohud A. Sabir

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Ear infections in children often cause abnormal postural stability during the acute phase of the ear infection. However, the long-term effects of recurrent ear infections on postural stability have not been investigated. Postural stability is the foundation of many motor skills in early child development. Therefore, it is important to evaluate and treat postural instability problems in early childhood. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of multiple ear infections on pediatric postural stability and visual over-reliance and to determine if computerized and non-computerized measurement tools could identify lasting postural instability in children with multiple ear infections …

Ratio Of Rme Appliance Expansion To Increase In Arch Perimeter Using Cbct Imaging, Evan Agnetta

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objective: This study measured CBCT images to determine if a consistent ratio exists between the quantifiable number of millimeters a cemented rapid palatal expansion appliance is opened and the subsequent increase in the arch perimeter obtained due to lateral expansion of the arch.

Methods: The following measurements: arch perimeter, arch width at first molars, first bicuspids, appliance length, as well as arch depth; were taken from CBCT images of patients who had completed RME therapy. These were obtained both before and after maxillary palatal expansion therapy using a fixed rapid palatal expander. Correlations were calculated for each of …

Inflammation, Depression And Non-Adherence Correlates In Persons On Hemodialysis, Kathleen Fulmer

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The hemodialysis patient is at risk for a high inflammatory state as evidenced by the elevation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-6 which has been linked to lower serotonin levels and development of depression. The biological and psychological stress of living with End Stage Renal Disease on hemodialysis increases the risk for depression which is the leading psychological disorder affecting these patients which is also underdiagnosed and under-treated. The phenomenon of depression can manifest itself in the maladaptive behavior of non-adherence which has been associated with increased mortality, morbidity and decreased quality of life for the hemodialysis patient. The purpose of …

Examining The Need For Psychosocial Services In Pediatric Non-Accidental Trauma, Samantha Nicole O'Bannon

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Child abuse is a significant issue within our society. In 2014, there were a reported 702,208 cases of child abuse and neglect across the country, with nearly 120,000 suffering from physical abuse. Research has shown the adverse physical and psychological consequences of child maltreatment. Despite what we know about the benefits of early intervention for this population, the degree of implementation of psychosocial interventions, specifically in a hospital setting, remains unclear. In an initial study that utilized archival data from the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) Trauma Registry Database, researchers found that the majority of children admitted to the …

Biomechanics And Postural Control Characteristics In Low Back Pain Subgroups During Dynamic Task, Amjad Shallan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Dynamic balance impairments are commonly observed in people with low back pain (LBP). People with LBP have reduced lumbopelvic stability and may exhibit spinal biomechanical and postural control changes during dynamic balance. A limited number of studies are available about the spinal kinematic and postural control changes during dynamic balance in people with nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) subgroups. Therefore, the aim of this dissertation was to compare spinal kinematics and postural control between NSCLBP subgroups and healthy individuals during dynamic balance using a modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT). Eighteen NSCLBP subjects [9 active extension pattern (AEP), 9 …

In-Vitro Comparison Of Retention Among Contemporary And Conventional Post-And- Cores, Hatem Alqarni

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology is gaining popularity in dentistry, and more recently, used to fabricate custom post-andcores (PC) for endodontically treated teeth. The purpose of this study was 1) to evaluate the overall retention of conventional cast gold post-and-cores compared to CAD/CAM fabricated printed, milled titanium post-and-core and milled zirconia post-and-cores based on load, time of dislodgement and 2) to evaluate the mode of failure of the post-and-cores.

Materials and Methods: A maxillary central incisor was selected. Root canal treatment was performed, and acrylic resin pattern was used to fabricate post-and-core. A total of 80 post-and-cores (20 …

Association Of Nurses’ Sanctification Of Work With Work-Related Outcomes And Patient Satisfaction, Hazel M. Ada

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Nurses working in hospitals face many intrinsic stressors, including widespread job dissatisfaction, burnout, and frustration. These challenges, in turn, may affect patient care. Nursing often attracts individuals who wish to serve others, and some may find the expression of spirituality on the job helpful in finding meaning, satisfaction, and value in their work (Kociszewski, 2004). Sanctification of work (SoW) is a promising facet of spirituality defined by researchers as an individual’s experience of their work as a manifestation of God or sacred qualities that affects their effectiveness and engagement on the job (Walker, Jones, Wuensch, Aziz, and Cope, 2008). In …

Measurements Of The Pharyngeal Airway Using Whole Head 3t Mri And Cbct, Victoria Geren

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objective: This study compared pharyngeal airway measurements (volume, linear, area) made using whole head Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) methods.

Methods: Eleven subjects (mean age 15y11m) received whole head CBCT (NewTom5G, AFP Imaging, USA) and 3T MRI (Siemens Medical Solutions, DE). Each subject received both scans within a one-month period of time. CBCT images were made with an 18x16 inch field of view, exposure time of 5.4s, and resolution of 0.3x0.3x0.3mm. 3T MR images were captured as contiguous sagittal images of the whole head with a T1- weighted 3D imaging sequence (Magnetization Prepared …

Clinical Effects Of Oral Hygiene Instruction Via Texting In Orthodontic Patients, Jessica Liu

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: This randomized controlled study quantitatively investigated whether providing oral hygiene instruction (OHI), through texting images and videos, affected oral hygiene status in orthodontic patients.

Materials and Methods: Sixty patients between 13-21 years of age, with visible plaque and used a smart phone, were recruited from the Graduate Orthodontic Clinic at Loma Linda University. Once recruited (T1), an initial survey was completed, MBI and OPI were recorded, and OHI was given. Subjects were randomly distributed into either a control or experimental group. The experimental group received OHI texts weekly, whereas the control group did not. After 3 months …

Comparison Of Maxillary Sinus Dimensions And Volumes On Cbct And 3t Mr Images, Cara Hodgson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objective: This study compared the height, width, length, and volume of the maxillary sinus in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).

Methods: Eleven human subjects participated in the study (mean age of 14y7m). One CBCT scan and one MRI scan were performed on each patient. CBCT images were captured with an 18 x16 inch field of view that covered the whole head. Contiguous sagittal MR images of the whole head were produced using a 3.0T imaging system with a T1-weighted 3D imaging sequence and isotropic resolution of 1.0 x1.0 x1.0 mm. Images were imported as …

Accuracy Of Surface Area And Volume Measurements Of Teeth Determined From Cbct, Joseph Hourany

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objective: This study compared surface area and volume measurements made from 3D scans of physical teeth and segmented teeth taken from Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans of a cadaver. Methods: A cadaver specimen was imaged by CBCT and all the teeth were subsequently extracted and cleaned of any tissue. Of all the extracted teeth, sixteen single-rooted teeth were included in this study. The extracted teeth were scanned with a 3M True Definition 3rd Generation intraoral scanner (3M, ESPE) to generate a stereolithography (STL) file to serve as the control for this study and their surface area and volume measurements as …