Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Mechanisms Of Brain Edema Formation In Mouse Models Of Intracerebral Hemorrhage, Qingyi Ma

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Perihematomal edema causes major neurologic deterioration following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), mainly resulting from the disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) by multiple mediators, including inflammatory mediators and thrombin. The objective of our study was to investigate the mechanisms by which inflammation and thrombin respectively lead to the formation of brain edema following ICH. Our long-term goal is to develop new therapeutic strategies against ICH-induced brain edema by targeting: (1) VAP-1 mediated inflammatory response and (2) PDGFR-α orchestrated BBB impairment. Vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) was previously shown to promote leukocyte adhesion and transmigration. Additionally, PDGFR-α was also found to play a …

Trauma Of The Sudden Death Of A Child: The Impact On Couple Relationship, Blessing Okoro Rellias

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

A traumatic life event such as the death of a child can be very devastating and confusing for many couples and people tend to respond in different ways to such trauma due to different factors such as gender differences. Research studies have traditionally focused on the personal effects of trauma on individual family members, whereas less attention centered on the systemic outcomes and consequences that trauma has on family functioning especially from the couples' perspective. Previous research has indicated that parents who lost their children to sudden death are likely to have serious mental distress and some disruption in functioning. …

Mechanisms Of Erythropoietin-Induced Neuroprotection In: In-Vivo And In-Vitro Models Of Hypoxia Ischema, Rhonda Andrea Souvenir

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Hypoxic ischemic brain injury (HIBI) is a common cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Approximately 60 % of preterm babies and 2% of full term infants suffer from asphyxia. Asphyxia related death accounts for approximately 23% of neonatal mortality annually. Many therapeutic interventions show promise in the laboratory but fail in clinics. A thorough understanding of mechanisms by which promising therapeutic intervention confers its neuroprotection is necessary to promote smoother transitions from bench to the bedside. Erythropoietin (EPO), a hematopoietic growth factor that increases oxygen availability during hypoxia/ischemia is associated with cell survival and neuroprotection in: in vivo and in …

Characterization Of Palmitic Acid Induced Lipotoxicity In Schwann Cells, Amelia Padilla

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Lipotoxicity is a response to lipid overload that has been associated with cellular dysfunction leading to cellular death. The mechanism of lipotoxicity and its impact on the nervous system is critical as it can lead to debilitating neurological conditions. This study examines key cellular events induced by palmitic acid lipotoxicity (PA-LTx) in Schwann cells cultured in euglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions. The data show that immortalized Schwann cell (iSC), as well as primary Schwann cell (pSC) cultures exposed to elevated levels of PA induced an apoptotic cell death that is dose and time-dependent. The earliest indication of cellular dysfunction was a …

Role Of Vima In Cell Surface Biogenesis In Porphyromonas Gingivalis, Devon Osbourne Jr.

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Porphyromonas gingivalis is an important etiological agent of periodontal disease - a disease that affects an estimated 49,000,000 people in the United States of America. Periodontal disease includes gingivitis – inflammation of the gums, and periodontitis – destruction of the teeth and their supporting tissues. Porphyromonas gingivalis is associated with the chronic form of periodontal disease in addition to several systemic diseases.

The vimA gene of P. gingivalis has been previously shown to play a significant role in the biogenesis of gingipains (trypsin-like cysteine proteases). The vimA has also been demonstrated to play a role in hemolysis, hemagglutination, autoaggregation, posttranslational …

Chronic Hypoxia Induces Epigenetic Modifications In The Fetal Rat Heart, Andrew James Grant Patterson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. As a result of studies done by Barker and associates, our awareness of the significance of stress during gestation as a risk factor for heart diseases has expanded. We now know that events in utero can significantly alter gene expression patterns in heart tissue leading to increase susceptibility to ischemia reperfusion injury in adulthood. The focus of this project was to elucidate the role of chronic hypoxia in the programming of the cardio-protective gene, Protein Kinase C epsilon (PKCε) in fetal rat heart. We used an animal, organ base, and cell …

Building An Mft Outpatient Practice Through Contract Procurement: A Case Study, Anthony T. Alonzo

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

[Abstract Not Included]

Effects Of Neck Muscle Fatigue On The Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex, Amer Al Saif

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

In order to maintain balance, the brain receives and processes input from multiple sensory systems including the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems. The information from these systems is sent to the brain where the information is then combined, organized and interpreted. This results in the output of reflexes (vestibulo-ocular reflex [VOR] and vestibulospinal reflex [VSR]). The VOR and the VSR work together with other motor systems to control gaze stability and control whole body equilibrium. Impairment in any of these sensory systems can result in dizziness, loss of balance, and visual instability. While the contributions of the visual, vestibular, and …

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness In People With Diabetes; Biomarkers And Nutritional Supplementation, Hani H. Al-Nakhli

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Exercise is important for controlling hemoglobin A1c, and maintaining proper glycemic control in people with diabetes. Exercise also increases the diabetics overall insulin sensitivity, and decreases their dependency on diabetes medication. However, people with diabetes are faced with metabolic and endothelial impairment, which could result in a prolonged sensation of muscle soreness following exercise. This would make it difficult for these people to sustain exercise regimes. Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a common problem in healthy individuals and in people who have diabetes. DOMS is a painful sensation experienced by individuals who have been recently inactive and then over-exercise. Yet, …

Aging And Sympathetic Neurotransmission In Two Strains Of Rats That Differ In Longevity And Immune Profiles, Sam David Perez

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Age-related changes in sympathetic neurotransmission in immune organs may be associated with immunosenescence; however no causal relationship has been established. From previous studies in Fischer rats (F344), we have found that during middle age, sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) rises in the spleen followed by a decline in noradrenergic (NA) innervation. Also, increased sympathetic signaling via betaadrenergic receptor (β-AR) and reduced proliferation of lymphocytes are evident with increasing age. Although SNA progressively rises with age, effects of age on sympathetic factors may be different across rat strains. If causal relationships exist between sympathetic activity and immune function, they may be related …

The Influence Of Outdoor Air Quality On Vertical And Transverse Dental Dimensions, Vanessa Jenee Kaplan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Ambient air pollution exposure is significantly associated with increased posterior crossbite tendency. Purpose: The objectives of this study were to assess whether there was an association between exposure to ambient air pollution and skeletal and dental measurements of vertical and transverse dimension among adolescents in a clinical cohort in Southern California, and to determine what methods may be best suited for use in future research. Materials and Methods: 179 subjects’ addresses were geocoded and ambient air pollution exposure was calculated based on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) air quality and emissions databases. Vertical and transverse measurements made from subjects’ …

Sleeping Tongue Posture And Its Relationship To Craniofacial Morphology, Brent J. Tingey

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: There exists good consensus in the literature supporting the notion that resting tongue posture is an important factor in dental arch development and maintenance as well as airway control. What has yet to be quantitatively measured is the duration of time that a subconscious, resting tongue posture is maintained and whether such posture differs among various craniofacial morphologies. Quantifiable measurements might allow for prediction of tongue-posture-related problems specific to certain facial types. Purpose: The objective of this study was to record sleeping tongue posture over time in 27 subjects and to compare findings with craniofacial morphology determined by cephalometric …

Integrating The Development Of Children And Gestalt Therapy, Jennifer J. Thompson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

There are many theories that have contributed to what we know about the development of children; for instance, theoretical diversity supports the complexities of human nature. A child's developmental level will impact his ability to relate. Gestalt theory supports the child's phenomenological view by focusing on the here-and-now of what is happening in the therapeutic environment. Most of what a child will do is in response to a need or want. The child will work toward fulfilling that need. The child may develop maladaptive ways to fulfill his needs based on the environment in which he lives. Gestalt play therapy …

Horticulture Group Therapy With Mentally Ill Older Adults, Kristen J. Hill

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

With a greatly increasing number of older adults due to advances in medical care, aU baby boomers in the United States will be 65 or older by 2029. As the number of older adults grows, so does the number of those with severe mental illness. Treatments are needed to address older adults with severe mental illness that include the negative side effects of medications. Due to the nature of severe mental illness, lower levels of required cognitive processing allows for those admitted to inpatient psychiatric settings to participate, including those with dementia. Horticulture therapy has proven useful to address severe …

Effects Of Neurotrophic Factors On Osteoblast Growth And Differentiation, Colleen M. Moran

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Recent evidence suggests that bone metabolism may be influenced by the innervation of skeletal tissues. Innervation of skeletal tissues might directly influence bone volume by the release or secretion of osteogenic growth factors in the form of neuropeptides. These neuropeptides could act locally on osteoblasts to increase bone formation and/or mineralization. Since calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and Substance P (SP) are the most abundant neuropeptides present in sensory nerves in bone, the current studies were intended to test the hypothesis that these two neuropeptides may have direct effects on osteoblast growth, differentiation, and mineralization. Replicate cultures of murine calvarial osteoblasts …

Accuracy Of Unsegmented Cbct In Mesial-Distal Tooth Measurements, Todd Wesslen

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans may be used to measure mesial-distal (MD) tooth width for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Purpose: The objective of this study was to determine if MD tooth measurements from unsegemented CBCT scans in the axial, sagittal, and coronal planes or from a panoramic reconstruction correlate and agree with respective measurements made on study models. Material and Methods: Using stone models of 30 subjects, reference MD tooth measurements were made using digital calipers. From CBCT scans, five different methods of measuring MD width were used and compared to the reference: (1) points chosen from orthogonal …

Virtual Reality Gaming As A Tool For Rehabilitation In Physical Therapy, Abel A. Rendon

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Balance control decreases in the elderly and currently 33 to 50 percent of people over 65 years of age experience a fall each year resulting in ten thousand deaths annually. Many balance‐training programs use expensive equipment and a clinical setting for the training. The need for reliable and low cost tools is essential for fall prevention and rehabilitation of the aging population. Virtual reality gaming is emerging as a solution for this problem. The purpose of the six week study was to determine the effects of virtual reality gaming, specifically the Nintendo Wii Fit Balance Board (WBB), on dynamic balance …

Lateralization Of Emotion, Reaction Time, And Skin Conductance Responsiveness, Kimberley Erin Rose

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Bilateral presentations of brief (250 ms), unmasked emotional and neutral stimuli were examined in two experiments with primarily female samples. Reaction time and accuracy data were used to measure perception of emotion and skin conductance response (SCR) was used to measure experience of emotion. Both words and pictures were used to account for hemispheric differences in language and visuospatial dominance. Response time was faster to emotional pictures than words. Reaction time and speeded accuracy data did not support right hemisphere hypothesis (RHH) or valence hypothesis (VH) in the expected manner. Data suggested emotion caused greater interference under speeded conditions in …

The Grief Experience Of Caregivers When The Child Has A Life Threatening Illness, Avigail Ward

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Using a mixed method approach, this study explored the impact of attachment styles on the grief experience of parents and guardians of a child who has a hematological or oncological illness. The grief experience was evaluated through the lenses of Chronic Sorrow, Ambiguous Loss and Anticipatory Grief. This study was conducted at the Loma Linda University Medical Center Hematology Oncology Pediatric Clinic and was completed by 106 participants who responded to a quantitative survey with open-ended questions. An open-ended questionnaire regarding the impact of the child’s illness on the couple relationship was completed by six couples. The results indicated that …

Biochemical And Functional Characterization Of The Ledgf/P75-Mecp2 Interaction In Tumor Cells, Lai Sum Leoh

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The lens epithelial derived growth factor p75 (LEDGF/p75) is a novel pro-survival and stress-inducible transcription co-activator that protects mammalian cells from various environmental stresses such as oxidative stress, heat shock, and serum starvation. This emerging cancer-related protein is highly expressed in prostate tumors and other tumor types and promotes resistance to chemotherapy in cancer cells. LEDGF/p75 is also involved in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) since it interacts with HIV-1 integrase to facilitate the integration and replication of the HIV virus in human cells. In addition, LEDGF/p75 has been shown to interact with MLL (mixed lineage leukemia)/menin transcription complex in leukemia …

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography And Orthodontics: Awareness Assessment, Warren D. Libby

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a specific orthodontic community's knowledge and understanding of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) technology as well as awareness of the implications of CBCT use, including risk assessment, radiation dose estimation, diagnostic utility, and issues of informed consent. It is incumbent on the profession to understand how practitioners view this technology as it gains popularity and ease of use. Materials and Methods: A 21-question survey with 13 additional demographic questions was distributed to several different populations affiliated with Loma Linda University School of Dentistry: 1) undergraduate dental students, 2) students in specialty programs …

Civic Attitude And Activity Of Loma Linda University Dental Graduates, Gregory W. Olson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Dentistry is regarded as a profession and granted certain privileges, such as self-regulation. Associated with this status are stated and implied responsibilities which are widely debated. In recent years, dental professionalism seems to be on the decline. Evidence cited includes access-to-care issues and decreased public trust in dentists. In response, academia and professional organizations have developed curricula and statements intended to bolster professionalism. Meanwhile little is known about practicing dentists’ attitudes or participation in health-related civic matters. Objectives: This study seeks to examine the importance Loma Linda University (LLU) dental graduates place on public roles, their reported participation in …

Profile Attractiveness In Borderline Class Iii Surgical/Orthodontic Cases, Melina Adamian

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: This study evaluated differences between laypersons and orthodontists in rating facial attractiveness in borderline class III surgical/orthodontic cases. The purpose was to determine whether orthognathic surgery or camouflage is a better alternative for observable esthetic improvement in borderline Class III surgical/orthodontic patients. This study will aid the orthodontist in recommending treatment options to enhance profile attractiveness of borderline Class III surgical/orthodontic patients. Materials and Methods: Thirty profile images of treated borderline class III surgical/orthodontic cases were selected. Fifteen of the profile images were of cases that had been treated by orthodontics alone, and fifteen images were of cases that …

An Occupational-Based Experimental Study Of Collective Vs. Personal Efficacy To Encourage Sun Protective Behaviors In Head Start Preschool Teachers, Elizabeth A. Holzhauser

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancers in the United States. An analysis of literature shows that skin cancer can be partially mitigated through personal behavior changes (Glanz, Buller, & Saraiya; 2007, Canadian Centre of Occupational Health and Safety [CCOHS], 2010). Currently national sun-safety educational campaigns promote sun-protective behaviors to individuals who receive exposure due to their work environment (Task Force on Community Preventive Services, 2004). Preschool teachers employed with San Bernardino County Head Start are inadvertently exposed to sunlight during mandatory recess periods posing risks to their health.

Purpose. This study evaluated two instructional …

Perceived Parent-Child Relationship And High-Risk Behaviors Among Christian College Students, Karla G. Lavin Williams

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background. Adolescents and young adults today are participating in high-risk behaviors such as dangerous sexual behaviors and drug and alcohol abuse at high rates. An increased incidence of negative effects associated with the aforementioned behaviors has led researchers to examine factors that influence and protect adolescents from certain devastating effects (Davis, Hendershot, George, Norris, & Heiman, 2007; Goldstein, Bamett, Pedlow, & Murphy, 2007; Hamilton, et al., 2007; Hingson, Heeren, & Winter, 2006; Hingson, Heeren, Winter, & Wechsler, 2003; Hingson, Heeren, Zakocs, Winter, & Wechsler, 2003; McCarty, et al., 2004; Mokdad, Marks, Stroup, & Gerberding, 2004; Mosher, Chandra, & Jones, 2005; …

Impact Of An Online Support System On Health Related Quality Of Life Among Men Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer, Daniel K. Osei

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Prostate cancer is a major public health issue worldwide and a significant cause of male cancer death in the USA. Though early screening and treatment has greatly enhanced the outcome, men diagnosed with prostate cancer face problems that compromise quality of life after treatment. Online support for prostate cancer clients is a convenient way to help because it is anonymous, inexpensive, and can be used at clients’ convenience. Yet few studies have explored how these supports impact these clients. This study used a longitudinal randomized experimental design to examine the impact of online services on quality of life of prostate …

The Association Of Religious Coping On Reports Of Low Back Pain And Inflammatory Markers, Jacqueline D. Bougie

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Chronic pain is the most common cause of disability in the United States with depression, anxiety, and stress often occurring co-morbidly. The purpose of the study was to explore how religion may modulate the frequency of back pain, influence inflammatory markers, influence the use of medications, and impact functional ability.

Participants were from the Biological Manifestations of Religion Study (BioMRS; N= 508) and the Psychological Manifestations of Religion Study (PsyMRS; N = 10,988). All participants completed a 20-page questionnaire and BioMRS participants provided blood, salivary, and urine samples, performance tests, and learning tests all collected within 1 week of …

A High Fiber Diet Versus A Low-Carbohydrate Diet For Weight Loss In Obese Individuals With Or Without Type 2 Diabetes, Neal G. Malik

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

In the United States, obesity rates have climbed steadily over the years. Many different diets for weight loss have been proposed and studied, yet no one diet seems to clearly be more beneficial. Among diets that have been promoted are those high in fiber and low in carbohydrates, yet thus far, results of these studies have been mixed.

Using a 2x2 complete factorial design, 173 obese men and women with or without type 2 diabetes were randomized to one of two conditions: (a) a high fiber diet (> 40 grams of fiber per day for women, >50 grams of fiber …

Nanomaterials And Block Copolymers For Overcoming Multidrug Resistance In Cancer, Wesley Livingstone

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The development of multidrug resistance in cancer is one of the leading causes for decreased chemotherapy efficacy and is particularly threatening to aggressive cancers such as that of the pancreas. In cancers where chemotherapy is amongst the few treatment options, it is crucial to develop chemotherapeutics that either bypass or control the development of multidrug resistance. Polymeric nanomaterials such as Pluronics® are of current interest due to their ability to perform these functions in addition to enhancing pro-apoptotic mechanisms. Using the respectively known chemosensitive and chemoresistant pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines MiaPaCa-2 and PANC-1, an in vitro analysis of the synergistic …

Cholera Toxin B Subunit-Diabetes Autoantigen Fusion Proteins Modulate Dendritic Cell Function And T Cell Morphogenesis, Oludare Jeremiah Odumosu

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic inflammatory disease in which the insulin and glutamic acid decarboxylase producing β-cells of the pancreatic islets are killed by autoreactive cells of the immune system in response to a loss of tolerance. Early experiments showed that self-tolerance could be partially restored by oral inoculation with small amounts of insulin. Later experiments showed that insulin autoantigen induced immune tolerance could be greatly enhanced by linkage of β-cell autoantigens (Auto Ag) to adjuvant molecules such as the non-toxic cholera enterotoxin B subunit (CTB). To identify mechanisms responsible for CTB-autoantigen fusion protein suppression of diabetes autoimmunity, …