Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Effect Of Vestibular Adaptation Exercises On Chronic Motion Sensitivity, Danah Alyahya

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Dizziness is one of the most common complaints reported to primary care physicians. It is often associated with vestibular dysfunction and typically impacts postural stability. Motion sickness, or motion sensitivity, is stimulated by abnormal spatial orientation and is a common symptom related to dizziness and postural instability. The main cause of the motion sensitivity is aberrant sensory input from the visual, vestibular and somatosensory systems. The aim of this study was to measure the effect of vestibular adaptation exercises on postural stability in young healthy adults with subjective awareness of chronic motion sensitivity.

Methods: Fifty healthy male and female …

A 3d Radiographic Evaluation Of Crestal Bone Changes Around Immediately Loaded Endosseous Implants, Keerthi Senthil

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this clinical investigation is to evaluate and compare the 3-dimensional radiographic crestal bone changes around 4 immediately placed and loaded implants supporting full arch fixed mandibular prosthesis in 2 groups of patients. The Test group comprises of patients with failing mandibular teeth needing extraction. ( due to caries, periodontal disease, fractures or prosthetic reasons).The Control group comprises of patients with a fully edentulous mandible presenting for fixed implant supported prosthesis with at least 6 months after the last extraction or bone grafting procedure. Stereolithographic bone model obtained from the patient’s DICOM files was used to fabricate the …

Getting To The Doctor: Bpss Factors Of Health Care Utilization In Fragile Families, Veronica P. Kuhn

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The number of fragile families where a child is born to unwed parents has increased greatly over the past half-century and now represents a diverse population in the United States (Ventura, 2009). These families, who are predominantly African American and Hispanic (Hummer & Hamilton, 2010) and are more likely to live in poverty and experience poorer health, face significant barriers to access and utilize health care services (De Marco & De Marco, 2009; Williams, 2008). Limited research exists on how these facets of the illness experience might differ for fragile families whose resources are limited prior to illness. The Biopsychosocial …

Paternal Depression In The Peripartum Period: An International Delphi Study, Cassidy J. Freitas

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This dissertation aims to reach consensus on the defining factors of Paternal Peripartum Depression (PPPD) as well as identify research priorities through the Delphi method. Peripartum Depression is a major health issue for parents and their children. Fathers are at risk for peripartum depression due to the changes in identity, relationship, and biology they face during their transition to parenthood. A father’s mental health plays an intimate role in the overall health and outcomes of his family, but up until this point has been significantly overlooked. Due to the paucity of research and lack of clear consensus on the identifying …

Becoming An Ally: Multi-Family Group Therapy Pilot With Low-Income Families, Julie Virginia Estrella

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The increasing demand for couple and family therapists (CFT) in integrated health care settings requires CFTs to learn to effectively serve low-income families. Resilience literature suggests that building families’ resilience and social support directly impacts a family’s chances for socioeconomic mobility. Multi-family group therapy (MFGT) offers an effective vehicle for increasing resilience and social support. This dissertation examines the link between family resilience and poverty and presents an ecological, solution-focused, family resilience lens applied through a pilot MFGT program, Bouncing Forward Family (BFF) Groups, for low-income families. This dissertation includes two publishable papers, and the first focuses on the BFF …

Treatment Outcomes Of Patients With Unilateral Class Ii Malocclusions: A Cbct Study, Brent Leggett

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: The purposes of this study were to determine the prevalence of Class II (Cl II) subdivision patients, to quantify the change in TMJ complex, and mandibular length after treatment was accomplished. Materials and Methods: Records of consecutive patients who sought orthodontic treatment at Loma Linda University (LLU) were screened. Only patients with dental Cl II subdivision that had completed treatment with pre- (T1) and post-treatment (T2) cone beam computed tomograms (CBCTs) available were evaluated for changes in the TMJ complex position related to Foramen Rotundum (TMJ-FR), joint spaces and mandibular length (condylion to genial tubercles). Comparisons were made between …

Physical Therapy After Triangular Fibrocartilage Injuries And Ulnar Wrist Pain, Mohamed A. Abdelmegeed

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: The ulnar side of the wrist has been referred to as the “black box” of the wrist because of its complex structures and sophisticated anatomy, disorders at this anatomical site have been compared to those of low back pain

Purposes: The purpose of this study was to apply the Brief International Classification of Functioning (ICF) Core Set for Hand Conditions to the physical therapy outcome measures, and to evaluate the contribution of these measures to overall health in subjects with ulnar wrist pain. A secondary purpose was to investigate the effect of wrist orthotics and strengthening exercise on …

Comparison Of Maxillary Anterior Teeth Width To Facial Dimensions Among Three Races, Ewa Parciak

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Dental esthetics and tooth proportions have become increasingly relevant in dentistry, as the cosmetic demands of patients increase. Determining the appropriate esthetic dimensions of the maxillary anterior teeth is an important aspect in fixed and removable prosthodontics. The proportion of facial structures and the relationship between facial measurements and natural teeth could provide additional guidance in selecting denture teeth as well as in determining ideal teeth size for fixed restorations. There have been many publications on this topic, however, the subjects in these studies have been mostly selected from the Caucasian race. With the increasing diversity of the American population …

Communities In Action: Participatory Assessments As An Initial Stage In Critical Consciousness Raising And Community Capacity Building, Carizma Amila Chapman

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This paper presents the findings of two participatory community assessments conducted in Punta Raton and El Venado, two small coastal towns in Southern Honduras. The community assessments were designed and implemented to establish a baseline of community awareness and action, an important step in community development and environmental sustainability. The aim was to: build community partnerships, identify key stakeholders, facilitate dialogues about concerns, identify local and external resources required for progress, and construct actions plans targeting key communal concerns. The assessments were found to be successful in engaging community members and identifying local needs and resources. However, challenges in intervention …

Indicators Of Ambiguous Loss In Families With Traumatic Brain Injured Members, Mynda Ohs

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

People who have encountered medical traumas can experience significant changes in their lives. As a result, the family members become caregivers and experience increased stress and ambiguous losses (AL). These losses are often unacknowledged even by the family and cause significant distress. It is important that the family acknowledge these losses and allow themselves time to grieve and adapt to the changes in their lives. While it is widely known that caregivers experience this stress, and programs exist to help support these families, there is less known about the effectiveness of these programs. This study has been designed to explore …

Program Evaluation And Guideline Development For Psychological Treatment Of The Adolescent And Young Adult Population With Cancer, Kayla R. Kraich

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer population suffers from many unique medical and mental health challenges. Both medical, psychological and support services play an important role in the lack of improvement in survival rates of this population. The purpose of this project was to identify the unique mental health challenges and treatment needs of the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology population and to evaluate current oncology programs available to this population at Loma Linda University. The project provides guideline recommendations for implementing a comprehensive and developmentally appropriate AYA oncology program at Loma Linda University.

Music Listening As Therapy, David M. Rosenblatt

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Music is a universal phenomenon and is a real, physical thing. It is processed in neural circuits that overlap with language circuits, and it exerts cognitive, emotional, and physiological effects on humans. Many of those effects are therapeutic, such as reduced symptoms of physical and mental ailments. Music is the result of the elements rhythm, melody, harmony, timbre, dynamics, and form. Rhythm is the focus of pop music, and melody is the focus of classical music. The mind perceives and organizes music in learned, consistent ways in order to generate predictions and extract meaning. There are perceptual laws and information …

Developing Dyadic Measurements In Marriage And Family Therapy: The Dyadic Supervision Evaluation, Adrian Avila

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study applies integrative developmental theory and a common factors approach in evaluating and describing how Marital and Family Therapy trainee’s progress in mastering the core competencies set forth by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) through the process of clinical supervision. More specifically, this project evaluates the internal reliability, construct validity, and predictive validity of the Dyadic Supervision Evaluation (DSE). The important role and influence of clinical supervision as well as the next steps for validating and evaluating dyadic, developmental, core competencies and common factors measurements in clinical supervision are discussed.

Morphological Changes In Alveolar Bone Following Orthodontic Space Closure, Ninette Hacopian

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Changes occurring in anterior alveolar bone following orthodontic tooth movement are controversial. Some research has shown that orthodontic tooth movement results in the adaptation of cortical bone; others have shown that it results in dehiscence and fenestrations.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the alveolar bone changes around maxillary anterior teeth following orthodontic space closure.

Materials and Methods: Cone beam computed tomograms (CBCTs) of non-growing patients who received orthodontic treatment with bilateral maxillary premolar extraction were evaluated. Only patients with at least 5 degrees of changes in maxillary incisor (U1) to palatal plane angle were included …

The Lived Experience Of Aging: Listening To The Oldest-Old, Julia A. Pusztai

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Although embraced as desirable by most, living into very old age is largely unexplored as a distinct season of life, with increased, varied, and cumulative changes during a unique time of vulnerability and frailty. The purpose of this study was to listen to the oldest-old, and to explore their lived experience of growing old. This hermeneutic phenomenology study examines the experience of finding meaning and living with losses and gains in advanced old age. This study design included three separate interviews one month apart with participants over 85 years of age. Purposive sampling resulted in 13 participants, 5 being male …

Effect Of Diamond Bur And Root Canal Irrigants On Retention Of Fiber Posts, Rami Jekki

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Esthetic glass fiber-reinforced posts are being used more often. The most commonly reported complication associated with these posts is debonding. Dentine conditioning with solutions such as EDTA or MTAD results in removal of smear layer and might improve the retention of posts to root canal dentin. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cleansing the post space with MTAD or EDTA on the bond strength of glass fiber-reinforced posts, when a diamond roughening instrument is used prior to cementation with self-adhesive resin cement. Forty-five (n=15) extracted human premolar teeth were sectioned at the cemento-enamel junction …

Palmitic Acid Activation Of Dendritic Cells: Implications For Type 2 Diabetes, Dequina Angelina Nicholas

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Infiltration of immune cells into visceral adipose tissue is observed in type 2 diabetes development. Monocytes are recruited to obese visceral adipose tissue in large numbers and retain the ability to differentiate into dendritic cells, important antigen presenting cells in the immune system. Differentiation of monocytes into dendritic cells likely accounts for the increased number of dendritic cells observed in the adipose tissue of type 2 diabetic patients. We have demonstrated this differentiation process is regulated in part by a major reduction of linker histone proteins. In adipose tissue, dendritic cells are exposed to high levels of saturated fatty acids. …

Cross-Cultural Adaption And Psychometric Properties Testing Of The Arabic Anterior Knee Pain Scale, Abdullah S. Alshehri

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFP) is a common condition affecting the musculoskeletal system and has a tendency of becoming chronic and is problematic in the affected people. It is the commonest cause of anterior knee pain. In over 2/3 of the patients affected it has been successfully treated through the use of rehabilitation protocols which are designed in pain reduction and returning the functionality to an individual. Many cases of patellofemoral pain syndrome can be avoided only if a clinician can make a pre-diagnosis. Preparation Screening Evaluation testing done by a certified athletic trainer can also help in prevention of this …

Are Bone Turnover Markers And Vitamin D Levels Associated With Frequency Of Complete Denture Relines?, Shweta Puri

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

PURPOSE: To compare groups of subjects with varying frequencies of complete denture relines in terms of their bone turnover markers; C-terminal Telopeptide (C-Tx), Osteocalcin (OCN) and Vitamin D (25 OH-Vit D) levels to determine the presence of and the degree of association between them.

METHODS: This study was designed as a cross-sectional study wherein a retrospective chart review of three hundred twenty four edentulous subjects with history of complete denture use for at least a year was performed to determine history and frequency of their complete denture relines. A total of 100 patients were enrolled. After consent was obtained, each …

Prevalence And Rationale Of Orthodontic Extractions At Loma Linda University, Teresa T. Tran

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of orthodontic extraction cases and the rationale for the decision-making. Materials & Methods: The records of consecutive patients who had completed orthodontic treatment at Graduate Orthodontic Clinic, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, between January 2010 and December 2014 were reviewed for prevalence of orthodontic extractions. Cone beam computed tomograms (CBCTs) of patients, that had extraction(s) prescribed as part of orthodontic treatment, were analyzed dentally and skeletally. Patients were then categorized according to the degree of crowding in each dental arch. A one-way ANOVA (Kruskal-Wallis) test and …

Tooth Length Measurements On 3t Mr Images: A Retrospective Study, Kevin G. Murray

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine if MRI can be used to accurately measure tooth lengths. Methods: MRI tooth length measurements were compared with “actual tooth lengths” as measured on CBCT scans. Twenty three subjects received two scans (one CBCT and one MRI). Tooth length was measured and compared between the resultant images. Intraclass correlations were used for statistical analysis. Results: Tooth length measurements made on MRI scans showed moderate to almost perfect agreement with tooth length measurements made on CBCT scans. Higher levels of agreement were present in the maxillary arch compared to the mandibular arch. …

The Effect Of Scan Settings On The Identification Of Tooth Socket Lamina Dura Surface: A Cbct Study, Erick Carlucci

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Aim: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is becoming a common adjunct in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment, however several questions remain about the impact of surrounding anatomical structures and varying scan settings on the ability to delineate buccal bone and overall diagnostic quality of images produced. The aim of this study was to determine if adjacent structures with similar radiodensity and variable scan settings (field of view and voxel size) significantly impact the ability to accurately identify the tooth socket facial lamina dura, facial bone surface, facial bone margin, as well as the facial bone thickness measurement. Materials & Methods: CBCT scans …

Dietary Intake And Bio-Activation Of Nitrite And Nitrate In Newborn Infants, Jesica Ann Jones

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Nitrate and nitrite are commonly thought of as inert end products of nitric oxide (NO) oxidation, possibly carcinogenic food additives, or well-water contaminants. However, recent studies have shown that nitrate and nitrite play an important role in cardiovascular and gastrointestinal homeostasis through conversion back into NO via a physiological system involving enterosalivary recirculation, bacterial nitrate reductases, and enzyme-catalyzed or acidic reduction of nitrite to NO. The diet is a key source of nitrate in adults; however, infants ingest significantly less nitrate due to low concentrations in breast milk. In the mouth, bacteria convert nitrate to nitrite, which has gastro-protective effects. …

The Effects Of A Novel Therapeutic Intervention In Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Patients, Adel M. Alshahrani

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common disorder affecting individuals in the United States and in the world. The prevalence of DM has increased noticeably over the last three decades with an estimated 380 million people currently diagnosed with this disease. DM is associated with numerous systemic complications that affect the retina, heart, brain, kidneys, and nerves. The most common complication of DM is diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy causes reduced sensation, reflexes, proprioception, and strength in lower limbs that leads to balance problems. Various manual therapy techniques have not approached a pilot study for the efficacy of a manual …

Tooth Size Ratio In Orthodontic Patients With Varied Sagittal Skeletal Patterns; A Cbct Study, James Barra

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objective: Maxillomandibular tooth size ratio (TSR) is an important aspect in achieving a satisfactory orthodontic outcome. The purpose of this study is to compare TSR among orthodontically treated patients with different skeletal anteroposterior (AP) patterns. Methods and Materials: The post-treatment (T2) cone beam computed tomograms (CBCTs) of patients treated orthodontically without extraction and finished with canine and molar class I occlusion were evaluated. The subjects were categorized into class I, class II and class III skeletal pattern by analyzing A point-Nasion-B point (ANB) at T2. Overbite (OB), overjet (OJ), TSR for canine to canine (TSR3-3) and molar to molar (TSR6-6), …

Long-Term Hypoxia Alters Ovine Fetal Adrenal Enos And Cortisol Biosynthesis, Elizabeth Anne Newby

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Maintaining normal levels of cortisol in response to chronic stress, while retaining the ability to respond to acute stress, is important for ensuring normal fetal growth and development. Long-term hypoxia (LTH) causes adaptations in the fetal hypothalamopituitary- adrenal (HPA) axis that maintain basal cortisol levels but enhance production in response to a secondary stress. Nitric oxide (NO), produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the adrenal cortex, plays a significant role in regulating cortisol production in the LTH fetus. The production of NO is regulated by eNOS activity which can be altered via phosphorylation through key signaling pathways. In …

Crotalus Snake Venom Preconditioning To Prevent Surgical Brain Injury, Cherine Hee-Sun Kim

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Preventive measures are increasingly relevant to medical practice. Preconditioning, a preemptive therapy that administers mildly harmful stimuli to induce endogenous protective mechanisms before major injury, has been shown to minimize injury in many animal models. Given the elective nature of most neurosurgical procedures, the surgical brain injury (SBI) rodent model provides an ideal platform for preconditioning. Our work shows that preconditioning with Crotalus rattlesnake venom, known for its hemorrhagic and inflammatory effects, mitigates some harmful effects of SBI. We have identified two proteins of interest in Crotalus venom: snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP), an enzyme with hemorrhagic effects, and phospholipase A2 …

Effect Of A Simulation Course On Medication Administration Safety Of Malaysian Nursing Student, Noraidah L. Guntalib

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Improving safety during medication administration has been a goal of today’s healthcare environment. The complexity of both medication use and the medication management process, especially in the in-patient setting, creates a significant risk for hospitalized clients. Medication administration errors have harmed millions of people and cost millions of dollars worldwide, including Malaysia. Patient safety is dependent on nurses (including student nurses), who must consistently demonstrate behaviour fundamental to the safe administration of medication. Therefore, nursing education must provide teaching and foster learning in students to prepare them to be a safe nurse. Literature has shown that deficiencies of knowledge and …

Molecular Mechanisms That Govern Human Cardiac Stem Cell Age Disparity, Tania Fuentes

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Transplantation of adult endogenous cardiovascular progenitor cells for heart repair results in some clinical benefit, however these stem cells lack the regenerative capacity unique to neonatal cardiovascular stem cells. The goal of this work was to identify mechanisms that contribute to the decline of cardiac stem cell regenerative ability with age and investigate novel therapeutic strategies to improve cardiac stem cell function. When comparing neonatal and adult cardiovascular stem cell clones, both cell types were capable of cardiomyogenic differentiation. However, the expression levels of forty-one microRNAs were significantly altered with age. Expression differences were correlated with reduced proliferation and a …

Hospice Care In Malaysia: Knowledge, Attitude And Time Of Discussion, Shanthi Ellen Solomon

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Despite available and adequate hospice care resources, fewer terminally ill patients in Malaysia use hospice care services than one might reasonably expect. It is reported that only around 10% of patients who die of terminal illness in Malaysia, die in hospice care (Devaraj, 2003). The projected number of individuals that should receive palliative care in Malaysia is 17 to 27% (Connor & Sepulveda Bermedo, 2014). In order to study why hospice care is not accessed as expected, nurses and doctors in Penang and Sabah completed a survey measuring knowledge of current hospice practices, attitude toward caring for the dying, personal …