Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Perceived Business Skills Needs Of Mfts: Implications For A Doctoral Program, Abel Arvizú Whittemore

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was twofold: a) to determine the training that MFTs should have to effectively work in organizational / business settings and with organizational / business issues in the role of clinician, administrator / manager, consultant, coach, and researcher and b) to determine what components should be included in a model curriculum in the area of organizational / management studies in an MFT doctoral program. Using the e-Delphi method, consensus from a panel of experts (in the profession of marriage and family therapy as well as in business / management / organizational issues) was obtained. Panelists identified …

Clinician’S Recommendations In Treating Victims And Survivors Of Narcissistic Abuse, Sadaf Shalchian

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Although marriage and family therapists are one of the main providers in treating mental and relational health issues, there is not a significant emphasis on the identification, assessment, and treatment of victims and survivors of narcissistic abuse in COAMFTE-accredited Masters level Marriage and Family Therapy programs (COAMFTE, 2017). This needs assessment aimed to identify the knowledge and clinical skills recommended by clinicians who treat victims and survivors of narcissistic abuse to identify some needs, assessments, and treatment practices that can guide LMFTs in treating this population. This needs assessment explored current literature, research, and academic and clinical resources focused on …

A Program Evaluation Of Bhc Alhambra Hospital Outpatient Services, Emily Rose House

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

A program evaluation of the Behavioral Health Care (BHC) Alhambra Hospital's Outpatient Service program was conducted. The purpose was to evaluate the program implementation, assess the program results, and highlight methods of program improvement. The evaluator conducted focus groups with administrative and clinical program staff and evaluated data utilizing thematic analysis. Three themes, education, programmatic operations, and team highlighted areas of program effectiveness and areas of program improvement. Administrative staff and clinical staff highlighted the importance of training and improved communication between program staff and board and care staff. Recommendations include the administrative staff creating a plan to account for …

High-Intensity Interval Training And Biological Age, Trevor Lohman

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The emergence of valid predictors of biological age has enabled researchers to test the effects of various interventions on biological aging processes. The established virtues of exercise and its effects on health and longevity make it a suitable candidate for investigation. This dissertation reviews the current state of biological age prediction models and presents a trial in which a specific exercise protocol’s ability to modulate biological age is tested. The specific protocol used is a 10X1 high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocol, 10X1 referring to the quantity and duration of high intensity exercise intervals in each exercise session. The specific biological …

Biology Through The Lens Of Trauma: An Empirical Review Of Trauma Treatments, Adela Gharabeki

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The present literature review aims at mending the research to practice gap for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Biological mechanisms of the stress response system are explored as they pertain to trauma and its subsequent effects on the brain and body. In addition, American Psychological Association (APA) recommended evidence-based treatments for PTSD are reviewed as well as more recent emerging somatic therapies. There is a critical need for further development in the area of both topdown and bottom-up interventions. Biological working mechanisms remain unknown for a majority of treatments and physiological measures are scarcely used in treatment outcome …

Mental Health In Coptic Orthodox Communities: Needs Assessment, Marina Zaky

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

In order to better understand the contributing factors to low visibility and an overall lack of representation of Coptic Orthodox individuals within the field of mental health, a needs assessment was conducted. Previous research studies have focused on the low visibility of the Coptic Orthodox population within the field of mental health but have focused primarily on stigma, without determining other needs and contributing factors. This needs assessment utilized the Delphi method of data collection in order to conceptualize the needs of the community from the perspectives of experts within the group. An extensive literature review was completed in order …

Sweet Pea: An Integrated Postpartum Mental Health Program For Mothers & Their Partners, Robynn L. Mays

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The Sweet Pea: Postpartum Parenthood Program is a postpartum depression and anxiety intervention to provide support for mothers and their supportive partners for 16- weeks of therapy. Through group, individual, and couples therapy, parents can discuss their symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety in three different settings. The parents will have the support from their Postpartum Care Team (PCT) which includes: their Case Manager and Clinical Therapist. Parents will also receive health care and social services provided through PCT to ensure the proper support through their postpartum parenting journey. The Sweet Pea Program is based on the concepts of the …

Force Comparison Of Rotational Tooth Movements For Loop-Design And Traditional Aligners, Robert Olsen

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate the force (F) and torque (Tq) exerted on a rotated canine and molar tooth by two different aligner systems. An ArchForm loop clear aligner (AFL) was compared to a traditional clear aligner (T) with the force (F) and torque (Tq) compared. A reduction in F and Tq with AFL aligners could possibly decrease the incidence of Orthodontic Root Resorption (ORR), while also creating more effective forces for tooth movement.

Materials and Methods

Two types of T aligners varying by material thickness were compared to two types of AFL aligners varying by loop width. All …

Maxillary Central Incisor Rr In Hispanic And Non-Hispanic White Patients With Rme, Madison Healy

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Apical root resorption is one of the most common adverse effects of orthodontic treatment. Forces used during orthodontic tooth movement can cause permanent loss of apical surfaces of teeth and although most reported cases of root resorption are asymptomatic, the process is irreversible and often unpredictable. Thus, it is of clinical interest to investigate which patients may be at greatest risk.

Purpose: This study utilized Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to evaluate whether rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in Hispanic patients increased the severity of orthodontically induced apical root resorption.

Materials and Methods: Pre-treatment (T1) and post-treatment …

Pathways For Healing: An Online Therapeutic Support Group Program, Lisa Yvette Salazar

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Pathways for Healing: An Online Therapeutic Support Group Program (OTSG) is for women, ages 18 to 65 years old, diagnosed with chronic pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). The program focuses on women living in Texas rural communities with limited access to mental health providers. The aim for this study is to determine if an OTSG program, utilizing narrative therapy (NT) within a biopsychosocial-spiritual lens (BPS-S) will improve overall health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Support groups are provided in English and Spanish, over the course of 12 weeks, facilitated by a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and licensed pelvic floor physical …

Combined Treatment Model Program For Survivors Of Intimate Partner Violence, Hillary Jeanne May

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This project seeks to fill a void in the mental health field by providing a combined treatment model program to address the needs of survivors of intimate partner violence. As such, the primary purpose of this project is the development of a treatment program with services that are easily accessible by survivors that is intended for future implementation in shelters or agencies that have contact with this population of women. This program offers a means to engage an underserved population in access to services and self-development to improve overall mental and physical health outcomes and attempt to prevent recurrent intimate …

The Perceived Experiences Of High School Students And Their Mental Health In Sda Academies, Melody Ezpeleta

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this project was to gather the perceived experiences of high school students in terms of their mental health while attending Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) academies. The rationale for this qualitative needs assessment was to learn about how the identified mental health conditions are being attended to and what mental health resources or supports are needed at the academies. Forty-six participants were recruited from the Pacific Union under the North American Division Office of Education (NADOE). An anonymous, 20-minute online survey was completed independently by participants in which they were guided to select one of four roles: administration, direct …

An Intervention Program For Adult Female Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Camille Sauder

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) has been linked to adverse impacts within the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual (BPSS) domains of adult female survivors’ lives (Fergusson et al., 2013). The impact of CSA within each of these domains may contribute to long-term trauma symptoms that impact multiple areas of life including symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that underlie dysfunction within intrapersonal and interpersonal functioning. Programs that have been designed to holistically treat this population lack interventions that target each of the BPSS domains with a structured, cohesive approach that assess the survivor’s readiness based on level of current trauma symptoms. …

Self-Perceived Social Communication Perspectives Of Autistic Young Adults: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study, Aieshea L. Banks

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Social communication differences in autistic individuals have historically been viewed as disordered due to a comparison to the social behavior of the predominate nonautistic neurotype. Such comparison has led to a variety of social communication challenges that result in a variety of cognitive and affective reflections in autistic adults. The study aimed to explore two specific concepts: 1) the self-perceived challenges related to social communication and interaction of autistic young adults and 2) the cognitive and affective impact of their social communication challenges. This study explores the perspectives of 15 autistic young adults who are conversation-level verbal communicators. Individual semi-structured …

We Program Training Manual For Culturally Responsive School-Based Mental Health Practices, Staysha M. Veal

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

An abundance of evidence suggests that K–12 Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) students experience disparities in school-based mental health services and negative school-based outcomes due to racism, discrimination, and biases. Such experiences have deleterious impact on their mental health, academic functioning, and other pre- and post-matriculation outcomes. These dynamics can lead to poor academic functioning and adverse mental health outcomes which can include depression, anxiety, toxic stress, decreased self-worth and self-esteem, and psychological maladjustment. School-Based Mental Health (SBMH) providers that are trained to be culturally responsive are uniquely situated to mitigate these negative events and ensure that BIPOC students …

Titanium Particles Within Mucosa During Non-Surgical Implant Debridement, Holvin Louie

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Titanium implants affected by peri-implantitis lesions are often treated non-surgically with various instruments, which may produce titanium particles that can become lodged within the peri-implant mucosa. Thus, a foreign body reaction may ensue. The aim is to assess the embedment of titanium particles into soft tissues from titanium implants via a stainless-steel ultrasonic scaler (SSU) versus a titanium hand scaler (TH). Sand-blasted, large grit, acid-etched surface-treated titanium implants were implanted into pig legs after creating peri-implantitis defects. Each implant was subjected to only one instrument type. Sequential strokes were conducted followed by thorough irrigation with sterile water. Soft tissue curettage …

Program Evaluation Of The Mend Program In Its Application Of Working With Adult Pnes Patients, Ashley Park

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study is a program evaluation of a family systems program, MEND and its application of working with patients who have Psychogenic Non Epileptic Seizures, otherwise known as PNES. This study evaluates PNES patients who have completed MEND focusing and comparing outcome measures like health related quality of life (HRQL), emergency room visits, and medications with PNES patients who have not done MEND. Results suggest that MEND improved PNES symptoms and overall HRQL.

Decolonizing Psychotherapy, Nicole D. Taylor

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This project aims to increase the use and inclusivity of mental health services within marginalized communities by providing education and training tools on the use and application of integrative mental health approaches. It is an offering of guidance, providing a culturally responsive framework for integrating yoga into psychotherapy. The manual aims to reduce systemic, colonialist, barriers to mental health services. This project is founded on the basis that mono-cultural foundations in traditional psychotherapeutic treatments negatively impact the attitudes and beliefs of service seekers, typically within excluded groups. Systems Theory and Critical Race Theory and Social Justice principles inform the application …

Adaptation Program: Systemic Treatment Of Incarcerated Individuals And Their Families, Katrina Arabyan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of the Adaptation program is to support families impacted by incarceration. It is a family-based therapeutic program implemented within a correctional facility. Adaptation utilizes Structural Family Therapy (SFT) to focus on creating systemic change by addressing the rules, roles and behavior patterns of incarcerated individuals and their families. Barriers to family member attendance are addressed via the use of telehealth.

An Investigation Of The Anti-Stemness Actions Of Two Mirnas After Their Induction By Aminoflavone In Luminal A Breast Cancer, Nicole Ursula Rumbidzai Mavingire

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Approximately 40% of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer (BC) patients develop resistance to endocrine therapy (ET) agents like tamoxifen (Tam). Resistance promotes metastasis, recurrence, and death since metastatic BC is often incurable. Breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) greatly contribute to disease progression and drug resistance. We previously showed that aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist aminoflavone (AF) inhibits the expression of CSC biomarker α6-integrin (ITGA6) to disrupt the formation of endocrine-sensitive and -resistant luminal A mammospheres. In this study, we performed miRNAsequencing analysis of luminal A MCF-7 and MCF-7TamR mammospheres before and after AF treatment to further develop the mechanism of …

Phytochemical And Synthetic Ahr Ligands As Novel Therapy For Refractory Breast Cancer, Jonathan V. Wooten

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) possess tumors that lack estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human growth factor receptor 2 expression. Such patients have lower survival rates than those diagnosed with other breast cancer subtypes in part, due to the scarcity of targeted therapy for TNBC. In addition to chemotherapy, patients with TNBC often consume natural remedies, which has led us and others to evaluate the ability of plant isolates to confer anticancer and chemopreventive actions. Poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) is an enzyme that promotes DNA single-strand break repair. PARP inhibitor olaparib exploits DNA repair enzyme deficiency in tumors to …

A Study In Fresh Human Cadaver Heads Examining The Incidence Of Maxillary Sinus Membrane Perforation During Crestal Sinus Elevation Comparing Osteotomes To Osseodensification Drills., Thaer Alqadoumi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Crestal sinus membrane elevation technique is a surgical procedure that helps gain vertical bone volume when there is a pneumatization of the maxillary sinus. Due to some visual limitations inherent to the procedure, the potential for maxillary sinus membrane perforations and subsequent complications exists. A crestal sinus lift using osseodensification drills has been used lately but there are not many studies to support the protocol. The primary aim of the study is to evaluate the incidence of sinus membrane perforation during Osseodensification compared to the incidence of bone added crestal sinus elevation using osteotomes (BAOSFE). The secondary aim …

Effect Of Splinting Implant Scan Bodies Intraorally On The Trueness Of Complete Arch Digital Impressions: A Clinical Study, Kawther Mahmoud Ali

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of splinting scan bodies intraorally on the trueness and scan time of implant digital impressions of the edentulous arch.

Materials and Methods: Nineteen edentulous jaws undergoing fixed complete denture treatment with a minimum of 4 implants were selected for this study. Verified master casts of the patients’ edentulous jaws were scanned with a desktop laboratory scanner and scan bodies to obtain a reference (control) scan for each patient. Intraoral scan bodies were hand tightened on all the implants in the edentulous arch and an intraoral scan was …

Handling Effects In Moderate To Late Preterm Infants In Neonatal Intensive Care, Nancy Brashear

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Providing a thriving environment to preterm infants receiving care in the neonatal intensive care unit is an ongoing area of interest to stakeholders interested in infant health. With advances in monitoring technology, there are new methods to assess the effects of care on preterm infants. Effects of neonatal handling have been analyzed in terms of physiological, behavioral, and pain responses. Further assessment of the effects of handling is needed to determine the impact, if any, on renal and cerebral regional oxygenation in moderate to late preterm infants (34-36 ^6/7 gestation). A conceptual model was developed based on pertinent theoretical frameworks …

The Impact Of Intraneural Facilitation Therapy On Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Kyan Zhra-Sahba Alnajafi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Intraneural facilitation (INF) has shown clinical success, and significant improvements have been found in a recent pilot study. This study aims to investigate further these effects on DMT2 subjects suffering from DPN. Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of INF on subjects suffering from DPN impacting blood flow, sensation, balance, gait, pain, and quality of life.

Methods: Twenty-eight subjects between 50-75 years old with T2DM and below ankle moderate-severe DPN, were randomly assigned into two groups (N=17 INF, N=11 sham). All blinded subjects went through 9 therapy visits, and blinded assessing …

Evaluating The Treatment Effectiveness And Efficiency Of The Df2 Protocol Using Invisalign® For Treatment Of Class Ii Malocclusion: A Retrospective Comparison Study, Bryan J. Otis

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: This retrospective study evaluated the treatment effectiveness and efficiency of the DF2 protocol for correction of class II malocclusions in comparison to conventional protocol using Invisalign®.

Materials and Methods: Clinical and cephalometric data of patients that were treated for class II malocclusion between July 30, 2014 and July 22, 2021 were reviewed and selected. The selected patients were matched for age, sex, and treatment complexity and divided into two groups: Group 1 (G1) —DF2 protocol and Group 2 (G2)—conventional class II Invisalign®. Clinical variables to represent the skeletal and dentoalveolar changes during treatment were assessed using pre-treatment (T1) …

Predictors Of Aggression Among Adolescent Girls, Sarah Joy Park

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Women and girls will often deny what they feel and think to maintain their relationships. Silencing the self can be detrimental to the physical and mental health of teenage girls. This stifling of the self is related to depression, earlier first intercourse, eating disorders, and less relationship satisfaction. Girls who silence their voices are also likely to have difficulty expressing themselves when they feel angry. In this study we explored the relationship between silencing the self and physical, verbal, and indirect aggression. Our sample consisted of 88 teenage girls from two high schools, with a mean age of 16. They …

Burnout, Self-Efficacy, And Resilience In Haitian Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study, Marie Therese Georges

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Though nursing burnout is a global problem, research on nurse burnout in Haiti is scarce. Haitian nurses operate in a resource-poor work environment in the context of multiple personal and social challenges. This study assessed burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment) and identified its influencing factors among a sample of Haitian nurses. A cross-sectional survey in French and Haitian Creole was conducted in five Haitian hospitals using forward and back translated scales measuring burnout (i.e., emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, personal accomplishment), self-efficacy, nursing work environment, resilience, and demographic factors. Haitian nurses (N = 179) self-reported moderate emotional exhaustion (M = …

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 …