Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Effects Of Alprazolam And Triazolam On Two Methods Of Induced Aggression In Rats, Howard Kiel Plummer

Masters Theses

Two new benzodiazepine tranquilizers, alprazolam and triazolam were used to try to reduce aggression in rats produced by isolation or drugs. Both reduced elements of isolation-induced aggression, and triazolam was more potent. Little reduction was found in drug-induced aggression by either tranquilizer. It is unknown why aggression was not reduced for the drug-induced method, but it is possible that a synergism existed between the two methods of inducing aggression, since the same rats were used for both methods. Different rats were used for each tranquilizer. Reduction in aggression for the isolated rats seems consistent with results for other benzodiazepine tranquilizers.

Behavioral Interventions For The Cessation Of Cigarette Smoking Behavior: A Literature Review, Russell David Matthews

Masters Theses

The negative impact of cigarette smoking on health has been medical knowledge for many years. This provides the behavioral investigator with a large population of subjects engaging in a maladaptive behavior which is easily defined and measured and highly resistant to extinction. This study critically reviews published accounts of behavioral interventions for cessation of cigarette smoking, which were listed in the Psychological Abstracts, and other published bibliographies, 1964-1984. Despite the volume of studies reviewed, very few demonstrated effectiveness over time. The author concludes while several techniques proved to be effective initially, their effectiveness diminished within months after application. However, several …

Mental Health Status Of Malay Students At U.S. Colleges And Universities, Md. Shuaib Che Din

Dissertations

The basic premise of this study was that foreign students are faced with problems during much of their stay in the United States. It was the purpose of this study to determine the effects of everyday life strains on the mental health status of Malay students at U.S. colleges and universities. Specifically, this study looked at the relationships between the symptoms of psychiatric disorders of depression, psychological coping resources of self-esteem and self-mastery, and the background variables. Also this study attempted to determine the levels of depression, self-esteem, and self-mastery; the manifestation of the depressive symptoms according to the domains …

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale/Wechsler Memory Scale Difference Scores: Their Relationship To Brain Dysfunction And Closed Head Injury, Don A. Boyd

Dissertations

Performance differences between the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) and the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) were studied. Differences in performance between the WAIS Full Scale IQ Score and the WMS Memory Quotient (WMS discrepancy score) were compared across three groups consisting of a closed head injury group (N = 45), a localized lesion group (N = 25), and a psychiatric group (N = 45) who were unimpaired on the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery. Also, WMS discrepancy scores were compared across a long-coma group and a short-coma group and the correlation coefficient between the WMS discrepancy score and neuropsychological impairment rating was …

Alcoholism: The Insidious Disease, Kathryn Van Bruggen

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is to describe alcoholism as a disease, it s likely etiology, symptoms, methods of treatment and prognosis. Problems due to alcoholism are reported as they affect not only the alcoholic but the family, job and community as well. Education will help identify an alcoholic problem before it becomes too advanced. Various treatment modalities are discussed, including Alcoholics Anonymous. This study relates to the impact on the family and how the family can exacerbate the problem. Conclusions are based on observations of alcoholics and families of alcoholics in a therapeutic setting and literature review.

Force Relaxation In Matched Light Titanium And Stainless Steel Wires, Granville Gene Wilson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Force relaxation was constantly monitored in light titanium alloy and stainless steel wires over a 7 day period in a simulated use test. The smallest dimension of round titanium wires now available were matched with round stainless steel wires in dimensions that most closely approximated the same stiffness. The .016" NITINOL (Unitek) and TITANAL (Lancer Pacific) wires were compared to .012" Standard Permachrome (Unitek) wire. The .016" TMA (Ormco) wire was compared to .014" Standard Permachrome (Unitek) wire. Six samples were tested for each wire type.

Each wire was ligated with Alastic modules (Unitek) into .018" x .025" slots of …

A Comparison Of Enamel Detachments After Debonding Between Unitek's "Dynalok" Bracket And A Foil-Mesh Bracket: A Scanning Electron Microscope Study, Robert E. Meister

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The intent of this paper was to: 1. Evaluate the mode of adhesive failure when debonding both flexible and rigid base orthodontic brackets. 2. Evaluate the bracket bases for enamel detachments. 3. Measure the enamel detachments.

After preforming shear test on flexible and rigid base orthodontic brackets mounted to extracted human teeth it was determined that failure occurred at the enamel/adhesive interface 30% of the time, at the bracket/adhesive interface 10% of the time and a combination of these 60% of the time for both groups.

Five brackets from each group were evaluated for enamel detachments using energy dispersive x-ray …

Physical Activity And Its Relationship To Life Satisfaction And General Health In The Elderly, Joan A. Hannicker Clay

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to Investigate the relationship between the level of physical activity and life satisfaction and general health in the elderly.

The null hypothesis stated there would be no relationship between levels of physical activity and life satisfaction, common ailments, and health perception in the elderly (alpha = 0.05). The study was a correlational survey using a convenience sample from four groups of elderly subjects.

Ordinal data was obtained through a health questionnaire administered to sixty subjects who met the criteria. Statistical analysis using chi-square found no relationship between the physical activity level and life satisfaction …

Effect Of Menstrual Cycle On Hedonic Response To Gustatory Stimuli, Laurie Ann O'Toole

Dissertations and Theses

The present experiment was conducted to determine the relationship between the human menstrual cycle and gustatory hedonic response. Hedonic response was defined as the perceived pleasantness or unpleasantness of a taste stimulus. Gender differences in taste hedonic have been observed; these may be due to differences in endocrine systems. Animal taste preferences are altered when reproductive hormonal status is experimentally manipulated. Previous researchers report that human females' hedonic responses to sucrose vary systematically with phase of menstrual cycle.

The Effects Of A Teaching Session On Public Health Nurses' Knowledge And Attitudes Toward Adolescent Sexuality, Peggy Robinson

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to determine the differences in sexual knowledge and attitudes between public health nurses who participated in a short-term sexuality course and public health nurses who did not participate in a human sexuality course. The Sex Knowledge and Attitude Test (SKAT, Parts I and II) was used as a data collecting tool. The sample was taken from districts of the Mississippi State Board of Health. The experimental group took the SKAT following a four-hour human sexuality course. The control group took the SKAT without any educational exposure. The hypothesis stated that there would be …

A Comparative Study Of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Between Black And White Adolescent Males, Sylvia B. Homan

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this descriptive study was to compare the existence of cardiovascular risk factors between black and white adolescent males within the 18 and 19 year age range. A total of 22 male subjects, 13 white and 9 black, completed a three-day diary of diet, exercise, and smoking activity entitled The Heart Health Profile. Subjects were also interviewed concerning family history of cardiovascular disease, and measurements of blood pressure, percentage of body fat, and body weight were obtained. The researcher hypothesized that when black and white adolescent males were compared, there would be no significant difference relative to seven …

The Effects Of Family Influence On Contraceptive Use Among Adolescents, Gladys Marie Davis Hill

MSN Research Projects

This was a descriptive correlational study designed to determine if there was a relationship between adolescent contraceptive use and family communication. The null hypothesis stated that there would be no significant correlation in the adolescent use of contraceptive methods and family communication. A researcher-designed tool, the "Adolescent Contraceptive Questionaire," was administered to 27 college students aged IS and 19 years. Of this group there were 3 whites and 24 blacks. The hypothesis was tested using the Pearson r correlation coefficient. There was no significant relationship between the adolescent's contraceptive use and family communication. The researcher failed to reject the null …

The Relationship Between Locus Of Control And Body Weight Utilizing The Weight Locus Of Control Table, M.A. Bailey

MSN Research Projects

This was a descriptive study designed to correlate the Weight Locus of Control scale with body weight. The researcher hypothesized that there would be no significant correlation between body weight and the scores on the Weight Locus of Control scale. The Weight Locus of Control scale and a researcher-designed demographic tool were administered to 50 subjects between the ages of 18 and 65. Data were analyzed utilizing Pearson Product Moment correlation coefficient. The r value obtained was not significant at the .05 level. The researcher failed to reject the null hypothesis.

Knowledge About Prenatal Health Care Practices As Correlated To The Economic Status Of Primagravidas, Melisa Lepard

MSN Research Projects

This research was a descriptive study designed to examine the relationship between prenatal knowledge and economic status of primagravidas. The researcher hypothesized that when pregnant women were surveyed and the results of knowledge and actual health care practices were correlated with economic level, there would be no significant difference. A researcher-designed questionnaire was administered to 29 primagravidas between the ages of 18 to 32. There was a total of 29 participants. The participants consisted of 23 whites and 6 blacks. The null hypothesis was tested by correlating the score obtained on the questionnaire with economic status. The Pearson's r correlation …

A Study Of How Health Locus Of Control Differs According To Type Of Residence Among Elderly Clients, Bonnie Adamski

MSN Research Projects

This study was descriptive in nature, designed to compare the Health Locus of Control (HLC) scores of the elderly living in the community with those who live in congregate housing. The researcher hypothesized that there would be no significant differences between the two groups on the HLC Scale. The HLC Scale was administered to 19 community and 22 congregate housing residents, all over age 65 Subjects also completed a demographic data form, designed by the researcher, that provided information about the age, sex, race, health and financial status of the participants. The null hypothesis was tested by comparing the mean …

The Effects Of Spouse Abuse On The Self Concept Of Women, Edna Elaine Newsome

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to compare the self concept of battered women with the self concept of non-battered women. The researcher hypothesized that there would be no significant difference between the self concept of battered women and the self concept of non-battered women. Twenty-five women were surveyed utilizing the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale: 15 subjects who had not been victims of battering and 10 subjects who were victims of battering. Voluntary participants were solicited from the Spouse Abuse Network and from a graduate nursing program. The Tennessee Self-Concept Scale was submitted to statistical analysis utilizing the test and Pearson's …

Discriminating Characteristics Between Attenders And Nonattenders Of Prepared Childbirth Classes, Angela James

MSN Research Projects

A descriptive study was designed to survey discriminating characteristics between attenders and non attenders of prepared childbirth. The researcher hypothesized that there would be no significant predictors of why women do or do not choose to participate in prepared childbirth classes. Fifty-seven women between the ages of 21 and 40 who had at least one living child were interviewed. Then responses to the "Discriminating Characteristics Questionnaire” were recorded and analyzed. Of these fifty -seven women, 14 had chosen to attend prepared childbirth classes while 43 did not attend the classes. The data collected from the questionnaire were analyzed by descriptive …

A Survey Of The Knowledge And Attitudes Of The Elderly Towards Exercise, Susan R. Carlson

MSN Research Projects

The purpose of this descriptive study was to survey the knowledge and attitudes of the elderly towards exercise. The researcher hypothesized that when black and white elderly men and women were surveyed about exercise and the results were compared, there would be no significant difference at the .05 level. A researcher-designed tool, "Exercise: Knowledge and Attitudes Questionnaire," was used in data collection. Twenty-one elderly subjects were surveyed. Of these, 10 were white while 11 were black. The sample included 8 men and 13 women. The test results were analyzed using the ANOVA test. There was not a difference at the …

Two-Dimensional Electrophoretic Studies Of Normal Spematozoal Proteins, Ying Lin

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

Protein profiles of human spermatozoa have been mapped by using high resolution two-dimensional electrophoresis which combines isoelectric focusing as the first dimension and polyacrylamide gradient gels electrophoresis in SDS as the second dimension. The profiles of normal spermatozoa! extraction, acrosomal extraction and seminal plasma showed high resolution in its separation capability. No qualitative or quantitative differences were observed by using Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250 staining in a much higher concentration of proteins. However, coomassie blue lacks the sensitivity to detect many minor components. Therefore, a silver staining procedure was used, which resulted in greatly increased sensitivity.

Samples from normal fertile …

The Effects Of Tri-O-Cresyl Phosphate On 2',3'-Cyclicnucleotide-3'-Phosphohydrolase Activity In Neural And Non-Neural Tissue Of The Rat, Mark K. Schlager

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

A total of 44 Long-Evans rats received 5.7 g/kg tri-O-cresyl phosphate (TOCP) orally every 3 days for 6 days. A second group of 13 rats received 4.6 g/kg orally every 3 days for 6 days. Animals were administered atropine sulfate (10 mg/kg) intraperitoneally every 6 hours or as needed to alleviate cholinergic symptoms. Ten control animals were given corn oil orally. Eight rats (18%) survived the 5.7 g/kg dose regimen and 5 rats (38%) survived the 4.6 g/kg dose regimen. Surviving rats were killed at 30-33 days post-dose. Signs of delayed neuropathy included ataxia and motor impairment.

The CNP activity …

Orthodontists' Attitudes Toward Expanding Career Opportunities For The Dental Hygienist In Orthodontics, Julie A. Foster

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this survey was to determine attitudes of orthodontists toward employing dental hygienists. A self-designed, 33 item questionnaire was used to obtain descriptive data. The questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of orthodontists chosen from the United States portion of the Orthodontic Directory of the World (N=500). Data were obtained from 298 orthodontists for a 58.6 percent response rate.

The study suggests that although orthodontists believe dental hygienists are important oral health professionals (96.2 percent) and important parts of the orthodontic practice (32.6 percent), only 10.9 percent of orthodontists surveyed employ dental hygienists. Factors determined to be …

Career Lines In The Area Of Mental Retardation, Charlotte Ballard

Dissertations and Theses

In the past few years there has been a large growth in the number of facilities and services provided to the mentally retarded in the community, as contrasted to the institutional setting.

This thesis reviews some of the factors involved in the transition to community care for the mentally retarded as a background for an examination of the characteristics and perceptions of the persons who provide community care.

The Effect Of Electroshock On The Passage Of Bacteria From A Contaminated Transducer Past A Protective Membrane Into A Disposable Chamber Dome, Patricia K. Taylor Pothier

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Infection related to use of Intra-arterial Hemodynamic Monitoring Devices is a serious complication. In an attempt to decrease the risk of infection presterilized chamber domes were developed to isolate the patient vascular system from the pressure transducer. Users were informed by manufacturers of the domes that routine decontamination of transducer heads was not necessary. Since the development of these disposable chamber domes infection outbreaks have continued to occur. Epidemiological investigation has implicated contact transmission of bacteria due to poor handling techniques in some outbreaks. However, in other outbreaks the source of the epidemic was found to be contaminated transducer heads …

Clinical Dietetic Technician A.D.A. Role Delineation Verification, Carol S. Hilovsky

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The changing role of the clinical dietitian has resulted in evaluation and identification of the appropriate role for the clinical dietetic technician. In 1981 the American Dietetic Association published the Role Delineation for Entry Level Clinical Dietetics including the responsibilities for the clinical dietetic technician practice level. Research comparing actual role performance of clinical dietetic technicians to the role defined in the delineation study was not found in a review of the literature.

This research was conducted to verify the degree to which clinical dietetic technicians are performing tasks identified for their role and to identify educational deficiencies and/or excesses. …

Chronic Respiratory Disease Symptom Effects Of Long-Term Cumulative Exposure To Passive Tobacco Smoke And To Ambient Levels Of Tsp, Oxidants, So2, And No2 In Southern California, Gary L. Euler

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

To assess risk of chronic respiratory disease symptoms due to long-term exposure to the ambient levels of TSP, oxidants, SO2 and NO2 in photochemical air pollution, symptoms were ascertained using NHLBI questions on 8,572 Southern California Seventh-day Adventist, nonsmokers, 25 years and older, who lived eleven years or longer in their 1977 residential area. Tobacco smoke, active and passive, and occupational exposures were measured by questionnaires, as well as lifestyle characteristics relative to pollution exposure such as time spent outside and residence history. A pulmonary function feasibility study was done on a subsample of 86 women 50-64 years of age …

The Effect Of Dietary Alpha - Linolenic Acid On Apparent Risk Factors Of Cardiovascular Disease, Kelvin D. Lindbeck

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Eight healthy male lacto-ovo-vegetarian subjects averaging 28.0 ± 3.6 years of age (22 to 53 years) were fed a diet rich in α-linolenic acid (18:3 ω 3) for four weeks. Arterial blood pressure and body weight were recorded each week. Plasma 6-keto-prostaglandin F_1α (6-keto- PGF_1α ), thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂), total cholesterol, triglyceride, and total phospholipid fatty acid composition were analyzed at 0, 2 and 4 weeks.

Systolic blood pressure increased significantly between weeks 0 and 1 (106.5 ± 2.7 mmHg to 114.0 ± 3.7 mmHg; p < 0.003), but decreased to 107.3 t 2.6 mrHg (p < 0.02) at week 2. There was an insignificant increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressures after four weeks. There was no significant change in either total cholesterol or triglyceride levels during the four weeks.

Plasma 6-keto-PGF_1α levels increased significantly from 60.13 ± …

Temporomandibular Joint Relations Of Bone And Lateral Pterygoid Muscle : A Computerized Tomography Study, Duane K. Yamashiro

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study utilized the imaging technique of computerized tomography (CT). Scans taken with a GE CT/N 8800 scanner of an adult cadaver and a 12-patient group were obtained through the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, TMJ Department, and Loma Linda University Medical Center, Department of Neuroradiology.

The lateral scout image and a lateral cephalogram of the cadaver were compared using six angular measurements for facial type from Ricketts' Cephalometric Analysis. The six measurements, Maxillary Depth, Facial Depth, Mandibular Arc, Mandibular Plane, Lower Face Height and Facial Axis, were found to be similar. This allowed the investigator to rely exclusively …

A Comparison Of Indirect Lingual Bracket Placement By Practitioners And A Commercial Laboratory As It Relates To Crown Torque, Randy E. Buchmiller

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Four sets of patient models were selected from the eighty cases Ormco Corporation used in the development of their lingual bonded appliance. These four sets of models were duplicated and identical sets of four models were sent to each practitioner and the laboratory. The practitioners and the laboratory were to position the lingual brackets on the models from second bicuspid to second bicuspid upper and lower and return them to Loma Linda University Department of Orthodontics for evaluation.

The laboratory chosen for placement of the brackets was the Ormco laboratory in Glendora, California. The laboratory ran these four cases through …

A Comparison Of The Nance Holding Arch And Kloehn Headgear In Maxilliary Molar Anchorage, Michael J. Fillman

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

A sample of thirty first bicuspid extraction patients, ages 9 through adult, were evaluated for maxillary molar anchorage loss during cuspid retraction. The Nance Holding Arch and Kloehn cervical headgear were compared as anchorage devices. A control group received no anchorage mechanics during cuspid retraction. All cuspids were retracted with Hilger's loop retractors.

Anchorage loss was measured cephalometrically by comparing the difference in the 6 to PTV measurement on the initial and post cuspid retraction lateral head films.

Anchorage loss, as the dependent variable, was compared to the study groups, Angle class, facial type, treatment length, palatal angle and distance …

The Effects Of Maternal Administration Of Methadone On Beta-Endorphin Content In The Brain And Pituitary Of The Rat Progeny, Randall L. Braun

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Methadone is often used in the maintenance and detoxification of opioid-dependent pregnant women. This use of methadone during pregnancy is known to be associated with teratogenic effects observed in the progeny. The present study is an attempt to gain insight into possible pathophysiologic mechanism(s) responsible for these teratogenic effects: specifically, a relationship between maternal methadone administration and the content of the endogenous opioid peptide, beta-endorphin, in the brain and pituitary of the rat progeny.

In brief, nulliparous mature female Sprague-Dawley rats received daily injections (5 mg./kg.) of methadone hydrochloride (methadone-treated) or a similar volume of physiological saline (controls), treatment started …