Statistics and Probability Commons^™

Neurodevelopmental Outcome & Mr Spectroscopy Of Therapeutic Hypothermia After Pediatric Drowning, Sharon Mieras Perugini

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Despite advances in medical treatment and technology, outcome following pediatric drowning can vary widely from mild to severe impairments and death. Prognosis is often difficult to predict given a number of contributing factors. As such, this study examined the relationship between clinical indicators including submersion duration, initial GCS and PRISM scores, and waking time with outcome as well as metabolite ratios based on magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Research stemming from the area of cardiac arrest as well as anecdotal case study reports of cold water drownings suggests that lowering the body temperature may be helpful and protective. As such, the use …

Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography To Identify A Prediction Model For Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Jodi Parker

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients have increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis may reduce morbidity and mortality. Prediction of OSA from imaging may help to identify OSA patients earlier in life. CBCT can be used for OSA diagnostic imaging due to its three-dimensional (3D) visualization of the upper airway and craniofacial complex. Magnification associated with conventional 2D radiography is eliminated with CBCT, and radiation to the patient is significantly less than previous modalities used to measure craniofacial & airway measurements associated with OSA. During a CBCT scan, the patient's image is taken supine, rather than the upright …

Comparison Of Rationally-Derived And Empirically-Derived Methods For Predicting Failure In Residential Treatment, Jennifer Pester Grattan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Patient-focused research methods have been used in adult mental health treatment to improve outcomes by tracking individual treatment response and comparing it with expected recovery patterns. One such approach has used rationally- and empirically-derived methods to analyze data from the OQ-45 and identify patients who are not responding as expected to treatment. Treatment is then adjusted, improving outcomes and lowering overall costs.

Similar but less extensive research has shown analogous methods can be used with children and adolescents. This would be particularly useful in residential treatment, which is an expensive and inadequately researched approach. This study used archival data gathered …

Study Of The Four Factor Theory Of Women’S Sexual Function, Julie M. Merrell

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Tiefer, Hall, and Tavris (2002) described factors comprising four categories of female sexual function. They suggested that unique factors need to be examined to understand sexual function in women. Socio-cultural, political, or economic factors, partner and relationship factors, psychological factors, and medical factors were described as aspects of women’s lives that can be the source of sexual dysfunction. In a previous study, Merrell (2007) utilized Tiefer et al’s (2002) four factor model of sexual functioning to examine female sexual functioning looking specifically at body shame, relationship satisfaction, positive and negative affect, sexual self-schema, and overall health. Based on the results …

Profiles Of Drug Endangered Children: Investigation In A Clinical Sample, Imanie Samanmali Wijayaratne

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Despite the increase in children born prenatally exposed to methamphetamine, little is known about the cognitive and neuropsychological outcomes of these children. Research specific to prenatal-methamphetamine exposure is extremely limited and has been primarily restricted to rat studies. This research combined with the few studies examining children prenatally exposed to methamphetamine suggests that methamphetamine-exposure is associated with various cognitive and neuropsychological delays and is impacted by both biological and environmental factors. Given the scarcity of research in this area, the current study used archival data from a psychological assessment clinic to (1) describe the frequency of prenatal methamphetamine-exposure cases, (2) …

Observer Reliability Of Cephalometric Landmark Identification On 3-D Mr Images, Michael S. Pollack

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Cephalometric analysis is a cornerstone of orthodontic diagnosis, yet much information is lost when 3-dimensional structures are assessed with 2-dimensional methods. CBCT offers 3-dimensional imaging but at the cost of higher levels of ionizing radiation. Magnetic resonance imaging provides 3-dimensional imaging without ionizing radiation and additionally imparts visualization of soft tissue structures. Prior to employing MR images for cephalometric analysis, reliability of landmark identification must be assessed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate intra- and interobserver reliability in 3-dimensional landmark identification using MR images.

Materials and Methods: Fifteen cranial MR images (3.0 T, MP-RAGE) from subjects between …

The Effects Of Physical Activity And Nutrient Intake On The Risk Of Hip Fracture : Results From The Adventist Health Study-2, Wen-Ling Liao

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This is a two year of follow up study of Adventist Health Study-2 (AHS-2). We assessed the association between physical activity, nutrient intake and risk of hip fracture among peri- and post menopausal Caucasian women using unconditional logistic regression models. All subjects completed a lifestyle questionnaire which including information of physical activity and frequency and portion size of food intake at enrollment into the study (2002-2007). The “Bi-Annual Hospitalization History” questionnaire which included a question about hip fractures due to minor trauma/falls was sent to subjects approximately two years after enrollment, with a response rat of 82.84%. In this cohort, …

The Effects Of A Psychoneuroimmunology Based Lifestyle Intervention In Modifying The Progression Of Major Depression In Clinically Depressed Adults, Ruth A. Tanyi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Chronic stress can lead to poorly controlled upsurges of cortisol and dysregulation of the hypothalamic pituitary-adrenal axis, thereby contributing to major depression. Hence, researchers have begun to examine the effects of individual psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) interventions and their impact on modifying stress and depression. However, there is a lack of studies that have examined the composite effect(s) of a PNI-based lifestyle intervention and major depression. Thus, this randomized interventional study examined the composite effect(s) of a PNI-based lifestyle intervention: combined progressive muscle relaxation and spiritual guided imagery and humor as an adjunct therapy to modifying the progression of depression. Participants were …

Anthropometric Parameters Of Under-Five Years Old Children With Different Dietary Habits In Ukambani Region : A Study In Eastern Rural Kenya, Hellen M. Ndiku

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The objective of this descriptive cross sectional study was to assess dietary intake and nutritional status of children under-five years in two rural sites of Eastern Kenya where the staple cereals may differ. A modified rapid, knowledge, practice and coverage (KPC) questionnaire and a 24-hr dietary recall form were used to collect the data. A total of 403 households were surveyed from four randomly selected divisions. This yielded 629 surrogate 24-hr dietary recalls of children < 5 years with 314 from Mwingi district and 315 from Makueni district (49 % boys and 51 % girls).

Statistical analysis was done using SPSS and SAS. Comparison of means was done using t- test and chi square was used for proportions. The 24-hr …

Immediate Loading Of Unsplinted Implants In The Anterior Mandible For Overdentures, Phillip Roe

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

In this one-year prospective study, eight completely edentulous patients were selected from the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (LLUSD) patient population to participate. There were five male and three female patients, between the ages of 58 and 82 (mean age of 69.1 years). All participants received new maxillary and mandibular complete dentures prior to implant placement. Two 4.0 mm x 13 mm threaded implants with a fluoride-modified, micro-roughened, titanium surface were placed mesial to each mandibular canine position. Locator abutments were connected and torqued to 25 Ncm and primary closure was achieved with a nonresorbable suture material. The Locator …

The Prevalence And Determinants Of Health Risk Behaviors Among High School Students In Mexico, Nellie León

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that despite health promotion efforts, adolescents continue to engage in behaviors that put them at risk for morbidity and mortality. Alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, smoking, and risky sexual behaviors are among the behaviors that contribute to leading causes of morbidity and mortality in youth; these four behaviors were explored in this study. An observational cross-sectional design was utilized. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was utilized to assess the prevalence of the four risk behaviors among high school students in Jalisco, Mexico. Items constructed …

The Influence Of Familism On Descriptive And Injunctive Norms In Predicting The Intention To Eat A Vegetarian Diet Among Chinese Seventh-Day Adventists, See Wei Toh

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

According to the theory of planned behavior (TpB), one determinant of intention to engage in a behavior is the subjective norm. Various studies have found that subjective norm is often the weaker predictor of intention compared to perceived behavioral control and attitude. This study examined whether familism (emphasis on the family rather than the individual) would contribute positively to the predictive power of the TpB model through interactions with the family portion of descriptive and injunctive norms. Descriptive and injunctive norms are component variables of the subjective norm. A sample of 284 adult Chinese Seventh-day Adventists 18 years and older …

Cephalometric Analysis Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Wade A. Williams

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if T1-weighted 3D magnetic resonance images performed at 3.0 Tesla could be used to conduct routine orthodontic cephalometric analysis.

Methods: Three cranial imaging methods were compared using sixteen non-growing subjects (10 male and 6 female) who were not claustrophobic, did not have any metallic restorations on the distal of first molars, had no medical implants and the female subjects were not pregnant. Sagittal cranial images were produced by three methods: (1) a digital lateral cephalometric (LC) radiograph (Orthophos XG Plus, Sirona^TM, Bensheim, Germany), (2) a 12-inch FOV cone beam …

Orthodontic Mini-Implant Failure: Assessing The Relationship To Bone Quality Using Qcbct, Joshua Schneider

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cortical bone thickness (mm), cortical bone density (HU), and trabecular bone density (HU) of mini-implants sites in both the maxilla and mandible using QCBCT to determine if they had any effect on mini-implant failure rate. Patient characteristics (age, gender, facial type), mini-implant characteristics (date of placement, manufacturer, length, and diameter), and the mini-implant site (region) were also evaluated. One hundred and six mini-implants in 50 consecutive patients with complete patient records, CBCT information, and T1 radiographs were included in the study. Thirty-four of the 106 mini-implants were considered "failures" resulting in …

The Comparative Radiopacity Between Primary And Permanent Teeth, Robert C. Lee

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: This in vitro study compared the radiopacity between human primary and permanent enamel and dentin. It also compared the radiopacity between human anterior and posterior teeth.

Methods: Extracted primary and permanent teeth were used in this study. One mm enamel and one mm dentin slices were cut from each extracted tooth. Radiographs were taken of each enamel and dentin specimen 1 mm in thickness along with an aluminum step-wedge using procedures specified in International Standards Organization (ISO) 4049:2000. A densitometer was used to measure the Optical Density (OD) of the radiographs of the specimen and the accompanying aluminum step-wedge. …

The Association Of Maternal Intention To Breastfeed, Early Skin-To-Skin Mother/Infant Contact, And Exclusive Breastfeeding During The Maternity Hospital Stay, Leslie Mary Bramson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Breastfeeding is the optimal method to nourish and nurture an infant. Exclusive breastfeeding rates in the United States have reached the goal of Healthy People 2010 that 75% of mother's breastfeed in the immediate postpartum period. Yet, less than 35% of San Bernardino county mothers and 47.7% of Riverside county mothers are exclusively breastfeeding during their maternity hospital stays, with as many as 50% of the infants being weaned from the breast in the first 14 days of life.

This prospective study examined archived data collected by Perinatal Services Network (PSN) of Loma Linda University Medical Center/Children's Hospital for the …

Knowledge, Perceptions, Beliefs And Behaviors Related To The Prevention Of Hypertension Among Black Seventh-Day Adventists Living In London, Maxine A. Newell

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study was a cross-sectional survey of the hypertension (HTN) knowledge and risk behaviors of Black Seventh-day Adventists (SDA) in London. Recruitment took take place in 17 predominantly Black SDA churches in London. A questionnaire assessed knowledge and lay-beliefs about HTN and perceptions towards HTN using the health belief model (HBM) constructs of susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, and self-efficacy. Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale was incorporated into the questionnaire. Blood pressure, height, weight and waist circumference were and current lifestyles practices were evaluated for the presence of HTN risk factors.

Of the 312 volunteers, ages 25 to 79, 55% were born …

Comparison Of Microleakage In Three Sealant Placement Protocols Vs. The Enamel Loc System, Audrey T. Sheu

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

PURPOSE: To evaluate sealant microleakage using four different application techniques.

METHODS: The four application techniques evaluated were acid etch only, Adper L-Pop bonding, Optibond bonding, and Enamel Loc One-Step Sealant. Sixty-four extracted third molar teeth were assigned on one of four application techniques (n=16) and Clinpro sealants applied according to the manufacturer's instructions. The teeth were thermocycled for 500 cycles, dyed, and embedded in resin. The samples were then sectioned and evaluated for microleakage on the buccal and lingual surfaces. Statistical methods employed to analyze the data were the Kruskal-Willis rank test and the Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS: No significant …

Effect Of Gutta Percha On The Retention Of A Post Using Different Cements, Saeda H. Basta

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study evaluated the effect of residual gutta percha on the retention strength of prefabricated post cemented with four different cements. Forty intact mandibular single canal canines or premolars were selected for standardized size and quality, endodontically treated, and decoronated to the cementoenamel junction. A post space was prepared to accommodate Para post XP size 4 (Coltene, Whaledent Inc., Cuy Falls, Ohio) to a depth of 8 mm. The Obtura heated gutta percha system was used to inject a very thin line of gutta percha along one lateral wall to the depth of the future post. Forty obturated teeth were …

Infant Feeding Decisions Among Pregnant Black Wic Participants And The Role Of Peer Support, Astrid D. Mickens

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to identify the important factors that impact infant feeding decisions among Black women, and to determine whether peer support influences the relationship among theoretical constructs of the social learning theory. A convenience sample of 110 Black pregnant women, ages 18-45, attending Women, Infant and Children (WIC) clinics throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties were recruited to participate in the study through the Nutrition Services Department. Eligible participants included pregnant Black WIC clients in any stage of pregnancy.

The survey questions contained information about perceived support, cognitive knowledge, abilities and beliefs regarding breastfeeding. The goal …

Efficacy Of Cognitive Therapy And Pharmacotherapy In Depression: A Meta-Analysis, Daniel B. Michel

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

A meta-analysis comparing the long-term effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and pharmacotherapy in preventing relapse following treatment discontinuation was performed using published studies of depressed participants. Twenty-three articles met inclusionary criteria and were included in the analyses. Weighted effect sizes and moderators, treatment type, were calculated using statistical analysis software. Initially, fixed effects models were applied to the data, but due to significant between-group heterogeneity that could not be fully explained by treatment type, mixed effect models were used to account for the residual heterogeneity. Results indicated that overall, depressed individuals treated to remission with CBT evidence decreased relapse …

A Study Of The Relationship Between American Evangelicals And Human Rights, Amy Rachel Timmons Stumpf

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Human rights violations and abuses affect every region of the globe. The most recent Amnesty International Annual Report details violations in 149 countries. While there are no simple solutions to a problem of this magnitude and complexity, the support of powerful social groups can help in providing relief to the victims, pressure on abusive governments, legal consequences for abusers, and other resources in combating the violence that seems to chronically plague over our world. One of the most powerful groups, with tremendous social capital, is American evangelicals. Evangelicalism, even given the loose and informal organizational structures, is one of the …

Immediate Implant Placement In Extraction Sites With Periapical Lesions: A Retrospective Study, Yuan-Lung Hung

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Immediate implant placement into fresh extraction sites has become a relatively routine clinical procedure with a favorable prognosis. However, immediate placement into extraction sockets with lesions has not been extensively documented in humans. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to retrospectively determine the survival rate of implants placed into extraction sockets with visible periapical lesions.

Patient charts of 544 immediately placed implants from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, Center for Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry were examined. Eighty-six of the 544 implants had been placed immediately into extraction sockets with periapical lesions and they were included in this study. …

Predictors Of Emotional Reactions In Women Treated For Breast Cancer, Erin E. Ramirez

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Breast cancer can be a devastating disease that impacts a woman in all spheres of her life (Ingram, 1989). Previous studies have examined the impact of breast cancer on body satisfaction, as well as the impact on emotional well-being. Studies have also examined the role of the coping style that a woman engages in response to the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in the woman's psychological adjustment to the disease. However, to date, no research has introduced and tested a multifaceted model.

The purpose of this study was to develop a model predicting psychological maladjustment in women treated for …

Predictors Of Female Sexual Dysfunction, Julie M. Merrell

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Tiefer, Hall, and Tavris (2002) described factors comprising four categories of female sexual dysfunction. They suggested that unique factors need to be examined to understand sexual dysfunction in women. Socio-cultural, political, or economic factors, partner and relationship factors, psychological factors, and medical factors described as aspects of women’s lives that can be the source of sexual dysfunction. The current study examined indicators of the above factors-body shame, relationship satisfaction, sexual self-schema, positive and negative affect, and overall health-as predictors of female sexual dysfunction. The hypotheses were: Body shame and negative affect will be negatively associated with sexual function; and relationship …

Salivary Characteristics In 3 And 4 Year-Old Children With And Without Visible Caries, Gloria Yañez

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

PURPOSE: To compare salivary characteristics in 3 and 4 year-old Head Start children with and without visible caries.

METHODS: This case-control study was performed on 84 healthy 3 and 4 year-old Head Start children. After consent and inclusion criteria were met, each child was screened and assigned to one of two test groups based on their caries status. Group 1 consisted of children with no visible evidence of caries, although non-visible caries may have been present. Group II consisted of children with visible evidence demonstrating three or more carious lesions. Each child's unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva samples were collected …

Comparison Of Laser And Phosphoric Acid Etching On Sealant Shear Bond Strength, Seth David Latimer

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of traditional phosphoric acid etching with Er,Cr:YSGG laser enamel etching on the shear bond strength of sealant material.

METHODS: Extracted healthy third molars were mounted in acrylic exposing the flattest surface available. Three groups of twenty teeth were used to evaluate traditional acid etching with 37% phosphoric acid as a control group as well as two different laser settings. The sealant material was attached using specialized jigs and then subjected to shear bond strength testing utilizing the ultradent method (MTS machine). Statistical methods employed were the Kruskal-Wallis rank test and the Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS: …

Repeatability Of Serial Carotid Intima Media Thickness Scanning On Individual Subjects, Judi Nightingale

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background. Heart disease affects millions of Americans each year. In order to improve primary prevention, early risk identification is essential. B-mode ultrasound of the common carotid artery (CCA) intima-media thickness (IMT) assesses risk of a coronary event early in the process of plaque development. Because IMT changes are so small over time, in order to determine clinically significant versus clinically insignificant changes in IMT over a 12 month time period, a protocol is needed which can detect the least significant difference (LSD) of at least 0.030 mm.

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a well-defined …

The Association Between Lifestyle Factors And Inflammatory Markers, Kerry Ann Stonebrook

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. While smoking, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol levels are established risk factors for CVD, inflammation is being evaluated as a potential independent risk factor. A key cytokine regulator of the inflammatory response, interleukin-1 (IL-1), has emerged as playing a particularly important role at the genetic level in determining the degree to which the inflammation pathway is turned on. How an individual’s genetic make-up affects inflammation, CVD risk, and response to lifestyle intervention is an area of research that is in …

The Latino Caregiver Experience Among Dementia And Non-Dementia Caregivers : Can Community Based Care Management Improve Caregiver Health?, Catherine Oliveros

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: This study provides an analysis of the Latino caregiving community in Southeast Texas and the role community based care management plays in influencing caregiver physical and emotional well-being. Design and Methods: A non-random sample of 63 Latino caregivers was interviewed by phone. Caregiver physical and emotional well-being was studied through burden, depression, perceived health status, and resourcefulness. Regression, correlation, and comparison analysis was performed with key variables. Results: Acculturation was positively correlated with care management use. In comparing dementia and non-dementia caregivers both groups had similar levels of depression and burden, however, the dementia group had significantly lower levels …