Browsing by Author "Gamble, Reid"

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    Analysis of Psychosocial Stressors and Chronic Psychological Distress on Preventative Hypertension Screenings in Northern Thailand
    (2016) Gamble, Reid
    High blood pressure (HBP) or hypertension is currently the most prevalent chronic disease in the world affecting approximately 970 million individuals. However, that estimate only accounts for those that have been properly diagnosed. In Thailand, an estimated 65% percent of individuals living with hypertension have been diagnosed which means one third of the affected population remains untreated and at risk of severe health consequences (Howteerakul et al., 2006). The major co-factors influencing screenings and diagnosis are still currently unknown due to the narrow interest in only post-diagnosis research. This study looked at the complex relationship between psychosocial stressors, psychological distress and preventative hypertension screenings in Northern Thailand. Through interviews, observational studies and relevant literature it was found that there was indeed a proposed relationship between stressors, distress and screenings. Local health workers identified the need to address certain social factors such as income and occupation as they were stated to be responsible for some of the distress in the local community. Large stakeholders such as the WHO, MoPH and CDC were found to have minimal investment in the topic of the study. Although the local community healthcare workers proved to be very effective when addressing this complex relationship. Future studies would be necessary to measure the extent and significance of this proposed relationship as this study did not provide quantitative support.
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    Studies of HIV gp160 Envelope Protein Structure: Molecular Modeling of gp41 C-terminus
    (2015) Gamble, Reid
    The membrane proximal region, membrane spanning domain and C-terminus region of HIV gp41 are highly conserved and essential mechanisms for cell membrane fusion and entry. Multiple resolved structures exist for the membrane distal gp120, however little is known about the structure of membrane proximal gp41. In this study we expose the complete lack of knowledge and contradictory findings regarding the cytoplasmic C-terminus region of gp41. Our research was unable to create a working model for the C-terminus tail, although we provide a molecular model (Phyre480_553) for the gp41 ectodomain which has until now yet to be structured. The gp120-gp41 bridging region (480-553) contains 8 highly conserved sequences which could be tested for specific protective antibody binding. Our research elucidates the potential benefit of protein homology prediction and reveals the importance of both the ectodomain and membrane associating regions of gp41 as potential antigenic immune targets for future studies. Protective antibody binding spots on exposed cytoplasmic bits have yet to be accepted as a target region of interest for vaccines. Our research provides a solid methodology to synthesize a novel working model for the gp41 membrane spanning domain