Clinical and epidemiological studies have provided a large body of evidence supporting a link between HIV and other sexually transmitted co-infections. Co-infections have been associated with promoting HIV transmission and acquisition. One of the closest studied interactions is the co-infection with N. gonorrhoeae, the etiological agent of gonorrhea, yet a clear understanding of this relationship is still elusive. Studies aimed at deciphering how N. gonorrhoeae mediates these effects have provided mixed results with some suggesting co-infection promotes HIV replication, and others suggesting the opposite. The aim of this thesis is to uncover molecular mechanisms that explain these results through in vitro co-infection studies using a combination of mixed peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMCs) and isolated human cell types. The results presented here demonstrate that gonococcal co-infection profoundly inhibits HIV replication in co-infected PBMCs. This inhibition is due to both the release of anti-HIV IFN via TLR9-mediated activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), and the activation of  T cells. In addition, I show that responses between CD4+ T cell lines, such as the Jurkat cell line, and primary CD4+ T cells can differ, which may explain some of the contrasting results seen in published literature. The results in this thesis have implications for understanding the relationship between gonococci and HIV, providing new insight into molecular and immunological interactions that influence viral transmission, and reveal new opportunities to combat HIV.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy are significant public health concerns. Abstinence-only until marriage (AOUM) and abstinence pledge programs have received a significant amount of government funding in an attempt to address these problems. Despite receiving over two billion dollars in funding, the programs have not been shown to be effective in achieving their stated goals. In addition, there are significant concerns about the content of AOUM curriculums, including medical inaccuracy and use of outdated gender stereotypes.

The legal system is responsible for the prosecution of an accused of sexual abuse of a child. The prosecution process is a complicated and an adult-orientated area. In South Africa sexual abuse of children is noticeably high. The sexual abuse of a child is traumatic and an intimidating experience for the child. The child is usually the only/main witness in a sexual abuse case. The child's testimony is the main aspect in the guilty ruling of an accused. Courts must apply special measures for child witnesses to testify optimally in court. Special measures include a court preparation process of the child witness. This study investigated the experience of the child witness of the court preparation process of Blue Downs court. The current programme was also described, and discussed in terms of current best practice programmes as described in literature. This study was based on a case study. The sexually abused child witness, the child's parent, the court preparation officer as well as the senior state prosecutor were interviewed. The most important findings of the study were that the court preparations process of Blue Downs court is successful and appropriated structured. The parent as well as the child experienced the programme as positive, and their anxiety levels were hereby lowered. A few training needs for court preparation officers, were identified. Court preparation processes need ongoing evaluation, to perform at its best and to be successfu1. Adjustments, such as more intensive training of the court preparation officers, are necessary to improve the process. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

* OPSOMMING: Die doelstelling van die navorsing was om die reaksies van die moeder van die seksueel misbruikte kind na bekendmaking van die oortreding te bepaal en hoedat die forensiese maatskaplike werker die moeder tydens die forensiese proses behulpsaam kan wees. Doelwit 1: Om vas te stel wat die emosionele reaksies van die moeders was nadat seksuele misbruik van hul kinders bekend gemaak is. Doelwit 2: Om vas te stel in watter mate die forensiese maatskaplike werker inligting aan die moeder verstrek het rakende die wetlike en forensiese prosesse asook moontlike implikasies rakende bepaalde besluitneming. Doelwit 3: Om vas te stel hoe die forensiese maatskaplike werker die moeder tydens die forensiese proses behulpsaam kan wees. Ten opsigte van doelwit een (1) is 'n gestandaardiseerde meetinstrument (PMSI) benut ten einde die moeder se emosionele reaksies te bepaal. Daar is bevind dat die moeder van die seksueel misbruikte kind na bekendmaking daarvan, binne 'n emosionele konteks, met simptome van trauma presenteer. Doelwit twee (2) is met behulp van 'n selfontwerpte vraelys ondersoek, aan die hand waarvan bevind is dat die meerderheid moeders voldoende inligting met betrekking tot die wetlike en forensiese prosesse van die forensiese maatskaplike werker ontvang het. Enkele van die moeders het egter beleef dat hulle nie op aile vlakke toepaslik ingelig was rakende die wetlike en forensiese proses nie. Ten aansien van doelwit drie (3) is dieselfde selfontwerpte vraelys benut as die in doelwit twee (2) genoem. Daar is bevind dat die forensiese maatskaplike werker toepaslike inligting aan die moeder moet verstrek en dat sy haar na bevoegde kundiges wat oor spesifieke terapeutiese kennis en vaardighede beskik, moet verwys. Hierdie bevindinge is vervat in die aanbevelings wat in die studie gedoen is, wat fokus op die forensiese maatskaplike werker se rol en taak met betrekking tot die moeder van die seksueel misbruikte kind. / • SUMMARY: The purpose of the research was to determine the emotional reactions of the mother of the sexually abused child after disclosure and how the forensic social worker can assist the mother in the forensic process. Objective 1: To determine what the emotional reactions of the mothers of their sexually abused children were after disclosure of sexual abuse. Objective 2: To ascertain to what extent the forensic social worker furnished the mother with information regarding the legal and forensic process as well as possible implications concerning certain decision making. Objective 3: How the forensic social worker can assist the mother in the forensic process. A standardised measuring instrument (PMSI) was utilised in obtaining information with regard to objective one (1). The findings indicate that the mother of the sexually abused child presents with symptoms of trauma after disclosure of sexual abuse. A self-designed questionnaire was used to investigate objective two (2). The findings indicated that the majority of mothers received sufficient information from the forensic social worker regarding the legal and forensic process. The same self-designed questionnaire was utilised for objectives two (2) and three (3). Objective three (3) focused on how the forensic social worker could assist the mother in the forensic process. The findings indicated that the forensic social worker should furnish the mother with specific information, especially by referring the mother to competent therapists with specific therapeutic knowledge and skills. These findings were included in the recommendation made in this study that focussed on the forensic social worker's role and task with regard to the mother of the sexually abused child. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

Background: The purpose of this secondary data analysis was to determine the prevalence of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) and to examine the role of survival sex in sexual risk among street-involved youth in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Methods: Between 1999 and 2003, 743 Winnipeg street youth were interviewed in three separate cohorts as part of a national multi-centred study by the Public Health Agency of Canada. Results: Among the 673 Winnipeg street youth who responded to questions relating to survival sex, 26.3% reported they had engaged in survival sex. Females and Aboriginal youth were at greatest risk for sex trade involvement. Youth engaged in survival sex were diagnosed with significantly higher rates of STBBI; experienced greater amounts of abuse; and were at greater risk for participating in high risk sexual behaviours compared to their non-sex trade counterparts. Conclusion: Gender specific, culturally appropriate, and youth oriented prevention and intervention strategies are urgently required to reduce the prevalence of STBBI and survival sex among this at-risk population.

The legal system is responsible for the prosecution of an accused of sexual abuse of a child. The prosecution process is a complicated and an adult-orientated area. In South Africa sexual abuse of children is noticeably high. The sexual abuse of a child is traumatic and an intimidating experience for the child. The child is usually the only/main witness in a sexual abuse case. The child's testimony is the main aspect in the guilty ruling of an accused. Courts must apply special measures for child witnesses to testify optimally in court. Special measures include a court preparation process of the child witness. This study investigated the experience of the child witness of the court preparation process of Blue Downs court. The current programme was also described, and discussed in terms of current best practice programmes as described in literature. This study was based on a case study. The sexually abused child witness, the child's parent, the court preparation officer as well as the senior state prosecutor were interviewed. The most important findings of the study were that the court preparations process of Blue Downs court is successful and appropriated structured. The parent as well as the child experienced the programme as positive, and their anxiety levels were hereby lowered. A few training needs for court preparation officers, were identified. Court preparation processes need ongoing evaluation, to perform at its best and to be successfu1. Adjustments, such as more intensive training of the court preparation officers, are necessary to improve the process. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

* OPSOMMING: Die doelstelling van die navorsing was om die reaksies van die moeder van die seksueel misbruikte kind na bekendmaking van die oortreding te bepaal en hoedat die forensiese maatskaplike werker die moeder tydens die forensiese proses behulpsaam kan wees. Doelwit 1: Om vas te stel wat die emosionele reaksies van die moeders was nadat seksuele misbruik van hul kinders bekend gemaak is. Doelwit 2: Om vas te stel in watter mate die forensiese maatskaplike werker inligting aan die moeder verstrek het rakende die wetlike en forensiese prosesse asook moontlike implikasies rakende bepaalde besluitneming. Doelwit 3: Om vas te stel hoe die forensiese maatskaplike werker die moeder tydens die forensiese proses behulpsaam kan wees. Ten opsigte van doelwit een (1) is 'n gestandaardiseerde meetinstrument (PMSI) benut ten einde die moeder se emosionele reaksies te bepaal. Daar is bevind dat die moeder van die seksueel misbruikte kind na bekendmaking daarvan, binne 'n emosionele konteks, met simptome van trauma presenteer. Doelwit twee (2) is met behulp van 'n selfontwerpte vraelys ondersoek, aan die hand waarvan bevind is dat die meerderheid moeders voldoende inligting met betrekking tot die wetlike en forensiese prosesse van die forensiese maatskaplike werker ontvang het. Enkele van die moeders het egter beleef dat hulle nie op aile vlakke toepaslik ingelig was rakende die wetlike en forensiese proses nie. Ten aansien van doelwit drie (3) is dieselfde selfontwerpte vraelys benut as die in doelwit twee (2) genoem. Daar is bevind dat die forensiese maatskaplike werker toepaslike inligting aan die moeder moet verstrek en dat sy haar na bevoegde kundiges wat oor spesifieke terapeutiese kennis en vaardighede beskik, moet verwys. Hierdie bevindinge is vervat in die aanbevelings wat in die studie gedoen is, wat fokus op die forensiese maatskaplike werker se rol en taak met betrekking tot die moeder van die seksueel misbruikte kind. / • SUMMARY: The purpose of the research was to determine the emotional reactions of the mother of the sexually abused child after disclosure and how the forensic social worker can assist the mother in the forensic process. Objective 1: To determine what the emotional reactions of the mothers of their sexually abused children were after disclosure of sexual abuse. Objective 2: To ascertain to what extent the forensic social worker furnished the mother with information regarding the legal and forensic process as well as possible implications concerning certain decision making. Objective 3: How the forensic social worker can assist the mother in the forensic process. A standardised measuring instrument (PMSI) was utilised in obtaining information with regard to objective one (1). The findings indicate that the mother of the sexually abused child presents with symptoms of trauma after disclosure of sexual abuse. A self-designed questionnaire was used to investigate objective two (2). The findings indicated that the majority of mothers received sufficient information from the forensic social worker regarding the legal and forensic process. The same self-designed questionnaire was utilised for objectives two (2) and three (3). Objective three (3) focused on how the forensic social worker could assist the mother in the forensic process. The findings indicated that the forensic social worker should furnish the mother with specific information, especially by referring the mother to competent therapists with specific therapeutic knowledge and skills. These findings were included in the recommendation made in this study that focussed on the forensic social worker's role and task with regard to the mother of the sexually abused child. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

The national reported rates of sexually transmitted infections (other than HIV/AIDS) in Ireland have been increasing over the last decade of the 20^th century. Medical professionals and epidemiologists consider the rates of STIs as indicators of the proportion of the population engaging in 'high risk' behaviour. According to this hypothesis, an increase in reported rates reflects an increase in 'high risk' behaviours. This thesis will examine this relationship and determine the reasons for the increased reported rates in Ireland. This will involve an investigation into Irish sexual behaviours and attitudes, thus giving an insight into Irish sexuality, which has previously attracted little sociological interest. Evidence in regard to Irish sexuality and sexually transmitted infections is limited. In the absence of longitudinal data on sexual behaviours and a national survey on STIs and risk-taking sexual behaviours, the question of the rising rates has to be addressed by collating available data from different sources. This involves: (1) the use of epidemiological and GUM clinics' information, (2) a socio-historical account of Irish sexuality and sexually transmitted infections and (3) a comparative analysis of Irish sexual behaviours and attitudes with four other countries utilising the International Social Survey Programme's 1994 dataset, Family and Changing Gender Roles II. It is concluded that the increasing reporting rates of STIs are not being directly caused by accompanying increases of 'high risk' sexual behaviours in the general population but are produced by a number of factors including a growing public openness about sexuality and sexual health awareness.

Background: Street-involved youth are known to be at a greatly increased risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs); however, the role that environmental and structural factors play in driving disease transmission risk among this population has not been thoroughly examined. Methods: The At Risk Youth Study (ARYS) is a prospective cohort of homeless and street-involved youth between the ages of 14 and 26. From September 2005 to October 2006, participants completed a baseline questionnaire which elicited information regarding sexual activity, injection and non-injection drug use, addiction treatment experience, encounters with police and security guards, and health service utilization. Environmental and structural correlates of number of recent sex partners were identified using quasi-Poisson regression. Factors independently associated with consistent condom use were also examined using logistic regression. Results: Among 529 participants, 415 (78.4%) were sexually active during the past six months, of whom 253 (61.0%) reported multiple sex partners and 288 (69.6%) reported inconsistent condom use during this time period. In multivariate logistic regression, homelessness and self-reported structural barriers to accessing health services were inversely associated with consistent condom use. In multivariate analysis, living in a shelter, hostel, or single room occupancy hotel was positively associated with greater numbers of recent sex partners. Structural factors that were associated with number of sex partners included having a warrant or area restriction that affects access to health services, and for males, being accosted by the police. Conclusions: Unstable housing, homelessness, and structural factors related to the criminalization and displacement of street-involved youth were associated with an increased risk of HIV and STI transmission, even after extensive adjustment for sociodemographic and individual level characteristics. These findings suggest that both environmental and structural factors influence the spread of HIV and STIs, and point to the need for environmental-structural interventions to reduce the burden of these diseases among this population.

Thesis (PhD)--University of South Australia, 2001.