Amorphisation and recrystallisation study of lithium intercalation into TiO 2 nano-architecture.

Titanium dioxide is playing an increasingly significant role in easing environmental and energy concerns. Its rich variety of polymorphic crystal structures has facilitated a wide range of applications such as photo-catalysis, photo-splitting of water, photoelectrochromic devices, insulators in metal oxide, semiconductors devices, dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) (energy conversions), rechargeable lithium batteries (electrochemical storage). The complex structural aspects in nano TiO 2 , are elucidated by microscopic visualization and quantification of the microstructure for electrode materials, since cell performance and various aging mechanisms depend strongly on the appearance and changes in the microstructure. Recent studies on MnO 2 have demonstrated that amorphisation and recrystallisation simulation method can adequately generate various nanostructures, for Li-ion battery compounds. The method was also previously employed to produce nano-TiO 2 . In the current study, the approach is used to study lithiated nanoporous structure for TiO 2 which have been extensively studied experimentally, as mentioned above. Molecular graphic images showing microstructural features, including voids and channels have accommodated lithium’s during lithiation and delithiation. Preliminary lithiation of TiO 2 will be considered

Amorphisation and recrystallisation study of lithium intercalation into TiO 2 nano-architecture.

Titanium dioxide is playing an increasingly significant role in easing environmental and energy concerns. Its rich variety of polymorphic crystal structures has facilitated a wide range of applications such as photo-catalysis, photo-splitting of water, photoelectrochromic devices, insulators in metal oxide, semiconductors devices, dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) (energy conversions), rechargeable lithium batteries (electrochemical storage). The complex structural aspects in nano TiO 2 , are elucidated by microscopic visualization and quantification of the microstructure for electrode materials, since cell performance and various aging mechanisms depend strongly on the appearance and changes in the microstructure. Recent studies on MnO 2 have demonstrated that amorphisation and recrystallisation simulation method can adequately generate various nanostructures, for Li-ion battery compounds. The method was also previously employed to produce nano-TiO 2 . In the current study, the approach is used to study lithiated nanoporous structure for TiO 2 which have been extensively studied experimentally, as mentioned above. Molecular graphic images showing microstructural features, including voids and channels have accommodated lithium’s during lithiation and delithiation. Preliminary lithiation of TiO 2 will be considered

The extent and impact of variation in ADME genes in sub-Saharan African populations

Investigating variation in genes involved in the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of drugs are key to characterizing pharmacogenomic (PGx) relationships. ADME gene variation is relatively well characterized in European and Asian populations, but data from African populations are under-studied—which has implications for drug safety and effective use in Africa

Growth and CD4 patterns of adolescents living with perinatally acquired HIV worldwide, a CIPHER cohort collaboration analysis

Introduction: Adolescents living with HIV are subject to multiple co-morbidities, including growth retardation and immunodeficiency. We describe growth and CD4 evolution during adolescence using data from the Collaborative Initiative for Paediatric HIV Education and Research (CIPHER) global project. Methods: Data were collected between 1994 and 2015 from 11 CIPHER networks worldwide. Adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV infection (APH) who initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) before age 10 years, with at least one height or CD4 count measurement while aged 10–17 years, were included. Growth was measured using height-for-age Z-scores (HAZ, stunting if <-2 SD, WHO growth charts). Linear mixed-effects models were used to study the evolution of each outcome between ages 10 and 17. For growth, sex-specific models with fractional polynomials were used to model non-linear relationships for age at ART initiation, HAZ at age 10 and time, defined as current age from 10 to 17 years of age. Results: A total of 20,939 and 19,557 APH were included for the growth and CD4 analyses, respectively. Half were females, two-thirds lived in East and Southern Africa, and median age at ART initiation ranged from <3 years in North America and Europe to >7 years in sub-Saharan African regions. At age 10, stunting ranged from 6% in North America and Europe to 39% in the Asia-Pacific; 19% overall had CD4 counts <500 cells/mm3. Across adolescence, higher HAZ was observed in females and among those in high-income countries. APH with stunting at age 10 and those with late ART initiation (after age 5) had the largest HAZ gains during adolescence, but these gains were insufficient to catch-up with non-stunted, early ART-treated adolescents. From age 10 to 16 years, mean CD4 counts declined from 768 to 607 cells/mm3. This decline was observed across all regions, in males and females. Conclusions: Growth patterns during adolescence differed substantially by sex and region, while CD4 patterns were similar, with an observed CD4 decline that needs further investigation. Early diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment in early childhood to prevent growth retardation and immunodeficiency are critical to improving APH growth and CD4 outcomes by the time they reach adulthood

The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance

INTRODUCTION Investment in Africa over the past year with regard to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing has led to a massive increase in the number of sequences, which, to date, exceeds 100,000 sequences generated to track the pandemic on the continent. These sequences have profoundly affected how public health officials in Africa have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. RATIONALE We demonstrate how the first 100,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from Africa have helped monitor the epidemic on the continent, how genomic surveillance expanded over the course of the pandemic, and how we adapted our sequencing methods to deal with an evolving virus. Finally, we also examine how viral lineages have spread across the continent in a phylogeographic framework to gain insights into the underlying temporal and spatial transmission dynamics for several variants of concern (VOCs). RESULTS Our results indicate that the number of countries in Africa that can sequence the virus within their own borders is growing and that this is coupled with a shorter turnaround time from the time of sampling to sequence submission. Ongoing evolution necessitated the continual updating of primer sets, and, as a result, eight primer sets were designed in tandem with viral evolution and used to ensure effective sequencing of the virus. The pandemic unfolded through multiple waves of infection that were each driven by distinct genetic lineages, with B.1-like ancestral strains associated with the first pandemic wave of infections in 2020. Successive waves on the continent were fueled by different VOCs, with Alpha and Beta cocirculating in distinct spatial patterns during the second wave and Delta and Omicron affecting the whole continent during the third and fourth waves, respectively. Phylogeographic reconstruction points toward distinct differences in viral importation and exportation patterns associated with the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants and subvariants, when considering both Africa versus the rest of the world and viral dissemination within the continent. Our epidemiological and phylogenetic inferences therefore underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic on the continent and highlight key insights and challenges, for instance, recognizing the limitations of low testing proportions. We also highlight the early warning capacity that genomic surveillance in Africa has had for the rest of the world with the detection of new lineages and variants, the most recent being the characterization of various Omicron subvariants. CONCLUSION Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve. This is important not only to help combat SARS-CoV-2 on the continent but also because it can be used as a platform to help address the many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats in Africa. In particular, capacity building for local sequencing within countries or within the continent should be prioritized because this is generally associated with shorter turnaround times, providing the most benefit to local public health authorities tasked with pandemic response and mitigation and allowing for the fastest reaction to localized outbreaks. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century

Correctional Administration, Victimology and Crime Prevention: CRM 122

Correctional Administration, Victimology and Crime Prevention: CRM 122,supplementary examination January/February 2010

Correctional Administration, Victimology and Crime Prevention: CRM 122

Correctional Administration, Victimology and Crime Prevention: CRM 122,supplementary examination January/February 2010

Juvenile Justice: CRM 524/526

Juvenile Justice: CRM 524/526, degree examination November 2009

Challenges and coping strategies among young adults living with perinatally acquired HIV infection in Botswana. A qualitative study

Background Due to antiretroviral therapy, many people with perinatally acquired HIV are surviving into young adulthood which is a critical period of human development. Research conducted in various settings globally has shown that young adults living with perinatally acquired HIV (YALPH) face multiple challenges related to HIV infection while also confronting the same challenges of young adulthood faced by other HIV-negative youth. However, there is a paucity of information on YALPH in Botswana and what needs to be done to improve their health and wellbeing. Therefore, this study explores the challenges and coping strategies of YALPH in order to inform health policies and programming in Botswana. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with 45 YALPH (ages 18–27 years) who were enrolled on antiretroviral therapy at the Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence (Botswana-Baylor Clinic). The Botswana-Baylor Clinic is the largest centre for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult HIV treatment and care in Botswana. The maximum variation sampling method was used to select information-rich participants. The questions focused on the challenges YALPH faced and how they coped with HIV. The data was analyzed using content analysis. Results The results showed that the majority of YALPH had suppressed HIV viral load and perceived themselves to be in good physical health and functioning. They did, however, face numerous challenges, including occasional or longstanding poor antiretroviral therapy adherence, disabilities and impairments, poor school performance and attainment, unemployment, financial stressors, fear of stigma, disclosure worries and concerns, and limited social support. The most vulnerable YALPH included those with disabilities and impairments, those transitioning out of residential care, young parents, the unemployed, and those with maladaptive coping strategies. The YALPH mainly used adaptive coping strategies. The most commonly used maladaptive coping strategies were self-distraction and venting. Conclusion Interventions to prevent, screen for, assess, and manage the challenges identified by this study are critical to improving the health and well-being of YALPH. In addition, diverse interventions that can contribute to the development of adaptive coping mechanisms and reduce the likelihood of maladaptive coping in YALPH should be sought

Challenges and coping strategies among young adults living with perinatally acquired HIV infection in Botswana. A qualitative study.

BackgroundDue to antiretroviral therapy, many people with perinatally acquired HIV are surviving into young adulthood which is a critical period of human development. Research conducted in various settings globally has shown that young adults living with perinatally acquired HIV (YALPH) face multiple challenges related to HIV infection while also confronting the same challenges of young adulthood faced by other HIV-negative youth. However, there is a paucity of information on YALPH in Botswana and what needs to be done to improve their health and wellbeing. Therefore, this study explores the challenges and coping strategies of YALPH in order to inform health policies and programming in Botswana.MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted with 45 YALPH (ages 18-27 years) who were enrolled on antiretroviral therapy at the Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence (Botswana-Baylor Clinic). The Botswana-Baylor Clinic is the largest centre for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult HIV treatment and care in Botswana. The maximum variation sampling method was used to select information-rich participants. The questions focused on the challenges YALPH faced and how they coped with HIV. The data was analyzed using content analysis.ResultsThe results showed that the majority of YALPH had suppressed HIV viral load and perceived themselves to be in good physical health and functioning. They did, however, face numerous challenges, including occasional or longstanding poor antiretroviral therapy adherence, disabilities and impairments, poor school performance and attainment, unemployment, financial stressors, fear of stigma, disclosure worries and concerns, and limited social support. The most vulnerable YALPH included those with disabilities and impairments, those transitioning out of residential care, young parents, the unemployed, and those with maladaptive coping strategies. The YALPH mainly used adaptive coping strategies. The most commonly used maladaptive coping strategies were self-distraction and venting.ConclusionInterventions to prevent, screen for, assess, and manage the challenges identified by this study are critical to improving the health and well-being of YALPH. In addition, diverse interventions that can contribute to the development of adaptive coping mechanisms and reduce the likelihood of maladaptive coping in YALPH should be sought