Modeling non-pharmaceutical interventions in the COVID-19 pandemic with survey-based simulations.

Governments around the globe use non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to curb the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. Making decisions under uncertainty, they all face the same temporal paradox: estimating the impact of NPIs before they have been implemented. Due to the limited variance of empirical cases, researchers could so far not disentangle effects of individual NPIs or their impact on different demographic groups. In this paper, we utilize large-scale agent-based simulations in combination with Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) models to investigate the spread of COVID-19 for some of the most affected federal states in Germany. In contrast to other studies, we sample agents from a representative survey. Including more realistic demographic attributes that influence agents' behavior yields accurate predictions of COVID-19 transmissions and allows us to investigate counterfactual what-if scenarios. Results show that quarantining infected people and exploiting industry-specific home office capacities are the most effective NPIs. Disentangling education-related NPIs reveals that each considered institution (kindergarten, school, university) has rather small effects on its own, yet, that combined openings would result in large increases in COVID-19 cases. Representative survey-characteristics of agents also allow us to estimate NPIs' effects on different age groups. For instance, re-opening schools would cause comparatively few infections among the risk-group of people older than 60 years.

Brazilian women's use of evidence-based practices in childbirth after participating in the Senses of Birth intervention: A mixed-methods study.

Brazil has a cesarean rate of 56% and low use of Intrapartum Evidence-based Practices (IEBP) of 3.4%, reflecting a medically centered and highly interventionist maternal health care model. The Senses of Birth (SoB) is a health education intervention created to promote normal birth, use of EBP, and reduce unnecessary c-sections. This study aimed to understand the use of intrapartum EBP by Brazilian women who participated in the SoB intervention. 555 women answered the questionnaire between 2015 and 2016. Bivariate analysis and ANOVA test were used to identify if social-demographic factors, childbirth information, and perceived knowledge were associated with the use of EBP. A qualitative analysis was performed to explore women's experiences. Research participants used the following EBP: birth plan (55.2%), companionship during childbirth (81.6%), midwife care (54.2%), freedom of mobility during labor (57.7%), choice of position during delivery (57.2%), and non-pharmacological pain relief methods (74.2%). Doula support was low (26.9%). Being a black woman was associated with not using a birth plan or having doula support. Women who gave birth in private hospitals were more likely not to use the EBP. Barriers to the use of EBP identified by women were an absence of individualized care, non-respect for their choices or provision of EBP by health care providers, inadequate structure and ambiance in hospitals to use EBP, and rigid protocols not centered on women's needs. The SoB intervention was identified as a potential facilitator. Women who used EBP described a sense of control over their bodies and perceived self-efficacy to advocate for their chosen practices. Women saw the strategies to overcome barriers as a path to become their childbirth protagonist. Health education is essential to increase the use of EBP; however, it should be implemented combined with changes in the maternal care system, promoting woman-centered and evidence-based models.

Delay to Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention and Educational Outcomes for a Medicaid-Enrolled Cohort of Children with Autism.

Increased prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has underscored the need for early intervention services. Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) is among the most common evidence-based approaches, however, stakeholders report significant waitlists. The effects of these delays to intervention are unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of delay to EIBI for preschool aged children with ASD on later educational outcomes. Medicaid records from Minnesota (2008-2010) were used to evaluate a cohort diagnosed with ASD and their later educational outcomes from 2010 to 2014 (n = 667) using generalized estimating equations. Approximately 70% of children experienced a delay to EIBI and children that experienced less delay and started EIBI at a younger age had better educational outcomes.

The 2020 breakthroughs in early secondary prevention: dual antiplatelet therapy versus single antiplatelet therapy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Single antiplatelet therapy represents an established treatment in secondary prevention of ischemic strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). In contrast with coronary artery disease, the use of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for secondary prevention in patients with acute cerebral ischemia (ACI) remains under debate. In this narrative review, we present and analyse the most recent findings concerning the potential efficacy and safety of DAPT therapy after ischemic strokes or TIA. RECENT FINDINGS: Following the publication of the three (CHANCE, POINT and THALES) large, randomized-controlled, clinical trials (RCTs) that showed efficacy of early DAPT for the secondary prevention after minor AIS or TIA, short-term DAPT use is becoming the most prevalent choice of treatment. Notably, DAPT is even more popular after AIS attributed to large artery atherosclerosis given randomized data from small RCTs supporting the use of DAPT in patients with extracranial or intracranial atherosclerosis and microembolization detected by transcranial Doppler. Recent subanalysis of data from the randomized trials aim to identify specific patient subgroups, which are determined by genetic, imaging or clinical characteristics, and for whom DAPT appears to be more beneficial. The potential role of different antiplatelet agents (aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor) is also discussed. SUMMARY: DAPT has recently proven its efficacy for the early secondary prevention of AIS patients with minor stroke severity and high-risk TIA patients. However, the length of DAPT is still controversial, as well as the individualized selection of AIS or TIA patients with the lower risk of bleeding and with the greater benefit in prevention of ischemic cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events.

At-admission hyperglycemia is consistently associated with poor prognosis and early intervention can improve outcomes in patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: At-admission hyperglycemia have been associated with poorer outcome during critical illnesses. At-admission hyperglycemia in previously unknown diabetes is not uncommonly encountered entity in patients with COVID-19. We sought to find out the outcomes of at-admission hyperglycemia and effect of early intervention to achieve optimal glycemic control in relation to COVID-19 patients. METHODS: We searched the PubMed and Google Scholar database up till August 20, 2020 using specific keywords related to our aims and objectives. RESULTS: All currently available evidences clearly hint that at-admission hyperglycemia in patients with COVID-19 is associated with a poorer outcome, compared with normoglycemic individuals. Fortunately, early intervention by achieving an optimal glycemic control has also been associated with a significant improvement in the outcomes in patients with COVID-19. CONCLUSION: At-admission hyperglycemia should be taken seriously by all clinicians treating patients with COVID-19. All efforts should be made towards an optimal glycemic control in patients with COVID-19, even in absence of pre-existing diabetes.

Outcome at 2-year of treatment in first-episode psychosis patients who were enrolled in a specialized early intervention program.

Treatment in early intervention services (EIS) seems superior to treatment as usual on several outcomes, but the extent of heterogeneity in response is unclear. In this study, treatment response trajectories up to 2 years in first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients enrolled in an Italian early intervention service (EIS) have been quantified. The 24-item Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) was used to quantify treatment response up to 2 years in 129 participants. Conditional growth modeling and latent class growth analysis were used to test changes over time in the BPRS and separation into independent classes over time. Group differences were tested on socio-demographic and clinical variables known to be related to outcome in psychosis. Scores on the BPRS showed a statistically significant decrease in overall scores across all tested models. Four trajectories were identified across 2 years. Most patients showed a progressive decrease in the BPRS scores; a scant fraction showed a more stepped decrease from very high levels of psychopathology. No potential predictor was statistically related to the time course of BPRS scores. Most patients that undergo treatment within an EIS are characterized by amelioration, but patients that have higher baseline scores of psychopathology require more intensive treatment.

Changes in the number of suicide re-attempts in a French region since the inception of VigilanS, a regionwide program combining brief contact interventions (BCI).

BACKGROUND: Brief Contact Interventions (BCIs) after a suicide attempt (SA) are an important element of prevention against SA and suicide. They are easier to generalize to an entire population than other forms of intervention. VigilanS generalizes to a whole French region a BCI combining resource cards, telephone calls and mailings, according to a predefined algorithm. It was implemented gradually in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais (NPC), France, between 2015 and 2018. Here, we evaluate the effectiveness of VigilanS, in terms of SA reduction, using annual data collected by participating centers. Hypothesis tested: the higher the VigilanS implementation in a center (measured by penetrance), the greater the decrease in the number of SA observed in this center. METHODS: The study period was from 2014 to 2018, across all of NPC centers. We performed a series of linear regressions, each center representing a statistical unit. The outcome was the change in the number of SA, relative to the initial number, and the predictive variable was VigilanS' penetrance: number of patients included in VigilanS over the total number of SA. Search for influential points (points beyond threshold values of 3 influence criteria) and weighted least squares estimations were performed. RESULTS: Twenty-one centers were running VigilanS in 2018, with an average penetrance of 32%. A significant relationship was identified, showing a sharp decrease in SA as a function of penetrance (slope = - 1.13; p = 3*10- 5). The model suggested that a 25% of penetrance would yield a SA decrease of 41%. CONCLUSION: VigilanS has the potential to reduce SA. Subgroup analyzes are needed to further evaluate its effectiveness. Subgroup analyses remain to be done, in order to evaluate the specific variations of SA by group.

Descriptive Norms but not Harm Reduction Strategies as a Mediator of Personalized Boosters After a Computerized College Drinking Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Computer-delivered programs to reduce college drinking have strong appeal but are sometimes less efficacious than their in-person counterparts. Boosters may be an ideal way to strengthen and extend the effects of computerized interventions while maintaining low cost and easy dissemination. However, little is known about how they work. Consequently, the current study aimed to explore descriptive perceived drinking norms and use of protective behavioral strategies (PBS) as potential mediators of booster effects. We also examined norms and PBS as mediators of the main intervention. The present study was a follow-up analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial (Alcohol Clin Exp Res 42, 2018, 1735) testing the efficacy of emailed boosters containing personalized feedback after a computerized alcohol intervention. METHODS: Participants were 537 (67.4% women) emerging adult college drinkers (M age = 19.65, SD = 1.67). They were randomly assigned to one of 3 conditions: general health education, alcohol intervention only, or alcohol intervention plus booster email. Participants completed assessments at baseline and follow-ups through 9 months. RESULTS: Descriptive norms were a mediator of booster efficacy where receiving the booster yielded stronger reductions in alcohol use through reduced concurrent norms; however, fully longitudinal models did not reach significance. There was also an indirect effect for the intervention where those who received the intervention experienced an increase in drinking through increased concurrent norms. However, a stronger direct effect was found where those who received the intervention experienced a stronger decrease in drinking after controlling for norms. There was no support for PBS as a mediator of booster or intervention efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: The present study was the first, to our knowledge, to demonstrate a potential mechanism of change in booster interventions. A simple, succinct reminder via email led to reductions in perceptions of how much peers drink, and this led to reductions in alcohol consumption. Our findings support the promise of utilizing brief and easily implemented targeted messaging to enhance the potency of computerized interventions for college drinkers.

The erectile dysfunction as a marker of cardiovascular disease: a review.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and erectile dysfunction (ED) are two conditions that often coexist. Both diseases are consequences of the systemic vascular disease, sharing common risk factors, like diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, smoking, obesity, dyslipidaemia. Furthermore, they share the same pathological basis, endothelial dysfunction. Symptoms of ED precede with three to five years the clinical manifestations of CVD. This period may be a window of opportunity for the early initiation of a prompt therapeutic action for cardiovascular risk factors. This article reviews the incidence and prevalence of CVD and ED, the common risk factors, the pathophysiological link between the two diseases, and the current diagnosis and management strategies of patients with CVD and ED, in order to prevent myocardial infarction, stroke or heart failure.

Protective behavioral strategies predict alcohol-related problems among injured patients following a brief intervention.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol protective behavioral strategies (PBS) have been proposed as mechanisms of change underlying interventions for reducing alcohol use and alcohol-related problems. Few studies have examined PBS use among non-college student populations and no study has examined PBS use among adult injured patients. The current study tested types of PBS as mediators of the effects of a brief motivational intervention (BMI) delivered in the trauma care setting on alcohol-related problems. METHOD: Secondary data analyses were conducted using data from a multisite randomized controlled trial of brief intervention in the trauma care setting. The current study used data from a subset of participants who reported having consumed alcohol at least once at 3-month follow-up (N = 324). Following a baseline assessment, participants were assigned to either brief advice (BA; n = 107), BMI (n = 119), or BMI with a telephone booster (BMI + B; n = 98). Participants completed measures of PBS at 3-month follow-up and of alcohol-related problems at baseline and 6-month follow-up. A multiple mediation model was conducted to simultaneously test the mediation effects of types of PBS. RESULTS: BMI and BMI + B relative to BA did not increase PBS use. However, more frequent use of certain types of PBS at 3-month follow-up were predictors of greater reductions in alcohol-related problems from baseline to 6-month follow-up. There were no statistically significant mediation effects. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that PBS use reduces alcohol-related problems among trauma patients and implications for future studies are discussed.

Changing trends in surgical management for acute cholecystitis, in light of Tokyo guidelines - 14 year experience.

OBJECTIVE: To look for trends in surgical management of acute cholecystitis and compare the outcomes of patients with severe condition. METHODS: The retrospective study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from January to December 2016, and comprised data of adult patients who underwent cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2014. Record of patients from 2001 to 2007 was designated in Group-1 while Group-II covered period between 2008 and 2014. Severe cases of acute cholecystitis were divided into similar period-based Group-A and Group-B. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. RESULTS: Of the 1153 patients, 521(45.2%) were males. The overall mean age was 49.3+14 years. There were 309(36.2%) patents in Group-I and 844(73.2%) in Group-II. Early laparoscopic-cholecystectomy was performed in 907(78%) patients. Postoperative morbidity was observed in 73(6.3%) patients. In Group-II, there was significant increase in early cholecystectomy, decrease in conversion rates and use of percutaneous cholecystostomy tube placement (p<0.05 each). In patients with severe acute cholecystitis, higher rate of early cholecystectomy was found in Group-A but it was not significant, and the same was the case in terms of conversion rate, postoperative morbidity and hospital stay (p>0.05 each). CONCLUSIONS: Over the years, the institutional experience of managing acute cholecystitis has changed dramatically which has helped improve the level of care for the patients.

Chronic Headache: a Review of Interventional Treatment Strategies in Headache Management.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: To provide an overview of current interventional pain management techniques for primary headaches with a focus on peripheral nerve stimulation and nerve blocks. RECENT FINDINGS: Despite a plethora of treatment modalities, some forms of headaches remain intractable to conservative therapies. Interventional pain modalities have found a niche in treating headaches. Individuals resistant to common regimens, intolerant to pharmaceutical agents, or those with co-morbid factors that cause interactions with their therapies are some instances where interventions could be considered in the therapeutic algorithm. In this review, we will discuss these techniques including peripheral nerve stimulation, third occipital nerve block (TON), lesser occipital nerve block (LON), greater occipital nerve block (GON), sphenopalatine block (SPG), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and cervical epidural steroid injections (CESI). Physicians have used several interventional techniques to treat primary headaches. While many can be treated pharmacologically, those who continue to suffer from refractory or severe headaches may see tremendous benefit from a range of more invasive treatments which focus on directly inhibiting the painful nerves. While there is a plethora of evidence suggesting these methods are effective and possibly durable interventions, there is still a need for large, prospective, randomized trials to clearly demonstrate their efficacy.

Recent Advances in the Early Intervention in Schizophrenia: Future Direction from Preclinical Findings.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In the past decade, there has been increasing interest in the potential benefit of early intervention in schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia show cognitive impairment for several years preceding the onset of psychosis. The author discusses the recent topics on prevention of schizophrenia. RECENT FINDINGS: Preclinical findings suggest that maternal immune activation (MIA) produces cognitive deficits as a prodromal symptom in juvenile offspring in rodents. Treatment with anti-inflammatory compounds, such as D-serine, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (a TrkB agonist), sulforaphane (or its precursor glucoraphanin), and TPPU (1-trifluoromethoxyphenyl-3-(1-propionylpiperidin-4-yl) urea: a soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor), during adolescence might prevent the onset of behavioral abnormalities and parvalbumin immunoreactivity in the medial prefrontal cortex of adult offspring after MIA. Based on the role of inflammation and cognitive impairment in the prodromal state, early intervention using anti-inflammatory compounds (i.e., D-serine, sodium benzoate, TrkB agonist, Nrf2 agonist, soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor) may reduce the risk of subsequent transition to schizophrenia.

A scoping review of peer-led interventions following spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Scoping review. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to report on the extent, range and nature of the research evaluating peer-led interventions following spinal cord injury, and to categorize and report information according to study design, peer role, intervention type and intended outcomes. METHODS: Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework for conducting scoping reviews was used. Original research studies of a peer-led intervention published between 2010 and present were included. CINAHL Plus, Ovid MEDLINE and PsycINFO were searched using key terms, in addition to citation checks. Data were extracted against a previously published consolidated typology. RESULTS: Significant heterogeneity in studies (n = 21) existed in aims and methods. Two studies reported on randomized controlled trials with relatively robust sample sizes and qualitative methodology was common. Peer role was frequently described as 'peer support', but there was variation in the description and duration of the interventions, complicating the categorization process. The majority of interventions were conducted one to one (n = 15). Studies most commonly aimed to address community integration (n = 15) and health self-management outcomes (n = 10). CONCLUSIONS: A small number of studies were eligible for review, although increasingly with rigorous designs. The nature of the peer mentor and mentee experiences were explored, and the interaction between the two, offering rich insights to the value of lived experience. Further work refining typology describing intervention type, peer roles and outcomes would facilitate replication of programmes and study designs, enabling statistical synthesis and potentially strengthening the credibility of peers as a viable resource in in-patient and community settings.

Retrospective study of a first-episode psychosis service embedded within a home-based treatment team.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate if having an early intervention service (EIS), which is embedded within a home-based treatment team (HBTT), is associated with (1) shorter duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), (2) lower rates of hospital admissions at first presentation, (3) a lesser number of hospital admissions within 6 months of presentation and (4) a reduced mean bed usage for the first 6 months. METHODS: The files of those who presented with a first-episode psychosis (FEP) to the South Lee Mental Health Service from January 2016 to February 2017 were identified and a retrospective case review was carried out. The demographics, clinical characteristics and hospital admissions were compared for those admitted to either the EIS or community mental health teams. RESULTS: Forty patients were assessed. DUP was found to be longer for those who presented to the EIS (U = 121, p = 0.03). There were fewer admissions at first presentation (χ2 (1) = 6.51 p = 0.01), fewer admissions within the first 6 months of presentation (χ2 (1) = 5.56 p = 0.02) and less bed usage overall (U = 131, p = 0.047) for those who presented to the EIS. CONCLUSION: The study provides a baseline clinical and demographic profile of patients with FEP in an Irish mental health service and demonstrates current pathways to care. EIS embedded within an HBTT was associated with fewer hospital admissions and less bed usage. It is unclear whether these findings may have occurred due to the EIS or due to the benefits provided by an HBTT.

Development and evaluation of e-mental health interventions to reduce stigmatization of suicidality - a study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, approximately 800,000 persons die by suicide every year; with rates of suicide attempts estimated to be much higher. Suicidal persons often suffer from a mental disorder but stigma, lack of available and suitable support, and insufficient information on mental health limit help seeking. The use of internet-based applications can help individuals inform themselves about mental disorders, assess the extent of their own concerns, find local treatment options, and prepare for contact with health care professionals. This project aims to develop and evaluate e-mental health interventions to improve knowledge about suicidality and to reduce stigmatization of those affected. In developing these interventions, a representative telephone survey was conducted to detect knowledge gaps and stigmatizing attitudes in the general population. METHODS: First, a national representative telephone survey with N = 2000 participants in Germany was conducted. Second, e-mental health interventions are developed to address knowledge gaps and public stigma detected in the survey. These comprise an evidence-based health information package about suicidality, information on regional support services, a self-administered depression test-including suicidality-and an interactive online intervention including personal stories. The development is based on a trialogical exchange of experience between persons affected by suicidality, relatives of affected persons, and clinical experts. Australian researchers who developed an e-mental health intervention for individuals affected by rural suicide were invited to a workshop in order to contribute their knowledge and expertise. Third, the online intervention will be evaluated by a mixed methods design. DISCUSSION: From representative telephone survey data, content can be developed to address specific attitudes and knowledge via the e-mental health interventions. These interventions will be easily accessed and provide an opportunity to reach people who tend not to seek professional services, prefer to inform themselves in advance and/or wish to remain anonymous. Evaluation of the online intervention will provide information on any changes in participants' self-stigma and perceived-stigma of suicidality, and any increase in participants' knowledge on suicidality or self-efficacy expectations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trial Register DRKS00015071 on August 6, 2018.

Pragmatic randomized controlled trial of a web-based intervention for alcohol use among Brazilian college students: Motivation as a moderating effect.

BACKGROUND: Web-based personalized normative feedback (PNF) interventions are less effective than their laboratory versions. Participant motivation may account for this reduced effect, but there is only a limited amount of research into the influence of motivation on PNF effectiveness. We evaluated the effectiveness of a web-based PNF in reducing alcohol use and consequences among college students with different motivation levels. METHODS: Pragmatic randomized controlled trial among Brazilian college drinkers aged 18-30 years (N = 4460). Participants were randomized to a Control or PNF group and followed-up after one (T1), three (T2) and six (T3) months. Outcomes were: AUDIT score (primary outcome), the number of consequences, and the typical number of drinks. Motivation for receiving the intervention was assessed with a visual analog scale (range: 0-10). Generalized mixed models assessed intervention effects via two paradigms: observed cases and attrition models. RESULTS: PNF reduced the number of typical drinks at T1 (OR = 0.71, p = 0.002), T2 (OR = 0.60, p < 0.001) and T3 (OR = 0.68, p = 0.016), compared to the control. Motivated students (score ≥3) receiving PNF also reduced the number of typical drinks at T1 (OR = 0.60, p < 0.001), T2 (OR = 0.55, p < 0.001) and T3 (OR = 0.56, p = 0.001), compared to the control. However, the attrition models were more robust at T1 and T2. In contrast, low-motivated students receiving the PNF increased AUDIT score at T3 (b = 1.49, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The intervention reduced alcohol use, and motivation for receiving the intervention moderated the intervention effects. Motivated students reduced their typical alcohol use, whereas low-motivated students increased their AUDIT score.

Early intervention in psychiatry: scotomas, representativeness, and the lens of clinical populations.

Evidence supporting early intervention in mental health has gained prominence in recent years, with services for first episode psychosis having led the way. Despite this momentum, however, the extent to which rapidly accumulating data has been collected in samples resembling real-world clinical populations remains unclear. Kline et al. compare and contrast two groups experiencing a first episode of psychosis: research participants, and a clinical sample receiving early intervention services at the same health centre. They find key differences-including the underrepresentation of vulnerable groups and surprisingly little overlap between the two samples-that should prompt reflection about blind spots, filters between research and clinical care, and how to tie the generation of evidence to practice-based research.

Early initiation of antiretroviral therapy for people newly diagnosed with HIV infection in Australia: trends and predictors, 2004-2015.

OBJECTIVES: To determine trends in and predictors of early treatment for people newly diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Australia. DESIGN, SETTING: Retrospective cohort analysis of routinely collected longitudinal data from 44 sexual health clinics participating in the Australian Collaboration for Coordinated Enhanced Sentinel Surveillance (ACCESS) program. PARTICIPANTS: Patients diagnosed with HIV infections, January 2004 - June 2015. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Commencement of antiretroviral therapy within 6 months of HIV diagnosis (early treatment); demographic, clinical, and risk group characteristics of patients associated with early treatment; trends in early treatment, by CD4+ cell count at diagnosis. RESULTS: 917 people were diagnosed with HIV infections, their median age was 34 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 27-43 years), and 841 (92%) were men; the median CD4+ cell count at diagnosis was 510 cells/µL (IQR, 350-674 cells/µL). The proportion of patients who received early treatment increased from 17% (15 patients) in 2004-06 to 20% (34 patients) in 2007-09, 34% (95 patients) in 2010-12, and 53% (197 patients) in 2013-15 (trend, P < 0.001). The probability of early treatment, which increased with time, was higher for patients with lower CD4+ cell counts and higher viral loads at diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of people newly diagnosed with HIV in sexual health clinics in Australia who received treatment within 6 months of diagnosis increased from 17% to 53% during 2004-2015, reflecting changes in the CD4+ cell count threshold in treatment guidelines. Nevertheless, further strategies are needed to maximise the benefits of treatment to prevent viral transmission and morbidity.

Are sensorimotor experiences the key for successful early intervention in infants with congenital brain lesion?

Living with a congenital brain lesion may have detrimental effects on the ability to do everyday activities, but contrary to acquired brain lesions, people and in particular children, with congenital brain lesions may have limited or no experience of how their bodies work. This absence of experience gives rise to challenges for habilitation of sensorimotor abilities and derived cognitive abilities. How can motor and cognitive abilities be achieved and trained in an individual with no experience of potential abilities? In this article, we aim to review the existing knowledge about the development of sensorimotor integration. Further, we will discuss this knowledge in the light of two neurocognitive theories: embodied cognition and predictive coding. Moreover, using developmental knowledge and theory in combination, we will argue that early sensorimotor development serves as a foundation for later cognitive development. Finally, we try to use these elements in a strategy to make interventions as early as possible, with the purpose of improving sensorimotor and cognitive abilities in children with congenital brain lesions.