Global validation of data-assimilative electron ring current nowcast for space weather applications.

The hazardous plasma environment surrounding Earth poses risks to satellites due to internal charging and surface charging effects. Accurate predictions of these risks are crucial for minimizing damage and preparing for system failures of satellites. To forecast the plasma environment, it is essential to know the current state of the system, as the accuracy of the forecast depends on the accuracy of the initial condition of the forecast.

A missing dusk-side loss process in the terrestrial electron ring current.

The Earth's magnetic field traps charged particles which are transported longitudinally around Earth, generating a near-circular current, known as the ring current. While the ring current has been measured on the ground and space for many decades, the enhancement of the ring current during geomagnetic storms is still not well understood, due to many processes contributing to its dynamics on different time scales. Here, we show that existing ring current models systematically overestimate electron flux observations of 10-50 keV on the nightside during storm onset.

Similar But Different: Integrated Phylogenetic Analysis of Austrian and Swiss HIV-1 Sequences Reveal Differences in Transmission Patterns of the Local HIV-1 Epidemics.

Objectives: Phylogenetic analyses of 2 or more countries allow to detect differences in transmission dynamics of local HIV-1 epidemics beyond differences in demographic characteristics.

Methods: A maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree was built using pol -sequences of the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS) and the Austrian HIV Cohort Study (AHIVCOS), with international background sequences. Three types of phylogenetic cherries (clusters of size 2) were analyzed further: (1) domestic cherries; (2) international cherries; and (3) SHCS/AHIVCOS-cherries.

Experiences of people with Parkinson's disease and their views on physical activity interventions: a qualitative systematic review.

Objective: The objective of the review was to synthesize the best available qualitative evidence on the experiences and preferences of people with Parkinson's disease for physical activity, their perceived motivators and barriers to engagement, as well as their views on support mechanisms and behavior change interventions designed to sustain participation.

Introduction: National and international guidelines recommend regular physical activity to improve health and wellbeing and to prevent disease. Research on Parkinson's disease indicates that physical activity programs can be beneficial in addressing both physical symptoms and overall wellbeing.

The reliability and validity of the L-test in people with Parkinson's disease.

Objective: To evaluate the test-retest and concurrent validity of the L-test in a group of participants with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease. The L-test is an extended version of the Timed up and Go test, incorporating a longer walking distance and turns in two directions.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Experiences of people with Parkinson's disease and their views of physical activity interventions: a qualitative systematic review protocol.

This review aims to explore the experiences of people with Parkinson's disease (pwPD) participation in physical activity and their views of interventions designed to engage and sustain engagement. Synthesis of the best available evidence will be used to determine any gaps in the research literature and make recommendations on approaches to increase and maintain engagement in physical activity in pwPD living in a community setting. The specific objectives are to.

Development of a balance, safe mobility and falls management programme for people with multiple sclerosis.

Purpose: To utilise stakeholder input to inform the structure, format and approach of a multiple sclerosis (MS) balance, safe mobility and falls management programme.

Materials And Methods: Using a three-round nominal group technique, participants individually rated their agreement with 20 trigger statements, followed by a facilitated group discussion and re-rating. Three mixed groups included service users (n = 15) and providers (n = 19).

First identification of a recombinant form of hepatitis C virus in Austrian patients by full-genome next generation sequencing.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) intergenotypic recombinant forms have been reported for various HCV genotypes/subtypes in several countries worldwide. In a recent study, four patients living in Austria had been identified to be possibly infected with a recombinant HCV strain. To clarify results and determine the point of recombination, full-genome next-generation sequencing using the Illumina MiSeq v2 300 cycle kit (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA) was performed in the present study.

Brief Report: Randomized, Double-Blind Comparison of Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF) vs Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF), Each Coformulated With Elvitegravir, Cobicistat, and Emtricitabine (E/C/F) for Initial HIV-1 Treatment: Week 144 Results.

In 2 double-blind phase 3 trials, 1733 antiretroviral-naive adults were randomized to tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), each coformulated with elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine (E/C/F). At 144 weeks, TAF was superior to TDF in virologic efficacy, with 84.2% vs 80.

A Single Quantifiable Viral Load Is Predictive of Virological Failure in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-Infected Patients on Combination Antiretroviral Therapy: The Austrian HIV Cohort Study.

Background.  Viral loads (VLs) detectable at low levels are not uncommon in patients on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). We investigated whether a single quantifiable VL predicted virological failure (VF).

Characterization of HIV Transmission in South-East Austria.

To gain deeper insight into the epidemiology of HIV-1 transmission in South-East Austria we performed a retrospective analysis of 259 HIV-1 partial pol sequences obtained from unique individuals newly diagnosed with HIV infection in South-East Austria from 2008 through 2014. After quality filtering, putative transmission linkages were inferred when two sequences were ≤1.5% genetically different.

Patient-reported outcomes in the single-tablet regimen (STaR) trial of rilpivirine/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate versus efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in antiretroviral treatment-naive adults infected with HIV-1 through 48 weeks of treatment.

This 96-week, randomized, open-label study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of two single-tablet regimens in treatment naïve HIV-1-infected adults: rilpivirine (RPV) + emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (FTC/TDF) and efavirenz (EFV) + FTC/TDF. Assessments included patient-reported Medication Adherence Self-Report Inventory, SF-12v2 Quality of Life assessment, HIV Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire, and HIV Symptom Index Questionnaire through Week 48. Additional evaluations included study drug discontinuations due to treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs).

Systematic Review: The Effectiveness of Interventions to Reduce Falls and Improve Balance in Adults With Multiple Sclerosis.

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions in reducing falls and/or improving balance as a falls risk in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Data Sources: Computer-based and manual searches included the following medical subject heading keywords: "Multiple Sclerosis AND accidental falls" OR "Multiple Sclerosis AND postural balance" OR "Multiple Sclerosis AND exercise" OR "Multiple Sclerosis AND physical/physio therapy" NOT animals. All literature published to November 2014 with available full-text details were included.

Treatment modification in HIV-Infected individuals starting antiretroviral therapy between 2011 and 2014.

Introduction: While antiretroviral therapy (ART) has increased the survival of HIV patients and turned HIV infection into a chronic condition, treatment modifications and poor adherence might limit this therapeutic success.

Methods: Patients from the Austrian HIV Cohort Study, who started their first ART after Rilpivirine became available in February 2011, were analyzed for factors associated with treatment modification which could be either a change of drugs or a stop of the regimen. A drug was considered as stopped when the regimen was interrupted for more than eight days.

Difference in factors associated with low-level viraemia and virological failure: results from the Austrian HIV Cohort Study.

Introduction: For some patients, it remains a challenge to achieve complete virological suppression which is the goal of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Identifying factors associated with low-level viraemia (LLV) and virological failure (VF) under ART might help to optimize management of these patients.

Materials And Methods: We investigated patients from the Austrian HIV Cohort Study receiving unmodified ART for >6 months with two nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) with either a non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) or a boosted protease inhibitor (PI) or an integrase inhibitor (INSTI) between 1 July 2012 and 1 July 2013 with at least one viral load (VL) measurement below the limit of detection (BLD) or below level of quantification (BLQ) in their treatment history.

Frequency, characteristics, and consequences of falls in multiple sclerosis: findings from a cohort study.

Objective: To evaluate falls rate and the characteristics of falls (including fall-related injuries) in a multiple sclerosis (MS) cohort.

Design: As part of a study evaluating falls risk, a cohort of 150 participants prospectively recorded actual and near fall events using a daily diary over 3 months, as well as the circumstances of each fall including related injuries.

Setting: Community setting.

Risk factors for falls in multiple sclerosis: an observational study.

Background: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience frequent falls, which are associated with impairments and limitations to activities and participations.

Objective: The objective of this paper is to evaluate falls risk factors using robust clinical measures.

Methods: A total of 150 individuals (confirmed MS diagnosis, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 3.

Identification of risk factors for falls in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Falls are a significant issue in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), with research demonstrating fall rates of more than 50%.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with falling in people with MS.

Data Sources: Mixed search methods were used, including computer-based and manual searches.

Problem Based Learning in physiotherapy education: a practice perspective.

Background: Problem Based Learning (PBL) has been integrated into a range of health education curricula; however there is limited research evaluating the application of skills developed through PBL in clinical practice.

Aim: This study aimed to provide evidence of how skills gained through PBL are applied in practice by student physiotherapists, from the perspective of their placement supervisors.

Method: A qualitative one-to-one semi-structured interview methodology was used, purposively recruiting a sample of 10 qualified physiotherapists with experience of placement supervision of students studying on a PBL physiotherapy undergraduate degree.

Strength and activation of the knee musculature in Parkinson's disease: effect of medication.

The specific neuromuscular mechanisms for compromised muscle strength with PD, and the improvement that occurs with medication, have not been clearly delineated. This study assessed knee extension and flexion strength of PD patients whilst on and off medication and examined the neural mechanisms responsible for any changes. Ten idiopathic PD patients were assessed whilst on and off medication (≥ 12-h after drug withdrawal), ∼ 7 days apart.

The effect of closed-kinetic chain exercises and open-kinetic chain exercise on the muscle activity of vastus medialis oblique and vastus lateralis.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions of the lower limb. The muscle imbalance between the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles is one of the main factors leading to the development of PFPS. The disparity in research and the necessity to add to the existing literature base led to the development of this study.

Single-measurement therapeutic drug monitoring of the HIV/AIDS drugs abacavir, zidovudine, lamivudine, efavirenz, nevirapine, lopinavir and nelfinavir.

Background: There is currently no consensus about the significance of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Objectives: In this study, single drug levels from routine clinical samples were determined in order to add further data on the therapeutic plasma level range and on drug levels under anti-HIV therapy in general.

Materials And Methods: A total of 215 plasma samples obtained from patients with HIV infection for whom TDM was requested for the first time were evaluated.