bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impacts of extreme winter warming in the sub‐Arctic: growing season responses of dwarf shrub heathland
Authors: BOKHORST S. , BJERKE J. W. , BOWLES F. W. , MELILLO J. , CALLAGHAN T. V. , PHOENIX G. K. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractClimate change scenarios predict an increased frequency of extreme climatic events. In Arctic regions, one of the most profound of these are extreme and sudden winter warming events in which temperatures increase rapidly to above freezing, often causing snow melt across whole landscapes and exposure of ecosystems to warm temperatures. Following warming, vegetation and soils no longer insulated below snow are then exposed to rapidly returning extreme cold. Using a new experimental facility established in sub‐Arctic dwarf shrub heathland in northern Sweden, we simulated an extreme winter warming event in the field and report findings on growth, phenology and reproduction during the subsequent growing season. A 1‐week long extreme winter warming event was simulated in early March using infrared heating lamps run with or without soil warming cables. Both single short events delayed bud development of Vaccinium myrtillus by up to 3 weeks in the following spring (June) and reduced flower production by more than 80%: this also led to a near‐complete elimination of berry production in mid‐summer. Empetrum hermaphroditum also showed delayed bud development. In contrast, Vaccinium vitis‐idaea showed no delay in bud development, but instead appeared to produce a greater number of actively growing vegetative buds within plots warmed by heating lamps only. Again, there was evidence of reduced flowering and berry production in this species. While bud break was delayed, growing season measurements of growth and photosynthesis did not reveal a differential response in the warmed plants for any of the species. These results demonstrate that a single, short, extreme winter warming event can have considerable impact on bud production, phenology and reproductive effort of dominant plant species within sub‐Arctic dwarf shrub heathland. Furthermore, large interspecific differences in sensitivity are seen. These findings are of considerable concern, because they suggest that repeated events may potentially impact on the biodiversity and productivity of these systems should these extreme events increase in frequency as a result of global change. Although climate change may lengthen the growing season by earlier spring snow melt, there is a profound danger for these high‐latitude ecosystems if extreme, short‐lived warming in winter exposes plants to initial warm temperatures, but then extreme cold for the rest of the winter. Work is ongoing to determine the longer term and wider impacts of these events.
Mycorrhizal fungi reduce the negative effects of nitrogen enrichment on plant community structure in dune grassland
Authors: Van Der HEIJDEN MARCEL G. A. , VERKADE SEBASTIAAN , De BRUIN SUSANNE J. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractNitrogen (N) inputs to ecosystems have increased worldwide, often leading to large changes in plant community structure and reducing plant diversity. Yet, the interaction of increased N availability with other factors that determine plant community composition, are still poorly understood. Here, we test whether the impact of N addition on plant communities depends on the presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). AMF are widespread plant symbionts that facilitate growth of many plant species. We hypothesize that AM fungi reduce the negative impact of N addition on plant communities by supporting growth of species that are sensitive to N enrichment.We established experimental grassland microcosms consisting of 18 plant species. These microcosms were subjected to high and low N supply and were inoculated with AMF or remained nonmycorrhizal. Both N addition and AMF had a big impact on plant community composition, but with opposite effects. N addition induced a 2.8‐fold increase in grass biomass and reduced legume biomass. Grasses dominated the microcosms at high N supply, especially when AMF were absent. In contrast, AMF enhanced biomass of all legumes species (on average 6.8‐fold) and reduced the relative abundance of grasses. The proportion of legume biomass out of total shoot biomass at high N supply was 19% with AMF and only 3% without AMF. Our results show that responses of plant communities to N enrichment depend on AMF and that AMF can reduce the negative impact of increased N availability on plant community structure by reducing grass dominance.
Motor abilities of children diagnosed with fragile X syndrome with and without autism
Authors: Zingerevich C. , Greiss‐Hess L. , Lemons‐Chitwood K. , Harris S. W. , Hessl D. , Cook K. , Hagerman R. J. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackground  Previous studies suggested that children diagnosed with fragile X syndrome (FXS) often meet criteria for autism or PDD. This study describes the fine motor abilities of children diagnosed with FXS with and without autism spectrum disorder, and compares the motor scores of those groups controlling for cognitive level.Method  Forty‐eight children, ages 12–76 months (SD = 16) diagnosed with FXS were assessed with the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. Their parents were interviewed with the Autism Diagnostic Interview‐Revised. We used a one‐way analysis of variance to determine if the fine motor scale of the Mullen would show group differences based on autism classifications for the sample. In addition, we used Pearson correlation coefficient to examine the relationship between the cognitive level, the autism severity and the motor abilities. Lastly, we conducted a one‐way analysis of covariance to determine the difference between the motor abilities of the Autism Spectrum Disorder groups controlling for cognitive level.Results  We found that 60% of the children with FXS met criteria for autism or Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not otherwise specified (PDD‐NOS). Children with FXS with autism and PDD‐NOS had lower fine motor scores than those without. However, there was no significant association between degree of motor impairment and communication and social impairments after controlling for cognitive level, indicating that cognitive level contributes to impaired motor abilities of children diagnosed with FXS and autism, more than the severity of autism symptoms.Conclusion  children with FXS and autism are at risk for impaired motor abilities. Implications for development and intervention are discussed.
Does visual impairment lead to additional disability in adults with intellectual disabilities?
Authors: Evenhuis H. M. , Sjoukes L. , Koot H. M. , Kooijman A. C. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackground  This study addresses the question to what extent visual impairment leads to additional disability in adults with intellectual disabilities (ID).Method  In a multi‐centre cross‐sectional study of 269 adults with mild to profound ID, social and behavioural functioning was assessed with observant‐based questionnaires, prior to expert assessment of visual function. With linear regression analysis the percentage of variance, explained by levels of visual function, was calculated for the total population and per ID level.Results  A total of 107/269 participants were visually impaired or blind (WHO criteria). On top of the decrease by ID visual impairment significantly decreased daily living skills, communication & language, recognition/communication. Visual impairment did not cause more self‐absorbed and withdrawn behaviour or anxiety. Peculiar looking habits correlated with visual impairment and not with ID. In the groups with moderate and severe ID this effect seems stronger than in the group with profound ID.Conclusion  Although ID alone impairs daily functioning, visual impairment diminishes the daily functioning even more. Timely detection and treatment or rehabilitation of visual impairment may positively influence daily functioning, language development, initiative and persistence, social skills, communication skills and insecure movement.
Associations between repetitive questioning, resistance to change, temper outbursts and anxiety in Prader–Willi and Fragile‐X syndromes
Authors: Woodcock K. , Oliver C. , Humphreys G. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackground  The behavioural phenotypes of Prader–Willi (PWS) and Fragile‐X (FraX) syndromes both comprise repetitive behaviours with differences between the profiles. In this study we investigated the context and antecedents to the repetitive behaviours and the association with other behavioural phenotypic characteristics in order to generate testable hypotheses regarding the cause of the behaviours.Method  The parents or carers of 46 children with PWS (mean age 14.1 years; 20 girls), and 33 boys with FraX (mean age 13.11 years) were interviewed about their children's repetitive behaviour in a semi‐structured format.Results  Children showed negative emotional behaviour (PWS: 87.0%; FraX: 79.4%) and repetitive questions (PWS: 78.3%; FraX: 73.5%) following changes in routine or expectations. Significantly more temper outbursts were reported to follow changes in children with PWS (89.1%) compared with boys with FraX (41.2%) (χ2 = 20.93; P < 0.001). Anxiety that was frequently associated with repetitive and self‐injurious behaviours in boys with FraX, followed changes in significantly more boys with FraX (76.5%) compared with children with PWS (6.5%) (χ2 = 43.19, P < 0.001).Discussion  On the basis of these reports and existing literature, we hypothesise that decreases in predictability are aversive to children with PWS and FraX. We also hypothesise that these children have a propensity to show a syndrome‐related pattern of behaviour (temper outbursts in PWS and displays of anxiety in FraX) when an event in the environment has this aversive property. We hypothesise that questions may be reinforcing to children in their own right by increasing the predictability of the environment. We outline how a specific cognitive deficit in the endophenotypes associated with both PWS and FraX could be investigated as a potential explanation for the hypothesised aversive properties of decreased predictability.
Physical activity of young people in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Region: An exploratory study
Authors: Abbott Rebecca , Jenkins David , Haswell‐Elkins Melissa , Fell Karla , MacDonald Doune , Cerin Ester 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjective:  The present study explored the practices of, and perceived barriers to, physical activity of young people living in remote communities in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area of Far North Queensland. Design and setting:  A cross‐sectional survey exploring physical activity practices of children attending primary and secondary schools in two communities in the Torres Strait, Far North Queensland. Participants:  A total of 367 primary and secondary school‐aged children (aged 9–16 years). Main outcome measures:  Only 50% of the children reported being active for more than 30 min a day and approximately 25% of both primary and high school children surveyed were ‘pretty much active only at week‐ends’. The major barriers cited to being active were related to the climate, lack of equipment and child‐specific activities and low self‐perception of ability. Conclusions:  A large proportion of school students in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area reported low levels of physical activity. The main barriers cited to being active suggest that structural and family‐based strategies are required to help young people, especially girls, to engage in more physical activity. There is also a need for skills and confidence‐building activities delivered in a non‐competitive environment for those who feel that they lack the necessary skills to participate fully.
The oral health status and treatment needs of Indigenous adults in the Kimberley region of Western Australia
Authors: Kruger Estie , Smith Kirrilee , Atkinson David , Tennant Marc 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjective:  The oral health of Indigenous Australians, whether urban or rural, is significantly poorer than their non‐Indigenous counterparts, and it would be expected that the oral health of rural and remote Indigenous Australians would be particularly poor, although the extent of this extra disadvantage has not been thoroughly documented. The aim of this study was to assess the oral health status and oral health needs in a sample of adult residents of selected towns and remote communities in the Kimberley region of North‐west Australia. Design:  A cross‐sectional survey (dental examinations and oral health questionnaires) was carried out. Setting:  Rural and remote communities in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Participants:  Adults in four selected communities. Results:  The mean Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) score for all participants was 9.8 (SD 8.3). The mean DMFT increased with increasing age. Only 7.3% of people were caries‐free. A total of 13% of participants had periodontal pockets of 6 mm or more, and only 3% had no periodontal disease. More than a third (37%) of all participants had advanced periodontal disease. Only 21% of participants did not need any dental treatment. Conclusions:  The oral health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are listed as one of the priority areas of Australia's National Oral Health Plan. Based on the above results, oral health is clearly an important priority in the Kimberley.
Subjective well‐being, sociodemographic factors, mental and physical health of rural residents
Authors: Lee Adeline , Browne Mark Oakley 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjective:  To ascertain the relationship between subjective well‐being and sociodemographic factors, mental and physical health of a sample of rural residents. Design:  Cross‐sectional survey with stratified random sampling of persons based on the 2000 State Electoral Role. Questionnaire was forwarded to 23 000 residents throughout a rural area. Setting:  Households within Gippsland. Participants:  Five thousand three hundred and ninety‐one adults aged 18 years and above. Main outcome measures:  Residents completed a self‐reported questionnaire assessing life satisfaction/subjective well‐being, psychological distress, sociodemographic factors, physical and mental health problems. Results:  Completed survey indicated that participants with lower levels of psychological distress, physical disability and mental disability had higher odds of being satisfied with their life. Participants with severe mental disability had the lowest odds of being satisfied with life. On average, participants were satisfied with their life (mean score of 21, SD = 5.9), are within the normal range of the Kessler‐10 (mean score = 16.31, SD = 5.85), had no mental disability (mean score = 51.8, SD = 7.36) on the mental component of the Short Form‐12 Health Survey, but are mildly physically disabled (mean score = 48.9, SD = 7.74).Conclusions:  The results of this study indicate that sociodemographic factors, psychological distress, physical health and mental health contribute to subjective well‐being. Compared with other age groups, those aged 66 years and above had the highest level of life satisfaction. Those living with partner/spouse without children, with no mental or physical disability and no psychological distress had highest level of life satisfaction. Women also had higher levels of life satisfaction compared with men.
Profile of occupational therapy practice in rural and remote South Australia
Authors: Boshoff Kobie , Hartshorne Sue 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjective:  The aim of this report is to discuss the results of a questionnaire conducted with occupational therapists providing services in rural and remote South Australia. It is envisaged that the results will be of interest to health professionals working in country areas of Australia. The questionnaire aimed at capturing descriptive information from these therapists in regards to the type of services they deliver and the strategies they employ to deliver services, including information on human resources and staff retention. Design and methods:  A questionnaire sent to occupational therapy managers and yielded a 44% response rate. Results:  Results provide descriptive information on the services provided, for example, the vast geographical areas covered. Respondents described the challenges they face in service delivery and these include the wide range of services to diverse client groups, high client–therapist ratio and limited human resources. Examples of strategies used are less labour‐intensive service delivery models, multi‐skilling of staff, networking and use of problem‐solving techniques. Most perceived their services to be addressing client needs and they felt supported in their roles by other occupational therapists and their organisations. Conclusions:  Occupational therapists working in rural and remote South Australia are overcoming the challenges identified in this questionnaire by implementing innovative strategies.
Royal Flying Doctor Service ‘field days’: A move towards more comprehensive primary health care
Authors: Hill Kristy , Harris Neil 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjective:  To examine the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) field day program as a means of strengthening community capacity within a primary health care context in remote communities of north Queensland. Design:  Qualitative explanatory study using in‐depth face‐to‐face and phone interviews with field day participants, field day coordinators and RFDS staff and a focus group with RFDS staff. Setting:  Rural and remote communities of north Queensland that participate in RFDS field days. Results:  Field days were found to be contributing to building capacity for health in the remote communities that have been involved in field days. Participants reported increased linkages and partnerships; increased participation; improved problem‐solving capacity and increased knowledge transfer associated with the conduct of RFDS field days. Conclusion:  RFDS field days represent a viable framework for building community capacity for health in remote communities within a primary health care context.
Increasing community participation in an Aboriginal health service
Authors: Champion Sonia , Franks Christine , Taylor Judy 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjective: To increase Aboriginal participation with mainstream health professionals in an Aboriginal health and well‐being centre.Design: Participatory Action Research using Aboriginal traditional symbolism to depict aspects of the research process, interview surveys and a document review.Setting: A regional town with 629 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents and a newly established Aboriginal health and well‐being centre (Nunyara).Participants: Thirty Aboriginal community members were interviewed about their involvement with Nunyara and their health issues. Participants were selected through purposive ‘pass‐me‐around’ sampling to ensure that all family groups were included.Results: The results are presented in two areas: the structure of the Aboriginal community that affects participation and community views about health issues. Aboriginal people living in the town come from 10 or more different language groups and relate almost exclusively within their own groups. Activities at Nunyara were seen as individual family group events and not for everyone. Aboriginal community participants had a broad view of health as they reported problems that included smoking and alcohol use. Almost all would like more involvement in health issues through Nunyara.Conclusion: Aboriginal community members are willing to get involved in health issues in collaboration with Nunyara. However, fundamental to increasing participation is to bring people together from different family groups and increase social cohesion. This can be done through developing relationships with groups enabling different points of view to be heard and valued.
Health knowledge acquisition by rural women with chronic health conditions: A tale of two Web approaches
Authors: Weinert Clarann , Cudney Shirley , Hill Wade 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectives:  To determine the differences in health knowledge acquisition and the perceived impact on self‐management of chronic illness provided by two approaches to providing Web‐based information. Design:  Repeated‐measure questionnaire administered at four time points: baseline, 11, 23 and 53 weeks; a post‐computer intervention survey. Setting and participants:  One hundred and seventy‐six chronically ill women (aged 32–68 years) living in rural areas. Main outcome measures:  Scores on knowledge questions within repeated measures; participant ratings on perceptions of abilities to self‐manage. Intervention:  The 22‐week computer‐based intervention provided online support and health information. Women were randomly assigned to an intense intervention (n = 54), less‐intense intervention (n = 58) or control group (n = 64).Results:  Both computer intervention groups gained significantly in health knowledge with little differential effect at intervention conclusion or after 6 months, when there was a drop‐off in health knowledge retention of about one‐third (intense – baseline mean = 0.54, week 23 = 0.69, week 53 = 0.65; less intense – 0.58, 0.68, 0.65). Control remained about the same (0.51, 0.51, 0.53). Using an anova analysis, there was no appreciable difference between intervention groups in perceptions of ability to self‐manage illness (intense – mean = 4.02 (on a scale of 1–6), standard deviation = 0.99); less intense – (mean = 3.85, standard deviation = 1.00), t(107) = 0.90, P = 0.37).Conclusions:  A less‐intense intervention can be as effective as a more complex, labour‐intensive and costly intervention in assisting chronically ill rural women to acquire health knowledge they consider to be moderately helpful in managing their chronic conditions.
Improving mental health capacity in rural communities: Mental health first aid delivery in drought‐affected rural New South Wales
Authors: Sartore Gina‐Maree , Kelly Brian , Stain Helen J. , Fuller Jeffrey , Fragar Lyn , Tonna Anne 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjective:  To assess the effectiveness of mental health first aid (MHFA) training in drought‐affected rural and remote Australia, as part of a strategy to improve capacity among farming communities to provide early intervention for mental health problems. Methods:  Data were obtained from 99 participants recruited across 12 New South Wales towns, before and after delivery of MHFA seminars emphasising the role of front‐line workers from agricultural‐related services. Surveys assessed knowledge of, confidence in dealing with, and attitude towards people experiencing mental illness, along with the impact of training on response to mental health problems among target population of farmers and farming families. Results:  Rural support workers and community volunteers attended MHFA seminars because of perceived mental health needs in the workplace. A majority of responses reflect a concern with giving appropriate advice and support well outside narrow job definitions. Participants' ability to identify high prevalence disorders and endorse evidence‐based interventions for both high and low prevalence disorders increased following MHFA training, as did their confidence in their ability to provide appropriate help. Conclusions:  MHFA training can form an effective part of a strategy to improve systems of care and pathways to early intervention in rural communities by using local networks to provide mental health support.