La Trobe University

About: La Trobe University is a education organization based out in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 13370 authors who have published 41291 publications receiving 1138269 citations. The organization is also known as: LaTrobe University & LTU.

Comparison of Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autistic children on a Test of Motor Impairment

Abstract: Compared the motor impairment levels of Asperger syndrome and high functioning autistic children using a standardized test, the Test of Motor Impairment-Henderson Revision. The two groups did not differ on either total or subscale impairment scores. Intelligence level was negatively correlated with motor impairment although the relationship was mostly accounted for by the Asperger children. There was considerable variability within both clinical groups but 50% of Asperger children and 67% of autistic children showed a clinically significant level of motor impairment. Results offer no support for clumsiness as a diagnostically differentiating feature of these disorders.

Sex determination and population biology in the hymenoptera

Abstract: The Hymenoptera (ants, bees, wasps and sawflies) display a great variety of social systems and sex ratios and have played a key role in the development and testing of many evolutionary models. Traditionally, considerable emphasis was placed on the fact that hymenopterans have haploid males and diploid females but it is now clear that many species also regularly produce sterile, diploid males. Recent studies explore the diverse ways in which production of these diploid males influences selection on mating systems, sex ratios and social behaviour.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in physical therapists : prevalence, severity, risks, and Responses.

Abstract: Background and Purpose Physical therapists are at risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) Little is known of how therapists respond to injury or of what actions they take to prevent injury The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and severity of WMSDs in physical therapists, contributing risk factors, and their responses to injury Subjects As part of a larger study, a systematic sample of 1 in 4 therapists on a state register (n=824) was surveyed Methods An 8-page questionnaire was mailed to each subject Questions investigated musculoskeletal symptoms, specialty areas, tasks and job-related risk factors, injury prevention strategies, and responses to injury Results Lifetime prevalence of WMSDs was 91%, and 1 in 6 physical therapists moved within or left the profession as a result of WMSDs Younger therapists reported a higher prevalence of WMSDs in most body areas Use of mobilization and manipulation techniques was related to increased prevalence of thumb symptoms Risk factors pertaining to workload were related to a higher prevalence of neck and upper-limb symptoms, and postural risk factors were related to a higher prevalence of spinal symptoms Conclusion and Discussion Strategies used to reduce work-related injury in industry may also apply to physical therapists Increased risk of thumb symptoms associated with mobilization techniques suggests that further research is needed to establish recommendations for practice The issues for therapists who move within or leave the profession are unknown, and further research is needed to better understand their needs and experiences

Low Potential for Climatic Stress Adaptation in a Rainforest Drosophila Species

Abstract: The ability of sensitive rainforest species to evolve in response to climate change is largely unknown. We show that the Australian tropical rainforest fly Drosophila birchii exhibits clinal variation in desiccation resistance, but the most resistant population lacks the ability to evolve further resistance even after intense selection for over 30 generations. Parent-offspring comparisons indicate low heritable variation for this trait but high levels of genetic variation for morphology. D. birchii also exhibits abundant genetic variation at microsatellite loci. The low potential for resistance evolution highlights the importance of assessing evolutionary potential in targeted ecological traits and species from threatened habitats.