ORCID Profile
0000-0002-6356-962X
Current Organisation
University of South Australia
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander environmental knowledges | Natural products and bioactive compounds | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sciences | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander innovation
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Related Links
Publications
Quantification of salivary cortisol from captive dingoes (Canis dingo) in relation to age, sex, and breeding season: implications for captive management
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1071/AM15017
Abstract: Captive-breeding programs can play a key role in the conservation of threatened species such as the Australian dingo (Canis dingo). It is important to determine whether holding and rearing practices impose stressors that impact negatively on program outcomes and the health and wellbeing of the captive population. Despite evidence that chronic stress has significant welfare implications, our understanding of ‘stress’ in either wild or captive dingoes remains limited. In a first attempt to rectify this, we report salivary cortisol concentrations in juvenile and adult dingoes held in a captive colony. Dingo puppies (n = 8, M = 0.484 ± 0.09 μg dL–1) were found to have higher concentrations than adults (n = 12, M = 0.106 ± 0.031 μg dL–1) (P 0.0001). Concentrations in adult females (n = 6, M = 0.113 ± 0.030 μg dL–1) and males (n = 6, M = 0.099 ± 0.033 μg dL–1) did not significantly differ (P = 0.4740). Our preliminary findings also suggest that during the annual breeding season, males (but not females) have elevated levels of corticosteroids. Establishing a reference range for cortisol concentrations is vital for researchers and wildlife carers attempting to measure stressors in both captive and wild dingo populations. This study provides useful insight into the influence of time of day, development, and seasonality on cortisol concentrations. Suggestions for future research and implications of routine cortisol evaluation to aid better management practices are also discussed.
Dioecy in Plants - Is It an Important Factor for Phytochemists to Consider?
Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Date: 10-04-2013
Abstract: Plants with separate male and female flowers are termed dioecious. Dioecy is not rare, yet is a characteristic that could potentially impact the phytochemical and subsequent pharmacological properties of a species. This is a brief insight which highlights why the sex of the plant might be an important factor to consider for researchers within phytochemistry related fields.
Application of catecholamine metabolites as endogenous population biomarkers for wastewater-based epidemiology
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2021
A method for improved detection of 8-isoprostaglandin F2a/ss and benzodiazepines in wastewater
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2022.158061
Abstract: Wastewater-based epidemiology is a tool incorporating biomarker analysis that can be used to monitor the health status of a population. Indicators of health include endogenous oxidative stress biomarkers and hormones, or exogenous such as alcohol and nicotine. 8-Iso-prostaglandin F
Promises and challenges of eco-physiological genomics in the field: tests of drought responses in switchgrass
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 31-05-2016
DOI: 10.1104/PP.16.00545
Abstract: Identifying the physiological and genetic basis of stress tolerance in plants has proven to be critical to understanding adaptation in both agricultural and natural systems. However, many discoveries were initially made in the controlled conditions of greenhouses or laboratories, not in the field. To test the comparability of drought responses across field and greenhouse environments, we undertook three independent experiments using the switchgrass reference genotype Alamo AP13. We analyzed physiological and gene expression variation across four locations, two s ling times, and three years. Relatively similar physiological responses and expression coefficients of variation across experiments masked highly dissimilar gene expression responses to drought. Critically, a drought experiment utilizing small pots in the greenhouse elicited nearly identical physiological changes as an experiment conducted in the field, but an order of magnitude more differentially expressed genes. However, we were able to define a suite of several hundred genes that were differentially expressed across all experiments. This list was strongly enriched in photosynthesis, water status, and reactive oxygen species responsive genes. The strong across-experiment correlations between physiological plasticity-but not differential gene expression-highlight the complex and erse genetic mechanisms that can produce phenotypically similar responses to various soil water deficits.
A method and its application to determine the amount of cannabinoids in sewage sludge and biosolids
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-06-2021
Proteomic Analysis of Methylglyoxal Modifications Reveals Susceptibility of Glycolytic Enzymes to Dicarbonyl Stress
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 28-03-2022
DOI: 10.3390/IJMS23073689
Abstract: Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a highly reactive cellular metabolite that glycates lysine and arginine residues to form post-translational modifications known as advanced glycation end products. Because of their low abundance and low stoichiometry, few studies have reported their occurrence and site-specific locations in proteins. Proteomic analysis of WIL2-NS B lymphoblastoid cells in the absence and presence of exogenous MGO was conducted to investigate the extent of MGO modifications. We found over 500 MGO modified proteins, revealing an over-representation of these modifications on many glycolytic enzymes, as well as ribosomal and spliceosome proteins. Moreover, MGO modifications were observed on the active site residues of glycolytic enzymes that could alter their activity. We similarly observed modification of glycolytic enzymes across several epithelial cell lines and peripheral blood lymphocytes, with modification of fructose bisphosphate aldolase being observed in all s les. These results indicate that glycolytic proteins could be particularly prone to the formation of MGO adducts.
In vitro inhibitory activities of selected Australian medicinal plant extracts against protein glycation, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and digestive enzymes linked to type II diabetes
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-11-2016
Development and evaluation of a topical anti-inflammatory preparation containing Dodonaea polyandra extract
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 24-10-2015
DOI: 10.18433/J38P57
Abstract: Purpose: We have previously reported that the Australian Northern Kaanju (Kuuku I’yu) medicinal plant Dodonaea polyandra has anti-inflammatory activity. This is attributed largely to the presence of clerodane diterpenoids contained within the leaf resin. We envisaged developing a topical preparation to treat indications relating to skin inflammation. However, it was unknown whether the resin could be incorporated into a suitable dosage form while retaining the therapeutic value demonstrated in previous work. Therefore, the following study was undertaken to assess parameters of safety and efficacy for a prototype formulation containing the leaf resin extracted from D. polyandra. Methods: Using the assessment criteria of optimum appearance, tactile feeling, spreadability and odour, 78 different formulations were developed. Formulation stability was assessed using a centrifugal test with preparations displaying phase separation further modified or re-formulated. A prototype formulation containing 5% w/w plant resin was selected and subjected to in vitro release studies. This was quantified through HPLC analysis using two major bioactive diterpenoids as reference. The prototype formulation was tested for efficacy in a TPA-induced acute murine skin inflammation model as well as a 3D human skin model for irritancy/toxicity (Epiderm™). Results: The prototype resin cream was a chartreuse-coloured homogenous semisolid preparation that was readily spreadable upon contact with skin with no sensation of tackiness, residual greasiness, or irritation. The optimized cream showed no phase separation after 30 min centrifugation at 825 g. In the TPA-induced inflammation model, the resin formulation significantly reduced ear thickness and interleukin-1 beta levels in mouse ear tissue. The 5% w/w resin cream formulation showed no irritancy in a 3D human skin model. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that bioactive resin from D. polyandra can be formulated into a stable and non-irritant semi-solid dosage form and reduce parameters of acute skin inflammation in vivo. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
Biological activity and LC-MS/MS profiling of extracts from the Australian medicinal plant Acacia ligulata (Fabaceae)
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 21-04-2017
DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2017.1318383
Abstract: Acacia ligulata A.Cunn. ex Benth. (Fabaceae: Mimosoideae) is a native Australian plant used traditionally by Australian Aboriginal groups. This study was undertaken to investigate the bioactivity of A. ligulata extracts and to evaluate their chemical composition. Potential antibacterial, cytotoxic and enzyme inhibitory effects relevant to traditional medicinal and food uses of the species were examined and LC-MS/MS was performed to investigate the chemical composition. Antibacterial activity was observed for bark and leaf extracts with an MIC for the bark extract of 62.5 μg/mL against Streptococcus pyogenes. Pod extracts showed cytotoxic effects against cancer cells, with the highest activity against melanoma SK-MEL28 cells with IC
Life-history characteristics and climate correlates of dioecious plant species in central southern Australia
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 27-04-2023
DOI: 10.1071/BT22110
Abstract: Context The proportion of dioecious species can vary considerably among climates and habitats. However, studies often involve isolated communities or large erse areas and fail to capture how proportions vary across erse landscapes. Aims To identify (1) life-history associations of terrestrial dioecious plant species in central southern Australia, (2) whether proportion of dioecy varies spatially across central southern Australia, and (3) whether proportion of dioecy is correlated with life-history and/or climate factors. Methods Species growth form, pollination mechanisms and seed-dispersal features were extracted from herbarium databases to determine potential dioecy-linked traits. Distribution data for native terrestrial species in 66 Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation of Australia subregions were extracted from the Australasian Virtual Herbarium to calculate the proportion of total native species richness that are dioecious. Climate data for each subregion were also obtained from Terrestrial Ecology Research Network databases to investigate relationships among climate, life-history traits and dioecy. Key results Woodiness, abiotic pollination and endozoochory were more prevalent in dioecious than non-dioecious taxa. Proportion of dioecy ranged from 1.7% to 8.5% among subregions and correlated negatively with annual temperature range, January to March rainfall and precipitation seasonality and with average annual daily mean, minimum, maximum and average annual minimum temperature. The highest-ranked models of dioecy incorporated the additive effects of the relative proportion of woody species and either annual temperature ranges, January to March rainfall or average annual daily maximum temperature. Conclusions Dioecy was associated with woodiness, abiotic pollination and endozoochory, in line with studies of other flora, with the model of stable temperature range and woodiness being the highest-ranked model of dioecy. Implications Areas with higher proportions of dioecy can be targeted for future investigations into dioecious plant ecology to aid conservation and ecosystem management.
In vitro metabolism of the anti-inflammatory clerodane diterpenoid polyandric acid A and its hydrolysis product by human liver microsomes and recombinant cytochrome P450 and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase enzymes
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 14-07-2016
DOI: 10.1080/00498254.2016.1203041
Abstract: 1. The metabolism of the anti-inflammatory diterpenoid polyandric acid A (PAA), a constituent of the Australian Aboriginal medicinal plant Dodonaea polyandra, and its de-esterified alcohol metabolite, hydrolysed polyandric acid A (PAAH) was studied in vitro using human liver microsomes (HLM) and recombinant UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) and cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. 2. Hydrolysis of PAA to yield PAAH occurred upon incubation with HLM. Further incubations of PAAH with HLM in the presence of UGT and CYP cofactors resulted in significant depletion, with UGT-mediated depletion as the major pathway. 3. Reaction phenotyping utilising selective enzyme inhibitors and recombinant human UGT and CYP enzymes revealed UGT2B7 and UGT1A1, and CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 as the major enzymes involved in the metabolism of PAAH. 4. Analysis of incubations of PAAH with UDP-glucuronic acid-supplemented HLM and recombinant enzymes by UPLC/MS/MS identified three glucuronide metabolites. The metabolites were further characterised by β-glucuronidase and mild alkaline hydrolysis. The acyl glucuronide of PAAH was shown to be the major metabolite. 5. This study demonstrates the in vitro metabolism of PAA and PAAH and represents the first systematic study of the metabolism of an active constituent of an Australian Aboriginal medicinal plant.
Partitioning of phytocannabinoids between faeces and water - implications for wastewater-based epidemiology
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2022
Changes in alcohol consumption associated with social distancing and self‐isolation policies triggered by COVID‐19 in South Australia: a wastewater analysis study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2020
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.15256
Abstract: To assess the effects of social distancing and social isolation policies triggered by COVID‐19 on alcohol consumption using wastewater analysis in Adelaide, South Australia. Longitudinal quantitative analysis of influent wastewater data for alcohol concentration. Adelaide, South Australia. Wastewater catchment area representative of 1.1 million inhabitants. Twenty‐four hour composite influent wastewater s les were collected from four wastewater treatment plants in Adelaide, South Australia for 7 consecutive days (Wednesday–Tuesday) every 2 months from April 2016–April 2020. The alcohol metabolite ethyl sulfate was measured in s les using chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Data were population‐weighted adjusted with consumption expressed as standard drinks/day/1000 people. Weekly consumption and weekend to mid‐week consumption ratios were analysed to identify changes in weekday alcohol use pattern. Estimated weekend alcohol consumption was significantly lower (698 standard drinks/day/1000 people) after self‐isolation measures were enforced in April 2020 compared with the preceding s ling period in February 2020 (1047 standard drinks/day/1000 people), P 0.05. Weekend to midweek consumption ratio was 12% lower than the average ratio compared with all previous s ling periods. April 2020 recorded the lowest alcohol consumption relative to April in previous years, dating back to 2016. Wastewater analysis suggests that introduction of social distancing and isolation policies triggered by COVID‐19 in Adelaide, South Australia, was associated with a decrease in population‐level weekend alcohol consumption.
Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory properties of Dodonaea polyandra, a Kaanju traditional medicine
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.JEP.2010.07.012
Abstract: Extracts of the medicinal plant species Dodonaea polyandra were investigated as part of a collegial research partnership between Northern Kaanju traditional owners represented by Chuulangun Aboriginal Corporation (centred on the Wenlock and Pascoe Rivers, Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia) and university-based researchers. D. polyandra, known as "Uncha" in Kaanju language, is used in Northern Kaanju Traditional Medicine for relief from pain associated with toothache and related ailments. The species has a restricted distribution in Cape York Peninsula and there has been no previous Western scientific investigation of its pharmacology or chemistry. The current study investigates the anti-inflammatory effects of several extracts from D. polyandra. Phytochemical screening was conducted using TLC. Anti-inflammatory effects of leaf extracts were determined using an acute mouse ear oedema model induced by croton oil and 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) chemical irritants. Flavonoid and terpenoid secondary compounds were detected in leaf extracts of D. polyandra. Non-polar hexane and methylene chloride/methanol extracts showed potent inhibition of inflammation in TPA-induced mouse ear oedema by 72.12 and 79.81%, respectively, after 24 h at 0.4 mg/ear. In a mouse model of acute inflammation, this study revealed that leaf extracts of D. polyandra possess significant anti-inflammatory potential. These results contribute to a Western scientific understanding of the ethnopharmacological use of the plant in Northern Kaanju Medicine for reducing tooth-related pain.
Arid awakening: New opportunities for Australian plant natural product research
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1071/RJ16004
Abstract: The importance of plants and other natural reserves as sources for biologically important compounds, particularly for application in food and medicine, is undeniable. Herein we provide a historical context of the major scientific research programs conducted in Australia that have been aimed at discovering novel bioactive natural products from terrestrial plants. Generally speaking, the main approaches used to guide the discovery of novel bioactive compounds from natural resources have included random, ethnobotanical and chemotaxonomic strategies. Previous Australian plant natural product research c aigns appear to have lacked the use of a fourth strategy with equally high potential, namely the ecologically guided approach. In addition, many large studies have s led plant material predominantly from tropical regions of Australia, even though arid and semi-arid zones make up 70% of mainland Australia. Therefore, plants growing in arid zone environments, which are exposed to different external stressors (e.g. low rainfall, high ultraviolet exposure) compared with tropical flora, remain an untapped reservoir of potentially novel bioactive compounds. Research of Australian arid zone plants that is ecologically guided creates a new opportunity for the discovery of novel bioactive compounds from plants (and potentially other biota) for application in health care, food and agricultural industries.
Methcathinone in wastewater: drug of choice, or artefact?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2022.155696
Abstract: Methcathinone is a prevalent Novel Psychoactive Substance (NPS) used illicitly in some countries. Routine analysis of wastewater s led from catchments in South Australia has shown a consistent low-level presence of the compound, inconsistent with NPS use. This raised the question was the occurrence due to regular use as a drug of choice or was it an artefact being produced from other sources in the sewer system? NPS consumption is generally sporadic and would therefore point to the origin of methcathinone in wastewater being due to in-sewer oxidation of its legal precursor, pseudoephedrine. The present study tested this hypothesis by comparing the levels of pseudoephedrine and methcathinone in wastewater s les collected bimonthly from 8 catchment sites in South Australia. Laboratory experiments exposing pseudoephedrine to common household oxidizing agents (hypochlorite and percarbonate) were also performed and the production of methcathinone was demonstrated and monitored. The results of this study showed that the level of pseudoephedrine and methcathinone measured in wastewater followed a similar pattern. However, there were periods when the levels of each compound erged. Laboratory experiments showed that when exposed to various oxidizing agents, pseudoephedrine is oxidised to non-stoichiometric quantities of methcathinone. Although the use of methcathinone as a drug of choice remains possible, the results of this study indicate that the low and persistent level of methcathinone found in wastewater may arise in part from the oxidation of pseudoephedrine in the sewer system.
Antioxidant and Antiglycation Activities of Syzygium paniculatum Gaertn and Inhibition of Digestive Enzymes Relevant to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-10-2020
Antiproliferative Aporphine Alkaloids from Litsea glutinosa and Ethnopharmacological Relevance to Kuuku I’yu Traditional Medicine
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1071/CH15456
Abstract: Australian Aboriginal people have a long history of relying on plants for the treatment of various ailments and illnesses. Our ongoing collaborative research project initiated by Chuulangun Aboriginal Corporation (Cape York, Australia) has recently focussed on revealing whether Kuuku I’yu plant medicines possess anticancer-related activities and the chemistry responsible for this. Here, we present results from a study of the plant Litsea glutinosa, used traditionally for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Four known aporphine alkaloids N-methylactinodaphnine (1), boldine (2), N-methyllaurotetanine (3), and isoboldine (4) were isolated by activity-guided fractionation and tested for cytotoxicity against HT29, SKMEL28, and primary human keratinocytes. Compound 1 was the most cytotoxic and this observation may be explained by the presence of a 1,2-methylenedioxy group. In silico docking revealed that a plausible mechanism for the observed cytotoxicity is the stabilization of a topoisomerase II (β) DNA–enzyme complex. The ethnopharmacological relevance of this study is discussed in the context of researching and using traditional knowledge in biomolecular discovery.
Not-so-forbidden fruit: the potential conservation role of toxic Pimelea microcephala subsp. microcephala fruits for native arid zone birds
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-04-2022
The role of a Mediterranean diet and physical activity in decreasing age-related inflammation through modulation of the gut microbiota composition
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 23-08-2021
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114521003251
Abstract: Chronic inflammation is known to be a predominant factor in the development of many age-related conditions including CVD, type II diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated that during the ageing process there is an increase in inflammatory biomarkers, which may be partially brought about by detrimental changes in the gut microbiota. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and physical activity (PA) are protective against inflammation and chronic disease, and emerging evidence has shown that these effects may be partially mediated through favourable changes in the gut microbiota. In this review, we have evaluated the published literature on the effect of a MedDiet and PA on the gut microbiota. We also discuss the relationship between the gut microbiota and inflammation with a focus on healthy ageing. While inconsistent study designs make forming definitive conclusions challenging, the current evidence suggests that both a MedDiet and PA are capable of modifying the gut microbiota in a way that is beneficial to host health. For ex le, the increases in the relative abundance of SCFA producing bacteria that are considered to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Modification of the gut microbiota through a MedDiet and PA presents as a potential method to attenuate age-related increases in inflammation, and additional studies utilising older in iduals are needed to fill the knowledge gaps existing in current literature.
Sex-linked reproductive allocation in the dioecious shrub Pimelea microcephala subsp. microcephala (Thymelaeaceae) from four populations across a rainfall gradient
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-11-2023
Isolation and Structural Characterization of Echinocystic Acid Triterpenoid Saponins from the Australian Medicinal and Food Plant Acacia ligulata
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 04-10-2017
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.JNATPROD.7B00437
Abstract: The Australian plant Acacia ligulata has a number of traditional food and medicinal uses by Australian Aboriginal people, although no bioactive compounds have previously been isolated from this species. Bioassay-guided fractionation of an ethanolic extract of the mature pods of A. ligulata led to the isolation of the two new echinocystic acid triterpenoid saponins, ligulatasides A (1) and B (2), which differ in the fine structure of their glycan substituents. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR, GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, and saccharide linkage analysis. These are the first isolated compounds from A. ligulata and the first fully elucidated structures of triterpenoid saponins from Acacia sensu stricto having echinocystic acid reported as the aglycone. Compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated for cytotoxic activity against a human melanoma cancer cell line (SK-MEL28) and a diploid fibroblast cell line (HFF), but showed only weak activity.
QTL and Drought Effects on Leaf Physiology in Lowland Panicum virgatum
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-06-2016
Using wastewater-based epidemiology to evaluate the relative scale of use of opioids
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2023
Anti-inflammatory diterpenoids and other secondary metabolites from Dodonaea polyandra; a traditional medicine used by Kaanju people in North Eastern Australia.
Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Date: 08-2010
DOI: 10.1055/S-002-21285
Polyandric acid A, a clerodane diterpenoid from the australian medicinal plant dodonaea polyandra, attenuates pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in vitro and in vivo
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 08-01-2014
DOI: 10.1021/NP400704B
Abstract: Dodonaea polyandra is a medicinal plant used traditionally by the Kuuku I'yu (Northern Kaanju) indigenous people of Cape York Peninsula, Australia. The most potent of the diterpenoids previously identified from this plant, polyandric acid A (1), has been examined for inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production and other inflammatory mediators using well-established acute and chronic mouse ear edema models and in vitro cellular models. Topical application of 1 significantly inhibited interleukin-1β production in mouse ear tissue in an acute model. In a chronic skin inflammation model, a marked reduction in ear thickness, associated with significant reduction in myeloperoxidase accumulation, was observed. Treatment of primary neonatal human keratinocytes with 1 followed by activation with phorbol ester/ionomycin showed a significant reduction in IL-6 secretion. The present study provides evidence that the anti-inflammatory properties of 1 are due to inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with skin inflammation and may be useful in applications for skin inflammatory conditions including psoriasis and dermatitis.
Moving beyond wastewater analysis toward epidemiology
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2023
Traditional Australian Aboriginal medicinal plants: An untapped resource for novel therapeutic compounds?
Publisher: Future Science Ltd
Date: 05-2013
DOI: 10.4155/FMC.13.44
Rare, seven-membered cyclic ether labdane diterpenoid from Dodonaea polyandra
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2012.07.016
Abstract: Previous phytochemical studies on the leaf resin of dioecious plant species Dodonaea polyandra have identified the presence of furanoclerodane diterpenoids. As part of ongoing research on this species the chemical profile of an in idual plant displaying male flowers was investigated. Repeated chromatographic separation of a resinous extract from the leaves of the plant yielded three labdane diterpenoids, 13,17-epoxy-13-methyl-15-oxo-labda-7-ene (1), 17-hydroxy-13-methyl-labda-7,13Z-diene-15-oic acid (2) and 13-methyl-17-oxo-labda-7,13Z-diene-15-oic acid (3) and a fourth known labdane diterpenoid (4) reported as being isolated from a natural source for the first time. Structural elucidation was carried out using conventional 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectrometry together with other complementary techniques (UV and IR). The leaf extract from this in idual of D. polyandra with male flowers present displays a marked difference in the chemical composition of diterpenoids compared to previously studied extracts from the leaves of this species.
Flavonoids from the leaves and stems of Dodonaea polyandra: A Northern Kaanju medicinal plant
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2011.05.006
Abstract: Three prenylated flavonoids 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3'(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-3-methoxy flavone, 5,7-dihydroxy-3'(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-3,4'-dimethoxy flavone and 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3',5'(3-methylbuyt-2-enyl)-3-methoxy flavone together with three other known flavonoids were isolated from the medicinal plant Dodonaea polyandra. The plant is used in the traditional medicine system of Northern Kaanju people of Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia. The extracts studied have previously been found to possess anti-inflammatory activity. Successive fractionation of leaf and stem extracts by column and high performance liquid chromatography led to the isolation of these compounds. Their structures were determined using a number of spectroscopic techniques including 1D and 2D NMR and high resolution mass spectroscopy. The structural elucidation is reported herein accompanied by full ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopic data. Spectroscopic data of known compounds was in agreement with that previously reported in literature.
QTLs for Biomass and Developmental Traits in Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-06-2015
In vivo activity of benzoyl ester clerodane diterpenoid derivatives from dodonaea polyandra
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 07-03-2011
DOI: 10.1021/NP100701S
Abstract: Four new benzoyl ester clerodane diterpenoids, 15,16-epoxy-8α-(benzoyloxy)methylcleroda-3,13(16),14-trien-18-oic acid (1), 15,16-epoxy-8α-(benzoyloxy)methyl-2α-hydroxycleroda-3,13(16),14-trien-18-oic acid (2), 15,16-epoxy-8α-(benzoyloxy)methyl-2-oxocleroda-3,13(16),14-trien-18-oic acid (3), and 15,16-epoxy-2α-benzoyloxycleroda-3,13(16),14-trien-18-oic acid (4), have been isolated from the leaves and stems of Dodonaea polyandra. The anti-inflammatory activities of compounds 1, 2, and 4 were evaluated by means of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema. Compounds 2 and 4 exhibited maximum inhibition of inflammation (70-76%) at doses of 0.22 and 0.9 μmol/ear, respectively. Modest activity (~45% inhibition) was maintained at nanomole/ear doses.
Sexual dimorphism in the dioecious monocot Lomandra leucocephala ssp. robusta and its potential ecosystem and conservation significance
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1071/BT20006
Abstract: Dioecious plants constitute 7% of all angiosperm species, yet they occur in many habitat types, partially through the deployment of sexual dimorphisms that assist in reproduction. In the present work, the dioecious monocot Lomandra leucocephala ssp. robusta (Asparagaceae: Lomandroideae) was studied to understand how sexual dimorphisms can assist species conservation and inform us of a species’ potential significance in an ecosystem. Floral display was sexually dimorphic, as male inflorescences were displayed more prominently and more conspicuously in UV range. Male nectar analysed by thin-layer chromatography contained a higher glucose content than female nectar. However, both sexes contained hexose-rich nectar, a common indicator of generalist pollination, which was supported by observations of floral visitors. Floral extract comparison conducted via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that male extracts contained more compounds that potentially convey greater resistance to biotic and abiotic threats. Chemical comparison of leaves by high performance liquid chromatography with peak area ratio analysis revealed this technique could be used as a tool for gender identification of in iduals during non-flowering periods. Due to the generalist pollination mechanisms of L. leucocephala ssp. robusta, may have an important role in the conservation and support of local insect populations. The presence of chemical biotic and abiotic resistance may also make L. leucocephala ssp. robusta a significant contributor to the ongoing stabilisation of the sand dunes. Conservation efforts required for L. leucocephala ssp. robusta are likely to be minimal, as pollination services are provided by a ersity of pollinating taxa, including introduced species, which will be abundant regardless of variable flowering periods. Further observational study of L. leucocephala ssp. robusta pollinators and differences in pollinator visitation behaviours between sexes is recommended to better understand efficient pollination for the species, and potentially reveal a greater extent of ecosystem benefit for this species.
Methylglyoxal Impairs Sister Chromatid Separation in Lymphocytes
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 08-04-2022
DOI: 10.3390/IJMS23084139
Abstract: The accurate segregation of sister chromatids is complex, and errors that arise throughout this process can drive chromosomal instability and tumorigenesis. We recently showed that methylglyoxal (MGO), a glycolytic by-product, can cause chromosome missegregation events in lymphocytes. However, the underlying mechanisms of this were not explored. Therefore, in this study, we utilised shotgun proteomics to identify MGO-modified proteins, and label-free quantitation to measure changes in protein abundance following exposure to MGO. We identified numerous mitotic proteins that were modified by MGO, including those involved in the separation and cohesion of sister chromatids. Furthermore, the protein abundance of Securin, an inhibitor of sister chromatid separation, was increased following treatment with MGO. Cytological examination of chromosome spreads showed MGO prevented sister chromatid separation, which was associated with the formation of complex nuclear anomalies. Therefore, results from this study suggest MGO may drive chromosomal instability by preventing sister chromatid separation.
The distribution of dioecious plant pollination, sex ratio and seed dispersal research by climate type in Australia
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 06-07-2022
DOI: 10.1071/BT21112
Abstract: Dioecious-plant life-history characteristics and reproduction vary greatly among species, and have been linked to certain climate and habitat types, particularly tropical and island habitats. Australia is a large, predominantly arid continent, although it also contains mediterranean, temperate and tropical climates. Dioecious plants occupy each of these climate types, with their respective habitats and evolutionary pressures. As a result, dioecious species demonstrate great variation in key reproductive characteristics (pollination mechanism, sex ratio, and seed dispersal), which require understanding so as to conserve dioecious species effectively among climate types. Therefore, to understand dioecious-plant ecology across Australia, research must include all climate types, and investigate reproductive traits in each to better focus conservation strategies. An external factor which could prevent equal study effort across climate types would be geoclimatic preference of study location or biases in researcher interest, causing gaps in practical understanding and less effective dioecious-plant conservation management in understudied systems. To assess the prevalence and nature of dioecious plant research in Australia, we conducted a systematic mapping and scoping review to answer the following questions: (1) what climate zones have been captured by dioecious-plant research in Australia, focusing on pollination, sex ratio and seed dispersal and (2) what is the distribution of dioecious-plant pollination, sex ratio and seed dispersal research by climate type of the 43 studies that met the inclusion criteria, 27 (62.8%) studies were conducted in temperate climates, 8 (18.6%) in dry climates, 6 (13.9%) in tropical climates, and 5 (11.6%) in continental climates. Of the three focal areas, pollination studies (n = 24, 75% studies of entomophily) were most common, whereas sex ratio (n = 17, 41% studies of sex ratio over more than one population) and seed dispersal studies (n = 13, 54% of studies investigated abiotic dispersal) were less frequently researched. Considering the climate classification distribution in Australia, studies of dioecious species in dry climates are less prevalent than those in temperate climates. Of the focal areas of research, particularly under-investigated areas were anemophily, biotic seed dispersal, and study of female-biased species. Further studies addressing these gaps would be beneficial to inform conservation initiatives for Australian dioecious plant species. Additionally, it would be informative to investigate whether similar patterns are found in dioecious plant research in other countries with erse climate types.
Can a digital slide scanner and viewing technique assist the visual scoring for the cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay?
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 08-05-2020
Abstract: The cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (CBMNcyt) assay is a comprehensive method to measure DNA damage, cytostasis and cytotoxicity caused by nutritional, radiation and chemical factors. A slide imaging technique has been identified as a new method to assist with the visual scoring of cells for the CBMNcyt assay. A NanoZoomer S60 Digital Pathology slide scanner was used to view WIL2-NS cells treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and measure CBMNcyt assay biomarkers using a high-definition desktop computer screen. The H2O2-treated WIL2-NS cells were also scored visually using a standard light microscope, and the two visual scoring methods were compared. Good agreement was found between the scoring methods for all DNA damage indices (micronuclei, nucleoplasmic bridges and nuclear buds) and nuclear ision index with correlation R values ranging from 0.438 to 0.789, P & 0.05. Apoptotic and necrotic cell frequency was lower for the NanoZoomer scoring method, but necrotic frequency correlated well with the direct visual microscope method (R = 0.703, P & 0.0001). Considerable advantages of the NanoZoomer scoring method compared to direct visual microscopy includes reduced scoring time, improved ergonomics and a reduction in scorer fatigue. This study indicates that a digital slide scanning and viewing technique may assist with visual scoring for the CBMNcyt assay and provides similar results to conventional direct visual scoring.
Related Organisations
NICM Health Research Institute Western Sydney University
Location: Australia
Related Funding Activities
Linkage Projects - Grant ID: LP220200369
Start Date: 07-2023
End Date: 06-2026
Amount: $380,833.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity