ORCID Profile
0000-0003-3951-284X
Current Organisations
Queensland Museum
,
James Cook University
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Ecological Impacts of Climate Change | Ecosystem Function | Ecological Applications | Community Ecology
Ecosystem Adaptation to Climate Change | Marine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity | Ecosystem Assessment and Management of Marine Environments |
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 13-07-2023
Abstract: Herbivorous fishes play important functional roles in coral reef ecosystems, and their influence on mediating competitive dynamics between corals and macroalgae is well studied. Nonetheless, direct interactions between herbivorous fishes and corals may also be relevant, although these are less studied. Here, we describe a series of observations of schools of the herbivorous streaked rabbitfish (Siganus javus) nibbling on black corals (order Antipatharia) at the SS Yongala wreck, within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. We provide a hypothesis that may explain this behaviour, which, if confirmed, would represent a mechanism influencing the health of the corals. Moreover, this interaction extends the typical coral–algae competition for space paradigm and furthers knowledge of complex relationships between coral reef organisms.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 30-10-2012
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Date: 05-01-2018
Abstract: Coral bleaching occurs when stressful conditions result in the expulsion of the algal partner from the coral. Before anthropogenic climate warming, such events were relatively rare, allowing for recovery of the reef between events. Hughes et al. looked at 100 reefs globally and found that the average interval between bleaching events is now less than half what it was before. Such narrow recovery windows do not allow for full recovery. Furthermore, warming events such as El Niño are warmer than previously, as are general ocean conditions. Such changes are likely to make it more and more difficult for reefs to recover between stressful events. Science , this issue p. 80
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-09-2018
DOI: 10.1111/CONL.12602
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 24-08-2017
DOI: 10.1101/180067
Abstract: Anthozoans (e.g., corals, anemones) are an ecologically important and erse group of marine metazoans that occur from shallow to deep waters worldwide. However, our understanding of the evolutionary relationships among the ∼7500 species within this class is hindered by the lack of phylogenetically informative markers that can be reliably sequenced across a ersity of taxa. We designed and tested 16,308 RNA baits to capture 720 Ultraconserved Element loci and 1,071 exon loci. Library preparation and target enrichment was performed on 33 taxa from all orders within the class Anthozoa. Following Illumina sequencing and Trinity assembly, we recovered 1,774 of 1,791 targeted loci. The mean number of loci recovered from each species was 638 ± 222, with more loci recovered from octocorals (783 ± 138 loci) than hexacorals (475 ±187 loci). Phylogenetically informative sites ranged from 26-49% for alignments at differing hierarchical taxonomic levels (e.g., Anthozoa, Octocorallia, Hexacorallia). The percent of variable sites within each of three genera ( Acropora, Alcyonium , and Sinularia ) for which multiple species were sequenced ranged from 4.7-30%. Maximum likelihood analyses recovered highly resolved trees with topologies matching those supported by other studies, including the monophyly of the order Scleractinia. Our results demonstrate the utility of this target-enrichment approach to resolve phylogenetic relationships from relatively old to recent ergences. Re-designing the baits with improved affinities to capture loci within each sub-class will provide a valuable toolset to address systematic questions and further our understanding of the timing of ersifications in the class Anthozoa.
Publisher: Inter-Research Science Center
Date: 03-05-2011
DOI: 10.3354/MEPS09046
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-10-2016
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 31-10-2022
Abstract: Increasing rates of cancer incidence and the toxicity concerns of existing chemotherapeutic agents have intensified the research to explore more alternative routes to combat tumor. Luteolin, a flavone found in numerous fruits, vegetables, and herbs, has exhibited a number of biological activities, such as anticancer and anti-inflammatory. Luteolin inhibits tumor growth by targeting cellular processes such as apoptosis, cell-cycle progression, angiogenesis and migration. Mechanistically, luteolin causes cell death by downregulating Akt, PLK-1, cyclin-B1, cyclin-A, CDC-2, CDK-2, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xL, while upregulating BAX, caspase-3, and p21. It has also been reported to inhibit STAT3 signaling by the suppression of STAT3 activation and enhanced STAT3 protein degradation in various cancer cells. Therefore, extensive studies on the anticancer properties of luteolin reveal its promising role in chemoprevention. The present review describes all the possible cellular interactions of luteolin in cancer, along with its synergistic mode of action and nanodelivery insight.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-09-2011
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 26-02-2020
DOI: 10.1101/2020.02.25.965517
Abstract: The phylogenetic utility of targeted enrichment methods has been demonstrated in taxa that often have a history of single gene marker development. These genomic capture methods are now being applied to resolve evolutionary relationships from deep to shallow timescales in clades that were previously deficient in molecular marker development and lacking robust morphological characters that reflect evolutionary relationships. Effectively capturing 1000s of loci, however, in a erse group across a broad time scale requires a bait set that incorporates multiple baits per locus. We redesigned a custom bait set for the cnidarian class Anthozoa to target 1,436 UCE loci and 1,572 exon regions within the subclass Hexacorallia. We test this redesigned bait set on 99 specimens of hard corals (Scleractinia) spanning both the “complex” (Acroporidae, Agariciidae) and “robust” (Fungiidae) clades. With focused s ling in the staghorn coral genus Acropora we explore the ability of capture data to inform the taxonomy of a clade deficient in molecular resolution. A mean of 1850 (± 298) loci were captured per taxon (955 UCEs, 894 exons). A 75% complete concatenated alignment included 1792 loci (991 UCE, 801 exons) and ∼1.87 million base pairs. Parsimony informative sites varied from 48% for alignments including all three families, to 1.5% among s les within a single Acropora species. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses recover highly resolved topologies and robust molecular relationships not previously found with traditional markers within the Acroporidae. Species level relationships within the Acropora genus do not support traditional morphological groups or morphological phylogenies. Both UCE and exon datasets delineated six well-supported clades within Acropora. The enhanced bait set for Hexacorallia will allow researchers to survey the evolutionary history of important groups of reef building corals where previous molecular marker development has been unsuccessful.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-2016
DOI: 10.1186/S13750-016-0068-5
Abstract: Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) are tropical and sub-tropical reefs between 30 m and potentially m depth, the maximum for photosynthetic hard corals. The definition’s upper boundary is ecologically arbitrary. Recently, research has focused on the deep reef refugia hypothesis suggesting MCEs can be protected from shallow-water threats, potentially acting as a local source for re-colonisation of shallow reefs. This led to recent calls to increase their protection. It remains unclear whether the current MCE definition reflects changing bio ersity with depth, and so whether protecting MCEs based on this definition will protect shallow reef species. We ask where shifts in ecological community structure occur across the shallow-mesophotic depth gradient. We consider to what extent MCEs as currently defined protect shallow reef taxa. Research on coral reef depth gradients has a long history. Research relevant to MCEs has been published under a variety of terms. We will use the systematic review framework to collect older data sources, increasing accessibility by depositing the meta-data in an online library for researchers and managers. A systematic review will be conducted, searching online databases, grey literature and personal libraries of experts. The primary question was formulated after consulting an advisory committee. Inclusion criteria discriminate among studies by s ling depths and community data. Critical appraisal of studies will consider key criteria concerning internal validity. We shall identify where more bio ersity and community-level data are required, determined by whether a meta-analysis is possible. Considering how to structure a meta-analysis once community metric and variability data have been collected will help to advise future data collection. Provided enough data are extracted, we shall conduct a meta-analysis examining changes in species richness, abundance and biomass across the depth gradient. If ecological community level data are present, we shall conduct an additional meta-analysis looking at community turnover with depth.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-03-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-07-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-12-2014
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1071/PC19032
Abstract: Environmental conditions and anthropogenic impacts are key influences on ecological processes and associated ecosystem services. Effective management of Tonga’s marine ecosystems therefore depends on accurate and up-to-date knowledge of environmental and anthropogenic variables. Although many types of environmental and anthropogenic data are now available in global layers, they are often inaccessible to end users, particularly in developing countries with limited accessibility and analytical training. Furthermore, the resolution of many global layers might not be sufficient to make informed local decisions. Although the near-shore marine ecosystem of Tonga is extensive, the resources available for its management are limited, and little is known about its current ecological state. Here we provide a marine socio-environmental dataset covering Tonga’s near-shore marine ecosystem as compiled from various global layers, remote sensing projects, local ministries, and the 2016 national census. The dataset consists of 11 environmental and 6 anthropogenic variables summarised in ecologically relevant ways, spatially overlaid across the near-shore marine ecosystem of Tonga. The environmental variables selected include bathymetry, coral reef density, distance from deep water, distance from land, distance from major terrestrial inputs, habitat, land area, net primary productivity, salinity, sea surface temperature and wave energy. The anthropogenic variables selected include fishing pressure, management status, distance to fish markets, distance from villages, population pressure and a socioeconomic development index based on population density, growth, mean age, mean education level and unemployment. We hope this extensive and accessible dataset will be a useful tool for future assessment and management of marine ecosystems in Tonga.
Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Date: 02-2022
DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666210223095021
Abstract: The overwhelming globalburden of cancer has posed numerous challenges and opportunities for developing anti-cancer therapies. Phytochemicalshave emerged as promising synergistic compounds with potential anti-cancer effects to supplement chemo- and immune-therapeutic regimens. Anti cancer synergistic effects have been investigated in the interaction between phytocompounds derived from flavonoids such as quercetin, apigenin, kaempferol, hesperidin, emodin etc., and conventional drugs. Xanthohumol is one of the prenylatedphytoflavonoid that has demonstrated key anti-cancer activities in in vitro (anti proliferation of cancer cell lines) and in vivo(animal models of xenograft tumours)studies, and has been explored from different dimensions for targeting cancer subtypes. In the last decade, xanthohumol has been investigated how it induces the anti-cancer effects at cellular and molecular level.The different signalling cascades and targets of xanthohumolare summarized in thisreview.Overall, this reviewsummarizes the current advances made in the field of natural compounds with special reference to xanthohumol and its promising anti-cancer effectsto inhibit tumour progression.The present review hasalso touched upon the potential of xanthohumol transitioning into a lead candidate from nano-therapy viewpoint along with the challenges which need to be addressed for extensive pre-clinical and clinical anti-cancer studies.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-08-2015
DOI: 10.1111/DDI.12360
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-01-2011
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 26-11-2014
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 27-01-2016
Abstract: Ecological communities that occupy similar habitats may exhibit functional convergence despite significant geographical distances and taxonomic dissimilarity. On coral reefs, steep gradients in key environmental variables (e.g. light and wave energy) restrict some species to shallow depths. We show that depth-generalist reef fishes are correlated with two species-level traits: caudal fin aspect ratio and diet. Fishes with high aspect ratio (lunate) caudal fins produce weaker vortices in the water column while swimming, and we propose that ‘silent swimming’ reduces the likelihood of detection and provides an advantage on deeper reefs with lower light irradiance and water motion. Significant differences in depth preference among trophic guilds reflect variations in the availability of different food sources along a depth gradient. The significance of these two traits across three geographically and taxonomically distinct assemblages suggests that deep-water habitats exert a strong environmental filter on coral reef-fish assemblages.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-03-2018
DOI: 10.1002/ROB.21713
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 2008
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-05-2012
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 07-11-2022
DOI: 10.3390/MOLECULES27217653
Abstract: Despite the immense therapeutic advances in the field of health sciences, cancer is still to be found among the global leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Ethnomedicinally, natural bioactive compounds isolated from various plant sources have been used for the treatment of several cancer types and have gained notable attention. Ferulic acid, a natural compound derived from various seeds, nuts, leaves, and fruits, exhibits a variety of pharmacological effects in cancer, including its proapoptotic, cell-cycle-arresting, anti-metastatic, and anti-inflammatory activities. This review study presents a thorough overview of the molecular targets and cellular signaling pathways modulated by ferulic acid in erse malignancies, showing high potential for this phenolic acid to be developed as a candidate agent for novel anticancer therapeutics. In addition, current investigations to develop promising synergistic formulations are also discussed.
Publisher: Inter-Research Science Center
Date: 15-12-2016
DOI: 10.3354/MEPS11953
Publisher: Inter-Research Science Center
Date: 20-10-2011
DOI: 10.3354/MEPS09315
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-01-2016
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 14-12-2021
DOI: 10.1177/15353702211062510
Abstract: With the dramatic increase in cancer incidence all over the world in the last decades, studies on identifying novel efficient anti-cancer agents have been intensified. Historically, natural products have represented one of the most important sources of new lead compounds with a wide range of biological activities. In this article, the multifaceted anti-cancer action of propolis-derived flavonoid, galangin, is presented, discussing its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-angiogenic, and anti-metastatic effects in various cancer cells. In addition, co-effects with standard chemotherapeutic drugs as well as other natural compounds are also under discussion, besides highlighting modern nanotechnological advancements for overcoming the low bioavailability issue characteristic of galangin. Although further studies are needed for confirming the anti-cancer potential of galangin in vivo malignant systems, exploring this natural compound might open new perspectives in molecular oncology.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-01-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12879-020-05685-1
Abstract: To determine the prevalence of enteric infections in Aboriginal children aged 0–2 years using conventional and molecular diagnostic techniques and to explore associations between the presence of pathogens and child growth. Cross-sectional analysis of Aboriginal children ( n = 62) residing in a remote community in Northern Australia, conducted from July 24th - October 30th 2017. Stool s les were analysed for organisms by microscopy (directly in the field and following fixation and storage in sodium-acetate formalin), and by qualitative PCR for viruses, bacteria and parasites and serology for Strongyloides -specific IgG. Child growth (height and weight) was measured and z scores calculated according to WHO growth standards. Nearly 60% of children had evidence for at least one enteric pathogen in their stool (37/62). The highest burden of infection was with adenovirus/sapovirus (22.9%), followed by astrovirus (9.8%) and Cryptosporidium hominis arvum (8.2%). Non-pathogenic organisms were detected in 22.5% of children. Ten percent of children had diarrhea at the time of stool collection. Infection with two or more pathogens was negatively associated with height for age z scores (− 1.34, 95% CI − 2.61 to − 0.07), as was carriage of the non-pathogen Blastocystis hominis (− 2.05, 95% CI - 3.55 to − 0.54). Infants and toddlers living in this remote Northern Australian Aboriginal community had a high burden of enteric pathogens and non-pathogens. The association between carriage of pathogens/non-pathogens with impaired child growth in the critical first 1000 days of life has implications for healthy child growth and development and warrants further investigation. These findings have relevance for many other First Nations Communities that face many of the same challenges with regard to poverty, infections, and malnutrition.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-06-2013
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-05-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-07-2020
DOI: 10.1111/CSP2.251
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-2016
DOI: 10.1038/537307D
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-06-2020
DOI: 10.1111/CONL.12742
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-01-2015
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 27-12-2022
DOI: 10.3390/BIOM13010057
Abstract: Cucurbitacins constitute a group of cucumber-derived dietary lipids, highly oxidized tetracyclic triterpenoids, with potential medical uses. These compounds are known to interact with a variety of recognized cellular targets to impede the growth of cancer cells. Accumulating evidence has suggested that inhibition of tumor cell growth via induction of apoptosis, cell-cycle arrest, anti-metastasis and anti-angiogenesis are major promising chemo-preventive actions of cucurbitacins. Cucurbitacins may be a potential choice for investigations of synergism with other drugs to reverse cancer cells’ treatment resistance. The detailed molecular mechanisms underlying these effects include interactions between cucurbitacins and numerous cellular targets (Bcl-2/Bax, caspases, STAT3, cyclins, NF-κB, COX-2, MMP-9, VEGF/R, etc.) as well as control of a variety of intracellular signal transduction pathways. The current study is focused on the efforts undertaken to find possible molecular targets for cucurbitacins in suppressing erse malignant processes. The review is distinctive since it presents all potential molecular targets of cucurbitacins in cancer on one common podium.
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2021
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 24-03-2016
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-12-2016
DOI: 10.1111/GCB.13129
Abstract: Many taxa are undergoing distribution shifts in response to anthropogenic climate change. However, detecting a climate signal in mobile species is difficult due to their wide-ranging, patchy distributions, often driven by natural climate variability. For ex le, difficulties associated with assessing pelagic fish distributions have rendered fisheries management ill-equipped to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change, leaving pelagic species and ecosystems vulnerable. Here, we demonstrate the value of citizen science data for modelling the dynamic habitat suitability of a mobile pelagic predator (black marlin, Istiompax indica) within the south-west Pacific Ocean. The extensive spatial and temporal coverage of our occurrence data set (n = 18 717), collected at high resolution (~1.85 km(2) ), enabled identification of suitable habitat at monthly time steps over a 16-year period (1998-2013). We identified considerable monthly, seasonal and interannual variability in the extent and distribution of suitable habitat, predominately driven by chlorophyll a and sea surface height. Interannual variability correlated with El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events, with suitable habitat extending up to ~300 km further south during La Nina events. Despite the strong influence of ENSO, our model revealed a rapid poleward shift in the geometric mean of black marlin habitat, occurring at 88.2 km decade(-1) . By incorporating multiple environmental factors at monthly time steps, we were able to demonstrate a rapid distribution shift in a mobile pelagic species. Our findings suggest that the rapid velocity of climate change in the south-west Pacific Ocean is likely affecting mobile pelagic species, indicating that they may be more vulnerable to climate change than previously thought.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-03-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-04-2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-08-2010
DOI: 10.1002/ROB.20356
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2012
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 29-11-2013
Abstract: Harris, P. T., Bridge, T. C. L., Beaman, R. J., Webster, J. M., Nichol, S. L., and Brooke, B. P. 2013. Submerged banks in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, greatly increase available coral reef habitat. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: 284–293. Anthropogenic global ocean warming is predicted to cause bleaching of many near-sea-surface (NSS) coral reefs, placing increased importance on deeper reef habitats to maintain coral reef bio ersity and ecosystem function. However, the location and spatial extent of many deep reef habitats is poorly known. The question arises: how common are deep reef habitats in comparison with NSS reefs? We used a dataset from the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) to show that only about 39% of available seabed on submerged banks is capped by NSS coral reefs (16 110 km2) the other 61% of bank area (25 600 km2) is submerged at a mean depth of around 27 m and represents potential deep reef habitat that is spatially distributed along the GBR continental shelf in the same latitudinal distribution as NSS reefs. Out of 25 600 km2 of submerged bank area, predictive habitat modelling indicates that more than half (around 14 000 km2) is suitable habitat for coral communities.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-10-2011
Publisher: F1000 Research Ltd
Date: 19-02-2014
DOI: 10.12688/F1000RESEARCH.2-187.V3
Abstract: Coral bleaching caused by rising sea temperature is a primary cause of coral reef degradation. However, bleaching patterns often show significant spatial variability, therefore identifying locations where local conditions may provide thermal refuges is a high conservation priority. Coral bleaching mortality often diminishes with increasing depth, but clear depth zonation of coral communities and putative limited overlap in species composition between deep and shallow reef habitats has led to the conclusion that deeper reef habitats will provide limited refuge from bleaching for most species. Here, we show that coral mortality following a severe bleaching event diminished sharply with depth. Bleaching-induced mortality of Acropora was approximately 90% at 0-2m, 60% at 3-4 m, yet at 6-8m there was negligible mortality. Importantly, at least two-thirds of the shallow-water (2-3 m) Acropora assemblage had a depth range that straddled the transition from high to low mortality. Cold-water upwelling may have contributed to the lower mortality observed in all but the shallowest depths. Our results demonstrate that, in this instance, depth provided a refuge for in iduals from a high proportion of species in this Acropora -dominated assemblage. The persistence of deeper populations may provide a critical source of propagules to assist recovery of adjacent shallow-water reefs.
Publisher: Magnolia Press
Date: 10-09-2018
DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.4472.2.5
Abstract: Black corals (Anthozoa: Antipatharia) occur in all the world’s oceans in a wide range of habitats from shallow-water coral reefs to the deep-sea. However, the taxonomy of black corals is poorly known compared to many other anthozoan groups. This knowledge gap is particularly acute for the deep-sea, where collecting specimens is logistically difficult and costly. Here, we identify 21 black coral specimens collected from the western Coral Sea adjacent to north-east Australia. The specimens represent five nominal species from five genera and two families. All species represent new records for the region, including the first record for the family Cladopathidae Brook, 1889. We describe the morphology of these specimens, note geographic and bathymetric range expansions, and provide evidence to support the hypothesis that Bathypathes seculata Opresko, 2005 is the juvenile stage of Bathypathes patula Brook, 1889, thus warranting synonymization. Our findings demonstrate that deep-sea antipatharians in this region are much more erse than previously reported. Furthermore, this study highlights the importance of museum collections in terms of increasing our understanding of taxonomy and patterns of bio ersity, particularly for poorly-studied habitats such as the deep-sea.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-12-2020
Publisher: Magnolia Press
Date: 23-11-2022
DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5213.1.1
Abstract: We describe five new species of black corals from the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea, collected at depths ranging from 14 to 789 m: two in the family Antipathidae (Antipathes falkorae sp. nov. and Antipathes morrisi sp. nov.), two in the family Aphanipathidae (Aphanipathes flailum sp. nov. and Rhipidipathes helae sp. nov.), and one in the family Cladopathidae (Hexapathes bikofskii sp. nov.). We also present a phylogeny of 80 black corals reconstructed from a target capture dataset of ultraconserved elements and exons, to show the systematic relationships among new and nominal species. This phylogeny also represents a backbone for future species descriptions and research into the evolutionary history of the Antipatharia.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 03-12-2021
Abstract: Birch tree bark-derived betulin has attracted scientific interest already for several centuries, being one of the first natural products identified from plants. However, the cellular events regulated by betulin and precise molecular mechanisms under these processes have been begun to be understood only recently. Today, we know that betulin can exert important anticancer activities through modulation of erse cellular pathways. In this review article, betulin-regulated molecular signaling is unraveled and presented with a special focus on its participation in anti-inflammatory processes, especially by modulating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), prostaglandin/COX, and nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated cascades. By regulating these erse pathways, betulin can not only affect the development and progression of different cancers, but also enhance the antitumor action of traditional therapeutic modalities. It is expected that by overcoming the low bioavailability of betulin by encapsulating it into nanocarriers, this promising natural compound may provide novel possibilities for targeting inflammation-related cancers.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-05-2013
DOI: 10.1038/NCLIMATE1879
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-03-2016
Abstract: Trait-based approaches advance ecological and evolutionary research because traits provide a strong link to an organism’s function and fitness. Trait-based research might lead to a deeper understanding of the functions of, and services provided by, ecosystems, thereby improving management, which is vital in the current era of rapid environmental change. Coral reef scientists have long collected trait data for corals however, these are difficult to access and often under-utilized in addressing large-scale questions. We present the Coral Trait Database initiative that aims to bring together physiological, morphological, ecological, phylogenetic and biogeographic trait information into a single repository. The database houses species- and in idual-level data from published field and experimental studies alongside contextual data that provide important framing for analyses. In this data descriptor, we release data for 56 traits for 1547 species, and present a collaborative platform on which other trait data are being actively federated. Our overall goal is for the Coral Trait Database to become an open-source, community-led data clearinghouse that accelerates coral reef research.
Publisher: Magnolia Press
Date: 03-08-2020
DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.4821.3.7
Abstract: Blastopathes medusa gen. nov., sp. nov., is described from Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea, based on morphological and molecular data. Blastopathes, assigned to the Antipathidae, is a large, mythology-inspiring black coral characterized by clusters of elongate stem-like branches that extend out at their base and then curve upward. Colonies are not pinnulate and contain single branches, which could represent new branch cluster formations. Morphological and molecular (mitochondrial DNA and targeted capture of nuclear loci) evidence supporting the establishment of a new genus is discussed. This is the first study to utilize the target capture of ultraconserved elements (UCEs) and exonic loci to elucidate phylogenetic relationships among black corals and to identify and place a new genus and species.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-01-2020
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 04-10-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-02-2016
DOI: 10.1111/GCB.13197
Abstract: Habitat structural complexity is a key factor shaping marine communities. However, accurate methods for quantifying structural complexity underwater are currently lacking. Loss of structural complexity is linked to ecosystem declines in bio ersity and resilience. We developed new methods using underwater stereo-imagery spanning 4 years (2010-2013) to reconstruct 3D models of coral reef areas and quantified both structural complexity at two spatial resolutions (2.5 and 25 cm) and benthic community composition to characterize changes after an unprecedented thermal anomaly on the west coast of Australia in 2011. Structural complexity increased at both resolutions in quadrats (4 m(2)) that bleached, but not those that did not bleach. Changes in complexity were driven by species-specific responses to warming, highlighting the importance of identifying small-scale dynamics to disentangle ecological responses to disturbance. We demonstrate an effective, repeatable method for quantifying the relationship among community composition, structural complexity and ocean warming, improving predictions of the response of marine ecosystems to environmental change.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-09-2020
DOI: 10.1111/CONL.12755
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 07-11-2018
Abstract: Escalating climate-related disturbances and asymmetric habitat losses will increasingly result in species living in more marginal habitats. Marginal habitats may represent important refuges if in iduals can acquire adequate resources to survive and reproduce. However, resources at range margins are often distributed more sparsely therefore, increased effort to acquire resources can result in suboptimal performance and lead to marginal populations becoming non-self-sustaining sink-populations. Shifting resource availability is likely to be particularly problematic for dietary specialists. Here, we use extensive in situ behavioural observations and physiological condition measurements to examine the costs and benefits of resource-acquisition along a depth gradient in two obligate corallivore reef fishes with contrasting levels of dietary specialization. As expected, the space used to secure coral resources increased towards the lower depth margin. However, increased territory sizes resulted in equal or greater availability of resources within deeper territories. In addition, we observed decreased competition and no differences in foraging distance, pairing behaviour, body condition or fecundity at greater depths. Contrary to expectation, our results demonstrate that coral-obligate fishes can select high-quality coral patches on the deeper-reef to access equal or greater resources than their shallow-water counterparts, with no extra costs. This suggests depth offers a viable potential refuge for some at-risk coral-specialist fishes.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 25-02-2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-08-2016
DOI: 10.1111/COBI.12557
Abstract: Spatially explicit information on species distributions for conservation planning is invariably incomplete therefore, the use of surrogates is required to represent broad-scale patterns of bio ersity. Despite significant interest in the effectiveness of surrogates for predicting spatial distributions of bio ersity, few researchers have explored questions involving the ability of surrogates to incidentally represent unknown features of conservation interest. We used the Great Barrier Reef marine reserve network to examine factors affecting incidental representation of conservation features that were unknown at the time the reserve network was established. We used spatially explicit information on the distribution of 39 seabed habitats and biological assemblages and the conservation planning software Marxan to examine how incidental representation was affected by the spatial characteristics of the features the conservation objectives (the minimum proportion of each feature included in no-take areas) the spatial configuration of no-take areas and the opportunity cost of conservation. Cost was closely and inversely correlated to incidental representation. However, incidental representation was achieved, even in a region with only coarse-scale environmental data, by adopting a precautionary approach that explicitly considered the potential for unknown features. Our results indicate that incidental representation is enhanced by partitioning selection units along biophysical gradients to account for unknown within-feature variability and ensuring that no-take areas are well distributed throughout the region by setting high conservation objectives that (in this case >33%) maximize the chances of capturing unknown features incidentally and by carefully considering the designation of cost to planning units when using decision-support tools for reserve design. The lessons learned from incidental representation in the Great Barrier Reef have implications for conservation planning in other regions, particularly those that lack detailed environmental and ecological data.
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 10-2019
Abstract: Natural environmental gradients encompass systematic variation in abiotic factors that can be exploited to test competing explanations of bio ersity patterns. The species–energy (SE) hypothesis attempts to explain species richness gradients as a function of energy availability. However, limited empirical support for SE is often attributed to idiosyncratic, local-scale processes distorting the underlying SE relationship. Meanwhile, studies are also often confounded by factors such as s ling biases, dispersal boundaries and unclear definitions of energy availability. Here, we used spatially structured observations of 8460 colonies of photo-symbiotic reef-building corals and a null-model to test whether energy can explain observed coral species richness over depth. Species richness was left-skewed, hump-shaped and unrelated to energy availability. While local-scale processes were evident, their influence on species richness was insufficient to reconcile observations with model predictions. Therefore, energy availability, either in isolation or in combination with local deterministic processes, was unable to explain coral species richness across depth. Our results demonstrate that local-scale processes do not necessarily explain deviations in species richness from theoretical models, and that the use of idiosyncratic small-scale factors to explain large-scale ecological patterns requires the utmost caution.
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Date: 11-11-2016
Abstract: Anthropogenic climate change is now in full swing, our global average temperature already having increased by 1°C from preindustrial levels. Many studies have documented in idual impacts of the changing climate that are particular to species or regions, but in idual impacts are accumulating and being lified more broadly. Scheffers et al. review the set of impacts that have been observed across genes, species, and ecosystems to reveal a world already undergoing substantial change. Understanding the causes, consequences, and potential mitigation of these changes will be essential as we move forward into a warming world. Science , this issue p. 10.1126/science.aaf7671
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-06-2024
DOI: 10.1111/ELE.14114
Abstract: Insights into assemblages that can persist in extreme environments are still emerging. Ocean warming and acidification select against species with low physiological tolerance (trait-based 'filtering'). However, intraspecific trait variation can promote species adaptation and persistence, with potentially large effects on assemblage structure. By s ling nine coral traits (four morphological, four tissue and one skeletal) along an offshore-inshore gradient in temperature and pH, we show that distantly related coral species undergo consistent intraspecific changes as they cross into warm, acidic environments. Intraspecific variation and species turnover each favoured colonies with greater tissue biomass, higher symbiont densities and reduced skeletal investments, indicating strong filtering on colony physiology within and across species. Physiological tissue traits were highly variable within species and were independent of morphology, enabling morphologically erse species to cross into sites of elevated temperature and acidity. Widespread intraspecific change can therefore counter the loss of bio ersity and morphological structure across a steep environmental gradient.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-10-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S00210-022-02298-0
Abstract: Oroxylin A (OA), a well-known constituent of the root of Scutellariae plants, has been used in ethnomedicine already for centuries in treating various neoplastic disorders. However, only recent molecular studies have revealed the different mechanisms behind its action, demonstrating antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and proapoptotic effects, restricting also the spread of cancer cells to distant organs. A variety of cellular targets and modulated signal transduction pathways regulated by OA have been determined in erse cells derived from different malignant tissues. In this review article, these anticancer activities are thoroughly described, representing OA as a potential lead structure for the design of novel more potent anticancer medicines. In addition, co-effects of this natural compound with conventional anticancer agents are analyzed and the advantages provided by nanotechnological methods for more efficient application of OA are discussed. In this way, OA might represent an excellent ex le of using ethnopharmacological knowledge for designing modern medicines.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 25-11-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-02-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S00338-023-02350-2
Abstract: Substratum preferences and contact interactions among sessile organisms can be a major determinant of biotic gradients in the structure of benthic communities on coral reefs. Sponges are a substantial component of these communities, but their substratum requirements and interactions with other benthic taxa are poorly understood. Here, we quantified sponge substratum preferences and interactions from 838 randomly selected photo-quadrats across different depths (5, 10 and 15 m), exposure (sheltered and exposed), and substratum topography (horizontal, inclined and vertical surfaces) on coastal coral reefs in Kimbe Bay. A high proportion (55%) of sponge colonies were associated with dead coral, unconsolidated coral rubble (7%) and calcium carbonate rock (CaCO 3 rock) (7%), even though they represented only 10%, 4% and 1% of the available substratum, respectively. Sponges interacted most frequently with algae (~ 34%), corals (~ 30%) and crustose coralline algae (CCA ~ 19%) that represented ~ 46%, ~ 18% and ~ 14% of the substratum cover, respectively. The microhabitat preferences of sponges and frequency of interactions with other taxa were mostly consistent across various exposure, depth and substratum topography conditions. Most interactions appeared to be “stand-offs” (71%) which are interactions with no clear winner or loser. However, when overgrowth occurred, sponges were usually winners, overgrowing corals (92%), CCA (81%) and macroalgae (65%). Three sponge species Dysidea sp1, Lamellodysidea cf. chlorea and Lamellodysidea chlorea accounted for 51% to 96% of the overgrowth of sponges over algae, corals and CCA, but there was no one species found to always win or lose. Our results suggest that sponges avoid other biological substrata by preferentially settling on dead coral, coral rubble and CaCO 3 rock, but when they do come into contact with algae and corals, they frequently overgrow their spacial competitors.
Start Date: 2018
End Date: 2020
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 05-2018
End Date: 12-2022
Amount: $365,058.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity