Southeast Queensland Research Articles

Effects of age on accuracy of advanced imaging modalities in identifying intervertebral disc extrusions in Dachshunds.

The aim of this study was to ascertain whether patient age was a significant factor for the accurate identification of compressive intervertebral disc extrusions (IVDE) in Dachshunds using non-contrast computed tomography (CT). This retrospective analysis encompassed 150 Dachshunds evaluated for suspected IVDE at a referral hospital in south-eastern Queensland, Australia. Each case underwent diagnostic evaluation by CT, either with or without myelography, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), followed by surgical intervention for an intervertebral disc extrusion. In the <9-year dog cohort, 94.7% (71/75) were diagnosed with IVDE via non-contrast CT and proceeded to surgery. In contrast, the ≥9-year dog cohort, only 56% (42/75) were diagnosed via non-contrast CT, with the remaining 44% (33/75) necessitating CT myelography or MRI for diagnosis. The odds of requiring CT myelography or MRI increased 13.95-fold (95% CI, 4.62-42.13) in Dachshunds aged 9 years or older. Furthermore, each additional year of age was associated with a 0.60 increase in the odds of undergoing these advanced imaging modalities (CT myelography or MRI) (95% CI, 0.49-0.74). Age significantly affected the efficacy of non-contrast CT in diagnosing IVDE in Dachshunds. Dogs aged 9 years and above were substantially more likely to require CT myelography or MRI due to the reduced visibility of disc extrusions on non-contrast CT. Veterinarians performing advanced imaging on older Dachshunds for suspected IVDE should be aware of the limitations of non-contrast CT in obtaining an accurate diagnosis and localisation of IVDE, and be prepared to perform either CT myelography or MRI if required.

Perceptions of service providers on available care for paediatric feeding disorder: A survey study.

This study aimed to describe current strengths and gaps in services for children with feeding needs in Southeast Queensland, Australiafrom the perspective of key professionals involved in service design and provision. A web-based survey was distributed to health professionals involved in providing services to children with feeding needs, staff who triaged/managed referrals, and/or service team leaders in Southeast Queensland. There were 79 responses to the survey, with 61 of these responses included in the analysis. Respondents identified several strengths in paediatric feeding disorder (PFD) service provision, particularly in the quality of care available for children who met service eligibility requirements. However, respondents also described services as disjointed, with limited coordinated multidisciplinary care available. Respondents frequently described service limitations relating to public service eligibility criteria, long waiting lists, and scant communication between services. Gaps were reported in the care available for children with 'mild' feeding difficulties and/or children who were not considered medically complex. Respondents also identified gaps in services secondary to a limited number of confident and trained professionals offering PFD care, particularly in the private sector. This study described service providers' perceptions of available care for children with PFD in Southeast Queensland. Overall, the availability of PFD services appeared to be limited by eligibility criteria, service design, and staff capacity, suggesting that children with PFD are not receiving timely, multidisciplinary care in this geographical area. Further research into ideal service design is required to support preventative PFD care.

Forest Fire Severity and Koala Habitat Recovery Assessment Using Pre- and Post-Burn Multitemporal Sentinel-2 Msi Data

Habitat loss due to wildfire is an increasing problem internationally for threatened animal species, particularly tree-dependent and arboreal animals. The koala (Phascolartos cinereus) is endangered in most of its range, and large areas of forest were burnt by widespread wildfires in Australia in 2019/2020, mostly areas dominated by eucalypts, which provide koala habitats. We studied the impact of fire and three subsequent years of recovery on a property in South-East Queensland, Australia. A classified Differenced Normalised Burn Ratio (dNBR) calculated from pre- and post-burn Sentinel-2 scenes encompassing the local study area was used to assess regional impact of fire on koala-habitat forest types. The geometrically structured composite burn index (GeoCBI), a field-based assessment, was used to classify fire severity impact. To detect lower levels of forest recovery, a manual classification of the multitemporal dNBR was used, enabling the direct comparison of images between recovery years. In our regional study area, the most suitable koala habitat occupied only about 2%, and about 10% of that was burnt by wildfire. From the five koala habitat forest types studied, one upland type was burnt more severely and extensively than the others but recovered vigorously after the first year, reaching the same extent of recovery as the other forest types. The two alluvial forest types showed a negligible fire impact, likely due to their sheltered locations. In the second year, all the impacted forest types studied showed further, almost equal, recovery. In the third year of recovery, there was almost no detectable change and therefore no more notable vegetative growth. Our field data revealed that the dNBR can probably only measure the general vegetation present and not tree recovery via epicormic shooting and coppicing. Eucalypt foliage growth is a critical resource for the koala, so field verification seems necessary unless more-accurate remote sensing methods such as hyperspectral imagery can be implemented.

Potential of flavesone as a grain protectant: Long-term efficacy and residues for controlling the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), in stored wheat

A study was undertaken to evaluate the synthetic biopesticide, flavesone, as a potential grain protectant for the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), in wheat. The search for new grain protectants is critical because of the propensity of R. dominica to develop genetic resistance to various insecticides such as organophosphates (OPs), carbamates, synthetic pyrethroids and juvenile hormone analogues. Wheat was treated with 0, 60, 90 or 120 ppm of flavesone as it passed through an auger into large (1 tonne) storage bags. The treated wheat was stored for 13 months under sheltered ambient conditions in southeast Queensland, and samples were also collected 1 week after treatment and stored for 13 months in the laboratory at 30 °C and 55% RH for comparative purposes. Bioassays of wheat stored under laboratory and ambient conditions, showed that an application rate of 60 ppm provided protection for at least 13 months from a susceptible strain, based on high levels of suppression of the F1 generation. Untreated wheat stored under ambient conditions became heavily infested with R. dominica, while none were detected in any of the treatments, thus further confirming the potential of flavesone as an effective grain protectant. However, bioassays showed that the 60-ppm rate only provided 3 months protection from a strain that was resistant to OPs and pyrethroids, indicating potential non-target site resistance present in this strain. Higher application rates of 90 and 120 ppm were required for 13 months protection. As reported in some other grain protectant studies, initial flavesone residues were lower than the targeted rates, suggesting potential for improving formulation and application methods. Flavesone residues remained relatively stable throughout the study period. We believe that the data generated through this study will provide foundation in establishing field application rate for this new molecule and its possible registration for use by industry to mitigate resistance problems.

Yearning for care: an examination of South Asian women’s experiences of physical activity in gymnasiums on the Gold Coast, Australia

ABSTRACT This article considers the ways in which South Asian women negotiate care through fitness cultures in gymnasiums. Drawing on contemporary literature at the intersections of geographies of care, cultures of fitness focussed on gymnasiums and intersectional feminist thinking, we examine the ways in which South Asian women engage in physical activities in gymnasiums in hyper-sexualized tourist cities such as the Gold Coast, in Southeast Queensland in Australia. In doing so, the article explores the affective dimensions of engaging in physical activities for South Asian women and how these can be reimagined through momentary experiences of ‘care’. Using a post-humanist feminist lens, we employ in-depth interviews and observational research in exploring how race and gender are inter-implicated in South Asian women’s experiences in gymnasiums.

Orthoflavivirus circulation in South-East Queensland, Australia, before and during the 2021–2022 incursion of Japanese encephalitis virus assessed through sero-epidemiological survey of a sentinel equine population

An incursion and outbreak of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) was reported in Australia in 2021 and 2022, respectively. There was speculation that JEV may have been circulating in Australia unknowingly prior to the detection. In this study, we determined sero-prevalence and transmission of West Nile virus (WNV), Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV) and JEV, prior to and post JEV incursion in a sentinel equine population in south-east Queensland (SEQ), Australia, using blocking ELISAs (screening test) and virus neutralisation test (confirmatory). Serum samples collected between 2018 and 2020 (prior to JEV incursion; n = 607) from horses residing in SEQ revealed that sero-prevalence to pathogenic orthoflaviviruses was low, specifically WNV (1.3 %; 8/607), MVEV (1.2 %; 7/607), and JEV (4.9 %; 30/607). The significantly higher prevalence of JEV (P < 0.05) was skewed by the high proportion of horses previously enrolled in one or more JEV vaccine studies (17/30; 56.7 %) and the unknown JEV vaccination history due to international travel (6/30; 20 %). Thirty-two foals were enrolled as sentinels to monitor for arbovirus transmissions in SEQ between 2020 and 2023. Results showed that JEV seroconversion was first detected in April 2022 (n = 4), with seven more seroconversions detected in the following months until November 2022. This study (i) confirms that it is highly unlikely that JEV incursion in SEQ occurred prior to February 2022; (ii) circulation of WNV in SEQ remains very low; and (iii) highlights the complexity in the interpretation of orthoflavivirus serological results. The authors propose that horses should be included as sentinels for arbovirus transmission monitoring in Australia.

Radiocarbon ageing of Indigenous culturally‐significant trees for bushfire management on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), southeast Queensland

SummaryPartnerships between Indigenous People and governments for joint management of ancestral lands, designated as protected conservation areas for biodiversity and cultural heritage, provide an opportunity to leverage accumulated traditional land management knowledge with emerging science. In Australia, veteran or large old trees in natural landscapes are of significant ecological importance, and among the Indigenous communities, they are living monuments to historical cultural practices, but their survival, endurance and long lives are rarely acknowledged to afford them protection. In sub‐tropical Australia, the lack of consistent annual growth rings in stem wood makes it difficult to estimate the age of large trees using methods such as the periodic diameter increment. Ngugi et al., 2020 published radiocarbon (14C) dates using wood core (‘pith‐wood’) samples from 12 Indigenous culturally‐significant trees covering five species on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island). Due to the imprecise calendar age results of the single samples used in the original study (Ngugi et al., 2020), subsequent radiocarbon dating of an additional three wood core samples from each tree was undertaken to age the trees more precisely. The revised tree ages ranged from 63 to 531 years and suggest an important role of past Indigenous land management practices into protecting Bugari (Cypress Pine, Callitris columellaris F. Muell.) from deadly crown scorching fires. These results underscore the importance of incorporating Indigenous practices in current fire management strategies and plans. Estimating tree ages based on the periodic diameter increment method overestimated the age relative to that derived from radiocarbon dating. New bias correction factors were developed for adjusting the recorded periodic tree diameter increments.

Corrigendum to Insights into the development of small-volume long lava flows: A case study of the Coalstoun Lakes Volcanic Field, southeast Queensland, Australia [JVGR, 451 (2024)

Corrigendum to Insights into the development of small-volume long lava flows: A case study of the Coalstoun Lakes Volcanic Field, southeast Queensland, Australia [JVGR, 451 (2024)

Treatment with Leflunomide in Conjunction with Glucocorticoids for Dogs with Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis Is Not Associated with Improved Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 93 Dogs from Australia (2017–2024)

Immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) has a relatively high relapse rate compared to other immune-mediated diseases. Leflunomide is frequently used to treat dogs with IMPA in conjunction with prednisolone. This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of leflunomide as an adjunctive therapy to prednisolone in reducing relapse and mortality rates in dogs diagnosed with IMPA in Australia. The medical records of client-owned dogs diagnosed with IMPA at a specialist referral hospital in Southeast Queensland from 2017 to 2024 were reviewed. A total of 93 dogs were included in this study, divided into two groups based on the treatment received: Group PRED, consisting of 53 dogs treated with prednisolone as the sole immunosuppressive agent, and Group L+PRED, consisting of 40 dogs that received leflunomide as adjunctive therapy alongside prednisolone. Data collected included breed, age, weight, sex, serum C-reactive protein concentration, results of synovial fluid analysis and microbial culture, treatment protocol, relapse rates and time to relapse, and mortality rates. There was no difference in relapse or mortality rates, time to relapse, nor time to discontinue prednisolone between the PRED and L+PRED groups. The L+PRED group had higher body weights and lower prednisolone dose rate at discharge compared to those in the PRED group. This study demonstrated that the use of leflunomide as an adjunctive therapy to prednisolone for the treatment of dogs with IMPA had no improved outcomes, reduced relapse rates, or shortening in the duration of prednisolone therapy when compared to dogs receiving prednisolone monotherapy.

Toowoomba Healthy Towns: A Citizen Science Initiative on Active Transport in Regional South East Queensland, Australia.

Engaging in active transport will enable individuals across the life course to increase their habitual levels of physical activity. The aim of this study was to engage citizen scientists (CS) to identify factors that influence active transport in their community. The Our Voice citizen science methodology developed at Stanford University was employed. CS completed a "discovery walk," taking photos of things that help or hinder active transport. Three groups were recruited: children aged 10-12years (n = 11), adults (n = 12), and older adults >65years (n = 10). CS rated each photo and provided a narrative explaining their reason for taking the photo. Once all CS in a specific age group had completed the walk, they met for a group discussion. The CS worked together to analyze the data, arranging them into themes and identifying priority actions. Two CS representatives from each age group presented their findings to the local council decision makers. Children highlighted the need for safer crossings, especially from their school to the local park, and suggested zebra crossings as a solution. The adults highlighted that road signs prioritized vehicles, not pedestrians, and requested that this be reversed. Older adults noted that the poor condition of the pavements made it harder for people in wheelchairs to navigate. The CS recommendations have informed the council's walking and cycling network program. Engaging with citizen science provided the community with an opportunity to advocate for meaningful yet realistic improvements in the built environment that could promote neighborhood active transport and physical activity across the lifespan.

Adolescent alcohol drinking and cannabis use: Longitudinal, and cohort analysis of high school students in Australia

Aims: The final year of high school is a challenging phase, during which substance use is common. We conducted longitudinal and cohort comparisons on the levels of alcohol and cannabis use among final year (Year 12) high school students compared to the previous year. Design: Longitudinal and cohort analyses of self-reported survey data. Setting: Ten independent schools across South-East Queensland, Australia. Participants: Year 12 students in 2020 (n = 1024) were compared (a) longitudinally with themselves in Year 11; and (b) to the 2019 Year 12 cohort (n = 632). Measures: Self-reported alcohol and cannabis use. Analyses adjusted for socio-demographic, parental, and schooling variables. Findings: Longitudinally, Year 12 students of 2020 had higher odds of having six or more drinks per occasion, monthly or more often, and reporting lifetime cannabis use, compared to themselves in 2019. However, they were not more likely to drink alcohol weekly or more often in 2020 versus 2019. Compared to the 2019 cohort, the 2020 cohort had higher odds of drinking weekly or more often, having six or more drinks per occasion monthly, and reporting lifetime cannabis use. Conclusions: The 2020 cohort of Year 12 adolescents were more likely to engage in heavy drinking and cannabis use, compared to themselves the previous year, and compared to the previous cohort. Greater alcohol consumption and likelihood of cannabis use among the 2020 cohort might be explained by increased age and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research to monitor if this is a continuing trend is warranted.

Spatial and temporal variation of marine megafauna off coastal beaches of south-eastern Queensland, Australia

Context Coastal beach environments provide habitats for marine megafauna, including turtles, rays, marine mammals and sharks. However, accessing these variable energy zones has been difficult for researchers by using traditional methods. Aims This study used drone-based aerial surveys to assess spatio-temporal variation of marine megafauna across south-eastern Queensland, Australia. Methods Drones were operated at five south-eastern Queensland beaches. Megafauna sightings and key variables including location, month and turbidity were analysed to assess variation across locations. Key results Overall, 3815 individual megafauna were detected from 3273 flights. There were significant differences in the composition of megafauna assemblages throughout the year and among beaches, with megafaunal sightings in &gt;80% of flights conducted off North Stradbroke Island. Conclusions Strong temporal presence was found that is congruent with other studies examining seasonality. This supports the use of drones to provide ecological data for many hard-to-study megafauna species and help inform long-term sustainable management of coastal ecosystems. Implications Results indicated that environmental conditions can influence the probability of sighting marine megafauna during aerial surveys.

Project Yarn Circle: development and pilot evaluation of a cultural connection suicide prevention program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people

ABSTRACT Background Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people experience markedly higher suicide mortality than non-Indigenous youth in Australia, yet there is little evidence of effective preventative strategies. Many are misaligned to the needs of First Nations young people due to a lack of consideration of protective factors such as community and cultural connection. Objective To date no research has examined whether increasing cultural connectedness may reduce Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth suicidality. The current study outlines the development, implementation, and pilot evaluation of Project Yarn Circle, a school-based suicide prevention initiative utilising cultural education and connection. Method Project Yarn Circle was piloted by an Indigenous owned and managed youth mental health organisation, delivering 5 weekly sessions to 276 young people at 9 schools in Southeast Queensland, Australia, between 2019 and 2023. Sessions connected students to cultural knowledge and practices (stories, painting, dance, Indigenous languages) with Elders and local cultural knowledge facilitators. Results Pre- and post-program evaluation questionnaires completed 6–8 weeks apart found that participants had significantly lower suicidal ideation (GHQ-18-SS), pre 7.16, post 6.61, p = .043 higher positive ideation/reasons for living (PANSI-PI) pre 22.44, post 23.60, p = .009, and higher self-esteem (RSES) pre 16.55, post 23.60, p = .005. Analyses of cultural connectedness items co-designed for this evaluation study and validated using Exploratory Factor Analysis found that students demonstrated greater cultural identity clarity, peer cultural competence, strength from culture, salience of cultural continuity and sense of belonging. Conclusions These findings provide new evidence towards utilising cultural connectedness as an intervention mechanism in Indigenous youth suicide prevention.

Assessing the Impact of Innovation Processes on Electronic Systems Technology Adoption

Objectives: This study aims to explore the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) in the Australian private healthcare sector by integrating three prominent innovation models, namely the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) model, and the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework. The objective of the study is to understand how these combined models might better inform the EHR adoption process and identify the key factors influencing successful implementation. Methods/Analysis: An exploratory qualitative research design employing a phenomenological approach was utilized to investigate the research. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with senior managers at a private hospital in South-East Queensland. Purposive sampling was employed to select participants, ensuring representation from key decision-makers involved in the EHRs planning process. Thematic analysis, guided by the reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) approach of Braun and Clarke, was used to analyze the data and derive insights into the factors influencing EHRs adoption. Findings: Key findings indicate that perceived usefulness and job relevance (from TAM), innovation attributes and communication channels (from DOI), and technological, organizational, and environmental contexts (from TOE) are critical elements for successful EHRs implementation. The study also highlights the importance of user engagement, comprehensive training, leadership support, and financial resources. Novelty/Improvement: This study offers a novel contribution by integrating the TAM, DOI, and TOE models to provide a more holistic understanding of EHRs adoption in the private healthcare sector. It also introduces the concept of time as a critical innovation artefact, highlighting its significance in the adoption process. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-05-02 Full Text: PDF

Paspalum lepton - a valuable adjunct to the suite of grasses used in grazing systems in the subtropics or a potential weed

Native and exotic C4 grasses currently used in grazing systems in the subtropics have specific limitations with management, decline in feed quality as they mature and variable adaptation to soils and climates, providing opportunities to identify alternative species to complement or replace them. One option is Paspalum lepton (syn. P. nicorae), a sward- forming, rhizomatous grass native to subtropical South America with recognized forage value. An early maturing form of this species has become naturalized in Northern New South Wales since its introduction in the 1940s. More recent introductions with forage and amenity potential are being established vegetatively and by seed as it becomes available. This paper reviews published work on P. lepton and reports largely unpublished results and observations on its performance in research and development studies in subtropical Eastern Australia. The potential value of and threats posed by P. lepton in relation to its adaptation, productivity, competitiveness and role in limiting ingress of existing weedy species are discussed. APG 54281 and APG 54325 are palatable, productive and persistent lines of this grass that have proven to be adapted to livestock production systems in most of the humid lowland subtropics, and to a specific niche in the subtropical uplands of Southeast Queensland where there is a lack of adapted C4 grasses and C3 grasses are only marginally adapted.

Older adults’ decisions regarding mobility to age in place in medium- and high-rise multi-storey residential buildings in urban settings: A case study of South East Queensland, Australia

Population ageing and urbanisation requires a more thorough understanding and monitoring of older adult residential mobility trends. Many older adults move to urban areas and previous studies have been carried out on ageing in place in traditional low-rise residential buildings. However, there is little in the literature about the important push and pull factors influencing older adult moves to medium- and high-rise multi-storey residential buildings in urban areas as they age. This case study research considered the housing migration model of push and pull factors used in elderly residential mobility and investigated the older adults' decision-making regarding mobility to age in place in medium- and high-rise multi-storey residential buildings in South East Queensland, Australia. The study revealed how the older adults expressed a desire to age in place in multi-storey residential buildings in urban areas and identified it as an important element of quality of life. Many older adults chose to move house to high density urban areas from low density urban areas between the ages of 65 and 84. The ‘pull’ factor to significantly influence the decisions of movers was a low maintenance property and lifestyle change from a large suburban home whereas the ‘push’ factor was upkeep difficulties of the house related to old age. This study makes empirical contributions to knowledge in ageing residential mobility trends in urban areas and concludes by providing policy recommendations for developing more effective housing, public spaces, transportation, and community activities and services for older adults, including highlighting a number of recommendations for future research.

A decision support tool for habitat connectivity in Australia

Context Species connectivity mapping is a technically challenging task for conservation practitioners and nongovernment organisations to undertake as it requires experience in geographic information systems and often some computer programming. Aims We developed a decision support tool to provide spatial information and data on potential habitat connectivity and optimum connectivity pathways for a selection of forest-dependent vertebrate fauna in eastern and south-western Australia. Methods We systematically searched spatial data repositories for Australian spatial datasets for modelling connectivity. A least cost paths and patch connectivity approach was used to map potential habitat connectivity for (1) a single species – the glossy black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) of South East Queensland, and (2) four species guilds – rainforest pigeons, gliding possums, the black cockatoos of south-western Western Australia and a landscape level forest connectivity. Optimum connectivity pathways were assessed for protection status. Key results In total 71 spatial datasets useful for habitat connectivity mapping were identified. Species and guild modelling found that the protection status for optimum connectivity pathways varied between 24.7% and 53.3%. A decision support mapping tool was then created to enable users to interactively explore the connectivity data and download the spatial datasets for further analysis. Conclusions The development of a decision support tool for mapping habitat connectivity in eastern and south-western Australia represents a useful platform for conservation practitioners as it provides valuable spatial information on potential connectivity pathways for forest-dependent vertebrate fauna. Implications The tool can aid in the prioritisation of conservation actions aimed at enhancing habitat connectivity and mitigating the impacts of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity in the two regions.

Dogfest: An Event Targeting the “Ultimutt” Dog Lover

A dog festival represents a form of pet tourism where attendees can celebrate dogs and be equipped with dog management skills. Despite dog festivals’ growth across the globe, little is known about attendees’ motivations to frequent these events. This study seeks to identify if attendees can be differentiated based on their motivations to frequent a dog festival and to determine whether segments can be distinguished based on their sociodemographics, origin, information sources utilized, and postfestival evaluations. Through applying TwoStep cluster analysis across five DogFest festivals in Southeast Queensland, two segments are identified. Learners are motivated to learn about dogs whereas celebrators are motivated for entertainment. Learners rated the postfestival higher and had a smaller household size. Dog education should remain the focus with social and other fun activities provided to attract dog owners who may not necessarily be thinking about training, allowing attendees who are attracted by fun to learn.

Genetic patterns reveal geographic drivers of divergence in silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis)

Identifying mechanisms that drive population divergence under varying geographic and ecological scenarios can inform our understanding of evolution and speciation. In particular, analysis of genetic data from island populations with known colonisation timelines allows us to identify potential source populations of diverging island subspecies and current relationships among populations. Silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis) are a small passerine that have served as a valuable study system to investigate evolutionary patterns on both large and small geographic scales. We examined genetic relatedness and diversity of two silvereye subspecies, the mainland Z. l. cornwalli and island Z. l. chlorocephalus, and used 18 077 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), to compare locations across southeast Queensland, Australia. Although silvereyes are prolific island colonisers our findings revealed population divergence over relatively small spatial scales was strongly influenced by geographic isolation mediated by water barriers. Strong genetic connectivity was displayed between mainland sites, but minimal inter-island connectivity was shown despite comparable sampling distances. Genetic diversity analysis showed little difference in heterozygosity between island and mainland populations, but lower inbreeding scores among the island populations. Our study confirmed the range of the Z. l. chlorocephalus subspecies throughout the southern Great Barrier Reef. Our results show that water barriers and not geographic distance per se are important in driving incipient divergence in island populations. This helps to explain the relatively high number of phenotypically differentiated, but often geographically proximate, island silvereye subspecies compared to a lower number of phenotypically less well-defined Australian continental subspecies.

Morphological and molecular identification of metacestodes infecting teleost fishes of Moreton Bay, Australia

In a parasitological survey of fishes from Moreton Bay (southeastern Queensland, Australia), 169 teleost fishes, representing 54 species from 28 families, were examined for larval cestodes. Of these 54 species, 36 were found to be infected by metacestodes. Metacestodes were characterised by morphological and molecular data (the D1-D3 region of the 28S rDNA gene); these data were analysed in parallel to inform larval type allocation. Metacestodes collected represented eight morphological types, seven previously reported (Types I, II, IV, V, VI, VII, and X) and one novel type (Type XVI). Phylogenetic analyses were conducted to genetically match larval types to adult cestodes. Six of the eight larval types found were matched to adult forms: Type I metacestodes matched species of Phoreiobothrium Linton, 1889 (Onchobothriidae); Type II metacestodes matched species of Acanthobothrium van Beneden, 1849 (Onchobothriidae); Type IV metacestodes matched species of Scyphophyllidium Woodland, 1927 and Alexandercestus Ruhnke & Workman, 2013 (Phyllobothriidae); Type VI metacestodes matched species of Anthobothrium van Beneden, 1850 (Tetraphyllidea incertae sedis); Type X metacestodes matched species of Ambitalveolus Caira & Jensen, 2022 (Tetraphyllidea incertae sedis); and Type XVI metacestodes matched species of Platybothrium Linton, 1890 (Onchobothriidae). Based on phylogenetic topology, Type V metacestodes are inferred to match Pedibothrium Linton, 1909 (Balanobothriidae) and Type VII metacestodes are inferred to match Spongiobothrium Linton, 1889 (Rhinebothriidae). These findings support and extend the unified morphological type system proposed previously, but suggest that morphological types will ultimately be informative to identify metacestodes to a group of related genera rather than any distinct genus.