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opencc-by-4.0Sep 2021View details →

Single-molecule junction spontaneously restored by DNA zipper

Date set for "Single-molecule junction spontaneously restored by DNA zipper" published in Nature Commun, DOI : 10.1038/s41467-021-25943-3.

opencc-zeroSep 2021View details →

Mangrove wetland restoration in China

The large-scale conversion of natural mangroves to aquaculture reduces species richness and diversity. Large areas of abandoned aquaculture ponds in areas where mangroves formerly predominated in China and Southeast Asia represent important potential effective targets for mangrove restoration. Here, we empirically assessed the α-diversity (species richness) and β-diversity (variation in community composition) of mangrove, macrobenthos, fish, and waterbird in a tropical mangrove bay on Hainan Island, China. We compared sites subjected to different pond-to-mangrove restoration programs more than 20 years ago (passive restoration without planting, and active restoration with planting) to nearby reference site with natural mangrove forests and mudflats. To better understand how β-diversity responds to restoration, we also distinguished between β-diversity turnover and nestedness (richness difference). In general, α-diversity values for both fish and waterbird communities, and β-diversity values for the mangrove, macrobenthos, and waterbird communities were lower at the restoration sites than at the reference site, suggesting that the strong homogenizing effects of anthropogenic habitat alternation was still apparent after more than 20 years since aquaculture ceased. In addition, spatial turnover, not nestedness, dominated total β-diversity both across the whole study area and at individual sites, suggesting that multiple processes, such as environmental filtering, helped to shape multi-taxa community structures. Moreover, we found no evidence that planting in the abandoned ponds, in addition to standard hydrological restoration, supported greater species diversity of taxa like macrobenthos and waterbird than the naturally regenerated site after more than 20 years' recovery. Our results underline the importance of avoiding the conversion of natural mangrove stands to aquaculture wherever possible, and the urgent need to design effective mangrove restoration techniques in tropical Asia.

opencc-by-4.0Sep 2021View details →

Life-Cycle Inventory (LCI) For the comparative Life-Cycle Assessment of a restoration and renovation of a traditional Danish farmer house

This document provides the Life-Cycle Inventory of the study comparing the environmental performance of the restoration (Scenario 1, also mentioned as "S1") or renovation (Scenario 2, "S2") of a traditional Danish farmer house. The LCI is used as input for the life-cycle impact assessment phase in the LCA where the inputs and outputs of elementary flows in the LCI are characterized as potential impacts on the environment. The LCI is based on primary data from the "Apprentices' House" combined with secondary data from materials specific environmental product declaration and the large LCI database ecoinvent v3.   The file contains several spreadsheets organized as follows: Thicknesses,S1 - Reports the materials and their corresponding thicknesses used for walls, ceilings, floors and insulation in S1 Thicknesses, S1b - Reports the materials and their corresponding thicknesses used for walls, ceilings, floors and insulation in S1b Thicknesses, S1c - Reports the materials and their corresponding thicknesses used for walls, ceilings, floors and insulation in S1c Thicknesses, S2 - Reports the materials and their corresponding thicknesses used for walls, ceilings, floors and insulation in S2 Surfaces - Reports the area of all surfaces of the house (walls, ceilings, floors) for all scenarios.  Bill of materials - Sums up the list and quantity of all the materials used in all scenarios, providing details as to the quantity kept from the actual house, as well as the new input and output of materials during the restoration/renovation Heat loss, S1 - Provides details for the calculation of heat loss through the building envelope of the house in Scenario 1 Heat loss, S1b - Provides details for the calculation of heat loss through the building envelope of the house in Scenario 1b Heat loss, S1c - Provides details for the calculation of heat loss through the building envelope of the house in Scenario 1c Heat loss, S2 - Provides details for the calculation of heat loss through the building envelope of the house in Scenario 2 Parameters - Describes the main parameters used in the LCI and their corresponding uncertainty LCI Materials - Provides the full breakdown of the processes created and used for the LCI modelling on OpenLCA LCI Building - Provides the full breakdown of the processes created and used for the LCI modelling on OpenLCA

opencc-zeroOct 2021View details →

Canopy cover and ecological restoration increase natural regeneration of rainforest trees in the Western Ghats, India

Restoration of canopy cover through tree planting can assist in overcoming barriers to natural regeneration and catalyze recovery of degraded tropical forests. India has made international pledges to restore millions of hectares of degraded forests by 2030, but lacks empirical research on regeneration under different types of planted and natural overstories to guide this mission. We conducted a field study (65 plots of 25 m2) to examine the influence of overstory type and canopy cover on naturally regenerating tree seedlings across degraded rainforests (DR), mixed-native species ecological restoration sites (ER), monoculture eucalypt plantations (MP), and mature "benchmark" rainforests (BR) in the Western Ghats mountains of peninsular India. ER had higher native tree seedling densities and recovered community composition towards BR levels compared to DR, while communities in MP shifted in the opposite direction. Densities of native late-successional species increased with canopy cover (particularly in ER), but greater canopy cover was also associated with increases in alien species, a few of which are shade-tolerant. Further, in a nursery experiment comprising four rainforest species, seed germination and early survival increased with shade, but did not vary across soils originating from DR, ER, and MP. Our findings show that while improving canopy cover is important, doing so by planting diverse native species, and controlling invasive alien species, can benefit rainforest recovery in degraded rainforest fragments. Conversely, planting non-native monocultures in degraded forests, which is a prevalent practice in India, could prove counterproductive for forest recovery in the long term.

opencc-zeroNov 2022View details →

Data from: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi communities shaped by host-plant affect the outcome of plant-soil feedback in dryland restoration

1. Plant inoculation with Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can be a useful tool to overcome challenges in dry forest restoration. However, advances are still needed to guide choices regarding soil origin and inoculum production methods, since outcomes can vary due to plant-soil feedbacks (PSF). We evaluate how soil origin and host plant used for inoculum production affect AMF community and therefore the plant biomass accumulation and functional traits. 2. In the conditioning phase, we investigated whether soils originating from a recovered area (Quarry) and a vegetation fragment (Caatinga) would have their AMF communities modified due to the growth of Sorghum bicolor (used for inoculum production) and Senna uniflora (used in Brazilian semiarid restoration). In the feedback phase, we compared the performance of four plants species growing on a degraded soil and inoculated or not by a mixture of AMF isolates in comparison to soil inoculum prepared from the conditioning phase. 3. The inoculum from Caatinga presented seven times more AMF species compared to that from the Quarry, which presented ruderal and stress tolerant species. The soil inoculum conditioned by S. uniflora, regardless of origin, presented greater evenness compared to the soil inoculum produced with S. bicolor and promoted 33% more plant biomass compared to the control without inoculation. Root colonization by AMF increased PSF and decreased plant investment in functional traits such as specific root length (SRL) and specific leaf area (SLA). 4. Our results demonstrate the importance of adopting strategies that preserve local adaptation of inoculants produced. The use of native plant for propagation of native AMF in the conditioning phase provided more positive responses for Mesosphaerum suaveolens and Rhaphiodon echinus than inoculated with introduced AMF isolates. This is probably due to the interaction of inoculated plants with responsive AMF present in the soil. 5. Synthesis and applications: Our study shows that conditioning field-collected soil with S. uniflora and using it for inoculation can be a simple technique to promote biomass accumulation for other native herbaceous species. This preserves the compatibility between the soil inoculum produced with native AMF and native plants, representing an important tool for restoration programs.

opencc-zeroNov 2022View details →

Using genomics to guide seed-sourcing at the right taxonomical level for ecological restoration projects: the complex case of Carex bigelowii s.lat. in Norway

There is a growing demand for ecological restoration using suitable seeds following international standards or national legal demands for local seed-sourcing. However, before selecting the appropriate geographic origin of seeds, it is vital to explore taxonomic complexity related to the focal taxa. We used ddRAD-seq to screen genomic diversity within Carex bigelowii s.lat. focussing on Norway. This species complex is considered a candidate for seeding, but presents considerable morphological, ecological, and genetic variation. The genetic structure of 132 individuals of C. bigelowii s.lat., including C. nigra as an outgroup, was explored using ordinations, clustering analyses, and a genetic barrier algorithm. Two highly divergent clusters were evident, supporting the recognition of two taxonomic units 'C. dacica' and 'subsp. bigelowii'. Previously defined seed-sourcing regions for C. bigelowii s.lat. did not consider the known taxonomic complexity, and therefore interpreted the overall genetic structure as seed-sourcing regions, not taxa. We estimated genetic neighbourhood sizes within each taxon to be 100-150 km and 300 km, respectively, indicating species-specific delimitations of local seed-sourcing regions. Frequent hybrids, local genetic distinctiveness, and suggested ecotypes add complexity to the discussed seed-sourcing regions. Our results show how genomic screening of diversity and structure in a species complex can alleviate the taxonomic impediment, inform practical questions and legal requirements related to seed-sourcing, and together with traditional taxonomic work provide necessary information for a sound management of biodiversity.

opencc-by-4.0Nov 2022View details →

Database of European Court of Justice and National European Member State Decisions involving restoration practices

Database of European Court of Justice and European Member State National Court Decisions related to environment restoration.

opencc-by-4.0Nov 2022View details →

Altitude gradient pattern of grassland restoration of quarry on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

It is very difficult to recover the alpine grassland on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau after being destroyed. However, the demand for economic construction forced the government to build highways on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, leaving behind many quarries. However, it is uncertain whether these quarries can be restored and the extent of restoration. This study conducts a transect survey of 39 quarry-restored grasslands reseeded with Elymus nutans and adjacent natural grasslands on two recently constructed highways on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau from 2800 to 5100 m above sea level. The first data set is the community survey data set of height, in which the rows describe the species names in the sample plots, the sample plots shown in the list and duplicates. The second data set is the community survey data set of coverage, in which the rows describe the species names in the sample plots, the sample plots shown in the list and duplicates. We believe that the height and coverage were not enough to evaluate the restoration, and the community species composition of the restored grassland was an important indicator to evaluate the restoration.

opencc-zeroNov 2022View details →

Data for: Barriers to seedling establishment in grasslands: Implications for Nothofagus forest restoration and migration

Tree seedling establishment outside forest boundaries is controlled by many interacting factors. Understanding the relative importance of different pressures is essential for improving techniques for forest restoration and for understanding the potential of forest boundaries to shift and adapt to changing climate conditions. We investigated constraints on the spread of a key southern hemisphere forest type into grasslands by undertaking a multi-factorial experiment sowing Nothofagus cliffortioides (Nothofagaceae) in a historically deforested retired pasture. We manipulated factors to determine the relative effects of sheltered microsites, competition with pasture species, availability of ectomycorrhizal fungi, soil nutrients, and rabbit herbivory, on seedling emergence and survival. Overall survival was low (11.7% after six months and 1.5% after ten months), but there were strong treatment effects on both seedling establishment and survival. The availability of shelter and competition with pasture species had strongest effects, with the presence of pasture species initially aiding seedling emergence due to a sheltering effect, but negatively affecting survival at later stages. Most remaining seedlings at the conclusion of the experiment had formed ectomycorrhizae regardless of whether inoculum was supplied, and seedling survival and health was positively related to ectomycorrhizal colonization. Fertilizing had less of an effect than other factors, and results regarding rabbit herbivory were inconclusive. Synthesis and applications: This study provides new insights into how factors interact to limit tree seedling establishment in grasslands and forest expansion into neighboring ecosystems. This improves understanding of the ability of an ectomycorrhizal keystone forest species to migrate and adapt to climate change. This study also assists restoration practitioners in selecting techniques that will enhance seedling establishment, and highlights that direct seeding approaches in open grasslands are unlikely to result in high rates of Nothofagus establishment.

opencc-zeroDec 2022View details →

Experimental extensification of mountain grasslands restores plant species richness but not species composition in the mid-term

<ol> <li>The traditional grasslands that characterize the cultural landscapes of the palaeartic mountain massifs represent biodiversity hotspots. Yet, they are currently threatened by the intensification of farming practices, notably excesses in fertilization and irrigation.</li> <li>We experimentally investigated the passive restoration of montane and subalpine hay meadows after six years of management intensification, with different levels of fertilization and irrigation, followed by five years of release of intensive management, i.e. extensification. More specifically, relying on a full randomized block-design replicated at 11 Swiss study sites constituted of extensively-managed meadows, we exposed during six years (2010-2015) four 20 m diameter plots to three levels of intensification (low, medium and high inputs), while a fourth plot served as a control (no inputs). In the second phase of the experiment (2016-2020), all study meadows underwent farming extensification.</li> <li>We monitored total species richness and plant diversity (Simpson diversity), indicator plant species as well as the composition and variability of the plant communities based on Bray-Curtis dissimilarity distances.</li> <li>We found that total species richness decreased in the most intensified plots after six years of intensification, but all plots retrieved their baseline species richness after five years of re-extensification. Additionally, we found no difference between the years in plant diversity (Simpson diversity) among the treatments. Yet, intensification led to different plants communities' compositions in all three levels of intensification in 2015 compared to the extensive plots, and this structural difference remained after five years of re-extensification.</li> <li>Synthesis and applications. Land-use intensification induces a rapid impoverishment of the flora of mountain meadows. Our results demonstrate the potential of mountain hay meadows to passively restore plant species richness after re-extensification, however plants communities did not fully recover. We recommend maintaining fertilization inputs as low as possible and operating active restoration on grasslands formerly intensified.</li> </ol>

opencc-zeroDec 2022View details →

Assisted sexual reproduction of Acropora cervicornis for active restoration on Florida's Coral Reef

Given the rapid, global decline in the health and abundance of coral reefs, increased investments in restoration-based interventions – including asexual and sexual propagation – are being made by coral reef scientists at research institutions, but also at zoos and aquariums. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is an independent, non-profit marine science organization dedicated to the conservation and restoration of Florida's Coral Reef, and does so, using science-based strategies. In order to promote the long-term persistence, resilience, and adaptive potential of restored coral populations on Florida's Coral Reef, Mote scientists are performing critical research and restoration activities related to assisted sexual reproduction (ASR). The objective of this study was to optimize ASR of Acropora cervicornis by (1) evaluating broodstock compatibility for genets actively used within Mote's restoration gene pool, (2) optimizing larval settlement by testing spectral cues, (3) and optimizing the grow-out of sexual recruits by testing the impact of light on growth, survival, and algal symbiont uptake in the presence of adult corals or not. Overall, we found that corals and genets spawned with high synchrony, both within and across years, and in terms of predicted spawning times related to nights after the full moon and minutes after sunset. Across two years, overall fertilization success was high (~95%), but we did find one pair of genets that was not compatible. During settlement, larvae preferred pink and purple-colored substrates, which was consistent with our expectation that they would select substrates similar in color to crustose coralline algae (CCA). Interestingly though, they only did so when a matching chemical cue from CCA was also present, indicating that larvae integrate multiple cues simultaneously to determine the most appropriate place to settle. Growth and symbiont uptake were faster in recruits reared in the presence of adult corals and additional lighting, but survivorship was not different through the first ten weeks post-settlement between treatments. A subset of corals was outplanted using two different techniques based on single or clustered corals. We report the initial 1-month survival results. We also provide a detailed protocol and general recommendations for ASR based on years of coral sexual propagation experience.

opencc-zeroJan 2023View details →

Genetic restoration of black rhinoceroses in South Africa: conservation implications

Globally, wildlife populations are becoming increasingly small and isolated. Both processes contribute to an elevated risk of extinction, notably due to genetic factors related to inbreeding depression and a loss of adaptive potential. Wildlife translocation is a valuable conservation tool to reintroduce species to previously occupied areas, or augment existing populations with genetically divergent animals, thereby improving the viability of endangered populations. However, understanding the genetic implications of mixing gene pools is key to avoid the risk of outbreeding depression, and to maximise translocation effectiveness. In this study we used mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA collected from 110 black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis minor) in Kruger National Park, South Africa, to determine levels of genetic diversity, inbreeding and relatedness. We compared this diversity with the two source populations (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and Zambezi River, Zimbabwe) using data from previously published studies, and assessed changes in the relative contribution of source lineages since their reintroduction in the 1970s. Our results show that Kruger's black rhinoceroses are genetically more diverse than those from KwaZulu-Natal, with levels closer to those from the Zambezi Valley. Furthermore, our findings indicate a relative increase in the Zimbabwean lineage since reintroduction, suggesting a possible selective advantage. From a conservation perspective, our results demonstrate the benefits of mixing multiple source populations to restore gene flow, improve genetic diversity and thereby help protect small, isolated populations from extinction.

opencc-zeroJan 2023View details →

Challenges and directions for open ecosystems biodiversity restoration: An overview of the techniques applied for Cerrado

1. Ecological restoration of tropical open ecosystems remains challenging for both science and practice. Over the last decade, innovative techniques have been developed, but whether they have been successful or not remains to be demonstrated. Assessing the outcomes of these initiatives is crucial to drive the following steps to improve tropical grasslands and savanna restoration. 2. Analyzing 82 data sets from the literature and primary data collection, we assessed the effectiveness of passive and active restoration techniques applied in Cerrado open ecosystems. We used plant diversity variables (species and growth forms) as indicators, considering ruderals and exotics as non-target species. Specifically, we aimed to answer: (i) How does the diversity of target species change through time in areas subject to passive restoration? (ii) Are active and passive restoration techniques effective in restoring the proportion of target species found in old-growth reference ecosystems? (iii) Have the current techniques been successful in recovering the proportions of growth forms of reference ecosystems? 3. We found that target species proportions do not increase with time, suggesting limitations of typical species to colonize degraded sites. Hence, passive restoration will promote the conservation of a limited and constant number of target species. This number will depend on the magnitude of degradation and previous land use. 4. The restoration techniques currently applied to restore the biodiversity of Cerrado open ecosystems are not reaching the reference standards, with distinct techniques driving plant communities to different sets of growth forms. Active restoration based on propagules obtained from pristine donor sites (topsoil translocation, plant material transplant, and seeding) performed better than passive restoration for most of the growth forms analyzed. 5. Synthesis and Applications: Different growth forms have different roles in determining the structure and functioning of Cerrado vegetation. A mix of techniques can better approximate plant diversity and the proportionality of target species of pristine ecosystems. Singular restoration approaches are insufficient for restoring Cerrado open ecosystem biodiversity. Mixed efforts encompassing various techniques are required instead. Furthermore, it is likely restoration success can be improved with greater investment in improving our understanding of and developing existing restoration techniques.

opencc-zeroFeb 2023View details →

The relative effectiveness of different grassland restoration methods: A systematic literature search and meta-analysis

1. Active grassland restoration has gained in importance to mitigate the dramatic decline of farmland biodiversity. While there is evidence that such operations are generally effective in promoting plant diversity, little is known about the effectiveness of the different methods applied. Restoration methods can differ in intensity of seed bed preparation, seed source and technique of seed application. 2. In this systematic literature search and meta-analysis, we screened the literature for studies of the restoration of mesic grasslands in temperate Europe. We focused on active restoration experiments that included a treatment and lasted more than three years. We evaluated the influence of restoration factors on plant species richness relative to non-restored controls. 3. We found 187 articles that investigated the outcome of operations aimed at actively restoring mesic temperate grasslands. Most articles focused on plants, with only 9.6% dealing with other organisms (e.g. beetles, pollinating insects). Many papers had to be excluded due to incomplete data, too short study duration and/or lack of an adequate control. This resulted in 13 articles fulfilling our criteria for inclusion, yielding a total of 56 data points for the meta-analysis. 4. Restoration actions increased plant species richness by, on average, 17.4%, compared to controls. The seed source explained a significant amount of variation in plant species richness: seeds originating from a speciose donor grassland had a positive effect. This effect was even enhanced when combined with a commercial seed mix, whereas commercial seed mixes alone had no significant effect. We did not observe any effect of other factors, such as the type of seed bed preparation or the seed application method. 5. A seed-source obtained from species-rich grasslands seems to be key to efficient grassland restoration in mesic grasslands of temperate Europe. Even though seeds from a speciose donor grassland should be preferred over commercial seeds, associating natural and commercial seed mixes increases plant species richness. This systematic literature search further revealed two major research gaps in grassland restoration ecology: a deficit in long-term investigations as well as a deficit in studies focusing on non-plant organisms.

Plant water use strategies predict restoration success across degraded drylands

<ul> <li>Plant strategies for coping with water limitation are likely to mediate restoration outcomes in degraded dryland ecosystems. Tradeoffs in traits related to water acquisition and use can intensify in more arid environments, making their effects on dryland restoration success even more salient. However, isolating the effects of drought responses from those of other environmental factors, as well as identifying the specific drought resistance traits that influence restoration success, can be difficult.</li> <li>In the present study, we couple a controlled dry-down experiment with a cross-site restoration field trial of out-planted seedlings (RestoreNet) using a suite of dryland herbaceous plant species from the same seed sources. We quantified interspecific variation in physiological responses to drought, specifically reductions in stomatal conductance (gs) and stem water potential (SWP), by comparing well-watered control plants to those experiencing decreasing soil moisture.</li> <li>Drought responses of SWP and gs varied independently among species, but both were related to survival in the cross-site restoration field trial when effect sizes were aggregated across all sites. Responses were consistent with acquisitive water use strategies resulting in greater success, where species with greater declines in SWP or weaker declines in gs under drought had greater survival. The correlation between SWP drought response and survival also intensified in sites with lower accumulated precipitation following restoration.</li> <li>Differences among functional groups revealed two different paths to restoration success: forbs that maintain high gs and narrow safety margins to maximize exploitation of moisture pulses before going into drought dormancy, or C4 grasses that maintain efficient water uptake in drying soils while risking cavitation. C3 grass species varied between these two strategies.</li> <li> Synthesis and applications: Taken together, the results of this study and others conducted at RestoreNet sites indicate that while a diversity of physiological responses to drought may exist in dryland plant communities, successfully restoring herbaceous species through out-planting in degraded conditions is likely to be achieved with species that maximize water uptake via one of two strategies, with tolerance of low SWP being particularly important in the most arid settings.</li> </ul>

Impacts of ecological restoration on the genetic diversity of plant species: A global meta-analysis

1. In contrast to the depth of knowledge available for the enhancement of plant species diversity and ecosystem services through ecological restoration, our understanding of how ecological restoration impacts genetic diversity (GD) of plant species has not yet been synthesized. 2. We performed a global meta-analysis to examine whether ecological restoration improved GD of plant species in restored populations. First, we compared the GD of restored populations with reference or degraded populations. Second, we explored whether the influence of ecological restoration on plant GD varies between species with different characteristics (life form and threat status), between different restoration strategies (active/passive, seeding/planting, mixture/non-mixture) or between different restoration times (<50 and ≥50 years; with an average of 29.3 years). 3. The GD of restored populations was significantly lower (HE, 1.06%; PPB, 5.10%, and SWI, 4.95%) than in reference populations but was comparable to degraded populations. The inbreeding coefficient (FIS, the proportion by which the heterozygosity of an individual is reduced by inbreeding) was consistently comparable between restored populations and reference or degraded populations. 4. Woody species but not herbs had significantly lower GD in restored populations than in reference populations. Forest but not grassland ecosystem had significantly lower GD in restored populations than in reference populations. Passive but not active restoration, seeding rather than planting, and mixing materials from different sources rather than using a single source, all significantly increased the GD of restored populations. When the restoration time was ≥50 years, in contrast to <50 years, GD was comparable between the restored and reference populations. 5. Synthesis and applications. In general, ecological restoration did not significantly improve the GD of plant species compared to reference or degraded populations. This might be due in part to the relatively short restoration time. Using passive restoration, seeding, and mixed sources could significantly increase the GD of restored populations. We emphasize that GD should not be treated as a minor cobenefit of ecological restoration for other purposes and that the recovery of GD should be listed as a vital goal in future ecological restoration with plant species.

Data from: Postnatal administration of S-adenosylmethionine restores developmental AHR activation-induced deficits in CD8+ T cell function during influenza A virus infection

Abstract Developmental exposures can influence life-long health; yet, counteracting negative consequences is challenging due to poor understanding of cellular mechanisms. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) binds many small molecules, including numerous pollutants. Developmental exposure to the signature environmental AHR ligand 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) significantly dampens adaptive immune responses to influenza A virus (IAV) in adult offspring. CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) are crucial for successful infection resolution, which depends on the number generated and the complexity of their functionality. Prior studies showed developmental AHR activation significantly reduced the number of virus-specific CD8+ T cells, but impact on their functions is less clear. Other studies showed developmental exposure was associated with differences in DNA methylation in CD8+ T cells. Yet, empirical evidence that differences in DNA methylation are causally related to altered CD8+ T cell function is lacking. The two objectives were to ascertain whether developmental AHR activation affects CTL function, and whether differences in methylation contribute to reduced CD8+ T cell responses to infection. Developmental AHR triggering significantly reduced CTL polyfunctionality, and modified the transcriptional program of CD8+ T cells. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), which increases DNA methylation, but not Zebularine, which diminishes DNA methylation, restored polyfunctionality and boosted the number of virus-specific CD8+ T cells. These findings suggest that diminished methylation, initiated by developmental exposure to an AHR-binding chemical, contributes to durable changes in antiviral CD8+ CTL functions later in life. Thus, deleterious consequence of development exposure to environmental chemicals are not permanently fixed, opening the door for interventional strategies to improve health.

Identifying temporal dynamics in post-release survival of a restored large ungulate

Wildlife translocation is an important conservation tool for restoring species and reducing global biodiversity decline; however, this practice is challenging for wildlife, and translocated individuals must adjust to their release landscapes for restoration success. The period following release is a vulnerable time for wildlife and determining when animals acclimate following translocation improves long-term estimates of population dynamics and allows researchers to efficiently tailor translocation design and post-release management to each population's needs. We evaluated demographic acclimation and investigated changes in post-release survival of a population of 106 elk (Cervus canadensis) translocated to Missouri, U.S.A., from 2011 to 2013 using generalized survival modeling. We defined the acclimation period as the duration of time prior to stabilization in mortality risk relative to time from release, and we evaluated acclimation duration from flexible plots of estimated mortality hazards across time. We simultaneously investigated factors contributing to post-release survival and compared survival rates and mortality sources observed during acclimation and post-acclimation periods. Elevated mortality risk for translocated elk spanned a 5-month acclimation period following release, with an additional one-year period reflecting reduced, but still elevated, mortality hazards. Baseline hazards during the initial 5-month acclimation period were approximately four times higher than the subsequent 4.4 years following release. Release cohort, but not age class or sex, was associated with post-release mortality risk, and mortality sources within the acclimation period tended to be undetermined with greater frequency relative to mortalities occurring after the acclimation period. Synthesis and applications. Our results highlight the utility of flexible modeling approaches to evaluate dynamic post-release responses of translocated populations. Translocated elk demonstrated a pronounced demographic acclimation period that spanned five months following release. Changes in mortality sources and the timing of stabilization in mortality hazards suggest that demographic acclimation in translocated elk was associated with adjustments in physiological stress and movement rates that stabilize over a similar post-release duration. Improving post-release monitoring and assessment of restored populations by evaluating temporal dynamics of manifold biological and ecological responses of translocated animals.

opencc-by-4.0Apr 2023View details →

Data and code: Plants cultivated for ecosystem restoration can evolve towards a domestication syndrome

Data and code to the publication Conrady et al (2023): Plants cultivated for ecosystem restoration can evolve towards a domestication syndrome, PNAS.