Candidates For Restoration Research Articles

Using Geospatial Analysis to Guide Marsh Restoration in Chesapeake Bay and Beyond

Coastal managers are facing imminent decisions regarding the fate of coastal wetlands, given ongoing threats to their persistence. There is a need for objective methods to identify which wetland parcels are candidates for restoration, monitoring, protection, or acquisition due to limited resources and restoration techniques. Here, we describe a new spatially comprehensive data set for Chesapeake Bay salt marshes, which includes the unvegetated-vegetated marsh ratio, elevation metrics, and sediment-based lifespan. Spatial aggregation across regions of the Bay shows a trend of increasing deterioration with proximity to the seaward boundary, coherent with conceptual models of coastal landscape response to sea-level rise. On a smaller scale, the signature of deterioration is highly variable within subsections of the Bay: fringing, peninsular, and tidal river marsh complexes each exhibit different spatial patterns with regards to proximity to the seaward edge. We then demonstrate objective methods to use these data for mapping potential management options on to the landscape, and then provide methods to estimate lifespan and potential changes in lifespan in response to restoration actions as well as future sea level rise. We account for actions that aim to increase sediment inventories, revegetate barren areas, restore hydrology, and facilitate salt marsh migration into upland areas. The distillation of robust geospatial data into simple decision-making metrics, as well as the use of those metrics to map decisions on the landscape, represents an important step towards science-based coastal management.

Socio‐ecological evidence highlights that native Prosopis species are better for arid land restoration than non‐native ones

The selection of species for restoration projects requires decision‐making to be based on scientific evidence as well as input and approval from local communities. To better guide future restoration initiatives, this study assessed the socio‐ecological effects of two Prosopis congeners including the native Prosopis cineraria and the non‐native P. juliflora (mesquite) in two different sites in Southern Iran. Soil parameters including pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, and total nitrogen as well as vegetation indices including native vegetation cover, diversity, and density were measured under both of the congener tree species. Furthermore, pastoralists' perceptions toward the colonizing ability of both Prosopis congeners, their impacts on ecosystem services, and people's livelihoods and human well‐being were assessed through interviews and semi‐structured questionnaires. The ecological results showed that areas with native P. cineraria had higher native vegetation cover, density, and diversity as compared to sites with the non‐native P. juliflora. Soils under P. cineraria and P. juliflora generally showed similar properties, with some small differences between sites (especially for pH and nitrogen). The social results showed that pastoralists in both study regions perceived P. cineraria to be better for local ecosystem services and livelihoods and viewed it to have lower colonizing or invasion potential. It can be concluded that native P. cineraria is a better candidate for restoration because it provides more ecological and social benefits and poses fewer long‐term threats. Caution should be taken when promoting non‐native species such as P. juliflora for restoration.

Restoration potential of eight tree species from a seasonally dry tropical forest in southeast Piauí, Brazil

ABSTRACT Background: The conservation and restoration of forest landscapes is an important aspect of sustainable development. In semi-arid regions these practices are difficulted by the harsh climate of these environments, with low precipitation values and prolonged dry seasons. The objective of this study is to identify tree species from the south of the Brazilian state of Piaui that have potential to be used in forest restoration programs. Results: Data from forest inventory and tree characteristics were used to select eight tree species using target species definition, focusing on species with desirable wood properties, abundance in the study region, favorable dendrometric variables, seed availability, ease of seed germination and seedling growth in nursery and field conditions, among others. These species were then evaluated as candidates for restoration using a framework species approach focusing on the following attributes: (i) 70% or higher seedling survival in the field; (ii) seedling height of 45 cm or taller after the first growing season in the field and (iii) 70% or greater nursery seedling survival. Conclusion: The species Combretum glaucocarpum, Cenostigma macrophyllum, and Pityrocarpa moniliformis are suitable to be employed in forest restoration programs in the southern region of Piaui, Brazil. Further studies must be carried out to assess the behavior of these and other potential tree species in long term field conditions and under varying silvicultural regimes, a key aspect for forest restoration.

The differences between rewilding and restoring an ecologically degraded landscape

Abstract Rewilding is a developing concept in ecosystem stewardship that involves reorganizing and regenerating wildness in an ecologically degraded landscape, with present and future ecosystem function being of higher consideration than historical benchmark conditions. This approach differs from ecosystem restoration but the two concepts are often conflated because (a) they both rely on similar management actions (at least initially) and (b) it can be erroneously assumed that they both aim for similar states of wildness. Rewilding and restoring both influence biodiversity, and common management actions such as species reintroductions (e.g. beavers or wolves) can be integral to a rewilding project. However, in contrast with restoration, rewilding has lower fidelity to taxonomic precedent and promotes taxonomic substitutions for extinct native species that once underpinned the delivery of key ecological functions. We suggest the adaptive cycle as the appropriate conceptual framework in which to distinguish rewilding from ecosystem restoration. The focus of restoration ecology is to return an ecosystem to as close to its former state as is possible after a major disturbance, by directly reinstating it on the ‘foreloop’ of the adaptive cycle. In contrast, rewilding draws from the ‘backloop’ by promoting reorganization and redevelopment of the ecosystem under changing environmental conditions. If environmental conditions have changed so significantly that a regime shift is inevitable, then rewilding can facilitate the development of a novel ecosystem to sustain the provision of ecosystem services. Synthesis and applications. Rewilding and restoring both have their places in biodiversity conservation. In each case, their respective merits should be weighed in relation to stakeholder priorities, prevailing and predicted environmental conditions, the level of biological organization targeted for management, and existing and future management capacity. We provide simple schematic decision‐pathways to assist in exploring whether an ecologically degraded landscape might be a candidate for restoration, active rewilding, or passive rewilding.

A framework for identifying and characterising coral reef “oases” against a backdrop of degradation

Abstract Human activities have led to widespread ecological decline; however, the severity of degradation is spatially heterogeneous due to some locations resisting, escaping, or rebounding from disturbances. We developed a framework for identifying oases within coral reef regions using long‐term monitoring data. We calculated standardised estimates of coral cover (z‐scores) to distinguish sites that deviated positively from regional means. We also used the coefficient of variation (CV) of coral cover to quantify how oases varied temporally, and to distinguish among types of oases. We estimated “coral calcification capacity” (CCC), a measure of the coral community's ability to produce calcium carbonate structures and tested for an association between this metric and z‐scores of coral cover. We illustrated our z‐score approach within a modelling framework by extracting z‐scores and CVs from simulated data based on four generalized trajectories of coral cover. We then applied the approach to time‐series data from long‐term reef monitoring programmes in four focal regions in the Pacific (the main Hawaiian Islands and Mo'orea, French Polynesia) and western Atlantic (the Florida Keys and St. John, US Virgin Islands). Among the 123 sites analysed, 38 had positive z‐scores for median coral cover and were categorised as oases. Synthesis and applications. Our framework provides ecosystem managers with a valuable tool for conservation by identifying “oases” within degraded areas. By evaluating trajectories of change in state (e.g., coral cover) among oases, our approach may help in identifying the mechanisms responsible for spatial variability in ecosystem condition. Increased mechanistic understanding can guide whether management of a particular location should emphasise protection, mitigation or restoration. Analysis of the empirical data suggest that the majority of our coral reef oases originated by either escaping or resisting disturbances, although some sites showed a high capacity for recovery, while others were candidates for restoration. Finally, our measure of reef condition (i.e., median z‐scores of coral cover) correlated positively with coral calcification capacity suggesting that our approach identified oases that are also exceptional for one critical component of ecological function.

Abstract 5178: CB002, a novel p53 pathway-restoring compound that induces apoptosis through the pro-apototic protein NOXA

Abstract P53 is a transcription factor that becomes stimulated upon genotoxic and cellular stress signals ultimately leading to the transcriptional activation of genes involved in processes such as DNA repair, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis etc. TP53 is the most commonly mutated tumor suppressor and this is associated with cancer initiation, cancer progression and therapy resistance. P53-targeted therapy has proven to be challenging because direct functional restoration of p53 as a transcription factor has been difficult to achieve. We haven taken a different approach by investigating small molecules that functionally restore the p53-signaling pathway instead of direct p53 targeting. To date there is no approved drug that restores the p53 pathway in cancer cells with mutant p53. Therefore, we performed a high-throughput screen to identify such molecules. We identified a family of small molecules, CB002 and its structural analogs, as candidates for restoration of the p53 pathway in p53-null and mutant p53-expressing cancer cells. CB002 was specific in causing apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells and not in normal human fibroblasts cells as indicated by a Sub-G1 assay. Utilizing the xCELLigence RTCA DP system and CIM-Plate we show that CB002 treatment decreases the ability of colorectal cancer cells to migrate. The ability of CB002 to restore the p53 pathway was validated by studying the activation of p53 target genes p21, DR5, and NOXA in various cancer cell lines and expression of well-established apoptotic markers. Stable knockdown of NOXA completely abrogated the expression of cleaved PARP and reduced Sub-G1 cells, implicating the relevance of NOXA as a key mediator of cell death induction by CB002. We are currently exploring the mechanism by which NOXA induces apoptosis, as preliminary results suggest that degradation of Mcl-1 is not required for CB002 mediated cell death. In addition, we are evaluating the ability of CB002 structural analogs in decreasing the stability of mutant p53 using a larger panel of p53 mutants, as CB002 appears to target R175H p53 mutants. Our data supports the continued investigation of CB002 as a p53 pathway-restoring compound that may be further developed as a cancer therapeutic for p53-null tumors as well as tumors with p53 mutations. Citation Format: Liz J. Hernandez Borrero, Shengliang Zhang, David T. Dicker, Wafik S. El-Deiry. CB002, a novel p53 pathway-restoring compound that induces apoptosis through the pro-apototic protein NOXA [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5178. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-5178

Abstract 327: Anti-tumor effect and destabilization of R175H-mutant p53 by CB002, a p53-pathway restoring small molecule that stimulates autophagy

Abstract Tumor suppressor p53 is a master regulator of genotoxic and cellular stress signals, controlling cell fate by transcriptionally activating genes involved in DNA repair, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. p53 is mutated in over half of human cancers and this is associated with tumor development and chemotherapy resistance. TP53 gene mutations can result in the abolishment of p53 contact with DNA and disruption of p53 structural conformation. These mutations not only prevent p53 to exert its normal tumor suppressive functions but can result in gain-of-function activity, acquiring oncogenic characteristics. Therefore, altering the stability of mutant p53 protein is an attractive therapeutic strategy in cancer cells. We investigated small molecules that modulate mutant p53 stability and restore the p53-signaling pathway. We identified a small molecule, CB002, as a candidate for restoration of the p53 pathway in mutant p53-bearing cancer cells. Three colorectal cancer cell lines: SW480, DLD-1, HCT116-R175H and the RXF393 renal cancer cell line, were treated with different concentrations of CB002 at various time points. Cell lines exposed to CB002 showed an increase in apoptotic and cell death markers, such as NOXA/DR5 induction, cleaved caspases and PARP, as early as 16 hrs. CB002 decreased mutant p53 stability in structural conformation-mutant bearing cells (HCT116 R175H and RXF393). Our data suggests that CB002 stimulates an increase of p53 target genes and promotes expression of pro-apoptotic proteins. R175H p53 mutant protein expression was largely rescued by the co-treatment with MG132, a proteasomal inhibitor, implicating a role for the ubiquitin proteasome system. Furthermore, we observed significant autophagy induction upon CB002 treatment, as indicated by LC3 conversion and p62 levels. Autophagy inhibition decreased levels of cell death markers and increased the stability of the R175H-mutant p53, suggesting that autophagy might be required for CB002-induced cell death and mutant p53 turnover. Therefore, we hypothesize that CB002 is capable of degrading mutant p53 and restoring the p53 pathway through p53 family members in colorectal cancer cells. Currently we are investigating p53 degradation mechanism by CB002, the role of p53 family members in the restoration of the pathway and autophagy on mutant p53 stability. Hence, our results provide an insight on effective p53 pathway activation through the use of small molecules. Citation Format: Liz J. Hernandez Borrero, Shengliang Zhang, David Dicker, Wafik El-Deiry. Anti-tumor effect and destabilization of R175H-mutant p53 by CB002, a p53-pathway restoring small molecule that stimulates autophagy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 327.

Processing and Characterization of a Composite of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and Microspheres Biphasic Calcium Phosphate (BCP) for Dermal Repair

Dermal fillers are injectable implants made of biological materials (collagen, autologous fat and hyaluronic acid animal) or synthetic (PMMA microparticles of hydroxyapatite and non-animal hyaluronic acid), biodegradable or not, that include features such as ideal biocompatibility, durability, non-profile migration and ability to promote a smooth, natural-looking correction. Its main indication is intended to treat contour defects caused by aging, photo damage, disease, trauma or scarification. The fact of biodegradable fillers are absorbed within a year after application resulted in the emergence of products permanent and semi-permanent to offer patients long-lasting effects. Currently, one of the most effective strategies has been the development of scaffolds formed by combining two or more biomaterials seeking the restoration of tissue function. The bioceramic associated with water-soluble polymers have been developed as substitutes for the repair of soft tissues with optimal biological response. The objective of this study was to process and characterize a composite hydrogel in the form of hyaluronic acid (HA) microspheres and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) in order injectable applications for repair of soft tissue. The powders of HA and BCP were characterized by Infrared Spectroscopy Fourier Transform (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The characterization of the hydrogel injectability pure and the composite with different ratios of HA and BCP was performed. The components were characterized compatible for use as dermal fillers. The composite of hyaluronic acid (HA) and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) had adequate characterization and injetabilidade proving to be a potential candidate for restoration of soft tissue.

Physical habitat assessment in the Tajuna river (Spain) by means of the MesoHABSIM approach

Physical habitat assessment in the Taju˜ na river (Spain) by means of the MesoHABSIM approach Physical habitat was assessed in the Taju˜ na river (Tagus basin, Spain) by means of the MesoHABSIM approach. Long reaches of the Taju˜ na river are altered by agricultural use of the riverside. The main impacts are river rectification (straightening), channel entrenchment and incision, and degradation of riparian vegetation, along with importantflow depletion and regulation. To our knowledge, this is the first application in Spain of MesoHABSIM, which is a physical habitat model based on the identification of habitat attributes -depth, water velocity, substrate, types of hydromorphologic units (HMU), and types of cover- on the mesohabitat scale. The river was stratified into 16 segments with similar habitat characteristics. Mesohabitats were mapped in one representative site (1-2 km long) within each segment to provide a hydromorphologic model of the river. Biological models were developed for fry, juvenile, and adult brown trout. To do this, preliminary models were generated based on literature about trout habitat requirements, and then they were calibrated with electrofishing data. These models were applied to the hydromorphologic model of the river to quantify the available habitat for brown trout in the current conditions. Finally, restoration action was designed to decrease channel entrenchment, increase river sinuosity, and recover its riparian vegetation. The physical changes after restoration were estimated by expert opinion, and the quantification of the available habitat was done with MesoHABSIM at each site. These results can be used to select the segments that are the best candidates for restoration.

Identifying Native Vegetation for Reducing Exotic Species during the Restoration of Desert Ecosystems

There is currently much interest in restoration ecology in identifying native vegetation that can decrease the invasibility by exotic species of environments undergoing restoration. However, uncertainty remains about restoration's ability to limit exotic species, particularly in deserts where facilitative interactions between plants are prevalent. Using candidate native species for restoration in the Mojave Desert of the southwestern U.S.A., we experimentally assembled a range of plant communities from early successional forbs to late‐successional shrubs and assessed which vegetation types reduced the establishment of the priority invasive annuals Bromus rubens (red brome) and Schismus spp. (Mediterranean grass) in control and N‐enriched soils. Compared to early successional grass and shrub and late‐successional shrub communities, an early forb community best resisted invasion, reducing exotic species biomass by 88% (N added) and 97% (no N added) relative to controls (no native plants). In native species monocultures, Sphaeralcea ambigua (desert globemallow), an early successional forb, was the least invasible, reducing exotic biomass by 91%. However, the least‐invaded vegetation types did not reduce soil N or P relative to other vegetation types nor was native plant cover linked to invasibility, suggesting that other traits influenced native‐exotic species interactions. This study provides experimental field evidence that native vegetation types exist that may reduce exotic grass establishment in the Mojave Desert, and that these candidates for restoration are not necessarily late‐successional communities. More generally, results indicate the importance of careful native species selection when exotic species invasions must be constrained for restoration to be successful.

Effect of heavy metal stress on emerging plants community constructions in wetland

In this paper, we report the effects of heavy metals (HMs) (cadmium and mercury) on seed germination and seedling growth of Phragmites australis and Triarrhena sacchariflora, which are the two main typical emerging plants in Hongze Lake wetland. The results showed that there was a reduction in germination percentage, germination index and seedling length as HM concentration in the growing media increased for both treatments. The effect of HMs toxicity on seed germination and seedling growth of T. sacchariflora was more obvious than of P. australis. At the stage of seed germination, P. australis and T. sacchariflora were sensitive to Hg(2 + ) and Cd(2 + ), respectively, and Hg(2 + ) was more toxic than Cd(2 + ) at the stage of seedling growth. The effect of HMs toxicity is not invariable during plant growth. Compared to the stage of seedling growth, P. australis and T. sacchariflora are more susceptible to HMs at the stage of seed germination. In addition, we calculated the ecological thresholds of P. australis to Cd and Hg are 19.32 and 1.08 mg kg(-1), and that of T. sacchariflora to Cd is 4.62 mg kg(-1) based on the lab simulation. The results also indicated that the species of P. australis is more tolerant than T. sacchariflora to the HMs and is a better candidate for restoration in Hongze Lake wetland ecosystem.

Prioritizing the world's islands for vertebrate‐eradication programmes

AbstractIn the last 400 years, more species have become extinct on small islands than on continents. Yet, scant attention has hitherto been paid to prioritizing island restorations. Nevertheless, considerable conservation effort is now devoted to removing a major cause of these extinctions – invasive alien vertebrates. Because modern techniques allow the clearance of invasive vertebrates from quite large islands (up to 1000 km2), many islands are candidates for restoration. A robust strategy for allocating available funds is urgently needed. It requires, for each candidate island, an objective estimation of conservation gain and a method for predicting its financial cost. Our earlier work showed that a good first‐pass estimate of vertebrate eradication costs can be made using just island area and target species. Costs increase with island area, while rodents are more expensive per unit area than ungulates. Here, we develop a method for assessing the conservation benefit of a proposed eradication and apply the method to threatened birds, but not other taxa. The method, combining information on how threatened a species is, on the impact of alien vertebrates on that species and on the islands on which the species occurs, allows us to present a means of determining which islands yield the greatest conservation benefit per unit of expenditure on vertebrate eradication. In general, although greater overall benefit would accrue to birds from eradication of invasive vertebrates on larger islands, benefit per unit of expenditure is the highest on relatively small islands, and we identify those that should be priority targets for future eradications. Crucially, this quantitative assessment provides considerable efficiency gains over more opportunistic targeting of islands. The method could be adapted to prioritize islands on a regional or national basis, or with different conservation gains in mind.