Post-pyrogenic changes in the hydrothermal parameters of soils in middle-taiga pine forests

Results of long-term studies in middle-taiga pine forests on sandy podzols after controlled surface fires are presented. The changes in the soil hydrothermal conditions caused by the pyrogenic transformation of the soil and the pyrogenic and postpyrogenic changes in other components of the forest biogeocenoses were revealed. Along with the general character of the changes in the soils’ hydrothermal conditions, some differences in the degree of their manifestation between different regions due to the different fire intensities were revealed. It was concluded that the pyrogenic impact disturbed the existing material and energy exchange between the atmosphere and the soil, which is the main process of soil formation and development. Consequently, forest fires are a powerful and active factor of recent pedogenesis.     

The formation of magnetic ferric oxides in soils over underground gas storage reservoirs

The concepts of the specific mechanisms responsible for the formation of magnetic ferric oxides in soils over artificial gas storage reservoirs are considered for the first time. Upon the interaction of technogenic allochthonous methane with soil, some biogeochemical barriers are formed that are characterized by the accumulation of solid products resulting from the functioning and development of the soil. The pedogenic new formations are represented by fine magnetic ferric oxides of specific shape. They are the result of an elementary soil-forming process—oxidogenesis composed of a complex of microprocesses of biogenic and abiogenic nature.     

Effect on neonatal oestrogen and hCG treatment on the genital organs of adult female rats

The ovaries and the uterine as well as vaginal mucous membranes of 80-, 180- and 365-day-old intact female rats and females neonatally treated with a single dose of oestrogen and repeated doses of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) were studied. Numerous follicles, interstitial cells and corpora lutea (CL) were present on the ovary of intact females from 80 up to 365 days of age. The number of primary and secondary follicles decreased in the intact female rats between Day 180 and Day 365 of life. On the ovaries of 180- and 365-day-old female rats neonatally treated with oestrogen, interstitial glandular cells and cystic follicles predominated. No CL were present on these ovaries. The height of epithelial cells of the uterine and vaginal mucous membranes increased in intact female rats from 80 to 365 days of age, whereas in oestrogen-treated females the height of epithelium decreased. From 80 up to 365 days of age, the height of epithelial cells of uterine and vaginal mucous membranes of rats neonatally treated with repeated doses of hCG was similar to that in the corresponding control animals.