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The relevance of the study is determined by the need to preserve natural values, which are considered the heritage of all mankind, namely the primaeval forests and old-growth beech forests of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage. The aim of the research was to study the state and structure of the beech primaeval forest in the national nature park "Zacharovanyi Krai". For the study, a permanent sample plot of 1 ha (100×100 m) was laid down in the prevailing forest type - moist pure beech forest. This plot is located in the optimal forest-growing conditions for European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) within the Vyhorlat-Hutyn volcanic ridge of the Ukrainian Carpathians. It was found that the beech forest stand on the plot is pure in composition and complex in form, characterised by different development phases (age groups by diameter): the first layer stand belongs to the mature age group (senile), the second layer - to the middle-aged group, and the third - to the pole (virginal). It was determined that 95% of the primaeval forest stock is the stock of the first layer, while the share of commercial trees of the first layer is 89% (66% of the total volume of stem wood of trees on the permanent sample plot). The main types of damage in the site are caused by abiotic factors. As a result of such damage, 43 m3‧ha-1 of deadwood was recorded, characterised by all 5 stages of decomposition. Under the canopy of the stand, 10,375 pcs‧ha-1 of undergrowth was recorded, of which the share of beech is 88%. Beech undergrowth is weakly differentiated by age groups: it was recorded only in the group of 7-year-olds and older and well-differentiated by height groups. By age group, undergrowth belongs to the juvenile-immature age state. The herbaceous cover is typical for nemoral forests. The presence of stationary research plots in the National Nature Park "Zakharovanyy Kray" makes it possible to constantly monitor the trends of natural development of the ecosystem - the beech primaeval forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study represents the results of the forest inventory observations (the data of forest stand, undergrowth, understory, coarse woody debris) based on the reconnaissance stage (the express assessment) of the research on the intensive level polygon “Kivach” (Republic of Karelia) within the implementation of the monitoring framework of the carbon budget in the forests of Russian Federation. We found that within the polygon the old-growth overmature coniferous forest stands dominate: 71% of the test site area is represented by pine stands, 16% – by spruce ones. The blueberry forest type predominates representing 76 and 38% of pine and spruce stands, respectively. The productivity of the studied forest stands is middle: the average quality class of pine stands is II.7, whereas spruce and birch stands have III.0 only. The composition of the undergrowth is dominated by spruce with the average density in range from 0.14 to 1.70 thousand pcs ha-1. Pine undergrowth is most represented in lingonberry and blueberry pine forests. The understory layer is formed by tree species typical of coniferous boreal forests – common mountain ash, gray alder, goat willow, common juniper, and needle hips. Within the polygon the coarse woody debris amount varies widely and its distribution by stock, type (standing and downed deadwood and stumps) and species identity depends on the dominant tree species of the stand and forest site conditions. Despite the old-growth and low-disturbed status, the forest sites of the polygon “Kivach” largely reflect the tree species and typological diversity of the forests in the middle taiga subzone.

The interaction of the main forest-forming species of Siberia: Siberian spruce (Picea obovata Ledeb.), bush birch (Betula fruticosa Pall.), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), aspen (Populus tremula L.), Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.), and Siberian stone pine (Pinus sibirica Du Tour) with agro-gray soil is considered. The study is carried out in a special long-term experiment with forest crops, initiated by prof. N. V. Orlovskiy in 1968-69 in the southern taiga on the territory of the Kemchug Upland. It was revealed that biological characteristics and successional position of tree species significantly influence all components of the phytocenosis. The biggest changes were recorded under the canopy of early successional coniferous (larch) and small-leaved (birch and aspen) species, while late successional species – spruce and cedar – at this stage significantly limit the development of subordinate layers. Over the 45-year period of growth of forest crops, the soil profile is formed due to the differentiation of the arable substrate of the soil-forming species into genetic horizons. The influence of the forest canopy on planted agro-gray soil occurs gradually and intensifies with the growth and development of crops, the formation of a litter horizon and covers all soil properties. Active modern soil formation affects the mineral soil layer 0–10 (13) cm. Vertical flows of matter and energy entering the soil in the process of increasing capacity and intensity of the biological cycle are the main factor in the formation of the soil profile. The development of soil under forest crops under the conditions of a long-term zonal experiment was noted.

The character of restorative forest successions after catastrophic disturbances is largely determined by their initial stage. The natural regeneration of tree and shrub species has been investigated, taking into account the influence of herbaceous vegetation on this process in two clear cut area at the site of the 2017 windfall in near Moscow Region. The type of clear cut area is mixed herbs with predominance of reed grass. The soil-forming rocks are sandy loam and light loam. Accounting for the natural renewal of tree and shrub species and soil vegetation cover was carried out on circular test plots with an area of 10 m2 , located at different distances from the edges. 102 species of herbs were found. Clearings differ in the species composition of herbaceous vegetation. The Jaccard similarity index was 37.3 %. This difference is due to the presence of rare species, the most represented species are found in both clear cut area. In clear cut area No. 1, 17 species of trees and shrubs were noted, and in clear cut area No. 2, 13 species. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), silver (Betula pendula Roth) and moor (Betula pubescens Ehrh.) birch, and aspen (Populus tremula L.) dominated in both clearings. Successful regeneration of pine trees was noted at a distance of no more than 50 m from the forest wall. Small-leaved species are found throughout in the clear cut area. The amount of natural reforestation of pine significantly exceeds the amount of birch and aspen, at the same time, pine is much inferior to these species in height. Among herbaceous plants, the renewal of pine is most hindered by the reed grass (Calamagrostis arundinacea (L) Roth.), and among deciduous species – aspen. For the successful formation of pine stands, it is recommended to carry out thinning.

The research relevance of the complex, multi-stage process of natural regeneration of forest communities, as well as interactions and transformations, is determined by the rapidly growing challenges posed by climate change, deforestation and biodiversity loss. The study aims to assess the state and to identify the ecological and coenotic specificity of natural seed regeneration of the leading forest-forming species of the Left-Bank Polissya of Ukraine. The study was carried out using a set of methods, primarily geobotanical, population and mathematical and statistical. The process of natural recovery was studied in communities that are typical for the region and belong to 42 syntaxa in the rank of associations and 24 syntaxa in the rank of association groups. The study revealed the specifics of such forest-forming species as Pinus sylvestris L., Quercus robur L., Acer platanoides L., Betula pendula Roth., Populus tremula L., and Tilia cordata Mill. The study established that the representation of the undergrowth of the main forest-forming species in the forest plant communities of the Left-Bank Polissya of Ukraine varies quite significantly. The study described the determinants of the species composition of restoration, including the peculiarities of seed (fruit) dispersion and the adaptive potential of plants. The study determined that the condition of the understory and its population density are determined by the level of soil moisture (the highest values of understory density in most species were recorded in forests with soils moistened at the level of fresh and wet hygro-tops), and this process may intensify against the background of climate change. The results of the study can be used to develop effective strategies for forest management, biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest management in the Left Bank Polissia region, which will help improve the environmental situation and create favourable conditions for the restoration of forest ecosystems [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The PI3K enzymes modify phospholipids to regulate cell growth and differentiation. Somatic variants in PI3K are recurrent in cancer and drive a proliferative phenotype. Somatic mosaicism of PIK3R1 and PIK3CA are associated with vascular anomalies and overgrowth syndromes. Germline PIK3R1 variants are associated with varying phenotypes, including immunodeficiency or facial dysmorphism with growth delay, lipoatrophy, and insulin resistance associated with SHORT syndrome. There has been limited study of the molecular mechanism to unify our understanding of how variants in PIK3R1 drive both undergrowth and overgrowth phenotypes. Thus, we compiled genomic variants from cancer and rare vascular anomalies and sought to interpret their effects using an unbiased physics-based simulation approach for the protein complex. We applied molecular dynamics simulations to mechanistically understand how genetic variants affect PIK3R1 and its interactions with PIK3CA. Notably, iSH2 genetic variants associated with undergrowth destabilize molecular interactions with the PIK3CA receptor binding domain in simulations, which is expected to decrease activity. On the other hand, overgrowth and cancer variants lead to loss of inhibitory interactions in simulations, which is expected to increase activity. We find that all disease variants display dysfunctions on either structural characteristics or intermolecular interaction energy. Thus, this comprehensive characterization of novel mosaic somatic variants associated with two opposing phenotypes has mechanistic importance and biomedical relevance and may aid in future therapeutic developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest ecosystems of the Anyuy river basin were chosen as the object of study, which have undergone significant changes due to wood harvesting, starting in the 50–60s of the twentieth century, and catastrophic fires in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The purpose of the study was to study the course of post-fire succession in the coniferous-deciduous forests of the Anyuysky National Park, for which 21 sample plots were established in the mountainous part of the basin of the middle and upper reaches of the Anyuy river, on its the right bank, in places affected by forest fires in different years. Quantitative recording and assessment of silvicultural and forest survey indicators of the stand, the lower stand layer and undergrowth were carried out on the sample plots. During the study, it was found that throughout the surveyed territory, young flat-leaved birch (Betula platyphylla Sukaczev) trees aged from 15 to 30 years were formed with a single participation of broad-leaved species, such as small-leaved maple (Acer mono Maxim.), Take linden (Tilia taquetii C. K. Scheind.), Mongolian oak (Quercus mongolica Fisch. ex Ledeb.), Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr.) etc. As a result of fires, due to the composition of the stands, native coniferous species disappeared as Ayan spruce (Picea jezoensis (Siebold & Zucc.) Carrière), white fir (Abies nephrolepis (Trautv. ex Maxim.) and Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis Siebold et Zucc.), which were noted in the composition of the undergrowth, and appeared there due to favorable conditions developing for these shade-loving species under the canopy of flat-leaved birch. With movement to the east and with increasing altitude above sea level, the participation of Ayan spruce in the composition of the undergrowth increases, however, in general, the species diversity in the composition of the layers decreases from 19–40 to 4–27 species. The composition of the undergrowth is dominated by flat-leaved birch and Cayander larch (Larix cajanderi Mayr), the share of the main species accounts for about 60 % of the total amount of undergrowth. Mostly, the undergrowth is reliable (78 %), 56 % of it has a height of more than 1.5 m. In the shrub and grass-shrub layers, representatives of indigenous coniferous-deciduous forests are noted: Manchurian hazel (Corylus mandshurica Maxim.), Amur barberry (Berberis amurensis Rupr.), filamentous cornflower (Thalictrum filamentosum Maxim.), Waldsteinia Maksimovich (Waldsteinia maximowicziana (Teppner) Prob.) etc.

The research on the dendroflora of Chornobyl town 30 years after the accident at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant reveal that the taxonomic composition of the town green spaces comprises of 87 species and 8 decorative forms of 29 families, 26 orders, 2 divisions. The composition of plantations is dominated by trees (63%), bushes (30%) and winding plants (7%). Despite the natural succession processes over the past 30 years, the plantations of Chornobyl are dominated by introducers, which make up 57% of the total number of taxa. The study of test areas reveals successional changes in the abandoned phytocoenoses of the town, which led to the expansion of the alien invasive species Acer negundo L., Robinia pseudoacacia L., Fraxinus pennsylvanica L. and Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch. The spread of alien invasive species is facilitated by droughts of long periods and the decrease in groundwater level. Climate change and the lack of proper agrotechnical care result in fungal diseases, damages caused by the semi-parasitic species Viscum album L. on decorative and fruit trees and bushes, both also leading to their expel from the town plantations.

Large European carnivores are generally considered forest animals. However, there are a number of interacting factors that may have different impact on the availability and suitability of habitat for individual species. Felids, because of their stalking hunting mode, are habitat specialists requiring a heterogeneous environment, making them specifically vulnerable to habitat disturbance. The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), despite protection in many European countries, has a surprisingly limited range. To explain environmental factors that affect its distribution, we undertook habitat selection and habitat suitability analyses at the macrohabitat and microhabitat scales, based on lynx occurrence and environmental data in Poland. Since the species occurs in two populations, one of which inhabits lowland and the other mountainous area, we modelled habitat suitability separately in both areas and then extrapolated it for the whole country scale. The lynx selected forests with medium undergrowth density in the lowlands and highly rugged terrain in the mountain areas—a proxy of stalking cover. Habitat suitability modelling performed at the macrohabitat scale identified around 110 000 km2 of habitat available from which 55 700 km2 was classified as high quality including large tracts of forests in western Poland that are beyond the natural range of the lynx. However, the microhabitat model built by including stalking cover variables, decreased high‐quality habitats to only 33% of the area designated at the macrohabitat scale. This model is largely consistent with the current distribution of lynx in Poland. This suggests that the simplified internal structure of forests (lacking understory cover) may act as a hindrance to increasing the distribution of lynx populations and helps to explain its limited range in the Central European lowlands. This research suggests that the microhabitat structure may play the crucial role in the effective conservation of the Eurasian lynx. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research on the dendroflora of Chornobyl town 30 years after the accident at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant reveal that the taxonomic composition of the town green spaces comprises of 87 species and 8 decorative forms of 29 families, 26 orders, 2 divisions. The composition of plantations is dominated by trees (63%), bushes (30%) and winding plants (7%). Despite the natural succession processes over the past 30 years, the plantations of Chornobyl are dominated by introducers, which make up 57% of the total number of taxa. The study of test areas reveals successional changes in the abandoned phytocoenoses of the town, which led to the expansion of the alien invasive species Acer negundo L., Robinia pseudoacacia L., Fraxinus pennsylvanica L. and Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch. The spread of alien invasive species is facilitated by droughts of long periods and the decrease in groundwater level. Climate change and the lack of proper agrotechnical care result in fungal diseases, damages caused by the semi-parasitic species Viscum album L. on decorative and fruit trees and bushes, both also leading to their expel from the town plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of changing tree species in protective afforestation remains poorly covered. The dynamics of species’ change in poplar (Populus L.) protective forest belt growing next to the forest crops of the Scotch pine (Рinus sylvestris L.) is discussed in the article. A forest belt 450 m long and 10 m wide grows in the steppe zone near the village of Shigaikulbash, Buzdyaksky District of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Accounting plots are laid every 50 m. Reliable pine undergrowth in the forest belt, poplar undergrowth was not found on any of the accounting plots. Comparative characteristics of pine undergrowth (density, average age, stem height, and diameter) and the condition of poplar trees were compared for 2008 and 2020. It was revealed that there was a change in the design of the forest belt from openwork to dense, there is a partial shrinkage of poplar, in some areas there is an exit of pine undergrowth to the first tier. For both periods, the highest density of pine (over 1.5 thousand trees/ha) was detected at a distance of up to 200 meters from pine forest crops, the lowest density (no more than 0.4 thousand trees/ha) – in the center of the forest belt. In 2020, the category of small undergrowth was not found, most of it is large undergrowth, some of which have entered the reproductive phase. The drying of poplar trees is observed. This was facilitated by a complex of reasons: the complete absence of agrotechnical care in the forest belts, a drought that has been recurring for several years and the maximum age of trees in the conditions of the steppe. There is no poplar undergrowth along the entire length of the forest strip. A similar pattern is observed in neighboring forest belts, which allows to make a conclusions about the actual change of balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera L.) to Scotch pine in protective forest belts, which should be accompanied by logging and agrotechnical tillage on the edges of forest belts, followed by the formation of a young pine tree stand of openwork design.

An important task for Ukrainian foresters is to adapt forests to climate change and ensure sustainable forest management. One key measure for achieving this goal is the natural regeneration of tree species, which contributes to the biological resilience of forest stands. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of different methods of main use fellings on the natural regeneration process of tree species in oak forests. The study was conducted within the territory of the Stradch Forestry Educational and Production Complex of the Ukrainian National Forestry University. Data on the quantity and height of oak seedlings and saplings, and other tree species, were collected through observation after various methods of main use fellings were applied in oak forests. An analytical method was applied to detect patterns and differences in quantitative and qualitative indicators of young trees of different species in sample plots. Statistical data analysis was employed to establish relationships and draw conclusions based on numerical data. Different success rates of natural regeneration of tree species were identified on plots subjected to various methods of main use fellings. Positive dynamics in the quantity of seedlings and saplings were observed due to first intervention of the uniform shelterwood felling, ranging from unsatisfactory to good levels. It is recognised that the distribution of seedlings and saplings of all tree species was uneven across the area. Hornbeam has the highest frequency of occurrence - 75.6%. Tree species like Scots pine, European birch, and goat willow exhibited occurrence frequencies ranging from 30.8% to 39.7%. In general, in all the studied areas, the undergrowth of tree species was dominated by a small fraction up to 20 cm of height. To ensure the prevalence of pedunculate oak in naturally formed young stands, silvicultural care for its saplings is necessary on all plots. The obtained results provide a basis for developing scientifically grounded forest management measures aimed at increasing the quantity and quality of valuable tree species' saplings, particularly pedunculate oak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a comparative vein, the existing and potentially possible methodological methods for delimiting zonal-provincial associations of forest-bog and peat-bog complexes are analyzed. It is shown that on geomorphological differences of locations under conditions of continuous interaction with climate elements, soils and vegetation, their relatively autonomous development in time and space is carried out. On the example of the northern part of the Ob and Tom interfluve, in accordance with the criteria of such relative autonomy, natural indicator variations in the taxation and phytocenotic structure of indigenous marsh forests and, for comparison, dry valley pine forests are characterized. In the ranks of their modern typological and morphosculptural organization, causal relationships of ecosystem diversity and productivity with water and mineral growing conditions are considered, which clearly affect the composition of the age generations of the «mother» forest stands, undersized undergrowth and juvenile renewal groups. On the basis of the dimensions of the positive elements of the phytogenic micro- and mesorelief, large-hillock and cushion-like surfaces of oligotrophic and mesotrophic pine forests with mossy-lichen-shrub vegetation are typified, in peat deposits of which permafrost aquicludes and ice lenses-migratory are regularly localized. In especially moistened eutrophic pine forests with grass-mossy and low-grass vegetation, the phytogenic relief is considered in the system of different-height, scattered and merged tussocks, as well as near-stem mounds, which are formed by frameworks of skeletal roots draped with coniferous-leaf litter, grass rags, green Bryidae Engl. and hypnum Hypnales W. R. Buck et Vitt tows mosses. Taking into account these and a number of other factors, the trend of ambiguous settlement of self-sowing and pine Pinus L. undergrowth under the canopy of «mother» forest stands is estimated. Phytocenotic and inventory indication of pine forests, based on the system-sampling method of assessment, expands the understanding of the comparative range of variability in the structure of both marsh and upland pine forests that have reached the climax or approached the stages of self-development.

Background: Neuromuscular choristoma (NMC) is a rare peripheral nerve lesion characterized by abnormal presence of muscle within nerve. Associated desmoid-type fibromatosis (NMC-DTF) often develops. We report 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) characteristics of NMC and NMC-DTF and propose that increased FDG activity within NMCs may be associated with subclinical NMC-DTF or NMC-DTF "precursor" tissue. Methods: Our institutional database was searched for all NMC cases. Inclusion criteria were 1) confirmed diagnosis of NMC with or without biopsy, and 2) available PET and MRI studies. PET data included SUVmax and SUVmean of NMCs, contralateral limb normal skeletal muscle and unaffected nerves, and SUVmax of NMC-DTF if present. SUV values were compared using paired t-test. A p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Our cohort consisted of 9 patients with NMC, 8 cases involving sciatic nerve and 1 of brachial plexus. On PET imaging, all NMC-affected nerve segments showed significantly higher FDG uptake (SUVmax/mean) compared to both contralateral normal nerve and normal skeletal muscle (all P < 0.05). Similar to sporadic DTF, NMC-DTF was highly FDG-avid (average SUVmax of 4.2). SUVmax in NMC with or without concurrent NMC-DTF did not differ (p = 0.76). Within NMC-affected nerve segment, FDG activity was relatively higher in areas with low T1/T2 MR signal. Conclusion: All NMCs were more FDG avid compared to both normal skeletal muscle and contralateral unaffected nerve, arguing against the presence of heterotopic muscle in NMC as the source of FDG avidity. FDG avidity within NMC may reflect subclinical NMC-DTF or a precursor lesion, as NMC-DTF are highly FDG-avid, and the highest regions of FDG avidity in NMC occurred in regions with MR characteristics associated with NMC-DTF (i.e., lower T1/T2 signal). We believe that the integration of FDG PET with serial MR imaging in patient follow up will clarify its utility in both detection and surveillance of NMC-DTF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capillary malformations are slow‐flow vascular malformations that affect the microcirculation including capillaries and post capillary venules and can be associated with growth differences. Specifically, the association of capillary malformations with undergrowth is a vastly understudied vascular syndrome with few reports of genetic causes including PIK3CA, GNAQ, and GNA11. Recently, a somatic pathogenic variant in AKT3 was identified in one child with a cutaneous vascular syndrome similar to cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita, undergrowth, and no neurodevelopmental features. Here, we present a male patient with a capillary malformation and undergrowth due to a somatic pathogenic variant in AKT3 to confirm this association. It is essential to consider that mosaic pathogenic variants in AKT3 can cause a wide spectrum of disease. There is a need for future studies focusing on capillary malformations with undergrowth to understand the underlying mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The PI3K enzymes modify phospholipids to regulate cell growth and differentiation. Somatic variants in PI3K are recurrent in cancer and drive a proliferative phenotype. Somatic mosaicism of PIK3R1 and PIK3CA are associated with vascular anomalies and overgrowth syndromes. Germline PIK3R1 variants are associated with varying phenotypes, including immunodeficiency or facial dysmorphism with growth delay, lipoatrophy, and insulin resistance associated with SHORT syndrome. There has been limited study of the molecular mechanism to unify our understanding of how variants in PIK3R1 drive both undergrowth and overgrowth phenotypes. Thus, we compiled genomic variants from cancer and rare vascular anomalies and sought to interpret their effects using an unbiased physics-based simulation approach for the protein complex. We applied molecular dynamics simulations to mechanistically understand how genetic variants affect PIK3R1 and its interactions with PIK3CA. Notably, iSH2 genetic variants associated with undergrowth destabilize molecular interactions with the PIK3CA receptor binding domain in simulations, which is expected to decrease activity. On the other hand, overgrowth and cancer variants lead to loss of inhibitory interactions in simulations, which is expected to increase activity. We find that all disease variants display dysfunctions on either structural characteristics or intermolecular interaction energy. Thus, this comprehensive characterization of novel mosaic somatic variants associated with two opposing phenotypes has mechanistic importance and biomedical relevance and may aid in future therapeutic developments.

Mountain-forest brown soils are common in the zone of mesophilic forests. The vegetation is represented mainly by beech, beech-hornbeam groups with an admixture of maple and ash, forming a dense forest canopy, strongly shading the soil surface. As dead-cover forests, they are characterized by a weak development of undergrowth and herbaceous cover with abundant accumulation of forest litter. The climate ensures the development of lush, high-quality forest vegetation with a predominance of Eastern beech and Caucasian hornbeam. Forest cover is 80% to 90%, the forest type of soil formation prevails here. Studies have established that phytomass reserves in oak-hornbeam forests are 116-274 t/ha, and in shrub-herbaceous cenoses, plant biomass varies within 27-35 t/ha. In these soils, the penetration of humus into deeper horizons is associated with the active participation of the root system of herbaceous plants in humus formation. Mountain-forest brown soils developing under deciduous broad-leaved groups are characterized by the annual accumulation of a large amount of forest litter 12-13 t/ha. There is an active interaction of the decomposition products of the litter with the mineral part of the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on the structural organization of forest stands obtained on sample plots is the basis for long-term monitoring of post-fire pine forest structure and dynamics in the European North-East. These data can be used as a marker of native pine stands of the European taiga. Here, we studied vertical and horizontal structure in the post-pyrogenic pine forests of Vacciniosum, Vaccinioso-cladinosum and Myrtillosum site types in the boreal forest of the Komi Republic. The type of horizontal structure of uneven-aged forest stands changed with age from grouped to random one. Large trees were randomly distributed on the plot. We observed the weak aggregation of undergrowth trees (natural tree regeneration) in stands at distances of 2-6 m. Undergrowth individuals were characterized by group distribution at smaller distances than 1-2 m. Spatial relationships between large, small and codominant trees demonstrated random distribution in most cases. Undergrowth individuals did not show any competitive relations. However, we revealed a "taking off" effect between mature trees of pine and pine undergrowth. The direction of the displacement of tree crown centre projections relative to the bases of their trunks was ambiguous. The shift of the crown space towards the maximum solar radiation was detected in a thinned stand with old age and big size of trees. In other site types, no one-sided orientation of the tree crown development emerged.

Analysis of the success of reforestation after a fire is the most important task of forestry. For these purposes, in the summer of 2021, aerial photography was carried out from a Phantom 4 pro UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) of a 15-year-old burnt-out (2006) along the north-western border of the Botanical Garden of Petrozavodsk State University (Republic of Karelia). In addition to this, a full-scale survey was carried out at the registration sites. Before the forest fire, rocky Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) trees grew. The work was carried out in order to assess the state of natural renewal after a fire along rocky outcrops by combining the processing of aerial photography data with field surveys. As a result of photogrammetric processing, an orthophotomap with a spatial resolution of 4.6 cm/pix, a height map and three-dimensional point clouds were reconstructed. To analyze the quantitative distribution of the territory according to the species composition, the trees were pinned on the orthophotomap according to the registration areas of field surveys, as a result of which the quantitative distribution of tree species was determined in the ratio of 64 % Scots pine and 23 % of drooping birch (Betula pendula Roth) (other species were not identified). Field surveys showed that after the fire, a viable young stand of mixed composition with a predominance of Scots pine (71% of the total number of tree species) was formed. In addition to Scots pine, drooping birch (22 %), aspen (Populus tremula L.) and gray alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench) (3.5 % each) participate in the formation of young stands on this burned-out area. These indicators are consistent with the analysis of the orthomosaic of the area (the error is less than 10 %). When comparing the height of plants on three-dimensional clouds of points with field measurements, it was possible to reliably determine only the height of plants for a large generally accepted category (> 1.5 m). The maximum height of Scots pine trees in the study area is 6 m, and the average values varied from 3.5 to 4.5 m, which indicates the success of reforestation after burning on rocky outcrops.

An assessment is given regarding the current ecological state of pine biogeocenoses components (forest stand, undergrowth, living ground cover, and soil) in the Krasnoyarsk forest steppe growing in both the zone of long-term anthropogenic impact of Krasnoyarsk and under natural conditions (control plot). Studies are carried out on monitoring sample plots in forb pine forests. The current state of pine forests growing in the zone of long-term anthropogenic impact of Krasnoyarsk is assessed as satisfactory. The sanitary and vital state of suburban pine stands does not differ from background ones. A good rate of pine regrowth has been established in the pine forests. The presence of seedlings and a significant amount of viable undergrowth has been recorded. The living ground cover in pine forests at the moment is at the stage of weak recreational transformation (with the exception of the control sample plot). The soils under the studied pine stands in the zone of influence of the city are anthropogenically transformed and have developed profiles with signs of degradation of the upper horizons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative analysis of the formation and natural development of the young generation of wood types (genera or species of woody plants) after different harvesting methods and slow-moving surface fires at the interface of fir–spruce and cedar–broadleaf forests in the Southern Sikhote-Alin has been performed. The features of natural regeneration, growth, development, self-thinning, and abundance dynamics of the young generation of wood types are considered over a period of 33 years in three different cutover and burnt areas of the cedar–dark-coniferous sedge–fern forests. It has been established that, out of all the methods of harvest cutting in the pine–dark-coniferous sedge–fern forests of the Southern Sikhote-Alin, regenration proceeds the most rapidly and successfully with no replacement of the dominant species after wintertime selective harvest cutting. In the event of clearcutting and surface fires, the regeneration is accompanied by the replacement of conifers by the fast-growing deciduous species. The regeneration of cedar–dark-coniferous forests takes the longest after clearcutting with the use of heavy-duty machinery that disturbs the ground cover and forest floor and damages the coniferous undergrowth. The success of the regeneration process in the surveyed areas can be attributed to insignificant areas affected by cutting and burning (each less than 1 ha), retention to some degree of undergrowth from the previous generation, the presence of coniferous seed trees on the plots, and the proximity of the primary forest massifs. Selective cutting ensures the successful formation of young growth forest, providing the undergrowth of the previous generation is retained in the forests of the Southern Sikhote-Alin. Our findings confirm the successful formation of young growth forests in areas affected by selective harvest cutting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on the structural organization of forest stands obtained on sample plots is the basis for long- -term monitoring of post-fire pine forest structure and dynamics in the European North-East. These data can be used as a marker of native pine stands of the European taiga. Here, we studied vertical and horizontal structure in the post-pyrogenic pine forests of Vacciniosum, Vaccinioso-cladinosum and Myrtillosum site types in the boreal forest of the Komi Republic. The type of horizontal structure of uneven-aged forest stands changed with age from grouped to random one. Large trees were randomly distributed on the plot. We observed the weak aggregation of undergrowth trees (natural tree regeneration) in stands at distances of 2–6 m. Undergrowth individuals were characterized by group distribution at smaller distances than 1–2 m. Spatial relationships between large, small and codominant trees demonstrated random distribution in most cases. Undergrowth individuals did not show any competitive relations. However, we revealed a “taking off” effect between mature trees of pine and pine undergrowth. The direction of the displacement of tree crown centre projections relative to the bases of their trunks was ambiguous. The shift of the crown space towards the maximum solar radiation was detected in a thinned stand with old age and big size of trees. In other site types, no one-sided orientation of the tree crown development emerged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The condition of plant communities is closely related to various factors contained in an area such as edaphic, climatic and biological factors. The composition of the planted area is strongly influenced by the composition of plant species, dominant species, density and state of canopy closure. Plants that grow in hilly areas with relatively high and evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year. In South Kalimantan this species grows around people's residences and plantation areas. Sugar palm plantations (Arenga pinnata Merr.) have a fairly humid environmental condition and at the top of the garden will be very rich in various types of undergrowth so it is very interesting to make an inventory of both species and diversity. By using vegetation analysis that makes several sample plots with a size of 1m x 1m in a large plot of 10m x 10m so that they can represent the research location. Observing all types of undergrowth and documenting each type so that its diversity index and dominant nature can be known. The results showed that the number of P species in question was 17 species from 11 families, with several dominant species such as Litu (L. scandens), Cambai (P. baccatum Blume), Magatseh (P. polyneura) and (P. pubinerve) as well as the Diversity index value (H’) of 3.39.

The reproduction of cedar-deciduous forests of the Far East, due to their intensive transformation by logging and fires, is becoming a necessary condition for the preservation of not only valuable tree species, food and medicinal plants, but also a unique animal world-with the Amur tiger Panthera tigris tigris Kitchener and the Far Eastern leopard Panthera pardus orientalis (Schlegel). Along with the preservation of undergrowth and fine-grained wood species, it is necessary to make extensive use of the natural processes of spreading Korean pine Pinus koraiensis Siebold & Zucc. seeds in the areas covered by industrial logging. The most important of them will be the creation of certain environmental conditions, the structure and composition of plantings attractive to animals and birds, contributing to the distribution of nuts over the area of destroyed stands. The formation of a certain composition of trees that favorably affect the renewal of cedar, as well as the preservation of the optimal post-harvest completeness of the stand, allows us to successfully ensure the natural renewal of cedar forests in large areas of coniferous-broad-leaved forests. It is especially important to create attractive environmental conditions for spotted nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes (Linnaeus) and nuthatches Sitta Linnaeus, which are 90 % of the main carriers of pine nuts over long distances-up to 5 km from the source. When carrying out industrial logging and logging of forest care, it is possible to plan and create the necessary environmental conditions for birds quite successfully.

The intensification of agriculture in olive groves, especially the modification or elimination of spontaneous vegetation, alters the relationships in arthropod communities and reduces their interactions and ecosystem services. This study was carried out in nine olive groves in which there was either a planted cover crop, spontaneous cover crop or bare ground. The interactions of ground-dwelling, canopy and flying arthropods in trophic webs were calculated for each olive grove soil management regime at the family level taking into consideration their different functional traits: feeding guilds, specific agricultural traits and trophic level. Olive groves with spontaneous cover had trophic webs with a higher number of plausible links between arthropod families and a more balanced distribution of specimens among trophic levels compared to those with planted cover and bare ground. There was a similar number of arthropod families consisting of both pests and their natural enemies in the planted cover regime, while olive groves with bare ground had simpler trophic webs. The complexity of plausible trophic links was greater in olive groves with spontaneous plant cover despite the similar values for family richness in the three-olive grove soil management regimes. Qualitative values (such as functional traits) were more diverse in agroecosystems with spontaneous plant cover in which there were more sources of food.

Investigation was carried out in virgin spruce forests in the upper reaches of the Pechora river in middle taiga condition. It was show that spruce forests of different types are characterized by common features of the structure of stands and undergrowth. There was a large variability of trees in volume of stem and undergrowth height. Investigated stands formed a cyclical-multi-age type of age structure. The calculated data obtained using spatial statistics and analyses of point processes were presented. It was found that in spruce forests is expressed regardless of forest types, the group distribution of young individuals of woody plants, which passes into random distribution at more late stages of generation. The spatial relationships between woody plants tested using the cross-correlation function gij(r) show that the undergrowth is attracted to each other at distances of up to 1 meter. There were no spatial interrelation between the undergrowth and the trees. Trees demonstrated independent from each other placement in the area. The density of trees in the area and their phytosocial status are determining the intensity of competitive relations between woody plants in the indigenous spruce communities of the upper reaches of the Pechora River.

In the paper, the results of the complex cuttings were presented in the secondary hornbeam stands with the aim of regenerating the natural beech stands in the northern regions of Azerbaijan. For this purpose, three complex cutting procedures were carried out with a recurrence at 5 and 10 years in four sites of the secondary hornbeam stands in the northern regions. The experimental plots were characterised with: a stand density of 0.5-0.7, the age of the forest stands of 60-130 years, undergrowth of 12-25 years, a stand volume of 130-200 m3.ha-1, the beech percentage in the composition of stands of 17-28%, hornbeam 62-79% spread over the southern and northern slopes of the mountains. As a result of the complex cuttings, the share of beech trees in the composition of the parent stands increased 2.2-3.0 times. During cutting, the share of beech trees, as a part of undergrowth, increased 3.8-4.3 times. Based on the data, mathematical models were established reflecting the dynamics of the numbers of the undergrowth and the total stand volume of the forest stands depending on the participation percentage of beech trees in the parent stand.

Segmental overgrowth has been widely described in patients with congenital vascular anomalies. However, segmental undergrowth has been poorly characterized, and no large series of patients have been published. We present the clinical and molecular characteristics a cohort of 37 patients with vascular malformations and segmental undergrowth. True undergrowth was only considered when the musculoskeletal system was involved to avoid confusion with other causes of segmental reduction, as in lipodystrophy or the long‐term osteopenia seen in patients with Servelle–Martorell syndrome. Deep high‐throughput sequencing was performed in tissue samples from 20 patients using a custom panel. We identified three groups: undergrowth associated with (1) venous, (2) capillary‐venous, and (3) lymphatic‐capillary‐venous malformations. Congenital or early childhood onset undergrowth can occur with or without associated overgrowth. Different likely pathogenic or pathogenic variants were detected in 13 of 20 (65%) tissue samples in the PIK3CA, TEK, GNAQ, or GNA11 genes. In conclusion, the eponymous Servelle–Martorell syndrome should not be used as a synonym for undergrowth. Segmental undergrowth should be considered a characteristic associated with vascular malformations. Patients with PIK3CA variants show all different combinations of overgrowth and undergrowth. Thus, the term PROS (PIK3CA‐related overgrowth spectrum) does not cover the entire spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The species composition of tree, shrub and grass plantations of the Bilogrudivskyi forest has been studied. It was found that hornbeam-oak-ash forests with the predominance of ground elder are the most typical and widespread group of associations in the Bilogrudivskyi forest. Most species are anemophiles, only small-leaved lime, Norway maple and field maple are pollinated by insects. The stands of ground elder hornbeam-oak-ash forests have a complex two-layer structure, where the first layer are oak and ash. The second layer is dominated by hornbeam, mixed with small-leaved lime, Norway and field maple, wych elm, rarely silver birch and common aspen. Undergrowth, as a rule, is a young generation of trees of the main and accompanying species, formed from seeds or sprouts under the canopy and replaces the mother forest. Of the trees in the undergrowth are common hornbeam, oak, ash, small-leaved lime, Norway and field maple. Forest apple, pear, and wych elm are less common. Very seldom, more in young growths and on cuttings, aspen and silver birch occur in undergrowth, and in the lower part of beams in more humid places, singly, black alder. Undergrowth in young and illuminated plantations after maintenance felling reaches 25-35% of coverage, in older - 2-6%. Among the bush vegetation there are European and warty cowberry, common dogwood, wayfarer, black elder. The grass layer occupies 25-35% of the cover, but in some species its abundance varies between 10-80, and occasionally 100%. In dense shady plantations it is very poor, and in liquefied stands and young growth it sometimes acquires magnificent growth and development. The composition of the grass cover is the most common hairy sedge, ground elder, greater stitchwort, asarabacca, unspotted lungwort, wood violet, sweetscented bedstraw, wood bluegrass, yellow archangel, ground-ivy, cleavers, wood avens, germander speedwell, buttercups, dog’s mercury, figwort. From the 460.7 ha of land covered with forest vegetation, the vast majority of plantations have a density of 0,7 to 0,8 units – 47,6 and 25,6%, respectively, of which plantations of oak occupy an area of 270,9 ha, ash – 57,5 ha with a small share of other tree species. Plantations with a density 0,7-0,9 of units require maintenance felling, and with a density of 0,6 or less carrying out reconstruction works. Studies by age groups revealed significant shortcomings in forest management, used of forest resources and land used efficiency due to the predominance of medieval plantations – 68%.

The study results of hoofed animals impact on vegetation in aviaries of different size of the Volyn Regional Department of Forestry and Hunting are presented. The reaserch sites are laid in forest stand, which belonged (before the construction of the aviary and the arrangement of the feeding area) to one taxonomic department that determines their forestry-taxonomic identity what allows to apply the method of comparative ecology. The impact of hunting hoofed animals on forest vegetation was studied in aviaries and forest stands of Gubynsky, Karasynsky and Muravyshchansky forestry units, which are part of the structure of state enterprises "Volodymyr-Volynske forestry", "Manevytsia forestry" and "Kivertsy forestry", respectively. In oak stands of the aviary of Gubinsky forestry for breeding Sus scrofa, which has been operating since 2010, as of 2017, a twofold decrease in the species composition of vascular plants was observed. Outside the enclosure, 2 times more viable self-seeding and undergrowth of Populus tremula, Ulmus scabra – 8 times, and Sambucus nigra – more than 2 times were recorded. The coefficient of similarity between the grass cover inside and outside the enclosure is insignificant - 9.5%. Within the enclosure, a slight change in the sanitary condition category of such tree species as Salix caprea, Betula pendula, Populus tremula, Quercus robur was registered. As a result of exposure of wild boar within the enclosure, the sanitary condition of Carpinus betulus trees has changed to significantly weakened compared to healthy outside the enclosure. As of 2017, the grass cover restoration was registered in the aviary of Karasinsky forestry for breeding Sus scrofa, which operated from 2004 to 2010. In aviary conditions the dominant herbs are Vaccinium myrtillus, Vaccinium vitis-ideaea, Calamagrostis epigeios, Pteridium aquilinum and Pleurozium schreberi. The projective cover is dominated by Vaccinium myrtillus, Calamagrostis epigeios and Pleurozium schreberi, their total abundance is 41%. The coefficient of similarity of grasses in the pine-birch stand of the aviary and outside it is 61.5%. Within the aviary of Muravyshchansky forestry, where Bison bonasus, Cervuselaphus, Sus scrofa are kept, the areas of intensive influence of hoofed animals on forest vegetation are feeding grounds. Self-seeding, undergrowth and undergrowth were not found in pine-birch stands within the existing feeding site. Crops and weeds that are not typical for forest stands have been found in the vegetation within the feeding site. A total of seven grass species were identified, including a cultivated plant (Avena sativa) and two weeds (Calysteria sepium, Chenopodium album). Cultivated plants enter the forest environment together with the fodder they feed hoofed animals. It was found out that with the cessation of animal feeding, the composition of tree species and undergrowth species on the feeding site was restored and is identical to the vegetation outside it. Four years after the cessation of feeding of hunting animals, grain crops and weeds fall out of the grass cover of the former feeding ground and the forest environment is restored. There are 25 species of herbs registered here. The most common are Festuca ovina, Hieracium pilosella, Vaccinium myrtillus and Calysteria sepium. Hylocomium splendens (12%) and Vaccinium myrtillus (8%) predominate in the projective cover. Coefficient of similarity of the grass cover is 26.7%. The sanitary condition of wood species on the functioning feeding site has not changed significantly.

Abstract Background Liriope muscari (Decne.) L.H. Bailey is a valuable horticultural and medicinal plant that grows under a range of light intensities, from high to low, in the understories of shrubs. To understand how this species adapts to these various environments, we selected two groups of lilyturf growing under poplar trees at two different spacings. Each group was divided into three types, open field, forest edge and shaded forest with high, medium and low irradiance levels, respectively, and then we examined their photosynthetic characteristics, physiology and biomasses. Results Light saturation point, light compensation point and in situ net photosynthetic rate (P N) were highest in lilyturf growing under high light. In contrast, lilyturf growing under low light had a higher apparent quantum yield and Chl a and b contents, indicating that they adapted to low light. Although the leaves of lilyturf growing under low light were small, their root tubers were heavier. Conclusions The research demonstrates the eco-physiological basis of lilyturf’s shade adaptation mechanism as indicated by photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll fluorescence, Chl a, Chl b and Car contents when grown under different irradiances. We believe that lilyturf is a shade-tolerant plant suitable for planting in undergrowth, but attention should be paid to the canopy density of the forest when interplanting. The findings presented here advance our understanding of the photosynthetic characteristics of understory plants and may assist in the optimization of irradiances in the future.

Simulation of fire impact on forest floor renewal in pine forests was based on predictions for 2100 by the Canadian Climate Centre for increase in temperatures of by 4.5 °C and total precipitation by 14% in the West Siberian pre-forest-steppes and empirical regression relationships between them and the degree of burnt forest floor, as well as amount of Pinus sylvestris L. regeneration. It was predicted that by 2100, pine regeneration on fire prone sites under the canopy of the dominant forest type will increase by 29–54% compared to the 1980s but on adjacent open sites, regeneration will decrease twice as much. This means that the regeneration potential and pine population stability in pre-forest-steppes will become as poor as it is today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of the study of the quantity and state of understory of young’s regeneration after partial logging of 20 to 53 % logging intensity in mature pine forests of Pogorel’skiy pine forest are shown. Evaluation of logging operations showed that under the canopy of the remaining part of tree stands, forest site remain close in terms of the stands that are not logged. A comparative analysis of the number and life status of pine undergrowth has been carried out in pine­herbal­green moss and cowberry – herbal­green moss. Before logging, regeneration, taking into account the life condition of the undergrowth, was assessed as insufficient and partial renewal was required for regenerations. It was noted that after the first stage of partial logging in high­grade pine forests, a large number of viable young growth appeared. The number of undergrowth on the skidtaril was less compared to cut strips. However, in the runways, 4–5 years after cutting and self­seeding, there were 3 times more than in cut strips. Thus, at all 7 sites after cutting there is a sufficient number of conditionally large undergrowth, for 4 of them it exceeds the specified minimum several times. Even a weak cutting intensity of 20 % stimulated the regeneration process, but a high number of pine undergrowth is characterized by a weakened condition, which indicates a lack of lighting and the need for and the possibility of carrying out a second partial cutting. It is shown that the best preservation and subsequent renewal of pine after cutting are marked at a cutting intensity of 35 %. An increase in the intensity of cutting up to 53 % contributes to the appearance of a large number of shoots and self­seeding, while the small, medium, large undergrowth is highly damaged mechanically. We made a conclusion about the effectiveness of using the forestry measures that stimulate the forest renewal process.

Analysis of forest areas in forest parks of Ekaterinburg was carried out based on GIS database of AWP Lesfond program. A database of distribution of undergrowth species in forest parks was formed and then analyzed with Microsoft Excel. Regularities in the distribution of local and introductory undergrowth species in pine forests of Ekaterinburg were determined. The area of pine forests having undergrowth of twelve aboriginal, two invasive species and ten species in artificial plantings in six forest parks of Ekaterinburg - Kalinovsky, Moskovsky, Yuzhny, Nizhneisetsky, Shuvakishsky and im. Lesovodov Rossii - was determined. Analysis of the data showed that the area covered with prickly wild rose ( Rosa acicularis ) constituted 811.4 hectares of all the undergrowth territory (9848.45 hectares), but its distribution in forest park was extremely heterogeneous. Rosa acicularis occurs in the Nizhneisetskiy forest park more often than in other forest parks (273.1 ha). This species is common in nine types of forest, its ecological and phytocenotic distribution optimum is berry pine forest with 0.6-0.9 stand of trees. Presence of prickly wild rose in undergrowth and condition of its cenopopulations indicate a typical composition of plants in the forest park zone of Ekaterinburg. In the forest parks studied, Rosa acicularis is one of the co-edificators in indigenous forest types, along with Sorbus aucuparia , Rubus idaeus , Prunus padus , Salix caprea , Chamaecytisus ruthenicus , Rosa acicularis . The data given on the calculation of forest areas with prickly wild rose are the basis for inventory of valuable medicinal raw materials and ready-made decorative forms for the introduction of urban landscaping.

The intensification of agriculture in olive groves, especially the modification or elimination of spontaneous vegetation, alters the relationships in arthropod communities and reduces their interactions and ecosystem services. This study was carried out in nine olive groves in which there was either a planted cover crop, spontaneous cover crop or bare ground. The interactions of ground-dwelling, canopy and flying arthropods in trophic webs were calculated for each olive grove soil management regime at the family level taking into consideration their different functional traits: feeding guilds, specific agricultural traits and trophic level. Olive groves with spontaneous cover had trophic webs with a higher number of plausible links between arthropod families and a more balanced distribution of specimens among trophic levels compared to those with planted cover and bare ground. There was a similar number of arthropod families consisting of both pests and their natural enemies in the planted cover regime, while olive groves with bare ground had simpler trophic webs. The complexity of plausible trophic links was greater in olive groves with spontaneous plant cover despite the similar values for family richness in the three-olive grove soil management regimes. Qualitative values (such as functional traits) were more diverse in agroecosystems with spontaneous plant cover in which there were more sources of food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Araliaceae family consists of numerous species of medical plants of significant value as non-wood forest products. To conserve and culture these plants in natural forest stands is an important undertaking which should be implemented according to the relationship between forest structure and understory population. In this study, thirty-five plots were established in natural Aralia elata stands. Taller individual and denser populations were found in the northern and in the eastern regions, respectively. Both population densities and individual leaf weight increased along longitude. In contrast, their relationship with elevation and DBH were negative. Along with the altitude gradient, both height and root-collar diameter increased but population density declined. Root-collar diameter and population density decreased with latitude and DBH, respectively. Overall, dominant trees unlikely enforced strong disturbance to the development of understory A. elata populations unless concerning some specific topographic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Key message: Invasive tree species alter taxonomic diversity and functioning of forest shrub layers: Prunus serotina increases shrub layer biomass two to three times but decreases its biodiversity, Robinia pseudoacacia slightly increases shrub layer biomass and has no effect on its biodiversity, while Quercus rubra both biomass and biodiversity of the shrub layer. • Context: Although the impact of invasive trees on understory biodiversity is known, very little data exist about their influence on shrub layer biodiversity and productivity. • Aims: To assess impacts of Prunus serotina Ehrh., Quercus rubra L., and Robinia pseudoacacia L. on shrub layer aboveground biomass, species composition, and alpha diversity. • Methods: We measured stand structures in a set of 168 study plots established in Wielkopolski National Park (W Poland), and we compared biomass and diversity metrics using generalized mixed-effects linear models. • Results: We found the lowest aboveground biomass of shrub layers in Q. rubra forests. P. sylvestris forests invaded by P. serotina had two to three times higher aboveground biomass than non-invaded forests. R. pseudoacacia forests had 27.8% higher shrub layer biomass than Quercus-Acer-Tilia forests. We found negative impacts of Q. rubra and negligible impacts of R. pseudoacacia on shrub layer alpha diversity metrics. However, the effect of Q. rubra was similar to native F. sylvatica. P. serotina negatively affected functional diversity, but its effects were lower in rich P. sylvestris forests than in poor P. sylvestris forests. • Conclusion: The introduction of alien tree species alters ecosystem services and species diversity of shrub layers. The direction and magnitude of these alterations are alien species-specific and context-dependent. Therefore, their management should account for their impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, the results of the complex cuttings were presented in the secondary hornbeam stands with the aim of regenerating the natural beech stands in the northern regions of Azerbaijan. For this purpose, three complex cutting procedures were carried out with a recurrence at 5 and 10 years in four sites of the secondary hornbeam stands in the northern regions. The experimental plots were characterised with: a stand density of 0.5-0.7, the age of the forest stands of 60-130 years, undergrowth of 12-25 years, a stand volume of 130-200 m3·ha-1, the beech percentage in the composition of stands of 17-28%, hornbeam 62-79% spread over the southern and northern slopes of the mountains. As a result of the complex cuttings, the share of beech trees in the composition of the parent stands increased 2.2-3.0 times. During cutting, the share of beech trees, as a part of undergrowth, increased 3.8-4.3 times. Based on the data, mathematical models were established reflecting the dynamics of the numbers of the undergrowth and the total stand volume of the forest stands depending on the participation percentage of beech trees in the parent stand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper studies the number of seeds of woody plants falling on coal dumps of Kuzbass located in the northern and southern parts of Kuznetsk basin and in the mountain taiga belt of the lowlands of the Kuznetsk Alatau, as well as the number of regenerations, including shoots and young undergrowth. Large quantities of birch seeds (from 200 thousand to 2 million seeds per ha, and in the favorable conditions of growth in the forest in the mountain taiga belt of the Kuznetsk Alatau up to 4 million seeds per ha) fall on the dumps. To a smaller extent, the seeds of aspen, poplar and willows, and to an even smaller degree of Scots pine, fall on the dumps. In the mountain taiga belt, Siberian fir seeds have been registered. The number of seeds and forest regenerations on dumps depend on the shape of the meso- micro- and nanorelief, which causes the uneven distribution of shoots and undergrowth. The best conditions for natural regeneration are in favorable ecological niches characterized by pronounced microrelief, the presence of scattered, moist, loess-like carbonate rocks with a developed humus accumulating embryozem. Natural reforestation under unfavorable environmental conditions (with the exception of sea buckthorn) is slow.

Coniferous and broad-leaved forests of the South in Primorsky Krai are unique plant communities that include trees and shrubs, ground cover, non-layered vegetation, as well as habitats for rare and endangered species of animals and birds. Woody flora is ancient and original and is determined by the interpenetration and interaction of various floras and plant communities in different past geologic times. It is composed of plant species both young and old relict species. In terms of their biodiversity, these forests occupy one of the leading positions in the world, and the stock of wood volume accumulated in these forests is an important component in regulating the balance of carbon storage and its release. Haphazard logging of these forests for half a century, the collapse of the fire protection system, the lack of proper and scientifically-based methods and ways of forest care have led to the fact that these unique plantings are currently on the verge of disaster and are losing their environmental and climate-forming functions. The case in point is the natural disasters that occur throughout the Far Eastern Federal district. The purpose of the research was to study the features of the natural renewal process of Fraxinus mandshurica to determine the silvicultural prospects for its use, to identify the planting areas suitable for growing this species in accordance with the order of the RF Ministry of Natural Resources dated March 25, 2019 No. 188 "Concerning Approval of the Rules for reforestation, the procedure for developing a reforestation project and making changes on it". The Fraxinus tree, thanks to its powerful root system, is a well wind-resistant species and performs soil-protecting and shore-strengthening functions. In addition, it has a valuable wood that has a high cost both on the domestic and on the external market. At the same time, Fraxinus is very plastic to the conditions of the urban environment and can be used to create green areas around cities (Razlomiy et al. 2020). The common practice of reforestation activities in Primorsky Krai shows that the share of natural reforestation in the actual volume of renewal activities reaches 85%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diffuse capillary malformation with overgrowth (DCMO) has been well described. However, capillary malformation with undergrowth (CMU) has been less reported in the literature. Objectives: We sought to describe the clinical features and determine associated somatic mutations in patients with CMU. Methods: We searched our multidisciplinary vascular anomalies clinic database for patients with CMU. Girth and length limb measurements were performed. In case of discrepancies in length, long leg radiograph studies were obtained. Whole‐exome sequencing of blood and involved tissue DNA was carried out. Results: We included six patients with CM and soft‐tissue and bone undergrowth. CMs were patchy, reticulated, segmental, poorly demarcated, pink‐red stains affecting the lower limb (five patients) or the whole hemibody (one patient). In five patients, the stain was diffuse, affecting more than one anatomic region. Prominent superficial veins were observed in three patients. Five patients presented with lower limb girth discrepancy; in three of them, there was also lower limb length discrepancy. In the remaining patient, only lower limb length discrepancy was found. Whole‐exome sequencing from DNA tissue/blood detected previously described pathogenic somatic mutations on DDR2 (c.314G > A; p.Arg105His), GRHL2 (c.791A > G; p.Glu264Gly), and PIK3CA (c.2740G > A; p.Gly914Arg) genes. Conclusion: We propose the term "diffuse capillary malformation with undergrowth" for extensive reticular CMs associated with proportionate undergrowth. All our patients had a favorable outcome, and no genotype‐phenotype association was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The forests of urbanised areas provide multiple ecosystem services and are highly dynamic. Determining the trends in species composition changes can help to predict their future capacity to fulfil ecological and resource-maintaining functions. We examined the direction of forest successions in the Northeast Moscow region under the canopy of different tree species. Field data were obtained from 78 permanent test plots monitored for more than a 15-year period; field studies were complemented by archival data. The cluster analysis made it possible to divide all plots into five groups by current species composition and structure and into eight groups by the importance of broadleaved species in the undergrowth. Gradual evolution (cohort dynamics) was found to be typical for middle-aged secondary forests; patch dynamics was described in mature stands of late succession species after non-critical natural disturbances; drastic changes were observed in spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) stands after pest attacks. Two main trends were revealed in species composition shift: restoration of mixed spruce-broadleaved forests and development of lime-dominated broad-leaved forests, the latter being the prevailing one in the stands of composite forest types. Intensive development of oak-associated species is probably related to the climate conditions in the Moscow megacity. The content of this article may be of interest for researchers studying natural forest dynamics and can be used for prospective planning of target species composition in the forestries of the Moscow region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Liriope muscari (Decne.) L.H. Bailey is a valuable horticultural and medicinal plant that grows under a range of light intensities, from high to low, in the understories of shrubs. To understand how this species adapts to these various environments, we selected two groups of lilyturf growing under poplar trees at two different spacings. Each group was divided into three types, open field, forest edge and shaded forest with high, medium and low irradiance levels, respectively, and then we examined their photosynthetic characteristics, physiology and biomasses. Results: Light saturation point, light compensation point and in situ net photosynthetic rate (PN) were highest in lilyturf growing under high light. In contrast, lilyturf growing under low light had a higher apparent quantum yield and Chl a and b contents, indicating that they adapted to low light. Although the leaves of lilyturf growing under low light were small, their root tubers were heavier. Conclusions: The research demonstrates the eco-physiological basis of lilyturf's shade adaptation mechanism as indicated by photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll fluorescence, Chl a, Chl b and Car contents when grown under different irradiances. We believe that lilyturf is a shade-tolerant plant suitable for planting in undergrowth, but attention should be paid to the canopy density of the forest when interplanting. The findings presented here advance our understanding of the photosynthetic characteristics of understory plants and may assist in the optimization of irradiances in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of botanical traces can be supportive, especially when the crime scene investigation and autopsy do not provide sufficient information. This issue arises most commonly in fatal falls from height. We report the case of a man found dead below a hill. The body showed traumatic injuries from a fall. During the scene investigation, a sampling of botanical elements was carried out on three zones of the hill called the point of loss of balance, the point of fall, and the point of impact. The botanical elements collected on the three zones were compared with those found on the victim and an autopsy was performed. The botanical analysis clarified the phases of falling, as well as allowing us to reconstruct the dynamics and the accidental manner of death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]