Extensive research has been conducted to explore adaptive variation in offspring sex ratios, focusing on birds as a model group. However, studies to date have not been comprehensive in scope, limiting our understanding of whether there is substantial within- or among-year variation in offspring sex ratios, which environmental conditions and mechanisms are associated with this variation, and when during a nesting attempt the fledgling sex ratio is largely determined. To address these gaps, we analyzed our 18-year dataset from 542 sexually size-dimorphic Boreal Owl (Aegolius funereus) offspring in 140 nests. At hatching, within-nest variation in hatching order emerged as the primary predictor of sex ratio, with later-hatched offspring more likely to be female in larger broods when one or more eggs failed to hatch; such broods were primarily produced in years of abundant food. No evidence of direct sex-dependent mortality among nestlings was observed between hatching and fledging; instead, sex-independent mortality of nestlings increased for offspring that hatched later in a brood and during years of low Apodemus and Microtus prey abundance. At fledging, the primary predictor of offspring sex ratio was year-to-year variation in food abundance, with more male fledglings produced in years of abundant food and larger broods, but only in nests where one or more nestlings had died. We found no compelling evidence for within-season variation in offspring sex ratio between early- and late-season nests. Our findings suggest that offspring sex ratios in raptors are shaped by a complex interplay of maternal adjustments and environmental influences, particularly food abundance, which drives changes in brood size. These findings emphasize the need for future research to conduct a more comprehensive examination into offspring sex adjustments, particularly focusing on alterations in sex ratio during multiple nesting stages and their association with variation in offspring mortality and environmental conditions.

• Klíčová slova
• Tengmalm's Owl, food fluctuations, hatching order, inter‐annual variation, nestling mortality, seasonal variation, sex ratio, sexually‐size dimorphism,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The activity concentrations of Beryllium-7 ((7)Be), a naturally occurring radioisotope produced in the atmosphere, were measured in leaves of birch-trees, above-ground parts of grass, soil and rainwater in the mountain massive Kralicky Sneznik (the northeast of the Czech Republic, altitude about 750 m) in the years of 2005, 2006 and 2007. Dried and ground samples of the plants and soils, and water samples from wet deposition were used to determine the (7)Be content using a semiconductor gamma spectrometer. The (7)Be values ranged from 147.0 to 279.6 Bq kg(-1), from 48.7 to 740.8 Bq kg(-1), from 2.1 to 8.7 Bq kg(-1), and from 0.6 to 1.9 Bq kg(-1) in birch-tree leaves, grass samples, soils, and rainwater, respectively. Insignificant inter-annual variations but significant increase in the (7)Be activity concentrations during the spring and summer months were observed in birch-tree leaves and grass samples. The seasonal variation of the (7)Be concentrations in grass samples correlated (R(2) = 0.4663 and 0.6489) with precipitation. No similar correlation was found for (7)Be in birch-tree leaves. Beryllium-7 content in birch-tree leaves and in aerial parts of grass was mainly caused by direct transport of (7)Be from wet deposition into aerial parts of the observed plants.

• MeSH
• beryllium metabolismus   MeSH
• bříza metabolismus   MeSH
• lipnicovité metabolismus   MeSH
• listy rostlin metabolismus   MeSH
• monitorování radiace MeSH
• radiační pozadí MeSH
• radioaktivní látky znečišťující vzduch metabolismus   MeSH
• radionuklidy metabolismus   MeSH
• roční období MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH
• Názvy látek
• beryllium MeSH
• radioaktivní látky znečišťující vzduch MeSH
• radionuklidy MeSH

Mean annual concentration of SO4(-2) in wet-only deposition has decreased between 1988 and 2006 at the paired watershed study at Bear Brook Watershed in Maine, USA (BBWM) due to substantially decreased emissions of SO(2). Emissions of NO(x) have not changed substantially, but deposition has declined slightly at BBWM. Base cations, NH4+, and Cl(-) concentrations were largely unchanged, with small irregular changes of <1 μeq L(-1) per year from 1988 to 2006. Precipitation chemistry, hydrology, vegetation, and temperature drive seasonal stream chemistry. Low flow periods were typical in June-October, with relatively greater contributions of deeper flow solutions with higher pH; higher concentrations of acid-neutralizing capacity, Si, and non-marine Na; and low concentrations of inorganic Al. High flow periods during November-May were typically dominated by solutions following shallow flow paths, which were characterized by lower pH and higher Al and DOC concentrations. Biological activity strongly controlled NO3- and K(+). They were depressed during the growing season and elevated in the fall. Since 1987, East Bear Brook (EB), the reference stream, has been slowly responding to reduced but still elevated acid deposition. Calcium and Mg have declined fairly steadily and faster than SO4(-2), with consequent acidification (lower pH and higher inorganic Al). Eighteen years of experimental treatment with (NH(4))(2)SO(4) enhanced acidification of West Bear Brook's (WB) watershed. Despite the manipulation, NH4+ concentration remained below detection limits at WB, while leaching of NO3- increased. The seasonal pattern for NO3- concentrations in WB, however, remained similar to EB. Mean monthly concentrations of SO4(-2) have increased in WB since 1989, initially only during periods of high flow, but gradually also during base flow. Increases in mean monthly concentrations of Ca(2+), Mg(2+), and K(+) due to the manipulation occurred from 1989 until about 1995, during the depletion of base cations in shallow flow paths in WB. Progressive depletion of Ca and Mg at greater soil depth occurred, causing stream concentrations to decline to pre-manipulation values. Mean monthly Si concentrations did not change in EB or WB, suggesting that the manipulation had no effect on mineral weathering rates. DOC concentrations in both streams did not exhibit inter- or intra-annual trends.

• MeSH
• ekosystém * MeSH
• koncentrace vodíkových iontů MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí * MeSH
• podnebí MeSH
• řeky chemie   MeSH
• roční období * MeSH
• voda chemie   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Maine MeSH
• Názvy látek
• voda MeSH

Strange oceanographic events such as El Niño and La Niña may have indirect effects on the local transmission processes of intestinal parasites due to the reduction or increase in populations of potential intermediate or definitive hosts. A total of 713 individuals of Lutjanus inermis (Peters) were collected over an 8-year period (October 2015 to July 2022) from Acapulco Bay, Mexico. Parasite communities in L. inermis were quantified and analysed to determine if they experienced interannual variations in species composition and structure as a result of local biotic and abiotic factors influenced by oceanographic events, such as El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), or La Niña, the cool phase of the ENSO climate pattern. Twenty-six taxa of metazoan parasites were recovered and identified: two Monogenea, eight Digenea, two Acanthocephala, four Nematoda, one Cestoda, seven Copepoda, and two Isopoda. Species richness at the component community level (8 to 17 species) was similar to reported richness in other species of Lutjanus Bloch. Parasite communities of L. inermis exhibited high inter-annual variation in the abundance of component species of parasite. However, the species richness and diversity were fairly stable over time. Climatic episodes of El Niño and La Niña probably generated notable changes in the structure of local food webs, thus indirectly influencing the transmission rates of intestinal parasite species. Changes in species composition and community structure of parasites possibly were due to variations in feeding behaviour during the events and differences in the host body size.

• Klíčová slova
• El Niño (ENSO), Marine fish, Mexico., metazoan parasites, species composition, tropical Pacific,
• MeSH
• Acanthocephala * MeSH
• ENSO MeSH
• hlístice * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• paraziti * MeSH
• Perciformes * parazitologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

While seasonal trends in testosterone levels are known from cross-cohort studies, data on testosterone inter-annual individual repeatability in wild birds are rare. Also, our understanding of hormonal age-dependent changes in testosterone levels is limited. We assessed plasma testosterone levels in 105 samples originating from 49 repeatedly captured free-living great tits (Parus major) sampled during the nesting to investigate their relative long-term repeatability and within-individual changes. Furthermore, we examined the inter-annual repeatability of condition-related traits (carotenoid- and melanin-based plumage ornamentation, ptilochronological feather growth rate, body mass, and haematological heterophil/lymphocyte ratio) and their relationships to testosterone levels. We show that testosterone levels are inter-annually repeatable in females, with a non-significant pattern in males, both in absolute values and individual ranks (indicating the maintenance of relative status in a population). In males, we found a quadratic dependence of testosterone levels on age, with a peak in midlife. In contrast, female testosterone levels showed no age-dependent trends. The inter-annual repeatability of condition-related traits ranged from zero to moderate and was mostly unrelated to plasma testosterone concentrations. However, males with elevated testosterone had significantly higher carotenoid-pigmented yellow plumage brightness, a trait presumably involved in mating. Showing inter-annual repeatability in testosterone levels, this research opens the way to further understanding the causes of variation in condition-related traits. Based on a longitudinal dataset, this study demonstrates that male plasma testosterone undergoes age-related changes that may regulate resource allocation. Our results thus suggest that, unlike females, male birds undergo hormonal senescence similar to mammals.

• Klíčová slova
• Ageing, Condition-related traits, Immunity, Ontogeny, Passerine birds, Repeatability, Senescence, Testosterone,
• MeSH
• divoká zvířata MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Passeriformes * MeSH
• peří * MeSH
• rozmnožování MeSH
• testosteron MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• testosteron MeSH

OBJECTIVES: To assess the ability, as well as factors affecting the ability, of ultrasound examiners with different levels of ultrasound experience to detect correctly infiltration of ovarian cancer in predefined anatomical locations, and to evaluate the inter-rater agreement regarding the presence or absence of cancer infiltration, using preacquired ultrasound videoclips obtained in a selected patient sample with a high prevalence of cancer spread. METHODS: This study forms part of the Imaging Study in Advanced ovArian Cancer multicenter observational study (NCT03808792). Ultrasound videoclips showing assessment of infiltration of ovarian cancer were obtained by the principal investigator (an ultrasound expert, who did not participate in rating) at 19 predefined anatomical sites in the abdomen and pelvis, including five sites that, if infiltrated, would indicate tumor non-resectability. For each site, there were 10 videoclips showing cancer infiltration and 10 showing no cancer infiltration. The reference standard was either findings at surgery with histological confirmation or response to chemotherapy. For statistical analysis, the 19 sites were grouped into four anatomical regions: pelvis, middle abdomen, upper abdomen and lymph nodes. The videoclips were assessed by raters comprising both senior gynecologists (mainly self-trained expert ultrasound examiners who perform preoperative ultrasound assessment of ovarian cancer spread almost daily) and gynecologists who had undergone a minimum of 6 months' supervised training in the preoperative ultrasound assessment of ovarian cancer spread in a gynecological oncology center. The raters were classified as highly experienced or less experienced based on annual individual caseload and the number of years that they had been performing ultrasound evaluation of ovarian cancer spread. Raters were aware that for each site there would be 10 videoclips with and 10 without cancer infiltration. Each rater independently classified every videoclip as showing or not showing cancer infiltration and rated the image quality (on a scale from 0 to 10) and their diagnostic confidence (on a scale from 0 to 10). A generalized linear mixed model with random effects was used to estimate which factors (including level of experience, image quality, diagnostic confidence and anatomical region) affected the likelihood of a correct classification of cancer infiltration. We assessed the observed percentage of videoclips classified correctly, the expected percentage of videoclips classified correctly based on the generalized linear mixed model and inter-rater agreement (reliability) in classifying anatomical sites as being infiltrated by cancer. RESULTS: Twenty-five raters participated in the study, of whom 13 were highly experienced and 12 were less experienced. The observed percentage of correct classification of cancer infiltration ranged from 70% to 100% depending on rater and anatomical site, and the median percentage of correct classification for the 25 raters ranged from 90% to 100%. The probability of correct classification of all 380 videoclips ranged from 0.956 to 0.975 and was not affected by the rater's level of ultrasound experience. The likelihood of correct classification increased with increased image quality and diagnostic confidence and was affected by anatomical region. It was highest for sites in the pelvis, second highest for those in the middle abdomen, third highest for lymph nodes and lowest for sites in the upper abdomen. The inter-rater agreement of all 25 raters regarding the presence of cancer infiltration ranged from substantial (Fleiss kappa, 0.68 (95% CI, 0.66-0.71)) to very good (Fleiss kappa, 0.99 (95% CI, 0.97-1.00)) depending on the anatomical site. It was lowest for sites in the upper abdomen (Fleiss kappa, 0.68 (95% CI, 0.66-0.71) to 0.97 (95% CI, 0.94-0.99)) and highest for sites in the pelvis (Fleiss kappa, 0.94 (95% CI, 0.92-0.97) to 0.99 (95% CI, 0.97-1.00)). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound examiners with different levels of ultrasound experience can classify correctly predefined anatomical sites as being infiltrated or not infiltrated by ovarian cancer based on video recordings obtained by an experienced ultrasound examiner, and the inter-rater agreement is substantial. The likelihood of correct classification as well as the inter-rater agreement is highest for sites in the pelvis and lowest for sites in the upper abdomen. However, owing to the study design, our results regarding diagnostic accuracy and inter-rater agreement are likely to be overoptimistic. © 2025 The Author(s). Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

• Klíčová slova
• diagnostic imaging, education, gynecology, inter‐rater agreement, ovarian cancer, reliability, staging, training, ultrasound, video recordings,
• MeSH
• audiovizuální záznam MeSH
• břicho diagnostické zobrazování   patologie   MeSH
• invazivní růst nádoru diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• klinické kompetence * MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nádory vaječníků * diagnostické zobrazování   patologie   MeSH
• odchylka pozorovatele MeSH
• pánev diagnostické zobrazování   patologie   MeSH
• prevalence MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ultrasonografie metody   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• multicentrická studie MeSH
• pozorovací studie MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Understanding how large carnivores utilize space is crucial for management planning in human-dominated landscape and enhances the accuracy of population size estimates. However, Eurasian lynx display a large inter-population variation in the size of home ranges across their European range which makes extrapolation to broader areas of a species distribution problematic. This study evaluates variations in home range size for 35 Eurasian lynx in the Western Carpathians during 2011-2022 based on GPS telemetry and explains how intrinsic and environmental factors shape lynx spatial behaviour when facing anthropogenic pressure. The average annual home range size of lynx ranged from 283 (± 42 SE) to 360 (± 60 SE) km2 for males and from 148 (± 50 SE) to 190 (± 70 SE) km2 for females, depending on home range estimator (95% MCP, KDE and AKDE). Females with kittens had smaller annual and summer home ranges compared to non-reproducing females and subadults had smaller home ranges compared to adults. Lynx home range size was explained by availability of roe deer, except for summer, when alternative prey was likely available. We also found clear evidence of human-induced changes in lynx home range size, in particular, forest cover significantly decreased the home range size of male lynx during summer while road density led to an expansion of both annual and summer lynx home ranges. Lynx exhibited consistent fidelity to their home ranges throughout consecutive seasons, showing no seasonal variations. Strong territoriality was observed among competing males maintaining relatively low home range overlaps and considerable distances between centres of activity. The most pronounced tendency for association was observed between males and females, maintaining relatively close proximity year-round. The insights into lynx spatial requirements provided by our study will greatly enhance the accuracy of population size estimates and effectiveness of mitigation measures across the Western Carpathians.

• Klíčová slova
• GPS telemetry, Home range, Large carnivore, Temperate forests,
• MeSH
• ekosystém MeSH
• hustota populace MeSH
• Lynx * fyziologie   MeSH
• roční období MeSH
• teritoriální chování * fyziologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The dataset presents a 43 year-long reanalysis of pollen seasons for three major allergenic genera of trees in Europe: alder (Alnus), birch (Betula), and olive (Olea). Driven by the meteorological reanalysis ERA5, the atmospheric composition model SILAM predicted the flowering period and calculated the Europe-wide dispersion pattern of pollen for the years 1980-2022. The model applied an extended 4-dimensional variational data assimilation of in-situ observations of aerobiological networks in 34 European countries to reproduce the inter-annual variability and trends of pollen production and distribution. The control variable of the assimilation procedure was the total pollen release during each flowering season, implemented as an annual correction factor to the mean pollen production. The dataset was designed as an input to studies on climate-induced and anthropogenically driven changes in the European vegetation, biodiversity monitoring, bioaerosol modelling and assessment, as well as, in combination with intra-seasonal observations, for health-related applications.

• MeSH
• alergeny MeSH
• bříza * MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí MeSH
• Olea * MeSH
• olše * MeSH
• pyl * MeSH
• roční období * MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• dataset MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Evropa MeSH
• Názvy látek
• alergeny MeSH

Sleep serves vital physiological functions, yet how sleep in wild animals is influenced by environmental conditions is poorly understood. Here we use high-resolution biologgers to investigate sleep in wild animals over ecologically relevant time scales and quantify variability between individuals under changing conditions. We developed a robust classification for accelerometer data and measured multiple dimensions of sleep in the wild boar (Sus scrofa) over an annual cycle. In support of the hypothesis that environmental conditions determine thermoregulatory challenges, which regulate sleep, we show that sleep quantity, efficiency and quality are reduced on warmer days, sleep is less fragmented in longer and more humid days, while greater snow cover and rainfall promote sleep quality. Importantly, this longest and most detailed analysis of sleep in wild animals to date reveals large inter- and intra-individual variation. Specifically, short-sleepers sleep up to 46% less than long-sleepers but do not compensate for their short sleep through greater plasticity or quality, suggesting they may pay higher costs of sleep deprivation. Given the major role of sleep in health, our results suggest that global warming and the associated increase in extreme climatic events are likely to negatively impact sleep, and consequently health, in wildlife, particularly in nocturnal animals.

• Klíčová slova
• biologging, double-hierarchical generalized mixed-effects models, pace-of-life syndrome, sleep ecology, wild boar,
• MeSH
• roční období MeSH
• spánek * fyziologie   MeSH
• Sus scrofa * fyziologie   MeSH
• životní prostředí MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Investigating genetically-structured diversity in pathogen populations over time is important to better understand disease maintenance and spread. Herd-level surveillance of Mycobacterium bovis genotypes (multi-locus VNTR analysis types, MLVA types) from all culture-confirmed bovine tuberculosis (TB) herd cases was undertaken in Northern Ireland (NI), generating an unparalleled, longitudinal, population-level 14-year survey for this pathogen. Across this population, 295 genetically-distinct M. bovis MLVA types were identified in the 19,717 M. bovis isolates surveyed. Of these, the most frequent was MLVA type 002 (23.0%); 151 MLVA types were represented more than once, in groups ranging from 2 to 4438 isolates. Only 23 MLVA types were isolated in all 14 years. Investigating inter-annual frequency of M. bovis MLVA types, examples of statistically-significant expansions (MLVA types 002, 004, 006, 009 and 027), contractions (MLVA types 001, 007 and 011) and maintenance (MLVA types 003 and 005) were disclosed, during a period of fluctuating bovine TB herd-level incidence at the NI scale. The fixed period frequency distribution of MLVA types remained highly right-skewed. Novel VNTR copy number variant MLVA types (N = 242; an average of 17 per annum) were identified throughout the survey. The MLVA type distribution in the landscape was not random; MLVA types showed statistically-significant geographical localization and strong spatial associations with Divisional Veterinary Office (DVO) regions. There was also evidence of differential risk of particular MLVA types across breeds (Holstein/Friesian vs. other), age-class, and sex and some evidence of an association between the number of animals testing positive for bovine TB during the disclosing test and particular MLVA types, although there was substantial variation.

• MeSH
• chov MeSH
• genotypizační techniky veterinární   MeSH
• longitudinální studie MeSH
• minisatelitní repetice * MeSH
• multilokusová sekvenční typizace veterinární   MeSH
• Mycobacterium bovis klasifikace   genetika   růst a vývoj   izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• rizikové faktory MeSH
• skot MeSH
• surveillance populace MeSH
• tuberkulóza skotu diagnóza   epidemiologie   MeSH
• variabilita počtu kopií segmentů DNA MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• skot MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Severní Irsko epidemiologie   MeSH