Czech Republic Research Articles

Calorimetry and structural analysis of uranyl sulfates with rare topologies

Abstract Uranyl sulfate minerals are the most rapidly expanding group of uranium minerals, with dozens of species described in the past decade from the localities of White Canyon, U.S.A. and Jáchymov, Czech Republic. Synthetic analogs of a suite of uranyl sulfate minerals were crystallized, characterized, and the standard-state enthalpies of formation (ΔHfo) were determined. Synthetic lussierite is monoclinic, space group Cc, a = 9.2896, b = 28.685, c = 9.6155 Å, β = 93.504°. Synthetic geschieberite is ortho-rhombic, space group Pna21, a = 13.7408, b = 7.2713, c = 11.5844 Å. The standard-state enthalpies of formation from the binary oxides for lussierite, péligotite, shumwayite, geschieberite, and bluelizardite are –3214 ± 78, –2026 ± 33, –587 ± 22, –966.1 ± 10.9, and –2084 ± 21 kJ/mol, respectively, while the standard-state enthalpies of formation of each phase from its elements are –9743 ± 78, –7220 ± 33, –5255 ± 22, –3916 ± 20, and –7117 ± 21 kJ/mol, respectively. The ΔHfo of péligotite was accurately estimated using the ΔHfo of lussierite, bluelizardite, and literature values of the oxide components of each phase. This implies that estimates can be made accurately of the ΔHfo of uranyl sulfates of minerals without synthetic analogs.

Elemental composition of post-wildfire biomass ashes and partly burned woody species in Bohemian Switzerland National Park, Czech Republic.

The study explored the post-wildfire elemental composition of parts (wood, bark, branch, cone, trunk, litter, twig, needle, sward, fallow, sapling, etc.) and by-products (biomass ashes, partly burnt parts, and char) of different woody species in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park, Czech Republic, and considered their effects on soils. Multi-elemental analysis of the fire by-products of the woody species was determined with inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry and mass spectrometry and compared with control biomass samples unaffected by wildfire. Most fire by-products were slightly alkaline, with acidic ashes obtained from blueberry wood. The by-products of the wildfire were characterized by varied total contents of macro (P, Ca, K, Mg, and S), micro (Na, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn), and other elements (B, Co, Mo, and V) vital to soil fertility and plant growth. The mean content of macro elements in the biomass ashes was up to 4.16 P, 23.5 Ca, 2.48Mg, 63K, and 5.57 S g kg-1. These values were comparatively lower than published data for ashes obtained under optimized conditions, e.g., those combusted in power generation facilities. Conversely, partly burnt parts-an indication of incomplete combustion-had higher 9.22 P, 79 Ca, and 5.99Mggkg-1 contents in spruce needles than in biomass ashes and the control. Variations in woody species and anthropogenic activities in areas of wildfires produced varied As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb contents above EU fertilizer regulation. Caution in applying biomass ashes from wildfires on fields is required due to risk/toxic elements input from anthropogenic activities. Wildfire effects on the elemental composition of woody species can provide information on plant parts most suitable for biomass ashes for soil and ecosystem safety.

Thyroid hormones for euthyroid patients with simple goiter growing over time: a survey of European thyroid specialists.

Treatment of simple goiter (SG) growing over time with thyroid hormone (TH) therapy is discouraged by international guidelines. To ascertain views of European thyroid specialists about TH treatment for euthyroid patients with growing SG and explore associations with management choice. Online survey on the use of TH for growing SG among thyroid experts from 28 European countries. The response rate was 31.5% (5430/17,247). Most respondents were endocrinologists. Twenty-eight percent asserted that TH therapy may be indicated in euthyroid patients with a growing SG. National and regional differences were noted, from 7% of positive responses in The Netherlands to 78% in Czech Republic (p < 0.0001). TH was more frequently prescribed by respondents over 40 years old (OR 1.77, 2.13, 2.41 if 41-50, 51-60, >60, respectively), and working in areas of former iodine insufficiency (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.03-1.50). TH was less frequently prescribed by endocrinologists (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.62-0.94) and respondents working in Southern Europe (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.33-0.48), Northern Europe (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.22-0.36) and Western Asia (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.11-0.24) compared to Western Europe. Associations with respondents' sex, country, availability of national thyroid guidelines, and gross national income per capita were absent or weak. Almost a third of European thyroid specialists support treating SG with TH, contrary to current guidelines and recommendations. This calls for urgent attention.

Impact of religion and spirituality on the incidence of depression and mental health among young adults in the Czech Republic

Impact of religion and spirituality on the incidence of depression and mental health among young adults in the Czech Republic

Three poorly known Acarosporaceae of Central Europe: new reports from Czech Republic, Germany, and Italy

Three poorly known Acarosporaceae of Central Europe: new reports from Czech Republic, Germany, and Italy

Real-World Data on Brodalumab Treatment in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis: An Observational Study from the Czech Republic BIOREP Registry.

The aim of this observational, multicenter study was to assess the real-world use of brodalumab for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in patients in the Czech Republic, using data from the BIOREP registry. The study included 273 patients aged≥18years with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who received brodalumab. Endpoints were drug survival (time from treatment initiation to discontinuation), effectiveness [Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)], and health-related quality-of-life [Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI)]. Predicted drug survival probability was 92.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 89.1, 95.7%] at 6months and 84.2% (95% CI 79.5, 89.1%) at 12months; this was maintained at 24months [80.4% (95% CI 74.5, 86.8%)]. Younger age, higher body mass index, and no previous biologic treatment were significantly associated with longer drug survival. Absolute PASI≤3 after 3months was achieved by 89.8% of patients; 92.4%, 77.8%, and 59.1% reached PASI 75, PASI 90, and PASI 100, respectively. After 12months, 96.5% of 141 patients had an absolute PASI≤3. The proportion of patients achieving DLQI 0/1 was 87.3% at 12months. This study demonstrated high and sustained drug survival with high rates of skin clearance and improved quality of life in patients with relatively severe disease treated with brodalumab. Improvements were observed as early as 3months post-treatment initiation and were sustained for up to 24months in a real-life setting.

Lazerckerite, Ag3.75Pb4.5(Sb7.75Bi4)S24, from Kutná Hora, Czech Republic: a new Sb–Bi member of the andorite branch of the lillianite homologous series

Abstract. Lazerckerite, ideally Ag3.75Pb4.5(Sb7.75Bi4)S24, is a new mineral species found in medieval mine dumps of the historic Ag–Pb–Zn Kutná Hora ore district, Czech Republic. The mineral is associated with other Sb–Bi lillianite homologues (terrywallaceite, gustavite, holubite) and Ag,Bi-bearing galena, most frequently as grain aggregates and replacement rims of earlier Ag–Pb–Bi minerals, growing together in aggregates of up to 0.6×0.3 mm. Lazerckerite is opaque, is steel grey in colour, and has a metallic lustre; the calculated density is 5.920 g cm−3. In reflected light lazerckerite is greyish white, and bireflectance and pleochroism are weak with grey tints. Anisotropy is weak to moderate with grey to bluish-grey rotation tints. Internal reflections are not observed. Electron microprobe analyses yielded the empirical formula, based on 44 apfu, (Ag3.61Cu0.04)Σ3.65(Pb4.55Fe0.01Cd0.01)Σ4.57(Sb7.87Bi3.75)Σ11.62(S24.15Se0.01)Σ24.16. Its unit cell parameters are a=13.2083(9), b=19.4595(8), c=8.4048(13), β=90.032(7)°, V=2160.3(4) Å3, space group P21/c, and Z=2. The structure of lazerckerite contains two Pb sites (Pb1 and Pb2) in bicapped trigonal prismatic coordination, 8 independent octahedral sites, and 13 distinct sulfur positions. Four of the octahedral sites are mixed (Sb,Bi) and (Bi,Sb) sites, one is a mixed (Ag,Bi) site, and one is a mixed (Sb,Pb) site. The new mineral belongs to the andorite branch of the lillianite homologous series with N=4 and is a new addition to the group of Sb–Bi mixed members of the series. Lazerckerite is defined as a lillianite homologue with the three following requirements: N=4, L (Ag++ (Bi3+, Sb3+) ↔ 2 Pb2+ substitution) ≈ 90 %–95 %, and approximately one-third of atom percentage of antimony is replaced by bismuth (Bi/(Bi+Sb) ≈ 0.30–0.38). The new mineral has been approved by the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (CNMNC) of the International Mineralogical Association (IMA 2022-113) and named after Lazarus Ercker, the supreme Royal Bergmeister of the Kingdom of Bohemia and the Master of Prague Mint.

Evaluation of mining landscape changes with development landscape metrics in the Ostrava-Karviná Mining District (Czech Republic).

The study presents an analysis of changes in the landscape of the Ostrava-Karviná Mining District (in the Czech Republic) covering the period of more than 170years. In the area of interest affected by underground coal mining, both areas affected by changes and land cover preserving areas were identified in the study. A detailed assessment of the landscape changes was enabled by using landscape metrics and indices, namely the development index and total landscape change index. The underlying data were obtained from maps of stable cadastre (from the year 1836) and aerial images of the years 1947, 1971, and 2009. Visual photointerpretation of aerial images and interpretation of the maps of stable cadastre made it possible to create land cover maps according to CORINE Land Cover categories. Obtained information on the representation of individual land cover categories were used to identify and to analyze changes in the landscape affected by hard coal mining.

(In)effective communication about social responsibility? Examining large european businesses in the Czech Republic

Purpose – Businesses are expected to be socially responsible by engaging in Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and even the Creation of shared values (CSV). The aim of this contribution is to critically explore whether large European businesses operating in Czechia, recognized as social responsibility leaders, effectively communicate CSR as opposed to their competitors. Research methodology – A case study with three stages was conducted. First, 35 large European businesses were identified, which repeatedly ranked among the TOP 25 Czech companies with the highest social responsibility BpS synthetic index, and their 15 competitors. Second, an Internet search and content analysis of Websites of these 50 companies was performed to categorize and assess how they report about their socially responsible behaviors. Third, leading Czech disinformation websites were examined for evidence of tacit cooperation with the disinformation scene in the form of support via advertising. Findings – The study revealed that large European businesses, recognized as social responsibility leaders, communicate extensively about their social responsibility. However, the effectiveness of such communications is controversial. In addition, a significant part of these businesses were found to be tacitly associated with disinformation platforms, which are completely at odds with with basic social responsibility concepts. Research limitations – The qualitative nature of the case study does not allow direct generalizations. Practical implications – The visualization of the juxtaposed results via comparative and complementary tables leads to pioneering propositions about the interest and lack of maturity regarding social responsibility, very diverse degrees of effectiveness of the communications, and even several alleged leaders failing in their efforts. Originality/Value – It is the first study to compare CSR communications by alleged white sheep and black sheep, while having consistency tested by association with disinformation websites. The generated propositions call for further longitudinal and multi-jurisdiction studies to verify and enhance the awareness about efficient, effective, mature and consistent social responsibility in the EU.

The soluble ST2 level predicts risk of atrial fibrillation recurrences in long-term period after radiofrequency ablation.

The hypothesis of the study was the assumption that the serum levels of soluble ST2 (sST2) and growth differentiation factor (GDF-15) can be predictors of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence in long-term period after primary radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA). Of the 165 patients included in the prospective follow-up, the final analysis included 131 patients whose follow-up duration reached 18 months after the end of the blanking period (3 months after RFA). The median age of patients was 59.0 (50.0; 64.0) years, and 80 (61%) were men. Paroxysmal AF was present in 103 (79%) and persistent AF in 28 (21%) patients. All patients underwent transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, and electroanatomic mapping was used to assess the area of low-voltage zones (LVZ). sST2 and GDF-15 levels were determined by ELISA using GDF-15/MIC-1 analytical kits (BioVender, Czech Republic) and Presage ST2 (Critical Diagnostics, USA) before RFA. After RFA, patients had regular follow-up visits at 3-6-9-12-18 months with 12-lead ECG or Holter ECG monitoring and with clinical evaluation. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of the first symptomatic AF recurrence (AFr) lasting > 30s, recorded on an ECG or during daily ECG monitoring, after a blanking period. At the 18-month follow-up, 47 patients (35.9%) had AFr. The groups with and without AFr didn`t differ in the LVZ area. The medians of NT-proBNP, GDF-15 and sST2 also didn`t differ significantly between the groups, but in patients with AFr, the proportion of those with sST2 ≥ 36 ng/ml (the border of the lower and middle terziles) was higher (p = 0.03). According to the one-factor Cox regression analysis, AFr were associated with four factors: AF history ≥ 1 year, early AFr (during the blanking period), left atrial appendage flow velocity (LAAFV) < 54cm/sec and sST2 ≥ 36 ng/ml. In the multivariate Cox analysis two independent predictors of AFr were obtained: sST2 ≥ 36 ng/ml (HR = 3.8; 95% CI 1.5-9.8, p = 0.006) and LAAFV < 54 сm/sec (HR = 1.96; 95% CI 1.01-3.82, p = 0.048). Serum sST2 level with a cut-off value of 36 ng/ml or more can be used as a predictor of AF recurrence in the long-term period after primary RFA.

Using marteloscope in selection forestry - Study case from 'Pokojná hora' (Czech Republic)

Using marteloscope in selection forestry - Study case from 'Pokojná hora' (Czech Republic)

Analysis of Twenty Years of Suction Trap Data on the Flight Activity of Myzus persicae and Brevicoryne brassicae, Two Main Vectors of Oilseed Rape Infection Viruses

Myzus persicae and Brevicoryne brassicae are the main aphid pests and vectors of viruses that attack many crops, including oilseed rape, the most commonly grown dicotyledonous crop in the Czech Republic. In this study, we analysed the flight activity of both aphids from five suction traps over 20 years (2004–2023). We focussed on (i) the influence of the ban on seed dressing with neonicotinoids on aphid catches, (ii) the influence of the average temperature on flight activity, and (iii) the number of males/females caught in the suction traps. We compared the data on aphid flight activity at the coldest and warmest sites and found that migration starts about 10 days earlier at the warmest site than at the coldest site and that aphid populations are more numerous here. The number of catches in suction traps was observed for both aphids after the ban on neonicotinoids was significantly increased. For M. persicae, it was about 9 times higher, while for B. brassicae, it was about 1.3 times higher. In addition, we observed a significant decrease in the number of males in M. persicae with a simultaneous increase in the number of females (in autumn), which could be an indication of the formation of anholocyclic populations. Overall, our results showed a significantly high abundance of both aphid species depending on the observed locations, which seems to be related to the ban of neonicotinoids. Therefore, an effective alternative is needed to improve the control of aphid vectors that can ensure the stability of crops against aphid-transmitted virus diseases.

Impact of State Intervention During the Pandemic Crisis on the Implementation of Nanotechnological Innovations in the Czech Republic

The article deals with the issue of state interventions during the pandemic in the Czech Republic and the role of nanotechnology, which played an important role in increasing the production capacity of personal protective equipment. Nanotechnology has been rarely used in the long term for the filtration of bacteria and viruses due to its relatively high cost compared to conventional technologies that are commonly used to filter bacteria and viruses. Due to the positive demand shock and therefore the increased price, nanofibres became much more widely used in respirators and hoods. However, the global shortage of protective equipment, in addition to the high demand, also caused government intervention. These may have adversely affected the potential for global implementation of nanofibres in respirators. Based on empirical research, the aim of this paper is to identify the innovation environment during the pandemic and the interventions that disrupted the innovation environment in nanotechnology.

Experience shapes wild boar spatial response to drive hunts.

Human-induced disturbances of the environment are rapid and often unpredictable in space and time, exposing wildlife to strong selection pressure favouring plasticity in specific traits. Measuring wildlife behavioural plasticity in response to human-induced disturbances such as hunting pressures is crucial in understanding population expansion in the highly plastic wild boar species. We collected GPS-based movement data from 55 wild boars during drive hunts over three hunting seasons (2019-2022) in the Czech Republic and Sweden to identify behavioural plasticity in space use and movement strategies over a range of experienced hunting disturbances. Daily distance, daily range, and daily range overlap with hunting area were not affected by hunting intensity but were clearly related to wild boar hunting experience. On average, the post-hunt flight distance was 1.80km, and the flight duration lasted 25.8h until they returned to their previous ranging area. We detected no relationship in flight behaviour to hunting intensity or wild boar experience. Wild boar monitored in our study showed two behavioural responses to drive hunts, "remain" or "leave". Wild boars tended to "leave" more often with increasing hunting experience. Overall, this study highlights the behavioural plasticity of wild boar in response to drive hunts.

Adaptation of farmland mammalian specialist to urban life: Escape behavior of European hare along the urban-rural gradient

The European hare Lepus europaeus is an iconic but rapidly declining farmland specialist with recently confirmed populations in urban areas. However, their behavioral responses and adaptability to urbanization and life in human-dominated areas are fully unexplored. Here, using infrared cameras, we explored escape behavior (measured as the flight initiation distance) using 965 hare observations in urban and farmland areas in the Czech Republic and Austria (Central Europe) and its association with habitat type, distance to the city center, patch size, season, hare age and initial behavior. We found that European hares adjusted their escape behavior to habitat type and escaped significantly earlier in farmland (rural) habitats than in urban habitats. However, escape distances of hares did not differ between farmland types with different degree of habitat heterogeneity. We also revealed that urban hares escaped earlier when located further from the city center or in a larger study patch. Moreover, adult hares escaped earlier than subadults and foraging individuals escaped earlier than resting hares but both only in rural areas. Our results support high behavioral adaptability of European hares to human-dominated urban areas.

Frailty index is an independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in Eastern Europe: a multicentre cohort study

BackgroundThis study investigates the association between frailty and mortality in Eastern European populations, which remains largely unexplored compared with Western Europe. The aim is to assess the risk of all-cause...

Contribution to the study of possible transport of PM10 aerosols in the eastern part of the Czech Republic

The article deals with the assessment of air pollution in the eastern regions of the Czech Republic: Moravia and Silesia, where the limits for the protection of human health for PM and benzo[a]pyrene are significantly exceeded, especially in the north-eastern area. The extent to which this heavily polluted part of Moravia and Silesia affects the central, southern and south-eastern parts of Moravia, i.e. south-eastern part of the Czech Republic, has often been discussed but not proven. The assessment demonstrated the influence and extent of pollutant transport by determining the prevailing daily wind direction. The prevailing NE wind direction results in worse dispersion conditions and higher PM10 concentrations throughout the study area. Conversely, the SW wind direction is a carrier of better dispersion conditions with lower PM10 concentrations in the area. The effect of transport of PM10 pollution in the daily type from the NE direction can be observed at those sites located in the NE of the area of interest from the border with Poland to the Prerov site. In the case of more southerly sites, the methodology used does not allow to determine whether and to what extent they are affected by pollution transport from the northeastern part of Moravia or from neighbouring Poland. This methodology is particularly useful when only 24-h pollutant concentrations are available (not at more detailed, e.g. 1-hour intervals). The internal methodology of the Czech Hydrometeorological Institutefor calculating back trajectories of wind from ground stations is particularly applicable for detecting the origin of short-term episodes with high pollutant concentrations.

Habitat preferences of breeding Eurasian Sparrowhawks Accipiter nisus in Central Europe

ABSTRACT Capsule A description of habitats used for breeding by Eurasian Sparrowhawks, along with variables affecting their breeding habitat selection. Aims To describe the habitat preferences of breeding Eurasian Sparrowhawks, and to identify variables affecting their breeding habitat selection at different spatial scales, in a rural area of Central Europe (Czech Republic). Methods Eurasian Sparrowhawk nests were found and the habitat characteristics of breeding sites were measured at three spatial scales, and then compared with randomly selected locations. Results The nests were regularly distributed within the forests of the study area, avoiding small forest patches. The territories were somewhat associated with dense forest stands of a distinctive structure. All nests were built in coniferous trees, in the lower parts of their green crowns and close to the trunks. In the areas surrounding the nests, we found a greater abundance of some bird (prey) species and a higher diversity of birds, compared to the random areas. Conclusion The Eurasian Sparrowhawks preferred to breed in forests with a specific structure that provided sufficient concealment and access to their nests, and they located their breeding territories as far from each other as possible. The birds also seemed to prefer breeding in localities with a greater food supply. The variables affecting Eurasian Sparrowhawk breeding habitat selection may include intraspecific competition, size and structure of available forests, availability of coniferous trees for nest placement, and the composition of the food supply in the vicinity of their nests.

Extending comparative typologies of diaspora policies: Towards a "cautiously proactive" diaspora policy state

In the past two decades, the 'diaspora turn' in research and policy has led to the development of several typologies of diaspora policies around the world. This study explores and extends Francesco Ragazzi's established 2014 global typology of diaspora policies. We use in-depth qualitative analysis of Czech diaspora policies to assess the internal validity of the typology and identify new dimensions that are central to our understanding of diaspora politics. We then replicate Ragazzi's quantitative analysis with the inclusion of new data on the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia and Poland, assessing the typology's external validity. We find a new cluster of diaspora policy types, characterized by a “cautiously proactive” mix of diaspora policy mechanisms based on relatively generous cultural and citizenship policies, variably accentuated symbolic policies and limited social and economic policies. We suggest that this mix has been structured by the tension between the countries' commitment to a (neo) liberal emigration regime and the continued importance of ethno-cultural conceptions of nationhood. In addition, we identify three new variables that should be included in future typologies: 1) the volume and distribution of funding for diaspora policy; 2) the symbolic recognition of diaspora in the legal system; 3) policy differentiation among different kinds of diaspora. Our mixed-method approach illustrates the importance of using nuanced qualitative data to provide a meaningful depiction of policy.

Molecular evidence for the origin of the little-known hybrid Potamogeton ×vilnensis

A combined study of morphology, stem anatomy, and the genetic markers (ITS1-ITS4 region of nuclear ribosomal DNA and rpl20-rps12 intergenic spacer of chloroplast DNA) was used to verify the identity of hybrid Potamogeton ×vilnensis Galinis previously recognized as P. gramineus × P. praelongus. Authentic herbarium material and newly collected specimens morphologically similar to the hybrid from the locus classicus (SE Lithuania) were used for comparative morphological, anatomical and molecular analyses. The study proved the paternity of P. lucens and P. praelongus and excluded the involvement of P. gramineus in hybridization and identity with P. ×angustifolius. This hybrid formula is shared with plants recorded in the Czech Republic and Denmark under the name P. ×jutlandicus Zalewska-Galosz. The site in Lithuania, known since 1961, is the first natural habitat of long-lived hybrid between P. lucens and P. praelongus whose origin has been confirmed by molecular markers. The scarce records of this taxon indicate that the knowledge of the hybrid species of Potamogeton and their distribution is insufficient and that more extensive regional studies, including molecular methods, are needed.