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Martel J, Chang SH, Chevalier G, Ojcius DM, Young JD. Influence of electromagnetic fields on the circadian rhythm: Implications for human health and disease. Biomed J 2023; 46:48-59. [PMID: 36681118 PMCID: PMC10105029 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Living organisms have evolved within the natural electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of the earth which comprise the global atmospheric electrical circuit, Schumann resonances (SRs) and the geomagnetic field. Research suggests that the circadian rhythm, which controls several physiological functions in the human body, can be influenced by light but also by the earth's EMFs. Cyclic solar disturbances, including sunspots and seasonal weakening of the geomagnetic field, can affect human health, possibly by disrupting the circadian rhythm and downstream physiological functions. Severe disruption of the circadian rhythm increases inflammation which can induce fatigue, fever and flu-like symptoms in a fraction of the population and worsen existing symptoms in old and diseased individuals, leading to periodic spikes of infectious and chronic diseases. Possible mechanisms underlying sensing of the earth's EMFs involve entrainment via electrons and electromagnetic waves, light-dependent radical pair formation in retina cryptochromes, and paramagnetic magnetite nanoparticles. Factors such as electromagnetic pollution from wireless devices, base antennas and low orbit internet satellites, shielding by non-conductive materials used in shoes and buildings, and local geomagnetic anomalies may also affect sensing of the earth's EMFs by the human body and contribute to circadian rhythm disruption and disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Martel
- Center for Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hsin Chang
- Center for Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Gaétan Chevalier
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - David M Ojcius
- Chang Gung Immunology Consortium, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of the Pacific, Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John D Young
- Chang Gung Biotechnology Corporation, Taipei, Taiwan.
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2
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Buchachenko AL, Kuznetsov DA. Genes and Cancer under Magnetic Control. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B 2021. [PMCID: PMC8064421 DOI: 10.1134/s1990793121010024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. L. Buchachenko
- Semenov Federal Research Center of Chemical Physics Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Problems of Chemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142432 Chernogolovka, Russia
- Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 142432 Chernogolovka, Russia
- Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
| | - D. A. Kuznetsov
- Semenov Federal Research Center of Chemical Physics Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Russian National Research Medical University, 119997 Moscow, Russia
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Nyqvist D, Durif C, Johnsen MG, De Jong K, Forland TN, Sivle LD. Electric and magnetic senses in marine animals, and potential behavioral effects of electromagnetic surveys. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 155:104888. [PMID: 32072990 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.104888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Electromagnetic surveys generate electromagnetic fields to map petroleum deposits under the seabed with unknown consequences for marine animals. The electric and magnetic fields induced by electromagnetic surveys can be detected by many marine animals, and the generated fields may potentially affect the behavior of perceptive animals. Animals using magnetic cues for migration or local orientation, especially during a restricted time-window, risk being affected by electromagnetic surveys. In electrosensitive animals, anthropogenic electric fields could disrupt a range of behaviors. The lack of studies on effects of the electromagnetic fields induced by electromagnetic surveys on the behavior of magneto- and electrosensitive animals is a reason for concern. Here, we review the use of electric and magnetic fields among marine animals, present data on survey generated and natural electromagnetic fields, and discuss potential effects of electromagnetic surveys on the behavior of marine animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Nyqvist
- Institute of Marine Research Bergen, Nordnesgaten 50, 5005, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Caroline Durif
- Institute of Marine Research, Austevoll Research Station, Sauganeset 16, 5392, Storebø, Norway
| | | | - Karen De Jong
- Institute of Marine Research Bergen, Nordnesgaten 50, 5005, Bergen, Norway
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Bouché NF, McConway K. Melatonin Levels and Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields in Humans and Rats: New Insights From a Bayesian Logistic Regression. Bioelectromagnetics 2019; 40:539-552. [PMID: 31564068 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The present analysis revisits the impact of extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) on melatonin (MLT) levels in human and rat subjects using both a parametric and non-parametric approach. In this analysis, we use 62 studies from review articles. The parametric approach consists of a Bayesian logistic regression (LR) analysis and the non-parametric approach consists of a Support Vector analysis, both of which are robust against spurious/false results. Both approaches reveal a unique well-ordered pattern, and show that human and rat studies are consistent with each other once the MF strength is restricted to cover the same range (with B ≲ 50 μT). In addition, the data reveal that chronic exposure (longer than ∼22 days) to ELF-MF appears to decrease MLT levels only when the MF strength is below a threshold of ~30 μT ( log B thr [ μ T ] = 1 . 4 - 0 . 4 + 0 . 7 ), i.e., when the man-made ELF-MF intensity is below that of the static geomagnetic field. Studies reporting an association between ELF-MF and changes to MLT levels and the opposite (no association with ELF-MF) can be reconciled under a single framework. Bioelectromagnetics. 2019;40:539-552. © 2019 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas F Bouché
- Univ Lyon, Univ Lyon1, ENS de Lyon, CNRS, Centre de Recherche en Astrophysique de Lyon UMR5574, Saint-Genis-Laval, France
| | - Kevin McConway
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, The Open University, Milton Keys, UK
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Hore PJ. Upper bound on the biological effects of 50/60 Hz magnetic fields mediated by radical pairs. eLife 2019; 8:44179. [PMID: 30801245 PMCID: PMC6417859 DOI: 10.7554/elife.44179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Prolonged exposure to weak (~1 μT) extremely-low-frequency (ELF, 50/60 Hz) magnetic fields has been associated with an increased risk of childhood leukaemia. One of the few biophysical mechanisms that might account for this link involves short-lived chemical reaction intermediates known as radical pairs. In this report, we use spin dynamics simulations to derive an upper bound of 10 parts per million on the effect of a 1 μT ELF magnetic field on the yield of a radical pair reaction. By comparing this figure with the corresponding effects of changes in the strength of the Earth’s magnetic field, we conclude that if exposure to such weak 50/60 Hz magnetic fields has any effect on human biology, and results from a radical pair mechanism, then the risk should be no greater than travelling a few kilometres towards or away from the geomagnetic north or south pole.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Hore
- Department of Chemistry, Physical & Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Hiscock HG, Mouritsen H, Manolopoulos DE, Hore PJ. Disruption of Magnetic Compass Orientation in Migratory Birds by Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields. Biophys J 2017; 113:1475-1484. [PMID: 28978441 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2017.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The radical-pair mechanism has been put forward as the basis of the magnetic compass sense of migratory birds. Some of the strongest supporting evidence has come from behavioral experiments in which birds exposed to weak time-dependent magnetic fields lose their ability to orient in the geomagnetic field. However, conflicting results and skepticism about the requirement for abnormally long quantum coherence lifetimes have cast a shroud of uncertainty over these potentially pivotal studies. Using a recently developed computational approach, we explore the effects of various radiofrequency magnetic fields on biologically plausible radicals within the theoretical framework of radical-pair magnetoreception. We conclude that the current model of radical-pair magnetoreception is unable to explain the findings of the reported behavioral experiments. Assuming that an unknown mechanism amplifies the predicted effects, we suggest experimental conditions that have the potential to distinguish convincingly between the two distinct families of radical pairs currently postulated as magnetic compass sensors. We end by making recommendations for experimental protocols that we hope will increase the chance that future experiments can be independently replicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamish G Hiscock
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Henrik Mouritsen
- Institut für Biologie und Umweltwissenschaften, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany; Research Centre for Neurosensory Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - David E Manolopoulos
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - P J Hore
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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Lucia U, Grisolia G, Ponzetto A, Silvagno F. An engineering thermodynamic approach to select the electromagnetic wave effective on cell growth. J Theor Biol 2017; 429:181-189. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2017.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Scholkmann F, Miscio G, Tarquini R, Bosi A, Rubino R, di Mauro L, Mazzoccoli G. The circadecadal rhythm of oscillation of umbilical cord blood parameters correlates with geomagnetic activity - An analysis of long-term measurements (1999-2011). Chronobiol Int 2016; 33:1136-1147. [PMID: 27409251 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2016.1202264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Recently, we have shown that the contents of total nucleated cells (TNCs) and CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (CD34+ HSPCs) as well as the cord blood volume (CBV) in umbilical cord blood (UCB) show a circadecadal (~10 years) rhythm of oscillation. This observation was based on an analysis of 17,936 cord blood donations collected during 1999-2011. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether this circadecadal rhythm of oscillation in TNCs, CD34+ HSPCs and CBV is related to geomagnetic activity. For the analysis, the yearly averages of TNCs, CD34+ HSPCs and CBV in UCB were correlated with geomagnetic activity (Dcx index). Our analysis revealed that (i) all three UCB parameters were statistically significantly correlated with the level of geomagnetic activity, (ii) CBV showed a linear correlation with the Dcx index (r = 0.5290), (iii) the number of TNCs and CD34+ HSPCs were quadratic inversely correlated with the Dcx index (r = -0.5343 and r = -0.7749, respectively). Furthermore, (iv) CBV and the number of TNCs were not statistically significantly correlated with the number of either modest or intense geomagnetic storms per year, but (v) the number of CD34+ HSPCs was statistically significantly correlated with the number of modest (r = 0.9253) as well as intense (r = 0.8683) geomagnetic storms per year. In conclusion, our study suggests that UCB parameters correlate with the state of the geomagnetic field (GMF) modulated by solar activity. Possible biophysical mechanisms underlying this observation, as well as the outcome of these findings, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Scholkmann
- a Research Office for Complex Physical and Biological Systems (ROCoS) , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe Miscio
- b Apulia Cord Blood Bank , IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" , S. Giovanni Rotondo (FG) , Italy
| | - Roberto Tarquini
- c Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine , University of Florence , Florence , Italy.,d Interinstitutional Department for Continuity of Care of Empoli, School of Medicine , University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Alberto Bosi
- e Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Haematology, School of Medicine , University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Rosa Rubino
- f Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine and Chronobiology Unit , IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" , S. Giovanni Rotondo (FG) , Italy
| | - Lazzaro di Mauro
- b Apulia Cord Blood Bank , IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" , S. Giovanni Rotondo (FG) , Italy
| | - Gianluigi Mazzoccoli
- f Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine and Chronobiology Unit , IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" , S. Giovanni Rotondo (FG) , Italy
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Abstract
Current models that frame consciousness in terms of electromagnetic field theory carry implications that have yet to be fully explored. Endogenous weak extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields are generated by ionic charge flow in axons, dendrites and synaptic transmitters. Because neural tissues are transparent to such fields, these provide the basis for the globally unifying qualities required to properly describe consciousness as a field. At the same time, however, an electromagnetic approach predicts partial transmission of this 1-100 nT field, suggesting external interactions similar to the various ELF magnetic perturbations that are linked to homeostatic and endocrine-related physiological effects. It follows that humans may represent an additional, previously unrecognized source of weak (1-10 nT) ambient ELF magnetic fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Liboff
- a Department of Physics , Oakland University , Rochester Hills , MI , USA
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Kantserova NP, Lysenko LA, Ushakova NV, Krylov VV, Nemova NN. [Modulation of Ca(2+)-Dependent Proteiolysis under the Action of Weak Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields]. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2016; 41:725-30. [PMID: 27125027 DOI: 10.1134/s1068162015060060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The study aimed to determine the molecular targets of magnetic fields in living objects. Time-dependent effects of weak low-frequency magnetic field tuned to the parametric resonance for calcium ions were studied on model organisms (fish, whelk). The dynamics of Ca(2+)-dependent proteinase activity under the exposure to magnetic fields with given parameters was determined and minimal time of exposure in order to achieve inactivation of these proteinases was find out as well. As hyperactivation of Ca(2+)-dependent proteinases is a basis of degenerative pathology development the therapeutic potential of weak low-frequency magnetic fields enabling to modulate Ca(2+)-dependent proteinase activity is supported.
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Effect of exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields on melatonin levels in calves is seasonally dependent. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14206. [PMID: 26381579 PMCID: PMC4585560 DOI: 10.1038/srep14206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The question of health effects of extremely low frequency (50/60 Hz) magnetic fields (ELFMF) has been widely discussed, but the mechanisms of interaction of these fields with biological systems for intensities relevant to human and animal exposure are still under question. The melatonin (MLT) hypothesis suggests that exposure to ELFMF might decrease MLT production thereby promoting cancerogenesis. So far, most studies of MLT secretion under exposure to ELFMF reported negative or inconsistent results. Here, we measured salivary MLT in 1–2 months old cattle calves exposed to 50 Hz-MF in the hundreds of nT-range. We found an inhibitory effect of the ELFMF upon MLT secretion in winter (in accordance with the MLT hypothesis). In contrast, in summer, MLT concentration was increased by ELFMF exposure (contrary to the MLT hypothesis). The inhibitory effect in winter was much stronger than the positive effect in summer. We hypothesize that this season-dependent effect upon MLT synthesis might by mediated by an effect of ELFMF upon the serotonin metabolism and conclude that future tests of ELFMF effects should also measure serotonin levels and consider association with the seasonal effects (photoperiod or temperature) during the exposure.
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Hart V, Nováková P, Malkemper EP, Begall S, Hanzal V, Ježek M, Kušta T, Němcová V, Adámková J, Benediktová K, Červený J, Burda H. Dogs are sensitive to small variations of the Earth's magnetic field. Front Zool 2013; 10:80. [PMID: 24370002 PMCID: PMC3882779 DOI: 10.1186/1742-9994-10-80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Several mammalian species spontaneously align their body axis with respect to the Earth’s magnetic field (MF) lines in diverse behavioral contexts. Magnetic alignment is a suitable paradigm to scan for the occurrence of magnetosensitivity across animal taxa with the heuristic potential to contribute to the understanding of the mechanism of magnetoreception and identify further functions of magnetosensation apart from navigation. With this in mind we searched for signs of magnetic alignment in dogs. We measured the direction of the body axis in 70 dogs of 37 breeds during defecation (1,893 observations) and urination (5,582 observations) over a two-year period. After complete sampling, we sorted the data according to the geomagnetic conditions prevailing during the respective sampling periods. Relative declination and intensity changes of the MF during the respective dog walks were calculated from daily magnetograms. Directional preferences of dogs under different MF conditions were analyzed and tested by means of circular statistics. Results Dogs preferred to excrete with the body being aligned along the North–South axis under calm MF conditions. This directional behavior was abolished under unstable MF. The best predictor of the behavioral switch was the rate of change in declination, i.e., polar orientation of the MF. Conclusions It is for the first time that (a) magnetic sensitivity was proved in dogs, (b) a measurable, predictable behavioral reaction upon natural MF fluctuations could be unambiguously proven in a mammal, and (c) high sensitivity to small changes in polarity, rather than in intensity, of MF was identified as biologically meaningful. Our findings open new horizons in magnetoreception research. Since the MF is calm in only about 20% of the daylight period, our findings might provide an explanation why many magnetoreception experiments were hardly replicable and why directional values of records in diverse observations are frequently compromised by scatter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vlastimil Hart
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, 16521 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Nováková
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, 16521 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Erich Pascal Malkemper
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany
| | - Sabine Begall
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany
| | - Vladimír Hanzal
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, 16521 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Miloš Ježek
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, 16521 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Kušta
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, 16521 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Němcová
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, 16521 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Adámková
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, 16521 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Benediktová
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, 16521 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Červený
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, 16521 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Hynek Burda
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, 16521 Praha 6, Czech Republic.,Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany
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