Waldoekosystemforschung Eberswalde: Struktur, Dynamik und Stabilitaet von Kiefern- und Buchenwaldoekosystemen unter Normal- und multiplen Stressbedingungen unterschiedlicher Auspraegung im nordostdeutschen Tiefland Schlussbericht

The objective is to investigate structure, dynamics and stability of Scots pine and beech forest ecosystems in the northeastern German lowlands. The presented results support the hypothesis that N-deposition in combination with low precipitation (550-620 mm annual rainfall) led to a measurable change of the vegetation of Scots pine stands in the research area since the end of the 1970's. In some cases, Scots pine ecosystems, with ground vegetation now dominated by tall grass species (Calamagrostis epigeios), have reached the stages of highest instability. Our ecological studies could reveal the basic mechanisms of these dynamics: Systems of differently opened element cycles could be realized, depending on precipitation and ecosystem structure. Three phases of growth behavior can be distinguished, depending on growth duration and intensity (nomal (1), accerlerated (2), and reduced (3) growth). The enormous water consumption of dense grass carpets can endanger Scots pine forests. For the quantification of water uptake by ground vegetation, adjustable mini-lysimeters were developed and installed. In order to regionalize the results of single-point investigations, a conceptual model using structural parameters was developed. A simulation module was implemented to model below-canopy precipitation in relation to structural parameters of the three layer. The project is continued with more precise and expanded objectives in order to compare between beech, oak, and pine ecosystems. (orig.)Available from TIB Hannover: F95B1167+a / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB - Technische InformationsbibliothekSIGLEBundesministerium fuer Forschung und Technologie (BMFT), Bonn (Germany)DEGerman

Medical and Household Characteristics Associated with Methicillin Resistant Nasal Carriage among Patients Admitted to a Rural Tertiary Care Hospital

Background Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a threat to patient safety and public health. Understanding how MRSA is acquired is important for prevention efforts. This study investigates risk factors for MRSA nasal carriage among patients at an eastern North Carolina hospital in 2011. Methods Using a case-control design, hospitalized patients ages 18 – 65 years were enrolled between July 25, 2011 and December 15, 2011 at Vidant Medical Center, a tertiary care hospital that screens all admitted patients for nasal MRSA carriage. Cases, defined as MRSA nasal carriers, were age and gender matched to controls, non-MRSA carriers. In-hospital interviews were conducted, and medical records were reviewed to obtain information on medical and household exposures. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to derive odds ratio (OR) estimates of association between MRSA carriage and medical and household exposures. Results In total, 117 cases and 119 controls were recruited to participate. Risk factors for MRSA carriage included having household members who took antibiotics or were hospitalized (OR: 3.27; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.24–8.57) and prior hospitalization with a positive MRSA screen (OR: 3.21; 95% CI: 1.12–9.23). A lower proportion of cases than controls were previously hospitalized without a past positive MRSA screen (OR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.19–0.87). Conclusion These findings suggest that household exposures are important determinants of MRSA nasal carriage in hospitalized patients screened at admission