Dutch-German Border Region Research Articles

More than a decade of research on Schmallenberg virus-Knowns and unknowns.

Schmallenberg virus, an arbovirus of the Orthobunyavirus genus that primarily infects ruminants, emerged in 2011 near the Dutch-German border region and subsequently caused a large number of abortions and the births of severely malformed newborns in the European livestock population. Immediate intensive research led to the development of reliable diagnostic tests, the identification of competent Culicoides vector species, and the elucidation of the pathogenesis in infected vertebrate hosts. In addition, the structure of the major antigenic domain has been elucidated in great detail, leading to the development of effective marker vaccine candidates. The knowledge gained over the last decade on the biology and pathogenesis of SBV and the experience acquired in its control will be of great value in the future for the control of any similar emerging pathogen of veterinary or public health importance such as Shuni or Oropouche virus. However, some important knowledge gaps remain, for example, the factors contributing to the highly variable transmission rate from dam to fetus or the viral factors responsible for the vector competence of Culicoides midges are largely unknown. Thus, questions still remain for the next decade of research on SBV and related viruses.

Challenges and opportunities for nutrient circularity: an innovation platform approach

AbstractTo reduce nutrient losses from the food system, it is necessary to improve biomass management and foster change. Such a change is often hindered by a lack of stakeholder interaction. Therefore, a qualitative case study and a practical application of the innovation platform approach in the Dutch-German border region Rhine-Waal were carried out to determine challenges and opportunities in the agro-food-waste system towards circular nutrient management in a nutrient-saturated and intensive animal production-dominated localized area. Twenty-one actors participated in a half-day workshop. A bottom-up approach was chosen as it increases trust between stakeholders and supports the acceptance of research processes. This study identified opportunities and challenges perceived by stakeholders participating in the innovation platform approach to facilitate a transition towards local circular nutrient management. We observed that challenges and opportunities exist at three levels: the individual actor’s level, the system level and the interconnection of the system with its wider environment. With a variety of stakeholders from animal and crop production to the food processing industry being present in the study area, the current demand and supply of biomass is very diverse. This diversity has been identified as a distinct opportunity for the establishment of a biomass exchange network in the area. However, information on demand and supply of nutrients between actors is currently scattered and information sharing hindered by the lack of direct monetary benefits. The lessons learned using the innovation platform approach are a first step towards improving nutrient circularity at a localized scale in nutrient-saturated areas.

Influence of health system and patient characteristics on expectations and outcome in total hip arthroplasty patients in the Dutch-German border region: protocol for a mixed-methods prospective observational comparative study (hip across)

IntroductionTotal hip arthroplasty (THA) is the treatment of choice for end-stage osteoarthritis of the hip. Management of THA differs between countries, and it is hypothesised that this can influence patients’...

Research Facilities for Europe’s Next Generation Gravitational-Wave Detector Einstein Telescope

The Einstein Telescope is Europe’s next generation gravitational-wave detector. To develop all necessary technology, four research facilities have emerged across Europe: The Amaldi Research Center (ARC) in Rome (Italy), ETpathfinder in Maastricht (The Netherlands), SarGrav in the Sos Enattos mines on Sardinia (Italy) and E-TEST in Liége (Belgium) and its surroundings. The ARC pursues the investigation of a large cryostat, equipped with dedicated low-vibration cooling lines, to test full-scale cryogenic payloads. The installation will be gradual and interlaced with the payload development. ETpathfinder aims to provide a low-noise facility that allows the testing of full interferometer configurations and the interplay of their subsystems in an ET-like environment. ETpathfinder will focus amongst others on cryogenic technologies, silicon mirrors, lasers and optics at 1550 and 2090 nm and advanced quantum noise reduction schemes. The SarGrav laboratory has a surface lab and an underground operation. On the surface, the Archimedes experiment investigates the interaction of vacuum fluctuations with gravity and is developing (tilt) sensor technology for the Einstein Telescope. In an underground laboratory, seismic characterisation campaigns are undertaken for the Sardinian site characterisation. Lastly, the Einstein Telecope Euregio meuse-rhine Site & Technology (E-TEST) is a single cryogenic suspension of an ET-sized silicon mirror. Additionally, E-TEST investigates the Belgian–Dutch–German border region that is the other candidate site for Einstein Telescope using boreholes and seismic arrays and hydrogeological characterisation. In this article, we describe the Einstein Telescope, the low-frequency part of its science case and the four research facilities.

Application of shotgun metagenomics sequencing and targeted sequence capture to detect circulating porcine viruses in the Dutch-German border region.

Porcine viruses have been emerging in recent decades, threatening animal and human health, as well as economic stability for pig farmers worldwide. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) can detect and characterize known and unknown viruses but has limited sensitivity when an unbiased approach, such as shotgun metagenomics sequencing, is used. To increase the sensitivity of NGS for the detection of viruses, we applied and evaluated a broad viral targeted sequence capture (TSC) panel and compared it to an unbiased shotgun metagenomic approach. A cohort of 36 pooled porcine nasal swab and blood serum samples collected from both sides of the Dutch–German border region were evaluated. Overall, we detected 46 different viral species using TSC, compared to 40 viral species with a shotgun metagenomics approach. Furthermore, we performed phylogenetic analysis on recovered influenza A virus (FLUAV) genomes from Germany and revealed a close similarity to a zoonotic influenza strain previously detected in the Netherlands. Although TSC introduced coverage bias within the detected viruses, it improved sensitivity, genome sequence depth and contig length. In‐depth characterization of the swine virome, coupled with developing new enrichment techniques, can play a crucial role in the surveillance of circulating porcine viruses and emerging zoonotic pathogens.

First detection of porcine respirovirus 1 in Germany and the Netherlands.

Porcine respirovirus 1, also referred to as porcine parainfluenza virus 1 (PPIV‐1), was first detected in deceased pigs from Hong Kong in 2013. It has since then been found in the USA, Chile and most recently in Hungary. Information on the pathogenicity and global spread is sparse. However, it has been speculated to play a role in the porcine respiratory disease complex. To investigate the porcine virome, we screened 53 pig samples from 26 farms within the Dutch–German border region using shotgun metagenomics sequencing (SMg). After detecting PPIV‐1 in five farms through SMg, a real‐time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT‐qPCR) assay was designed, which not only confirmed the presence of the virus in 1 of the 5 farms but found an additional 6 positive farms. Phylogenetic analysis found the closest match to be the first detected PPIV‐1 strain in Hong Kong. The Dutch‐German region represents a significant area of pig farming within Europe and could provide important information on the characterization and circulation of porcine viruses, such as PPIV‐1. With its recent detection in Hungary, these findings suggest widespread circulation of PPIV‐1 in Central Europe, highlighting the need for further research on persistence, pathogenicity and transmission in Europe.

Compliance to Screening Protocols for Multidrug-Resistant Microorganisms at the Emergency Departments of Two Academic Hospitals in the Dutch-German Cross-Border Region.

Infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are associated with prolonged hospitalization and higher risk of mortality. Patients arriving in the hospital via the emergency department (ED) are screened for the presence of MDROs in compliance with the screening protocols in order to apply the correct isolation measures. In the Dutch–German border region, local hospitals apply their own screening protocols which are based upon national screening protocols. The contents of the national and local MDRO screening protocols were compared on vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and carbapenemase-producing and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CPE/CRE). The practicality of the screening protocols was evaluated by performing an audit. As a result, the content of the MDRO screening protocols differed regarding risk factors for MDRO carriage, swab site, personal protective equipment, and isolation measures. The observations and questionnaires showed that the practicality was sufficient; however, the responsibility was not designated clearly and education regarding the screening protocols was deemed inappropriate. The differences between the MDRO screening protocols complicate patient care in the Dutch–German border region. Arrangements have to be made about the responsibility of the MDRO screening, and improvements are necessary concerning education regarding the MDRO screening protocols.

Predominance of CTX-M-15-producing ST131 strains among ESBL-producing Escherichia coli isolated from asylum seekers in theNetherlands.

ObjectivesNumerous studies show increased prevalence of MDR bacteria amongst asylum seekers, but data on the molecular profiles of such strains are limited. We aimed to evaluate the molecular profiles of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-E. coli) strains isolated from asylum seekers and investigate their phylogenetic relatedness.MethodsWGS data of ESBL-E. coli isolates from asylum seekers, retrieved from 1 January to 31 December 2016, were analysed to assess MLST STs, fim types, phylogroups and resistance genes. Fifty-two ESBL-E. coli isolates from the Dutch–German border region were used for genome comparison purposes as a control group.ResultsAmong 112 ESBL-E. coli isolates from asylum seekers, originating mostly from Syria (n = 40) and Iraq (n = 15), the majority belonged to ST131 (21.4%) and ST10 (17.0%). The predominant gene for β-lactam resistance was blaCTX-M-15 (67.9%), followed by the often co-detected blaTEM-1B (39.3%). No mcr or carbapenemase genes were detected. The majority of the strains belonged to phylogroups B2 (38.4%) and A (32.1%), carrying fimH27 (25%) and fimH30 (19.6%). A core genome MLST minimum spanning tree did not reveal clusters containing strains from the asylum seekers and the control group. Five clusters were formed within the asylum seeker group, by strains isolated from people originating from different countries.ConclusionsThe most frequently isolated clones in this study were isolated on a regular basis within the Dutch population before the increase in the asylum seeker population. No mcr- or carbapenemase-producing clones were detected among the asylum seeker population. Minor clustering was observed amongst the asylum seeker strains.

Q fever: Evidence of a massive yet undetected cross-border outbreak, with ongoing risk of extra mortality, in a Dutch-German border region.

BackgroundFollowing outbreaks in other parts of the Netherlands, the Dutch border region of South Limburg experienced a large‐scale outbreak of human Q fever related to a single dairy goat farm in 2009, with surprisingly few cases reported from neighbouring German counties. Late chronic Q fever, with recent spikes of newly detected cases, is an ongoing public health concern in the Netherlands. We aimed to assess the scope and scale of any undetected cross‐border transmission to neighbouring German counties, where individuals unknowingly exposed may carry extra risk of overlooked diagnosis.Methods(A) Seroprevalence rates in the Dutch area were estimated fitting an exponential gradient to the geographical distribution of notified acute human Q fever cases, using seroprevalence in a sample of farm township inhabitants as baseline. (B) Seroprevalence rates in 122 neighbouring German postcode areas were estimated from a sample of blood donors living in these areas and attending the regional blood donation centre in January/February 2010 (n = 3,460). (C) Using multivariate linear regression, including goat and sheep densities, veterinary Q fever notifications and blood donor sampling densities as covariates, we assessed whether seroprevalence rates across the entire border region were associated with distance from the farm.Results(A) Seroprevalence in the outbreak farm's township was 16.1%. Overall seroprevalence in the Dutch area was 3.6%. (B) Overall seroprevalence in the German area was 0.9%. Estimated mean seroprevalence rates (per 100,000 population) declined with increasing distance from the outbreak farm (0–19 km = 2,302, 20–39 km = 1,122, 40–59 km = 432 and ≥60 km = 0). Decline was linear in multivariate regression using log‐transformed seroprevalence rates (0–19 km = 2.9 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.6 to 3.2], 20 to 39 km = 1.9 [95% CI = 1.0 to 2.8], 40–59 km = 0.6 [95% CI = −0.2 to 1.3] and ≥60 km = 0.0 [95% CI = −0.3 to 0.3]).ConclusionsOur findings were suggestive of widespread cross‐border transmission, with thousands of undetected infections, arguing for intensified cross‐border collaboration and surveillance and screening of individuals susceptible to chronic Q fever in the affected area.

Collision risk of Montagu’s Harriers Circus pygargus with wind turbines derived from high‐resolution GPS tracking

Flight behaviour characteristics such as flight altitude and avoidance behaviour determine the species‐specific collision risk of birds with wind turbines. However, traditional observational methods exhibit limited positional accuracy. High‐resolution GPS telemetry represents a promising method to overcome this drawback. In this study, we used three‐dimensional GPS tracking data including high‐accuracy tracks recorded at 3‐s intervals to investigate the collision risk of breeding male Montagu's Harriers Circus pygargus in the Dutch–German border region. Avoidance of wind turbines was quantified by a novel approach comparing observed flights to a null model of random flight behaviour. On average, Montagu's Harriers spent as much as 8.2 h per day in flight. Most flights were at low altitude, with only 7.1% within the average rotor height range (RHR; 45–125 m). Montagu's Harriers showed significant avoidance behaviour, approaching turbines less often than expected, particularly when flying within the RHR (avoidance rate of 93.5%). For the present state, with wind farms situated on the fringes of the regional nesting range, collision risk models based on our new insights on flight behaviour indicated 0.6–2.0 yearly collisions of adult males (as compared with a population size of c. 40 pairs). However, the erection of a new wind farm inside the core breeding area could markedly increase mortality (up to 9.7 yearly collisions). If repowering of the wind farms was carried out using low‐reaching modern turbines (RHR 36–150 m), mortality would more than double, whereas it would stay approximately constant if higher turbines (RHR 86–200 m) were used. Our study demonstrates the great potential of high‐resolution GPS tracking for collision risk assessments. The resulting information on collision‐related flight behaviour allows for performing detailed scenario analyses on wind farm siting and turbine design, in contrast to current environmental assessment practices. With regard to Montagu's Harriers, we conclude that although the deployment of higher wind turbines represents an opportunity to reduce collision risk for this species, precluding wind energy developments in core breeding areas remains the most important mitigation measure.

Changing epidemiology of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in 42 hospitals in the Dutch-German border region, 2012 to 2016: results of the search-and-follow-policy.

IntroductionMeticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections.AimWe describe MRSA colonisation/infection and bacteraemia rate trends in Dutch–German border region hospitals (NL–DE-BRH) in 2012–16.MethodsAll 42 NL–DE BRH (8 NL-BRH, 34 DE-BRH) within the cross-border network EurSafety Health-net provided surveillance data (on average ca 620,000 annual hospital admissions, of these 68.0% in Germany). Guidelines defining risk for MRSA colonisation/infection were reviewed. MRSA-related parameters and healthcare utilisation indicators were derived. Medians over the study period were compared between NL- and DE-BRH.ResultsMeasures for MRSA cases were similar in both countries, however defining patients at risk for MRSA differed. The rate of nasopharyngeal MRSA screening swabs was 14 times higher in DE-BRH than in NL-BRH (42.3 vs 3.0/100 inpatients; p < 0.0001). The MRSA incidence was over seven times higher in DE-BRH than in NL-BRH (1.04 vs 0.14/100 inpatients; p < 0.0001). The nosocomial MRSA incidence-density was higher in DE-BRH than in NL-BRH (0.09 vs 0.03/1,000 patient days; p = 0.0002) and decreased significantly in DE-BRH (p = 0.0184) during the study. The rate of MRSA isolates from blood per 100,000 patient days was almost six times higher in DE-BRH than in NL-BRH (1.55 vs 0.26; p = 0.0041). The patients had longer hospital stays in DE-BRH than in NL-BRH (6.8 vs 4.9; p < 0.0001). DE-BRH catchment area inhabitants appeared to be more frequently hospitalised than their Dutch counterparts.ConclusionsOngoing IPC efforts allowed MRSA reduction in DE-BRH. Besides IPC, other local factors, including healthcare systems, could influence MRSA epidemiology.

Bright Ideas, Thick Institutions. Post-industrial Development Theories as Drivers of Cross-border Cooperation

ABSTRACT Administrative frameworks from different European countries meet each other in the territorial entity of the so-called “Euroregion” or “Euregio.” Social scientists have reflected on the administrative capacity of these political entities, and stressed the importance of historical variables. This contribution adds to one of these historical variables: the evolution of economic ideas. Inspired by Blyth’s theory that ideas precede institutional change, the article reviews the paradigmatic shift from industrial to endogenous growth theory in the 1970s and 1980s. New ideas stimulated cooperation on cross-border development strategies, thus changing the role of borders in Europe. This process is illustrated with examples from the Dutch-German border region. From an historical perspective, the success of Euroregions cannot be assessed by looking on the effectiveness of cross-border cooperation in the present day alone. The history of the last decades deserves our attention too. Especially the role of Euroregions in the process of translating endogenous growth ideas into the practice of regional economic policies requires more academic attention.

Defining Multidrug Resistance of Gram-Negative Bacteria in the Dutch-German Border Region-Impact of National Guidelines.

Preventing the spread of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDRGNB) is a public health priority. However, the definition of MDRGNB applied for planning infection prevention measures such as barrier precautions differs depending on national guidelines. This is particularly relevant in the Dutch–German border region, where patients are transferred between healthcare facilities located in the two different countries, because clinicians and infection control personnel must understand antibiograms indicating MDRGNB from both sides of the border and using both national guidelines. This retrospective study aimed to compare antibiograms of Gram-negative bacteria and classify them using the Dutch and German national standards for MDRGNB definition. A total of 31,787 antibiograms from six Dutch and four German hospitals were classified. Overall, 73.7% were no MDRGNB according to both guidelines. According to the Dutch and German guideline, 7772/31,787 (24.5%) and 4586/31,787 (12.9%) were MDRGNB, respectively (p < 0.0001). Major divergent classifications were observed for extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) -producing Enterobacteriaceae, non-carbapenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The observed differences show that medical staff must carefully check previous diagnostic findings when patients are transferred across the Dutch–German border, as it cannot be assumed that MDRGNB requiring special hygiene precautions are marked in the transferred antibiograms in accordance with both national guidelines.

Epidemiology of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing E. coli and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci in the Northern Dutch-German Cross-Border Region.

Objectives: To reveal the prevalence and epidemiology of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and/or plasmid AmpC (pAmpC)- and carbapenemase (CP) producing Enterobacteriaceae and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) across the Northern Dutch–German border region.Methods: A point-prevalence study on ESBL/pAmpC/CP producing Enterobacteriaceae and VRE was carried out in hospitalized patients in the Northern Netherlands (n = 445, 2012–2013) and Germany (n = 242, 2012). Healthy individuals from the Dutch community (n = 400, 2010–2012) were also screened. In addition, a genome-wide gene-by-gene approach was applied to study the epidemiology of ESBL-Escherichia coli and VRE.Results: A total of 34 isolates from 27 patients (6.1%) admitted to Dutch hospitals were ESBL/pAmpC positive and 29 ESBL-E. coli, three pAmpC-E. coli, one ESBL-Enterobacter cloacae, and one pAmpC-Proteus mirabilis were found. In the German hospital, 18 isolates (16 E. coli and 2 Klebsiella pneumoniae) from 17 patients (7.7%) were ESBL positive. In isolates from the hospitalized patients CTX-M-15 was the most frequently detected ESBL-gene. In the Dutch community, 11 individuals (2.75%) were ESBL/pAmpC positive: 10 ESBL-E. coli (CTX-M-1 being the most prevalent gene) and one pAmpC E. coli. Six Dutch (1.3%) and four German (3.9%) hospitalized patients were colonized with VRE. Genetic relatedness by core genome multi-locus sequence typing (cgMLST) was found between two ESBL-E. coli isolates from Dutch and German cross-border hospitals and between VRE isolates from different hospitals within the same region.Conclusion: The prevalence of ESBL/pAmpC-Enterobacteriaceae was similar in hospitalized patients across the Dutch–German border region, whereas VRE prevalence was slightly higher on the German side. The overall prevalence of the studied pathogens was lower in the community than in hospitals in the Northern Netherlands. Cross-border transmission of ESBL-E. coli and VRE seems unlikely based on cgMLST analysis, however continuous monitoring is necessary to control their spread and stay informed about their epidemiology.

Socio-cultural proximity, daily life and shopping tourism in the Dutch–German border region

ABSTRACTThis paper analyses feelings of socio-cultural proximity and distance with a specific focus on the tourist experience in cross-border shopping and everyday life practices in border regions. We examined shopping practices of Dutch border crossers who visit the German town Kleve in the Dutch–German border region. This particular border context has allowed us not only to reflect on a multidimensional approach towards socio-cultural proximity and distance, but also to examine how these different dimensions express themselves in the tourist experience when it comes to people and places that are geographically ‘close’ but assumingly socially and culturally ‘distant’ from home. Although some differences prompted feelings of discomfort, in particular, differences in social engagement, feelings of comfort stand out in our analysis of cross-border shopping tourism. Furthermore, our study shows that shopping tourism and exoticism, on the one hand, and everyday routines and the mundane, on the other hand, are closely intertwined in the lives of people living in a border region, resulting in a fluid interpretation of the exotic and the mundane in the cross-border context.

MRSA Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors among Health-Care Workers in Non-outbreak Situations in the Dutch-German EUREGIO.

Preventing the spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in healthcare facilities is a major infection control target. However, only a few studies have assessed the potential role of healthcare workers (HCWs) for MRSA dissemination. To investigate the MRSA prevalence and the risk factors for MRSA colonization among HCWs, nasopharyngeal swabs were taken between June 2010 and January 2011 from 726 employees from nine acute care hospitals with different care levels within the German part of a Dutch-German border region (EUREGIO). The isolated MRSA strains were investigated using spa typing. The overall MRSA prevalence among HCWs in a non-outbreak situation was 4.6% (33 of 726), and was higher in nurses (5.6%, 29 of 514) than in physicians (1.2%, 1 of 83). Possible risk factors associated with MRSA colonization were a known history of MRSA carriage and the presence of acne. Intensive contact with patients may facilitate MRSA transmission between patients and HCWs. Furthermore, an accumulation of risk factors was accompanied by an increased MRSA prevalence in HCW.

In the centre of an epidemic: Fifteen years of LA-MRSA CC398 at the University Hospital Münster

Ten years after initial publications on livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) in 2005, we report on the course of the LA-MRSA CC398 epidemic among patients of the University Hospital Münster. This tertiary care facility is located in the Dutch-German border region (EUREGIO), which is characterized by a high density of livestock production and is hence a hotspot for the occurrence of LA-MRSA CC398. Taking advantage of the unique opportunity to track the emergence and spread of MRSA CC398 among humans from the very beginning of the epidemic until today, a total of 6555 non-duplicate MRSA isolates from all screenings and clinical specimens cultivated within the period from 2000 to 2014 were included in the analysis. Retrospectively, the first MRSA CC398 isolate (spa type t034) was obtained from a screening specimen of a patient in 2000, which represents one of the first human-associated LA-MRSA CC398 isolates reported in Europe. After sporadic detections between 2000 and 2004, this clonal lineage accounted for 9.6% of all local MRSA in 2005; a proportion which increased to 35% in 2013 and became stable since then. Considering the period from 2000 to 2014, the group of MRSA CC398 isolates comprised a total of 45 different spa types among which t011 (48.3%), t034 (39.3%) and t108 (3.5%) were predominant and so far unreported types were found. Overall, LA-MRSA CC398 emerged rapidly during the past decade, developed enormous sublineage diversity and contributed substantially to the total burden of MRSA colonization and infection at the hospital.

EurSafety Health-Net: First results of the euregional infection control quality certificate for nursing homes in the Dutch-German border region

Introduction EurSafety Health-net is a major Dutch-German cross-border network to promote infection prevention and patient safety. Representatives of hospitals, local health authorities, nursing homes and general practitioners cooperate in regional networks in order to align infection prevention strategies. As a sub-project, an euregional quality certificate is awarded to nursing homes that successfully implement a defined set of infection prevention strategies. Methods Within the EurSafety Health-net project, a multi-step plan for nursing …

Detection of a phylogenetically distinct IMP-type metallo- -lactamase, IMP-35, in a CC235 Pseudomonas aeruginosa from the Dutch-German border region (Euregio)

To characterize a highly divergent IMP-type metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) variant detected in a multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolate. P. aeruginosa isolate 1876 was recovered from an anal swab of an inpatient at a German hospital in the Dutch-German border region (Euregio), where cross-border patient healthcare occurs. MICs were determined by agar dilution and phenotypic screening for MBL production by Etest MBL. Typing was performed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). PCR assays and nucleotide sequencing were employed for identification of bla gene types. The class 1 integron carrying the blaIMP-type gene was characterized by PCR mapping and sequencing using a set of specific primers. A phylogenetic tree was constructed for the new blaIMP variant. Isolate 1876 was phenotypically positive for MBL production, exhibited resistance to carbapenems and harboured a new blaIMP-type gene, blaIMP-35. MLST showed that the allelic profile corresponded to ST622, which belongs to the prevalent international clonal complex CC235. The blaIMP-35 gene was located in a class 1 integron as the first gene cassette, followed by blaOXA-35, aacA6, qacEΔ1 and sul1, suggesting its recent integration. IMP-35 was highly divergent, possessing 33/246 (13.4%) different amino acid residues from its closest IMP variants (IMP-8 and IMP-12) and was phylogenetically distinct, representing a separate group in the phylogenetic tree of IMP proteins. The identification of this phylogenetically distinct IMP-type variant in a CC235 P. aeruginosa suggests the ongoing spread of new IMP-type carbapenemases as well as the potential of the blaIMP-35 gene to evolve in the hospital environment.

Climate-driven fluvial development and valley abandonment at the last glacial-interglacial transition (Oude IJssel-Rhine, Germany)

AbstractIn the Weichselian, the Lower Rhine in the Dutch-German border region has used three courses, dissecting ice-marginal topography inherited from the Saalian. In the Late Weichselian, the three courses functioned simultaneously, with the central one gaining importance and the outer ones abandoning. This study aims to reconstruct the fluvial development and forcings that culminated in abandonment of the northern branch ‘Oude IJssel-Rhine’, at the time of the Lateglacial to Holocene transition. The fluvial architecture is studied using a cored transect over the full width of the valley, detailed cross-sections over palaeochannels and geomorphological analysis using digital elevation and borehole data. Biostratigraphy, radiocarbon dating and OSL dating provide a timeframe to reconstruct the temporal fluvial development. In its phase of abandonment, the fluvial evolution of the Oude IJssel-Rhine course is controlled by the ameliorating climate and related vegetation and discharge changes, besides by intrinsic (autogenic) fluvial behaviour such as the competition for discharge with the winning central branch and the vicinity of the Lippe tributary confluence. The rapid climate warming at the start of the Late Glacial resulted in flow contraction as the initial response. Other fluvial geomorphic adjustments followed, with some delay. An aggrading braided or transitional system persisted until the start of the Allerød, when channel patterns finally changed to meandering. Floodplain incision occurred at the Allerød - Younger Dryas transition and a multi-channel system developed fed by Rhine discharge. At the start of the Holocene, this system transformed into a small-scale, local meandering system, which was abandoned shortly after the start of the Holocene.The final abandonment of the Oude IJssel-Rhine and Niers-Rhine courses can be attributed to deep incision of the Central Rhine course in the earliest Holocene and is considered to be controlled by flow contraction induced by climate and related vegetation and discharge changes.