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To investigate the acquisition and relatedness of New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase among multiple separate species from one patient. Five isolates from three species (Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Pa, Acinetobacter baumannii; Ab and Proteus mirabilis; Pm) suspected of harbouring a carbapenemase were investigated by phenotype (antimicrobial susceptibilities) and whole genome sequencing. Epidemiological data was collected on this patient. Three different carbapenemase genes were detected; blaVIM-1 (Pa; ST773), blaOXA-23 (Ab, ST499) and blaNDM-1 identified in all isolates. NDM regions were found chromosomally integrated in all isolates. Data showed no evidence of NDM-1 transfer within this patient suggesting the enzyme was acquired in three separate events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a new flexible one-dimensional photochemical model named Photochemical and RadiatiOn Transport model for Extensive USe (PROTEUS), which consists of a Python graphical user interface (GUI) program and Fortran 90 modules. PROTEUS is designed for adaptability to many planetary atmospheres, for flexibility to deal with thousands of or more chemical reactions with high efficiency, and for intuitive operation with GUI. Chemical reactions can be easily implemented into the Python GUI program in a simple string format, and users can intuitively select a planet and chemical reactions on GUI. Chemical reactions selected on GUI are automatically analyzed by string parsing functions in the Python GUI program, then applied to the Fortran 90 modules to simulate with the selected chemical reactions on a selected planet. We performed a benchmark test of PROTEUS to confirm its validity, by applying it to the Martian atmosphere and the Jovian ionosphere. PROTEUS can significantly save the time for those who need to develop a new photochemical model; users just need to write chemical reactions in the Python GUI program and just select them on GUI to run a new photochemical model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article considers the development features of prototypes and virtual models of measuring instruments. The measurement errors of two DC voltmeters are investigated: a prototype on a prototyping board and its virtual model. The voltmeter prototype is implemented on the ATmega8 microcontroller with a four-bit indicator; the virtual model is developed in the Proteus environment and completely repeats the prototype schematic diagram. The GW Instek GPC power supply and the VOLTCRAFT MXD laboratory multimeter were used as reference tools for calibrating voltmeters. The absolute and relative errors of the voltmeter prototype and its virtual model in the range of 0–6 V have been assessed. It has been established that in the range of 0–1 V the high relative error of measuring voltage by the voltmeter prototype is due to the influence of the error in setting the power supply voltage, as well as deviations from the nominal values of the actual values of the circuit elements parameters. The minimum relative error of measuring voltage by the voltmeter prototype was less than 1% in the range of 5–6 V. A comparative analysis of the results of assessing the errors of the voltmeter prototype and its virtual model has been carried out and a conclusion about the comparable accuracy of the virtual model and the real prototype with equal power quality parameters has been made. The results obtained will be useful in voltage quality studies at the stages of developing prototypes and virtual models of other types of measuring instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper considers the most significant relativistic effects in the rotational dynamics of Neptune's satellites (Triton (N1), Naiad (N3), Thalassa (N4), Despina (N5), Galatea (N6), Larissa (N7), and Proteus (N8)). For the first time, the most significant secular and periodic terms of the geodetic rotation of Triton and six inner satellites of Neptune are determined in the angles of their rotation relative to the fixed equator of the Earth of the J2000.0 epoch, defined in the international coordinate system (ICRF), and the vernal equinox of the J2000.0 epoch and in the Euler angles relative to their own coordinate systems. The study showed that the value of geodetic rotation can be significant not only for bodies that revolve around supermassive central bodies, but also for close satellites of giant planets. The values obtained of the geodetic rotation for the system of satellites under study can be used for a numerical study of their rotation in the relativistic approximation, and also used to estimate the influence of relativistic effects on the orbital–rotational dynamics like heavenly bodies of exoplanetary systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of acetone gas in human exhaled breath is an important test for the detection of diabetes. Much research has been focused on developing a noninvasive technique for diabetes detection. Among the various gas sensors, semiconductor metal oxide-based gas sensors have garnered research interest because of advantages such as fabrication simplicity, low cost, and low power consumption. In this work, nickel oxide (NiO) is used as the sensing material for detecting acetone. The sensitivity of NiO towards acetone gas was analyzed using COMSOL Multiphysics and the results were compared with experimental data. For an acetone concentration in the range of 5–40 ppm, the results from the simulated sensor showed good agreement with the real sensor, with some anomalies due to the practical conditions in the real chamber and the simulation tool. Comprehensive finite element analysis of the sensor was performed for different operating temperatures and gas concentrations ranging from 1 to 40 ppm in order to analyze diverse diabetes mellitus conditions. Analytical modeling was also developed to analyze the effect of the change in acetone concentration on the resistance of the sensing layer. For a user-friendly interface, a signal conditioning unit and an alarm system for diabetes detection were also built. The COMSOL Multiphysics simulation was extended using a MATLAB script to integrate the results with the signal conditioning unit in the Proteus software program. The findings also demonstrated that this approach might be used to describe and determine the performance of acetone gas sensors prior to fabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria adapt rapidly to changes in ambient conditions, constantly inspecting their surroundings by means of their sensor systems. These systems are often thought to respond only to signals of a chemical nature. Yet, bacteria are often affected by mechanical forces, e.g., during transition from planktonic to sessile state. Mechanical stimuli, however, have seldom been considered as the signals bacteria can sense and respond to. Nonetheless, bacteria perceive mechanical stimuli, generate signals, and develop responses. This review analyzes the information on the way bacteria respond to mechanical stimuli and outlines how bacteria convert incoming signals into appropriate responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To gain a general understanding of the SOS system in Proteus species, in this study LexA-binding sites and the LexA regulons in 23 Proteus genomes were first predicted by phylogenetic footprinting server, then with Proteus vulgaris as an example, the expression of LexA regulon in iron limitation was investigated by proteomic analysis and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method. The results showed that LexA proteins were highly conserved in Proteus species, and were in a close phylogenetic relationship with those in Gram-negative bacteria; the core SOS response genes lexA and recA were found in all the 23 genomes, indicating that this system was widely distributed in this genus; besides that, putative LexA-binding sites were also found in the upstream sequences of some genes involved in other biological processes such as biosynthesis, drug resistance, and stress response. Proteomic and RT-qPCR analyses showed that under iron deficient condition, the expression of lexA, recA and sulA was transcriptionally upregulated (p < 0.05), lexA was also translationally upregulated but recA was on the contrary (p < 0.05), whereas another SOS response gene dinI was transcriptionally downregulated (p < 0.01). These results indicated that in response to iron deficiency, the members of LexA regulon were not regulated by the same way, suggesting the existence of a precise regulation mechanism of SOS response in P. vulgaris. In conclusion, this study provided a preliminary understanding of the SOS system in Proteus species, which laid the foundation for further investigation of its roles in SOS response and other biological processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To obtain active lipases for biodiesel production by refolding Proteus sp. lipase inclusion bodies expressed in E. coli.Results: A lipase gene lipPN1 was cloned from Proteus sp. NH 2-2 and expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3). Non-reducing SDS-PAGE revealed that recombinant LipPN1(rLipPN1) were prone to form inclusion bodies as disulfide-linked dimers in E. coli. Site-directed mutagenesis confirmed that Cys85 in LipPN1 was involved in the dimer formation. After optimizing the inclusion body refolding conditions, the maximum lipase activity reached 1662 U/L. The refolded rLipPN1 exhibited highest activity toward p-nitrophenyl butyrate at pH 9.0 and 40 °C. It could be activated by Ca2+ with moderate tolerance to organic solvents. It could also convert soybean oil into biodiesel at a conversion ratio of 91.5%.Conclusion: Preventing the formation of disulfide bond could enhance the refolding efficiency of rLipPN1 inclusion bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overall role of the Rcs phosphorelay in Proteus mirabilis is largely unknown. Previous work had demonstrated that the Rcs phosphorelay represses the flhDC operon and activates the minCDE cell division inhibition system. To identify additional cellular functions regulated by the Rcs phosphorelay, an analysis of RNA-seq data was undertaken. In this report, the results of the RNA-sequencing are discussed with an emphasis on the predicted roles of the Rcs phosphorelay in swarmer cell differentiation, motility, biofilm formation, and virulence. RcsB is shown to activate genes important for differentiation and fimbriae formation, while repressing the expression of genes important for motility and virulence. Additionally, to follow up on the RNA-Seq data, we demonstrate that an rcsB mutant is deficient in its ability to form biofilm and exhibits enhanced virulence in a Galleria mellonella waxworm model. Overall, these results indicate the Rcs regulon in P. mirabilis extends beyond flagellar genes to include those involved in biofilm formation and virulence. Furthermore, the information presented in this study may provide clues to additional roles of the Rcs phosphorelay in other members of the Enterobacteriaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been increased interest in the role of anti- Proteus antibodies in the aetiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and whether chemotherapeutic agents active against Proteus species might reduce the risk and/or exacerbations of RA. We examined the in vitro antibacterial effects of ten different silver preparations which were either ionic silver [Ag(I)] solutions or nanoparticulate silver (NPS) (Ag) suspensions against ATCC and two wild (clinical) strains of Proteus. The data establish the low minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of all the silver formulations tested against these four Proteus strains. In a pilot study, a potent NPS preparation ex vivo showed long-lasting anti- Proteus activity in a normal human volunteer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design:Retrospective chart review.Objectives:We investigated the morbidity associated with Proteus bacteriuria in a spinal cord injured (SCI) population.Setting:Michael E DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Houston, Texas, USA.Methods:We reviewed the medical records of all veterans with SCI who received care in our medical center during the past 3 years. Proteus bacteriuria was defined as the growth of Proteus species in any urine culture during the study period. Urinary stones were defined as either renal or bladder calculi.Results:During the study period, 71 of the 501 subjects (14%) had Proteus and 90 (18%) had urinary stones. Twenty-seven percent of the subjects with Proteus had stones, and the association of Proteus with stones was significant (P<0.05). Proteus bacteriuria was likewise associated with complete injury, hospitalization, decubitus ulcers, and history of stones (P<0.001). Subjects using indwelling catheters, either transurethral or suprapubic, were significantly more likely to have Proteus, whereas subjects practising spontaneous voiding and clean intermittent catheterization were significantly less likely to have Proteus. In the 90 patients with stones, Proteus was associated with requiring treatment for stones and having multiple stones (P<0.01). Twenty-five of the 90 patients with stones (28%) required treatment, most often with lithotripsy, and 6 (7%) developed urosepsis.Conclusions:In persons with SCI, Proteus was found in subjects with a greater degree of impairment who were more likely to be hospitalized, to have decubiti, and to use indwelling catheters. Bacteriuria with Proteus predicted urologic complications in persons with SCI.Statement of Ethics:All applicable institutional and governmental regulations concerning the ethical use of human volunteers were followed during the course of this research.Sponsorship:This work was supported by USPHS grant HD42014.Spinal Cord (2007) 45, 616–620; doi:10.1038/sj.sc.3102004; published online 19 December 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory arthritic and potentially disabling condition, mainly affecting women of middle age and having characteristic clinical features. Various microbial agents were implicated in the causation of RA. Extensive literature based on the results of various genetic, microbiological, molecular, and immunological studies carried out by independent research groups supports the role of Proteus mirabilis bacteria in the etiopathogenesis of RA. New diagnostic markers and criteria and the use of a novel therapeutic protocol in the form of antibiotic and dietary measures are suggested to be used together with current treatments in the management of RA. Prospective longitudinal studies with the use of antimicrobial measures in patients with RA are required to establish the therapeutic benefit of this microbe–disease association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemihyperplasia is a heterogenous group of disorders characterized by asymmetric limb growth. There is considerable confusion regarding their classification and ascertainment into various syndromes. We tried to look into the various aspects of hemihyperplasia syndromes. Records of 17 consecutive cases of hemihyperplasia were reviewed and were ascertained into various syndromes based on available literature and diagnostic criteria. Of the 17 cases with hemihyperplasia, 3 cases satisfied the diagnostic criteria for Proteus syndrome. One patient each was ascertained as Klippel Trenaunay Weber syndrome and Hemihyperplasia- Multiple lipomatosis. 9. cases were classified as isolated hemihyperplasia. We found two novel associations with hemihyperplasia; namely Ehlers-Danlos syndrome like skin changes and Poland anomaly on the affected side. The remaining 3 cases had miscellaneous disorders with limb asymmetry, namely Neurofibromatosis Type I in 2 cases and Olliers disease in one case. Efforts to diagnose syndromes of hemihyperplasia help in genetic counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time in bacterial polysaccharides, residues of D- and L-aspartic acids were identified as N-acyl substituents of 4-amino-4,6-dideoxy-D-glucose in the O-antigens of enterobacteria of the genera Providencia and Proteus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new Proteus O-specific polysaccharides were isolated by mild acid degradation from the lipopolysaccharides of P. penneri 28 (1), P. vulgaris O44 (2), P. mirabilis G1 (O3) (3), and P. myxofaciens (4), and their structures were elucidated using NMR spectroscopy and chemical methods. They were found to contain non-carbohydrate organic acids, including ether-linked lactic acid and amide-linked amino acids, and the following structures of the repeating units were established: →3)-α-L-QuipNAc-(1→3)-α-D-GlcpNAc-(1→6)-α-D-GlcpNAc-(1→ (S)-Lac-(2–3)⌋ (1) →4)-β-D-GlcpA-(1→3)-β-D-GalpNAc-(1→4)-β-D-Glcp-(1→3)-α-D-Galp-(1→4)-β-D-GalpNAc-(1→ L-Ala-(2–6)⌋ (2) →3)-β-D-GalpNAc-(1→6)-β-D-GalpNAc-(1→4)-β-D-GlcpA-(1→ L-Lys-(2–6)-α-D-GalpA-(1→4)⌋ (3) →4)-β-D-GlcpA-(1→6)-α-D-GalpNAc-(1→6)-β-D-GlcpNAc-(1→3)-β-D-GlcpNAc-(1→ (R)-aLys-(2–6)⌋ (4) where (S)-Lac and (R)-aLys stand for (S)-1-carboxyethyl (residue of lactic acid) and Nℇ-[(R)-1-carboxyethyl]-L-lysine (“alaninolysine”), respectively. The data obtained in this work and earlier serve as the chemical basis for classification of the bacteria Proteus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The O-specific polysaccharide chains (O-antigens) of the lipopolysaccharides of five Proteus strains, P. vulgaris O17, P. mirabilis O16 and O33, and P. penneri 31 and 103, were found to contain phosphate groups that link the non sugar components, e.g., ethanolamine and ribitol. The polysaccharides of P. mirabilis O16 and P. penneri 103 include ribitol phosphate in the main chain and thus resemble ribitol teichoic acids of Gram-positive bacteria. The structures of the polysaccharides were elucidated using NMR spectroscopy, including two-dimensional 1H, 1H correlation spectroscopy (COSY and TOCSY), nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY or ROESY), and H-detected 1H, 13C and 1H, 31P heteronuclear multiple-quantum coherence spectroscopy (HMQC), along with chemical methods. The structures determined are unique among the bacterial polysaccharides and, together with the data obtained earlier, represent the chemical basic for classification of Proteus strains. Based on structural similarities of the O-specific polysaccharides and serological relationships between the O-antigens, we propose to extend Proteus serogroups O17 and O19 by including P. penneri strains 16 and 31, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structures of five new O-specific polysaccharides of Proteus bacteria were established. Four of them, Proteus penneri 4 (O72), Proteus vulgaris 63/57 (O37), Proteus mirabilis TG 277 (O69), and Proteus penneri 20 (O17), contain O-acetyl groups in non-stoichiometric quantities, and the polysaccharide of P. penneri 1 is structurally related to that of P. penneri 4. The structures were elucidated using NMR spectroscopy, including one dimensional 1H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopy, two-dimensional 1H, 1H correlation (COSY, TOCSY), H-detected 1H, 13C heteronuclear multiple-quantum coherence (HMQC), heteronuclear multiple-bond correlation (HMBC), and nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY or ROESY), along with chemical methods. The structural data obtained are useful as the chemical basis for the creation of the classification scheme for Proteus strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Proteus architecture is a highly parallel, multiple instruction, multiple data machine (MIMD) optimized for large granularity tasks such as machine vision and image processing. The system can achieve 20 gigaflops (80 gigaflops peak). It accepts data via multiple serial links at a rate of up to 640 MB/S. The system employs a hierarchical reconfigurable interconnection network with the highest level being a circuit-switched enhanced hypercube, serial interconnection network for internal data transfers. The system is designed to use 256 to 1024 RISC processors. The processors use 1-MB external read/write allocating caches for reduced multiprocessor contention. The system detects, locates, and replaces faulty subsystems using redundant hardware to facilitate fault tolerance. The parallelism is directly controllable through an advanced software system for partitioning, scheduling, and development. System software includes a translator for the INSIGHT language, a parallel debugger, lowand high-level simulators, and a message-passing system for all control needs. Image-processing application software includes a variety of point operators, neighborhood operators, convolution, and the mathematical morphology operations of binary and gray-scale dilation, erosion, opening, and closing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specific immunoreactive anti- Klebsiella antibodies are found in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a significant proportion of whom have occult inflammatory bowel disease. Molecular mimicry between Klebsiella or other bacterial antigens and HLA-B27 has been suggested in the pathogenesis of AS. The specificity of increased immunoreactivity against Klebsiella remains to be assessed against the abundant anaerobic bacterial flora, present either in healthy controls or in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Total immunoglobulin (Ig; IgG, IgA, IgM) immunoreactivity was measured by ELISA against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli and ten anaerobic isolates of the predominant normal bowel flora in 35 patients with active AS, 60 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (30 CD, 30 UC), 60 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 60 healthy controls. Ig immunoreactivity to K. pneumoniae was significantly elevated in AS ( P < 0.001), CD ( P < 0.001) and UC ( P < 0.001) patients compared with RA patients and healthy controls. Furthermore, Ig immunoreactivity to P. mirabilis was significantly elevated only in RA patients, compared with the other inflammatory groups ( P < 0.001) and controls ( P < 0.001). There was no significant antibody response against E. coli or the ten obligate anaerobes in any of the test groups. The data suggested an increased immune response to Klebsiella in patients with AS, UC, CD and to Proteus in patients with RA. The specificity of these responses in some patients supported a possible role for enteric Klebsiella in the pathogenesis of AS and Proteus in RA. The role of Klebsiella in inflammatory bowel disease requires further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of specific anti-Proteus antibodies in active, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, has been demonstrated by four different techniques: indirect bacterial agglutination, ELISA, Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Furthermore, anti-HLA-DR4 tissue typing sera have been shown to bind to Proteus microorganisms, thereby suggesting some molecular similarity or cross-reactivity between bacteria and HLA antigens. The concept is proposed that Proteus-reactive arthritis occurs during active phases of RA and tissue damage is mediated through immunological activity involving HLA antigens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fast microorganism genotyping technique has been developed with the use of the double distribution and selective labeling method (DDSL) for identification of disease-associated serotypes of Salmonella and Proteus strains. Isolates have been obtained from poultry tissues and dung from different places in various years. The results of strain genotyping conform to epizootological data. The method can be recommended for practical application in ascertainment of transmission of infectious disease and localization of bacterial pathogen source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proteus vulgaris is only rarely the cause of multiple septic metastases. We describe multiple brain abscesses due to P. vulgaris in an immunocompetent patient successfully treated by antibiotic therapy and colonectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proteus syndrome was originally described by Cohen and Hayden in 1979. The disorder was named Proteus syndrome by Wiedmann and colleagues in 1983 after Proteus, the giant Greek god of the sea. Proteus syndrome is a rare, sporadic, congenital polymorphic condition. Approximately 200 cases have been reported in the literature, but none has been associated with anal bleeding from hemorrhoids. We describe the case of a 21-year-old man with Proteus syndrome with severe anal bleeding. A hemorrhoidectomy was assumed to be too risky because of the massive venous abnormalities seen on CT. The patient was successfully treated by Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation (DG-HAL). Six months after surgery, the patient has had no further episodes of anal bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effective detection of both prey and predators is pivotal for the survival of mesopredators. However, the condition of being a mesopredator is strongly context dependent. Here we focus on two aquatic caudate species that have colonised caves: the Pyrenean newt (Calotriton asper) and the olm (Proteus anguinus). The former maintains both surface and subterranean populations, while only cave-adapted populations of the latter exist. Both species are apex predators in underground waterbodies, while the Pyrenean newt is a mesopredator in surface waterbodies. Shifting to a higher level of the trophic web through colonising caves may promote the loss of anti-predator response against surface apex predators, and an increase in the ability to detect prey. To test these two non-exclusive hypotheses, we integrated classical behavioural characterisations with a novel approach: the assessment of lateralisation (i.e. preference for one body side exposure). Behavioural experiments were performed using laboratory-reared individuals. We performed 684 trials on 39 Pyrenean newts and eight olms. Under darkness and light conditions, we tested how exposure to different chemical cues (predatory fish, prey and unknown scent) affected individuals' activity and lateralisation. Both cave and surface Pyrenean newts responded to predator cues, while olms did not. In Pyrenean newts, predator cues reduced the time spent in movement and time spent in lateralisation associated with hunting. Our results show that predator recognition is maintained in a species where recently separated populations inhabit environments lacking of higher predators, while such behaviour tends to be lost in populations with longer history of adaptation. Significance statement: Predator recognition can be maintained in animals adapted to predator free habitats, but varies with their history of adaptation. Species that are not at the apex of the food web can become top predators if they colonise subterranean environments. We compared the behavioural responses of the olm, a strictly cave species with a long underground evolutionary history, and of the Pyrenean newt, a facultative cave species that also has stream-dwelling populations. Moreover, we integrated a classical behavioural characterisation, such as movement detection, with a novel approach: the assessment of lateralisation. While olms do not respond to external predators scent, cave-dwelling newts still recognise it. This clearly indicates that predator recognition is still maintained in species that have colonised predator-free environments more recently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]