Abstract: The present invention provides a process for efficiently producing sporangia of Bacillus popilliae containing spores and parasporal bodies having controlling effects on Scarabaeidae insects, and a control agent and controlling method for Scarabaeidae insects obtained by said production process. In a process for producing sporangia of Bacillus popilliae containing spores and parasporal bodies by culturing Bacillus popilliae in a medium containing an adsorbent, the medium contains 0.2-4.0% by weight of glutamic acid.

Abstract: A reagent for the detection of an extracellular enzymatically active protein produced by a beta-hemolytic streptococcus bacteria found in a host biological fluid includes a proteinaceous substrate or a cholesterol-containing membrane substrate for the extracellular protein. The substrate is nonspecific within the groups of beta-hemolytic streptococcus bacterium and is in contact with an inert solid matrix. Upon reaction between the streptococcus enzymatically activate protein and the substrate, a color change discernable by an unaided human eye results. Extracellular streptococcus protein found in saliva represents a less invasive source of biological fluid for the determination as to whether a host suffers acute pharyngitis.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of lactic bacteria of the species Lactobacillus farciminis for the treatment or prevention of a pathology of the digestive tube, especially an acute or chronic inflammatory pathology of the intestine.

Abstract: Disclosed are acid- and bile salt-resistant Lactobacillus isolates having the ability to lower cholesterol. The present Lactobacillus isolates or their sub-cultured offspring or mutants derived therefrom can be used in the preparation of various food products, and in the manufacture of medicaments for use in the treatment or prevention of gastrointestinal diseases and for use in lowering serum cholesterol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel Pediococcus genus microorganism and more particularly, Pediococcus pentosaceus EROM101 (KCCM-10517) originated from human intestines having immune enhancement, anticancer and antiviral activities and a use thereof. Due to its excellent immune enhancement, anticancer and antimicrobial activities by activating macrophages/spleen cells and inducing gut immunity, the Pediococcus pentosaceus EROM101 of the present invention can be effectively used for the production of various products such as immune enhancement agent, anticancer agent, antimicrobial agent, food additive, intestinal function-controlling agent, live bacterial agent, feed additive and other fermented products.

Abstract: Disclosed is a formulation for preserving the life of probiotic bacteria during passage through the stomach, while permitting their release in the intestine, and which has a low water activity and correspondingly long shelf life. These formulations are designed to retain potency up to the product expiration date. The formulation includes a substantially water-free mixture of probiotic bacteria with monovalent alginate salts, wherein the mixture has been formed and is maintained in a substantially water-free environment. The alginate salts include sodium-alginate and potassium alginate, but not divalent salts such as magnesium alginate or calcium alginate. Generally, an enteric coating (e.g., gelatin or cellulose encapsulation) for the formulation is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a supernatant of lactic acid bacteria or of Bifidobacteria capable of preventing colonization of intestinal cells by Giardia intestinalis, for the preparation of an ingestible carrier for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of disorders associated with the colonization of the gut by Giardia intestinalis. The present invention also pertains to specific strains of Bifidobacterium having the above traits and to the ingestible carrier, such as a food or pharmaceutical composition, containing such supernatant or the microorganisms.

Abstract: This invention provides novel Streptococcus salivarius, compositions containing same, and use of S. salivarius strains as antimicrobial agents. The strains are bacterial inhibitors with respect to at least S. mutans and/or MS and therefore have a number of therapeutic applications. The applications include but are not limited to forming part of therapeutic formulations for use in controlling, treating, or preventing dental caries.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods of treating cardiovascular diseases in a mammal. The methods include a step of administering an effective amount of a botulinum toxin directly to a blood vessel of a mammal thereby treating a cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment of infection in a subject. More particularly, the invention provides a therapy for the treatment or prevention of mammary infections, such as bovine mastitis, comprising the topical administration to a subject of an anti-microbial agent and a phospholipid-containing skin conditioner.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a method for identifying antigen fragments of Toxoplasma gondii proteins, and their use as diagnostic and immunogenic agents. Said method is implemented by means of selection of DNA fragments libraries of the parasite with sera of subjects who have been infected, using the phage display technique, and is characterised in that it uses the expression/exposure vector ?KM4. The method allows also to identify antigen fragments related to the time of the infection.

Abstract: Novel bacteriocins and/or the novel lactic acid-producing strains are used for at least reducing the levels of colonization by at least one target bacteria in animals, especially poultry.

Abstract: Disclosed is a formulation for preserving the life of probiotic bacteria during passage through the stomach, while permitting their release in the intestine, and which has a low water activity and correspondingly long shelf life. These formulations are designed to retain potency up to the product expiration date. The formulation includes a substantially water-free mixture of probiotic bacteria with monovalent alginate salts, wherein the mixture has been formed and is maintained in a substantially water-free environment. The alginate salts include sodium alginate and potassium alginate, but not divalent salts such as magnesium alginate or calcium alginate. Generally, an enteric coating (e.g., gelatin or cellulose encapsulation) for the formulation is provided.

Abstract: A prebiotic for enhancement of an immune response, a nutritional composition for enhancement of an immune response; use of a prebiotic in the manufacture of a medicament or nutritional composition for enhancement of an immune response; use of a prebiotic in the manufacture of a medicament or nutritional composition for the prevention or treatment of measles; a method of enhancing an immune response which comprises administering an effective amount of a prebiotic; and a method of prevention or treatment of measles which comprises administering an effective amount of a prebiotic. In preferred embodiments the prebiotic comprises a fructo-oligosaccharide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing sporangia of Bacillus popilliae containing spores and parasporal bodies in large numbers per unit volume of medium. In a process for producing sporangia of Bacillus popilliae containing spores and parasporal bodies by culturing Bacillus popilliae in a liquid medium containing an adsorbent, the liquid medium contains 0.1–0.7% by weight of proline.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, medicaments, and methods for the treatment or prophylaxis of conditions associated with the binding of Streptococcus mutans to teeth. Specifically, the present invention provides a method for preventing dental caries and infective endocarditis in a subject by treating the subject's oral cavity with a composition or medicament comprising the competence stimulating peptide (CSP) of the causative bacterium, which inhibits the ability of the said bacteria to attach to the surface of teeth. Novel anti-caries compositions using the CSP are also disclosed.

Abstract: A correct viable cell number of a microorganism in a biological tissue is measured by cultivating a fragment of the biological tissue such as skin infected with the microorganism and administered with an antimicrobial agent, in a medium containing a phospholipid, a nonionic surfactant, or both of the phospholipid and the nonionic surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods of treating cardiovascular diseases in a mammal. The methods include a step of administering an effective amount of a botulinum toxin directly to a blood vessel of a mammal thereby treating a cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: The method for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection by the oral administration of defined amounts of 13C-labeled urea and examination for 13C content of blood samples removed at a defined time is effected by a) removing from 0.1 to 0.6 ml of capillary blood from the finger or ear lob of a patient or venous blood of a patient, in both cases with an empty stomach before the beginning of the test; b) administering an exact amount of from 10 to 50 mg of 13C-urea in aqueous solution with a pH value of 2 to 4 to the patient; c) again removing capillary or venous blood exactly after 10 to 15 min from the administration; and d) determining the 13C content of the blood samples by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), and deducing the presence of Helicobacter pylori from the increase of the 13C values.

Abstract: Safe and effective live vaccines against Flavobacterium columnare of fish were created through the induction of rifampicin resistance in a native Flavobacterium columnare isolate; these including rifampicin-resistant mutants NRRL B-30303 and B-30304. Single immersion exposure of fish stimulated acquired immunity against virulent F. columnare infection.