Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing a C4 dicarboxylic acid, comprising: (a) cultivating a filamentous fungal host cell comprising a polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of a heterologous first polynucleotide encoding a C4 dicarboxylic acid transporter, a heterologous second polynucleotide encoding a malate dehydrogenase, and a heterologous third polynucleotide encoding a pyruvate carboxylase; wherein the filamentous fungal host cell is capable of secreting increased levels of the C4 dicarboxylic acid compared to the filamentous fungal host cell without the heterologous polynucleotide when cultivated under the same conditions; and (b) recovering the C4 dicarboxylic acid. The present invention also relates to methods for increasing C4 dicarboxylic acid production, filamentous fungal host cells and malate dehydrogenase variants.

Abstract: A shortened process for producing a solution containing substantially purified capsular polysaccharides from a cellular Streptococcus pneumoniae lysate broth is described. Ultrafiltering and diafiltering a clarified S. pneumoniae lysate followed by pH adjustment to less than 4.5, preferably about 3.5, precipitated at least 98% of the protein in the solution without seriously affecting polysaccharide yield. Furthermore, following ultrafiltration and diafiltration and acidification to a pH of less than 4.5, filtration using activated carbon precipitated at least 90% of remaining protein without seriously affecting polysaccharide yield. Exemplary, non-limiting S. pneumoniae serotypes that can be purified using the shortened process of the invention are 1, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, and 23F.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide cyanobacteria spp. that have been genetically engineered to have increased production of carbon-based products of interest. These genetically engineered hosts efficiently convert carbon dioxide and light into carbon-based products of interest such as long chained hydrocarbons. Several constructs containing polynucleotides encoding enzymes active in the metabolic pathways of cyanobacteria are disclosed. In many instances, the cyanobacteria strains have been further genetically modified to optimize production of the carbon-based products of interest. The optimization includes both up-regulation and down-regulation of particular genes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microorganisms of the genus Corynebacterium producing 5?-inosinic acid, in which the expression of genes encoding purine biosynthesis related enzymes is increased higher than the intrinsic expression, and to a method for producing 5?-inosinic acid, comprising culturing the microorganisms of the genus Corynebacterium with improved 5?-inosinic acid productivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a life attenuated Bordetella pertussis vaccine which is deficient for tracheal cytotoxin (TCT), pertussis toxin (PTX), and dermonecrotic toxin (DNT) for prophylaxis or treatment of an allergen-driven airway pathology.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the prevention and treatment of obesity and obesity related metabolic syndrome, particularly to the prevention and treatment of obesity by changing intestinal flora. The characteristics of intestinal bacteria are transformed by administration of a microorganism preparation which improves free fatty acid absorption by the bacteria, and free fatty acid absorption in the gastrointestinal tract is thereby decreased by introduction thereof. The present invention provides a method for preventing and treating obesity and obesity related metabolic syndrome, a pharmaceutical composition and diet supplement for prevention and treatment thereof, and modified probiotic strains usable for such purposes. The present invention provides a weight loss effect and shows that the absorption of fatty acids in the gastrointestinal tract is blocked by improving the characteristics of intestinal bacteria and transplanting them, thereby enabling the treatment of obesity.

Abstract: Provided is a polypeptide composition comprising one or more polypeptides, which polypeptides are immunogenic in a vertebrate such that they cause the vertebrate to produce immune system cells capable of recognizing at least one epitope from an arthropod saliva protein fraction, wherein the arthropod saliva protein fraction has a mass of 40 kDA or less, and wherein the polypeptides are selected independently from: the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID 1-44 or sub-sequences from these sequences, the sub-sequences having 7 amino acids or more; or from polypeptide sequences having 85% homology or more with one or more of the above sequences and contained in one or more of the following databases: GenBank, Protein Data Bank (PDB), SwissProt, Protein Information Resource (PIR), Protein Research Foundation (PRF), or CDS translations of these.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful for reducing or eliminating the presence of pathogens in meat or meat products are disclosed. Administration of one or more lactic acid producing microorganisms to a live animal, to a carcass, to meat, to meat products, or in animal feed results in significant reductions in the amount of pathogens potentially harmful to humans when ingested. Synergistic effects can be achieved with the administration of multiple strains of microorganisms.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for pretreatment of a sample containing microbial cells. In some embodiments, the pretreatment of the sample is performed via the initial selective lysis, within a sample pretreatment vessel, of non-microbial cells (such as blood cells) and the subsequent centrifugation of the sample to remove the resulting debris and concentrate the microbial cells. An immiscible and dense cushioning liquid may be included, for collecting the microbial cells adjacent to a liquid interface formed by the cushioning liquid, upon centrifugation of the pretreatment vessel. After removal of a substantial quantity of the supernatant, resuspension of the collected microbial cells, and re-establishment of the liquid interface, at least a portion of the remaining suspension may be removed without substantially removing the cushioning liquid. One or more intermediate wash cycles may be performed to prior to extraction of the pretreated sample.

Abstract: Gram negative bacterial virulence genes are identified, thereby allowing the identification of novel anti-bacterial agents that target these virulence genes and their products, and the provision of novel gram negative bacterial mutants useful in vaccines.

Abstract: A method of bioassay for the quantification of peptide fragments relevant to neurodegenerative conditions comprising a neo-epitope formed by cleavage of a Tau protein by a secretase such as ADAM10 comprises contacting a blood derived sample with an antibody specific for the neo-epitope and determining the level of binding of said immunological binding partner to peptide fragments in said sample. Neo-epitope containing peptide levels are found to be inversely correlated to cognitive function.

Abstract: The present invention provides reagents and methods for treating dental disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating, inhibiting or preventing the developing of a plant pathogenic disease. The compositions comprise volatile organic compounds effective to inhibit the growth of, or kill pathogenic microbes, including Ganoderma boninense. Invention compositions are especially useful in preventing and treating basal stem rot in the oil palm, and can be applied in the vicinity of the plant or used to sterilize the plant growth medium prior to or concurrent with plant growth therein.

Abstract: A method for producing butanol through microbial fermentation, in which the butanol product is removed during the fermentation by extraction into a water-immiscible organic extractant in the presence of at least one electrolyte at a concentration at least sufficient to increase the butanol partition coefficient relative to that in the presence of the salt concentration of the basal fermentation medium, is provided. The electrolyte may comprise a salt which dissociates in the fermentation medium, or in the aqueous phase of a biphasic fermentation medium, to form free ions. Also provided is a method and composition for recovering butanol from a fermentation medium.

Abstract: Beneficial and synergistic effects for alleviating joint pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis and/or rheumatoid arthritis have been found with krill oil and/or marine oil in combination with other active constituents, including astaxanthin and polymeric hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronan) in an oral dosage form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing cellulolytic and/or hemicellulolytic enzymes by a cellulolytic microorganism in a stirred and aerated bioreactor, comprising a growth stage in the presence of a carbon source and a production stage in the presence of a carbon-containing inductive substrate, wherein the supply of carbon-containing inductive substrate during the production stage is regulated by an oscillation of the dissolved oxygen partial pressure in the medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to variants and fusions of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), variants and fusions of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), fusions of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and/or fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), and variants or fusions of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and/or fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) proteins and peptide sequences (and peptidomimetics), having one or more activities, such as glucose lowering activity, and methods for and uses in treatment of hyperglycemia and other disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a production method for biofuel based on a technology to convert carbon-dioxide as a carbon source through photosynthesis by photosynthetic microorganisms to biomass and produce biofuel of the biomass. The production method for biofuel of the present invention comprises a culturing process (S1) of culturing in a culture solution photosynthetic microorganisms which store oils, fats and carbohydrates in cells of the photosynthetic microorganisms, an oil and fat conversion process (S2) of converting the carbohydrates stored in the cells of the photosynthetic microorganisms cultured in the culture apparatus to oils and fats, an extraction process (S3) of extracting the oils and fats out of the cells of the photosynthetic microorganisms, and a reforming process (S4) to reform the extracted oils and fats.

Abstract: A waste capture media formulation comprising a bacteria package. The bacteria package does not include a bacteria that produces a urease enzyme. The formulation further comprises an absorbent media, an odor suppressant, a binding agent, a mineral source, a masking agent, and an aqueous surfactant.

Abstract: A method of operating a closed photobioreactor for cultivation of phototrophic microorganisms. The photobioreactor comprises a culture liquid and is partially or completely surrounded by water of a water body. A density difference between the culture liquid and the surrounding water is provided so that the position of the photobioreactor in the water body is controlled. A closed photobioreactor for cultivation of phototrophic microorganisms. The photobioreactor is adapted to comprise a culture liquid and to be partially or completely surrounded by water of a water body. The photobioreactor comprises means for determining the density difference between the culture liquid and the surrounding water.

Abstract: The invention provides spray-dried preparations of microbes and methods of using those microbes.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods related to humanized antibodies and FKN-binding fragments thereof that bind fractalkine.

Abstract: A thermophilic microorganism is modified to permit the increased production of ethanol, wherein a first modification is the inactivation of the lactate dehydrogenase gene and a second modification upregulates the pyruvate dehydrogenase gene.

Abstract: A buoyant device containing chromatography media performs the function of protein harvesting replacing the steps of cell separation and volume reduction; the device can be loaded into columns for further purification.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, kits and compositions for preventing or treating age-related conditions or metabolic disorders. The Klotho fusion polypeptides of the invention include at least a Klotho protein or an active fragment thereof. In one embodiment, the fusion polypeptide comprises a Klotho polypeptide, a FGF (such as FGF23) and (optionally) a modified Fc fragment. The Fc fragment can, for example, have decreased binding to Fc-gamma-receptor and increased serum half-life. The Klotho fusion proteins are useful in the treatment and prevention of a variety of age-related conditions and metabolic disorders. In another embodiment, the fusion polypeptide comprises a FGF (such as FGF23) and a modified Fc fragment.

Abstract: Provided is a pharmaceutical composition that includes one or more inactivated Mycobacterium spp., which are preferably inactivated using gamma irradiation, and which is than formulated for mucosal or pulmonary delivery to a subject. The pharmaceutical compositions are useful for preventing or treating mycobacterium-associated infections in a subject, including a human subject.

Abstract: Provided is a separatome-based recombinant peptide, polypeptide, and protein expression and purification platform based on the juxtaposition of the binding properties of host cell genomic peptides, polypeptides, and proteins with the characteristics and location of the corresponding genes on the host cell chromosome, such as that of E. coli, yeast, Bacillus subtilis or other prokaryotes, insect cells, mammalian cells, etc. This platform quantitatively describes and identifies priority deletions, modifications, or inhibitions of certain gene products to increase chromatographic separation efficiency, defined as an increase in column capacity, column selectivity, or both, with emphasis on the former. Moreover, the platform provides a computerized knowledge tool that, given separatome data and a target recombinant peptide, polypeptide, or protein, intuitively suggests strategies leading to efficient product purification.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described to modify Family B DNA polymerases that contain residual exonuclease activity that interferes with sequencing techniques and with detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms. The compositions are mutant proteins with reduced exonuclease activity compared with presently available “exo?” polymerases, and a sensitive screening assay that enables an assessment of exonuclease activity of any synthetic DNA polymerase.

Abstract: A thin film culture device for detecting yeast and mold microorganisms in a sample is provided. The culture device comprises a body comprising a self-supporting substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface; a first adhesive composition disposed on a portion of the first major surface of the substrate; a substantially dry, cold-water-soluble first hydrogel-forming composition adhered to the first adhesive composition; and a plurality of indicator agents. The plurality of indicator agents comprises three indicator agents for detecting distinct glycosidase enzyme activities, an indicator agent for detecting an alkyl esterase enzyme activity, and an indicator agent for detecting a phosphatase enzyme activity, wherein each of the plurality of indicator agents comprises a detectable reporter group. A method of using the culture device is also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described to modify Family B DNA polymerases that contain residual exonuclease activity that interferes with sequencing techniques and with detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms. The compositions are mutant proteins with reduced exonuclease activity compared with presently available “exo?” polymerases, and a sensitive screening assay that enables an assessment of exonuclease activity of any synthetic DNA polymerase.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for harvesting or separating one or more biological cells from an aqueous feed, a stream, a suspension, or any combinations thereof by providing the aqueous feed, the stream, or the suspension comprising the one or more biological cells in a tank or a vessel; providing one or more ion-exchange resins, wherein the ion-exchange resin is an anion-exchange resin; contacting the anion-exchange resin with the aqueous feed; binding the one or more biological cells to the anion-exchange resin; releasing or eluting the bound one or more biological cells by changing the pH; and collecting the released one or more biological cells to obtain a concentrated slurry or suspension of the one or more biological cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel nucleotide and amino acid sequences of Torque teno virus (“TTV”), including novel genotypes thereof, all of which are useful in the preparation of vaccines for treating and preventing diseases in swine and other animals. Vaccines provided according to the practice of the invention are effective against multiple swine TTV genotypes and isolates. Diagnostic and therapeutic polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies are also a feature of the present invention, as are infectious clones useful in the propagation of the virus and in the preparation of vaccines. Particularly important aspects of the invention include vaccines that provide TTV ORF1 protein, or peptide fragments thereof, as antigen.

Abstract: The present application discloses an automated laboratory system comprising of an instrument and an accompanied system to prepare biological culture plates specifically microbiological culture plates for sample inoculation and a process of sample inoculation. Further, the application discloses various modules of a system required to run the different units of the instrument.

Abstract: Methods, assays, compositions and kits for the ligation of short polynucleotides are presented herein. The short polynucleotides are optionally no more than 7 nucleotides in length, and can be as short as 3 or 4 nucleotides in length. The ligation is optionally performed by CV ligase.

Abstract: The invention provides novel heterodimeric proteins including heterodimeric antibodies.

Abstract: Methods for the evolution of NADPH specific ketol-add reductoisomerase enzymes to acquire NADH specificity are provided. Specific mutant ketol-acid reductoisomerase enzymes isolated from Pseudomonas that have undergone co-factor switching to utilize NADH are described.

Abstract: Fermentation media containing an isoflavone-depleted soybean meal or isoflavone-depleted soybean meal product and at least one exogenous added ingredient that comprises a substrate for microbial growth are provided. Methods of making a fermentation medium comprising an isoflavone-depleted soybean meal or isoflavone-depleted soybean meal product and methods for obtaining a fermentation product are also provided. The present invention is further directed to fermentation broths obtained by the media and methods. The present invention is also directed to feed additives produced from fermentation broths obtained by the methods.

Abstract: Enhanced yields of photosynthetically fixed carbon produced by hypersaline photosynthetic algae are provided by co-culturing with a halophilic archaea. Further, methods are provided to control harvesting of desired metabolic products from hypersaline photosynthetic algae by controlling caspase activity.

Abstract: Provided are therapeutic compositions containing Ecobiotic™ populations for prevention, treatment and reduction of symptoms associated with a dysbiosis of a mammalian subject such as a human.

Abstract: The invention relates to nitrilases and to nucleic acids encoding the nitrilases. In addition methods of designing new nitrilases and method of use thereof are also provided. The nitrilases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optimized method for cultivating microorganisms of the genus Thraustochytriales, according to which the microorganisms are cultivated in a low salt medium without adding sodium salts and chloride salts, the total salt content being less than 3.5 g/L (corresponding to less than 10 percent of sea water salt content), whereupon the PUFAs are isolated from the microorganisms and/or the medium. The invention especially relates to novel optimized media having a substantially reduced total salt content, above all a particularly reduced NaCl content. The production of PUFAs can be substantially improved and significantly simplified by using a novel combination of different salts as a media composition in which the overall weight ratios of ions do not exceed 1.75 g/L. Furthermore, said medium preferably contains no added sodium salt and chloride salt at all, which helps prevent environmental damages caused by wastewaters containing salt.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bioconjugate vaccine, such as an O1-bioconjugate vaccine, comprising: a protein carrier comprising a protein carrier containing at least one consensus sequence, D/E-X-N-Z-S/T, wherein X and Z may be any natural amino acid except proline; at least one antigenic polysaccharide from at least one pathogenic bacterium, linked to the protein carrier; and, optionally, an adjuvant. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of producing an O1-bioconjugate in a bioreactor comprising a number steps.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified ethylenediamine-N,N?-disuccinate:ethylenediamine lyase. The present invention also provides a protein that comprises the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1; or a protein that comprises an amino acid sequence derived from the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 by deletion, substitution, or addition of one or more amino acid residues, and has an ethylenediamine-N,N?-disuccinate:ethylenediamine lyase activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optimized method for the production of PUFAs by cultivating microorganisms belonging to the group of Stramenopiles in a fermentation medium that is pH-stabilized using calcium carbonate and comprises 3-15 g/L CaCO3, whereupon the PUFAs are isolated from the microorganisms and/or the medium. The invention particularly relates to novel optimized media having a different CaCO3 content. By using adequate quantities of CaCO3, the process can be significantly simplified during fermentation while greater quantities of DHA can be obtained at an increased oil content in the biomass. They allow microorganisms belonging to the Stramenopiles to be fermented without controlling the pH, thereby substantially improving and significantly simplifying PUFA production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant factor H and variants and conjugates thereof and methods of their production, as well as uses and methods of treatment involving the materials.

Abstract: A method for producing bacteria belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium having excellent viability even under various conditions with different environmental factors, novel bacteria belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium obtained by the method, and a method for detecting the bacteria are provided. By subculturing and storing bacteria belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium alternately in systems under conditions with different environmental factors, the bacteria belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium exhibiting excellent viability under all the conditions used for the alternate subculturing and storing can be produced.

Abstract: A pneumatic bioreactor includes a vessel containing a fluid to be mixed and at least one mixing device driven by gas pressure. A first embodiment includes a floating impeller that rises and falls in the fluid as gas bubbles carry it upward to the surface where the gas is then vented, permitting the impeller to sink in the fluid. The floating impeller may be tethered to a second impeller with a flexible member and pulley. The mixing speed is controlled with electromagnets in the vessel acting upon magnetic material in the impeller or its guides. In another embodiment, floating pistons mix the fluid, pushing it through a mixing plate with one or more apertures. In a third embodiment, the mixing device is a rotating drum with bubble-catching blades and rotating mixing plates with apertures. The top of the vessel for these mixers may include a closed top and sterile filters.

Abstract: Provided in certain embodiments are new methods for forming azido modified nucleic acid conjugates of reporter molecules, carrier molecules or solid support. In other embodiments are provided methods for enzymatically labeling nucleic acids with an azide group.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel promoter and terminator sequences for use in gene expression in eukaryotic cells, such as algal cells. The invention further provides expression cassettes comprising a promoter, as described herein, operably linked to a gene. The invention further provides expression vectors and host eukaryotic cells, such as algal cells, for expressing a protein encoded by the gene; and methods for stably transforming eukaryotic algae such as Tetraselmis with transgenes.

Abstract: There are disclosed a culture media and culture supplements for cultivating microorganisms, including Listeria spp and methods for culturing microorganisms including Listeria spp. There are also disclosed methods for detecting the presence of microorganisms including Listeria spp in samples.