Abstract: The invention provides an attenuated enterobacterium comprising an attenuating mutation in the fnr gene, and optionally further comprising a heterologous nucleic acid encoding a foreign antigen. Also provided are pharmaceutical formulations comprising the attenuated enterobacteria of the invention. Further disclosed are methods of inducing an immune response in a subject by administration of an immunogenically effective amount of an attenuated enterobacterium or pharmaceutical formulation of the invention.

Abstract: A Bifidobacterium comprising a genome that is customized so as to lack an operable functional gene is disclosed. A method of making such cells is also disclosed. The method is used to make Bifidobacterium cells that lack certain functional antibiotic resistance genes, such as tetW, and are sensitive to antibiotics such as tetracycline.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to vaccine strains of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae. In particular, the present invention relates to isolated live vaccine strains of B. hyodysenteriae lacking one or more virulence factors. The present invention also relates to methods of identifying and preparing vaccine strains, as well as vaccine compositions against diarrhoeal diseases and methods and kits for diagnosing same.

Abstract: This invention provides useful applications of cashew apple. This invention also provides a naturally occurring active ingredient having useful activities, such as alpha-amylase inhibitory activity, lipase inhibitory activity, and antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes. The invention also provides a composition containing cashew apple-derived proanthocyanidin having excellent alpha-amylase inhibitory activity, lipase inhibitory activity, and antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes, which is prepared by allowing a plant fiber-degrading enzyme (e.g., pectinase) to react with a cashew apple and concentrating the resultant with the use of an ultrafiltration membrane. Further, the invention provides a proanthocyanidin compound having a novel structure.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for altering prokaryotic cellular viability phenotypes, including antibiotic susceptibility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying and selecting a gene required for the proliferation in vivo of a pathogenic microorganism, comprising:—using a strain of the pathogenic microorganism,—generating mutants for inactivation in the genes encoding these factors,—determining the virulence of these mutants on an experimental model of infection, and their effect on enteric colonization in an axenic mouse model, and—selecting the bacterial genes essential for resistance to serum in vitro, and essential, in the host, for dissemination in the serum. Application to the screening of compounds which inhibit the products of the genes identified, and to the inhibition in vitro of the proliferation of a pathogenic microorganism in serum.

Abstract: Substituted benzoimidazole compounds useful as anti-infectives that decrease resistance, virulence, or growth of microbes are provided. Methods of making and using substituted benzoimidazole compounds, as well as pharmaceutical preparations thereof, in, e.g., reducing antibiotic resistance and inhibiting biofilms.

Abstract: A method of reducing the virulence of a bacterium that expresses accessory gene regulator A (AgrA) includes administering to the bacterium an amount of AgrA antagonist effective to inhibit the synthesis of one or more virulence factors by the bacterium.

Abstract: The invention belongs to the field of animal health and in particular the causative agent of a new bacterial poultry disease, Gallibacterium. The invention provides said Gallibacterium bacteria, vaccine comprising inactivated Gallibacterium, and a method of immunizing to prevent disease in poultry.

Abstract: Bacteria that are not natural butanol producers were found to have increased tolerance to butanol when the saturated fatty acids content in bacterial cell membrane was increased. Methods for increasing the concentration of saturated fatty acids in the membranes of bacteria that are not natural butanol produces are described whereby tolerance of the bacterial cell to butanol is increased. Saturated fatty acids concentration in the bacterial cell membrane increased upon exogenously feeding saturated fatty acids to cells. Bacterial strains useful for production of butanol are described herein having modified unsaturated fatty acid biosynthetic pathway.

Abstract: Use of bacterial cells of the genus Tenacibaculum, from the crude cellular extract or from its cultivation supernatants, capable of degrading N-acyl homoserine lactones, for quorum quenching, for treatment of infectious bacterial illnesses or to inhibit formation of biofilms.

Abstract: In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides new isolated strains of a Geobacter species that are capable of using a carbon source that is selected from C3 to C12 organic compounds selected from pyruvate or metabolic precursors of pyruvate as an electron donor in metabolism and in subsequent energy production. In other aspects, other preferred embodiments of the present invention include methods of making such strains and methods of using such strains. In general, the wild type strain of the microorganisms has been shown to be unable to use these C3 to C12 organic compounds as electron donors in metabolic steps such as the reduction of metallic ions. The inventive strains of microorganisms are useful for improving bioremediation applications, including in situ bioremediation (including uranium bioremediation and halogenated solvent bioremediation), microbial fuel cells, power generation from small and large-scale waste facilities (e.g.

Abstract: A modified arthropod, an arthropod-modifying bacterium, and use thereof as an agent for control of diseases transmitted by arthropods, particularly mosquitoes, is provided. More specifically, an isolated arthropod-adapted Wolbachia bacterium capable of modifying one or more biological properties of a mosquito host is provided. The modified arthropod may be characterized as having a shortened life-span, a reduced ability to transmit disease, a reduced susceptibility to a pathogen, a reduced fecundity, and/or a reduced ability to feed from a host, when compared to a corresponding wild-type arthropod.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of compounds of the general Formula (I): wherein in Formula (I), R is H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl; R1 is H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl; R2 is H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl; A1 and A2 each independently represent an optionally substituted C1-C20-alkyl group which may contain one or more group(s) Z, or a monocyclic or polycyclic optionally substituted aromatic or non-aromatic ring system which may contain one or more group(s) X, and in case of a polycyclic ring system, said system contains at least one aromatic ring; Z is selected from the group consisting of S, O, N, NR4, CO, CO2, CS, SO or SO2 X is selected from the group consisting of S, O, N, NR4, SO or SO2;

Abstract: The invention concerns a mixture of bacteria. Said mixture is a non starter culture which is free from metabolites and comprises at least one first bacterium selected from the species <i>Propionibacterium jensenii</i> and at least one second bacterium selected from the genus <i>Lactobacillus</i>. Furthermore, food, feeding stuff and medicaments comprising such a mixture, a method for manufacturing and storing such goods and the use of the mixture to inhibit fungi and bacteria are provided.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions are provided comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable organic acid and a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant. This synergistic combination allows compositions to be formulated at low concentrations that have efficacy in reducing bacterial counts by greater than 3 log within 5 minutes of contact while preserving the organoleptic properties of treated foods, including fresh produce. As shown in FIG. 1C the efficacy of six different compositions (A. 3% levulinic acid plus 2% SDS; B. 2% levulinic acid plus 1% SDS; C. 0.5% levulinic acid plus 0.05% SDS; D. 3% levulinic acid; E. 2% SDS and F. water) were tested for their ability to kill spores of Bacillus anthracis Sterne after 45 minutes of contact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide based toxin that originates from Clostridium perfringens. The invention further relates to immunogenic compositions comprising the toxin and methods to vaccinate animals, for example chickens, such that they are less susceptible to clostridial diseases. Methods to determine whether an animal has been exposed to the toxin, polynucleotides encoding the toxin and attenuated bacteria that express a reduced or less active form of the toxin are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to cyclic peptides and methods for producing and using them. Provided is amongst others a method for determining whether a compound comprises antibiotic activity, the method comprising providing a cyclic peptide to a bacterium wherein a 23S rRNA in a 5OS ribosomal subunit does not comprises a 2? O-methylation at a nucleotide that corresponds to nucleotide C 1920 in E. coli and determining whether said compound inhibits growth of said first bacterium.

Abstract: Free-living microbes are provided in which the nucleic acid has been modified so that the microbe is attenuated for proliferation and/or which comprise genetic mutations that attenuate the ability of the microbe to repair its nucleic acid. Methods of using the modified microbes for the loading, activation, and/or maturation of antigen-presenting cells are also provided. Vaccine compositions comprising the modified microbes and/or the antigen-presenting cells and methods of using the vaccines are also provided. The microbes may be further modified to include heterologous antigens, such as tumor antigens or infectious disease antigens, for use as a vaccine against cancer or infectious diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new attenuated M. bovis bacteria strains passaged at least 110 times. Moreover, the present invention also provides immunogenic compositions comprising live bacteria of any of those attenuated M. bovis bacteria strain, their manufacture and use for the treatment and prophylaxis of M. bovis infections and combinations with other veterinary vaccines or medicaments.

Abstract: Genetically engineered microorganisms are provided that produce products from the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway (fatty acid derivatives), as well as methods of their use.

Abstract: A process of producing a rich-flavor soy sauce, including mixing soy sauce koji and salt water in a tank for preparing moromi mash, adding soy sauce and soy sauce koji at an appropriate point in time during the period of fermentation and aging, and subsequently effecting further aging. The process does not require any special treatment, and is quite convenient, in that it employs conventional process steps for producing a soy sauce. The resultant soy sauce has a light color and yet gives a rich flavor comparable to that of regular soy sauce, has a rich taste comparable to that of saishikomi-shoyu having a total nitrogen content of not less than 2% (W/V), and is mild in terms of saltiness.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mutation within the sap operon of an avirulent clone of a nontypeable strain of Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi). The invention also relates to the NTHi sap operon genes and the polypeptides encoded by these polynucleotide sequences. The invention also relates to a novel 110 kDa NTHi outer membrane protein and the polynucleotide that encodes this outer membrane protein. Methods of screening for NTHi infection, and treating and preventing NTHi related disorders are also contemplated.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for killing biological agents utilizing lime sulfur in liquid or powder form.

Abstract: The present invention provides formaldehyde dehydrogenase genes (FLD) from methylotrophic yeasts. The FLD structural genes confer resistance to formaldehyde and are therefore useful as a selectable marker in methylotrophic yeasts. The FLD promoter sequences are strongly and independently induced by either methanol as sole carbon source (with ammonium sulfate as nitrogen source) or methylamine as sole nitrogen source (with glucose as carbon source). Induction under either methanol, methylamine or both provides levels of heterologous gene expression comparable to those obtained with the commonly used alcohol oxidase I gene promoter (PAOX1). The FLD promoter of Pichia pastoris (PFLD1) is an attractive alternative to PAOX1 for expression of foreign genes in P. pastoris, allowing regulation by carbon (methanol) or nitrogen (methylamine) source within the same expression strain.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the preparation of evolved microorganisms permitting the creation or modification of metabolic pathways. Strains of evolved microorganisms and evolved genes obtained by the method are also provided. The invention is also directed to the use of evolved microorganisms, genes or proteins in a biotransformation process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gram-negative bacterial mutants resistant to one or more stress conditions, including, but not limited to, CO2, acid pH, and high osmolarity. The present invention also relates more particularly to gram-negative bacterial mutants with reduced TNF-? induction having a mutation in one or more lipid biosynthesis genes, including, but not limited to msbB, that are rendered stress-resistant by a mutation in the zwf gene. The present invention provides compositions comprising one or more stress-resistant gram-negative bacterial mutants, preferably attenuated stress-resistant gram-negative bacterial mutants. In particular, the present invention relates to methods for prophylaxis or treatment of a virally induced disease in a subject comprising administering to said subject one or more stress-resistant gram-negative bacterial mutants, preferably attenuated stress-resistant gram-negative bacterial mutants.

Abstract: The invention belongs to the field of animal health and in particular the causative agent of a new bacterial poultry disease, Gallibacterium. The invention provides said Gallibacterium bacteria, vaccine comprising inactivated Gallibacterium, and a method of immunizing to prevent disease in poultry.

Abstract: The present invention provides Listeria that are attenuated for entry into non-phagocytic cells as well as a variety of methods of inducing immune responses involving administering compositions comprising the attenuated Listeria. Some of the attenuated Listeria are mutant Listeria that comprise at least one mutation in a gene encoding an invasin, such as an internalin. Some of the attenuated Listeria are further attenuated for cell-to-cell spread. Pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines useful in the methods of the invention are further provided. Methods of making and improving vaccines are also provided.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides biological sample that includes a dry preparation comprising a stabilizer and stabilized, inactivated biological material. In certain embodiments, the biological material may be heat inactivated and/or heat dried. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of making a dried biological preparation. Generally, the method includes collecting a sample of biological material, inactivating the biological material, suspending the sample in a volume of a stabilizer and allowing the stabilizer to dry. In certain embodiments, the biological material may be heat inactivated and/or heat dried.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of universal inactivated vaccines and their use in preparing compositions for the prophylaxis and therapy of dermatomycosis. Vaccines according to the present invention have the advantage of conferring immunity against all important causes of dermatomycosis in animals and are characterized by stable immunogenic properties, easy preparation, high content of microconidia and lack of side reactions in animals.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of streptokinase using a genetically engineered strain of Escherichia coli which overproduces streptokinase intracellularly and more particularly, the overall process disclosed herein, concerns with an improvement in the fermentative production of streptokinase using an optimized growth medium mainly comprised of simple salts and trace-elements; thus, in principal, the present process constitutes an improved and more economical means for the production of streptokinase which may be useful in thrombolytic therapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strain of Enterococcus mundtii having probiotic qualities. The strain of E. mundtii (ST4SA) produces an antimicrobial peptide which exhibits antimicrobial activity against a broad range of bacteria. The invention also provides an isolated nucleotide sequence which codes for the antimicrobial peptide (peptide ST4SA). Another aspect of the invention relates to a process for the production of a peptide of the invention which comprises cultivating Enterococcus mundtii strain ST4SA in a nutrient medium under micro-aerophilic conditions at a temperature of between 100C and 45° C., until a recoverable quantity of said peptide is produced, and recovering said peptide. The isolated peptide of the invention may be used as an antimicrobial agent in a liquid formulation or a gel formulation as a topical treatment and may also be used as an antimicrobial agent following encapsulation in a polymer.

Abstract: This invention provides, among other things, novel compounds useful for treating bacterial infections, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, as well as combinations of these compounds with at least one additional therapeutically effective agent.

Abstract: The invention of novel, effective vaccines against Mycoplasma bovis for use in cattle is described. These vaccines demonstrate no undesirable side effects and protect against M. bovis related disease, such as contagious mastitis, respiratory pneumonia, joint infections, keratoconjunctivitis and middle ear infections. The novel vaccines also lessen the effect of M. bovis infections on milk production, weight gain and animal health. Methods of diagnosing, characterizing and treating M. bovis infections as specific biotypes are also disclosed. Vaccine compositions made in accordance with the invention may be either of the attenuated or inactivated variety. Vaccines may also include antigens from other pathogens so as to provide a protective immunogenic response to diseases other than those caused by M. bovis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to kinase inhibiting compositions and uses thereof. The invention further provides isolated kinase inhibiting peptides and uses thereof for inhibiting hyperplasia, for inhibiting the growth of neoplasms, and for inducing programmed cell death in a cell population.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having antimicrobial activity and polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence which encodes for the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for deactivating articles contaminated with nanobacteria, generally comprise a dispersant and/or a dissolution agent, and a deactivator. The methods and compositions of the invention are advantageously utilized to decontaminate and/or sterilize various articles such as medical and manufacturing devices or surfaces.

Abstract: Substituted benzoimidazole compounds useful as anti-infectives that decrease resistance, virulence, or growth of microbes are provided. Methods of making and using substituted benzoimidazole compounds, as well as pharmaceutical preparations thereof, in, e.g., reducing antibiotic resistance and inhibiting biofilms.

Abstract: Substituted benzimidazole compounds useful as anti-infectives that decrease resistance, virulence, or growth of microbes are provided. Methods of using substituted benzimidazole compounds, in, e.g., reducing virulence and infectivity, inhibiting biofilms and treating bacterial infections are also provided.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a virus vector free of a serum, and a serum-free medium for cultivation of a virus producer cell which can be used for the method are provided. By cultivating a virus producer cell using a serum-free medium containing serum albumin, it is possible to cultivate the cell in a state equivalent to that in a serum-containing medium to produce a virus vector at a sufficient titer. The virus vector prepared from the virus producer cell cultivated in the medium exhibits gene transfer efficiency comparable to that of a conventional vector. The medium is useful for gene therapy and studies thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) as the etiological agent of IBD, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, as well as Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer's Disease. As such, the present invention provides a method for diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer's Disease by detecting the presence of MAP nucleic acid molecules as well as methods for inhibiting the proliferation of MAP and treating a MAP infection using anti-MAP agents. Pharmaceutical compositions containing anti-MAP agents and methods for determining the antibiotic susceptibility of MAP isolated from a subject are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for the production of thermophilic microorganisms suitable for the production of ethanol, comprising: (i) culturing a thermophilic microorganism under aerobic or anaerobic conditions in a suitable culture media; and (ii) incorporating amounts of ethanol into the culture media to induce ethanol tolerance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mutation within the sap operon of an avirulent clone of a nontypeable strain of Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi). The invention also relates to the NTHi sap operon genes and the polypeptides encoded by these polynucleotide sequences. The invention also relates to a novel 110 kDa NTHi outer membrane protein and the polynucleotide that encodes this outer membrane protein. Methods of screening for NTHi infection, and treating and preventing NTHi related disorders are also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymyxin derivative wherein R1, R2 and R3 are optional and R1, R2, R3, R5, R8 and R9 are cationic or neutral amino acid residues selected so that the total number of positive charges at physiological pH is at least two but no more than three; and to a combination product comprising at least two such derivatives.

Abstract: A method for attenuating a microorganism which comprises inhibiting in the microorganism a metabolic pathway essential for viability, by promoting use of the substrate of the pathway in a different metabolic pathway which is non-essential to the microorganism whereby the substrate is unavailable to the essential pathway and the micro organism is attenuated.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to Bordetella bacteria having a double mutation, a first mutation in a gene of the Type III secretion system and a second mutation in a gene of the adenylate cyclase toxin (CyaA) locus of the bacteria so that the mutations result in no Type III secretion system, a non-functional Type III secretion system, no CyaA protein, or a non-functional CyaA protein or a combination thereof. The Bordetella bacteria double mutant is attenuated while maintaining the efficacy of the bacteria to elicit an immune response. The present invention also pertains to vaccine compositions and methods for treating and immunizing a mammal against a disease caused by infection of Bordetella bacteria or a disease caused by a pathogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel vaccine, its use for immunoprophylaxis and/or the treatment of candidamycoses in human and veterinary medicine as well as methods for its preparation, wherein said vaccine consists of the combination of the Candida strains a1) Candida albicans CCM 8355 a2) Candida glabrata CCM 8356 a3) Candida krusei CCM 8357 and a4) an immunomudulating Propionibacterium acnes strain, and optionally pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, such as carriers, wherein the ratio of the components a1-a4 in the end product is a1:a2:a3:a4 is 10-20:10-20:10-20:40-70.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing Mycobacterium infections, particularly persistent, latent Mycobactial infections, are provided. The compositions and methods utilize newly identified Mycobacterium genes (and/or corresponding gene products) that are necessary for survival of Mycobacteriae within a host.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having antimicrobial activity and polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence which encodes for the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.