Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining a lactic acid bacteria strain which results in a high mechanical shear resistance of the products fermented with the strain and to bacteria strains obtainable by such a method. Furthermore, the present invention relates to lactic acid bacteria strains which results in a high resistance towards mechanical shear treatment of the products fermented with the strains or mutants and variants thereof. The improved stability of the texture can be measured as reduced sedimentation in drinking yoghurt applications and reduced syneresis in set-type yoghurt applications. Thus, the present invention also relates to methods for preparation of a fermented milk product, such as a yoghurt, with such lactic acid bacteria strains and to such fermented milk products.

Abstract: A new microbial strain of the species Streptococcus salivarius for use in the treatment of inflammatory processes with or without infectious etiology. A further object of the present invention compositions including the strain and uses thereof.

Abstract: A novel Streptococcus thermophilus (ST) bacterium that gives improved texture in e.g. a fermented milk dairy product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shelf-stable liquid products, for example diary products, comprising micro-organisms, especially probiotics. The micro-organisms are able to survive for several months at room temperature basically due to their inability to metabolise nutrients contained in the liquid product. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing the liquid product according to the invention.

Abstract: A conventional shuttle vector constructed by fusing an E. coli-derived plasmid and a transformant-derived plasmid functions in both E. coli and the transformant bacterium, and there exists no expression vector that functions only in a non-E. coli transformant. The present invention provides an plasmid expression vector comprising (1) a plasmid replication unit that functions in an anaerobic microorganism other than E. coli and (2) a protein expression unit formed from DNA coding for a protein having target activity and a DNA fragment containing a promoter and a terminator that function in the anaerobic microorganism. The expression vector of the present invention is capable of being replicated only in a transformant, eliminating the risk of the replication of the transformant gene in other pathogenic or aerobic bacterium, providing an extremely safe and reliable vector and gene transporter for therapeutic application.

Abstract: The invention relates to an infant formula comprising a source of protein in an amount of not more than 2.0 g/100 kcal, a source of lipids, a source of carbohydrate and a probiotic wherein the probiotic is present in an amount equivalent to between 102 and 105 cfu/g of dry formula. The invention further extends to the use of such an infant formula to modulate the immune system of a neonatal infant to promote the development in the first few weeks of the life of the infant of a beneficial intestinal microbiota comparable with that found in breast fed babies as well as to promote the maturation of the immune system of a neonatal infant in the first few weeks of life.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bacterial cell with texturizing property, starter cultures comprising the cell, and dairy products fermented with the starter culture.

Abstract: The present invention discloses to culture medium unit doses for cultivating microorganisms comprising at least two compositions, each composition packaged in a composition unit dose of a predetermined amount, said composition unit doses being used for combining one of each composition unit dose forming said culture medium unit dose. The composition unit doses being packaged separately and individually until a time said culture medium unit dose is to be prepared for use for cultivation of microorganisms, wherein said time one of each composition unit dose are combined thereby forming said culture medium unit dose. The invention also discloses a method of manufacturing the composition unit doses, and a kit for cultivating microorganisms, the kit comprising a combination of the composition unit doses.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: Safe and effective live vaccines against bacteria infecting aquatic animals were created through the induction of novobiocin-resistance in liquid culture and novobiocin- and rifampicin-resistance in liquid culture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising prebiotic and probiotic components and is used to reduce elevated levels of nitrogenous waste products and to promote a healthy bowel microenvironment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a genetic cluster of strains of Streptococcus thermophilus, which have a lysotype distinct from that of the strains currently used. Within this cluster novel acidifying and texturizing strains have been identified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of enteral nutrition to be administered via tube feeding. In particular, the present invention provides tube feeding modules comprising probiotic micro-organisms. Such probiotic micro-organisms may be non-replicating micro-organisms, such as bioactive heat-treated probiotic micro-organisms, for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bacterial cell with texturizing property, starter cultures comprising the cell, and dairy products fermented with the starter culture.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of bacteria. In particular, the present invention concerns “short time high temperature” treated probiotics and/or dairy starter cultures and applications of these bacteria. One embodiment of the present invention relates to “short-time high temperature” treated probiotics and/or dairy starter cultures and their use to prepare compositions to treat or prevent inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides Streptococcus vaccine strains (e.g. S. equi which is causative of ‘strangles’) comprising the following modifications in their genomes: (i) attenuation of one or more essential biosynthetic genes, (ii) attenuation of one or more genes which encode a haemolytic toxin, or protein involved in the production thereof, plus preferably any one, two, or most preferably three of the following modifications: (iii) attenuation of one or more genes which encode a protein responsible for immune evasion (iv) modification of one or more genes such as to permit serological discrimination of the vaccine strain based on analysis of a protein encoded by said genes, and (v) attenuation of one or more genes which encode an enzyme responsible for recombination repair of the genome. The invention provides inter alia live attenuated vaccine strains which generate an immune response to multiple protective epitopes presented in a context resembling the live pathogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, nucleic acids and methods for transforming a bacterium belonging to the Streptococcus genus by natural competence and their use in the food and feed industry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a fermented milk product with eithanced gel stiffness, wherein a polysaccharide producing Lactobacillus, in particular L. johnsonii, is used as starter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a fermented milk product with enhanced gel stiffness, wherein a polysaccharide producing Lactobacillus strain is used.

Abstract: A method for producing cottage cheese by using Streptococcus thermophilus bacteria.

Abstract: A dead cell of a lactic acid bacterium or a culture containing the dead cell of a lactic acid bacterium is added to the dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, milk beverage or the like in an amount of 0.001 wt % or more in dry weight of the dead cell, therefore, it is possible to enhance the growth of a lactic acid bacterium, to shorten the time required for fermentation, and to improve the viability of a lactic acid bacterium during storage over a long period, without affecting the flavor or production cost of the dairy product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acids, vectors and polypeptides that are suitable markers for detecting Streptococcus strains of the anginosus group, preferably for detecting Streptococcus anginosus and/or Streptococcus constellatus as well as for discriminating Streptococcus anginosus and/or Streptococcus constellatus from other streptococci. The present invention furthermore relates to these nucleic acids and polypeptides for use in the diagnosis and/or prognosis of infections with Streptococcus strains of the anginosus group. The present invention furthermore relates to methods utilizing these nucleic acids and polypeptides as well as to arrays and antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing lactic acid bacteria of a high concentration continuously using a membrane bioreactor. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for producing lactic acid bacteria of a high concentration in a membrane bioreactor that comprises the steps of cultivating lactic acid bacteria in a membrane bioreactor including a membrane for product separation and a medium supply apparatus; supplying culture media to the bioreactor through the medium supply apparatus; continuously separating and discharging culture filtrate through the membrane for product separation; and recycling lactic acid bacteria continuously to the bioreactor. Additionally, the present invention relates to a method for producing lactic acid bacteria powder by freeze drying the bacteria produced in the membrane bioreactor using a freeze drying preservative composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides Parotid Secretory Protein peptides, nucleic acids encoding the peptides, and methods of using the peptides, and methods of screening GL13 mimetics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bacterium attenuated by a mutation in at least one ABC transporter gene wherein the mutation renders the corresponding ABC transporter protein non-functional and wherein the attenuated bacterium persists in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention comprises the discovery and development of an effective cryoprotectant composition, without containing skim milk or any other animal-derived compounds, to achieve long-term stability of freeze-dried lactic acid bacteria (LAB), at different temperatures, whereby the retention of viability of the freeze-dried LAB after 6 months of storage, preferably after 9 months of storage, more preferably after 12 months of storage is more than 50%. The invention is in the field of producing freeze dried bacteria, in particular Lactic acid bacteria. More in particular, the invention relates to the use of a novel combination of cryoprotectants for increasing the viability of bacteria after freeze drying, improving the texture of the lyofilized cake for easy grinding and improving the long term stability of the freeze dried bacteria at different temperature conditions. The invention further relates to such freeze dried bacteria for use in food industry or in human or animal health applications.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing and treating illnesses associated with oral health are provided. In a general embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present disclosure can improve oral health by reducing the incidence of aspiration pneumonia, community-acquired pneumonia and nosocomial pneumonia, allowing for less gingivitis and plaque, and providing improved tongue flora. By utilizing probiotics naturally present in the oral cavity or gastrointestinal tract, the compositions and methods in embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce anaerobic gram-negative bacilli and increase the presence of the normal flora. By preventing and treating problems associated with oral health in a patient, subsequent health problems can be prrevented or mitigated, which can result in reduced health care costs for the patient in the future.

Abstract: At least one isolated microorganism and a fermentation method to convert hydrogen gas, carbon dioxide gas, and/or carbon monoxide gas to a lower alkyl alcohol and/or carboxylic acid and to produce at least 2% by volume of the lower alkyl alcohol or carboxylic acid in an aqueous-based medium.

Abstract: This document discloses electroporation vessels, electrocompetent cells that have been aliquoted and frozen in electroporation vessels, and a number of other apparatuses, kits, and methods for electroporation. Some embodiments of electroporation vessels described herein may include a pair of opposing walls that are downwardly angled toward one another in a gap between two electrode surfaces. Further embodiments of devices and methods described herein may eliminate the need for an end user to transfer competent cells from a capped tube to electroporation cuvette, thereby saving time and producing less waste.

Abstract: A method for making at least 2 kg (dry weight) of a lactic acid bacteria composition formulated with from 1% to 50% of ascorbate or ascorbic acid (w/w?dry matter) as antioxidant, wherein the pH is controlled so 3?pH?8 during at least the majority of the fermentation process by addition of a base not comprising NH3 (ammonia).

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods for concentrating microorganisms with concentration agents in a sampling device and the sampling device described herein. More specifically, methods for concentrating microorganisms from large volume samples with concentration agents in a sampling device can provide for rapid, low cost, simple (involving no complex equipment or procedures), and/or effective processes under a variety of conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides an anti-wrinkle agent which has an excellent effect of inhibiting the formation of wrinkles and excellent safeness. The anti-wrinkle agent contains, as an active ingredient, a culture supernatant of a lactic acid bacterium belonging to Streptococcus thermophilus.

Abstract: Methods for producing hyaluronic acid are described, including altering the activity in Streptococcus cells of one or more enzymes and/or altering the amount of available substrates or substrate precursors.

Abstract: An interferon ? production promoter and a method for producing thereof are provided. The interferon ? production promoter has a culture, a cell or cell components of lactic acid bacteria as an active ingredient thereof. RNA can be used for the cell component. In addition, bacteria belonging to the genus Lactobacillus, Tetragenococcus, Pediococcus or Streptococcus can be used for the lactic acid bacteria. The interferon ? production promoter can be produced by culturing lactic acid bacteria and collecting a culture, a cell or cell components thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a genetic cluster of strains of S. thermophilus, wherein the milk fermented with said strains is highly viscous and weakly ropy. The invention also relates to a genetic cluster of strains of S. thermophilus, wherein the genome of said strains comprises a CRISPR locus having the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID No 1.

Abstract: The invention provides proteins from group B streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) and group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes), including amino acid sequences and the corresponding nucleotide sequences. Data are given to show that the proteins are useful antigens for vaccines, immunogenic compositions, and/or diagnostics. The proteins are also targets for antibiotics.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an oral composition for reducing serum cholesterol, serum lipids, body fat, or atherogenic index or for prophylaxis or treatment of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases, comprising a highly bsh active bacteria, isolate or supernatant thereof; wherein the highly bsh active bacteria degrades >50 ?mol glycodeoxycholic acid (GDCA)/gram/hour and >2 ?mol taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA)/gram/hour when measured over 1 hour and 5 hours, respectively, or degrades >65 ?mol GDCA/g/hr and >7 ?mol TDCA/g/hr when measured over 30 minutes.

Abstract: Strains of bacteria characterized by exhibiting: (a) a 7?-dehydroxylase activity of less than 50%, and (b) a bile acid deconjugation activity of less than 50%, and descendants, mutants and derivatives thereof preserving activities (a) and (b); and a pharmaceutical composition using one or more of such strains and use of same for preventing and treating diseases associated with or caused by an altered metabolism of bile acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of a fermented milk product comprising Bifidobacteria in combination with lactic acid bacteria of the species Lactococcus lactis, Sterptococcus thermophilus, and/or Lactobacillus bulgaricus. The problem to be solved is to provide a method to improve growth of Bifidobacteria population in milk during the fermentation process for making fermented milk products (e.g. a yogurt) in order to obtain a high cell count of Bifidobacteria in the final product.

Abstract: Described are Streptococcus suis infections in pigs, vaccines directed against those infections and tests for diagnosing S. suis infections. Provided is an isolated or recombinant nucleic acid encoding a capsular gene cluster of S. suis or a gene or gene fragment derived therefrom. Further provided is a nucleic acid probe or primer allowing species or serotype-specific detection of S. suis. Also provided is a Streptococcus suis antigen and vaccine derived therefrom.

Abstract: There is provided a pharmaceutical agent, food, or beverage for treating or preventing a disease or condition that can be ameliorated by inhibiting serotonin reuptake, comprising a clinically-effective amount of (1S,3S)-1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-?-carboline-3-carboxylic acid.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of use of engineered microbes for the delivery and administration of therapeutic peptides or proteins to humans or animals suffering from a disease, or the use of engineered microbes for the delivery of antigens such as for vaccination purposes. More in particular, the invention relates to a recombinant microbe that has reduced capacity of colonizing the mucosa in comparison to its wild type ancestor, in particular when residing in the alimentary tract as part of a treatment or vaccination of a human or animal. In particular, the recombinant microbe contains an inactive thymidylate synthase gene that causes the reduced capability for the microbe to colonize in the alimentary tract. The invention also covers the use of said recombinant microbes comprising nucleic acids or vectors for expressing heterologous or homologous proteins; and also for delivery, especially therapeutic delivery, of the said proteins to animals or humans.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of biochemistry, molecular biology and microbiology. More specific the invention relates to methods and means for metabolic engineering and improved product formation by a filamentous micro-organism or a low G+C gram-positive bacterium. The invention discloses that DasR and DasR binding sites play an important and universal role in the control of gene expression in micro-organisms Based on this finding, the invention provides multiple useful applications, such as a method for regulating the expression of a gene of interest, a method for controlling metabolism, a method for decreasing undesired expression and many more. Moreover, the invention also provides means that can be used to establish said methods: for example a micro-organism in which the DasR binding site in operable linkage with a particular gene has been modified to obtain increased or decreased expression of a protein (being a desired or undesired protein) encoded by said gene.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising one or more isolated LDH-deficient mutans streptococcus strains and one or more isolated S. oxalis strains and/or one or more isolated S. uberis strains. Compositions of the invention are useful to maintain oral health, by for example treating and/or preventing one or more symptoms of dental caries, periodontitis and/or other oral cavity diseases or wounds.

Abstract: A novel lactic acid bacterium strain is found, which has a high IgA production-inducing ability and a high immunostimulating activity, and belongs to the genus Enterococcus. Thus, provided is an excellent lactic acid bacterium preparation for foods or feeds, which has a high enteric colonization rate. Specifically disclosed are: a novel lactic acid bacterium Enterococcus faecium NHRD IHARA (FERM BP-11090) which has a high IgA production-inducing ability and a high immunostimulating activity; and a lactic acid bacterium preparation for enhancing the production of immunoglobulin A, which comprises a culture of the bacterium strain, an extract of the bacterium strain, or a product of any treatment of cells of the bacterium strain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microorganism, a microbial phosphate fertilizer and a method for manufacturing said microbial phosphate fertilizer, wherein said microorganism is Streptomyces cellulosae with Accession number CGMCC No. 2167 or Aspergillus versicolor with Accession number CGMCC No. 2171. The microbial phosphate fertilizer of the present invention comprises a fermentation product of the microbial composition consisting of the following four microorganisms: Bacillus subtilis strain WH2, Bacillus licheniformis strain WH4, Streptomyces cellulosae strain WH9 and Aspergillus versicolor strain WH13. A method for manufacturing said microbial phosphate fertilizer is also provided, wherein the manufacture of said microbial phosphate fertilizer may involve the use of ground phosphate rock having 8%-12% P2O5.

Abstract: Polypeptides from Streptococcus pneumoniae are described. In some aspects the polypeptides include pili polypeptides from a second pili island (pilus II island (INV1 04B)) identified in Streptococcus pneumoniae isolate INV1 04. In other aspects the polypeptides include pili polypeptides and non-pilus polypeptides from Streptococcus pneumoniae strains 23F, INV200, and OXC141 that are absent from Streptococcus pneumoniae isolate INV104. The polypeptides, including fragments and variants thereof, may be used in immunogenic compositions for prophylactic or therapeutic immunization against Streptococcus pneumoniae. The polypeptides are also disclosed to be used in compositions useful for the production of antibodies and immunostimulants. Also presented are methods of inhibiting Streptococcus pneumoniae, methods of treating Streptococcus pneumoniae infection, methods of identifying inhibitors of Streptococcus pneumoniae and methods for diagnosing/detecting Streptococcus pneumoniae infection.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising one or more isolated LDH-deficient mutans streptococcus strains and one or more isolated S. oralis strains and/or one or more isolated S. uberis strains. Compositions of the invention are useful to maintain oral health, by for example treating and/or preventing one or more symptoms of dental caries, periodontitis and/or other oral cavity diseases or wounds.

Abstract: The invention describes a novel composition of matter obtained from the leaves of green plants, which is useful in promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms. Specifically, that the invention describes a hydrolysate prepared from plant leaf biomass (leaf biomass hydrolysate or ‘LBH’) which dramatically stimulates the growth of beneficial microorganisms. Use of LBH as a fermentation substrate can also stimulate rapid production of organic acids and other organic compounds. LBH can be used as a substrate to promote the fermentation-based production of biobased industrial chemicals or biofuels, LBH can be utilized as a prebiotic to promote the growth of beneficial probiotic organisms, hi addition, LBH may also be useful in stimulating the fermentation-based production of other products, examples of which include preservatives, antibiotics, antigens, vaccines, amino acids, vitamins, recombinant proteins, bioremediation treatments, and immobilized enzymes.