Abstract: Three new alkaloids, Hirsutellones A, B, and C, are produced in cultures of fungus such as Hirsutella nivea strain BCC 2594 and Trichoderma sp. strain BCC 7579. The Hirsutellones exhibited potent growth inhibitory activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37Ra strain) with an MIC value of 0.78 ?g/ml, while showing weak or no cytotoxicity to mammalian cells. Therefore, Hirsutellones and pharmaceutical compositions containing Hirsutellones may be useful for the treatment of tuberculosis. Also described herein are methods of isolating the Hirsutellones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a screening method to identify individuals at risk of developing diseases associated with different polymorphic forms of wildtype p53; which comprises the steps of: a) obtaining a biological sample from said patients; and b) determining the presence of p53pro or p53arg wildtype alleles in said sample; wherein the allele pattern of patients selected from the group consisting of p53pro/p53pro, p53arg/p53arg and p53pro/p53arg are indicative of a risk factor for developing disease associated with different polymorphic forms of wildtype p53. Notably, individuals who are p53arg/arg are at greater risk of developing pathologies associated with human papillomavirus infections, including cervical cancer.

Abstract: Extracellular fructosyltransferase of Acetobacter diazotrophicus was isolated and purified and its enzymatic properties were established. Cloning, sequencing and genetic manipulation of the fructosyltransferase gene so as to produce high levels of the enzyme in recombinant prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Both natural and recombinant fructosyltransferase of Acetobacter diazotrophicus produce fructose-containing oligosaccharides and fructans. The enzyme yields in particular high levels of fructooligosaccharides from sucrose, such as kestose and kestotetraose which can be used as natural low-calorie sweeteners.

Abstract: Extracellular fructosyltransferase of Acetobacter diazotrophicus was isolated and purified and its enzymatic properties were established. Cloning, sequencing and genetic manipulation of the fructosyltransferase gene so as to produce high levels of the enzyme in recombinant prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Both natural and recombinant fructosyltransferase of Acetobacter diazotrophicus produce fructose-containing oligosaccharides and fructans. The enzyme yields in particular high levels of fructooligosaccharides from sucrose, such as kestose and kestotetraose which can be used as natural low-calorie sweeteners.