Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of probiotics, and in particular to preventing and/or treating inflammatory and infectious disorders, for example by boosting the endogenous antimicrobial defences. One embodiment of the present invention is a composition comprising a combination of L. johnsonii (La1, NCC 533, deposit number CNCM I-1225) and Bifidobacterium longum NCC2705 (deposit number CNCM I-2618). This composition may be used in the treatment or prevention of disorders related to the immune system including infections.

Abstract: Capsule (9) for use in a beverage preparation machine (1), said capsule comprising side (10), bottom (12) and top (11) walls defining a closed chamber, said chamber containing an ingredient to be dissolved and/or extracted by a fluid injected under pressure within said capsule, said fluid being provided through an injection element (20) of the machine that is able to pierce an injection wall of the chamber, said capsule further comprising a beverage dispensing wall able to open for releasing a beverage prepared from said ingredient and said fluid, said capsule comprising a separating wall (14) within the chamber that separates, in a leak-tight manner:—an ingredient-containing compartment (15), and—a fluid injection compartment (16), said separating wall (14) comprising a one-way valve (17) able to let fluid under pressure flow only from the injection compartment (16) towards the ingredient-containing compartment (15).

Abstract: Compositions contain a therapeutically effective amount of p-anisaldehyde for at least one of provoking the swallowing reflex of dysphagic patients, decreasing appetite by delaying gastric emptying, reducing body weight gain, or reducing gylcemia by improving insulin sensitivity, or improving mood, memory or cognition. Methods are provided that include administering such compositions.

Abstract: Nutritional compositions having high amounts of protein and low ratios of omega-6:omega-3 fatty acids, and methods of making and using the nutritional compositions are provided. The nutritional compositions include an increased amount of protein, and a low ratio of omega-6:omega-3 fatty acids to provide a patient with adequate amounts of protein for the preservation of lean body mass, while reducing inflammation associated with administration of pro-inflammatory drug formulations such as propofol. The nutritional compositions also help to avoid potential complications associated with overfeeding of an enterally-fed patient being treated, or having been treated, with high fat medications such as propofol. Methods of making and using such nutritional compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Nutritional compositions that mimic whole foods and methods of using the nutritional compositions are provided. The nutritional compositions may include an increased number and variety of fruits and vegetables, an increased variety of macronutrient sources and an increased amount of other components that are found in whole foods. The nutritional compositions may also include ethnicity-specific meals and organic ingredients and provide emotional appeal to the patient and/or the patient's caregiver. Methods of administering such nutritional compositions to patients in need of same are also provided.

Abstract: Containers for a foodstuff or beverage preparation machine that includes beverage or foodstuff preparation material and a code encoding preparation information are disclosed. Beverage or foodstuff preparation machines and systems that can be utilized with the container are also disclosed. Methods of producing and using the containers, machines, and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a beverage production device for preparing a beverage from a beverage concentrate contained in a receptacle, comprising a support means (1) for supporting the receptacle (13), a plate member (2) arranged vertically to the support means, the plate member (2) comprising at least four outlet nozzles (4) for injecting a fluid jet (A) into the receptacle (13), liquid supply means (6) connected to the outlet nozzles (4), wherein at least two of the outlet nozzles (4) are designed to direct a fluid jet (A3, A4) to an inner side wall (13b) of the receptacle (13) and said outlet nozzles (4) are arranged at different angles (a) with respect the vertical, and wherein at least two of the outlet nozzles (4) are designed to direct a fluid jet (A1, A2) to the bottom of the receptacle (13a) and said outlet nozzles (4) are arranged at different angles (?) with respect to the vertical.

Abstract: An extraction unit (10) for extracting cartridges (1a;1b) of two different dimensions (da,ha;db,hb) comprises a seat (14,20) for receiving any of such cartridges (1a;1b) and for extraction thereof in the seat. The unit (10) further comprises a pair of slides (19a) for guiding any of such cartridges (1a;1b) towards the seat (14,20) in a sliding contact of each of these slides (19a) with a cartridge guide (5a;5b) of the cartridges (1a; 1b). The slides are relatively movable to be spaced selectively by a first and second distance (Da, Db) according to the size (da, db) of the cartridge.

Abstract: An extraction unit (10) for extracting cartridges (1a;1b) of two different dimensions (da,ha;db,hb) comprises a seat (14,20) for receiving any of these cartridges (1a;1b) for extraction thereof in the seat. The seat is delimited by a first part (20,30,33) and second part (12,13,14) that are relatively movable between a cartridge extraction position and a cartridge loading and/or ejection position over a closure distance (Ca,Cb). The first delimiting part (20,30,33) is extendable and retractable for defining a cartridge cavity having selectively: —a first depth (Ha) for receiving a cartridge (1a) having a first height (ha); and —a second depth (Hb) different to this first depth (Ha) for receiving a cartridge (1b) having a second height (hb) different to this first height (ha).

Abstract: A machine (1) comprises a frame (1?) and a capsule handling device (1?) mounted in and/or on the frame (1?). The device (1?) comprises: —a first part (10) that is movable relatively to the frame (1?) from a transfer position for inserting and/or removing said capsule (2a,2b) to an extraction position for extracting such capsule and vice versa; —a second part (20) that has a capsule receptacle (21) delimiting a cavity (21?) for receiving such capsule (2a,2b) and for forming an extraction chamber (21?) with the first part (10) in its extraction position, the second part (10) comprising a first portion (21a) and a second portion (21b) that are relatively movable between a first relative position and a second relative position to change at least one dimension of the cavity (21?) and of the extraction chamber (21?); —an actuator (30,300) connected to the first part (10) for driving the movable first part (10) between the transfer position and the extraction position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to compositions that comprise citrulline and leucine or a metabolite thereof including, for example, a synergistic amount of citrulline and leucine. Such compositions may be used in methods for the treatment of metabolic syndrome, hyperglycemia, and/or hyperinsulinemia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-based coatings for frozen confectioneries intended for animal consumption. In particular, it relates to the use of starch and protein in the preparation of a low fat water-based coating for a frozen confectionery.

Abstract: A cooking aid includes a sheet of flexible burn resistant material and a composition disposed on one face of the sheet. The composition contains a mixture of vegetable or animal oil with a melting point below 20° C., vegetable or animal fat with a melting point above 20° C., and one or more herbs, spices and flavor enhancers.

Abstract: A device for controlled dispensing of capsules containing beverage ingredients, as well as a system and a beverage preparation machine that include the device, are disclosed. Methods of use of the device are also disclosed. In addition, a package for holding beverage ingredients containing capsules is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to epicatechin for use in the prevention or reduction of symptoms of an allergic disorder and/or an allergic reaction. The invention further relates to epicatechin for said use in the form of food, food product, food supplement or pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a beverage preparation machine (1) for preparing a beverage from a food substance contained in a capsule (12) by injection of a fluid into said capsule (12), said machine comprising: —a capsule holder (8) for holding a capsule, said holder (8) having a cup-shaped body (27), a handle portion (28), and a dispensing opening (29) through the bottom portion (30) of said body (27); —a fluid conduction system comprising a fluid reservoir (2), a fluid pump, optionally a fluid heater, said reservoir, pump and heater being connected by fluid pipes; —a brewing head (3) having an aperture for receiving said capsule holder (8), and an injection support (17) connected to the fluid conduction system; —an injection plate (18) supported by said support (17), said injection plate (18) comprising an upper surface (23) with a fluid coupling (32) connected to the fluid conduction system through said support, said injection plate (18) further comprising a fluid conducting channel (24) connecting the

Abstract: The present invention is directed to container (11) for food or beverage preparation, comprising walls (12) defining at least one compartment adapted for containing at least one precursor ingredient, said walls (12) comprising at least one fluid connection portion (20) for fluidly coupling to a cooperating fluid connection portion (31) of a food or beverage preparation machine (1) having at least one source (3, 28) of a fluid mixing ingredient, whereby a food or beverage product is prepared within said compartment (11) by mixing said mixing ingredient with said precursor ingredient, said container (11) further comprising at least one food or beverage delivery wall (16, 17), characterized in that said container (11) comprises built-in pump means (10, 13, 14, 21, 22, 23, 29) suitable for pumping said mixing ingredient from said source (3, 28) when said container (11) is fluidly connected to said machine (1), and for generating a fluid circulation within said at least one compartment, such that a food or beverag

Abstract: The present invention provides assays and methods for predicting the survival of a subject having colorectal cancer (CRC), thereby determining whether the subject will have a good prognosis or poor prognosis. The present invention also provides assays and methods for predicting therapeutic efficacy and/or response to anti-cancer therapeutics in a subject having CRC, thereby selecting a therapeutic regimen to which the subject is likely to be responsive.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a capsule (11) containing a beverage ingredient, adapted to be functionally inserted in a food preparation machine (1), said capsule comprising walls (12) that define a cavity wherein said beverage is prepared by mixing said ingredient with a fluid injected therein under pressure by said machine, said capsule further comprising a dispensing opening (13), and opening means that open upon effect of the rise of pressure within said cavity, characterized in that said opening means comprise a flow-conducting channel (14) able to connect the capsule cavity to the dispensing opening (13) and a spring-mounted piston plug (15) that is movable in said channel between: (i) a closed position where said cavity pressure is below a first predetermined pressure Pc, the piston spring (16) is at rest, and the piston plug (15) seals against a sealing portion (19) of the channel walls, (ii) a dispensing position where said cavity pressure is equal or superior to Pc, the piston spring (16) is elasti

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing a beverage (4?) comprises a frame (2) and a beverage preparation module (9) supported by the frame, the module (9) having a part (10) that is movable relative to the frame between: a transfer position for introducing a beverage ingredient into the module (9) and/or removing the ingredient therefrom; and a processing position for forming the beverage from the ingredient in the module. The beverage preparation module further has a beverage outlet (11) for dispensing the formed beverage (4?) to a beverage dispensing area (4) for receiving a user-recipient for collecting the beverage (4?). The frame (2) further supports a guide (20) configured to drain and deliver liquid residues (3?) from the beverage outlet (11) to a service area (3) separate from the dispensing area (4) so that the residues (3?) are inhibited from being drained from the beverage outlet (11) to the beverage dispensing area (4).