Abstract: The use of Bifidobacterium lactis CNCM 1-3446 in the manufacture of a medicament or therapeutic nutritional composition for promoting the development of an early bifidogenic intestinal microbiota in infants delivered by caesarean section is disclosed.

Abstract: Device for preparing a liquid beverage from a cartridge, comprising a supply unit (2) for supplying injection fluid to the cartridge (10), a cartridge holder (6) configured to accept and support a cartridge; the said cartridge holder being detachable from the device and complementary insertion means (7) are configured to allow the cartridge holder to be inserted from its detached position into the supply unit (2). The injection means (5) are provided and form part of the supply unit. The injection means are able to move into engagement. Sealing means (16) are also provided in association with the injection means in ‘order to provide sealing locally between the said injection means and the cartridge.

Abstract: The use of probiotic bacteria capable of promoting the development of an early bifidogenic intestinal microbiota in the manufacture of a medicament or therapeutic nutritional composition for reducing the risk of development of overweight or obesity of an infant later in life.

Abstract: A beverage machine having a height-adjustment device that includes a movable support plate for adjusting the position of the recipient relative to at least one beverage outlet. The support plate is movable relative to the at least one beverage outlet. The machine also includes a displacement mechanism for displacing the support plate relative to the outlet. The displacement mechanism includes a motorized driver for driving the displacement mechanism, a controller for controlling the actuation of the driver and which is configured to set a predetermined distance between the outlet and the recipient. A drip-collecting device can also be selectively provided to collect liquid falling from the beverage outlet when the recipient is not present.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for dispensing of a microbiologically sensitive fluid, in particular low acid food fluid, in a hygienic manner so as to avoid micro-organism growth in the line dispensing the fluid as well as in any mechanical components of a dispensing unit that may enter into contact with the fluid. The invention hygienically supplies microbiologically sensitive fluid from a removable container that has a terminal connecting portion to a dispensing unit. The unit includes a coupling mechanism adapted to connect the terminal connecting portion and a component for delivering a cleaning or rinsing fluid within the terminal connecting portion. Thus, during cleaning or rinsing, the cleaning or rinsing fluid can be discharged within the terminal connecting portion up to a closing point of the container assembly, thus demarcating a closing point, downstream of which is a part that is maintained clean, and upstream of which is a part of the container that is maintained sterile.

Abstract: A sugar confectionery mass having a light texture comprising a chemically aerated high-boil sugar material interspersed with layers of a fat-based material and method for making the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for extracting a cap (16) comprising a first part (2), a second part (3) which is movable with respect to the second part (2) which is provided with a space for the cap and defines the cap extracting position in a closed position thereof, an introduction and positioning part comprising the cap guiding elements (6, 7) which are arranged in such a way that it is possible to insert the cap by gravity force and position it in an intermediate position and a beverage pouring system (19) in which the second movable part (3) displaces the cap from the intermediate position to the extraction position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of modification of dissolution kinetics of particulate materials. In particular, the present invention relates to the adaptation of the dissolution kinetics of powders, e.g., food powders to a particular purpose. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a Composite Particle to be dissolved comprising at least two solid soluble sub-particles, at least one of which has a negative heat of dissolution in the liquid the Composite Particle is to be dissolved in.

Abstract: A novel gene of Bifidobacteria and the polypeptides encoded thereby. In particular, a gene belonging to the Serpin superfamily and its use in the production of bacterial Serpins is provided. Also provided are vectors, host cells, and methods for producing bacterial Serpin polynucleotides and/or polypeptides.

Abstract: A DNA fragment derived from coffee encoding at least one enzyme involved in the hydrolysis of polysaccharides comprising pure or branched mannan molecules linked to each other via a ? (1?4) linkage, and which has the the nucleic acid sequence SEQ ID NO.:1 or which is homologous to or hybridizes to a fragment of DNA having the nucleic acid sequence SEQ ID NO.:1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a moisture resistant or moisture tolerant wafer which retains its crispy texture when exposed to moisture.

Abstract: A nutritional composition for infants at risk of developing obesity later in life comprises a protein source, a lipid source and a carbohydrate source and has a protein content of less than 1.8 g/100 kcal and an energy density of less than 650 kcal/litre.

Abstract: A kiosk configured for selling and manufacturing customized food for a pet is disclosed. The kiosk comprises a customer interface area, a biological sample analysis and handling area, a base product display area, a product additive storage area, and an ingredient mixing and customer observation area.

Abstract: A system for dispensing at least one liquid substance comprises a bag filled with a substance which is to be dispensed and a dispensing device which has a housing in which there is a space for accommodating the bag. The bag has a first connector element and the dispensing device has a second connector element, connectable to the first connector element allowing discharge of said substance from the bag. The dispensing device has retaining means for retaining the first connector element of the bag in a defined pre-connection position prior to interconnecting the first and second connector elements. The first and second connector elements are displaceable relative to each other between a connected position and a disconnected position. The dispensing device has actuator means associated with the first or second connector elements for displacing the first and second connector elements relative to each other between the connected and unconnected position.

Abstract: A method and device for hygienically delivering a liquid food to or from a food or beverage dispenser by delivering a flow of liquid food through an outlet positioned at a distance of all surfaces of the dispenser and by frequently cleaning the outlet with a flow of cleaning liquid directed onto the external surfaces demarcating the outlet to eliminate the liquid and solid food residue. The device may include a connection fitment with an elongated food delivery member which is configured to connect to a cleaning chamber of the dispenser. The device can be easier and more conveniently cleaned and/or sanitized enabling the dispensing of microbial sensitive food products such as milk concentrate and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to drink-stirring device for stirring or mixing liquid and/or powdered ingredients with liquid in a drinking vessel (4), the liquid being supplied from above through the stirring device to an outlet tube which conducts at least one liquid jet towards the interior of the drinking vessel. The liquid is supplied through an outlet tube (64) which is rotatably attached to the device and is associated to an external, magnetic member (82). The electromagnet arrangement is arranged outside or at distance of the magnetic member for creating a variable magnetic field configured to move the tube (64) in rotation, so that the emerging liquid jet can be given a corresponding centrifugal effect.

Abstract: A system and device for preparing a liquid beverage from a cartridge. The device includes a supply unit for supplying an injection fluid into the cartridge, a cartridge holder configured to accept and support the cartridge with the cartridge holder being detachable from the device. A complementary insertion mechanism of the device is configured to receive the cartridge holder in the device. The cartridge is positioned in the supply unit in an injection position with its injection surface substantially in an inclined plane relative to the horizontal plane and the injection mechanism is offset from the highest edge of the cartridge. The cartridge holder preferably comprises a linear wedge-shaped insertion member having a bearing surface inclined along an angle. The method of operation of the system and device are also disclosed.

Abstract: The use of a probiotic strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and an oligosaccharide mixture which comprises 5-70 wt % of at least one N-acetylated oligosaccharide selected from the group comprising GalNAc?1,3Gal?1,4Glc and Gal?1,6GalNAc?1,3Gal?1,4Glc, 20-90 wt % of at least one neutral oligosaccharide selected from the group comprising Gal?1,6Gal, Gal?1,6Gal?1,4Glc Gal?1,6Gal?1,6Glc, Gal?1,3Gal?1,3Glc, Gal? 1,3Gal? 1,4GIc, Gal? 1,6Gal? 1,6Gal? 1,4GIc, Gal? 1,6Gal? 1,3Gal? 1,4GIc Gal?1,3Gal?1,6Gal?1,4Glc and Gal?1,3Gal?1,3Gal?1, 4GIc and 5-50 wt % of at least one sialylated oligosaccharide selected from the group comprising NeuAc?2,3Gal?1,4GIc and NeuAc?2,6Gal?1,4Glc in the manufacture of a medicament or therapeutic nutritional composition for promoting the development of an early bifidogenic intestinal microbiota in infants delivered by caesarean section is disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for use as a medicament, functional food or nutritional product is described which comprises at least one lipid wherein the lipid provides greater than 35% total energy of the composition. A preferred embodiment comprises a n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio of about 2/1 to 7/1. In addition, a method of preparing the composition; use of the composition in the manufacture of a medicament, functional food or nutritional product; and a method of treatment or treatment or prevention of sepsis or inflammatory shock which comprises administering an effective amount of the composition are described.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the use of probiotics for the preparation of a carrier for balancing the skin's immune function. In particular, the present invention pertains to the use of probiotic micro-organisms for balancing the skin's immune function under stress conditions, such as a exposure to ultraviolet radiation, specifically for enhancing the skin's immune activity and reducing the tendency to develop allergic reactions under such conditions.