Abstract: The invention relates to a composition which, depending on the user, may be taken as a nutritional, dietetic or strictly therapeutic preparation, comprising as its active substance alkaline sphingomyelinase which is capable of preventing or treating various pathological conditions including cancerous processes, inflammatory processes of the intestine, hypercholesterolaemia and infections with Helicobacter pylori.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition which, depending on the user, may be taken as a nutritional, dietetic or strictly therapeutic preparation, comprising as its active substance alkaline sphingomyelinase which is capable of preventing or treating various pathological conditions including cancerous processes, inflammatory processes of the intestine, hypercholesterolaemia and infections with Helicobacter pylori.

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: A mixture of at least 6 species of lactic acid bacteria and/or Bifidobacteria is disclosed for use in bakery and medical field. The preferred mixture comprises Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus. Said mixture is useful for a sourdough, a leavening composition. Baked goods and other food products obtained therefrom are disclosed. These goods have low or no gluten content and are suitable for the integration of the diet of a subject suffering from celiac disease, for decreasing the risk of allergies due to wheat flour albumins and globulins, for the treatment of schizophrenic symptoms, in the preparation of products for enteric diet.

Abstract: An analytical fluorometric method and a kit for use in such method are disclosed for assessing the presence of alkaline sphingomyelinase (SMase) in the stool of a patient in need of such an assessment since alkaline SMase is a marker of serious pathological states, such as colon cancer.

Abstract: Describes a new strain of Streptococcus thermophilus ssp. salivarius (deposited on 4 Dec. 2001 at the DSMZ—Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany, with accession No. DSM 14667) and edible compositions, drugs and veterinary products containing it. The use of the said strain is particularly effective in the prevention/treatment of hepatic steatosis (fatty liver) and in nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pH test glove bearing a reporter substance indicating the possible presence of vaginal affection. such as infections, in particular bacterial vaginosis, or vaginitis. This glove is easy to use, accurate and safe for the woman using it.

Abstract: An analytical fluorometric method and a kit for use in such method are disclosed for assessing the presence of alkaline sphingomyelinase (SMase) in the stool of a patient in need of such an assessment since alkaline SMase is a marker of serious pathological states, such as colon cancer.

Abstract: Describes a new strain of Streptococcus thermophilus ssp. salivarius (deposited on 4 Dec. 2001 at the DSMZ—Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany, with accession No. DSM 14667) and edible compositions, drugs and veterinary products containing it. The use of the said strain is particularly effective in the prevention/treatment of hepatic steatosis (fatty liver) and in nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis.

Abstract: The use of G class immunoglobulins, particularly immunoglobulins for intravenous use or for intramuscular use to produce a medicine for the local therapeutic treatment of dermatitis, particularly acne, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, eczema and ichthyosis, psoriasis papulosquamous dermatopathies (seborrehic dermatitis, erythrodermia, etc.), as well as fungus, parasite, bacterium and virus infection dermatitis is disclosed. The pharmaceutical composition containing G class immunoglobulins suitable for topical application for the treatment of dermatitis is also disclosed.

Abstract: An analytical fluorometric method and a kit for use in such method are disclosed for assessing the presence of alkaline sphingomyelinase (SMase) in the stool of a patient in need of such an assessment since alkaline SMase is a marker of serious pathological states, such as colon cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed is the use of bacteria endowed with arginine deiminase to induce apoptosis and/or reduce an inflammatory reaction, and pharmaceutical or dietetic compositions containing such bacteria. Also disclosed is a strain of Lactobacillus brevis highly endowed with arginine deiminase.

Abstract: The use of an alkanoyl L-carnitine for preparing a medicament for treating the erectile dysfunction is described.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a combination of lactic acid bacteria comprising: (a) a first component consisting of at least one strain of H2O2-producing lactic acid bacteria; and (b) a second component consisting of at least one strain of arginine-utilizing lactic acid bacteria. The disclosure is also of the use of this combination for making a food supplement, a hygiene product or a pharmaceutical preparation for the prevention and/or treatment of infections and inflammatory conditions caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi, especially in the mouth, vagina, urethra, nose, eyes and ears.

Abstract: The presence of a vaginal affection is determined in a subject using an identifiable indicator and, if the indication is positive, a gynecological composition comprising one or more Lactobacillus strains is administered locally in an amount effective to treat the vaginal affection. Also described are packages or kits including a probe or tool such as a glove bearing a reporter substance for indicating the presence of a vaginal infection packaged together with a gynecological composition for treating the vaginal infection, if it is found to be present.

Abstract: The use of sphingomyelinase to increase the levels of skin and mucosal ceramides, as well as dermatolgical and cosmetic compositions containing game which are suitable for topical application are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides materials and procedures for the delivery of selected strains of bacteria and/or oxalate-degrading enzymes to the intestinal tracts of persons who are at increased risk for oxalate related disease because they have lost, or have inadequate concentrations of these bacteria. The administration of these bacteria and/or the relevant enzyme removes oxalate from the intestinal tract and thus reduces the amount of oxalate available for absorption and reduces the risk for oxalate related disease.

Abstract: Enteral compositions containing Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium infantis and Bifidobacterium longum, each at a concentration equal to or greater than 1×1011 CFU per gram, are useful as adjuncts for enteral formulations and as oral nutritional supplements. The compositions can be administered before, during or at the end of an enteral formulation administration. The compositions can be administered separately or mixed with the enteral formulation. The compositions can also be employed at the end of the daily administration in order to prevent the colonization of the enteral tube by the other pathogens. The compositions can also be used as supplement to any liquid, creamy or pasty foodstuff. The present invention relates to a kit comprising two containers, one containing a foodstuff and the other containing the enteral composition consisting of Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium infantis and Bifidobacterium longum.

Abstract: Enteral compositions containing a mixture of live lactic bacteria consisting of Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium infantis, each at a concentration equal to or greater than 1×1011 CFU per gram, are useful as adjuncts for enteral formulations and as oral nutritional supplements. The compositions can be administered before, during or at the end of an enteral formulation administration. The compositions can be administered separately or mixed with the enteral formulation. The compositions can also be employed at the end of the daily administration in order to prevent the colonization of the enteral tube by the other pathogens. The compositions can also be used as supplement to any liquid, creamy or pasty foodstuff.

Abstract: Strains of bacteria characterized by exhibiting: (a) a 7?-dehydroxylase activity of less than 50%, and (b) 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.