Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for pretreatment of a sample containing microbial cells. In some embodiments, the pretreatment of the sample is performed via the initial selective lysis, within a sample pretreatment vessel, of non-microbial cells (such as blood cells) and the subsequent centrifugal separation of the sample to remove the resulting debris and concentrate the microbial cells. An immiscible and dense cushioning liquid may be included for collecting the microbial cells adjacent to the liquid interface formed by the cushioning liquid upon centrifugation of the pretreatment vessel. After removal of a substantial quantity of the supernatant, resuspension of the collected microbial cells, and re-establishment of the cushioning liquid interface, at least a portion of the remaining suspension may be removed without substantially removing the cushioning liquid. One or more intermediate wash cycles may be performed prior to extraction of the remaining suspension, which provides a “pretreated” sample.

Abstract: A culture system for culturing a microaerophilic or an anaerobic microorganism is provided. The culture system can include effective amounts of i) an enzyme of an oxidoreductase family and ii) a substrate for said enzyme, a container, and a predetermined volume of aqueous medium that supports growth of said anaerobic or microaerophilic microorganism. The enzyme can be selected from a group consisting of ascorbic acid oxidase and laccase. The effective amounts are effective to deplete dissolved oxygen in the predetermined volume to a concentration that facilitates growth of a microaerophilic microorganism or an obligately-anaerobic microorganism. A method of using the system is also provided.

Abstract: Glucosyl Stevia compositions are prepared from steviol glycosides of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. The glucosylation was performed by cyclodextrin glucanotransferase using the starch as source of glucose residues. The compositions mainly comprise glucosyl derivatives with superior taste characteristics and can be used as sweetness enhancers, flavor enhancers and sweeteners in foods, beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a heparosan compound having an isomerized hexuronic acid residue and a method for producing a heparan sulfate with improved C5-epimerization efficiency.

Abstract: Provided is a microorganism of the genus Epidermidibacterium belonging to the family Sporichthyaceae, or a culture thereof, or a composition for preventing, improving, or treating skin conditions or inflammatory diseases including the same.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for preparing anticoagulant polysaccharides using several non-naturally occurring, engineered sulfotransferase enzymes that are designed to react with aryl sulfate compounds instead of the natural substrate, PAPS, to facilitate sulfo group transfer to polysaccharide sulfo group acceptors. Suitable aryl sulfate compounds include, but are not limited to, p-nitrophenyl sulfate or 4-nitrocatechol sulfate. Anticoagulant polysaccharides produced by methods of the present invention comprise N-, 3-O-, 6-O-sulfated glucosamine residues and 2-O sulfated hexuronic acid residues, have comparable anticoagulant activity compared to commercially-available anticoagulant polysaccharides, and can be utilized to form truncated anticoagulant polysaccharides having a reduced molecular weight.

Abstract: A food composition and pharmaceutical composition with strains of lactic acid bacteria for modulating blood glucose are provided, comprising an isolated lactic acid bacteria strain. The isolated lactic acid bacteria strain is at least one selected from a group including a GL-104 strain of Lactobacillus reuteri (CCTCC NO: M209138), an AP-32 strain of Lactobacillus salivarius subsp. salicinius (CCTCC NO: M2011127), a TYCA06 strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus (CGMCC No: 15210), and an MH-68 strain of Lactobacillus johnsonii (CCTCC NO: M2011128), or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Bioactive coatings that are stabilized against inactivation by weathering are provided including a base associated with a chemically modified enzyme, and, optionally a first polyoxyethylene present in the base and independent of the enzyme. The coatings are optionally overlayered onto a substrate to form an active coating facilitating the removal of organic stains or organic material from food, insects, or the environment.

Abstract: In order to quantitatively characterize biological objects, for example individual cells, a stimulus is applied to a biological object (8) in a contactless fashion. A measurement and a further measurement are performed on the biological object (8) in order to ascertain a response of the biological object (8) to the stimulus, wherein the measurement and the further measurement comprise detecting Raman scattering on and/or in the biological object (8) and/or capturing data using digital holographic microinterferometry (DHMI). The biological object (8) is characterized according to a result of the measurement and is sorted if needed. The stimulus can be applied by means of a laser beam that creates optical tweezers or an optical trap, by means of ultrasonic waves or an electric or magnetic radio frequency field.

Abstract: System and methods for monitoring the growth of an aquatic plant culture and detecting real-time characteristics associated with the aquatic plant culture aquatic plants. The systems and methods may include a control unit configured to perform an analysis of at least one image of an aquatic plant culture. The analysis may include processing at least one collected image to determine at least one physical characteristic or state of an aquatic plant culture. Systems and methods for distributing aquatic plant cultures are also provided. The distribution systems and methods may track and control the distribution of an aquatic plant culture based on information received from various sources. Systems and methods for growing and harvesting aquatic plants in a controlled and compact environment are also provided. The systems may include a bioreactor having a plurality of vertically stacked modules designed to contain the aquatic plants and a liquid growth medium.

Abstract: Bioactive coatings that are stabilized against inactivation by weathering are provided including a base associated with a chemically modified enzyme, and, optionally a first polyoxyethylene present in the base and independent of the enzyme. The coatings are optionally overlayered onto a substrate to form an active coating facilitating the removal of organic stains or organic material from food, insects, or the environment.

Abstract: Bioactive coatings that are stabilized against inactivation by weathering are provided including a base including an enzyme associated therein, and a first polyoxyethylene present in the base and independent of the enzyme. The coatings are optionally overlayered onto a substrate to form an active coating facilitating the removal of organic stains or organic material from food, insects, or the environment.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for preparing anticoagulant polysaccharides using several non-naturally occurring, engineered sulfotransferase enzymes that are designed to react with aryl sulfate compounds instead of the natural substrate, PAPS, to facilitate sulfo group transfer to polysaccharide sulfo group acceptors. Suitable aryl sulfate compounds include, but are not limited to, p-nitrophenyl sulfate or 4-nitrocatechol sulfate. Anticoagulant polysaccharides produced by methods of the present invention comprise N-, 3-O-, 6-O-sulfated glucosamine residues and 2-O sulfated hexuronic acid residues, have comparable anticoagulant activity compared to commercially-available anticoagulant polysaccharides, and can be utilized to form truncated anticoagulant polysaccharides having a reduced molecular weight.

Abstract: Bioactive coatings suitable for facilitating removal of a fingerprint when contacting the coating are provided including a base associated with a chemically modified enzyme, and, optionally a first polyoxyethylene present in the base and independent of the enzyme. The coatings are optionally overlayered onto a substrate. Also provided are processes of facilitating fingerprint removal.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of pharmaceutical synthesis, in particular to a preparation method of (3R,3aS,6aR)-hexahydrofuro[2,3-b]furan-3-ol derivatives and their intermediates. The preparation method is carried out starting from compound Formula A1. In the preparation of (3R,3aS,6aR)-hexahydrofuro[2,3-b]furan-3-ol derivatives, the chirality was constructed by enzymatic method, and the products were prepared with high optical purity. The preparation method can be used to produce the key intermediates of (3R,3aS,6aR)-hexahydrofuro[2,3-b]furan-3-ol of darunavir commercially, which is a very economical route suitable for industrial production.

Abstract: Non-genetically engineered mammalian cells modified by sortase-mediated conjugation of an agent thereto are provided. Methods of conjugating agents to non-genetically engineered mammalian cells using sortase are provided. Methods of using the cells, e.g., for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising probiotic and prebiotic components, mineral salts, lactoferrin, and possibly saccharomycetes, which perform correct, effective colonisation of the probiotic components administered, with enteric consequences which involve maintaining and/or restoring intestinal health and preventing the consequences of common dysbioses of the digestive tract caused by stress, incorrect dietary habits and antibiotic treatments. Said compositions also have a concomitant anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating action.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a genetically engineered strain for sarcosine production as well as a construction method and application. The genetically engineered strain is obtained by using Escherichia coli as a host and by integrating a single copy of imine reductase gene dpkA on its genome; singly copying citrate synthase gene gltA; knocking out glyoxylate cycle inhibitor gene iclR; knocking out malate synthase gene aceB; integrating a single copy of isocitrate lyase gene aceA; integrating a single copy of membrane-bound transhydrogenase gene pntAB; knocking out 2-ketate reductase gene ycdW; integrating a single copy of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase gene ppc; and knocking out pyruvate kinase gene pykF. After system metabolism transformation, the engineered strain can synthesize sarcosine with glucose and methylamine as main raw materials. The sarcosine titer can reach 10 g/L after fermentation for 30 h in a 5 L fermenter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnostic composition using acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), and a method for detecting diagnostic markers and, more specifically, to a method and a composition for detecting markers for ALS, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a sample of a subject; (b) measuring the ASM expression level or the enzyme activation level in the sample; (c) determining that a subject, of which the ASM expression level or the enzyme activation level is increased compared to that of a normal person, has ALS. According to the investigation of the present inventors, the activity of ASM, among lipids and enzymes related to the sphingolipid metabolism, is specifically increased in a sample of an ALS patient compared to that of a normal person. ASM can be used as a marker for diagnosing ALS, thereby enabling the development of a novel and effective diagnostic reagent.

Abstract: A method, for the identification of bacterial isolates suitable for use in bacteriotherapy, the method comprising: (i) preparing a suspension of material collected from a host harbouring microbiota; (ii) addition of an activator of bacterial spores sufficient to allow growth of bacteria from spores present in the suspension; (iii) culturing the suspension; and (iv) identification of at least one bacterial species within the culture.