Abstract: Preparation of dietary fibers for increasing the abundance of Faecalibacteriumprausnitzii in the gastrointestinal tract of a human subject, the dietary fibers in said preparation consisting essentially of 2?-fucosyllactose (2?-FL) and optionally one or more further oligosaccharides selected from the group consisting of galacto-oligosaccharides, fructo-oligosaccharides, resistant starch, polydextrose, and human milk oligosaccharides other than 2?-fucosyllactose.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-therapeutic method for maintaining a healthy body weight or losing body weight, in a subject, wherein the non-therapeutic method comprises the step of administering 2?-fucosyllactose and resistant starch, and wherein the subject has a lean weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to nutritional compositions or nutritional supplements for improving sleep and/or reducing anxiety. Provided is a nutritional composition comprising (i) 1-40 wt %, based on solids content, galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), and (ii) a protein source providing L-tryptophan (Tip) and L-cysteine (Cys), wherein the protein providing Tip and Cys is present in an amount that provides Cys and Tip each in an amount of 4-15 wt. % relative to the weight of GOS in the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for screening for a bacterium exhibiting enhanced survival properties in the gastro-intestinal tract. The present invention further relates to a method for screening for culture conditions that provide a bacterium exhibiting enhanced survival properties in the gastro-intestinal tract. The present invention further relates to a method for modulating the expression of certain polynucleotides. The present invention further relates to a method for the preparation of a bacterium exhibiting enhanced survival properties in the gastro-intestinal tract. The present invention further relates to a bacterium exhibiting enhanced survival properties in the gastro-intestinal tract. The present invention further relates to a method for the preparation of a food composition. The present invention further relates to a food composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and means for regulating gene expression and to CodY target sequences. CodY represses its target genes by binding to specific DNA sequences upstream of the respective genes. A conserved target site was identified by analyzing upstream sequences of derepressed genes in a delta codY L. lactis MG1363 derivative, as identified in a DNA micro-array study. Also, CodY target sequences from other gram-positive bacteria, like B. subtilis and Streptococcus are disclosed. Hence, the invention provides CodY target sequences that may be used in different applications to repress or derepress gene expression.