Abstract: A method for increasing the absorption of magnesium, zinc, and/or copper through the intestines of a subject desiring such an increase, includes administering to the subject a difructose anhydride (DFA) in an amount effective to increase the absorption of magnesium, zinc, and/or copper present in the intestines.

Abstract: In the invention, highly pure crystals of difructose dianhydride III (di-D-fructofuranose-1,2?:2,3?-dianhydride; hereinafter referred to as DFA III) are produced by adding 5% or less of powdered active carbon to a DFA III containing purified solution containing DFA III of 90% or more purity at a concentration of R-Bx 10-60, preferably 40-55, and after stirring, applying the mixture to solid-liquid separation (filtration with diatomaceous, filtration through a membrane filter, ultrafiltration, or continuous centrifugal separation) and concentrating the separated liquid part, followed by immediate crystallization. In the process of the invention, DFA III crystals can be produced efficiently and industrially, and the resulting crystals can be used for various purposes in pharmaceuticals or food and drink since they have no smell. This is characteristics of the invention different from the prior art products.

Abstract: A method for improving bowel movement of a subject desiring such an improvement, includes administering to the subject a defructose anhydride (DFA) in an amount effective to improve bowel movement.

Abstract: A method for improving bowel movement of a subject desiring such an improvement, includes administering to the subject a defructose anhydride (DFA) in an amount effective to improve bowel movement.

Abstract: A method for increasing the absorption of magnesium, zinc, and/or copper through the intestines of a subject desiring such an increase, includes administering to the subject a difructose anhydride (DFA) in an amount effective to increase the absorption of magnesium, zinc, and/or copper present in the intestines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a difructose anhydride (DFA)-containing composition and use thereof. DFA is a cyclic disaccharide in which the reducing termini of two fructose molecules bind each other to hydroxyl groups at the other nonreducing termini. According to the present invention, it has been revealed that DFA is effective in accelerating the absorption of magnesium, zinc or copper, accelerating bone formation, accelerating diuretic action, and improving bowel movement and is useful in inhibiting dental caries. A composition of the present invention can be used as a composition for a medicinal product and a food or drink product (including feed for animal use). Examples of a medicinal product and a food or drink product for human or animal use include formulated powder milk, parenteral nutrients, health food and drink products, and additives for feed and are not particularly limited as long as they are ultimately in an orally administrable form.

Abstract: Provided are a protein complex having the F0F1-ATPase activity; a DNA encoding the protein complex; a method for producing the protein complex, using the DNA; and a method for producing nucleoside 5?-triphosphate using the protein. The present invention further provides a recombinant DNA with the DNA inserted therein; a transformant carrying the recombinant DNA; and a method for producing a protein complex, using the transformant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a difructose anhydride (DFA)-containing composition and use thereof. DFA is a cyclic disaccharide in which the reducing termini of two fructose molecules bind each other to hydroxyl groups at the other nonreducing termini. According to the present invention, it has been revealed that DFA is effective in accelerating the absorption of magnesium, zinc or copper, accelerating bone formation, accelerating diuretic action, and improving bowel movement and is useful in inhibiting dental caries. A composition of the present invention can be used as a composition for a medicinal product and a food or drink product (including feed for animal use). Examples of a medicinal product and a food or drink product for human or animal use include formulated powder milk, parenteral nutrients, health food and drink products, and additives for feed and are not particularly limited as long as they are ultimately in an orally administrable form.

Abstract: In the invention, highly pure crystals of difructose dianhydride III (di-D-fructofuranose-1,2?:2,3 ?-dianhydride; hereinafter referred to as DFA III) are produced by adding 5% or less of powdered active carbon to a DFA III containing purified solution containing DFA III of 90% or more purity at a concentration of R-Bx 10-60, preferably 40-55, and after stirring, applying the mixture to solid-liquid separation (filtration with diatomaceous, filtration through a membrane filter, ultrafiltration, or continuous centrifugal separation) and concentrating the separated liquid part, followed by immediate crystallization. In the process of the invention, DFA III crystals can be produced efficiently and industrially, and the resulting crystals can be used for various purposes in pharmaceuticals or food and drink since they have no smell. This is characteristics of the invention different from the prior art products.

Abstract: Provided are a protein complex having the F0F1-ATPase activity; a DNA encoding the protein complex; a method for producing the protein complex, using the DNA; and a method for producing nucleoside 5′-triphosphate using the protein. The present invention further provides a recombinant DNA with the DNA inserted therein; a transformant carrying the recombinant DNA; and a method for producing a protein complex, using the transformant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bile acid absorbent/adsorbent comprising as active ingredients a lactic acid bacterium having a property of incorporating bile acids into the cell in the presence of an oligosaccharide and of no releasing them out of the cells, and the oligosaccharide. The lactic acid bacterium includes Lactobacillus salivarius ssp. salicinius strain JCM1044, Bifidobacterium breve strain JCM1192, etc. The oligosaccharide includes raffinose, kestose, nystose, trehalose, etc. The bile acid adsorbent is in a form of oral formulation, or eatables and drinkables, etc. The bile acid absorbent/adsorbent can be utilized as cholesterol lowering agents or colorectal cancer inhibitors.

Abstract: Provided are a protein complex having the F0F1-ATPase activity; a DNA encoding the protein complex; a method for producing the protein complex, using the DNA; and a method for producing nucleoside 5′-triphosphate, using the protein. The present invention further provides a recombinant DNA with the DNA inserted therein; a transformant carrying the recombinant DNA; and a method for producing a protein complex, using the transformant.

Abstract: L-valine is produced by culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Escherichia with the capability of producing L-valine or L-leucine wherein it requires lipoic acid for growth, a microorganism belonging to the genus Escherichia with the capability of producing L-valine or L-leucine wherein it is deficient in H+-ATPase activity, a microorganism belonging to the genus Escherichia wit the capability of producing L-valine or L-leucine wherein it requires lipoic acid for growth and is deficient in H+-ATPase activity, in the liquid medium to allow the L-valine to be produced and accumulated in a culture medium, and collecting it.

Abstract: The method for producing D-tryptophan with high optical purity and high yield is provided, which comprises contacting a mixture of D,L-tryptophan with organisms which produce tryptophanase to degrade L-tryptophan selectively, thereby increasing the content of D-tryptophan in D,L-tryptophan.

Abstract: L-valine is produced by culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Escherichia with the capability of producing L-valine or L-leucine wherein it requires lipoic acid for growth, a microorganism belonging to the genus Escherichia with the capability of producing L-valine or L-leucine wherein it is deficient in H.sup.+ -ATPase activity, a microorganism belonging to the genus Escherichia with the capability of producing L-valine or L-leucine wherein it requires lipoic acid for growth and is deficient in H.sup.+ -ATPase activity, in the liquid medium to allow the L-valine to be produced and accumulated in a culture medium, and collecting it.

Abstract: UCN-01 having an anti-tumor activity and an anti-bacterial activity is produced by culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Streptomyces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to DC-88A and DC-89A1 and their production. These compounds are obtained by fermentation of microorganisms belonging to the genus Streptomyces. These compounds have antibacterial and anti-tumor activities and are useful as medicaments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds DC-92B and DC-92D having anthraquinone moiety and represented by the following planar structural formula (I) and to a process for producing the same. These compounds can be produced by culture of a microorganism belonging to the genus Actinomadura, and are useful as medicaments because of their antibacterial and anti-tumor activities.

Abstract: Phenazine compounds represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is a hydrogen atom, an unsubstituted or substituted lower alkanoyl group, or an unsubstituted or substituted arylcarbonyl group have antibacterial and anti-tumor activities.Some of these compounds are produced by incubation of a microorganism.

Abstract: Tetrocarcins have remarkable and anti-piroplasma activity and anti-malaria activity, and especially useful for preventing or curing piroplasma disease of cattle.