Abstract: Provided is a novel sleep-promoting composition. Provided is a sleep-promoting composition comprising bacteria belonging to Bifidobacterium breve as an active ingredient. The sleep-promoting composition related to the present technology may prolong a sleep time by prolonging non-REM sleep and REM sleep, reducing a spontaneous behavior amount during sleep, or reducing an awakening time during sleep. The sleep-promoting composition related to the present technology may also reduce difficulty in daytime awakening. The sleep-promoting composition related to the present technology may be used for a medical composition or a food and beverage composition.

Abstract: A novel agent useful for improving brain function is provided. The active ingredient in this agent is a Bifidobacterium breve and/or a Bifidobacterium breve-containing cultured material is provided.

Abstract: A novel agent useful for improving brain function is provided. The active ingredient in this agent is a Bifidobacterium breve and/or a Bifidobacterium breve-containing cultured material is provided.

Abstract: Provided is a novel sleep-promoting composition. Provided is a sleep-promoting composition comprising bacteria belonging to Bifidobacterium breve as an active ingredient. The sleep-promoting composition related to the present technology may prolong a sleep time by prolonging non-REM sleep and REM sleep, reducing a spontaneous behavior amount during sleep, or reducing an awakening time during sleep. The sleep-promoting composition related to the present technology may also reduce difficulty in daytime awakening. The sleep-promoting composition related to the present technology may be used for a medical composition or a food and beverage composition.

Abstract: An object is to provide an anti-stress composition that can be administered for a long period of time and is highly safe. Provided is an anti-stress composition including Lactobacillus helveticus as an active ingredient. The stress may be mental stress. Furthermore, the composition may be used for treatment or prevention of anxiety disorder, anthropophobia, a decline in sociality, or adjustment disorder. Furthermore, the Lactobacillus helveticus may be Lactobacillus helveticus NITE BP-01671. Furthermore, the composition may be a pharmaceutical composition or a food or drink composition.

Abstract: A composition for improving brain function contains acetic acid and/or an acetic acid salt as an active ingredient. Further suitably, the brain function improvement is brain dysfunction improvement or cognitive dysfunction improvement. Further suitably, the cognitive dysfunction is Alzheimer's-type dementia or vascular dementia. Further suitably, the composition is for oral intake. Further suitably, the composition is a food or drink composition for improving brain function.

Abstract: A novel agent useful for improving brain function is provided. The active ingredient in this agent is a Bifidobacterium breve and/or a Bifidobacterium breve-containing cultured material is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a method for detecting pathogenic isoform of prion protein as distinguished from normal prion protein in a simple manner, rapidly, with a high degree of sensitivity and quantitatively without the need of the enzymatic treatment with protease K; and a reagent for use in the method. Specifically disclosed are: a pathogenic isoform of prion protein binder which comprises lactoferrin; and a method for detecting pathogenic isoform of prion protein by using the pathogenic isoform of prion protein binder.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a method for detecting pathogenic isoform of prion protein as distinguished from normal prion protein in a simple manner, rapidly, with a high degree of sensitivity and quantitatively without the need of the enzymatic treatment with protease K; and a reagent for use in the method. Specifically disclosed are: a pathogenic isoform of prion protein binder which comprises lactoferrin; and a method for detecting pathogenic isoform of prion protein by using the pathogenic isoform of prion protein binder.

Abstract: Natural Killer (NK) cells are obtained by administering a Toll-like receptor ligand such as polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid into the peritoneal cavity of an animal to which lactoferrin has been administered to proliferate NK cells in the peritoneal cavity and collecting NK cells from the peritoneal cavity.

Abstract: Natural Killer (NK) cells are obtained by administering a Toll-like receptor ligand such as polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid into the peritoneal cavity of an animal to which lactoferrin has been administered to proliferate NK cells in the peritoneal cavity and collecting NK cells from the peritoneal cavity.

Abstract: Natural Killer (NK) cells are obtained by administering a Toll-like receptor ligand such as polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid into the peritoneal cavity of an animal to which lactoferrin has been administered to proliferate NK cells in the peritoneal cavity and collecting NK cells from the peritoneal cavity.

Abstract: Natural Killer (NK) cells are obtained by administering a Toll-like receptor ligand such as polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid into the peritoneal cavity of an animal to which lactoferrin has been administered to proliferate NK cells in the peritoneal cavity and collecting NK cells from the peritoneal cavity.

Abstract: NK cells are obtained by administering a Toll-like receptor ligand such as polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid into the peritoneal cavity of an animal to which lactoferrin has been administered to proliferate NK cells in the peritoneal cavity and collecting NK cells from the peritoneal cavity.

Abstract: Whey protein is hydrolyzed with hydrolase so that a rate of hydrolysis is preferably 20 to 30%. A fraction, which has molecular weights above 10,000 daltons, is removed from a resultant hydrolysate by means of an ultrafiltration method to obtain a whey protein hydrolysate which is used as an active ingredient of an interleukin-18 inducer.

Abstract: Whey protein is hydrolyzed with hydrolase so that a rate of hydrolysis is preferably 20 to 30%. A fraction, which has molecular weights above 10,000 daltons, is removed from a resultant hydrolysate by means of an ultrafiltration method to obtain a whey protein hydrolysate which is used as an active ingredient of an interleukin-18 inducer.