Abstract: A novel agar medium for the isolation, sub-cultivation, and indirect or direct drug-susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of isolating and growing Mycobacterium tuberculosis and methods of drug-resistance screening using the agar medium of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention features gram-positive bacteria resistant to 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (FUdR). Such bacteria will preferably be commensal, and will not be resistant to antibiotics. Bacteria according to the present invention may also be transformed with DNA encoding an antigenic protein. Such transformed bacteria may be used to formulate a vaccine, in order to stimulate an immune response to the antigenic protein in a patient. The present invention further provides a method for isolating gram-positive bacteria resistant to FUdR.

Abstract: Methods are included for quantitating the efficacy of oral care products at dislodging cells from biofilm test surfaces or inhibit or delay the accumulation of cells on a test surface. More specifically, the inventive methods measure the effectiveness of compositions and appliances in a test environment that models biofilm surface orientations that are encountered on a tooth surface, i.e. interproximal and subgingival tooth surfaces. The use of test surfaces that are removably attachable to a tooth prosthesis allow a variety of different quantitative methods to be applied to determine the amount of cells removed or deposited in a biofilm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a serum-free supplement which supports the growth of hematopoietic cells in culture. Also provided are a medium comprising a basal medium supplemented with the serum-free supplement of the present invention. The present invention also provides methods for culturing and for differentiating hematopoietic cells.

Abstract: Bifidobacteria strains and mutants thereof having tolerance in the gastrointestinal environments and to a method for culturing the same. Strains of the invention include Bifidobacterium longum ATCC No.(s) 55815, 55816, 55817 and 55818. All of which have tolerances against bile salt, acid and oxygen and which have been obtained through mutagenesis and screening for tolerances against bile salt, acid and oxygen by using acid tolerant using acid-tolerant Bifidobacterium longum Y1 and Y2 strains (ATCC 55813 and 55814). These strains can be isolated from healthy infant feces as the parent strains. Further, an isolated Bifidobacterium mutant strain which grows aerobically, is ten times more tolerant to hydrochloric acid at a pH of 1.5 to 4.5 and is also tolerant to oxgall at 0.3% in a culture medium is disclosed. The strains show excellent growth under aerobic condition in the presence of skim milk without supplement of other growth promoting substances.

Abstract: A method of biochemically transforming macromolecular compounds found in solid carbonaceous materials, such as coal is provided. The preparation of new microorganisms, metabolically weaned through challenge growth processes to biochemically transform solid carbonaceous materials at extreme temperatures, pressures, pH, salt and toxic metal concentrations is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microbial consortium, ATCC 202177, is enriched to remove target sulfur compounds from gases in the presence of ammonia, cyanide, carbon monoxide, and other toxic gases and mixtures thereof. The ATCC 202177 consortium is cultured in an anaerobic or aerobic nutrient medium until enough cells of ATCC 202177 are recovered to remove the target sulfur species at a pressure ranging from 1 to 80 atmospheres.

Abstract: The malignant or otherwise diseased state of a cell can be determined in tissues fixed by techniques such as the formalin and parafin methods. This determination is made by (1) studying the precise conformation (i.e. position and structure) of at least one gene within a chromosome of a targeted cell and (2) measuring the deviation of gene conformation in comparison to a non-diseased cell. Accordingly, methods for evaluating the malignancy index of cells, as well as monitoring the effectiveness of therapeutic treatment, are provided.

Abstract: A composition containing cAMP, cGMP, forskolin, adenylate cyclase or guanylate cyclase and microorganisms is provided to facilitate bioremediation, detoxication and to enhance plant growth in media contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons. Methods to make the composition and apply it to the contaminated media in order to facilitate bioremediation and detoxication of such contaminants are also provided.

Abstract: A method for removal of free-floating oil from an aqueous environment by bio-dispersion and bio-utilization comprising the steps of: (i) isolating species/strains of bacteria having an ability to utilize hydrocarbons as the only source of carbon; (ii) admixing the bacteria with a fatty substance and hydrocarbon oil to form an oleophilic suspension comprising a physiologically active bacterial culture of hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria, the fatty substance comprising an oleophilic nutrient as a source of nitrogen and phosphorus for the bacteria, and (iii) applying the oleophilic suspension of the bacteria to a free floating oil in an aqueous environment to disperse and remove free-floating oil therefrom.

Abstract: Sterile nanoemulsions are prepared containing oily droplets of a diameter of less than 100 nm in an aqueous phase. The oily droplets contain a lipophilic substance, and have on their surface an amphoteric emulsifier in an amount of preferably 0.65 to 0.75 parts by weight amphoteric emulsifier for one part by weight of oily component forming the droplets. The oily component of the droplets is preferably a triglyceride containing oleic acid and/or linoleic acid. The nanoemulsions are used for delivering into cells the lipophilic substance contained by the oily droplets. This delivery can be used to biotransform the lipophilic substance, promote cell differentiation, growth or biosynthesis of a desired substance, or to test for toxicity of the lipophilic substance.

Abstract: A fermentation process post-sterile additive device and method of operation is detailed. The device is used to deliver additive as a heavy-drop mist. The mist covers the entire fermenting batch head surface of the vat broth. This improves mixing and reduces the amount of additive to appropriate introduction levels throughout log phase fermentation, preventing coating of cultivating cells and interference with cell respiration. A steady state growth rate is fostered.

Abstract: It has been found that nonimmunosuppressive, cyclophilin-binding cyclosporins are useful in the treatment and prevention of AIDS and AIDS-related disorders. Such cyclosporins include novel Ciclosporin derivatives modified at the 4- and/or 5-positions.

Abstract: During the desizing and enzymatic stonewashing of denim fabric and/or garments, redeposition of blue color often occurs back onto the surfaces of the denim. The invention relates to a redepositing or backstain inhibiting composition and a method requiring the inclusion of an added protease prior to, during or subsequent to the stonewashing process which reduces the redeposition of the blue dye and hence improves the stonewashing process when using redepositing or backstaining cellulases to give an appearance closer to that when using stones alone or nonredepositing cellulases in the stonewashing process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for mass production of taxol which comprises adding sugar into a culture medium containing sugar in the course of semicontinuous culture of Taxus genus plant cell, and a universal method for mass production of taxol which comprises culturing Taxus genus plant cell in a culture medium containing sugar and AgNO3 as well. In accordance with the present invention, large amount of taxol can be produced with a high yield, simply by manipulating the culture condition of Taxus genus plant cell culture.

Abstract: An assay for compounds useful in the treatment of a bacterial induced coagulation disorder has the following steps: a) incubating a plasma sample with a strain of bacteria; b) adding a compound to be assayed to the plasma sample before, during or after step (a); c) conducting an activated partial thromboplastin time test; d) determining the clotting time.

Abstract: This invention relates to the novel identification of myelin-associated glycoprotein (“MAG”) as a potent inhibitor of neural regeneration. More particularly, this invention relates to compositions and methods useful for reversing inhibition of neural regeneration in the central and peripheral nervous system. Assays to monitor the effects of MAG on neural regeneration and to identify agents which will block or promote the inhibitory effects of MAG on neural outgrowth are provided. Screening methods for identifying such agents are also provided. This invention also relates to compositions and methods using agents that can reverse the inhibitory effects of MAG on neural regeneration.

Abstract: An ozone containing gas is injected into a portion of top soil that was previously oversaturated with water, to stimulate the propagation and growth of living organisms. The injected ozone oxidizes at least one molecule (also called “parent molecule”) in the top soil to create at least one byproduct that is smaller than the parent molecule. The small size of such byproducts allows the byproducts to cause the growth of living organisms (such as plants including fungi and tomatoes). The byproducts can be used to grow a fungi (such as Trichoderma, spp.) that is (1) parasitic to detrimental fungi such as fusarium or is (2) a stimulant for chlorophyll-bearing plants, or is both. The byproducts can also be used to directly grow the chlorophyll-bearing plants. An ozone containing gas can be injected via a soil injector connected to an ozone supplier that is either stationary or is moved over a field, e.g. by a vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving the growth and detection of bacteria, yeasts, fungi or cocci, by adding sterile-filtered yeast extract and/or p-iodonitrotetrazolium violet to the culture medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the synthesis of .beta.-lactam antibacterials using soluble side chain esters in the presence of enzyme acylase. Also disclosed are novel esters useful as reactants in said process.

Abstract: An oxygen absorber is provided which is obtainable by mixing 10 to 60 parts by weight of a particulate thermoplastic resin having a softening point of 90 to 125.degree. C. and a particle diameter of 1 to 500 .mu.m with 100 parts by weight of an oxygen absorbing composition containing an ascorbic acid compound, water and an activated carbon. The oxygen absorber can inhibit overheat to prevent spontaneous ignition. Further, the activated carbon has a particle diameter of 0.1 to 2 mm and the ascorbic acid compound includes L-ascorbic acid, sodium L-ascorbate, calcium L-ascorbate and sodium D-iso-ascorbate.

Abstract: A process of culturing a microorganism in a culture medium in which process the addition of feed medium is controlled by using the production of a by-product as a measure of the culture conditions, characterized in that the by-product is an electrically charged metabolite produced by the microorganism, and in that the production of the metabolite is monitored by measuring the conductance of the culture medium. The metabolite may be acetate and the microorganism may be yeast which is genetically engineered to produce a desired polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and media for the growth, enrichment, isolation, and presumptive identification of enteric pathogens such as E. coli 0157:H7 and Salmonella. In particular, the organisms commonly associated with gastrointestinal infections of humans and other animals are distinguished based on their growth, colonial morphology and color. The present invention is also directed to methods and media for the growth, enrichment, isolation and presumptive identification of enteric pathogens such as E. coli 0157:H7 and Salmonella isolated from food, water, dairy, and environmental samples.

Abstract: Methods are provided for improving the microbial production of amphotericin B by the selective inhibition of amphotericin A by means of protein synthesis inhibitors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of controlling the proliferation of an aerobe, in which in the continuous culture of the aerobe by supplying a substrate and oxygen to a culture tank of the aerobe to cause the aerobe to decompose the substrate, the proliferation of the aerobe is inhibited while retaining the substrate-decomposing activity inherent in the aerobe. An oxidation-reduction substance which is reduced by electrons donated by an electron transport system of the aerobe and oxidized by oxygen supplied to the culture tank is caused to coexist with the aerobe in the culture tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of production for a fermentation product, in which ripe compost is subjected to treatment with worms, bacteria and fungi, after which the fermentation product is dug off, and, if necessary, ground and sifted. After digging off the product, it can be pre-dehydrated at a temperature below 50 .degree. C., if one so wishes, then --if necessary--it can be ground and sifted, and be subjected to desiccation, during which the temperature of the fermentation product does not rise above 30.degree. C. during the desiccation process. Ripe compost, consisting of vegetable, fruit and garden waste, is especially suitable as basic material. If one so wishes, the fermentation product can be pelleted before desiccation. The pellets can, for example, be used as floor cover in animal pens or as cat's box litter. The non-dried product is especially suitable as a supplement for garden and pot-plant soil.

Abstract: An acid-stable .beta.-glucosidase that may be prepared from filamentous fungi and has very low glucose inhibition sensitivity is disclosed. Said .beta.-glucosidase is particularly useful for preparing fruit juices and in enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis methods.

Abstract: Microorganisms are modified to permit production of HV/HB copolymers from substrates such as glucose by inducing amiono acid overproduction in those capable of synthesising and polymerising hydroxybutyrate or adding to an amino acid overproducer the genetic material necessary for it to synthesise and polymerise hydroxybutrate.

Abstract: A therapeutic method comprising counteracting or preventing pathologies mediated by IL-5, including those characterized by eosinophil infiltration, degranulation and inflammation, by administering to a mammal in need of such therapy, one or more compounds that bind to the eosinophil sulfonylurea receptor, optionally in combination with one or more topical anesthetics and/or glucocorticoids.

Abstract: A method to increase the efficiency of transduction of hematopoietic and other cells by retroviruses includes infecting the cells in the presence of fibronectin or fibronectin fragments. The fibronectin and fibronectin fragments significantly enhance retroviral-mediated gene transfer into the cells, particularly hematopoietic cells including committed progenitors and primitive hematopoietic stem cells. The invention also provides improved methods for somatic gene therapy capitalizing on enhanced gene transfer, hematopoietic cellular populations, and novel constructs for enhancing retroviral-mediated DNA transfer into cells and their use.

Abstract: This invention relates to lactobacillus, skim milk, lactobacillus growth factor (LGF) and lactobacillus compositions and methods of employing said composition for preventing urogenital infections. More particularly, this invention relates to the ability of strains of hydrophobic or hydrophilic lactobacillus to adhere to biomaterials, intestinal, vaginal and uroepithelial cells, to resist the action of certain anti-microbial agents and to dominate the urogenital flora.

Abstract: Disclosed are a deterioration inhibitor for an emulsion-type processing oil comprising, as an active ingredient, a culture of a bacterial species selected from the group consisting of Aerococcus viridans BC-A-4 (Acceptance No. FERM BP-5042), Bacillus brevis BC-A-69 (Acceptance No. FERM BP-5041) and Bacillus brevis BC-A-3124 (Acceptance No. FERM BP-5043) and a method for inhibiting deterioration of an emulsion-type processing oil comprising adding such deterioration inhibitor to the emulsion-type processing oil and then allowing the bacteria contained in the deterioration inhibitor to proliferate. Since the propagation of the putrefying bacteria in the emulsion-type processing oils can be suppressed by the proliferation of the bacteria contained in the deterioration inhibitor, the working life of the emulsion-type processing oil can be prolonged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid by fermentative conversion of L-sorbose and/or D-sorbitol. The present invention further relates to novel bacterial strains useful in this process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing a taxane-type diterpene(s) wherein tissues or cells of a plant which produces taxane-type diterpene(s) is cultured in the presence of at least one selected from the group consisting of jasmonic acids, compounds containing a heavy metal, complex ions containing a heavy metal, heavy metal ions, amines and antiethylene agents, a method of producing a taxane-type diterpene wherein the tissues or the cells of the plant are cultured by controlling the oxygen concentration in a gas phase in a culture vessel to less than the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere from the initial stage of the culture, or by controlling the dissolved oxygen concentration in a fluid medium which is in contact with the tissue or the cell to less than the saturated dissolved oxygen concentration at that temperature from the initial stage of the culture, a method of producing a taxane-type diterpene wherein the tissue or the cell of the plant is cultured in a culture vessel, while oxygenic g

Abstract: A Bifidobacterium bifidum proliferation promoting composition comprising a xylooligosaccharide which contains xylobiose as its principal component is disclosed. The xylooligosaccharide is obtained by enzymatically or physicochemically treating either xylan or hemicellulose derived from a natural source. Bifidobacterium bifidum which is useful for man is encouraged to proliferate in the intestines by the xylooligosaccharide which is not readily assimilated by Escherichia coli but is readily utilized by Bifidobacterium bifidum. The xylooligosaccharide is advantageously stable when exposed to acids or heat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for selectively enhancing the production of factors A.sub.2 and/or A.sub.3 of antibiotic A/16686 either to isolate these single components or to enrich the complex in one or both the above components, which comprises adding an appropriate precursor of the desired antibiotic factor to an A/16686 producing culture during fermentation.

Abstract: The addition of about 0.3 to about 3 ppm of at least one polyether ionoph antibiotic to a fermentation broth inhibits production of organic acids that hinder the growth and fermentation of yeast. The present invention is useful in a variety of feedstocks, including sugar beet juice, sugar cane juice, diluted sugar beet molasses, diluted sugar cane molasses, hydrolyzed grain (e.g., corn or wheat), hydrolyzed starchy tubers (e.g., potatoes or Jerusalem artichokes), wine, wine by-products, cider, and cider by-products.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting the proliferation of B cells by using inhibitors of phosphotyrosine phosphatase can be used to regulate the immune response and to treat diseases such as leukemias or lymphomas marked by malignant proliferation of B cells or T cells. Antitumor activity is seen in vivo against tumors and against tumor cell lines. The use of such inhibitors can be combined with radiation, which produces a synergistic effect. Several types of inhibitors can be used, including: (1) compounds comprising a metal coordinate-covalently bound to an organic moiety that can form a five- or six-membered ring, in which the metal is preferably vanadium (IV); (2) compounds in which vanadium (IV) is coordinate-covalently bound to an organic moiety such as a hydroxamate, .alpha.-hydroxypyridinone, .alpha.-hydroxypyrone, .alpha.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for mass production of taxol by semi-continuous culture of Taxus genus plant with a high yield. According to the present invention, taxol can be prepared with a high yield, by employing semi-continuous culture of Taxus genus plant cell, which comprises: (i) inoculating Taxus genus plant cell on a medium containing 1 to 10% (w/v) sugar, and incubating it; and, (ii) transferring 1/10 to 1/2 volume of the culture obtained in the step (i) to a fresh medium and repeating the step (i), adding 1 to 10% (w/v) sugar to the remnant culture and incubating to the time of maximum production of taxol.

Abstract: A process for selection of oxygen-tolerant, H.sub.2 -producing algal mutant cells comprising:(a) growing algal cells photoautotrophically under fluorescent light to mid log phase;(b) inducing algal cells grown photoautrophically under fluorescent light to mid log phase in step (a) anaerobically by (1) resuspending the cells in a buffer solution and making said suspension anaerobic with an inert gas; (2) incubating the suspension in the absence of light at ambient temperature;(c) treating the cells from step (b) with metronidazole, sodium azide, and added oxygen to controlled concentrations in the presence of white light.(d) washing off metronidazole and sodium azide to obtain final cell suspension;(e) plating said final cell suspension on a minimal medium and incubating in light at a temperature sufficient to enable colonies to appear;(f) counting the number of colonies to determine the percent of mutant survivors; and(g) testing survivors to identify oxygen-tolerant H.sub.2 -producing mutants.

Abstract: A carrier for holding a microorganism in soil releases, from a constituting material thereof, an inducer for production of an enzyme of the microorganism for soil remediation. The carrier for holding a microorganism may comprise a combination of a microorganism holding carrier composed of a hydrophilic polymer for holding the microorganism with an inducer-holder composed of another polymer for holding inducer manifesting a biological action to the microorganism adjacent to each other. A method for remediation of soil comprises application of the microorganism-holding carrier into the soil. A soil-remedying agent comprises the microorganism-holding carrier and a microorganism held thereon which exhibits enzyme activity for decomposition of a polluting substance in the soil under action an inducer released by the carrier.

Abstract: An organic compound is biodegraded using JM1 (FERM BP-5352) by contacting the JM1 with an organic compound and culturing the JM1 in a medium including source of conjugated carbon which is citric acid, maleic acid or a salt thereof.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and apparatus (kits) for treating petroleum and petro-chemical based contaminants within expended filtration components, wherein the filtration components are exposed to water and a small concentrated volume of dormant bio-oxidizing medium comprising freeze-dried microorganisms on a freeze-dried substrate.

Abstract: A process for providing vicinal dimethyl long chain between alkyl groups of organic compounds is described. The process uses intact or disrupted cells of various species of bacteria, particularly Thermoanaerobacter sp., Sarcina sp. and Butyrivibrio sp. The process can be conducted in an aqueous reaction mixture at room temperatures.

Abstract: A method for producing lysocellin in bead form comprises:(a) cultivating a lysocellin-producing microorganism in an aqueous nutrient-containing fermentation broth under lysocellin-producing conditions;(b) adding a base or inorganic phosphate to the fermentation broth within about the first 24 hours of the beginning of the fermentation in an amount sufficient to ensure that the lysocellin is produced in the form of a cation salt of lysocellin;(c) providing a lipid to the fermentation broth such that the lipid is present in the broth in a sufficient amount to form discrete beads with the lysocellin in the fermentation broth; and(d) separating the beads from the broth.

Abstract: The antibiotic reuterin is obtained by cultivating strains of Lactobacillus reuteri under controlled conditions. Reuterin has inhibitory activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, against the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and against the protozoan, Trypanosoma cruzi. Reuterin-producing strains are identified by growth inhibition of susceptible microorganisms in the presence of glycerol or glyceraldehyde. Lactobacillus reuteri strains may be used for reducing the number of non-Lactobacillus reuteri bacteria in food items and in the gastrointestinal tracts of animals.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for facilitating the transport of a membrane-impermeable extracellular agent having an intracellular activity across the membrane of a cell are provided. The methods involve covalently coupling an amino terminal blocking group to a transport-mediating peptide to form a carrier molecule. The carrier molecule is covalently coupled to the extracellular agent to form a membrane-permeable prodrug. The transport-mediating peptides are highly basic and bind to polyphosphoinositides.

Abstract: A process for preparing optically active (R)-3-chloro-1,2-propanediol, which comprises subjecting (R,S)-3-chloro-1,2-propanediol to the reaction of a microorganism belonging to genus Serratia in a reaction mixture, and then collecting the residual (R)-3-chloro-1,2-propanediol. According to the process of the present invention, (R)-3-chloro-1,2-propanediol can be efficiently prepared starting from low cost (R,S)-3-chloro-1,2-propanediol.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for selectively enhancing the production of factors A, and/or B.sub.0 of antibiotic A 40926 either to isolate these single components in better yields or to enrich the complex in one or both the above components, which comprises adding an appropriate precursor of the desired antibiotic factor to an A 40926 producing culture during fermentation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing lipids, which comprises culturing bacteria capable of assimilating aliphatic hydrocarbons and accumulating lipids in medium containing aliphatic hydrocarbons until lipids are accumulated in the bacteria and then recovering the lipids therefrom, as well as to process for producing cosmetics which comprises using the lipids produced by said method.