Abstract: Probiotic Bifidobacterium strain AH1714 is significantly immunomodulatory following oral consumption. The strain is useful as an immunomodulatory biotherapeutic agent.

Abstract: Methods, microorganisms, and compositions are provided wherein oil reservoirs are inoculated with microorganisms belonging to Arcobacter clade 1 and medium including an electron acceptor. The Arcobacter strains grow in the oil reservoir to form plugging biofilms that reduce permeability in areas of subterranean formations thereby increasing sweep efficiency, and thereby enhancing oil recovery.

Abstract: Strains and compositions of bacterium of the genus Propionibacterium are provided that reduce methane production in a ruminant animal. Strains and compositions can be used as a feed supplement. Also provided are methods for reducing methane production in a ruminant animal comprising the step of administering to the ruminant animal an effective amount of at least one strain of bacterium of the genus Propionibacterium.

Abstract: Strains of xylose utilizing Zymomonas with improved xylose utilization and ethanol production during fermentation in stress conditions were obtained using an adaptation method. The adaptation involved continuously growing xylose utilizing Zymomonas in media containing high sugars, acetic acid, ammonia, and ethanol.

Abstract: The present invention provides live, attenuated Mycoplasma gallisepticum bacteria that exhibit reduced expression of a protein identified as MGA_0621. In certain embodiments, the attenuated bacteria may additionally exhibit reduced expression of one or more proteins selected from the group consisting of pyruvate dehydrogenase, phosphopyruvate hydratase, 2-deoxyribose-5-phosphate aldolase, and ribosomal protein L35, relative to a wild-type M. gallisepticum bacterium. Also provided are vaccines and vaccination methods involving the use of the live, attenuated M. gallisepticum bacteria, and methods for making live attenuated M. gallisepticum bacteria. An exemplary live, attenuated strain of M. gallisepticum is provided, designated MGx+47, which was shown by proteomics analysis to exhibit significantly reduced expression of MGA_0621, and was shown to be safe and effective when administered as a vaccine against M. gallisepticum infection in chickens.

Abstract: Helicobacter based preparations comprising a pharmacologically active molecule of interest are disclosed, as well as methods of preparing and using said preparations. In particular, Helicobacter pylori vectors, vector plasmids and recombinant cells that include a sequence encoding a pharmacologically active molecule of interest useful in therapeutic treatments and/or vaccination against disease are provided. Delivery of the pharamacologically active molecules is provided at the mucosal surface, such as the gastric mucosa or nasal membranes, to provide effective and continuous delivery of a pharmacologically active agent. Vectors and shuttle vector constructs are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method of producing 3-hydroxypropionic acid from glycerol, and more particularly to a method of producing 3-hydroxypropionic acid by culturing in a glycerol-containing medium a mutant microorganism obtained by amplifying an aldehyde dehydrogenase-encoding gene in a microorganism having the abilities to produce coenzyme B12 and produce 3-hydroxypropionic acid using glycerol as a carbon source. The present invention enables the fermentation of glycerol even under microaerobic or aerobic conditions without having to add coenzyme B12. Thus, the invention will be very suitable for the development of biological processes for producing large amounts of 3-hydroxypropionic acid.

Abstract: Described herein is the creation and use of Thermotoga-E. coli shuttle vectors; an embedded cultivation method that greatly simplifies the cultivation methods for Thermotoga previously used; and the subcloning, characterization, and use of a Thermotoga Restriction-modification system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for the photo-inactivation of microorganisms. More specifically, the present invention is directed towards the photo-inactivation of microorganisms, such as viruses, using at least one furanocoumarin and broad spectrum pulsed light. For example, an aspect of the present invention includes a method for inactivating a herpesvirus, such as herpes B virus or herpes virus papio 2 using a psoralen and broad spectrum pulsed light.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a herbicide resistant N2-fixing microorganism and to a method for enhancing N2 fixation by the herbicide resistant rhizobia in symbiosis with herbicide resistant or tolerant leguminous plants treated with herbicide. At least one preferred embodiment comprises mutant rhizobia strains selected based on tolerance of the broad spectrum glyphosate weed control agent, originally Roundup®. Preferred embodiments can be expected to outcompete both indigenous soil rhizobia and/or commercial rhizobia that are not resistant to the herbicide.

Abstract: A composition includes an isolated cell; at least one particle within said cell; and at least one active agent associated with the particle, wherein the active agent is capable of being released from the cell. A method includes administration of such a cell to a subject.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] Provided is a method for producing a medium which decreases loss of nutritional components due to an interaction between the medium nutritional components, which interaction is mediated by a Maillard reaction, etc. [Solution] A method for producing a medium for culturing microbes is used, the method including the steps of: (1) sterilizing a solution comprising a sugar source material; (2) sterilizing a solution comprising a nitrogen source material; and (3) blending the two solutions as obtained in steps (1) and (2).

Abstract: The invention provides a bacterial isolate defined by accession number 040408-1 filed with the International Depository Authority of Canada. The bacteria are capable of detoxifying trichothecene mycotoxins. Also provided are compositions comprising the bacteria and methods of preventing or treating food or foodstuffs that are contaminated or susceptible to contamination with trichothecene mycotoxins. Kits are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides molecules useful for enhancing charge transport across membranes, such as electron transport across membranes, and methods of using such molecules, for example in improving the performance of a microbial fuel cell or in staining microbes for observation. The amphiphilic molecule comprises a conjugated core with hydrophilic groups on either end. The amphiphilic molecule inserts into the membrane of a microbe and facilitates charge transfer across the membrane of the microbe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the RumC1, RumC2 and RumC3 peptides with antimicrobial activity, and also to the genes encoding these peptides and isolated from Ruminococcus gnavus E1.

Abstract: A method for breaking the cell walls of microalgae includes cultivating microbes in a cultivating liquid, adding microalgae into the cultivating liquid to mix with the microbes, releasing a hydrolysis ferment from the microbes, hydrolyzing cell walls of the microalgae by the hydrolysis ferment of the microbes to decompose the cell walls of the microalgae into saccharide, and removing the microalgae from the cultivating liquid. Thus, the microbes release the hydrolysis ferment after the microalgae touch the microbes so as to hydrolyze and decompose the cell walls of the microalgae in a moderate manner without breaking the contents of the microalgae so that the contents of the microalgae can be released, absorbed and used completely.

Abstract: The present invention provides Listeria that are attenuated for entry into non-phagocytic cells as well as a variety of methods of inducing immune responses involving administering compositions comprising the attenuated Listeria. Some of the attenuated Listeria are mutant Listeria that comprise at least one mutation in a gene encoding an invasin, such as an internalin. Some of the attenuated Listeria are further attenuated for cell-to-cell spread. Pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines useful in the methods of the invention are further provided. Methods of making and improving vaccines are also provided.

Abstract: Chemically reactive carbocyanine dyes that are intramolecularly crosslinked between the 1-position and 3?-position, their bioconjugates and their uses are described. 1,3?-crosslinked carbocyanines are superior to those of conjugates of spectrally similar 1,1?-crosslinked or non-crosslinked dyes. The invention includes derivative compounds having one or more benzo nitrogens.

Abstract: Safe and effective live vaccines against bacteria infecting aquatic animals were created through the induction of novobiocin-resistance in liquid culture and novobiocin- and rifampicin-resistance in liquid culture.

Abstract: Two novel strains of bacteria, C6-6 and C6-8, deposited in accordance with the Budapest Treaty, protect fish, such as by reducing mortality, against disease caused by bacteria, such as coldwater disease caused by Flavobacterium psychrophilum.

Abstract: A microbial fuel cell is provided according to embodiments of the present invention including electricigenic microbes containing at least about 0.075 milligrams of protein per square centimeter of the anode surface area. In particular embodiments, the electricigenic microbes are disposed on the anode such that at least about 90% of the portion of the anode surface area has a layer of electricigenic microbes, the layer greater than about 1 micron in thickness. This thickness is indicative of the layer including at least a first stratum of electricigenic microbes in direct contact with the anode and a second stratum of electricigenic microbes in direct contact with the first stratum such that the second stratum is in indirect contact with the anode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel fluorophores and their use in combination with novel nucleic acid molecules, called aptamers, that bind specifically to the fluorophore and thereby enhance the fluorescence signal of the fluorophore upon exposure to radiation of suitable wavelength. Molecular complexes formed between the novel fluorophores, novel nucleic acid molecules, and their target molecules are described, and the use of multivalent aptamer constructs as fluorescent sensors for target molecules of interest are also described.

Abstract: According to the present invention new isolates of bacterial strains have been shown to possess unique properties. These bacterial strains are plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR), posses an enhanced competitive advantage at colonizing leguminous plants, and enhance the overall performance of leguminous plant growth. Further still, the present invention discloses a novel method for screening and selecting bacterial strains having the aforementioned beneficial characteristics.

Abstract: Described herein is a molded plastic pressure vessel for biopharmaceutical applications and methods thereof. The molded plastic pressure vessel has a surface area of at least 500 inches2 and comprises a polyphenylene oxide polymer; and at least one antioxidant.

Abstract: A substrate comprising a crosslinked polymer primer layer, and grafted thereto a ligand-functionalized polymer is provided. The grafted polymer has the requisite affinity for binding neutral or negatively charged biomaterials, such as cells, cell debris, bacteria, spores, viruses, nucleic acids, and proteins, at pH's near or below the pI's of the biomaterials.

Abstract: The invention relates to bacteria, bacterial extracts, supernatants obtained from the culturing of said bacteria, polypeptides and compositions for degrading benzimidazole carbamate fungicides, carbanilate fungicides, sulfonamide herbicides, thioamide herbicides and/or synthetic pyrethroid insecticides. In particular, the invention relates to the identification of Nocardioides sp. which degrades benzimidazole carbamate fungicides, carbanilate fungicides, sulfonamide herbicides, thioamide herbicides and/or synthetic pyrethroid insecticides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for screening compounds having the ability to prevent, suppress or reduce malodor development on body surfaces. In particular, the method allows to efficiently screen for compound having the ability of preventing sweat malodor development caused by volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). The present invention is based on the finding of the direct precursor of naturally VSCs, which is present in human sweat and which will be metabolized by Staphylococci to VSCs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of successively producing D-psicose from D-fructose or D-glucose by using a psicose-epimerase derived from Agrobacterium tumefaciens which is expressed in a food safety form.

Abstract: A purified anti-cancer peptide consisting of amino acids 266 to 287 of Genbank Accession No. O68604 (SEQ ID No. 4), and modified and homologous forms of the peptide are described. The modified or and homologous forms of the peptide include more than contiguous amino acids having at least 75% amino acid sequence identity with at least 8 contiguous amino acids of amino acids 266-287 of Genbank Accession No. O68604 (SEQ ID No.4) defining a motif selected from the group consisting of RRRVQQ (SEQ ID No. 5) and RGRAK (SEQ ID No.1). The peptide(s) can be produced by B. linens, a Brevibacterium commonly used in the production of cheese. There is also provided method for prophylaxis or treatment of cancer in a mammal, comprising treating the mammal with an effective amount of the peptide, or a protein the pepsin cleavage of which yields the peptide.

Abstract: This invention provides phosphate-modified nucleosides represented by the structural formula (I): wherein W is O or S, and wherein B, R1; R3 and R2. are as defined herein. These compounds are useful as substrates for DNA/RNA polymerases, and as anti-viral agents in particular against HIV-1.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions to reduce growth of microbial colonies, including infections, and includes therapeutic compositions, methods for treatment of infections, and methods for identifying additional such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a recombinant protein comprising using a selection method other than antibiotics. In particular, it relates to a stable host/vector system based on the pyrC gene complementation designed to produce high level of heterologous recombinant protein in Escherichia coli. The expression system of the present invention allows rapid selection of plasmid containing cells during the cloning phases and lead to high protein expression during fermentation. This system has a strong selective efficiency, especially during the induction phase, leading to the selection of an almost homogeneous and stable plasmid bearing cell population. Moreover the productivity of the culture is to a large extent better than the one based on antibiotic resistance. This elevated vector stability combined with its high productivity fulfils the requirements for heterologous protein production in Escherichia coli to an industrial level.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treatment or prevention of pain resulting from infection, infection related pain, and non-infectious pain as well as treatment or prevention of infections or adverse health consequences associated with infections.

Abstract: The invention features isolated cytochrome P450 polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules, as well as expression vectors and transgenic plants containing these molecules. In addition, the invention features uses of such molecules in methods of increasing the level of resistance against a disease caused by a plant pathogen in a transgenic plant, in methods for producing altered compounds, for example, hydroxylated compounds, and in methods of producing isoprenoid compounds.

Abstract: Novel strains and methods for their use are provided. Particularly, foods and other oral products or treatments containing sporulation-deficient Brevibacillus strain when administered to a subject can inhibit or reduce the number of pathogens in the subject and improve the health of the subject.

Abstract: A fermentation process uses substantially pure oxygen. The oxygen is the only reactive gas which is injected into a fermentation vessel. The oxygen is moved through the vessel solely by its own pressure. The process can be used with both mechanically-agitated and air-lifted fermenters. The mechanically-agitated fermenter includes an analyzer for measuring oxygen concentration in the exhaust line, and adjusting the flow of fresh oxygen into the vessel accordingly. In the air-lifted fermenter, an analyzer measures the oxygen concentration in the head space of the vessel, and operates valves which either recycle the gas from the head space, or vent that gas to the outside, according to the measured concentration. A stream of nitrogen is periodically injected into the vessel to drive out carbon dioxide and other gases, to control the pH of the fermentation medium. The present invention substantially improves the efficiency of a commercial fermentation process.

Abstract: Novel bacteriocins produced by novel bacterial strains are used for at least reducing the levels of colonization by at least one target bacteria in animals, especially poultry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel Burkholderia multivorans, an amidase produced from the same, and a method for optical resolution of a racemic mixture using the same, and more particularly to a strain Burkholderia multivorans LG 31-3, an amidase having stereoselective substrate specificity, and a method for optical resolution of a racemic mixture using the same. The amidase produced from the novel Burkholderia multivorans LG 31-3 (KCTC 10920BP) according to the present invention can be useful to produce single enantiomer at a high optical purity since the racemic mixture may be easily optically resolved under enzyme reaction conditions of room temperature and normal pressure.

Abstract: Expression systems are disclosed for the direct expression of peptide products into the culture media where genetically engineered host cells are grown. High yield was achieved with a special selection of hosts, and/or fermentation processes which include careful control of cell growth rate, and use of an inducer during growth phase. Special universal cloning vectors are provided for the preparation of expression vectors which include control regions having multiple promoters linked operably with coding regions encoding a signal peptide upstream from a coding region encoding the peptide of interest. Multiple transcription cassettes are also used to increase yield. The production of amidated peptides using the expression systems is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for control in oil and gas wells and related facilities of prokaryote caused souring, fouling and corrosion by reduction of problematic prokaryotes with naturally occurring lysing organisms, particularly sulfate-reducing prokaryotes by proliferating suitable virulent lysing organisms under conditions in which problematic prokaryotes thrive, including in a gas production wellbore. The process provides in situ proliferation of virulent lysing organism in a wellbore by providing both virulent lysing organisms and their host prokaryotes to selectively grow an effective control amount and concentrations of lysing organisms in a well formation.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method to obtain McCoy cells persistently infected with Lawsonia intracellularis bacteria, comprising infecting McCoy cells with Lawsonia intracellularis bacteria, growing the infected McCoy cells in a suitable medium at an oxygen concentration less than 18% to arrive at a culture of McCoy cells infected with Lawsonia intracellularis bacteria, passing at least a part of the said culture to fresh medium, and without adding uninfected McCoy cells to the medium, growing the infected McCoy cells contained in the said at least part in the fresh medium at an oxygen concentration less than 18%, to obtain the persistently infected McCoy cells. The invention also pertains to the use of such persistently infected cells to grow and obtain these bacteria in purified form.

Abstract: This invention refers to an immunotherapeutic agent based on cell wall fragments from virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, to a method for obtaining this immunotherapeutic agent, to pharmaceutical formulations containing it and to its use for the preparation of a drug for the combined treatment of tuberculosis in association with other drugs.

Abstract: Strains of xylose utilizing Zymomonas with improved xylose utilization and ethanol production during fermentation in stress conditions were obtained using an adaptation method. The adaptation involved continuously growing xylose utilizing Zymomonas in media containing high sugars, acetic acid, ammonia, and ethanol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an EM-lacquer water solution mixed with a natural component, a method for preparing a fermented anti-oxidant material using the same, and a method for processing the material. Particularly, the EM-lacquer water solution mixed with a natural component is prepared by mixing an EM-lacquer solution, which is a mixture of a crude solution of effective micro-organisms (EM) 20˜35 weight percent and a lacquer water solution 65˜80 weight percent, and at least one natural component selected from a group comprising of organic brown sugar, bay salt, mandarin orange oil, Japanese apricot concentrate, Opuntia humifusa powder, dried orange peel powder, green tea powder, sea tangle powder, rice bran, camellia oil and bean powder, on the basis of the EM-lacquer water solution 20 L. Therefore, it can be used for daily life, industry, environmental purification and the like because it is made of non-toxic materials.

Abstract: Synthetic cholesterylamine-linkers can include derivatives of cholesterol, cholesteryl, or sitosteryl coupled through the linker to an agent for delivery into cells. The cholesterylamines are thought to mimic cholesterol in the capacity and mechanism for enhanced entry into cells. The configuration of the cholesterylamine-linker that is thought to provide for enhanced entry into cells includes a cholesterylamine that is coupled to a linker from the amine, and which linker includes a negative charge at a spatial distance from the amine of the cholesterylamine.

Abstract: Bifidobacterium strain AH1206 or mutants or variants thereof are immunomodulatory following oral consumption and are useful in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of inflammatory activity for example undesirable gastrointestinal inflammatory activity such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a preventive and/or a therapeutic agent for inflammatory bowel diseases containing a fermentation product of a propionic acid bacterium as an active ingredient.

Abstract: A bacterial growth medium for promoting auto-induction of transcription of cloned DNA in cultures of bacterial cells grown batchwise is disclosed. The transcription is under the control of a lac repressor. Also disclosed is a bacterial growth medium for improving the production of a selenomethionine-containing protein or polypeptide in a bacterial cell, the protein or polypeptide being produced by recombinant DNA techniques from a lac or T7lac promoter, the bacterial cell encoding a vitamin B12-dependent homocysteine methylase. Finally, disclosed is a bacterial growth medium for suppressing auto-induction of expression in cultures of bacterial cells grown batchwise, said transcription being under the control of lac repressor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel nucleic acid molecule encoding an amino acid sequence, which is capable of forming a cyclic structure. Cyclization may occur within a cell or cell membrane, or linear forms of the molecules may be circularised or partially circularised, in vitro using isolated enzyme systems or chemical means. The cyclised amino acid sequence is generally in the form of a stabilized folded structure such as acyclic knotted peptide, polypeptide or protein or functional equivalent. The nucleic acid molecules and cyclic and linear peptides are useful inter alia in the generation of molecules having animal or plant therapeutic properties, as well as in a range of diagnostic, industrial and agricultural, including horticultural, applications. Of particular importance is the use of these molecules in the protection of plants, such as crop plants, from pest and/or pathogen infestation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the relative ratio of 3-hydroxy-3?,4?-didehydro- ?, ?-caroten-4-one (HDCO) to astaxanthin in a composition containing astaxanthin and HDCO by contacting the composition with an acidic medium having a pH of 3 or less and/or a basic medium having a pH of 9 or greater, and also relates to a method for producing an astaxanthin-containing composition which includes reducing the relative ratio of HDCO by the above method. By means of the method of the present invention, the relative ratio of HDCO, the biological function of which is not known, in an astaxanthin-containing composition can be easily reduced.