Abstract: The invention is based on a correlation observed between serotonin level and intestinal flora. The invention relates to a relative proportion of bifidobacteria in the intestine and in particular to a product increasing the ratio of bifidobacteria to Clostridia, to be used for raising the serotonin level. The invention also relates to a method for estimating a health risk associated with serotonin depletion by determining a relative proportion between bifidobacteria or Clostridia in the intestine or their ratio to one another. The invention further relates to a method for selecting a form of therapy for raising the serotonin level by determining a relative proportion between bifidobacteria or Clostridia in the intestine or their ratio to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anhydrous mixture of biologically active probiotic bacteria for topical administration and methods of making thereof. The mixture of the invention is used for hydrating the skin, reducing and preventing fine lines and wrinkles, treating acne and decreasing skin inflammation.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing microbial cells is provided. According to the method, microbial cells or a culture containing microbial cells are treated with a polyethylene glycol-based nonionic surfactant so that almost all of the microbial cells are sterilized while the enzyme activity expressed in the microbial cells is maintained at a high level. A method for sterilizing microbial cells and a material containing the sterilized microbial cells, in which the microbial cells are sterilized using a polyethylene glycol-based nonionic surfactant, can be used for foods so that the microbial cells are sterilized to be used in food production. Further, a material containing sterilized microbial cells can be used in processes for preparing tagatose, in which Corynebacterium genus microbial cells that produce Galactose and/or Arabinose isomerase are sterilized using a polyethylene glycol-based nonionic surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to microorganisms of the species Bacteroides xylanisolvens expressing a core-1 antigen on their surface. These microorganisms are in particular useful for the prophylaxis and treatment of core-1 positive diseases and are particularly characterized by a stable, homogenous high core-1 expression. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions which comprise respective core-1 positive microorganisms or fractions thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides for genetically modified Bacillus host cells having decreased cytoplasmic reductase activity, such as decreased TrxA activity, and a nucleic acid encoding a heterologous Staphylococcal oxidase. The invention also provides for methods of producing di-sulfide bond containing proteins using the host cells of the invention and methods of improving protein folding using the host cell of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new bacteriocin, to microbial strains which can produce it and to uses of the bacteriocin and the strains. The bacteriocin is effective against Clostridium difficile and Listeria monocytogenes amongst other organisms.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for preventing biofilm formation on a surface. The present disclosure also relates to anti-biofilm forming agents, to methods of producing and using them, and to anti-fouling coatings produced therefrom.

Abstract: Described is the use of Eubacterium hallii et rel. and/or Alcaligenes faecalis et rel., as well as pharmaceutical, food, or feed compositions comprising these bacteria as a medicament, in particular, for preventing and/or treating insulin resistance and/or insulin resistance-related complications such as metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as insulin resistance in endocrine diseases (e.g., obese subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus, Cushing's disease and lipodystrophy syndromes. Also described is a method for preventing and/or treating insulin resistance and/or insulin resistance-related complications such as dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus as well as insulin resistance in endocrine diseases (e.g., obese subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus, Cushing's disease and lipodystrophy syndromes) in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising the step of increasing the level of Eubacterium hallii et rel. and/or Alcaligenes faecalis et rel. in the small intestine.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved and specific mRNA interferase and related methods of protein-based mRNA interference.

Abstract: The use of free, extractable lipids found in bacteria for identification of bacterial species and subspecies is described. Bacteria have been found to differ sufficiently in their extracted lipid compositions to effect identification using thin layer chromatographic techniques. Burkholderia pseudomallei, Burkholderia thailandensis, and Burkholderia mallei have been distinguished in this manner. Lipopeptides specific to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, but not to the closely related bacterium Mycobacterium avium subspecies avium have also been used as a basis for bacterial subspecies identification using mass spectrometry and seroreactivity.

Abstract: The disclosure provides culture devices and methods useful for detecting acid-producing bacteria in a sample. The devices include a nutrient medium and a pH indicator to detect and differentiate acid-producing microorganisms, such as lactic acid bacteria. Methods of use include detecting or enumerating acid-producing microorganisms. The methods further provide for the detection of gas-producing acid-producing bacteria.

Abstract: An encapsulation system is provided comprising nitrogen-purge, instant bonding encapsulation method. Specifically, the encapsulation system comprises a composition, a two-piece capsule comprising a capsule cap and a capsule body; a gas to purge oxygen from the composition within the capsule; and a sealing solution to seal the capsule cap to the capsule body. Associated methods for encapsulating compositions using the encapsulation system are also provided.

Abstract: The present application discloses a novel biological material transfer apparatus and methods of using the same. The apparatus is made up of double walled barrel shaped tip chamber to house either the single tip or multiple tips of fixed size and a unique ball head to transfer the biological material from one location to another location in an aseptic method. The tip has a fixed shape and size and a ball head which makes the process of picking and transferring of biological material easy, safe and convenient to use with large scale samples. The apparatus is further equipped with an ultra violet light which sterilize the tips just before their use making the entire process of transferring of biological material highly aseptic.

Abstract: The invention is based on a correlation observed between visceral fat and gut flora. The invention relates to a product increasing the relative proportion of bifidobacteria in the intestines and to be used for preventing formation of visceral fat or for reducing the amount thereof in the body. In particular, the product increases the ratio of bifidobacteria to Clostridia. The invention also relates to determining visceral fat in the body by determining the relative proportion of bifidobacteria or Clostridia or their ratio to each other in the intestines. The invention further relates to a method for estimating, in the same manner, the health risk associated with obesity.

Abstract: The present invention relates methods and compositions for producing an organic substance from fermenting microorganism using simultaneous saccharification and fermentation. One aspect of the invention provides producing alcohol by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation by combining a cellulosic substrate, and whole fermentation broth, and an ethanologenic microorganism under conditions conducive both to hydrolysis of cellulose to glucose and to conversion of glucose to alcohol.

Abstract: New semiconductor nanoparticles and manufacturing technologies, including novel methods, systems, and compositions, are provided herein. Robust, reproducible production of large amounts of semiconductor nanoparticles, such as quantum dots, from bacterial cultures during continuous growth is provided, without a need for extensive post growth processing or modification. The result is a novel semiconductor of nanoparticle dimensions and quality that is suitable for commercial applications in lighting, display, imaging, diagnostics, photovoltaics and hydrogen generation, for example. In one embodiment, bacterial-based synthesis methods for producing nanocrystal semiconductor quantum dots are provided by aqueous, environmentally friendly media and methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for culturing spirochetes, in particular Borrelia burgdorferi. The present invention also provides methods of identifying spirochetes present in a biological sample. The present invention further provides methods of diagnosing diseases cause by a spirochete infection, such as Lyme disease, syphilis, and multiple sclerosis. The present invention further provides methods for identifying spirochete susceptibilities to antimicrobials and antimicrobial compositions and cocktails. The present invention also provides methods for treating subjects suspected of having a spirochete infection.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a strain of lactic acid bacteria of the species Bifidobacteria globosum obtainable by isolation from resected and washed canine gastrointestinal tract having a probiotic activity in animals. Methods of use and compositions comprising the Bifidobacteria globosum of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A method of producing hydrolysate from cellulosic material by adding hydrothermally treated stillage or a fraction thereof to cellulosic material, treating the mixture of hydrothermally treated stillage and cellulosic material with at least one hydrolyzing enzyme, and hydrolyzing and converting complex carbohydrates in the cellulosic material. The hydrolysate produced by the method. Ethanol, organic acids, and organism metabolites produced by the method. Biomass produced by the method. A method of increasing sugar production rate and yield of sugars from cellulosic material by adding hydrothermally treated stillage or a fraction thereof to cellulosic material, treating the mixture of hydrothermally treated stillage and cellulosic material with at least one hydrolyzing enzyme, and hydrolyzing complex carbohydrates in the cellulosic material and forming sugars.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a process to produce organic products from a single-carbon substrate; microbial compositions used in the process; and a process to isolate microorganisms for the process.

Abstract: Methods of increasing the amount of iron (Fe) and potassium (K) available in soil to plants residing in the soil. A composition comprising at least one microorganism capable of oxidizing Fe(II) bound in at least one phyllosilicate and releasing Fe and K from the at least one phyllosilicate to increase availability of Fe and K to plants in soil treated with the composition relative to plants in untreated soil. Compositions and microorganisms capable of oxidizing Fe(II) and K are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the use of peracid compositions to eliminate and/or control the growth of undesirable bacteria, including contaminating bacteria, in the fermentation production of alcohol is disclosed. Beneficially, the peracid compositions and methods of use of the same do not interfere or inhibit the growth or replication of yeast and have low or no adverse environmental impact.

Abstract: Compositions of peptides and surface-active agents are described, as are methods of making and using such compositions. The compositions are capable of affecting metabolic rates in biological systems, and to accelerate nutrient uptake without a concomitant increase in biofilm production.

Abstract: A compound represented by the following Structural Formula (A) or a salt thereof. The compound or the salt thereof is suitably produced from a microorganism belonging to the genus Saccharothrix and can be suitably used as a prostaglandin production inhibitor.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating and/or preventing bacterial infections in animals such as bovines are provided. The compositions and methods utilize the predatory bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus to treat and/or prevent infections such as infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) and bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Use of the bacterium obviates the need for chemotherapeutic measures.

Abstract: A biofilter media has one or more of a set of desired physical characteristics. The set of physical characteristics includes a sphericity of 0.75 to 1, a particle size of 1 to 16 or 4 to 8 mm, a uniformity coefficient of 2 or less and a surface area of 800 to 2000 m2/m3of media. The media is coated, supports microorganisms and is used to treat a waste gas stream.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to eukaryotic cells comprising single-celled organisms that are introduced into the eukaryotic cell through human intervention and which transfer to daughter cells of the eukaryotic cell through at least five cell divisions, and methods of introducing such single-celled organisms into eukaryotic cells. The invention also provides methods of using such eukaryotic cells. The invention further provides single-celled organisms that introduce a phenotype to eukaryotic cells that is maintained in daughter cells. The invention additionally provides eukaryotic cells containing magnetotactic bacteria.

Abstract: A novel thermophilic bacterium is provided, which has a 16S rDNA sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO. 1. The thermophilic bacterium excretes extracellular proteins having excellent metal-ion binding ability, being useful in the treatment of boiler equipment, pipelines, geothermal wells or industrial wastewater or hard water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a probiotic microorganism at least partially coated with a poly glutamic acid, for example poly-?-glutamic acid (?-PGA). The invention also relates to an ingestible product comprising the probiotic microorganism at least partially coated with a poly glutamic acid and a method of making a probiotic microorganism at least partially coated with a poly glutamic acid. The invention also relates to a method of making poly-?-glutamic acid (?-PGA).

Abstract: A species of Burkholderia sp with no known pathogenicity to vertebrates but with pesticidal activity (e.g., plants, insects, fungi, weeds and nematodes) is provided. Also provided are natural products derived from a culture of said species and methods of controlling pests using said natural products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fermentation process comprising a fermentation step of growing a strain of Corynebacterium diphtheriae in medium in a fermenter under conditions of agitation sufficient to maintain a homogenous culture and limited aeration such that pO2 within the culture falls to less than 4% for the majority of the fermentation step.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel microorganism which has a malate dehydrogenase activity higher than that of a wild-type. Also, a recombinant vector which has the structure shown in the cleavage map of FIG. 1, a Corynebacteria strain transformed therewith, and a method of producing 5?-xanthosine monophosphate by culturing the transformed strain are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention features methods for producing isoprene from cultured cells using a feedback-resistant mevalonate kinase polypeptide, such as an archaeal mevalonate kinase polypeptide. The resulting isoprene compositions may have increased yields and/or purity of isoprene.

Abstract: A system for the high-throughput screening of mechanical properties of cells and/or particles is provided. In certain embodiments the system comprises a first structure comprising a plurality of sample receiving wells; a second structure comprising a plurality of exit ports; a porous structure disposed between said plurality of sample receiving wells and said plurality of exit ports and in communication with said plurality of sample receiving wells and in communication with said plurality of exit ports, and said first structure, said second structure and said porous structure are sealed or configured such that when sufficient pressure is applied to sample receiving wells in said first structure said cells or particles migrate through the porous structure into said exit ports, and wherein the mean or the median pore size of said porous structure is smaller than the mean or median cross-section of a cell or particle that is to be screened.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a strain of lactic acid bacteria of the species Bifidobacterium globosum obtainable by isolation from resected and washed canine gastrointestinal tract having a probiotic activity in animals. Methods of use and compositions comprising the Bifidobacterium globosum of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: The object is to provide a technique for modifying a bacterium belonging to the genus Kocuria through genetic engineering for industrially effectively utilizing the bacterium belonging to the genus Kocuria. The above object can be achieved by providing a cyclic plasmid, which has a replication region comprising the base sequence of a DNA-binding protein-like protein gene, the base sequence of a replicase-like protein gene, and the base sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:45, and is autonomously replicable in bacteria. As an example of the aforesaid plasmid, a plasmid containing a base sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:3 or 4 which originates in Kocuria sp. MBE131 strain (FERM P-21885) can be cited.

Abstract: The present application discloses a novel microbiological apparatus and methods of using the same. The apparatus is a rolling pen comprising of a socket and a ball with its unique rolling head to transfer a biological material from a first location to a second location in an aseptic manner. Further, the rolling pen apparatus can be used with a pen holder device or with a holder hand device to transfer the biological material a first location to a second location and further to develop a microbiological colony. The invention also discloses the use of rolling pen apparatus attached to a holder hand device in propagating a single biological colony such as bacterial colony or cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gram positive bacteria with increased stress resistance and/or improved storage characteristics. In particular, the invention relates to gram positive bacterium which accumulate intracellular trehalose. The gram positive bacterium according to the invention lack cellobiose-specific PTS system IIC component (PtcC) activity. The gram positive bacterium may further lack trehalose 6-phosphate phosphorylase (TrePP) activity. The gram positive bacterium may further overexpress trehalose transporters. The invention further relates to compositions comprising such gram positive bacterium as well as methods and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention provide isolated peptides, protides and conjugates having novel peptide sequences which are able to induce antimicrobial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative or programmed cell death activity. The invention also provides a method of inducing programmed cell death in a cell by contacting the cell with an isolated peptide, protide or conjugate described herein. In some aspects, the method can be used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of a disease, such as an infection, cancer, autoimmune disease, or inflammatory disease.

Abstract: A live organism product wherein the organisms are in a dormant state and are suspended in a liquid carrier which is sufficiently devoid of moisture so that the organisms will remain in a dormant state for several months. The carrier is comprised of oil. The carrier may also include an absorbent. The product is stored and shipped in a plastic bag and is sprayed onto its target host or the like. The moisture and pH then activates the organisms.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for recovering a vinyl acid monomer by providing an aqueous fermentation broth which undergoes microbial fermentation of a nutrient medium containing a carbon source including at least one microorganism to produce a vinyl acid monomer. The method provides a direct overall route to bio-based polymers of the vinyl acid monomer, and in particular, polymers of polyitaconic acid.

Abstract: Techniques for generating microtissues, including a micro-fabricated platform including at least one micro-well including a plurality of micro-cantilevers coupled thereto and surrounded by a plurality of ridges, each micro-cantilever including a cap at a terminal end thereof. The platform can be immersed in a suspension of cells. The suspension of cells can be driven into at least one micro-well, and the ridges can be de-wetted to remove excess suspension and isolate the suspension of cells in each micro-well. The cells can be driven in the suspension of each micro-well toward a top surface of the suspension, which can be polymerized to form a matrix. The cells can be cultivated to spontaneously compact the matrix such that the micro-cantilevers anchor and constrain the contracting matrix to form a band of microtissue that spans across the micro-cantilevers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing the viscosity of a microorganism-containing suspension or concentrate and a method for obtaining a microorganism concentrate, wherein a monosaccharide and/or disaccharide and/or sugar alcohol is added to said microorganism-containing suspension or concentrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides attenuated F. columnare strains that elicit an immune response in an animal, particularly a fish, against virulent F. columnare compositions comprising said strains, methods of vaccination against F. columnare, and kits for use with such methods and compositions. The invention further relates to a stabilization buffer, which allows the attenuated compositions to remain storage stable at ambient temperatures for extended periods of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the Bio-transformation of Thiocolchicine a colchicinoid compound into its glycosylated form using a selective microorganism Providencia vermicola. Use of bacterial strain, Providencia vermicola for microbial bio-transformation of thiocolchicine (TCN) to their corresponding 3-0-glycosyl derivative as well as specific strains of that species Providencia vermicola for microbial transformation of other colchicinoid compounds such as colchicine, thiocolchicine, 3-demethylcolchicine, 3-demethylthiocolchicine and N-deacetylthiocolchicine to its corresponding glycosylated form and subsequent isolation of the transformed compounds from the bacterial culture medium is disclosed. Providencia vermicola (MTCC 5578) a gram negative bacteria has been identified having trans-glycosylation ability and convert thiocolchicine (TCN) to Thiocolchicocide (TCS).

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions comprising substantially non-viable Gram-negative bacterial organisms that have a substantial reduction in endotoxin activity and/or pyrogenicity and methods for treating a cancer using the same. Also provided are methods for treating cancer provided herein, comprising administering to a mammal diagnosed with cancer, substantially non-viable Gram-negative bacteria having a substantial reduction in endotoxin activity and/or pyrogenicity, in an amount sufficient to inhibit growth or metastasis of the cancer. An additional method is provided comprising administering viable or non-viable Gram-negative bacterial organisms that have a genetic defect that results in a substantial loss of lipopolysaccharide within the outer membrane of the bacteria. Further provided are methods for reducing endotoxin activity and/or pyrogenicity in Gram-negative bacteria comprising treatment with polymyxin and glutaraldehyde.

Abstract: The present invention relates to strains of Helicobacter pylori useful for the delivery of biologically active agents. In particular, the present invention provides an isolated strain of H. pylori having: (a) low pathogenicity; (b) ability to naturally transform; and (c) ability to colonise mouse stomach mucosa without host adaptation.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the use of oil-containing materials as feedstocks for the production the bioproducts by biofermentation. In one preferred embodiment, surfactants are not used in compositions and the methods of the invention. In one preferred embodiment the oil-containing feedstocks are the by-products of other industrial processes including microbial, plant and animal oil processing.

Abstract: [Problem] The present invention addresses the problem of providing an anti-trypanosomal drug having a novel skeleton, in order to solve issues that occur with conventional technologies. [Solution] The present invention is based on the discovery of a microbe that produces an anti-trypanosomal drug having a novel skeleton. Specifically, this invention provides: a compound indicated by formula (I) having a trypanosomal inhibitory activity; an analog thereof; a production method therefor; and a Lechevalieria sp. Kl0-0216 strain that produces said compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for providing purified bacteria-containing concentrates, comprising at least the steps of adding an aqueous solution to a first bacteria-containing concentrate to provide a bacteria-containing suspension, wherein the volume of the added aqueous solution is in the range of 0.3 liters to 10 liters per liter of said first bacteria-containing concentrate; and concentrating said bacteria-containing suspension to provide a second bacteria-containing concentrate. Further, the present invention relates to the purified concentrates per se.