Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a means for imparting resistance against pathogenic fungal, pathogenic bacterial, or pathogenic viral disease to agriculturally useful plants. The present invention relates to a bacterium belonging to the genus Azospirillum or the genus Herbaspirillum capable of imparting resistance against pathogenic fungal, pathogenic bacterial, or pathogenic viral disease to a host plant by living symbiotically within the plant, a method for controlling plant disease using the bacteria, and plants produced by such method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel bacterial cell composition which comprises cells of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens having the ability to produce butyric acid, a cultured material thereof or an extract thereof, and a method for inhibiting carcinogenesis, a method for immunostimulating, a method for preventing or treating a pathogen, a method for preventing or treating an inflammatory bowel disease and a method for preventing or treating an allergic disease, which use the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continous process for converting carbonaceous material contained in at least two feedstocks into a liquid hydrocarbon product, said feedstocks including at least one feedstock of biomass and at least one feedstock of lignite and/or peat, said feedstocks including the carbonaceous material being in a feed mixture including one or more fluids, said fluids including water and further liquid organic compounds at least partly produced by the process in a concentration of at least 1% by weight, where the process comprises converting at least part of the carbonaceous material by pressurising the feed mixture to a pressure in the range 50-400 bar, heating the feed mixture to a temperature in the range 250-500° C., and maintaining said pressurized and heated feed mixture in the desired pressure and temperature ranges in a reaction zone for a predefined time; cooling the feed mixture to a temperature in the range 25-200° C.

Abstract: Disclosed are formulations for enhancing the in vivo colonization of probiotic microorganisms that include digestive enzymes and probiotic microorganisms, and polysorbate surfactants. The enzymes include lactogenic enzyme formulations that promote growth of Lactobacillus probiotics, bifidogenic enzyme formulations that promote growth of Bifidobacterium probiotics and combination formulations that benefit both types of probiotics. It has been discovered that certain polysorbate surfactants, including polysorbate-60 and polysorbate-80, further promote probiotic microorganism growth, when used with the enzyme formulations. The formulations are preferably compounded as dry powders, to avoid water reaction with the enzymes in blended formulations. Such formulations can be contained in capsules, tablets, packets or bottles and administered orally, either sequentially or in one combined formulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated anti-interferon alpha monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies, that inhibit the biological activity of multiple interferon (IFN) alpha subtypes but do not substantially inhibit the biological activity of IFN alpha 21 or the biological activity of either IFN beta or IFN omega. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The invention also provides methods for inhibiting the biological activity of IFN alpha using the antibodies of the invention, as well as methods of treating disease or disorders mediated by IFN alpha, such as autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection and graft versus host disease, by administering the antibodies of the invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to isolated bacterial strains producing polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), microbial consortia including such strains, and cultures of such strains and microbial consortia. In particular, the present disclosure relates to compositions including such strains, microbial consortia, and cultures and methods of use thereof.

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: Disclosed herein is the use of tigemonam and carumonam in treating bacterial infection caused by bacteria producing K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) enzymes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for improving efficiency of a organic food production plant, the process comprising preparing a feedstock of a raw harvested organic food base product; processing the prepared food base product, including heating; extracting the organic food material from the food base product, and leaving a residual waste product; feeding the a waste product into a continuous process for converting carbonaceous material in the waste product into a liquid hydrocarbon product and extracting a liquid hydrocarbon product. The process is related to palm oil production from fresh fruit bunches.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a novel NAD+-independent myo-inositol 2-dehydrogenase which converts myo-inositol into scyllo-inosose in the absence of NAD+; a novel enzyme scyllo-inositol dehydrogenase which stereospecifically reduces scyllo-inosose into scyllo-inositol in the presence of NADH or NADPH; and a novel microorganism which belongs to the genus Acetobacter or Burkholderia and can convert myo-inositol into scyllo-inositol. By using these enzymes or the microorganism, scyllo-inositol is produced. Furthermore, scyllo-inositol is purified by adding boric acid and a metal salt to a liquid mixture containing scyllo-inositol and a neutral saccharide other than scyllo-inositol to form a scyllo-inositol/boric acid complex, separating the complex from the liquid mixture, dissolving the thus separated complex in an acid to give an acidic solution or an acidic suspension and then purifying scyllo-inositol from the acidic solution or the acidic suspension.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant geranyl diphosphate (GPP) synthases, genes encoding the synthases, vectors and host cells comprising the same. More particularly, the invention relates to a recombinant GPP synthase, which preferentially facilitates the production of GPP from its isoprenoid precursors and incorporating a recombinant GPP synthase into one or more terpene production pathways of a host organism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of bacteriology. In particular, the invention relates to compositions of probiotic microbes and methods for making and using such compositions, e.g. in the treatment and prevention of catheter associated urinary tract infections.

Abstract: The present invention comprises compositions and methods for enhancing biological processes, such as plant growth or bioremediation. For example, the present invention comprises compositions and methods for effectively remediating chemical and organic wastes and reducing the environmental risk from manure, septic, sewage, oil pollution, and other contaminants.

Abstract: The invention discloses the demethylation of 5-methoxyflavonoids by bacterial enzymes, the use of these enzymes in the production of phytoestrogens in vitro, and in pharmaceutical compositions in combination with a source of methylated 5-methoxyprenylflavonoids.

Abstract: The invention relates in part to compounds that act as highly nitric oxide (NO)-specific turn-on fluorescent probes. The present invention also relates to the use of these fluorescein-based sensors to screen selectively for inhibitors of bacterial nitric oxide synthase (bNOS). Compounds of the present invention readily detect nitric oxide produced in vivo. Therefore they can be used in an assay that measures NO production by bNOS. Using a sensor of the invention one can screen libraries of small molecules for inhibitors of bNOS.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated structures containing degradative enzymes produced from a marine organism. The enzymes produced are based on the carbon source upon which the marine organism is growing. The enzymes are found in structures that can be isolated such that the degradative enzymes are easily harvested.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for prevention and/or treatment of human skin alteration or disease comprising an extract of marine bacteria selected from Flavobacteriaceae, wherein the extract contains an effective amount of zeaxanthin. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing the above composition, comprising: (a) culturing marine bacteria selected from Flavobacteriaceae, more specifically, from Olleya marilimosa, in a liquid culturing medium to form pigments containing zeaxanthin; (b) separating cell mass of the marine bacteria with the pigments and the liquid culturing medium and collect the cell mass to obtain the above composition, and (c) optionally mixing the cell mass and a carrier.

Abstract: There are provided a microorganism characterized by producing poly-?-L-glutamate with a molecular weight of 1,300,000 or greater and uniform optical purity under liquid culture conditions, a method of screening for the microorganism, a method of producing poly-?-L-glutamate having large molecular weight by using the microorganism, and poly-?-L-glutamate having an average molecular weight of 1,300,000 or greater. In addition, usages of these are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the screening, identification and/or application of microorganisms of use in imparting beneficial properties to plants.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to Prevotella histicola preparations. For example, Prevotella histicola preparations in the form of an oral medicament or dietary supplement (e.g., a pill, tablet, capsule) are provided. In addition, methods and materials for using a Prevotella histicola preparation provided herein as an anti-inflammatory agent are provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for remediation of contaminated materials, such as contaminated water, are provided. The composition may include at least one fermentable compound and at least one metal or metal containing compound to promote conversion of the contaminants into non-toxic substances through abiotic and/or biotic processes. The composition may further include sulfur or a sulfur containing compound, and/or microorganisms or derivative thereof.

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: The present invention relates to butyrate producing bacterial strains related to the species Butyncoccus pullicaecorum to be used in the prevention and/or treatment of intestinal health problems. The present invention therefore provides methods and compositions that overcome the problems associated with the currently used methods for administering butyric acid in the treatment of intestinal health problems in humans and/or animals.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and compositions for treating an animal to inhibit the incidence and growth of E. coli O157:H7 and other pathogenic bacteria. The treatment method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of Lactobacillus acidophilus or one or a combination of a number of other probiotic bacteria to an animal. An alternative treatment method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of a lactic acid producing bacterium such as Lactobacillus acidophilus in combination with a lactate utilizing bacterium such as Propionibacterium freudenreichii.

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: Among other things, for use in directional motion of chiral objects in a mixture, a field is applied across the chamber and is rotating relative to the chamber to cause rotation of the chiral objects. The rotation of the objects causes them to move directionally based on their chirality. The method applies to sugars, proteins, and peptides, among other things, and can be used in a wide variety of applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an extract from bacterial strains, such as Staphylococcus, Moraxella, Klebsiella, Streptococcus, and Haemophilus. The extract is useful as a treatment for indications such as respiratory disorders, compositions comprising the extract, and processes of making the extract from media that do not pose a risk of prion diseases.

Abstract: Contamination was controlled in fermentations using Zymomonas mobilis as the biocatalyst, without negative impact on fermentation production, by the addition of virginiamycin. The effective concentration of virginiamycin was found to be dependent upon the type of fermentation medium used.

Abstract: Antibodies to human IL-23R are provided, as well as uses thereof, e.g. in treatment of inflammatory, autoimmune, and proliferative disorders.

Abstract: Glycerol or other reduced carbon sources may be used as a feedstock for the microbial production of chemical products under certain microaerobic conditions. For example, such production may occur under microaerobic or microrespiratory conditions in which electron acceptors are consumed in the reaction as quickly as they are added. In such reactions, the reaction product is at least as reduced as carbon source. Further, during such a reaction, at least some of the carbon source is used to generate cell mass. In addition, microorganisms with modified genomes are provided for carrying out the methods herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to the finding that virus like particles (VLPs) can be loaded with immunostimulatory substances, in particular with DNA oligonucleotides containing non-methylated C and G (CpGs). Such CpG-VLPs are dramatically more immunogenic than their CpG-free counterparts and induce enhanced B and T cell responses. The immune response against antigens optionally coupled, fused or attached otherwise to the VLPs is similarly enhanced as the immune response against the VLP itself. In addition, the T cell responses against both the VLPs and antigens are especially directed to the Th1 type. Antigens attached to CpG-loaded VLPs may therefore be ideal vaccines for prophylactic or therapeutic vaccination against allergies, tumors and other self-molecules and chronic viral diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving viability and/or stress tolerance of viable biological material and using the said material comprising applying hydrostatic pressure to said biological material; keeping the said viable biological material at the hydrostatic pressure for a predetermined time period; releasing the hydrostatic pressure; and using the said material for any desired purpose in accordance with any useful protocol. The usage of the said biological material incorporates any techniques, protocols that are applicable in the field of assisted reproductive techniques, biotechnical and/or biotechnological manipulations.

Abstract: Selection of probiotic strains belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium and to a symbiotic composition containing the same for use of feeding infants, is described.

Abstract: The present invention concerns novel lantibiotic compounds, processes for the isolation and preparation thereof, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, pharmaceutical acceptable salts thereof, and methods of use of the lantibiotics as antibacterial agents.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for inactivating a target polynucleotide. The methods use a psiRNA having a 5? region and a 3? region. The 5? region includes, but is not limited to, 5 to 10 nucleotides chosen from a repeat from a CRISPR locus immediately upstream of a spacer. The 3? region is substantially complementary to a portion of the target polynucleotide. The methods may be practiced in a prokaryotic microbe or in vitro. Also provided are polypeptides that have endonuclease activity in the presence of a psiRNA and a target polynucleotide, and methods for using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Vaccines against prion disease eliciting a humoral immune response when administered mucosally are described. The vaccines comprise a prion protein, a prion protein fragment, or a non-amyloidogenic prion protein homolog and an adjuvant suitable for inducing a humoral immune response after mucosal administration. Suitable adjuvants include cholera toxin subunit B, heat-labile enterotoxin and aluminum hydroxide. Alternatively, the vaccine comprises a vector encoding a prion protein, fragment, or homolog in an attenuated Salmonella host. The vaccines can be used to prevent or treat prion disease in humans and other mammals.

Abstract: An oil generation system is provided. The oil generation system includes a saccharide; and a working microorganism reacting with the saccharide to produce an oil, wherein the working microorganism has a genus being a Cystofilobasidium.

Abstract: A yellow pigments generation deficient Sphingomonas strain (Sphingomonas sp. ZD001) and application thereof in preparing gellan gum by microbial fermentation are provided. The strain is preserved in China Center for Type Culture Collection (CCTCC) with the address of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China, the preservation date of the strain is 10 Sep. 2009, and the preservation serial number is CCTCC No: M 209298. The main beneficial effect of the present invention is that the fermented liquor contains no yellow pigments but is milky white, colorless superior gellan gum can be obtained by only depositing polysaccharide with a small quantity of ethanol or isopropanol, so that the post purification and de-coloration techniques of gellan gum production can be simplified, the yield can be enhanced, and the production cost can be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method in which a microbial fuel cell (MFC) is used in order to produce electrical power while also either eliminating heavy metals or recovering precious metals from wastewater containing the heavy metals or the precious metals, and, more particularly, the invention has advantages including effective elimination of Hg2+ or any other heavy metals in the form of a solid precipitate or deposit of Hg or Hg2Cl2 or any other such deposits or effective recovery of Ag or any other precious metals in the form of solid precipitates or deposits, and incidentally, power is produced, by-products are rendered harmless and long-term economic operation is achieved.

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: 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: The invention provides isolated Brevibacillius laterosporus strains with insecticidal activity against at least one Lepidoptera species and at least one Diptera species. In particular the invention provides the isolated B. laterosporus strains NMI No. V12/001946, NMI No. V12/001945 and NMI No. V12/001944. The invention provides compositions comprising one or more strain of the invention. The invention also provides methods of use of one or more strains or compositions of the inventions to control pests, particularly insect pests.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting a microbial infection can include: providing a compound of the invention or prodrugs or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; and administering the compound to a subject in a therapeutically effective amount to inhibit the microbial infection. The therapeutically effective amount can be sufficient to inhibit a biological activity of a transcriptional activator of the microbe. The inhibited transcriptional activator is an AraC bacterial transcriptional activator. The AraC bacterial transcriptional activator can be RhaS, RhaR, Rns, or VirF. The microbe can be selected from Vibrio, Pseudomonas, Enterotoxigenic E. coli, and Shigella.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, nucleic acids, and cells for use in the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to survivin-derived tumor-associated cytotoxic T cell (CTL) peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. The present invention specifically relates to three novel peptide sequences and variants thereof derived from HLA class I and class II molecules of human tumor cells that can be used in vaccine compositions for eliciting anti-tumor immune responses.

Abstract: A container system includes a bag having of one or more sheets of flexible polymeric material, the bag having an interior surface at least partially bounding a chamber that is adapted to hold a fluid. A sparger is secured to the interior surface of the bag so that a compartment is formed between the interior surface of the bag and the sparger. At least a portion of the sparger includes a sparging sheet formed from a flexible sheet of a gas permeable material. A tubular port or tube is coupled with the bag so that a passage bounded by the tubular port or tube communicates with the compartment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel and potent cellulose producing bacterial species, Gluconacetobacter oboediens which was isolated from mixed fruit residue deposited at MTCC, IMTECH, Chandigarh under the deposition number MTCC 5610. The process for the production of microbial cellulose by this bacterium was optimized and thus, an efficient and economic process for producing high titres of microbial cellulose was developed. Further, a novel and improved method for drying of microbial cellulose has been developed wherein the microbial cellulose mats were dried using a wooden plank and porous fabric as a base at room temperature. The microbial cellulose production was successfully scaled up to 5 liters volume of production medium in trays. The present invention also recites the production and optimization of microbial cellulose in different shapes and sizes (gloves and vessels) which will be of great help for burn and injured persons/patients.

Abstract: A particle is disclosed. The particle comprising: (i) at least one inner core which comprises a solid matrix of nutrients for microorganism growth; (ii) an inner membrane being fabricated from a water-soluble polymer, the inner membrane surrounding the inner core and a population of dried microorganisms; and (iii) an outer porous membrane surrounding the inner membrane, the outer porous membrane being insoluble in water. Methods of generating same, propagating microorganisms within and uses of same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bacterial strains, capable of utilizing glycerol as a carbon source for the fermentative production of succinic acid, wherein said strains are genetically modified so that they comprise a deregulation of their endogenous pyruvate-formate-lyase enzyme activity, as well as to methods of producing organic acids, in particular succinic acid, by making use of such microorganism. The present invention also relates to the downstream processing of the produced organic acids by cation exchange chromatography.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel wild-type Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris bacteria strain with increased vitamin K2 production and mutants and variants thereof and methods for preparation of a fermented food or feed product enriched in vitamin K2 and a vitamin K enriched edible product for amelioration and/or prevention of vitamin K deficiency. The present invention also relates to the fermented food or feed product and the edible product obtainable by the methods herein and to the wild-type Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris bacteria strain for use in treatment and/or prevention of vitamin K deficiency in a mammal, such as a human.

Abstract: The present invention has objects to provide a glucan useful as water-soluble dietary fiber, its preparation and uses. The present invention solves the above objects by providing a branched ?-glucan, which is constructed by glucose molecules and characterized by methylation analysis as follows: (1) Ratio of 2,3,6-trimethyl-1,4,5-triacetyl-glucitol to 2,3,4-trimethyl-1,5,6-triacetyl-glucitol is in the range of 1:0.6 to 1:4; (2) Total content of 2,3,6-trimethyl-1,4,5-triacetyl-glucitol and 2,3,4-trimethyl-1,5,6-triacetyl-glucitol is 60% or higher in the partially methylated glucitol acetates; (3) Content of 2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,5-triacetyl-glucitol is 0.5% or higher but less than 10% in the partially methylated glucitol acetates; and (4) Content of 2,4-dimethyl-1,3,5,6-tetraacetyl-glucitol is 0.5% or higher in the partially methylated glucitol acetates; a novel ?-glucosyltransferase which forms the branched ?-glucan, processes for producing them, and their uses.