Abstract: The invention describes therapeutic compositions including a lactic acid-producing bacteria, such as isolated Bacillus coagulans, in combination with a bifidogenic oligosaccharides or other cholesterol-reducing agents for use in reducing LDL cholesterol and serum triglycerides. Also described are therapeutic methods using the compositions and systems containing the therapeutic compositions.

Abstract: Fungal/bacterial atagonist combinations, a seed coated with one of the combinations and a plant protected from plant pathogens by one of the combinations. The invention is also a fungal/bacterial antagonist combination and its use for controlling plant pathogens as a biocontrol agent, bio-pesticide or bio-fungicide.

Abstract: The present invention solves the problem of integrating multiple copies of a gene of interest by homologous recombination into well defined positions adjacent to conditionally essential genes in a bacterial host strain chromosome, which already comprises at least one copy of the gene of interest in a different position.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions for consumption by both animals and humans for the maintenance of a healthy gastrointestinal tract, the probiotic composition is efficacious in removing toxic nitrogenous by-products caused by chemotherapy and dietary imbalances such as high protein diets. The compositions of the present invention are also useful for delaying the onset of illness in patients with metabolic syndromes such as borderline diabetics or hypertension.

Abstract: Microorganism of the genus Eubacterium, and its obtainment and use, which is suitable in pure culture, DSM 11798, and/or mixed culture with the strain Enterococcus casseliflavus, DSM 11799, or in mixed culture with other anaerobic microorganisms for the detoxification of trichothecenes. A feedstuff additive for the inactivation of trichothecenes in feedstuffs or in the digestive tract of animals contains a pure and/or mixed culture of the microorganism (DSM 11798 or DSM 11799) or a mixed culture with other anaerobic microorganisms in an amount from 0.2 to 3 kg, in particular 0.5 to 2.5 kg, per 1000 kg of feedstuff.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of (1R,4S)- or (1S,4R)-1-amino-4-(hydroxymethyl)-2-cyclopentene of the formulae and/or of (1S,4R)- or (1R,4S)-amino alcohol derivatives of the general formulae and to novel microorganisms which are able to utilize a cyclopentene derivative of the general formula as sole nitrogen source, as sole carbon source or as sole carbon and nitrogen source.

Abstract: A method of purifying waste water biologically by using three particularly suitable bacteria: Bacillus sp. DT-1, Pseudomonas azelaica, DT-2, and/or Rhizobus sp. DT-5, or mixed populations thereof. The invention further relates to the bacteria and the mixed populations and use thereof in purifying waste water. The invention further relates to a bioreactor including the bacteria.

Abstract: A promoter having a higher activity than that of an &agr;-amylase promoter of a microorganism of the genus Bacillus can be provided by introducing at least one restriction site sequence in the vicinity of the 3′ end of the promoter of the &agr;-amylase derived from the microorganism of the genus Bacillus.

Abstract: An enzyme solution obtained by cultivating Bacillus subtilis M2-4 strain highly heat-resistant peptidase activity such that the residual activity thereof after 1-hr heat treatment at 60 to 65° C. at pH 7 is substantially 100%. An enzyme preparation can be obtained by separating the enzyme protein from the enzyme solution. Using such enzyme solution or enzyme preparation as an active component, a proteolytic enzyme preparation can be prepared. The enzyme solution, the enzyme preparation and the proteolytic enzyme preparation have both high heat-resistance and great potency of hydrolyzing proteins into low molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of novel cysteine proteases in Gram-positive microorganisms. The present invention provides the nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for the Bacillus subtilis cysteine proteases CP1, CP2 and CP3. The present invention also provides host cells having a mutation or deletion of part or all of the gene encoding CP1, CP2 or CP3. The present invention also provides host cells further comprising nucleic acid encoding desired heterologous proteins such as enzymes. The present invention also provides a cleaning composition comprising a cysteine protease of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing the copy number of a chromosomally integrated expression cassette in a microbial strain without leaving antibiotic resistance markers behind in the strain, the necessary genetic constructs, and the strains resulting from the method of the invention.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a bacterial composition having immunomodulation properties comprising at least one strain selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus acidophilus PTA-4797, Lactobacillus plantarum PTA-4799, Lactobacillus salivarius PTA-4800, Lactobacillus paracasei PTA-4798, Bifidobacterium bifidum PTA-4801 and Bifidobacterium lactis PTA-4802. An other subject of the invention is an immunomodulation method comprising the step of using the at least one strain selected from the preceding group.

Abstract: A composition for treatment of renal failure with selected bacteria which converts nitrogenous waste into non-toxic compounds in vivo is provided. Also provided is a method of inhibiting build up of toxins and metabolic wastes and overgrowth of undesirable bacteria in a subject by administering the composition to the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to the discovery that nucleic acid sequences comprising a BtI or BtII promoter, or a combination of a BtI and a BtII promoter, a bacterial STAB-SD sequence, and a sequence encoding proteins of the B. sphaericus (“Bs”) binary toxin and expressed in B. thuringiensis (“Bt”) or Bs cells results in production of Bs binary toxin at least 10 times that of untransformed Bs cells. The invention provides nucleic acid sequences, expression vectors, host cells, and methods of increasing the toxicity of an insecticidal bacterium by transforming the bacterium with a nucleic acid sequence of the invention. Further, the invention relates to the discovery that the Cyt1Aa1 protein of Bt subspecies israelensis (“Bti”) reverses resistance to Bs binary toxin in Bs-resistant mosquitoes. The invention provides Bs cells expressing Bti Cyt1Aa1 protein, and methods of reversing resistance to Bs binary toxin by co-administering the Cyt1Aa1 protein with Bs binary toxin.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for inhibiting microbial infections associated with the use of sanitary products, such as diapers, bandages, sanitary napkins, tampons and the like. The invention provides a sanitary product containing an absorbent structure and an effective amount of a viable non-pathogenic lactic-acid bacteria, such as Bacillus coagulans, or an extracellular product thereof, useful for inhibiting growth of parasites and pathogens on the epithelial tissue in contact with the sanitary product during use of the product. Also provided is enhancing biodegradation of sanitary products after use and disposal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an industrially efficient method for producing an L-amino acid useful as medicament, chemical agent, food material and feed additive, and the method comprising culturing in a medium a microorganism having an ability to produce the L-amino acid and having resistance to a DNA gyrase inhibitor or a microorganism having an ability to produce the L-amino acid and having both resistance to a DNA gyrase inhibitor and resistance to an aminoquinoline derivative, producing and accumulating the L-amino acid therein and recovering the L-amino acid therefrom.

Abstract: A method for culturing Bacillus subtilis in such a manner that a vitamin K derivative is accumulated in the largest amount in the cells of the microorganism. A method for the culture of Bacillus subtilis, which comprises culturing Bacillus subtilis and recovering the cells of the microorganism before the vitamin K produced within the cells of the microorganism is released from the cells is disclosed, as well as the cultured product of Bacillus subtilis cultured by this method, a water-soluble vitamin K derivative originating in the cultured product, a food product, beverage, or feed containing the cultured product and/or the water-soluble vitamin K derivative, and a method for extracting vitamin K.

Abstract: A method for culturing Bacillus subtilis in such a manner that a vitamin K derivative is accumulated in the largest amount in the cells of the microorganism. A method for the culture of Bacillus subtilis, which comprises culturing Bacillus subtilis and recovering the cells of the microorganism before the vitamin K produced within the cells of the microorganism is released from the cells is disclosed, as well as the cultured product of Bacillus subtilis cultured by this method, a water-soluble vitamin K derivative originating in the cultured product, a food product, beverage, or feed containing the cultured product and/or the water-soluble vitamin K derivative, and a method for extracting vitamin K.

Abstract: A poultry eggshell strengthening composition for enhancing eggshell thickness and external eggshell membrane thickness, containing a viable microorganism of the genus Bacillus as an active ingredient, optionally together with a carrier or diluent.

Abstract: Methods for producing mouse and human endostatin are disclosed. Methods for refolding and purifying endostatin from inclusion bodies expressed in bacteria and nucleic acids encoding full-length and truncated forms of endostatin are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention discloses a Gram-positive microorganism, Bacillus megaterium, that effectively and efficiently degrades fats, oils and grease. A composition comprising said microorganism and a method for degrading fatty acids and grease are also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel antibiotic-producing Bacillus sp. is provided that exhibits antifungal activity only on certain specific plant pathogens and no antibacterial activity is provided by this invention, as well as a biologically pure culture of a strain having all the identifying characteristics of this strain. Also provided is a method of treating or protecting plants, fruit and roots from fungal infections by applying an effective amount of these strains, supernatants produced by these strains or a metabolite isolated from these strains. The invention further encompasses the synergistic fungicidal effect of using a strain of NRRL Accession Nos. B-30087 together with B-21661 (AQ 713).

Abstract: CGTase having the following enzymatic chemical properties: (1) Function and substrate specificity: funtioning on starch, dextrin, amylopectin, and amylose to produce primarily &ggr;-CD, with the quantities of &bgr;- and &agr;-CD produced being smaller than the quantity of &ggr;-CD produced; (2) Optimum pH: 10.5-11.0; (3) Optimum temperature: About 60° C.; (4) Stable pH: 6-11; and (5) Temperature stability: With a 15 minute-treatment at 50° C., residual activity of not less than 90 percent is exhibited. A method of manufacturing cyclodextrin glucanotransferase in which a microorganism belonging to the species Bacillus clarkii (for example, FERM BP-7156) and having the ability to produce cyclodextrin glucanotransferase is cultured, cyclodextrin glucanotransferase is produced in the cultured product, and the cyclodextrin glucanotransferase that has been produced is collected.

Abstract: A 10 kb gene cluster has been isolated from Rhodococcus ruber SC1 comprising genes encoding enzymes useful for the synthesis of dodecanoic diacid from cyclododecanone and other cyclic intermediates. The six specific open reading frames have been identified that are associated with dodecanoic diacid biosynthesis. In addition to the expected substrates the enzymes of the instant invention have moderate specificity for C11-C15 compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of degradation or corrosion prevention or inhibition through the use of bacteria which secrete antimicrobial chemical compositions. In particular, the invention relates to the use of bacteria which, either naturally or through the use of recombinant technology, secrete chemical compositions which inhibit the growth of sulfate-reducing bacteria on metals, concrete, mortar, and other surfaces subject to corrosion.

Abstract: A slow-release solid chemical composition for environmental bioremediation is provided. The composition comprises a source of soluble organic substrates which include sugars, soluble organic polymers and mixtures of them in an amount of 7% to 90%, insoluble organic substrates an amount of 10% to 70%, complex inorganic phosphates in an amount of 0.5% to 7% and soluble organic salts in an amount of 2% to 70%. The insoluble organic substrates include fibrous plant materials, starches, cellulosic materials and mixtures of these substrates. The complex inorganic phosphates include ringed metaphosphates, linear polyphosphates and mixtures. The organic salts include lactates, formates, acetates, citrates, etc. Also the composition further comprises microorganisms which include Bacillus spp., Rhizobium spp., Bradyrhibzobium spp., Fibrobacter spp., Clostridium spp., Pseudomonas. spp., Geobacter spp., Arthrobacter spp., Nocardia, spp., aspergillus spp., Trichoderma spp., Candida spp., Yarrowia spp.

Abstract: A glyoxal-guanosine-group compound is prepared either by reacting glyoxal-guanine with any one of ribose-1-phosphate and 2-deoxyribose-1-phosphate in the presence of purine nucleoside phosphorylase, or by reacting glyoxal-guanine with any one selected from the group consisting of uridine, 2′-deoxyuridine and thymidine, together with phosphate ion, in the presence of purine nucleoside phosphorylase and pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase. The glyoxal-guanosine-group compound is then decomposed by alkali, whereby a guanosine-group compound consisting of guanosine and 2′-deoxyguanosine is prepared.

Abstract: Genes have been identified in the Bacillus genome that are responsive to various metabolic conditions and growth cycle changes. The new responsiveness of these genes allows for their use in regulated gene expression in Bacillus sp. and for the monitoring of bioreactor health.

Abstract: A fermentation composition for treatment of aquatic environments. The fermentation composition includes an activated organic matrix selected from wheat, barley or rye straw, ground, whole-grain barley grain and wheat bran. The fermentation composition also includes beneficial saprophytic bacteria, beneficial hydrolytic enzymes and soluble humatic compounds.

Abstract: The global effect on genes under different environmental conditions can be determined by a comprehensive gene expression profile. The present invention provides a method to monitor the changes in comprehensive cellular gene expression levels at single length resolution by using a high-density microarray prepared with a comprehensive collection of ORFs of a genome. Under different environmental conditions, directly and indirectly affected genes can be detected as the gene expression levels are induced or repressed in comparison to the control.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are novel toxins and genes obtainable from Bacillus laterosporus isolates disclosed herein. In preferred embodiments, the subject genes and toxins are used to control Western corn rootworm.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns the discovery of Bacillus thuringiensis isolates with advantageous activity against weevils. In preferred embodiments of the invention, B.t. isolates, or toxins therefrom, are used to control alfalfa weevils, boll weevils, and/or rice water weevils. The toxins can be administered to the pests through a variety of methods including the transformation of bacteria or plants to produce the weevil-active toxins.

Abstract: Paenibacillus polymyxa strain ATCC 202127 capable of producing a peptide antibiotic against fungi, and specifically Leptosphaeria spp. is disclosed. Further, mutants of said strain capable of producing the peptide are also disclosed. In addition, a method of controlling a fungal disease of a crop is disclosed. The method comprises applying an amount of the strain or mutants thereof to at least one of a medium for growing the crop, seeds of the crop prior to planting, and plants of the crop. The strain can also inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Micrococcus spp., Streptomyces spp. or Escherichia spp. The fungi which the strain or mutants thereof capable of producing the peptide are effective against include in addition to Leptosphaeria spp., the fungus selected from Sclerotinia spp., Rhizotonia spp., Pythium spp., Fusarium spp., Alternaria spp., Aspergillus spp., Sporobolomyces spp., Trichoderma spp., Penicillium spp. or Marasmius spp.

Abstract: A enterotoxin-deficient mutant of a member strain of the Bacillus cereus group does not produce HBL enterotoxin, which has been regarded as a human pathogen found in member strains. An enterotoxin-deficient mutant is suitable for use as a biocontrol agent. Methods for making the mutant and for using the mutant are described.

Abstract: Disclosed are Bacillus thuringiensis strains comprising novel crystal proteins which exhibit insecticidal activity against coleopteran insects including red flour beetle larvae (Tribolium castaneum) and Japanese beetle larvae (Popillia japonica). Also disclosed are novel B. thuringiensis crystal toxin genes, designated cryET33 and cryET34, which encode the colepteran-toxic crystal proteins, CryET33 (29-kDa) crystal protein, and the cryET34 gene encodes the 14-kDa CryET34 crystal protein. The CryET33 and CryET34 crystal proteins are toxic to red flour beetle larvae and Japanese beetle larvae. Also disclosed are methods of making and using transgenic cells comprising the novel nucleic acid sequences of the invention.

Abstract: Biological control composition comprising specific strains of Bacillus, which are selected from the group of Bacillus cereus NRRL B-30517 and NRRL B-30519, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NRRL B-30518 and Bacillus subtilis NRRL B-30520, as well as a method therefore are provided. Furthermore, the specific strains in combination provide a synergistic effect against pathogenic fungi. The pathogenic fungi include varied Phytophthora species such as P. capsici.

Abstract: A novel antibiotic-producing Bacillus sp. is provided that exhibits antifungal activity only on certain specific plant pathogens and no antibacterial activity is provided by this invention as well as a biologically pure culture of a strain having all the identifying characteristics of this strain. Also provided is a method of treating or protecting plants, fruit and roots from fungal infections by applying an effective amount of these strains, supernatants produced by these strains or a metabolite isolated from these strains.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the removal of a nitrogen containing heterocyclic or aromatic compound, comprising at least one nitro group, in an effluent by the conversion of said, at least one nitro group into an amine group by means of a reducing agent. The reducing agent can be hydrogen in the presence of Pd/C or a micro-organism. This invention also relates to a method for the synthesis of 5-amino-1,2,4-triazole-3-one from 5-nitro-1,2,4-triazole-3-one by said method of conversion, that allows one to achieve synthesis yields greater than 80%. This invention also relates to a colony of the type Bacillus licheniformis capable of converting one or more nitro groups of nitrogen containing heterocyclic compounds into one or more amine groups. This colony has been filed in the CNCM, held by the Pasteur Institute, under the number I-1915.

Abstract: A composition and method for reducing the levels of pathogenic bacteria in an aquatic environment. The composition includes isolated Bacillus cereus which are able to reduce a number of well known pathogenic bacterium from aquatic environments.

Abstract: The invention discloses an isolated, biologically pure culture of a microorganism, Bacillus licheniformis, strain SB3086 for use as an environmentally desirable biofungicide. The invention also discloses a formulation comprising said bacterium and a method for controlling plant fungal diseases and infestation of Aspergillis niger utilizing said strain.

Abstract: A method for screening a bacterium antagonistic to pathogenic bacteria that emerge during raising of seedlings of gramineous plants utilizing tropolone resistance and tropolone non-producing property as indices, and a microbial pesticide containing as an active ingredient the bacterium that has tropolone resistance and tropolone non-producing property selected by the screening method or spores thereof.

Abstract: Four yeasts (NRRL Y-30213, NRRL Y-30214, NRRL Y-30215, and NRRL Y-30216) and 1 bacterium (NRRL B-30212) have been identified as being superior antagonists capable of suppressing Fusarium head blight (head scab) in cereals, particularly in wheat and barley. Fusarium head blight is primarily caused by the fungus Gibberella zeae (anamorph=Fusarium graminearum).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to isolated Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas putida, and Sporobolomyces roseus which are useful as a biocontrol agent. These organisms are useful in a method of imparting to plants protection against plant pathogens by applying them to plants, plant seeds, or soil surrounding plants under conditions effective to impart disease protection to the plants or plants produced from the plant seeds. The biocontrol agents are also useful in a method of enhancing plant growth which involves applying them to plants, plants seeds, or soil surrounding plants under conditions effective to enhance growth in the plants or plants produced from the plant seeds.

Abstract: A &bgr;-Glucanase enzyme capable of hydrolytically cleaving mixed glucans is presented. The &bgr;-Glucanase is sufficiently stable under alkaline conditions for use in industrial cleaning processes, especially in the brewing industry.

Abstract: An MF2 protein having the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ. ID. NO. 2, itself or as a part of any larger protein, or a functional derivative thereof having antiviral and/or antifungal activities, which protein is derivable from Bacillus thuringiensis. The invention also concerns a method for isolating and purifying the protein from bacterial cells expressing said protein, recombinant expression of the MF2 gene in a host cell, and the use of said protein as plant protectant.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding soybean enzymes that catalyze steps in biosynthesis of isoflavones, the enzyme a member selected from the group consisting of chalcone isomerase, isoflavone reductase and vestitone reductase. The invention also relates to the construction of chimeric genes encoding all or a substantial portion of the enzymes, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the enzyme in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for modifying cells. In particular, methods are provided which may be used to express an uncoupled ATPase activity in cells. By implementing these methods, the conversion of ATP to ADP can be increased in a cell without primary effects, e.g., on the other cellular metabolites or functions. The methods may therefore be used to increased ADP dependent metabolism, e.g., of a substrate. Accordingly, the methods of the invention are useful for improving the production of a biomass or other product of the ADP dependent metabolism of a substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel synthetically-modified B. thuringiensis chimeric crystal proteins having improved insecticidal activity against coleopteran, dipteran and lepidopteran insects. Also disclosed are the nucleic acid segments encoding these novel peptides. Methods of making and using these genes and proteins are disclosed as well as methods for the recombinant expression, and transformation of suitable host cells. Transformed host cells and transgenic plants expressing the modified endotoxin are also aspects of the invention.

Abstract: A method for in vivo production of a library in cells comprising a multitude of mutated genetic elements, wherein an error-prone polymerase is used in each ancestral cell to replicate all or a part of a genetic element independently of the host chromosomal replication machinery. The genetic element comprises i) an origin of replication from which replication is initiated, ii) optionally a genetic marker, e.g. a gene conferring resistance towards an antibiotic, iii) a gene encoding the polypeptide of interest. Also methods for the generation of a DNA sequence encoding a desired variant of a polypeptide of interest, and for the determination of such a DNA sequence are described.

Abstract: A medium for culturing microorganisms in the presence of Pb2+ uses as a phosphate component, an O-phosphate-L-amino acid, to provide a source of phosphate for the microorganisms so as to avoid precipitating lead.