Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparation of probes for use in detecting enteroinvasive Escherichia coli and Shigella species. The small probes provide reliable and inexpensive means for detecting the pathogens in food samples and in environmental and clinical samples.

Abstract: The use of T7 bacteriophage to produce DNA length standards by enzymatically joining terminally repetitious, blunt-ended DNA has now been demonstrated. It is now possible to precisely control the formation of concatemeric DNAs thereby generating custom-made size-ranges of length standards. Furthermore, the standards thus produced are stable over time providing a highly reproducible and convenient product for the molecular biologist.

Abstract: A composition for the treatment of the skin comprises a fraction of a mechanically obtained lysate of yeast cultures of the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The translation system contained in the compositions of the invention are obtained by lysing cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The application of such composition, in any suitable form, such as a cream, ointment, gel or the like, to skin promotes protein biosynthesis by the skin cells so that the metabolism of the extracellular matrix of the skin is restored to the physiologically correct balance and the skin is revitalized.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for obtaining sorbitol and gluconic acid, or gluconate, by fermentation in aqueous glucose/fructose mixtures. Zymomonas mobilis cells are used which have been permeabilized by the freeze technique and which have preferably been obtained by freezing cell centrifugates of pH 6 to 7 at about -20.degree. C., and thawing at room temperature. Cell concentrations of 20 to 60 g of cell dry matter of permeabilized cells/l are preferably used for the fermentation. By using cells which have been permeabilized by freezing and thawing, a considerably higher conversion rate of glucose/fructose into sorbitol and gluconic acid, or gluconate, is achieved.

Abstract: A method for the extraction of ATP from a microorganism which comprises contacting said microroganism with an ATP releasing agent and thereafter contacting the resultant solution with a neutralizing agent which acts substantially to eliminate the distorting effect of the releasing agent on subsequent ATP assay.

Abstract: A water monitoring system, and more particularly a method and kit for detecting the presence of live undesirable or indicator microorganisms in water after treatment of the water with chlorine or bromine.

Abstract: The invention teaches a method and kit for purifying nucleic acid, such as DNA, from a sample, such as lysed cell or tissue sample. A sample is applied to an anionic exchange matrix column uniformly distributing the sample therein. The column bed is then washed with a weak ionic salt solution which is then removed. The anionic exchange material is optionally primed with an amount strong ionic salt solution which is insufficient to elute the nucleic acid from the column. The priming solution is then removed. An elution buffer is added either directly after the washing step or after the priming step. This is also a strong ionic salt solution of an ionic salt. The elution buffer removes the purified nucleic acid from the material. The method permits purification of nucleic acids without using organic solvents, and, if the priming step is used, in more concentrated form. Uniform distribution of the sample via disturbance of the matrix or column facilitates the purification.

Abstract: A modified protein (i) derived from a hepatitis B virus surface antigen P31 protein and (ii) having hepatitis B virus surface antigen activity and the ability to bind polymerized human serum albumin, wherein the modification comprises rendering at least one trypsin-like protease sensitive site of the hepatitis B virus surface antigen P31 protein insensitive. The modified protein can be used in the production of a vaccine for prevention of hepatitis B virus infections and as an antigen for diagnosis of hepatitis B virus infections.

Abstract: A new method for releasing sample nucleic acids from cells, bacteria and viruses comprises non-invasively sonicating the sample contained within a sample container brought into physical contact with the vibrating element of a sonicator tuned to resonate at a frequency of 40 KHz or greater.

Abstract: Water monitoring systems, and more specifically, to a method and kit for detecting the presence of only living undesirable or indicator microorganisms in water after treatment of the water with chlorine or bromine.

Abstract: A new species of Micromonospora, in particular Micromonospora spartanea ATCC 53803, is described. The species produces new antifungal compounds spartanamicins A and B. Methods for the production, isolation and characterization of the compounds are described. The new compounds contain spartanose, which is a new hexose sugar, as well as another hexose and an amino sugar.

Abstract: The present invention provides a restriction endonuclease which recognizes palindromic sequences ##STR1## where C* is methylated, and cleaves these sequences at the position indicated by the arrows. This endonuclease is preferably from a microorganism of the genus Kluyvera. The present invention also provides a process for obtaining this new restriction endonuclease and a method for using the endonuclease.

Abstract: In processes for recovery of biologically active polypeptides from fermentation cultures of recombinant host organisms, cell death is frequently a prerequisite for isolation processing of the recombinant product outside the fermentation vessel. Disclosed are improved methods for effecting efficient host cell death inside the fermentation vessel through uniformly contacting host cells in culture with microbicidal concentrations of benzyl alcohol. Illustratively, E. coli, B. subtilis, and P. aeruginosa cultures are advantageously treated with from 0.5 to 10.0% (v/v) of benzyl alcohol in the absence of pH or temperature changes within the fermentor.

Abstract: A process for the purification of alcohol oxidase from whole cells of Pichia pastoris grown on methanol by the sequential steps of autolysis, crossflow filtration, ultrafiltration and recrystallization.

Abstract: Anaplasma marginale antigen, antigen compositions, vaccine and process for the production of said antigen, antigen composition and vaccine are disclosed. The Anaplasma marginale is free of the erythrocyte antigens that cause neonatal isoerythrolysis, and effective as a vaccinate which will not only protect the vaccinate against bovine anaplasmosis, but does not induce neonatal isoerythrolysis in offspring of vaccinates.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel and useful mutant microbes which are capable of releasing substantial amounts of any of several periplasmic or recombinant proteins into the culture medium when carrying an expressed Kil gene. Though E. coli are exemplified, the invention is broadly applicable to the making of mutants of other microbes, for example, Salmonella, Klebsiella, and Rhizobium. A key feature of the invention is the use of a novel selection procedure employing a plasmid comprising the kil gene.

Abstract: Sequencing of the XPR2 and LEU2 genes of Yarrowia lipolytica, recombinant Yarrowia lipolytica cloning vehicles comprising heterologous DNA coding for the expression of mammalian protein and other polypeptides, including plasmids suited for transformation of Y. lipolytica hosts and incorporating a regulon homologous to the host in its untransformed state, and secretion signals for the heterologous gene; integrative expression vectors using the XPR 2 gene promoter, alkaline protease pre-proregion and XPR2 terminator region and those having the LEU2 promoter and alkaline protease secretory signal sequences capable, in a transformed Y. lipolytica cell culture, of expressing and secreting a heterologous protein outside the cell; Y. lipolytica transformants comprising said vectors and plasmids; methods for preparing vectors to direct secretion of specified heterologous proteins coded for by genes, cDNA or synthetic DNA in Y. lipolytica in their mature, functional state.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of preparation of nucleotide polymers wherein a lysate of a bacterial culture is passed successively through three columns (ion exchange resin, hydrophobic resin and molecular sieve), whereby there is obtained a substantially pure polynucleotidephosphorylase solution.Polymerization of this agent leads to non toxic and non pyrogen products.This invention relates also to products thus obtained and to therapeutic compositions containing the same.

Abstract: An aqueous suspension of micro-organism cells containing a 3-hydroxybutyrate polymer are subjected to a proteolytic enzyme digestion and/or a surfactant digestion in order to solubilise cell material other than the 3-hydroxybutyrate polymer.Prior to, or during the digestion, but before any proteolytic enzyme digestion step, the suspension is heated to at least 80.degree. C. to denature nucleic acids which otherwise hinder separation of the 3-hydroxybutyrate polymer containing residue from the suspension.

Abstract: Nuclear isolation media and procedures are described for dissociating discrete, non-agglomerated cell nuclei from animal tissue without the need to use enzyme treatments, centrifugation or the like in order to achieve the desired separation. The media facilitates separation and maintains the nuclear membrane intact and in its normal physiological environment. When a DNA-fluorochrome stain is included in the medium an essentially one step combination nuclear isolation and DNA staining procedure is used to measure DNA in tissue cells by flow cytometry. Rapid and consistant results are obtained and multiple sampling of the same tissue or comparison between whole tissues and their single cell isolates are also described.

Abstract: A procedure for isolating high molecular weight nucleic acids utilizing a mixture of lytic enzymes and a chaotropic agent to complete protein denaturation and dissociation from nucleic acids is provided. The nucleic acids so obtained are useful for restriction enzyme analysis and DNA probe hybridization.

Abstract: A relatively solid, stable biomass reaction product is provided produced from microorganisms having metal uptake properties when contacted by an aqueous solution containing metal cations. The biomass reaction product is produced by treating cells thereof with a caustic solution, whereby the biomass reaction product after drying is characterized in the particulate state of having substantially enhanced uptake of metal cations from aqueous solutions as compared to the metal uptake property of the microorganism before treatment. The biomass reaction product in the particulate state is preferably immobilized in an insoluble binder.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new protein L and subfragments thereof with binding activity for all classes of immunoglobulins from different species, a process for preparing the same, a reagent kit, a pharmaceutical composition and strain 312 of P. magnus. The process for preparing the protein and subfragments thereof is characterized in that the microorganism P. magnus 312 is treated with proteolytic enzymes or mutanolysin.

Abstract: A method for producing a lysin-free phage inoculum, which comprises:(a) inoculating a growing Streptococcal culture with phage,(b) incubating the culture for a plurality of lytic cycles of phage until the cells are completely lysed to obtain a lysate, and(c) removing cell debris and free lysin from the lysate to form a lysin-free phage suitable for use as an inoculum.A method for producing lysin is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vessel containing a polymeric acid is used in a method and test kit for extracting a bacterial (e.g., streptococcal) antigen from a test sample, for example, preliminary to an immunoassay. To extract the antigen from bacteria in the sample, a precursor reagent is applied to the vessel acid and incubated with the sample. The kit includes a vial containing the acid and another vial containing the precursor. The kit is produced by including the acid polymer in the vial or vessel, e.g., as a pellet or coating.

Abstract: A storage stable single phase aqueous composition is provided which is useful in isolatin nucleic acids from cell or virus cultures.

Abstract: A process for the separation from other cellular materials of heat agglomeration resistant water soluble nitrogen containing organic compounds such as plasmids, RNA's, mitochondrial DNA's, viral DNA's, chloroplast DNA's, other episomal DNA's and certain proteins. The process comprises heating cellular materials in a solution of lysing agent to lyse the desired cells and to agglomerate water soluble nitrogen containing compounds such as certain chromosomal DNA's which are not resistant to agglomeration; centrifuging the resulting product to remove water soluble agglomerated materials; separating the supernatant liquid and precipitating the water soluble agglomeration resistant organic compounds with a water soluble precipitant. The process also includes separating the agglomeration resistant water soluble nitrogen containing compounds from each other by means of exclusion chromotography.

Abstract: The strain Streptomyces coelicolor DSM 3030 excretes into the fermentation medium high yields of a bacteriolytic enzyme product which is very active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Preferred fermentation media contain sugar beet molasses and/or calcium ions.

Abstract: Recovery of antigen from cells containing an intracellular parasite, in particular a virus, by extracting the antigen from the cells with a hypertonic salt solution. CMV antigen extracted in this manner may be supported on particles and used in an agglutination assay for CMV antibody.

Abstract: A latex agglutination assay to detect antibodies against pseudorabies virus is provided. The test assays swine serum or plasma for the presence of pseudorabies virus antibody which is indicative of an acute or previous infection or vaccination. The latex reagent is a suspension of latex particles, 0.9 microns in diameter, that have adsorbed thereon antigens from disrupted and solubilized pseudorabies virus. When this material is mixed by rotation with serum containing pseudorabies antibodies, the latex will agglutinate forming visible clumps. In the absence of antibody, the latex suspension will remain smooth and evenly dispersed.

Abstract: A process to recover proteins, such as enzymes, from yeast cells, which comprises forming an admixture of yeast cells, water, and a minor effective amount of a polychloro aliphatic hydrocarbon, at a suitable pH, and incubating for a suitable time and temperature, such as at room temperature, of about 16 to 90 hours. The resulting supernatant is separated as an aqueous liquid containing a high enzyme activity. Enzymes can be recovered, if desired. Typical applications include Kluyveromyces fragilis for lactase, Pichia pastoris for alcohol oxidase. Typical solvents include methylene dichloride, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and chloroform.

Abstract: A 60-like antigens isolated in a one-step reaction from the bacterial cytoplasma of Mycobacteria are useful for the production of diagnostic tests.

Abstract: A process for the production of microbial cells by fermentation of carbonaceous material in a foam fermenter containing an oxygen-enriched nutrient medium. The process uses a source of carbon which is assimilable by the microorganism for the production of the microbial cells. The microbial cells are separated and removed from the foam fermenter for use as a food product high in protein content. The process includes the controlled release of a quantity of the constituents of a portion of the microorganism within the fermenter to increase the maintenance of the source of carbon and the nutrient medium in a foamed condition at a predetermined level in the fermenter. Also disclosed are various forms of apparatus for practicing the process of the present invention.

Abstract: A process for preparing a bacteriolytic enzyme comprising the steps of cultivating a Polysphondylium genus bacteria in a culture medium containing a carbon source, a nitrogen source, an inorganic salt and other nutritious ingredients, and then extracting an enzyme having a function of dissolving cell walls of microorganisms from the cultivated product.

Abstract: A process for obtaining a sterile, apyrogenic product for promoting oxidative phosphorylation and suitable for therapeutic or cosmetic compositions, starting from yeast, in which any type of yeast is subjected to a process of plasmolysis, followed by treatment with proteolytic enzymes and then with diamine oxidase, after which the proteins present in the solution are precipitated by alcohols, the solution pH is stabilized, and the solution concentrated at low temperature under vacuum.

Abstract: A relatively solid, stable biomass reaction product is provided produced from microorganisms having metal uptake properties when contacted by an aqueous solution containing metal cations. The biomass reaction product is produced by treating cells thereof with a caustic solution, whereby the biomass reaction product after drying is characterized in the particulate state of having substantially enhanced uptake of metal cations from aqueous solutions as compared to the metal uptake property of the microorganism before treatment.

Abstract: A novel lysozyme-sensitive microorganism belonging to the genus Corynebacterium or Brevibacterium and having a sensitivity to lysozyme at a concentration of less than 25 .mu.g/ml is provided from selected mutants. This novel microorganism is especially suitable for use in recombinant DNA technology.

Abstract: Periplasmic proteins are recovered from transformed gram negative bacteria by a process comprising freezing and thawing the cells. Advantages are obtained by culturing the cells in phosphate-limiting media and by killing the cells prior to separation of periplasmic proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of new immunobiological preparations for the diagnosis, prophylaxis and/or treatment of Candida guilliermondii infections. According to the invention one proceeds as follows:(a) a Candida guilliermondii strain is propagated under aerobic conditions at 24-42.degree. C. on a culture medium containing assimilable carbon and nitrogen sources, the resulting population(s) is (are) maintained under identical conditions for a prolonged period, therafter the fungus cells are separated from the culture, washed, ruptured mechanically, extracted, the extract is treated with a polar organic solvent, and the resulting precipitate is converted into an immunobiological preparation either as such or after further purification, or(b) a Candida guilliermondii strain is cultivated for 48-72 hours under aerobic conditions at 24.degree.-42.degree. C.

Abstract: A rapid technique is disclosed for the identification of enteric bacteria which elaborate cholera-related heat-labile enterotoxin antigens which have the ability to cause diarrheal disease in man or animals. The invention includes a sensitized carrier particle for use as a reagent in an agglutination test for heat-labile enterotoxins and the use of said reagent in immunological determinations.

Abstract: Nuclear isolation media and procedures are described for dissociating discrete, non-agglomerated cell nuclei from animal tissue without the need to use enzyme treatments, centrifugation or the like in order to achieve the desired separation. The media facilitates separation and maintains the nuclear membrane intact and in its normal physiological environment. When a DNA-fluorochrome stain is included in the medium an essentially one step combination nuclear isolation and DNA staining procedure is used to measure DNA in tissue cells by flow cytometry. Rapid and consistent results are obtained and multiple sampling of the same tissue or comparison between whole tissues and their single cell isolates are also described.

Abstract: A new technique is disclosed for assaying for the presence of invasive cancer. While based on leukocyte adherence inhibition, it is improved by using relatively long lived radio-labeled leukocytes, fractionation of the leukocytes to separately treat T-cells and monocytes and by providing for human plasma or serum in the incubation medium.

Abstract: A method of specimen treatment preparatory to conducting an immunoassay is disclosed whereby a microbial protein is solubilized by a detergent at elevated temperatures and in the presence of an alkali or alkaline earth metal ion. At elevated temperatures, the detergent is soluble. However, at lower temperatures, the presence of the metal ion renders the detergent insoluble so that it is prevented from interacting in the immunoassay procedure. A specific application is in the solubilization of the principal outer membrane protein of Chlamydia trachomatis.

Abstract: Methods for the detection and identification of unknown pathogens or genetic entities from samples suspected of containing the same involve the use of novel wicking techniques whereby sample DNA/RNA becomes readily available on a porous, inert, positively charged support in single stranded form for hybridization with a hybridization probe having a nucleotide sequence substantially complementary to a nucleotide sequence of the sample DNA/RNA. Such methods permit the detection and identification of unknown pathogens and genetic entities in a shorter period of time than that required by conventional methods. Lysis solutions for rapidly lysing bacterial cells without the aid of enzymes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Process for disrupting cells of a polysaccharide-producing microorganism of the genus Pseudomonas, preferably Pseudomonas sp. NCIB 11592, which contain one or more RP4 and/or RP4::Mu.sub.ts plasmids.Pseudomonas sp. NCIB 11592 containing one or more plasmids. Process for preparing polysaccharides by cultivating the latter. Process for displacing a fluid through a well and/or a permeable subsurface formation using the polysaccharides.

Abstract: Biologically pure mutants of Bacillus cereus subspecies israelensis (also called Bacillus thuringiensis sub. sp. israelensis) which are substantially non-spore-forming but which are capable of forming inclusion bodies toxic to Diptera larvae are described. A spore-free insecticide based on these inclusion bodies as well as the method of producing same are disclosed.

Abstract: Yeast cells containing useful substances accumulated therein are contacted with a divalent copper ion in aqueous suspension, thereby discharging low-molecular-weight compounds in the cytoplasm out of the cells. Useful substances can be efficiently recovered both from the discharged compounds and the remaining cells.

Abstract: Novel water-soluble, immunostimulating glycoproteins extracted from Klebsiella pneumoniae containing 30 to 45% by weight of proteins, 30 to 40% by weight of neutral saccharides, up to 4% by weight of glucuronic acid, 2 to 5% by weight of osamines and having a molecular weight of about 350,000 daltons.

Abstract: A process for the reduction of undesirable levels of algal growth in salt water bodies in which an effective amount of treatment water is added at the surface of the salt water body. The treatment water has a salinity and density either greater or less than that of the water at the surface of the salt water body. As a result, algae which have become accustomed to the existing conditions of salinity and density undergo rupture of cells and settle to the bottom of the salt water body, if the water density has been decreased, or suffer lower reproduction rates, and eventually flocculate and settle to the bottom of the salt water body, if the water density has been increased.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibody reactive with SCC cells and unreactive with human neuroblastoma cells, human squamous cell carcinoma cells, and human large-cell undifferentiated lung carcinoma cells.