Abstract: The present invention relates to an extract from bacterial strains useful as a treatment for disorders such as digestive or urinary tract disorders, compositions comprising the extract, and processes of making the extract from media that do not pose a risk of prion diseases.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide a method of sampling, testing and validating test lots (e.g., single-unit production lots), comprising: assembling a plurality of product portions from each of a plurality of test lots and combining the collected product portions to provide a corresponding set of test lot samples (wherein each test lot sample is attributed to a particular corresponding test lot); enriching the set of test lot samples; removing equal portions of each enriched sample, and combining the removed portions to provide a modular composite sample; and testing of the modular composite sample for the target agent/organism, wherein where such testing is positive, individual test lots may nonetheless yet be validated by further testing of a respective enriched test lot sample and obtaining a negative test result. The methods have broad utility for monitoring all sorts of test lots (e.g., environmental lots, production lots, pharmaceutical lots, etc.

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 relates to functional, modified glucose-galactose binding proteins (GGBPs), that have a greater melting temperature (Tm) than a reference GGBP. The present invention also relates to biological sensors, e.g., glucose sensors, comprising these thermostable GGBPs. The present invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding these thermostable GGBPs.

Abstract: Provided are methods for sampling, testing and validating test lots, comprising: assembling a plurality of product portions from each of a plurality of test lots and combining the portions to provide a corresponding set of test lot samples; enriching the test lot samples; removing portions of each enriched sample, and combining the removed portions to provide a modular composite sample; and testing of the modular composite sample, and individual testing of the enriched test lot samples, using at least one suitable detection assay for a target microbe or organism, wherein when such testing is negative all test lots are validated, and wherein when such testing is positive with respect to the modular composite sample, or with respect to an individual enriched test lot sample, individual test lots may nonetheless yet be validated by further testing of a portion of respective initially-negative enriched test lot samples and obtaining negative results.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting and/or identifying Escherichia coli (E. coli) in a biological sample, that comprises inoculating the biological sample liable to contain E. coli on a detection medium that comprises tryptophan and a substrate for an enzyme A, expressed by the majority of E. coli, in order to obtain bacterial colonies; detecting the colonies expressing the activity of the enzyme A and identifying them as being E. coli; and detecting the colonies that do not express the activity of the enzyme A, carrying out an indole test, and identifying the colonies having a positive indole test as being E. coli.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a methods of inhibiting postharvest disease or desiccation in a fruit or vegetable, either by treating a fruit or vegetable with a hypersensitive response elicitor protein or polypeptide under conditions effective to inhibit postharvest disease or desiccation, or by providing a transgenic plant or plant seed transformed with a DNA molecule encoding a hypersensitive response elicitor polypeptide or protein and growing the transgenic plant or transgenic plant produced from the transgenic plant seed under conditions effective to inhibit a postharvest disease or desiccation in a fruit or vegetable harvested from the transgenic plant. Also disclosed are DNA constructs and expression systems, host cells, and transgenic plants containing the DNA construct.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of sulphated glycosaminoglycans derived from N— acetylheparosan which comprises: a) N-deacetylation and N-sulphation of the N-acetylheparosan polysaccharide prepared from natural or recombinant bacterial strain, preferably K5 E. coli, b) enzymatic epimerization with the glucuronyl C5-epimerase enzyme, c) partial O-sulphation followed by a partial O-desulphation, d) partial 6-O-sulphation, e) N-sulphation and an intermediate step of controlled depolimerization characterised by the fact that both O-sulphations (O-sulphation and 6O-sulphation) are partial. Furthermore the invention relates to the products obtained according to the process which show a ratio between the anti-Xa activity and anti-IIa activity equal to or higher than 1 and to compositions comprising said products in combination with suitable and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and/or diluent.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, processes and reaction mixtures, which produce sulfated heparosan polysaccharides. This invention also provides methods and reaction mixtures for the synthesis of N-deacetylate N-sulfate derivatives of non-sulfated N-acetyl heparosan (HS) polysaccharides.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing cells which are competent for transformation and which may be stably stored for extended periods of time at various temperatures. The method involves growing cells in a growth conducive medium, rendering said cells competent, and lyophilizing said competent cells. The invention further relates to competent cells produced by such a method, to methods of transforming said cells with a DNA molecule, and to a method of producing a desired protein or polypeptide from said transformed cells.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide a method of sampling, testing and validating test lots (e.g., single-unit production lots), comprising: assembling a plurality of product portions from each of a plurality of test lots and combining the collected product portions to provide a corresponding set of test lot samples (wherein each test lot sample is attributed to a particular corresponding test lot); enriching the set of test lot samples; removing equal portions of each enriched sample, and combining the removed portions to provide a modular composite sample; and testing of the modular composite sample for the target agent/organism, wherein where such testing is positive, individual test lots may nonetheless yet be validated by further testing of a respective enriched test lot sample and obtaining a negative test result. The methods have broad utility for monitoring all sort of test lots (e.g., environmental lots, production lots, pharmaceutical lots, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a technology by which antibodies directed to sources of infection in body fluids can be assayed with high accuracy, expediency and specificity. More particularly, the invention provides an antibody immunoassay method in which the antigen-antibody reaction between a target antibody in a sample and an assay antigen is conducted in the presence of an E. coli component and an antibody assay method which comprises using a reagent having a specific affinity for the Fc region of an antibody IgG as the antibody assay reagent.

Abstract: Monolithic bioelectronic devices for the detection of ammonia includes a microorganism that metabolizes ammonia and which harbors a lux gene fused with a heterologous promoter gene stably incorporated into the chromosome of the microorganism and an Optical Application Specific Integrated Circuit (OASIC). The microorganism is generally a bacterium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strain suitable for producing a live, orally applicable Escherichia coli vaccine for the prevention of post-weaning diarrhoea in pigs, and the procedure suitable for producing that strain. The essence of the strain is that the enterotoxin-free and originally wild-type Escherichia coli strain simultaneously produces two adhesive fimbriae (F4 and F18), whereas the essence of the procedure is that the enterotoxin-producing ability if the wild, pathogenic, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strain originally capable of producing enterotoxins and F18 fimbriae is abolished by a genetic intervention while retaining the ability of the strain to produce F18 fimbria facilitating adhesion to the small intestinal wall of weaned piglets, and subsequently the strain thus modified is rendered capable of producing a further surface adhesion fimbria (F4).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing Crohn's disease in a subject by determining the presence or absence of IgA anti-OmpC antibodies in the subject, where the presence of the IgA anti-OmpC antibodies indicates that the subject has Crohn's disease.

Abstract: A method for producing a dipeptide including the step of exposing a carboxy component and an amine component to an enzyme having an activity to hydrolyze amino acid ester. Such a hydrolase has been found among enzymes in bacteria. The method is useful for producing a peptide simply and inexpensively with a high yield without taking complicate synthetic methods.

Abstract: Arginine can be efficiently produced by cultivating Escherichia coli which has an ability to produce arginine and an ability to utilize acetate in a culture medium to produce and accumulate arginine in the medium, and collecting arginine from the medium.

Abstract: Novel methods for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases caused by tissue-adhering bacteria are disclosed. By interacting with periplasmic molecular chaperones it is achieved that the assembly of pili is prevented or inhibited and thereby the infectivity of the bacteria is diminished. Also disclosed are methods for screening for drugs as well as methods for the de novo design of such drugs, methods which rely on novel computer drug modelling methods involving an approximative calculation of binding free energy between macromolecules. Finally, novel pyranosides which are believed to be capable of interacting with periplasmic molecular chaperones are also disclosed.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions of probiotic E. coli strains and uses thereof for treating inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract: Sigma factors are a unique family of essential proteins found in bacterial, but not eukaryotic cells, which are responsible for recognition of promoter DNA and delivery of the catalytic domain of RNA polymerase to a gene signaled to be expressed. The present invention relates to methods for identifying agents that are capable of inhibiting bacterial gene expression via inhibition of sigma factor activity. In particular, the invention relates to the interaction of bacteriophage T4 AsiA protein and the C-terminal DNA binding domain of sigma factor (the SR4 domain) and the use of the structural information derived from this interaction to model, prepare and identify agents capable of binding and inhibiting sigma factor activity. Moreover, the invention relates to the design of AsiA mimics, including small organic molecules, peptides or proteins that binds SR4 and abrogates sigma factor activity, or screening for AsiA mimics that show bacteriostatic or bacteriocidal properties.

Abstract: Novel methods for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases caused by tissue-adhering bacteria are disclosed. By interacting with periplasmic molecular chaperones it is achieved that the assembly of pili is prevented or inhibited and thereby the infectivity of the bacteria is diminished. Also disclosed are methods for screening for drugs as well as methods for the de novo design of such drugs, methods which rely on novel computer drug modelling methods involving an approximative calculation of binding free energy between macromolecules. Finally, novel pyranosides which are believed to be capable of interacting with periplasmic molecular chaperones are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing cells which are competent for transformation and which may be stably stored for extended periods of time at various temperatures. The method involves growing cells in a growth conducive medium, rendering said cells competent, and lyophilizing said competent cells. The invention further relates to competent cells produced by such a method, to methods of transforming said cells with a DNA molecule, and to a method of producing a desired protein or polypeptide from said transformed cells.

Abstract: Arginine can be efficiently produced by cultivating Escherichia coli which has an ability to produce arginine and an ability to utilize acetate in a culture medium to produce and accumulate arginine in the medium, and collecting arginine from the medium.

Abstract: Use of an extract of bacterium from the family Pseudomonadaceae in the production of cosmetic compositions in particular for combating ageing of the skin.

Abstract: Process for production of non-protenogenic L-amino acids by direct fermentation of a microorganism strain known per se having a deregulated cysteine metabolism in a manner known per se, which comprises adding, during the fermentation, a nucleophilic compound to the fermentation batch in a manner such that this leads to the production of non-proteinogenic L-amino acids by the microorganism strain.

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 is provided for culturing a microorganism in a culture medium containing a carbon source and an electrolyzed water containing not more than 0.4 ppm chlorine produced during electrolyzing water containing an electrolyte in an electrolytic cell. The culture medium may also contain a carbon source and an acidic water having a pH value of 1-4 and a redox potential from 800 mV to 1500 mV. The acidic water is obtained by electrolysis of water in an electrolytic cell. Further, the culture medium may contain a carbon source and an alkaline water having a pH value of 10-13 and a redox potential from −1000 mV to 800 mV. The alkaline water is obtained by electrolysis of water in an electrolytic cell. The redox potential for the alkaline water is determined by the use of a platinum electrode as a working electrode and a silver-silver chloride electrode as a reference electrode. The microorganism may be selected from Escherichia coli, strain J1, strain JM2N, or an artificial recombinant.

Abstract: L(−)-carnitine is synthesized from crotonobetaine, crotonobetaine salts or derivatives in an ecologically advantageous manner by immobilizing cells of Escherichia coli 044 K74 on ceramics, glass beads or polyurethane disks in a two stage continuously operating cell recycle reactor containing a reaction medium. The medium preferably contains between 25 mM and 1 M crotonobetaine and at least 50 mM fumarate. Growing or resting cells of E. coli are retained in the reactor by micro or ultrafiltration membranes which are arranged as a flat membrane module or hollow fiber module. A first stage contains a reactor tank and a second stage contains an external recirculation loop connected to the tank for feeding the reaction medium through a filter unit. L-carnitine is synthesized under anaerobic conditions to produce a reaction medium containing L-carnitine and unreacted crotonobetaine.

Abstract: A bacterial autoinducer and method for isolating and purifying a bacterial autoinducer form a sample comprising the steps of collecting a sample containing the autoinducer, fractionating the sample to isolate fractions corresponding to molecular weights of approximately 300-1500 Dalton, and eluting the isolate on an anion-exchange chromatographic column and selecting the faction containing the autoinducer.

Abstract: A method is provided for preserving live bacteria by subjecting an aqueous system containing the growing bacteria to drying without special equipment, in the presence of trehalose with or without the addition of divalent cations as stabilizing agents. Further, a dried composition for preservation of aerobic bacteria in a viable state is provided. The dried composition consists essentially of dried viable aerobic bacteria and an appropriate growth medium. The bacteria and growth medium are initially placed in an aqueous solution of 10 mM to 200 mM trehalose and a divalent cation, and dried at room temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to the cytoplasmic expression of antibodies, antibody fragments and antibody fragment fusion molecules in E. coli. In particular, antibody fragment fusion molecules having an antibody moiety which is directed against tumors and an enzyme moiety which cleaves a nontoxic prodrug to give the toxic drug can be advantageously prepared in this way while retaining their respective functional properties.

Abstract: A method for arousing dormant bacteria. The method comprises inducing diffusion of intracellular solutes from dormant bacteria and then allowing an adjustment period for a length of time sufficient to initiate arousal. The decrease in intracellular osmolality or pH can be induced by methods such as extraction, dilution, or dialysis. The method has been standardized using Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline as the solution. The aroused bacteria can then be selected or recovered by growing them on media for a period of time. If the adjustment period is prolonged, many bacteria can become hypermutative.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a vaccine composition against enteric infection caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli bacteria in humans. E. coli strains selected from different known strains each having the ability of expressing a certain type of colonization factor antigens are grown in a liquid culture medium. Finally formalin-killed E. coli strain having substantially preserved antigenic and hemagglutinating properties of said certain type of colonization factor antigens, is mixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient and/or diluent. Further disclosed is a method of preventing an enteric infection caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli bacteria in humans, whereby a vaccine composition comprising inactivated E. coli strain is administered to a human being for the prevention of said infection.

Abstract: The present invention is related to microbiology and forms part of a system for rapid microbiological diagnosis. The invention allows detection of turbidimetric changes due to microbial growth, using equipment comprised of two main devices: a static turbidimetric minireader and a microflow sensor which is fed by a peristaltic pump; this equipment is coupled to a microcomputer with a program package for acquisition, processing and formation of databases used in generating necessary reports. The diagnostic kit has a glass vial with culture medium and a polymer with derepressive activity and two additional substrates for E.coli identification, as well as a set of antibiotic discs arranged in a strip for antibiogram determination from previously isolated colonies or samples obtained directly from their sources, allowing detection of urinary tract infections from direct samples of urine, and additionally simultaneous identification of E.coli.

Abstract: Fimbriae adhesins have a molecular weight of 2×105 and 2×107 Da, and are comprised of 90-95% protein and 1-3% sugar. Type 1 fimbriae include five different protein fractions of 14-20 kDa, most of which are associated with carbohydrates. Type P fimbriae also include five different protein fractions of 14-20 kDa, and one of the majority proteins is associated with carbohydrates. The process of the invention comprises: culturing E. coli strains CECT 4484 and CECT 4485; collecting the sediment by centrifugation and resuspending it in physiological saline followed by homogenization; centrifuging the homogenate and collecting the supernatant; precipitating the supernatant with saline, reconstituting the precipitate and dialyzing the solution; treating the dialyzate with sodium deoxycholate and, subjecting the product to two successive chromatographies with Sephacryl S-200 and Sepharose 4B. The product is used for treatment and prevention of infections of the urinary tract caused by fimbriated E. coli.

Abstract: A bioengineered synthesis scheme for the production of shikimic acid from a carbon source is provided. Methods of producing shikimic acid from a carbon source based on the synthesis scheme are also provided.

Abstract: Novel methods for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases caused by tissue-adhering bacteria are disclosed. By interacting with periplasmic molecular chaperones it is achieved that the assembly of pili is prevented or inhibited and thereby the infectivity of the bacteria is diminished. Also disclosed are methods for screening for drugs as well as methods for the de novo design of such drugs, methods which rely on novel computer drug modelling methods involving an approximative calculation of binding free energy between macromolecules. Finally, novel pyranosides which are believed to be capable of interacting with periplasmic molecular chaperones are also disclosed.

Abstract: Fungi and bacteria can be detected and rapidly quantified by using the nucleotide sequences taught here that are specific to the particular species or group of species of fungi or bacteria. Use of the sequences can be made with fluorescent labeled probes, such as in the TaqMan™ system which produces real time detection of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. Other methods of detection and quantification based on these sequences include hybridization, conventional PCR or other molecular techniques.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods of testing water for microbe contamination. The methods of the invention comprise supplementing existing methods with assays using specific reagents such as monoclonal antibodies. The invention also concerns a device for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Arginine can be efficiently produced by cultivating Escherichia coli which has an ability to produce arginine and an ability to utilize acetate in a culture medium to produce and accumulate arginine in the medium, and collecting arginine from the medium.

Abstract: A bacterial autoinducer and method for isolating and purifying a bacterial autoinducer from a sample comprising the steps of collecting a sample containing the autoinducer, fractionating the sample to isolate fractions corresponding to molecular weights of approximately 300-1500 Dalton, and eluting the isolate on an anion-exchange chromatographic column and selecting the faction containing the autoinducer.

Abstract: A process produces a water-soluble, naturally folded eukaryotic polypeptide containing two or several cysteines linked by disulfide bridges. This process involves culturing prokaryotic cells, a) in which the prokaryotic cells contain an expression vector which encodes the polypeptide which contains a prokaryotic signal sequence at the N-terminus, b) under conditions under which the polypeptide is secreted into the periplasm or the medium, c) cleaving the signal sequence and isolating the polypeptide from the periplasm or the medium. In this process, the culturing is carried out in the presence of arginine or a compound of the formula I R2—CO—NR1 (I) in which R and R1 represent hydrogen or a saturated or unsaturated branched or unbranched C1-C4 alkyl chain and R2 represents hydrogen, NHR1 or a saturated or unsaturated branched or unbranched C1-C3 alkyl chain, is suitable for the recombinant production of polypeptides in prokaryotes in a high yield.

Abstract: A succinimide polymer is produced by thermally polymerizing an ammonium salt of aspartic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst such as a boric acid catalyst. Another amino acid may be added for copolymerizing with the ammonium salt of aspartic acid. Ammonia liberated during the production of a succinimide polymer can be collected in a fumaric acid suspension, an acidic fumaric acid solution, a maleic acid solution or an acidic maleic acid solution, and the resultant liquid reacted with an enzyme which may be immobilized to produce L-aspartic acid. An aspartic acid polymer is produced by hydrolyzing the succinimide polymer with a basic substance.

Abstract: The invention includes a gene encoding csrA, the protein encoded thereby and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: An assay for compounds useful in the treatment of a bacterial induced coagulation disorder has the following steps: a) incubating a plasma sample with a strain of bacteria; b) adding a compound to be assayed to the plasma sample before, during or after step (a); c) conducting an activated partial thromboplastin time test; d) determining the clotting time.

Abstract: The instant invention encompasses isolated stable esterase enzymes characterized by the ability to remain stable at certain temperatures, substrate specificities, and activity profile.

Abstract: A tryptophan producing strain of microorganism is selected from E. coli and Corynebacteria and is tryptophan feedback resistant and serine feedback resistant. The serine feedback resistance is by a mutation in a serA allele, where the mutated serA allele codes for a protein which has a Ki value for serine between 0.1 mM and 50 mM. The tryptophan feedback resistance is by a trpE allele which codes for a protein which has a Ki value for tryptophan between 0.1 mM and 20 mM. A process for preparing this microorganism and a process for using this microorganism are disclosed.

Abstract: Novel methods for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases caused by tissue-adhering bacteria are disclosed. By interacting with periplasmic molecular chaperones it is achieved that the assembly of pili is prevented or inhibited and thereby the infectivity of the bacteria is diminished. Also disclosed are methods for screening for drugs as well as methods for the de novo design of such drugs, methods which rely on novel computer drug modelling methods involving an approximative calculation of binding free energy between macromolecules. Finally, novel pyranosides which are believed to be capable of interacting with periplasmic molecular chaperones are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are DNA segments encoding hyaluronic acid synthase which are employed to construct recombinant cells useful in the production of hyaluronate synthase or hyaluronic acid (HA) the recombinant DNA segment identified in FIG. 5. In preferred aspects, chromosomal DNA from Streptococcus equisimilis is partially digested with EcoRI and the resultant fragments are ligated to form recombinant vectors. These vectors are useful in the transformation of host cells such as E. coli and or Streptococcal hosts. Resultant transformants are screened by the novel screening assays to identify colonies which have incorporated HA synthase DNA in a form that is being actively transcribed into the corresponding HA synthase enzyme. These colonies may be selected and employed in the production of the enzyme itself or its product, HA. The recombinant DNA segment identified in FIG. 5 is then inserted into a recombinant Streptococcal host for the production of hyaluronic acid (HA).

Abstract: A method for isolating succinic acid producing bacteria is provided comprising increasing the biomass of an organism which lacks the ability to catabolize pyruvate, and then subjecting the biomass to glucose-rich medium in an anaerobic environment to enable pyruvate-catabolizing mutants to grow. The invention also provides for a mutant that produces high amounts of succinic acid, which has been derived from a parent which lacked the genes for pyruvate formate lyase and lactate dehydrogenase, and which belongs to the E.coli Group of Bacteria.