Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaccine for the prevention of lactic acidosis in a vertebrate, said vaccine comprising at least one isolated microorganism, or fragment or fragments thereof, wherein said microorganism is capable of producing lactic acid within the gut of said vertebrate, and wherein said microorganism is selected from the group consisting of: Clostridium-like species, Prevotella-like species, Bacteroides-like species, Enterococcus-like species, Selenomonas species, non-dextran slime producing Streptococcus species and non-slime producing lactic acid bacterial isolates.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated microorganism strain, Lactobacillus paracasei GM-080, which is found to be effective in treating allergy. The use of the Lactobacillus paracasei GM-080 in treating allergy related disease is also provided.

Abstract: The use of sphingomyelinase to increase the levels of skin and mucosal ceramides, as well as dermatological and cosmetic compositions containing same which are suitable for topical application are disclosed.

Abstract: Novel microorganisms of the family Lactobacillaceae and pharmaceutical compositions, food and methods of using same are provided. The microorganisms have the ability of preventing colonization of the intestine with pathogenic bacteria causing diarrhea and of preventing infection of intestinal epithelial cells by rotaviruses. The microorganisms can be used for the preparation of an ingestable support and to compositions containing same.

Abstract: Strains of Lactobacillus that have been selected for their capability of reducing the number of Streptococcus mutans in the mouth of mammals through inhibiting activity in combination with good binding to the oral mucins and dental plaque, Administering the strains in a product such as food, reduces and treats dental caries. Preferred strains are Lactobacillus reuteri strain ATTC PTA-4965 or Lactobacillus reuteri strain ATTC PTA-4964.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microorganisms for the treatment or the prevention of obesity or diabetes mellitus, which reduce the amount of monosaccharide or disaccharide which may be absorbed into human body by converting monosaccharides such as glucose, fructose, galactose et al. and disaccharides into polymeric materials which cannot be absorbed by the intestine, and relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing the said microorganisms. Preferred microorganisms are Lactobacillus sp. BC-Y009 and Acetobacter sp. BC-Y058.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for enzymatically producing optically active mandelic acid derivatives. An optically active mandelic acid derivative (shown as Formula II) is produced by reacting a culture or cell body of a microorganism, or processed products thereof, with a phenylglyoxylic acid derivative, and then recovering the obtained optically active mandelic acid derivative, wherein the microorganism has the ability to stereo-selectively reduce the phenylglyoxylic acid derivative. An optically active mandelic acid obtained according to the present invention is useful as an intermediate for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals.

Abstract: A method for converting organic solid waste into humic products and the corresponding apparatus, in which a preliminary aerobic fermentation of the organic solid waste is performed, followed by a second aerobic fermentation of the organic waste in the presence of specific microorganisms in order to provide a basic precursor on which the selective metabolization occurs of specific bacterial strains to provide the humic product.

Abstract: Mutants of lactic acid bacteria including Lactococcus lactis which are defective in pyruvate formate-lyase production and/or in their lactate dehydrogenase (Ldh) production and methods of isolating such mutants or variants are provided. The mutants are useful in the production of food products or in the manufacturing of compounds such as diacetyl, acetoin and acetaldehyde and as components of food starter cultures. In particular, Lactococcus lactis DN223 deposited under the accession No. DSM 11036.

Abstract: The use of sphingomyelinase to increase the levels of skin and mucosal ceramides, as well as dermatological and cosmetic compositions containing same which are suitable for topical application are disclosed.

Abstract: A growth medium adapted for the growth of a variety of different lactobacilli is provided. The medium is based on milk which is supplemented by at least four free amino acids, at least two ribonucleosides or other ribonulcleotide precursors, and iron. A variety of different Lactobacilli, particularly Lactobacilli belonging to Johnson's group A and B groups, are able to reproduce at rates approximately the same as milk supplemented with yeast extract. This medium when used in the production of dairy products that contain Lactobacilli does not contain the off-flavor of a fermented medium that had been supplemented with yeast extract.

Abstract: A Lactobacillus bifidus growth promoting composition which significantly grows lactobacillus bifidus and does not produce any side effect such as diarrhea, and a blend comprising the above composition and other edible ingredients, and the composition comprises at least one oligosaccharide selected among lactulose, fructo-oligosaccharide, and galacto-oligosaccharide, and raffinose as the active ingredients.

Abstract: This invention provides a microbe composition comprising three viable and beneficial lactic acid producing bacteria of new strains: Bifidobacterium longum 6-1 (CCTCC Number M 98003), Lactobacillus acidophilus YIT 2004 (CCTCC Number M 98004) and Sterptococcus faecalis YIT 0027 (CCTCC Number M 98005). This invention also provides the materials to protect the viability of the lactic acid producing bacteria in lyophilized form and the method to prepare the composition. Finally, this invention provides various uses of the composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for bioconversion of cellulose in spent sausage casings to a useful end-product. The methods involve treating the cellulose with a cellulase to yield glucose, which in turn is converted to lactic acid, ethanol, enzymes or feed grade protein by a microorganism.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of lactobacilli cultures is disclosed, characterized in that said cultures are added with an aliquot of culture supernatant of pathogenic microorganisms, or with the same pathogenic microorganisms optionally suitably inactivated. In particular, Lactobacillus gasseri BCCM LMG P-18137, Lactobacillus gasseri BCCM LMG P-17632 and Lactobacillus crispatus BCCM LMG P-17631.

Abstract: Although the inventors previously found that the novel species designated Lactobacillus clearans was highly effective for health purposes, they noted in particular that this species lacked sufficient intestinal purification action. Efforts to produce a species of higher potency and the like to remedy this drawback led to the unavoidable conclusion that the use of a bacterium by itself produced limited results. The concurrent use of another active substance was thus considered in seeking a lactic acid bacteria preparation capable of invigorating healthy individuals, and of renewing a sense of well being and restored health in semi-sick individuals or semi-healthy individuals. The invention relates to a lactic acid bacteria preparation, comprising viable cells of Lactobacillus clearans, and either or both of viable and killed cells of Enterococcus faecalis capable of reducing one or more of at least triglycerides and cholesterol.

Abstract: Lactoferrin tablets comprising as the active ingredients lactoferrin and lactulose and having a horizontal hardness of at least 4 kg and a vertical hardness of at least 3 kg; and lactoferrin tablets comprising as the active ingredients a microbial cell powder of at least one microorganism selected from among lactic acid bacteria, lactoferrin and lactulose and having a horizontal hardness of at least 4 kg and a vertical hardness of at least 3 kg. These tablets can be produced by using the conventional tableting apparatuses and yet have high hardness. Thus, they do not adhere to the inner wall of the oral cavity and have a favorable taste. Since no excessive tableting pressure is needed in the production process, moreover, these tablets can contain much viable cells of lactic acid bacteria, though they are in the form of rigid tablet.

Abstract: A physiologically functional food having brain function-improving, learning ability-enhancing and memory-enhancing functions, which comprises as an active ingredient a lactic acid bacterium fermented milk, a lactic acid bacterium and yeast co-fermented milk, or a treated product thereof, or a mixture thereof, optionally also including a pharmaceutically or nutritionally acceptable carrier or diluent.

Abstract: The invention refers to the use of a strain of Lactobacillus for the manufacture of a medicament for reduction of the fibrinogen level, and optionally cholesterol level, in blood. Said medicament can be utilized for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of circulatory diseases.

Abstract: Strains of L. helveticus which form exclusively L(+) lactic acid in milk, particularly deposited strains CNCM I-1154, CNCM I-1155 and CNCM I-1156. The strains are employed to prepare an acidified milk product.

Abstract: Gastrointestinal tissue injury and infections are treated by orally administering Lactobacilli strains. The Lactobacilli strains prevent neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis tissue injury and necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants. Preterm infants, full-term infants, children and adults as well as animals may be given the Lactobacilli strains. The strains are Lactobacillus salivarius strain ATCC 202196 and Lactobacillus plantarum strain ATCC 202195. Further, the strains may be given individually or as a combination of the two strains. In addition, the strains are useful in treating diarrhea. The Lactobacilli strains normalize and balance bacterial milieu in the gastro-intestinal tract. The Lactobacilli strains may be in lyophilized capsule form. The capsule may be an enteric coated slow-release microcapsule. The Lactobacilli strains may also be administered by means of a naso-gastric tube, especially for preterm infants.

Abstract: A method for producing a cis-9, trans-11 fatty acid from a fatty acid containing double bonds in the cis-configuration at positions 9 and 12, includes the step of combining a Lactobacillus microorganism with free fatty acids in a fermentation process. The conjugated fatty acid products can include, for example, cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards isolated lactobacillus biosurfactants and the process for producing same. The present invention is also directed to methods for preventing urogenital infection in mammals using the isolated lactobacillus biosurfactant. The present invention is further directed to methods of inhibiting microbial biofilm formation using the isolated lactobacillus biosurfactant to prevent the formation of bacterial biofilms, and to displace adherent biofilm-forming bacteria from surfaces.

Abstract: Bacterial strains of genus Bacillus closely phenotypically related to genus Lactobacillus. The strains are moderately thermophilic, have amylolytic properties and/or are capable of producing L(+) lactate, and are useful for producing metabolites such as L(+) lactate.

Abstract: A process of treating whey produced as a by-product of cheese manufacture is disclosed. The process eliminates the contaminating effects of proteins including albumin and globulins within the whey. The fermentation of the treated whey produces enantromerically enriched lactic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing pure lactic acid or a salt thereof by fermentation. The preparation process comprises bioreactor refreshing cycle and a lactic acid production cycle, wherein during the production cycle a solution comprising substantially pure feedstock is recycled through a bioreactor containing refreshed microorganism cells, the lactic acid produced being neutralized by adding an alkali, and the recycling is discontinued when the alkali consumption is substantially diminished, and during the refreshing cycle the microorganism cells are refreshed by recycling through the bioreactor a carbohydrate solution enriched with nutrients, thus replenishing the capacity of the microorganisms to produce an acid, and recovery of lactate or conversion thereof into lactic acid or other salt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a universal test systems and methods of use thereof for identifying a microorganism among at least two groups of widely divergent microorganisms. The universal test system comprises a predetermined combination of non-redundant biochemical tests comprising a substrate for at least one enzyme wherein the substrate, if acted on by the enzyme results in formation of a detectable product. Detectable products from the combination of biochemical tests are then used to identify the microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention is an economical fermentation method for the production of carboxylic acids comprising the steps of a) inoculating a medium having a carbon source with a carboxylic acid-producing organism; b) incubating the carboxylic acid-producing organism in an aerobic atmosphere to promote rapid growth of the organism thereby increasing the biomass of the organism; c) controllably releasing oxygen to maintain the aerobic atmosphere; d) controllably feeding the organism having increased biomass with a solution containing the carbon source to maintain the concentration of the carbon source within the medium of about 0.5 g/L up to about 1 g/L; e) depriving the aerobic atmosphere of oxygen to produce an anaerobic atmosphere to cause the organism to undergo anaerobic metabolism; f) controllably feeding the organism having increased biomass a solution containing the carbon source to maintain the concentration of the carbon source within the medium of .gtoreq.

Abstract: Cryptosporidium parvum (the cause of cryptosporidiosis) has become one of the most common enteropathogens causing diarrhea worldwide. Symptoms associated with cryptosporidiosis are very debilitating especially in the immunocompromised subject (e.g., AIDS patient). Clinical features include severe, chronic diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fatigue, weight loss, etc. which lead to increased health care costs and increased mortality. There is described herein a method of inhibiting the severity of Cryptosporidium parvum infection by enterally administering a therapeutically effective amount of Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Abstract: A method for producing a cis-9, trans-11 fatty acid from a fatty acid containing double bonds in the cis-configuration at positions 9 and 12, includes the step of combining a Lactobacillus microorganism with free fatty acids in a fermentation process. The conjugated fatty acid products can include, for example, cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).

Abstract: A biomass constituted of yeast and of lactic acid bacteria, which can be used directly as panification ferment without previous separation of the culture medium and the biomass, is prepared by cocultivating at least one strain of yeast and at least one strain of lactic acid bacteria in a mixed and/or sequential culture, in a culture medium specified in the description. Preferably, the said ferment comprises as yeast the strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae steineri DSM 9211 and as lactic acid bacteria one or several strains of Lactobacillus brevis DSM 9209, Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 9208, Leuconostoc mesenteroides DSM 9207 and/or Pediococcus pentosaceus DSM 9210.

Abstract: A method of isolating a lactic acid bacterial DNA fragment comprising a promoter, the method comprising introducing a DNA molecule comprising a transposable element comprising a promoterless structural gene as a promoter probe gene into a population of a lactic acid bacterium, methods of constructing a recombinant lactic acid bacterium comprising a regulatable promoter by using the above method, a recombinant lactic acid bacterium comprising a gene coding for a desired gene product and operably linked thereto a regulatable lactic acid bacterial promoter not natively associated with the gene, the use of such a recombinant lactic acid bacterium and recombinant plasmids comprising a regulatable lactic acid bacterial promoter.

Abstract: This invention relates to lactobacillus compositions and methods of employing said compositions for treating or preventing urinary tract infections. More particularly, this invention relates to the ability of certain strains of lactobacilli to adhere to uroepithelial or vaginal epithelial cells and to exhibit inhibitory activity against the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract: The invention provides a reagent for enzymatic determination of serum bicarbonate levels in a patient wherein the degree of oxidation of a coenzyme is measured and said reagent is stabilized against oxidation by a coenzyme reduction system comprising an enzyme and substrate pair selected to enable continuous regeneration of said coenzyme throughout storage of said reagent. The invention also provides an improvement in an enzymatic method of determination of the concentration of serum bicarbonate in a sample body fluid wherein the degree of oxidation of a coenzyme is measured, the improvement comprising stabilizing a reagent which comprises the coenzyme against oxidation by a coenzyme reduction system comprising an enzyme and substrate pair selected so as to enable continuous regeneration of the coenzyme throughout storage of the reagent.

Abstract: This invention relates to lactobacillus compositions and methods of employing said compositions for treating or preventing urinary tract infections. More particularly, this invention relates to the ability of certain strains of lactobacilli to adhere to uroepithelial or vaginal epithelial cells and to exhibit inhibitory activity against the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract: A latococcal- and streptococcal-phage-resistant starter culture for fermenting milk comprises a food-grade bacterium from the genera Pediococcus, Leuconostoc, Lactococcus, Streptococcus, or Lactobacillus transformed with a genetic element containing genes for a lactose fermentation phenotype. A method of making a lactococcal-phage-resistant starter culture comprises transforming a non-lactose fermenting, food-grade bacterium with a genetic element carrying determinants for a lactose fermentation phenotype. A method of making cheese with lactococcal-phage-resistant starter culture is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to Lactobacillus, skim milk, Lactobacillus Growth Factor (LGF) and Lactobacillus compositions and methods of employing the compositions for preventing urogenital infections. More particularly, this invention relates to the ability of strains of hydrophobic or hydrophilic Lactobacillus to adhere to biomaterials, and intestinal, vaginal and uroepithelial cells, to resist the action of certain antimicrobial agents and to dominate the urogenital flora.

Abstract: Micro-encapsulated lactobacilli bacteria are orally administered to mammals, including humans, to treat or prevent antibiotic associated or other chronic or acute diarrhea. Micro-encapsulated lactobacilli bacteria are topically administered to the skin to treat or prevent recurrent skin infections, and are administered intra-vaginally to treat or prevent vaginal yeast infections.

Abstract: A method of inducing malolactic fermentation in wine or fruit juice by the direct inoculation of a concentrate of a starter culture containing a selected malolactically active bacterial strain or strains having the accession no. DSM 7008, DSM 7009, DSM 7010, DSM 7011, DSM 7012, DSM 7013, DSM 7014 and DSM 7015. Further, the strains are characterized as having a survival rate of at least 80% when introduced into a wine having a pH of 3.2 or lower and containing at least 25 mg SO.sub.2 per L and at least 12 vol % ethanol. Also the strains are capable of starting malolactic fermentation when added directly to the wine or fruit juice at a concentration of less than 10.sup.7 colony forming units per mL.

Abstract: A process for isolation of a strain of Lactobacillus having the ability of being established on human intestinal mucosa in vivo and being able to remain therein after oral administration for at least 10 days after the completion of the administration. By the process the new strains L. plantarum 299 (DSM 6595) and L. casei ssp. rhamnosus 271 (DSM 6594) have been isolated, which are useful for the prophylaxis or treatment of bacterial infections, especially in the form of a fermented nutrient composition.

Abstract: A process for isolation of a strain of Lactobacillus having the ability of being established on human intestinal mucosa in vivo and being able to remain therein after oral administration for at least 10 days after the completion of the administration. By the process the new strains L. plantarum 299 (DSM 6595) and L. casei ssp. rhamnosus 271 (DSM 6594) have been isolated, which are useful for the prophylaxis or treatment of bacterial infections, especially in the form of a fermented nutrient composition.

Abstract: Stomach ulcers are treated by administering orally to a human in need thereof an anti-Helicobacter pylori effective amount of a composition containing, in combination with an ingestible support, a culture of Lactobacillus johnsonii strain CNCM I-1225 or a supernatant phase isolated from a culture of Lactobacillus johnsonii strain CNCM I-1225.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of genetic engineering and provides novel DNA molecules which comprise multifunctional origins of replication and/or a DNA sequence coding for the most abundant protein in the supernatant of cultures of Lactococcus Spec., named Major Secretion Product (MSP), for its signal peptide and/or the promoter of the MSP gene. The novel DNA molecules are used for the production of novel shuttle vectors for cloning of DNA in at least E. coli and Lactococcus spec. or novel vectors for the expression of homologous or heterologous genes and the production of secreted gene products in gram positive bacteria such as Lactococcus spec. and Bacillus Spec.

Abstract: The present invention concerns Lactobacillus bulgaricus wherein the lactate dehydrogenase activity is lower than 50%, preferably lower than 10%, of the lactate dehydrogenase activity of Lactobacillus bulgaricus wild type strain.The present invention concerns also the food composition comprising said Lactobacillus bulgaricus.

Abstract: Lactic acid bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus having the following specific properties: (1) an increased amount of acidity of lactic acid when storing a product cultured by the bacteria at 10.degree. C. for two weeks being 0.5% or less; (2) an activity of cell membrane bound adenosine triphosphatase being 5 .mu.mol.multidot.Pi/min/mg protein or less; and (3) the bacteria having neomycin resistance.

Abstract: A composition for the prevention and treatment of diarrhea in animals, containing sterilized cells of bacteria belonging to the genus Bacillus, Brevibacterium, Corynebacterium, Escherichia, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, or Streptomyces, a cell homogenate of said sterilized cells, a cell wall component-containing fraction of said homogenate or mixtures thereof. These ingredients of the composition are admixed into an animal feed.

Abstract: A method of processing waste is disclosed wherein the municipal solid waste is segregated and processed to recover reusable rubber, metal, plastic, glass and the remaining organic portion of the waste stream is used to make lactic acid and other chemicals. One process utilizes a pretreatment step with dilute sulfuric acid to reduce the heavy metal content of the cellulosic component of the municipal solid waste which may contaminate the produced lactic acid or inhibit the fermentation of the sugars obtained from such waste. In another, the heavy metal content of the cellulosic component of municipal solid waste is removed via an ionic exchange process, after hydrolysis with sulfuric acid. A process for an economical, energy efficient production of lactic acid from municipal solid waste is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of establishing direct feed microorganisms such as Lactobacillus reuteri in the gastrointestinal tract of avian organisms, in which the direct feed microorganisms are added to whey and fed in the form of pellets (compacted whey particles) to the organisms.

Abstract: A process for isolation of a strain of Lactobacillus having the ability of being established on human intestinal mucosa in vivo and being able to remain therein after oral administration for at least 10 days after the completion of the administration.By the process the new strains L. plantarum 299 (DSM 6595) and L. casei ssp. rhamnosus 271 (DSM 6594) have been isolated, which are useful for the prophylaxis or treatment of bacterial infections, especially in the form of a fermented nutrient composition.

Abstract: A vaginal suppository or other type of vaginal pessary such as cream, foam or ointment, which contains as its active ingredients at least one pharmaceutically acceptable, topically safe antimicrobial agent, such as an agent selected from the group of benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine gluconate and povidone iodine, imidiazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea and a viable colony of micro-encapsulated lactobacilli bacteria. The viable lactobacilli are included in the suppository in micro encapsulated form, which protects the bacteria during storage of the suppository from the action of the bacteriocidal agent. When exposed to the vaginal milieu the micro encapsulation breaks down sufficiently to release the lactobacili bacteria. The lactobacilli bacteria serve to maintain or re-establish a healthy lactobacilli based flora on the vaginal wall, and excrete hydrogen peroxide and other bactericidins which suppress abnormal flora conditions that promote infections.