Abstract: Compositions and methods useful for reducing or eliminating the presence of pathogens in meat or meat products are disclosed. Administration of one or more lactic acid producing microorganisms to a live animal, to a carcass, to meat, to meat products, or in animal feed results in significant reductions in the amount of pathogens potentially harmful to humans when ingested. Synergistic effects can be achieved with the administration of multiple strains of microorganisms.

Abstract: The present technology relates to the use of at least one strain of probiotic bacteria selected from Lactobacillus for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of an autoimmune disease.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to enhancing growth and/or activity of lactobacilli using a prebiotic formulation which includes iso-malto oligosaccharides and ?-galactosidase; and to enhancing growth and/or activity of bifidobacteria using a prebiotic formulation which includes iso-malto oligosaccharides and ?-glucanase. Other combinations of fibers and enzymes are described below which also stimulate growth and activity of lactobacilli or bifidobacteria. These combinations of enzymes and prebiotics can be taken separately or added to foods, including desserts.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to enhancing growth and/or activity of lactobacilli using a prebiotic formulation which includes iso-malto oligosaccharides and ?-galactosidase; and to enhancing growth and/or activity of bifidobacteria using a prebiotic formulation which includes iso-malto oligosaccharides and ?-glucanase. Other combinations of fibers and enzymes are described below which also stimulate growth and activity of lactobacilli or bifidobacteria. These combinations of enzymes and prebiotics can be taken separately or added to foods, including desserts.

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

Abstract: This invention relates to a fruit-based food product such as beverages or fruit purees, comprising a concentration of live and stable probiotics, which is preferably greater than 108 CFU/ml, a high fruit content, which is preferably greater than 50%, and a low organic acid content, and wherein the production of off-tastes is reduced or diminished in relation to the initial fruit matrix, as well as method for preparing a food product such as this.

Abstract: A subject of the invention is a composition containing strains Lactobacillus fermentum 57A, Lactobacillus plantarum 57B and Lactobacillus gasseri 57C of special characteristics such as a feature of strong diversified affinity for the digestive tract and vaginal epithelia enabling the colonization of the vagina and anus after the crossover through intestines as well as the feature of co-aggregation enabling for synergetic activity. The subject of the invention is also the application of the composition for restoration of the natural bacterial flora of the vagina and anus.

Abstract: Use of one strain of Lactobacillus plantarum for the manufacture of a composition for increasing the diversity of the gastrointestinal tract by administration of said strain to an individual with a view to producing an increased diversity index compared to placebo is disclosed, as well as use of one strain of Lactobacillus plantarum for the manufacture of a composition for prophylactic treatment of a healthy individual against developing a low bacterial diversity (LBD); of an individual having LBD against developing one or more physiologically disturbed conditions, large intestine bacterial overgrowth (LIBO) or small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO); and of an individual having LIBO or SIBO against developing one or more physiologically disturbed conditions, and a method for increasing said diversity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for modulating the immune responses induced by Gram negative bacteria, potential pathogenic Gram positive bacteria and/or their derivatives, comprising lipoteichoic acid from lactic acid bacteria as an active ingredient. It also relates to the use of a lipoteichoic acid from lactic acid bacteria as an active ingredient and/or lactic acid bacteria producing it and/or its supernatant of culture, in the manufacture of a medicament, an oral or topical product for cosmetic, dermatological or ophtalmological applications, a food or petfood composition for modulating bacterial colonization, immune responses and decreasing the inflammatory processes associated with bacterially-mediated disease and infection in the gastrointestinal tract, bone, skin, eye, ear, lung and oral cavity. The invention also relates to lipoteichoic acid selected thereof.

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

Abstract: The invention refers to a composition comprising one or more tannase-producing strains of Lactobacillus having the ability to adhere to the human intestinal mucosa in combination with tannin. New tannase-producing strains of Lactobacillus plantarum are a.

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 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: 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: 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: Methods and compositions for treatment of animal feed or silage by treatment with a mixed culture of heterofermentive lactic acid bacteria and homofermentive lactic acid bacteria of the proper ratio. Bacterial strains for such treatment are also provided.

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: 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: A culture medium which is completely free of chemical additives and which can be used for the individual culture of yeast and of lactic acid bacteria or for the coculture of yeasts and lactic acid bacteria is prepared. The preparation of the medium is carried out by a process comprising making in a bioreactor a first medium using a dilute aqueous mixture containing a yeast autolysate and whole-meal or wheat germ, starch and gluten. Alpha-amylase enzymes and amyloglucosidase are added thereto for hydrolyzing the starch into a sugar. Furthermore proteolytic enzymes of food quality are also added for hydrolyzing gluten into aromatic peptides and free amino acids for microbial growth. The first medium is further sterilized and table salt may be added, however, no other chemical additives are ever added to the first medium.

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: 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 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: 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: Silage is preserved by treatment with a small, but silage preserving effective amount of a seven strain inoculant, in which five of the strains are members of the Lactobacillus plantarum taxon and the remaining two strains are members of the Enterococcus faecium taxon. This seven strain inoculant is particularly effective in improving the aerobic stability as well as the rate and extent of digestibility of whole plant corn silage. It is also effective in improving animal milk and meat performance when animals are fed inoculated silage.

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: 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: 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: 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 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: Optically active 2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid can be obtained by treating 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid with an optionally treated microorganism capable of asymmetrically reducing the 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid to thereby asymmetrically reduce the same into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (s) -2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel microorganism strain Lactobacillus casei ssp. rhamnosus LC-705, DSM 7061, having a yeast and mold controlling effect, to bacterial preparations comprising this strain, alone or in combination with a bacterium of the genus Propionibacterium or another strain of the bacterium Lactobacillus casei and/or with conventional agents used for yeast and mold control. The invention also relates to the use of said strain and said bacterial preparations for yeast and mold control and to a method for controlling the growth of yeasts and molds using a bacterial preparation comprising said strain.

Abstract: Anti-fungal and anti-microbial bacterial strains of Serratia are used in the preparation and preservation of animal feedstuffs made from forage. Bacterial strains of Serratia rubidaea are particularly useful for such purposes, and permit hay to be baled at higher moisture content. Mixtures of this strain with another anti-fungal bacterial, such as Bacillus subtilis, and/or lactic acid-producing bacterial strains, such as strains of Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Lactococcus and Pediococcus are used in the preparation and preservation of silage.

Abstract: Optically active 2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid can be obtained by treating 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid with an optionally treated microorganism capable of asymmetrically reducing the 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid to thereby asymmetrically reduce the same into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid.

Abstract: 2-Oxo-4-phenylbutyric acid is treated with a microorganism, which has been optionally treated, capable of asymmetrically reducing 2-oxo-4-phenylbutyric acid into either (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid, and the (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid thus produced is recovered to thereby give optically active 2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid.The optically active 2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid is an important intermediate in the synthesis of various drugs such as a remedy for hypertension.

Abstract: A new strain Lactobacillus sp. KPB-176, which does not possess strict selectivity for specific media and which involves no reduction in the productivity of polysaccharides even during subculture, was isolated from kefir grains. When this new strain is cultured on a medium containing milk whey and casamino acid or when on a medium containing carbohydrate and yeast extract, capsular polysaccharides are produced in high yields.

Abstract: Optically active 2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid can be obtained by treating 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid with an optionally treated microorganism capable of asymmetrically reducing the 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid to thereby asymmetrically reduce the same into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid.

Abstract: A process for the enzymatic preparation of acetoin, particularly (+)-acetoin, employs a diacetyl reductase which can be obtained from a yeast or Lactobacillus strain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of preserving forage, a Lactobacillus plantarum strain used in the process, the use of the strain in the preservation of forage, and forage preserved according to the invention. The bacterial strain is preferably used in combination with at least one other preservative, such as cellulase and oragnic acid and/or in combination with at least one other lactic acid bacterium.

Abstract: Microorganisms are stored for long periods of time in storage mediums which preferably contain a sufficiently high concentration of nutrients and growth inhibiting substances to maintain microorganisms, such as bacteria, in the stationary or death phase of their growth cycle. Upon dilution of the growth medium, the concentration of the inhibiting substances is lowered below that inhibiting the growth of the microorganisms, while sufficient nutrients remain to allow for the number of microorganisms to rapidly increase. In a preferred embodiment, the growth medium contains between 10% and 30% solids which are the waste products of a food or fermentation process, and the microorganisms are lactobacillus plantarum or bacillus subtilis.

Abstract: Dried viable bacteria are admixed in a particulate carrier composed primarily of an inorganic salt of low moisture absorbing capacity together with a minor proportion of a silica gel absorbent. The inorganic salts may be sodium or calcium carbonates, bicarbonates, sulfates, or phosphates. The admixtures are storable without refrigeration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preserving agricultural products comprising treating these products with an effective amount of Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 53187 or mutants thereof and the treating organism.

Abstract: For the determination of the transaminasae by reaction of a corresponding amino acid with .alpha.-ketoglutaric acid to form glutamate and the .alpha.-keto acid corresponding to the amino acid used, and measurement of the .alpha.-ketonic acid formed by reduction in the presence of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and optionally of malate dehydrogenase (MDH) with NADH, forming NAD.sup.+ and .alpha.-oxy acid, use is made of D-LDH from lactic acid bacterium.

Abstract: A method to determine the Gram sign of microorganisms includes staining the microorganisms with a plurality of fluorescent dyes, applying excitation energy to the stained microorganisms, and observing the color of the fluorescence emission of the stained microorganisms. Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms stain different colors, and assignment of the Gram sign may be made on the basis of the color of the stained microorganisms.

Abstract: A method for the production of silage from a fermentable forage substrate by admixing Lactobacillus plantarum 2B bacteria with a fermentable forage substrate. The bacteria is added in an amount effective to lower the pH of the forage substrate to a pH at which the fermentable forage is stabilized and rendered substantially free of butyric acid producing bacteria.

Abstract: Process for preparing L-fructose from L-mannose by contacting L-mannose with L-mannose isomerase produced by a mutant microorganism selected from the group consisting of the genera Escherichia, Lactobacillus, and Klebsiella cultivated in the absence of an inducing sugar.

Abstract: Lactobacillus and Streptococcus are cultured by special process steps to derive by controlled transmutation a strain of organisms having high tolerance to acidity above 1.5%, and are tolerant to metallic salts such as cobalt carbonate which tend to poison such organisms by limiting growth. The organisms are cultured in a transfer process from starter organisms that tend to clump in the presence of metallic ions to develop the improved strain which does not clump when cultured in the presence of metallic salts thereby permitting increased production. A characterizing feature of the resulting transmuted organisms therefore is the freedom of a tendency to clump in the presence of the cobalt ion, a feature uncharacteristic of the starting organisms. The organisms are useful for enhancing animal and plant growth.

Abstract: A process is provided for improving the recovery of microbial cell biomass, which includes the steps of subjecting a culture broth containing chain-forming microorganisms to shearing conditions sufficient to shorten the chain-length of microbial cells whereby the packed cell volume of the cell biomass is substantially reduced and then recovering the thus treated biomass from the broth by centrifugation.

Abstract: The invention refers to a composition comprising one or more tannase-producing strains of Lactobacillus having the ability to adhere to the human intestinal mucosa in combination with tannin. New tannase-producing strains of Lactobacillus plantarum are a.