Abstract: This invention consists of a consortium of plant-growth promoting microorganisms including Pseudomonas stutzeri, Pseudomonas denitrificans, Pseudomonas resinovorans, Pseudomonas brassicacearum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Shimwellia blattae and Klebsiella oxytoca. The bacterial consortium along with a vehicle suitable for agricultural application, form a biofertilizer useful to enhance agricultural yield when applied to cultivation plants. The biofertilizer described present a long shelf life and preserve a high cell density along the time.

Abstract: A feed supplement comprising at least one selected from lactic acid bacterium belonging to Lactobacillus gasseri, a crushed product of the lactic acid bacterium, culture of the lactic acid bacterium, residue of the culture of the lactic acid bacterium and a treated product thereof (a concentrate, a pasted product, a dried product, a liquid product, a diluted product, a sterilized product, etc.) and a feed composition comprising the feed supplement.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing pathology of the liver in subject suspected of having such pathology by measuring the glycosylation of anti-gal IgG in various biological fluids of the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes of producing a fermentation product, comprising liquefying a starch containing material with an alpha-amylase; pre-saccharifying and/or saccharifying and fermenting using a fermentation organism in the presence of a carbohydrate source generating enzyme and a cellulolytic composition The invention also relates to methods of dewatering whole stillage.

Abstract: The disclosure provides method and composition utilizing fluorescent amino acids and endogenous fluorescent proteins comprising a moiety capable of undergoing FRET. The methods and compositions of the disclosure are useful in analyzing protein structure and function, and screening molecular inhibitors.

Abstract: A method of extracting a polypeptide from a biological sample includes contacting the biological sample with an extraction reagent to form a solution of the biological sample and the extraction reagent. The extraction reagent includes perfluorooctanoic and can be used at a concentration effective to solubilize the polypeptides in the biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for producing fermentation products from starch-containing material, wherein an alpha-amylase, a thermostable protease, and optionally a carbohydrate-source generating enzyme and/or pullulanase, are present and/or added during liquefaction. The invention also relates to compositions suitable for use in a process of the invention.

Abstract: Provided are isolated polypeptides having glucoamylase activity, catalytic domains, and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, catalytic domains. Also provided are nucleic acid constructs, vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides, catalytic domains.

Abstract: A peptide comprising at least 5 amino acid residues and less than 15 amino acid residues, the peptide including an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7 as well as pharmaceutical compositions, kits and methods for diagnosing and treating amyloid associated diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for producing fermentation products from starch-containing material, wherein liquefied mash is saccharified or pre-saccharified using a thermostable carbohydrate-source generating enzyme before fermentation or SSF.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a hydrolysate of from lignocellulose-containing material, comprising pre-treatment with low temperature, hydrolysis and fermentation, wherein hydrolysis is performed by contacting the lignocellulose-containing material with an enzyme composition comprising at least 10% xylanase enzyme protein w/w%.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for labeling vitamin B12 with 14C, 13C, tritium, and deuterium. When radioisotopes are used, the invention provides for methods of labeling B12 with high specific activity. The invention also provides labeled vitamin B12 compositions made in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having glucoamylase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having glucoamylase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: A polynucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:1 is associated with metastatic potential of cancer cells, especially breast cancer cells. Methods are provided for determining the risk of metastasis of a tumor, by determining whether a tissue sample from a tumor expresses a polypeptide or mRNA encoded by a polynucleotide as shown in SEQ ID NO:1. Also provided are therapeutic methods and compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a functionalised solid support for the synthesis of compounds comprising at least one ?-oxoaldehyde function, to a process for preparing it and to its applications, in particular for the preparation of a library of organic compounds, of a diagnostic reagent, of a microtitration plate and of a biochip, such as a DNA chip. The present invention also relates to a process for the synthesis of organic compounds comprising at least one ?-oxoaldehyde function and to the ?-oxoaldehyde peptides obtained using this process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion peptides that are derived from components of gliadin, to a method and reagents for the serological diagnosis of celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis by way of assaying antibodies that are directed against modified gliadin. The invention also relates to methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating said diseases by specific immunoabsorption of these antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to Protein-fragment Complementation Assays (PCAs) and assay compositions based on fluorescent proteins. The invention provides methods for fragmenting fluorescent proteins and generating mutant fragments with desired spectral characteristics for PCA. The invention encompasses assays and compositions based on fluorescent proteins from the species Aequorea, Anemonia and Anthozoa. In particular, the invention is directed to fragments of mutant fluorescent proteins having improved spectral properties over the wild-type proteins. The invention encompasses fragments of mutant versions of A. Victoria green fluorescent protein (GFP), in particular yellow fluorescent proteins (EYFP and super-EYFP), ‘Venus’, cyan, ‘citrine’, blue, cyan-green, and photoactivatable variants of GFP The invention also encompasses red fluorescent PCAs based on Discosoma red fluorescent protein (RFP PCA) and a kindling fluorescent protein PCA (KFP1 PCA) derived from Anemonia sulcata.

Abstract: A method of processing data associated with fluorescent emissions from a microfluidic device. The method includes performing an auto-focus process associated with a first image of the microfluidic device and performing an auto-exposure process associated with the first image of the microfluidic device. The method also includes capturing a plurality of images of the microfluidic device. The plurality of images are associated with a plurality of thermal cycles. The method further includes performing image analysis of the plurality of captured images to determine a series of optical intensities and performing data analysis of the series of optical intensities to provide a series of change in threshold values.

Abstract: A method of determining a plurality of positions associated with a plurality of reaction chambers of a microfluidic device includes a) providing a baseline image; b) providing a template image of a reaction chamber; and c) selecting a region of the baseline image. The method also includes d) performing a matching process including matching the template image to one or more portions of the region of the baseline image; e) determining a position of a first chamber; and f) predicting a position of a second chamber. The method further includes g) repeating steps c) through f) for subsequent chambers.

Abstract: A stable pharmaceutical mercury-free aqueous solution of cyanocobalamin comprised of cyanocobalamin and water wherein said solution of cyanocobalamin is suitable for intranasal administration, has a viscosity less than about 1000 cPs, and wherein said solution of cyanocobalamin has a bioavailability of cyanocobalamin when administered intranasally of at least about 7% relative to an intramuscular injection of cyanocobalamin with the proviso that the solution is essentially free of mercury and mercury-containing compounds. The present invention is also directed towards a method for elevating the vitamin B12 levels in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) comprising administering intranasally a sufficient amount of a mercury-free cyanocobalamin solution so as to increase the average ratio of vitamin B12 in the CSF to that in the blood serum (B12 CSF/B12 Serum×100) to at least about 1.

Abstract: The present invention increases yield of the target fermented molecules by spray drying the fermentation broth and reducing the process volume to nearly one tenth the original. Thus, none of the target molecules are lost and requirements of the solvent and the other conventional method process equipments and processing materials are reduced considerably. Product recovery is improved. A major saving in the waste water treatment offsets spray drying and offers better process economics.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved sandwich immunoassay for identifying partial proANP peptides in cardiac and sepsis diagnosis by using two antibodies which specifically bond to partial sequences in the mid-regional area of NT-proANP, extending from amino acid 53 to amino acid 83 of NT-proANP.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the detection and quantitation of proteins generally and apolipoprotein A-I and oxidized derivatives thereof in particular. Further provided are methods for the assessment of the risk cardiovascular disease in a subject, wherein the assessment is based on the amount of oxidized and unoxidized apolipoprotein A-I in a biological sample obtained from a subject.

Abstract: The invention provides a lysis reagent and method for preparing a test sample for use in an assay, wherein the method yields a homogeneous lysis mixture suitable for use in automated pipetting systems without the need for a centrifugation step. The lysis reagent includes a glycol and an alcohol. Other aspects of the invention include related immunoassays and test kits.

Abstract: A stable pharmaceutical mercury-free aqueous solution of cyanocobalamin comprised of cyanocobalamin and water wherein said solution of cyanocobalamin is suitable for intranasal administration, has a viscosity less than about 1000 cPs, and wherein said solution of cyanocobalamin has a bioavailability of cyanocobalamin when administered intranasally of at least about 7% relative to an intramuscular injection of cyanocobalamin with the proviso that the solution is essentially free of mercury and mercury-containing compounds. The present invention is also directed towards a method for elevating the vitamin B12 levels in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) comprising administering intranasally a sufficient amount of a mercury-free cyanocobalamin solution so as to increase the average ratio of vitamin B12 in the CSF to that in the blood serum (B12 CSF/B12 Serum×100) to at least about 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to newly identified mRNA stabilizing elements useful for the production of a target fermentation product, such as e.g. vitamins or enzymes, in particular riboflavin (vitamin B2), biotin, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), folic acid, thiamin, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), vitamin B12, xylanase, amylase, protease, glucanase, amylomaltase or maltogenic amylase.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing pathology of the liver in subject suspected of having such pathology by measuring the glycosylation of anti-gal IgG in various biological fluids of the subject.

Abstract: It is intended to provide amino acid transporters which act as a single molecule and transport neutral amino acids typified by branched amino acids, and genes thereof. A protein consisting of an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:2, 4, 6 or 8 or an amino acid sequence derived from an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:2, 4, 6 or 8 by deletion, substitution or addition of one to several amino acids, and being capable of sodium-independently transporting neutral amino acids typified by branched amino acids and analogs thereof as a single molecule. A gene which is a DNA consisting of a base sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1, 3, 5 or 7 or a DNA hybridizable with it and encodes a protein capable of sodium-independently transporting branched amino acids as a single molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating neurological diseases in a subject. More specifically, the invention relates to combination therapies for treating such diseases, using a c-kit inhibitor and a neuroactive compound. The invention may be used against a variety of demyelinating diseases, including multiple sclerosis, in any mammalian subject, particularly human subjects, and at various stages of disease progression.

Abstract: A stable pharmaceutical mercury-free aqueous solution of cyanocobalamin comprised of cyanocobalamin and water wherein said solution of cyanocobalamin is suitable for intranasal administration, has a viscosity less than about 1000 cPs, and wherein said solution of cyanocobalamin has a bioavailability of cyanocobalamin when administered intranasally of at least about 7% relative to an intramuscular injection of cyanocobalamin with the proviso that the solution is essentially free of mercury and mercury-containing compounds. The present invention is also directed towards a method for elevating the vitamin B12 levels in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) comprising administering intranasally a sufficient amount of a mercury-free cyanocobalamin solution so as to increase the average ratio of vitamin B12 in the CSF to that in the blood serum (B12 CSF/B12 Serum×100) to at least about 1.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides, termed fluorettes, that bind with high avidity to fluorophore dyes. The peptides find use in a variety of methods and approaches involving fluorophore dyes.

Abstract: A stable pharmaceutical mercury-free aqueous solution of cyanocobalamin comprised of cyanocobalamin and water wherein said solution of cyanocobalamin is suitable for intranasal administration, has a viscosity less than about 1000 cPs, and wherein said solution of cyanocobalamin has a bioavailability of cyanocobalamin when administered intranasally of at least about 7% relative to an intramuscular injection of cyanocobalamin with the proviso that the solution is essentially free of mercury and mercury-containing compounds. The present invention is also directed towards a method for elevating the vitamin B12 levels in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) comprising administering intranasally a sufficient amount of a mercury-free cyanocobalamin solution so as to increase the average ratio of vitamin B12 in the CSF to that in the blood serum (B12 CSF/B12 Serum×100) to at least about 1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fast and efficient method for determining the three-dimensional conformation of a protein. The steps of the method of the invention include: 1) formation of physical distance constraints, e.g., forming intramolecular chemical crosslinks of known size between residues of a protein; 2) enriching the number of the molecules that have intramolecular chemical crosslinks in the reaction pool, e.g., using size separation to remove proteins with intermolecular bonds; 3) exposing the enriched reaction pool to a protease that cuts the protein at specific sites to produce peptide fragments; 4) measuring the size of the peptide fragments to determine linkage sites with a certain spatial relationship in the protein; and 5)interpreting the data produced to determine spatial geometry and protein structure based on the deduced spatial relationship of the linkage sites.

Abstract: Detergent composition comprising fusion protein comprising a cellulose binding domain and a domain having a high binding affinity for another ligand. Preferably, the domain having a high binding affinity is directed at a Benefit Agent.

Abstract: Mesophilic methane bacteria obtained from digested sludge are acclimatized in an H2/CO2 medium and the acclimatized methane bacteria are grown on a support inclusive of inorganic nutritional salts of trace metal elements by using an immobilized bed bioreactor. The grown bacteria are allowed to metabolize a mixed gas, prepared by adding hydrogen to at least one of coal gas and biogas, into methane and at the same time, cobalamin contained in the fermented liquor is recovered as an extracellular product in the form of cyanocobalamin by using potassium cyanide to thereby produce vitamin B12 efficiently in a high content and high yield.

Abstract: Mesophilic methane bacteria obtained from digested sludge are acclimatized in an H2/CO2 medium and the acclimatized methane bacteria are grown on a support inclusive of inorganic nutritional salts of trace metal elements by using an immobilized bed bioreactor. The grown bacteria are allowed to metabolize a mixed gas, prepared by adding hydrogen to at least one of coal gas and biogas, into methane and at the same time, cobalamin contained in the fermented liquor is recovered as an extracellular product in the form of cyanocobalamin by using potassium cyanide to thereby produce vitamin B12 efficiently in a high content and high yield.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide a means to prevent freeze-induced decrease in protein activity. The present invention relates to a method for preventing freeze-induced decrease in protein activity comprising adding a polypeptide comprising the following amino acid sequence (I) to a protein to be frozen. Further, the present invention relates to use of a polypeptide comprising the following amino acid sequence (I) to produce an agent for preventing freeze-induced decrease in protein activity: (SEQ ID NO: 1) Ser-Ser-Thr-Gly-Ser-X1-Ser-X2-Thr-Asp-X3-X4-X5-X6- X7-X8-Gly-Ser-X9-Thr-Ser-Gly-Gly-Ser-Ser-Thr-Tyr- Gly-Tyr-Ser-Ser-X10-X11-X12-X13-Gly-X14-Val (I).

Abstract: An endogenous plasmid of Propionibacterium is described, isolated from Propionibacteria freudenreichii LMG 16545 (deposited as CBS 101022), and its sequence provided. This plasmid can be used to transform Propionibacteria to express homologous or heterologous proteins, in the production of recombinant proteins or products of enzymes, for example vitamin B12.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing vitamin B12 using Bacillus megaterium.

Abstract: An isoform of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and polynucleotides encoding it have been identified. This isoform, MnSOD E3(−), is a splice variant lacking exon 3 of the full length MnSOD. The polypeptide can be expressed using appropriate host cells. Modulation of either the expression of the polynucleotides or the activity of the polypeptide is also described. Furthermore, diagnostic and therapeutic methods have been developed as a consequence of the isolation of the polynucleotides and polypeptides.

Abstract: It is disclosed that the enzymes ATP:corrinoid adenosyltransferase (CobA) from Salmonella typhimurium and reduced flavodoxin (FldA) from E. coli are both necessary and sufficient, in the presence of ATP, to reduce the oxidation state of the cobalt atom in cobalamin and produce adenosylcobalamin. This makes possible the construction of plasmids to confer upon microbial fermentation hosts the ability to synthesize adenosylcobalamin, the supply of which can sometimes be a limitation on microbial growth in fermentation. Since the enzyme flavodoxin reductase (Fpr), also from E. coli, can act to reduce FldA for biological activity, that enzyme should preferably be expressed in a fermentation host as well.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides involved in the biosynthesis of cobalamines and/or cobamides, in particular coenzyme B12, genetic material responsible for expressing these polypeptides, and a method for preparing them, are described. A method for amplifying the production of cobalamines, and particularly coenzyme B12, using recombinant DNA techniques, are also described.

Abstract: Mesophilic methane bacteria obtained from digested sludge are acclimatized in an H2/CO2 medium and the acclimatized methane bacteria are grown on a support inclusive of inorganic nutritional salts of trace metal elements by using an immobilized bed bioreactor. The grown bacteria are allowed to metabolize a mixed gas, prepared by adding hydrogen to at least one of coal gas and biogas, into methane and at the same time, cobalamin contained in the fermented liquor is recovered as an extracellular product in the form of cyanocobalamin by using potassium cyanide to thereby produce vitamin B12 efficiently in a high content and high yield.

Abstract: A method of determining the gender of a bird in ovo comprises detecting the presence or absence of an elevated level of a sex-related hormone in the extra-embryonic fluid of the bird egg, and then determining the gender of the bird within the egg from the presence of an elevated level of a sex-related hormone therein. Preferably, the sex-related hormone is an estrogen. Further preferred are methods in which the extra-embryonic fluid is allantoic fluid. The method is preferably carried out on chicken eggs prior to or during transfer of the eggs from incubator to hatcher.

Abstract: Methods for detecting chronic fatigue syndrome and/or fibromyalgia in an individual, comprising isolating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and: 1) determining the amounts of Mycoplasma genus or Mycoplasma species; 2) determining the Mycoplasma gene copy number; or 3) determining the levels of anti-M. fermentans antibodies present in serum, wherein elevated levels of any of these indicate the presence of CFS and/or fibromyalgia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing vitamin B12, wherein said process comprises the steps of (a) culturing a strain of the genus Propionibacterium in a first fermenter under anaerobic conditions to obtain a culture of Propionibacterium, (b) transferring at least part of the culture obtained in (a) to a second fermenter and subjecting this culture to oxygen, (c) replacing in the first fermenter part of the volume transferred in (b) with fresh culture medium and (d) repeating steps (a), (b) and (c) at least once.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods for the synthesis of N-homocysteine thiolactonyl retinamido cobalamin (thioretinaco), a compound that has potential anticancer, antineoplastic, antiviral, and antiatherogenic properties.

Abstract: A diagnostic test strip for determining the presence of a specified analyte in a fluid sample is described. The test strip has a test membrane sandwiched between two layers of a plastic sheath. The upper layer of the sheath has a sample well into which a liquid sample is placed. The test membrane has a sample receiving zone typically containing a buffer and a fatty acid sarcosinate. Adjacent to the sample receiving zone is a reagent zone containing reagent chemicals including gold colloid particles coated with antibodies to the specified analyte. In fluid connection with the reagent zone is a test zone containing immobilized molecules of the specified analyte. Preferably, in fluid connection with the test zone is a control zone containing an indicator that changes color when wetted by the sample and a liquid sink zone to absorb excess liquid in the sample.

Abstract: Cells with an alteration at least in the gene involved in betaine catabolism, their preparation and their use, in particular for producing metabolites and/or enzymes, are disclosed.