Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to compositions comprising one or more live bacterial strains for topical administration to the skin, wherein the one or more live bacterial strains are Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacterial strains, and methods for use.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to growth of bacteria. More specifically the invention relates to a method for oxidative environment adaptation of anaerobic microorganisms and their use in developing new probiotics. In particular, the present invention provides a method for adaptation of anaerobic microorganisms and selection of more oxygen tolerant anaerobic microorganisms, said method comprising the steps of culturing said microorganisms with a stepwise dual induction of oxidative stress via applied voltage and oxygen diffusion, and a stepwise change of anti-oxidant/oxidized counterpart concentration ratio to adjust the redox state. New strains are also provided.

Abstract: An imaging system may include a sample stage comprising a surface to support a sample container, the sample container including a sample having a plurality of sample locations; an optical stage to image the sample at the plurality of sample locations; one or more actuators physically coupled to at least one of the sample stage and the optical stage to move the sample stage relative to the optical stage to focus the optical stage onto a current sample location of the plurality of sample locations; a first light source to illuminate the current sample location; a second light source to project a pair of spots on a next sample location of the plurality of sample locations; and a controller to determine, based on an image of the pair of spots projected on the next sample location, a focus setting for the next sample location.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of probiotic bacteria. In particular, it relates to methods for treating or preventing functional GI disorders comprising administering Bifidobacterium longum, such as Bifidobacterium longum ATCC BAA-999.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to isolated microorganisms—including novel strains of the microorganisms—microbial consortia, and agricultural compositions comprising the same. Furthermore, the disclosure teaches methods of utilizing the described microorganisms, microbial consortia, and agricultural compositions comprising the same, in methods for imparting beneficial properties to target plant species. In particular aspects, the disclosure provides methods of increasing desirable plant traits in agronomically important crop species.

Abstract: An isolated cell having a central memory T-lymphocyte (Tcm) phenotype, the cell being tolerance-inducing cell and capable of homing to the lymph nodes following transplantation, the cell being transduced to express a cell surface receptor comprising a T cell receptor signaling module is disclosed. Methods of generating same and using same are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a composition comprising a novel strain, a lysate thereof or a culture product thereof, which can demonstrate excellent effects in strengthening skin barrier, moisturizing skin, enhancing skin elasticity or anti-aging, and can be used for a cosmetic composition or health functional food.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the rational design of stable communities of microbes for benefiting the health of a host organism, including human and/or animal health. The methods describe design of microbial consortia based on providing and/or complementing key functionalities lacking or underrepresented in the microbiome of an organism having a disorder or disease as compared to healthy subjects. The consortia are designed to possess metabolic interdependencies for improved engrafting, stability and performance of the consortium. Compositions that include the designed microbial consortia are provided for treatment of disorders/diseases involving chronic inflammation, infection, and the combination of chronic inflammation and infection including inflammatory bowel disease and related disorders. The compositions are also broadly applicable for the treatment of neurological, metabolic and oncology-related conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for regulating expression of IL-1? gene, MMP1a gene and TIMP1 gene of chondrocytes using a Lactobacillus plantarum strain TCI227.

Abstract: A hemostatic composition is provided. The hemostatic composition includes a hemostatically effective amount of a hemostatic agent that includes a nanoparticle and a polyphosphate polymer attached to the nanoparticle. Also provided are medical devices and methods of use to promote blood clotting.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the field of phage therapy for the treatment and control of bacterial infections, in particular respiratory bacterial infections such as bacterial pneumonia. More specifically, the present invention is directed to novel bacteriophage strains, and products and cocktails thereof, including F99/10, F110/10, F27/12, Psa_F83/13, Psa_F95/13, F391/08, Kle_F92/15, Kle_F105/15, Kle_F134/15, Kle_F141/15, as well as variants thereof; and methods of using same in the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections, including respiratory infections caused by, e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and/or Klebsiella pneumoniae. The cocktails are used as pharmaceutical compositions either alone or in further combination with other therapies, e.g., antibiotics or other standard and non-standard therapies for respiratory infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a disease or condition characterized by inflammation in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a Pediococcus acidilactici probiotic. Compositions of Pediococcus acidilactici probiotic are also provided.

Abstract: A method includes generating, by a processor system, a graph. The graph is based at least in part on a plurality of instances in which operational taxonomic units are identified as being represented within an environment. The method can also include determining, using the processor system, that at least one instance of the plurality of instances corresponds to a false-positive identification of an operational taxonomic unit. The determining is based on the properties of the graph. The method can also include reporting the determination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microorganism which can act as a biomarker of alcoholic fatty liver disease, and relates to a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating alcoholic fatty liver disease, a food composition for preventing or improving alcoholic fatty liver disease, or a probiotics composition for preventing or improving alcoholic fatty liver disease, comprising the strain as an active ingredient.

Abstract: Monitoring, analysis and control of fermentation activities includes methods and corresponding systems directed toward agriculture, biofuels, and food production. Complex methods and corresponding systems are provided for classifying a microorganism; profiling a microbiome; sequencing multiple libraries in a single sequencing run; determining a microbiome profile in a sample; and analyzing a material from a location associated with a fermentation process. Additional implementations are directed to methods and corresponding systems for obtaining, deriving, predicting and evaluating microbiome information; control, analysis and direction of fermentation operations; and evaluating, analyzing and displaying microbiome related information in two and three dimensional plots. Yet additional methods and corresponding systems permit identification and analysis of microorganisms capable of imparting beneficial properties to phases of fermentation processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microbial cells, including but not limited to aerobic bacteria cells and anaerobic bacteria cells, as well as yeast cells, and methods for producing the cells, feed additives and compositions comprising the cells, and uses involving administration of the cells to animals.

Abstract: Provided are therapeutic compositions containing Ecobiotic™ populations for prevention, treatment and reduction of symptoms associated with a dysbiosis of a mammalian subject such as a human.

Abstract: This document provides bacterial compositions. For example, bacterial compositions having a combination of different bacterial strains formulated in a manner to maintain the stability of the bacteria are provided.

Abstract: Probiotic compositions containing a consortium of beneficial lactic acid fermenting microbes, bacteria belonging to the Bacilli family, and yeast are disclosed, and methods of using same as human probiotic for ingestion or as an animal feed additive are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, methods, and kits for eliciting an immune response to at least one CMV antigen expressed by a cancer cell, in particular for treating and preventing cancer. CMV determination methods, compositions, and kits also are provided.

Abstract: Provided are therapeutic compositions containing Ecobiotic™ populations for prevention, treatment and reduction of symptoms associated with a dysbiosis of a mammalian subject such as a human.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, methods, and kits for eliciting an immune response to at least one CMV antigen expressed by a cancer cell, in particular for treating and preventing cancer. CMV determination methods, compositions, and kits also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, methods, and kits for eliciting an immune response to at least one CMV antigen expressed by a cancer cell, in particular for treating and preventing cancer. CMV determination methods, compositions, and kits also are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by restoring an ASD patient's gut microbiota. These methods can be used with ASD patient with or without ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms. Provided here is a method for modulating the abundance of one or more gut microorganisms in a subject in need thereof, said method comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a fecal microbe preparation to achieve at least a 2-fold change of the abundance of said one or more fecal microorganisms, wherein said one or more gut microorganisms are selected from the group consisting of Bifidobacterium, Prevotella, Desulfovibrio, Copprococcus, Clostridium, and Bacteroides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, methods, and kits for eliciting an immune response to at least one CMV antigen expressed by a cancer cell, in particular for treating and preventing cancer. CMV determination methods, compositions, and kits also are provided.

Abstract: A composition and method for preventing and/or treating an E. coli-based infection in an animal is described.

Abstract: Herbal pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of ano-rectal diseases are provided. The compositions include C. molmol, Gardenia spp, T. erecta, M. ferrea, activated charcoal, probiotic, neem and/or curcumin, cloves, isabgol, pharmaceutical excipients, and optionally a therapeutic agent. The compositions possess properties to control inflammation by lowering levels of inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases, prevent capillary bleeding and fragility in mammals, particularly human beings and have wound healing properties.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, systems, compositions, and kits to address the need for microbiome-related treatment of health conditions and disease. The present disclosure provides for treatment of metabolic conditions using microbial compositions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, systems, compositions, and kits to address the need for microbiome-related treatment of health conditions and disease. The present disclosure provides for treatment of metabolic conditions using microbial compositions.

Abstract: In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions, e.g., formulations, used for gastric, gastrointestinal and/or colonic treatments or lavage, e.g., orthostatic lavage, e.g., for inducing the purgation (e.g., cleansing) of a gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including a colon; and methods for making and using them. In alternative embodiments, compositions and methods of the invention are used for the stabilization, amelioration, treatment and/or prevention of constipation, for the treatment of abdominal pain, particularly non-specific abdominal pain, and diarrhea, including diarrhea caused by a drug side effect, a psychological condition, a disease or a condition such as Crohn's Disease, a poison, a toxin or an infection, e.g., a toxin-mediated traveler's diarrhea, or C. difficile or the pseudo-membranous colitis associated with this infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reducing body fat, comprising administering a composition comprising an effective amount of Lactobacillus paracasei or a metabolite thereof to a subject in need thereof. The Lactobacillus paracasei or the metabolite thereof can effectively convert the fatty acid into conjugated linoleic acid, inhibit the accumulation of fat and promote the decomposition of fat in fat cells, and can effectively reduce the percentage of body fat, waist circumference, and hip circumference, and simultaneously increase the muscle mass of the subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by restoring an ASD patient's gut microbiota. These methods can be used with ASD patient with or without ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms. Provided here is a method for ASD treatment in a subject in need thereof comprising or consisting essentially of administering a therapeutic composition comprising a fecal microbe or a fecal microbiota preparation to the subject. Also provided here is a method comprises administering an antibiotic to a human subject; subjecting the human subject to a bowel cleanse; and administering purified fecal microbiota to the human subject. Further provided are evaluation and quantitative characterization of patient symptom improvements upon treatment described here.

Abstract: Provided are a biologically pure Faecalibacterium butyricigenerans strain AF52-21 deposited under CGMCC Accession No. 1.5206 and a composition including the same and a carrier. A method for treating an inflammation-related disease in a subject in need thereof is also provided. The Faecalibacterium butyricigenerans is useful for treating ulcerative colitis and related disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed are new uses of lactic acid bacteria, in particular Lactobacillus plantarum, for protecting animals from pathogenic bacterial infection, specifically, methods for reducing the mortality rate of animals against infection of pathogenic bacteria, methods for reducing the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of the animals, as well as methods of increasing and/or stimulating immune system of the animal through the use of such lactic acid bacteria.

Abstract: The invention relates to microbiology and medicine and can be used to prevent and treat diseases and conditions associated with disruption of normal (autochthonous) microflora (microbiota) in humans or animals. In particular, a solution for recovery or creation of the subject's microflora comprising an active component containing microorganisms isolated from the microflora of the subject or the donor, wherein the active component can be enriched with bacteriophages of said microflora and/or additional microorganisms of the microflora cultivated on a nutrient medium, while the additional microorganisms of the microflora include microorganisms of the microflora that are yet nonculturable in the absence of the host organism, is proposed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an isolated arabinanase enzyme comprising the activities of (1-5)-?-arabinofuranosidic linkage endohydrolysis in (1-5)-?-L-arabinans (EC 3.2.1.99), and hydrolysis of (1-5)-?-arabinofuranosidic linkages at the non-reducing end of ?-L-arabinans or ?-L-arabinose-oligomers (EC 3.2.1.55), particularly an arabinan-degrading enzyme isolated from Arxula adeninivorans as feed additive in livestock breeding. Furthermore, the invention relates to the application of the arabinanase in the production of fruit juices or biofuels.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to biosensors (10) having a receptor layer (5) and a mediator layer (6), the receptor layer including ethylene receptor molecules. The present disclosure also relates to sensor units (20) comprising one or more biosensors (10) and a controller (11). In some embodiments, one or more sensor units (20) may be in wireless communication with a receiver module or a network gateway.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a bacterial mixture for the prevention and improvement of the state of ungulates suffering from pathologies involving a parasitic or bacterial infection of the foot, said composition comprising: at least one strain of bacteria of the genus Bacillus, and at least one lactic acid bacterium.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to isolated microorganisms—including novel strains of the microorganisms—microbial ensembles, and compositions comprising the same. Furthermore, the disclosure teaches methods of utilizing the described microorganisms, microbial compositions, and compositions comprising the same, in methods for modulating the agricultural production of ruminants. In particular aspects, the disclosure provides methods of increasing feed efficiency, and methods of decreasing acidosis.

Abstract: A submerged membrane unit has air diffusers located outside of the membrane area in plan view. The diffusers may be mounted in or below a diffuser case. The diffuser case may have walls to direct bubbles towards the membranes. The diffusers may be drop diffusers, for example as in a single drop diffuser assembly. The membrane unit may have polymeric or ceramic membranes, for example ceramic flat plate membranes. In an example, a rectangular shrouded membrane unit has a diffuser case below it that is rectangular in plan view but trapezoidal in side view, with drop diffusers located in the corners of the diffuser case. In a process of treating high strength wastewater, for example thickening or digesting waste sludge, a membrane unit optionally with ceramic plate membranes is immersed in the wastewater. The membranes are sparged with bubbles produced below but beside the membrane unit in a diffuser case.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing plant growth and crop yield in legumes and non-legumes are described. The compositions include lipo-chitooligosaccharides in combination with chitins/chitosans or in combination with compounds or in combination with a herbicide. The method includes applying the compositions to seeds and/or plants either concomitantly or sequentially.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of detection of colorectal cancer (CRC). Specifically it relates to methods for the early detection, risk screening and monitoring of CRC and/or adenomatous polyps in a human subject based on the quantification of one or more 16S rDNA bacterial sequences in feces. It further relates to the use of said bacterial sequences as biomarkers of colorectal cancer and/or adenomatous polyps; to a kit comprising a reagent and instructions for the quantification of said bacterial sequences; and to nucleic acids for the quantification of said 16S rDNA bacterial sequences.

Abstract: An enzymatically produced soluble ?-glucan fiber composition is provided suitable for use as a digestion resistant fiber in food and feed applications. The soluble ?-glucan fiber composition can be blended with one or more additional food ingredients to produce fiber-containing compositions. Methods for the production and use of compositions comprising the soluble ?-glucan fiber are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to growth of bacteria. More specifically the invention relates to a method for oxidative environment adaptation of anaerobic microorganisms and their use in developing new probiotics. In particular, the present invention provides a method for adaptation of anaerobic microorganisms and selection of more oxygen tolerant anaerobic microorganisms, said method comprising the steps of culturing said microorganisms with a stepwise dual induction of oxidative stress via applied voltage and oxygen diffusion, and a stepwise change of anti-oxidant/oxidized counterpart concentration ratio to adjust the redox state. New strains are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of detection of colorectal cancer (CRC). Specifically it relates to methods for the early detection, risk screening and monitoring of CRC and/or adenomatous polyps in a human subject based on the quantification of one or more 16S rDNA bacterial sequences in feces. It further relates to the use of said bacterial sequences as biomarkers of colorectal cancer and/or adenomatous polyps; to a kit comprising a reagent and instructions for the quantification of said bacterial sequences; and to nucleic acids for the quantification of said 16S rDNA bacterial sequences.

Abstract: Provided are therapeutic compositions containing Ecobiotic™ populations for prevention, treatment and reduction of symptoms associated with a dysbiosis of a mammalian subject such as a human.

Abstract: Compositions and methods use Bifidobacterium longum NCC3001 (ATCC BAA-999) to treat or prevent a depressive symptom. Prolonged anti-depressive effects can continue after administration of the compositions is ended. Non-limiting examples of a depressive symptom which can be treated or prevented include depressed mood; sadness; anxiety; “empty” feelings; loss of interest or pleasure; irritability; restlessness; changes in appetite or weight; sleep disturbances; lack of or decreased energy; feelings of worthlessness; guilt; helplessness; anger and hostility; difficulty in thinking, concentrating, or making decisions; hopelessness; tiredness; fatigue; memory difficulties; tearfulness; brooding; phobias; excessive worry over physical health; sexual dysfunction; persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment; and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Contemplated test kits and methods for food sensitivity are based on rational-based selection of food preparations with established discriminatory p-value. Particularly preferred kits include those with a minimum number of food preparations that have an average discriminatory p-value of ?0.07 as determined by their raw p-value or an average discriminatory p-value of ?0.10 as determined by FDR multiplicity adjusted p-value. In further contemplated aspects, compositions and methods for food sensitivity are also stratified by gender to further enhance predictive value.

Abstract: A method includes generating, by a processor system, a graph. The graph is based at least in part on a plurality of instances in which operational taxonomic units are identified as being represented within an environment. The method can also include determining, using the processor system, that at least one instance of the plurality of instances corresponds to a false-positive identification of an operational taxonomic unit. The determining is based on the properties of the graph. The method can also include reporting the determination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one carrier comprising a polysaccharide, at least one antioxidant and at least one amino acid selected from cysteine, lysine, alanine and arginine. It also relates to the use of such a composition for the protection of microorganisms during drying, storage and/or reconstitution, to a culture powder, to a process of making the culture powder and to products comprising the culture powder.