Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods and kits for isolating extracellular nucleic acids from a biological sample using anion exchange particles. It was found that incorporating into the binding mixture a polyoxyalkylene fatty alcohol ether compensates performance variations that are attributable to differences in the anion exchange surface as they may occur e.g. between different lots/batches of the anion exchange particles and/or during storage of said particles. Moreover, including a polyoxyalkylene fatty alcohol ether in the binding mixture resulted in a higher purity of the obtained eluates revealing significantly less inhibition in a downstream reaction such as a PCR reaction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for immobilizing a nucleic acid molecule on a solid support and to a use of a combination of a first nucleic acid immobilized primer linked to a solid support and a second immobilized primer linked to said solid support in said method.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for detecting and/or quantifying male genomic DNA in a sample, wherein the method comprises the step of amplification of a multicopy locus within the human Y-chromosome (MCL-Y), wherein said locus shares at least 80% sequence identity to a sequence according to SEQ ID NO. 3 over a stretch of at least 60 base pairs (bp). A second aspect of the present invention relates to a primer or primer pair which hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence according to SEQ ID NO. 3 and/or any of 4 to 11. The invention also relates to a kit.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions and devices for stabilizing the extracellular nucleic acid population in a cell-containing biological sample using an apoptosis inhibitor, preferably a caspase inhibitor, a hypertonic agent and/or a compound according to formula 1 as defined in the claims.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for isolating extracellular nucleic acids from a sample, wherein said sample is optionally stabilized, by binding the extracellular nucleic acids to a solid phase which carries anion exchange groups, comprising the following steps: a. binding the extracellular nucleic acids to the solid phase in a binding mixture having a first pH which allows binding the extracellular nucleic acids to the anion exchange groups of the solid phase; wherein the sample makes up at least 85% of the volume of the binding mixture; b. separating the solid phase with the bound extracellular nucleic acids; c. optionally washing the extracellular nucleic acids; d. optionally eluting extracellular nucleic acids from the solid phase. The method has the advantage that large sample volumes can be processed and that extracellular nucleic acids can be isolated rapidly with a high yield. The method is particularly suitable for automatable processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a strand-specific library from an nucleic acid or preferably RNA sample, for RNA comprising the steps of: (i) optionally fragmenting said RNA sample, (ii) generating a plurality of first cDNA strands by subjecting said fragmented RNA to reverse transcription by using a reverse transcriptase and first oligonucleotide primers, (iii) generating a plurality of second cDNA strands by using a DNA polymerase, second oligonucleotide primers, and the plurality of first cDNA strands, and (iv) ligating adapters to the 3? and 5? termini of the of double-stranded cDNA, (v) wherein the first cDNA strand allows no adapter ligation at its 5? terminus and said second cDNA strand allows adapter ligation at its 5? terminus, or vice versa, and, (v) optionally cloning, sequencing or otherwise using the strand-specific library.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for aligning at least one part of a second digital image with at least one part of a first digital image comprising: dividing the at least one part of the first digital image into a plurality of tiles t_fi; dividing the at least one part of the second digital image into a plurality of tiles t_si; creating a plurality of correlation images fci; determining the position of a global maximum correlation value p_?? for each of the plurality of correlation images fci_??; calculating a plurality of first offset vectors fov, the offset vector fov_?? representing the offset between the tile t_si?? and the corresponding tile t_fi??; and aligning the at least one part of the second digital image with the at least one part of the first digital image by applying the corresponding first offset vectors fov.

Abstract: Method and system for compensating intensity biases in a plurality of digital images. Each digital image of the plurality of digital images contains a plurality of objects and each of the plurality of objects is configured to receive at least one molecule comprising genetic information, wherein the at least one molecule is configured to receive one of at least a first fluorescent compound and a second fluorescent compound. A first digital image of the plurality of digital images is taken by an optical imaging system during emission of electromagnetic radiation by the first fluorescent compound, and a second digital image of the plurality of digital images is taken by the optical imaging system during emission of electromagnetic radiation by the second fluorescent compound.

Abstract: A phenol-free method for isolating a nucleic acid from a sample is provided, said method comprising the following steps: a) preparing a precipitation mixture by adding at least one metal cation precipitant and at least one organic solvent selected from aprotic polar solvents and protic solvents to the sample, wherein the precipitation mixture i) comprises the metal cation precipitant; ii) comprises the organic solvent in a concentration of 15% or less; iii) comprises a buffering agent; and iv) has an acidic pH value, and precipitating proteins; b) separating the precipitate from the supernatant, wherein the supernatant comprises small RNA having a length of less than 200 nt and large RNA having a length of at least 1000 nt; and c) isolating a nucleic acid from the supernatant. Using an organic solvent as claimed during the protein precipitation step in the defined concentration provides a supernatant which in addition to small RNA also comprises large RNA.

Abstract: A flowcell device for a sequencing by synthesis instrument. The flowcell device has a fluid inlet configured to receive one or more liquid reagents, a fluid outlet configured to pass the one or more liquid reagents, and a channel extending between and fluidly connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. At least a portion of the channel comprises a reflective structure configured to retain a plurality of sequencing targets thereon. The reflective structure includes at least a metal oxide layer and a film having a first surface and a second surface opposed the first surface. The first surface of the film is disposed on the metal oxide layer and the second surface of the film is configured to receive a plurality of sequencing targets immobilized thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for the specific detection of Escherichia coli (E. coli) serotypes O157:H7 and/or O145:H28. The methods and kits are based on the detection of newly identified sequence regions, which have a very high sequence identity between E. coli serotypes O157:H7 and O145:H28 and which are not present in any other known E. coli serotype or bacteria. This sequence region thus allows for selective detection of E. coli O157:1-17 and/or O145:H28 from other bacteria, especially other E. coli serotypes. Furthermore the present invention shows that a 3 bp InDel sequence in O157:H7 allows for distinguishing between O157:H7 and O145:H28, which allows for selective detection of O157:H7 over O145:H28 and vice versa. Furthermore, the invention provides oligonucleotides useful for said detection.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for isolating nucleic acids from a sample, preferably a blood sample, comprising the following steps: a) obtaining a sample which has been stabilised by the use of at least one cationic detergent, wherein the cationic detergent has formed complexes with the nucleic acids; b) obtaining the complexes optionally together with other sample components from the stabilised sample, wherein said complexes comprise the nucleic acids to be isolated; c) resuspending the complexes and optionally adding one or more additives before, during and/or after resuspension, thereby obtaining a resuspended sample comprising at least i) the nucleic acid to be isolated; ii) at least one chaotropic agent; and iii) at least one chelating agent; and d) isolating nucleic acids from the resuspended sample.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for the generation of nucleic acids from an RNA template and further nucleic acid replication. Specifically, the invention is directed to the generation and amplification of nucleic acids by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Abstract: A formal-in-free fixative composition, suitable for the fixation of cells in particular in liquid samples, the use of said fixative for the treatment of biological samples, a method for the treatment of cell-comprising liquid samples, a kit comprising said fixative and a method for diagnosis of cell-comprising biological material samples.

Abstract: The invention inter alia pertains to an electrophoresis assisted method for purifying at least one charged target molecule, preferably a nucleic acid, from a sample. Moreover, a device for use in a method for purifying a charged target molecule by electrophoresis is provided.

Abstract: A system (10) for removing a pipettable substance from a pre-filled container (20), which is closed off by a lid (30) having at least one opening area (40), comprises an opening tool (100) having a tube (110), which has a cross-section corresponding substantially to the shape of the opening area and which comprises at a distal end (120) an endpiece (140) extending substantially obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube, which moves a part of the lid (30) located inside the opening area (40) towards the container when the opening tool is applied, so as to form an opening in the lid, and a point of attack (150) for a transporting tool (200). The opening tool (100) is designed to remain on the container (20) after use.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for building a community database of allele counts. An embodiment operates by receiving human variant datasets derived from samples generated by distinct users, wherein the users consented to share pooled variant observations with other users; determining that a plurality of variant observations meet the inclusion criteria for a pool; and calculating one or more anonymized allele statistics from the pool.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for aiding in the interpretation of variants observed in clinical sequencing data. An embodiment operates by receiving clinical trial enrollment criteria from a user, including but not limited to genetic targeting criteria; searching a knowledge base of patient test information received from a plurality of independent entities for patients that match the clinical trial enrollment criteria; and providing to the user search results for consented patients that match the clinical trial enrollment criteria.

Abstract: The invention relates to an in vitro method for selectively amplifying a target DNA sequence from a nucleic acid sample, which method comprises running a PCR amplification of a nucleic acid sample suspected of comprising at least one target DNA sequence that differs from a reference DNA sequence at at least one predetermined target mutation site; wherein said method employs a blocking oligonucleotide complementary to a portion of the reference DNA sequence comprising the target mutation site, with the exception of a least one mismatch outside the target mutation site.

Abstract: The present invention provides method for isolating DNA molecules having a size above a certain cut-off value from a DNA containing sample, comprising a) contacting the sample with a binding buffer which comprises a chaotropic agent and a buffering agent to provide a binding mixture and binding DNA molecules having a size above the cut-off value to a binding matrix which has a silicon containing surface, wherein the cut-off value is determined by the pH value of the binding mixture; b) separating the bound DNA from the remaining sample; c) optionally washing the bound DNA; and d) optionally eluting the bound DNA from the binding matrix. Said method allows the size selective purification of DNA molecules.