Abstract: In general, the disclosed method can be used to remove contaminating microbes and nucleic acids from microorganisms-derived reagents, apparatus and processes (materials and apparatus) related to PCR (and RT-PCR), including sample prep reagents and materials that are used to isolate, purify and detect nucleic acids.

Abstract: Methods and materials are disclosed for use in recovering a biopolymer from a solution. In particular, the invention provides methods for extraction and isolation of nucleic acids from biological materials. The nucleic acids can be separated by forming a stable complex with soluble polysaccharide polymers and magnetic particles, in the presence of detergents and solvent. When the particles are magnetically separated out of the solution, the nucleic acids are separated with them. The nucleic acids can subsequently be released and separated from the particles. The nucleic acid preparation is useful for achieving efficient and accurate results in downstream molecular techniques such as quantification, identification of the source of the nucleic acids, and genotyping.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes compositions, methods and kits for detection of one or multiple microorganism contaminants in samples. Some embodiments relate to detecting one or more microorganisms producing virulence factors such as shiga toxin stx1 and stx2 and eae. Some embodiments relate to detection of STEC microorganisms including an E. coli O26, an E. coli O45, an E. coli O103, an E. coli O111, an E. coli O121 or an E. coli O145. In some embodiments, compositions, methods and kits can detect and identify individual serotypes of shiga toxin producing microorganisms. Workflows for multiple microbe detection and identification are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are assays, methods and kits for the specific detection of E. coli O157:H7 and not E. coli O55:H7 from complex food matrices, water, a beverage sample, a fermentation broth, a forensic sample, an environmental sample (e.g., soil, dirt, garbage, sewage, air, or water), including food processing and manufacturing surfaces, or a biological sample.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting microbial contaminants, such as bacteria and fungi, in fluids such as drinking water, pharmaceutical solutions and tissue culture media are provided. More particularly, provided are filtration devices for capture and processing of microorganisms from fluids, and improved methods for recovery, lysis and detection of microorganisms based on a combination of physical disruption with small beads and lysis solutions.

Abstract: The methods and compositions provided herein relate to the discovery of 13 STR markers, found on the human Y chromosome, having surprisingly high mutation rates when compared with 173 other Y-STR markers known today. The set of RM-Y-STRs may overcome the current dilemma of Y-chromosome analysis in forensic applications due to their extraordinary mutation properties. Embodiments of the invention include methods for allelic determination of rapidly-mutating Y-STR markers, amplification primers for the analysis of rapidly-mutating Y-STR markers, allelic ladders for analysis of rapidly-mutating Y-STR markers, and kits for the analysis of rapidly-mutating Y-STR markers.

Abstract: Disclosed are primer and probe compositions, PCR assays, methods and kits for the specific detection of E. coli O157:H7 and not E. coli O55:H7 from a variety of samples. In some embodiments, methods for specifically detecting E. coli O157:H7 comprise: hybridizing at least a first pair of polynucleotide primers to at least a first target polynucleotide sequence, hybridizing at least a second pair of polynucleotide primers to at least a second target polynucleotide sequence, amplifying said at least first and said at least second target polynucleotide sequences, and detecting said at least first and said at least second amplified target polynucleotide sequence products, wherein the detection of both the first amplified target polynucleotide sequence product and the second amplified target polynucleotide sequence product is indicative of the presence of E. coli O157:H7 in a sample and not E. coli O55:H7.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for simultaneous quantification of human nuclear DNA and human male DNA in a biological sample while also detecting the presence of PCR inhibitors in a single reaction. The multiplex quantification method also provides a ratio of human nuclear and male DNA present in a biological sample. Such sample characterization is useful for achieving efficient and accurate results in downstream molecular techniques such as genotyping.

Abstract: The present teachings describe compositions, methods and kits for detection of one or multiple microorganism contaminants in samples. Some embodiments relate to detecting one or more microorganisms producing virulence factors such as a shiga toxin (stx) or an eae. In some embodiments, compositions, methods and kits can detect and identify individual strains and serotypes of shiga toxin producing microorganisms. Some embodiments describe compositions, methods and kits for detecting STEC microbes. Workflows for multiple microbe detection and identification are also described.

Abstract: The methods and compositions provided herein relate to the discovery of 13 STR markers, found on the human Y chromosome, having surprisingly high mutation rates when compared with 173 other Y-STR markers known today. The set of RM-Y-STRs may overcome the current dilemma of Y-chromosome analysis in forensic applications due to their extraordinary mutation properties. Embodiments of the invention include methods for allelic determination of rapidly-mutating Y-STR markers, amplification primers for the analysis of rapidly-mutating Y-STR markers, allelic ladders for analysis of rapidly-mutating Y-STR markers, and kits for the analysis of rapidly-mutating Y-STR markers.

Abstract: Disclosed are genomic sequences for nine strains of Cronobacter spp. (C. sakazakii—696, 701, 680; C. malonaticus—507, 681; C. turicensis—564; C. muytjensii—530; C. dublinensis—582; C. genomosp1—581) and compositions, methods, and kits for detecting, identifying and distinguishing Cronobacter spp. strains from each other and from non-Cronobacter spp. strains. Some embodiments describe isolated nucleic acid compositions unique to certain Cronobacter strains as well as compositions that are specific to all Cronobacter spp. Primer and probe compositions and methods of use of primers and probes are also provided. Kits for identification of Cronobacter spp. are also described. Some embodiments relate to computer software methods for setting a control based threshold for analysis of PCR data.

Abstract: The present specification describes several novel SNPs of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica. SNP profiles comprising allelic compositions at each SNP position are described which may be used to identify and differentiate different strains and serovars of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica. The specification also describes several compositions, methods and kits useful for identifying and differentially distinguishing strains and serovars of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for simultaneous quantification of human nuclear DNA and human male DNA in a biological sample while also detecting the presence of PCR inhibitors in a single reaction. The multiplex quantification method also provides a ratio of human nuclear and male DNA present in a biological sample. Such sample characterization is useful for achieving efficient and accurate results in downstream molecular techniques such as genotyping.

Abstract: The present application describes compositions, methods and kits for rapid detection and identification of various microorganisms using inducible RNA. Methods for rapidly detecting microorganisms by detecting expression of inducible RNA of target genes following induction of a target gene using an inducer are described. Some embodiments describe methods and workflows for rapidly detecting microbes such as, but not limited to, Salmonella spp, Listeria spp. and Vibrio spp. Compositions and kits comprise primer nucleic acid sequences having hybridization specificity for priming amplification of genes of microorganisms (or gene fragments) that are responsive to one or more RNA-inducing agents. In some embodiments, kits and compositions further comprise probe nucleic acid sequences having hybridization specificity for genes responsive to RNA-inducing agents or fragments thereof.

Abstract: A method for preparing a nucleic acid sample for nucleic acid sequencing includes amplifying a nucleic acid target sequence using a primer bound to a first capture substrate; capturing an amplified nucleic acid product by the first capture substrate; generating at least one sequencing ladder from the amplified nucleic acid product using at least one sequencing primer; capturing the at least one sequencing ladder by hybridizing the at least one sequencing ladder to a complementary capture compound on a second capture substrate; and removing the at least one sequencing ladder from the second capture substrate. The first and/or second capture substrate may include a magnetic particle. Other methods, workflows, kits, and computer program media for nucleic acid sample preparation are also disclosed.

Abstract: The methods and compositions provided herein relate to the discovery of 13 STR are markers found on the human Y chromosome with surprisingly high mutation rates when compared with 173 other Y-STR markers known today, including those that are in common use in forensics. In addition to theoretical expectations based on elevated mutation rates, these 13 rapidly-mutating (RM) Y-STRs proved to be suitable for differentiating between closely related males, as well as between more distant male relatives and much more so than the most-commonly used Y-STRs in forensics. Our new set of RM-Y-STRs is expected to overcome the current dilemma of Y-chromosome analysis in forensic applications from current male lineage identification towards male individual identification in many cases, due to their extraordinary mutation properties as discovered here.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for simultaneous quantification of human nuclear DNA and human male DNA in a biological sample while also detecting the presence of PCR inhibitors in a single reaction. The multiplex quantification method also provides a ratio of human nuclear and male DNA present in a biological sample. Such sample characterization is useful for achieving efficient and accurate results in downstream molecular techniques such as genotyping.

Abstract: In general, the disclosed method can be used to remove contaminating microbes and nucleic acids from microorganisms-derived reagents, apparatus and processes (materials and apparatus) related to PCR (and RT-PCR), including sample prep reagents and materials that are used to isolate, purify and detect nucleic acids.

Abstract: Disclosed is the genomic sequence for E. coli O55:H7 as well as compositions, methods, and kits for detecting, identifying and distinguishing E. coli O55:H7 from non-O55:H7 strains. In some embodiments, isolated nucleic acid compositions unique and/or specific to E. coli O55:H7 are described. Methods of detection and/or indentifying E. coli O55:H7 comprising detecting at least one nucleic acid sequences comprising or derived from SEQ ID NO:1-5, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 1113, and SEQ ID NO: 1461, are described. Primer and probe compositions and methods of use of primers and probes are also provided. Kits for identification of E. coli O55:H7 are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-primer amplification assay, method and kits for detecting Mycoplasma species and closely related species utilizing a plurality of oligonucleotide primers in contact with a sample in a single vessel and detecting the amplification product, wherein the presence of an amplification product indicates Mycoplasma in the sample.