Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions and methods of extracting infectious pathogens from a volume of blood. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of creating a fibrin aggregate confining the pathogens and introducing a fibrin lysis reagent to expose the pathogens for analysis. The present invention also concerns materials and methods for removing aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) from a sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting viable cells in a cell sample, using a membrane permeable fluorescent label that permeates both viable and non-viable cells and a membrane impermeant quencher that selectively permeates non-viable cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a PNA probe that includes a nucleobase sequence suitable for the detection, identification and/or quantitation of Pseudomonas (sensu stricto). In one embodiment, the PNA probe is complementary to a target sequence of 23S rRNA or rDNA from all species of the genus Pseudomonas. The invention has a wide range of important uses including detecting Pseudomonas in a sample of interest.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method to produce RTX-toxin Apxl by culturing Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae bacteria in a liquid culturing medium that supports growth of the bacteria, to which medium a calcium salt is added to form calcium ions in the medium, wherein the culturing medium contains borogluconate to form a calcium borogluconate complex in the medium.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for treating subjects with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS). Specifically disclosed are methods for using Indomethacin or Acemetacin to treat subjects with CdLS. Also disclosed are methods for identifying compounds beneficial for the treatment of CdLS using an assay based on the expression of NIPBL or NIPBL homologous or orthologous genes. Also disclosed is a method of identifying compounds beneficial for the treatment of CdLS based on administering a test compound to Drosophila lava with reduced expression of Nipbl, and determining the normalization of CdLS phenotypes.

Abstract: A process for isolating microorganisms is disclosed. The process utilizes a device comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a first port, and a second port, wherein the inner surface comprises an unmodified, smooth glass substrate and defines a binding chamber providing fluid communication between the first port and second port. Microorganisms in an aqueous solution are contacted with the unmodified, smooth glass substrate, wherein the solution is essentially free of cell precipitants, and the microorganisms are allowed to bind to the glass substrate.

Abstract: Small molecule inhibitors of bacterial ribonuclease (e.g., RnpA) and methods for their synthesis and use are described herein. The methods of using the compounds include treating and preventing microbial infections and inhibiting bacterial ribonuclease. Also described herein are methods of identifying compounds for treating or preventing a microbial infection.

Abstract: The developed oligonucleotide microchip for simultaneous, rapid identification of multiple crucial forest Phellinus pathogens was based on the DIG or biotin-labeled specific probes derived form ribosomal DNA genes (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2), by using reverse-dot hybridization. The chip can precisely and accurately identify and diagnose seventeen Phellinus species, including notorious hardwood and conifer tree killer, P. noxius and P. weirii, with a sensitivity of 1 pg DNA/?l on Nylon membrane, and 100 fg DNA/?l on plastic chip, respectively. Verification and identification of forest Phellinus pathogens infested authentic samples or voucher specimens can be accomplished within 7 hr.

Abstract: Use of the ssrA gene or tmRNA, an RNA transcript of the ssrA gene, or fragments thereof as target regions in a nucleic acid probe assay for the detection and identification of prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic organisms is described. Nucleotide sequence alignment of tmRNA sequences from various organisms can be used to identify regions of homology and non-homology within the sequences which in turn can be used to design both genus specific and species specific oligonucleotide probes. These newly identified regions of homology and non-homology provide the basis of identifying and detecting organisms at the molecular level. Oligonucleotide probes identified in this way can be used to detect tmRNA in samples thereby giving an indication of the viability of non-viral organisms present in various sample types.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions and methods of extracting infectious pathogens from a volume of blood. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of creating a fibrin aggregate confining the pathogens and introducing a fibrin lysis reagent to expose the pathogens for analysis. The present invention also concerns materials and methods for removing aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) from a sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of immunological-based diagnostic assays. Particularly, a method is contemplated herein for measuring cell-mediated immune response reactivity. The present disclosure further provides a method to reduce incidence of non-specific immune response reactivity in a cell-mediated immune response-based assay, comprising contacting a sample with a basic peptide structure capable of binding to lipopolysaccharides, such as polymyxin B or a sushi peptide.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the detection of target molecules are disclosed. Devices and methods for detecting food-borne target molecules are also disclosed.

Abstract: A marker for determining the onset of periodontal disease and a marker far determining the progression stage of periodontal disease, each containing autoinducer-2.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions (e.g., kits) and methods for determine the number of bacteria and other microbes in samples having low concentrations of microbes, for use, e.g., in biological warfare defense, microbe detection and agricultural and environmental sciences.

Abstract: A latent effervescent body comprising a selective agent is disclosed. A method of using the latent effervescent body in a method to selectively enrich a target microorganism is also disclosed. The method comprises providing a sample, a culture medium, and the latent effervescent body. The method further comprises contacting the sample, the culture medium, and the latent effervescent body under conditions to facilitate growth of the target microorganism. The method further comprises releasing the selective agent from the latent effervescent body. Optionally, the method includes detecting a microorganism.

Abstract: A process for capturing or concentrating microorganisms for detection or assay comprises (a) providing a concentration device comprising (1) a porous fibrous nonwoven matrix and (2) a plurality of particles of at least one concentration agent that comprises a metal silicate, the particles being enmeshed in the porous fibrous nonwoven matrix; (b) providing a sample comprising at least one target cellular analyte; (c) contacting the concentration device with the sample such that at least a portion of the at least one target cellular analyte is bound to or captured by the concentration device; and (d) detecting the presence of at least one bound target cellular analyte.

Abstract: The invention is directed to tools, compositions and methods for collecting, storing, transporting, isolating and detecting macromolecules such as nucleic acid sequences obtained from specimens. The compositions are one-step formulations for killing or inactivating pathogens, inactivating enzymes, and releasing nucleic acids from the specimens that are prepared for further processing and/or analysis. In particular, the invention provides a single, one-step, sample collection and transport formulation that facilitates the concentration, extraction, isolation and analysis of nucleic acids, genes and genomes.

Abstract: A process for capturing or concentrating microorganisms for detection or assay comprises (a) providing a concentration agent that comprises diatomaceous earth bearing, on at least a portion of its surface, a surface treatment comprising a surface modifier comprising titanium dioxide, fine-nanoscale gold or platinum, or a combination thereof; (b) providing a sample comprising at least one microorganism strain; and (c) contacting the concentration agent with the sample such that at least a portion of the at least one microorganism strain is bound to or captured by the concentration agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of distinguishing a respiratory pathogen causing acute respiratory infection, wherein a pathogen to be distinguished is a pathogen colonizing the respiratory tract, the method comprising: a) measuring a gene copy number derived from a subject's cells, in DNA prepared from a sample containing the respiratory secretions of the subject; b) measuring a pathogen-derived gene copy number in the DNA; c) calculating the relative number of the pathogen-derived gene copy number to the gene copy number derived from the subject's cells; and d) distinguishing whether or not the pathogen is the respiratory pathogen, based on a distinguishment reference value and the relative number.

Abstract: The present invention provides assays and devices for detection of substances in liquid samples. The assays and devices utilize passive diffusion between a porous material and a porous membrane containing a specific binding pair member to enable detection of the substance of interest.

Abstract: Provided is a method of detecting infection in a wound caused by an infecting organism at a wound site. Also provided is a system for detecting an infection in a wound at a wound site. Additionally, a porous pad comprising luciferase is provided.

Abstract: The present teachings provide methods, compositions, and kits for detecting the presence of protein aggregates. In some embodiments, the protein aggregate is treated with a labeled precursor, and the labeled precursor is incorporated into the protein aggregate to form a labeled protein aggregate. The labeled protein aggregate is then measured, thus detecting the presence of the protein aggregate. In some embodiments, the labeled protein aggregate is detected by interaction of labeled precursors, for example by a proximity ligation assay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for characterization of bacterial skin microbiota to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive measures for alleviating skin conditions. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to characterization of bacterial skin microbiota associated with psoriasis and related diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive measures for alleviating psoriasis. These methods will be useful for detecting, diagnosing, and monitoring individuals who have or are at risk of certain skin conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of identifying an individual having a predisposition to the development of a cardiovascular disease, and administering a suitable prophylactic agent to the identified individual to prevent disease. Methods of screening and identifying agents that inhibit bacterial collagen binding protein (CBP)-mediated cell invasion are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing bacteremia and/or fungemia can include the steps of obtaining a blood sample from the subject, contacting the blood sample with a lysing agent under conditions in which both red and white blood cells are lysed in the blood sample and bacterial and/or fungal cells remain intact, extracting bacterial and/or fungal nucleic acids from bacterial and/or fungal cells in the blood sample (respectively), and detecting the presence of bacterial and/or fungal nucleic acids in the blood sample, wherein the presence of bacterial and/or fungal nucleic acids in the blood sample is indicative of the subject having bacteremia and/or fungemia, respectively.

Abstract: An aerosol biological collector/analyzer, and method of collecting and analyzing an aerosol sample for diagnosis is provided. In particular, the current invention is directed to an airborne aerosol collection and bacterial analysis system and method, capable of collecting an airborne aerosol sample and preparing it for analysis via aerodynamic shock in a single-step.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid aptamers that bind to Plasmodium proteins lactate dehydrogenase and histidine-rich protein II, and uses thereof for the diagnosis of malaria. Aptamers against histidine-rich protein II may be used to detect the presence of Plasmodium species in general, whereas aptamers against lactate dehydrogenase can be used to specifically detect Plasmodium falciparum.

Abstract: A method of detecting genetic material deriving from Chlamydia trachomatis comprising detection of a specified nucleic acid sequence, optionally using specific primers and probes and optionally in combination with the detection of genetic material deriving from Pectobacterium atrosepticum as an internal control; and related products and kits.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device and a method for concentrating pathogenic germs potentiaily present in blood products or derivatives and for detecting said germs comprising the following steps: (a) subjecting a sample of said blood product to a blood cell aggregating treatment, (b) eliminating the aggregates formed at step (a) by passing the treated sample over a first filter allowing through the contaminating germs but not the cell aggregates, (c) selectively lyzing the residual cells of the filtrate obtained at step (b), (d) recuperating the contaminating germs by passing the lysate of step (c) over a second filter to detect the contaminating germs possibly trapped.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved tests for the detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The tests are particularly useful for eliminating false positive results due to the presence of a mixed bacterial population in patient samples.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting bacterial contaminations preferably in physiological samples as well as sequences of synthetic oligonucleotides used therefor. The method comprises the steps of i) extracting the nucleic acid, particularly bacterial DNA, ii) amplification by means of primers and detection by means of oligonucleotides, particularly fluorescence-marked oligonucleotides as hybridization probes, containing a sequence that is selected from among a group encompassing SEQ ID NO:5 to SEQ ID NO:35, preferably in real-time PCR, and iii) evaluation by means of fusion curve analysis.

Abstract: Methods are described for detecting reaction components with affect a reaction. Biomolecules such as enzymes can be addressed at the single molecule level in order to discover function, detect binding partners or inhibitors, and/or measure rate constants.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated Ehrlichia peptide and therapeutic and diagnostic uses therefor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an in vitro method for the detection of bacteria of the Salmonella spp. genus by means of a quantitative polymerase chain reaction using specific primers for the pathogen from DNA and RNA samples from the microorganism. The method is useful in the detection of viable and non-viable microorganisms of Salmonella spp. in environmental, clinical and food samples. Likewise, the invention also relates to a kit used for putting the method into practice.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides temperature sensitive essential nucleic acid molecules from a psychrophilic bacterium, proteins encoded by the nucleic acid molecules, as well as recombinant cells into which have been introduced such nucleic acid molecules. The disclosed recombinant cells containing one or more essential nucleic acid molecules from a psychrophilic bacterium are thereby made temperature sensitive, and can be administered to a mammal to induce an immune response in the mammal.

Abstract: Unsymmetrical cyanine dyes that incorporate an aza-benzazolium ring moiety are described, including cyanine dyes substituted by a cationic side chain, monomeric and dimeric cyanine dyes, chemically reactive cyanine dyes, and conjugates of cyanine dyes. The subject dyes are virtually non-fluorescent when diluted in aqueous solution, but exhibit bright fluorescence when associated with nucleic acid polymers such as DNA or RNA, or when associated with detergent-complexed proteins. A variety of applications are described for detection and quantitation of nucleic acids and detergent-complexed proteins in a variety of samples, including solutions, electrophoretic gels, cells, and microorganisms.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide a method of sampling, testing and validating test lots (e.g., single-unit production lots), comprising: assembling a plurality of product portions from each of a plurality of test lots and combining the collected product portions to provide a corresponding set of test lot samples (wherein each test lot sample is attributed to a particular corresponding test lot); enriching the set of test lot samples; removing equal portions of each enriched sample, and combining the removed portions to provide a modular composite sample; and testing of the modular composite sample for the target agent/organism, wherein where such testing is positive, individual test lots may nonetheless yet be validated by further testing of a respective enriched test lot sample and obtaining a negative test result. The methods have broad utility for monitoring all sorts of test lots (e.g., environmental lots, production lots, pharmaceutical lots, etc.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the selective lysis of cells in a sample comprising micro-organisms such as bacteria are provided. The selective lysis is obtained by incubating the sample in a non-ionic detergent under alkaline conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new nucleic acid sequences derived from the ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) region, between the 16S and 23S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) or rRNA genes, to be used for the specific detection and/or identification of Proteus species, in particular of Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris and/or Proteus penneri, in a biological sample. The present invention relates also to a method for the specific detection and/or identification of Proteus species, in particular Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris and/or Proteus penneri, using said new nucleic acid sequences derived from the ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) region. It relates also to nucleic acid primers to be used for the amplification of said spacer region of Proteus species in a sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of mycobacterial antigens which are highly immunogenic and which may be used in assays and methods for the diagnosis of tuberculosis and the discrimination between infected animals and animals previously exposed to vaccines.

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 present invention concerns compositions and methods of extracting infectious pathogens from a volume of blood. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of creating a fibrin aggregate confining the pathogens and introducing a fibrin lysis reagent to expose the pathogens for analysis. The present invention also concerns materials and methods for removing aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) from a sample.

Abstract: The present invention includes embodiments of methods and compositions related to detection or verification of the presence or absence of Bacillus anthracis in a sample. The method embodiments include assays for the presence or absence of the pXO1 and/or pXO2 plasmids, in addition to a species-specific (such as chromosomal) marker and preferably a positive internal control.

Abstract: Arrays of single cells and methods of producing an array of single cells are described. Arrays with defined volumes between 10 attoliters and 50 picoliters enable single cell capture, detection and quantitation.

Abstract: Arrays of single molecules and methods of producing an array of single molecules are described. Arrays with defined volumes between 10 attoliters and 50 picoliters enable single molecule detection and quantitation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining a putative antibacterial, the methods comprising determining whether the putative antibacterial inhibits GlgE or Rv3032. The present invention also provides the antibacterial, the pharmaceutical composition and the method of making the antibacterial as well as a method of treating a subject infected with a bacterial comprising administration of the antibacterial.

Abstract: A method for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis involves contacting a biological sample with the product of expression of at least one ORF contained in a polynucleotide present in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and absent in Mycabacterium bovis BCG; and detecting whether an immunological complex is formed between the product thereof and antibodies contained in the biological sample, wherein the presence of a complex indicates an infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intestinal primary epithelial cell system for detecting gastrointestinal segment-specific activation or suppression of a Toll-like receptor (TLR) by a target agent. The cell system includes an isolated human intestinal primary epithelial cell (HIPEC) line that expresses at least one TLR, where the HIPEC line is derived from a differentiable adult human gastrointestinal stem cell (ahGISC) line. Also disclosed are various methods of using the cell system, a kit that includes the cell system, and an isolated cell culture including an isolated HIPEC line derived from a differentiable ahGISC line.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions and methods of extracting infectious pathogens from a volume of blood. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of creating a fibrin aggregate confining the pathogens and introducing a fibrin lysis reagent to expose the pathogens for analysis. The present invention also concerns materials and methods for removing aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) from a sample.

Abstract: A method of filtering a liquid sample that includes passing a sample comprising at least one biological organism through a filter membrane at a water volume flux of at least 100 L/m2.h.psi, where the filter membrane comprises a Bubble Point pore size of no more than 1.0 ?m and where at least one biological organism is retained on the surface of the membrane. The method further includes detecting the at least one biological organism retained on the surface of the filter membrane.