Abstract: Described herein are novel SCCmec right extremity junction (MREJ) sequences for the detection and/or identification of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Disclosed are methods and compositions based on DNA sequences for the specific detection of MREJ sequences designated types xi, xii, xiii, xiv, xv, xvi, xvii, xviii, xix, and xx for diagnostic purposes and/or epidemiological typing.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions for the detection and/or identification of microbes that carry extended spectrum beta-lactamase genes. Specifically, provided herein are oligonucleotides, probes, and kits containing the same, for the detection of bacterial CTX-M sequences. Also provided are methods for the detection and/or amplification of microbes harboring extended spectrum beta-lactamase genes, including CTX-M type extended spectrum beta-lactamase genes.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to methods and compositions for the detection and/or quantification of S. aureus from a sample, as well as methods and compositions useful for the detection and/or quantification of S. aureus and MRSA in a single assay. Embodiments include nucleic acids that hybridize to S. aureus-specific nuc sequences and MREJ sequences.

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: Multiplexed analysis of molecular structures of samples. A plurality of sample wells is arranged on a substrate. A plurality of electrodes is fabricated on a first side of the substrate. The electrodes are disposed on the side of the substrate exposed to the sample wells. The electrodes include working electrodes, counter electrodes, and optionally include reference electrodes. At least two of the sample wells includes a plurality of working electrodes. The plurality of electrodes is configured to allow electrochemical analysis of the associated sample wells in a multiplexed fashion. The plurality of electrodes is electrically coupled to an interface to a sample analysis system. The interface to the sample analysis system can include contacts or connections. The sample analysis system controls a signal to the electrodes in a multiplexed fashion and performs the electrochemical analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of destabilizing double-stranded nucleic acid hybridization using an enzyme comprising DNA N-glycosylase activity. Also disclosed herein is the detection of a double-stranded target DNA wherein the hybridization of duplex strands has been at least partially disrupted thereby permitting invasion of a probe strand. Also disclosed herein are methods of using an enzyme comprising DNA N-glycosylase activity to generate single-stranded circular nucleic acids.

Abstract: A full process control for use with a molecular assay and a method of determine the efficacy of the molecular assay. A full process control can include a fixed cell, and specifically can include a fixed vegetative cell. A method of determining the efficacy of a molecular assay can include providing an internal control, mixing the internal control with a sample, lysing the internal control and the sample, and detecting the lysis product. The full process control and/or the internal control can be Bacillus subtilis cells.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions for the detection and/or identification of microbes that carry extended spectrum beta-lactamase genes. Specifically, provided herein are oligonucleotides, probes, and kits containing the same, for the detection of bacterial CTX-M sequences. Also provided are methods for the detection and/or amplification of microbes harboring extended spectrum beta-lactamase genes, including CTX-M type extended spectrum beta-lactamase genes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for conducting an assay to detect a polynucleotide. In particular, ruthenium complexes having reduction potentials that do not coincide with the reduction potential of molecular oxygen are disclosed and amperometric techniques for their use are described. In preferred embodiments, the ruthenium complex is ruthenium (III) pentaamine pyridine and the polynucleotide that is detected is DNA. Further, techniques for enhancing detectable contrast between hybridized and unhybridized nucleic acids are disclosed. In particular, the use of elongated target strands as well as the use of uncharged probe strands are discussed.

Abstract: Described herein are novel SCCmec right extremity junction (MREJ) sequences for the detection and/or identification of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Disclosed are methods and compositions based on DNA sequences for the specific detection of MREJ sequences designated types xi, xii, xiii, xiv, xv, xvi, xvii, xviii, xix, and xx for diagnostic purposes and/or epidemiological typing.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for enhancing the relative efficiency of hybridization between target nucleic acids and capture probes compared to target variants and capture probes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for extracting DNA from microorganisms possibly present in a blood sample, comprising the following steps: i) filtration of a blood sample through a filtration membrane, the pores of which have a diameter ranging from 0.01 ?m to 50 ?m, in particular from 0.1 ?m to 10 ?m, and most particularly from 0.2 ?m to 1 ?m; ii)) washing of said filtration membrane; and iii) extraction of the deoxyribonucleic acids from the microorganisms possibly present on said filtration membrane.

Abstract: Methods for conducting an assay to detect nucleic acid hybridization are disclosed. In particular, the fabrication of a carbon electrode suited to nucleic acid hybridization detection is described. In some preferred embodiments, a micro array of carbon electrodes is constructed using photolithography. The final step in the photolithography process involves developing a solder mask with an alkaline solution. The alkaline solution oxidizes the carbon surface producing surface carboxylic acid groups. The surface carboxylic acid groups are reacted with EDC or DCC and NHS to produce NHS esters. Immobilization of NEUTRAVIDIN® onto the electrode surface is effected by reaction with the surface NHS ester groups. A biotinylated probe DNA molecule is then attached to the electrode via binding between the biotin group and the immobilized NEUTRAVIDIN®. The resulting electrode can be used to detect hybridization between the probe DNA and complementary target DNA.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, reagents and kits for the detection of all known human variants of influenza A virus and at least 90% of avian and swine variants of influenza A virus in a biological sample, based on amplification primers and detection probes that are specific to a highly conserved region of the influenza A matrix gene.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of destabilizing double-stranded nucleic acid hybridization using an enzyme comprising DNA N-glycosylase activity. Also disclosed herein is the detection of a double-stranded target DNA wherein the hybridization of duplex strands has been at least partially disrupted thereby permitting invasion of a probe strand. Also disclosed herein are methods of using an enzyme comprising DNA N-glycosylase activity to generate single-stranded circular nucleic acids.

Abstract: Multiplexed analysis of molecular structures of samples. A plurality of sample wells is arranged on a substrate. A plurality of electrodes is fabricated on a first side of the substrate. The electrodes are disposed on the side of the substrate exposed to the sample wells. The electrodes include working electrodes, counter electrodes, and optionally include reference electrodes. At least two of the sample wells includes a plurality of working electrodes. The plurality of electrodes is configured to allow electrochemical analysis of the associated sample wells in a multiplexed fashion. The plurality of electrodes is electrically coupled to an interface to a sample analysis system. The interface to the sample analysis system can include contacts or connections. The sample analysis system controls a signal to the electrodes in a multiplexed fashion and performs the electrochemical analysis.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a molecularly smooth surface, preferably on an electrode of an assay chip. This is desirable because it allows molecules, preferably oligonucloetides, to attach to the electrode surface with greater reliability and packing density than was previously available. Such attachment of molecules to an electrode surface is of particular interest in the field of electrochemical genetic analysis.