Abstract: Disclosed are compositions for collecting, storing, and transporting populations of nucleic acids from biological specimens, and clinical, forensic, or environmental samples. Also disclosed are methods for using these compositions as one-step formulations for killing pathogens, inactivating nucleases, and releasing polynucleotides from other cellular components within the sample, and stabilizing the nucleic acids prior to further processing or assay. In particular embodiments, the invention provides a single, one-step, sample collection/transport/storage formulation containing a known quantity of a non-genomic, nucleic acid carrier molecule that serves as an internal reference control to monitor the fidelity of the collection/transportation medium, and measure the integrity of nucleic acids subsequently isolated and purified from the processed sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are oligonucleotide amplification primers and detection probes specific for the amplification and detection of pathogenic organisms, including for example, specific Influenza A H1N1 viral isolates. Also disclosed is a biological organism identification kit including the disclosed nucleic acid probes and primers, as well as thermal cycling reagents that is both portable and durable, and may also be self-contained for remote, or in-field analysis and identification of particular influenza isolates from a variety of biological specimen types.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions for isolating populations of nucleic acids from biological, forensic, and environmental samples. Also disclosed are methods for using these compositions as one-step formulations for killing pathogens, inactivating nucleases, and releasing polynucleotides from other cellular components within the sample, and stabilizing the nucleic acids prior to further processing or assay. The disclosed compositions safely facilitate rapid sample collection, and provide extended storage and transport of the samples at ambient or elevated temperature without contamination of the sample or degradation of the nucleic acids contained therein. This process particularly facilitates the collection of specimens from remote locations, and under conditions previously considered hostile for preserving the integrity of nucleic acids released from lysed biological samples without the need of refrigeration or freezing prior to molecular analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions for collecting, storing, and transporting populations of nucleic acids from biological specimens, and clinical, forensic, or environmental samples. Also disclosed are methods for using these compositions as one-step formulations for killing pathogens, inactivating nucleases, and releasing polynucleotides from other cellular components within the sample, and stabilizing the nucleic acids prior to further processing or assay. In particular embodiments, the invention provides a single, one-step, sample collection/transport/storage formulation containing a known quantity of a non-genomic, nucleic acid carrier molecule that serves as an internal reference control to monitor the fidelity of the collection/transportation medium, and measure the integrity of nucleic acids subsequently isolated and purified from the processed sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for isolating, detecting, amplifying, and quantitating Mycobacterium-specific nucleic acids in a sample. Also disclosed are compositions and diagnostic kits comprising Mycobacterium IS6110-specific oligonucleotide amplification primers and labeled oligonucleotide detection probes that specifically bind to the amplification products obtained therefrom. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for the isolation and characterization of nucleic acids that are specific to one or more tubercular pathogens, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, in particular, from a wide variety of samples including those of biological, environmental, clinical and/or veterinary origin.

Abstract: Disclosed are oligonucleotide amplification primers and detection probes specific for the amplification and detection of pathogenic organisms, including for example, specific Influenza A H1N1 viral isolates. Also disclosed is a biological organism identification kit including the disclosed nucleic acid probes and primers, as well as thermal cycling reagents that is both portable and durable, and may also be self-contained for remote, or in-field analysis and identification of particular influenza isolates from a variety of biological specimen types.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions for isolating populations of nucleic acids from biological, forensic, and environmental samples. Also disclosed are methods for using these compositions as one-step formulations for killing pathogens, inactivating nucleases, and releasing polynucleotides from other cellular components within the sample, and stabilizing the nucleic acids prior to further processing or assay. The disclosed compositions safely facilitate rapid sample collection, and provide extended storage and transport of the samples at ambient or elevated temperature without contamination of the sample or degradation of the nucleic acids contained therein. This process particularly facilitates the collection of specimens from remote locations, and under conditions previously considered hostile for preserving the integrity of nucleic acids released from lysed biological samples without the need of refrigeration or freezing prior to molecular analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions for collecting, storing, and transporting populations of nucleic acids from biological specimens, and clinical, forensic, or environmental samples. Also disclosed are methods for using these compositions as one-step formulations for killing pathogens, inactivating nucleases, and releasing polynucleotides from other cellular components within the sample, and stabilizing the nucleic acids prior to further processing or assay. In particular embodiments, the invention provides a single, one-step, sample collection/transport/storage formulation containing a known quantity of a non-genomic, nucleic acid carrier molecule that serves as an internal reference control to monitor the fidelity of the collection/transportation medium, and measure the integrity of nucleic acids subsequently isolated and purified from the processed sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are immunogenic compositions, and methods for their use in the formulation and administration of therapeutic and prophylactic pharmaceutical agents. In particular, the invention provides immunogenic compositions and methods for preventing, treating, and/or ameliorating microbial infection, including, for example, influenza, or one or more symptoms thereof.