Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of associations that exist between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on chromosome 19 and virological outcomes in a diverse population of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) who received interferon-based treatment.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for isolating and purifying nucleic acids from a sample and a device that is suitable therefore.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a device for separating plasma from a blood sample comprising a stacked structure which is provided with a first portion including a separating member having a first surface for applying or receiving the blood sample, wherein the separating member is adapted to permit the passage of plasma but to inhibit the passage of cells, and a second portion including an absorptive member for absorbing the plasma, which has a second surface in contact with the separating member for receiving the plasma, wherein the absorptive member is adapted to generate a capillary pressure so as to draw plasma from the separating member to the absorptive member. The first portion is fixed to the backing member in a manner to be removed without destroying the absorptive member. The absorptive member is fixed to the backing member in a manner to be removed without destroying the absorptive member.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for HCV typing, e.g., genotyping and/or subtyping. The compositions and methods of the invention can be used to assign an HCV isolate to one of at least five HCV types (for example, selected from types 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6), or to one of at least five subtypes (for example, subtypes 1a/b/c, 2a/c, 2b, 3a, 4a, 5a or 6a). These methods integrate the hybridization data from a plurality of HCV typing probes in a multidimensional analysis to make an HCV type assignment for an HCV in an experimental sample. The invention also provides related compositions, including, for example, the HCV typing probes and HCV typing diagnostic kits.

Abstract: The invention is a method of amplifying nucleic acids by synthesizing an engineered amplicon containing the sequence of interest, but omitting intervening sequences present in the template molecule. The method utilizes an “amplicon bridge” incorporated into the amplification primers. The length and content of the desired amplicon can be chosen by the operator and can contain unique regions for probe binding.

Abstract: A method for mounting and combination of an analytical apparatus with a platform for mounting such an apparatus comprising at least two units, and a platform on which said apparatus is mounted is disclosed, said platform comprising at least one platform element, and multiple feet for placing the platform elements on a surface. The feet are individually adjustable in height.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for performing multi-color real time PCT, comprising a flexible real time PCT instrument and a specific composition or reaction mixture for performing multiplex PCR: In particular, the present invention is directed to a composition or reaction mixture which comprises at least 3, preferably 4-5 and most preferably exactly 4 pairs of FRET hybridization probes. Each pair of said hybridization probes consists of a FRET donor probe carrying a FRET donor moiety and a FRET acceptor probe carrying a FRET acceptor moiety having an emission maximum between 550 and 710 nm.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a method for performing a bisulfite reaction to determine methylation positions in a nucleic acid via treatment of the solid phase-bound nucleic acid with bisulfite, desulfonation and elution of the nucleic acid from the solid phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of amplifying a first and a second target nucleic acid in separate reaction receptacles, wherein said reaction receptacles comprise a solution comprising amplification reagents and oligonucleotides specific for said first or said second target nucleic acid, wherein said solution is the same for amplifying said first target nucleic acid and said second target nucleic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of isolating and analyzing an analyte using an analytical apparatus which comprises modules of different types, wherein any one module of one type has a specific, pre-defined timing for carrying out its workflow.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus and a method for isolating and analyzing at least one analyte are described, comprising at least one module for receiving and dispensing a sample to be analyzed, at least one module for isolating said analyte to be analyzed, at least one module for analyzing said analyte, wherein said modules (i) to (iii) are arranged along an axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the sample preparation of nucleic acids for diagnostic purposes. More precisely, the invention provides a process for simultaneously isolating at least a first and a second target nucleic acid from a plurality of different types of fluid samples and optionally amplifying said isolated nucleic acids in a simultaneous manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and reagents for modifying the emission of light from labeled nucleic acids for the purpose of real time detection, analysis, and quantitation of nucleic acid sequences, e.g., using singly labeled probes. These methods and reagents exploit advantageous properties of thiazine dyes and diazine dyes. Furthermore, the use of these light emission modifiers in background reduction, nucleic acid duplex stabilization and other uses is also described. Related kits, reaction mixtures and integrated systems are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and reagents for modifying the emission of light from labeled nucleic acids for the purpose of real time detection, analysis, and quantitation of nucleic acid sequences, e.g., using singly labeled probes. These methods and reagents exploit advantageous properties of thiazine dyes and diazine dyes. Furthermore, the use of these light emission modifiers in background reduction, nucleic acid duplex stabilization and other uses is also described. Related kits, reaction mixtures and integrated systems are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermocycler module for heating and/or cooling of a thermocycling device comprising a thermal switch, a heating block and a heat sink. The thermal switch comprises a thermoconducting liquid, e.g. a magnetic fluid or a liquid metal, and a stimulating unit, e.g. a magnetic unit or a Lorentz-force unit, for moving the thermoconducting liquid. The movement of the thermoconducting liquid provides, in an on-state of the thermal switch, a thermal connection between the heating block and the heat sink.

Abstract: Magnetic particles with an outer glass surface being essentially poreless or having pores of a diameter of less then 10 nm as well as ferromagnetic particles with a glass surface are preferentially useful for the isolation of biological material from samples. They provide a quick and reliable purification.

Abstract: Disclosed are mutant DNA polymerases having increased 3?-mismatch discrimination relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The mutant polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the mutant DNA polymerases.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition comprising a chaotropic agent, a buffering substance, and 0.5 to 5% (V/V) polidocanol or a derivative thereof. The invention is further related to uses of this composition and to a kit comprising the composition according to the invention. The invention is further related to a method for the detection of a nucleic acid in a biological sample comprising the steps of incubating the biological sample in the presence of a chaotropic agent, a buffering substance, and 0.5 to 5% (V/V) polidocanol or a derivative thereof, optionally isolating the nucleic acid, optionally amplifying the nucleic acid, and detecting the nucleic acid. The invention is further related to a method for the purification of a nucleic acid in a biological sample comprising the steps of incubating the biological sample in the presence of a chaotropic agent, a buffering substance, and 0.5 to 5% (V/V) polidocanol or a derivative thereof and isolating the nucleic acid thereby purifying the nucleic acid.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for detecting HPV in a sample. This invention also provides related kits, systems, and computers.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for detecting HPV in a sample. This invention also provides related kits, systems, and computers.