Abstract: Polynucleotide primers and probes for the amplification and detection of E. coli O157 in a test sample are provided. The primers and probes can be used in real time diagnostic assays for rapid detection of E. coli O157 in a variety of situations, including clinical samples, microbiological pure cultures, food, and environmental and pharmaceutical quality control processes. Kits comprising the primers and probes are also provided.

Abstract: Polynucleotide primers and probes for the specific amplification and detection of S. aureus in samples are provided. The polynucleotide primers and probes are targeted to the S. aureus gene and are capable of detecting a wide range of S. aureus strains. The primers and probes can be used in real time diagnostic assays for rapid detection of S. aureus in a variety of situations. Kits comprising the primers and probes are also provided.

Abstract: Polynucleotide primers and probes for the amplification and detection of Listeria monocytogenes in samples are provided. The primers and probes can be used in real time diagnostic assays for rapid detection of Listeria monocytogenes in a variety of situations. Kits comprising the primers and probes are also provided.

Abstract: Polynucleotide primers and probes for the amplification and detection of Salmonella species in samples are provided. The primers and probes can be used in real time diagnostic assays for rapid detection of one or more Salmonella species in a variety of situations.

Abstract: An anchoring including a stake and a flange extending radially outwardly from the stake. The flange has a flange fixed section and a flange movable section movably attached to the flange fixed section. The flange movable section is selectively movable between an aligned configuration and an angled configuration, wherein in the flange angled configuration, the flange movable section is angled relative to the flange fixed section and, in the flange aligned configuration, the flange movable section is in a substantially co-planar relationship relative to the flange fixed section. The flange movable section is adapted to act as an auger for facilitating the insertion of the stake in the ground material when in the flange angled configuration and to co-operate with the flange fixed section when in the flange aligned configuration to assist in stabilising the stake in the ground material.

Abstract: In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a nucleic acid tag comprising: a single-stranded nucleic acid sequence portion having a 5′ end portion and a 3′ end portion; at least two amplification primer binding sequences in said 5′ end and 3′ end portions; internal to these primer binding sequences, at least one marker of about 18 to about 25 nucleotides; and between these markers, a spacer, wherein the spacer has a length sufficient to allow molecular beacons to properly attach to amplification copies of the marker sequences bordering the amplification copy of the spacer and wherein the nucleic acid sequences of primer binding sequences, the marker and the spacer are chosen so as to minimize or prevent secondary structure formation. The said 5′ end and 3′ end portions are preferably protected from degradation. This molecular tag is simple and inexpensive to produce and easy to detect.