Abstract: The invention is directed to methods, kits, and compositions, for amplifying and detecting Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), and Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) in a sample, which comprises a variety of combinations of forward oligonucleotide primers, reverse oligonucleotide primers, and oligonucleotide probes.

Abstract: Compositions comprising aptamers capable of specifically binding to a surface protein of Clostridium difficile spore are provided. A method for detecting, enriching, separating, and/or isolating Clostridium difficile spores is provided.

Abstract: Described herein are engineered microalgae that exhibit enhanced lipid production during exponential growth. Such engineered microalgae are useful, for example, for the production of biofuels.

Abstract: A cardiovascular event or disease is prevented or treated in a subject by measuring the expression level of soluble Triggering Receptors Expressed on Myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) level in a sample from the subject and comparing it to a reference level. Based on this comparison, subjects that are at risk of having or developing a cardiovascular event or disease are identified, and administered a suitable therapy.

Abstract: The invention provides for spinach plants with broad-spectrum resistance to downy mildew disease and their progeny. Such plants may comprise unique combinations of alleles resulting in the broad-spectrum resistance to downy mildew. In certain aspects, compositions, including distinct polymorphic molecular markers, and methods for producing, using, identifying, selecting, and the like of plants or germplasm with resistance to downy mildew are provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for the diagnosis of middle ear pathological conditions based on spectral signatures. Preferred embodiments provide for detection of one or more analytes from the tympanic membrane. Devices use spectral measurements including spectral imaging to non-invasively identify middle ear pathological conditions including cholesteatoma and acute otitis media by providing real-time information of differentially expressed molecules. Devices and methods can also be used to non-invasively detect and quantify blood analytes from the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved tests for the detection: of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bearing a variant mecA gene. The tests are particularly useful for eliminating certain false negative results due to the presence of this variant in MRSA in patient samples.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to isolating nucleic acids. In particular, the technology relates to methods and kits for extracting nucleic acids from problematic samples such as stool.

Abstract: Method and media for diagnosing Crohn's disease are provided. A method of diagnosing Crohn's disease in patients includes: obtaining a sample from an individual; culturing the sample to determine the presence or absence of Mycobacterium avium subspecies hominissuis (MAH) in the sample; and diagnosing the individual with Crohn's disease based on the determining the presence of MAH in the sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for characterizing and diagnosing dental diseases. In particular, the present disclosure relates to methods for characterizing and diagnosing dental disease (e.g., gingivitis and periodontal disease) based on levels of AI-2 in oral fluids and plaque.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electroporation device that may include many electroporation units and electroporation systems that can be used in an automated environment, e.g., as one station or module in a multi-station or multi-module cell processing environment. The electroporation device comprises an electroporation cuvette coupled with an adapter or engagement member at the top that is configured for engagement with liquid handling instrumentation, and a “sipper” conduit at the bottom for sample intake and output.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods and kits for the species-specific detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for detecting molecules of interest within a collected sample are described herein. In certain embodiments, self-contained sample analysis systems are disclosed, which include a reusable reader component, a disposable cartridge component, and a disposable sample collection component. The reader component may communicate with a remote computing device for the digital transmission of test protocols and test results. In various disclosed embodiments, the systems, components, and methods are configured to identify the presence, absence, and/or quantity of particular nucleic acids, proteins, or other analytes of interest, for example, in order to test for the presence of one or more pathogens or contaminants in a sample.

Abstract: The application is related to novel signature sequences for diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in clinical samples with 100% specificity and a very high degree of sensitivity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an EpCAM aptamer or an EpCAM aptamer conjugate having bi-functional activity and to uses thereof. In particular, the present disclosure also relates to an aptamer conjugate which binds to the transferrin receptor (TfR) and EpCAM which is useful for treatment of brain tumours and/or brain metastasis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reduction of erythrocyte sedimentation rate in a blood sample. In particular, formulations, compositions, articles of manufacture, kits and methods for reduced erythrocyte sedimentation rate in a blood sample are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and devices for simultaneous identification of a plurality of target nucleic acid sequences in a single sample chamber that includes an addressable array of nucleic acid probes attached to a solid surface. Addressable signals can be generated and measured, in real-time, upon hybridization of target sequences at the individual probe locations within the array while the temperature of the system is varied. Such generated signals, as a function temperature, can then be used to compute the properties of nucleic acid hybridization at each addressable location which is ultimately utilized to estimate the sequence of the target nucleic acids. In particular, an integrated semiconductor biosensor array device can be used to measure the addressable signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for quantitative monitoring of bacterial endospores in an aqueous environment of a paper or board mill. The method comprises at least the following steps: obtaining at least a first aqueous sample originating from the industrial aqueous environment; destroying bacteria in vegetative form in the first sample by a suitable treatment, preferably by heating the first sample to a desired temperature; adding intercalating agent (such as PMA) to the treated first sample and allowing it to interact (e.g. by cross-linking) with the destroyed bacteria, so that the nucleic acid from the destroyed bacteria are unavailable for PCR; and determining the endospore level in the first sample by using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in which only the DNA from the endospores is available for amplification.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing bacterial vaginosis in a woman, which involves determining an amount of each of more than one BV-associated bacterium in a vaginal sample obtained from the female and assessing a BV status of the female based on the amount of each of the more than one BV-associated bacterium in the sample.

Abstract: Compositions, reactions mixtures, kits, and systems for detecting bacterial contamination are provided, as well as methods of using the same.

Abstract: The presently disclosed fluidic sensor system and method comprise multifunctional nanoprobe-enabled capture for early detection of chemical and/or biological pathogens in a liquid sample. This sensor system and method can be used for food and environmental monitoring.

Abstract: A product disassembling method and non-transitory computer readable media thereof are provided. According to the components of the product and the disassembling attributes of the components, the disassembling sequence that minimizes the total disassembling time can be planned. The method includes the following steps: an initial disassembling sequence solution is randomly generated. The disassembling sequence solution is updated by using an update mechanism. The disassembling time of the update disassembling sequence solution is calculated by using a fitness function. The best fitness value is obtained after the continuously updating, so as to determine whether to update or maintain the initial disassembling sequence solution. The corresponding disassembling sequence is considered as the best planning result.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of detecting presence of a gene fusion in a sample from a subject. In some embodiments, the methods of detecting presence of a fusion gene in a sample from a subject utilize a fusion probe that spans the point of fusion between two nucleic acids or genes, and detecting the fusion probe after nuclease treatment. In other embodiments, the methods of detecting presence of a fusion gene in a sample from a subject utilize two or more probes that flank the point of fusion between two nucleic acids or genes, and detecting these probes after nuclease treatment. In additional embodiments, the methods can include determining the percentage of gene fusion in the sample relative to the first nucleic acid or the second nucleic acid.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for detecting and identifying strains of mycobacteria, and compositions and kits for performing such methods. In particular, nucleic acid amplification and fluorescence detection methods are provided for the detection and differentiation of mycobacteria based on, for example, pathogenicity, species, and antibiotic resistance or sensitivity. Compositions and methods are provided herein to identify and differentiate mycobacteria in mixtures of different mycobacteria and mycobacteria and non-mycobacteria.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions, methods, and systems for characterizing, resolving, and quantitating single stranded and double stranded DNA and RNA in-situ. Paired sense and anti-sense probes can signal the presence of double stranded nucleic acids. DNA and RNA can be distinguished in cell and tissue samples by hybridizing with probe sets adapted to highlight differences in these targets in-situ.

Abstract: The invention includes methods for obtaining samples of maternal tissue from seeds, obtaining genetic material from the maternal seed tissue, and performing a molecular analysis on the genetic material from the maternal seed tissue to determine maternal lineage of a single seed. The invention also includes methods for establishing a consensus maternal genotype from maternal seed tissues obtained from multiple seeds as well as methods for determining paternal lineage.

Abstract: Multiplex immunoassays utilize the differential affinities among the conjugation pairs between the capture ligands and target analytes are proposed. Window magnetic-assisted rapid aptamer selection (window-MARAS) methods for selecting aptamers with desirable affinity toward the target analytes and methods for generating reagents for multiplex immunoassays or multiplex detection in one assay by utilizing the selected aptamers as capture ligands in reagents are described and used to demonstrate the feasibility of multiplex immunoassays based on the differential affinity of conjugation pairs between the capture ligands and target analytes.

Abstract: This invention pertains to probes, primers and associated methods suitable for the analysis and diagnosis of Myco-bacterium tuberculosis, among other things.

Abstract: The disclosed invention include nucleic acid oligomers that may be used as amplification oligomers, including primers, as capture probes for sample preparation, and detection probes for detection of 16S rRNA from Atopobium vaginae in samples by using methods of specific nucleic acid amplification and detection.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing and an actuator. The housing, which defines a reagent volume that can receive a reagent container, can be removably coupled to a reaction chamber. The housing includes a puncturer that defines a transfer pathway in fluid communication with the reagent volume. A delivery portion of the housing defines a delivery pathway between the transfer pathway and the reaction chamber when the housing is coupled to the reaction chamber. The actuator has a plunger portion disposed within the reagent volume. An engagement portion of the actuator can be manipulated to move the plunger portion within the reagent volume to deform the reagent container. The puncturer can pierce a frangible portion of the reagent container to convey a reagent from the reagent container into the reaction chamber via the transfer pathway and/or the delivery pathway.

Abstract: Melanocortin receptor-specific linear peptides of the formula Z-Xaa1-Xaa2-Xaa3-Xaa4-Xaa5-Xaa6-Y??(VI) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, where Z, Y, Xaa1, Xaa2, Xaa3, Xaa4, Xaa5, and Xaa6 are as defined in the specification, compositions and formulations including peptides of the foregoing formula or salts thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions for preventing, ameliorating or treating melanocortin-1 receptor-mediated or responsive diseases, indications, conditions and syndromes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a kit of parts for detecting the presence or absence of one or more target nucleic acid sequences in a sample, the method comprising a sequence of steps for pre-amplifying the sample by means of a polymerase chain reaction, followed by a sequence of steps comprising an isothermal amplification of the pre-amplified sample, wherein the isothermal amplification comprises a pair of primers comprising a forward primer having a 3? part that is substantially complementary to a first part of the target sequence, the presence or absence of which is to be detected, and a 5? part that is substantially homolog to a second part of the target sequence, and a reverse primer comprising a 3? part that is substantially homolog to a fourth part of the target sequence and a 5? part that is substantially complementary to a third part of the target sequence.

Abstract: Chemical functionalization of solid-state nanopores and nanopore arrays and applications thereof. Nanopores are extremely sensitive single-molecule sensors. Recently, electron beams have been used to fabricate synthetic nanopores in thin solid-state membranes with sub-nanometer resolution. A new class of chemically modified nanopore sensors are provided with two approaches for monolayer coating of nanopores by: (1) self-assembly from solution, in which nanopores ?10 nm diameter can be reproductibly coated, and (2) self-assembly under voltage-driven electrolyte flow, in which 5 nm nanopores may be coated. Applications of chemically modified nanopore are provided including: the detection of biopolymers such as DNA and RNA; immobilizing enzymes or other proteins for detection or for generating chemical gradients; and localized pH sensing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a yeast strain with high yield of glutathione, and belongs to the technical field of microorganisms. Saccharomyces cerevisiae tlj2016 provided in the present invention has been deposited in China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center of Microbe Preservation Management Committee, with a preservation number of CGMCC No. 12789. The strain can tolerate glucose with tolerance capability reaching 300 g/L, and has tolerance capability against L-cysteine that is far higher than that of the starting strain, contributing to the production of glutathione at conditions of high concentrations of glucose, with a final concentration of GSH produced through fermentation in a 5-L fermentation tank reaching 3308 mg/L.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing bacterial vaginosis in a woman, which involves determining an amount of each of more than one BV-associated bacterium in a vaginal sample obtained from the female and assessing a BV status of the female based on the amount of each of the more than one BV-associated bacterium in the sample.

Abstract: Methods and kits are provided for calibrating a cell-free protein synthesis reaction for optimal activity. The method includes the steps of providing an extract competent for cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS); performing cell-free protein synthesis with the extract; measuring a first reaction end-point where in vitro protein synthesis plateaus; measuring a second reaction end-point where Energy Charge of the extract declines to a level in a range from about 0.40 to about 0.80 of Energy Charge of a control extract; and adjusting Energy Charge of the extract to a level in a range from about 0.80 to about 1.0 of the control extract.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for detection of mutant-type DNA or/and wild-type DNA by contacting at least one of a single-stranded DNA having a substituted nucleotide, a deficient nucleotide region, or an inserted nucleotide region (mutant-type DNA), or/and a wild-type single-stranded DNA corresponding to the mutant-type DNA (wild-type DNA) with a probe hybridizing with both single-stranded DNAs, to form a hybrid with the mutant-type DNA (mutant-type hybrid) or/and a hybrid with the wild-type DNA (wild-type hybrid) (at least one of the obtained mutant-type hybrid and wild-type hybrid has a loop structure), (2) contacting the obtained mutant-type hybrid or/and wild-type hybrid with an intercalator, and (3) detecting the presence or absence of the mutant-type DNA or/and the wild-type DNA by separating the conjugate of mutant-type hybrid and intercalator or/and the conjugate of wild-type hybrid and intercalator.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides immunogenic materials and methods useful for reducing the risk of fungal infections, particularly valley fever. The disclosure also provides assays for identifying compounds useful to treat valley fever, as well as methods for ameliorating the symptoms of valley fever.

Abstract: Described herein are engineered microalgae that exhibit enhanced lipid production during exponential growth. Such engineered microalgae are useful, for example, for the production of biofuels.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for the identification of compounds which bind to a target component of a biochemical system or modulate the activity of the target, by compartmentalizing the compounds into microcapsules together with the target, such that only a subset of the repertoire is represented in multiple copies in any one microcapsules; and identifying the compound which binds to or modulates the activity of the target. The invention enables the screening of large repertoires of molecules which can serve as leads for drug development.

Abstract: A nucleic acid (NA) detection method combines ultra-specific probe, on-chip isotachophoresis (ITP) which can separate single strand and double strand NAs, and enzyme amplification. The ITP device has a sieving matrix between the LE (leading electrolyte) and TE (trailing electrolyte) reservoirs, for separating double-strand and single-strand NAs. The LE or TE reservoir also contains a spacer ion having a mobility between the LE and the TE. The sample and a double-strand NA probe is added to the TE reservoir, the probe being formed of a protector strand modified with a fluorescent molecule and a complement strand, where the protector strand is released in the presence of the target NA. Fluorescent signal is detected downstream of the sieving matrix. Alternatively, the protector strand is modified with an enzyme and a single-strand NA modified with a substrate of the enzyme is added to the reaction mixture downstream of the sieving matrix.

Abstract: The invention describes the preparation and use of fluorescent stains for nucleic acids derived from unsymmetrical cyanine dyes. The dyes of the invention possess superior fluorescent properties when complexed with nucleic acids, and have utility in any application which requires detection of nucleic acids, such as detection of nucleic acids in solution, in gels, in blots, in microarrays, and in bacteria and cells, and for use in analysis of cell structure, membrane integrity, and function.

Abstract: Nucleic acids sequences that can be used for nucleic acid amplification, for example quantitative nucleic acid amplification, are provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel non-natural and modified peptides acting as cannabinoid (CB) receptors ligands, especially CB1 and/or CB2, useful as modulators of its activity; they are also described as a kit and a process in vitro for evaluating the binding to CB receptors, uses and pharmaceutical composition for modulating the CB receptors activity. The invention covers the non-natural peptide of SeqID:1 and those having at least 70% similarity related to the same, including as achievements specialty useful of the invention the non-natural peptides of SeqID:2, SeqID:3, SeqID:4, SeqID:5, SeqID:6.

Abstract: A bio-related substance assay tube 2 comprises a target substance capture bead 3 serving as a first microparticle, compensation bead 4 serving as a second microparticle on which a given amount of a bio-related substance has been immobilized, and a negative control bead 5 serving as a third microparticle for use as a negative control. A mount unit 12 comprises a nozzle communicating with a pump, and the bio-related substance assay tube 2 is mounted in the mount unit 12 to ensure communication with this nozzle. An analyte is introduced into the bio-related substance assay tube 2, followed by labeling the bio-related substance bound to each microparticle to cause light emission. Based on light emission from each microparticle, a calibration curve is prepared or the emission intensity of the first microparticle is compensated to quantify the bio-related substance.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for rapid forensic analysis of mitochondrial DNA and methods for characterizing heteroplasmy of mitochondrial DNA, which can be used to assess the progression of mitochondrial diseases.

Abstract: A method of producing a replicate or derivative of an array of molecules, the array having a spatial arrangement of separate samples of molecules, includes creating, for each sample, at least one spatially limited effective area which is separate from the effective areas of the other samples, a surface, provided with a binding adapter or binding properties, of a carrier bordering on the effective areas. The molecules are amplified by means of amplifying agents in the effective areas for creating replicates or derivatives of the samples. The replicates or derivatives of the samples are bound to the carrier by means of the binding adapter or the binding properties, so that a spatial arrangement of the replicates or derivatives of the samples on the carrier corresponds to the spatial arrangement of the samples in the array. The carrier having the copies of the samples is removed from the array.

Abstract: Methods and kits for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of metastatic tumors are provided where the metastatic tumor is characterized by changes in expression of +++, ++ and/or 11a variants of Mena.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of antigens, including Mycobacterium sulphate assimilation pathway components such as CysD, for preventing and treating Mycobacterium infection, especially but not exclusively Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection; to expression systems including live Mycobacterium for expression of said antigens for prevention and treatment of said infection; and to use of said antigens and expression systems for prevention and treatment of said infection.

Abstract: Disclosed is an enhanced method for rapid and cost-effective analysis of sequences of a microorganism by semi-conductor sequencing, preferably ion-torrent sequencing. This method provides for full length analysis and of multiple areas (e.g. genes) of multiple genomes. These methods identify genetic mutations of a particular gene that are responsible for conferring resistance or sensitivity to an antibiotic or other chemical compound. Multiple different species, strains and/or serotypes of a particular organism are rapidly and efficiently screened and mutations identified along with the complete genome of an organism. By selecting primers pairs of similar size and GC content that produce amplicons with sequences spanning the entire genome, a single PCR reaction analyzed by ion torrent methodology can determine the sequence of a complete genome. Methods are useful to sequences the genomes of viral agents, such as influenza virus, and bacterial agents, such as tuberculosis bacteria.