Abstract: The invention provides immunostimulatory compositions and use of those compounds in the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of disease as well as in vitro uses. In particular, the compositions of the invention include immunostimulatory oligoribonucleotides that incorporate a sequence-dependent immunostimulatory sequence motif. Specific modifications involving phosphate linkages, nucleotide analogs, adducts, and combinations thereof are provided. Compositions of the invention, which optionally can include an antigen, can be used alone or together with other treatments to stimulate or enhance an immune response. Also provided are compositions and methods useful for treating a subject having an infection, a cancer, an allergic condition, asthma, airway remodeling, or immunodeficiency. Immunostimulatory oligoribonucleotides of the invention are believed to stimulate Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8).

Abstract: The present application describes compositions and methods useful for the rapid detection of Legionella pneumophila. The compositions include capture probes, amplification primers, primer sets and detection probes that comprise nucleic acid molecules that hybridize to L. pneumophila 23S rRNA or DNA encoding 23S rRNA target sequences. Also described are methods for detecting and/or quantifying the amount of L. pneumophila in a sample using real time PCR (rPCR) or revere transcriptase real time PCR (RT-rPCR).

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequencing methods and related products are disclosed. Methods for sequencing a target nucleic acid comprise providing a daughter strand produced by a template-directed synthesis, the daughter strand comprising a plurality of subunits coupled in a sequence corresponding to a contiguous nucleotide sequence of all or a portion of the target nucleic acid, wherein the individual subunits comprise a tether, at least one probe or nucleobase residue, and at least one selectively cleavable bond. The selectively cleavable bond(s) is/are cleaved to yield an Xpandomer of a length longer than the plurality of the subunits of the daughter strand, the Xpandomer comprising the tethers and reporter elements for parsing genetic information in a sequence corresponding to the contiguous nucleotide sequence of all or a portion of the target nucleic acid. Reporter elements of the Xpandomer are then detected.

Abstract: The present inventors succeeded in cloning the CDT genes of C. coli and C. fetus, which were previously unknown, and in determining their sequences. In addition, the inventors also developed specific primers and primers common to the two species by comparing the CDTs of C. jejuni and C. fetus. Furthermore, the inventors demonstrated that these primers were applicable to multiplex PCR that simultaneously allows for the rapid and convenient determination of the presence of Campylobacter CDT and identification of species, and that they can also be used in PCR-RFLP-based typing.

Abstract: Provided are nucleic acids capable of hybridizing to HPV 16 and/or HPV 18 nucleic acids, in particular, mRNA encoding E2 and E6-7 gene products. Such nucleic acids are useful in methods of isolating RNA from a biological sample, methods and means for determining the presence of particular RNA splice-form variants in a biological sample, methods and means for determining the relative ratio of RNA ratios in a biological sample, methods and means for predicting the progression of precancerous cervical lesions, and methods and means for detecting disruption of genes or gene expression.

Abstract: Disclosed are genomic sequences for nine strains of Cronobacter spp. (C. sakazakii—696, 701, 680; C. malonaticus—507, 681; C. turicensis—564; C. muytjensii—530; C. dublinensis—582; C. genomosp1—581) and compositions, methods, and kits for detecting, identifying and distinguishing Cronobacter spp. strains from each other and from non-Cronobacter spp. strains. Some embodiments describe isolated nucleic acid compositions unique to certain Cronobacter strains as well as compositions that are specific to all Cronobacter spp. Primer and probe compositions and methods of use of primers and probes are also provided. Kits for identification of Cronobacter spp. are also described. Some embodiments relate to computer software methods for setting a control based threshold for analysis of PCR data.

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

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, methods and kits for the specific detection of enterohemorrahagic E. coli O104:H4 from contaminated samples including clinical samples, biological samples, food samples, complex food matrices, water, beverage samples, fermentation broth samples, forensic samples, environmental samples (e.g., soil, dirt, garbage, sewage, air, or water) as well as food processing and manufacturing surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the rapid detection of the presence or absence of Staphylococcus aureus in a biological or nonbiological sample. The present invention includes methods of detection comprising performing an amplifying step, a hybridizing step, and a detecting step. Furthermore, the present invention relates to primers, probes, and kits that are designed for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract: New styles of hepatitis C virus (HCV), referred to as HCV-3 and HCV-4, have been identified and sequenced. Antigenic regions of HCV-2, HCV-3 and HCV-4 polypeptides have been identified. Immunoassays for HCV and antibodies thereto are described, which allow more complete screening of blood samples for HCV, and allow HCV genotyping.

Abstract: Cross-reacting hybridization probe for detecting HIV-1 and HIV-2 nucleic acids. The probe advantageously exhibited uniformly high signal-to-noise ratios when hybridized to HIV-1 and HIV-2 target nucleic acids. The probe can be used, for example, in screening applications for detecting donated blood contaminated with either of the two analytes.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, systems, and compositions for detecting low abundance microbial DNA in a sample by broad-range PCR. Methods of the present invention are based on a novel strategy that tags the 5?-end of the target DNA templates with a non-bacterial tagging sequence so as to set the templates apart from the endogenous contaminants present in the PCR reagents. There is also provided fusion probes for tagging the templates and primer sets to amplify the tagged templates. Systems and kits for facilitating and automating methods of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A method and antisense compound for inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacterial cells are disclosed. The compound contains no more than 12 nucleotide bases and has a targeting nucleic acid sequence of no fewer than 10 bases in length that is complementary to a target sequence containing or within 10 bases, in a downstream direction, of the translational start codon of a bacterial mRNA that encodes a bacterial protein essential for bacterial replication. The compound binds to a target mRNA with a Tm of between 50° to 60° C. The relatively short antisense compounds are substantially more active than conventional antisense compounds having a targeting base sequence of 15 or more bases.

Abstract: Methods for amplifying and detecting nucleic acids are described, as well as sets of 5? labeled oligonucleotides.

Abstract: A vaccine composition is provided which comprises a rag nucleic acid sequence for the prevention and/or treatment of infection by P. gingivalis. Uses of such nucleic acid sequences, proteins coded for by such sequences and antibodies raised against such proteins in medicine are also provided. Kits for the detection of P. gingivalis in a sample are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to binary oligonucleotide probes for nucleic analysis, which probes can be made of DNA or RNA that recognize nucleic acid analytes (both DNA and RNA) with unprecedented high selectivity under mild conditions and are highly sensitive to single nucleotide mismatches (SNP single nucleotide polymorphisms) without PCR amplification. In one group, the binary probes indicate that they have hybridized to a particular nucleic analyte by binding to a molecular beacon that gives off a fluorescent signal. A second group of binary probes bind to a dye such as malachite green, where upon hybridization to analyte the fluorescence of the dye increases dramatically and is easily detected and measured. The new binary probes require only about five minutes at room temperature to generate a detectable signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an easy and rapid method for detecting/identifying the presence or absence of specific Plasmodium parasites and four species of malaria parasites in a human specimen, an anti-malaria measure support system, and a malaria infection-prevention/treatment system, which can contribute to practical diagnosis in a malaria endemic area. According to the present invention, using a genus-specific primer set that can detect four Plasmodium parasites that infect humans at a time, and the primer sets each specific to each of four species of Plasmodium parasites (P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, and P. ovale), the presence or absence of infection with these parasites can be detected/identified easily and rapidly.

Abstract: The present invention is a kit and method for determining the virulence of an influenza virus based upon the presence or absence of leucine at position 62, arginine at position 75, arginine at position 79 and leucine at position 82 of the polymerase basic 1-F2 protein amino acid sequence.

Abstract: Methods of detecting influenza, including differentiating between type and subtype are disclosed, for example to detect, type, and/or subtype an influenza infection. A sample suspected of containing a nucleic acid of an influenza virus, is screened for the presence or absence of that nucleic acid. The presence of the influenza virus nucleic acid indicates the presence of influenza virus. Determining whether the influenza virus nucleic acid is present in the sample can be accomplished by detecting hybridization between an influenza specific probe, influenza type specific probe, and/or subtype specific probe and an influenza nucleic acid. Probes and primers for the detection, typing and/or subtyping of influenza virus are also disclosed. Kits and arrays that contain the disclosed probes and/or primers also are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting adventitious agents in a composition comprising a microorganism by using ribozyme-expressing indicator cells, as well as indicator cells useful in such detection.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions and methods of detection of Bacillus anthracis that use oligonucleotide probes specific for genetic material contained in the pXO1 and pXO2 plasmids in nucleic acid hybridization reactions. Embodiments of the method may include additional probes specific for other gene sequences to distinguish B. anthracis from other bacterial species present in a sample or to provide an indication that the assay was performed properly even when no Bacillus sequence is detected.

Abstract: Methods, kits, primers and oligonucleotide probes for conveniently and rapidly detecting and identifying four or more human adenovirus (HAdV) serotypes in a sample are provided. Following a nucleic acid amplification reaction with specific primers, serotype specific oligonucleotide probes are used not only to detect HAdV present in a sample but also to discriminate between the HAdV serotypes present in the sample, and in particular to discriminate between the clinically relevant serotypes HAdV-3, HAdV-4, HAdV-7, HAdV-14, and HAdV-21 and/or HAdV-I, HAdV-2, HAdV-5, and HAdV-6. The combination of these primers and oligonucleotide probes permit the rapid and convenient serotyping of HAdV.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for identifying one or more of a plurality of sequences differing by one or more single base changes, insertions, deletions, or translocations in a plurality of target nucleotide sequences. The method includes a ligation phase, a capture phase, and a detection phase. The ligation phase utilizes a ligation detection reaction between one oligonucleotide probe, which has a target sequence-specific portion and an addressable array-specific portion, and a second oligonucleotide probe, having a target sequence-specific portion and a detectable label. After the ligation phase, the capture phase is carried out by hybridizing the ligated oligonucleotide probes to a solid support with an array of immobilized capture oligonucleotides at least some of which are complementary to the addressable array-specific portion. Following completion of the capture phase, a detection phase is carried out to detect the labels of ligated oligonucleotide probes hybridized to the solid support.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method of detecting cervical cancer, and other types of cancer, using a combination of at least three genomic clones, or fragments thereof, of high risk Human Papilloma Virus. For example, the invention relates to a composition comprising at least three full length genomic clones, or fragments thereof, of high risk Human Papilloma Viruses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to beacons for fluorescent in-situ hybridisation and chip technology.

Abstract: The invention provides a group of nucleic acid fragments, shown in the sequence listing, for prevention of HIV infection or AIDS and the usage thereof. In the invention, a series of RNA fragments, which are highly homogenous to all the published HIV gene sequences, were obtained by homology compare. The double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) derived from these fragments can effectively inhibit the expression of the HIV genes. The RNA transcribed by plasmid, also can suppress the expression of the HIV in the cell. After the adenovirus or associated virus which carry DNA corresponding above RNA infect the cell, the transcription dsRNA can inhibit the expression of the HIV genes.

Abstract: Described herein are oligonucleotides useful for detecting, isolating, amplifying, quantitating, monitoring, screening and sequencing GBS genes and methods of using the described oligonucleotides.

Abstract: A detection method and a detection kit for rapidly and specifically diagnosing Mycoplasma pneumoniae and/or Mycoplasma genitalium infections are provided. The DnaK of Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Mycoplasma genitalium is used as an indicator.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection of Salmonella by nucleic acid amplification. The invention provides primer and probe oligonucleotides that can be used in multiplex to detect Salmonella in real-time amplification. The oligonucleotides of the invention detect all group I serovars, and have an increased Salmonella detection range: they enable to cover the seven Salmonella groups. They also have an increased sensitivity, without loss in specificity.

Abstract: The invention provides a group of nucleic acid fragments, shown in the sequence listing, for prevention of HIV infection or AIDS and the usage thereof. In the invention, a series of RNA fragments, which are highly homogenous to all the published HIV gene sequences, were obtained by homology compare. The double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) derived from these fragments can effectively inhibit the expression of the HIV genes. The RNA transcribed by plasmid, also can suppress the expression of the HIV in the cell. After the adenovirus or associated virus which carry DNA corresponding above RNA infect the cell, the transcription dsRNA can inhibit the expression of the HIV genes.

Abstract: The invention relates to interfering RNAs (siRNAs, shRNAs or pre-miRNAs) directed against conserved regions of the mRNA of the N gene encoding the morbillivirus nucleoprotein. The invention also relates to the use of said interfering RNAs for the production of medicaments for use in the treatment or prevention of a morbillivirus infection.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to compositions and methods of their use in detection and identification of a chordopoxvirus in a sample, such as diagnosis of an infection in a subject. The compositions and methods allow for detection and identification of all non-avian low-GC content chordopoxviruses, identification of most known high-GC content chordopoxvirus, and species-specific detection of Canarypox virus, Fowlpox virus, and Sealpox virus.

Abstract: The invention discloses biomarkers for human autism. The invention provides methods for treating, preventing, and diagnosing human autism and autism-related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, kits and methods for rapid identification and quantification of bacteria by molecular mass and base composition analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to compositions and methods for use in recombinational cloning of nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding one or more recombination sites or portions thereof, to nucleic acid molecules comprising one or more of these recombination site nucleotide sequences and optionally comprising one or more additional physical or functional nucleotide sequences. The invention also relates to vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, to host cells comprising the vectors or nucleic acid molecules of the invention, to methods of producing polypeptides using the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, and to polypeptides encoded by these nucleic acid molecules or produced by the methods of the invention. The invention also relates to antibodies that bind to one or more polypeptides of the invention or epitopes thereof.

Abstract: Methods of detecting influenza, including differentiating between type and subtype are disclosed, for example to detect, type, and/or subtype an influenza infection. A sample suspected of containing a nucleic acid of an influenza virus, is screened for the presence or absence of that nucleic acid. The presence of the influenza virus nucleic acid indicates the presence of influenza virus. Determining whether the influenza virus nucleic acid is present in the sample can be accomplished by detecting hybridization between an influenza specific probe, influenza type specific probe, and/or subtype specific probe and an influenza nucleic acid. Probes and primers for the detection, typing and/or subtyping of influenza virus are also disclosed. Kits and arrays that contain the disclosed probes and/or primers also are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an oligonucleotide which comprises a part or the entire sequence of the nucleotide sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3 or 4, or a part or the entire sequence of a nucleotide sequence complementary to the nucleotide sequence, wherein the oligonucleotide is capable of hybridizing with the nucleotide sequence of Mycobacterium kansasii; a primer and a probe for use in the detection of Mycobacterium kansasii comprising the oligonucleotide; and a method for detecting Mycobacterium kansasii using the primer and/or probe. The method for detecting Mycobacterium kansasii enables the detection of M. kansasii more rapidly and with higher accuracy compared with a conventional bacterium identification method performed by culture examination on a bacterium. Further, the method can exclude any false positive result for the diagnosis and can also detect and diagnose M. kansasii with higher accuracy compared with a diagnosis method performed by PCR using a conventional primer and/or probe.

Abstract: Nucleic acids, assays, and methods for the detection and quantification of high risk HPV types are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are detection means and method specific for the genus Cronobacter (E. sakazakii) which are sensitive by using a target molecule which is multiple existent in Cronobacter cells.

Abstract: The invention provides oligonucleotide(s) for simple, specific and/or sensitive test(s) for the presence of Influenza A and/or B virus. Kit(s) comprising the oligonucleotide(s) for use as probe(s) and/or primer(s) useful in the test(s) are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high sensitivity assay for molecular typing of a biological sample using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) including resonance scattering (SERRS); capture probes for capturing nucleic acid; a detector probe to detect captured nucleic acid; a kit for molecular typing of biological sample using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) including resonance scattering (SERRS); and lastly a method of manufacturing said kit.

Abstract: A method is provided for inducing or enhancing an immune response in a mammal to a target polypeptide expressed in a plurality of cells of the mammal, which method comprises administering to the mammal an inhibitory nucleic acid which targets a region of a ribonucleic acid (RNA) which encodes said polypeptide. Also provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising an inhibitory nucleic acid which targets a region of an RNA which encodes a target polypeptide expressed in a plurality of cells of a mammal, such that translation of an aberrant form of the target polypeptide occurs in said cells, said truncated form of the target polypeptide comprising one or more T cell epitopes; together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

Abstract: A process for identifying a viral RNA nucleotide sequence present in a sample of peripheral blood cells which comprises amplifying such RNA simultaneously with at least one other RNA nucleotide sequence present in a virus infected cell in said sample, and thereafter separately and sequentially analyzing the amplification reaction products with probes homologous with authentic RNA and with such other RNA sequence to identify one or both of said RNA nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes, PNA probe sets and methods for the analysis of certain Staphylococcus species optionally present in a sample. The invention further relates to diagnostic kits comprising such PNA probes or PNA probe sets.

Abstract: Provided are an oligonucleotide primer set for amplifying at least one target sequence of the genomic RNA of norovirus, an oligonucleotide probe or probe set specifically hybridizing with at least one target sequence of the genomic RNA of norovirus, a microarray immobilized with the probe or probe set, and a method of detecting norovirus using the probe or probe set.

Abstract: A nucleic acid probe for classification of pathogenic bacterial species is capable of collectively detecting bacterial strains of the same species and differentially detecting them from other bacterial species. Any one of the base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 84 to 86 and complementary or modified sequences thereof or a combination of at least two of them is used for detecting the gene of an infectious disease pathogenic bacterium.

Abstract: Described herein are primers and probes useful for the detection, screening, isolation and sequencing of MRSA, MSSA, Staphylococci markers, and the antibiotic resistance gene mecA.

Abstract: A probe, a set of probes, and a probe carrier on which the probe or the set of probes is immobilized, are provided for classification of fungus species. The probe or the set of probes is capable of collectively detecting fungus of the same species and distinguishingly detecting those fungus from fungus of other species. The probe is an oligonucleotide probe for detecting a pathogenic fungus DNA and includes at least one of base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 1 to 2 and mutated sequences thereof.

Abstract: A nucleic acid probe for classification of pathogenic bacterial species is capable of collectively detecting bacterial strains of the same species and differentially detecting them from other bacterial species. Any one of the base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 90 to 91 and complementary or modified sequences thereof or a combination of at least two of them is used for detecting the gene of an infectious disease pathogenic bacterium.

Abstract: The present invention makes known an array of nucleotidic sequences for rapidly and simultaneously identifying the presence of certain genes that codify proteins with relevant activities in biotechnology present in a microbiological sample, and the method with which this array is used in the identification of the above mentioned genes. Specifically speaking, genes that codify for proteins relevant in the biofilm formation, in CO2 fixation, in energetic metabolism, for chemiotaxis and mobility, in iron oxidizing, in nitrogen metabolism, in sulfur assimilation, and in oxidation/reduction of sulphide compounds, are identified. This array of nucleotidic sequences is presented as a useful tool in biotechnology whenever evaluating the quality of a microbiological community is required.