We designed a degenerate primer set that yielded full-length amplification of hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA), matrix (M), and non-structural protein (NSP) genes of influenza A viruses in a single reaction mixture. These four genes were amplified from 15 HA (1-15) and 9 NA (1-9) subtypes of influenza A viruses of avian (n=16) origin. In addition, 272 field isolates of avian origin were t...

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of single gene disorders, combined with HLA matching (PGD-HLA), has emerged as a tool for couples at risk of transmitting a genetic disease to select unaffected embryos of an HLA tissue type compatible with that of an existing affected child. Here, we present a novel one-step multiplex PCR to genotype a spectrum of STRs to simultaneously perform HLA typin...

Here, we report on a novel PCR targeting-based strategy called 'PCR duplication' that enables targeted duplications of genomic regions in the yeast genome using a simple PCR-based approach. To demonstrate its application we first duplicated the promoter of the FAR1 gene in yeast and simultaneously inserted a GFP downstream of it. This created a reporter for promoter activity while leaving the F...

In this study nano-crystalline ZnO particles were synthesized by microwave-assisted solution combustion method. Zinc nitrate and urea were used as oxidizer and fuel, respectively. The effect of fuel to oxidizer (F/O) ratio on ZnO powder properties was investigated by using different urea/nitrate ratios. X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy and fourier transform infra-red were used...

We describe a rapid, simple, and reliable procedure for routine isolation of Mycobacterium leprae DNA from slit-skin swab specimens. This one-step DNA extraction method is based on the utilization of ChelexR 100, a chelating ion exchange resin. Slit-skin swab specimens from seven untreated leprosy patients at Baba Baghi Leprosy Hospital in Iran were processed by this procedure. The polymer...