Scientific paper on the design and validation of a diagnostic PCR assay for detection of UPEC. You will write the paper as indicated in the instructions to authors for the Journal of Clinical Microbiology (http://jcm.asm.org/site/misc/journal-ita_org.xhtml#02)

The paper should introduce the concept of wishing to detect UPEC in urine samples, and the problems associated with this. You should then provide methods as appropriate for a journal article in this journal. You should then provide concise and relevant results from your bioinformatics analysis through to your primer design and the results of your PCR tests to validate the assay.

Research articles provide a concise presentation of new knowledge in a particular area for fellow scientists. The articles provide a forum in which the writers can share their most interesting and relevant data. They also provide an opportunity to critically analyse the literature. The best research articles are concise and to the point and provide a clear advance to the field.

Your task is to write the best-possible article using your bioinformatics and lab data. We are not looking for just a compilation of data, but also evidence of original and analytical thought. This must be evidence-based, using primary sources (i.e. original research articles).

You are strongly encouraged to look at similar types of J Clin Microbiol articles to gauge how much detail and how many figures tables you should be adding to your paper.

Abstract – as per authors instructions, concise and informative (Abstract is written to engage the reader. Synthesis of ideas is a major feature)

Introduction – fully introduces background and rationale of the research (Shows an excellent grasp of the context of the problem, including latest developments in related fields.)

Methods – concise, relevant and in appropriate style

Results – Concise relevant and well presented, with appropriate supporting commentary, avoiding addition of numerous irrelevant tables and figures (The results provide a clear descriptiopn of the main findings using only relevant figures and a clear concise supporting commentary. It has no obvious omissions.)

Discussion – discuss your results in light of recent literature (The article presents strongly-evidence-based arguments that in places include original synthesis of ideas by the student. Recommendations show insight into the potential of current and developing technologies.)

References – relevant, recent references in correct style format