Identifying transgene insertions in genomes with Oxford Nanopore sequencing.

Genetically modified organisms are commonly used in disease research and agriculture but the precise genomic alterations underlying transgenic mutations are often unknown. The position and characteristics of transgenes, including the number of independent insertions, influences the expression of both transgenic and wild-type sequences. We used long-read, Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) to sequence and assemble two transgenic strains of commonly used in the research of neurodegenerative diseases: BY250 (pPdat-1::GFP) and UA44 (GFP and human -synuclein), a model for Parkinson's research.

Genome Size Changes by Duplication, Divergence, and Insertion in Caenorhabditis Worms.

Genome size has been measurable since the 1940s but we still do not understand genome size variation. Caenorhabditis nematodes show strong conservation of chromosome number but vary in genome size between closely related species. Androdioecy, where populations are composed of males and self-fertile hermaphrodites, evolved from outcrossing, female-male dioecy, three times in this group.

Optimizing experimental design for genome sequencing and assembly with Oxford Nanopore Technologies.

High quality reference genome sequences are the core of modern genomics. Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) produces inexpensive DNA sequences, but has high error rates, which make sequence assembly and analysis difficult as genome size and complexity increases. Robust experimental design is necessary for ONT genome sequencing and assembly, but few studies have addressed eukaryotic organisms.

Genome Sequence of a Newly Isolated F2 Subcluster Mycobacteriophage from the Black Belt Geological Region of Western Alabama.

The bacteriophage Demsculpinboyz was discovered in a soil sample from the Black Belt region of Alabama using mc155 as its host. The genome is 57,437 bp long and contains 116 protein-coding genes. It belongs to the F2 subcluster, which has only five other members.

Forget me not - the role of the general dental practitioner in dementia awareness.

This paper examines the role of the general dental practitioner (GDP) in dementia awareness, using the close patient-practitioner relationship to spot the early signs and plan for future oral healthcare. Each and every member of the dental team plays an important role in the patient journey through their dental visit and helps address the barriers they face. The significance of promoting dementia friendly environments cannot be undervalued and the GDP has a key role in maintaining their patients' quality of life.

Lip-biting in patients with profound neuro-disability.

Profound neuro-disability due to severe brain damage affects approximately 1200 people per year in the UK. Approximately half of these patients exhibit exaggerated or abnormal oral reflexes. Biting, bruxism and ruminating movements may result in dental or soft tissue trauma, with severe lip or tongue lacerations.

Food choice by older people: the use of semi-structured interviews with open and closed questions.

Objective: To evaluate difficulty chewing, consequent food choice and impacts using both open and closed questions within a semi-structured interview format.

Design: A cross-sectional study using a semi-structured interview (SSI) with open and closed questions.

Setting: Independently living people in South-West London interviewed in their own homes.

Toothbrush handle adaptation using silicone impression putty.

Some patients suffer from conditions that make holding toothbrushes difficult, if not impossible. This article describes a quick, simple and flexible method of adapting toothbrush handles to allow patients the best possible chance of performing adequate oral care.