Complete genome sequences of two Leuconostoc carnosum strains: 4010 and AMS1.

Leuconostoc carnosum is a bacterial species commonly associated with meat spoilage. However, some strains exhibit preservative effects due to bacteriocin production. Here, we report the complete genome sequences for two strains, L. carnosum 4010 and AMS1. Bacteriocin-related gene clusters were found on the plasmids of both strains.

Heritability of temperature-mediated flower size plasticity in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Phenotypic plasticity is a heritable trait that provides sessile organisms a strategy to rapidly mitigate negative effects of environmental change. Yet, we have little understanding of the mode of inheritance and genetic architecture of plasticity in different focal traits relevant to agricultural applications. This study builds on our recent discovery of genes controlling temperature-mediated flower size plasticity in Arabidopsis thaliana and focuses on dissecting the mode of inheritance and combining ability of plasticity in the context of plant breeding. We created a full diallel cross using 12 A. thaliana accessions displaying different temperature-mediated flower size plasticities, scored as the fold change between two temperatures. Griffing's analysis of variance in flower size plasticity indicated that non-additive genetic action shapes this trait and pointed at challenges and opportunities when breeding for reduced plasticity. Our findings provide an outlook of flower size plasticity that is important for developing resilient crops for future climates.

The contribution of hand drying in prevention of transmission of microorganisms: Comparison of the efficacy of three hand drying methods in the removal and distribution of microorganisms.

Background: Hand hygiene is a key tool in infection control. While methods of hand washing have been widely researched, there have been fewer studies investigating the effectiveness of available ways to dry hands in public areas. Aims: This study compared the efficacy of using paper towels (PT), warm air dryers (WAD) and jet air dryers (JAD) after hand washing in terms of microbiological effectiveness and potential for dispersal of pathogens. Methods: Microbial flora on palms and fingertips of 30 subjects were sampled on nutrient agar plates before washing hands and after drying with PTs, WADs and JADs. Total colony forming units (cfus) were recorded. Walls in the vicinity of a PT dispenser, WAD and JAD in female and male washrooms were sampled for the presence of viable microorganisms. Results: Mean cfu significantly reduced after drying with PTs (palms t= 2.67, p <0.05; fingertips t=4.44, p<0.01) significantly increased after using WADs (palms t=3.11, p<0.01; fingertips t=2.06, p<0.05), but there was no difference with JAD (palms t= 1.85, p>0.05; fingertips t=0.97, p>0.05). Some dispersal of organisms was detected on the washroom walls, with the least distribution around PT dispensers and unusual opportunistic pathogens isolated from the JAD units. Discussion: PTs are more effective at drying hands than WADs and JADs, they are more likely to be used appropriately and lead to minimal dispersal of microorganisms from wet hands.