Transmission Patterns of Co-Circulation of Omicron Sub-Lineages in Hong Kong SAR, China, a City with Rigorous Social Distancing Measures, in 2022.

Objective: This study aimed to characterize the changing landscape of circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages in the local community of Hong Kong throughout 2022. We examined how adjustments to quarantine arrangements influenced the transmission pattern of Omicron variants in a city with relatively rigorous social distancing measures at that time.

Methods: In 2022, a total of 4684 local SARS-CoV-2 genomes were sequenced using the Oxford Nanopore GridION sequencer.

Comprehensive identification of pathogenic microbes and antimicrobial resistance genes in food products using nanopore sequencing-based metagenomics.

Foodborne pathogens, particularly antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria, remain a significant threat to global health. Given the limitations of conventional culture-based approaches, which are limited in scope and time-consuming, metagenomic sequencing of food products emerges as a promising solution. This method provides a fast and comprehensive way to detect the presence of pathogenic microbes and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs).

Sodalis ligni Strain 159R Isolated from an Anaerobic Lignin-Degrading Consortium.

Novel bacterial isolates with the capabilities of lignin depolymerization, catabolism, or both, could be pertinent to lignocellulosic biofuel applications. In this study, we aimed to identify anaerobic bacteria that could address the economic challenges faced with microbial-mediated biotechnologies, such as the need for aeration and mixing. Using a consortium seeded from temperate forest soil and enriched under anoxic conditions with organosolv lignin as the sole carbon source, we successfully isolated a novel bacterium, designated 159R.

Complete Genome Sequence of Serratia quinivorans Strain 124R, a Facultative Anaerobe Isolated on Organosolv Lignin as a Sole Carbon Source.

The complete genome sequence of the gammaproteobacterial isolate 124R consists of 5 Mb over 2 scaffolds and a G+C content of 52.85%. Genes relating to aromatic metabolism reflect its isolation on organosolv lignin as a sole carbon source under anoxic conditions as well as the potential for lignin biorefinery applications.

Enhancement of contraction of rat mesenteric artery by acteoside: role of endothelial nitric oxide.

The present study describes the role of endothelium in the vascular response to purified acteoside from Ligustrum purpurascens in rat mesenteric arteries. In endothelium-intact rings, acteoside (3-50 micromol/L) enhanced phenylephrine-induced contraction without affecting the maximum response. This enhancement was absent in endothelium-denuded rings.