The characters and ultrastructure of the intercellular connection were revealed in the outer epidermis of the garlic clove sheath by means of fluorescent probe TRITC_Phalloidin (TRITC_Ph) labeling combined with confoc...The characters and ultrastructure of the intercellular connection were revealed in the outer epidermis of the garlic clove sheath by means of fluorescent probe TRITC_Phalloidin (TRITC_Ph) labeling combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), immuno_gold labeling and transmission electron microscopy. These results show that transcellular channel is a complex of rod_like cytoplasm channel and grouped plasmodesmata (PDs) in pit. The former remains a portion of the cell protoplast. The diameter of PD is normally 60-70 nm. The PDs are the real intercellular symplasmic connections of the cells. The transcellular fibers labeled with the TRITC_Ph obviously become narrow in the primary pit fields, which is the same as the characters observed under the electron microscope. The bright fluorescent spot in the primary wall reflects the grouped PDs in pit, and hence the presence of F_actin in the PDs can be confirmed. In immuno_gold labeling experiment, a lot of gold particles were massively distributed in the rod_like cytoplasm channel and grouped PDs. The result provides effective support that these fluorescent filaments possibly are the existing form of F_actin.展开更多
The entomopathogenic bacterium, Xenorhabdus nematophila was isolated from the hemolymph of Galleria mel- lonella infected with Steinernema carpocapsae. The bacterial cells and its metabolic secretions have been found ...The entomopathogenic bacterium, Xenorhabdus nematophila was isolated from the hemolymph of Galleria mel- lonella infected with Steinernema carpocapsae. The bacterial cells and its metabolic secretions have been found lethal to the Galleria larvae. Toxic secretion in broth caused 95% mortality within 4 d of application whereas the bacterial cells caused 93% mortality after 6 d. When filter and sand substrates were compared, the later one was observed as appropriate. Similarly, bacterial cells and secretion in broth were more effective at 14% moisture and 25 °C temperature treatments. Maximum insect mortality (100%) was observed when bacterial concentration of 4×106 cells/ml was used. Similarly, maximum bacterial cells in broth (95%) were penetrated into the insect body within 2 h of their application. However, when stored bacterial toxic secretion was applied to the insects its efficacy declined. On the other hand, when the same toxic secretion was dried and then dissolved either in broth or water was proved to be effective. The present study showed that the bacterium, X. nematophila or its toxic secretion can be used as an important component of integrated pest management against Galleria.展开更多
Objective:As a developable ability,empathy is significantly associated with patient-centered care.The authors intended to evaluate the effect of Virtual Dementia Tour(VDT)upon nursing students'empathy level and pr...Objective:As a developable ability,empathy is significantly associated with patient-centered care.The authors intended to evaluate the effect of Virtual Dementia Tour(VDT)upon nursing students'empathy level and propose practical rationales for optimizing future dementia care.Methods:A total of 45 second-year undergraduate nursing students were organized to watch a theme movie entitled Still Alice and participate in an 8-min VDT.Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Professional Students(JSE-HPS)was employed for evaluating the empathy level of nursing students.After VDT,all nursing students participated in a structured interview.Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests were performed using SPSS 24.0.Results:Their empathy levels demonstrated significant overall improvements(106.69±9.49 vs 115.51±10.16,P<0.01).During the course of VDT,nursing students experienced varying levels of anxiety and frustration.All of them were satisfied with the program since they had gained a deeper understanding of demented patients and the program could change their attitudes toward demented elders.Conclusion:Watching a specially selected movie and participating in VDT may be an effective method for enhancing empathy and caring during nursing student education.展开更多
Three dihydrochalcones derivatives 1-3, flavone 4 and phenanthrene derivative 5 were isolated, together with 9 known compofinds, from the air-dried root bark of Fissistigma bracteolatum Chatterjee. Their structures we...Three dihydrochalcones derivatives 1-3, flavone 4 and phenanthrene derivative 5 were isolated, together with 9 known compofinds, from the air-dried root bark of Fissistigma bracteolatum Chatterjee. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic (NMR, MS) and chemical methodologies.展开更多
Sulfhydryl magnetic biological bamboo charcoal nanocomposite(BBC@nFe-SH)was prepared by chemical co-precipitation method for the robust capture of As(Ⅲ)from aqueous solutions.The novel BBC@nFe-SH shows favorable magn...Sulfhydryl magnetic biological bamboo charcoal nanocomposite(BBC@nFe-SH)was prepared by chemical co-precipitation method for the robust capture of As(Ⅲ)from aqueous solutions.The novel BBC@nFe-SH shows favorable magnetic field strength(83376 A/m),which enables BBC@nFe-SH to be quickly recovered from aqueous solution.The maximum As(Ⅲ)adsorption capacity is as high as 98.63 mg/g at pH 5.0 and 40°C,reaching reaction equilibrium within 120 min.Various characterizations(e.g.,SEM,FTIR,VSM and XPS)suggest that As(Ⅲ)prefers to coordinate with surface oxygen groups bonded to the surface.BBC@nFe-SH displayed high stability and recyclability throughout the removal process,which could be easily activated by 1 mol/L NaOH after usage.Thus,the novel BBC@nFe-SH has promising applications for As(Ⅲ)treatment.展开更多
The adoption by the 18th Congress of the Communist Party of China in November 2012 of a policy on ecological civilization is a landmark event for the nation and the world community. China's vision for building an eco...The adoption by the 18th Congress of the Communist Party of China in November 2012 of a policy on ecological civilization is a landmark event for the nation and the world community. China's vision for building an ecological civilization is comprehensive, multi-sectoral and systemic and is intended to direct and balance progress among ecological, economic, social, cultural and political dimensions of change. Some on-going efforts and potential future activities that meet China's vision of an ecological civilization are described. Establishment of dedicated ecological civilization areas for experimenting with legal, regulatory and administrative incentives that would facilitate the march towards the ideal is encouraged. Chinese biosphere reserves which are designated with the explicit aim of building harmony between humans and nature would be suitable candidates for designing and developing such dedicated ecological civilization areas.展开更多
The maximum rate of carboxylation (Vcax) is a key photosynthetic parameter for gross primary produc- tion (GPP) estimation in terrestrial biosphere models. A set of observation-based Vcax values, which take the ni...The maximum rate of carboxylation (Vcax) is a key photosynthetic parameter for gross primary produc- tion (GPP) estimation in terrestrial biosphere models. A set of observation-based Vcax values, which take the ni- trogen limitation on photosynthetic rates into consideration, are used in version 4.5 of the Community Land Model (CLM4.5). However, CLM4.5 with carbon-nitrogen (CN) biogeochemistry (CLM4.5-CN) still uses an inde- pendent decay coefficient for nitrogen after the photosyn- thesis calculation. This means that the nitrogen limitation on the carbon cycle is accounted for twice when CN bio- geochemistry is active. Therefore, to avoid this double nitrogen down-regulation in CLM4.5-CN, the original Vcmax scheme is revised with a new one that only accounts for the transition between Vcmax and its potential value (without nitrogen limitation). Compared to flux tower- based observations, the new Vcmax scheme reduces the root-mean-square error (RMSE) in GPP for China's Mainland by 13.7 g C m-2 yr-1, with a larger decrease over humid areas (39.2 g C m 2 yr-1). Moreover, net primary production and leaf area index are also improved, with reductions in RMSE by 0.8% and 11.5%, respectively.展开更多
Microsatellite markers have become one kind of the most important molecular tools used in various researches. A large number of microsatellite markers are required for the whole genome survey in the fields of molecula...Microsatellite markers have become one kind of the most important molecular tools used in various researches. A large number of microsatellite markers are required for the whole genome survey in the fields of molecular ecology,quantitative genetics and genomics. Therefore,it is extremely necessary to select several versatile,low-cost,efficient and time-and labor-saving methods to develop a large panel of microsatellite markers. In this study,we used Zhikong scallop(Chlamys farreri) as the target species to compare the efficiency of the five methods derived from three strategies for microsatellite marker development. The results showed that the strategy of constructing small insert genomic DNA library resulted in poor efficiency,while the microsatellite-enriched strategy highly improved the isolation efficiency. Although the mining public database strategy is time-and cost-saving,it is difficult to obtain a large number of microsatellite markers,mainly due to the limited sequence data of non-model species deposited in public databases. Based on the results in this study,we recommend two methods,microsatellite-enriched library construction method and FIASCO-colony hybridization method,for large-scale microsatellite marker development. Both methods were derived from the microsatellite-enriched strategy. The experimental results obtained from Zhikong scallop also provide the reference for microsatellite marker development in other species with large genomes.展开更多
The purposes of this research were: (1) to create a training package to prepare secondary school students in northeastern of Thailand toward ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Community; (2) to comp...The purposes of this research were: (1) to create a training package to prepare secondary school students in northeastern of Thailand toward ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Community; (2) to compare the knowledge of secondary school students toward ASEAN before and after use training package; and (3) the expectations of the students in the northeast of their own preparation for the ASEAN community. Experimental research was used in this research. The subject was including 2,000 students who were randomly divided into groups of seven provinces. The statistics used in data analysis were percentage, average, standard deviation, and T-test. The research results showed that: (1) a training package to prepare secondary school students in northeastern of Thailand toward ASEAN Community, the effectiveness index (E.I.) was .57, according to the established criteria; (2) a comparison of pretest and post-test results found the use of cognitive training may vary, statistically significant at the .05 level; (3) an expectation of the secondary school students in the preparation of role into ASEAN Community found that the students who participated in a concept reflect that the knowledge and attitudes to prepare themselves for the ASEAN community.展开更多
AIM:To establish an appropriate primate model of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF).METHODS:We have,for the first time,established a large animal model of FHF in Macaca mulatta by intraperitoneal infusion of amatoxin and...AIM:To establish an appropriate primate model of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF).METHODS:We have,for the first time,established a large animal model of FHF in Macaca mulatta by intraperitoneal infusion of amatoxin and endotoxin.Clinical features,biochemical indexes,histopathology and iconography were examined to dynamically investigate the progress and outcome of the animal model.RESULTS:Our results showed that the enzymes and serum bilirubin were markedly increased and the enzyme-bilirubin segregation emerged 36 h after toxin administration.Coagulation activity was significantly decreased.Gradually deteriorated parenchymal abnormality was detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography at 48 h.The liver biopsy showed marked hepatocyte steatosis and massive parenchymal necrosis at 36 h and 49 h,respectively.The autopsy showed typical yellow atrophy of the liver.Hepatic encephalopathy of the models was also confirmed by hepatic coma,MRI and pathological changes of cerebral edema.The lethal effects of the extrahepatic organ dysfunction were ruled out by their biochemical indices,imaging and histopathology.CONCLUSION:We have established an appropriate large primate model of FHF,which is closely similar to clinic cases,and can be used for investigation of the mechanism of FHF and for evaluation of potential medical therapies.展开更多
The worldwide incidence and prevalence of cystic echinococcosis have fallen dramatically over the past several decades.Nonetheless,infection with Echinococcus granulosus(E.granulosus)remains a major public health issu...The worldwide incidence and prevalence of cystic echinococcosis have fallen dramatically over the past several decades.Nonetheless,infection with Echinococcus granulosus(E.granulosus)remains a major public health issue in several countries and regions,even in places where it was previously at low levels,as a result of a reduction of control programmes due to economic problems and lack of resources.Geographic distribution differs by country and region depending on the presence in that country of large numbers of nomadic or semi-nomadic sheep and goat flocks that represent the intermediate host of the parasite,and their close contact with the final host,the dog,which mostly provides the transmission of infection to humans.The greatest prevalence of cystic echinococcosis in human and animal hosts is found in countries of the temperate zones,including several parts of Eurasia(the Mediterranean regions,southern and central parts of Russia,central Asia,China),Australia,some parts of America(especially South America)and north and east Africa.Echinococcosis is currently considered an endemic zoonotic disease in the Mediterranean region.The most frequent strain associated with human cystic echinococcosis appears to be the common sheep strain(G1).This strain appears to be widely distributed in all continents.The purpose of this review is to examine the distribution of E.granulosus and the epidemiology of a re-emerging disease such as cystic echinococcosis.展开更多
Staphylococcus epidermidis is one of the leading pathogens of nosocomial infections. Twenty- eight strains of biofilm-negative Staphylococcus epidermidis, of which thirteen strains considered as the clinical strains w...Staphylococcus epidermidis is one of the leading pathogens of nosocomial infections. Twenty- eight strains of biofilm-negative Staphylococcus epidermidis, of which thirteen strains considered as the clinical strains were isolated from catheters, blood and urine of patients in Huashan Hospital (Shanghai, China) and fifteen strains considered as commensal strains were isolated from the skin of healthy students who had no contact with hospitals in recent half year, were investigated for the adherence to human umbilical vein endothelial cell line ECV304 and human cervical adenocarcinoma cell line Hela, respectively. Our results showed that the clinical strains were much more adhesive to both cells than commensal ones. The endothelial adherence may be a virulence factor associated with this bacterial pathogenesis.展开更多
文摘The characters and ultrastructure of the intercellular connection were revealed in the outer epidermis of the garlic clove sheath by means of fluorescent probe TRITC_Phalloidin (TRITC_Ph) labeling combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), immuno_gold labeling and transmission electron microscopy. These results show that transcellular channel is a complex of rod_like cytoplasm channel and grouped plasmodesmata (PDs) in pit. The former remains a portion of the cell protoplast. The diameter of PD is normally 60-70 nm. The PDs are the real intercellular symplasmic connections of the cells. The transcellular fibers labeled with the TRITC_Ph obviously become narrow in the primary pit fields, which is the same as the characters observed under the electron microscope. The bright fluorescent spot in the primary wall reflects the grouped PDs in pit, and hence the presence of F_actin in the PDs can be confirmed. In immuno_gold labeling experiment, a lot of gold particles were massively distributed in the rod_like cytoplasm channel and grouped PDs. The result provides effective support that these fluorescent filaments possibly are the existing form of F_actin.
文摘The entomopathogenic bacterium, Xenorhabdus nematophila was isolated from the hemolymph of Galleria mel- lonella infected with Steinernema carpocapsae. The bacterial cells and its metabolic secretions have been found lethal to the Galleria larvae. Toxic secretion in broth caused 95% mortality within 4 d of application whereas the bacterial cells caused 93% mortality after 6 d. When filter and sand substrates were compared, the later one was observed as appropriate. Similarly, bacterial cells and secretion in broth were more effective at 14% moisture and 25 °C temperature treatments. Maximum insect mortality (100%) was observed when bacterial concentration of 4×106 cells/ml was used. Similarly, maximum bacterial cells in broth (95%) were penetrated into the insect body within 2 h of their application. However, when stored bacterial toxic secretion was applied to the insects its efficacy declined. On the other hand, when the same toxic secretion was dried and then dissolved either in broth or water was proved to be effective. The present study showed that the bacterium, X. nematophila or its toxic secretion can be used as an important component of integrated pest management against Galleria.
基金Science and Technology Innovative Research Team in Higher Educational Institutions of Hunan Province(S201910823040)
文摘Objective:As a developable ability,empathy is significantly associated with patient-centered care.The authors intended to evaluate the effect of Virtual Dementia Tour(VDT)upon nursing students'empathy level and propose practical rationales for optimizing future dementia care.Methods:A total of 45 second-year undergraduate nursing students were organized to watch a theme movie entitled Still Alice and participate in an 8-min VDT.Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Professional Students(JSE-HPS)was employed for evaluating the empathy level of nursing students.After VDT,all nursing students participated in a structured interview.Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests were performed using SPSS 24.0.Results:Their empathy levels demonstrated significant overall improvements(106.69±9.49 vs 115.51±10.16,P<0.01).During the course of VDT,nursing students experienced varying levels of anxiety and frustration.All of them were satisfied with the program since they had gained a deeper understanding of demented patients and the program could change their attitudes toward demented elders.Conclusion:Watching a specially selected movie and participating in VDT may be an effective method for enhancing empathy and caring during nursing student education.
文摘Three dihydrochalcones derivatives 1-3, flavone 4 and phenanthrene derivative 5 were isolated, together with 9 known compofinds, from the air-dried root bark of Fissistigma bracteolatum Chatterjee. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic (NMR, MS) and chemical methodologies.
基金financial support from the Key Research and Development Program of Hunan Province,China (No.2021GK4059)。
文摘Sulfhydryl magnetic biological bamboo charcoal nanocomposite(BBC@nFe-SH)was prepared by chemical co-precipitation method for the robust capture of As(Ⅲ)from aqueous solutions.The novel BBC@nFe-SH shows favorable magnetic field strength(83376 A/m),which enables BBC@nFe-SH to be quickly recovered from aqueous solution.The maximum As(Ⅲ)adsorption capacity is as high as 98.63 mg/g at pH 5.0 and 40°C,reaching reaction equilibrium within 120 min.Various characterizations(e.g.,SEM,FTIR,VSM and XPS)suggest that As(Ⅲ)prefers to coordinate with surface oxygen groups bonded to the surface.BBC@nFe-SH displayed high stability and recyclability throughout the removal process,which could be easily activated by 1 mol/L NaOH after usage.Thus,the novel BBC@nFe-SH has promising applications for As(Ⅲ)treatment.
文摘The adoption by the 18th Congress of the Communist Party of China in November 2012 of a policy on ecological civilization is a landmark event for the nation and the world community. China's vision for building an ecological civilization is comprehensive, multi-sectoral and systemic and is intended to direct and balance progress among ecological, economic, social, cultural and political dimensions of change. Some on-going efforts and potential future activities that meet China's vision of an ecological civilization are described. Establishment of dedicated ecological civilization areas for experimenting with legal, regulatory and administrative incentives that would facilitate the march towards the ideal is encouraged. Chinese biosphere reserves which are designated with the explicit aim of building harmony between humans and nature would be suitable candidates for designing and developing such dedicated ecological civilization areas.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.91125016 and 41305066)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.XDA05110102)
文摘The maximum rate of carboxylation (Vcax) is a key photosynthetic parameter for gross primary produc- tion (GPP) estimation in terrestrial biosphere models. A set of observation-based Vcax values, which take the ni- trogen limitation on photosynthetic rates into consideration, are used in version 4.5 of the Community Land Model (CLM4.5). However, CLM4.5 with carbon-nitrogen (CN) biogeochemistry (CLM4.5-CN) still uses an inde- pendent decay coefficient for nitrogen after the photosyn- thesis calculation. This means that the nitrogen limitation on the carbon cycle is accounted for twice when CN bio- geochemistry is active. Therefore, to avoid this double nitrogen down-regulation in CLM4.5-CN, the original Vcmax scheme is revised with a new one that only accounts for the transition between Vcmax and its potential value (without nitrogen limitation). Compared to flux tower- based observations, the new Vcmax scheme reduces the root-mean-square error (RMSE) in GPP for China's Mainland by 13.7 g C m-2 yr-1, with a larger decrease over humid areas (39.2 g C m 2 yr-1). Moreover, net primary production and leaf area index are also improved, with reductions in RMSE by 0.8% and 11.5%, respectively.
基金supported by ‘863’ Program (2006AA10A408 and 2006AA10A411), NSFC30571417, NYHYZX07-047, 2005DKA30470, 2006BAD09A10 and NCET-06-0594.
文摘Microsatellite markers have become one kind of the most important molecular tools used in various researches. A large number of microsatellite markers are required for the whole genome survey in the fields of molecular ecology,quantitative genetics and genomics. Therefore,it is extremely necessary to select several versatile,low-cost,efficient and time-and labor-saving methods to develop a large panel of microsatellite markers. In this study,we used Zhikong scallop(Chlamys farreri) as the target species to compare the efficiency of the five methods derived from three strategies for microsatellite marker development. The results showed that the strategy of constructing small insert genomic DNA library resulted in poor efficiency,while the microsatellite-enriched strategy highly improved the isolation efficiency. Although the mining public database strategy is time-and cost-saving,it is difficult to obtain a large number of microsatellite markers,mainly due to the limited sequence data of non-model species deposited in public databases. Based on the results in this study,we recommend two methods,microsatellite-enriched library construction method and FIASCO-colony hybridization method,for large-scale microsatellite marker development. Both methods were derived from the microsatellite-enriched strategy. The experimental results obtained from Zhikong scallop also provide the reference for microsatellite marker development in other species with large genomes.
文摘The purposes of this research were: (1) to create a training package to prepare secondary school students in northeastern of Thailand toward ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Community; (2) to compare the knowledge of secondary school students toward ASEAN before and after use training package; and (3) the expectations of the students in the northeast of their own preparation for the ASEAN community. Experimental research was used in this research. The subject was including 2,000 students who were randomly divided into groups of seven provinces. The statistics used in data analysis were percentage, average, standard deviation, and T-test. The research results showed that: (1) a training package to prepare secondary school students in northeastern of Thailand toward ASEAN Community, the effectiveness index (E.I.) was .57, according to the established criteria; (2) a comparison of pretest and post-test results found the use of cognitive training may vary, statistically significant at the .05 level; (3) an expectation of the secondary school students in the preparation of role into ASEAN Community found that the students who participated in a concept reflect that the knowledge and attitudes to prepare themselves for the ASEAN community.
基金Supported by National Basic Research Program of China,No.2009CB522401grand from Natural Science Foundation ofChina,No. 30870983 and 30971118
文摘AIM:To establish an appropriate primate model of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF).METHODS:We have,for the first time,established a large animal model of FHF in Macaca mulatta by intraperitoneal infusion of amatoxin and endotoxin.Clinical features,biochemical indexes,histopathology and iconography were examined to dynamically investigate the progress and outcome of the animal model.RESULTS:Our results showed that the enzymes and serum bilirubin were markedly increased and the enzyme-bilirubin segregation emerged 36 h after toxin administration.Coagulation activity was significantly decreased.Gradually deteriorated parenchymal abnormality was detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography at 48 h.The liver biopsy showed marked hepatocyte steatosis and massive parenchymal necrosis at 36 h and 49 h,respectively.The autopsy showed typical yellow atrophy of the liver.Hepatic encephalopathy of the models was also confirmed by hepatic coma,MRI and pathological changes of cerebral edema.The lethal effects of the extrahepatic organ dysfunction were ruled out by their biochemical indices,imaging and histopathology.CONCLUSION:We have established an appropriate large primate model of FHF,which is closely similar to clinic cases,and can be used for investigation of the mechanism of FHF and for evaluation of potential medical therapies.
文摘The worldwide incidence and prevalence of cystic echinococcosis have fallen dramatically over the past several decades.Nonetheless,infection with Echinococcus granulosus(E.granulosus)remains a major public health issue in several countries and regions,even in places where it was previously at low levels,as a result of a reduction of control programmes due to economic problems and lack of resources.Geographic distribution differs by country and region depending on the presence in that country of large numbers of nomadic or semi-nomadic sheep and goat flocks that represent the intermediate host of the parasite,and their close contact with the final host,the dog,which mostly provides the transmission of infection to humans.The greatest prevalence of cystic echinococcosis in human and animal hosts is found in countries of the temperate zones,including several parts of Eurasia(the Mediterranean regions,southern and central parts of Russia,central Asia,China),Australia,some parts of America(especially South America)and north and east Africa.Echinococcosis is currently considered an endemic zoonotic disease in the Mediterranean region.The most frequent strain associated with human cystic echinococcosis appears to be the common sheep strain(G1).This strain appears to be widely distributed in all continents.The purpose of this review is to examine the distribution of E.granulosus and the epidemiology of a re-emerging disease such as cystic echinococcosis.
基金This work was supported by the Chinese National Natural Science Foundation(30670108)Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission(05PJ14025).
文摘Staphylococcus epidermidis is one of the leading pathogens of nosocomial infections. Twenty- eight strains of biofilm-negative Staphylococcus epidermidis, of which thirteen strains considered as the clinical strains were isolated from catheters, blood and urine of patients in Huashan Hospital (Shanghai, China) and fifteen strains considered as commensal strains were isolated from the skin of healthy students who had no contact with hospitals in recent half year, were investigated for the adherence to human umbilical vein endothelial cell line ECV304 and human cervical adenocarcinoma cell line Hela, respectively. Our results showed that the clinical strains were much more adhesive to both cells than commensal ones. The endothelial adherence may be a virulence factor associated with this bacterial pathogenesis.