OBJECTIVE To investigate the immunotoxicity and potential mechanism of Carthamus tinctorius extract on RBL-2H3 cells via direct induction and induction by sensitized serum prepared with an overdose of the extract. METHODS For direct induction by C. tinctorius extract， RBL-2H3 cells were divided into normal control group （no treatment） and C. tinctorius extract group （10 mg/mL）. For induction by sensitized serum prepared with an overdose of C. tinctorius extract， rats were divided into normal control group （no treatment）， adjuvant-treated group （1 mL adjuvant）， C. tinctorius extract-induced sensitization group （2.04 g/mL）， and ovalbumin （OVA）-induced sensitization group （50 mg/mL）. Sensitization was performed once every other day for a total of 3 times. Morphological changes of RBL-2H3 cells were observed， the degranulated rate of cells was counted， and histamine content was determined； the release rate of β -hexosaminidase （ β -Hex） was calculated， the levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6） and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration were detected. RESULTS Under direct induction by C. tinctorius extract， compared with the normal control group， the volume of cells in the C. tinctorius extract group was significantly reduced and cell density decreased； the degranulation rate of cells， histamine content， β -Hex release rate， IL-6 and TNF-α levels， as well as intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration were all significantly increased （ P ＜0.01）. Under i nduction by sensitized serum prepared with an overdose of C. tinctorius extract， compared with the adjuvant-treated group， the above indicators in the C. tinctorius extract-induced sensitization group and the OVA-induced sensitization group showed consistent changes with those in the C. tinctorius extract group under direct induction， all being significantly elevated （ P ＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS C. tinctorius extract may affect degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells and promote Ca²⁺ influx accompanied by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines through two approaches： direct induction and induction by sensitized serum prepared under overdose administration. Its mechanism may be related to the activation of the calcium signaling pathway and the regulation of inflammatory pathways under the synergistic effect of multiple components.

Objective:To assess the status of undernutrition and appropriate catch-up growth in extremely preterm infants within 24 months of corrected age (CA).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. A total of 422 extremely preterm infants born at Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Women and Children's Medical Center, Southern Medical University from January 2017 to December 2022 and followed up until 24 months of CA were enrolled. The extremely preterm infants were grouped by gestational age at birth (<25, 25-26, 27 weeks), birth weight (<500, 500-749, 750-999,≥1 000 g), weight for gestational age (large for gestational age (LGA), appropriate for gestational age (AGA), small for gestational age (SGA)) and sex. Weight data within 24 months of CA were collected every 3 months. Nutritional insufficiency, growth rate, and achievement of adequate catch-up growth were analyzed during the period from 0 to 24 months of CA. Z-score method was used to analyze data. Fenton 2013 preterm growth charts (Fenton 2013) were used before 40 weeks of corrected gestational age, and World Health Organization child growth standards (2009) fitted Z-scores were applied from 40 weeks of CA. Changes in weight Z-scores of extremely preterm infants from 0 to 24 months of CA were observed and compared, the occurrence of moderate to severe malnutrition and growth retardation was determined, nutritional insufficiency was assessed, and growth rate as well as the achievement of appropriate catch-up growth were analyzed. The Lambda-mu-sigma method combined with the Z-score fitting model was used to fit and analyze the distribution characteristics of weight percentiles in extremely preterm infants. The Chi-square test was used to compare differences among groups.Results:A total of 422 extremely preterm infants were included, with a gestational age at birth of 26.3(25.4, 27.2) weeks and a birth weight of (880±177) g. Among them, 238 were males and 184 were females; 36 cases (8.5%) were LGA, and 16 cases (3.8%) were SGA. During follow-up within 24 month of CA, 89 cases (21.1%) developed moderate to severe malnutrition. When compared separately among different birth weight and gestational age at birth groups, there had both statistically differences in the incidence of moderate to severe malnutrition ( χ2=42.94 and 9.17, both P<0.05). The incidence was the highest in the birth weight of CA<500 g group and the <25 weeks gestational age at birth group, while it was the lowest in the birth weight of CA≥1 000 g group and the 27 weeks gestational age at birth group in their respective groups. Growth retardation occurred in 5.2% (22/422). However, there had statistically differences in the incidence of growth retardation among different birth weight and gestational age at birth groups, in each grouped time interval ( χ2=21.61 and 4.30, both P<0.05). The proportions of rapid growth were relatively high in the 0-3 months and 3-6 months of CA groups, which were 96 cases (27.4%) and 98 cases (26.6%), respectively. Overall, appropriate catch-up growth was achieved in 341 cases (80.8%) from 0 to 24 months of CA. There had statistically differences in the completion rate of appropriate catch-up growth among different birth weight and gestational age at birth groups ( χ2=23.65 and 7.08, both P<0.05). The completion rate was the highest in the birth weight of CA<500 g group and the <25 weeks of gestational age at birth group, while it was the lowest in the birth weight of CA≥1 000 g group and the 27 weeks of gestational age at birth group. Conclusions:The lower the birth weight and gestational age of extremely preterm infants, the higher the incidence of moderate to severe malnutrition and the lower the achievement rate of adequate catch-up growth within 24 months of CA. The period of 0-6 months of CA is the critical window for catch-up in extremely preterm infants.

Objective:To assess the status of undernutrition and appropriate catch-up growth in extremely preterm infants within 24 months of corrected age (CA).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. A total of 422 extremely preterm infants born at Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Women and Children's Medical Center, Southern Medical University from January 2017 to December 2022 and followed up until 24 months of CA were enrolled. The extremely preterm infants were grouped by gestational age at birth (<25, 25-26, 27 weeks), birth weight (<500, 500-749, 750-999,≥1 000 g), weight for gestational age (large for gestational age (LGA), appropriate for gestational age (AGA), small for gestational age (SGA)) and sex. Weight data within 24 months of CA were collected every 3 months. Nutritional insufficiency, growth rate, and achievement of adequate catch-up growth were analyzed during the period from 0 to 24 months of CA. Z-score method was used to analyze data. Fenton 2013 preterm growth charts (Fenton 2013) were used before 40 weeks of corrected gestational age, and World Health Organization child growth standards (2009) fitted Z-scores were applied from 40 weeks of CA. Changes in weight Z-scores of extremely preterm infants from 0 to 24 months of CA were observed and compared, the occurrence of moderate to severe malnutrition and growth retardation was determined, nutritional insufficiency was assessed, and growth rate as well as the achievement of appropriate catch-up growth were analyzed. The Lambda-mu-sigma method combined with the Z-score fitting model was used to fit and analyze the distribution characteristics of weight percentiles in extremely preterm infants. The Chi-square test was used to compare differences among groups.Results:A total of 422 extremely preterm infants were included, with a gestational age at birth of 26.3(25.4, 27.2) weeks and a birth weight of (880±177) g. Among them, 238 were males and 184 were females; 36 cases (8.5%) were LGA, and 16 cases (3.8%) were SGA. During follow-up within 24 month of CA, 89 cases (21.1%) developed moderate to severe malnutrition. When compared separately among different birth weight and gestational age at birth groups, there had both statistically differences in the incidence of moderate to severe malnutrition ( χ2=42.94 and 9.17, both P<0.05). The incidence was the highest in the birth weight of CA<500 g group and the <25 weeks gestational age at birth group, while it was the lowest in the birth weight of CA≥1 000 g group and the 27 weeks gestational age at birth group in their respective groups. Growth retardation occurred in 5.2% (22/422). However, there had statistically differences in the incidence of growth retardation among different birth weight and gestational age at birth groups, in each grouped time interval ( χ2=21.61 and 4.30, both P<0.05). The proportions of rapid growth were relatively high in the 0-3 months and 3-6 months of CA groups, which were 96 cases (27.4%) and 98 cases (26.6%), respectively. Overall, appropriate catch-up growth was achieved in 341 cases (80.8%) from 0 to 24 months of CA. There had statistically differences in the completion rate of appropriate catch-up growth among different birth weight and gestational age at birth groups ( χ2=23.65 and 7.08, both P<0.05). The completion rate was the highest in the birth weight of CA<500 g group and the <25 weeks of gestational age at birth group, while it was the lowest in the birth weight of CA≥1 000 g group and the 27 weeks of gestational age at birth group. Conclusions:The lower the birth weight and gestational age of extremely preterm infants, the higher the incidence of moderate to severe malnutrition and the lower the achievement rate of adequate catch-up growth within 24 months of CA. The period of 0-6 months of CA is the critical window for catch-up in extremely preterm infants.

Objective: To explore the association between warning signs of psychological and behavioral development problems with emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children in Bao an District, Shenzhen, so as to provide an empirical basis for optimizing psychological screening strategies in kindergartens. Methods: From September 2023 to August 2024, a total of 49 804 preschool children aged 4-6 years from all 401 kindergartens in Bao an District were enrolled as study subjects. The Warning Signs Checklist for Screening Psychological, Behavioral and Developmental Problems of Children and the parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were used to assess children s developmental status and emotional and behavioral problems, respectively. Multivariable Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between warning signs and emotional and behavioral problems, stratified by sex. Results: The overall positive screening rate for developmental warning signs was 1.5%, and the detection rate for high risk in the SDQ total difficulties score was 6.3%. Multivariable Logistic regression analysis revealed that after adjusting for age, children who screened positive for warning signs exhibited a significantly higher risk of elevated SDQ total difficulties and subscale scores compared to those who screened negative, across both sexes (a OR boys =1.66-13.42, a OR girls =2.04-22.15, all P <0.01). The only exceptions were gross motor skills and conduct problems in boys, and personal social skills and conduct problems in girls. Notably, abnormalities in the personal social domain demonstrated the strongest association with emotional/behavioral problems (a OR boys =7.72-13.42, a OR girls =3.88-22.15), followed by the language domain (a OR boys =4.63-9.23, a OR girls =3.78-14.41) (all P <0.01). Conclusion A positive screening result for warning signs, particularly in the personal social and language domains, serves as a strong indicator of emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children.

ObjectiveTo investigate the ability of clinically isolated， Helicobacter pylori （H. pylori）-specific gene polymerase chain reaction （PCR）-positive gastric， vaginal， and fecal Candida to release H. pylori. MethodsResuscitate 4 strains of H. pylori -specific 16S rDNA and ureA gene PCR-positive Candida strains isolated in laboratory from clinical sources， including 1 strain of gastric Candida， 1 strain of fecal Candida， 2 strains of vaginal Candida and the standard Candida albicans strain ATCC10231 （Ca10231）. The presence of H. pylori-specific ureA in the 5 strains of Candida isolates was confirmed by PCR. The aforementioned strains of Candida and H.pylori were inoculated into urea medium and cultured in a constant temperature incubator at 37 ℃. The color change of the medium was observed daily. A change in the medium's color from yellow to red indicated the presence of urease activity. Then， the five strains of Candida and H. pylori were co-incubated with the magnetic beads coated with H. pylori antibodies respectively. Scanning electron microscopy （SEM） was employed to observe the presence of bacilli adsorbed on the surface of the magnetic beads. PCR was used to detect the presence of H.pylori-specific 16S rDNA and ureA genes on magnetic beads. ResultsThe PCR analysis of the ureA gene in the four Candida isolates was positive， whereas the Ca10231 strain tested negative. Upon culturing the four Candida isolates on urea medium， the medium color changed from yellow to red which was determined to be urease positive， while the medium containing Ca10231 remained unchanged， which was urease negative. SEM revealed that bacilli could be observed on the surface of magnetic beads co-incubated with the 4 strains of Candida of clinical origin and H.pylori isolate. Specifically， PCR testing of the magnetic beads co-incubated with one vaginal Candida， one gastric Candida and H.pylori isolate showed positive results for the 16S rDNA and ureA genes of H. pylori； however， the PCR tests for the two genes were negative for the magnetic beads co-incubated with the other two Candida isolate. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that H. pylori-specific genes Candida can release H. pylori.

Objective To investigate the immediate therapeutic efficacy of Kuanxiong Aerosol on improving the angina pectoris in the patients complicated with intermediate coronary stenosis(ICS),and to observe its effect on resting full-cycle ratio(RFR),corrected TIMI(thrombolysis in myocardial infarction)frame count(CTFC)in angiography,and coronary serum inflammatory factors.Methods Sixty angina pectoris patients with ICS admitted to the Cardiovascular Department of Dade Road Hospital,Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 2023 to March 2024 were randomly divided into the trial group and the control group,with 30 patients in each group.The trial group was given four consecutive sprays of Kuanxiong Aerosol by sublingual spray,and the control group had no intervention but just was given the monitoring for 10 minutes.Before and after the intervention,the changes of coronary RFR,CTFC,Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)score of chest pain,and the serum levels of C-reactive protein(CRP),interleukin 6(IL-6)and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2(Lp-PLA2)in the two groups were observed.Moreover,the incidence of adverse reactions during the intervention in the two groups of patients was compared.Results(1)After the intervention,the coronary RFR value of the trial group was increased significantly compared with that before intervention(P<0.01),while the coronary RFR value of the control group was not increased significantly compared with that before intervention(P>0.05);the comparison between the two groups showed that the effect on increasing the coronary RFR value in the trial group was superior to that in the control group(P<0.05).(2)After intervention,the CTFC value of the trial group was significantly decreased compared with that before intervention(P<0.01),while the CTFC value of the control group was not significantly decreased compared with that before intervention(P>0.05);the intergroup comparison showed that the trial group tended to have a better effect on the decrease of CTFC value than the control group,but the difference being not statistically significant(P>0.05).(3)After the intervention,the chest pain VAS score of the trial group was significantly reduced compared with that before intervention(P<0.01),while the pre-and post-treatment changes of the score in the control group was not significant(P>0.05);the intergroup comparison showed that the decrease of the chest pain VAS score in the trial group was superior to that in the control group(P<0.01).In particular for immediate therapeutic efficacy,Kuanxiong Aerosol achieved the effective rate of 96.67%(29/30)for relieving chest pain 10 minutes after sublingual spraying,which was significantly superior to that of the control group[10.00%(3/30)],and the comparison between the two groups showed that the difference was statistically significant(P<0.001).(4)After the intervention,the Lp-LPA2 value of the trial group was decreased compared with that before intervention(P<0.05),while the CRP and IL-6 values of the trial group as well as the CRP,IL-6,and Lp-LPA2 values of the control group were all not significantly decreased compared with those before intervention(P>0.05).The intergroup comparison showed that the trial group's effect on the decrease of Lp-LPA2 value was significantly superior to that of the control group(P<0.05).(5)Before and after the intervention,no obvious changes of the general vital signs in the two groups were shown,no drug-related adverse occurred,either.Conclusion Kuanxiong Aerosol can immediately improve the coronary physiological function indicators of angina pectoris patients with ICS,increase the coronary flow rate,and inhibit inflammatory response of the coronary artery to some degree,thus to alleviate the symptoms of angina pectoris in patients with ICS.

Objective: To compare the effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT) exercise prescription based on machine vision and routine on HIIT the physical and mental health of female college students with simple obesity, so as to provide a basis for the development of weight loss intervention plans for this population. Methods: From August 2023 to February 2024, 115 female college students with simple obesity, selected from Lianyungang Vocational and Technical College and East China Normal University, were randomly divided into a control group ( n =57) and an observation group ( n =58) according to a random number table. The control group received routine HIIT, while the observation group received machine vision based on HIIT exercise prescription (including image acquisition module, image processing module, database management module, backend computer processing and feedback, intelligent evaluation module, which could be customized according to the subjects preferences, providing exercise prescription based on the selected training program and supervised its standardized completion of the training plan). Both were intervened for 12 weeks, 30 minutes each time, once every 2 days, and rest every Sunday. The t-test was used to compare body shape, glucose and lipid metabolism, cardiopulmonary function indicators, anxiety and depression states between two groups before and after intervention. Results: Before intervention, there were no statistically significant differences in physical and mental health status indicators between two groups of female college students ( t =0.13-0.86, all P >0.05). After intervention, body mass indexes, waist hip ratios, body fat percentage, fasting plasma glucose, 2hour postprandial plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c, triglycerides, total cholesterol, lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), anxiety and depression scores were all reduced in both groups ( t-observation =-6.94 to -12.92, t-control =-2.71 to -10.95 ), of which the observation group [(23.46±2.18)kg/m 2, 0.70±0.06, (28.03±3.16)%, (4.55±0.67)mmol/L, (6.03±0.74)mmol/L, (5.10±0.70)%, (1.63±0.31)mmol/L, (4.24±0.58)mmol/L, (2.45±0.43)mmol/L, 35.28±4.76, and 33.03±4.03] were lower compared with the control group [(26.54±2.32)kg/m 2, 0.77±0.06, (30.74±4.38)%, (5.03±0.76)mmol/L, (6.62±0.82)mmol/L, (5.82±0.73)%, (1.98±0.35)mmol/L, (4.95±0.61)mmol/L, (2.88±0.47)mmol/L, 39.18±5.04, and 37.25±4.16] ( t =-7.34, -6.26 , -3.81, -3.59, -4.05, -5.40, -5.68, -6.40, -5.12, -4.27, -5.53)(all P <0.05). After intervention, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, stroke volume, left ventricular ejection fraction, maximum oxygen consumption, volume of tidal, and vital capacity increased in both groups ( t-observation =7.43-18.23, t-control =3.89-10.13), of which the observation group [(1.49±0.22)mmol/L, ( 72.35± 4.69)mL, (68.95±5.10)%, (36.97±3.22)mL/(kg ·( min), (25.29±4.11)mL/(kg · ( min), and (3 374.26±169.54)mL] were higher compared with the control group [(1.23±0.20)mmol/L, (67.32±4.06)mL, (64.83±5.05)%, (33.24±3.14)mL/(kg · ( min), (23.01± 3.58 )mL/(kg · ( min), and (3 197.50±125.81)mL] ( t =6.63, 6.15, 4.35, 6.29, 3.17, 6.34)(all P <0.05). Conclusion HIIT exercise prescription based on machine vision has better effects than routine HIIT on impoving the body shape, glucose and lipid metabolism, cardiopulmonary function of female college students with simple obesity, and also their mental health.

Objective To investigate the effects of hyaluronic acid and proteoglycan-linked protein 1 (HAPLN1) secreted by synovial fibroblasts (FLS) on the polarization of macrophages (Mϕ) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods Human monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1) were differentiated into Mϕ, which were subsequently exposed to recombinant HAPLN1 (rHAPLN1). RA-FLS were transfected separately with HAPLN1 overexpression plasmid (HAPLN1^OE) or small interfering RNA targeting HAPLN1 (si-HAPLN1), and then co-cultured with Mϕ to establish a co-culture model. The viability of Mϕ was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, and the proportions of pro-inflammatory M1-type and anti-inflammatory M2-type Mϕ were analyzed by flow cytometry. Additionally, the expression levels of inflammatory markers, including interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), were quantified using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. Results The viability of Mϕ was increased in the rHAPLN1 group compared to the control group. Furthermore, both the M1/Mϕ ratio and inflammatory factor levels were elevated in the rHAPLN1 and HAPLN1^OE groups. In contrast, the si-HAPLN1 group exhibited a decrease in the M1/Mϕ ratio and inflammatory factor expression. Notably, the introduction of rHAPLN1 in rescue experiments further promoted Mϕ polarization towards the M1 phenotype. Conclusion HAPLN1, secreted by RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS), enhances Mϕ polarization towards the M1 phenotype.
Humans ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/genetics* ; Macrophages/immunology* ; Fibroblasts/metabolism* ; Phenotype ; Extracellular Matrix Proteins/genetics* ; Proteoglycans/genetics* ; Synovial Membrane/cytology* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics* ; Interleukin-1beta/genetics* ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/genetics* ; Cell Differentiation ; Coculture Techniques ; THP-1 Cells

Objective To analyze the mortality rate and trend of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)among residents in Sichuan Province from 2011 to 2023.Methods The collected mortality monitoring data of residents from 2011 to 2023 were analyzed using Joinpoint regression the trend of COPD mortality rate in Sichuan Province from 2011 to 2023.Based on the COPD mortality rate data of residents from 2011 to 2023 to established an autoregressive integrated moving average method(ARIMA)to predict the trend of mortality rate changes.Results From 2011 to 2023,the crude mortality rate of males was 79.74/100,000,which was higher than that of females(64.82/105),and the standardized mortality rate of males(48.02/105)was higher than that of females(40.51/105)(P<0.05).From 2011 to 2023,the annual percentage change(APC)of male mortality rate and female mortality rate were-4.51% and-5.59%(P<0.05),and the APC of standardized mortality rate of male and female were-9.35%,and-9.91%,with a significant downward trend(P<0.05).From 2011 to 2023,the COPD mortality rates of residents aged 45～54,55～64,65～74 and≥75 years in Sichuan Province were-12.04%,-10.88%,-13.87% and-7.19%,respectively,and with an obvious downward trend in different age groups(P<0.05).The crude mortality rate of COPD in urban decreased from 100.67/105 to 52.93/105,and APC of the crude mortality rate was-5.71%;while the crude mortality rate of rural residents decreased from 86.13/105 to 60.10/105,and APC of the crude mortality rate was-3.69%,with an obvious downward trend(P<0.05%).The standardized COPD mortality rate of urban residents in Sichuan Province from 2011 to 2023 decreased from 79.13/105 to 24.09/105,and APC of the standardizedmortality rate was-10.09%;while the rural residents decreased from83.99/105 to 31.58/105,and APCwas-7.98%,with an obvious downward trend(P<0.05%).The ARIMA model was used to fit the COPD mortality rate in Sichuan Province in 2011～2023,and the COPD mortality rates in Sichuan Province in 2024～2028 were predicted to be 53.49/105,49.28/105,46.11/105,42.59/105 and 41.68/105,respectively.Conclusion The mortality rate of COPD among residents in Sichuan Province showed a downward trend from 2011 to 2023,with rural,male,and elderly populations being high-risk groups for COPD mortality.The ARIMA model had certain reference value for short-term prediction of COPD mortality rate.

Objective To analyze the interspecies differences in virulence of different carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales(CREb)strains and provide a theoretical basis for understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of CREb and for guiding individualized treatment strategies.Methods A total of nine CREb clinical isolates collected between 2013 and 2022 were included,representing five species:Enterobacter cloacae(E.cloacae),Enterobacter hormaechei(E.hormaechei),Enterobacter kobei(E.kobei),Enterobacter asburiae(E.asburiae),and Enterobacter chuandaensis(E.chuandaensis).Whole-genome sequencing was performed to characterize virulence gene profiles.Phenotypic assays included growth curve analysis,biofilm formation assessment,serum bactericidal assays,and Galleria mellonella infection models to evaluate virulence-related traits.Results Virulence gene analysis revealed that motility-related factors were the most abundant(16 to 20 per strain),followed by nutrition/metabolism-related factors(10 to 12 per strain),while invasion-related genes were rare,with the ibeB gene detected in only two E.asburiae strains.The strains of the same species shared similar viru-lence gene profiles,and E.chuandaensis harbored the fewest virulence genes.In vitro growth assays showed that E.hormaechei and E.cloacae had the fastest growth rates,while E.chuandaensis and E.kobei exhibited slower growth,and E.asburiae displayed the slo-west growth.Biofilm assays indicated that E.hormaechei and E.cloacae had the strongest biofilm-forming capacity,while E.kobei had the weakest.In serum bactericidal assays,E.hormaechei and E.cloacae showed high survival rates(＞70%),whereas the survival rate of E.chuandaensis was less than 1%.In the Galleria mellonella model,E.asburiae and E.cloacae exhibited marked dose-dependent virulence,whereas the remaining strains showed reduced virulence.Conclusion Different CREb species exhibit significant variation in virulence gene content and phenotypic traits.The pathogenic potential of CREb may provide fundamental data to inform strategies for prevention and treatment of CREb infection.