Introduction: Seed-based analysis has shown that transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) can modulate the dysfunctional brain network in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the voxel-based neuropsychological mechanism of taVNS on patients with first-episode MDD is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of an 8-week course of taVNS on patients with first-episode MDD. Methods: Twenty-two patients with first-episode MDD accepted an 8-week course of taVNS treatment. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans were performed before and after treatment. Voxel-based analyses were performed to characterize spontaneous brain activity. Healthy controls (n=23) were recruited to minimize test-retest effects. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was performed to ascertain treatment-related changes. Then, correlations between changes in brain activity and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D)/Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) remission rate were estimated. Results: Significant group-by-time interactions on voxel-based analyses were observed in the inferior ventral striatum (VSi) and precuneus. Post-hoc analyses showed that taVNS inhibited higher brain activity in the VSi, while upregulating it in the precuneus. Functional connectivity (FC) between the VSi and precuneus decreased. Positive correlations were found between the HAM-D remission rate and changes in brain activity in the VSi. Conclusion: taVNS reduced the FC between VSi and precuneus by normalizing the abnormal spontaneous brain activity of VSi in first-episode MDD patients.

RESUMO Introdução Embora o futebol chines tenha experimentado muitas atualizações em seus métodos, ainda há uma grande discrepância em termos de resistência física dos jogadores quando comparados às potências mundiais. Portanto, fortalecer a resistência física dos jogadores de futebol através de métodos específicos de treinamento é um importante fator para a otimização do desempenho atual. Objetivo Estudar a aplicação do treinamento funcional no condicionamento físico dos jogadores de futebol. Métodos 20 atletas estudantes de educação física de futebol júnior em faculdades e universidades foram selecionados como objeto de pesquisa. A formação funcional global foi dividida em três etapas: estágio de prática, fase de adaptação e etapa de promoção. Os dados foram comparados, integrados e analisados antes e após a intervenção. Resultados A realização de treinamentos funcionais direcionados para jogadores de futebol pode efetivamente aumentar a resistência física dos atletas, reduzindo a ocorrência de lesões esportivas e melhorando a pontuação geral do condicionamento físico a nível técnico e de estabilidade. Conclusão A partir da pesquisa deste artigo, pode-se ver que há falta de aptidão física e força técnica no futebol chinês atual. A realização de treinamento funcional direcionado é relevante e merece ser aplicado ao treinamento de futebol. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction Although Chinese soccer has experienced many updates in its methods, there is still a large gap in players’ physical endurance compared to the world powers. Therefore, strengthening soccer players’ physical endurance through specific training methods is important in optimizing current performance. Objective Study the application of functional training in soccer players’ physical conditioning. Methods 20 junior soccer physical education student-athletes in colleges and universities were selected as the research object. The global functional training was divided into three stages: practice, adaptation, and promotion. Data were compared, integrated, and analyzed before and after the intervention. Results Conducting targeted functional training for soccer players can effectively increase athletes’ physical endurance, reducing sports injuries and improving overall fitness scores at the technical and stability level. Conclusion From the research of this article, it can be seen that there is a lack of physical fitness and technical strength in Chinese soccer today. The performance of targeted functional training is relevant and should be applied to soccer training. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción Aunque el fútbol chino ha experimentado muchas actualizaciones en sus métodos, sigue habiendo una gran discrepancia en cuanto a la resistencia física de los jugadores si se compara con las potencias mundiales. Por lo tanto, reforzar la resistencia física de los futbolistas mediante métodos de entrenamiento específicos es un factor importante para optimizar el rendimiento actual. Objetivo Estudiar la aplicación del entrenamiento funcional en el acondicionamiento físico de los futbolistas. Métodos Se seleccionaron como objeto de investigación 20 estudiantes atletas de educación física de fútbol juvenil en colegios y universidades. El entrenamiento funcional global se dividió en tres etapas: etapa de práctica, etapa de adaptación y etapa de promoción. Los datos se compararon, integraron y analizaron antes y después de la intervención. Resultados La realización de un entrenamiento funcional específico para los futbolistas puede aumentar eficazmente la resistencia física de los deportistas, reduciendo la aparición de lesiones deportivas y mejorando la puntuación global de la aptitud a nivel técnico y de estabilidad. Conclusión De la investigación de este artículo se desprende que en el fútbol chino actual hay una falta de aptitud física y de fuerza técnica. El rendimiento del entrenamiento funcional dirigido es relevante y merece ser aplicado al entrenamiento del fútbol. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução O aprimoramento das habilidades esportivas do futebol depende de muitos esforços de treinamento e está intimamente relacionado com métodos científicos intrínsecos. Atenção na qualidade integral dos músculos dos membros inferiores e a realização de exercícios específicos de movimentos técnicos é essencial para atingir o estado ótimo da performance física nos jogadores. Objetivo Analisar o efeito cinemático das técnicas de movimento dos membros inferiores no treinamento de futebol. Métodos 10 atletas foram marcados com esferas reflexivas e submetidos ao método de treinamento cinemático dos membros inferiores desenhado pelos treinadores num período de 60 minutos, três vezes por semana, durante 6 semanas. Antes e depois do experimento, os dados capturados por esferas reflexivas foram capturados, comparados, classificados e analisados. Resultados O treinamento cinemático pode otimizar efetivamente o tempo de movimento, amplitude de balanço, ângulo de balanço e outros aspectos da estrutura mecânica dos membros inferiores, melhorando assim o dispêndio energético e tornando o movimento conciso, transmitindo força e precisão. Conclusão Os treinadores devem estudar seriamente os princípios da análise cinemática aplicada, otimizar o programa de treinamento do ponto de vista científico, pois o nível esportivo dos atletas é melhorado significativamente com a adição desse feedback em tempo real. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos desfechos do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction The improvement of soccer sports skills depends on many training efforts and is closely related to intrinsic scientific methods. Attention to the integral quality of the lower limb muscles and the performance of specific exercises of technical movements is essential to reach the optimal state of physical performance in players. Objective Analyze the kinematic effect of lower limb movement techniques in soccer training. Methods 10 athletes were marked with reflective spheres and submitted to the kinematic training method of the lower limbs designed by the coaches in 60 minutes, three times a week, for six weeks. Before and after the experiment, data captured by reflective spheres were captured, compared, classified, and analyzed. Results Kinematic training can effectively optimize movement time, swing amplitude, swing angle, and other aspects of lower limb mechanical structure, thus improving energy expenditure and making the movement concise, conveying strength and precision. Conclusion Trainers should seriously study the principles of applied kinematic analysis and optimize the training program from a scientific point of view because the athletic level of athletes is significantly improved with this real-time feedback. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción La mejora de las capacidades deportivas en el fútbol depende de muchos esfuerzos de entrenamiento y está estrechamente relacionada con métodos científicos intrínsecos. La atención sobre la calidad integral de los músculos de los miembros inferiores y la realización de ejercicios específicos de movimientos técnicos es esencial para alcanzar el estado óptimo del rendimiento físico en los jugadores. Objetivo Analizar el efecto cinemático de las técnicas de movimiento del miembro inferior en el entrenamiento de fútbol. Métodos 10 atletas fueron marcados con esferas reflectantes y sometidos al método de entrenamiento cinemático de los miembros inferiores diseñado por los entrenadores en un período de 60 minutos, tres veces por semana, durante 6 semanas. Antes y después del experimento, se capturaron, compararon, clasificaron y analizaron los datos captados por las esferas reflectantes. Resultados El entrenamiento cinemático puede optimizar eficazmente el tiempo de movimiento, la amplitud del balanceo, el ángulo de balanceo y otros aspectos de la estructura mecánica de las extremidades inferiores, mejorando así el gasto de energía y haciendo que el movimiento sea conciso, transmitiendo fuerza y precisión. Conclusión Los entrenadores deberían estudiar seriamente los principios del análisis cinemático aplicado, optimizar el programa de entrenamiento desde un punto de vista científico, ya que el nivel atlético de los deportistas mejora significativamente con la incorporación de esta información en tiempo real. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapêuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Abstract A Qingzhi compound-flavor Baijiu (QZCF Baijiu) was developed and the physiochemical factors and microbial community structure in Jiupei (fermented grains) during Baijiu fermentation were revealed. Physiochemical factors of ethanol, moisture and acidity significantly increased in the fermentation, while starch and reducing sugar decreased. The results of high-throughput sequencing showed that Weissella, Pediococcus, Bacillus, Pantoea, Streptococcus, Sphingobacterium, Saccharomyces, Rhizopus, Issatchenkia and Wickerhamomyces were the dominant microorganisms in Jiupei. Moreover, correlation analysis between the physicochemical factors, the dominant microorganisms and the important flavor compounds in QZCF Baijiu production highlighted that the changes of physiochemical factors would lead to the corresponding changes of core microbiota and important flavor substances. Physiochemical factors of starch, reducing sugar and temperature could significantly affect the microbial community structure at the early stage of fermentation, while the influences of ethanol content and acidity became greater at the later stage, resulting in the differences of flavor compounds in Jiupei. Therefore, the growth and metabolism of microbial communities could be regulated by purposefully adjusting the physiochemical factors, thereby improving the flavor and quality of Baijiu. This work enriched the flavor types of Baijiu and provided a reference for the Baijiu-making industries to manage their production process.

Abstract A novel kiwifruit wine (KW) fermented by Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae was developed with elegant flavor and poor alcoholic strength. The effects of natural aging, microwave and ultrasonic treatment on the quality of KW were investigated. A total of 61 aroma components were detected in the KW fermented by Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae. The results showed that microwave and ultrasonic treatments could promote the maturation of KW and increase the aroma components of KW. The variety of flavor components increased with a longer storage time. Combined with the taste evaluation analysis. The esters, alcohols, acids, and aldehydes in ultrasonic-aged wines were in dynamic balance and harmony with each other. The wine was soft and mellow, making the kiwi wine more typical.

Abstract Flos Sophorae (FS) is medicinal and edible, while fresh FS is highly perishable. Thus, this study investigated the effects of different drying methods (hot air drying, HAD; vacuum drying, VD; freeze drying, FD) after steaming on the bioactive components and sensory quality of FS. The results indicated steaming for 1 min maximally retained the contents of total flavonoids, rutin, and quercetin in thermal drying (HAD and VD), meanwhile, the freeze-dried FS without steaming also had higher total flavonoids and rutin contents. Moreover, FD samples had the highest protein content and organoleptic properties, with closer color parameters to fresh FS, followed by the VD group. Considering comprehensively all data with processing cost, the sample of VD after steaming for 1 min was chosen to measure the antioxidant activity, which showed that FS extract was superior to Vc in ABTS• and •OH scavenging rates, and its DPPH• scavenging rate was stronger than Vc in the low concentration. These results demonstrated that vacuum drying after steaming for 1 min was suitable postharvest processing for fresh FS, which was beneficial to maintaining higher flavonoids, rutin, and sensory characteristics of FS, and its flavonoid extract had better antioxidant activity than Vc.

Abstract Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked lethal genetic disorder for which there is no effective treatment. Previous studies have shown that stem cell transplantation into mdx mice can promote muscle regeneration and improve muscle function, however, the specific molecular mechanisms remain unclear. DMD suffers varying degrees of hypoxic damage during disease progression. This study aimed to investigate whether induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have protective effects against hypoxia-induced skeletal muscle injury. Results In this study, we co-cultured iPSCs with C2C12 myoblasts using a Transwell nested system and placed them in a DG250 anaerobic workstation for oxygen deprivation for 24 h. We found that iPSCs reduced the levels of lactate dehydrogenase and reactive oxygen species and downregulated the mRNA and protein levels of BAX/BCL2 and LC3II/ LC3I in hypoxia-induced C2C12 myoblasts. Meanwhile, iPSCs decreased the mRNA and protein levels of atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 and increased myotube width. Furthermore, iPSCs downregulated the phosphorylation of AMPKA and ULK1 in C2C12 myotubes exposed to hypoxic damage. Conclusions Our study showed that iPSCs enhanced the resistance of C2C12 myoblasts to hypoxia and inhibited apoptosis and autophagy in the presence of oxidative stress. Further, iPSCs improved hypoxia-induced autophagy and atrophy of C2C12 myotubes through the AMPK/ULK1 pathway. This study may provide a new theoretical basis for the treatment of muscular dystrophy in stem cells.

Abstract Neonatal thoracoscopic correction of type III esophageal atresia requires the establishment of an artificial carbon dioxide pneumothorax in the affected thoracic cavity. At present, there is no suitable double-lumen endotracheal tube or bronchial occluder to be used in neonatal thoracoscopic surgery. Objectives: To research the influence of sevoflurane pretreatment on neonatal inflammatory response and pulmonary ventilation. Sixty neonates were randomized into 2 groups, group C, group S. Neonates in group S received sevoflurane inhalation at a concentration of 2% after endotracheal intubation until the establishment of pneumothorax, followed by a 10-min washout period, while those in group C only inhaled pure oxygen. Venous blood samples were collected from the subjects in the 2 groups from at 10 min before induction of anesthesia to 24 h after pneumothorax relief to determine the concentrations of serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor α. Arterial blood gases were drawn from the radial artery at the above time points. The alveolar-arterial oxygen partial pressure difference, and respiratory index were calculated. Concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor α in serum were all lower in group S. Alveolar-arterial oxygen and respiratory index were also lower in group S. Duration of surgical intensive care unit stay, time of mechanical ventilation, and length of stay were all lower in group S. A concentration of 2% sevoflurane pretreatment may have a protective influence on the neonatal inflammatory response and pulmonary ventilation, which correct type III esophageal atresia by suppressing the inflammatory response under the thoracoscope.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the role and mechanism of β1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-3 gene (B3GNT3) in esophageal cancer (ESCA). Methods: The starBase database was used to evaluate the expression of B3GNT3. B3GNT3 function was measured using KYSE-30 and KYSE-410 cells of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cell lines. The mRNA levels were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell counting kit-8, clone formation assay and transwell assay were used to detect the changes of proliferation, invasion and migration. Results: B3GNT3 expression was higher in ESCA tissues than in normal tissues. The overall survival rate of ESCA patients with high B3GNT3 expression was lower than that of ESCA patients with low B3GNT3 expression. In vitro functional experiments showed that the proliferation ability, migration and invasion ability of KYSE-30 and KYSE-410 cells with B3GNT3 interference were lower than those of the control, and the overexpression of B3GNT3 had the opposite effect. After silencing B3GNT3 expression in ESCC cell lines, the growth of both cell lines was inhibited and the invasiveness was decreased. Knockdown of B3GNT3 reduced the growth rate and Ki-67 expression level. Conclusions: B3GNT3, as an oncogene, may promote the growth, invasion and migration of ESCC cell.

Abstract This study was intended to elucidate the effects of HACE1 in Citrobacter rodentium-Induced Murine Colitis. Male C57BL/6 mice orally administered with 100 µLof Citrobacter rodentium DBS-100 (109 CFU mL−1) for 14 days. The expression of HACE1 in Citrobacter rodentium-Induced Murine Colitis was increased. HACE1 promoted inflammation and ROS levels in macrophage through the inactivation of Nrf2/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Meanwhile, si-HACE1 reduced inflammation and ROS levels in macrophage via the inhibition of Nrf2/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Sh-HACE1 reduced inflammatory responses in Citrobacter rodentium-Induced Murine Colitis through the promotion of Nrf2/NLRP3 signaling pathway. IP showed that HACE1 protein catenated with Nrf2 protein to suppress ROS-induced NLRP3 in macrophage through the promotion of Nrf2 Ubiquitination. Altogether, our data demonstrate that the inhibition of HACE1 ameliorates inflammatory responses in Citrobacter rodentium-induced Murine Colitis through the inhibition of ROS-induced mitochondrial damage by Nrf2/NLRP3. m6A promoted HACE1 stability by METTL3. Our study revealed the m6A methyltransferase METTL3 promoted HACE1 stability to promote NLRP3 activity in Citrobacter rodentium-Induced Murine Colitis by the inhibition of Nrf2.

ABSTRACT Introduction Sports injuries in soccer are hardly avoided due to the characteristics of battles, such as intense conflict and high-level competitiveness related to soccer. Objective Investigate the most common sports injuries in professional soccer players. Methods A questionnaire survey was carried out with 365 valid returns, including 198 male and 177 female professional soccer players. Data were collected and distributed using Excel software. Results Among sports injuries in professional soccer athletes, minor injuries are more frequent, and the lower limbs are the most affected. The subjective cause of these injuries is mainly overwork. Among the objective causes, many injuries caused by the sports characteristics of soccer are inevitable, having a strong connection with the intrinsic factors of the sport. Treating injuries combines traditional Chinese medicine with the advantages of Western medicine. Conclusion It is recommended that athletes focus constantly on their injuries while playing the sport. Coaches should verify the safety of the athletes, taking precautions to reduce injuries as much as possible and improve the athlete’s competitive level, prolonging his professional activity. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción Las lesiones deportivas en el fútbol son difícilmente evitables debido a las características de las batallas como el intenso conflicto y la alta competitividad relacionada con el fútbol. Objetivo Investigar las lesiones deportivas más comunes en los futbolistas profesionales. Métodos Se llevó a cabo una encuesta con 365 respuestas válidas, incluyendo 198 jugadores y 177 jugadoras de fútbol profesional. Los datos se recogieron y distribuyeron mediante el programa informático Excel. Resultados Entre las lesiones deportivas en los atletas de fútbol profesional, las lesiones menores son más frecuentes, y los miembros inferiores son los más afectados. La causa subjetiva de estas lesiones es principalmente el exceso de trabajo. Entre las causas objetivas, son inevitables muchas lesiones provocadas por las características deportivas del fútbol, que tienen una fuerte relación con los factores intrínsecos del deporte. Actualmente, el tratamiento de las lesiones tiende a combinar la medicina tradicional china con las ventajas de la medicina occidental. Conclusión Se recomienda a los atletas una concentración constante durante la práctica del deporte. Los entrenadores deben verificar la seguridad de los deportistas, tomando precauciones para reducir al máximo las lesiones, y mejorar el nivel competitivo del deportista, prolongando su actividad profesional. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução As lesões esportivas do futebol dificilmente são evitadas devido as características de batalhas como o intenso conflito e a competitividade de alto nível relacionadas ao futebol. Objetivo Investigar as lesões esportivas mais acometidas nos jogadores profissionais de futebol. Métodos Efetuou-se uma pesquisa por questionário com 365 retornos válidos, incluindo 198 homens e 177 mulheres profissionais do esporte. Os dados foram coletados e distribuídos através do software Excel. Resultados Entre as lesões esportivas de atletas profissionais de futebol, as lesões de menor grau são mais frequentes, sendo os membros inferiores os mais afetados. A causa subjetiva dessas lesões é principalmente o excesso de trabalho. Entre as causas objetivas, muitas lesões causadas pelas características esportivas do futebol são inevitáveis, possuindo uma forte conexão com os fatores intrínsecos do esporte. Atualmente, o tratamento das lesões tende a combinar a medicina tradicional chinesa com as vantagens da medicina ocidental. Conclusão Recomenda-se aos atletas um foco constante durante a prática o esporte. Os treinadores devem verificar a segurança dos atletas, tomando precauções para reduzir ao máximo as lesões e melhorar o nível competitivo do atleta, prolongando sua atividade profissional. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) confers cardioprotection against ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury. However, the precise mechanisms involved in RIPC-induced cardioprotection are not fully explored. The present study was aimed to identify the role of melatonin in RIPC-induced late cardioprotective effects in rats and to explore the role of H2S, TNF-α and mitoKATP in melatonin-mediated effects in RIPC. Methods: Wistar rats were subjected to RIPC in which hind limb was subjected to four alternate cycles of ischemia and reperfusion of 5 min duration by using a neonatal blood pressure cuff. After 24 h of RIPC or ramelteon-induced pharmacological preconditioning, hearts were isolated and subjected to IR injury on the Langendorff apparatus. Results: RIPC and ramelteon preconditioning protected the hearts from IR injury and it was assessed by a decrease in LDH-1, cTnT and increase in left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP). RIPC increased the melatonin levels (in plasma), H2S (in heart) and decreased TNF-α levels. The effects of RIPC were abolished in the presence of melatonin receptor blocker (luzindole), ganglionic blocker (hexamethonium) and mitochondrial KATP blocker (5-hydroxydecanoic acid). Conclusions: RIPC produce delayed cardioprotection against IR injury through the activation of neuronal pathway, which may increase the plasma melatonin levels to activate the cardioprotective signaling pathway involving the opening of mitochondrial KATP channels, decrease in TNF-α production and increase in H2S levels. Ramelteon-induced pharmacological preconditioning may also activate the cardioprotective signaling pathway involving the opening of mitochondrial KATP channels, decrease in TNF-α production and increase in H2S levels.

ABSTRACT Due to its high nutritional value, broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck) is one of the most popular vegetables worldwide. This study assessed 36 phenotypic characteristics of 111 broccoli varieties to understand the phenotypic diversity of new broccoli varieties and improve their breeding speed with advantages and characteristics in China, including 108 new varieties and three varieties of common knowledge. The genetic diversity, the principal component, and the cluster of phenotypic characteristics of broccoli varieties were further investigated. The results showed that the coefficients of variation of 36 characteristics ranged between 11.18 % and 94.99 %, with their diversity index between 0.26 and 1.82. The 111 broccoli varieties were further classified into eight groups, primarily attributed to the differences in phenotypic characteristics, including curd weight, main stem thickness, plant development degree, plant height, and anthocyanin coloration. The cumulative contribution rate of the first five principal components reached 81.186 %, corresponding to 12 representative phenotypic traits. The analysis indicated that the phenotypic characteristics of broccoli were rich in diversity, especially for several characteristics appreciated by the market, such as weight, curd firmness, and anthocyanin coloration. This study revealed the basic information on the genetic diversity of new broccoli varieties in China from 2017 to 2019 and provided potential breeding strategies for broccoli to meet diverse market demands.

Abstract Objective Since coronary artery lesions (CALs) are the most severe complication of Kawasaki disease (KD), clinically speaking, early prediction of CALs is crucial. The authors aimed to investigate the predictive value of C-reactive protein (CRP) in predicting CALs in KD patients. Methods KD patients were divided into the CALs group and the non-CALs group. The clinical and laboratory parameters were collected and compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent risk factors of CALs. The receiver operating characteristic curve was applied to determine the optimal cut-off value. Results 851 KD patients who met the inclusion criteria were studied, including 206 in the CALs group and 645 in the non-CALs group. Children in the CALs group had significantly higher CRP levels than the non-CALs group (p< 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that incomplete KD, male, lower hemoglobin, and higher CRP were independent risk factors for predicting CAL (all p< 0.05). The optimal cut-off value of initial serum CRP for predicting CALs was 105.5 mg/L, with a sensitivity of 47.57% and a specificity of 69.61%. In addition, KD patients with high CRP (≥105.5 mg/L) had a higher occurrence of CALs than those with low CRP (<105.5 mg/L) (33% vs 19%, p< 0.001). Conclusion The incidence of CALs was significantly higher in patients with high CRP. CRP is an independent risk factor for CALs formation and may be useful for predicting CALs in KD patients.

Nickel-based alloys containing high amount of Cr are desirable materials for the production of critical components that operate under high temperature and severe corrosion conditions. The description of flow behaviors for these alloys is key to designing the hot formation process for achieving the excellent mechanical properties of components. This work aims to study the flow behaviors of Ni-38Cr-3.8Al alloy during thermal deformation. A series of isothermal compression experiments were carried out at temperatures of 1148 K, 1223 K, 1298 K, 1373 K, 1448 K and 1523 K, and strain rates of 0.01 s-1, 0.1 s-1, 1 s-1 and 10 s-1. Results show that the obtained true stress-strain curves exhibit the softening characteristics of dynamic recrystallization (DRX) and dynamic recovery (DRV). The flow stress decreases with temperature increasing and strain rate decreasing. To further quantitatively describe the flow behaviors, an improved segmented Arrhenius constitutive equation was developed according to the softening characteristics under different temperatures. In these equations, the variable coefficients, including activation energy Q and material constants (structure factor A, stress exponent n, stress parameters α), were fitted as the polynomial functions of true strain. Furthermore, a typical Arrhenius constitutive equation was also solved. The comparisons between experimental stress and predicted results obtained from the typical and improved constitutive equations were conducted, and the correlation coefficient (R) and average absolute relative error (AARE) were calculated as 0.932, 15.83%, and 0.9963, 5.61%, respectively. It suggests that the improved constitutive equation can adeptly describe the flow behaviors of Ni-38Cr-3.8Al alloy.