ABSTRACT Blue eggshells have become economically valuable due to their higher popularity among consumers when compared with eggs of other colors, particularly in East Asia. However, eggshell colors vary widely and gradually become lighter with the increase of age. Therefore, to determine the association between DNA methylation and gene expression on the molecular mechanism of eggshell color variation in Xuefeng Black-bone chickens, we collected the shell glands from chickens that produced dark blue eggshells and light blue eggshells, respectively, and performed whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) on them. The results showed that in the context of CG, DNA methylation levels were the highest compared to CHG and CHH contexts, and were negatively correlated with gene expression levels in three different gene regions in all samples, while there was no significant correlation in the contexts of CHG and CHH. Furthermore, when disregarding the location of coding genes, a total of 55 genes will show differences not only in expression levels but also in DNA methylation levels, and among the majority of differential expression genes (n=50), the DNA methylation levels in the gene body region were the highest. GO analysis and KEGG pathway analysis were performed in these genes and the results showed that the genes NR1H4 and HEPHL1, ABCA4 and ABCA12, and the pathways, cell adhesion molecular, ABC transporters, ECM-receptor interaction, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, may affect the color variation of the blue eggshell of Xuefeng Black-bone chickens.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adding Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) to the basal diets of chickens at late laying period on clutch trait, reproductive organs, serum reproductive hormones and reproduction-related genes expression. A total of 350 hens (37 weeks old) with similar laying rate and clutch trait were randomly allocated into five groups, and fed 0 (Control, CON), 2.5 (MOLP2.5), 5, 7.5 and 10% MOLP supplemented diets for 6 weeks. The hens supplemented with 2.5% MLOP had the average clutch length, clutches and clutch intensity close to those in CON. The numbers and weight of hierarchal follicle were significantly increased at the supplementation 2.5% MOLP group. The estrogen concentration was highest in MOLP2.5 group and lowest in MOLP10 group. Expression levels of steroidogenesis-related genes of StAR and Cyp19a1 were higher in MOLP2.5, MOLP5 and MOLP7.5 groups compared with that in the control. These findings suggested that dietary supplementation with 2.5% MOLP effectively increased hierarchal follicle numbers, estrogen level and gene expression of StAR and Cyp19a1, which has a potential beneficial effect on laying performance in laying chicken.

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to investigate effects of vitamin A (VA) and vitamin K3 (VK3) on immune function and intestinal antioxidant capacity of aged laying hens. In a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement, the diets of 1080 Roman Pink laying hens (87 weeks old) was formulated with deficient, adequate and excess VA and VK3, including 0, 7000 and 14000 IU/kg VA and 0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg/kg VK3 for 8 weeks. Interactive effects between VA and VK3 were observed that VA and VK3 decreased the splenetic mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), but increased the plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) content and jejunal mRNA expression of nuclear factor-like 2 (Nrf2). Hens fed adequate or excess VA had higher spleen index, mRNA expression of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in spleen, sIgA content, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase and total dismutase (T-SOD) activity, and mRNA expression of polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) in jejunum and lower mRNA expression of IL-1β in jejunum and iNOS, TNF-α in spleen. Furthermore, adequate or excess VK3 significantly increased plasma IgG content, the CAT, T-SOD and total antioxidant capacity activities, up-regulated the mRNA expression of pIgR, Nrf2, SOD1 and CAT in jejunum and down-regulated the mRNA expression of iNOS and TNF-α in spleen. In conclusion, dietary addition of adequate VA (7000 IU/kg) and VK3 (2.0 mg/kg) improved the immune function and intestine antioxidant capacity of aged laying hens and excess levels did not exhibit superior effects.

ABSTRACT We assessed the effect of health sand dietary supplementation with methionine (Met) on White King pigeons. Paired pigeons (n = 180) were fed one of five diets; group T1 received no added Met, while T2, T3, T4 and T5 received 30, 60, 90 and 120 g of supplemental DL-Met/kg, respectively. Each treatment was replicated three times with 24 pairs in each replicate. The results showed that supplementary Met had a minor effect on the length of the fourth primary wing feather in 28-day-old squabs (p>0.05), but the length of 14-day-old squabs in T2 was significantly longer (p=0.010). Dietary Met had a minor effect on Wnt-7a and fibroblast growth factor receptors-2 (FGFR-2) mRNA levels in 28-day-old squabs (p>0.05). The IGF-1 concentration in plasma was highest in T4 and lowest in T2 (p=0.012), but there was no difference between T1, T2 and T5 (p>0.05). In the chest muscle, the expression of IGF-1 in T3 and T4 was higher than in T1 (p=0.172 and 0.015, respectively). In the leg muscle, IGF-1 mRNA level was higher in T4 and T3, and lower in T2 (p>0.05). The results indicate that the optimal Met supplement for increasing fourth primary wing feather length was 30 g/kg Met in health sand, and the feathers were the longest in 14-day-old squabs. Adding 90 g/kg Met to health sand can improve the concentration of IGF-1, which is important for growth performance of pigeon squabs.

Abstract Our efforts are oriented to assess bovine Y-chromosome gene expression patterns. One set of genes that are of interest are the so-called X-degenerate Y-chromosome genes that are located in the male-specific region of the Y-chromosome (MSY). This region contains 95% of the DNA of the Y chromosome. These genes are single copy and have an X-chromosome homolog. Both, the Y-encoded and X-encoded homologs have ubiquitous expression profiles. However, some genes, like SRY that regulates male sex determination, have functions that are more specific. Identifying DNA sequence differences between these homologs will allow evaluation of their spatial and temporal expression patterns. Identification of the Y-encoded mRNAs and their isoforms will allow our understanding of tissue specific expression of isoforms in male tissues. The latter will facilitate our evaluation of gene function in male sex differentiation and fertility. Hence, we hypothesized that each of these X-degenerate gene homologs generate isoforms and that differential expression patterns exist between sexes and across tissues. To investigate the latter we used a new generation sequencing (NGS) technology that generates long sequencing reads with a range between 1000 to 10,000 base pairs in length. Single molecule real time (SMRT) isoform sequencing (IsoSeq) of several tissues (liver, lung, adipose, muscle, hypothalamus and testis) was carried out. Transcript sequences were used for bioinformatics analysis and isoform characterization. Given the focus of this manuscript the SMRT technology we are only presenting results obtained with the analysis of the bUTY and bUTX genes.

Resumen Nuestros esfuerzos están orientados a evaluar patrones de expresión génica del cromosoma Y bovino. Los genes de interés son los denominados genes X-degenerados que se encuentran en la región específica masculina del cromosoma Y (MSY). Esta región contiene el 95% del ADN del cromosoma Y. Estos genes son de copia única y tienen un homólogo en el cromosoma X. Ambos homólogos tienen perfiles amplios de expresión. Sin embargo, algunos genes, como el SRY que regula la determinación del sexo masculino, tienen funciones más específicas. La identificación de las diferencias de secuencia de ADN entre estos homólogos permitirá evaluar sus patrones de expresión espacial y temporal. La identificación de los ARNm codificados en el cromosoma Y y de sus isoformas permitirán analizar la expresión específica de sus isoformas en tejidos masculinos. Esto último facilitará nuestra evaluación de función génica en la diferenciación sexual masculina y la fertilidad. Por lo tanto, planteamos la hipótesis de que cada uno de estos genes homólogos degenerados del X genera isoformas y que existen patrones de expresión diferencial entre sexos y tejidos. Para investigar esto último, utilizamos una tecnología de secuenciación de nueva generación (NGS) que genera lecturas de secuenciación largas con un rango de longitud de 1000 a 10,000 pares de bases. Se secuenciaron los transcriptomas en varios tejidos (hígado, pulmón, adiposo, muscular, hipotálamo y testículo). Se utilizaron las secuencias generadas para el análisis bioinformático y la caracterización de isoformas. Siendo el foco de este manuscrito la tecnología SMRT, solo presentamos los resultados obtenidos con el análisis de los genes bUTY y bUTX.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) has been identified as the major cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in most developed countries. MicroRNA-770-5p depletion could repress high glucose (HG)-triggered apoptosis in podocytes, and downregulation of E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) could facilitate podocyte injury. Nevertheless, whether E2F3 is involved in miR-770-5p knockdown-mediated improvement of DN is still unclear. The expression levels of miR-770-5p and E2F3 were detected in HG-treated podocytes by RT-qPCR. The expression levels of E2F3, apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2 related X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bad, apoptotic peptidase activating factor 1 (APAF1), C-caspase3, C-caspase7, and C-caspase9 were detected by western blot assay. The effects of miR-770-5p and E2F3 on HG-treated podocytes proliferation and apoptosis were detected by CCK-8 and flow cytometry assays. The interaction between miR-770-5p and E2F3 was predicted by Targetscan, and then verified by the dual-luciferase reporter assay. MiR-770-5p was upregulated and E2F3 was downregulated in HG-treated podocytes. MiR-770-5p inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis and E2F3 promoted proliferation and suppressed apoptosis in HG-treated podocytes. E2F3 is a target gene of miR-770-5p and it partially abolished the effect of miR-770-5p in HG-triggered proliferation and apoptosis of podocytes. MiR-770-5p deficiency blocked HG-induced APAF1/caspase9 pathway via targeting E2F3 in podocytes. We firstly confirmed that E2F3 was a target of miR-770-5p in podocytes. These findings suggested that miR-770-5p expedited podocyte injury by targeting E2F3, and the miR-770-5p/E2F3 axis might represent a pathological mechanism of DN progression.

ABSTRACT This study has the objective of investigating the effects of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions (TCM) on serum lipid, abdominal and hepatic fat percentage, cholesterol content in eggs, and mRNA expression of genes apoA I and apoB100. One hundred and thirty five healthy (300-day-old) layers were randomly assigned to three treatments. The hens in control group were fed with the basal diet. The hens in the experimental groups (TCM 1 and TCM 2) were fed with the basal diet supplemented with 1% TCM 1 and 1% TCM 2 respectively over a period of 60 days. Laying performance and the serum parameters relevant to fat metabolism were measured. The results showed that no significant differences were found in average daily feed intake and egg weight among three treatments. Average daily laying rate in TCM treatments was increased, and the cholesterol content in eggs was decreased. The serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in experimental treatments were decreased (p<0.05), while the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level was increased (p<0.05) compared to the control group. Additionally, abdominal fat percentage decreased in TCM 1 treatment (p<0.05), and hepatic fat percentage decreased in both TCM treatments (p<0.05). The expression of apolipoproteinA I (apoA I) and apolipoproteinB100 (apoB100) mRNA in the liver increased in both TCM treatments (p<0.05). These results suggest that the diet supplemented with TCM could increase the expression of apoA I and apoB100 mRNA in the liver, and decrease lipid content in the serum, and reduce egg cholesterol in layers.

Resumo Fundamentos: Embora uma proporção de pacientes com SCX tenha dilatação mediada por fluxo da artéria braquial (DMF) prejudicada em resposta à hiperemia, sugerindo que a disfunção endotelial nestes pacientes pode ser sistémica e não limitar-se à circulação coronariana, os mecanismos subjacentes que desencadeiam a disfunção endotelial nestes pacientes ainda não são completamente compreendidos. Objetivos: Avaliar a associação do índice de resistência microcirculatória (IMR) com a disfunção endotelial e a inflamação em pacientes com SCX. Métodos: Estudaram-se 20 pacientes com SCX e 20 sujeitos de controle emparelhados em idade e género. A reserva de fluxo coronariano derivada da termodiluição (RFC) e a IMR forma medidas usando um fio guia com ponta de sensor de temperatura e pressão. A DMF da artéria braquial foi medida utilizando imagens ultrassónicas bidimensionais de alta resolução obtidas com um aparelho de ultrassom Doppler (HDI-ATL 5000, EE.UU.) com transdutor linear de 5 MHz a 12 MHz. Resultados: Em comparação com os sujeitos de controle, a RFC foi significativamente menor (2,42 ± 0,78 vs 3,59 ± 0,79, p < 0,001); o IMR foi maior (32,2 ± 8,0 frente a 19,5 ± 5,5, p < 0,001); a concentração de PCR-as e DMF foi maior (4,75 ± 1,62 frente a 2,75 ± 1,50, 5,24 ± 2,41 diante de 8,57 ± 2,46, p < 0,001) em pacientes com SCX. A escore de Duke (ED) se correlacionou positivamente com RFC e DMF (0,489 e 0,661, p < 0,001), foi negativa para IMR e PCR-as (-0,761 e -0,087, p < 0,001) em pacientes com SCX. Conclusões: O principal achado neste estudo é que o ED medido em pacientes com SCX esteve associado a PCR-as e DMF. Por outra parte, os efeitos independentes da tolerância ao exercício podem piorar significativamente a DMF e a PCR-as em pacientes com SCX especialmente, é particularmente importante que a DMF se associou negativamente com a RIM.

Abstract Background: Although a proportion of CSX patients have impaired brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) in response to hyperemia, suggesting that endothelial dysfunction in these patients may be systemic and not just confined to the coronary circulation; the underlying mechanisms triggering endothelial dysfunction in these patients are still incompletely understood. Objectives: To assess the association of the index of Microcirculatory Resistance (IMR) with endothelial dysfunction and inflammation in patients with CSX. Methods: We studied 20 CSX patients and 20 age and gender-matched control subjects. Thermodilution-derived coronary flow reserve (CFR) and IMR were measured using a pressure-temperature sensor-tipped guidewire. Brachial artery FMD was measured using high-resolution, two-dimensional ultrasound images obtained with a Doppler ultrasound device (HDI-ATL 5000, USA) with a 5 MHz to 12 MHz linear-array transducer. Results: Compared with in control subjects, CFR was significantly lower (2.42 ± 0.78 vs. 3.59 ± 0.79, p < 0.001); IMR was higher (32.2 ± 8.0 vs. 19.5 ± 5.5, p < 0.001); the concentration of hs-CRP and FMD was higher (4.75 ± 1.62 vs. 2.75 ± 1.50; 5.24 ± 2.41 vs. 8.57 ± 2.46, p < 0.001) in CSX patients. The Duke treadmill score (DTS) was correlated positively to CFR and FMD (0.489 and 0.661, p < 0.001), it was negative to IMR and hsCRP (-0.761 and -0.087, p < 0.001) in CSX patients. Conclusions: The main finding in this study is that the DTS measured in patients with CSX was associated to hsCRP and FMD. Moreover, the independent effects of exercise tolerance can significantly impair FMD and hsCRP in CSX patients; especially it is particularly important to whom where FMD was associated negatively with IMR.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o papel do receptor de hidrocarboneto arílico (AhR) nos linfócitos T CCR6+ CD4+ e CD4+ CD25+ no sangue periférico de pacientes com artrite reumatoide (AR). Métodos: Foi aplicada citometria de fluxo para determinar a proporção de células AhR positivas em linfócitos CCR6+ CD4+ e CD4+ CD25+ do sangue periférico e células mononucleares periféricas de cada indivíduo. Os níveis de expressão relativa de ácido ribonucleico mensageiro (do inglês ribonucleic acid, RNAm,) de AhR e RNAm de enzima de primeiro estágio essencial para o AhR (CYP1A1) foram testados por reação em cadeia de polimerase (do inglês polymerase chain reaction, PCR,) em tempo real. Resultados: A percentagem de células AhR positivas nas células mononucleares do sangue periférico foi maior no grupo com AR do que nos indivíduos saudáveis [(35,23 ± 10,71)% vs. (18,83 ± 7,32)%, (p < 0,01)]. Os níveis de expressão de AhR e CYP1A1 estavam aumentados em pacientes com AR quando comparados com os controles [(3,71 ± 1,63) vs. (2,00 ± 1,27), p = 0,002; (2,62 ± 2,08) vs. (0,62 ± 0,29), p < 0,01, respectivamente]. Em pacientes com AR, a percentagem de células AhR positivas nos linfócitos T CD4+ CD25+ foi significativamente inferior à dos controles [17,90 (6,10 ± 80,10)]% vs. (52,49 ± 19,18)%, p < 0,01]; em controles saudáveis, a percentagem de células AhR positivas nos linfócitos T CD4+ CD25+ foi significativamente mais elevada do que nos linfócitos T CCR6+ CD4+ e também foi significativamente maior do que nas células mononucleares do sangue periférico (do inglês peripheral blood mononuclear cells, PBMC,) [(52,49 ± 19,18)% vs. (23,18 ± 5,62)% vs. (18,06 ± 7,80)%, X 2 = 24,03, p < 0,01]; em pacientes com AR, a percentagem de células AHR positivas nos linfócitos T CCR6+ CD4+ era significativamente maior em comparação com os linfócitos T CD4+ CD25+ e PBMC (46,02 ± 14,68)% vs. [17,90 (6,10 ± 80.10)]% vs. (34,22 ± 10,33)%, X2 = 38,29, p < 0,01]; no entanto, não foi encontrada correlação estatisticamente significativa entre os dados clínicos e células AhR positivas em linfócitos T CCR6+ CD4+ e CD4+ CD25+. Conclusão: O Ahr pode participar do progresso patológico da AR ao controlar a diferenciação de linfócitos Th17 e Treg no sangue periférico.

ABSTRACT Objective: The goal of this study was to analyze the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in peripheral blood CCR6+CD4+ and CD4+CD25+T cells of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Flow cytometry was applied to determine the proportion of AhR positive cells in CCR6+CD4+T, CD4+CD25+T and peripheral blood peripheral mononuclear cells from each subject. AhR mRNA and CYP1A1 mRNA relative expression levels were tested by real-time PCR. Results: The percentage of AhR positive cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was higher in RA group than that in healthy cases [(35.23 ± 10.71)% vs. (18.83 ± 7.32)%, p < 0.01]. The expression levels of AhR and CYP1A1 were both increased in patients with RA while compared to controls [(3.71 ± 1.63) vs. (2.00 ± 1.27), p = 0.002; (2.62 ± 2.08) vs. (0.62 ± 0.29), p < 0.01, respectively]. In RA patients, the percentage of AhR positive cells in CD4+CD25+T cells was significantly lower than that from controls [17.90 (6.10 ± 80.10)% vs. (52.49 ± 19.18)%, p < 0.01]; In healthy controls, the percentage of AhR positive cells in CD4+CD25+T cells was significantly higher than that in CCR6+CD4+T cells, and was also significantly higher than that in PBMCs [(52.49 ± 19.18)% vs. (23.18 ± 5.62)% vs. (18.06 ± 7.80)%, X 2 = 24.03, p < 0.01]; in RA patients, the percentage of AhR positive cells in CCR6+CD4+T cells was significantly increased than that in CD4+CD25+T cells and PBMCs [(46.02 ± 14.68)% vs. 17.90 (6.10 ± 80.10)% vs. (34.22 ± 10.33)%, X 2 = 38.29, p < 0.01]; Nevertheless, no statistically significant relationship was found between clinical data and AhR positive cells in CCR6+CD4+T and CD4+CD25+T cells. Conclusion: AhR may participate in the pathological progress of RA by controlling the differentiation of Th17 and Treg cells in peripheral blood.

ABSTRACT Barn and cage-fed chickens have presented several problems, such as high rates of infectious disease and consequent antibiotic abuse, poorer chicken health and welfare, and often poorer meat and egg quality compared with free-range chickens. The poultry agroforestry system is becoming increasingly popular in many poultry farms nowadays. In this study, to evaluate the contribution of poultry agroforestry system to enhance some meat and egg traits of Beijing-you chickens, some indexes of meat and egg qualities, some indexes of slaughter traits, and the feed conversion efficiency were investigated in rotational grazing Beijing-you chickens on chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) pasture (CGRG group) and only free-ranging chickens on bare land without forage (control group) in chestnut forest. Results showed that the live body weight, the dressing weight, the thigh muscle weight, and the breast muscle weight were increased (p<0.05) based on the decrease of 15% feed concentration in the CGRG group relative to the control. Furthermore, compared with the control, the crude ash, the essential amino acid content, and the inosinic acid content were increased (p<0.05), and the crude fat contents were decreased (p<0.05) in the thigh and breast muscles, while the yolk cholesterol and the feed conversion ratio were significantly decreased (p<0.05) in the CGRG group. This study would provide a scientific basis and technological support for the large-scale demonstration and application of rotational grazing chickens on the artificial pasture in forest.

PttKN1 gene (Populus tremula × P. tremuloides KNOT-TED1) was isolated from the vascular cambium of a hybrid aspen. Previous studies on transformed plants with the PttKN1 gene suggested that it plays roles in plant development (typically in meristem initiation), maintenance and organogenesis in simple-leaved species. To investigate the gene functions further, sequence analysis of the deduced amino acid was conducted. The results suggested that the gene belongs to the class I KNOX gene (KNOTTED1-like homeobox genes) family and might play important roles in plant development by coding a transcription factor. The gene was introduced into Cardamine hirsuta using the floral dip method mediated via Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The primary transformed plants were obtained via kanamycin selection. Compared to the wild type, the kanamycin resistant plants demonstrated several morphological alterations, such as abnormal cotyledons, abnormal shoot meristem, fattened stem, and lobed and cup-shaped leaves. RT-PCR results showed that the above fve types of kanamycin resistant plants expressed the same specific PttKN1 gene band. This suggested that the morphological alterations were caused by the insertion and expression of the gene. However, these phenotypes were similar to other PttKN1 transformed plants, despite the fact that C. hirsuta is a species with compound leaves and the other species have simple leaves. Therefore, the functions of the PttKN1 gene on compound-leaf species have yet to be investigated via the comparison between related species such asArabidopsis thaliana and C. hirsuta.

ABSTRACT Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation of the left ventricular diastolic function and the left ventricular geometry in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) by echocardiography. Methods: The 181 patients diagnosed with OSAS were divided into the normal geometry group (NG), the concentric remodelling group (CR), the eccentric hypertrophy group (EH) and the concentric hypertrophy group (CH). Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed toward the correlation of the left ventricular diastolic function and the left ventricular geometry. Results: The E peak in the EH and CH group was significantly reduced, with significant difference; the E/A, Em, Am and Em/Am was reduced in the order of the CR, EH and CH groups, while E/Em was increased, and the difference was significant. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the Em/Am showed significant negative correlations with the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) [r = -0.419] and relative wall thickness (RWT) [r = -0.289], while the E/Em was significantly positively correlated with the LVMI (r = 0.638) and RWT [r = 0.328] (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that LVMI and RWT had influence on the Em/Am and E/Em (r2 = 0.402, r2 = 0.107, p < 0.001). The left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was the worst in the CH group. Conclusions: There was correlation between the left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and the changes in cardiac geometry.

RESUMEN: Antecedentes: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la correlación de la función diastólica ventricular izquierda y de la geometría ventricular izquierda en pacientes con síndrome de apnea obstructiva del sueño (SAOS) mediante ecocardiografía. Métodos: Los 181 pacientes diagnosticados con SAOS fueron divididos en los grupos siguientes: grupo de geometría normal (GN), grupo de remodelación concéntrica (RC), grupo de hipertrofia excéntrica (HE), y grupo de hipertrofia concéntrica (HC). Se realizaron análisis de correlación de Pearson y análisis de regresión lineal múltiple con respecto a la correlación de la función diastólica ventricular izquierda y de la geometría ventricular izquierda. Resultados: El pico E en el grupo HE y HC se redujo significativamente, con diferencias significativas; el E/A, Em, Am y Em/Am se redujo en el orden de los grupos RC, HE y HC, mientras que E/Em fue aumentado, y la diferencia fue significativa. EL análisis de correlación de Pearson reveló que el Em/Am mostró correlaciones negativas significativas con el índice de masa ventricular izquierda (IMVI) [r = -0.419] y el grosor relativo de la pared (GRP) [r = -0.289], mientras que el E/Em se correlacionó significativamente de forma positiva con el IMVI (r = 0.638) y el GRP [r = 0.328] (p < 0.001). El análisis de regresión lineal múltiple reveló que IMVI y GRP tenían influencia sobre Em/Am y E/Em (r2 = 0.402, r2 = 0.107, p < 0.001). La disfunción diastólica ventricular izquierda en el grupo HC fue la peor. Conclusiones: Hubo una correlación entre la disfunción diastólica ventricular izquierda y los cambios en la geometría cardíaca.

A performance catalítica de catalisadores HZSM-5 com tratamento alcalino foi investigada em um microrreator contínuo de leito fixo. As propriedades dos catalisadores HZSM-5 de origem e modificados foram caracterizadas por difração de raio X (XRD), espectroscopia de emissão atômica com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP-AES), adsorção de N2 e dessorção programada por temperatura de NH3 (NH3-TPD). Os resultados mostraram que o tratamento alcalino é um método adequado para modificar o catalisador HZSM-5 para a desidratação do etanol a etileno. O catalisador HZSM-5 tratado com 0.4 mol L-1 NaOH apresentou alta atividade e boa estabilidade. As performances catalíticas melhoradas dos catalisadores com tratamento alcalino são atribuídas, principalmente, aos mesoporos criados e à diminuição de sítios ácidos fortes durante o tratamento alcalino.

The catalytic performance of alkali-treated HZSM-5 catalysts was investigated in a continuous fixed-bed microreactor. The properties of the parent and modified HZSM-5 catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), N2 adsorption and temperature programmed desorption of NH3 (NH3-TPD). The results show that the alkali treatment is a suitable method to modify the HZSM-5 catalyst for ethanol dehydration to ethylene. The HZSM-5 catalyst with 0.4 mol L-1 NaOH shows high activity and good stability. The improved catalytic performances of alkali-treated catalysts are mainly attributed to the created mesopores and the decreased number of strong acid sites during the alkali treatment.

O efeito de Zn na alquilação da cadeia lateral de tolueno com metanol sobre zeólita KX foi investigado. Descobriu-se que a adição de pouca quantidade de Zn a KX poderia aumentar significativamente a conversão de tolueno. Além disso, os resultados mostraram que a conversão de tolueno pelo catalisador ZnKX (0,8 wt. %) era quase o dobro daquela por KX. Os catalisadores foram caracterizados por difração de raios X (XRD), fisissorção de N2, dessorção programada por temperatura (TPD) de NH3, espectroscopia no infravermelho (IR) da absorção de piridina, CO2-TPD, espectroscopia fotoeletrônica de raios X (XPS) e IR da adsorção dos reagentes. Os resultados de TPD e XPS mostraram que a existência de espécies de Zn pode aumentar a força dos sítios básicos. Os resultados de IR da adsorção dos reagentes sugerem que a introdução de Zn poderia diminuir o tolueno quimissorvido e aumentar as quantidades relativas de formato unidentado. Os resultados indicaram que é possível atingir um excelente balanço entre as propriedades ácido-base do catalisador e a estequiometria de sorção de metanol-tolueno, levando à melhora da atividade catalítica.

The effect of Zn on side-chain alkylation of toluene with methanol over KX zeolite was investigated. It was found that the addition of Zn with a low content over KX could enhance toluene conversion significantly. In addition, the results showed that the conversion of toluene over ZnKX (0.8 wt. %) catalyst was almost twice as high as that over KX. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 physisorption, NH3-temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), pyridine absorption infrared (IR) spectroscopy, CO2-TPD, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and IR adsorption of reactants. The TPD and XPS results showed that the existence of Zn species could increase the strength of basic sites. The IR adsorption of reactants results suggested that the introduction of Zn could decrease the chemisorbed toluene and increase the relative amounts of unidentate formate. The results indicated that an excellent balance between the acid-base properties of the catalyst and the sorption stoichiometry of methanol-toluene could be achieved, leading to the improvement of catalytic activity.

Os efeitos dos métodos de impregnação (co-impregnação e impregnação sequencial) e das condições de secagem (ar e vácuo) sobre estrutura e o comportamento catalítico de catalisadores Ni-W suportados em MCM-41 foram investigados. Os catalisadores foram caracterizados por difratometria de raios X de pó (XRD), espectroscopia de absorção no infravermelho com transformada de Fourier (FT-IR), espectroscopia de absorção no UV-Vis por refletância difusa (DRS), espectroscopia Raman, espectroscopia fotoeletrônica de raios X (XPS) e espectroscopia de absorção no infravermelho após adsorção de piridina (Py-IR). Eles foram testados para hidrodesnitrogenação (HDN) de quinolina nas temperaturas de 300-400 ºC. Os resultados de HDN mostraram que os catalisadores preparados por co-impregnação foram mais ativos do que aqueles preparados por impregnação sequencial, e que os catalisadores preparados por secagem sob vácuo foram mais ativos do que aqueles secados ao ar. A caracterização revelou que o método de co-impregnação e a secagem sob vácuo promoveram a dispersão de W, a formação de fases ativas e a formação de sítios ácidos na superfície dos catalisadores.

The effects of impregnation methods (co-impregnation and sequential impregnation) and drying conditions (air and vacuum) on the structure and catalytic behavior of MCM-41 supported Ni-W catalysts were investigated. The catalysts were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), diffuse reflectance UV-Vis absorbance spectroscopy (DRS), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and pyridine adsorbed infrared spectroscopy (Py-IR) techniques. They were tested for hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) of quinoline at temperatures of 300-400 ºC. The HDN results showed that the catalysts prepared by co-impregnation were more active than the catalysts prepared by sequential impregnation and the catalysts prepared by drying under vacuum were more active than the catalysts dried in air. Characterization revealed that the co-impregnation method and drying under vacuum promoted the dispersion of W, the formation of the active phases, and the formation of acidic sites on the catalysts.