Abstract Chickpea starch was modified by heat-moisture treatment (HMT). The effect of heat-moisture treatment on the amylose content of chickpea starch was studied, and the physicochemical properties, gelatinization properties, texture properties and digestion properties of modified chickpea starch were compared and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). After HMT, the amylose content of chickpea starch increased. Compared with the natural starch, the morphology of starch granule was changed and destroyed under the condition of higher water content (30%). It was found that the crystalline morphology had no obvious change, and the structure was still C-type. In FT-IR spectra, the position of characteristic absorption peak had no obvious change, and the internal structure and main components of chickpea starch had no obvious change. The solubility, swelling power, transparency, freeze-thaw stability and gelation ability of chickpea starch treated with HMT decreased, while the thermal stability increased and the anti-digestibility enhanced.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Shot put is a competitive sport that combines speed, strength, and explosiveness. Training the skill with aerobic exercise has attracted the attention of many coaches and scholars on competitive sports training. Shot put is a fast-powered activity, and its shooting speed is the determining factor for sports performance. It is believed that aerobic exercise can improve the ability of its practitioners. Objective: To analyze the impacts of aerobic exercise on the physical fitness of shot put athletes. Methods: 18 shot put athletes were randomly selected as volunteers for research that consisted of a random division between experimental and control groups. The experimental group received a protocol involving aerobic training, while the control group received regular training before, during, and after the experiment. The maximal strength and explosive power of the two groups of athletes were tested before and after the intervention, and mathematical-statistical methods were used to process the collected data. Results: The maximum strength index of both groups was improved; however, the improvement in the experimental group was statistically relevant(P<0.05). The values of the pressure index, power, and balance of the athletes from the experimental group were statistically altered to those before the experiment (P<0.01). Conclusion: The implementation of aerobic exercise in the routine of shot put athletes can effectively improve the performance in the sport and the special abilities of its practitioners. The training method analyzed was also shown to improve specific performance in the shot put athletes. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Resumen Introducción: El lanzamiento es un deporte de competición que combina velocidad, fuerza y explosividad. El entrenamiento de la capacidad con ejercicios aeróbicos ha atraído la atención de muchos entrenadores y estudiosos del entrenamiento deportivo de competición. El lanzamiento es una actividad de potencia rápida, y su velocidad de tiro es el factor determinante para el rendimiento deportivo. Se cree que el ejercicio aeróbico puede mejorar la capacidad de sus practicantes. Objetivo: Analizar los impactos del ejercicio aeróbico en la condición física de los atletas de lanzamiento. Métodos: Se seleccionaron aleatoriamente 18 practicantes de lanzamiento como voluntarios para una investigación que consistió en la división aleatoria entre los grupos experimental y de control. El grupo experimental recibió un protocolo de entrenamiento aeróbico, mientras que el grupo de control recibió su entrenamiento habitual antes, durante y después del experimento. Se comprobó la fuerza máxima y la potencia explosiva de los dos grupos de atletas antes y después de la intervención, y se utilizaron métodos estadísticos matemáticos para procesar los datos recogidos. Resultados: El índice de fuerza máxima de ambos grupos mejoró, aunque la mejora en el grupo experimental fue estadísticamente relevante (P<0,05). Los valores del índice de presión, la potencia y el equilibrio de los atletas del grupo experimental estaban estadísticamente alterados en relación con los anteriores al experimento (P<0,01). Conclusión: La implementación del ejercicio aeróbico en la rutina de los atletas de lanzamiento puede mejorar efectivamente el rendimiento en el deporte y las habilidades especiales de sus practicantes. El método de entrenamiento analizado también ha demostrado mejorar el rendimiento específico de los atletas de lanzamiento. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução: O arremesso é um esporte de competição que combina velocidade, força e explosividade. O treinamento da capacidade com exercício aeróbico atraiu a atenção de muitos treinadores e estudiosos sobre treinamento esportivo de competição. O arremesso é uma atividade de potência rápida, e sua velocidade de tiro é o fator determinante para o desempenho esportivo. Acredita-se que o exercício aeróbico possa melhorar a habilidade de seus praticantes. Objetivo: Analisar os impactos do exercício aeróbico na aptidão física dos atletas de arremesso. Métodos: 18 praticantes de arremesso foram selecionados aleatoriamente como voluntários para uma pesquisa que consistiu na divisão aleatória entre grupos experimental e de controle. O grupo experimental recebeu um protocolo envolvendo o treinamento aeróbico, enquanto o grupo de controle recebeu seu treinamento regular antes, durante e depois do experimento. A força máxima e o poder explosivo dos dois grupos de atletas foram testados antes e após a intervenção, foram usados métodos estatísticos matemáticos para processar os dados coletados. Resultados: O índice de força máxima dos dois grupos foi aprimorado, porém a melhoria no grupo experimental foi estatisticamente relevante(P<0,05). Os valores do índice de pressão, potência e balanço dos atletas do grupo experimental foram estatisticamente alterados em relação aqueles anteriores ao experimento (P<0,01). Conclusão: A implementação do exercício aeróbico na rotina dos atletas de arremesso pode efetivamente melhorar o desempenho no esporte e as habilidades especiais dos seus praticantes. O método de treinamento analisado também demonstrou melhorar o desempenho específico nos esportistas de arremesso. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

SUMMARY: The myodural bridge (MDB) is confirmed that connecting the most of suboccipital muscles to the cervical dura mater through the posterior intervertebral spaces and widely exists in mammals and birds. In order to reveal whether the MDB is universally existing in amniota of vertebrates, we explored the existence and the morphological features of the MDB in the Trachemys scripta elegans. Twenty fresh red-eared slider specimens were observed by the gross anatomy dissection and histological analysis. In the results, three kind of muscles in the postoccipital region of the red-eared slider were found. The rectus capitis dorsum minor muscle originated from the posterior margin of the occiput (C0) and terminated at the spinous process of the atlas (C1). The transversospinales muscle was attached to the vertebral arch and the postzygapophysis of the atlas and extended to the spinous process of the axis (C2). The C2-C3 intertransversales muscle were extended from the postzygapophysis of C2 and the one of C3. The three muscles covered the dorsal interspaces among C0-C3, and meantime they were closely connected with dense connective tissues, which filled in these interspaces. Each of these thick dense connective tissue membranes sent off several short and strong fibrous bundles ventrally to merge with the cervical spinal dura mater. Furthermore the connective tissues connecting these muscles with cervical spinal dura mater directly were revealed under the microscopy and they consisted of parallel and intensive collagen fibers with orientation from dorsal to ventral. In conclusion, this study for the first time demonstrated the existence of the MDB in the testudines, in all of the dorsal atlantooccipital, atlantoaxial and C2-C3 intervertebral spaces. Based on our results and comparative anatomical evidences in recent year, it could be inferred that the MDB might be its highly conserved structure in the evolution of amniota.

RESUMEN: Se confirma que el puente miodural (PMD) conecta la mayoría de los músculos suboccipitales con la duramadre cervical a través de los espacios intervertebrales posteriores y existe ampliamente en mamíferos y aves. Para revelar si el MDB existe universalmente en la amniota de vertebrados, exploramos la existencia y las características morfológicas del PMD en Trachemys scripta elegans. Veinte muestras se observaron mediante disección anatómica y análisis histológico. En los resultados, se encontraron tres tipos de músculos en la región occipital. El músculo recto capitis dorsum minor se originó en el margen posterior del occipital (C0) y terminó en el proceso espinoso del atlas (C1). El músculo transverso espinal se unió al arco vertebral y el proceso del atlas y se extendió al proceso espinoso del axis (C2). El músculo intertransversario C2-C3 se extendió entre los procesos transversos de C2 y el de C3. Los tres músculos cubrían los espacios intermedios dorsales entre C0-C3 y, mientras tanto, estaban estrechamente conectados con tejidos conectivos densos, que rellenaban estos espacios. Cada una de estas membranas densas de tejido conectivo envían varios haces fibrosos cortos y fuertes ventralmente para fusionarse con la duramadre espinal cervical. Además, los tejidos conectivos que conectan estos músculos con la duramadre cervical y espinal se revelaron directamente bajo microscopía y consistían en intensas fibras de colágeno, paralelas, con orientación desde dorsal a ventral. En conclusión, este estudio demostró por primera vez la existencia del PMD en los estudios de prueba, en todos los espacios dorsales atlantooccipital, atlantoaxial e intervertebral C2-C3. Sobre la base de nuestros resultados y las evidencias anatómicas comparativas de los últimos años, se podría inferir que el PMD podría ser una estructura altamente conservada en la evolución de la amniota.

Abstract The pyrolysis kinetics of hulless barley straw at different heating rates of 5，10, 15, 20 and 30 ºC/min were investigated via thermogravimetry, and the activation energy distribution E and pre-exponential factor k0 were calculated using the Distributed Activation Energy Model (DAEM) from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) curves, and characterizations of pyrolysis product of biochar were analyzed by techniques of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The pyrolysis process consisted mainly of the dehydration stage (50-150 ºC), the active pyrolysis stage (200-400 ºC) and the passive pyrolysis stage (400-800 ºC). The E ranged from 73.45 to 214.11 kJ/mol within the conversion rate range of 0.10-0.55, and changed from 214.11 to 141.55 kJ/mol within the conversion rate range of 0.55-0.90, and the average value of E was 172.23 kJ/mol. The values of k0 changed greatly with E values at different mass conversion. The wide E and k0 distributions obtained from the kinetic analysis are attributed to the complex chemical reactions of pyrolysis. The structure of biochar was degraded or ruptured due to the increase in temperature. The XRD analysis confirmed that the biochar was amorphous, dominated by disordered graphitic crystallites.

Abstract The aerobic degradation of aromatic compounds by bacteria is performed by dioxygenases. To show some characteristic patterns of the dioxygenase genotype and its degradation specificities, twenty-nine gram-negative bacterial cultures were obtained from sediment contaminated with phenolic compounds in Wuhan, China. The isolates were phylogenetically diverse and belonged to 10 genera. All 29 gram-negative bacteria were able to utilize phenol, m-dihydroxybenzene and 2-hydroxybenzoic acid as the sole carbon sources, and members of the three primary genera Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter and Alcaligenes were able to grow in the presence of multiple monoaromatic compounds. PCR and DNA sequence analysis were used to detect dioxygenase genes coding for catechol 1,2-dioxygenase, catechol 2,3-dioxygenase and protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase. The results showed that there are 4 genotypes; most strains are either PNP (catechol 1,2-dioxygenase gene is positive, catechol 2,3-dioxygenase gene is negative, protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase gene is positive) or PNN (catechol 1,2-dioxygenase gene is positive, catechol 2,3-dioxygenase gene is negative, protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase gene is negative). The strains with two dioxygenase genes can usually grow on many more aromatic compounds than strains with one dioxygenase gene. Degradation experiments using a mixed culture representing four bacterial genotypes resulted in the rapid degradation of phenol. Determinations of substrate utilization and phenol degradation revealed their affiliations through dioxygenase genotype data.

Japanese brome (Bromus japonicus Houtt.) is a winter annual weed commonly found in the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) fields of China. It is prevalent in northern China and produces obvious wheat yield losses. Information on the interference of Japanese brome on wheat density and its economic threshold (ET) is unknown; this information is useful to manage Japanese brome. Two-year field experiments were designed to determine the ET of Japanese brome in wheat. The dry weight of Japanese brome with a density of 320 plants m-2 was similar to the ’natural weeds including Japanese brome’ treatments and higher than other Japanese brome densities, except for the 640 plants m-2 density which had the highest weed dry weight and yield loss. In the absence of Japanese brome, natural weed infestation was less competitive. The ET of Japanese brome in wheat was between 4 and 5 plants m-2 with 80% efficiency for the herbicide flucarbazone. It predicted that 4 plants m-2 of Japanese brome can cause 2.11% to 2.24% yield losses. This information can contribute to decision making for Japanese brome management. Given several production factors, this ET is more precise and reliable than the ET determined with only yield losses and can be used to develop better control strategies.

New butyrolactones aspernolides C and D, along with two known butyrolactones (A and B) were isolated from the culture of the endophytic fungus Aspergillus versicolor. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic ressonance techniques, and electronic circular dichroism. The butyrolactones aspernolides C and D were tested for their anti-tobacco mosaic virus activity. The results showed that butyrolactones aspernolides C and D exhibited moderate anti-tobacco mosaic virus activity with IC50 values of 64.2 and 88.6 μM, respectively.

Nano CuO and alkane surfactant modified phenol Formaldehyde (PF) resins were applied to manufacture plywood, and physical and mechanical properties, such as shear strength, tensile property, modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), as well as termite resistance were evaluated. The result showed that the combination of nano CuO and alkane surfactantplayed different effect on tensile strength, and especially on shear strength as evaluated at different test conditions. But it was confirmed to improve the water resistance of treated plywood specimens. The introduction of nano CuO and surfactant did not influence the flexural properties significantly by statistically. The result of termite tests indicated that the weight loss decreases gradually from 31,12% to less than 10,37%, and the mortality increases from 32,61% to higher than 86,35%. And the AWPA rating also rises from 4 (very severe attack) to 7 (moderate attack).

Objective:To investigate the relationship between the polymorphism of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1 and the susceptibility and repellency of drug use combined with HIV infection in Chinese.Methods:A total of 213 unrelated healthy people, 41 HIV-infected drug users, 24 HIV-uninfected drug users, and 64 HIV-infected non-drug users were recruited. Their HLA-DRB1 allele frequencies were analyzed by PCR-SSP and allele distribution was analyzed.Results:Compared with healthy controls, in drug users, the frequencies of HLA-DRB1 *0401-041, *1001 were significantly higher; in HIV-infected patients, the frequencies of HLA-DRB1 *0101-0103, *0401-0411, *1001 were significantly higher, while the frequencies of DRB1 *1501-1502, *1101-1105, *1301-1302, DRB4, DRB5 were significantly lower; in HIV-infected drug users, the frequencies of HLA-DRB1 *0101-0103, *0401-0411, *0801-0806, *1001, *1401/1404/1405 were significantly higher, while the frequencies of DRB1 *1301/1302, 1501-1502, DRB5 were significantly lower.Conclusion:There is close relationship between the polymorphism of HLA-DRB1 alleles and drug use with HIV infection, which plays an important role in elucidating the pathogenesis and providing the basis for therapeutics and prophylaxis of patients with drug use and HIV infection.

El depósito de skarn cuprífero de Wushan está asociado genéticamente con la granodiorita de Wushan. En este estudio se investiga la petrografía y mineralogía de biotitas de la granodiorita de Wushan. Se determinan también las condiciones de formación de estas biotitas y se discute la significación de estos minerales en términos de petrogénesis y mineralización. Un análisis de microsonda a electrones muestra que las biotitas de la granodiorita de Wushan son biotitas de magnesio que contienen altas concentracionesrelativas de Mg y Ti y bajas de Fe y Al. El coeficiente icónico de AlVI en estas biotitas oscila entre 0,03 y 0,19, con índices SFeO/(SFeO + MgO) que oscilan entre 0,531-0,567 y concentraciones de MgO que van desde 12,80 a 14,06 wt%. Estos resultados indican que la granodiorita de Wushan es de granito tipo I. Las biotitas de Wushan se cristalizaron a temperaturas (T) de 720°C-750°C, con condiciones de fugacidad del oxígeno (fO2) de -11,6 a -12,5 y presión (P) de O,86 a 1,03 kb. Estas condiciones indican una profundidad de cristalización (H) de 2,84-3,39 kilómetros. Los datos también indican que la granodiorita de Wushan se desarrolló bajo condiciones de alta temperatura y alta fugacidad de oxigeno, lo que sugiere que la granodiorita de Wushan tiene potencial para la mineralización magmática-hidrotérmica y que esta granodiorita probablemente contribuyó a la formación del depósito de skarn cuprífero de Wushan.

The Wushan skarn copper deposit is genetically associated with the Wushan granodiorite. In this study, we investigate the petrography and mineralogy of biotites within the Wushan granodiorite. We also determine the formation conditions of these biotites and discuss the significance of these minerals in terms of petrogenesis and mineralization. Electron microprobe analysis shows that biotites within the Wushan granodiorite are Magnesio-biotites that contain relatively high Mg and Ti concentrations and low Fe and Al concentrations. The ionic coefficient of AlVI in these biotites ranges from 0.03 to 0.19, with ∑FeO/(∑FeO + MgO) ratios that range from 0.531-0.567 and MgO concentrations that range from 12.80-14.06 wt%. These results indicate that the Wushan granodiorite is an I-type granite. The Wushan biotites crystallized at temperatures (T) of 720°C-750°C, with oxygen fugacity (fO2) conditions of -11.6 to -12.5 and pressures (P) of 0.86-1.03 kb. These conditions are indicative of a crystallization depth (H) of 2.84-3.39 km. These data also indicate that the Wushan granodiorite developed under conditions of high temperature and high oxygen fugacity, suggesting that the Wushan granodiorite is prospective for magma-hydrothermal mineralization and that this granodiorite probably contributed to the formation of the Wushan skarn copper deposit.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in the age-adjusted prevalence of disability in transitional China from 1987 to 2006. METHODS: Data from nationally representative surveys conducted in 1987 and 2006 were used to calculate age-adjusted disability prevalence rates by applying appropriate sample weights and directly adjusting to the age distribution of the 1990 Chinese population. Trends were assessed in terms of average annual percentage change. FINDINGS: The estimated number of disabled people in China in 1987 and 2006 was 52.7 and 84.6 million, respectively, corresponding to a weighted prevalence of 4.9% and 6.5%. The age-adjusted prevalence of disability decreased by an average of 0.5% per year (average annual percentage change, AAPC: -0.5%; 95% confidence interval, CI: -0.7 to -0.4) during 1987-2006. However, it increased by an average of 0.3% (AAPC: 0.3%; 95% CI: 0.1 to 0.5) per year in males and by an average of 1.0% (AAPC: 1.0%; 95% CI: 0.8 to 1.2) per year among rural residents, whereas among females it showed an average annual decrease of 1.5% (AAPC: -1.5%; 95% CI: -1.7 to -1.3) and among urban residents, an average annual decrease of 3.9% (AAPC: -3.9%; 95% CI: -4.3 to -3.5). Despite significant declining trends for hearing and speech, intellectual and visual disabilities, the annual age-adjusted prevalence of physical and mental disabilities increased by an average of 11.2% (AAPC: 11.2%; 95% CI: 10.5 to 11.9) and 13.3% (AAPC: 13.3%; 95% CI: 10.7 to 16.2), respectively. CONCLUSION: In China, the age-adjusted prevalence of disability has declined since 1987, with inconsistencies dependent on the type of disability. These findings call for continuing and specific efforts to prevent disabilities in China.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar los cambios en la prevalencia de discapacidad ajustada por edad en la China de la transición desde 1987 hasta 2006. MÉTODOS: Se utilizaron datos de sondeos representativos a nivel nacional realizados en 1987 y 2006 para calcular las tasas de prevalencia de discapacidad ajustada por edad mediante la aplicación de los tamaños de muestra adecuados y mediante el ajuste directo de la distribución por edades de la población china en 1990. Las tendencias se evaluaron en función del porcentaje promedio anual de cambio. HALLAZGOS: El número estimado de personas discapacitadas en China en 1987 y 2006 era de 52,7 y 84,6 millones, respectivamente, lo que a su vez se corresponde con una prevalencia ponderada del 4,9% y del 6,5%. En promedio, la prevalencia de discapacidad ajustada por edad se redujo en un 0,5% al año (porcentaje promedio anual de cambio, PPAC: -0,5%; intervalo de confianza del 95%, IC: de -0,7 a -0,4) de 1987 a 2006. No obstante, en promedio ha presentado un incremento del 0,3% (PPAC: 0,3%; IC del 95%: de 0,1 a 0,5) al año en varones y el promedio ha sido del 1,0% (PPAC: 1,0%; IC del 95%: de 0,8 a 1,2) al año en residentes en áreas rurales, mientras que en mujeres se observó una reducción anual media del 1,5% (PPAC: -1.5%; CI del 95%: de -1,7 a -1,3) y en residentes en áreas urbanas la reducción anual media observada fue del 3,9% (PPAC: -3,9%; CI del 95%: de -4,3 a -3,5). A pesar de que las tendencias muestran un descenso significativo de las discapacidades auditivas, del habla, intelectuales y visuales, la prevalencia de discapacidad anual ajustada por edad de las discapacidades físicas y mentales aumentó, en promedio, el 11,2% (PPAC: 11,2%; IC del 95%: de 10,5 a 11,9) y 13,3% (PPAC: 13,3%; IC del 95%: de 10,7 a 16,2), respectivamente. CONCLUSIÓN: En China, la prevalencia de discapacidad ajustada por edad ha disminuido desde 1987, si bien se encuentran ciertas contradicciones entre los tipos de discapacidad. Estos resultados destacan la necesidad de contar con iniciativas continuas y concretas para prevenir las discapacidades en China.

OBJECTIF: Evaluer les changements dans la prévalence de l'invalidité en fonction de l'âge dans la Chine en transition de 1987 à 2006. MÉTHODE: Des données provenant d'études représentatives sur le plan national menées en 1987 et en 2006 ont été utilisées pour calculer le taux de prévalence de l'invalidité en fonction de l'âge, en appliquant des échantillons appropriés et en ajustant directement la répartition de l'âge de la population chinoise en 1990. Les tendances ont été évaluées en termes de modification du pourcentage annuel moyen. RÉSULTATS: On a estimé à respectivement 52,7 millions et 84,6 millions le nombre de personnes invalides en Chine en 1987 et en 2006, ce qui correspond à une prévalence pondérée de 4,9% et de 6,5%. La prévalence de l'invalidité en fonction de l'âge a diminué d'en moyenne 0,5% par an (modification du pourcentage annuel moyen, MPAM: 0,5%; intervalle de confiance à 95%, IC: -0,7 à -0,4) entre 1987 et 2006. Il a toutefois augmenté d'en moyenne 0,3% (MPAM: 0,3%; IC 95%: 0,1 à 0,5) par an chez les hommes et d'en moyenne 1%; IC 95%: 0,8 à 1,2) par an parmi les résidents ruraux, alors qu'il présentait, parmi les femmes une diminution annuelle moyenne de 1,5% (MPAM: 1,5%; IC 95%: -1,7 à -1,3) et parmi les résidents urbains, une diminution annuelle moyenne de 3,9% (MPAM: -4,3 à -3,5). En dépit de tendances déclinantes significatives pour l'audition et la parole et pour les incapacités intellectuelles et visuelles, la prévalence annuelle en fonction de l'âge des invalidités physiques et mentales a augmenté d'en moyenne 11,2% (MPAM: 11,2%; IC 95%: 10,5 à 11,9) et 13,3% (MPAM: 13,3%; IC 95%: 10,7 à 16,2), respectivement. CONCLUSION: En Chine, la prévalence de l'invalidité en fonction de l'âge a décliné depuis 1987, avec des incohérences en fonction du type d'invalidité. Ces conclusions invitent à poursuivre des efforts ciblés en vue de prévenir les invalidités en Chine.

The antioxidant enzyme, copper zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) plays an important role in protecting tissues from damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS) reactions. The objective of this investigation was to determine the CuZnSOD mRNA level as an indicator of CuZnSOD activity and the effect it has on meat quality in three important pig breeds in China, the Laiwu Black (LW), Lulai Black (LL) and Large Yorkshire (LY). Thirty six castrated boars (114 kg; LW, n = 12; LL, n = 12 and LY, n = 12) were used in this study. Samples were taken from the longissimus dorsi muscle, backfat and liver. Results showed that there was a significant breed × tissue interaction; and the maximum mRNA level of the CuZnSOD gene was recorded in the LW and the minimum in the LY. The proportion of gene expression was positively correlated with the anti-oxidative capacity in muscle. The expression of the CuZnSOD gene was positively correlated with meat colour and tenderness; and negatively correlated with marbling score, drip loss, cooking loss and intramuscular fat. The higher the level of CuZnSOD mRNA expression, the better was the quality of the pork. This implies that the difference in CuZnSOD mRNA expression in breeds was involved in the mechanisms of meat quality that related to superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and anti-oxidant capacity of the muscle.