Abstract Objectives: This study explored the association between insomnia and the clinical outcome of large vessel occlusion Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) and attempted to explore its potential mechanisms from the perspectives of inflammation and oxidative stress. Methods: AIS patients who underwent endovascular treatment for large vessel occlusion at Binzhou Central Hospital from 2018 to 2022 (n = 508) were included. Patients were divided into an insomnia group and a non-insomnia group. Insomnia was judged by self-reported Athens Insomnia Scale score. Regression analysis was used to compare the differences in the 24-hour and 7-day National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, Early Neurological Deterioration (END), early adverse event incidence, 90-day prognosis and mortality, and serum bio-markers levels. Results: The incidence of insomnia in the study population was 39.6% (n = 144, insomnia group; n = 364, non-insomnia group). Compared with the non-insomnia group, a worse prognosis outcome (63% vs. 49%, adjusted rate ratio: 1.8, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.2–3.7; p = 0.016), higher 24-h and 7-day NIHSS score (17 [9–36] vs. 13 [5–20]; p = 0.024, and 11 [4‒24) vs. 8 [2‒14]; p = 0.031, respectively), higher END (24% vs. 15%, p = 0.022), and higher incidence of adverse events were observed in the insomnia group (79% vs. 59%, p = 0.010). The 90-day mortality was higher in the insomnia group than that in the non-insomnia group (22% vs. 17%), however, such a difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Insomnia is closely related to the clinical outcome of AIS with large vessel occlusion, and inflammation and oxidative stress mechanisms may be involved.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to identify differentially expressed genes (DEG) between females and males in early bovine embryos. Superovulated cattle (n = 4) in the age span of 16–18 months were artificially inseminated with semen from the same bull that has been proven to be fertile. Blastocysts were collected by routine non-surgical uterine flushing on day 7 after insemination. This study determines the sex of embryos using a micro-injection pipette to collect a few blastomeres through the Zona pellucida. The remaining blastomeres were used for single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis on the Illumina platform, followed by differential expression analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) function analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. The criteria for identifying DEG will be set at |log2(Fold change)| ≥ 1 and P<0.05. A total of 8004 DEG were detected in female (Denoted as BLX, n = 3) and male (Denoted as BLY, n = 3) blastocysts. Transcripts highly expressed in the female embryos were related to catalytic activity, nucleotide binding, and catabolic process, while transcripts highly expressed in the male embryos were linked to oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrion, and the ribosome. Nine genes that may be involved in blastocyst growth and development were screened, suggesting that their differential expression may be responsible for the differences in the development of male and female embryos. This study provides important information on potential genes and pathways associated with differences in early female and male embryonic development.

RESUMO: A aplicação combinada de fertilizante químico e o orgânico é uma forma eficaz de melhorar a fertilidade do solo, o rendimento e a qualidade da colheita. Neste estudo, um experimento de campo foi conduzido para avaliar o rendimento, a qualidade e a eficiência do uso de fertilizantes em repolho (Brassica oleracea var. Capitata L.) cultivado sob diferentes proporções de fertilizante orgânico em substituição ao químico a uma taxa de 225 kg N ha-l em 2019 e 2020. Os tratamentos de fertilizantes incluíram N0 (fertilizante sem nitrogênio), CK (apenas fertilizante composto foi aplicado, N: P: K = 15,0%: 6,5%: 12,4%), T1, T2 e T3 (fertilizante orgânico substituído 15%, 30% e 45% de fertilizante químico, respectivamente) e T4 (a entrada total de nutrientes foi reduzida em 10% em T2). Os resultados mostraram que o T2 apresentou o maior rendimento comercial e eficiência no uso de fertilizantes, bem como a melhor qualidade. O rendimento comercializável, teor de vitamina C, teor de açúcar solúvel, REN (eficiência de absorção aparente de fertilizante N) e AEN (eficiência de uso de N agronômico) de T2 aumentaram 32,2%, 14,9%, 5,5%, 97% e 55,6%, respectivamente, em contraste, as fibras brutas diminuíram 34,0%, em comparação com a CK nos dois anos. Além disso, o T4 garantiu o rendimento e melhorou moderadamente a qualidade do repolho, em comparação com o CK. Portanto, podemos alternativamente aplicar fertilização de acordo com o objetivo de obter o maior rendimento ou fertilizante em declínio adequado para sustentar a textura e a produtividade do solo.

ABSTRACT: The combined application of chemical fertilizer and organic fertilizer is an effective way to improve soil fertility, crop yield and quality. In this study, a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the yield, quality and fertilizer use efficiency of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) grown under different ratios of organic fertilizer replacing chemical fertilizer at a rate of 225 kg N ha-l in 2019 and 2020. The fertilizer treatments included N0 (non nitrogen fertilizer), CK (only compound fertilizer was applied, N:P:K=15.0 %:6.5 %:12.4 %), T1, T2 and T3 (organic fertilizer replaced 15 %, 30 % and 45 % chemical fertilizer, respectively), and T4 (total nutrient input was reduced by 10 % under T2). Results showed that T2 had the highest marketable yield and fertilizer use efficiency, as well as the best quality. The marketable yield, vitamin C content, soluble sugar content, REN (apparent uptake efficiency of fertilizer N) and AEN (agronomic N use efficiency) of T2 increased by 32.2 %, 14,9 %, 5.5 %, 97. % and 55.6 %, respectively, in contrast, the crude fibers decreased by 34.0 %, compared with CK in the two years. In addition, T4 guaranteed the yield and moderately improved the quality of cabbage, compared with CK. Therefore, we can alternatively apply fertilization according to the purpose of capturing the highest yield or properly declining fertilizer to sustain soil texture and productivity.

ABSTRACT This study was performed to compare changes in posture, nursing behavior, and production performance of two breeds of sows. The posture, postural changes, nursing behavior, and production performance of hybrid Damin (Large White × Min pig, n = 32) and Landrace × Large White (n = 32) sows were observed by video recording for 72 h after farrowing and from 07:00 to 09:00 h and 13:00 to 15:00 h within any successive two-day period of each week from the two to five weeks postpartum. The production performances were compared between the two breeds. Except standing at days 1 to 3 postpartum and sitting at day 2 postpartum, there were significant differences in postures between the two breeds of sows. The frequency of ventral-to-lateral recumbency at day 1 and weeks 4 and 5 postpartum and sitting-to-lying at days 1 and 3 and weeks 4 and 5 postpartum was significantly lower for the Damin than for Landrace × Large White sows. The frequency of standing-to-lying in the first 72 h postpartum was significantly higher for the Damin than for Landrace × Large White sows. At days 2 and 3 postpartum, piglet loss was significantly lower for the Damin than for Landrace × Large White sows. The duration of parturition and farrowing interval were significantly longer for the Landrace × Large White than for Damin sows. The number of live piglets was higher for the Damin than for Landrace × Large White sows. The birth weight of litters and weaning weight of piglets were lower for Damin than for Landrace × Large White piglets. These data suggest that the Damin sows showed stronger maternal instincts through their behaviors and postural changes compared with the Landrace × Large White sows.

Resumo Fundamento: A função ventricular direita é fator crucial do prognóstico do lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES). Objetivos: Avaliar a função ventricular direita em pacientes com LES e diferentes graus de hipertensão pulmonar (HP) por avaliação do strain e do strain rate. Métodos: Um total de 102 pacientes com LES e 30 voluntários sadios foram estudados entre outubro de 2015 e maio de 2016. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos de acordo com a pressão sistólica da artéria pulmonar (PSAP) estimada por ecocardiografia: grupo controle (A); PSAP ≤ 30 mmHg (grupo B, n = 37); PSAP 30-50 mmHg (HP leve; grupo C, n = 34); e PSAP ≥ 50 mmHg (HP moderada a grave; grupo D, n = 31). Foram medidos, nos segmentos basal, medial e apical da parede livre do ventrículo direito, o pico sistólico longitudinal (ε) e o strain rate (SR), incluindo o SR sistólico (SRs), o SR diastólico precoce (SRp) e o SR diastólico tardio (SRt) pela técnica de ecocardiografia bidimensional com rastreamento de “pontos” (two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography, 2D-STE) pela visualização apical de quatro câmaras. Um p < 0,05 foi adotado como estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: Os parâmetros ε, SRs, SRp e SRt foram significativamente menores nos grupos C e D em comparação aos grupos A e B. O ε de cada segmento foi significativamente menor no grupo D que no grupo C, ao passo que não houve diferença no SRs, SRp ou SRt entre os grupos C e D. Conclusões: O strain e o SR obtidos por 2D-STE puderam detectar precocemente disfunção ventricular direita em pacientes com LES e HP, contribuindo para o tratamento clínico e prognóstico desses pacientes. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2018; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Abstract Background: Right ventricular function is a crucial factor of the prognosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Objectives: To evaluate the right ventricular function in SLE patients with different degrees of pulmonary hypertension (PH) by strain and strain rate imaging. Methods: A total of 102 SLE patients and 30 healthy volunteers were studied between October 2015 and May 2016. Patients were divided into three groups according to pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) estimated by echocardiography: group control (A); PASP ≤ 30 mmHg (group B, n = 37); PASP 30-50 mmHg (mild PH; group C, n = 34); and PASP ≥ 50 mmHg (moderate-to-severe PH; group D, n = 31). Longitudinal peak systolic strain (ε) and strain rate (SR), including systolic strain rate (SRs), early diastolic strain rate (SRe) and late diastolic strain rate (SRa) were measured in the basal, middle and apical segments of the right ventricular free wall in participants by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) from the apical four-chamber view. A p < 0.05 was set for statistical significance. Results: The parameters of ε, SRs, SRe, and SRa were significantly decreased in groups C and D compared with groups A and B. The ε of each segments was significantly lower in group D than in group C, while there were no differences in SRs, SRe and SRa between groups C and D. Conclusions: Strain and strain rate imaging could early detect the right ventricular dysfunction in SLE patients with PH, and provide important value for clinical therapy and prognosis of these patients. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2018; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

ABSTRACT Marek’s disease (MD), a lymphoproliferative disorder of chickens caused by the MD virus (MDV), is economically significant. The resistance/susceptibility to MD is controlled by host genetics. The host response to different virus strains varies. The pathogenicity of REV-LTR deleted GX0101∆LTR MDV has been previously reported. However, the precise molecular mechanism of the response of chickens to GX0101ΔLTR remains unclear. The current study aimed at identifying the genes and pathways involved in the response to GX0101ΔLTR virus infection in specific pathogen-free chicken embryo fibroblast cells using global transcriptome analysis. A total of 1,633 genes associated with GX0101ΔLTR infection were identified. Functional analysis showed that the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction plays an important role in the response to GX0101ΔLTR infection.

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aims to investigate the role of two-hour postprandial C-peptide C-pep-tide (2HPC-P) for assessing islet β-cell function in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A total of 326 T2DM patients were enrolled into this clinical study. The correlations were analysed between 2HPC-P, 2HPC-P increment, and 2HPC-P/fasting C-peptide (FC-P) with the area under the C-peptide curve (AUC-C) after a 100 g bread challenge. Of these patients, 87 newly diagnosed T2DM patients were divided into two Groups, Group I (2HPC-P/ FC-P ≥ 3, n = 43) and Group II (2HPC-P/FC-P < 3, n = 44), and performed insulin pumpintensive therapy for two weeks, followed by follow-up for three months. Results: The positive correlations were found between the 2HPC-P, 2HPC-P increment and 2HPC-P/FC-P with AUC-C (r = 0.97, 0.88 and 0.77, respectively, p < 0.05). After the insulin pump-intensive therapy, the HOMA2 IR values showed no significantly difference (2.50 ± 0.69 vs 2.23 ± 1.36, p > 0.05), while HOMA2 B% was significantly higher (145.9 ± 56.2 vs 26.9 ± 22.4, p < 0.01) than the basic values in newly diagnosed T2DM in total. During the follow-up, more patients in Group I underwent remission than in Group II (20/43 vs 5/44). Conclusions: Two-hour postprandial C-peptide and its derivative indicators could effectively assess islet β-cell function.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Este estudio tiene como objetivo investigar el papel del péptido C postprandial de dos horas (2HPC-P) en la evaluación de la función de las células β del islote en la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2). Métodos: Un total de 326 pacientes de DM2 fueron inscritos en este estudio clínico. Se analizaron las correlaciones entre 2HPC-P, el incremento de 2HPC-P, y 2HPC-P/péptido C en ayunas (PCA) con el área bajo la curva del péptido C (AUC-C) tras un desafío de 100 g de pan. De estos pacientes, 87 recientemente diagnosticados con DM2 fueron divididos en dos grupos, grupo I (2HPC-P/PCA ≥ 3, n = 43) y el grupo II (2HPC-P/PCA < 3, n = 44), y, realizaron un tratamiento intensivo con bomba de insulina durante dos semanas, con un seguimiento de tres meses. Resultados: Las correlaciones positivas se encontraron entre en el 2HPC-P, el incremento de 2HPC-P, y 2HPC-P/PCA con AUC-C (r = 0.97, 0.88 y 0.77, respectivamente, p < 0.05). Después de la terapia intensiva con bomba de insulina, los valores del modelo homeostático para evaluar la resistencia a la insulina (HOMA2 IR) no mostraron diferencias significativas (2.50 ± 0.69 vs 2.23 ± 1.36, p > 0.05), mientras que los valores de HOMA2 B% fueron significativamente más altos (145.9 ± 56.2 vs 26.9 ± 22.4, p < 0.01) que los valores básicos en el DM2 recientemente diagnosticado en total. Durante el seguimiento, más pacientes en el grupo I fueron objeto de remisión que los pacientes en el grupo II (20/43 vs 5/44). Conclusiones: El péptido C postprandial de dos horas y sus indicadores derivados pudieron evaluar con eficacia la función de las células β del islote.

A large number of natural wetlands in northeast China have been reclaimed as farmland in the last few decades, and soybean is the main rain-fed crop here. For the depth understanding of nitrous oxide (N2O) emission from reclaimed soybean fields, using static opaque chamber method, we conducted a four-year N2O flux measurement at two adjacent soybean fields cultivated after wetland drainage in 1987 and 1993, respectively, in the Sanjiang Plain of northeast China Using static opaque chamber method,. Both sites had two treatments including soybean cropped and bare soils (i.e., SF87, BS87, SF93 and BS93). The results showed that soil N2O emission from all of the plots was severely inhibited by the low temperature in winter (November to March), while a N2O emission pulse occurred during the spring thaw (April and May). Temporal variation of the N2O fluxes during the growing season varied over all the four years but was mainly affected by soil water-filled pore space (WFPS). Intense rainfall events increased the intensity and duration of N2O pulses during the growing season, and most high fluxes were occurred at WFPS > 45%. The mean annual N2O emission from all treatments over four years was 4.8 ± 1.2 kg N ha-1 (ranges: 1.9-19.8), and one third of the emission originated from the spring-thaw. In addition, soybean growth did not increase N2O emissions during the growing season, which support the cancellation of N2O emission calculations from nitrogen fixed by legumes in the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories.

ABSTRACT Background: Insulin resistance is common in septic patients. The level at which the serum glucose should be maintained using insulin infusions for optimal utilization by skeletal muscles is not yet established. Objective: The objective of the present study was to compare glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) mRNA and GLUT4 expression and glucose utilization at the recommended glucose levels of 6–8 mmol/L (110-140 mg/dL) and 8–10 mmol/L (140–180 mg/dL) in septic rats. Subjects and Methods: This was a prospective randomized study using 44 Sprague-Dawley rats (260–330 g). Rats were anaesthetized with gaseous diethyl ether. Catheters were implanted into the jugular vein and artery. Following a laparotomy, rats in the experimental group (n = 36) were rendered septic by standard caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infusion (O111:[B4], 1 mg/kg). Control animals (n = 8) underwent laparotomy, but no caecal ligation or puncture and no LPS injection. Four experimental groups were studied: sham-operated control, sepsis treated with fluid maintenance only, sepsis treated with fluid and insulin infusion controlling blood glucose concentration at 6–8 mmol/L and sepsis treated with fluid and insulin infusion controlling blood glucose concentration at 8–10 mmol/L. Hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp experiment was done before fluid maintenance and insulin treatment to calculate average glucose infusion rate. Results: All septic rats were markedly hyperglycaemic compared with sham-operated controls two hours after operation. Glucose infusion rate during hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp experiment was slower in septic rats, suggesting that they were insulin resistant. At the 12th and 24th hour, skeletal muscle was taken to observe pathological change and analyse the GLUT4 mRNA and GLUT4 levels. There were more inflammatory cells, less GLUT4 mRNA and GLUT4 expression in the skeletal muscles of septic rats. Insulin increased the expression of GLUT4 mRNA and GLUT4 in the skeletal muscle of septic rats. Among all septic rats, the expression of GLUT4 mRNA and GLUT4 was more in the 8–10 mmol/L group. Conclusion: Blood glucose concentration of 8–10 mmol/L results in more glucose utilization than 6–8 mmol/L in the skeletal muscle of septic rats during insulin therapy.

RESUMEN: Antecedentes: La resistencia a la insulina es común en pacientes sépticos. Todavía no se ha determinado el nivel al que la glucosa sérica debe mantenerse mediante infusiones de insulina para su utilización óptima por los músculos esqueléticos. Objetivo: El objetivo del presente estudio fue comparar el transportador de glucosa 4 (GLUT4) mRNA y la utilización de la glucosa y la expresión de GLUT4 en los niveles recomendados de glucosa de 6–8 mmol/L (110-140 mg/dL) y 8–10 mmol/L (140–180 mg/dL) en ratas sépticas. Sujetos y método: Se trató de un estudio prospectivo aleatorio con 44 ratas Sprague-Dawley (260–330 g). Las ratas fueron anestesiadas con éter dietílico gaseoso. Se les implantaron catéteres en la vena yugular y la arteria. Luego de una laparotomía, las ratas en el grupo experimental (n = 36) fueron reducidas a condición séptica mediante el método estándar de ligadura y punción cecal e infusión intraperitoneal de lipopolisacárido (LPS) (O111: [B4], 1 mg/kg). A los animales de control (n = 8) se les practicó la laparotomía, pero no se les hizo ligadura cecal o punción, ni se les administró inyección de LPS. Se estudiaron cuatro grupos experimentales: control de simulación, sepsis tratada con mantenimiento de fluidos solamente, sepsis tratada con infusión de fluídos e infusión de insulina para el control de la concentración de glucosa sanguínea en 6 – 8 mmol/L, sepsis tratada con infusión de fluídos e infusión de insulina para el control de la concentración de glucosa sanguínea en 8–10 mmol/L. Se realizó un experimento de pinzamiento euglucémico hiperinsulinémico antes del mantenimiento del fluido y el tratamiento con insulina a fin de calcular la velocidad media de infusión de glucosa (VIG). Resultados: Todas las ratas sépticas fueron ostensiblemente hiperglicémicas en comparación con los controles de simulación dos horas después de la operación. La velocidad de infusión de glucosa durante el experimento de pinzamiento euglucémico hiperinsulinémico fue más lenta en ratas sépticas, sugiriendo que eran resistentes a la insulina. A las 12 y a las 24 horas, el músculo esquelético fue llevado para observar los cambios patológicos, y para analizar los niveles de GLUT4 mRNA y GLUT4. Había más células inflamatorias, y menos expresión de GLUT4 mRNA y GLUT4 en los músculos esqueléticos de las ratas sépticas. La insulina aumenta la expresión de mRNA de GLUT4 y GLUT4 en el músculo esquelético de ratas sépticas. Entre todas las ratas sépticas, la expresión de GLUT4 mRNA y GLUT4 fue mayor en el grupo de 8 – 10 mmol/L. Conclusión: La concentración de glucosa sanguínea de 8–10 mmol/L trae como resultado más utilización de glucosa que la de 6–8 mmol/L en el músculo esquelético de ratas sépticas durante la terapia con insulina.

In this study, we analyzed the environmental (physical and chemical) and biological (phytoplankton) data obtained from the Daya Bay, South China Sea, during 4 cruises, carried out in January, April, August and October, 2001. The main objective of this study was to identify the key environmental factors affecting phytoplankton structure in the bay. The results suggest that environmental factors like temperature and nutrients ratios have great influence on phytoplankton succession. Environmental factors are affected by the combination of human activities and nature processes. The limiting factor transited from N limiting in winter to P limiting in spring. Hydrodynamic processes (mixing in winter and stratification in summer) seem to be another main driving force for phytoplankton growth. The diatoms were the dominant group during most of the year and the dominant species were Chaetoceros affinis, Chaetoceros lorenzianus, and Nitzschia pungens all the year round.

En este estudio, se analizaron datos ambientales (físicos y químicos) y biológicos (fitoplancton) obtenidos de Bahía Daya, Mar de China Meridional, durante 4 cruceros, llevados a cabo en enero, abril, agosto y octubre de 2001. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue identificar los factores ambientales clave que afectan la estructura del fitoplancton de la bahía. Los resultados sugieren que los factores ambientales como la temperatura y la proporción de nutrientes tienen una gran influencia en la sucesión del fitoplancton. Los factores ambientales son afectados por una combinación de actividades humanas y procesos naturales. El factor limitante pasó de N en invierno a P en primavera. Los procesos hidrodinámicos (mezcla en invierno y estratificación en verano) parecen ser otro factor forzante para el crecimiento del fitoplancton. Las diatomeas fueron el grupo dominante durante gran parte del año y las especies dominantes fueron Chaetoceros affinis, Chaetoceros lorenzianus, y Nitzschia pungens durante todo el año.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the predictive values of percent body fat (PBF) and body mass index (BMI) for cardiovascular risk factors, especially when PBF and BMI are conflicting. BMI was calculated by the standard formula and PBF was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis. A total of 3859 ambulatory adult Han Chinese subjects (2173 males and 1686 females, age range: 18-85 years) without a history of cardiovascular diseases were recruited from February to September 2009. Based on BMI and PBF, they were classified into group 1 (normal BMI and PBF, N = 1961), group 2 (normal BMI, but abnormal PBF, N = 381), group 3 (abnormal BMI, but normal PBF, N = 681), and group 4 (abnormal BMI and PBF, N = 836). When age, gender, lifestyle, and family history of obesity were adjusted, PBF, but not BMI, was correlated with blood glucose and lipid levels. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for cardiovascular risk factors in groups 2 and 4 were 1.88 (1.45-2.45) and 2.06 (1.26-3.35) times those in group 1, respectively, but remained unchanged in group 3 (OR = 1.32, 95%CI = 0.92-1.89). Logistic regression models also demonstrated that PBF, rather than BMI, was independently associated with cardiovascular risk factors. In conclusion, PBF, and not BMI, is independently associated with cardiovascular risk factors, indicating that PBF is a better predictor.

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.