Effects of Low Temperature Stress on Germination and Physiological Characteristics of Different Sweet Maize Varieties

[Objectives]The paper was to explore the effects of low temperature stress on germination and physiological characteristics of different sweet maize varieties.[Methods]Taking Taitian 264,Zhexuetian 1 and Chaotian 4 as the research objects,the changes in germination potential,germination index,plant height,biomass,and antioxidant enzyme activity of maize seeds were studied under optimal temperature conditions(25℃)and low temperature stress conditions(10℃).[Results]Under 10℃stress,the germination rate and germination index of Taitian 264 were higher than that of Zhexuetian 1 and Chaotian 4.Under low temperature stress,Taitian 264 exhibited the least reduction in height and biomass,while Zhexuetian 1 had the most reduction.Additionally,the SOD and POD activities of Taitian 264 were higher than that of Zhexuetian 1 and Chaotian 4 under both temperature conditions,while the MDA content of Taitian 264 was lower.Taitian 264 showed strong germination ability against low temperature stress.[Conclusions]This study provides a basis for timely sowing practices of sweet maize in agricultural production.

Correlation between Subliminal Depression and the Quality of Life in Patients Preliminarily Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

Objective: To investigate the subthreshold depression and the quality of life in patients preliminarily diagnosed with breast cancer, and to explore their relationship. Methods: A total of 210 patients preliminarily diagnosed breast cancer were recruited by convenience sampling method to complete the self-made general questionnaire, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B). Results: The incidence rates of subthreshold depression was 48.6% in patients preliminarily diagnosed breast cancer, the total score of FACT-B in patients with subthreshold depression and non-subthreshold depression was (73.92 ±17.62) and (86.74 ±16.15). The total score of CES-D was significantly negatively correlated to the total score and factor scores of FACT-B (p Conclusion: The incidence rate of subthreshold depression in preliminarily diagnosed breast cancer patients is high, and it is closely related to the quality of life, so we should pay attention to the psychological status of preliminarily diagnosed breast cancer patients, to increase the psychological intervention, than improve their quality of life.