Definition and Characteristics of Behavioral Medicine, and Main Tasks and Goals of the International Society of Behavioral Medicine—an International Delphi Study

© 2020, The Author(s). Background: In the past decades, behavioral medicine has attained global recognition. Due to its global reach, a critical need has emerged to consider whether the original definition of behavioral medicine is still valid, comprehensive, and inclusive, and to reconsider the main tasks and goals of the International Society of Behavioral Medicine (ISBM), as the umbrella organization in the field. The purpose of the present study was to (i) update the definition and scope of behavioral medicine and its defining characteristics; and (ii) develop a proposal on ISBM’s main tasks and goals. Method: Our study used the Delphi method. A core group prepared a discussion paper. An international Delphi panel rated questions and provided comments. The panel intended to reach an a priori defined level of consensus (i.e., 70%). Results: The international panel reached consensus on an updated definition and scope of behavioral medicine as a field of research and practice that builds on collaboration among multiple disciplines. These disciplines are concerned with development and application of behavioral and biomedical evidence across the disease continuum in clinical and public health domains. Consensus was reached on a proposal for ISBM’s main tasks and goals focused on supporting communication and collaboration across disciplines and participating organizations; stimulating research, education, and practice; and supporting individuals and organizations in the field. Conclusion: The consensus on definition and scope of behavioral medicine and ISBM’s tasks and goals provides a foundational step toward achieving these goals

Guidelines for DNA recombination and repair studies: Mechanistic assays of DNA repair processes

Genomes are constantly in flux, undergoing changes due to recombination, repair and mutagenesis. In vivo, many of such changes are studies using reporters for specific types of changes, or through cytological studies that detect changes at the single-cell level. Single molecule assays, which are reviewed here, can detect transient intermediates and dynamics of events. Biochemical assays allow detailed investigation of the DNA and protein activities of each step in a repair, recombination or mutagenesis event. Each type of assay is a powerful tool but each comes with its particular advantages and limitations. Here the most commonly used assays are reviewed, discussed, and presented as the guidelines for future studies

Caracterização de genótipos e estimativa de parâmetros genéticos de características produtivas de sorgo forrageiro Characterization of genotypes and estimates of genetic parameters of productive traits for forage sorghum

Avaliou-se o desempenho produtivo de 29 genótipos de sorgo forrageiro por meio dos dados de matéria verde, matéria seca, altura da planta, floração inicial e sobrevivência da planta. Além do desempenho, foram estimadas a herdabilidade de cada característica e as correlações genotípicas e fenotípicas entre elas, as quais são úteis nos programas de melhoramento genético empregando-se seleções direta e indireta. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos completos ao acaso com três repetições, em análise de variância univariada. Houve variabilidade genética para todas as características, com diferenças significativas entre as médias dos genótipos. A herdabilidade foi elevada, sobretudo para altura da planta. As correlações genotípica e fenotípica da matéria verde com a matéria seca (0,83 e 0,76, respectivamente) e da matéria seca com a altura da planta (0,87 e 0,72) foram expressivas. As correlações foram medianas entre matéria verde e altura da planta (0,61 e 0,52) e entre matéria verde com a sobrevivência (0,71 e 0,61). A floração inicial foi a característica menos correlacionada às demais. A altura da planta, por ser medida antes do corte e ter apresentado herdabilidade muito alta, além de correlação genotípica moderada com a matéria verde e alta com a matéria seca, ambas medidas após o corte, pode ser utilizada para obtenção de ganho genético nessas características via seleção indireta.<br>Productive performance of 29 genotypes of forage sorghum was evaluated by data of fresh matter, dry matter, plant height, initial flowering and plant survival. Heritability was also estimated for each trait, as well as the genotypic and phenotypic correlations among them. Such parameters are useful in genetic breeding programs by using direct and indirect selection. Randomized complete block design with three replications was used, in univariate analysis of variance. Genetic variability for all traits was observed and the genotype means were significantly different. Heritability presented high values, mainly for plant height. Genotypic and phenotypic correlations between fresh matter and dry matter (0.83 and 0.76, respectively) and dry matter with plant height (0.87 and 0.72) produced high values. Correlations were moderate among fresh matter and plant height (0.61 and 0.52) and among fresh matter with survival (0.71 and 0.61). Initial flowering was the trait less strongly correlated with the others. Because plant height was recorded before cutting and for showing high heritability and moderate genotypic correlation with fresh matter and a high one with dry matter, both of them observed after cutting, it appears to be feasible as to achieve genetic breeding for those traits through indirect selection