The Potential Of High-Resolution BAC-FISH In Banana Breeding

Abstract The genetic complexity in the genus Musa has been subject of study in many breeding programs worldwide. Parthenocarpy, female sterility, polyploidy in different cultivars and limited amount of genetic and genomic information make the production of new banana cultivars difficult and time consuming. In addition, it is known that part of the cultivars and related wild species in the genus contain numerous chromosomal rearrangements. In order to produce new cultivars more effectively breeders must better understand the genetic differences of the potential crossing parents for introgression hybridization, but extensive genetic information is lacking. As an alternative to achieve information on genetic collinearity we make use of modern chromosome map technology known as high-resolution fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). This article presents the technical aspects and applications of such a technology in Musa species. The technique deals with BAC clone positioning on pachytene chromosomes of Calcutta 4 (Musa acuminata ssp. burmanicoides, A genome group, section Eumusa) and M. velutina (section Rodochlamys). Pollen mother cells digestion with pectolytic enzymes and maceration with acetic acid were optimized for making cell spread preparations appropriate for FISH. As an example of this approach we chose BAC clones that contain markers to known resistance genes and hybridize them for establishing their relative positions on the two species. Technical challenges for adapting existing protocols to the banana cells are presented. We also discuss how this technique can be instrumental for validating collinearity between potential crossing parents and how the method can be helpful in future mapping initiatives, and how this method allows identification of chromosomal rearrangements between related Musa species and cultivar

Interventions to increase personal protective behaviours to limit the spread of respiratory viruses: A rapid evidence review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE: Increasing personal protective behaviours is critical for stopping the spread of respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2: We need evidence to inform how to achieve this. We aimed to synthesize evidence on interventions to increase six personal protective behaviours (e.g., hand hygiene, face mask use, maintaining physical distancing) to limit the spread of respiratory viruses. METHODS: We used best practice for rapid evidence reviews. We searched Ovid MEDLINE and Scopus. Studies conducted in adults or children with active or passive comparators were included. We extracted data on study design, intervention content, mode of delivery, population, setting, mechanism(s) of action, acceptability, practicability, effectiveness, affordability, spill-over effects, and equity impact. Study quality was assessed with Cochrane’s risk-of-bias tool. A narrative synthesis and random-effects meta-analyses were conducted. RESULTS: We identified 39 studies conducted across 15 countries. Interventions targeted hand hygiene (n = 30) and/or face mask use (n = 12) and used two- or three-arm study designs with passive comparators. Interventions were typically delivered face-to-face and included a median of three behaviour change techniques. The quality of included studies was low. Interventions to increase hand hygiene (k = 6) had a medium, positive effect (d = .62, 95% CI = 0.43–0.80, p < .001, I2 = 81.2%). Interventions targeting face mask use (k = 4) had mixed results, with an imprecise pooled estimate (OR = 4.14, 95% CI = 1.24–13.79, p < .001, I2 = 89.67%). Between-study heterogeneity was high. CONCLUSIONS: We found low-quality evidence for positive effects of interventions targeting hand hygiene, with unclear results for interventions targeting face mask use. There was a lack of evidence for most behaviours of interest within this review

Perceptions of factors influencing engagement with health and wellbeing apps: a qualitative study using the COM-B model and Theoretical Domains Framework as an analytical framework

Background: Digital health media, such as health and wellbeing smartphone apps, could offer an accessible and cost-effective way to deliver health and wellbeing interventions. A key component of the effectiveness of these apps is user engagement. However, engagement with health and wellbeing apps is typically sub-optimal. Previous studies have identified multiple factors that influence engagement, however, most of these studies were conducted on specific populations or focused on apps targeting a particular behaviour. Understanding factors that influence engagement with a wide range of health and wellbeing apps can help inform the design and development of more engaging apps. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore users’ experiences of and reasons for engaging and not engaging with a wide range of health and wellbeing apps. Methods: A sample of adults in the UK (N=17) interested in using a health or wellbeing app took part in a semi-structured interview to explore experiences of engaging and reasons for not engaging with these apps. Participants were recruited via social media platforms. Data were analysed with the framework approach, informed by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation – Behaviour (COM-B) model and the Theoretical Domains Framework, two widely used frameworks that incorporate a comprehensive set of behavioural influences. Results: Factors appearing to influence the capability of participants to engage with health and wellbeing apps included available user guidance, statistical and health information, reduced cognitive load, well-designed reminders, self-monitoring features, features that help to establish a routine, features that allow retaining the app for a potential precipitating event in the future (‘safety netting’) and features that offer a first step in the behaviour change process (‘stepping stone’). Tailoring, peer support and embedded professional support were identified as important factors that appeared to enhance users’ opportunity for engagement with health and wellbeing apps. Feedback, rewards, encouragement, goal setting, action planning, self-confidence and commitment were judged to be motivation factors affecting engagement with health and wellbeing apps. Conclusions: Multiple factors were identified across all components of the COM-B model that may be valuable for enhancing the engagement of health and wellbeing apps. Engagement appears to be influenced primarily by features that provide user guidance, promote minimal cognitive load and support self-monitoring (capability), provide embedded social support (opportunity), and goal setting with action planning (motivation). We provide recommendations for policy makers, industry, health care providers and app developers on how to increase engagement. Clinical Trial: Not applicable

Interventions to increase personal protective behaviours to limit the spread of respiratory viruses: A rapid evidence review and meta-analysis

Purpose: Changing human behaviour is critical for stopping the spread of respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. This includes increasing personal protective behaviours: we need evidence to inform how to achieve this. We aimed to evaluate the acceptability, practicability, effectiveness, affordability, spill-over effects and equity impact of interventions to increase personal protective behaviours to limit the spread of respiratory viruses. / Methods: We used standard best practice for rapid evidence reviews. We searched Ovid MEDLINE and Scopus to identify interventions designed to change six personal protective behaviours: hand hygiene; avoiding touching the ‘T-Zone’; catching droplets in tissues; face mask use; disinfecting surfaces; and maintaining physical distancing. Primary research studies conducted in adults or children with active or passive comparators were included. A narrative synthesis and random-effects meta-analyses were conducted. / Results: We identified 39 studies conducted across 15 countries. Interventions targeted hand hygiene (n = 30) and/or face mask use (n = 12) and used two- or three-arm study designs with passive comparators. Interventions were typically delivered face-to-face and included a median of three behaviour change techniques. Interventions to increase hand hygiene had a medium, positive effect (d = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.43-0.80, p < .001, I2 = 81.2%). Interventions targeting face mask use had mixed results, with an imprecise pooled estimate (OR = 4.14, 95% CI = 1.24-13.79, p < .001, I2 = 89.67%). Between-study heterogeneity was high. / Conclusions: We found positive effects of interventions targeting hand hygiene, with unclear results for interventions targeting face mask use

Perceptions of factors influencing engagement with health and wellbeing apps: a qualitative study using the COM-B model and Theoretical Domains Framework

Objectives. User engagement with health and wellbeing apps is typically poor. Understanding factors that influence engagement can inform the design of more engaging apps. This study explored users’ experiences of and reasons for engaging and not engaging with health and wellbeing apps. / Methods. UK-based adults (N=17) interested in using a health or wellbeing app took part in a semi-structured interview to explore experiences of engaging with these apps. Data were analysed with the framework approach, informed by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation – Behaviour (COM-B) model and the Theoretical Domains Framework, two widely used frameworks that incorporate a comprehensive set of behavioural influences. / Results. Factors to influence capability included accessible information (e.g. user guidance, statistical and health information), reduced cognitive load, well-designed reminders, self-monitoring features, features that help to establish a routine, features that offer safety netting and stepping-stone app characteristics. Tailoring, peer support and embedded professional support were identified as important factors that enhance users’ opportunities for engagement. Feedback, rewards, encouragement, goal setting, action planning, self-confidence and commitment were judged to be motivation factors that affect engagement. / Conclusion. Multiple factors were identified across all components of the COM-B model that may be valuable for the development of more engaging health and wellbeing apps. Engagement appears to be influenced primarily by features that provide user guidance, promote minimal cognitive load and support self-monitoring (capability), provide embedded social support (opportunity), and goal setting with action planning (motivation)

Influences on the uptake of health and wellbeing apps and curated app portals: a think aloud and interview study

Background: Health and wellbeing smartphone apps can be identified through different routes, including via curated health app portals, but little is known about people’s experiences of this. Objective: This study explored how people select health apps online and their views on curated portals. Methods: Eighteen UK-based adults were recruited and asked to verbalise their thoughts whilst searching for a health or wellbeing app online, including on two curated health app portals. This was followed by semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using Framework Analysis, informed by the COM-B model and the Theoretical Domains Framework. Results: Searching for health and wellbeing apps online was described as a ‘minefield’. App uptake appeared to be influenced by i) capabilities (e.g. app literacy skills, health and app awareness), ii) opportunities (e.g. app aesthetics, cost and social influences) and iii) motivation (e.g. the perceived utility and accuracy of the app, and transparency about data protection). Social influences and the percieved utility of an app, in particular, were important. People were not previously aware of curated portals but found the concept appealing and likely to engender trust and address data protection concerns. While apps listed on these were perceived as more trustworthy, their presentation was considered disappointing. Conclusions: The uptake of health and wellbeing apps appear primarily influenced by social influences and the perceived utility of the app. With curated health app portals perceived as credible, app uptake via such portals may mitigate concerns related to data protection and accuracy, but their implementation must better meet user needs. Clinical Trial: N

Baby Buddy App for Breastfeeding and Behavior Change: Retrospective Study of the App Using the Behavior Change Wheel

BackgroundBreastfeeding plays a major role in the health of mothers and babies and has the potential to positively shape an individual's life both in the short and long term. In the United Kingdom (UK), although 81% of women initiate breastfeeding, only 1% of women breastfeed exclusively to 6 months as recommended by the World Health Organization. In the UK, women who are socially disadvantaged and younger are less likely to breastfeed at 6 to 8 weeks postpartum. One strategy that aims to improve these statistics is the Baby Buddy app, which has been designed and implemented by the UK charity Best Beginnings to be a universal intervention to help reduce health inequalities, including those in breastfeeding.ObjectiveThis study aimed to retrospectively examine the development of Baby Buddy by applying the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) framework to understand how it might increase breastfeeding self-efficacy, knowledge, and confidence.MethodsRetrospective application of the BCW was completed after the app was developed and embedded into maternity services. A three-stage process evaluation used triangulation methods and formalized tools to gain an understanding of the potential mechanisms and behaviors used in apps that are needed to improve breastfeeding rates in the UK. First, we generated a behavioral analysis by mapping breastfeeding barriers and enablers onto the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) system using documents provided by Best Beginnings. Second, we identified the intervention functions and policy categories used. Third, we linked these with the behavior change techniques identified in the app breastfeeding content using the Behavior Change Techniques Taxonomy (BCTTv1).ResultsBaby Buddy is a well-designed platform that could be used to change breastfeeding behaviors. Findings from stage one showed that Best Beginnings had defined breastfeeding as a key behavior requiring support and demonstrated a thorough understanding of the context in which breastfeeding occurs, the barriers and enablers of breastfeeding, and the target actions needed to support breastfeeding. In stage two, Best Beginnings had used intervention and policy functions to address the barriers and enablers of breastfeeding. In stage three, Baby Buddy had been assessed for acceptability, practicability, effectiveness, affordability, safety, and equity. Several behavior change techniques that could assist women with decision making around breastfeeding (eg, information about health consequences and credible sources) and possibly affect attitudes and self-efficacy were identified. Of the 39 videos in the app, 19 (49%) addressed physical capabilities related to breastfeeding and demonstrated positive breastfeeding behaviors.ConclusionsApplying a theoretical framework retrospectively to a mobile app is possible and results in useful information to understand potential health benefits and to inform future development. Future research should assess which components and behavioral techniques in the app are most effective in changing behavior and supporting breastfeeding

FISH mapping and molecular organization of the major repetitive sequences of tomato

This paper presents a bird's-eye view of the major repeats and chromatin types of tomato. Using fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) with Cot-1, Cot-10 and Cot-100 DNA as probes we mapped repetitive sequences of different complexity on pachytene complements. Cot-100 was found to cover all heterochromatin regions, and could be used to identify repeat-rich clones in BAC filter hybridization. Next we established the chromosomal locations of the tandem and dispersed repeats with respect to euchromatin, nucleolar organizer regions (NORs), heterochromatin, and centromeres. The tomato genomic repeats TGRII and TGRIII appeared to be major components of the pericentromeres, whereas the newly discovered TGRIV repeat was found mainly in the structural centromeres. The highly methylated NOR of chromosome 2 is rich in [GACA](4), a microsatellite that also forms part of the pericentromeres, together with [GA](8), [GATA](4) and Ty1-copia. Based on the morphology of pachytene chromosomes and the distribution of repeats studied so far, we now propose six different chromatin classes for tomato: (1) euchromatin, (2) chromomeres, (3) distal heterochromatin and interstitial heterochromatic knobs, (4) pericentromere heterochromatin, (5) functional centromere heterochromatin and (6) nucleolar organizer regio

Attitudes towards faecal immunochemical testing in patients at increased risk of colorectal cancer: an online survey of GPs in England

Background: There is increasing interest in using a quantitative faecal immunochemical test (FIT) to rule out colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients with high-risk symptoms in primary care.  Aim: This study aimed to investigate GPs’ attitudes and willingness to use a FIT over an urgent 2-week wait (2WW) referral.  Design and setting: A cross-sectional online survey involving 1024 GPs working across England.  Method: Logistic regression models were used to explore the likelihood of GPs using a FIT instead of a 2WW referral, and reported using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).  Results: Just over one-third of GPs (n = 365) preferred to use a FIT as a rule-out test over a 2WW referral. GPs were more willing if they were: aged 36–45 years (OR 1.59 [95% CI = 1.04 to 2.44]); 46–55 years (OR 1.99 [95% CI = 1.14 to 3.47]); thought a FIT was highly accurate (OR 1.63 [95% CI = 1.16 to 2.29]); thought patients would benefit compared with having a colonoscopy (OR 2.02 [95% CI = 1.46 to 2.79]); and were highly confident about discussing the benefits of a FIT (OR 2.14 [95% CI = 1.46 to 3.16]). GPs were less willing if they had had >10 urgent referrals in the past year (OR 0.62 [95% CI = 0.40 to 0.94]) and thought that longer consultations would be needed (OR 0.61 [95% CI = 0.44 to 0.83]).  Conclusion: The study findings suggest that the acceptability of using a FIT as a rule-out test in primary care is currently low, with less than half of GPs who perceived the test to be accurate preferring it over colonoscopy. Any potential guideline changes recommending a FIT in patients with high-risk symptoms, instead of urgent referral to rule out CRC, are likely to require intensive supporting educational outreach to increase GP confidence in the accuracy and application of a FIT in this context