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Hot Topics of the Day|PHGKB
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03/19/2021

Hot Topics of the Day are picked by experts to capture the latest information and publications on public health genomics and precision health for various diseases and health topics. Sources include published scientific literature, reviews, blogs and popular press articles.

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Archived Hot Topics of the Day By Date

Neutralizing Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2 Variants After Infection and Vaccination
VV Edara et al, JAMA, March 19, 2021

This study found neutralizing activity of infection- and vaccine-elicited antibodies against 4 SARS-CoV-2 variants, including B.1, B.1.1.7, and N501Y. Because neutralization studies measure the ability of antibodies to block virus infection, these results suggest that infection- and vaccine-induced immunity may be retained against the B.1.1.7 variant.

Appropriate names for COVID-19 variants
SSA Karim, Science, March 19, 2021

Show us the Data: Global COVID-19 Wastewater Monitoring Efforts, Equity, and Gaps
CC Naughton et al, MEDRXIV, March 17, 2021

Metagenomic sequencing of municipal wastewater provides a near-complete SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence identified as the B.1.1.7 variant of concern from a Canadian municipality concurrent with an outbreak
C Landgraff et al, MEDRXIV, March 17, 2021

B.1.1.7 became the dominant variant in Lebanon.
M Younes et al MEDRXIV, March 17, 2021

Estimating the increased transmissibility of the B.1.1.7 strain over previously circulating strains in England using fractions of GISAID sequences and the distribution of serial intervals
C Piantham et al, MEDRXIV, March 17, 2021

Messenger RNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2
E Topol, Cell March 18, 2021

The first two vaccines proven to be effective for inhibiting COVID-19 illness were both mRNA, achieving 95% efficacy (and safety) among 74,000 participants (half receiving placebo) after intramuscular delivery of two shots, 3–4 weeks apart.

Has COVID peaked? Maybe, but it’s too soon to be sure Global COVID-19 cases have fallen significantly since they peaked in early January. Scientists are asking whether this is the beginning of the end of the pandemic.
S Mallapaty, Nature News, March 18, 2021

Five reasons why COVID herd immunity is probably impossible- Even with vaccination efforts in full force, the theoretical threshold for vanquishing COVID-19 looks to be out of reach.
C Aschwanden, Nature News, March 18, 2021

Scaling Genetic Counseling in the Genomics Era.
Amendola Laura M et al. Annual review of genomics and human genetics 2021

The need to diversify both the patient and participant groups with access to genetic information, as well as the field of genetic counseling, is at the forefront of research and training program initiatives. Genetic counselors are key stakeholders in the genomics era, and their contributions are essential to effectively and equitably deliver precision medicine.

Precision medicine in 2030—seven ways to transform healthcare
JC Denny et al, Cell, March 18, 2021

Many of the elements of the response to COVID-19 are basic capabilities underpinning precision medicine. At the same time, COVID-19 has highlighted the need for precision medicine to move further and faster. In this paper, we suggest seven opportunities to accelerate an equitable realization of the promise of precision medicine.

Pharmacogenetic-guided glimepiride therapy in type-2 diabetes mellitus: a cost-effectiveness study
C Fokoun et al, PGX Journal, March 17, 2021

With pharmacogenetic-guided therapy, the cost to avoid an episode of severe hypoglycemia event per 100 000 patients treated was €421 834. Genotyping cost was the most influential factor on the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. In conclusion, the potential cost of CYP2C9 genotype-guided dosing for glimepiride therapy is relatively high, and associated with modest improvements with respect to the number of hypoglycemia avoided, as compared with standard dosing.

Digital inclusion as a social determinant of health
CJ Sieck et al, NPJ Digital Medicine, March 17, 2021

The use of digital tools is steadily increasing. Research suggests that tools such as health apps and patient portals can foster greater patient engagement, better support for patients outside of the clinic visit, and can improve health outcomes. However, greater reliance on digital tools has the potential to increase disparities between those who have skills and access to digital tools and those who do not and thereby existing health disparities.

The potential of artificial intelligence to improve patient safety: a scoping review
DW Bates et al, NPJ Digital Medicine, March 19, 2021

392 studies were included in the scoping review. The literature provided numerous examples of how AI has been applied within each of the eight harm domains using various techniques. The most common novel data were collected using different types of sensing technologies: vital sign monitoring, wearables, pressure sensors, and computer vision.


Disclaimer: Articles listed in Hot Topics of the Day are selected by Public Health Genomics Branch to provide current awareness of the scientific literature and news. Inclusion in the update does not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor does it imply endorsement of the article's methods or findings. CDC and DHHS assume no responsibility for the factual accuracy of the items presented. The selection, omission, or content of items does not imply any endorsement or other position taken by CDC or DHHS. Opinion, findings and conclusions expressed by the original authors of items included in the Clips, or persons quoted therein, are strictly their own and are in no way meant to represent the opinion or views of CDC or DHHS. References to publications, news sources, and non-CDC Websites are provided solely for informational purposes and do not imply endorsement by CDC or DHHS.
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