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Hot Topics of the Day|PHGKB
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03/23/2021

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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What is my covid risk?
Finnikin Samuel et al. BMJ (Clinical research ed.) 2021 3 n637

Risk calculators can give an estimate of the risk of dying from contracting covid-19 given an individual’s characteristics, but the figures the tool provides will need to be given context before they can be a meaningful part of a decision Consider an individual's risk from covid-19 in two parts; the risk of catching it and the risk of poor outcome if they do. Both can usually be modified to some extent.

Routine asymptomatic testing strategies for airline travel during the COVID-19 pandemic: a simulation study
MV Kiang et al. Lancet Infectious Diseases, March 22, 2021

Routine asymptomatic testing for SARS-CoV-2 before travel can be an effective strategy to reduce passenger risk of infection during travel, although abbreviated quarantine with post-travel testing is probably needed to reduce population-level transmission due to importation of infection when travelling from a high to low incidence setting.

Vaccines and SARS-CoV-2 variants: the urgent need for a correlate of protection
SSA Karim, The Lancet, March 22, 2021

Preparing for the next pandemic
Nature Medicine, March 2021

This special focus series is dedicated to understanding the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to begin to explore the lessons that can be drawn from the mistakes in handling the current health crisis in order to prepare for future ones.

COVID 19 Vaccine Perceptions in the New York State Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Community
S Ladarola et al, MEDRXIV, March 22, 2021

Psychosocial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic: Identification of most vulnerable populations.
J Farres et al, MEDRXIV, March 22, 2021

Reduced BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine response in SARS-CoV-2-naive nursing home residents
DH Canaday et al, MEDRXIV, March 22, 2021

Characterisation of B.1.1.7 and Pangolin coronavirus spike provides insights on the evolutionary trajectory of SARS-CoV-2
SJ DIcken et al, BIORXIV, March 22, 2021

Integrating Genomic Screening into Primary Care: Provider Experiences Caring for Latino Patients at a Community-Based Health Center.
Srinivasan Tarika et al. Journal of primary care & community health 2021 1221501327211000242

Our results highlight the potential benefits and challenges of bringing advances in precision medicine to community-based health centers serving under-resourced populations. By proactively considering patient support needs, and identifying financial assistance programs and patient-referral mechanisms to support patients who may need specialized medical care, PCPs and other health care providers can help to ensure that precision medicine lives up to its full potential as a tool for improving patient care.

Preparing genetic counselors to serve Native American communities.
Freeman Abigail A et al. Journal of genetic counseling 2021

We found that reported recruitment efforts, curricula content, clinical opportunities, and community engagement efforts to address the needs of Native American are limited across GC training programs surveyed. By bringing awareness to current methods, success factors, and barriers in this space, we hope to open the door for meaningful partnerships between leaders of Native American communities and GC training programs in the pursuit of greater equity

Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease-A Debt to Be Paid.
Ozuah Philip O et al. JAMA pediatrics 2021 3

Sickle cell disease, caused by a point mutation in DNA, a single amino acid substitution in a single gene, has long been recognized as a good target for gene therapy. The irony here is inescapable—some of the most underserved patients in the world are ideal candidates for the most advanced medical treatment yet conceived.

A Budget Impact Analysis of Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease: The Medicaid Perspective.
DeMartino Patrick et al. JAMA pediatrics 2021 3

An estimated 5464 Medicaid enrollees would be eligible for the gene therapy nationally, with 2315 individuals in the 10 Medicaid programs of interest (16 per 100 000 enrollees). The model projected a mean 1-year budget impact of $29.96 million per state Medicaid program in the sample ($1.91 per member per month). A 5-year annuity payment reduced the short-term budget impact.This study suggests that a gene therapy for severe sickle cell disease is likely to produce a considerable budget impact for many Medicaid plans while potentially offering substantial benefit to patients.


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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