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Hot Topics of the Day|PHGKB
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04/05/2020

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

Level of IL-6 predicts respiratory failure in hospitalized symptomatic COVID-19 patients
T Herold et al, MEDRXIV, April 4, 2020

Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Guangdong Province, China
J Lu et al, MEDRXIV, April 4, 2020

To study genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in China, 53 genomes from infected individuals in Guangdong were analyzed using a combination of metagenomic sequencing and tiling amplicon approaches. Analyses indicate multiple independent introductions to Guangdong, although phylogenetic clustering is uncertain due to low virus genetic variation early in the pandemic.

Comparative genomics suggests limited variability and similar evolutionary patterns between major clades of SARS-Cov-2
M Chiara et al, BIORXIV, April 4, 2020

The study analyzed >1100 complete SARS-CoV-2 genomes, and provide evidence for the absence of distinct evolutionary patterns/signatures of the currently known major clades of SARS-CoV-2. Our analyses suggest that the presence of distinct viral episomes at different geographic locations are consistent with founder effects and rapid spread of this novel virus.

COVIDView: A Weekly Surveillance Summary of U.S. COVID-19 Activity
CDC, April 2020 Brand

This CDC report provides a weekly summary and interpretation of key indicators being adapted to track the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. This includes information related to COVID-19 outpatient visits, emergency department visits, hospitalizations and deaths, as well as laboratory data.

Bad News Wrapped in Protein: Inside the Coronavirus Genome
J Corum et al, NY Times, April 3, 2020

Drugs and the renin-angiotensin system in covid-19
JK Aronson et al, BMJ, April 5,2020

Severe Covid-19 illness in young down to genes or 'viral load', scientists say
R McKie, The Guardian, April 35 2020

Several theories have been proposed. Some researchers believe the amount of virus that infects an individual may have crucial outcomes. Get a huge dose and your outcome may be worse. Others argue that genetic susceptibility may be involved: in other words, that there are individuals whose genetic makeup leaves them more vulnerable to the virus.

Accuracy of Smartphone Camera Applications for Detecting Atrial Fibrillation- A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
JW O'SUllivan et al, JAMA Network Open, April 3, 2020

In this meta-analysis of 10 primary diagnostic accuracy studies with 3852 participants, all applications that used photoplethysmography signals to diagnose AF had high sensitivity and specificity. The modeled positive predictive value for screening an asymptomatic population aged 65 years and older with a history of hypertension was approximately 20% to 40%.

Mobile messaging with patients
L Martinengo et al, BMJ, March 2020

Mobile messaging has the potential to support clinical practice and should be offered as an optional service. Before engaging in mobile messaging with your patients, develop a policy that includes the scope of communication, roles, and expected response time. Offer other communication channels to patients who choose to opt out of mobile messaging.


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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