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Hot Topics of the Day|PHGKB
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04/16/2020

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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Implementation Research to Improve Case Finding, Cascade Screening, and Treatment for Familial Hypercholesterolemia
NHLBI funding announcement, April 2020 Brand

This is to support applications that develop innovative strategies for accelerating the uptake and sustainment of evidence-based detection, diagnosis, and treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia: explore barriers and facilitators to implementing case finding and cascade screening; and study adoption, sustainability, and scalability of programs.

CRISPR–Cas12-based detection of SARS-CoV-2
JP Broughton et al, Nature BIotechnology

Human leukocyte antigen susceptibility map for SARS-CoV-2
A Nguyen et al, BIORXIV, April 15, 2020

CoV Genome Tracker: tracing genomic footprints of Covid-19 pandemic
S Akhter et al, BIORXIV, April 15, 2020

CoV Genome Tracker is a web portal dedicated to trace Covid-19 outbreaks in real time using a haplotype network, an accurate and scalable representation of genomic changes in a rapidly evolving population. At a broader evolutionary time scale, a companion browser facilitates the search for molecular targets of clinical interventions.

The global population of SARS-CoV-2 is composed of six major subtypes
IJM Junior et al, BIORXIV, April 15, 2020

We propose the subdivision of the global SARS-CoV-2 population into sixteen well-defined subtypes by focusing on the widely shared polymorphisms in nonstructural (nsp3, nsp4, nsp6, nsp12, nsp13 and nsp14) cistrons, structural (spike and nucleocapsid) and accessory (ORF8) genes. Six virus subtypes were predominant in the population.

5 burning questions about tech efforts to track Covid-19 cases
C Ross, Stat News, April 15, 2020

Some of the promises of what are sometimes called proximity tracing [tools] may be a little bit over the top. It’s not yet clear whether digital surveillance methods used in several Asian countries truly helped to control the spread of infections. What we’ve seen from various countries is information that this was done, but not information that it was effective.

An army of virus tracers takes shape in Massachusetts.
E Barry, NY Times, April 16, 2020

Asian countries have invested heavily in digital contact tracing which uses technology to warn people when they have been exposed to the coronavirus. Massachusetts is using an old-fashioned means: people

Covid-19: Sequencing a pandemic
C Wigley, CEO Genomics England, video, April 2020

Scientists tap CRISPR’s search-and-detect skills to create a rapid Covid-19 test
E Brodwin, Stat News, April 16, 2020

A new method uses CRISPR to quickly spot the coronavirus in samples from nose or throat swabs. The test takes roughly 40 minutes, compared with four to six hours for traditional PCR-based Covid-19 tests, which are currently being used. But the test also appears to produce false-negatives slightly more often than existing coronavirus tests.

Bringing about change together
Primary Immunodeficiency Week, April 22-July 1, 2020

World PI Week offers an opportunity to inform and educate health policy-makers, schools and families, and the general public about primary immunodeficiencies (PI) to drive the earliest possible diagnosis and optimal treatment.


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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