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Hot Topics of the Day|PHGKB
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04/22/2022

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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Provisional COVID-19 Age-Adjusted Death Rates, by Race and Ethnicity — United States, 2020–2021
BI Truman et al, MMWR, April 22, 2022

In 2020, racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 age-adjusted death rates (AADR) were reported among U.S. residents. From 2020 to 2021, disparities in AADR ratios from COVID-19 decreased significantly by 14.0%–40.2% for most racial and ethnic groups, including non-Hispanic White persons, who accounted for 59.6%–65.2% of all decedents; and increased nonsignificantly (7.2%) for non-Hispanic Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander persons (0.2%–0.3% of all decedents) compared with non-Hispanic multiracial persons.

The performance of wearable sensors in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection: a systematic review
M Mitratza et al, Lancet Digital Health, May 2022

Of 3196 records identified and screened, 12 articles and 12 study protocols were analysed. Most included articles had a moderate risk of bias, as per the National Institute of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational and Cross-Sectional Studies. The accuracy of algorithmic models to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection varied greatly (area under the curve 0·52–0·92). An algorithm's ability to detect presymptomatic infection varied greatly (from 20% to 88% of cases), from 14 days to 1 day before symptom onset. Increased heart rate was most frequently associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, along with increased skin temperature and respiratory rate. All 12 protocols described prospective studies that had yet to be completed or to publish their results, including two randomised controlled trials. The evidence surrounding wearable devices in the early detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection is still in an early stage.

CDC Statement on Masks in Public Transportation Settings
CDC, April 20, 2022

CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in all indoor public transportation settings. CDC’s number one priority is protecting the public health of our nation. Wearing masks is most beneficial in crowded or poorly ventilated locations, such as the transportation corridor. When people wear a well-fitting mask or respirator over their nose and mouth in indoor travel or public transportation settings, they protect themselves, and those around them, including those who are immunocompromised or not yet vaccine-eligible, and help keep travel and public transportation safer for everyone.

Vaccine effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19-related hospitalization with the Alpha, Delta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants: a nationwide Danish cohort study
MA Gram et al, MEDRXIV, April 20, 2022

Two vaccine doses provided high protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19-related hospitalization with the Alpha and Delta variants with protection waning over time. Two vaccine doses provided only limited protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19-related hospitalization with the Omicron variant. The third vaccine dose substantially increased the protection against Delta and Omicron.

Immune response to 2-dose BNT162b2 vaccination and risk of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection: The Shieldvacc-2 study
L Seekirsher et al, MEDRXIV, April 21, 2022

Genetic diversity and spatiotemporal distribution of SARS-CoV-2 alpha variant in India
J Parasar et al, MEDRXIV, April 21, 2022

Effectiveness of Primary and Booster COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination against Infection Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant in People with a Prior SARS-CoV-2 Infection
M Lind et al, MEDRXIV, April 21

Primary vaccination provided significant but limited protection against Omicron BA.1 infection among people with and without prior infection. While booster vaccination was associated with additional protection in people without prior infection, it was not associated with additional protection among people with prior infection. These findings support primary vaccination in people regardless of prior infection status but suggest that infection history should be considered when evaluating the need for booster vaccination.

Accuracy of US CDC COVID-19 Forecasting Models
A Charia et al, MEDRXIV, April 21, 2022

A Platform for Data-centric, Continuous Epidemiological Analyses
FC Coehlo et al, MEDRXIV, April 21, 2022

Opportunities to integrate nutrigenomics into clinical practice and patient counseling
D Roosan et al, EJCN, April 20, 2022

We identified four main themes: inadequate training, lack of awareness, underdeveloped nutrigenomics counseling skills, and unreliable evidence-based practice information. Many clinicians did not have the necessary knowledge to perform nutrigenomic counseling and were unaware of the available scientific information source. Moreover, there are no guidelines in the scientific community to counsel patients on nutrigenomics testing.

Pan-cancer prognostic genetic mutations and clinicopathological factors associated with survival outcomes: a systematic review
J Kaubryte et al, NPJ Precision Oncology, April 22, 2022

Genetic studies included 210,802 patients and identified 440 gene mutations associated with cancer survival, including genes TP53, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRAF, KRAS, BIRC5. We generated a comprehensive knowledge base of biomarkers that can be used to tailor treatment according to patients’ unique genetic and clinical characteristics. Our pan-cancer investigation uncovers the biomarker landscape and their combined influence that may help guide health practitioners and researchers across the continuum of cancer care from drug development to long-term survivorship.

The complexity of diagnosing rare disease: An organizing framework for outcomes research and health economics based on real-world evidence.
Hayeems Robin Z et al. Genetics in medicine : official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics 2021 12 (3) 694-702

Association of Pathogenic Variants in Hereditary Cancer Genes With Multiple Diseases
C Zheng et al, JAMA Oncology, April 21, 2022

This phenome-wide association study used genetic and phenotypic data derived from health-related data from electronic health records in 3 cohorts comprising 214 020 participants to identify 19 new diseases and conditions associated with pathogenic variants in 13 hereditary cancer genes. These new phenotypes included both neoplastic and nonneoplastic diseases.


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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