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Hot Topics of the Day|PHGKB
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05/22/2021

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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Will polygenic risk scores for cancer ever be clinically useful?
A Sud et al, NPJ Precision Oncology, May 21, 2021

The clinical utility of identification of high-impact mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and MLH1 is not under dispute: such mutations provide effective risk discrimination and there are established clinical pathways for those in whom mutations are identified. However, the notion that PRSs will offer equivalent utility population-wide by providing informative risk stratification across multiple diseases is misleading. Raising unrealistic expectations and implementing programs without careful evaluation risks compromising the application of PRSs for specific niches, and indeed, of genomic medicine.

Comparing machine learning algorithms for predicting ICU admission and mortality in COVID-19
S Subudhi et al, NPJ DIgital Medicine, May 21, 2021

We developed and internally validated models using patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) between March-April 2020 (n?=?3597) and further validated them using temporally distinct individuals who presented to the ED between May-August 2020 (n?=?1711). We show that ensemble-based models perform better than other model types at predicting both 5-day ICU admission and 28-day mortality from COVID-19. CRP, LDH, and O2 saturation were important for ICU admission models whereas eGFR <60?ml/min/1.73?m2, and neutrophil and lymphocyte percentages were the most important variables for predicting mortality.

SARS-CoV-2 variants: Subversion of antibody response and predicted impact on T cell recognition
DM ALtman et al, Cell Rep Med, May 2021

COVID-19 variants of concern, including B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and P.1, encompass mutations facilitating immune evasion. Neutralizing antibody recognition and function may be variably impaired. We considered the impact of mutations on T cell responses. Mutations could be neutral or result in either loss or gain of predicted epitopes depending on HLA type.

Characterization of the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in India: A Google Trends Analysis
A Visaria et al, MEDRXIV, May 21, 2021

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva using tailed amplicon sequencing
A Garoutte et al, MEDRXIV, May 21, 2021

Effectiveness of the CoronaVac vaccine in the elderly population during a P.1 variant-associated epidemic of COVID-19 in Brazil: A test-negative case-control study
OT Ranzani et al, MEDRXIV, May 21, 2021

Performance of the TaqMan COVID-19 Pooling Kit for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Asymptomatic and Symptomatic populations at an Institution
T Ganz et al, MEDRXIV, May 21, 2021

Dysbiosis and structural disruption of the respiratory microbiota in COVID-19 patients with severe and fatal outcomes
AH Teran et al, MEDRXIV, May 21, 2021

Use of Environmental Variables to Predict SARS-CoV-2 Spread in the U.S.
RS Haring et al, MEDRXIV, May 21, 2021

Using demographic data from the US Census Bureaus American Community Survey, weather station data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and COVID-19 case data from the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University and the New York State Department of Health, we employed Bayesian hierarchical modeling. While demographic and environmental factors explain viral spread well, our findings challenge earlier conclusions about how these factors related to viral progress. Using these factors alone, we were able to predict spread to within 1% in all but 8 counties (99.9%), and within 0.1% in all but 51 counties (98.4%). The model was subsequently able to predict early July viral spread to within 0.5% in 98% of counties.

Early Detection of COVID-19 Outbreaks Using Human Mobility Data
G Guan et al, MEDRXIV, May 21, 2021

Epidemiological characteristics of three SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and implications for future COVID-19 pandemic outcomes
W Yang et al, MEDRXIV, May 21, 2021

Rapid identification of Sars-CoV-2 variants of concern using the portable peakPCR platform
S Hosch et al, MEDRXIV, May 21, 2021

Real-time SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic and variants tracking over multiple candidates using nanopore DNA sequencing
F Studer et al, MEDRXIV, May 22, 2021

Steps to Better Health for People with Sickle Cell Disease Toolkit
CDC, April 2021 Brand

In partnership with the American Society of Hematology (ASH), CDC has created health guidance materials for people with sickle cell disease (SCD) based on the ASH Clinical Practice Guidelines on Sickle Cell Disease. These materials include common complications of SCD and steps to take for better health.


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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