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Hot Topics of the Day|PHGKB
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06/04/2021

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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Symptomatic Acute Myocarditis in Seven Adolescents Following Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccination
M Marshall, Pediatrics, June 2021

UK reports 6,238 daily Covid cases amid fears over Delta variant infectiousness
S Marsh, The Guardian, June 4, 2021

A single dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine BNT162b2 elicits Fc-mediated antibody effector functions and T-cell responses
A Tauzin et al, Cell Host and Microbe, June 4, 2021

To assess the mechanisms contributing to protection, we analyzed humoral and T cell responses three weeks after a single BNT162b2 dose. We observed weak neutralizing activity elicited in SARS-CoV-2 naïve individuals but strong anti-receptor binding domain and Spike antibodies with Fc-mediated effector functions and cellular CD4+ T cell responses. In previously-infected individuals, a single dose boosted all humoral and T-cell responses, with strong correlations between T helper and antibody immunity.

‘The perfect storm’: lax social distancing fuelled a coronavirus variant’s Brazilian surge
E Callaway, Nature, June 3, 2021

The coronavirus variant behind Brazil’s ferocious second wave of COVID-19 emerged, in part, because of relaxed social distancing, according to an analysis of viral sequences from the outbreak’s epicentre.

A global analysis of the impact of COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions on crime
AE Nivette et al, Nature Human Behavior, June 3, 2021

Patient-specific COVID-19 resource utilization prediction using fusion AI model
A Tariq et al, NPJ Digital Medicine, June 3, 2021

The strain on healthcare resources brought forth by the recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for efficient resource planning and allocation through the prediction of future consumption. Machine learning can predict resource utilization such as the need for hospitalization based on past medical data stored in electronic medical records (EMR).

Pan-ancestry exome-wide association analyses of COVID-19 outcomes in 586,157 individuals
JA Kosmicki et al, AJHG, June 2, 2021

We used exome-sequence data to investigate associations between rare genetic variants and seven COVID-19 outcomes in 586,157 individuals, including 20,952 with COVID-19. We did not identify any clear associations with rare variants either exome-wide or when specifically focusing on (i) 13 interferon pathway genes in which rare deleterious variants have been reported in individuals with severe COVID-19; (ii) 281 genes located in susceptibility loci identified by the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative; or (iii) 32 additional genes of immunologic relevance and/or therapeutic potential.

Vaccine effectiveness of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine against RT-PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections, hospitalisations and mortality in prioritised risk groups
HD Emborg et al, MEDRXIV, June 2, 2021

Genomic characterization and Epidemiology of an emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant in Delhi, India
MS Dhar et al, MEDRXIV, June 3, 2021

A Comparison of Four Commercially Available RNA Extraction Kits for Wastewater Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in a College Population
M O'Brian et al, MEDRXIV, June 3, 2021

Prevention and Attenuation of COVID-19 by BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 Vaccines
MG Thompson et al, MEDRXIV, June 3, 2021

Variant-of-concern-attributable health and health system-related outcomes: a population-level propensity-score matched cohort study
A Erman et al, MEDRXIV, June 3, 2021

Determining the potential clinical value of panel-based pharmacogenetic testing in patients with chronic pain or gastroesophageal reflux disease
AL Elchynsky et al, The PGx journal, June 3, 2021

We aimed to determine the potential value of panel-based pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing in patients with chronic pain or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who underwent single-gene PGx testing to guide opioid or proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, respectively. Of 448 patients included (chronic pain, n?=?337; GERD, n?=?111), mean age was 57 years, 68% were female, and 73% were white. Excluding opiates for the pain cohort and PPIs for the GERD cohort, 76.6% of patients with pain and 71.2% with GERD were prescribed at least one additional medication with a high level of PGx evidence, most commonly ondansetron or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Phenotypic signatures in clinical data enable systematic identification of patients for genetic testing
TJ Morley et al, Nature Medicine, June 3, 2021

Around 5% of the population is affected by a rare genetic disease, yet most endure years of uncertainty before receiving a genetic test. A common feature of genetic diseases is the presence of multiple rare phenotypes that often span organ systems. Here, we use diagnostic billing information from longitudinal clinical data in the electronic health records (EHRs) of 2,286 patients who received a chromosomal microarray test, and 9,144 matched controls, to build a model to predict who should receive a genetic test.

Social determinants of atrial fibrillation
UR Essien et al, Nat Rev Cardio, June 2, 2021

We summarize the contributions of social determinants to the patient experience and outcomes associated with this common condition. We emphasize the relevance of social determinants and their important intersection with atrial fibrillation treatment and outcomes. We identify gaps in the literature and propose future directions for the investigation of social determinants and atrial fibrillation.

Familial hypercholesterolemia related admission for acute coronary syndrome in the United States: Incidence, predictors, and outcomes.
Kheiri Babikir et al. Journal of clinical lipidology 2021

Individuals with FH admitted for ACS were younger (median age 57 vs 69 y), had fewer comorbidities (hypertension 74.7% vs 79.6%; diabetes mellitus 30.5% vs 39.0%;p<0.01), were more likely to present with ST-elevation-myocardial infarction (32.8% vs 22.6%;p<0.01) and more likely to undergo multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention (11.4% vs 7.6%;p<0.01) than patients without FH. After propensity-score matching, FH patients more commonly experienced in-hospital VT arrest (11.8% vs 8.0%;p<0.01) and required more mechanical circulatory support (8.6% vs 3.3%; p<0.01). The 30-day readmission in those with FH was more frequently for cardiovascular disease (81.5% vs 46.5%; =p<0.01).


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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