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Hot Topics of the Day|PHGKB
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06/13/2021

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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Archived Hot Topics of the Day By Date

AI-guided discovery of the invariant host response to viral pandemics
D Sahoo et al, EBiomedicine, June 11, 2021

Over 45,000 transcriptomic datasets of viral pandemics were analyzed to extract a 166-gene signature using ACE2 as a ‘seed’ gene; ACE2 was rationalized because it encodes the receptor that facilitates the entry of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) into host cells. An AI-based approach was used to explore the utility of the signature. The 166-gene signature was conserved across all viral pandemics, including COVID-19, and a subset of 20-genes classified disease severity.

RAS inhibition and COVID-19: more questions than answers?
M Kerneis et al, Lancet Respiratory Medicine, June 11, 2021

The ACEI-COVID study adds more data to the existing evidence showing that RAS blockers should not be systematically discontinued in patients with COVID-19, but it leaves us also with more questions than answers.

As more kids go down the ‘deep, dark tunnel’ of long Covid, doctors still can’t predict who is at risk
E Cooney, StatNews June 10, 2021

A novel strategy for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants based on multiplex PCR-MALDI-TOF MS
F Zhao et al, MEDRXIV, June 12, 2021

SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater from Mexico City used for irrigation in the Mezquital Valley: quantification and modelling of geographic dispersion
Y Coronado et al, MEDRXIV, June 12, 2021

We quantified SARS-CoV-2 in rivers and irrigation canals in the Mezquital Valley, Hidalgo, an agricultural region where wastewater from Mexico City is distributed and used for irrigation. Using quantitative RT-PCR, we detected the virus in 6 out of 8 water samples from rivers, and 5 out of 8 water samples from irrigation canals. Notably, samples showed a general consistent trend of having the highest viral loads in the sites closer to Mexico City, indicating that this is the main source that contributes to detection.

Second wave of COVID-19 in India could be predicted with genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants coupled with epidemiological data: A tool for future
A Kumar et al, MEDRXIV, June 13, 2021

We analyzed the monthly distribution of the genomic sequence data for SARS-CoV-2 from India and correlated that with the epidemiological data for new cases and deaths, for the corresponding period of the second wave. Our analysis shows that the first indications of arrival of the second wave were observable by January, 2021, and by March, 2021 it was clearly predictable. B.1.617 lineage variants drove the wave, particularly B.1.617.2 (a.k.a. delta variant).

The effect of obesity-related traits on COVID-19 severe respiratory symptoms is mediated by socioeconomic status: a multivariable Mendelian randomization study
BC Mendoza et al, MEDRXIV, June 12, 2021

MicroRNA-based regulation of genomics and transcriptomics of inflammatory cytokines in COVID-19
M Khokhar et al, MEDRXIV, June 12, 2021

Spontaneous preterm birth: the underpinnings in the maternal and fetal genomes
E Bhattacharjee et al, NPJ Genomic Medicine, June 2021

Preterm birth (PTB) is a major cause of neonatal mortality and health complications in infants. Elucidation of its genetic underpinnings can lead to improved understanding of the biological mechanisms and boost the development of methods to predict PTB. Although recent genome-based studies of both mother and fetus have identified several genetic loci which might be implicated in PTB, these results suffer from a lack of consistency across multiple studies and populations.


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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