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Hot Topics of the Day|PHGKB
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07/21/2020

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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Archived Hot Topics of the Day By Date

Detecting Emerging COVID-19 Community Outbreaks at High Spatiotemporal Resolution - New York City, June 2020
SK Greene et al, MEDRXIV, July 21, 2020

To quickly detect hotspots, the New York City Health Department launched a cluster detection system using census tract resolution and the SaTScan prospective Poisson-based space-time scan statistic. Soon after implementation, this system prompted an investigation identifying a gathering with inadequate social distancing where transmission likely occurred.

COVID-19 meets Cystic Fibrosis: for better or worse?
D Peckham et al, Genes and Immunity, July 2020

There are limited data on the response of CF patients to COVID-19, although preliminary information suggests that the course of disease may be milder than expected. Globally, from a population of about 100,000 patients, there have been over a hundred cases of COVID-19 infection in people with CF, with 90% exhibiting relatively few symptoms and complications.

COVID-19 and Down’s syndrome: are we heading for a disaster?
R Dard et al, EJHG, July 20, 2020

Given that people with DS are often intellectually impaired, measures designed to prevent transmission of the virus will certainly be more difficult to apply in this population. Furthermore, most adults with DS live in institutions where the risk of contagion is significant or with their elderly parents, who themselves constitute a high-risk group.

Three Coronavirus Vaccine Developers Report Promising Initial Results
DD Kirkpatrick, NY Times, July 20, 2020

Early trials showed a good immune response in vaccinated subjects, but one researcher sounded a note of caution: “There is still a long way to go.”

Cancer immunotherapy comes of age and looks for maturity
A Finck, et al Nat Comms, July 20, 2020

Advances in the understanding of basic immunology have ushered in two major approaches for cancer therapy over the past 10 years. The first is checkpoint therapy to augment the function of the natural immune system. The second uses the emerging discipline of synthetic biology and the tools of molecular biology and genome engineering.

A Genomic Test for Colorectal Cancer Risk: Is This Acceptable and Feasible in Primary Care?
S Saya et al, Public Health Genomics, July 2020

We aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of administering a CRC genomic test in primary care. In 150 participants, test uptake was high (126, 84%), with 125 (83%) having good knowledge of the genomic test. Moderate risk participants were impacted more by the test.

Variations in the Referral Pattern for Genetic Counseling of Patients with Early-Onset Breast Cancer: A Population-Based Study in Southern Sweden
A Augustinsson et al, Public Health Genomics, July 2020

Our results suggest that place of residence at breast cancer diagnosis and treating hospital were associated with the probability of referral for genetic counseling and testing for women diagnosed with BC at =35 years in the South Swedish Health Care Region.


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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