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Hot Topics of the Day|PHGKB
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08/14/2020

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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Predicting novel drugs for SARS-CoV-2 using machine learning from a >10 million chemical space
J Kowalewski, et al, Helyon, (Cell) AUgust 2020

We have developed a machine learning drug discovery pipeline to identify several drug candidates. First, we collect assay data for 65 human proteins known to interact SARS-CoV-2. We train machine learning models to predict inhibitory activity and use them to screen FDA registered chemicals and approved drugs and ~14 million purchasable chemicals.

Disparities in Incidence of COVID-19 Among Underrepresented Racial/Ethnic Groups in Counties Identified as Hotspots During June 5–18, 2020 — 22 States, February–June 2020
JT Moore et al, CDC MMWR, August 14, 2020

Among 79 counties identified as hotspots during June 5–18, 2020 that also had sufficient data on race, a disproportionate number of COVID-19 cases among underrepresented racial/ethnic groups occurred in almost all areas during February–June 2020. Addressing the disproportionate incidence among communities of color can improve health outcomes related to COVID-19.

Assessing Risk Factors for Severe COVID-19 Illness
CDC, August 2020 Brand

COVID-19 can affect anyone, and the disease can cause symptoms ranging from mild to very severe. For some other illnesses caused by respiratory viruses (such as influenza), some people may be more likely to have severe illness than others because they have characteristics or medical conditions that increase their risk.

Effect of an Inactivated Vaccine Against SARS-CoV-2 on Safety and Immunogenicity Outcomes Interim Analysis of 2 Randomized Clinical Trials
S Xia et al, JAMA, August 13, 2020

In this interim report of the phase 1 and phase 2 trials of an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine, patients had a low rate of adverse reactions and demonstrated immunogenicity; the study is ongoing. Efficacy and longer-term adverse event assessment will require phase 3 trials.

FALSE-NEGATIVE RESULTS OF INITIAL RT-PCR ASSAYS FOR COVID-19: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
IA Rodriguez et al, MEDRXIV, August 13, 2020

The COVID-19 Pandemic Vulnerability Index (PVI) Dashboard: monitoring county level vulnerability
S Marvel et al, MEDRXIV, August 13, 2020

To better support counties and municipalities, we integrated baseline data on relevant community vulnerabilities with dynamic data on local infection rates and interventions into a Pandemic Vulnerability Index (PVI). The PVI presents a visual synthesis of county-level vulnerability indicators that can be compared in a regional, state, or nationwide context.

Population stratification enables modeling effects of reopening policies on mortality and hospitalization rates
T Huang et al, ARXIV, August 10, 2020

A Deep Learning Approach for COVID-19 Trend Prediction
T Yang et al, ARXIV, August 9, 2020

Role of POLE and POLD1 in familial cancer
P Mur et al, Genetics in Medicine, August 14, 2020

Polymerase proofreading–associated syndrome constitutes 0.1–0.4% of familial cancer cases, reaching 0.3–0.7% when only CRC and polyposis are considered. ED variant interpretation is challenging and should include multiple pieces of evidence.

Genetic Predisposition to Coronary Artery Disease in Type 2 diabetes
NR van Zuydam et al, Cir Genomics Precision Med August 2020

None of the previously characterized CAD loci was found to have specific effects on CAD in T2D individuals and a genome-wide interaction analysis found no new variants for CAD that could be considered T2D specific.

Polygenic Contribution to Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels and Cardiovascular Risk in Monogenic Familial Hypercholesterolemia
M Trinder et al. Cir Genomics Precision Medicine, August 2020

We constructed a weighted LDL-C polygenic score, composed of 28 single-nucleotide variants, for individuals with monogenic FH from the British Columbia FH; Nutrition, Metabolism and Atherosclerosis Clinic; and UK Biobank cohorts. Polygenic contributions to LDL-C explain some of the heterogeneity in clinical presentation and ASCVD risk for individuals with FH.


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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