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Hot Topics of the Day|PHGKB
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10/08/2020

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

Coronavirus Disease among Persons with Sickle Cell Disease, United States, March 20-May 21, 2020.
Panepinto Julie A et al. Emerging infectious diseases 2020 10 (10) 2473-2476

Sickle cell disease (SCD) disproportionately affects Black or African American persons in the United States and can cause multisystem organ damage and reduced lifespan. Among 178 persons with SCD in the United States who were reported to an SCD–coronavirus disease case registry, 122 (69%) were hospitalized and 13 (7%) died.

Face masks: what the data say
L Peeples, Nature, October 6, 2020

The science supports using masks, with recent studies suggesting that they could save lives in different ways: research shows that they cut down the chances of both transmitting and catching the coronavirus, and some studies hint that masks might reduce the severity of infection if people do contract the disease.

System Dynamics Model of Possible Covid-19 Trajectories Under Various Non-Pharmaceutical Intervention Options in Low Resource Setting.
LWK Bitok et al, MEDRXIV, October 8, 2020

Age- and Sex-Specific Modelling of the COVID-19 Epidemic
A Doerre et al, MEDRXIV, October 8, 2020

Plasma ACE2 activity is persistently elevated following SARS-CoV-2 infection: implications for COVID-19 pathogenesis and consequences
SK Patel et al, MEDRXIV, October 8, 2020

AI for radiographic COVID-19 detection selects shortcuts over signal
AJ Degrave et al, MEDRXIV, October 8, 2020

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 with SHERLOCK One-Pot Testing.
Joung Julia et al. The New England journal of medicine 2020 Oct (15) 1492-1494

We describe a simple test for detection of SARS-CoV-2. The sensitivity of this test is similar to that of reverse-transcription–quantitative polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-qPCR) assays. STOP (SHERLOCK testing in one pot) is a streamlined assay that combines simplified extraction of viral RNA with isothermal amplification and CRISPR-mediated detection. This test can be performed at a single temperature in less than an hour and with minimal equipment.

Characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19
B Hu et al, Nat Rev Microbiology, October 6, 2020

We summarize current knowledge of clinical, epidemiological and pathological features of COVID-19, as well as recent progress in animal models and antiviral treatment approaches for SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also discuss the potential wildlife hosts and zoonotic origin of this emerging virus in detail.

Seeds of cancer in normal skin
I Martincorina, Nature Medicine, October 7, 2020

Sequencing the genomes of individual skin cells called melanocytes has revealed a rich landscape of DNA changes. These insights shed light on the origins of melanoma, an aggressive type of cancer.

Exome Sequencing for Prenatal Diagnosis in Nonimmune Hydrops Fetalis.
Sparks Teresa N et al. The New England journal of medicine 2020 Oct

The cause of most fetal anomalies is not determined prenatally. Exome sequencing has transformed genetic diagnosis after birth, but its usefulness for prenatal diagnosis is still emerging. In this large case series of 127 fetuses with unexplained non immune hydrops fetalis, we identified a diagnostic genetic variant in approximately one third of the cases.


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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