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Hot Topics of the Day|PHGKB
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10/09/2020

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

Researchers face hurdles to evaluate, synthesize COVID-19 evidence at top speed
J Brainard, Science, October 8, 2020

To avoid out-of-date reviews, several groups have been developing an approach little used before the pandemic: “living reviews” they plan to update as new relevant studies emerge. Each review update, like the original review, requires rigorously searching for relevant papers—­and considering whether to rework the conclusions to account for new findings.

Clinical impact of molecular point-of-care testing for suspected COVID-19 in hospital (COV-19POC): a prospective, interventional, non-randomised, controlled study
NJ Brendish et al, Lancet Resp Medicine, October 8, 2020

This is a prospective, interventional, non-randomized, controlled study of molecular point-of-care testing in patients aged 18 years or older presenting with suspected COVID-19. Point-of-care testing was associated with large reductions in time to results and could lead to improvements in infection control measures and patient flow compared with centralized laboratory PCR testing.

Prediction models for COVID-19 clinical decision making
AM Leuwenberg et al, Lancet Digital Health, October 8, 2020

Prediction models that combine patient and disease characteristics to estimate the risk of a poor outcome from COVID-19 can provide helpful assistance in clinical decision making. Critical appraisal of existing models was recently done, concluding that use of any of reported prediction models was not recommended in current practice.

Is Particulate Matter of Air Pollution a Vector of Covid-19 Pandemic?
T Barakat, Cell Matter, October 7, 2020

Fine particulate matter (PM) generated from combustion engines have been described as toxic to human health. Recent events stressed that high concentrations of PM of air pollution might favor the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Elucidating the role of PM of air pollution in the spread of the virus is thus urgent and crucial.

Large-scale Multi-omic Analysis of COVID-19 Severity
KA Overmeyer et al, Cell Systems, October 7, 2020

We surveyed biomolecules in 102 COVID-19 and 26 non-COVID-19 patient blood samples. We found 219 biomolecules strongly associated with COVID-19 status and severity. We observed pronounced dysregulation of lipid transport and neutrophil degranulation.

SARS-CoV-2 disrupts splicing, translation, and protein trafficking to suppress host defenses
AK Banerjee et al, Cell, October 8, 2020

We define the interactions between SARS-CoV-2 proteins and human RNAs. NSP16 binds to the mRNA recognition domains of the U1 and U2 splicing RNAs and acts to suppress global mRNA splicing upon SARS-CoV-2 infection. NSP1 binds to 18S ribosomal RNA in the mRNA entry channel of the ribosome and leads to global inhibition of mRNA translation upon infection. Finally, NSP8 and NSP9 bind to the 7SL RNA in the Signal Recognition Particle and interfere with protein trafficking to the cell membrane upon infection. Disruption of each of these essential cellular functions acts to suppress the interferon response to viral infection. Our results uncover a multipronged strategy utilized by SARS-CoV-2 to antagonize essential cellular processes to suppress host defenses.

Do you dare open Pandora's Box of genetic counseling?
S Yoo, KARE 11, October 8, 2020

If you had an opportunity to find out whether you were going to get cancer at an unknown point in your life, would you? Depending on how you see it, it may be a Pandora's Box ... but one that's worth opening. I decided to open my box. The biggest reason? My mom. My rock. My best friend. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 39-years-old.

Heritable Human Genome Editing- The International Commission Report
EY Adashi et al, JAMA< October 8, 2020

The commission firmly acknowledged the significant potential of HHGE in the prevention of heritable monogenic (but not polygenic) diseases. Near-term implementation of HHGE, however, was firmly ruled out because the efficiency and specificity of current embryo editing methods are not adequate for human clinical uses.


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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