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Hot Topics of the Day|PHGKB
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10/06/2020

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

Evolocumab in Pediatric Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia.
Santos Raul D et al. The New England journal of medicine 2020 10 (14) 1317-1327

In this trial involving pediatric patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, evolocumab reduced the LDL cholesterol level and other lipid variables. 157 patients underwent randomization and received evolocumab (104 patients) or placebo (53 patients). At week 24, the mean difference was -38.3 percentage points.

Rogue Antibodies and Gene Mutations Explain Some Cases of Severe COVID-19
F Collins, NIH Director's Blog, October 6, 2020 Brand

A perplexing issue with COVID-19 is that it affects people so differently. Researchers are trying to explain why some folks bounce right back from the virus, or don’t even know they have it—while others become critically ill. Two studies suggest that one reason may be previously unknown trouble spots in the immune systems, which hamper ability to fight the virus.

Risk estimation of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from bluetooth low energy measurements
F Sattler et al, NPJ Digital Medicine, October 6, 2020

Digital contact tracing approaches based on Bluetooth low energy (BLE) have the potential to efficiently contain and delay outbreaks of infectious diseases We propose a machine learning based approach to reliably detect subjects that have spent enough time in close proximity to be at risk of being infected. Our study is an important proof of concept to slow down the rapid spread of COVID-19.

A validated, real-time prediction model for favorable outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients
N Razavian et al, NPJ Digital Medicine, October 6, 2020

We use 3345 retrospective and 474 prospective hospitalizations to develop and validate a parsimonious model to identify patients with favorable outcomes within 96?h of a prediction, based on real-time lab values, vital signs, and oxygen support variables. In retrospective and prospective validation, the model achieves high average precision (88.6% 95% CI: [88.4–88.7] and 90.8% [90.8–90.8]) and discrimination (95.1% [95.1–95.2] and 86.8% [86.8–86.9]) respectively.

Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2
KA Prather et al, Science, October 5 2020

There is an urgent need to harmonize discussions about modes of virus transmission to ensure the most effective control strategies. To do so, we must clarify the terminology to distinguish between aerosols and droplets using a size threshold that can more effectively separate their aerodynamic behavior, ability to be inhaled, and efficacy of interventions.

Detection of COVID-19 from Chest Computed Tomography (CT) images using Deep learning: Comparing COGNEX VisionPro Deep Learning 1.0 Software with Open Source Convolutional Neural Networks
A Sarkar et al, ARXIV, October 1, 2020

COVID-19 Classification of X-ray Images Using Deep Neural Networks
E Goldstein et al, ARXIV, October 3, 2020

Metabolic programs define dysfunctional immune responses in severe COVID-19 patients
E Thomson et al, MEDRXIV, October 5, 2020

Pooled Saliva Specimens for SARS-CoV-2 Testing
B Barat et al, MEDRXIV, October 5, 2020

Precision Medicine Leaders Summit
PMLS, North Carolina Precision Health Initiative, October 20-21, 2020

Advances in genomics and precision health technologies are changing the practice of medicine and public health. The public health response to genomics and precision health technologies illustrates the current opportunities and challenges of new technologies in improving population health and preventing disease.

Ethical and public health implications of genetic testing for suicide risk: family and survivor perspectives
BM Kious et al, Genetics in Medicine, October 6, 2020

Eight survivors and 13 family members participated. Both groups postulated benefits of suicide genetic testing, including prevention and reduced stigma. Their concerns ranged from increased stigma to adverse psychological effects. They suggested that suicide testing should be accompanied by extensive education and counseling.


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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