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Hot Topics of the Day|PHGKB
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10/21/2020

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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A pooled testing strategy for identifying SARS-CoV-2 at low prevalence
L Mutesa et al, Nature, October 21, 2020

We propose an algorithm for pooling subsamples based on the geometry of a hypercube that, at low prevalence, accurately identifies infected individuals in a small number of tests and rounds of testing. We discuss the optimal group size and explain why largely parallel searches are preferred. We report proof of concept experiments in which a positive subsample was detected even when diluted 100-fold with negative subsamples.

Attributes and predictors of Long-COVID: analysis of COVID cases and their symptoms collected by the Covid Symptoms Study App
CS Sudre et al, MEDRXIV, October 21, 2020

We analyzed data from 4182 incident cases of COVID-19 who logged their symptoms prospectively. Long-COVID was more likely with increasing age, BMI and female sex. Experiencing >5 symptoms during the first week of illness was associated with Long-COVID, OR=3.53. Our model to predict long-COVID at 7 days, with ROC-AUC of 76%, was replicated in an independent sample.

The Pandemic’s Real Toll? 300,000 Deaths, and It’s Not Just From the Coronavirus A C.D.C. analysis finds that overall death rates have risen, particularly among young adults and people of color.
RC Rabin, NY Times, October 20, 2020

The ambitious effort to piece together America’s fragmented health data - The infrastructure could help fight the next pandemic
N Wetsman, The Verge, October 19, 2020

Excess Deaths Associated with COVID-19, by Age and Race and Ethnicity — United States, January 26–October 3, 2020
LM Rossen et al, MMWR, October 20, 2020

Overall, an estimated 299,028 excess deaths occurred from late January through October 3, 2020, with 198,081 (66%) excess deaths attributed to COVID-19. The largest percentage increases were seen among adults aged 25–44 years and among Hispanic or Latino persons.

Prediction models for covid-19 outcomes
M Sperrin et al, BMJ, October 20, 2020

Given the rapidly changing nature of the disease and its management, we emphasize the need to update COVID-19 prediction models regularly and monitor their performance closely over time and space. Care must also be taken when interpreting the predictions generated by these models.

Studies Point To Big Drop In COVID-19 Death Rates
NPR, October 20, 2020

From multiplex serology to serolomics: A novel approach to the antibody response against the SARS-CoV-2 proteome
J Butt et al, MEDRXIV, October 21, 2020

Machine Learning in Medicine- Will This Time Be Different?
Circulation, October 20, 2020

The pursuit of artificial intelligence, in its original conception, involved training machines to replicate all these capabilities. Artificial intelligence remains in its infancy, more suited to science fiction than actual practice. But in some areas relevant to medicine—specifically pattern recognition tasks—machines have begun to narrow the gap with humans.

Effect of Integrating Machine Learning Mortality Estimates With Behavioral Nudges to Clinicians on Serious Illness Conversations Among Patients With Cancer: A Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial.
Manz Christopher R et al. JAMA oncology 2020 Oct e204759

In this stepped-wedge cluster randomized clinical trial that included 14?607 patients with cancer, the intervention led to a significant increase in serious illness conversations from approximately 1% to 5% of all patient encounters and from approximately 4% to 15% of encounters with patients having high predicted mortality risk.

Long-awaited progress in addressing genetic discrimination in the United States.
Lewis A C F et al. Genetics in medicine : official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics 2020 Oct

GINA passed in 2008 and set a federal floor for antidiscrimination protections, but states are free to develop broader protections, and there has been a steady stream of attempts to do so. Since GINA’s passage, there have been 187 legislative efforts across 43 states to address some aspect of genetic discrimination, 58 of which were enacted and 15 of which are pending.

Dissecting the Association Between Inflammation, Metabolic Dysregulation, and Specific Depressive Symptoms: A Genetic Correlation and 2-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study.
Kappelmann Nils et al. JAMA psychiatry 2020 Oct

This study reports coheritability between CRP levels and individual depressive symptoms, which may result from the potentially causal association of metabolic dysregulation with anhedonia, tiredness, changes in appetite, and feelings of inadequacy. The study also found that IL-6 signaling is associated with suicidality.


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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