Page 25 - Covid_NL_11_9_21

The mechanism of entry into the cell, or ‘endocytosis’, happens through the formation of an ‘endosome’ or vesicle from the cell membrane. Investigating the pathway of entry showed them a requirement for viral entry: the acidified endosomes. This led them to the identification of agents to inhibit acidification of endosomes and thus affect viral infection.
The experiments began with the simplest probe, and the probes’ complexity grew. With their experience in endocytic work, researchers focused on the cell entry process using the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. They found that both endocytic pathways utilised by the RBD (with and without ACE2 receptor) converge on acidified endosomes. This, therefore, may be a requirement for virus entry. They also used this pseudovirus to test ways to inhibit viral entry. The experiments with the RBD protein and pseudovirus entry into the cells offered many insights, including controlling the acidification of the endosome to prevent viral entry. The testing of the efficacy of Niclosamide and other inhibitors on the real SARS-CoV-2 was possible once approvals and transfers were in place for clinical samples to be used in the investigation.
Website link:
https://news.ncbs.res.in/research/experimenting-during-pandemic
Study on alternations in immune, inflammatory and endocrine responses in Indian diabetic patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and its clinical consequences
Dr. Saroj Kumar Sahoo from Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences is conducting a study on the immune and endocrine stress response in COVID-19 patients with and without diabetes. The purpose of the study is to estimate whether a higher viral load contributes to poor prognosis in patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM). This study will also provide new information on the endocrinological spectrum of manifestations of COVID-19 such as new-onset DM, pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid disorders. Some of the disorders like adrenal insufficiency, if detected in a timely manner can be lifesaving when treated adequately. This study will help in understanding the pathophysiology of severe illness in patients with DM and thus will help in designing a strategy for better monitoring, risk-stratification, and management in patients with DM infected with SARS-CoV-2.
Contact info:
drsarojsahoo21@gmail.com
COVID-19 lung ultrasound database: A study by IIT Palakkad
Dr. Mahesh Raveendranatha Panicker and his team from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Palakkad, has done a study on the COVID-19 lung ultrasound (LUS) of 1500 data with the help of a lightweight algorithm. This algorithm ‘you look only once’ version 5 (YOLO5) and single-shot detection (SSD) has the capability of providing quality images based on the identification of various LUS landmarks, prediction of severity of lung infection, and so on. Also there is the possibility of active learning through this database based on the feedback from clinicians.
Contact info:
mahesh@iitpkd.ac.in
VOL. IV ISSUE 10
VIGYAN PRASAR 21
COVID-19 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EFFORTS IN INDIA