Kumaraguru Action for Relief and Empowerment (KARE), was founded in Nov, 2015 during the Chennai floods. KARE supports the victims of natural disasters such as floods, cyclone and other calamities and has supported during Kerala floods & Gaja Cyclone. This is a volunteer movement of Kumaraguru Institutions where many join hands when the need arises.

KARE COVID 19 Response Bulletin is an effort by a group of Kumaraguru alumni, students & informed citizens alike to clear the clutter around COVID 19 by providing informative, insightful news, articles & data around the world under various tags such as Research, Technology, Education, Economy & Insights with a short summary for each.
 COVID19 Basic Info & Previous Bulletin Link: tinyurl.com/blog-KARE

STATISTICS

India vs the World – The global race for a cure

COVID-19
 		Active Cases
 		Recovered
 		Casualties 
 
India676,9092,096,06853,994
World6,495,81115,300,853
790,977

The above graph depicts the  COVID-19 case fatality ratio(CFR) in India and across the world. The overall CFR is consistently decreasing over time, globally and in India.| Prof. Shamika Ravi

The above graph shows the average growth rate in active cases across India. As tests per million rises to 22,500, the growth rate of active cases falls to 0.2% (doubling in 350 days) which is a heartening trend.| Prof.Shamika Ravi

FROM THE PM’S DESK

PM on ‘The National Health Mission’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the plan of mass-producing COVID-19 vaccines along with an added announcement that all the citizens of India will be given a health ID in which they will be given access to all medical services. This health ID will store the respective person’s medical history prescriptions and diagnostic reports and summaries of previous discharges from hospitals for ailments and the Mission will herald a new revolution in the health sector. This project has been titled ‘The National Health Mission’, its main objective is to reduce the problems of getting treatment using technology. The Prime Minister also stated that three vaccine candidates are in different stages of trial in the country. In addition to this, to aid in the progress of curing the COVID-19, new AIIMS and medical colleges are being built.| Times of India

MEDICINE

Alpacas provides new hope for a COVID-19 cure

Camelids, a species that includes alpacas, llamas, and camels, produce two types of antibodies, one similar to human antibodies and the other dramatically smaller, called a nanobody which are extremely sticky to the spike protein. This nanobody’s small size allows it to tumble into pockets and crevices on the coronavirus’s spike protein, getting around any defences the virus may have set up and also sticking onto parts of the spike, a normal-sized antibody can never fit onto. When this antibody is inserted inside the human body it would act as a potent COVID-buster.| SMH

Pre-existing drug: Possible cure for COVID-19?

Using state-of-the-art computer simulations, scientists have identified a pre-existing drug that has been effective in treating multiple diseases including bipolar disorders and hearing loss – that may be effective in curing COVID-19 by preventing it from replicating itself in host cells. Ebselen has been studied and acknowledged to control Mpro, a key enzyme in a cell that plays a central role in controlling the viral life cycle. As the investigation is still in progress, Ebselen, a chemical compound with anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, bactericidal, and cell-protective properties continues to keep the scientists’ hope up.| Economic Times

Prospective cure for COVID-19 – a 1970’s drug

As researchers continue to find the cure for COVID-19, scientists have found that a drug manufactured in the early 1970s called RLF-100 or Aviptadil has helped to control respiratory diseases caused by the novel Coronavirus. Aviptadil is an old proprietary drug formulation of synthetic human Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP) that is produced by immune cells and nerve endings in the human body. Various studies have shown that this can help protect alveolar type II cells. These cells help in oxygen exchange in the lungs. The novel coronavirus is known to attack the lungs and cause respiratory troubles as one of the primary symptoms of the condition, which the drug may be able to prevent.| Times Now

VACCINE AND TESTING

Russia announces its novel Coronavirus vaccine is ready

Russia has delivered on its promise to develop the world’s first vaccine for novel Coronavirus. Last week, it announced that it had approved a vaccine being developed by Moscow’s Gamaleya Institute. The announcement has been met with excitement as well as skepticism due to the fact that the vaccine has been cleared without phase-3 human trials. Also, there are more than 160 vaccine candidates in preclinical or clinical trials. 28 of them in clinical (human) trials. At least seven of them are by Chinese companies or research institutions. Five of them in the final stages, phase-3 of human trials. At least eight candidate vaccines are being developed in India.| Indian Express

New low-cost test which can diagnose COVID-19

In the race to control the COVID-19 pandemic, access to rapid, precision diagnostics is key. The findings, published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology, shows that the test called N1-STOP-LAMP, which uses a small portable machine can reliably detect SARS-CoV-2 from just one nasal swab. The N1-STOP-LAMP method was found to be 100 percent accurate and correctly identified 87% of tests as positive when used to assess 157 confirmed-positive samples. The test requires a small shoebox-sized machine, as well as reagents, and everything is portable.| Livemint

PUBLIC HEALTH

WHO urges People not to fret over coronavirus entering the food chain

Though there is no evidence to suggest that Coronavirus is being spread by food or packaging, people are worried. WHO has asked people not to be afraid of the virus entering the food chain. It has also urged countries that are striking bilateral deals for vaccines not to abandon multilateral efforts, since vaccinating pockets will still leave the world vulnerable. Moreover, the vast majority of the population of the world is susceptible to this disease because the stringency of the application of control measures is dropping. People are coming closer together and even masks aren’t being used in an appropriate way.| The Week

Scientific evidence that masks aid in the fight against COVID-19

Over the past couple of months, the world has received more evidence that face masks really can play a crucial role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is the summary of the latest research on masks.

1. A review published in Lancet states “face masks are associated with protection, even in non-health-care settings”.

2. A study conducted by IZA, Germany states “reduced the cumulative number of registered Covid-19 cases” after wearing masks became mandatory.
3. A study from CDC states “Use of face coverings and other preventive measures could mitigate transmission”.| Vox

EDUCATION

Graduates are now taking school back to kids

Shiksha doots, a group of local youth, are voluntarily helping various village kids in revising fundamentals like multiplication, general knowledge, and English and Hindi grammar in their respective villages by setting up community classrooms in places like courtyards, temples, mosques, rooftops and community centres. The daily timetable and details of lessons to be taught are being uploaded by the head office in Chandigarh and shared with the education ambassadors. These local youth get one day to prepare their lectures. Besides taking classes, the siksha doots are also being asked to counsel students and bust myths around COVID-19.| Times of India

MENTAL HEALTH

Youth faces reproductive, mental challenges in COVID-19 lockdown

The rapid assessment survey carried out by Population Foundation of India (PFI) collected responses from more than 800 young people in the three States through a questionnaire on a mobile platform. The PFI report says that Young women faced “double burden” in many instances . The closure of school, which is a source of menstrual health care by girls, leads to an unmet need for sanitary napkins .“There is a need to reimagine educational institutions in a way that fosters deeper connections and interactions with students that are not limited to them being in school or the school being in academic session,” said the PFI report.| The Hindu

RESEARCH

Inhibition of Growth factor signaling prevents SARS-CoV-2 replication

An article published in Molecular cells may provide novel strategies for COVID-19 treatment. This study has found that the proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 have a lot of phosphate groups in them. Drug protein network analysis has shown Growth factor receptor (GFR) signalling as a key pathway targetable by approved drugs. An analysis of 5 compounds which blocks the replication shows that these compounds target GFR signalling. This study reveals GFR signalling as a central pathway essential for SARS-CoV-2 replication.| Cell

Implications of Sex differences in COVID-19 immunity

An article published in Cell Immunity deals with the immunity for SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and design of therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing the antiviral drugs against COVID-19. The manifestation of this virus is different in Male and Female. Men present more frequently and are at higher risk of death. Men had higher levels of innate immune molecules while women had robust T cell activation than male patients. The difference in immunity of Men and Women may help in better control of COVID-19 in women. Interventions aimed at enhancing the immune system have to take these sex-specific differences and optimize treatment outcomes.| Cell

Designer antibodies may curb COVID-19 before vaccines

As the race to develop COVID-19 vaccine hots up, a potential competitor “Targeted antibodies” are in high stakes. They are an ideal choice to fight COVID-19. Several pharma giants including Regeneron and  Eli Lilly have invested in this. Clinical trials of monoclonal antibodies are ahead of Vaccines.  “It’s much easier to take care of a few incoming virus particles than to try and resolve or cure an ongoing infection.” The same logic holds for treatment. “If you were going to put your money down, you would bet that you get the answer with the monoclonal before you get the answer with a vaccine,” says Anthony Fauci, head NIAID.| Science Mag

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Seoul tries smart bus shelter to fight the virus

To combat  summer heat, monsoon rain and the Coronavirus, the smart bus shelter has arrived on the streets of the South Korean capital. The glass cube “Smart Shelter” has air-conditioning and ultraviolet light sterilisers to clean and cool the air, surveillance cameras and digital screens to warn when your bus approaches. It is equipped with hand sanitiser and allows you to charge a laptop or mobile phone while using the free Wi-Fi. A thermal imaging camera on the doors allows entry only to those with temperatures lower than 37.5 degrees Celsius (99.5 degrees Fahrenheit). A separate camera is installed at a lower height for children. A solar panel on the roof provides back-up power.| Reuters

How tech companies turned COVID-19 into an opportunity

Trackerwave which was founded by Pradeep and Sudhakar, has designed an ID card holder that senses if another person wearing an ID card is within a configurable distance. Sankar Srinivasan and his co-founders at Wesense decided to focus on customer intelligence in retail spaces using closed-circuit cameras as tools for data gathering. They have decided to leverage their strengths in CCTV technology. The team at Invento Robotics had deployed their Mitra robot at banks and IT companies in order to increase customer engagement. RIoT Solutions, the makers of Raybaby, a radio-wave based breathing monitor for babies have repurposed Raybaby for Covid-19 patients. At Coeo labs, Neonatal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device was used to help COVID-19 patients on ventilator support.| Times of India

BUSINESS

The government may allow the export of N-95 masks

The government has decided to lift restrictions on exports on N-95 masks. The industry has also sought the removal of export restrictions, citing surplus capacity and its potential to produce 7 million N-95 masks daily. India is producing around 400,000-500,000 N-95 masks every day. The industry has pitched for allowing exports as it fears business will go to competitors such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. There is a more-than-adequate capacity to meet domestic requirements. Since exports are not being allowed, the capacity is grossly underutilized, causing huge losses to manufacturers,” said Anshumali Jain, vice president of the Non-Woven Federation of India (NWFI).| Economic Times

European battery makers powerup for  a  green recovery

Now, China hosts 80% of the world’s lithium-ion cell production. Analysts say that the next generation of batteries must last longer, charge faster and be safer and greener than those on the market now, and that gives European companies a chance. European battery makers are gearing up to take advantage of massive “green” stimulus packages  unveiled since the coronavirus pandemic though many acknowledge it will be tough to match the Asian giants that dominate the mainstream market. Ever since Europe launched the European Battery Alliance in 2017, it has been pushing local firms to develop an industry that should flourish in a low-carbon future and ensure the continent is not reliant on imported products – or technology.| Reuters

Where can we get authentic information about Coronavirus?

Was Bulletin 15 Informative? Let us know your suggestions

KARE COVID-19 Response

KARE is now supporting the front-line workers through local government by providing Food, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & sanitizers made in-house at the Kumaraguru Institutions. KARE is also connecting the farmers with communities who would required vegetables in bulk.


KARE COVID-19 Response So Far 

  • 43038 Cooked meals
  • 2259 Volunteering hours clocked
  • 10 Tons of Vegetables transacted so far
  • 28+ Number of Farmers impacted so far
  • 500 kg Rice
  • 1300 Liquid sanitizer packs
  • 2500 Masks
  • ₹ 4,95,141 Funds Raised
  • ₹ 6,50,000 Funds Spent
  • 57000+  Lives Impacted

Impact areas: 

Chinnavedampatti, Saravanampatty, Vellaikinar, Sathyamangalam, Sulthanpet, Paapampatti, Sulur, Thondamuthur, Narasipuram, Kangayam, Coimbatore & Pollachi.

TO MAKE A DONATION
KARE Bank Account Details

Account name: KCT KARE
Account number: 1245155000078376
Bank: Karur Vysya Bank
Branch: KCT Extension Counter
IFSC: KVBL0001245
Bank address: Kumaraguru College of Technology, Chinnavedampatti,Coimbatore – 641036