Assessment and Evaluation of Soft Tissue Measurements between Various Mandibular Divergences in the South Indian Population: A Cephalometric Study.

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between the mandibular divergent patterns and soft tissue chin (STC) thickness measured at different chin levels in nongrowing patients. Methodology: Pretreatment lateral cephalograms of 400 adult patients were segregated into four groups based on mandibular divergence pattern defined by the mandibular plane to cranial base angle (average 32° ± 5°), Group I with low angle (below 27°), Group II with medium low angle (28°-32°), Group III with medium high angle (33°-36°), and Group IV with high angle (above 37°). STC thickness was measured between Pog-Pog' (pogonion), Gn-Gn' (gnathion), and Me-Me' (menton), thickness and height of the upper and lower lips were also measured. Statistical analysis was done using one-way analysis of variance followed by post hoc Tukey analysis. Results: A significant difference in the STC thickness at Pog, Gn, and Me was observed among all four groups with hyperdivergent patterns, showing decreased STC thickness than the hypodivergent mandibular pattern. Thickness of the upper and lower lips was greater in hypodivergent mandible, whereas height of the lips was greater in hyperdivergent mandible.

Safety and efficacy of siddha medicine preparation in the management of COVID-19: A prospective randomised open label study.

Background: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies has surged since the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. However, the efficacy and safety of these CAM therapies remains majorly unexplored. Objective: To understand the efficacy and safety of Nochi Kudineer Chooranam (5 gm), Mahasudarsan Chooranam (3 gm) , Adathodai Manapagu (10 ml), Omatheeneer (10 ml), Maldevi chenduram (100 mg) with honey in management of COVID 19 patients. Methods: We conducted a randomised, controlled, open label trial in patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection who had an oxygen saturation of 90% or more while breathing ambient air. Patients were randomized into two groups in a 1:1 ratio to either intervention group, receiving seven days of siddha medicine (Intervention group; n = 50) or standard care (control group; n = 50). The primary end point was clinical markers and patient recovery status on day 8. Results: A total of 100 patients with confirmed COVID-19 with average age of 37 yrs (interquartile range, 28-49) participated in the study. There was no statistically difference between groups at baseline (P > 0.05). After intervention, patients in the intervention group had statistically (P < 0.05) significant reduction in the symptoms when compared to standard care. By end of the intervention period, 6 patients (12%) were hospitalized in the control group and none of them were reported for intervention group. Conclusion: Among patients with mild to moderate COVID-19, 7 days of siddha medicine showed a significant reduction in the clinical symptoms and requirement of hospitalisation, with no adverse events. Therefore, the particular siddha medicine preparation could be used safely and effectively for the management of COVID-19 patients.

Kabasura Kudineer (KSK), a poly-herbal Siddha medicine, reduced SARS-CoV-2 viral load in asymptomatic COVID-19 individuals as compared to vitamin C and zinc supplementation: findings from a prospective, exploratory, open-labeled, comparative, randomized controlled trial, Tamil Nadu, India.

INTRODUCTION: Despite several ongoing efforts in biomedicine and traditional medicine, there are no drugs or vaccines for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as of May 2020; Kabasura Kudineer (KSK), a polyherbal formulation from India's Siddha system of medicine, has been traditionally used for clinical presentations similar to that of COVID-19. We explored the efficacy of KSK in reducing viral load and preventing the disease progression in asymptomatic, COVID-19 cases. METHODS: A prospective, single-center, open-labeled, randomized, controlled trial was conducted in a COVID Care Centre in Chennai, India. We recruited reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-confirmed COVID-19 of 18 to 55 years of age, without clinical symptoms and co-morbidities. They were randomized (1:1 ratio) to KSK (60 mL twice daily for 7 days) or standard of care (7 days supplementation of vitamin C 60,000 IU morning daily and zinc 100 mg evening daily) groups. The primary outcomes were reduction in the SARS-CoV-2 load [as measured by cyclic threshold (CT) value of RT-PCR], prevention of progression of asymptomatic to symptomatic state, and changes in the immunity markers including interleukins (IL-6, IL-10, IL-2), interferon gamma (IFNγ), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF α). Siddha clinical assessment and the occurrence of adverse effects were documented as secondary outcomes. Paired t-test was used in statistical analysis. RESULTS: Viral load in terms of the CT value (RdRp: 95% CI = 1.89 to 5.74) declined significantly on the seventh day in the KSK group and that of the control group, more pronounced in the study group. None progressed to the symptomatic state. There was no significant difference in the biochemical parameters. We did not observe any changes in the Siddha-based clinical examination and adverse events in both groups. CONCLUSION: KSK significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 viral load among asymptomatic COVID-19 cases and did not record any adverse effect, indicating the use of KSK in the strategy against COVID-19. Larger, multi-centric trials can strengthen the current findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registry of India CTRI2020/05/025215 . Registered on 16 May 2020.

Effect of constant-DI pacing on single cell pacing dynamics.

Cardiac alternans, beat-to-beat alternations in action potential duration, is a precursor to fatal arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation. Previous research has shown that voltage driven alternans can be suppressed by application of a constant diastolic interval (DI) pacing protocol. However, the effect of constant-DI pacing on cardiac cell dynamics and its interaction with the intracellular calcium cycle remains to be determined. Therefore, we aimed to examine the effects of constant-DI pacing on the dynamical behavior of a single-cell numerical model of cardiac action potential and the influence of voltage-calcium (V-Ca) coupling on it. Single cell dynamics were analyzed in the vicinity of the bifurcation point using a hybrid pacing protocol, a combination of constant-basic cycle length (BCL) and constant-DI pacing. We demonstrated that in a small region beneath the bifurcation point, constant-DI pacing caused the cardiac cell to remain alternans-free after switching to the constant-BCL pacing, thus introducing a region of bistability (RB). The size of the RB increased with stronger V-Ca coupling and was diminished with weaker V-Ca coupling. Overall, our findings demonstrate that the application of constant-DI pacing on cardiac cells with strong V-Ca coupling may induce permanent changes to cardiac cell dynamics increasing the utility of constant-DI pacing.

The efficacy of Siddha Medicine, Kabasura Kudineer (KSK) compared to Vitamin C & Zinc (CZ) supplementation in the management of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases: A structured summary of a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objectives of this study are to determine efficacy of Siddha medicine, Kabasura kudineer in reduction of SARS-CoV-2 viral load and reducing the onset of symptoms in asymptomatic COVID-19 when compared to Vitamin C and Zinc (CZ) supplementation. In addition, the trial will examine the changes in the immunological markers of the Siddha medicine against control. The secondary objectives of the trial are to evaluate the safety of the Siddha medicine and to document clinical profile of asymptomatic COVID-19 as per principles of Siddha system of Medicine. TRIAL DESIGN: A single centre, open-label, parallel group (1:1 allocation ratio), exploratory randomized controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: Cases admitted at non-hospital settings designated as COVID Care Centre and managed by the State Government Stanley Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India will be recruited. Eligible participants will be those tested positive for COVID-19 by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain reaction (RT-PCR) aged 18 to 55 years without any symptoms and co-morbidities like diabetes mellitus, hypertension and bronchial asthma. Those pregnant or lactating, with severe respiratory disease, already participating in COVID trials and with severe illness like malignancy will be excluded. INTERVENTION AND COMPARATOR: Adopting traditional methods, decoction of Kabasura kudineer will be prepared by boiling 5g of KSK powder in 240 ml water and reduced to one-fourth (60ml) and filtered. The KSK group will receive a dose of 60ml decoction, orally in the morning and evening after food for 14 days. The control group will receive Vitamin C (60000 IU) and Zinc tablets (100mg) orally in the morning and evening respectively for 14 days. MAIN OUTCOMES: The primary outcomes are the reduction in the SARS-CoV-2 load [as measured by cyclic threshold (CT) value of RT-PCR] from the baseline to that of seventh day of the treatment, prevention of progression of asymptomatic to symptomatic state (clinical symptoms like fever, cough and breathlessness) and changes in the immunity markers [Interleukins (IL) 6, IL10, IL2, Interferon gamma (IFNγ) and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) alpha]. Clinical assessment of COVID-19 as per standard Siddha system of medicine principles and the occurrence of adverse effects will be documented as secondary outcomes. RANDOMISATION: The assignment to the study or control group will be allocated in equal numbers through randomization using random number generation in Microsoft Excel by a statistician who is not involved in the trial. The allocation scheme will be made by an independent statistician using a sealed envelope. The participants will be allocated immediately after the eligibility assessment and informed consent procedures. BLINDING (MASKING): This study is unblinded. The investigators will be blinded to data analysis, which will be carried out by a statistician who is not involved in the trial. NUMBERS TO BE RANDOMISED (SAMPLE SIZE): Sample size could not be calculated, as there is no prior trial on KSK. This trial will be a pilot trial. Hence, we intend to recruit 60 participants in total using a 1:1 allocation ratio, with 30 participants randomised into each arm. TRIAL STATUS: Protocol version 2.0 dated 16th May 2020. Recruitment is completed. The trial started recruitment on the 25th May 2020. We anticipate study including data analysis will finish on November 2020. We also stated that protocol was submitted before the end of data collection TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol was registered with clinical trial registry of India (CTRI) with CTRI/2020/05/025215 on 16 May 2020. FULL PROTOCOL: The full protocol is attached as an additional file, accessible from the Trials website (Additional file 1). In the interest in expediting dissemination of this material, the familiar formatting has been eliminated; this Letter serves as a summary of the key elements of the full protocol. The study protocol has been reported in accordance with the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Clinical Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) guidelines (Additional file 2).

Mechano-Thermal Synthesis and Characterization of BaMnO3 Nano-Needles.

Various BaMnO3 samples were prepared by planetary ball milling technique by varying the milling time from 1 to 20 h at a speed of 350 rpm, and all the milled powders were subsequently annealed at 1000 °C for 16 h in order to improve the phase formation and purity. While the ball milled powders are amorphous in nature, the annealed materials reveal nanocrystalline hexagonal perovskite structure with space group, P6(3)/mmc (194). The 15 h ball milled and subsequently annealed material shows lattice parameters, a = 0.5704(5) and c = 0.4801(6) nm with lowest average crystalline size of ~18 nm. It is found that, as the milling time increases (from 1 h to 15 h) the average crystalline size decreases slightly from 25.7 nm to 18.1 nm. The nano rod/needle shaped particles with the size of ~97 nm are observed through SEM images for the BaMnO3 phase. Interestingly, the present BaMnO3 nanopowder reveals photo-luminescent property under the excitation wavelengths of 270 and 350 nm. The nanocrystalline BaMnO3 powder exhibits higher reflectance, which finds application in NIR reflective pigments.

Crystal structure of 2,4-bis-(2-chloro-phen-yl)-7-tert-pent-yl-3-aza-bicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-one.

The title compound, C25H29Cl2NO, which is a chloro analog of 2,4-bis-(2-bromo-phen-yl)-7-(tert-pent-yl)-3-aza-bicyclo-[3.3.1]nonan-9-one [Park, Ramkumar & Parthiban (2012). Acta Cryst. E68, o2946], exists in a twin-chair conformation with an equatorial orientation of the 2-chloro-phenyl groups. The tert-pentyl group on the cyclo-hexa-none adopts an exocyclic equatorial position and is disordered between two orientations in a ratio 0.520 (8):0.480 (8). The crystal packing shows no directional contacts beyond van der Waals contacts.

Crystal structure of 2,6-bis-(2,5-di-meth-oxy-phen-yl)-3,5-di-methyl-piperidin-4-one.

In the title mol-ecule, C23H29NO5, the central piperidine ring has a chair conformation. The planes of the two benzene rings are inclined each to other at 61.7 (1)°. The crystal packing exhibits no directional inter-actions only van der Waals contacts.

Prolonging the lifetime of wireless sensor networks interconnected to fixed network using hierarchical energy tree based routing algorithm.

This research work proposes a mathematical model for the lifetime of wireless sensor networks (WSN). It also proposes an energy efficient routing algorithm for WSN called hierarchical energy tree based routing algorithm (HETRA) based on hierarchical energy tree constructed using the available energy in each node. The energy efficiency is further augmented by reducing the packet drops using exponential congestion control algorithm (TCP/EXP). The algorithms are evaluated in WSNs interconnected to fixed network with seven distribution patterns, simulated in ns2 and compared with the existing algorithms based on the parameters such as number of data packets, throughput, network lifetime, and data packets average network lifetime product. Evaluation and simulation results show that the combination of HETRA and TCP/EXP maximizes longer network lifetime in all the patterns. The lifetime of the network with HETRA algorithm has increased approximately 3.2 times that of the network implemented with AODV.

Synthesis of silver and silver/gold anisotropic nanostructures for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy applications.

We are reporting the one pot chemical reduction synthesis of isotropic spherical silver nanoparticles of size around 4-8 nm and some anisotropic nanostructures of silver and silver-gold systems such as silver nanoprisms of size around 60-80 nm, silver/gold prismatic core/shell nanostructures of size around 30-50 nm and alloy like silver-gold prismatic nanoframes of size around 40-60 nm and investigated their plasmonic properties for the surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) applications. Morphology and shape dependent plasmonic properties of these nanostructures were characterized by using high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and UV-Visible spectroscopy techniques respectively. The surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) properties of all the fabricated nanostructures were investigated on Methylene Blue (MB) molecule. A gradual improvement in the SERS effect was observed with respect to the change of morphology from spherical to nanoframes and the order of SERS effect was found to be nanoframes > core/shell prismatic nanostructures > nanoprisms > spherical nanoparticles. Our investigation revealed that the phenomenon of the improved SERS effect of anisotropic silver and silver-gold nanostructures is primarily attributed to their prismatic geometrical configurations.

(1E,4E)-1,5-Bis[2-(trifluoro-meth-yl)phen-yl]penta-1,4-dien-3-one.

In the title compound, C(19)H(12)F(6)O, a monoketone derivative of curcumin, both double bonds have a trans conformation. The mol-ecule is mostly planar with all C and O atoms essentially coplanar, with the exception of one benzene ring, which is tilted by 17.18 (1)° with respect to the plane of the remainder of the mol-ecule. The r.m.s. deviation from planarity of the coplanar section is 0.0097 Å. The crystal packing features weak C-H⋯O and C-H⋯F inter-actions.

2,4,6,8-Tetra-kis(2-fluoro-phen-yl)-3,7-diaza-bicyclo-[3.3.1]nonan-9-one.

The title compound, C(31)H(24)F(4)N(2)O, exists in a chair-boat conformation with an equatorial orientation of the 2-fluoro-phenyl groups on both sides of the secondary amino group of the chair form. The benzene rings in the 'chair' part are inclined to each other at 19.4 (1)°, while the equivalent angle between the benzene rings in the 'boat' part is 75.6 (1)°. One F atom was treated as disordered over two positions in a 0.838 (4):0.162 (4) ratio. In the crystal, N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into chains along [001] and these chains are held together via weak N-H⋯F and C-H⋯F inter-actions.

Design and synthesis of novel 2-(3-substituted propyl)-3-(2-methyl phenyl) quinazolin-4-(3H)-ones as a new class of H1-antihistaminic agents.

A series of novel 2-(3-substituted propyl)-3-(2-methyl phenyl) quinazolin-4-(3H)-ones were synthesized by the reaction of 2-(3-bromopropyl thio)-3-(2-methyl phenyl) quinazolin-4-(3H)-one with various amines. The starting material, 2-(3-bromopropyl thio)-3-(2-methyl phenyl) quinazolin-4-(3H)-one was synthesized from 2-methyl aniline. When tested for their in vivo H(1)-antihistaminic activity on conscious guinea pigs, all the test compounds protected the animals from histamine induced bronchospasm significantly. Compound 2-(3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl) propylthio)-3-(2-methyl phenyl) quinazolin-4(3H)-one (OT5) emerged as the most active compound (71.70% protection) of the series when compared to the reference standard chlorpheniramine maleate (70.09% protection). Compound OT5 shows negligible sedation (7%) compared to chlorpheniramine maleate (33%). Therefore, compound OT5 can serve as the leading molecule for further development into a new class of H(1)-antihistaminic agents.

2,4-Bis(4-eth-oxy-phen-yl)-3-aza-bicyclo-[3.3.1]nonan-9-one.

The title compound, C(24)H(29)NO(3), exists in a twin-chair conformation with an equatorial orientation of the 4-eth-oxy-phenyl groups. The benzene rings are inclined to each other at an angle of 28.0 (1)°. In the crystal, weak C-H⋯O inter-actions link mol-ecules related by translation into chains along the b axis. The crystal packing exhibits π-π inter-actions between the benzene rings of neighbouring mol-ecules [centroid-centroid distance = 3.692 (3) Å].

2,4-Bis(2-bromo-phen-yl)-7-tert-pentyl-3-aza-bicyclo-[3.3.1]nonan-9-one.

The title compound, C(25)H(29)Br(2)NO, is a tert-pentyl analog of 2,4-bis-(2-bromo-phen-yl)-3-aza-bicyclo-[3.3.1]nonan-9-one [Par-thiban et al. (2008 ▶). Acta Cryst. E64, o2385]. Similar to its analog, the title compound exists in a twin-chair conformation with an equatorial orientation of the 2-bromo-phenyl groups. The benzene rings are inclined to each other at a dihedral angle of 29.6 (3)°. The tert-pentyl group on the cyclo-hexa-none ring also adopts an exocyclic equatorial disposition.

2,4-Bis(4-eth-oxy-phen-yl)-1-methyl-3-aza-bicyclo-[3.3.1]nonan-9-one.

In the title compound, C(25)H(30)NO(3), a crystallographic mirror plane bis-ects the mol-ecule. Although it is a positional isomer of 2,4-bis(4-eth-oxy-phen-yl)-7-methyl-3-aza-bicyclo-[3.3.1]non-an-9-one [C(25)H(31)NO(3), M(r) = 393.51; Park et al. (2012c ▶). Acta Cryst. E68, o779-780], its mol-ecular weight is 392.50 due to the 50:50 ratio of the methyl group at bridgehead C atoms. However, the title compound exists in the same twin-chair conformation as its 7-methyl isomer. Also, the 4-eth-oxy-phenyl groups are equatorially oriented on the bicycle as in its isomer. In the title compound, the cyclo-hexanone ring deviates from an ideal chair (total puckering amplitude Q(T) = 0.5390 Å) and the piperidone ring is closer to an ideal chair (Q(T) = 0.6064 Å). These Q(T) values are very similar to those of its isomer. Even though a center of symmetry passes through the 7-methyl analog, the benzene rings are oriented 26.11 (3)° with respect to each other, whereas the orientation is 53.10 (3)° for the title compound. The title compound exhibits inter-molecular N-H⋯O inter-actions [H⋯A = 2.25 (2) Å, versus 2.26 (2) Šfor the analog].

Design and synthesis of novel 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(3-substituted propyl thio) quinazolin-4-(3H)-ones as a new class of H1-antihistaminic agents.

A series of novel 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(3-substituted propyl) quinazolin-4-(3H)-ones have been synthesized and tested for their in vivo H1-antihistaminic activity on conscious guinea pigs. All the test compounds have protected the animals from histamine induced bronchospasm significantly. Compound 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl) propylthio) quinazolin-4(3H)-one (PC5) emerged as the most active compound (77.53% protection) of the series when compared to the reference standard chlorpheniramine maleate (70.09% protection). Compound PC5 shows negligible sedation (6.16%) compared to chlorpheniramine maleate (29.58%). Therefore, compound PC5 can serve as the lead molecule for further development into a new class of H1-antihistaminic agents.

2,4,6,8-Tetra-kis(4-chloro-phen-yl)-3,7-diaza-bicyclo-[3.3.1]nonan-9-one O-benzyl-oxime acetone monosolvate.

In the title compound, C(38)H(31)Cl(4)N(3)O·C(3)H(6)O, the 3,7-diaza-bicycle exists in a chair-boat conformation. The 4-chloro-phenyl groups attached to the chair form are equatorially oriented at an angle of 18.15 (3)° with respect to each other, whereas the 4-chloro-phenyl groups attached to the boat form are oriented at an angle of 32.64 (3)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by N-H⋯π and C-H⋯O inter-actions.

2,4-Bis(4-eth-oxy-phen-yl)-7-methyl-3-aza-bicyclo-[3.3.1]nonan-9-one.

The mol-ecule of the title compound, C(25)H(31)NO(3), exists in a twin-chair conformation with an equatorial orientation of the 4-eth-oxy-phenyl groups, as observed for its ortho isomer [Parthiban, Ramkumar, Park & Jeong (2011b ▶), Acta Cryst. E67, o1475-o1476]. The methyl and 4-eth-oxy-phenyl groups are also equatorially oriented on the bicycle, as in the ortho analogue. In particular, although the cyclo-hexa-none ring deviates from an ideal chair, the piperidone ring is closer to an ideal chair, whereas in the ortho isomer both rings are significantly puckered and deviate from ideal chairs. The 4-eth-oxy-phenyl groups on both sides of the secondary amine group are oriented at an angle of 26.11 (3)° with respect to each other, but the 2-eth-oxy-phenyl groups in the ortho isomer are oriented by less than half this [12.41 (4)°]. In contrast to the absence of any significant inter-actions in the crystal packing of the ortho isomer, the title compound features N-H⋯O inter-actions, linking the mol-ecules along the b axis.

2,6-Bis(4-meth-oxy-phen-yl)-1,3-dimethyl-piperidin-4-one O-benzyl-oxime.

The central ring of the title compound, C(28)H(32)N(2)O(3), exists in a chair conformation with an equatorial disposition of all the alkyl and aryl groups on the heterocycle. The para-anisyl groups on both sides of the secondary amino group are oriented at an angle of 54.75 (4)° with respect to each other. The oxime derivative exists as an E isomer with the methyl substitution on one of the active methyl-ene centers of the mol-ecule. The crystal packing features weak C-H⋯O inter-actions.