Frand and Compulsory Licenses: Analysis and Comparison

This section compares two different forms of licenses being FRAND and complusory license. Both forms of licenses are critical to achieve access to otherwise difficult to access technologies. The FRAND licenses have been widely embraced, especially in the software, mobile phones, and communications sectors. Compulsory licenses have been sparingly used by Governments where the public\u27s need for the invention was considered to over-weigh the needs of the patentee, essentially for pharmaceuticals. Compulsory licenses have been universally criticized for being an imposed burden on the patentee. In comparing these two forms of licenses, this section outlines that despite the obvious differences operationally both of these have stark similarities and highlights areas where complusory licenses operate more efficiently. In doing so, this section highlights that perhaps each of the forms of licenses can borrow from the other to minimize the weaknesses to ulitmately enable more access for critical inventions

Frand and Compulsory Licenses: Analysis and Comparison

This section compares two different forms of licenses being FRAND and complusory license. Both forms of licenses are critical to achieve access to otherwise difficult to access technologies. The FRAND licenses have been widely embraced, especially in the software, mobile phones, and communications sectors. Compulsory licenses have been sparingly used by Governments where the public\u27s need for the invention was considered to over-weigh the needs of the patentee, essentially for pharmaceuticals. Compulsory licenses have been universally criticized for being an imposed burden on the patentee. In comparing these two forms of licenses, this section outlines that despite the obvious differences operationally both of these have stark similarities and highlights areas where complusory licenses operate more efficiently. In doing so, this section highlights that perhaps each of the forms of licenses can borrow from the other to minimize the weaknesses to ulitmately enable more access for critical inventions

Interactions of 3' terminal and 5' terminal regions of physalis mottle virus genomic RNA with its replication complex

Physalis mottle virus (PhMV) belongs to the tymogroup of positive-strand RNA viruses with a genome size of 6 kb. Crude membrane preparations from PhMV-infectedNicotiana glutinosa plants catalyzed the synthesis of PhMV genomic RNA from endogenously bound template. Addition of exogenous gnomic RNA enhanced the synthesis which was specifically inhibited by the addition of sense and antisense transcripts corresponding to 3' terminal 242 nucleotides as well as the 5' terminal 458 nucleotides of PhMV genomic RNA while yeast tRNA or ribosomal RNA failed to inhibit the synthesis. This specific inhibition suggested that the 5' and 3' non-coding regions of PhMV RNA might play an important role in viral replication

A Case Control study on the Relationship between Serum Ferritin and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Prospects as a Diabetes Control Index

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is probably the one disease that has a sizable contribution to the burden of global disease. As of 2015, there are more than 400 million people living with this condition, one that becomes a stepping stone for the many other complications that arise later on. Our study wanted to show the relationship between serum ferritin and type 2 diabetes mellitus, as this would not only aid in the addition of a biomarker for diabetes but also in understanding the pathogenesis of diabetes better. 50 cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus (in accordance with the American Diabetes Association criteria) were chosen and 50 age and sex matched controls were also included. While excluding those with any active infection or auto-immune conditions, a number of parameters were monitored in both the groups, such as fasting blood glucose, post-prandial blood glucose, HbA1C, serum creatinine and serum ferritin. The mean serum ferritin in diabetics was 161 whereas in non-diabetics it was 98. In addition to this, a positive correlation was found between fasting blood glucose values and serum ferritin just as between HbA1C and serum ferritin. Though the severity of diabetes reflected on the serum ferritin levels, the duration of diabetes was not found to have a positive correlation with the same. However, an elevated serum ferritin in diabetics and its excellent correlation with the other biomarkers not only offers the possibility of an additional marker for diabetes but also provides an insight into the pathology of diabetes where inflammation is said to have its own forte

Evaluation of Serum Lipid Profile in Patients with Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Control study

The present study titled “Evaluation of serum lipid profile in Patients with Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma” was conducted in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Ragas Dental College, Uthandi, Chennai and Dr. Rai Memorial Medical and Cancer Centre, Chennai, to estimate the serum levels of TC, LDL, HDL, VLDL and TGL in patients with Potentially Malignant disorders like Leukoplakia and Oral submucous fibrosis, Oral cancer and to compare the values with the control subjects. A total of 75 individuals were selected for the study. Among the study subjects 25 patients were suffering from Potentially Malignant Disorders, 25 patients were suffering from Oral Cancer, and 25 patients were normal controls. Informed consent was taken from all subjects before including them in the study. The experimental subjects were made to sit comfortably on a Dental Chair. Sterile hand gloves were used during examination of the patients. Patients were examined under halogen lamp in the dental chair under aseptic conditions and relevant demographic data were collected. Clinical diagnosis was made and patients who showed characteristic features of Leukoplakia, Oral submucous fibrosis and Oral Cancer were prepared for sample collection. 5ml of blood from the patient was taken for the evaluation of lipid profile. The study documents the following data: 1. Among the 75 subjects 56 (74.7%) were males and 19 (25.3%) were females. The minimum age of the study subjects was 22 years and the maximum age was 70 years. 2. Among the 75 subjects 15 (20%) had the habit of smoking, 32 (42.7%) had the habit of chewing, 7 (9.3%) had the habit of chewing and smoking, 3 (4%) had the habit of smoking and alcohol consumption and 4 (5.3%) had all three habits together with a p-value of 0.000 which is statistically significant. Thus a positive correlation between smoking, chewing, alcohol consumption and development of precancer and cancer has been established. 3. The most common sites for leukoplakia were in the retrocommissure area with 5 (45.5%) subjects followed by buccal mucosa 5 (45.5%) and one in floor of the mouth. 4. The present study showed all cases of OSMF in the buccal mucosa 6 (42.8%) in Grade III and 4 each in Grades I and IV and none in Grade II. 5. Among the total of 25 (100%) subjects, 3 (12%) had carcinoma in the tongue, 12 (48%) had in the buccal mucosa, 5 (20%) had in the alveolar mucosa, 1 (4%) had carcinoma in the floor of the mouth and 4 (16%) in the palate. Oral cancer was mostly seen in the buccal mucosa, followed by tongue, alveolar mucosa, floor of the mouth and palate. 6. There was a significant decrease in levels of serum TC, HDL which were observed in patients with Potentially Malignant Disorders like Leukoplakia and Oral submucous fibrosis. The mean TC in patients with PMD was 159.84±15.5 mg %, the mean HDL was 40.72±3.2 mg % .LDL, VLDL and TGL were also reduced but not significant. 7. There was a significant decrease in the serum TC, HDL, VLDL in patients with oral carcinoma. The mean TC in patients with OSCC was 157.44±12.3mg %, the mean HDL was 38.92±2.5 mg %, the mean VLDL was 26.00±26.9 mg%. LDL and TGL were also reduced but not significant. 8. There were no significant relation between lipid profile in relation to gender, duration of habits, clinical types of leukoplakia, grades of OSMF and stages of OSCC. Reduced lipid level may be attributed to the production of free radicals induced by tobacco carcinogens and excessive use of areca nut. It is believed that tobacco carcinogens and excessive use of areca nut induce generation of free radicals and reactive oxygen species, which are responsible for high rate of peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Because of lipid peroxidation there is greater utilization of lipids including total cholesterol, lipoproteins and triglycerides for new membrane biogenesis. Cells fulfill these requirements either from circulation, by synthesis through metabolism or from degradation of major lipoprotein fractions like VLDL, LDL, and HDL. To conclude an inverse relationship exists between serum lipid profile in Oral cancer and Oral Potentially Malignant disorders. The lower serum lipid status may be a useful indicator for initial changes occurring in neoplastic cells. The present findings are drawn by a smaller sample size but the findings strongly warrant an indepth study on a large sample size of oral cancer. Further study with larger sample size and additionally a long term follow up of PMD subjects with periodic estimation of lipid profile would be needed to establish correlation between a transformation from precancerous state to malignancy. Thus lipid profile may be used as a marker for malignant transformation in PMD and hence early detection of malignancy would give way to early treatment thereby increasing the survival rate in these patients

Study of Hypertension among Urban Female Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus is a colossal health problem in India today, thanks to the changing lifestyle and dietary habits. Hypertension is another disease with a smouldering course, which synergises with the deleterious effects of diabetes. The incidence of both these diseases has escalated among all age groups in recent years. The association between central distribution of fat and diabetes was observed by Vague, in 1956. The discovery of the role of insulin resistance in Type – 2 DM by Reaven et al., opened up wide areas of study about the prevention of diabetes and its complications. The importance of meticulous blood pressure control in Diabetes was stressed by Carl –Erik Morgan and Hans Henrik Parving. Western studies show that 30.5% of Type 2 DM patients and 20.40% of patients with Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) are hypertensive. Hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance are the main causes for this. There is compelling evidence for marked ethnic differences in the cardiovascular morbidity in Type 2 DM patients with metabolic syndrome. South Indians are more prone to complications of Type 2 DM compared to Caucasians with similar weight range and body mass index. AIM OF STUDY: 1. To assess the blood pressure profile among urban female Type 2 DM patients. 2. To identify the blood pressure range in relation to age, duration and complications of Type 2 DM. 3. To find out the pattern of hypertension among Type 2 DM patients. 4. To motivate for intensive therapy and blood pressure control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Setting: The study was conducted, among outpatients attending the Diabetology department in Govt. Royapettah Hospital, Chennai. Study Population: The study was conducted over an eight month period from December 2006 to July 2007. 80 female patients were selected randomly. Cases of Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Impaired Fasting Glucose were excluded. Patients with Type 2 DM for atleast one year were chosen. Informed consent was obtained from all patients. Those with BP > 140/90 on the first visit were reviewed twice and those with persistently high values were diagnosed as hypertensive. Patients with history of hypertension who were already on treatment, were also included among hypertensives. Of the 85 patients, chosen, three were found to be hypothyroid, one had congenital heart disease and another had chronic kidney disease and were excluded. Inclusion criteria: Patients with Type 2DM for atleast 1 year who were on regular treatment with oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin or both. Exclusion criteria: • Patients of age < 30. • Patients with congenital heart disease. • Pregnant women. • Cases of hypothyroidism. • Smokers. Basic data including name, sex, occupation, income, present and past history was obtained. Anthropometric measurements including height in metres, weight in kilograms, waist and hip circumference in centimeters was noted. Waist circumference was recorded, as the smallest circumference between the lower costal margin and iliac crest. Hip circumference was recorded at the widest part of the gluteal region. Vital signs were recorded. BP recordings were repeated on 3 different occasions in patients with BP > 140/90 on the first visit. Only those with persistently elevated values and those with a history of Hypertension were included among hypertensive. General and detailed systemic examination was done in all patients. Renal parameters, urine examination, electro cardiogram and chest X-ray was done in all patients. OBSERVATIONS AND ANALYSIS: Among the 80 patients included in the study 57.5% (46 subjects) were hypertensive. Another 15% (12 subjects), were noted to have BP above the ADA target range of < 130/80. Among the hypertensives approximately 45.6% were newly diagnosed. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HT in urban, female, South Indian population, with Type 2DM, was 57.5%. • There was an increase in prevalence of HT with increasing age. • Duration of DM was positively associated with prevalence of HT. • The prevalence of obesity, particularly central obesity was greater among hypertensives. • The prevalence of CAD in hypertensives was twice that of normotensives. • Retinopathy and Nephropathy showed maximum association with HT

Evaluation of Maximum Bite Force in Patients Rehabilitated with Complete Denture Prosthesis: An In Vivo Study

INTRODUCTION : Bite force is an important variable used to assess the masticatory ability and performance of an individual. Among various factors that affect bite force, gender, facial form and arch form have been assessed in this study. AIM : This clinical study aims at evaluating the maximum bite force of completely edentulous patients rehabilitated with complete dentures. MATERIALS AND METHODS : 288 samples were divided into two groups (completely edentulous patients and dentulous subjects-144 each); each group into two subgroups (male and female-72 each) and each subgroup into subdivisions based on their facial form (Square, Square tapered, Tapered and Ovoid- 18 each) and arch forms (Square, Tapered and Ovoid- 6 each). The bite force was measured using Bite Force Sensor for both the groups and the mean values were statistically analyzed. RESULTS : ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc Test revealed that the Square facial form showed the greatest bite force among other facial forms in all the subgroups and Square arch form showed the greatest bite force among other arch forms in most of the subgroups. Independent sample t-Test revealed a significant difference in most of the bite force values between males and females in both the groups and between all the edentulous and dentulous subjects. CONCLUSION : Gender, facial form and arch form were found to be related to the bite force in both completely edentulous and dentulous subjects. Assessing these parameters in a patient could gain us an insight into their bite force and help us in better treatment planning, material selection, prosthesis design and evaluation and as reference value for future studies

Response of selected hormonal markers during training cycles on indian female swimmers

The present study was taken up to monitor the fluctuations of the hormones testosterone, cortisol and T/C (Testosterone/Cortisol) ratio concentrations during the three phases of training namely preparatory phase, pre-competitive phase and competitive phase in Indian female swimmers. Blood samples were collected at the completion of each phase to study the impact of training on these hormones. Our results reveal that the testosterone and T/C ratio significantly decreases whereas cortisol increases in the subsequent periodised cycle and it was due to the intensity and volume of training. Our study concludes that the intensity and volume of training has effects on these hormones and also, a swimmer with higher testosterone, lowest cortisol and highest T/C ratio has the highest percentage difference of performance record between the preparatory and competitive phase. Hence, monitoring of these hormones is essential to avoid overtraining and to enhance the performance of the swimmers

Concentration of CO<SUB>2</SUB> over melting ice oscillates

We report that the concentration of CO2 over melting ice oscillates as long as water and ice coexist. A phenomenological model involving melting of CO2 containing ice leading to its release, readsorption of the vapor on ice, and dissolution in water is proposed. Thermokinetics of these processes lead to nonlinearity of the dynamics. This phenomenon is also observed over impure ice contaminated with salts or in the presence of nitrogen or air. Oscillations have been observed in several other solute or ice-water systems