A Three Phase Scheduling for System Energy Minimization of Weakly Hard Real Time Systems

This paper aims to present a three phase scheduling algorithm that offers lesser energy consumption for weakly hard real time systems modeled with (1D55E;1D55E;1D55E;1D55E;, 1D55C;1D55C;1D55C;1D55C;) constraint. The weakly hard real time system consists of a DVS processor (frequency dependent) and peripheral devices (frequency independent) components. The energy minimization is done in three phase taking into account the preemption overhead. The first phase partitions the jobs into mandatory and optional while assigning processor speed ensuring the feasibility of the task set. The second phase proposes a greedy based preemption control technique which reduces the energy consumption due to preemption. While the third phase refines the feasible schedule received from the second phase by two methods, namely speed adjustment and delayed start. The proposed speed adjustment assigns optimal speed to each job whereas fragmented idle slots are accumulated to provide better opportunity to switch the component into sleep state by delayed start strategy as a result leads to energy saving. The simulation results and examples illustrate that our approach can effectively reduce the overall system energy consumption (especially for systems with higher utilizations) while guaranteeing the (1D55E;1D55E;1D55E;1D55E;, 1D55C;1D55C;1D55C;1D55C;) at the same time

Hyperhomocysteinemia and MTHFR gene 677 C>T polymorphism: questionable role in female infertility

Background: Homocysteine is an intermediate in methionine metabolism required for the biosynthesis of nucleic acids. Hyperhomocysteinemia affects various organ systems and also has been implicated as a risk factor for infertility. Elevated levels result either from genetic mutations of the enzymes catalyzing the metabolic pathway or deficiency of micronutrients required as co-enzymes for the same. The aim of this cohort study was to evaluate serum homocysteine levels and MTHFR gene 677C>T mutation and to establish a possible relation between hyperhomocysteinemia, genetic polymorphism and female infertility.  Methods: Ninety-five infertile women were enrolled over a period of one year and categorized as unexplained, anovulatory and male partner factor infertility according to the etiology. Thirty-one age-matched fertile women were enrolled as controls. Serum homocysteine levels were evaluated and genetic analysis for MTHFR gene mutation 677C>T was done.  Results: Mean homocysteine levels for the women in three infertile groups were comparable (group I - 16.21 ± 3.39 µmol/l, group II - 16.36 ± 3.56 µmol/l, group III - 16.98 ± 3.14 µmol/l) within the groups as well as with the fertile group (15.85 ± 9.3 µmol/l) with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.573). Prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia was 86.3% for infertile group and 90.3% for fertile group. Nineteen heterozygous (CT) and 3 homozygous (TT) mutations were noted among infertile subjects and 8 heterozygous (CT) mutations among fertile subjects prevalence being similar for both the groups.  Conclusions: Significant prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia and MTHFR polymorphism was observed in the studied population. The study did not establish a positive role of hyperhomocysteinemia and MTHFR mutation in female infertility.

Association of serum placental growth factor and pregnancy associated plasma protein A between 11 to 14 weeks and pre-eclampsia

Background: Pre eclampsia complicates around 5-10% of pregnancies worldwide. Many countries in the world are far away of having interventions to predict and prevent preeclampsia. A number of biochemical, biophysical and sonographic parameters are emerging as a potential tool which can help us in a long way. This study was aimed to study association of biochemical markers of preeclampsia in early pregnancy with the development of preeclampsia.Methods: This cohort study was conducted over a period of one year in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at King George’s Medical University, Lucknow.Results: Total number of women enrolled at 11-14 weeks were 56. The mean age of women enrolled was 28±4.2 years. Out of total 44.6% women were nulliparous. Mean crown rump length at testing was 60.55±11.26mm. There was a significant correlation between the levels of Placental growth factors and development of PE (p<0.01) and especially severe early onset disease, however we did not found a significant correlation between Pregnancy associated plasma protein and Preeclampsia.Conclusions: Placental growth factor is an emerging marker which could be incorporated in essential bundle of care at 11 to 14 weeks testing in order to enhance the detection rates of preeclampsia

Existence and distribution of serotonin and its 5-HT2-like binding site in the brain : pituitary axis of juvenile and sexually recrudescing female rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

In the first phase of this study, mammalian serotonin2-like (5-HT2-like) binding sites in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) hypothalamus, were examined by radioligand binding assay using the tritiated analog of a selective serotonin antagonist, ketanserin ([3H]ketanserin), as the radioligand. Specific [3H]ketanserin binding (Bsp) to juvenile hypothalamus membrane was tissue-dependent where Bsp increased linearly with tissue concentration. Therefore, 1 hypothalamus-equivalent per tube (1100 ± 115 cpm/mg protein) was subsequently used throughout the rest of the first phase. In association experiments (n=5), Bsp increased progressively with time to achieve equilibrium binding levels (1192+ 120 cpm/mg protein) which remained stable for at least 60 min thereafter; kobs, and k+i were 0.032 and 0.048 min-1 nM-1 respectively. This consistent, and relatively stable association of radioligand to the binding site indicates good stability of [3H]ketanserin binding to this binding site. In dissociation experiments, Bsp completely dissociated within 20 min following addition of excess ketanserin; k_i, and t1/2 were 0.0803 min-1 and 8.7min, respectively. This pattern of [3H]ketanserin binding to this binding site is consistent with the association and dissociation kinetics of radioligand binding to a receptor. Bsp was saturable (2500 ± 256 cpm/mg protein); Scatchardcalculated values for the equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) and capacity (BMAX) were 0.48nM, and 125 fmol/mg protein, respectively, indicating the presence of a finite population of high-affmity 5-HT2-like binding sites. Bsp was differentially displaced by various competitors, with a rank order of potency of ketanserin = mianserin > ritanserin > 5-HT = spiperone » methiothepin mesylate > metergoline = DOI > 2-methyl-5-HT > amethyl- 5-HT »»5-HIAA = reserpine. This rank order suggests that specific 5-HT2 agonists and antagonists displace specifically bound [3H]ketanserin more effectively compared to non-specific competitors, and in a manner comparable with the 5-HT2-like binding site of mammals. Collectively, these findings provide pharmacological evidence for the existence of a 5HT2-like receptor subtype in the trout hypothalamus

Fetal growth and its correlation with level of glycemic control in pregnancy with diabetes: an observational study in tertiary care centre of North India

Background: Diabetes in pregnancy is a known risk factor for macrosomia and intensive glycemic control is a well-known strategy to prevent this macrosomia. However, does this tight glycemic control is actually beneficial or is it one of the reasons for small for gestational age babies in these women? Is a clinical enigma. We planned this study to see effects of glycemic control on fetal weight and to answer if tight control is always better.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology in a tertiary care centre (King George medical university) over a period of one year (June 2017-June 2018). All pregnant women with GDM and pre-gestational diabetes with singleton pregnancy were registered in the study after proper consent, followed up for glycemic control, fetal weight. Antepartum risk factors and complications of diabetes were also noted in these women.Results: Total 88 patients included in the study. Five with pre-gestational diabetes, 83 with GDM. Small for gestational age neonates were seen in 54.1% cases, large for gestational age were seen in 2 cases and rest of neonates were appropriate for gestational age. 89.4% had good glycemic control, 7% had over-zealous glycemic control and 3.5% had under-controlled sugars.Conclusions: The results in the study strongly supported the efficacy of good glycemic control in prevention of LGA/macrosomia. However, optimal glycemic control in third trimester does not guarantee appropriate weight of fetus as incidence of SGA/FGR neonates was fairly high (53.9%) even in good glycemic control group

Fetal Doppler for prediction of adverse perinatal outcome in preeclampsia in a low resource setting

Background: To assess the usefulness of fetal Doppler in predicting adverse perinatal outcome in preeclampsia.Methods: All the women with preeclampsia from 30 weeks onwards were enrolled in the study. The umblical artery (UA) Systolic-diastolic (S/D) ratio>2standard deviation (SD) or UA-Pulsatility Index (PI) and UA-Resistive Index (RI) >2SD were taken as abnormal. The middle cerebral artery (MCA) was visualized and cerebroumblical PI ratio calculated. MCA-RI2SD (RR 4.46, 95% CI 1.40-14.17) and RI>2SD (RR 3.36, 95% CI 1.03-10.61) and MCA RI2SD predicted acute fetal distress in labour (RR 2.33, 95% CI 1.21-4.47), there was no association on multivariate regression analysis.Conclusions: This study showed UA-S/D ratio and UA-RI>2SD are significant predictors of perinatal deaths and immediate neonatal resuscitation in preeclampsia. Acute fetal distress in labour or neonatal nursery admission could not be predicted

Correlation of serum homocysteine levels and pregnancy outcome: the dilemma continues

Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia has been implicated as a risk factor for complications in pregnancy including abortion, preeclampsia and placental abruption. The present study was designed to study the correlation, if any, of Hyperhomocysteinemia with pregnancy outcome.Methods: Pregnant women between 14 to 24 weeks of gestation were included as subjects. Serum homocysteine levels and MTHFR gene (Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677C>T) polymorphism was estimated. The women were followed till delivery and obstetric & neonatal outcomes were noted.Results: A total of 81 women were followed till delivery. Out of these 42 women had an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery and 39 women had at least one antenatal or perinatal complication. Difference between mean serum homocysteine in both the groups was not statistically significant (p=0.403).No significant difference was found in the occurrence of different genotypes in the 2 groups though women with TT genotype were found to have higher serum homocysteine levels as compared to other genotypes.Conclusions: Though the serum homocysteine levels were higher in the women with pregnancy complications as compared to women without complications but the difference was not statistically significant

Decoding the effect of time interval between hCG and IUI and sperm preparation and IUI

Background: The study was aimed to assess the difference in IUI outcome depending on the interval between hCG trigger and IUI and sperm preparation and IUI.Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Infertility unit at King George’s Medical University, Lucknow from January-December 2016. All the women eligible for IUI were included in the study. Once the follicle attained size of 17-18 mm, IUI was planned 36-48 hours after Inj. hCG 10,000 IU im. Semen processing was done in laboratory and time noted between sperm preparation and IUI. Outcome was confirmation of pregnancy by urine test. Cases were women in whom IUI was done 36-40 hours after hCG as against controls (>40 hours). Interval between sperm preparation and IUI was <30 minutes in cases and ≥30 minutes in controls.Results: A total of 624 cycles were included in the study. Clomiphene was used in 582/624 cycles (93.3%) gonadotropins used in 42/624 cycles (2.7%). There was a total of 23 conceptions in study (3.7%). Of these 8/98 (8.2%) were seen when the interval between ovulation trigger and IUI was 36-40 hours and 15/526 in cycles (2.9%) when the interval was more than 40 hours (p=0.023; OR-3.028 95% CI -1.247-7.352). Of a total of 23 conceptions in the study, 18/324 conceptions were seen when IUI was done within 30 minutes of sperm preparation as compared to 5/300 when interval was more than 30 minutes (p=0.01).Conclusions: IUI with ovarian stimulation is a simple and effective procedure and its outcome can be maximized keeping in consideration the availability of gametes. IUI performed within 36-40 hours of hCG trigger and within 30 minutes of sperm preparation can increase conception rates

Prediction of pre-eclampsia at 11-14 weeks of pregnancy using mean arterial pressure, uterine artery Doppler and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A

Background: The possibility of prediction of preeclampsia (PE) at 11-14 weeks of pregnancy is a fairly new concept and in recent years, studies combining various parameters at 11-14 weeks of pregnancy have been undertaken, but an algorithm with a high predictive value is yet to be developed. The objective of this study was to develop such a protocol using mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery Doppler and PAPP-A (pregnancy associated plasma protein-A) at 11-14 weeks of pregnancy (individually or in combination) for prediction of preeclampsia in a developing country like India.Methods: A prospective cohort study was done at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh with pregnant women attending the antenatal OPD at 11- 14 weeks of gestation. A preformed questionnaire was filled for the enrolled women, MAP, blood pressure was recorded, uterine artery Doppler was done, serum sample for PAPP-A was drawn. Uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index (PI) at 11-14 weeks of pregnancy was found to be a good screening method (sensitivity-75.9%, specificity-79.6% at cut-off of 1.7) for prediction of preeclampsia and IUGR. The data was analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) Version 15.0 statistical analysis software.Results: Out of the 78 women enrolled, 29 women (37.18%) developed complications. Uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index (PI) at 11-14 weeks of pregnancy was found to be a good screening method (sensitivity-75.9%, specificity-79.6%) for prediction of preeclampsia and IUGR. Presence of early diastolic notch on uterine artery Doppler was found predictive for IUGR. MAP and PAPP-A were not found to have a significant correlation with development of these complications.Conclusions: This study concluded that uterine artery Doppler alone was a good screening method at 11-14 weeks of gestation for women at high risk of developing preeclampsia and related complications