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Background: In head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), residual disease, loco regional recurrence or development of second primary are causes of treatment failure. A combination of either surgery or chemotherapy or radiotherapy is used. The aim of this study was to evaluate recurrent/ relapsed HNSCC who were treated with re-irradiation, its toxicities and survival analysis. Materials and Methods: 72 patients were analysed retrospectively who had undergone re-irradiation at our institute. All patients were histologically proven cases of recurrent/relapsed HNSCC. Treatment was done using conformal radiotherapy techniques like IMRT or IGRT technique. Results: Patients who had recurrent disease and second primary were 38 (52.8%) and 34 (47.2%) respectively. The time interval between radiotherapy treatments ranged from 7 months to 25 years. Salvage surgery preceded radiotherapy in 16 (22.2%) patients and 56 patients (78.8%) underwent radical radiotherapy. The PTV volume ranged from 15.6 to 672.2 cc (median: 117 cc) and median dose was 54Gy. Mucositis and skin reactions were associated in patients with larger PTV volumes and lower time interval between the radiation treatments. The median DFS and OS was 13 months and 29 months respectively. OS at 1 year and 2 years was 58.3% and 36.1%. Patients who received radiation dose of >54Gy and who had >24 months interval between the radiation treatments fared better. Conclusions: Treatment approaches have to be personalized in cases of recurrent HNSCC. For re-irradiation in HNSCC we found better outcomes when there is adequate time period (> 24 months) between the radiation treatments and with dose > 54Gy.

Micro-Enterprise Development Program (MEDPs) focuses on intensive training and handholding on various aspects for SHGs members into entrepreneurs. The aim of the study is to highlight the features, aims and benefits of the MEDP and analyze the performance of MEDPS. For achieving the objectives, researchers use the secondary data. The secondary data collected by NABARD annual reports, research articles, reports and websites. The data collected from the year MEDPs launch 2006 to 2020. Descriptive statistics can be used for analysis. The study. Found that the MEDP was a successful program of NABARD that enhanced the skill of SHGs who were already taking financial assistance from banks under SHG BLP. Nearly five lakh members of SHGs were trained under MEDPs and thousands of members successfully started their micro-enterprises and ran it.

Background: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is defined as excessive fat in the liver that is not caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Recent studies have shown that NAFLD can predict the onset of diabetes and vice versa, and that one ailment might act as a progression factor for the other. The paper aims to find out the various risk factors associated with developing Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus to prevent both hepatic and systemic flares. Material and Method: A prospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted around 950 known patients of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus attending the outpatient Diabetes clinics during a period of May 2019 to May 2021 at NIMS Medical College & Hospital. Among them, 150 patients, willing to participate were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed between the study groups in relation to Total Bilirubin, Direct Bilirubin, Indirect Bilirubin, serum proteins, Albumin, AST, ALT, Alkaline Phosphatase as the p-value calculated to be

Aims:: To know the maternal and perinatal outcome in women with complete uterine rupture. Background: Uterine rupture is a catastrophic obstetric event associated with high maternal, perinatal morbidity, and mortality. Objective: The present study was conducted to know prevalence, risk factors, presentation, the maternal, perinatal outcome in women with complete uterine rupture. Methods:: Present retrospective observational study was conducted on 31 women admitted to the Obstetrics ward of the rural tertiary center of Northern India with complete uterine rupture between January 2016 and December 2018 after Institutional ethical committee approval and informed written consent from participants. Data included socio-demographic parameters, gestation, predisposing factors, clinical features, site of rupture, associated bladder injury, need for hysterectomy, perinatal, and maternal outcome. Statistical analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 22.0. Results:: Of the total of 9,156 deliveries during the study period, 31 women had a uterine rupture, indicating the prevalence of 0.34%. Of all 21(67.7%) women had an unscarred uterine rupture, and 10(32.3%) scarred uterine rupture. The majority cases were un-booked (77.4%), multiparous (90.3%), and term at gestation (66.7%), with an average age of all cases as 26.97±3.73 years. The most common risk factor was injudicious use of oxytocic (29.0%) and previous cesarean section scar (22.6%). The most common site of unscarred uterine rupture was the lower uterine segment (26.7%) and in the scarred uterus, the site of previous cesarean section (26.7%). Eight (25.8%) women had bladder injury. Total 24 (77.4%) fetuses were stillborn. Seventeen (54.8%) women needed hysterectomy as a lifesaving procedure, and three (9.7%) succumbed to death despite all resuscitative measures. Conclusion:: Hence, complete uterine rupture is common in rural areas and is serious obstetric emergency with high perinatal, maternal morbidity and mortality. Other: As most of the cases of complete uterine rupture occur in unbooked women, hence, motivating all antenatal women for regular antenatal visits can prevent the dreadful condition to a large extent, thereby saving many maternal and fetal lives.

Aims: Present study was conducted to know presentations and nature of Müllerian-duct anomalies in rural women. Background: Müllerian anomalies are congenital defects of female reproductive tract resulting from faulty development and fusion of Müllerian ducts. Objectives: To identify common Müllerian anomalies, their presentation, radiological appearances, complications, associated renal anomalies in rural women of Northern India. Methods: Present observational study was conducted on 181 female patients with suspected Müllerian anomalies presenting to the outpatient department of Obstetrics and Gynecology with various complaints. Data included age, religion, menarche, previous pregnancy if any, duration of infertility, presenting complaints, type of Müllerian anomaly, incidental or symptomatic, diagnostic method, associated anomalies. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 22.0 version software. Results: Of 181 patients, 16.5% were adolescents, 83.5% adult women with an overall mean (SD) age of 25.02 (5.96) years. Of these, 170 had true Müllerian-duct anomalies and 11 had defects other than Müllerian anomalies, hence excluded. Total 158(92.9%) patients were symptomatic and 12(7.1%) asymptomatic at presentation. The majority (75.9%) were diagnosed incidentally during their visit to the department for various complaints of which infertility (32.4%) was most common. Septate uterus (29.4%) was most common anomaly diagnosed followed by Müllerian agenesis/hypoplasia (22.9%). Around 11.2% cases had associated renal and collecting system anomalies with unilateral renal agenesis (47.4%) being most common. Results: Of 181 patients, 16.5% were adolescents, 83.5% adult women with an overall mean (SD) age of 25.02 (5.96) years. Of these, 170 had true Müllerian-duct anomalies and 11 had defects other than Müllerian anomalies, hence excluded. Total 158(92.9%) patients were symptomatic and 12(7.1%) asymptomatic at presentation. The majority (75.9%) were diagnosed incidentally during their visit to the department for various complaints of which infertility (32.4%) was most common. Septate uterus (29.4%) was most common anomaly diagnosed followed by Müllerian agenesis/hypoplasia (22.9%). Around 11.2% cases had associated renal and collecting system anomalies with unilateral renal agenesis (47.4%) being most common. Conclusion: Hence, Müllerian-duct anomalies have diverse presentations and most of them are diagnosed incidentally. Other: The exact prevalence of Müllerian-duct anomalies may be high, especially in rural India due to lack of knowledge and societal pressures.

While developing a product with array of features, developers come across variety of challenges regarding choice of features to be included in the product for enhancing the overall satisfaction of the customer. Product development team needs to decide upon the features that are absolute necessities in a customer’s conscious and the ones that would be an additional function to please the conscious beyond the expected territory. Kano model analysis is an approach to guide developers in making informed decisions regarding product features based on forecasting the sense of acceptance on the user end. The aim of this research article is to explore the features available in the current Indian automotive sector for the targeted hatchback market and to categorize the features into priority groups based on customer perception. Feedback on twenty attributes of a hatchback car is taken from target customers and analysed using Kano model. The targeted outcome of this research is to get insights on how a customer feels or mandates about any given feature related to the product and answering the important question that is there any certain necessity or requirement of the particular attribute or feature, all of which, eventually plays a decisive role in buying behavior of the customer.

Background: High-risk pregnancies are associated with adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes. Aim: To know the overall perinatal outcome in high-risk pregnancies. Methods: Present observational study was conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department of a rural tertiary center of Northern India over eight months (February-October 2018) on 3,085 antenatal women at gestation ≥ 28 weeks with 1,309 high-risk cases and 1,776 normal pregnancy cases after Institutional ethical committee approval and informed written consent from the participants. The demographic features including age, gravidity, parity, gestation, high-risk factors, the onset of labor, mode of delivery of all the selected antenatal women at gestation ≥ 28 weeks were recorded on a preformed datasheet by trained staff. All the participants were observed till delivery and the perinatal outcome was recorded. Statistical analysis was done using software SPSS 22.0 version and a p-value Results: Of total 1,309 high-risk pregnancies, 365(27.9%) were preterm, 936(71.5%) term and eight (0.6%) post-term cases. Of 1,309 neonates delivered, 66(5.04%) were intra-uterine dead fetuses, 1,243 live fetuses, of which nine (0.7%) had intrapartum still-birth, 278(22.4%) required neonatal intensive care unit admission, 70(5.6%) intubated, 238(19.1%) needed oxygen support, 343(27.6%) developed complications, while 11(0.9%) had early neonatal deaths. The average birth weight of neonates delivered to high-risk mothers was 2.47±0.571 Kg with 271(20.7%) neonates having low birth weight ( Conclusion: High-risk pregnancy was associated with an adverse overall perinatal outcome with increased risk of perinatal morbidities and mortalities.

Problem To know role of cord arterial blood pH and lactate dehydrogenase levels in neonatal outcome assessment. Methods Present observational study was conducted in Obstetrics and Gynecology department of a rural tertiary center of Northern India over 6 months (July–January 2019) on 155 term (≥37-≤42 weeks) antenatal women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy fulfilling inclusion criteria. Immediately after delivery, arterial blood sample was drawn from doubly clamped 10–12 cm long umbilical cord in pre-heparinized insulin syringe, which was sent for pH estimation and 0.5 ml in lithium heparin tube for lactate dehydrogenase levels. One- and 5-min neonatal Apgar score was noted by pediatrician. Cord blood pH and lactate levels were then compared with overall neonatal outcome. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS-22 version. Results Mean values of umbilical cord arterial pH and LDH was 7.2 ± 0.1 and 449.5 ± 562.9 U/L respectively. Significantly low mean cord blood pH (7.03 ± 0.12) and high LDH levels (939.74 ± 781.75 U/L) were observed in neonates of eclamptic mothers (p = 0.00). Mode of delivery had significant effects on cord blood parameters with significantly low pH and elevated LDH levels seen in neonates delivered by emergency LSCS for fetal distress (p Conclusion Cord arterial blood lactate dehydrogenase levels were better predictor of overall neonatal outcome.

Background: Hypertensive disorder of pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal, perinatal outcome. Objective: To know the perinatal outcome in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Methods: Present retrospective cohort study was conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department of the rural tertiary center of Northern India over one year (January-December 2018) on 205 antenatal women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy at gestation ≥28 weeks. All the participants on the basis of diagnosis were divided into four groups: Group 1 Gestational hypertension; Group 2 Pre-eclampsia; Group 3 Eclampsia and Group 4 with Chronic Hypertension. Demographic features, gestational age, the onset of labor, mode of delivery and perinatal outcome including birthweight, Apgar scores, morbidity and mortality were recorded and compared between four groups. Statistical analysis was done using software SPSS 22.0. version. Results: Of 205 participants, 93 had Gestational Hypertension, 68 Pre-eclampsia; 36 Eclampsia, 06 Chronic Hypertension. The mean age of presentation was 24.96±3.535 years. Average gestation at birth for group 1 was 37.91±2.38 weeks, group 2: 36.50±3.312 weeks, group 3: 34.44±4.062 weeks and group 4: 37.97±1.524 weeks. The majority of participants had induced labor especially in preeclampsia and eclampsia groups with a spontaneous vaginal delivery as the most common mode. 1 and 5-minute Apgar scores, birth weight were lower in eclampsia and pre-eclampsia women. Severe disease was associated with the adverse perinatal outcome with maximum neonatal morbidity and mortality in eclampsia and pre-eclampsia group. Conclusion: Hence, hypertensive disorder of pregnancy was associated with adverse perinatal outcome, especially in women with severe disease (Eclampsia and Pre-eclampsia).

Birth asphyxia is a common cause of perinatal morbidity, mortality.To compare the efficacy of umbilical cord arterial blood lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and pH as predictors of neonatal outcome in high-risk term pregnancies using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.Present retrospective cohort study was conducted in the rural tertiary centre of Northern India over two years (January 2017-December 2018). Neonates delivered to 300 term (≥37 - ≤42 weeks) high-risk antenatal women were enrolled after fulfilling inclusion criteria. Immediately after delivery of a newborn by any mode, the segment of the umbilical cord (10 cm) was double clamped, cut, and arterial blood samples were taken for LDH and pH and were compared with neonatal outcome. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 22.0 software.For all 300 neonates mean ± SD values of cord blood LDH and pH were 545.19 ± 391.93 U/L and 7.13 ± 0.15, respectively. High cord blood lactate and low pH values were significantly associated with adverse neonatal outcomes including neonatal resuscitation, NICU admission, complications and early neonatal deaths (p=0.000). The sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value of cord blood LDH in the prediction of neonatal death was 100.00%, 53.17%, 100%, and pH was 93.75%, 53.17%, 99.34%, respectively.Cord blood lactate and pH help in the early prediction of neonatal outcomes, but cord blood lactate is a better predictor.

In this research work, conventional gun spray method is used to coat oximemodifiedtitanium(IV) isopropoxide on steel to find out damping behaviour of coating. The most conventional method is modal analysis is used to measure vibration and noise damping of bare and titania coated samples. Test results revealed that a thin coating has improved the vibration and noise damping when compare with bare sample. SEM, EDX and AFM analysis were carried out to study morphology, coating thickness and composition of coating on the sample surface.

In recent years, reduction in weight of deckhouse of cargo ships in field of naval engineering is becoming a huge concern. Due to heavy weight of deckhouse, ships are unable to carry enough cargo to supply from one place to another. Reducing the weight of the deckhouse without losing its strength can allow us to do so. This can lead to transfer of more goods from one place to another which will help generate more profit. Aluminium and its alloys have good mechanical and physical properties for many different applications in different fields. Its impressively low strength/weight ratio as compared to stainless steel and its alloys make it fit to use in naval engineering. In this paper we discuss properties of aluminium and stainless steel in relation to building a cargo ship and how despite of high cost of aluminium compared to stainless steel, still using aluminium alloy (5083) compared to stainless steel (AISI 316L) can be much more cost effective due to higher transfer rate.

OBJECTIVEThe objective of this study was to understand the impact of fetal gender on neonatal birth weight for the gestational age at the time of birth. Only neonates with a gestational age of 28 weeks or more than 28 weeks were included in the study.METHODSThis prospective study was conducted within the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of a rural tertiary center in Northern India. The study was conducted after ethical clearance and informed consent from participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Data collection included neonatal gender, birth weight, Apgar scores, and gestational age. Neonates were delivered vaginally or by cesarean section at 28 or more weeks of gestation. Statistical analysis was done using version SPSS-22 software.RESULTSOf 2,997 live fetuses, 1,574 (52.5%) were male, 1,421 (47.4%) were female, and 2 (0.07%) had ambiguous genitalia. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) for male neonate's birth weight was 2.79 ± 0.503 kg (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.76–2.81), for females 2.67 ± 0.485 kg (95% CI: 2.64–2.69) respectively (p = .000). Males had lower Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes of age compared to females (7.06 ± 0.859, 8.83 ± 0.838 vs. 7.12 ± 0.645, 8.88 ± 0.612). There were no significant difference between fetal gender and gestational age at birth (18% females were preterm vs. 15.4% males, 81.8% females were term vs. 84.2% males, 0.1% females post-term vs. 0.4% males; p = .079).CONCLUSIONFetal gender was related to birth weight. Male neonates had a higher birth weight, but lower Apgar scores than female neonates. Fetal gender was not correlated with gestational age at the time of birth.

Background Sarcopenia is emerging as a poor prognostic factor in terms of treatment outcome as well as complications in cancer patients. This study aims to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and its impact on outcome and toxicity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients treated with definitive chemo radiotherapy. Material and methods Three hundred patients of locally advanced HNSCC were included. All patients were treated with radical radiotherapy dose of 70 Gy/35# over 7 weeks along with concurrent chemotherapy. Sarcopenia was assessed from radiation planning computed tomography (CT) scans using skeletal muscle mass at level C3. The impact of sarcopenia on treatment outcome, Disease Free Survival (DFS) and toxicity was evaluated. Association between patient factors and outcome was calculated in univariate and multivariate analyses. Results Sarcopenic patients were more likely to be elderly, female gender and hypopharyngeal primary. The average SMI of the entire patient cohort was 31.9 cm2/m2 and for males and females were 32.78 cm2/m2 and 26.19 cm2/m2 respectively. As per cut of criteria used nearly 91% of the patient cohort were sarcopenic. Sarcopenic patients had a worse treatment outcome namely poorer disease free survival, more toxicities and more treatment gaps. As per ROC curve patients with SMI of >32 cm2/m2 fared better than those with SMI Conclusion Sarcopenia in HNSCC patients receiving definitive chemo radiotherapy is an independent prognostic factor and is associated with a worse treatment outcome and more toxicities.

Fetal gender is considered as one of significant predictors of pregnancy and perinatal outcome. Aim - To assess impact of fetal gender on perinatal outcome.Present observational study was conducted in Obstetrics and Gynecology department of rural tertiary center of Northern India over one year (January-December 2018) on all randomly selected antenatal women at gestation ≥28 weeks, delivering by any route (Cesarean/Vaginal) and fulfilling inclusion criteria were enrolled. Immediately after delivery, neonatal birth weight was measured using table top beam weighing scale. Apgar scores at 1- and 5-minutes, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admission, neonatal complications were assessed by pediatrician. Adverse perinatal outcome including neonatal morbidities (prematurity, neonatal intensive care unit admission, neonatal complications) and perinatal mortality were compared between two genders. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 22 version software.Of 3,085 delivered neonates, 1,450(47%) were females, 1,633(52.9%) males and two (0.06%) had ambiguous genitalia, hence excluded. Mean±SD for neonatal birth weight for males was 2.77±0.540 Kg and females 2.65±0.506 Kg (p=.0000). 1- and 5-minutes Apgar scores for male neonate were 6.81±1.565, 8.51±1.841and for females 6.98±1.184, 8.70±1.383 respectively (p=0.001). NICU admission rate, need for oxygen and intubation, complications were significantly higher for male neonates (p0.05) whereas females had higher incidence of intra-uterine growth restriction (p=0.000). Intra-uterine deaths were also more common with male gender (p=0.007). No significant difference was observed between two genders in relation to gestation at birth (p0.05).Male neonates had higher birth weight, but adverse perinatal outcome as compared to females.

In this study, BisGMA, TEGDMA as monomers were used to fabricate dental composites. Camphorquinone was used for photopolymerization using LED light curing unit. To prepare filled resin based dental composites, different %wt (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%) of nanoalumina were used. Unfilled and filled samples were prepared for polymerization shrinkage test, compressive strength test and void content test. Different samples were tested and it is revealed that polymerization shrinkage is diminishing with increase in filler content while compression strength and void content are increasing with increase in filler content.

An analysis is presented in this work to assess the influence of micropolar nature of fluids in fully developed flow induced by electrokinetically driven peristaltic pumping through a parallel plate microchannel. The walls of the channel are assumed as sinusoidal wavy to analyze the peristaltic flow nature. We consider that the wavelength of the wall motion is much larger as compared to the channel width to validate the lubrication theory. To simplify the Poisson Boltzmann equation, we also use the Debye-Hückel linearization (i.e. wall zeta potential ≤ 25mV). We consider governing equation for micropolar fluid in absence of body force and couple effects however external electric field is employed. The solutions for axial velocity, spin velocity, flow rate, pressure rise and stream functions subjected to given physical boundary conditions are computed. The effects of pertinent parameters like Debye length and Helmholtz-Smoluchowski velocity which characterize the EDL phenomenon and external electric field, coupling number and micropolar parameter which characterize the micropolar fluid behavior, on peristaltic pumping are discussed through the illustrations. The results show that peristaltic pumping may alter by applying external electric fields. This model can be used to design and engineer the peristalsis-lab-on-chip and micro peristaltic syringe pumps for biomedical applications.

Ovarian cancer is one of the common gynecological cancers with high mortality rates. The study was conducted to know prevalence, histopathological variants, presentation and outcome in women with ovarian tumors. Present study was conducted in Obstetrics and Gynecology department of rural tertiary center over one year (December 2017–November 2018) on women with unilateral/bilateral ovarian masses fulfilling inclusion criteria. Demographic features including age, parity, nature, laterality and histopathological variants were analyzed and compared. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 20.0 version software. Of 122 cases, 49 (40.2%) had benign tumors, 05 (4.1%) borderline, 64 (52.5%) primary malignant tumors and 04 (3.3%) secondary metastatic deposits. Majority of the women (60.3%) with malignant tumors presented at stage II/III. Most of the women (89.8%) with benign tumors had unilateral lesions, and 64.1% women with malignant tumors had bilateral masses (p

Demand of plastic is increasing at a rapid rate in India and across globe. Plastic is processed using plastic injection molding machine. In this article, plastic injection molding process and injection molding system is discussed in detail. Various factors which may affect the quality of product during production through plastic injection molding is also discussed. Defect in plastic injection molded product has also been discussed.

Primary ovarian lymphoma in young women is very rare accounting for around 0.5–1% of all non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. We report a rare case of bilateral primary ovarian non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in a 40-year-old woman, who presented to us with abdominal distention and pain. The primary diagnosis on ultrasound and computed tomography was made as Krukenberg tumor, but the final histopathological and immunohistochemical report revealed it as primary diffuse large B cell lymphoma of ovary with no other enlarged lymph nodes on retrospective scanning.

The intrauterine fluid motion is responsible for embryo transport and its implantation at fundus. It is believed that myometrial contractions induced by peristaltic propulsion and pressure gradient typically regulate the intrauterine fluid movement. Several factors like changes in the mechanical behavior of uterus with age, hormonal variations, number of pregnancies, and mode of delivery (vaginal delivery versus cesarean), and any gestation may impair this mechanism. There are limited reports which indicate that the intrauterine fluid movement is possible to control with the help of external electric or magnetic fields. However, there are very few studies that investigate the intrauterine fluid motion in the presence of aforementioned external stimuli. This encouraged us to develop a computer model to study intrauterine fluid movement induced by peristalsis in the presence of electro-magnetohydrodynamics. Uterus geometry is idealized as a tapered micro-channel, whereas the Williamson fluid model is used to represent the intrauterine fluid. The Debye-Huckel linearization and perturbation method are employed to obtain the mathematical solution for fluid motion in the presence of any external field. The effect of the Debye-Huckel parameter, Helmholtz-Smoluchowski velocity, zeta potential and Hartmann number on pumping characteristics, flow characteristics, shear stress and trapping are studied to analyze the sensitivity of the fluid model. Overall, this study presents a model to understand the behavior of the intrauterine fluid motion in the presence of electric and magnetic fields. The model and associated results may be encouraged and may helpful for biomedical engineers in the design and development of such biomicrofluidic devices which can transport the embryo at a suitable location of the uterus for implantation.

Analytical solutions are developed for the electro-kinetic flow of a viscoelastic biological liquid in a finite length cylindrical capillary geometry under peristaltic waves. The Jefferys’ non-Newtonian constitutive model is employed to characterize rheological properties of the fluid. The unsteady conservation equations for mass and momentum with electro-kinetic and Darcian porous medium drag force terms are reduced to a system of steady linearized conservation equations in an axisymmetric coordinate system. The long wavelength, creeping (low Reynolds number) and Debye–Hückel linearization approximations are utilized. The resulting boundary value problem is shown to be controlled by a number of parameters including the electro-osmotic parameter, Helmholtz-Smoluchowski velocity (maximum electro-osmotic velocity), and Jefferys’ first parameter (ratio of relaxation and retardation time), wave amplitude. The influence of these parameters and also time on axial velocity, pressure difference, maximum volumetric flow rate and streamline distributions (for elucidating trapping phenomena) is visualized graphically and interpreted in detail. Pressure difference magnitudes are enhanced consistently with both increasing electro-osmotic parameter and Helmholtz-Smoluchowski velocity, whereas they are only elevated with increasing Jefferys’ first parameter for positive volumetric flow rates. Maximum time averaged flow rate is enhanced with increasing electro-osmotic parameter, Helmholtz-Smoluchowski velocity and Jefferys’ first parameter. Axial flow is accelerated in the core (plug) region of the conduit with greater values of electro-osmotic parameter and Helmholtz-Smoluchowski velocity whereas it is significantly decelerated with increasing Jefferys’ first parameter. The simulations find applications in electro-osmotic (EO) transport processes in capillary physiology and also bio-inspired EO pump devices in chemical and aerospace engineering.

Background: Puerperal sepsis is a major cause of maternal morbidity, mortality. Present study was conducted to know burden of severe puerperal sepsis, risk factors, maternal outcome. Methods: Present observational cohort study was conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department of rural tertiary center of Northern India over eight months (1st January-31st July 2018). All women who had delivered or aborted in an institution or those referred from outside within 42 days of delivery/abortion having clinical features, investigations suggestive of puerperal sepsis were enrolled. Socio-demographic factors, clinical features, examination findings, investigations, details of antecedent pregnancy, complications, risk factors, and maternal outcome were recorded. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22 software.Results: A total of 66 cases with severe puerperal sepsis were observed during the study period of which 55 (83.3%) were referred from outside. The most common mode of delivery in antecedent pregnancy was vaginal (42.4%) followed by cesarean section (33.3%) and one (1.5%) forceps delivery. There were 15 (22.7%) post-abortal cases. Maternal anemia was found to be significantly linked with sepsis and adverse maternal outcome (p

A mathematical model to analyze the effects of electric double layer and applied external electric field on peristaltic transport of non-Newtonian aqueous solution through a microchannel is presented. Ostwald–de Waele power law model is employed to describe the non-Newtonian fluid, in an effort to capture the essential biofluid dynamics. The governing equations of physical problem are simplified using low Reynolds number and long wavelength approximations. Poisson Boltzmann equations are also solved under Debye Huckel linearization. Following non-dimensional transformation of the linearized boundary value problem, closed-form analytical solutions are presented for the velocity components, pressure gradient, average flow rate, and stream function subject to physically appropriate boundary conditions. Validation with existing results is also made. A comparative discussion between shear thinning fluid and shear thickening fluids under the influences of Debye length and Helmholtz–Smoluchowski velocity are presented numerically. Trapping phenomenon for dilatant fluids and pseudoplastic fluids under the electrokinetic phenomenon is also computed. This model can help toward designing artificial biomedical devices based on microfluidic devices which can also be applicable to control the physiological transport.

Electrokinetic transport of fluids through microchannel by micropumping and microperistaltic pumping has much interest for many engineering, medical, and industrial applications. Motivated in part by the need of mathematical model to study the electrokinetic transport by peristaltic pumping, an analytical approach is presented. A non-integral number of wave propagation is considered for transportation of fluid bolus along the channel length. Debye-Huckel linearization is employed to find out the potential function. A non-dimensional analysis is employed to simplify the governing equations. Low Reynolds number and large wavelength approximations are taken into account. The effects of characteristic electrical double layer (EDL) thickness and maximum electroosmotic velocity on pumping characteristics are discussed by computational results.

An analytical study of microvascular non-Newtonian blood flow is conducted incorporating the electro-osmosis phenomenon. Blood is considered as a Bingham rheological aqueous ionic solution. An externally applied static axial electrical field is imposed on the system. The Poisson-Boltzmann equation for electrical potential distribution is implemented to accommodate the electrical double layer in the microvascular regime. With long wavelength, lubrication and Debye-Huckel approximations, the boundary value problem is rendered non-dimensional. Analytical solutions are derived for the axial velocity, volumetric flow rate, pressure gradient, volumetric flow rate, averaged volumetric flow rate along one time period, pressure rise along one wavelength and stream function. A plug swidth is featured in the solutions. Via symbolic software (Mathematica), graphical plots are generated for the influence of Bingham plug flow width parameter, electrical Debye length and Helmholtz-Smoluchowski velocity (maximum electro-osmotic velocity) on the key hydrodynamic variables. This study reveals that blood flow rate accelerates with decreasing the plug width (i.e. viscoplastic nature of fluids) and also with increasing the Debye length parameter.

A mathematical model is developed for electro-osmotic peristaltic pumping of a non-Newtonian liquid in a deformable micro-channel. Stokes' couple stress fluid model is employed to represent realistic working liquids. The Poisson-Boltzmann equation for electric potential distribution is implemented owing to the presence of an electrical double layer (EDL) in the micro-channel. Using long wavelength, lubrication theory and Debye-Huckel approximations, the linearized transformed dimensionless boundary value problem is solved analytically. The influence of electro-osmotic parameter (inversely proportional to Debye length), maximum electro-osmotic velocity (a function of external applied electrical field) and couple stress parameter on axial velocity, volumetric flow rate, pressure gradient, local wall shear stress and stream function distributions is evaluated in detail with the aid of graphs. The Newtonian fluid case is retrieved as a special case with vanishing couple stress effects. With increasing the couple stress parameter there is a significant increase in the axial pressure gradient whereas the core axial velocity is reduced. An increase in the electro-osmotic parameter both induces flow acceleration in the core region (around the channel centreline) and it also enhances the axial pressure gradient substantially. The study is relevant in the simulation of novel smart bio-inspired space pumps, chromatography and medical micro-scale devices.