Existence of measure pseudo-almost automorphic functions and applications to impulsive integro-differential equation.

This article's main objective is to establish the measure pseudo-almost automorphic solution of an integro-differential equation with impulses. We develop the existence results based on the Banach contraction principle mapping and Krasnoselskii and Krasnoselskii-Schaefer type fixed point theorems. Finally, some examples are given to illustrate the significance of our theoretical findings.

Geometric data perturbation-based personal health record transactions in cloud computing.

Cloud computing is a new delivery model for information technology services and it typically involves the provision of dynamically scalable and often virtualized resources over the Internet. However, cloud computing raises concerns on how cloud service providers, user organizations, and governments should handle such information and interactions. Personal health records represent an emerging patient-centric model for health information exchange, and they are outsourced for storage by third parties, such as cloud providers. With these records, it is necessary for each patient to encrypt their own personal health data before uploading them to cloud servers. Current techniques for encryption primarily rely on conventional cryptographic approaches. However, key management issues remain largely unsolved with these cryptographic-based encryption techniques. We propose that personal health record transactions be managed using geometric data perturbation in cloud computing. In our proposed scheme, the personal health record database is perturbed using geometric data perturbation and outsourced to the Amazon EC2 cloud.

Ocular abnormalities in children with developmental delay.

Purpose: To describe the presence of ocular abnormalities in children with developmental delay (DD) and compare with normal children; to analyze associated risk factors, systemic problems, and the possible treatment that can be delivered. Methods: This was a cross sectional, observational study. We included children between one and 18 years, diagnosed as developmental delay in DD group, and next immediate age- and sex-matched children without developmental delay on the same day or during the same period in the control group. Detailed history and neuroimaging findings were noted. Uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity for distance and near, cycloplegic refraction, anterior, and posterior segment examination was carried out. Various ocular problems, delayed visual maturation (DVM), and cortical visual impairment (CVI) were diagnosed based on examination. Data were analyzed statistically, and P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Ninety-four children were included in each group. Mean age was 4.97 ± 3.84 years, and 64.89% were males. In DD group: Most common abnormal neuroimaging finding was gliotic changes; systemic associations: 39 children; 83 children had ocular problems: refractive error-70, strabismus-39, cataract-five, amblyopia-16; DVM-13; CVI-13 children; glasses and vision stimulation were advised in 39 and 65 children, respectively; whereas, in control group: refractive error-36, strabismus-15, cataract-two; amblyopia-20 children. Conclusion: 88.29% of developmental delay children had ocular abnormalities, commonest was refractive error (74.47%); these values were higher than in control group; common risk factors were low birthweight and consanguineous marriage; epilepsy was the most common systemic association.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxicity and photocatalytic performance of Co doped ZnO nanoparticles biosynthesized using Annona Muricata leaf extract.

In the present study, ZnO nanoparticles doped with 3%, 5% and 7% of cobalt have been synthesized by green method using Annona muricata leaf extract. The obtained nanopowder was characterised by XRD, FTIR, XPS, HRTEM, SAED, SEM, EDAX and UV-Visible spectroscopy techniques. XRD patterns confirm the formation of pure and Co doped ZnO nanoparticles with a hexagonal wurtzite structure with high phase purity. FTIR spectra indicate the stretching vibration of Zn-O at 495 cm-1. The incorporation of Co2+ ions into the ZnO lattice was identified by XPS analysis. EDX spectra confirm the existence of Co, Zn and O elements. The SEM and HRTEM micrographs show morphology of nanoparticles. The optical study specifies a decrease in energy band gap with an increase in Co-doping concentration. The photocatalytic performance of ZnO and Zn0.93Co0.07O has been examined for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under sunlight irradiation. The antimicrobial activity of synthesized nanoparticles against s.aureus, p.aeruginosa, b.subtilis bacterial strains c.albicans and a.niger fungal strains as investigated. The Zn0.93Co0.07O nanoparticles exhibit good antioxidant properties. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of ZnO nanoparticles was evaluated against L929 normal fibroblast cells. So, this work suggests that Annona muricata leaf extract mediated pure and Co-doped ZnO nanoparticles are a potential candidate for biomedical and photocatalytic applications.

Analysis of orbitofacial anthropometry in children with pseudostrabismus.

AIM: The aim of the study was to analyze orbitofacial anthropometric parameters such as inner and outer canthal distances (ICD and OCD), palpebral fissure length (PFL), interpupillary distance (IPD), and canthal index (CI) in children with pseudostrabismus and to compare the measured IPD (mIPD) with calculated IPD (cIPD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study of sixty children (6 months-18 years) with pseudostrabismus. ICD, OCD, PFL, and IPD were measured by digital Vernier caliper. The formula used was cIPD: 0.21+0.24 ICD+0.58°CD for males and 1.4+0.31 ICD+0.41°CD for females. Values measured by caliper were compared with that calculated by the formula. The formula used was CI: ICD × 100/OCD. Data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The mean age was 6.66 ± 3.57 years. Telecanthus was the most common finding (55%). The mean ICD and OCD in males were 30.89 ± 3.33 mm and 87.96 ± 8.09 mm and in females were 30.91 ± 3.05 and 86.22 ± 6.81 mm, respectively. The mean right eye PFL in males was 28.53 ± 2.63 mm and in females was 27.66 ± 2.22 mm and left eye PFL in males was 28.53 mm ± 2.63 and in females was 27.66 ± 2.22 mm. CI in males was 35.10 ± 1.65 and in females was 35.84 ± 1.71. Mean mIPD and cIPD: male - 55.37 ± 4.75 mm and 58.56 ± 5.34 mm, female - 53.32 ± 4.74 mm and 46.26 ± 3.71 mm. A good agreement was found between mIPD and cIPD. CONCLUSION: This study helps in documenting the anthropometric pattern of the orbitofacial parameters in children with pseudostrabismus which can act as reference data. This helps in the management of orbitofacial, craniofacial syndromes/deformities and lid reconstructive surgeries in retaining ethnical features and obtaining better function. In children's spectacle frame 1 and lens making, where measuring IPD is difficult, cIPD can be a simple alternative.

Analysis of postoperative visual and surgical outcome following surgery for absorbed cataract in pediatric age group and the intraoperative difficulties.

PURPOSE: To analyze the postoperative visual and surgical outcomes following surgery for pediatric-absorbed cataracts and intraoperative difficulties. METHODS: This prospective longitudinal study included 43 eyes (30 children) with absorbed cataracts aged between 6 months and 18 years (either sex). All children underwent best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anterior and posterior segment evaluation, rubella titer estimation, intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation, superior small incision cataract surgery with or without posterior capsulotomy/anterior vitrectomy/IOL implantation under general anesthesia, visual rehabilitation, and were followed up for 1 year. RESULTS: The mean age was 7.89 ± 4.84 years. Preoperative BCVA distance: 39 eyes had either perception of light (PL) or counting finger close to face (CFCF); near BCVA: all eyes had either PL or N36. Postoperative (12 months) distant BCVA: a majority of the eyes (27) had 6/60-1/60, 11 eyes had 6/18-6/36; near: N18 in 19 eyes, N6 in 7 eyes. Anterior continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis (ACCC) was possible in eight eyes. Cortical aspiration was difficult in 16 eyes (peripheral calcified ring). A majority (32 eyes) underwent in the sulcus implantation (in-the-bag: eight eyes); two eyes: no IOL, one eye: secondary IOL. Eleven eyes had early postoperative inflammation. At 12 months, one eye underwent membranectomy for visual axis opacification and 38 eyes had well-centered IOLs. CONCLUSION: Surgery in absorbed cataracts is challenging because of the anatomic disorganization of the absorbed lens. By adopting appropriate surgical methods and good visual rehabilitation, one can achieve satisfactory surgical and visual outcomes, highlighting the need for surgical intervention.

Outcome of superior manual small-incision cataract surgery in pediatric age group - A five year retrospective study at a tertiary eye hospital in Karnataka.

Purpose: To analyze intraoperative difficulties and visual and surgical outcomes following pediatric cataract surgery. Methods: This five-year retrospective study (2014-2019) included 138 eyes (85 children) with cataract aged between 12 months and 18 years (either sex). All children had undergone best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anterior and posterior segment evaluation, intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation, superior manual-small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) with or without posterior capsulotomy/anterior vitrectomy and IOL implantation under general or local anesthesia, visual rehabilitation, and had been followed up for a minimum period of 12 months. Results: The mean age was 111.27 ± 4.84 months. Preoperative BCVA distance: 113 (81.88%)eyes had BCVA < 6/60; near BCVA: 114 (82.6%) eyes had ≤N36. At last postoperative follow-up (mean: 20.98 ± 13.08 months): distant BCVA- ≥6/60 had been recorded in 120 (86.96%) eyes; near BCVA- >N36 in 123 (89.13%) eyes. Improvement in BCVA was statistically significant. Intraoperative scleral tunnel difficulties were seen in three eyes (thin flap in two, and buttonhole in one eye); in the majority of the eyes 113 (81.88%), IOL was placed in the bag. Twenty eyes had early postoperative inflammation. At last follow-up: posterior capsular opacity was recorded in six eyes, IOL decenteration in two eyes, secondary glaucoma in six eyes, and severe amblyopia in 36 (26.09%) eyes. The mean myopic shift was - 1.11 ± 0.89 D and was statistically significant. Conclusion: Superior MSICS as a treatment for pediatric cataract has minimal intraoperative complications and satisfactory visual and surgical outcomes.

Presence and development of strabismus in children with telecanthus, epicanthus and hypertelorism.

Purpose: To study the presence and development of strabismus in children with telecanthus, epicanthus, and hypertelorism. Methods: This is a prospective, longitudinal, and observational study. Sixty children aged between 6 months and 18 years with telecanthus, epicanthus, and hypertelorism in isolation or in combination were recruited. A detailed analysis of the history, determination of best corrected visual acuity, complete evaluation of strabismus, and ocular examination were carried out. The presence of telecanthus, epicanthus, and hypertelorism and associated strabismus, if any, was noted. All children were followed up for a minimum and maximum period of 12 and 18 months, respectively, to analyze the strabismus (previously present) and for detection of strabismus in those who did not have. The data were analyzed descriptively with mean and standard deviation. Chi square test and Fishers exact test were used to analyze the data between the groups. A P value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Telecanthus was the most common lid feature (55%). At baseline, ten (16.66%) children had strabismus (six: esotropia; four: exotropia). Two (3.33%) children underwent surgery. One child developed exotropia at the third follow-up (18 months). At the end of the study, 11 (18.33%) children had strabismus. No significant association was seen between lid characteristics and the type of strabismus. Conclusion: Children with telecanthus, epicanthus, and hypertelorism in isolation or in combination may or may not have associated strabismus. These features can pose difficulty in strabismus diagnosis, which mandates a careful examination, especially in younger age groups and small-angle strabismus. On the other hand, children without strabismus need longer follow-up to detect the development of strabismus and to initiate further management at the earliest.

Feature Selection and Dwarf Mongoose Optimization Enabled Deep Learning for Heart Disease Detection.

Heart disease causes major death across the entire globe. Hence, heart disease prediction is a vital part of medical data analysis. Recently, various data mining and machine learning practices have been utilized to detect heart disease. However, these techniques are inadequate for effectual heart disease prediction due to the deficient test data. In order to progress the efficacy of detection performance, this research introduces the hybrid feature selection method for selecting the best features. Moreover, the missed value from the input data is filled with the quantile normalization and missing data imputation method. In addition, the best features relevant to disease detection are selected through the proposed hybrid Congruence coefficient Kumar-Hassebrook similarity. In addition, heart disease is predicted using SqueezeNet, which is tuned by the dwarf mongoose optimization algorithm (DMOA) that adapts the feeding aspects of dwarf mongoose. Moreover, the experimental result reveals that the DMOA-SqueezeNet method attained a maximum accuracy of 0.925, sensitivity of 0.926, and specificity of 0.918.

Tailoring the Emission Behavior of WO3 Thin Films by Eu3+ Ions for Light-Emitting Applications.

The article reports the successful fabrication of Eu3+-doped WO3 thin films via the radio-frequency magnetron sputtering (RFMS) technique. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing the tunable visible emission (blue to bluish red) from a WO3:Eu3+ thin film system using RFMS. X-ray diffractograms revealed that the crystalline nature of these thin films increased upto 3 wt% of the Eu3+ concentration. The diffraction peaks in the crystalline films are matched well with the monoclinic crystalline phase of WO3, but for all the films', micro-Raman spectra detected bands related to WO3 monoclinic phase. Vibrational and surface studies reveal the amorphous/semi-crystalline behavior of the 10 wt% Eu3+-doped sample. Valence state determination shows the trivalent state of Eu ions in doped films. In the 400-900 nm regions, the fabricated thin films show an average optical transparency of ~51-85%. Moreover, the band gap energy gradually reduces from 2.95 to 2.49 eV, with an enhancement of the Eu3+-doping content. The doped films, except the one at a higher doping concentration (10 wt%), show unique emissions of Eu3+ ions, besides the band edge emission of WO3. With an enhancement of the Eu3+ content, the concentration quenching process of the Eu3+ ions' emission intensities is visible. The variation in CIE chromaticity coordinates suggest that the overall emission color can be altered from blue to bluish red by changing the Eu3+ ion concentration.

Comparison of posterior corneal elevation in children with and without vernal keratoconjunctivitis using a new tomographer.

Purpose: To assess the posterior corneal elevation (PCE) in children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and compare the same with that of age and gender-matched normal children. Methods: This was a case control study. We included 110 children attending the Pediatric ophthalmology outpatient department of a tertiary eye care center in South India between September 2019 and June 2020. Fifty-five children with VKC and 55 normal age and gender-matched children were examined by Sirius tomographer/topographer (CSO, Italy) to determine the PCE, thinnest corneal thickness (TCT), simulated K (Sim K), keratoconus front (KVf) and keratoconus vertex back (KVb). The parameters were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 220 eyes of 110 children were examined. The mean age in both groups was 10.44 ± 3.28 years, each group included 44 males and 11 females. There was no statistically significant difference in TCT and Sim K between the two groups. The mean PCE was 18.8 ± 8.4 µm in VKC group and 11.7 ± 3.9 µm in control group (P < 0.001). Both KVf and KVb were significantly higher in VKC group when compared to the control group. Conclusion: Children with VKC have significantly higher PCE as measured by Sirius tomographer, and hence, all VKC children should be screened for development of KC and the Sirius tomographer may be an appropriate tool for the same.

Ocular biometric measurements and optical coherence tomography parameters in children with refractive errors and emmetropia.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to estimate and compare the differences in ocular biometric measurements (OBMs), central macular thickness (CMT), and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) between children with refractive errors and those with emmetropia. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study of 205 children (334 eyes) aged between six and 18 years consisting of four groups (emmetropia, hypermetropia, myopia, and astigmatism) was carried out. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), a detailed ocular examination, OBMs, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT) for RNFLT and CMT in both eyes were evaluated for each child. Results: Mean age of 205 children was 12.4 ± 3.2 years. 55.6% (n = 114) were girls and 44.4% (n = 91) were boys. There was a significant difference between the four groups for the parameters spherical equivalent (SE), keratometer readings K1and K2, axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), vitreous chamber depth (VCD) and lens thickness (LT) (P < 0.0001). The mean central corneal thickness (CCT) was not significantly different between the four groups (P = 0.076). The mean RNFLT was thinner in the myopic group compared with the emmetropic group (P = 0.0048) There was no significant difference in the mean CMT across the four groups (P = 0.458). Conclusion: The data obtained are helpful in providing the normative as well as a comparative database on OBMs, RNFLT and CMT of the pediatric population. This also facilitates evaluation of RNFLT and CMT measurements in children with amblyopia, optic neuropathies, glaucoma, macular and retinal diseases.

A study of effect of hemodialysis on macular thickness in patients with end-stage renal disease.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to study the effect of hemodialysis (HD) on macular thickness in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and end-stage renal disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective observational study, patients undergoing HD for diabetic nephropathy were recruited. None of the patients received treatment for DR per se during the study duration. Patients underwent ocular examination and optical coherence tomography before HD and were followed up on day 3 and day 30. At each visit, central subfield macular thickness (CSMT) and total macular volume (TMV) were measured and compared with baseline values using analysis of variance and post hoc test (Wilcoxon's matched-pairs signed-rank test). RESULTS: Thirty-one eyes of 19 patients were recruited in the study. The mean CSMT decreased from baseline value of 278.93 ± 45.01 µ to 239.81 ± 40.54 µ at the end of 30 days (P < 0.005). The mean TMV decreased from baseline value of 8.14 ± 0.68 mm3 to 7.80 ± 0.63 mm3 on day 30 (P < 0.005). CONCLUSION: There was a statistically significant reduction in CSMT and TMV after HD at 30 days as compared to baseline values. HD alone results in reduction of macular thickness over short term.

Quality of life in children with low vision following use of low vision aids.

CONTEXT: Vision loss early in life has profound functional and psychological implications. Functional vision, defined as vision that can be used to perform a task(s) requiring vision, can be assessed by a number of tools. Questionnaires are a popular tool. AIMS: This study aimed at assessing the vision-related quality of life (QOL) with the help of LV Prasad-Functional Vision Questionnaire (LVP-FVQ) and also to analyze the outcome of baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 3 months after the introduction of low vision aids (LVAs) in children with low vision (LV). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a prospective, longitudinal study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty children aged between 8 and 18 years with LV were recruited and prescribed LVAs for distance and/or near based on their needs. The QOL and BCVA for distance and near were assessed before and 3 months after the introduction of LVAs. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. Student's t-test was used to calculate the P value. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in the vision-related QOL (P < 0.001) as well as the baseline BCVA (P = 0.002), 3 months after use of LVAs. CONCLUSION: LVAs are effective in improving the vision-related QOL and can also act as vision stimulator.

Study of change in contrast sensitivity in relation to depth of ablation after wavefront optimized myopic laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this work was to study the change in contrast sensitivity (CS) in relation to depth of stromal ablation after wavefront-optimized (WFO) myopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: This was as prospective, longitudinal, comparative study. The study participants were divided into two groups: Group 1 ≤50 µ ablation depth; 60 eyes and group 2 >50 µ ablation depth; 60 eyes. All underwent WFO LASIK. Uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA) and CS were measured preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 week, 2 weeks, and 2 and 6 months. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), Unpaired t test and one-way repeated measures ANOVA were used to test differences across time periods within each treatment group. A value of P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean ablation depths in groups 1 and 2 were 39.30 µ ± 7.22 µ and 69.90 µ ± 12.09 µ, respectively; the maximum depth was 94.62 µ. In group 1, the preoperative mean CS was 1.91 ± 0.07, which improved postoperatively at 1 week (1.93 ± 0.06) and remained stable in subsequent follow-ups (1.94 ± 0.05). In group 2, the mean CS preoperatively was 1.87 ± 0.12, which postoperatively at 1 week and 6 months were 1.93 ± 0.07 and 1.94 ± 0.03, respectively (P < 0.05). Between the groups, preoperative CS was significantly different (P = 0.04), but the change in CS post-LASIK was insignificant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: There was a significant improvement in CS after WFO myopic LASIK in all patients irrespective of ablation depth (up to 94.62 µ).

Fixed-dose-rate gemcitabine in combination with oxaliplatin in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer refractory to standard-dose-rate gemcitabine: a single-institute study.

OBJECTIVES: There is a paucity of data exploring treatment options for refractory pancreatic cancer. Oxaliplatin has interesting activity in second-line therapy. Fixed-dose-rate gemcitabine (GFDR, 10 mg/m(2)/min) has shown promising results in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer over standard-dose-rate (30 min) gemcitabine (GSDR). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the experience of our cancer center with GFDR and oxaliplatin (GEMOX) in patients who failed GSDR. GEMOX consisted of gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m(2) over 100 min on day 1 and oxaliplatin 100 mg/m(2) over 2 h on day 2 every 2 weeks. Eligible patients were required to have measurable metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas and to have failed prior GSDR. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (median age 62 years) who were treated at the Ohio State University with GEMOX following GSDR failure between November 2003 and January 2008 were included in this study. Twenty-four percent of all patients had a partial response, 29% had stable disease and 47% had progressive disease. The median progression-free survival was 2.6 months and the median overall survival was 6.4 months. There were no unexpected toxicities. CONCLUSION: GEMOX shows interesting activity and acceptable tolerability in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer who failed prior GSDR. Our results are consistent with previously published results.

Analysis of macular, foveal, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in children with unilateral anisometropic amblyopia and their changes following occlusion therapy.

Purpose: To analyze macular thickness (MT), foveal thickness (FT), and retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFLT) in children with unilateral anisometropic amblyopia and their changes following occlusion therapy. Methods: A prospective, longitudinal, and comparative study of 60 children aged between 5 and 18 years consisted of two groups, group 1: 30 children with unilateral anisometropic amblyopia; group 2: 30 normal children. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), a detailed ocular examination, spectral domain optical coherence tomography for MT, FT, and RNFLT in both eyes were done at visit one (baseline) and every 3 months for a year following occlusion therapy (initiated one month after first visit) in group 1. Results: Mean BCVA, MT, FT, and RNFLT in amblyopic eyes at first visit were 0.63 ± 0.405, 286.9 ± 6.522 µm, 195.90 ± 8.462 µm, and 100.87 ± 6.240 µm, respectively and at last visit after occlusion therapy were 0.50 ± 0.318, 248.9 ± 11.681 µm, 169.47 ± 10.941 µm, and 99.43 ± 5.722 µm, respectively. At first visit, mean BCVA, MT, FT, and RNFLT in nonamblyopic eyes (group 1) were 0 ± 0, 240 ± 10.447 µm, 159.27 ± 9.285 µm, 98.63 ± 4.723 µm and in normal eyes (group 2: average of right and left eyes) were 0 ± 0, 239.8 ± 4.294 µm, 143.6 ± 4.61 µm, 100.5 ± 2.895 µm, respectively. Conclusion: MT and FT, which were more in amblyopic eyes as compared to normal fellow eyes and group 2, decreased with improvement in BCVA after occlusion therapy. However, there was no difference in RNFLT between amblyopic eyes and normal fellow eyes and group 2 before and after occlusion therapy.

Effect of yoga and naturopathy on liver, renal and cardiorespiratory functions of a patient with hepatic cirrhosis with portal hypertension and ascites: a case report.

A 39-year-old, married man was diagnosed with hepatic cirrhosis with portal hypertension and ascites in February 2016. His symptoms as described by him began with generalized body weakness, breathlessness and sudden weight gain of 16 kg within 3 weeks. History of regular intake of alcohol since 7 years and tremendous family stress were present. Patient underwent conventional medication for 6 months and ayurvedic medications for 4 months. In January 2017, he visited our hospital with the same complaints and underwent integrated naturopathy and yoga therapies (INYTs) for 4 weeks along with Ayurveda and conventional medications. The results of this study showed a better reduction in body weight, body mass index, abdominal girth, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure along with improvement in breath holding time, hemoglobin level, liver function test and renal function test. It suggests that 4 weeks of INYT with Ayurveda and conventional medications was effective in patients with hepatic cirrhosis with portal hypertension and ascites. Further studies are required to warrant these results.