Moderate Consumption of Beer (with and without Ethanol) and Menopausal Symptoms: Results from a Parallel Clinical Trial in Postmenopausal Women

The menopausal transition can be a challenging period for women’s health and a trigger of uncomfortable symptoms. Beer is the main food source of isoxanthohumol, a precursor of 8-prenylnaringenin, the strongest phytoestrogen identified to date. As phytoestrogens are reported to reduce perimenopausal symptoms, we evaluated if a daily moderate consumption of beer with (AB) and without alcohol (NAB) could improve menopausal symptoms and modify cardiovascular risk factors. A total of 37 postmenopausal women were enrolled in a parallel controlled intervention trial and assigned to three study groups: 16 were administered AB (330 mL/day), 7 NAB (660 mL/day), and 14 were in the control group. After a 6-month follow-up of the 34 participants who finished the trial, both interventions (AB and NAB) significantly reduced the severity of the menopause-related symptoms (p-value AB vs. Control: 0.009; p-value NAB vs. Control: 0.033). Moreover, AB had a beneficial net effect on psychological menopausal discomforts compared to the control group. As the sex hormone profile did not differ significantly between the study groups, the effects of both types of beers (AB and NAB) are attributed to the non-alcoholic fraction of beer. Furthermore, moderate NAB consumption improved the lipid profile and decreased blood pressure in postmenopausal women.

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The Effect of Javanese Language Videos with a Community Based Interactive Approach Method as an Educational Instrument for Knowledge, Perception, and Adherence amongst Tuberculosis Patients

Pharmacy ◽

10.3390/pharmacy9020086 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 86

Author(s):

Fauna Herawati ◽

Yuni Megawati ◽

Aslichah ◽

Retnosari Andrajati ◽

Rika Yulia

Keyword(s):

Intervention Group ◽

Personal Control ◽

Control Group ◽

P Value ◽

Interactive Approach ◽

Community Based ◽

Tuberculosis Patients ◽

Level Of Knowledge ◽

The Impact

The long period of tuberculosis treatment causes patients to have a high risk of forgetting or stopping the medication altogether, which increases the risk of oral anti-tuberculosis drug resistance. The patient’s knowledge and perception of the disease affect the patient’s adherence to treatment. This research objective was to determine the impact of educational videos in the local language on the level of knowledge, perception, and adherence of tuberculosis patients in the Regional General Hospital (RSUD) Bangil. This quasi-experimental study design with a one-month follow-up allocated 62 respondents in the intervention group and 60 in the control group. The pre- and post-experiment levels of knowledge and perception were measured with a validated set of questions. Adherence was measured by pill counts. The results showed that the intervention increases the level of knowledge of the intervention group higher than that of the control group (p-value < 0.05) and remained high after one month of follow-up. The perceptions domains that changed after education using Javanese (Ngoko) language videos with the Community Based Interactive Approach (CBIA) method were the timeline, personal control, illness coherence, and emotional representations (p-value < 0.05). More than 95% of respondents in the intervention group take 95% of their pill compared to 58% of respondents in the control group (p-value < 0.05). Utilization of the local languages for design a community-based interactive approach to educate and communicate is important and effective.

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Comparative performance of MRI-derived PRECISE scores and delta-radiomics models for the prediction of prostate cancer progression in patients on active surveillance

European Radiology ◽

10.1007/s00330-021-08151-x ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Nikita Sushentsev ◽

Leonardo Rundo ◽

Oleg Blyuss ◽

Tatiana Nazarenko ◽

Aleksandr Suvorov ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prostate Cancer ◽

Active Surveillance ◽

Cancer Progression ◽

Predictive Value ◽

Machine Learning Algorithms ◽

Superior Performance ◽

Control Group ◽

P Value ◽

Lasso Regression

Abstract Objectives To compare the performance of the PRECISE scoring system against several MRI-derived delta-radiomics models for predicting histopathological prostate cancer (PCa) progression in patients on active surveillance (AS). Methods The study included AS patients with biopsy-proven PCa with a minimum follow-up of 2 years and at least one repeat targeted biopsy. Histopathological progression was defined as grade group progression from diagnostic biopsy. The control group included patients with both radiologically and histopathologically stable disease. PRECISE scores were applied prospectively by four uro-radiologists with 5–16 years’ experience. T2WI- and ADC-derived delta-radiomics features were computed using baseline and latest available MRI scans, with the predictive modelling performed using the parenclitic networks (PN), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression, and random forests (RF) algorithms. Standard measures of discrimination and areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) were calculated, with AUCs compared using DeLong’s test. Results The study included 64 patients (27 progressors and 37 non-progressors) with a median follow-up of 46 months. PRECISE scores had the highest specificity (94.7%) and positive predictive value (90.9%), whilst RF had the highest sensitivity (92.6%) and negative predictive value (92.6%) for predicting disease progression. The AUC for PRECISE (84.4%) was non-significantly higher than AUCs of 81.5%, 78.0%, and 80.9% for PN, LASSO regression, and RF, respectively (p = 0.64, 0.43, and 0.57, respectively). No significant differences were observed between AUCs of the three delta-radiomics models (p-value range 0.34–0.77). Conclusions PRECISE and delta-radiomics models achieved comparably good performance for predicting PCa progression in AS patients. Key Points • The observed high specificity and PPV of PRECISE are complemented by the high sensitivity and NPV of delta-radiomics, suggesting a possible synergy between the two image assessment approaches. • The comparable performance of delta-radiomics to PRECISE scores applied by expert readers highlights the prospective use of the former as an objective and standardisable quantitative tool for MRI-guided AS follow-up. • The marginally superior performance of parenclitic networks compared to conventional machine learning algorithms warrants its further use in radiomics research.

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Effect of platelet rich-fibrin on alveolar osteitis incidence following surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars: A comparative study

Journal of Baghdad College of Dentistry ◽

10.26477/jbcd.v31i4.2723 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Ali S. Abdul Kareem ◽

Ali H. Al Hussaini

Keyword(s):

Postoperative Pain ◽

Control Group ◽

P Value ◽

Surgical Removal ◽

Similar Distribution ◽

Extraction Socket ◽

Platelet Rich Fibrin ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Alveolar Osteitis

Background: Postoperative morbidity after extraction of the impacted mandibular third molar (IMTM) is inevitable. One of the most common postoperative complication is alveolar osteitis (AO) which is a painful non healed socket. Many researches were attempted to prevent the occurrence of AO by introducing and applying a new materials inside the extraction socket. Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) is a biological complex fibrin matrix where autologous platelets and leucocytes are present, used to enhance tissue healing process and reduce the early adverse effects of the inflammation. Aims: To evaluate the effect of PRF on the incidence of AO. Also to assess PRF effect on pain, swelling, and trismus following the surgical removal of IMTM and compare it with the control group. Materials and methods: This clinical prospective study was conducted from October 2016 to October 2017 at the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, College of dentistry/University of Baghdad; and Al-Sadr Specialized Health Center. A total number of 50 IMTMs were surgically removed from 45 patients who met the inclusion criteria (21 males and 24 females) with age ranged from 16-41 years. The cases were divided into two groups: a study group (25 cases) where PRF were placed inside the extraction socket and control group (25 cases) where traditional surgery were performed. AO, trismus and swelling were assessed at the 2nd and 7th postoperative day. Pain scored by numeric rating scale daily by the patients. Results: The study showed that age, gender, side of impaction, oral hygiene condition, impacted tooth classification, surgical difficulty, and the time of procedure in both control and study groups had nearly similar distribution with non- significant difference. At the 1st follow up period: Trismus (P-value = 0.834) and Swelling (P-value = 0.592) were non- significant between the two groups. AO had overall incidence of 4% occurred only in the control group, while the PRF group had no occurrence (0%), but the difference was statistically non significant. Postoperative pain had no significance difference in both groups. At the 2nd follow up period there was no significant difference regarding trismus, swelling, and incidence of AO between both groups. Conclusion: Local application of PRF can reduce the incidence of AO but not to a significant level. PRF had no effect concerning postoperative pain, swelling, and trismus.

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THE ROLE OF MYOCARDIAL REVASCULARIZATION IN THE SURVIVAL OF PATIENTS WITH ALTERED CORONARY BLOOD FLOW DETECTED BY TRANSTHORACIC ULTRASOUND

Siberian Medical Journal ◽

10.29001/2073-8552-2018-34-1-54-60 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 34 (1) ◽

pp. 54-60

Author(s):

M. S. Kamenskikh ◽

A. V. Zagatina ◽

N. T. Zhuravskaya ◽

Yu. N. Fedotov ◽

D. V. Shmatov

Keyword(s):

Blood Flow ◽

Coronary Blood Flow ◽

Myocardial Revascularization ◽

Control Group ◽

P Value ◽

Coronary Events ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1 ◽

Flow Velocities

Aim of the study was to identify the effects of myocardial revascularization on the prognosis in patients with altered coronary blood flow detected by transthoracic ultrasound.Material and Methods. Four hundred and twelve (412) patients were included in the study. The inclusion criterion was coronary velocity more than 70 cm/s during echocardiography. The study population was divided into three groups: Group 1 comprised patients with high velocities in the coronary arteries detected by ultrasound, in whom myocardial revascularization was performed; Group 2 comprised patients with high velocities in the coronary arteries, in whom myocardial revascularization was not performed and; the Control Group comprised patients with normal coronary blood flow according to ultrasound. The follow-up period was 10–11 months.Results. Seventeen (17) deaths (4.7%) occurred during follow-up. Death rates were 1.6 vs. 8.1 vs. 0% in Group 1, Group 2 and the Control Group, respectively, with a p-value for the difference between Group 1 and Group 2 (p1) of <0.009; and a p-value for the differences compared with the Control group (р2) of <0.03. Death, myocardial infarction, pulmonary edema, and acute coronary syndrome were observed in 27 patients (7.7% of the study group with accelerated blood flow). The rates of these outcomes were 4.9 vs. 11.0 vs. 0% in Group 1, Group 2, and the Control Group, respectively (p1<0.05; p2<0.006). Discussion. The study showed high rates of mortality or acute coronary events in the group of patients with pathologically high coronary flow velocities. The positive effects of revascularization on survival in this group were verified.Conclusions: 1. Left artery coronary flow velocities over 70 cm/s indicate a high probability of death or acute coronary events within 10.5 months.2. Myocardial revascularization has a significant positive effect on the survival rate and incidence of acute coronary events in patients with coronary artery flow velocities greater than 70 cm/s.3. Patients with high coronary blood flow velocities should be referred to coronary angiography or other diagnostic tests without waiting for clinical manifestations and specific symptoms for coronary artery disease.

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Efficacy of Vitamin E in Methotrexate-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Open-Label Case-Control Study

International Journal of Rheumatology ◽

10.1155/2020/5723485 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Binit Vaidya ◽

Manisha Bhochhibhoya ◽

Shweta Nakarmi

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Vitamin E ◽

Treatment Group ◽

Case Control Study ◽

Study Groups ◽

Case Control ◽

Control Group ◽

Open Label ◽

Control Study

Objective. To examine the efficacy of vitamin E in methotrexate- (MTX-) induced transaminitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. A case-control study was conducted at a tertiary rheumatology center for 12 months. Patients with RA on MTX and deranged aminotransferases were included. Patients with previous liver diseases, baseline transaminitis before methotrexate initiation, alcohol intake, muscle diseases, under hepatotoxic drugs, and aminotransferases>3 times the upper normal limit were excluded. The patients were divided into treatment (vitamin E 400 mg bid for 3 months) and control groups (no vitamin E) using a random number table. The dose of MTX was unaltered. Follow-up was done after 3 and 6 months. Independent t-test was done to compare means of two groups. Paired t-test was done to compare differences in mean. Results. Among 230 patients, 86.5% were female with a mean BMI of 25.9±4.5 kg/m2. In the treatment group, SGPT and SGOT at baseline were 73.1±20.4 and 60.2±24.5 IU/L, respectively; at 3-month follow-up 44.6±34.2 and 38.3±20.8 IU/L, respectively; and at 6-month follow-up 40.4±35.7 and 34.2±21.9 IU/L, respectively. In the control group, SGPT and SGOT at baseline were 63.4±15.1 and 46.8±13.7 IU/L, respectively, and at 3-month follow-up 55.8±45.9 and 45.5±30.9 IU/L, respectively. Significant decrease in the level of aminotransferases was seen in the treatment group (p value < 0.001) and not in the control group (p values 0.161 and 0.728, respectively). The change in levels of SGPT and SGOT from baseline to 3 months of follow-up was statistically significant in between two study groups (p values 0.007 and <0.001, respectively). From the control group, 29 patients were crossed over to vitamin E for the next 3 months. SGPT and SGOT decreased from 97.6±44.1 to 46.1±40.9 and 69.3±34.9 to 29.1±11.6 IU/L, respectively (p values 0.031 and 0.017, respectively). Conclusion. Vitamin E significantly attenuates MTX-induced transaminitis.

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Updated results from MONALEESA-2, a phase 3 trial of first-line ribociclib + letrozole in hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative (HER2–), advanced breast cancer (ABC).

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2017.35.15_suppl.1038 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. 1038-1038 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Gabriel N. Hortobagyi ◽

Salomon M. Stemmer ◽

Howard A. Burris ◽

Yoon Sim Yap ◽

Gabe S. Sonke ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Postmenopausal Women ◽

Safety Data ◽

Progression Free Survival ◽

P Value ◽

First Line ◽

Treatment Benefit ◽

Prior Therapy ◽

Hormone Receptor Positive ◽

Grade 3

1038 Background: Endocrine therapy (ET) is the basis of first-line (1L) treatment for HR+ ABC. However, ET resistance are almost universal. At the first interim analysis (IA) of MONALEESA-2 (NCT01958021), ribociclib (RIB; cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor) + letrozole (LET) significantly prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) vs placebo (PBO) + LET in patients (pts) with HR+, HER2– ABC.1 Here we report updated efficacy and safety data from MONALEESA-2 with a further ~11 months of follow-up. Methods: Postmenopausal women with no prior therapy for ABC were randomized 1:1 toRIB (600 mg/day, 3-weeks-on/1-week-off) + LET(2.5 mg/day, continuous) vs PBO + LET. The primary endpoint was locally assessed PFS. Secondary endpoints include overall survival (OS; key) and safety. OS significance was defined by a p-value threshold of 3.15 x 10-5. Tumor assessments were performed every 8 weeks for the first 18 months, and every 12 weeks, thereafter. Results: 668 pts were enrolled (334 in each arm). At the second IA for OS (data cut-off Jan 2, 2017), the median duration of follow-up was 26.4 months; 116 deaths and 345 PFS events had occurred. OS data remain immature, with 15.0% vs 19.8% of pt deaths in the RIB + LET vs PBO + LET arm (HR = 0.746; 95% CI: 0.517–1.078; p= 0.059). Updated PFS analyses confirmed continued treatment benefit in the RIB + LET vs PBO + LET arm. The 24-month PFS rates (RIB + LET vs PBO + LET) were 54.7% vs 35.9%. Treatment benefit was consistent across pt subgroups. The most common Grade 3/4 laboratory abnormalities (≥10% of pts; RIB + LET vs PBO + LET) were decreased neutrophils (62.6% vs 1.5%), decreased leukocytes (36.8% vs 1.5%), decreased lymphocytes (16.2% vs 3.9%), and elevated alanine aminotransferase (11.4% vs 1.2%). Conclusion: After 26+ months of follow-up, treatment benefit with 1LRIB + LET persists in postmenopausal women with HR+, HER2– ABC. The study remains immature for OS analysis. The safety profile of RIB + LET remains manageable. 1. Hortobagyi G, et al. N Engl J Med 2016;375:1738–48. Clinical trial information: NCT01958021.

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Efficacy of Tamsulosin and Alfuzosin in Management of Distal Ureteral Stones

Med Phoenix ◽

10.3126/medphoenix.v6i1.36352 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 10-13

Author(s):

Bimochan Piya ◽

Abhishek Bhattarai

Keyword(s):

Urinary Tract ◽

Side Effects ◽

Diclofenac Sodium ◽

Study Groups ◽

Ureteral Stones ◽

Control Group ◽

P Value ◽

Expulsion Rate ◽

Group A ◽

Group B

Introduction: Urinary tract calculi are the most frequent condition in urology clinics worldwide. The overall prevalence is about 5 % and lower urinary tract stones account for 70% among them. Medical expulsive therapy has been used to treat distal ureteric stone as it reduces symptoms and facilitates stone expulsion. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of tamsulosin and alfuzosin as medical therapy in ureteric stones. Materials and Methods: A total of 87 patients with distal ureteral stones of size ≤10 mm were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group A patients (n-30) received 0.4 mg of tamsulosin daily, group B patients (n-29) received 10 mg of alfuzosin daily and group C patients (n-28) received 75 mg of diclofenac sodium. Patients in all groups received diclofenac sodium for one week and then as required. Follow-up was done on a weekly basis for 4 weeks. The stone expulsion rate, time for stone expulsion, and side-effects were recorded in each group. Results: The mean stone size (5.66, 5.79, 5.67) mm and age (29.1, 30.31, 29.4) were comparable in each group. The stone expulsion rate was 83.3%, 79.3%, and 50% in groups A, B, and C respectively. It showed that both the study groups (Group A and Group B) were effective than the control group (p-value 0.006 and 0.02 respectively) but there was no difference between tamsulosin and alfuzosin (p-value 0.69). The duration of stone expulsion was 11.5 days, 11.8 days, and 17.3 days for Group A, B, and C respectively. The drugs related side effects reported by patients were mild and transient. Conclusion: The use of tamsulosin and alfuzosin for the medical treatment of ureteric stones proved to be safe and effective and neither did have any significant benefits over the other.

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Outcome of vaginal sildinafil in assisted reproductive technology cycles

International Journal of Reproduction Contraception Obstetrics and Gynecology ◽

10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20210306 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 575

Author(s):

Avnika Kapoor ◽

Garima Sharma ◽

Rita Bakshi

Keyword(s):

Uterine Artery ◽

Endometrial Thickness ◽

Study Groups ◽

Control Group ◽

P Value ◽

Surrogate Mothers ◽

Endometrial Pattern ◽

Study Population ◽

Pre Treatment ◽

And Control

Background: The present study assessed the role of sildenafil in endometrial blood flow and successful pregnancy in IVF done in surrogate mothers.Methods: In the present study surrogate mothers were included. Thirty patients were randomized to receive sildenafil 25 mg thrice a day vaginally in addition to standard drugs and technique and another 30 were not given sildenafil.Results: Mean age, anthropometry, duration of infertility and pre-treatment endometrial thickness was similar in the two study groups. After treatment completion, it was observed that the endometrial pattern in ultrasound was similar in the two study groups (p value=0.58). Heterogenic endometrial pattern was observed in 6.7% of the Sildenafil patients and 3.3% in the control patients, while echogenic pattern was seen in 10% of the sildenafil patients and 6.7% of the control patients. Similarly, endometrial thickness was 10.2±1.7 and 9.7±1.8 mm in sildenafil and control group respectively, p value=0.62. Using doppler ultrasound, uterine artery PI was significantly lower in Sildenafil group patients as compared to control group patients. Similarly, we found uterine artery RI was also significantly lower in the Sildenafil group patients as compared to control group patients. We followed the patients and found that clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher among Sildenafil group (60%) as compared to control group (26.6%), p value<0.05.Conclusions: Vaginal sildenafil resulted in significantly higher pregnancy rates in our study population. The uterine artery PI and RI were significantly lower in patients taking sildenafil.

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EFFECT OF SELECTED YOGA TECHNIQUES ALONG WITH ASHWAGANDHA AND VACHA IN DEPRESSION IN THE AGE GROUP 65–75 YEARS

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research ◽

10.22159/ajpcr.2021.v14i11.42259 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 65-68

Author(s):

SOUMYA MELEPPURAKKAL ◽

SUNITHA K ◽

JAYAN D

Keyword(s):

Combined Therapy ◽

Holistic Approach ◽

Study Groups ◽

Warm Water ◽

Treatment Modalities ◽

Control Group ◽

Study Group ◽

Age Group ◽

Study Population

Objective: The study was done to compare the effect of selected yoga techniques, drugs, and combined therapy in depression in geriatrics. Methods: 75 patients between 65 and 75 years of age with depression were included in the study which was assessed by HAM D Score. The study population was randomly allocated to one control group and two study groups. The control group was given Aswangandha and Vacha churna with warm water as anupana after food, selected yoga techniques in the first study group, and combined yoga and the drug were given to the second study group. Outcome variables were assessed for the groups after the 30th day and follow-up after 45 days. Results: The results obtained in the study were analyzed using the ANOVA test. Yoga along with drug experienced a comparatively greater reduction in HAM-D score after treatment and follow-up (p<0.05) than other groups. Conclusion: Holistic approach can bring a better and static result than applying the treatment modalities alone.

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Prophylactic Effect of Memantine in Docetaxel Induced Neuropathy in Patients With Breast Cancer

10.21203/rs.3.rs-692391/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Pegah Mohammadzadeh ◽

Elnaz Shaseb ◽

Zohreh Sanaat ◽

Parvin Sarbakhsh ◽

Nasrin Gholami ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Peripheral Neuropathy ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Metastatic Breast ◽

Control Group ◽

P Value ◽

Control Groups ◽

Significant Difference ◽

And Control

Abstract Purpose Peripheral neuropathy is a complication of taxane that in severe cases can limit the optimal treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of memantine in prevention of docetaxel induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with breast cancer. Methods In this randomized clinical trial, 40 women between the ages of 18 and 64 years with non-metastatic breast cancer (stages I to III) were included (registry number: IRCT20160310026998N9 and registry date: 26 March 2019). All patients were treated with the AC-T regimen (with docetaxel). Patients in intervention group received memantine at a dose of 20 mg for 8 weeks at the beginning of the first cycle of docetaxel. Patients in control group did not take any medication for neuropathy prevention. To assess the neuropathy, DN4 and CTCAE questionnaires were used at baseline, one months, three months and six months after the intervention. Results The DN4 questionnaire score was remarkably less in memantine group in follow up one (p-value: 0.033) and three (p < 00.1). The CTCAE follow up score did not change during study. The Neuropathy duration and Neuropathy onset, were shown significant difference between the intervention and control groups, p = 0.050 and p = 0.001, respectively. From 40 patients, 8 (40%) in memantine group and 2 (10%) in control group, did not experience any kind of neuropathy. Conclusion Data showed that prophylactic administration of memantine 20 mg/day has been effective in prevention of severity and incidence of docetaxel induced neuropathy in patients with breast cancer.

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