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Grafted copolymer of poly(tetrafluoroethylene ethylene) (ET) with acrylic acid (AAc) was prepared by direct radiation method. The obtained films were modified by treating with small amounts of Co 2ϩ and K ϩ ions (1.0 wt %). The effects of such treatment on the thermal stability and electrical conductivity of these films were studied. Cobalt treatment did not much affect the thermal degradation of the films. The results obtained revealed that k ϩ treatment enhanced the thermal degradation of ET-g-PAAc, which started 273 K lower than that observed in the case of the untreated and Co 2ϩ -treated films. Potassium and cobalt treatment of the investigated films increased their electrical conductivity () and decreased the activation energy ⌬E . The increase in values was, however, more pronounced in the case of K ϩ -treated film. These results were discussed in terms of the effective increase in the hydrophilicity of the films, especially those treated with potassium.

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Background: Non cyclic-mastalgia is a challenge among women. We aimed to study the effects of adding pulsed radiofrequency to tamoxifen 10mg daily in treatment of non-cyclic mastalgia. Methods: We conducted a randomized prospective open blinded endpoint, level IV trial in the outpatient pain clinic of Mansoura University Oncology Center during the period from 2018 till 2019. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A (n=13) received tamoxifen 10mg tablet once daily and group B (n=13) received tamoxifen 10mg tablet once daily and pulsed radiofrequency of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th thoracic dorsal root ganglia. We monitored numerical rating scale (NRS) and quality of life (QOL) before and at intervals of 2 weeks, 1, 2 and 3 months after treatment; complications; side effects of tamoxifen; and number of patients who needed analgesia. Results: Numerical rating scale significantly decreased in group B compared to group A at 2 weeks (P = 0.002) and 1, 2 and 3 months (P<0.001). Group B showed marked improvement in QOL at 2 weeks, 1, 2 and 3 months(P<0.001). No complications were reported in both groups. Patients who needed analgesia were more in group B than group A (P=0.018). Conclusions : Combined usage of pulsed radiofrequency and tamoxifen 10mg daily is a safe line of treatment of non-cyclic mastalgia and markedly improves QOL.