In contrast, recent ethnopharmacological studies suggested that many of the reported uses of several other palms do not

appear to have a strong physiological basis. This study has provided a useful assessment of the ethnobotanical and pharmacological data available on palms.”
“Objective. To examine the relationship between changes in time spent walking since middle age and incident functional disability. Method. In 2006, we conducted a prospective cohort study of 7177 disability-free Japanese individuals aged bigger than = 65 years who lived in Ohsaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. Participants were categorized into four groups according to changes in time spent walking based on two questionnaire surveys conducted in 1994 and in 2006. Incident functional CUDC-907 mw disability was retrieved from the public Long-term Care Insurance database, and the subjects were followed up for 5 years. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to investigate the association between changes in time spent walking and the risk of incident functional disability. Results. Compared

with subjects who remained sedentary, the multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 0.69 (0.49-0.98) among those who became active and 0.64 (0.50-0.82) among those who remained active. These results did not alter when analyses were stratified by gender, age and motor function status. Conclusion. An increase in time click here spent walking among sedentary adults is significantly associated with a lower risk of incident functional disability. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“An increase in ploidy (polyploidization) causes genomic instability in cancer. However, the

determinants for the increased DNA content of cancer cells have not yet been fully elucidated. In the present study, we investigated whether adhesion induces polyploidization in human Rapamycin supplier U87MG glioblastoma cells. For this purpose, we employed expression vectors that reported transcriptional activation by signaling networks implicated in cancer. Signaling activation induced by intercellular integrin binding elicited both extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Notch target transcription. Upon the prolonged activation of both ERK and Notch target transcription induced by integrin binding to adhesion protein, cell cultures accumulated polyploid cells, as determined by cell DNA content distribution analysis and the quantification of polynucleated cells. This linked the transeriptional activation induced by integrin adhesion to the increased frequency of polyploidization. Accordingly, the inhibition of signaling decreased the extent of polyploidization mediated by protease-driven intracellular invasion. Therefore, the findings of this study indicate that integrin adhesion induces polyploidization through the stimulation of glioblastoma cell invasiveness.

In the present study we employed a well established ex vivo-in vitro model of focal laser lesions in the PD98059 chemical structure rat visual cortex and we studied membrane and firing properties of the surviving layer

2/3 pyramidal neurons. Patch-clamp recordings, performed in the first week post-injury, revealed an increased input resistance, a depolarized spike threshold as well as alterations in the firing pattern of neurons in the cortex ipsilateral to the lesion. Notably, the reported lesion-induced alterations emerged or became more evident when an exciting perfusing solution, known as modified artificial cerebrospinal fluid, was used to increase the ongoing synaptic activity in cortical slices. Conversely, application of glutamatergic or GABA(A) receptor blockers reduced the observed alterations and GABA(B) receptor blockers abolished the differences completely. All together the present findings suggest that changes in synaptic receptors function, following focal cortical injuries, can modulate membrane and firing properties of layer 2/3 pyramidal

neurons. check details This previously unknown functional interplay between synaptic and membrane properties may constitute a novel cellular mechanism to explain alterations in neuronal network function and excitability following focal cortical injuries. (c) 2013 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Background\n\nWithdrawal (detoxification) is necessary prior to drug-free treatment or as the end point of long-term substitution treatment.\n\nObjectives\n\nTo assess the effectiveness of opioid antagonists to induce opioid withdrawal with concomitant heavy sedation or anaesthesia, in

terms of withdrawal signs and symptoms, completion of treatment and adverse effects.\n\nSearch strategy\n\nWe searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2009), Medline (January 1966 to 11 August 2009), Embase (January 1985 to 2009 Week 32), PsycINFO (1967 to July 2009), and reference lists of articles.\n\nSelection criteria\n\nControlled studies of antagonist-induced see more withdrawal under heavy sedation or anaesthesia in opioid-dependent participants compared with other approaches, or a different regime of anaesthesia-based antagonist-induced withdrawal.\n\nData collection and analysis\n\nOne reviewer assessed studies for inclusion, undertook data extraction and assessed quality. Inclusion decisions and the overall process were confirmed by consultation between all authors.\n\nMain results\n\nNine studies (eight randomised controlled trials) involving 1109 participants met the inclusion criteria for the review.

Although ER stress-induced apoptosis has been implicated in many diseases, the detailed mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we identified GDC-0973 solubility dmso human transmembrane protein 214 (TMEM214) as a critical mediator of ER stress-induced apoptosis. Overexpression of TMEM214 induced apoptosis, whereas knockdown of TMEM214 inhibited ER stress-induced apoptosis. TMEM214 was localized on the outer membrane of the ER and constitutively associated with procaspase 4, which was also critical for ER stress induced apoptosis. TMEM214-induced apoptosis was abolished

by a dominant negative mutant of procaspase 4, whereas caspase 4-induced apoptosis was inhibited by knockdown of TMEM214. Furthermore, knockdown of TMEM214 inhibited the activation and cleavage of procaspase 4 by impairing its recruitment to the ER. Our findings suggest that TMEM214 is essential for ER stress-induced apoptosis by acting as an anchor for recruitment of procaspase 4 to the ER and its subsequent activation.”
“The

Milciclib E6 proteins from high-risk alpha human papillomavirus (HPV) types (e.g., HPV16) are characterized by the presence of a PDZ-binding motif through which they interact with a number of cellular PDZ domain-containing substrates and cooperate in their degradation. The ability of these E6 proteins to bind to PDZ domain proteins correlates with the oncogenic potential of the virus. The E6 proteins of oncogenic HPV from the genus MAPK inhibitor Betapapillomavirus (betaPV, e.g., HPV8) do not encode a PDZ-binding motif. We found that the PDZ domain protein syntenin-2 is transcriptionally downregulated in primary human epidermal keratinocytes (PHEK) by HPV8 E6. The mRNA levels of the known HPV16 E6 PDZ protein targets Dig, Scribble, Magi-1, Magi-3, PSD95, and Mupp1 were not changed by HPV8 E6. Decreased protein levels of syntenin-2 were observed in cell extracts from PHEK expressing HPV5, -8, -16, -20, and -38 E6 but not in HPV1 and

-4 E6-positive keratinocytes. Surprisingly, HPV16 E6 also repressed transcription of syntenin-2 but with a much lower efficiency than HPV8 E6. In healthy human skin, syntenin-2 expression is localized in suprabasal epidermal layers. In organotypic skin cultures, the differentiation-dependent expression of syntenin-2 was absent in HPV8 E6- and E6E7-expressing cells. In basal cell carcinomas of the skin, syntenin-2 was not detectable, whereas in squamous cell carcinomas, expression was located in differentiated areas. Short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of syntenin-2 led to an inhibition of differentiation and an increase in the proliferation capacity in PHEK. These results identified syntenin-2 as the first PDZ domain protein controlled by HPV8 and HPV16 at the mRNA level.

Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Differences in mortality and demographic variables between groups were compared using Fisher’s exact and Wilcoxon’s rank sum tests. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the relationship of HGL, morbid obesity, age, and injury severity to risk of death. Relationships were assessed using odds ratios (OR) and area

under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC).\n\nResults: A total of 1,334 patients met study criteria and 70.5% were male. Demographic means were age 40.3, ISS 25.7, length of stay 13.4, and BMI 27.5. The most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle collision 55.1%. Overall mortality was 4.7%. Mortality was higher in HGL Src inhibitor versus non-HGL, (8.7%

vs. 3.5%; p < 0.001). Mortality was higher in MO versus nonobese, but not significantly (7.8 vs. 4.6%; not significant [NS] p = 0.222). Univariate logistic regression relationships of death to age OR: 1.031, p < 0.001, AUC +/- SE: 0.639 +/- 0.042; ISS OR: 1.044, p < 001, AUC +/- SE: 0.649 +/- 0.039; HGL OR: 2.765, p < 0.001; MO: OR: NS, p = NS, AUC +/- SE: NS. Relationships were similar in a combined multivariate model.\n\nConclusion. HGL > 150 mg/dL, on the day of admission is associated with twofold increase in mortality, and an outcome measure should be followed. Morbid obesity (BMI >= 40) is not an independent risk factor for mortality www.selleckchem.com/products/bi-d1870.html in the critically ill trauma patient.”
“BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Spinal fibromatosis is a unique subset of fibromatosis that is only anecdotally described in the literature in sporadic case reports. According to our review of the literature, only

11 cases of spinal fibromatosis have been previously documented. This paucity of clinical data limits our understanding of its presentation and treatment.\n\nPURPOSE: The authors present the first two cases of spinal fibromatosis encountered at their institution, and review the literature of reported cases to elucidate the presentation and outcomes of patients with this rare tumor.\n\nMETHODS: The two patients in our case report were women aged 45 and 38 years. Both of the patients presented Selleck PHA-848125 to our clinic after previous excisional biopsy of a spinal mass, 17 years and 1 year later, respectively, with pain and paresthesias that recapitulated their former symptoms. Thirteen cases, including the two described in the current article, were culled from the literature.\n\nRESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an enhancing lesion in the posterior elements of the spinal column in the first case and a paraspinal soft tissue mass in the second case. The tumors were histologically defined by haphazardly arranged, elongated, and slender spindle cells separated by abundant collagen without mitoses or necrosis. Surgical management resulted in intralesional resection in the first case and en bloc resection in the second case. By 40 and 10 months after surgery, both patients remain without neurologic deficits.

Both groups received continuous femoral nerve block and patient-controlled intravenous analgesia with morphine. LBH589 mw Continuous SNB (0.2% ropivacaine 5 mL/h; continuous SNB group) or sham continuous SNB (0.9% normal saline 5 mL/h; single-injection SNB group) was provided after surgery. The primary outcome was total morphine consumption for 48 hours after surgery. Results: Total morphine consumption in the 48-hour period after surgery was significantly lower in the continuous SNB

group compared with the single-injection SNB group [4.9 (5.9) vs 9.7 (9.5) mg, P = 0.002]. Visual analog scale pain scores at rest were also significantly lower in the continuous SNB group (P = 0.035). Conclusions: The combination of continuous femoral and SNB provides a superior opioid sparing effect and improves analgesia after TKA.”
“The role that bacteria play in the etiology and predisposition to cancer is of increasing interest, particularly since the development of high-throughput genetic-based assays. With this technology, it has become possible to comprehensively examine entire microbiomes as a functional entity. This article focuses on the understanding of bacteria and its association AS1842856 with oral squamous cell carcinoma.”
“The oxidation behavior of abietic acid was monitored by FT-IR and UV spectroscopy, using a novel, self-designed, gas-solid

reactor, and the data was analyzed by 2D-IR. The hetero-spectral two-dimensional correlation of the FTIR data allowed the use of well-established band assignments to interpret less clearly assigned spectral features. Characteristic changes in the conjugated bond and the active methylene in abietic acid were revealed, and a mechanism was proposed. We concluded that the methylene at C7 was first transformed to a hydroxyl, thereby inducing the isomerization of the conjugated band. Meanwhile, the methylene at C12 was converted by an oxygen atom to a hydroxyl intermediate. Hydrogen continued to react with oxygen to form C=O

and water. Finally, the conjugated band was XMU-MP-1 inhibitor converted into a peroxide before transforming into an oxidant. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“We present the clinical and radiological findings of seven patients with a seemingly new variant of Desbuquois dysplasia (DBQD) and emphasize the radiographic findings in the hand. All cases showed remarkably accelerated carpal bone ages in childhood, but none of the patients had an accessory ossification center distal to the second metacarpal, or thumb anomalies, instead, there was shortness of one or all metacarpals, with elongated appearance of phalanges, resulting in nearly equal length of the second to fifth fingers. The two sibs followed for 20 years showed narrowing and fusion of the intercarpal joints with age and ultimately, precocious degenerative arthritis.

With such diversification of the workforce, the majority of the respondents Lonafarnib Metabolism inhibitor still acknowledge the importance of belonging to one organisational body.”
“BACKGROUND. Recent interest in human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers and the availability of several years of data covering 83% of the US Population prompted this descriptive assessment of cervical cancer incidence and mortality in the US during the years 1998 through 2003. This article provides a baseline for monitoring the impact of the HPV vaccine on the

burden of cervical cancer over time.\n\nMETHODS. Data from 2 federal cancer Surveillance programs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s National Program of Cancer AZD6244 Registries and the National Cancer Institiute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program, were used to examine cervical cancer incidence by race, Hispanic ethnicity, histology, stage, and US census region. Data from the CDCs National Center for Health Statistics were used to examine cervical cancer mortality by race, Hispanic ethnicity, and US census region.\n\nRESULTS. The incidence rate of invasive cervical cancer was 8.9 per 100,000 women during 1998 through 2003. Greater than 70% of all cervical carcinomas were squamous cell type, and nearly 20% were adenocarcinomas. Cervical

carcinoma incidence rates were increased for black women compared with white women and for Hispanic women compared with non-Hispanic women. Hispanic women had increased rates of adenocarcinomas compared with non-Hispanic women. The South had increased incidence and mortality, rates compared with the Northeast.\n\nCONCLUSIONS. Disparities by race/ethnicity and LDN-193189 region persist in the burden

of cervical cancer in the US. Comprehensive screening and vaccination programs, as well as improved surveillance, will be essential if this burden is to be reduced in the future. Cancer 2008;113(10 suppl):2855-64. Published 2008 by the American Cancer Society.*”
“Two ceramide derivatives, bathymodiolamides A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the deep-sea hydrothermal vent. invertebrate mussel Bathymodiolus thermophilus. The molecular structures of these compounds were determined using a:combination Of NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and chemical degradation. Biological activities were assessed in a ApopScreen cell based screen for apoptosis induction and potential anticancer. activity. To our knowledge, this is the first report of secondary metabolites from the Marine hydrothermal vent-mussel B. thermophilus.”
“Arm movement is well represented in populations of neurons recorded from the motor cortex(1-7). Cortical activity patterns have been used in the new field of brain-machine interfaces(8-11) to show how cursors on computer displays can be moved in two- and three-dimensional space(12-22).

Its urotoxicity may cause dose-limiting side effects like hemorrhagic cystitis. Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during inflammation is one of the reasons of the urothelial injury. Selenoproteins ON-01910 purchase play crucial roles in regulating ROS and redox status in nearly all tissues; therefore, in this study, the urotoxicity of CP and the possible protective effects of seleno-l-methionine (SLM) on urinary bladder of rats were investigated. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of 50, 100,

or 150 mg/kg CP induced cystitis, in a dose-dependent manner, as manifested by marked congestion, edema and extravasation in rat urinary bladder, a marked desquamative damage to the urothelium, severe inflammation in the lamina propria, focal erosions, and polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes associated with occasional lymphocyte infiltration determined by macroscopic and histopathological examination. In rat urinary bladder tissue, a significant decrease in the endogenous antioxidant compound glutathione, and elevation learn more of lipid peroxidation were also noted. Pretreatment with SLM (0.5 or 1 mg/kg) produced a significant decrease in the bladder edema and caused a marked decrease in vascular

congestion and hemorrhage and a profound improvement in the histological structure. Moreover, SLM pretreatment decreased lipid peroxide significantly in urinary bladder tissue, and glutathione content was greatly restored. These results suggest that SLM offers protective effects against CP-induced urinary bladder toxicity and could be used as a protective agent against the drug toxicity.”
“The aim of this study has been to investigate the antiplatelet activity of a new series of thienylacylhydrazone derivatives analogous to the lead compound LASSBio-294 ((2-thienylidene) 3,4-methylenedioxybenzoylhydrazine).

The antiplatelet effect was investigated in rabbit and human platelet rich plasma stimulated by arachidonic acid, collagen, ADP and in washed platelet stimulated by thrombin. The effects Apoptosis Compound Library on the production of cyclic nucleotides and thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)) in human platelets were also investigated. Compounds LASSBio-785 (N-Methyl (2-thienylidene) 3,4-methylenedioxybenzoylhydrazine), LASSBio-786 (N-Benzyl (2-thienylidene) 3,4-methylenedioxybenzoylhydrazine), LASSBio-787 ((5-Methyl-2-thienylidene) 3,4-methylenedioxybenzoylhydrazine), LASSBio-788 (N-Allyl (2-thienylidene) 3,4-methylenedioxybenzoylhydrazine) and LASSBio-789 ((5-Bromo-2-thienylidene) 3,4-methylenedioxybezoylhydrazine) inhibited platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid, collagen and ADP. LASSBio-785, LASSBio-788 and LASSBio-789 presented the higher potency in platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid (IC50 values of 0.3, 0.2 and 3.1 mu M, respectively) and collagen (IC50 values of 0.9, 1.5 and 3.4 uM, respectively), with a 20 to 70-fold increase in potency compared to LASSBio-294.

Our results suggest that the retinal consequences of albinism caused by changes in melanin synthetic machinery may be treated by L-DOPA supplementation.”
“Monoclonal selleckchem gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and monoclonal

B lymphocytosis (MBL) are asymptomatic premalignant conditions which can progress to a symptomatic disease state requiring therapy. Considering the high prevalence rate of these disorders, precursor patients are often diagnosed during routine clinical examinations. Only a minor portion of cases progress to overt malignancies, which raises the question of how to identify patients with the probability of progression. In recent years improvements in the understanding of the pathogenesis of both disorders led to the development of risk models and the estimation of the individual risk of progression. The definition of high-risk and low-risk patients allows

a tailored clinical management. This report provides information on the biology, risk stratification, diagnosis, and follow-up of patients with MGUS and MBL.”
“Background: Epidemiologic studies have been inconclusive regarding the impact of coexposure to long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids Fludarabine ic50 (LCPUFA) and methylmercury (MeHg) from fish consumption during pregnancy on measures of fetal development.\n\nObjectives: We evaluated the association between birth weight and prenatal maternal LCPUFA status and MeHg exposure in the Republic of Seychelles.\n\nMethods: We measured LCPUFA in maternal whole blood collected at 28 weeks of gestation and following delivery and MeHg in maternal hair obtained at delivery. There were 230 births with complete data on birth weight and covariates. Multiple linear regression models controlled for infant sex, gestational age, maternal age, smoking during pregnancy, intrapartum weight gain, prepregnancy body mass index, maternal socioeconomic status, parity, gestational diabetes, and alcohol use during pregnancy.\n\nResults: The average Raf inhibitor birth weight was 3252 g (range 1654-4450) and the average gestational

age was 39 weeks (range 34-41). Prenatal MeHg exposure and maternal LCPUFA status were not associated with birth weight. Infant sex and length of gestation were the only predictors, with male sex and increased gestational age consistently associated with greater birth weight.\n\nConclusions: These findings do not support a relationship between prenatal exposure to LCPUFA and/or MeHg from fish consumption and birth weight. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Objective To expose causes leading to the delayed arrival of phenylketonuria (PKU) patients at a governmental reference centre (RC), and to describe their clinical characteristics.\n\nMaterial and methods PKU files registered during the past 18 years at the National Institute of Pediatrics in Mexico City were evaluated.

Recently, a lower concentration of liposome-encapsulated 5-ALA was introduced to minimize this risk. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of liposome-encapsulated 0.5% 5-ALA in the photodynamic therapy of inflammatory acne and its effects on sebum secretion

in Asian skin. Methods: Thirteen Korean subjects with inflammatory acne were administered 0.5% ALA spray before photoradiation treatment. Photoradiation was performed at 3.5–6.0 J/cm<SU2</SU three times during each of two visits, performed 2 weeks apart. Improvement of acne was evaluated selleck inhibitor subjectively and objectively based on the Korean Acne Grading System. Sebum secretion was measured quantitatively at each visit. Results: The mean reduction in acne grade at the end of the treatment was 43.2%. Of the patients, 69.2% reported improvements in subjective skin oiliness, but fewer showed objective reductions in sebum secretion as determined by the Sebumeter<SU (R) A (R)</SU SM10. No serious adverse events were observed. Conclusion:

Photodynamic therapy using liposome-encapsulated 0.5% 5-ALA improved inflammatory acne with minimal side effects in Asians.”
“Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are common malformations, affecting four to eight per 1,000 total births. Conotruncal defects are an important pathogenetic Roscovitine order subset of CHDs, comprising nearly 20% of the total. Although both environmental and genetic factors are known to contribute to the occurrence of conotruncal defects, the causes remain unknown for most. To identify novel candidate genes/loci, we used array comparative genomic hybridization FG-4592 to detect chromosomal microdeletions/duplications. From a population base of 974,579 total births born during 1999-2004, we screened 389 California infants born with tetralogy of Fallot or d-transposition

of the great arteries. We found that 1.7% (5/288) of males with a conotruncal defect had sex chromosome aneuploidy, a sevenfold increased frequency (relative risk=7.0; 95% confidence interval 2.9-16.9). We identified eight chromosomal microdeletions/duplications for conotruncal defects. From these duplications and deletions, we found five high priority candidate genes (GATA4, CRKL, BMPR1A, SNAI2, and ZFHX4). This is the initial report that sex chromosome aneuploidy is associated with conotruncal defects among boys. These chromosomal microduplications/deletions provide evidence that GATA4, SNAI2, and CRKL are highly dosage sensitive genes involved in outflow tract development. Genome wide screening for copy number variation can be productive for identifying novel genes/loci contributing to non-syndromic common malformations. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

More recently, we identified a novel gene encoding RFamide peptides in the amphioxus. Molecular phylogenetic analysis and synteny analysis indicated that this gene is closely related to the genes of GnIH and NPFF of vertebrates. The results suggest that the identified protochordate gene is similar to the common ancestor of GnIH and NPFF genes, indicating that the origin of GnIH and NPFF may date back to the time of the emergence

of early chordates. The GnIH and NPFF genes may have diverged by whole-genome duplication during the course of vertebrate evolution.”
“Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is characterised by hyper-reactivity, autistic tendencies and social anxiety. It has been hypothesised VX-809 nmr that the FXS social phenotype is secondary to a generalised hyper-reactivity that leads to social avoidance. No study, however, has investigated whether hyperarousal in FXS is generalised or more specific to socially salient information.

We recorded skin conductance responses (SCRs) while females with FXS, as well as chronological age-(CA-) and mental age-(MA-) matched controls, viewed two sets of visual images: direct-gaze emotional faces and affectively arousing scenes. Explicit emotion recognition and subjective ratings of emotions aroused by images were also recorded. Overall, females with FXS displayed hyper-reactivity only when viewing the more socially salient stimuli (emotional faces), compared to CA-matched controls, but not MA-matched controls. Moreover, females with FXS also displayed atypical see more emotion recognition abilities VX-809 and subjective ratings of their own emotional states. These findings suggest that any

hyper-reactivity observed in FXS may be more specific to socially salient stimuli, rather than generalised. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“This study aims to assess survival, prognostic indicators, and pattern of failure for advanced oropharyngeal cancer treated by induction chemotherapy followed by concomitant chemoradiation (sequential CRT).\n\nA retrospective review of 80 consecutive patients who underwent chemoradiation [doublet cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (PF)] for local advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma at a tertiary center from March 2003 to July 2008 is reported. Seven studies utilizing a similar protocol were reviewed, and all outcomes are collated.\n\nAt a median follow-up of 32 months, the 3-year overall survival was 75 %. Tumor size (p < 0.001), age at presentation (p < 0.002), and failure to complete the full course of induction chemotherapy (p < 0.01) were all found to be significant factors affecting survival.\n\nInduction chemotherapy followed by concomitant chemoradiation utilizing doublet PF is an effective treatment for local advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma. At present, the addition of a taxane to the PF regimen cannot be assumed to provide benefit until further evidence emerges from a representative controlled trial.