No abstract

(Occup Environ Med 1996;53:714-717)

Objective-To calculate relative powers for nested case-control studies for diVerent values of both relative risk and numbers of controls per case, given a fixed number of cases available for analysis. Methods-Algebraic and numerical methods. Results-In nested case-control studies, statistical power is a function of relative risk, rarity of exposure, number of casecontrol sets, and the number of controls per case. Conclusion-The dictum that suYcient power will be obtained in a nested casecontrol study by selecting only four controls per case cannot be sustained. Appropriate numbers need to be calculated for specific studies. (Occup Environ Med 1999;56:67-69)

BackgroundWe investigated the expression status of AGBL2 and its inhibitor latexin in breast cancer stem cells and its clinical implications in order to lay a foundation for managing breast cancer.MethodsCD44+/CD24- tumor cells (CSC) from clinical specimens were sorted using flow cytometry. AGBL2 expression status was detected in CSC and 126 breast cancer specimens by western blot and immunohistochemistry staining. The relationship between the AGBL2 protein and clinicopathological parameters and prognosis was subsequently determined.ResultAs a result, CSC are more likely to generate new tumors in mice and cell microspheres that are deficient in non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mice (NOD/SCID) compared to the control group. The AGBL2 protein was expressed higher in CSC induced to epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) when compared to the control cells, and was found to be related to CSC chemotherapy resistance. After Spearman regression correlation analysis, AGBL2 was observed to be related to clinical stage, histological stage, and lymph node metastasis. In the Cox regression test, the AGBL2 protein was detected as an independent prognostic factor. Through immunoprecipitation, AGBL2 and latexin could form immune complexes.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that AGBL2 is a latexin-interacting protein that regulates the tubulin tyrosination cycle and is a potential target for intervention.

BackgroundCurative resection is the treatment of choice for gastric cancer, but it is unclear whether gastrectomy should also include splenectomy. We retrospectively analyzed long-term survival in patients in our hospital who underwent gastrectomy plus splenectomy (G + S) or gastrectomy alone (G-A) for gastric cancer.MethodsWe identified 214 patients who underwent surgery with curative intent between 1980 and 2003. Of these, 100 underwent G + S, and 114 underwent G-A. The primary endpoint was 5-year overall survival (OS).ResultsMedian follow-up was 18 months in patients who underwent G + S, and 26.5 months in patients who underwent G-A. The 5-year OS rate was significantly higher in patients who underwent G-A (33.8%; 95% CI 24.2 to 43.4%) than in those who underwent G + S (28.8%; 95% CI 19.6 to 38.0%) (log-rank test, P = 0.013).ConclusionsSplenectomy does not benefit patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Routine splenectomy should be abandoned in patients undergoing radical resections for gastric cancer.