High level of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 predicts poor prognosis in resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) is a key mediator bridging autophagy, apoptosis and differentiation. However, its role and clinical significance in resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is still scanty. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of LC3 by immunohistochemistry in a group of patients with ESCC treated with surgical resection.

The predictive value of histological tumor regression grading (TRG) for therapeutic evaluation in locally advanced esophageal carcinoma treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Response criteria remain controversial in therapeutic evaluation for locally advanced esophageal carcinoma treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We aimed to identify the predictive value of tumor regression grading (TRG) in tumor response and prognosis. Fifty-two patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by esophagectomy and radical 2-field lymphadenectomy between June 2007 and June 2011 were included in this study.

A new alternative for bony chest wall reconstruction using biomaterial artificial rib and pleura: animal experiment and clinical application.

Objective: To evaluate a new method for chest wall reconstruction using porcine-derived artificial rib and pleura in an animal experiment. Further, the clinical application was performed in five patients with large defects in the chest wall as a preliminary observation.

Methods: In animal experiments, a full-thickness chest wall defect of 7 cm × 8 cm was created in 12 adult mongrel dogs.