Blunt scissors stromal dissection technique for deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty.

Objective: We describe a modified technique for performing lamellar dissection in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty after failure to achieve a "big bubble" detachment of Descemet's membrane (DM) with deep intrastromal pneumatic injection.

Methods: The technique utilizes blunt lamellar dissection with blunt-tipped corneal mini scissors as an alternative to a crescent blade, which can be difficult for surgeons to master and is associated with a high risk of perforation.

Results: Other techniques of blunt dissection, such as the Melles technique, cannot be utilized after failure to achieve a big bubble, as emphysema in the stroma prevents visualization of the spatula.

First report of traumatic globe rupture after femtosecond laser-assisted penetrating keratoplasty.

Purpose: To describe the first reported case of traumatic globe rupture after femtosecond laser-assisted penetrating keratoplasty.

Methods: A 21-year-old Hispanic man suffered a corneal laceration after blunt trauma leading to a visually significant corneal scar and aphakia.

Results: The patient underwent femtosecond laser-assisted penetrating keratoplasty using a zigzag-shaped wound with secondary intraocular lens placement.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) regulates human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression in human cancer and primary cells.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor that plays a critical role in cytokine and growth factor signaling and is frequently activated in human tumors. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is also often overexpressed in tumor cells and mediates cellular immortalization. Here we report that STAT3 directly regulates the expression of hTERT in a variety of human cancer cells.